After Ichinose Honami confirmed receiving the points, Hashima Hikaru looked at Ibuki: "Rest assured, since you've paid, I won't go back on my word."
"Here's the notebook with all the hidden rules. We've written everything down."
The boy took out the unused notebook from yesterday and handed it to Ibuki, saying casually, "But I must warn you, the content of these rules might exceed your imagination. Don't be too shocked."
"What do you mean? You're not going to explain them to us?"
Ibuki watched Hashima Hikaru 's actions, guessing he intended to leave after handing over the notebook. She sternly said, "We just paid 1 million points. You're giving us a notebook and leaving?"
"But the rules are all written down. It doesn't matter if I stay or not. Can't you read?"
Hashima Hikaru didn't want to stay any longer. After all this, he had finally recovered the 3 million points and just wanted to rest.
"You!"
The short-haired girl was furious at Hashima Hikaru 's attitude but couldn't do anything about it.
Ichinose Honami quickly intervened: "Ibuki-san, don't be angry. We do have other matters to attend to. The rules are very detailed; you can read them yourselves."
She didn't want Hashima Hikaru to stay either and just wanted to leave with him.
Ibuki, hearing Ichinose 's explanation, flipped through the notebook. Seeing the detailed handwriting, she fell silent.
Indeed, all the rules were written down. She could explain them to the class herself.
"Ibuki-san, we'll be leaving then."
"Go ahead, and don't bother us again!"
Ibuki still glared at the boy, her expression angry.
She disliked Hashima Hikaru 's scheming attitude but couldn't help admiring his abilities. From the date on the voucher, he had bought the school's deep rules on the first day of school.
With such a sharp mind and strong resolve, his name would surely be heard often in the future.
"Goodbye, Ibuki-san."
Ichinose Honami glanced at Ibuki's fluctuating expression, bid her farewell, and followed Hashima Hikaru out of Class C's classroom.
The point recovery plan, devised at the start of school, was finally complete.
She had to share this good news with Class B immediately.
After they left, Ibuki and Hashima began reviewing the notebook. The detailed rules handwritten by Ichinose Honami shocked both girls, and their expressions turned serious. They felt an unprecedented sense of shock.
"These rules... are truly astonishing."
Hashima Hikaru's calm face showed a hint of curiosity. After reading the rules, she immediately thought of the two who had come to sell them.
Since they knew the rules from the first day, why were they selling them at half price? Did they have other motives?
"Ibuki-san, do you remember that payment voucher?" Hashima immediately looked at Ibuki.
"You mean they knew the school's rules from the first day?" Ibuki's mind was sharp, and she quickly understood Hashima's point.
"If Hashima-kun knew the school's deep rules from the first day, their plan to get Ryūen suspended must have had a deeper reason."
Hashima pointed to a rule in the notebook: "For example, this rule about class evaluation points. If someone is suspended, the impact is much greater than playing with a phone in class."
"That guy was definitely scheming against us!"
Understanding this, Ibuki's face showed anger. She realized Hashima Hikaru had used her.
Ryūen's suspension would affect many things. First, it would significantly reduce Class C's evaluation points, widening the gap between Class C and Class B.
Second, Ryūen's suspension created a power vacuum in Class C. Whether or not a new leader was chosen, Hashima Hikaru would seize the opportunity to sell the hidden rules. Without Ryūen, he could easily convince the class and use the rules to restrict Ryūen's future actions.
After all, once Class C students learned about the school's class rules and future competitions, they wouldn't let Ryūen act recklessly. As the new class leader, Ibuki had to take responsibility.
"Damn it, he planned this all along to make us compete with Ryūen."
Ibuki was frustrated. The situation was complicated. Once Ryūen returned, he'd want to regain control of Class C. Though most students supported her, once everyone knew the rules, their attitudes might change.
After all, Ryūen's actions were unpredictable. If he claimed to act for the class's benefit, some might follow him.
"It's okay, Ibuki-san."
Hiyori saw the complexity on Ibuki's face and comforted her gently, "Everyone supports you now, and we have Yamada-kun and me. We'll stand by you."
"Really?"
"No matter what Ryūen does, let's face it together. I recommended you as the class leader, and I believe you can protect everyone."
"Alright, let's wait for that guy to return."
The short-haired girl firmed her resolve. She wasn't alone; her companions were by her side.
Ibuki then walked to the podium, preparing to explain the hidden rules to the class.
A storm of shock was about to sweep over Class C.
-----
After leaving Class C's classroom, Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Honami stood by a vending machine. He bought a drink, while she chatted with Class B on her phone.
Everyone knew the final point recovery had succeeded and was discussing where to hold the celebration.
Seeing Ichinose 's bright smile, Hashima Hikaru felt satisfied. The plan hadn't been easy, with constant problems arising.
But they had overcome all obstacles, recovering the 3 million points and taking a small step toward the 20 million goal. Now, they could finally relax.
"How's the discussion going?"
Hashima Hikaru smiled gently, asking about the class's plans.
"Hmm, they're still deciding on the location. There are several options, but no consensus yet," Ichinose said, feeling the boy's presence. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she showed no intention of moving away. Instead, she leaned against Hashima Hikaru 's shoulder and asked, "What do you think, Hashima-kun?"
"Me?"
The boy scratched his head. He didn't really care where they celebrated; it was just about eating.
Just then, two figures appeared in front of them.
"Good afternoon, Hashima-kun, Ichinose -san."
"?"
They looked up and recognized Katsuragi Kо̄hei, whom they had met on the first day of school, and his follower, Todoka Mitsuhiko.
"What's this about?"
The boy was puzzled. He hadn't interacted with Class A recently and had no idea what was going on with them.
"May I have a moment of your time? I have something to discuss with you both."
"..."