Although both Nagumo Miyabi and Kaoru Mitoma's bounties had been revoked by the school, they left a deep impression on the students.
First-years were shocked that someone had actually achieved the 20 million Personal Points goal, while second and third-years were stunned by Kaoru's true identity—especially the graduating senpais, who deeply regretted not approaching him earlier.
However, the quickest to react were likely Tonokawa Sosuke and Mizuto Mizowaki from Class 2-A.
Even if the school banned such overt bounties, it was difficult to restrict student behavior.
If Kaoru offered cash to certain people under other pretexts, there would naturally be those willing to serve him and mercilessly attack Class 2-A.
Under the temptation of a major financial conglomerate, the privileges of Class A seemed particularly insignificant and powerless—even the students themselves were somewhat tempted, let alone others.
For lower-ranked classes who saw no hope of advancement, the temptation was too great, and they might fully align themselves with Kaoru.
Even upperclassmen might join in.
Could one class withstand the assault of the entire school?
Thus, Class 2-A would become the primary target in Kaoru's confrontation with Nagumo.
This development exceeded Tonokawa Sosuke's initial expectations.
He had planned to play both sides between Kaoru and Nagumo as long as his class's interests weren't harmed.
Who knew Kaoru would turn out to be an ultra-rich heir? Now they had to make a decision quickly.
As soon as Kaoru returned to his room, Katsuragi came to visit him.
"Tonokawa-senpai mentioned that there might be a joint exam next semester. Though the format is still unclear, they'll follow our instructions while asking us not to interfere in the second-years' competition."
Kaoru handed him a cup of barley tea and added.
"Their stance is quite firm—they're afraid I might help Kiriyama reclaim Class A's position, which would make them reluctant to lose Nagumo."
"We can't really meddle in upperclassmen affairs anyway," Katsuragi said, taking a sip of the tea.
In events like the sports festival's joint exam, they were teammates with Class 2-A and couldn't just attack another class arbitrarily.
Otherwise, upperclassmen might exploit their advantage to bully lower-year classes—something the school had considered, given their access to more information.
"By 'instructions,' do they mean I can order them around freely?"
"They likely mean acting as spies, feeding us intel without taking direct action. After all, Nagumo is their classmate."
"Planning to sell someone out but still worried about that?"
Kaoru was speechless.
If they truly saw Nagumo Miyabi as an ally, they wouldn't be plotting to betray him.
If they really believed in meritocracy, this level of hesitation was just hypocritical.
"Many in their class are die-hard loyalists to Nagumo," Katsuragi explained. "Not just in Class 2-A—he has followers in the second and third years too."
He pulled out his phone and showed Kaoru a list.
"These are people Nagumo frequently interacts with. Tonokawa marked the loyalists, the wavering ones, and those we can potentially sway."
Kaoru's expression turned odd.
It felt like Nagumo was some super-villain, and they were underground operatives trying to dismantle his faction.
"By the way… are you really from the Shinomiya Financial Group? That… thing they say?" Katsuragi suddenly gave him a strange look.
"You mean, am I just bluffing?" Kaoru knew what Tonokawa Sosuke and the others were thinking—crossing Nagumo now would be far costlier than abandoning him.
Katsuragi fumbled awkwardly.
"I heard the Shinomiya main and branch families don't have anyone named Mitoma. Some say you're the illegitimate son of the Mitoma conglomerate..."
Kaoru's face darkened.
"I'd love to satisfy your curiosity, but I can say with full certainty—I'm no one's illegitimate child, nor am I anyone's heir. I'm just me."
Katsuragi inexplicably sighed in relief.
Honestly, having a close friend suddenly turn out to be some elite scion was hard to digest.
"So, do we accept Tonokawa-senpai terms?"
"No rush. We're not the ones in a hurry." Kaoru showed Katsuragi his phone. "Even if I delete the post now, people are still reaching out. Some even offer help without payment."
Katsuragi's expression grew complicated.
The allure of a major financial group was more terrifying than he'd imagined—no wonder the school had stepped in to handle their bounty.
"Has the school asked anything of you?"
Even Nagumo Miyabi was forced to issue a public apology.
It was said he had quite the tantrum in the student council office.
Katsuragi was surprised that Kaoru received no punishment at all.
"It wasn't my fault to begin with. Even if we concede a step, doesn't the school share some blame?" Kaoru said.
"When admitting students from wealthy families, the school should have anticipated situations like this. Yet they only think about patching things up after the fact."
Katsuragi's lips twitched.
No, he thought the school probably never imagined this scenario.
Not every rich kid could casually produce tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions in cash.
Moreover, he suspected most of these children had received instructions from their families before entering school.
Take Kouenji Rosuke for example—aside from being a freeloader, he did nothing at all, completely at odds with his rich second-generation status.
Besides, how many wealthy heirs would even be willing to attend this kind of fully enclosed school?
Kaoru saw Katsuragi out, then returned to his room.
After playing with his laptop for a while and reading news about himself, he glanced around the unusually quiet surroundings.
Suddenly, he felt like calling them over for a party—it was about time they met each other.
But the thought vanished as quickly as it came.
Kaoru quickly dismissed the idea.
In their current situation, forcing them together might just tear the house apart.
Better let things take their natural course.
Click—
Hearing the door unlock, Kaoru looked toward the entrance to see Ichinose Honami carrying shopping bags.
She folded her umbrella, her coat still dusted with snowflakes, even her hair sprinkled with white.
"Mmm, you really are home."
Noticing his gaze, the girl's lovely face broke into an especially cheerful smile.
"Where else would I be? The snow's getting heavier outside—I can't believe you went out." Kaoru picked up a towel, walked over, and wiped her face before ruffling her hair.
"It started snowing halfway! What was I supposed to do?" Ichinose narrowed her eyes playfully.
"Besides, isn't New Year's coming up soon?"
"Going to wish me a happy new year?" Kaoru glanced past her—she seemed to be alone—and casually closed the door.
"Of course I will! But I thought we should have some nice food for the occasion, so here I am." Ichinose lifted her shopping bags, packed full of ingredients.
"Let me take care of you these next few days, Kaoru!"
Watching her radiant smile, Kaoru fell into deep thought.
Should he call her "mom" right now?