Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 7 Chapter 4

The Backstage Crew and the Mastermind

It was Monday. When the bell rang to signal the end of the sixth period, I let out a quiet stretch.

(Today's classes are over...)

Which means, next up is—Management Tournament time.

The tournament, which has been running for a month and a half, concludes this Friday. It felt long, but perhaps because I’ve been completely absorbed in it, it also felt short.

With only one week left, everyone was fired up. After homeroom ended, half the class didn't leave, but instead placed their laptops on their desks and started working on the game.

However... something seemed wrong.

"Huh?"

"No way..."

"This is..."

One after another, the students who opened their laptops frowned.

(What’s going on? Did something happen in the tournament?)

Feeling the heavy atmosphere, I immediately opened my laptop.

After logging in, I instinctively glanced at the news as usual.

"...Huh?"

In the Management Tournament's news column, two headlines were listed that made me doubt my own eyes.

──Konohana Motors, Inc. concealed a massive product recall.

──Tennouji Pharma, Inc. suspected of window-dressing financial reports.

"...!?"

I was so shocked I couldn't help but stand up.

This can't be...

A scandal involving Hinako and Tennouji-san's companies?

"K-Konohana-san!"

Unable to sit still, I called out to Hinako.

A female classmate next to Hinako was explaining the situation to her. Hinako watched the screen, then calmly looked around the classroom and said:

"Everyone, please don't worry. I'm fine."

She didn't so much as raise an eyebrow. She was as calm and composed as ever.

However, no matter how perfectly Hinako played the role of an ojou-sama, it wasn't enough to dispel the confusion in the classroom.

"Pardon me."

Just then, a girl with striking golden-blonde ringlet curls entered our classroom.

"Tennouji-san..."

"We're holding a tea party. Immediately."

Tennouji-san looked at me, Taisho, Asahi... and finally at Hinako, then spoke.

"Hinako Konohana, you're coming too."

"...Very well."

Hinako gave a silent nod.

And so—an emergency tea party was called.

◆

Given the emergency, it seemed everyone wanted to meet and discuss it. Despite the sudden summons, every member was able to attend.

In a tense and uneasy atmosphere... Tennouji-san took a sip of her tea and sighed.

"Good grief... to give us such an absurd problem at the very end."

She said this with an attitude I couldn't quite understand. She should have been in trouble... but she wasn't flustered.

"Tennouji-san... you're very calm."

"Panicking is useless. Besides, we've done nothing wrong."

She's done nothing wrong?

"It's a school-run game event."

She explained, looking at me.

"Think back. We had one before, right? When the e-commerce giant 'Amazon' entered the logistics industry. This is the same as that."

That did happen. Taisho explained it to me then—when the game state gets stagnant, the school initiates special events.

"Tomonari-kun, you didn't really think I would make such a blunder, did you?"

"N-No, I thought it was impossible..."

But, it was in the news. If you asked me if I was 100% certain, I'd be lying.

"Hinako Konohana, just to be sure, yours is a game event as well, correct?"

"Yes. I just received the notification."

Hinako nodded, looking at her laptop screen.

"I see... so it's a game event."

Seeing them both so calm, I let out a sigh of relief.

Thinking about it, there was no way Hinako would make such a huge mistake. She may be that way at home, but when she’s in public, she can play the perfect ojou-sama role well enough to fool the entire school. Besides, Kagen-san himself had guaranteed her practical skills.

But—

"...We can't be too relieved."

Tennouji-san murmured, her expression serious.

"I've heard that students who failed to handle these events in the past had their second-semester grades drop significantly. Their tournament score was likely graded as the lowest possible."

"The lowest score... that's harsh."

"It's because we are expected to be able to handle this."

Tennouji-san replied flatly.

"As I'm sure you've noticed, Tomonari-kun, the financial balance in the tournament is extremely close to the real world. Because of that, if you come from a prominent family, you can sail through... These game events are designed to eliminate that unfairness."

I see...

Why were Hinako and Tennouji-san chosen as the targets? Because they both started the game at Level 100.

The Konohana Group and the Tennouji Family are massive. They started with capital that all the other students combined couldn't hope to touch. In short, they were the only two who could steamroll the entire market with their initial stats.

That's why the school prepared this. A challenge suitable for Level 100 players.

"Still, this event seems way too harsh, doesn't it? As someone who went through the 'Amazon' incident, even I'm shocked by this."

"I agree. Compared to previous years, this seems much more difficult."

Taisho and Asahi said, looking grim.

"That's because not every year has students like me and Hinako Konohana."

The Konohana Group and the Tennouji Family are two of Japan's largest conglomerates. Having the heiresses of both in the same school year... our generation was, perhaps, an exception.

An exceptional generation gets an exceptional challenge.

This was Kiou Academy's answer.

"That said, because I took on a high-risk management style with active acquisitions, my event is actually simpler compared to Hinako Konohana's."

Even though Tennouji-san started at Level 100, she actively chose high-risk options. In other words, because she created and solved her own problems, the school lowered the event's difficulty for her.

"By the old standards, Miyakojima-san might have been a target... but she was likely excluded for the same reason I was."

"That's... true. I could have been a target, but nothing's happened. I guess I was excluded."

Narika was also aware of the conditions for game events. Unlike Tennouji-san, she didn't focus on acquisitions, but she did continuously create new products. That's a management style that requires a lot of courage, and the school must have judged that she'd completed her "challenge" already.

"Huh...? Wait... could it be...?"

"Miyakojima-san, what's wrong?"

Narika seemed to realize something, and Asahi asked her about it.

"Ah, nothing... It's just... at the start of the tournament, a foreign competitor kept copying my products... I thought it was weird but didn't pay it much mind, and then they went bankrupt... thinking back, that was probably the game event, wasn't it...?"

Everyone stared silently at Narika.

You... That must have been it. Back when she was developing the custom running shoes and women's compression wear.

According to her, a foreign rival kept copying Shimax products to steal market share. Naturally, copying at the same high price is pointless, so they cut their prices. But Narika's ideas easily outpaced them. Shimax released one revolutionary product after another, maintaining its brand presence, and the competitor went bankrupt, unable to steal any market share.

That was... almost certainly... the game event. I can't imagine any student in this school would dare to pick a fight with Shimax.

"...I'm starting to think Miyakojima-san might be the most incredible one here."

"H-Huh? Why? Did I do something weird...?"

Narika looked confused, as if to say, "What did I mess up now?"

You just pulled off another huge feat... just like always.

"Hinako Konohana, are you alright?"

Tennouji-san looked toward Hinako.

Hinako lowered her eyes slightly.

"I think I'll be fine... but Konohana Motors is a significant part of my group. It will take time to rebuild. I may... need to borrow all of your strength."

For Hinako in her ojou-sama mode, that was a rare show of weakness. But then, in this situation, it would be weirder not to be worried.

"If you're okay with it, I'll help both of you!"

"Me too! I'll help!"

Taisho and Asahi offered their support. Narika, a beat later, nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

"I appreciate the offer, but I'll be fine."

Tennouji-san said, calmly sipping her tea. Just then, a female student walked up behind her.

"My apologies, I'm late."

"No, your timing is perfect."

Tennouji-san placed her cup on the table and looked at us.

"I will be challenging this event with Suminoe-san... together."

The girl standing behind Tennouji-san, Suminoe-san, gave a quiet bow. It seems Tennouji-san had already arranged for her own backup.

"I'm sure you all know Suminoe-san's capabilities. And, for some reason, she's very familiar with the company's situation, so I asked for her help."

Why would that be...?

I was confused. I looked at Suminoe-san, and she shot me a sharp glare. Her eyes were telling me, "Don't say a single word."

"I see. Well, if you have Suminoe-san, we can rest easy."

"Hehe... thank you for the compliment."

Asahi said, and Suminoe-san gave a soft smile.

"Suminoe-san, I'm counting on you."

"Mmm...!"

"? Suminoe-san, did you say something?"

"N-No... nothing."

Suminoe-san blushed and tried to hide it.

Are you really going to be okay...? I thought, looking at her.

I'm fine, you're so rude... she seemed to glare back.

"Well, we don't have much time, so let's adjourn for today."

Tennouji-san said, standing up.

"Suminoe-san, let's focus on grasping the situation today. We'll start our discussions tomorrow."

"Understood."

Tennouji-san hurried out of the cafe, heading for the school gate. She said her problem was simpler than Hinako's, but window dressing is still a massive issue. She may have been elegant in the tea party, but she was surely panicking on the inside.

"Konohana-san!"

A voice called out from the cafe entrance.

"Um, we..."

"We thought we might be able to help...!"

The students who admired Hinako had been watching from afar, waiting for the tea party to end. Now they all flocked over.

"...Thank you, everyone. I would be grateful to hear your opinions."

"O-Of course!"

Hinako usually handles everything flawlessly on her own... she has always maintained that image, but this time, it seemed she wanted all the help she could get.

Hinako left the cafe with the group of students.

"We should go too."

"You're right!"

Taisho and Asahi followed the crowd.

I was debating whether to follow... but first, I looked at the one person who had stayed behind.

"Uh... Suminoe-san?"

"My, how kind of Tomonari-kun to speak to a loser like me."

"A loser..."

That's an awkward thing to say. I wish she wouldn't.

"Besides, shouldn't you be more worried?"

Worried?

As I tilted my head in confusion, Suminoe-san pointed at me triumphantly.

"Tennouji-sama chose me. Which means—when an emergency hits, she relies on me, not you!"

"Wha—!?"

N-Now that she mentions it... she's right.

Hinako and Tennouji-san are both facing huge corporate challenges. The most useful person in this situation would be a management consultant. And Tennouji-san didn't pick me.

Could it be... just as Suminoe-san said...?

Just as I was thinking that, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

"Ah, it's a call from Tennouji-san."

"!?"

Suminoe-san's face was a mask of "That's impossible!" shock. Of course we call each other. I felt a little surge of satisfaction.

"Tomonari-kun, can you talk right now?"

"Yes. We just said goodbye. Is something wrong?"

"No... it's nothing important. I just wanted to tell you something."

Tennouji-san said, sounding hesitant.

"This game event... Hinako Konohana's situation is more severe than mine. So I want you to support her as much as possible."

She continued.

"To be honest, I wanted to rely on you. But I'm the one who proposed the tea party alliance. I have an obligation to ensure the best outcome for all members. So... um... it's not that I don't want to rely on your strength!"

I wasn't even bothered by it... She's so kind.

And so principled. She's thinking about the best solution for the alliance, not just for herself.

"Thank you for your consideration... If an emergency comes up, I'll do what I can. Please don't hesitate to ask."

"Good... I'm leaving Hinako Konohana to you."

Tennouji-san said that and hung up.

I put my phone back in my pocket... and looked at Suminoe-san.

"Wh-Why are you... smiling like that...?"

"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking again how incredible Tennouji-san is, hearing her deep-seated thoughts."

"Wh-What did she say!?"

"Who knows? Why don't you ask her yourself?"

"Y-You...! Please tell me! I'm bowing...!"

You don't have to do that, just ask her... I thought, though she'd probably be too nervous to speak.

I ignored Suminoe-san, who was bowing with a bright red face, and leisurely sipped my tea.

Ah, the tea at Kiou Academy really is delicious.

◆

Hinako finished talking with her classmates at 6 PM.

When we got home, she stumbled toward her bedroom.

I dropped my bag in my room and, without changing, went straight to Hinako's room.

"Hinako."

Hinako was slumped over her desk.

"Good work today. You okay?"

"Nn... sleepy... but I have to."

Hinako slowly pushed herself upright and opened her laptop. She probably wanted to dive straight into bed, but she couldn't.

(Time to assess the situation.)

I needed to understand everything so I could help.

I opened my laptop on her desk and launched the Management Tournament.

The same headlines were still at the top.

──Tennouji Pharma, Inc. suspected of window-dressing financial reports.

Tennouji Pharma is the pharmaceutical company within the Tennouji Group. It's a subsidiary of the group's core, Tennouji Chemical, and is listed on the Tokyo Prime Market.

This company was accused of window dressing.

Window dressing is, in short, accounting fraud—faking financial statements. For example, inflating sales, reducing expenses, and faking profits.

Why do it? If a company posts losses year after year, it becomes difficult to get loans from banks, and shareholders and customers will leave. So, they disguise a company that's falling apart on the inside to look pristine on the outside.

Tennouji Pharma had been posting losses for years. Since its parent is Tennouji Chemical, funding wasn't an issue, but the repeated business failures were souring relationships with stakeholders. They must have been desperate to keep a key client, so they faked the books. That must be the scenario.

Discovering that the company you thought was profitable was lying... window dressing is a scandal that destroys a company's credibility.

How do you even come back from that? I couldn't imagine.

(Still, I'll leave that to Tennouji-san and Suminoe-san...)

They are both brilliant managers. If they team up, they can surely solve it. It might be optimistic, but that's what I believed.

What I needed to focus on... was the other problem.

──Konohana Motors, Inc. concealed a massive product recall.

Recall concealment—this is a massive scandal.

The auto industry has a recall system. If a flaw in design or manufacturing is found, the company must repair it for free. This system is so important, it's written into law.

Evading that system and hiding the problem is "recall concealment."

In short, Konohana Motors has been hiding a defect that it was legally required to recall.

Cars carry human lives. A design flaw could lead to injuries or deaths. But... recalls cost money. From what I checked, the number of cars involved was half a million. A full recall and free repairs would mean an enormous loss for Konohana Motors.

Even so, from an ethical standpoint, human life is irreplaceable... Konohana Motors hid the truth, and now its credibility has plummeted.

"Pardon me."

Shizune-san knocked and entered the room.

"Ojou-sama, here is the updated data you requested."

"...Thank you."

Hinako took the tablet, her eyes darting between it and her laptop screen.

Shizune-san had synced with her on the ride home. Hinako had determined that this crisis would cause many companies to make unusual moves, and she'd asked Shizune-san to meticulously update all their client information.

"Also, I have a message from your father."

Hinako's movements stopped cold.

She turned her head. Shizune-san spoke with a serious expression.

"He says you will rebuild this company."

Shizune-san continued.

"This game event is unprecedentedly severe. But, by that same token, anyone who can overcome it is a true manager... The entire school is watching your every move. This means... you are being tested."

A test.

Is Hinako really a perfect ojou-sama?

Does she truly have the talent to stand at the apex of Kiou Academy?

"Therefore, you will rebuild... That is his message."

"...I know, even if he didn't say it."

Hinako sighed softly and turned back to her computer.

Tennouji-san was probably facing her own event with the same resolve. Failing to overcome this would mean being labeled a fraud. For Tennouji-san, that would be an unbearable humiliation.

"This is just me talking... but Kiou Academy is truly vicious."

Shizune-san said, looking at Hinako's back.

"Ojou-sama's steady, stable management style is just as valid as Tennouji-sama's. Each has its merits. To single out Ojou-sama for such a harsh trial... I find it rather displeasing."

"...It can't be helped. The sponsors of the tournament are all rich, but not all of them are management experts... I'm sure some of them can't understand the things you just mentioned."

It's rare to see Shizune-san show her displeasure so openly. But Hinako accepted the situation rationally.

(I should help, too.)

Staring blankly wasn't helping. I moved closer to Hinako.

"Hinako, what's Konohana Motors' status now?"

"A lot... I'm organizing it."

Hinako said, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

"...It's about like this."

She finished her summary and showed me the screen. She'd organized the current status in a document.

First, the largest shareholder—a foreign automaker—had paused their capital alliance. This was already a near-fatal situation. Luckily (or unluckily), the stock price had fallen so low that the shareholder hadn't dumped their shares yet.

Konohana Motors' stock, which had been near 2,000 yen, had plummeted to around 1,000. Its market cap had been cut in half, from one trillion yen to 500 billion.

There are many "companies" in the tournament that could easily come up with 500 billion. This meant Konohana Motors was vulnerable to a hostile takeover. A falling stock price is a nightmare for management, but for an investor, it's a huge opportunity.

—Prevent a hostile takeover.

That would be our goal. A company with the scale and track record of Konohana Motors wouldn't go bankrupt easily, but it would attract corporate vultures. We had to act before they could tear it apart.

"What about the shares?"

"Several parties have already started buying up shares. And, of course, some are short-selling..."

"...If we don't do something fast, the shares will be snatched up."

"Yes... Speed is crucial."

It seems the vultures were already circling. Among them were foreign companies and investors... If Konohana Motors was bought by a foreign entity, what would happen to its current employees? Their lives would surely be thrown off the happy path they'd imagined.

But, a thought occurred to me.

(...Come to think of it, is there anyone in this school who would dare to oppose Hinako?)

From what I could see, the entities buying the stock were all AI companies. Her classmates were all cheering for her. Konohana Motors was definitely in a bind, but thanks to Hinako's reputation, it seemed the worst-case scenario could be avoided.

Maybe there are no strong vultures.

To begin with, there's no manager in this school who could surpass Hinako. The only ones who come close are Tennouji-san and Narika, and they're both allies.

If that's the case, this event... Hinako should be able to overcome it easily, right?

"...Nn."

A notification appeared in Hinako's inbox.

She clicked it immediately. I read the subject line out loud:

"Hamada Motors proposes capital and business partnership...?"

Hamada Motors wasn't run by a student; it was an AI-run company. The email was mechanical and blunt, getting straight to the point.

Hamada Motors was proposing to buy 34% of Konohana Motors' stock. That's the exact amount needed to gain veto power and influence management. But—

"...This... isn't a bad offer."

Hinako whispered.

Konohana Motors' current largest shareholder (the foreign automaker) holds 30%. Add Hamada Motors at 34%, and that's 70% of the shares locked up. This makes it impossible for a third party to acquire a 50% majority—in other words, it prevents a hostile takeover.

"My classmates also offered to invest... but this is the best offer."

Hamada Motors is a massive corporation, on par with Konohana Motors. If they get a capital injection from a company like this, Konohana Motors can be saved... That's what society would think. That trust would, in turn, be the power needed to keep other shareholders from leaving.

If they don't restore trust, and fast, the stock price will just keep falling.

Therefore, as Hinako said, speed is paramount—

(...Something feels off.)

I used my own laptop to look up Hamada Motors, and I felt a strange sense of unease.

It was hard to explain, but I... I couldn't trust this company.

"Hinako, are you sure this company is okay?"

Hamada Motors should be run by an AI, but for some reason... I could feel something almost like hostility from this company's data.

But why?

There shouldn't be anyone in this school trying to trap Hinako...

"I just... have a bad feeling about this."

It was a vague, unpleasant feeling.

It was weak evidence, not enough to convince anyone, but I had to say it. I don't know why—but I felt that accepting this company's investment would lead to disaster.

"...I trust you."

Hinako said softly.

"In that case... I am formally hiring you, Consultant Tomonari."

Her eyes locked onto mine.

"I want you to save Konohana Motors... but we don't have time. I need a concrete proposal from you within three days."

Hinako stared at me intently.

I met her expectant gaze and nodded deeply.

"Understood."

◆

The next day, after school.

"Konohana-san! I was thinking yesterday—"

"Konohana-san, my company can invest this much—"

Students, all intending to help Hinako, filed into the classroom one after another. I watched this from the side, put my textbook in my bag, and left to find a place where I could concentrate.

Hinako was scheduled to negotiate with many students and would be home late for the rest of the tournament's final week. If she could find a partner among them with better terms than Hamada Motors, my worries would be completely resolved—but that was unlikely.

My job was simple.

First, clarify why Hamada Motors felt so unnatural.

Then, if we couldn't rely on their investment, I needed to propose an alternative.

(My job is simple... and yet, not simple at all.)

I couldn't think of a single alternative right now. The goal was to help Konohana Motors restore its credibility, but the company lacked the strength to do it alone. It needed outside help.

For me, business is all about connections. Because of that, if I couldn't be useful in a situation like this, I was meaningless.

"Itsuki."

Someone called out to me as I was walking down the hall.

"Oh, Narika. What's up?"

"Um... well, I was just wondering how Konohana-san is doing."

Narika asked, somewhat hesitant and reserved.

"She's still in talks with other students... Should I go get her?"

"Ah, no, it's fine. I don't really have a proposal... I was just... worried."

Worry—she would never use that word unless she considered Hinako an important friend.

I couldn't help but smile. When I first became her caretaker, Hinako took a day off from the stress of her "performance," and no one worried about her then.

Things are different now. The thought filled me with a strange sense of joy.

"Narika, are you free today?"

"Huh? Oh, uh, yeah. I am."

"Then let's go to the cafe for a strategy session. We can figure out what we can do."

"...Right! Let's do it!"

Narika and I headed to the cafe.

On the way, I brought her up to speed on Konohana Motors' current situation.

"...I see. So Konohana-san is planning to accept Hamada Motors' offer?"

Narika said, after we had sat down and ordered our drinks.

"But you're against it."

"Right. Though... my reasoning is based on almost nothing."

"...No, I trust you. You have a good track record, after all."

I was momentarily speechless at how easily she trusted me. Just like Hinako, Narika believed in me completely.

To live up to that trust, I had to find out what was wrong with Hamada Motors.

"I've been trying to follow your example and learn about stocks... what if... what if they issued stock with no voting rights and took the investment that way? That way, even if Hamada Motors has bad intentions, it won't affect management, right?"

She was talking about non-voting shares. It was a type of special stock, similar to a "golden share." Narika had learned a lot in such a short time, but—

"...This recall has made the public doubt Konohana Motors' corporate structure. If they insist on keeping management in-house at a time like this, it will just provoke the shareholders even more."

"Ah... I see. It's not just about preventing a takeover."

"Right. We also have to restore public trust in the company."

Narika understood immediately, so I added:

"The reason the Hamada Motors offer is so attractive is that it shows the world Konohana Motors is serious about changing its corporate culture. Hamada Motors is in the same industry and is a similar size. Handing over some management rights to them would allow them to 'clean house' from the inside."

It would show they were rooting out the problem. It could also lead to new business through the capital partnership. By showing these changes, they might just be able to retain their shareholders and convince them that Konohana Motors still had a future.

"...Looks like my crammed-in knowledge isn't helpful after all."

Narika gave a weak smile.

"No, that's not true. It just didn't happen to fit this specific case..."

"You don't have to comfort me... You really are amazing. It's incredible how much you've learned about management in just a month and a half... I can see why Konohana-san wants to keep you by her side."

Narika said, staring at her laptop screen.

"I actually had something I wanted to propose to her before the tournament ended, but with things the way they are now... it's probably impossible."

She said, crestfallen.

But I knew the truth. Narika just had low self-esteem; in reality, she possessed exceptional abilities.

"...Can I hear what your proposal was?"

"Okay. This is the business I was thinking of..."

Narika turned her laptop screen toward me. She wanted to propose a strategic alliance with Hinako's company.

When I saw the contents—

"...Let's do it."

"Huh?"

"You really do have a talent for this. And a company the size of Shimax is a suitable partner for Konohana Motors."

This could work. I was convinced the moment I saw the plan. If we could push this plan through—we could save Konohana Motors.

"Narika, let's help Konohana-san together."

I said, looking at her across the table.

Narika's lips tightened.

"...Before the sports festival, Konohana-san helped me make friends."

That's right, she did.

Her eyes burned with determination as she spoke.

"I've been wanting to repay her for that... now it's my turn to help her!"

Just wait, Hinako.

We will absolutely create the best possible future.

◆

The next day after school, Narika and I met at the cafe again to work on the plan.

"Narika, how's it going?"

"I've got the basic prep done. All that's left is to create the materials to convince Konohana-san."

She was faster than I'd expected. Narika seemed to be fully motivated. With only three days left, we had no time to waste.

"What about you, Itsuki? The Hamada Motors problem..."

"...I haven't found any hard evidence yet."

My progress was behind Narika's.

"A little digging showed that the person who reported Konohana Motors for the recall concealment was an employee at Hamada Motors."

"What!? Th-Then that proves it's suspicious!"

"I want to think so, but Hamada Motors and Konohana Motors already do business together. It's possible they just discovered it through normal channels..."

It just looked suspicious for now. I had to investigate Hamada Motors based on my intuition, but I couldn't let that create a bias that they were definitely up to no good. Based on the results, it was possible Hamada Motors was clean.

You have a talent for seeing the truth behind the data. You've started to realize it, haven't you?

I remembered what Takuma-san had told me.

But you can go further... From now on, don't just look at the managers. Look at the shareholders, too.

He said my talent could reach the next level.

(Shareholders...)

I called Shizune-san. She picked up immediately.

"Is something wrong?"

"Shizune-san, can you send me the shareholder register for Konohana Motors?"

"I just shared it with Ojou-sama yesterday. I'll send you a copy."

"Thank you."

I received the data via a transfer. I got the semi-annual shareholder registers and cross-referenced them with Konohana Motors' current financial statements, analyzing them one by one.

I have to trust my intuition.

I made a list of shareholders that I found suspicious. Since I had the semi-annual registers, I could generally tell when each shareholder bought in. Normally, you buy when you predict earnings will grow or when the stock price drops. In either case, the timing should be linked to the company's performance.

However, there were several shareholders who bought stock at times that didn't fit either of those.

"...What's with these shareholders?"

There were several large, unidentified, and strangely-behaving shareholders. They bought in at baffling times, and not just small amounts—they invested enough to become major shareholders.

(The number of strange shareholders has spiked in the last two years?)

I stared at the screen, trying to make sense of this anomaly.

"Itsuki, what is it?"

"...Konohana Motors has several unidentified shareholders. And the number has been growing ever since the tournament began."

It was extremely suspicious... I needed to investigate this properly.

"Let's hire an outside firm to investigate. Maybe they can connect the dots."

I switched screens, looked up participating companies, found a reliable investigation firm, and immediately sent a request.

"...Okay, I finished the draft!"

Narika, who had been working across from me, suddenly announced in a cheerful voice.

"Itsuki, take a look!"

"Got it."

I read the file Narika sent me.

"This is good. If you could add some more detailed data, it would be even more persuasive..."

"I see... It might be faster to ask my parents about that part."

Asking her parents was definitely the fastest way to get info on Shimax. Still, this document... it was extremely well done.

"...Narika, why don't you try presenting this yourself?"

"Huh!? N-No, wasn't the plan for you to..."

"It was, but this data is too good for me to be the one presenting it. It would be a waste."

The original plan was for Narika to make the materials and for me to present them to Hinako. But after seeing the draft, I'd changed my mind. If I presented it, it would feel like I was stealing her credit.

"B-But... I'm still not good at talking in front of people..."

"It's just Konohana-san. If it goes badly, I'll take over, so it's fine."

This would be good practice for her. After I pleaded with her seriously, Narika finally nodded.

"...O-Okay! I'll do my byest!"

She'd completely flubbed her line.

Seeing Narika's bright red face, I wondered if I'd made a mistake.

"W-Well then, Itsuki, I'm going to head back and have my family look at this draft."

"Okay. Let me know if anything comes up."

Narika practically flew out of her seat.

I needed to focus on what I had to do.

I spent another hour digging into Hamada Motors, and then—

"Itsuki..."

A hoarse voice came from behind me.

I turned around and saw Hinako, looking dead on her feet.

"H-Hinako? Are you okay?"

"So... so... tired..."

There was no one else around, so we spoke normally. But just then, a waiter approached.

"What would you like to order?"

"Yes, I'll have a house blend coffee, please."

Hinako instantly switched to her ojou-sama mode and ordered.

"Huuuuuh..."

The moment the waiter left, Hinako let out a long, deep sigh and slumped in her chair. She was more exhausted than usual. Even if it was to save Konohana Motors, dealing with so many students must have worn her out.

Her coffee arrived, and she took a sip.

"...Tomorrow, after school, we're holding a meeting in the lounge."

She said, staring into her cup.

"There are too many proposals... I'm going to hear them all at once."

It seemed a flood of students had shown up, more than she could handle in one day. Arranging a formal meeting was a good plan.

"Hinako, can I join that meeting, too?"

I asked. Hinako tilted her head, confused.

"Of course... but if it's you, I'll listen to you anytime."

"That's not good enough."

I shook my head.

"There are a lot of people in this school who are genuinely worried about you. If I use my position as your caretaker to cut in line, that would be... dishonest."

I wasn't sure if I'd conveyed my feelings properly, but Hinako gave a small nod.

"So, just for tomorrow, can you treat me like everyone else?"

"Like... everyone else?"

"I want to stand on the same stage as them and give you my proposal... If you plan to accept Hamada Motors' offer, I will rebut your idea in front of everyone. And if my opinion is wrong, you can just shoot me down."

Everyone else was coming to this meeting with that same resolve. I needed to take the same risk.

"Just for tomorrow, I want you to forget I'm your caretaker."

When Tomonari Gifts was almost taken over by Suminoe-san, Hinako offered me a lifeline, but I refused it because I didn't want a handout based on our personal relationship. This was the same. I didn't want her to accept my idea just because it was me.

I wanted to help Hinako in my own way, truly. And because of that, I needed her to be serious, too.

"In other words..."

Hinako said, thinking.

"You want me... to see you as an equal?"

When I heard her interpretation, I froze for a moment.

But... yes. That was it exactly. That's what I was asking for.

"...Yes. I know I'm still lacking, but I'm asking you to do this."

I bowed my head.

"...Alright."

Hinako said after a brief pause.

"But, are you sure?"

Her tone changed. I felt the atmosphere grow tense.

Hinako elegantly lifted the coffee cup from the table and took a sip, making no sound. Her back was straight, her beautiful hair stirred in the breeze, and her eyes were sharp. Her every move was refined, like a graceful princess stepping out of a storybook.

Ah... that's right.

To speak to Hinako as an equal meant—

"Don't be fooled by my appearance—I am the 'perfect ojou-sama,' you know?"

—it meant a direct confrontation with Hinako, the perfect ojou-sama.

A shiver ran through me.

It was, without a doubt, a thrill of excitement.

"Yes... I know."

◆

The next day, after school.

When classes ended, more than half the students in the room stood up. Hinako, one of them, walked out of the classroom, and the rest of us followed.

We arrived at the lounge. Kiou Academy's lounge was normally used for guests, but today, Hinako had booked it. As she approached the main doors, a man in a suit who had been waiting bowed and opened them for her.

Hinako walked in first, and the students filed in after her.

The number of people... was nearly a hundred. It was the end of the tournament, so many students should have been busy, but a huge number had gathered. I spotted Taisho and Asahi in the distance; it seemed they were participating, too.

Someone was handing out materials at the entrance, so I took a set.

A projector was set up on a table in the center of the lounge.

"I am Hinako Konohana. Thank you all for coming today."

Once all the participants were inside, Hinako's voice echoed through the room. She was standing at a lectern, holding a microphone.

"We have only two days left in the tournament, and I am deeply grateful that you've all shown such concern for my company."

Her voice was elegant as always, her tone neither too formal nor too casual.

"Now, as time is limited, I will get straight to the point... One of the companies I manage is in a difficult situation. I've gathered you here to solicit proposals to break this impasse. Whether it's an offer of capital or a new idea, I am willing to listen."

In truth, this wasn't so much her soliciting proposals as it was her finding a way to handle the flood of proposals she'd already received, turning it into an opportunity to grant them all an audience. Her consideration seemed to have worked; the students in the lounge were buzzing with motivation.

"As a note, the most promising proposal I've received so far, as detailed in your handouts, is an investment from Hamada Motors. Information on Hamada Motors is also included."

I flipped through the materials to confirm. The documents detailed Hamada Motors' proposal to acquire 30% of Konohana Motors' stock, along with information on the company itself.

"Now... would anyone who wishes to make a proposal please raise your hand."

At Hinako's words, many hands went up. A staff member brought a microphone to the first student.

"I'm Tateishi from Omron Corporation. Konohana-san, I implore you to accept our company's investment—"

The presentations began immediately.

"I'm Kuroda from Kokuyo Corporation. My proposal is—"

One after another, students offered a helping hand, trying to save Hinako from her plight. Some connected their laptops to the projector, using slides to enhance their presentations.

Everyone gathered here was student of Kiou Academy. They understood business and had the assets to back up their offers. However—

"I'm sorry, but I cannot accept that proposal."

Hinako did not take their offered hands.

"Please look at your handouts. Hamada Motors is proposing not just capital, but a future strategic alliance... I am grateful for your offers, but without a vision of that kind, we cannot restore public trust in Konohana Motors. I need more than just money."

"But..."

The student didn't know how to respond.

It couldn't be helped... Everyone knew that. But they couldn't offer anything more beneficial to Konohana Motors. This was the famous Konohana Motors, and this was the campus's number one ojou-sama, Hinako Konohana. Even if they could provide capital, proposing a business alliance meant a 'three-legged race.' A normal company didn't have the strength to support the weight of Konohana Motors. Hamada Motors was one of the few exceptions.

"She's certainly put on a big show."

A voice with a distinct cadence spoke from behind me. A girl with golden-blonde ringlets had appeared next to me at some point.

"Tennouji-san. Is your event taken care of?"

"Thanks to Suminoe-san's hard work, it's mostly finished. We addressed the cause of the window dressing by improving cash flow and laid out a clear path back to profitability. We were considering a temporary delisting to clean up the books, but it looks like we can solve it without going that far."

It seemed Tennouji-san's problem was largely resolved. I'd believed in them, but as expected, they were both brilliant.

"I just got here. How many has she shot down?"

"Around twenty... She's being very clear with her rejections."

"Considering those with overlapping proposals, she's probably rejected about seventy percent of the potential offers. No wonder the atmosphere is so heavy."

In short, the terms offered by Hamada Motors were just too good.

Where many hands had been raised at the start, now only two or three remained. The mood in the lounge grew somber.

"Hehe... It would be nice if everyone started to hate her after this."

"...You can be a real villain sometimes, Tennouji-san."

"I'm joking... Look over there."

I looked where Tennouji-san was pointing. The students standing there were trembling slightly.

"Dammit... I can't help Konohana-san on my own...!!"

"I hate how powerless I am... I have to study more, to catch up to her...!!"

They were clenching their fists, looking utterly frustrated.

"Instead of hating her, she's just gained more fanatics."

"...Right."

The students at Kiou Academy are surprisingly tough... As expected of people who've had an elite education since childhood, their mental fortitude is on another level. Strict etiquette, dinners with strange adults... they've had countless opportunities to forge their minds.

It wouldn't be easy to surpass them.

"...In that case, I'll make my proposal, too."

"Huh?"

Ignoring Tennouji-san's surprise, I raised my hand.

A normal company doesn't have the strength to support Konohana Motors.

That's why—I've prepared an extraordinary one.

◇

"Next..."

Hinako turned down Teppan Printing Co. and moved her eyes to the next student.

Only one person had their hand raised. When she saw his face, a ripple went through her.

A staff member handed the microphone to that student.

"I am Itsuki Tomonari, from Tomonari Consulting."

A murmur went through the students in the lounge.

(He's here.)

Hinako had been scanning the lounge for Itsuki's figure while listening to the other proposals. She had found him a while ago, but she'd been wondering when he would raise his hand. He was probably listening to the other proposals for reference.

"...Please proceed."

Hinako suppressed the stirring in her heart and gave Itsuki the floor.

"First, I will explain the risk."

Itsuki connected his laptop to the projector, displaying his materials on the large screen at the front.

"If you hand your stock over to Hamada Motors, your company will likely be stolen."

He delivered the warning concisely and clearly.

The other students had only pitched their own companies, but Itsuki began by explaining the risks of accepting Hamada Motors' offer.

"When I investigated Konohana Motors, I found several suspicious major shareholders. I hired an outside firm, and they discovered that all of them are connected to Hamada Motors."

The students in the lounge began to buzz.

Itsuki projected the data on Konohana's shareholders onto the screen. This was all publicly available information from financial statements; there were no company secrets.

"When you accept Hamada Motors' investment, combined with the shares from these other stakeholders, Hamada's ownership stake will exceed forty percent... At that point, a takeover is feasible. If they then launch a hostile takeover bid to collect more shares, Konohana Motors will be acquired."

The students were clearly shocked by Itsuki's words and the data.

Is that true? If so, choosing Hamada is a bad idea... Voices rose from all corners.

(If Itsuki is saying it, I trust him completely, but...)

Hinako's gaze shifted from the data to Itsuki. He was looking right at her with a serious expression.

(...Itsuki... said he wanted to be my equal.)

Everyone else looked at her with reverence. Only Itsuki was different. He had shown his desire to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her. And Hinako was, quite simply, happy about that.

(Which is why... I can't go easy on him.)

Itsuki said he didn't want pity. He wanted a "gloves-off" debate.

Hinako decided to honor that feeling.

—Because I'm in love with Itsuki.

And that's why—I'll fight him with everything I have.

"What benefit does Hamada Motors gain from acquiring Konohana Motors?"

Hinako asked, looking Itsuki straight in the eye.

"Our businesses are too similar. Considering the market size, expanding our existing operations isn't practical. I don't believe the results would justify the cost of an acquisition."

The students in the lounge murmured in agreement with Hinako's point. The momentum in the room was against Itsuki.

But he didn't waver.

"That's only true for the domestic market."

Itsuki stated flatly. It wasn't a rehearsed answer... He had anticipated this rebuttal from the start.

"What Hamada Motors wants from Konohana Motors is likely its expertise in expanding kei car (light automobile) sales overseas... A year ago, Konohana Motors succeeded in bringing kei cars to the foreign market. This has been a major challenge for years due to certification in each country, but Konohana Motors succeeded. They are unrivaled in overseas expansion compared to their competitors."

Itsuki switched the slide. It showed data on Konohana Motors' kei car sales—second highest in the country—and news reports on their overseas expansion.

...He really did his homework.

This was beyond mere talent or taste—this was pure grit. The auto industry wasn't even Itsuki's specialty, yet he had researched this much in such a short time.

"Hamada Motors has wanted to expand overseas for a long time. If they can use Konohana Motors' technology and knowledge, they could corner the foreign kei car market in one fell swoop. They could also sell their existing car models through that expanded sales channel."

"...That still doesn't constitute proof that Hamada Motors wants to acquire me."

"In any case, allowing Hamada Motors and its affiliates to hold over forty percent of the stock is an enormous risk for Konohana Motors. It must be avoided."

As he said, regardless of Hamada's intentions, letting one entity control forty percent was dangerous.

When Hinako came to, the atmosphere in the lounge was electric... Everyone knew she and Itsuki were part of the 'Noble Tea Party' and were close. No one could have expected them to engage in such a fierce debate in front of everyone.

And yet... Hinako found, strangely, that she wasn't uncomfortable. The more they argued, the more she could feel Itsuki's earnestness. His desire to help her was pouring out of him.

"...As expected of the famous consultant."

Itsuki heard this and let out a small "Huh?" looking startled.

Hinako wasn't just saying that to be nice. When he first introduced himself, hadn't he noticed the whispers? Itsuki was the center of attention right now. He had made a name for himself by fending off the SIS acquisition, and his reputation had skyrocketed as a consultant for Shimax, J. Co., Ltd. and Taisho Moving.

He was now one of the most famous people in school.

He probably... has no idea.

"I am aware of the risk."

Hinako nodded. It sounded... like a declaration of surrender.

"Then—"

"—However, it is a risk worth taking."

Hinako lifted her chin and looked at Itsuki. He flinched slightly, pierced by her 'perfect ojou-sama' gaze.

"When I accept Hamada Motors' investment, I intend to have them restructure our R&D department first... It's embarrassing to admit, but after a recall concealment, Konohana Motors' corporate culture must be rebuilt from the ground up. We need new blood from the outside."

"...And only Hamada Motors can do that?"

"We have co-developed commercial vehicles with Hamada Motors in the past. We know each other inside and out. No other company can do it."

The rebuttal was flawless. It was the kind of argument that made you think, Well, if you put it that way, there's nothing to be done.

But Itsuki, hearing Hinako's dismissive words... smiled fearlessly.

"In short, you just need a company you can trust to handle your organization, right?"

Itsuki still hadn't given up. He was completely at ease, as if he'd known Hinako would say that all along.

"Then I'll arrange that company for you."

He said, turning his head—and passing the microphone in his hand to the girl standing behind him.

"Narika."

"Right."

Itsuki and the girl behind him—Narika—raised their empty hands at the same time.

"Tag!"

The sharp sound of a high-five echoed through the lounge.

...I'm so jealous.

Hinako thought, but immediately pushed the feeling aside. She saw the girl holding the microphone, her expression deadly serious, and realized she had to brace herself, or she would be swallowed by that intensity.

"I am Narika Miyakojima, from Shimax. I will be presenting."

◇

Narika, having taken the microphone, continued.

"My company, with the help of Consultant Tomonari, is launching a new business. That is—"

She stared straight at Hinako.

"—to enter the field of motorsports."

A new set of data appeared on the screen. Itsuki had moved to a support role, changing the slides for Narika.

"Shimax already develops safety shoes and special apparel for motorsports. But this time, we want to go further. We want to develop products like seats and helmets, and have the Shimax brand fully permeate the motorsports world."

To go deeper into the world of motorsports than ever before. This was Narika's vision.

"And for that, I want Konohana Motors to lend me your strength."

As Narika finished, Itsuki changed the slide.

"Konohana Motors has a racing brand, 'Konohana Cross,' that has been around for half a century. It's a legacy brand, currently planning to compete in the World Rally Championship and the Dakar Rally. I trust its track record, and I want to partner with your company."

Konohana Cross, the racing team of Konohana Motors, had been around for fifty years. Shimax would fully sponsor this team.

"Also, I promise you. Shimax's investment will match Hamada Motors."

A sound of awe went through the students.

"That's an interesting new venture..."

"And at the scale of Shimax, it's not just a dream..."

Shimax was, after all, the industry leader. They had the capital.

Hinako, having heard the proposal, brought the microphone to her lips.

"...I find this proposal extremely attractive."

Her elegant, clear voice echoed through the lounge.

"However, let me ask one question. Why choose Konohana Motors? We aren't the only automaker with a racing brand."

"That's because..."

The answer to that question... what was it?

The script in Narika's head went fuzzy, and she instinctively looked around.

"Ngh—"

Eyes.

Eyes, eyes, eyes, eyes, eyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyeseyes—

She had been fine a moment ago, but suddenly, fear gripped her heart. The moment she noticed everyone watching her, she couldn't speak.

(A-And, I was only supposed to present to Konohana-san... I-I didn't know it would be in front of this many people...)

Narika didn't know about this meeting. She didn't know this many people would be here. Her body began to tremble on its own.

"Narika, calm down."

Itsuki whispered from her side.

(...Itsuki is watching me.)

Itsuki was looking at her with serious eyes. Eyes—that were exactly the same as all the other students'.

(...Ah.)

In that moment, Narika realized.

(I see... Everyone... believes in me.)

Itsuki's gaze was filled with trust. If that was the case, then the other students, who were looking at her with the same expression as Itsuki... they must believe in her, too.

Not just Itsuki. Everyone believed in her. They believed in her, Narika Miyakojima...

(I... have to live up to that trust.)

She had been wrong. She'd thought strangers were just things to be feared. But she was wrong. They were just like Itsuki—they were allies, willing to trust her.

...Itsuki had told her so.

He said she was amazing, that she could be more confident. But she had always been weak, always denying it, saying, "That's not true."

But that—was a betrayal of his faith in her.

The people here, too. They all wanted to help Konohana-san, but right now, they were listening seriously to her. They were willing to believe her words had value.

I can't betray them.

If she stayed weak and timid when they were all willing to believe in her, she would be betraying their faith.

(I'm still scared, and I have no confidence...)

But, one thing she could say for sure.

I don't want to betray Itsuki—I don't want to betray them.

As Narika thought this, she felt like she heard Itsuki's voice.

—Go all out—!!

She remembered Itsuki shouting that to her during the sports festival finals. Back then, she had just obeyed—but now, she understood what it really meant.

Narika remembered. Come to think of it, they were there from the start. In that final, almost everyone had been afraid of her, but if she looked, she could see people cheering earnestly for her. Narika had always ignored them, or pushed them away because she didn't understand—

But she'd always had allies, partners, people willing to believe in her—

Itsuki had taught her that.

Itsuki had increased their numbers, until she finally noticed.

(...I'm so lucky.)

Narika didn't want... to betray them anymore.

So, from now on, she would give her all, every day. She would be free, speak her mind, and face everything with her whole heart—

As long as even one person expected that of her.

I—can stop being a half-measure.

"...Because I believe you can carry this project to success."

Narika sensed Itsuki, behind her, flinch in surprise. It was because she'd gone off-script. That was fine.

Enough.

She had no materials, and her words were all improvised... but it didn't matter.

Just let go and do it.

Itsuki was the one who told her that.

"I'm not putting my faith in Konohana Motors. I'm putting it in you, Konohana-san."

"What... does that mean?"

"Your management skill is stunning. You dramatically increased car sales, expanded market share, worked on carbon neutrality, researched battery recycling, and expanded kei car sales overseas... Your achievements are countless. That's why I want to borrow your strength, not someone else's."

Hinako's eyes widened.

Narika was listing Hinako's achievements throughout the tournament, even including things from the very beginning.

How does she know so much about me...?

—It's only natural.

Narika would never not research her rivals.

She had always been watching her.

Narika Miyakojima had always, always been watching Hinako Konohana.

"Konohana-san."

Narika walked forward slowly, stepping onto the lectern.

It was only symbolic for now.

But—one day, she would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her.

"Will you take my hand? I... want to work with you."

Narika stood on the stage and held her hand out to the perfect ojou-sama before her.

Hinako blinked at her.

But finally, she smiled softly.

"...I've lost. You found value not in my company, but in me."

She said, as if in surrender.

"There is no greater honor... I will accept your proposal."

Hinako finished, and took Narika's outstretched hand.

◆

With Hinako and Narika joining forces, Konohana Motors made a smooth recovery.

The news that Shimax was officially entering the motorsports industry sent a jolt through the public, shareholders, and investors, and that excitement helped restore Konohana Motors' credibility.

When Shimax announced its investment, it also declared it would improve Konohana Motors' corporate structure. I was the one who thought through the specific policies from beginning to end. Hinako had me present them to the shareholders, and the plan was approved without issue.

We were able to avoid a hostile takeover and restore a degree of public trust. While the recall concealment was undeniably a massive error, Hinako had, at the very least, protected the future of Konohana Motors and its employees.

For now, you could call it... an ideal ending.

And then, it was Friday, after school.

Today, no one left the classroom. Everyone sat at their desks, waiting in silence, a laptop open in front of them.

Five minutes later, our homeroom teacher, Fukushima-sensei, spoke.

"The Management Tournament is now... over!"

At her words, a collective sigh of relief went through the class as everyone's shoulders slumped.

"That was... long."

"Waaaah! I'm so tired!"

Taisho and Asahi also relaxed, as if a great tension had suddenly been released.

(They all look like Hinako...)

It was a rare sight for the normally elegant students of Kiou Academy. For this one day, no one bothered to hide their exhaustion. They leaned their heads back on their chairs or slumped forward onto their desks. It was a sight I'd probably never see again.

"Alright! It's time to announce the results! If you're interested, keep those laptops on!"

Fukushima-sensei also seemed more excited than usual.

I opened the Management Tournament screen. The game was over, so I couldn't interact with it, but the staff credits were rolling.

...In them, Takuma-san's name appeared for a moment.

He helped me out. I'll have to thank him when things settle down.

When the credits finished, the rankings immediately appeared.

──Market Capitalization Ranking

Market cap is the total value of a company. It's the comprehensive ranking to determine which company is superior.

First Place: Konohana Financial Group

Second Place: Tennouji Financial Group

"Aaaargh!"

"Huh!?"

Did I just hear Tennouji-san scream!?

No way, our classrooms are so far apart... could I really hear her from here?

The rankings continued.

Fourth Place: Tennouji Trading Co., Ltd.

Fifth Place: Konohana Trading Co., Ltd.

"Ohohohoho!"

Thank goodness... her mood seems to have improved.

Hinako and Tennouji-san were, as expected, in a league of their own. Because their groups were so massive, their various companies were ranked all over the list. (The list, it seemed, omitted the AI-run companies.)

Seventh Place: Shimax Co., Ltd.

Next was Narika's company. Market cap changes drastically depending on the market size, so companies in smaller markets are naturally at a disadvantage. For a sporting goods company to rank this high... was, frankly, an exception. She was, of course, the undisputed number one in her own industry's rankings. Narika must have been satisfied.

Eleventh Place: SIS Co., Ltd.

Then, Suminoe-san's company appeared.

"My, the rank is better than I thought."

Suminoe-san smiled demurely. It seems that while helping Tennouji-san at the end, she had cleverly secured a strategic alliance with the Tennouji Group, leading to this result.

After the top 100 in market cap were announced, the next list appeared.

──Stock Price Growth Ranking

This was the ranking for stock price growth over the three-year period.

First on the list—

First Place: Tomonari Gifts Co., Ltd.

"Yesss!"

I couldn't help but shout.

To be honest, in a ranking of three-year growth, starting from a new business gave me a clear advantage. After all, it's easier to go from zero to one hundred than from one hundred to two hundred.

Even so, I wasn't the only one who started a new company. I was overjoyed to have placed first among so many entrepreneurs.

(I have to thank Ikuno...)

Ikuno was running Tomonari Gifts in my place. He had followed our promise and taken the company public, which had sent the stock price even higher.

Technically, Tomonari Gifts wasn't my company anymore... but I was still incredibly happy.

"Next up, the award winners!"

The teacher said, looking at the screen with a grin. After the rankings, it was time to recognize individual achievements.

M&A Award: Tennouji Real Estate Co., Ltd.

I thought that was the most fitting result. Everyone knew Tennouji-san had used acquisitions to expand her company, and many students had probably profited from it.

Human Resources Award: Tennouji Financial Group, Konohana Electric Co., Ltd.

This award was likely for outstanding results in HR—rated on things like training, work hours, and employee benefits. Conversely, companies with long overtime hours... so-called "black companies," would get a low score even if their profits were high.

Hinako's management style was to understand her resources and use them well, and "resources" included her employees. The system must have rated her as a good manager who knew how to utilize talent.

However, the noteworthy thing was Tennouji-san's name appearing again. Her eye for talent was on par with Hinako's... winning consecutive awards showed her potential.

New Business Award: Shimax Co., Ltd., J. Co., Ltd., Taisho Moving Co., Ltd.

"Yeah!"

"All riiight!"

Taisho and Asahi shot up from their seats, savoring the joy. J. Co. and Taisho Moving were undoubtedly recognized for their mobile home appliance sales. Shimax was recognized for its e-commerce, but its new motorsports venture had probably also been highly praised.

Still... Shimax, J. Co., and Taisho Moving. That combination felt deeply significant.

And therefore—

Management Consultant Award: Tomonari Consulting Co., Ltd.

My name. For a second time.

Not just once, but twice. This... this wasn't a fluke.

(I did it...)

I was one step closer to the future I wanted. One step closer to my goal of standing on equal footing with Hinako and the others—and one solid step closer—to my goal of joining the student council.

As I was overcome with a joy so deep I almost cried, applause broke out around me. I looked up and saw my classmates looking at me and clapping.

"Th-Thank you..."

I felt inexplicably embarrassed. Oh no, I'm really going to cry.

The Management Consultant Award seemed to be the last individual prize. As I fought back tears, the screen changed to a video message from the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, congratulating everyone. It was the closing ceremony.

The video ended, and the screen went black.

"That's it for the Management Tournament results and closing ceremony. You all worked hard for this month and a half. Please get plenty of rest until next week."

With that, the teacher dismissed the class.

I closed my laptop and stretched.

...It's really over.

It didn't feel real yet.

"Tomonari-kun! Great work!"

"You're amazing, man! Your name came up twice!"

Asahi and Taisho came over to my desk.

"It's only thanks to everyone's help."

"That's my line!"

"Totally! All the companies that won the New Business Award were connected to you!"

To be honest, I was surprised too. Tomonari Gifts and Tomonari Consulting hadn't cracked the top 100 in market cap, but they had still achieved plenty.

"Tomonari-kun."

Someone spoke beside me. A girl with golden-blonde ringlets was smiling gently at me.

"Tennouji-san..."

"Your hard work has paid off. As your friend, I'm proud of you."

"...Thank you."

Hearing her say that... made it feel special.

Memories flashed through my mind: her telling me at the beach that she was joining the student council; me, influenced by her, deciding to aim for it too; me trying to get results in the tournament; her stopping me when I pushed too hard... For this whole month and a half, Tennouji-san had supported me.

Without her, I wouldn't have achieved this.

"Everyone, good work."

Hinako walked up from behind Tennouji-san.

"Ohohoho! Hinako Konohana, we were evenly matched in the market cap rankings, but I won a sweeping victory in the individual awards! That is to say, I win!"

"Is that so? If we compare companies in the same industry from the market cap rankings, over eighty percent of my companies ranked higher than yours. It's hard to call that your win."

"What!? Y-You're so obsessed with details!"

"This is a time to be precise."

Sparks flew between Hinako and Tennouji-san. At first, it was just Tennouji-san who was competitive, but I felt like I'd been seeing more of these moments lately. Why had Hinako started to see Tennouji-san as a rival? Had something triggered it?

"Hey, hey! This is a special occasion! Why don't we all go out and celebrate? The whole tea party!"

"Oh, nice! Let's do it."

Asahi suggested, and Taisho was all for it.

"I'll message Narika."

I sent a text to Narika, who wasn't in our class. A reply came back immediately, but...

"...Ah."

I read Narika's response and let out a small sound.

"What'd Miyakojima-san say?"

"Sorry... looks like she can't make it."

Everyone looked a little disappointed. They seemed to be wondering what had happened.

"...It seems she's surrounded by her classmates and can't move."

I relayed Narika's message, and Asahi and the others couldn't help but chuckle.

"Well, can't be helped then."

"How about Monday? To be honest, I'm exhausted."

"Agreed. I just want to sleep today."

Everyone was worn out. A celebration next week seemed like a better idea.

"See you all on Monday."

We all left the school building and went our separate ways. The pickup cars had apparently arrived. I said goodbye to Asahi, Taisho, and Tennouji-san, leaving me alone with Hinako.

(...Is Narika still talking with her classmates?)

As I was about to pass through the school gate, I felt a strange reluctance and stopped. I unconsciously turned back, but I could only see the wide sports field and the school building, not the person I was looking for.

Hinako was staring at me...

"...I'll go on ahead."

"Huh?"

"It's okay... you can stay a little longer."

After saying that, she walked to the school gate alone and got into the Konohana family's car.

I watched her back disappear into the car and lightly scratched the back of my head.

"...She saw right through me."

I felt a mix of guilt and gratitude.

I turned around and headed back into the school building.

(...Oh, right.)

I remembered something else I needed to do. I took out my phone and called my target.

◇

"Ojou-sama, welcome back."

As Hinako settled into the car, Shizune-san greeted her.

"Where is Itsuki-san? He was with you a moment ago."

"...He went back to the school building."

Shizune-san tilted her head, confused.

"He... wanted to stay at school a little longer. Let's come back for him later."

"...Understood."

Knowing when not to ask was one of Shizune-san's virtues.

It was obvious Itsuki wanted to talk to Narika, but it couldn't be helped this time. They had worked so earnestly together, right up to the very end. And they had both helped her, too.

This time, she just had to concede.

The car pulled away. Normally, they would meet Itsuki nearby, but today, she wanted to give him some time. They would just drive around the area and pick him up later.

Just then, the phone in her pocket vibrated.

Hinako looked at the screen... and her expression soured.

"Ojou-sama, is something wrong?"

"...He's calling."

He, of course, meant her older brother.

Hinako tried to ignore it, but the ringing was relentless... She had no choice but to answer.

"Yo, you finally picked up."

"...You're so annoying."

"Don't say that. I just wanted to praise you."

Her brother Takuma's tone was as flippant as ever.

"Hinako, congratulations. You took first place in the market cap rankings. Dad will be happy, too."

On the surface, it sounded like a compliment. But this was not a man who called just to give compliments.

"...So you were watching."

"Yep. I was watching. As a player, just like you guys."

His reply was exactly what Hinako had expected. She sighed.

"...It was Hamada Motors, wasn't it?"

"Busted."

Hamada Motors was not a company run by Kiou Academy students. Officially, it was run by the tournament AI.

In reality, it was operated by this man... Takuma.

"When did you figure it out?"

"At the end... when Itsuki said there were suspicious shareholders behind Konohana Motors... That seemed exactly like something you'd do."

"Don't talk about me like I'm some kind of expert in backdoor listings."

It was a technique used to take over a public company, keep the benefits of being listed, and completely replace its contents.

"I almost had Konohana Motors, too. Itsuki-kun found me out at the perfect moment."

"Serves you right..."

"I'm just satisfied to see my apprentice's growth. It's a win-win, right?"

He deflected her sarcasm with ease. Taunting this man usually just came back at her twice as hard. And he never meant any malice by it, which was even more irritating.

"...Was this event your idea, too?"

"The event was going to happen anyway. I just... altered the details for Konohana Motors a bit."

It seemed he hadn't influenced the 'Amazon' or 'Tennouji Pharma' events.

"Do you know why I did it?"

Takuma asked, his voice a little more serious.

But she didn't even need to think. Based on her brother's personality, she could guess the answer.

"...Because it could happen in real life."

"Correct. It might not be as bad as recall concealment, but our group has a lot of obvious corruption lately. I wanted you to experience it once, for the future."

He said it so naturally, from his position high above...

"...And you're the one who would pull the trigger."

"Hahaha! Don't be like that. Reading minds is my specialty."

"You're just easy to read."

If the real Konohana Motors was suspected of recall concealment—Takuma would be the one to report it. He was the one who had anonymously reported the power harassment at Konohana Beverages over the summer, which was why Hinako had to leave the mansion in the first place.

...Well, thanks to that, I did get to go to Itsuki's hometown.

But that was a separate matter. Hinako knew her brother often used radical methods to root out the deep-seated corruption in the Konohana Group.

"On a side note, I also wanted to send a warning to the real Hamada Motors. It's true that they want to acquire Konohana Motors... Man, they must be sweating right now. Having their secret plan perfectly recreated, and then completely shut down."

The Management Tournament was a famous Kiou Academy event, well-known in the business world. This incident would surely serve as a check against Hamada Motors and any other company with designs on Konohana Motors. The real company would surely be more on guard now.

"But, Itsuki-kun did his best. And you had your own plan, didn't you?"

"...Yes."

To be honest, Hinako could have rebuilt the company on her own. She hadn't noticed the suspicious shareholders Itsuki found, but she had considered the various takeover risks of accepting outside capital.

Because of that, she had prepared a countermeasure.

If Hamada Motors had tried to take over, she'd assumed their goal was the kei car technology. Her plan was to compromise by selling off that division... In truth, that division had over-invested in too many overseas factories and was becoming unmanageable. On the surface, the flashy facilities looked like a success, but the operating costs were too high. She had been planning to sell it off within a few years anyway.

"You had an idea to minimize the damage, right?"

"...I did."

"But even though you could have solved it yourself, you relied on Itsuki-kun. Is it love?"

"L-Love!?"

In the passenger seat, Shizune-san turned her head. What is this man saying all of a sudden?

"N... It's not! I just... thought Itsuki would find a better answer..."

"So, love."

"I... I... It's not...!!"

Takuma's amused voice came through the phone. This man is just teasing me... Hinako clenched her fists on her lap.

In truth, by relying on Itsuki, she had gotten a better result. Hinako had been thinking of damage control, but Itsuki had created an opportunity for even greater growth. She didn't regret her decision.

"...How long are you going to keep this up?"

Hinako asked quietly.

"Until it's all over."

Her brother replied, his voice devoid of emotion.

"I said it when Mom died, didn't I?... I'm going to wipe out all the corruption in the Konohana Group while I'm still alive... no matter what it takes."

No matter what it takes.

He said it, and his cold voice was terrifying.

"I'm ending it in my generation... so no one else has to be sacrificed like Mom was."

Takuma said that, and hung up the phone.

...Maybe I shouldn't have asked.

She already knew. She knew the burden he carried, and the reason he was in such a hurry.

She... already knew.

"Ojou-sama, are you alright?"

"...Yes."

Hinako pressed a hand to her forehead, her expression grim. Shizune-san asked, full of worry.

Hinako let out a frail sigh and looked out the window.

"...Being family is hard."

◇

Takuma ended the call with his sister and let out a soft sigh.

"...I said too much."

His sister, who normally despised him, had... asked a question that touched his heart. Maybe that's why he'd been more talkative than usual.

Takuma stood up from his chair and looked out the window.

He was in a members-only business hotel he'd been staying at for days. The view from here was spectacular, a sweeping panorama of the metropolis.

The room was far too large for one person, but it couldn't be helped. Takuma had too many enemies to share a room with anyone.

...After all, I could be gone by morning.

"Oh."

His phone vibrated. Takuma saw the name on the screen and answered immediately.

"Itsuki-kun, what's up? By the way, I saw the tournament results. Congratulations on the Management Consultant Award."

"Th-Thank you...?"

Itsuki sounded confused, as if to say, "How did you know?"

This boy is still so easy to read. That earnestness was a talent in itself.

"And, um, it's not a big deal, but..."

It seemed he wasn't just calling to report his results. Itsuki hesitated, then continued:

"You... were the one operating Hamada Motors, weren't you?"

Takuma's thoughts stopped.

Why would he ask that...?

This was different from Hinako. She had grown up watching Takuma's back, observing his methods and his way of thinking for years. That's how she had barely managed to figure it out at the last second.

"...How did you know?"

"I just... knew. When I was investigating Hamada Motors, I just had this feeling that it was you."

There was no logic to it.

It was—the exact same talent that Takuma himself possessed.

"Ha... Haha!"

It was like looking in a mirror.

So this is what it's like for other people...

It was a valuable experience... He couldn't help but laugh.

"...You're exactly right."

"I knew it... Was my response the correct one?"

"We'll review that later. I'm a little busy today."

"Understood."

Itsuki seemed to have gotten used to their master-apprentice relationship. He was very obedient.

"Takuma-san, thank you for all your guidance."

Itsuki offered his formal thanks, and hung up.

"...Itsuki-kun, I'm the one who should be thanking you."

Takuma placed his phone on the desk and smiled.

"With you... my wish can be fulfilled."

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