COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

"Ryuen Kakeru of Class 1-C, on the afternoon of April 4th, was found guilty of using violence against his classmate Ibuki due to dissatisfaction with his own ambitions. His actions have seriously violated school regulations and warrant severe punishment."

Nagumo's face remained impassive as he made his declaration. From the moment Hikaru presented the recorded audio evidence, Nagumo had already made up his mind. With Manabu watching from outside, he needed to display a firm stance.

"Ryuen Kakeru is hereby suspended for one month, effective immediately. You will not be allowed to return to class until May 5th, and during this period, you are strictly prohibited from entering the academic buildings."

His sharp gaze fell upon Ryuen's darkened expression as he firmly announced the verdict.

Under normal circumstances, a case of violence that didn't result in severe injury would typically warrant a suspension ranging from a week to half a month. However, Ryuen's offense was far more egregious—not only did he engage in physical assault, but he was also caught on record attempting to incite his classmates into assisting him in attacking a female student.

Such an act was beyond unacceptable.

"Should you be caught violating this sentence—whether by sneaking into class or refusing to comply—you will face immediate expulsion."

Nagumo's lips curled into a cold smirk as he issued his final warning.

"Do you understand?"

"…Yeah, I got it," Ryuen muttered, his gaze shifting toward Ibuki, standing beside Hikaru. His golden eyes carried a smoldering intensity, not of fear, but of defiance.

It was clear—this wasn't over.

"Fine. Consider this my loss, Ibuki. But I'll be taking back what's mine next time. The leadership of Class C belongs to me."

Then, his gaze slid over to Hikaru, who still wore a relaxed smile.

"Hashima Hikaru, right? I'll remember you."

"Wow, am I that famous already?" Hikaru chuckled, completely unfazed by Ryuen's implied threat. Shrugging, he responded nonchalantly, "It's an honor to be remembered by Ryuen-kun."

"We'll be seeing a lot of each other in the future. Let's have some fun next time."

"Tch."

Ryuen scoffed, his expression grim, but he said nothing more. With that, he turned and strode out of the conference room.

Nagumo's gaze then fell upon the two remaining Class C students—Ishizaki Daichi and Komiya Kyogo.

"And as for your punishment," he continued, his tone just as stern.

"Ishizaki Daichi and Komiya Kyogo of Class 1-C, you were found to have acted under Ryuen's orders, ambushing Ibuki with the intent to use physical force to coerce her. This behavior constitutes a serious violation of school rules."

"As such, both of you will be suspended for one week, from today until April 12th. During this period, you are not allowed to attend classes. This disciplinary notice will be forwarded to Sakagami-sensei immediately."

"…Understood."

Despite their usual rebellious nature, Ishizaki and Komiya didn't dare argue back. They knew the stakes—if they pushed any further, expulsion could be next.

Once the three Class C students had left, Nagumo turned his attention back to Hikaru and Ibuki, gauging their reactions.

"That concludes the hearing for Ibuki's complaint. Do the two of you find my judgment fair?"

"Absolutely! As expected of the student council vice president—firm, fair, and authoritative! You handled it so well that they didn't even dare argue back," Hikaru praised effortlessly, his tone filled with admiration.

Nagumo's lips curled into a pleased smile, clearly enjoying the flattery.

Ibuki, however, had no interest in lingering any longer. "Good. That's settled. Can we leave now?"

"Indeed. Thank you for your time, Vice President Nagumo. We'll be taking our leave now."

Just as Hikaru and Ibuki turned to exit, Nagumo suddenly spoke up.

"Hikaru-kun, could you stay behind? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"?"

Ibuki paused mid-step, shooting Hikaru a glance. The moment she saw the knowing smirk on his face, realization struck her.

Tch, so this was his plan all along.

No wonder he had been showering Nagumo with respect throughout the entire session—he must have anticipated this moment.

"Unbelievable."

Muttering under her breath, she didn't bother staying any longer and quickly exited the room. The last thing she wanted was to get caught up in one of Hikaru's schemes again.

"Oh? What would you like to talk about, Vice President Nagumo?"

Hikaru turned back with a look of polite curiosity. He had been keenly observing Nagumo throughout the hearing, and it was clear—this student council vice president had a rather complicated dynamic with Manabu.

Though they held the highest positions in the student council together, there was an underlying tension between them. Moreover, the purple-haired secretary, Tachibana, seemed to strongly dislike Nagumo.

That was something worth investigating further.

While Hikaru was lost in thought, Nagumo finally spoke.

"You're in Class B, right? A rather exceptional talent, I must say."

"You flatter me, Vice President. In front of someone like you, I'm just an ordinary student," Hikaru replied humbly, wearing an innocent expression.

"No need to be so modest," Nagumo chuckled, his tone warm yet calculated. "I was in Class B during my first year too, you know. But I worked my way up and secured my place in Class A. I believe you have the potential to do the same."

"Oh? That's quite impressive, Vice President Nagumo!"

Hikaru's expression flickered with genuine surprise—he had assumed Nagumo had always been in Class A.

Interesting.

Nagumo studied Hikaru for a moment before continuing. "After today's events, I've come to see you as someone with a strong sense of justice—bold enough to stand up against violence and protect those in need."

Hikaru nearly laughed. Oh, this guy is good.

"You embody exactly the kind of talent the student council needs," Nagumo continued. "So, what do you say? Would you be interested in joining the student council?"

"This is…!"

Hikaru let his eyes widen slightly as if taken aback by the offer. He even allowed a flicker of excitement to cross his face, as if he had just been granted an opportunity beyond his imagination.

Nagumo smirked inwardly. Hook, line, and sinker.

This first-year was far from innocent—Nagumo could see that clearly.

The fact that Hikaru had managed to orchestrate a trap against Ryuen within just four days of school starting, manipulating both his own and another class, made it impossible for him to be an ordinary student.

But that was exactly what made him valuable.

Nagumo had been looking for someone influential within the first-year student body—someone with ambition, intellect, and the willingness to do what was necessary. With Hikaru on his side, securing total control over the school after Manabu graduated would be significantly easier.

If Hikaru could consolidate power over Class B and beyond, then Nagumo would have an iron grip on the student hierarchy.

So, he didn't mind grooming him.

However, Hikaru's response caught him off guard.

"Vice President Nagumo, while I truly appreciate the offer, I've been dedicating most of my time to my studies recently," Hikaru responded with a conflicted expression. "I don't think I'd be able to take on such an important role right now."

"Ah, that's understandable," Nagumo said smoothly, though inwardly, he narrowed his eyes.

He's cautious.

"How about this?" Nagumo proposed. "Think about it until after this month's exams. Once they're over, we'll talk again."

Hikaru hesitated for a moment before nodding. "That sounds fair. I'll give you my answer then, Vice President."

"Good. I look forward to it," Nagumo said with a confident smile.

As Hikaru turned to leave, a single thought crossed his mind:

This guy is way too obvious.

How did he even become Horikita Manabu's rival? Is second-year really that weak?