COTE: Bag And Love System

Katsuragi Kōhei looked at Sakayanagi, who was in front of him, and after thinking for a moment, he nodded, agreeing with Hashima's suggestion.

　　He then turned his attention to Sakayanagi, seeking confirmation.

　　I concur. I'm interested to hear what you wish to discuss.Arisu Sakayanagi averted his gaze to Hikaru Hashima and Ichinose Honami.

　　"Please take a look at this first."Hashima Hikaru signaled Ichinose Honami to separate the stack of contracts in his hand into two sheets, one for Katsuragi Kōhei and the other for Sakayanagi Arisu.

　　Upon completing the review of the contract terms, Katsuragi Kōhei's demeanor shifted noticeably, while Sakayanagi Arisu maintained a smile. The contrast in their expressions was striking.

　　"What do you mean by negotiation is asking our A class to sell the hidden rules of the school and ban secondary sales?"

　　"Yes, Katsuragi-san," Hashima Hikaru replied, looking at Katsuragi Kōhei and then at the Class A students."Despite today being the first day of school, the school has already leaked sufficient information. Don't you realize that there is something wrong with this institution?"

　　"What precisely do you mean by this?"

　　Although Katsuragi Kōhei is generally composed, he exhibited a hint of impatience upon hearing this news.

-What Hashima-san meant is that someone in his class has already solved the school puzzle and obtained the correct answer," Sakayanagi Arisu suddenly approached Hashima Hikaru, stating as he did so, "and the person who solved the puzzle first wishes to inform the individuals who have not yet done so of the solution and receive a reward.

　"Am I correct in understanding, Hashima-san?"

　Arisu Sakayanagi paused, his proximity to Hikaru Hashima palpable, and the faint scent of her fragrance reached him.

　"That's right," Hashima Hikaru stated, her eyes fixed on the purple pupils of the silver-haired girl before her. "The answer was obtained by paying private points, and now we are willing to sell this information to you."

　"This contract serves as the certification we have obtained."

　　Ichinose Honami followed him at the last moment and added, "By taking out this contract, we are proving to Sakayanagi-san and Katsuragi-san that the fact that Class B has obtained the hidden rules is recognized by the school."

　　"I see."

　　Katsuragi Kōhei nodded in agreement.The contract was printed with the school's official seal, the same as the one on the admission letter, so it was unlikely to be forged.

　　"Today's events have led me to believe that there are issues within this institution, though I did not anticipate that the school itself would be a source of such confusion."

Katsuragi, who was known for his reliability, was not one to maintain appearances. He swiftly acknowledged his shortcomings and inquired of Hashima Hikaru, "What is the price of the rulers you are selling?"

　　"One million personal points, no haggling," Hashima Hikaru replied firmly, holding up a finger.

　　This was the result he had just discussed with Ichinose Honami as he made his way to the place where the teaching materials were located.After all, if he sold them directly for two million, the probability of being rejected would be very high.

　　Once rejected, Class A students can go to the class teacher to confirm the possibility of hidden school rules, which is equivalent to giving information away for free.

　　Therefore, when proposing a price, it is essential to be precise from the outset and maintain control of the negotiation.

　　"..."

　　"Is this price a bit high?"

　By this point, the students in Class A had overheard the entire conversation.The irate student Yahiko immediately stood up and shouted, "Are you lying?"

　"I advise you to exercise caution in your words and actions.The rules we obtained were obtained through the teacher's channels, and Class B also paid a total of three million personal points."

Hashima Hikaru looked at Totsuka Yahiko, who had spoken, and then at Sakayanagi and Katsuragi Kōhei. She explained the situation and said, "We need you to sign a contract prohibiting the resale of the rules because we plan to sell all the rules to the remaining three classes. This will allow us to recover the private points we paid for them."

　　"This approach ensures that Class A would only need to expend one-third of the points to acquire the hidden rules. What are your thoughts on this strategy?"

　　Katsuragi Kohei swiftly grasped the strategy."After the transaction is finalized, your Class B can distribute the cost of acquiring the rules among the three classes, but your class is not obligated to pay, is that correct?"

　　"Since we can be the first to guess the answer, why don't you pay us?"

　　Hashima Hikaru looked the other person straight in the eyes, maintaining a stern demeanor.

　　It is clear that he is playing games.

　　I believe the other party is taken in by your deceptions.

　　As Hashima Hikaru and Katsuragi engaged in a heated discussion, Ichinose Honami, who was present, felt a sense of unease.

　　Upon learning of Hashima Hikaru's alleged misrepresentation in purchasing the rulers for three million, the young woman experienced a state of panic.This matter, however, was easily verifiable.

　　However, Ichinose soon discovered that Hashima Hikaru's expression remained unblemished, despite the apparent lie. Instead, he acted in a manner that suggested he was correct.

　　"If it's one million, then everyone in Class A will have to pay 25,000 personal points. This price is acceptable," Katsuragi turned to look at Sakayanagi Arisu. "What is your answer, Sakayanagi?"

"I agree with what Hashima-san said. It's a very good deal," Sakayanagi Arisu nodded slightly, "I don't think anyone would be stupid enough to hesitate between paying three million and one million."

　　"That's good."

　　Although Katsuragi does not get along well with Sakayanagi, as a Class A student, his observation and analysis skills are also excellent, so he can understand that if the school really has hidden rules, the sooner the better.

　　So, he immediately began to mobilize some of the followers he had gathered in Class A today to score points from his classmates. However, when Hashima Hikaru looked at Sakayanagi Arisu, he noticed that the girl with the crutches was not moving, but was stunned.

　　Ichinose Honami couldn't help but ask, "Sakayanagi-san, don't you need to help me collect points?"

　　"Let Katsuragi take care of this kind of physical work. The students in our debate class have already heard it. They can make the best decision and won't interfere or refuse to hand out the points."

　　"I see. It seems Sakayanagi-san knows everyone in Class A quite well."

　　Through some things that just happened, Hashima Hikaru at least can extract a very crucial message, that is, although the overall quality of the students in Class A is quite high, the two most popular students in their class are not harmonious, and even put the struggle for control of the class out in the open.

Undoubtedly, this is good news. At least there is no need to worry about Class A joining and firmly occupying the first place. This may bring more opportunities for Class B.

　　Before long, Katsuragi had finished adding up the points, and as he approached, Hashima Hikaru gestured to Ichinose to hand over the contract in his hand.

　　"Before the transaction, all Class A students must sign this contract, and then we can proceed to the next step of the rules and the points transaction."

　　The contract that Hashima Hikaru printed out in Hoshinomiya Chie's office was very simple. The contents of the contract stated that after Class B sold the depth rulers to Class A for a cost of one million private points, all Class A students were prohibited from reselling the rulers.

　　To be on the safe side, Hashima Hikaru also added a rule prohibiting Class A students from discussing the depth rules with students from other classes.

　　For those who violate the rules, the school will impose the most severe punishment: expulsion.

　　When all the steps were completed, Hashima Hikaru looked at the stack of signed contracts in front of him and then took out the notebook recording the rules.

　　"One hand pays and the other delivers the goods."

　　Hashima Hikaru looked at the bald boy in front of him, then patted Ichinose Honoki on the shoulder and said, "Ichinose-san, go collect the points and have Katsuragi-san transfer them to your account."

　　"Okay, I understand."

　　Ichinose Honami immediately took out her cell phone and showed her student ID.

　　Katsuragi quickly completed the operation on his phone and then confirmed, "Ichinose-san, I've transferred the points to you."

　　"Let me take a look."

Ichinose Honami presented her student ID card, which displayed the 1.05 million personal points she had accumulated. She felt a significant weight lift from her shoulders.

　　She informed Hashima-san that the Class A points had been successfully transferred.

　　"Very well."

　　Hashima Hikaru smiled slightly, handed Katsuragi the school rule booklet she had just ordered, and prepared to return to the classroom with Ichinose Honami.

　　"Please wait a moment, Hashima-san."

　　Sakayanagi Arisu, who had been observing Katsuragi's actions in class, including the distribution of contracts, finally spoke. He fixed his gaze on the boy and said in a calm, deliberate manner, "I would like to know who in Class B was the first to realize that the school had hidden rules."

　　"Was it you or Ichinose-san who figured it out?"

　　Hashima Hikaru looked Sakayanagi in the eyes and, after a brief moment of reflection, replied directly, "It's me.I'm curious to learn what Sakayanagi-san can teach you."

　　"I don't deserve your advice. I just think Hashima-san is very special, and I'm sure we will have more interactions."

　　Sakayanagi Arisu's countenance suddenly brightened with a composed smile.

　　"I concur. We shall take our leave at this time. You two may inform the rest of the class about the rules."

Hashima Hikaru has no plans to stay in the Class A classroom any longer. He has gained quite a bit from this trip, not only personal points, but also information about Class A.

　　"Goodbye everyone."

　　Ichinose Honami waved to the Class A students and left the classroom following Hashima Hikaru.

　　After the two figures completely disappeared into the hallway, Arisu Sakayanagi and Kōhei Katsuragi began to look through the notebook left by Hikaru Hashima.

　　Then, all the information about Tokyo High School began to subvert the imagination of everyone in Class A.

　　A school that values merit above all else, where class evaluation grades and personal points play a role, and where only one class can graduate in the future.

　　When these rules were fully revealed in Class A, the resourceful Kōhei Katsuragi immediately realized that something was wrong.

　　"If the school is governed by the class competition system, why would Class B be so kind as to sell us the rules? There must be something wrong."

　　-What do you think, Katsuragi-san?

　　After reading the detailed rules of the school, Arisu Sakayanagi's face didn't show much emotion and she still looked like a quiet little princess.

　　"I think that if the school really operates according to this rule, then this transaction should not be so simple. Maybe they still have some reservations about us."

"That makes sense, but I believe we should address another matter now." After Sakayanagi Arisu reviewed the detailed regulations, his tone once again revealed his displeasure. "Katsuragi-san, please remember that our class leaders for Class A have not yet been selected, have they?"

　　"..."

　　"Now that we are aware of the detailed school regulations, Class A must be led by an exceptional individual. This will ensure they maintain their competitive edge in future class competitions, and ultimately, it will facilitate the successful graduation of all students."

　　Katsuragi, maintaining composure, inquired of Sakayanagi, "Do you believe yourself to be the ideal candidate for this role?"

　　"If Hashima-san has been assigned an A grade for me, then it stands to reason that Katsuragi-san would be assigned a C grade."

　　"I will let you know who is the most suitable leader for the A Class.

　　"I anticipate success."

　　Upon Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Honami's return to Class B, the atmosphere in the classroom noticeably heightened.

　　"It's Hashima-san and Ichinose-san."

　　"You're back!"

　　"How did the transaction go?"

　　Upon their return, the two were immediately surrounded by their classmates, who were eager to discuss the intricacies of their first transaction.

　　Ichinose Honami proceeded to present his student ID number to the group, indicating the success of the transaction. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "We successfully sold the rules to Class A and received one million personal points."

　　"Excellent work! I had confidence in Hashima-san and Ichinose-san's expertise."

　　"Yes, it's great to be able to do that."

　　"But why one million? Didn't we pay two million?"

A colleague voiced concerns, but was promptly reprimanded by his peers.

　　"This is not a one-time sale.There are also Class C and Class D. I believe Hashima-san has his reasons."

　　Recognizing the students' confusion regarding the offer, Hashima Hikaru clarified, "The reason we set the price at one million is to create an opportunity to demonstrate the authenticity of our B-Class. My explanation is that our Class B invested three million to acquire the rules."

　　"Then we sell it to each class once and recycle the three million.This way, they will believe that we are just trying to recoup our investment instead of simply earning points."

　　"After all, the A students are all very smart. If they ask me why I want to sell the rules, how should I explain it?"Hashima Hikaru spread his hands, looking helpless.

　　"I understand."

　　"Hashima-san is very intelligent!"

　　After hearing the explanation, all the B class students gathered around, bursting out laughing, and the atmosphere in the classroom was quite pleasant.

　　"How about now I split the points among everyone?"Ichinose Honami looked at the personal points on her phone.That amount of money was too much. She felt a little uncomfortable.After all, the two million to buy the rulers was raised by the classmates together, so it should be divided equally.

　　Shibata Sa interjected, suggesting, "Ichinose-san, please don't worry. From Hashima-san's plan, I understand there are two classes that have not sold the rulers yet. Wouldn't it be better to wait until everything is complete before dividing the points?"

Shibata-san is correct. We should assign the points to Ichinose-san for safekeeping, and we still have 50,000.

　　"Indeed, without the efforts of Hashima-san and Ichinose-san, the recovery of the million would not have been possible."

　　The students of Class B are currently focused on uniting their classmates, which is their top priority at the moment.

　　Ichinose Honami, seeing the evident trust placed in her, felt a surge of motivation. She gave a firm look, and with a determined expression, said, "Thank you for trusting me. I will always have your back, and I will work diligently to advance Class B."

　　Hashima Hikaru observed Ichinose's determined expression and concluded that he had made the right decision in recommending her as the class leader, noting that her confidence was an asset.

　　She was able to effectively unify her classmates and was reliable in her financial responsibilities.

　　Reflecting on this, Ms. Hashima checked her system panel, which revealed a new message.

　　[Assisted the class in earning 1 million personal points.Ichinose Honami's confidence in you increased.Ichinose Honami's stock price increased by 10 points.Current share price: 70]

　　This positive development suggests that she will soon reach the 100 mark, allowing her to cash in her points and use the funds to purchase items in the store.