COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

Several days had passed since their promotion to Class A, and the students had gradually adapted to their new status. Thanks to Ichinose Honami's efforts, the class remained dedicated to studying, avoiding complacency and maintaining their unity and drive.

Observing this, Hashima Hikaru felt satisfied. He believed that fully integrating the class before the Special Exams was the ideal strategy. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he was confident that he could keep the entire class on track, preventing any potential disruptions or resistance.

Although they had managed to reach Class A within the first month, their Class Points remained close to those of Sakayanagi and Katsuragi's Class B. There was no room for complacency—they needed to stay vigilant.

As Hikaru was contemplating the status of the other classes, a familiar floral scent wafted toward him.

"Hikaru-kun, we have a problem!"

"?"

Looking up, Hikaru saw Ichinose rushing over, her expression filled with urgency.

"What happened? Is it about one of our classmates?" he asked.

"No, it's about Class C. Apparently, someone in their class has been accused of a serious case of violence, and the other party is demanding their expulsion," Ichinose explained, concern evident on her face. "Kushida just messaged me about it. Things in their class are getting chaotic."

A case of violence?

Hikaru's brows furrowed as he continued questioning her. "Who is accusing them?"

"Kushida said it's Class D's Ishizaki Daichi and Komiya Kyogo. They were seriously injured in the incident and even have bandages wrapped around their hands."

"That bad?" Hikaru murmured, his expression darkening. Hearing those names instantly reminded him of a certain person—Ryūen Kakeru.

During his previous plan to set up the photo incident, it was these very two who had

been stationed by Ryūen as backup, waiting to ambush Ibuki.

Checking the timeline, Hikaru noted that Ryūen's suspension should have ended, meaning he had likely returned to class. Given that these two were his lackeys, the timing of this accusation was far too coincidental.

This had to be Ryūen's doing.

"But why is this something you're so concerned about?" Hikaru turned his gaze to Ichinose, speaking in a calm tone. "It's not like it affects our class."

Hearing his question, Ichinose immediately held out her phone, showing him a message from Kushida.

Kushida Kikyo: Ichinose-san, we're trying to find witnesses who saw the incident. Can you ask your classmates to help? I really don't want Sudō to get expelled.

"I see."

After reading the message, Hikaru quickly understood. His gaze shifted to Ichinose's face—this was just like her. Given her kind nature, it was no surprise she wanted to help.

If they could locate any eyewitnesses, it would indeed be useful in a case involving accusations of violence.

However, testimony alone was far less persuasive than physical evidence. People could lie, and whether or not they could convince those with authority over the matter was another issue entirely.

The previous case that led to Ryūen's suspension had already proven that much.

Still, if Ishizaki and Komiya were seriously injured, enough to be bandaged up, it made sense why they were pushing for Sudō's expulsion.

"Should we help?"

Ichinose looked at Hikaru with hopeful eyes. She knew that, technically, Class A and Class C were competitors, but she also had a good relationship with Kushida. More importantly, the thought of someone being expelled made her uneasy.

"Hm… Ichinose-san, can you give me a moment? I need to weigh the risks and benefits of getting involved."

"Okay, I'll wait for your answer," she said earnestly.

Though eager to act, she wanted Hikaru's approval. If he refused, it was unlikely Class A would support the initiative.

As Ichinose shifted her focus back to her phone, Hikaru began analyzing the situation.

There was a high probability that this was orchestrated by Ryūen. Now that his suspension was over, his first target was Class C, which currently ranked higher. This was likely his opening move to reclaim his authority over Class D.

If he succeeded in expelling a Class C student, it could bolster his reputation. Even if his classmates didn't immediately rally behind him, it would definitely change their perception of him.

After all, his actions—while ruthless—would have a tangible impact on their standing. If Class C lost a member and Class D's Class Points weren't far behind, they could potentially regain their ranking next month.

This was a direct challenge to Ibuki.

Compared to Ryūen, Hikaru felt that having Ibuki as Class D's leader was preferable. They had already collaborated twice, and while Ibuki had an abrasive attitude, she wasn't reckless. More importantly, she didn't operate in the shadows the way Ryūen did.

Ryūen, however, was unpredictable. His prior attempt to ambush Ibuki proved he had no reservations about using dirty tactics.

It would be best to suppress him before he could fully reestablish himself.

After weighing the risks and rewards, Hikaru reached his conclusion.

Turning to Ichinose, he nodded. "I think we should help. Reply to Kushida and tell her that Class A will assist in finding witnesses. Have her send over the incident's location and details—I'll inform our classmates."

"Mm-hmm!" Ichinose nodded enthusiastically and quickly typed a response to Kushida.

Meanwhile, in Class C, Kushida was subtly observing her surroundings.

Since Chabashira-sensei had announced the allegations, their class had been split into two factions. One, led by Hirata Yosuke, wanted to support Sudō and fight the accusations, believing they couldn't afford to lose a classmate.

The other faction, however, had the opposite view. They felt Sudō was a troublemaker—hot-tempered, aggressive, and never participating in study groups. To them, his expulsion might actually be beneficial.

Even Kōenji had bluntly stated that expelling Sudō would be the more logical outcome.

Chabashira-sensei had informed them that the case would be reviewed by the Student Council in a week. If the accusations were upheld, not only would Class C lose Class Points, but Sudō would face expulsion.

Kushida had been the one to suggest searching for witnesses. Since it was a fight, there had to have been people who saw it. If they could find someone, it might shift the case in their favor.

When Ichinose's confirmation message arrived, Kushida's face lit up with a smile. She immediately stood up and announced, "Everyone, I just spoke with Ichinose-san from Class A. She's agreed to mobilize her classmates to help us find witnesses."

"Really?" Hirata looked relieved. Increasing their search radius could significantly boost their chances.

"Hikaru-kun is helping as well. We'll coordinate efforts with them after class."

Kushida's eyes swept over the students who had agreed to participate in the plan—Hirata, Yamauchi, Ike, and even Ayanokōji, who had been invited by Yamauchi.

Meanwhile, those who didn't care about Sudō's fate remained silent.

"If we get more people involved in the search, we might have a better shot at success," Hirata stated seriously. "But we need to act fast—we only have a week."

"Right, this is really important. I don't want to see anyone in our class get expelled," Kushida added firmly. "Once Hikaru-kun gets here, we'll divide into teams and start looking for witnesses or any related clues."

"Alright, let's begin right after school!"

As planned, the proactive members of Class C remained after class. A few minutes later, the familiar figures of Hikaru and Ichinose appeared at the door.

"Hikaru-kun, Ichinose-san. You're here," Kushida greeted them warmly.

"Hello, Class C." Ichinose smiled and waved.

Hikaru scanned the room, immediately noticing the empty seats. Many students had already left, clearly uninterested in participating.

Seriously, even in this situation, they couldn't unite?

"Hikaru-kun, Ichinose-san, thank you for offering to help," Hirata stepped forward. "Did you discuss the matter with your classmates? Any leads?"

"I've already gathered the relevant information," Hikaru replied.

Exchanging a glance with Ichinose, he then explained, "I checked where everyone in our class was yesterday. Three students were near the Special Building but never went up to the second floor, so they didn't witness the incident. One person bought a drink at the nearby vending machines but didn't stay long."

"That's all the information Class A can provide."

Silence filled the room.

Hirata stared at Hikaru's composed demeanor and Ichinose's calm expression. At that moment, he realized something.

Hikaru had complete control over his class.

While Hirata struggled to get everyone to cooperate, Hikaru had already gathered a full report in mere hours.

How could he even compete with that?

~~~

Read 30 Chapters Ahead!

> patreon.com/HudaLin