COTE: Bag And Love System

The dynamics among classroom teachers appear to be more complex than initially assumed.

　　Hashima Hikaru kept this discovery to himself, but at that moment he saw a new message appear on the system panel.

　　The message indicated that Chabashira Sae's shares were now available online.

　　[Current share price: 50]

　　[Number of issued shares: 4,000 shares]

　　This revelation prompted a response from Hashima Hikaru, who expressed his surprise at the news.

　　The young man, who had initially scoffed at the idea, was now perplexed by this new development.It appears that educators can also enhance their favorability ratings.

　　Is this system accurate?

　　After obtaining the teaching materials and printing the contract from the head teacher's office, Mr. Hoshinomiya returned to the classroom to announce the election of the B class leader.

　　As anticipated, all students in Class B immediately focused their attention on Hikaru Hashima, who had just risen to offer counsel to the class.

　　However, it was observed that the student was discreetly communicating with Ichinose, who was seated nearby. He then stood and made a proposal, stating, "Classmates, I believe that Ichinose-san is well-suited to be the leader of Class B."

　　Ichinose's numerous advantages, he noted, included her ability to provide support, guide classmates, and help fulfill the collective aspiration of graduating from Class A together.

　　"I will serve as Ichinose-san's assistant and support her work, and together we will contribute to Class B."

Hashima Hikaru had considered the implications of the series of comments that had been made. He was reluctant to assume the role of class leader, as it could create difficulties when he interacted with the new characters later on.It would be more appropriate for him to serve as an assistant.

　　Following the announcement of the plan, many students in Class B expressed their support for Hashima, hoping that he could lead the class in overcoming challenges.

　　However, given the real owner's explicit lack of interest, their efforts seem doomed to failure.

　　The students of Class B have expressed their support for Hashima, aligning with his stated perspective.

　　Ichinose-san's leadership qualities were also praised, with many expressing their belief in her ability to unify the class.

　　"We fully support Ichinose-san's candidacy for class leader."

　　This dynamic shift in opinion, orchestrated by the boy's proactive guidance, effectively concluded the election.

　　Ichinose Honami, seated in her usual place, rose to acknowledge the unanimous nomination and accepted the group's request, thus assuming the role of B class leader.

　　Hashima Hikaru's suggestion to Ichinose was straightforward: to unify classmates in preparation for future competitions. However, Hashima acknowledged his inexperience in managing classmates, suggesting that Ichinose, given her experience as a former class monitor, was well-suited for the role.

Finally, Hashima Hikaru expressed his strong trust in Ichinose-san and his hope that she would assume responsibility.Ichinose Honami concurred, recognizing this as the optimal choice for Class B.

　　Following the election of the class leader, the Class B students did not disperse; rather, they remained in the classroom to await the outcome of their inaugural transaction with Class A, observing Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose as they departed.

　　Meanwhile, Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Honami, holding the contract and the notebook containing the rules, arrived in the hallway adjacent to the Class A classroom, where an election campaign for class leaders was underway.

　　At the podium stood a boy who attracted a lot of attention, not because of his beauty, but because of his hairstyle, which was a bald head.

　　The other individual, Katsuragi Kohei, had an attractive appearance, a majestic figure, and seemed very stable. His name was written on the board.

　　He is currently engaged in a campaign to secure votes through a series of public addresses.

　　Alongside Katsuragi's name was a handwritten note: Sakayanagi Arisu.

　　"It appears that we have discovered the election for the A-class leader."

　　Meanwhile, Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose observed the scene from the hallway, gazing through the window at the events unfolding in the classroom.

　　"Why is there no teacher in class A? Has she returned already?"

　　Ichinose Honami soon discovered an anomaly in the classroom: the presence of boys and girls in burgundy school uniforms, but no figure that resembled a teacher.

Despite the absence of a teacher, the classroom is completely silent.Hashima Hikaru narrowed his eyes unconsciously.I had intended to take this opportunity to observe Class A.

　　After all, this is the most prestigious class organized by the school and also Class B's biggest rival.

　　"Indeed, the Class A instructor should have delegated this matter entirely to the students to manage independently."

　　Ichinose Honami's countenance shifted to one of solemnity.Having personally observed the Class A environment, she gained a deeper understanding of the school's class division policies.

　　There was no teacher in the classroom, no study assignments, only an election of class leaders.However, none of the students in the class were distracted and all listened intently to the pollsters' statements.

　　"This concludes my campaign speech. I hope you will all support me."

　　Following the conclusion of the campaign, the bald man received a warm ovation from the Class A students, indicating his popularity within the class.

　　At that moment, another student standing next to the podium said, "Next, Sakayanagi-san."

　　This prompted a resounding "Ohhhh!" from the audience.

　　"Come on, Sakayanagi-san. We support you."

　　When Sakayanagi's turn arrived, the classroom erupted in even louder applause and cheers, and some people even shouted his name.

The next moment, Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Honami observed a small figure rise from her seat and move slowly toward the podium.

　　The figure, identified as a young woman, stood out for her short, silver hair and fair skin, which was particularly striking against her elven features. Of note, she was leaning on a black cane in her right hand, suggesting a need for support to maintain her fluid movement.

　　"Is this it, is there something wrong with your body?"

　　Hashima Hikaru touched his chin, but soon thought of another question.

　　According to the school's regulations, students assigned to Class A are those demonstrating the highest overall qualities in their class. However, this girl, Sakayanagi Arisu, exhibited clear physical deficiencies.

　　Her need for a cane to ambulate suggests that she may face challenges in participating in sports, placing her at a further disadvantage compared to Hashima Hikaru, who has only three stamina points.

　　Despite this, she maintains an A grade, suggesting that her abilities extend beyond mere physical capabilities.

　　These might include intelligence, brainpower, or analytical ability.

　　These are all possibilities.

　　Just as Hashima Hikaru's countenance shifted subtly, a soft call emanated from the classroom.

　　"Two students outside, could you kindly explain what you are doing?"

　　The silver-haired Sakayanagi Arisu Arisu had already noticed the two people outside the window and even made eye contact with Hashima Hikaru.

　　"..."

　　It appeared that they had deduced the situation.

　　Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Honami entered the Class A classroom together, having noticed them.

　　"We apologize for intruding on your election campaign for class leader. We just wanted to discuss something with you."

Ichinose Honami spoke first, stating that since she had become the leader of the B class, she needed to assume her responsibilities.

　　"Excuse me, could you clarify what the issue is?"

　　The voice that responded was that of the bald boy, Kohei Katsuragi, who had just concluded his campaign speech. He had a calm expression and exuded a firm aura just standing there.

　　Ichinose Honami revealed their identity, stating, "It concerns the unpublished regulations of the institution." Hashima, a class 1-B student, was also present.

　　"What we are about to disclose is of great importance. Would you kindly take a moment to review this information?"

　　The girl extended her hand, presenting him with the contract. Just as Katsuragi Kōhei was about to take it, he heard Sakayanagi Arisu speak from behind.

　　"Katsuragi-san, please wait a moment."

　　"Do you have any questions, Sakayanagi-san?"

　　"What I mean is, how about letting me finish my campaign manifesto first?"Arisu Sakayanagi smiled slightly. "After the winner is decided, the class leader will contact students from other classes.Isn't this the most appropriate approach?"

　　"I understand."

　　It is interesting to note that Sakayanagi-san's demeanor appears delicate, yet her assertiveness is notable.

Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Hoba, standing nearby, exchanged glances, both perceiving an unmistakable tension in the atmosphere. It appeared that the individuals involved in the election for class leadership were not on cordial terms.

　　Ichinose Honami inquired discreetly of Hashima Hikaru, "Hashima-san, what should we do now?"

　　"There is no urgency. We can wait until they conclude the negotiation," Hashima Hikaru replied, shaking his head.There was still time.As the saying goes, you have to muddy the waters before you can fish.

　　"I'm not familiar with that particular cliché."

　　"It's my own unique approach."

　　When Arisu Sakayanagi abruptly halted Kōhei Katsuragi's attempt to reach for the contract, the atmosphere in the classroom immediately became tense.

　　Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Honami, who were standing near each other, withdrew their hands in embarrassment after observing Sakayanagi Arisu's reprimand of the bald boy.

　　"What Sakayanagi-san said makes sense, so please continue making your campaign announcements."

　　Although Katsuragi Kōhei appeared displeased, he refrained from becoming agitated. Instead, he proceeded to stand alongside Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Honami, forming a trio at the podium as they awaited Sakayanagi's campaign speech.

　　"Very well, Katsuragi-san, thank you for your cooperation."

　　After a brief smile, Arisu Sakayanagi took hold of his cane and began his prepared remarks at the podium, focusing on themes of class support and unity.

Sakayanagi's amiable demeanor and distinctive silver hair garnered significant attention.It is generally acknowledged that many individuals find beauty to be a pleasant attribute.

　　After a brief campaign speech, warm applause resounded through Class A.

　　The subsequent step in the electoral process is to collect the votes cast by the students. The students responsible for organizing the election of the class leader then begin to collect the votes and subsequently write down the number of votes cast for each of the two candidates on the blackboard.

　　Hashima Hikaru, who had been dining on melon nearby, approached Ichinose Honami and inquired about the election's progress.

　　"Ichinose-san, do you have any thoughts on who will win?"

　　"I am uncertain as well, but it appears that both Katsuragi and Sakayanagi are well-liked."

　　While Ichinose Honami is unable to assess the current situation, from a personal standpoint, she holds a high regard for Sakayanagi Arisu.

　　Despite facing a physical challenge, she displays an admirable strength and resilience, which Ichinose, as a woman, finds particularly admirable.

　　What is your perspective on this matter, Hashima-san?

　　"I believe the outcome will surpass everyone's expectations."

　　Hashima Hikaru expressed uncertainty as she observed the students tallying the votes on the board. The votes for Katsuragi Kōhei and Sakayanagi Arisu were increasing at a similar pace, making it challenging to predict the outcome at that moment.

　　After approximately five or six minutes, the vote counting process was completed.

"Voting results are now available."

　　Katsuragi Kōhei received 20 votes.The person announcing the result was a bespectacled boy, his face full of disbelief.Sakayanagi Arisu received 20 votes, resulting in a tie.

　　"What is the result?"

　　"Is this result accurate?"

　　The atmosphere in the Class A classroom, which had been tense during the long voting process, suddenly became noisy again. No one expected that, after voting for so long, the result would be a tie. Even Kohei Katsuragi, who was standing next to Hikaru Hashima, fell silent.

　　"Shall we conduct another round of vote counting?"

　　This proposal was swiftly dismissed.

　　"What if we continue to count the votes and the result remains the same? Are you willing to allow everyone to expend their time in vain?"

　　"I apologize, but I misunderstood. Please clarify your suggestion."

　　"Please clarify. What do you mean?"

　　The person who answered the phone displayed signs of irritation and appeared to find the outcome unacceptable. Just as she was about to become visibly agitated, Hashima Hikaru heard Katsuragi speaking.

　　"Yahiko, please take a seat. We should not be debating this matter at the moment."

　　"It's all right, Katsuragi-san."

　　The boy Katsuragi called Yahiko had short hair and appeared to trust Katsuragi. After listening to the instructions from the other party, he quickly ceased speaking and sat back in his seat.

　　Katsuragi Kohei then turned his head to address Sakayanagi Arisu, who was standing on the opposite side of the podium, and inquired, "Sakayanagi-san, what are your plans in the event of a tie vote?"

"I am unaware of the outcome of the vote. If this decision aligns with the will of my classmates, I will be obliged to comply."

　　This suggests a rigid approach, where he refuses to compromise, as he believes it is essential to either continue the counting process or prevent any candidate from being elected.

　　"You..."

　　"Well," Hikaru Hashima suddenly stood up and interrupted the conversation between the two. He didn't want to waste any more time.I have a suggestion: let's suspend the election for now and return the votes after we've resolved the issues we're discussing.

　　"After all, what we are going to talk about is very important.Maybe it will make the students in Class A change.