While Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School's regulations differed significantly from ordinary schools, its basic layout remained similar. For instance, each homeroom teacher's office was situated at the end of the first-year hallway, separate from regular teachers' offices.
Since regular teachers didn't participate in inter-class competitions, their offices were placed on the opposite side of the building to prevent information leaks between classes.
Hashima and Ichinose Honami walked side by side behind Hoshinomiya Chie as they headed to the staff room to collect textbooks.
Their primary objective, however, was to print the contract prohibiting resale of school rules - a crucial document for their rule-selling scheme currently stored on the homeroom teacher's computer.
As they moved through the hallway, Hoshinomiya-sensei at the front seemed unusually cheerful, humming an unfamiliar tune.
With her high school girl appearance and childlike crystalline voice, she amused Hashima.
"Teacher, did something good happen?"
Ichinose, skilled at social lubrication, initiated conversation lightly.
"Why yes~" Hoshinomiya replied, skipping slightly. "Today I discovered two exceptional students. And they're mine! How could I not be delighted?"
"...Is that so? That's... wonderful news indeed."
Still unaccustomed to this style of speech, Ichinose responded with slight awkwardness.
"Hoshinomiya-sensei, what time does morning orientation end today?"
Uninterested in trivialities, Hashima asked a more practical question.
"11:30. About one hour remains."
Stopping before the staff room, she added:
"Being the first day, after opening ceremony we're just distributing textbooks and dorm keycards. Then we'll hold class representative elections."
"After that you're free to prepare for tomorrow's classes."
"But since you're visiting Class A afterward, hurry with the textbooks."
"Understood."
"Incidentally, our election system is special," Hoshinomiya remarked with an enigmatic smile. "There's only one position."
Hashima and Ichinose exchanged knowing glances. Now aware of the hidden rules, they immediately grasped the implications.
"Call it class rep, leader, or delegate - the title doesn't matter," the teacher continued casually. "This person must guide the class forward."
"I see."
After observing Hashima, her gaze shifted to Ichinose.
"Personally though, I'd prefer Ichinose-san for this role."
"Eh? Why? Hashima-kun would be more suitable!"
Flustered, the girl immediately downplayed her capabilities.
"No, I agree with sensei," Hashima interjected calmly. "Ichinose possesses a quality I lack."
"Which is?"
"Charisma."
Generous with free compliments (potentially boosting stock value), he elaborated:
"You radiate natural reliability. Even strangers would easily open up to you. It's innate talent."
"Perfect for unifying the class. You'd surely resolve any conflicts."
"Stop it, I'm not that..."
Under such direct praise, Ichinose began blushing, her expression flustered.
Delighted by this spectacle, Hoshinomiya couldn't resist commenting:
"Ah, youth~"
Then, examining the pair - the angelically handsome boy and the tall, graceful girl who somehow looked perfectly matched despite identical uniforms - she added mischievously:
"I hope you two get along well. Who knows, perhaps—"
"The election can wait for democratic voting. Let's focus on our current task."
Hashima bluntly cut off her implications.
"How cruel~ But I'll enjoy watching how this develops, hahaha!"
Entering the staff room, Hashima noticed a slender female figure.
"Oh, Sae-chan! Here for textbooks too?"
Hoshinomiya's familiar address suggested a long-standing relationship.
"Yes."
Only upon approaching did Hashima properly observe the newcomer: Unlike fashionable Hoshinomiya, this woman wore a strict professional suit - immaculate black jacket over white blouse, her figure accentuated by black tights hugging model-like legs.
Her delicate face maintained an icy expression that strangely contrasted with the mature, alluring aura she projected.
'In short, a hot milf with an attitude colder than ice.'
"I brought two talented newcomers," Hoshinomiya boasted. "Hashima-kun and Ichinose-san."
Introducing: "This is Chabashira Sae, Class D's homeroom teacher. Address her as Chabashira-sensei."
"Good morning, Chabashira-sensei."
Despite their courtesy, she only offered a curt nod before hastily departing.
"Don't mind her, she's always like that," Hoshinomiya remarked... yet Hashima detected venom lurking beneath her smile.
'Hmm... Teacher tensions, huh? Interesting...'
As he mentally recorded this observation, a notification appeared on his interface:
[Ding! Chabashira Sae stock now available!
Current price: 50
Available shares: 4000]
'...The hell?!'
Stunned, the boy stared at the screen. 'We can actually raise affection with teachers?'
'I planned to take things slow, but is this system pushing me toward insanity?'