Friday arrived, and Hikaru woke up early as usual for his morning jog.
These past few days, he had gradually found his rhythm. Though it was still a bit challenging, he was beginning to appreciate the benefits of exercise. His body had firmed up, and he exuded a new energy.
After a shower, he arrived in Class B, a piece of bread in hand. But as soon as he entered, a familiar sensation overwhelmed him.
Not again, right?
"Hikaru!"
Someone shouted his name in the classroom, shattering his relaxed expression.
"What now?"
Three times, three times! Another new piece of info? They couldn't leave him alone for a day?
Hikaru looked at the two students who had called him. They were two boys, Tsuhama and Ninomiya, tasked with monitoring Class D.
"We discovered something important yesterday, about Class D," Ninomiya said, looking nervous. He pulled out his notebook and explained, "I was monitoring Hoshimura from Class D when I ran into another student I know, Haruki Yamauchi."
"And then?"
"I saw he had a brand-new handheld console. It costs 30,000 points at the electronics store."
"?"
At these words, Hikaru's face tightened.
30,000?
That meant this Yamauchi had already spent nearly a third of his points!
Barely a week into the school year, and he was spending that much? Did he really think the 100,000 points would roll in every month?
"Is that all you found? Nothing else?"
"Hoshimura and Ishikura's spending habits are in here. They're spending quite a bit of points every day."
He realized that he might have overestimated the students in Class D. His initial plan was to wait two weeks before collecting their points, but if they continued like this, he risked recovering nothing at all.
"Really… the good news just keeps coming…"
Barely had he resolved the issue with Class C when a new storm was brewing with Class D.
For now, Class A seemed easier to manage. Perhaps it was a matter of timing, since everyone still had their points at the beginning.
Rubbing his temples, Hikaru asked Ninomiya and Tsuhama to return to their seats. The class meeting was scheduled for the afternoon. He needed to analyze all the information about Class D and make a decision quickly, or else the points might evaporate.
"Hikaru, are you okay?"
Honami, his tablemate, noticed his worried expression and approached softly: "Are you concerned about Class D?"
"Yes… let's say that. This afternoon's meeting might surprise everyone."
Hikaru nodded. After reading the notes, he understood why these students had been placed in Class D.
The morning passed quickly. After the first afternoon class, the usual class meeting time arrived. When Chie Hoshinomiya, elegant and perched on her heels, entered Class B, everyone understood that the crucial moment had come.
This was the first class meeting since the start of the school year, and an opportunity for Class B to review the first plan orchestrated by Hikaru.
The first part of the meeting consisted of a summary of the past week by the teacher, followed by announcements about upcoming tasks and school activities. Once these formalities were over, Hikaru noticed that Ms. Hoshinomiya was glancing in his direction.
"Well, the first part is finished. Let's now move on to the class leaders' speeches. Honami, it's your turn."
Ms. Hoshinomiya smiled softly at the pink-haired girl, designated as the leader. Honami stood up, and Hikaru followed her. Everyone knew that these two formed the true leadership duo of Class B.
"Dear classmates, you've all progressed according to the plan announced a few days ago, haven't you? The verification is handled by Hikaru. Let's welcome him!" Honami smiled at Hikaru, inviting him to take the floor to present the results.
Clap clap clap!
The class applauded enthusiastically, offering warm support.
"Very well."
Hikaru nodded. It was planned, so he didn't hesitate to take center stage, his gaze sweeping across the entire class.
As soon as he stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere became serious, with everyone adopting an attentive attitude.
"I received new information about Class D this morning, so the first topic today will be the collection of their points," said Hikaru, glancing at Ninomiya. "Those responsible for Class D, stand up one by one to share your findings. I'll take notes as I listen."
"Go ahead!"
The students in charge of Class D stood up one after another, holding notebooks, planners, or even their phones to present their observations. It didn't matter what medium they used; the content was what mattered.
But as the reports began, the entire Class B realized that the situation was concerning.
While it wasn't universal, at least half of the students in Class D were spending their points recklessly. Besides Yamauchi, who had spent 30,000 points on a state-of-the-art console, some girls were investing in makeup or clothes. After all, teenage girls loved to look pretty, and outside of classes, they preferred wearing their personal outfits, which were more comfortable.
"Here are my observations."
When the last student sat down, Hikaru put down his pen.
"…"
He reviewed his notes, stunned by the extent of the revelations. The situation far exceeded his predictions.
"You've all heard the reports about Class D. Their situation is alarming," he said, turning to the board to write down the collected data. "Originally, we planned to negotiate one million points with them. But given their behavior, many are wasting their points."
"In less than a week, according to our observations, Class D's total points are dwindling rapidly."
"I think we can't wait any longer. I propose going to see Class D as early as Monday to negotiate the rules," declared Hikaru firmly. "If we delay, we might not even recover one million."
"What do you think?"