When Hikaru presented his plan to Class 1-B, the students responded in unison.
After all, they weren't fools—knowing that Class 1-D had no intention of saving their points, waiting any longer might genuinely result in recovering nothing at all.
"I agree with Hikaru-kun's idea. I can't believe those guys in Class D are so reckless with their points," Shibata spoke loudly, still shocked by the information revealed earlier. "Spending that much in just a week? Unbelievable."
"Why do you think they were placed in Class D in the first place? It makes perfect sense," another student added.
"I think so too. If we wait a few more days, their Class Points will probably drop even further. It's the perfect time for Hikaru-kun to collect the points on Monday."
"Agreed."
Seeing that the class was unanimously supportive of his decision, Hikaru was about to move forward with the plan. However, remembering his promise to Ichinose, he decided to take a different approach.
"Alright, since everyone agrees, let's make it official by voting," Hikaru said, addressing the class with a composed expression. "I believe that for future strategies, we should always hold a vote before implementing any major plans. This way, we ensure that everyone is involved in the decision-making process and that our plans are supported by the majority."
"This approach allows us to pool our ideas together, ensuring that the best course of action is taken for Class B," he added.
"That sounds good."
"Let's vote, then!"
Although some students were slightly confused as to why Hikaru didn't just proceed, they had no objections. After all, they trusted his leadership.
"Ichinose-san, can you handle the vote count?" Hikaru smiled at Ichinose, signaling her to take charge.
Understanding the intent behind his words, Ichinose felt a warm surge of appreciation in her heart. She nodded firmly and took the lead in organizing the vote.
"Everyone who supports Hikaru-kun's proposal, please raise your hand," Ichinose announced confidently.
In an instant, every single hand in Class B shot up without hesitation.
"38 votes in favor," Ichinose declared. "That means the plan will be officially carried out on Monday. Thank you, everyone, for your support."
"Alright," Hikaru nodded, transitioning to the next phase of the meeting.
With Class D's financial situation addressed, it was time to focus on Class C.
Although Hikaru had recently set Ryuen up for suspension, tracking Class C's spending habits remained crucial to ensure their long-term strategy remained on course.
"Now then, let's move on to Class C. Those responsible for monitoring their spending, please report your findings."
Compared to Class D, the results were noticeably better. While there were still a few extravagant spenders, the overall financial habits of Class C were far more conservative.
When the last report was delivered, Hikaru put down his pen.
Despite the seemingly small gap between Class D and Class C, the difference in spending habits was vast.
"I'm sure everyone has noticed from the reports," Hikaru began with a small smile, "Class C is far more cautious with their points."
"Does that mean we should wait a little longer before approaching them?" someone asked.
"If their spending is lower, wouldn't it be better to let their Class Points drop even further before negotiating?"
"But didn't Hikaru-kun already force three of their students into suspension?" Another student pointed out. "That should've cost them a significant number of Class Points, right?"
"Exactly," Hikaru nodded. If he had followed his original plan, he would've waited another week before approaching Class C. However, Ryuen's actions had disrupted that timeline.
Now that three Class C students had been suspended, it was inevitable that their Class Points had already dropped significantly. Even if they weren't spending as recklessly as Class D, the current window was too good to pass up.
"Let's adjust the plan. Once we secure the deal with Class D next Monday, we'll move on to Class C immediately after," Hikaru declared. "I want all point collection operations completed within the week. We can't afford any unexpected variables."
"Sounds good."
"I support it. The sooner we collect the points, the better."
"Alright then, Ichinose-san, let's conduct another vote."
"Got it!"
Now comfortable with the process, Ichinose Honami efficiently led the second round of voting. The results were the same—38 votes in favor.
"With that, next week's operations are officially set," Hikaru concluded. "Ichinose-san and I will handle the negotiations with Class D and Class C. Does anyone have any concerns?"
"No objections here. We trust you two!"
"Yeah! If Hikaru-kun and Ichinose-san are in charge, I'm sure everything will go smoothly."
With Class B having collectively invested in the two-million-point expulsion insurance, everyone understood the importance of amassing as many Private Points as possible. Hikaru and Ichinose's plan had their full backing.
"Ichinose-san, would you like to close today's class meeting?" Hikaru turned to her with a small smirk, giving her another opportunity to take the lead.
"Alright," Ichinose smiled warmly, stepping forward to address the class.
"Everyone, tomorrow and the day after will be our first weekend since enrollment. You've all worked really hard this week." She made eye contact with each student, speaking gently yet firmly. "Now that Hikaru-kun's plan is in place, there's no need to collect additional data over the weekend. I want you all to rest and recharge."
"Let's take this time to relax so that we can come back next week even stronger!"
"Understood!"
"If anything comes up, just message me—I'll be available anytime," one student offered.
"Same here! I'll be on standby if you need me," another chimed in.
With that, the class meeting ended on a high note. The weekend was approaching, and Class B was in excellent spirits.
Just as Hikaru was about to leave, Ichinose suddenly leaned in and whispered in his ear.
"Hey, Hikaru-kun… Tomorrow, I plan to meet up with Kushida-san. Want to come along?"
"?" Hikaru turned to look at her.
"Since we're planning to collect points from Class D, wouldn't it be smart to do some research first?" Ichinose explained playfully. "And who better to ask than Kushida-san, the one person who's friends with everyone in Class D?"
Hikaru's eyes widened slightly before a slow smile formed on his lips.
"Well, well… That does make sense."
"Then it's settled! You have to come," Ichinose grinned.
Hikaru chuckled.
It was almost too perfect—he had been wondering how to approach Kushida Kikyo, and now Ichinose had conveniently set everything up for him.
A brand-new stock had just hit the market.
There was no way he was letting this opportunity slip away.