When Class B heard Hashima's explanation, everyone immediately understood the intention behind the plan.
Once distrust was sown between Ryūen and the other students in Class C, those he hadn't defeated would unite to prevent any further use of violence by him.
Acts of violence were not only dangerous but also resulted in a deduction of class evaluation points. Unless Class C was composed of idiots, they would inevitably limit Ryūen's actions.
"I see," Ichinose's beautiful blue eyes sparkled, "we just need to convince this Ibuki-san to cooperate with our plan."
"Whether it's out of a sense of justice or simply because she can't stand Ryūen," Hashima stroked his chin, his tone slightly urgent, "we must get in touch with this Ibuki-san as soon as possible."
Everyone nodded; the plan was entirely feasible.
Seeing that everyone agreed, Hashima turned to Ichinose Honami beside him: "Well, Ichinose-san, can you summarize this group discussion?"
He gave her this opportunity because, after all, she was the official leader of Class B.
"Uh... okay."
Ichinose looked at Hashima, who encouraged her with his gaze, cleared her throat slightly before beginning the summary.
"First, our plan to sell the rules to Class C is postponed. The exact date will depend on the success of Hashima-kun's new plan."
"I'll take charge of contacting Ibuki-san," Ichinose Honami assigned herself this task, "once I've reached her, I'll keep you all updated on the negotiation details."
"Okay."
No one raised any objections. After exchanging glances, everyone returned to their seats, as the class was about to begin.
Once everyone had left, Ichinose leaned toward Hashima and whispered in his ear, "Hashima-kun, thank you for trusting me with the conclusion of the meeting."
"It's only natural since you're the leader of Class B. I'm just your assistant."
"But I still want to thank you, hehe."
After these few days together, Ichinose Honami and Hashima had grown considerably closer. Although they had known each other for a short time, her way of speaking to him already betrayed a certain familiarity, with even a hint of coquettishness at times.
"Well, okay. You're welcome."
Hashima didn't notice the change in Ichinose's attitude. His mind was entirely absorbed by the class competition, leaving no room for other thoughts.
The school day passed quickly. Most of the students in Class B were studious, and the afternoon classes arrived in the blink of an eye.
Once the teacher left after gathering his notes, the students dispersed rapidly, each having daily missions assigned by Hashima to accomplish.
Since Ichinose Honami had taken charge of contacting Ibuki, everyone left her to it.
After classes, Hashima planned to explore the school further; this artificial island was vast, with many places he hadn't yet visited.
At 7:30 PM, while he was taking a shower and reading in his dormitory, Hashima received a message from Ichinose Honami.
[Ichinose Honami: Hashima-kun, I've managed to reach Ibuki-san. We're waiting for you at the Keyaki Mail café.
A detailed location link followed.
Hashima: Already?
Ichinose Honami: Ibuki-san doesn't seem very patient. She said she'll only give us one chance, so hurry up.
Hashima: ... ]
Glancing at the time on his phone, there was only an hour left before the café closed at 9 PM. Hashima quickly prepared and headed straight to the destination.
When he arrived, breathless, at the café, he immediately spotted Ichinose Honami sitting in a corner, opposite a girl with short blue hair—undoubtedly Ibuki from Class C.
"You're really giving me a hard time, I've just taken a shower."
Hashima wiped the sweat from his forehead before sitting next to Ichinose Honami.
Seeing that he had come in just a T-shirt, Ichinose joined her hands in apology, "Sorry, sorry! Next time, I'll treat you to a drink."
"Never mind, you only drink tea anyway."
"Don't you like it? I think it's good."
"Yuck..."
"Hey!"
The girl with short hair, irritated at being ignored since Hashima's arrival, exclaimed angrily, "Did you call me here to watch you flirt?"
"We're not flirting, Ibuki-san, don't say nonsense!" Ichinose's cheeks flushed slightly as she hurried to justify herself.
Hashima, noticing Ibuki's furious expression, apologized in turn, not wanting to make a bad impression when they needed her cooperation.
"Hello Ibuki-san, sorry about that. I'm Hashima from Class B."
Taking advantage of the moment, he observed Ibuki in front of him.
The young girl had delicate features, fair skin, and a short blue haircut that gave her a tomboyish air. Her anger made a furious glint shine in her almond-shaped eyes.
"Did Ichinose-san explain our situation to you?"
"I didn't say anything, I just came to make friends with Ibuki-san." Ichinose raised her hand to indicate her innocence.
"Very well, I'll get straight to the point then."
Hashima adopted a more serious tone and began the conversation with a question, "I heard you fought with Ryūen from your class?"
"So what?" Ibuki crossed her arms, looking annoyed, "That guy showed up demanding I vote for him as leader, saying stuff like 'don't think I won't hit a girl.'"
"Hmph, who does he think he is? I knocked him out in a few blows."
"I see, do you have martial arts training?"
"What's it to you? Tell me directly why you made me come here!"
"I have an idea, but I need your help to make it work."
Hashima wasn't bothered by Ibuki's unpleasant attitude. On the contrary, this sharp character would be useful for provoking the desired reaction.
"I know Ryūen uses violence to become your class leader, and there are only a few students left to subjugate."
"So what?"
"Can you accept a man like him controlling your class?" Hashima's voice suddenly darkened, as if insinuating something. "The class leader has a lot of power, you know."
"What can a class leader do?"
Deep down, Ibuki Mio obviously didn't want Ryūen to become their leader. Not only was this man violent, but he was also as tenacious as a hungry wolf. After his defeat against Albert from her class, he hadn't stopped harassing him for a rematch, wanting to subjugate him by force.
"For example, personal points. The leader has the power to confiscate everyone's personal points."
Without batting an eyelid, Hashima lied shamelessly to Ibuki before signaling Ichinose to take out her phone.
Having already witnessed the confrontation between Hashima and Katsuragi, Ichinose understood he was trying to manipulate Ibuki. Though hesitant, she played along and showed her phone.
"Look, Ichinose-san is our leader. See how many personal points she has."
Initially skeptical, Ibuki's expression darkened when she saw the balance of over one million points on the screen.
"If Ryūen really becomes the leader of Class C, with his powers, he could condemn you to eat only free meals every day."
"..."
After a long silence, the young girl raised her eyes to Hashima's mischievous smile.
"What do you want me to do?"