Ichinose turned around to see Kanzaki Ryuji, a male student from her class. He wore his usual serious expression, but his eyes conveyed support.
"I've spoken with everyone in the class," Kanzaki said concisely. "No one wants to be left behind; everyone wants to move forward with all of Class B. So, we agree to raise one million points to purchase that information."
Ichinose's face instantly bloomed into a brilliant smile of relief, as if sunlight had pierced through the clouds: "That's wonderful! Kanzaki-kun, thank you!"
"However," Kanzaki's tone shifted, becoming cautious, "we cannot entirely feel at ease letting you go alone for such an important transaction. The other party's identity is unknown, and their motives need confirmation. I propose that I accompany you during the formal transaction."
Ichinose paused, then understood Kanzaki's concerns. This was out of responsibility for the class and also a form of protection for her.
"I understand, Kanzaki-kun. Your concerns are very reasonable." She nodded. "However, I need to consult the other party first. If he doesn't agree to a third party being present, I will try my best to persuade him, or... I will truthfully relay the entire transaction process to you."
Kanzaki looked at Ichinose's clear and determined eyes, knowing she had made her decision. He nodded: "Alright, I'll await your news."
Watching Kanzaki's retreating back, Ichinose tightened her grip on her phone. The screen lit up, displaying the email interface with "Natsukawa Sosuke." Next, she needed to convey Class B's decision and Kanzaki's request to that mysterious "Friend A"... Ichinose Honami's email arrived faster than Natsukawa expected. The very evening she finished speaking with Kanzaki Ryuji, Natsukawa's personal terminal received her inquiry.
"Natsukawa-kun, Class B has agreed to the transaction. However, to ensure safety, we hope that Kanzaki Ryuji and I can complete the transaction together. What are your thoughts?"
Concise, direct, and stating the reason—this was consistent with Ichinose's usual frank style.
Natsukawa looked at the screen, a subtle curve forming at the corner of his mouth. He wasn't surprised by Kanzaki's involvement; Class B's second-in-command was known for his meticulousness and sense of responsibility, so such a proposal was perfectly normal. He quickly replied:
"Acceptable. Tomorrow at noon, second floor, west side of the academic building, the corridor outside the second physics preparation room. Remember to have the points ready."
He didn't arrange a more private location; the public areas of the academic building were bustling with people during lunch break, which ironically could create a "hidden in plain sight" effect. Overly secluded corners were more likely to arouse suspicion.
The next day, noon.
The sun was just right, casting bright patches of light on the floor through the corridor windows. Natsukawa Sosuke arrived at the agreed location five minutes early, leaning against the window, calmly watching the bustling students below. He carried an ordinary canvas bag on his shoulder, containing the decisive item.
Footsteps approached, and Ichinose Honami and Kanzaki Ryuji appeared punctually. Ichinose's face showed a hint of nervousness, but more so a determined resolve. Kanzaki beside her had a stern expression, his sharp gaze sweeping over Natsukawa as if evaluating the risk level of a precision instrument.
"Natsukawa-kun, this is Kanzaki Ryuji," Ichinose introduced.
"Hello." Natsukawa nodded in greeting, without any superfluous pleasantries. "Before the transaction begins, we need a notary."
"Notary?" Kanzaki frowned slightly, evidently not having anticipated this step.
"Exactly," Natsukawa explained. "In this school, verbal promises lack enforceability. But if both parties sign a contract and find a Class teacher who represents the school's will to notarize it, then this contract gains mandatory effect. The school will guarantee the contract's execution. Of course, this is me showing sincerity now; Ichinose, you must remember this in the future, otherwise you might be sold out and have no one to complain to."
He paused, then added: "I've found Class A's Class teacher, Teacher Majima."
"Class A?" Ichinose blushed when she heard Natsukawa's words, then looked confused when she heard Teacher Majima.
"For fairness," Natsukawa said succinctly. "Teacher Majima has no direct vested interest with Class D or Class B, ensuring the maximum neutrality of the notarization."
Of course, he wouldn't say that the deeper reason was to avoid Chabashira Sae and Hoshinomiya Chie, those two Class teachers who were overly "concerned" with student dynamics, to prevent exposing his existence too early. Teacher Majima's personality was more outwardly rigid and serious, strictly business-like, making him an ideal notary candidate.
Ichinose and Kanzaki exchanged glances, both seeing approval in the other's eyes. This arrangement indeed seemed more secure and professional.
Natsukawa led the two to Teacher Majima's office. After explaining their purpose, a flicker of surprise crossed Teacher Majima's serious face as he scrutinized the three students before him.
"Private transactions between students, requesting a teacher's notarization... that's quite rare these days."
He didn't ask further. After confirming that both parties were willing and the contract's content didn't violate school rules, he nodded in agreement and picked up the stamp representing the school's authority.
The four went to an empty small conference room. With the door closed, external sounds were cut off, and the atmosphere immediately became formal and solemn.
Natsukawa took out two pre-prepared contract documents from a file bag; the papers were neat and the terms clear. He handed them to Ichinose and Kanzaki.
"Please review them."
The content of the contract was clear:
Party A (Natsukawa Sosuke) shall provide Party B (Ichinose Honami and the Class B she represents) with the core truth regarding the operating rules of Tokyo Koudo Ikusei High School, and provide relevant information and advice worth no less than 1 million private points.
Party B shall, upon the contract's effective date, pay Party A a lump sum of 1 million private points.
The content of this contract and the existence of Party A shall be strictly kept confidential by Party B (including but not limited to Ichinose Honami, Kanzaki Ryuji, and all informed Class B members) and shall not be disclosed in any form to anyone other than the contracting parties without Party A's consent.
Any party violating Article 3 (Confidentiality Clause) shall pay Party A a penalty of 20 million private points. If unable to pay the full amount, they shall accept expulsion.
This contract is witnessed by the school (notary Majima Tomoya) and possesses mandatory enforceability.
The terms were clear, and the penalties were chillingly severe. 20 million points and expulsion, like the Sword of Damocles, hung overhead, ensuring that the secret would not be easily leaked.
Ichinose and Kanzaki read carefully, word by word, and after confirming everything, they exchanged nods.
"We have no objections," Ichinose stated on behalf of Class B.
Both picked up pens and solemnly signed their names in the Party B (Party B) section. Teacher Majima stepped forward and stamped the notary section of the contract with the red seal representing the school's authority.
"The contract is established," Teacher Majima said in a deep voice, glancing at Natsukawa. This Class D student's actions far exceeded his expectations.
Natsukawa hadn't expected Ichinose and the others to sign so decisively. He had prepared several arguments to debate with them, and also prepared contract versions for 600,000, 700,000, and 800,000 points. He hadn't expected them to sign directly, rendering his prepared rhetoric useless and making his sentences disjointed.
After the contract was signed, Ichinose immediately operated her terminal, transferring the 1 million points Class B had painstakingly raised into Natsukawa's account. Watching the huge sum flow into his terminal, a heavy stone in Natsukawa's heart finally fell. The first pot of gold was in hand.
"Then, according to the contract, I will begin to elaborate." Natsukawa put away his copy of the contract, his voice steady, as if the incoming sum was just a string of numbers. "The core of this school is a comprehensive evaluation system called the 's system'."