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Thinking of this, Chabashira finally let out a long sigh.
Suddenly, she overheard the casual chat between the third-year homeroom teacher and the second-year homeroom teacher.
"Have you heard? Student Council President Horikita Manabu seems to have forbidden third-year students from selling any test papers to second-year students."
"Hmm? How did you know about this?"
"Nagumo from our Class A complained to me about this, saying that the Student Council President raised the price of test papers to a staggering ten million points."
"Ah? Selling for ten million? That's ruthless! So, are you going to help Nagumo with this?"
"Since a student reported it, I had to ask the school. I just finished the call, and the school rejected it, saying it was a matter between students and had nothing to do with them. You know, this school always encourages students to solve problems themselves. Besides, test papers aren't something that can be brought into the light."
"You shouldn't have interfered in the first place. If you really wanted to manage it, you should've acted when Nagumo signed those unequal treaties in the second year. Student Council President Horikita Manabu is merely prohibiting third-year students from selling test papers this time. As for setting a high price of ten million points, frankly, it's to completely cut off the second-year students' idea of taking 'shortcuts.' There's nothing wrong with this approach. Why are they complaining? Just because they can't 'trick' their way through anymore?"
"As Nagumo's homeroom teacher, although I'm grateful that his efforts helped our class move from Class B to Class A, work is work. He's never really respected me, and to be honest, I don't particularly like him."
"As expected of the strongest Student Council President in history, he finally made a move this time. But honestly, this method doesn't really suit his usual style. I thought he'd continue to tacitly allow Nagumo to do as he pleased!"
The conversation between the two homeroom teachers drifted in and out, carrying the casual tone typical of office chatter.
However, for Chabashira, the topic felt somewhat distant, as it concerned events happening in the second and third years.
She'd heard a little about Student Council President Horikita Manabu.
He was indeed a top-tier talent in all aspects, and his character was beyond reproach.
Upon reflection, his actions this time didn't quite align with his usual style.
Regarding her opinion on the matter, her first reaction was: Nagumo simply doesn't have to buy them, it just means fewer class points.
But Nagumo specifically reported it, which clearly meant the situation wasn't as simple as she thought.
Could it be that he had no choice but to buy?
If so, then this was a classic open conspiracy. Blatantly presenting a choice, forcing the other party to spend a large number of points, or face even greater losses if they didn't buy.
This logic somehow reminded her of the previous incident involving renting surveillance.
The core similarity between the two was striking: there was no so-called information asymmetry. It was simply a contract laid out before you, forcing you to grit your teeth and accept the terms, even knowing it'd cost a large number of points.
This method really did resemble Akira's approach.
Seemingly straightforward, yet ultimately unsolvable.
Knowing full well you're being played, yet you're forced to hold your nose and accept the other party's conditions.
The more she thought about it, the more astonishingly high the probability seemed.
Because Akira was indeed acquainted with Horikita Manabu.
An ordinary first-year student might not understand the power dynamics of the second and third years.
But Akira was different.
She clearly remembered that a month ago, because of the information selling incident, she'd thoroughly explained the ins and outs of second-year Nagumo's power to him, even mentioning the conflict between Nagumo and Student Council President Horikita Manabu.
Perhaps he'd devised this current strategy from those two pieces of information.
'So, this matter even had my unwitting involvement behind it?!'
When this thought emerged, she felt an incredible sense of disbelief.
The information she'd casually provided could, in an invisible way, stir up the winds and clouds among the upperclassmen?
Just as she was thinking this, a figure suddenly leaned over. Hoshinomiya, wearing a pink silk blouse, placed her hands with a "thump" on her desk, her chest almost touching Chabashira's face.
She expressionlessly shifted her gaze away from her half-covered bosom.
They were both women, what was there to look at?
Besides, in terms of figure, she didn't lose out to her at all.
"Sae-chan, what are you thinking about?" her best friend asked with a sweet smile, tilting her head, her voice trailing off softly.
"Nothing," she replied coolly.
"Is that so?" Hoshinomiya drew out her words. "Oh, by the way, Shimizu-kun from your class. I suppose I can meet him privately, right?"
"What do you want to do?!" she immediately frowned, looking at her warily.
"Well..." The pink-haired teacher lightly tapped her chin, smiling slyly, "Naturally, I'm a little curious about him. After all, last time he said he was single."
"You're not allowed to make a move on him!" she blurted out almost instantly.
"Heh heh, I'm a teacher, after all." Hoshinomiya waved her hand and then left. "Just a casual chat, asking him for his thoughts on Class B."
'Thoughts on Class B?!'
Chabashira frowned, watching Hoshinomiya's retreating back.
To be honest, having worked together for so many years, she understood her best friend's personality all too well.
She must still be holding onto that little grudge from high school, constantly trying to compete with her.
But that matter had clearly passed more than ten years ago.
Objectively speaking, she'd indeed been irrational back then, making impulsive decisions.
But after so many years, her classmates from Class B had long since moved on. Occasionally chatting in their old class group, everyone talked about the days they struggled together, their voices full of nostalgia.
Only Hoshinomiya, like a tightly wound spring, followed her from high school to university, and from graduation to this Advanced Nurturing High School.
Even reaching here wasn't enough. She insisted on teaching a class in the same year as Chabashira, as if she wouldn't rest until a winner was decided.
Teaching classes in the same year was one thing, but who would've thought she'd find ways to interfere with Chabashira's class, overtly and covertly targeting her class?
Over the years, the classes she led had not only failed to upgrade but had even experienced demotions.
Chabashira had to admit that her own lack of skill in leading a class was part of the reason, but Hoshinomiya's constant interference was even more to blame.
Her most common tactic was to win people over. Either by privately contacting the excellent students in her class, offering them benefits, and directly "buying" them into her own class.
Or by having her own class's attractive students take the initiative, going on a few dates with them, and if they hit it off, they'd start dating directly. This way, her own students would unknowingly be lured away.
Sometimes, she'd even personally take action.
Over the years, Hoshinomiya's tactics had almost always worked, a single trick conquering all.
Chabashira had lost count of how many times she'd seen crucial talents in her class poached by her, leaving the entire class in a predicament with no one to rely on for subsequent special exams, ultimately leading to a miserable defeat.
This time, she'd absolutely not let her do as she pleased again.
'So, Shimizu Akira, he shouldn't be easily tempted, right? Wait, does he even have a girlfriend right now?'