Chapter 24: Results of Each Class Buying Students / Tsukishiro Talks Tough / Amasawa Ichika: Progress is Enough!
A one-day holiday passed in the blink of an eye. On July 18th, all second-year students gathered once again in the gymnasium. This was the final concluding segment of the current semester. The four classes needed to make their final decision on whether or not to "buy" (retain or recruit) students.
Totsuka Yahiko from the former Class 2-A, Koenji Rokusuke from Class B, Manabe Shiho from Class C, and Kanzaki Ryuji from Class D each stood in front of their current class formations. Manabe Shiho glanced uneasily toward Class C.
The other three were much more composed.
Shimizu Akira scanned the stage and noticed that Acting Chairman Tsukishiro was actually present. He thought the man wouldn't care about such trivial matters. However, the host today wasn't Tsukishiro, but Mashima Tomonari, who stood on stage and cleared his throat.
"Alright, the uninhabited island special exam begins tomorrow, so I won't waste words. We will now decide class by class whether to buy students. I will restate the rules once more.
If the new class finds the student suitable, they can buy them for 5 million points. The original class requires 10 million points to buy them back. If the new class doesn't buy and the original class is unwilling to spend 10 million to redeem them, that student will be expelled.
Additionally, if both the transfer class and the original class want the student, the student holds the final choice and can decide where to go."
The second-year students remained calm. These rules had been explained clearly back in May, and every class had already held meetings; they all had their answers ready.
"Alright, first is Class 2-A." Mashima looked toward Class A. "Do you choose to buy in Manabe Shiho?"
Sakayanagi Arisu, in the front row, shook her head gently. "We will not. Manabe-san doesn't quite suit our class."
Manabe's face stiffened. Although she expected this woman wouldn't buy her, being rejected in front of everyone still made her angry.
"Then, will you buy back Totsuka Yahiko?"
"No." Sakayanagi smiled, specifically glancing toward Class D. "Totsuka-kun doesn't suit our class either. I think it's better for him to go to Class D with his 'Big Brother.'"
Katsuragi Kohei, who had already successfully transferred to Class D, kept his eyes closed and didn't react.
"Moving on. Class 2-B!" Mashima looked at Class B. "Do you choose to buy back Koenji Rokusuke?"
Hirata Yosuke nodded quickly. "Yes, we intend to buy back Koenji-kun."
"Oh?" Koenji showed a rare look of surprise. "Really, Hirata-boy? Spending 10 million to buy me back? You actually scraped together that much class funds? It seems you truly can't bear to let me go."
Hirata explained honestly: "Of the 10 million private points, 4.5 million came from transactions with Class 1-D over the past few months. For the remaining 5.5 million, every student in class chipped in 150,000 each. It was just enough." He looked at Koenji seriously. "You were right; you are indeed very important to our class."
Despite Koenji's usual selfishness, his contributions weren't small.
He played a major role alongside Shimizu Akira during the training camp exam. During the Class Poll, it was his family background that countered Chairman Sakayanagi's expulsion. He also secured a victory for the class in the Event Selection exam. Therefore, when Hirata proposed keeping him at the last class meeting, the vast majority agreed.
"Hehe, interesting," Koenji laughed. "I expected you to force me into a stance, saying I must perform excellently on the uninhabited island before you'd buy me. Hirata-boy, you're a bit foolish."
"No," Hirata shook his head. "For someone like you, forcing you would only backfire. So, Koenji-kun, just go at your own pace, but please don't drop out on the first day. Try your best."
Koenji gave a light chuckle and returned to the Class 2-B line. "Since Hirata-boy has requested so sincerely, I'll reluctantly play with you all for a few days. But don't expect me to do any heavy lifting."
Hirata smiled and nodded. "That's enough."
Shimizu Akira glanced at Koenji, thinking that while the guy was eccentric, he was indeed reliable at critical moments.
"Then, will you buy in Kanzaki Ryuji?"
"Sensei, we do not intend to buy in Kanzaki Ryuji," Hirata politely declined. There was nothing to say here; Kanzaki was definitely going back to his own class.
"Next, Class 2-C." Mashima's voice continued. "Will you buy back Manabe Shiho?"
Ryuen Kakeru stood lazily at the front of Class C. "Manabe, you tell us. Why should we spend 10 million to buy you back? Tell me your value. If I'm satisfied, I might consider it."
Manabe blinked, then hurriedly explained: "That! I... I will completely cooperate with class actions from now on! If you tell me to go east, I won't dare go west! Also, all the private points in my account will be handed over to the class funds to offset the cost of my expulsion!"
She spoke faster and faster. "And! During my time in Class A, I've figured out some of their plans! I know part of their action plan for the uninhabited island—they plan to cooperate with Class D! If you buy me back, I can tell you everything!"
Sakayanagi Arisu couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this.
"Not stupid after all."
"Oh?" Ryuen also became interested. "It seems your trip to Class A wasn't entirely without gain." He turned to Shiina Hiyori. "Hey, you're the one who worked with Sakayanagi to kick her out. What do you think?"
In the current Class C, after the Event Selection exam, Hiyori's voice carried significant weight. She also held a Protection Point, and Ryuen treated her as his second-in-command, so he tossed the decision to her.
Manabe immediately turned to Hiyori.
"Shiina! I'm sorry! I was wrong before; I shouldn't have talked back to you! Also... I won't argue with Ibuki anymore! From now on, I'll follow your lead! Just save me!"
Shiina thought for several seconds and said slowly, "Manabe-san, since the start of school, you indeed haven't done anything to betray the class. You helped a lot in several special exams. During the last Event Selection, if it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have known in advance that Class D chose World History.
So, I think we can keep you."
Manabe's eyes lit up and she was about to rejoin the line.
"What's the rush?" Ryuen stopped her, grabbing a prepared document from Ishizaki Daichi. "All that was just talk, right? I've already prepared a contract." He handed the paper and a pen to Manabe. "Come on, hand over all your current private points. Plus, one more clause: if we encounter a special exam with forced expulsion, you'll be first in line. You must volunteer to take the fall. If you're okay with that, sign it."
Did Manabe have any room to refuse? She took the pen and signed her name without hesitation. Ryuen tucked the document away with satisfaction and waved her off. "Fine, get back in line."
Manabe lowered her head and walked back into the Class C formation. At least she got to stay.
"Then, Class 2-C, will you buy in Koenji Rokusuke?"
Ryuen immediately showed a disgusted expression. "Not buying! Only an idiot would buy him!"
Several boys in the Class C line could be heard gritting their teeth. However, a few girls looked at Koenji with lingering reluctance. Shimizu Akira watched this and understood. Koenji had
practically flirted with almost all the girls in that class; it would be strange if the boys didn't hate him.
"Finally, Class 2-D. Will you keep..."
Before the words were finished, Ichinose Honami stepped forward and answered first: "Mashima-sensei, we have decided to buy in Totsuka Yahiko and buy back Kanzaki Ryuji simultaneously!"
Mashima looked at the documents in his hand, then at Ichinose. "Buying both, are you sure? According to the rules, buying Totsuka requires 5 million and buying back Kanzaki requires 10 million, totaling 15 million. Do you have enough points in Class D's account?"
Ichinose Honami nodded solemnly. "Yes. We have already calculated it."
In the Class D line behind her, someone whispered, "We're really drained now," while others clenched their fists in silent support.
"Fine." Mashima nodded and recorded it quickly. "Class 2-D buys Totsuka Yahiko for 5 million points and buys back Kanzaki Ryuji for 10 million. Total 15 million. Transaction confirmed."
Totsuka stood to the side. Hearing this, he felt the relief of being accepted and the anticipation of finally working with Big Brother Katsuragi. Kanzaki Ryuji bowed slightly to Class 2-B as a thank you for their hospitality before returning to his original class.
"With this, the whereabouts of all transfer students are settled." Mashima closed his folder. "The uninhabited island special exam officially begins tomorrow. Class representatives, please confirm your member lists and complete all procedures today. Dismissed."
The crowd began to disperse. Shimizu Akira silently reviewed the exchange. The final result: zero expulsions.
However, in terms of class size, Class A lost one person while Class D increased by two. The current numbers for the four second-year classes were: Class A (38), Class B (39), Class C (40), and Class D (42).
Financially, Class A spent nothing. Class B spent 10 million, Class C spent 10 million, and Class D spent 15 million.
Acting Chairman Tsukishiro turned to leave with satisfaction. Although he failed to force Koenji into a transfer as per his original plan, he certainly didn't lose today.
Speaking of Ichinose, Class D's original funds were only around 28 million. Sakayanagi's side had later lent them 5 million after Hashimoto Masayoshi negotiated; Katsuragi and Totsuka scraped together another 2 million between them, barely reaching the amount needed. After this ordeal, Class D's funds were likely completely depleted.
Judging by Sakayanagi's bargaining stance, Class A probably didn't have much left either. Class B had just dropped 10 million.
Among the four classes, the one with the most abundant funds was now, ironically, Class C.
Shimizu Akira and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka were preparing to leave the gymnasium when a smiling voice came from behind.
"Shimizu-kun, Ayanokouji-kun, please wait a moment."
Both turned. Tsukishiro had appeared behind them, wearing his usual smile. Ayanokouji remained silent; whenever Shimizu was around, he rarely spoke.
Shimizu asked, "Acting Chairman Tsukishiro, are you here to tell us when you're leaving?"
Tsukishiro choked for a moment but said nothing; he had grown used to Shimizu's sharp tongue. "No," he said. "I just wanted to tell you that among the new students, there is more than one White Room 'assassin'."
"You mean Yagami Takuya?" Shimizu shot back.
Tsukishiro was visibly stunned. "Oh? You knew already?"
"Yeah," Shimizu said flatly. "After all, that guy immediately ran to Kikyo to act friendly, claiming to be some non-existent kouhai. If it weren't for an assassin getting info from you in advance, what else could it be?"
Tsukishiro's lip twitched.
Yagami Takuya was supposed to be the most well-rounded assassin of his graduation year, and he blew his cover immediately?
"That kid probably doesn't have his eye on you." He looked at Ayanokouji. "His target is likely only you. Be careful, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka."
"Oh," Ayanokouji responded blandly.
Tsukishiro shook his head inwardly.
This kid didn't take Yagami seriously at all.
Come to think of it, with Ayanokouji's cold personality, did he only consider Shimizu a real factor?
"Anyway..." Tsukishiro put his hands behind his back, flashing that smile again. "This uninhabited island exam is the final stage I've specifically left for you two. I look forward to seeing your true strength."
With that, he walked away.
Shimizu rubbed his chin. "Based on that, it sounds like he plans to take action personally?"
"I heard rumors of him back at the White Room," Ayanokouji volunteered. "When he was young, he was very strong."
Shimizu wasn't surprised.
How does the saying go? The smiling ones are never pushovers.
When they brushed past each other earlier, he noticed it—the muscle lines that a suit couldn't hide showed the man definitely had skills.
But... if it really came to a fight, Shimizu didn't think he'd lose. If something special happened, he could always have Ayanokouji and Koenji help out. Surely the guy couldn't take on all three at once?
.
.
.
Amasawa Ichika had been working as a manager for about two months. Truth be told, it was a pretty good gig. While the boxing equipment was heavy, she could leave the heavy lifting to the club members. As a manager, she was mainly responsible for cleaning, handling chores, and occasionally handing out water.
The club president followed tradition and gave the manager a monthly stipend of 10,000 private points. Over the past few weeks, there had been a few boxing matches; as the only first-year manager, she helped organize the audience and made several tens of thousands more. All in all, she had saved up over 100,000 points.
"Ah, another 10,000 in the account! Not bad! The feeling of making money is truly great!"
Today was the first day of summer break, but the boxing club had activities in the afternoon. Amasawa Ichika was happily humming to herself while changing clothes in the manager's office.
"Hehe, Amasawa-kohai is quite cute!" A third-year female manager smiled. "By the way, after this uninhabited island exam ends, we have to accompany the club members to the National Boxing Tournament. Not only will the club have a stipend, but the school will provide funds, and we can take the chance to look around!"
"Eh? There's such a good deal?" Amasawa's eyes lit up. Going outside? As a White Room trainee, she had been locked away for most of her life and had no chance to see what Japanese cities looked like.
Then again, Tsukishiro had messaged her and Yagami Takuya a few days ago, saying this exam was the last chance.
She thought about it; this task probably wouldn't fall to her anyway.
Ten minutes later, the boxing club members arrived and began routine training. Ichika stood to the side, bored, watching the action. To someone from the White Room, this level of boxing was like children playing house.
It was only interesting when Shimizu Akira sparred with the Black club member, but only slightly—since Shimizu was always holding back! If he went for real, he could probably take someone down with one punch.
When Shimizu finished a round, Karuizawa Kei happened to be on leave today, so with no one to stop her, Ichika approached with a bottle of water.
"Shimizu-senpai, have some water."
Shimizu walked over, wiped his sweat with a towel, and looked at the water she handed him with obvious suspicion. "There's no medicine in here, right?"
Amasawa pouted. "Senpai, can you stop joking? This is unopened!"
"Who says you can't drug it if it's unopened?" Shimizu raised an eyebrow. "Couldn't you just use a small syringe to poke through the cap?"
"It's just water from a cute manager kouhai, it's heartbreaking for Senpai to say that!"
"Well, since you're a White Room assassin, I have to be careful. What if you poison me? I have to be incredibly cautious when dealing with you."
Ichika fought the urge to smash the water bottle over his head.
Who would use poison! Even if she was an assassin, it didn't mean she was going to kill someone!
Then again, it wasn't an illusion—ever since this man learned from Ayanokouji that she was a White Room assassin, his guard against her was maxed out.
"Shimizu-senpai, I would never hurt you! I can swear on my biological parents!" She raised her hand with a serious face.
Shimizu thought that while she was an assassin, she was still born to parents, and besides, this school was full of surveillance; it should be fine. He took the water, checked the cap carefully, and then twisted it open to take a sip.
"By the way, Senpai, why did Karuizawa-senpai take leave today?" Ichika asked casually. Usually, that girl was always staring at her, preventing her from getting close to Shimizu. It felt strange for her not to be there today.
"She's on her period," Shimizu replied.
"Oh? Senpai even knows that?"
"We're a couple, after all." Shimizu thought to himself that he remembered the menstrual cycles of all seven of his girlfriends perfectly. He put the water bottle down. "I have to go boil some brown sugar ginger tea for her in a bit. If you have nothing else, I'll head out."
"Eh? You even prepare that for her?" Ichika was surprised. "Senpai, don't be in such a rush to leave! I think you have a huge misunderstanding of White Room assassins; I really need to explain things to you!"
She blocked him. "Since Senpai already knows my identity, I won't hide it. My mission is indeed to get either you or Ayanokouji-senpai expelled, but I never received a mission to kill anyone! The creator of the White Room is Ayanokouji-senpai's father; how could a father arrange for an assassin to kill his own son?"
"Yeah, I got it." Shimizu nodded, indicating he understood.
"Then, see you, Senpai!"
"Yeah, see you."
Watching Shimizu's departing back, Ichika finally let out a sigh of relief. Finally, the two of them could finally speak normally.
Although it seemed like just a small step, for her, it was a giant leap.
Half an hour later, after finishing her boxing club duties and returning to her dorm, Ichika picked up her phone and saw a message from Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.
Ayanokouji: How is it going with Shimizu Akira lately?
Amasawa: I've finally managed to lower his guard.
Ayanokouji: Oh? It seems what I told him worked.
Amasawa: ?
Ayanokouji: I told him a couple of days ago that you're just an ordinary White Room trainee, not dangerous like Yagami Takuya.
Ichika grabbed a pillow and slammed it onto her bed.
No wonder Shimizu-senpai agreed so easily! Someone was laying the groundwork behind her back!
Ayanokouji: Speed up the progress; you're too slow.
Amasawa: Fine, I'll work harder... by the way, after the uninhabited island exam ends, I expect I'll have to leave this school with Tsukishiro. You telling me to pursue Shimizu Akira doesn't seem very useful, does it?
Ayanokouji: Akira and I can find a way to let you stay. In short, perform well.
"Stay, huh...!" Ichika stared at the screen and whispered. "Isn't this just making empty promises in social etiquette? Does he really think my social crash course was for nothing?"
But if she really could stay...
The image of Shimizu Akira hurrying away earlier to boil brown sugar ginger tea for Karuizawa Kei popped into her head.
Hmph...
A person who boils ginger tea when you're on your period.
That seems like an even bigger plus than the "man who can cook" label. She had lived this long and still didn't know what brown sugar ginger tea tasted like.
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