After Hikaru presented his plan to Class B, reactions poured in.
No one was naive. Knowing that Class D wasn't making any effort to save their points, waiting longer risked compromising the collection.
"I agree with Hikaru. I can't believe the students in Class D are spending so much!" exclaimed Sō Shibata, shocked by the reports. "That much in one week? It's insane."
"No wonder they're in Class D. They're really the worst class."
"Same for me. Anyway, they must have lost a lot of evaluation points this week. Hikaru, going to collect their points on Monday is perfect."
"I'm in."
Seeing that his idea was well-received, Hikaru was about to conclude, but he remembered his pact with Honami from the previous day and changed his tone.
"Very well, since everyone agrees, let's move to a vote," he said, addressing the class. "I propose that, from now on, every important decision in Class B be put to a vote. A majority of votes will validate the plan."
"This will allow us to better understand what everyone thinks, gather our ideas, and ensure that our plans have everyone's approval."
"Sounds good."
"Then, let's vote."
Although some wondered why Hikaru wasn't just taking action directly, no one objected. Since he proposed it, they might as well follow.
"Honami, would you like to count the votes?" said Hikaru with a smile.
She immediately understood why he was doing this. Touched by his gesture, Honami nodded vigorously and spoke up.
"Who is in favor of Hikaru's proposal? Raise your hand."
With the confidence of a leader, she launched the class's first vote.
Immediately, all the students raised their hands. No one had any objections; it was a mere formality.
"38 votes in favor," announced Honami lightly. "So, on Monday, we'll follow Hikaru's plan. Thank you all for your support."
"Perfect."
Hikaru nodded and moved on to the next verification step.
After Class D, it was Class C's turn.
Although they had recently trapped Ryūen, it was crucial to continue monitoring the spending of other students in Class C to ensure the plan stayed on track.
"Those responsible for Class C, present your reports," ordered Hikaru.
When the observations about Class C began, the atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed. While some students were spending a lot, they were far fewer than in Class D.
When the last reporter sat down, Hikaru put down his pen.
It had to be admitted, despite a difference of just one rank, the students in Class C were much more frugal than those in Class D.
"You've heard the reports," said Hikaru with a smile. "Class C's spending is reasonable."
"Hikaru, are you planning to wait a little longer?" someone asked, thinking that with moderate spending, delaying the collection might further lower their evaluation points.
"But didn't Hikaru suspend three students from Class C?" interjected a perceptive student. "That must have cost them a lot in evaluation points, right?"
"Exactly."
Hikaru agreed. According to the initial plan, he intended to negotiate with Class C in a week. But the incident with Ryūen had disrupted the schedule. With three suspensions, their evaluation points would drop. Even if their spending was moderate, acting sooner would avoid complications.
"Let's change the strategy. Once we collect the points from Class D on Monday, we'll go see Class C," he said, adjusting the plan. "In one week, we'll recover the points from both classes to avoid any surprises."
"Agreed."
"I support Hikaru. Once the points are collected next week, we can take a breather."
"Very well, Honami, another vote."
"Yes, yes!"
Confident from the previous experience, Honami launched the second vote. Unsurprisingly, the result was the same: 38 votes in favor.
"So, the plans for next week are set," summarized Hikaru. "To negotiate the rules with Classes C and D, Honami and I will handle it, as planned. Any objections?"
"None! We trust you!"
"Exactly. Hikaru and Honami, you're the standard-bearers of Class B. You'll ensure the points are secured."
Since their participation in the 20-million-point expulsion insurance plan, everyone understood the importance of accumulating as many points as possible for the class's safety. They therefore fully supported the sale of the rules and trusted Hikaru and Honami's abilities.
"Honami, you can conclude this meeting," said Hikaru with a wink, passing the floor to her.
"Understood."
A soft smile lit up the girl's face. She swapped places with Hikaru and stepped onto the stage.
"Dear classmates, tomorrow and the day after are our first weekend since the start of the school year. You've all worked hard this week," said Honami, her gaze sweeping across the class. "Hikaru's plans for next week are ready. You no longer need to collect information. Enjoy the weekend to rest!"
"Let's balance work and relaxation, and give it our all next week!"
"Received!"
"Hikaru, Honami, if you need anything, just send me a message. I'm available anytime!"
"Me too, I'm free this weekend!"
The class meeting ended in an enthusiastic atmosphere. The next day being a day off, the students in Class B were delighted. Who doesn't love holidays?
At that moment, Honami leaned toward Hikaru and whispered:
"Say, Hikaru, tomorrow I'm going to see Kushida. Want to come?"
"?" He looked at her, intrigued.
"Since we're going to collect points from Class D soon, we might as well prepare a bit, right? Kushida is close to everyone in her class."
"Good point. Count me in."
It was as if he had been offered a pillow just as he was about to fall asleep. Hikaru was just looking for a way to approach Kikyo Kushida. A quality action had just opened up, and he intended to take full advantage of it!