Chapter 101 – 20 million points

Yukio met Horikita Manabu's gaze, understanding the latter's intentions, which essentially boiled down to wanting Yukio to deal with Nagumo after Horikita graduates.

Of course, this wasn't about using Yukio as a pawn; Horikita had offered substantial benefits, starting with the position of vice president and even hinting at the presidency after graduation.

Moreover, Horikita subtly suggested that while he was still around, he would thwart Nagumo's various schemes, leaving Yukio to mainly handle Nagumo after Horikita's graduation and Nagumo's advancement to the third year.

"Why are you so concerned about the school?" Yukio wanted to understand Horikita's motives: "Most people believe 'after I'm gone, let the floods come,' yet you, about to leave the school, still worry about Nagumo?"

"Even though it doesn't concern you post-graduation."

Talking about the school softened Horikita's expression as he adjusted his glasses: "Many students might resent the school's competitive system."

"But I see it as the school's way of nurturing us. When I first enrolled, I was a bit uncomfortable, but I gradually realized that students who complete the three-year program grow significantly."

"I've also met many like-minded friends here." Glancing at Tachibana by his side, he continued: "Even if the school encourages competition among students, it still retains most of us."

"But Nagumo's approach is to turn every competition into a brutal elimination, which would definitely degrade the school."

"Even after I graduate, I hope the school maintains its current state."

Essentially, the typically stoic Horikita cherished his alma mater and did not want to see it turn into a place of ruthless eliminations.

Currently, the school manages to expel only a few students each term, which is acceptable. If it became a brutal elimination game, dozens might be expelled each semester, which would be disastrous.

Yukio, perceptive as ever, saw Horikita's sincerity and ensured there were no hidden motives before agreeing to join: "Alright, I can agree to your request."

"However, there's one thing I need to make clear in advance."

"Speak freely," Horikita, relieved, prepared to hear Yukio's condition.

"It's a simple matter, and I don't need you to do anything. In fact, I hope you do nothing," Yukio said with a mischievous smile. "If there's a chance after the second semester starts,"

"I intend to have Horikita Suzune from the first-year D class expelled."

Horikita Manabu's always calm, or rather, consistently cold expression finally broke! And it broke spectacularly, shifting to a look of utter bewilderment!

Tachibana was equally shocked! Having been around Horikita for over two years, this was the first time she witnessed such an unguarded reaction from him.

"You...!" In that moment, Horikita's rationality seemed to crumble. He attempted to point at Yukio as if to say something.

But before he could act, his hand was swatted aside by Ibuki from Yukio's side! There was no chance to point fingers anymore.

Ibuki's gaze was piercingly sharp at that moment: "Let's speak properly, even if you are a senior from a higher grade, don't just point at people."

"Hey! You two!" Tachibana couldn't hold back any longer. What on earth was happening today?! This Yukio, this Ibuki, why are today's first-year students all so bold?

"Tachibana." Surprisingly, it was Horikita who restrained Tachibana, having momentarily lost control, he quickly regained his composure, reverting to his stoic self as if the lapse had never happened, with no sign of having pointed fingers at anyone.

"President, they...!"

Horikita shook his head, signaling not to argue about that, clearly understanding that his and his sister's relationship must have been deduced by Yukio, otherwise, he wouldn't have spoken as he did.

With his rationality back online, Horikita was remarkably calm, slightly bowing his head in a minimal gesture: "I apologize for my earlier lapse in decorum."

"It's okay, caring for one's sister is only natural," Yukio brushed it off casually, as if it was of no concern, and Ibuki also let it go.

Fortunately, the four had chosen a secluded spot, away from prying eyes. Otherwise, the entire school might be buzzing tomorrow about a major conflict between Yukio, a first-year, and Horikita Manabu, a third-year.

After extending his apologies, Horikita Manabu became even more serious: "So, returning to the topic of expelling Suzune, may I ask why you wish to do this?"

No reason, just a promise made to Ichinose, such words couldn't be openly discussed, leaving Yukio to fabricate a casual excuse: "I simply find that idiot unbearable."

Even with such a flimsy reason, Horikita surprisingly accepted it: "My sister indeed has significant shortcomings in some areas."

"How about this, there's actually a rule within the school that you might not yet be aware of. It concerns the private points accumulated by third-year students upon graduation, which cannot be taken out of the school."

"The unused points can't be used for transactions, meaning they can't be transferred to younger students. However, the Student Council has something called public funds."

Horikita didn't continue, but he had made his point very clear. The school's numerous rules are strictly enforced.

But by exploiting loopholes in these rules, one can entirely circumvent these regulations and accomplish various deceptive acts.

Yukio, always probing the school's rules, was naturally aware of this. He was curious about how much Horikita was willing to offer.

Understanding Yukio's look, Horikita stated decisively: "Twenty million private points. That's the maximum I can offer near graduation. The rest of my points are collectively owned by our class, and I don't have the right to use them for personal matters."

He was sure Yukio wasn't joking by the look in his eyes, which is why he was so generous.

This offer was intriguing, enough to purchase the right to change classes within the same grade, and now Horikita was using it to prevent his sister's expulsion.

Yukio brought up this topic also to see what Horikita would offer, perhaps even revealing some school rules in the process. It's always good to know more about the rules.

Moreover, twenty million points were hard to refuse. After all, expelling Horikita Suzune was just a minor condition from Kushida, and Yukio hadn't fully trusted her yet, so he wasn't particularly invested in her request.

If it were Ichinose who had made a request, Yukio would try his best to fulfill it. But for Kushida, he had to apologize. Their current relationship was somewhat peculiar, could be considered mutually beneficial or even friends, but strictly speaking, not quite insiders.

"Deal, President Horikita." After all, Yukio never considered himself a good person: "I won't target her specifically. If she fails to pass the school's arrangements and gets expelled, that's not my responsibility."

"If Suzune fails to pass, that's her own problem."

This left Ibuki utterly astounded. While she knew Yukio could be opportunistic, wasn't this a bit too much?! Even the Student Council President was being exploited!

Here he was, kindly inviting you to the Student Council as the vice president, and you turn around and demand twenty million points?! Ibuki was stunned by Yukio's maneuver, amazed at being so thoroughly outplayed by his actions!

What kind of move was this? This was like defecating on the Student Council President's head! And after doing so, still reaching out to Horikita Manabu for tissue paper! (t/n: Chinese joke?)

***

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