COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

Seeing the bald-headed figure suddenly appear before them, along with his ever-present follower, both Hikaru and Ichinose were somewhat surprised.

The events of the first day, when they had attempted to sell the hidden school rules to Class A, remained fresh in Hikaru's memory. The students of Class A had demonstrated exceptional analytical skills and keen judgment, while their two faction leaders, Katsuragi Kōhei and Sakayanagi Arisu, were both formidable opponents that Class B would inevitably have to surpass.

So now, what exactly was Katsuragi here for?

Hikaru's expression grew more serious as he addressed the older student. "Katsuragi, what business do you have with us? Could you clarify before we go anywhere?"

"Let's move to a different location. This isn't the best place to talk," Katsuragi replied, shaking his head, clearly intent on leading them elsewhere.

Hikaru glanced at their surroundings. They were currently in the walkway extending from the school building to the dorms—a place where many students were still walking about. Indeed, it wasn't the most suitable spot for a confidential discussion.

"Fine, where to?"

Hikaru turned to Ichinose, who, while curious, understood that since Katsuragi was one of the central figures in Class A's power struggle, this conversation was likely to be about class competition.

"The café should do," Katsuragi suggested, nodding slightly. "It's on me, of course, since I'm the one inviting you."

"Sounds good to me," Hikaru said, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "You're not trying to buy us off, are you? If that's the case, I should warn you—I don't come cheap."

"Rest assured, Hikaru, I don't underestimate your capabilities. If I truly intended to 'buy you off,' I doubt we'd be able to afford the price."

Katsuragi's solemn response caused Hikaru to momentarily freeze. The playful remark he had prepared got stuck in his throat.

Wait... this guy is this serious?

Ichinose, witnessing the rare sight of Hikaru being caught off guard, couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Haha, this is the first time I've seen you make that face, Hikaru!"

"..."

"Alright, I'll just shut up then."

With his usual carefree demeanor momentarily shaken, Hikaru let out a sigh and followed Katsuragi, along with Ichinose, into the school's café—a place frequently visited by students.

The café's atmosphere was pleasant, and the spacing between tables provided enough privacy for important discussions.

After ordering, the seating arrangement was simple: Katsuragi and his ever-present follower, Totsuka Yahiko, sat side by side, while Hikaru and Ichinose sat opposite them.

"I'll get straight to the point," Katsuragi said firmly. "I'm here to discuss a possible alliance between Class A and Class B."

"An alliance?"

Hikaru raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised. He turned to Ichinose. "What do you think?"

"Hmm... I think we should hear Katsuragi-kun out first."

Ichinose's expression turned serious. An alliance wasn't a decision that could be made lightly—it had far-reaching implications, and she needed to understand what Class A truly wanted.

"This is related to Class A's current situation," Katsuragi began, his tone steady.

"After you sold us the school's hidden rules, the conflict between Sakayanagi and myself still wasn't fully resolved, so we came up with a compromise."

"We decided to take turns leading Class A, rotating leadership based on the results of each Special Exam."

Katsuragi's voice remained calm and composed as he explained the arrangement.

"You're openly telling us this?" Hikaru asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Isn't this classified internal information for your class?"

"If we are to form an alliance, then sincerity is necessary. Otherwise, there's no point in proceeding."

Katsuragi met Hikaru's skepticism head-on before continuing.

"Currently, Class A and Class B are the two strongest classes in our grade. Unlike Classes C and D, we possess strengths they lack—this is our advantage."

Hikaru gently traced the rim of his coffee cup, listening intently.

"But aren't we still competitors in the end?" he countered. "After all, there can only be one class that graduates as Class A."

"That's true," Katsuragi admitted, "but we have three years. That's a long time, and it gives us the chance to make strategic decisions."

"If we ally ourselves now, we can dominate the Special Exams together, leaving Class C and Class D completely unable to threaten our positions. Once they are permanently out of contention, then we can settle things between our two classes at the end."

Katsuragi's words were spoken with conviction, but Hikaru was unimpressed.

So now you're trying to sell me on a dream?

Hikaru found it amusing. Usually, he was the one painting grand visions for others, yet now he was on the receiving end of it.

It was true that Class A had a strong foundation, and teaming up with them would make it easier to leave the lower classes behind. But at the same time, Katsuragi didn't have full control over Class A. Hikaru had no reason to trust him blindly.

This was a school where even students from the same class had reasons to betray one another. Trusting someone from a rival class was an entirely different level of risk.

Not to mention, an alliance like this was restrictive. The Special Exam system was still largely unknown, and tying Class B's fate to another class prematurely could be dangerous.

More importantly, Hikaru had access to intelligence, networks, and strategic advantages that other classes lacked. Unless there was a truly pressing need, he saw no reason to bind himself to another class.

So, instead of rejecting the offer outright, Hikaru decided to test Katsuragi's words.

"Before I give you an answer," he said casually, "has Sakayanagi agreed to this alliance proposal?"

Katsuragi hesitated, just for a moment—an instant that Hikaru didn't miss.

"She has been informed and has not raised objections," Katsuragi eventually replied.

"Hah."

Hikaru let out a small chuckle.

So that's how it is. You're trying to pull a fast one on me.

He knew better than to take that at face value. If Sakayanagi had truly been in favor of the alliance, she would've been here instead.

"I see. I understand now," Hikaru said, pretending not to notice the obvious evasion.

Then, turning to Ichinose, he asked, "As Class B's representative, what do you think of Katsuragi's offer?"

"Me?"

Ichinose had been silently analyzing the pros and cons of the alliance. She understood that during their earlier point-collection plan, Class A had been the easiest to negotiate with. Unlike Classes C and D, where they had encountered resistance, Class A had accepted the offer without trouble.

If they truly could form an alliance, it would be beneficial.

However, when Ichinose met Hikaru's gaze, she instantly understood what he was implying.

She quickly turned back to Katsuragi.

"The idea is interesting," she said, "but I can't decide this alone. I need to consult with my classmates first. This is a major decision, after all."

"That's fine," Katsuragi agreed before pulling out his phone.

"Let's exchange contact information, Hikaru."

"...Alright."

Hikaru nodded. Lately, he'd been collecting quite a few phone numbers, and none of them belonged to easy people.

After exchanging contact information, Katsuragi and Totsuka soon departed.

"Hikaru, what's your real take on all this?" Ichinose asked once they were gone.

By now, she was starting to pick up on Hikaru's unspoken thoughts through his subtle expressions.

"Katsuragi's proposal isn't as simple as it sounds," Hikaru said, rubbing his temple. "The fact that Class A is using a rotating leadership system means they haven't resolved their internal conflict. It'll only get worse as time goes on."

"As soon as one leader makes a mistake, the other faction will exploit it—and things will spiral from there."

Hikaru took a sip of his still-warm coffee, deep in thought.

"And I get the feeling that's exactly why Katsuragi came to us."

~~~

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