◆
With Hinako and Narika teaming up, the recovery of Konohana Motors was a resounding success.
The announcement that Shimax was making a serious entry into the motorsports world sent ripples through the public, shareholders, and investors alike. That excitement directly translated into a restoration of trust in Konohana Motors.
When Shimax announced its investment, it also declared its intention to perform a surgical overhaul of Konohana Motors' corporate culture. I was the one who drafted the general plan for that "surgery." Thanks to a thorough interview with Hinako, we successfully secured the shareholders' approval.
A buyout had been avoided, and trust was partially restored. While a recall cover-up is a grave sin, Hinako had managed to protect the future of Konohana Motors and its employees.
For now, it was safe to say we had reached an ideal conclusion.
Then came Friday afternoon.
No one left the classroom after school ended; everyone remained in their seats, waiting in silence. A single laptop sat open on every desk.
Five minutes later, our homeroom teacher, Fukushima-sensei, spoke up.
"—As of this moment, the Management Game has officially concluded!"
With those words, the tension in the room snapped as my classmates finally let their shoulders drop.
"That was so long..."
"Uaaah! I’m wiped!"
Taisho and Asahi-san slumped over, the stress draining out of them instantly.
(Everyone’s starting to look like Hinako...)
It was a rare sight for the usually well-mannered students of Kikou Academy. On this day, no one bothered to hide their exhaustion, with some leaning back against their chairs and others face-down on their desks.
I might never see a sight like this again.
"Now then! It’s time for the results! If you're interested, you’d better not close those laptops yet!"
Fukushima-sensei seemed more excited than usual herself.
I pulled up the Management Game screen. Since the game was over, I couldn't change anything, but a credit roll was scrolling across the display.
...For a fleeting second, Takuma-san’s name appeared.
I owed that man a lot. I’d have to thank him properly once things settled down.
When the credits finished, the various rankings were immediately posted.
—Market Capitalization Ranking.
Market cap is the value calculated by multiplying the number of shares by the stock price; it represents the total value of the company itself. Simply put, this was the comprehensive ranking that determined the overall winners and losers.
1st: Konohana Financial Group Co., Ltd. 2nd: Tennoji Financial Group Co., Ltd.
"Kieeeeeeeee!!"
"Eh!?"
Did I just hear Tennoji-san scream?
No way. Her classroom was quite a distance away... and her voice carried all the way here?
The rankings continued to display in descending order.
4th: Tennoji Trading Co., Ltd. 5th: Konohana Trading Co., Ltd.
"Ohohohoho!!"
Good... it sounded like she was back in high spirits.
Hinako and Tennoji-san were truly in a league of their own. Since their groups were so massive, several of their subsidiaries were scattered throughout the rankings. By the way, the system appeared to exclude companies managed by the AI.
7th: Shimax Co., Ltd.
Narika’s company appeared.
Market capitalization fluctuates wildly depending on the market's size. Naturally, companies operating in smaller niches are at a disadvantage. For a sports equipment company to reach this rank... honestly, it was an anomaly.
In the industry-specific rankings, she was undoubtedly the undisputed number one. Narika had every right to be satisfied.
11th: Suminoe Information System
Next was Suminoe-san’s company.
"My, that’s a better rank than I anticipated."
Suminoe-san smiled with elegant poise.
When she helped Tennoji-san at the very end, she had apparently managed to secure a partnership with the Tennoji Group. That shrewdness had clearly paid off.
After the top one hundred companies in market capitalization were listed, another ranking appeared.
—Stock Price Growth Rate Ranking.
This was the competition for the highest percentage increase in share price over the three-year period. The first name to appear was—
1st: Tomonari Gift Co., Ltd.
"—Yes!"
I pumped my fist, a shout of joy escaping me.
Truthfully, I knew I had an edge in a growth-rate competition because I had started from a fresh business launch. It is significantly easier to turn zero into a hundred than it is to turn a hundred into two hundred.
Even so, I wasn't the only student who had chosen the entrepreneur path. Being able to take the top spot among so many fellow start-ups was an immense joy.
(I have to thank Ikuno...)
Tomonari Gift was currently being managed by Ikuno. Thanks to him fulfilling his promise and taking the company to an IPO, the stock price had soared even higher. Technically, it wasn't my company anymore... but I was still thrilled.
"And now, we will announce the individual award winners," the teacher said, her eyes glued to the monitor with delight.
With the rankings finished, the segment to honor personal achievements began.
M&A Award: Tennoji Real Estate Co., Ltd.
I wasn't surprised. Everyone knew Tennoji-san had used aggressive M&As to scale her company. Many other students had likely benefited from her deals along the way.
Personnel Award: Konohana Financial Group Co., Ltd., Konohana Electronics Co., Ltd.
This award was for those who demonstrated excellence in human resources. It evaluated things like employee development, working hours, and welfare benefits. Conversely, "black companies" that relied on excessive overtime were penalized, even if their profits were high.
Hinako’s management style focused on understanding and mastering her resources—and those resources, of course, included her people. This was a clear endorsement of her ability to manage human talent.
But the most striking detail was seeing Tennoji-san’s name appear yet again. When it came to judging people, she was Hinako’s equal. Seeing her win consecutive awards gave me a real sense of her hidden depth.
New Business Award: Shimax Co., Ltd., Jays Holdings, Moving Taisho
"Hell yeah!!"
"We did it!!"
Taisho and Asahi-san stood up, savoring their victory.
Jays Holdings and Moving Taisho were undoubtedly recognized for their mobile appliance sales venture. As for Shimax, while their e-commerce expansion was a factor, their entry into the motorsports industry was likely the deciding weight.
Looking at that lineup—Shimax, Jays Holdings, and Moving Taisho—I felt a deep sense of connection.
Which meant—
Consultant Award: Tomonari Consulting Co., Ltd.
My name appeared for a second time.
Not just once. Twice. There was no way that was a coincidence.
(I actually did it...!)
I had taken a solid step toward the future I wanted.
The goal of standing as an equal to Hinako and the others—the goal of joining the Student Council—was finally within reach.
As I basked in a wave of joy that almost brought me to tears, I heard the sound of clapping around me. I looked up to see my classmates applauding.
"Th-thank you..."
I felt my face heat up from the embarrassment. This was bad—I was actually going to cry.
The Consultant Award seemed to be the finale. As I spent a few moments composing myself, the screen switched to a video message from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, offering words of praise to the students. This served as our closing ceremony.
Finally, the video ended, and the screen went black.
"That concludes the Management Game results and the closing ceremony. Everyone, you’ve worked incredibly hard over the last month and a half. Make sure you get plenty of rest until next week."
With the teacher’s dismissal, the class finally broke up. I closed my laptop and gave my back a light stretch.
It was really over. It still didn't feel real.
"Tomonari-kun! Great job!"
"Man, you’re something else. Seeing your name up there twice!"
Asahi-san and Taisho made their way over to my desk.
"It’s only because I had everyone’s help."
"Actually, that’s our line!"
"Exactly! Every single company that won the New Business Award was one you were involved with, Tomonari-kun!"
To be honest, I was a bit surprised by that myself. Although neither Tomonari Gift nor Tomonari Consulting could break the top hundred in market capitalization due to their market size, they had produced incredible results.
"Tomonari-san."
A voice called out from the side. A girl with blonde ringlets was looking at me with a soft smile.
"Tennoji-san..."
"Your efforts have truly borne fruit. I am proud to call you my friend."
"...Thank you."
Hearing that from her was... special.
Memories of the past month and a half flashed through my mind. Being told at the beach during summer break that she was aiming for the Student Council. Being inspired by her to aim for it myself. Pushing myself so hard during the Management Game that she had to step in and stop me... She had been my support through all of it.
If she hadn't been there, I wouldn't have made it this far.
"Good work, everyone."
Hinako approached from behind Tennoji-san.
"Ohohohoho! Hinako Konohana, while the market capitalization ranking ended in a draw, I have the advantage in individual awards! Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say this is my victory!"
"Is that so? When comparing our companies within the same industry, mine held a superior rank more than eighty percent of the time. I find it difficult to call that a win for you, Tennoji-san."
"What?! You... you’re so pedantic!"
"One must be precise about such matters."
Sparks practically flew between Hinako and Tennoji-san. In the beginning, Tennoji-san had been the only one pushing a one-sided rivalry, but lately, these exchanges between them had become a regular occurrence.
I wondered why Hinako had started seeing Tennoji-san as a rival. Perhaps she had her own reasons.
"Hey, hey! Since we’re all here, why don't we have a celebration for the Tea Party Alliance?"
"Oh, I'm in."
Taisho was quick to agree to Asahi-san’s suggestion.
"I’ll send a message to Miyakojima-san."
I pulled out my phone to text Narika, who wasn't in the room. I got a reply immediately, but...
"...Ah."
A small sound escaped me as I read her response.
"What did Miyakojima-san say?"
"Sorry... it looks like she won’t be able to make it."
The group’s expressions dipped into disappointment. They looked like they were about to ask if something was wrong, so I quickly followed up.
"...It seems she's being swarmed by classmates and can't get away."
When I summarized her reply, Asahi-san and the others burst out laughing.
"Well, I guess that can’t be helped."
"Should we move it to Monday? To be honest, I'm running on zero sleep today anyway."
"I agree. I believe I shall spend the rest of the day in deep, peaceful slumber."
Everyone was reaching their limit. The consensus was that it would be better to hold the celebration next week.
"See you all on Monday, then."
We headed out of the school building and parted ways. Everyone’s cars were already waiting for them. After saying goodbye to Asahi-san, Taisho, and Tennoji-san, it was just Hinako and me.
(...Is Narika still stuck talking to everyone?)
Just before we reached the academy gates, I felt a lingering pull and stopped. I glanced back toward the school, but I could only see the vast grounds and the silent building; there was no sign of the person I was looking for.
Hinako watched me, her gaze steady.
"...I'll head home first."
"Eh?"
"Itsuki, you can take your time... stay as long as you like."
With that, Hinako walked through the gates alone and stepped into the Konohana car. I watched her back as she disappeared inside, then lightly scratched my head.
"...I guess she saw right through me."
I felt a mix of guilt and gratitude. Turning on my heel, I headed back toward the school building.
(...Oh, right.)
I remembered there was something else I needed to do. I took out my phone and dialed a specific number.
◇
"Good work, Young Lady."
Inside the car, Shizune offered Hinako words of comfort. "Where did Itsuki-san head off to just now?"
"...He went back into the school."
Shizune tilted her head curiously.
"Itsuki seemed like he wanted to stay at the academy a little longer... so please wait a while before sending a car back for him."
"...Understood."
Shizune’s quickness to catch on was one of her best qualities.
It was obvious Itsuki wanted to talk to Narika. But this time, it was understandable. He had worked so closely with her at the very end, after all. Since he was the one who had been saved by the two of them, he had likely felt he had to hold back his own feelings until the very end.
The car began to move. Normally, they would have picked up Itsuki a short distance away, but since she wanted to give him space, it seemed they would just drive around the area for a while.
The phone in Hinako’s pocket vibrated. She looked at the screen and grimaced.
"Young Lady, what is it?"
"...A call from that man."
By "that man," she naturally meant her brother. She tried to ignore it, but the ringing wouldn't stop. She eventually gave in and answered.
"Oh, you finally picked up."
"...You’re persistent."
"Don't be like that. I just wanted to congratulate you."
Takuma spoke with his usual flippant tone. "Well done, Hinako. You secured first place in the market cap rankings. Father will be pleased."
On the surface, they were just words of praise. But Hinako knew there was no way this man would call just to be nice.
"...You were watching, weren't you?"
"Of course. From the same player perspective as all of you."
It was exactly the answer she expected. Hinako let out a heavy sigh.
"...Hamada Motors. It was you, right?"
"Correct."
Hamada Motors wasn't a student-run company. It was supposed to be a company managed by the game’s AI—officially. In reality, Takuma had been the one pulling the strings.
"When did you realize?"
"Near the end... right around the time Itsuki pointed out the suspicious shareholders targeting Konohana Motors. It occurred to me that it was exactly the kind of thing you would do."
"I wish you wouldn't talk about me like I'm a professional at backdoor listings."
Backdoor listing was a method of taking over a listed company and replacing its core business while keeping the benefits of the listing intact.
"I was only a moment away from seizing Konohana Motors, but it seems Itsuki-kun caught the scent at the perfect time."
"Serves you right..."
"I'm quite satisfied to see how much my disciple has grown. I suppose this is what they call a win-win."
No matter how much sarcasm she threw his way, he dodged it effortlessly. Provoking this man usually resulted in him throwing back twice the force, and he often didn't even seem to be trying, which made it all the more infuriating.
"...Did you design this whole event?"
"The events themselves were pre-programmed. I simply took the liberty of adjusting the details regarding Konohana Motors."
He apparently hadn't touched the Amazones crisis or the Tennoji Pharma scandal.
"Do you understand why I triggered an event like this?" Takuma asked, his voice taking on a hint of seriousness.
Hinako didn't have to think twice. Knowing her brother, the answer was obvious.
"...Because it’s something that could actually happen in the real world."
"Bingo. While we haven't had anything as extreme as a recall cover-up, the 'pus' in our group has been becoming quite visible lately. For the sake of the future, I wanted you to experience this now."
He spoke with his natural, effortless superiority.
"...Even though you’re the one who pulled the trigger."
"Hahaha! Stop, reading hearts is my specialty."
"You’re just easy to read."
If a recall cover-up actually happened at the real Konohana Motors, Takuma would be the one to expose it. Even during summer break, it was Takuma who had leaked the news about power harassment at Konoha Drink, one of their subsidiaries. That was the reason Hinako had to take refuge away from the manor for a time.
...Though, because of that, she had been able to stay at Itsuki’s house.
But that was one thing, and this was another. Takuma often took extreme measures to excise the rot within the Konohana Group. Hinako was well aware of that.
"On another note, I wanted to put Hamada Motors on notice. It’s a fact that the real company is looking for a way to acquire Konohana Motors. I imagine they’re quite panicked right now. After all, the secret blueprint they had for the future was perfectly simulated—and then crushed."
Kikou Academy’s Management Game was a famous event in the business world. This incident would serve as a warning to every company eyeing Konohana Motors, and the motor company itself would likely be far more vigilant from now on.
"Still, Itsuki-kun really pulled through. Though I imagine you had a plan of your own, Hinako..."
"...Well."
Truthfully, Hinako could have saved the company on her own. She hadn't noticed the suspicious shareholders Itsuki had pointed out, but she would have scrutinized the risks of any investment before accepting it. She had prepared a countermeasure.
She had deduced that if Hamada Motors wanted Konohana Motors, their goal would be the light-vehicle technology. Her plan was to offer the light-vehicle division as a separate business transfer if a buyout became imminent. In reality, that division had over-expanded its factories overseas and was becoming a burden. While the facilities looked impressive as proof of global success, the running costs were astronomical, and she had intended to divest from them within a few years anyway.
"I suspect you had an idea to minimize the damage?"
"...Something like that."
"But even though you could have solved it yourself, you chose to rely on Itsuki-kun. Was that out of love, after all?"
"L-love...!"
Shizune glanced back from the front seat. What was this man suddenly saying?
"It... it isn't like that. I just... I thought Itsuki might be able to find a better answer than I could..."
"Then it really is love."
"N-no... I don't... think so...!"
Hinako could hear the amusement in Takuma’s voice. He was just enjoying this. She clenched her fists on her lap.
In truth, she had no regrets about her decision because relying on Itsuki had led to an even better outcome. While she had focused on minimizing damage, Itsuki had found a way to turn the crisis into a growth opportunity.
"...How long do you plan on doing this?" Hinako asked in a small voice.
"Until it’s all over," her brother replied, his voice suddenly devoid of emotion. "I told you that when Mother died. As long as I'm alive, I will purge the rot from the Konohana Group. No matter what I have to do."
No matter what I have to do. His voice was bone-chillingly cold.
"I’m going to end it all in my generation. Otherwise... someone else like Mother will appear."
With that, Takuma hung up.
Hinako felt she might have asked an unnecessary question. She already knew the answer. She knew the weight he carried. She knew why he was in such a hurry. She knew it all.
"Young Lady, are you alright?"
"...Yes."
Hinako let out a long breath and looked out the window. "Families are difficult."
◇
After hanging up with his sister, Takuma let out a short sigh.
"...I said too much."
It was rare for his sister—who usually found him insufferable—to ask such a personal question. Perhaps that was why he had been more talkative than usual.
He stood up and gazed out the window. He was staying in a members-only business hotel, and the view of the sprawling metropolis from his room was stunning. The suite was far too large for one person, but it was a necessity.
Takuma had far too many enemies to sleep in the same room as anyone else. There was always the risk that he might not wake up the following morning.
"Oh?"
His phone vibrated. Seeing the name on the screen, Takuma answered immediately.
"Itsuki-kun, what is it? I already know the results, by the way. Congratulations on the Consultant Award."
"Ah, th-thank you..." Itsuki sounded confused, likely wondering how he already knew. He was a transparent boy, as always. That sincerity was a talent in itself. "Actually, um, it’s not that important, but..."
It seemed he hadn't just called to report the results. Itsuki hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"—Hamada Motors. That was you, wasn't it, Takuma-san?"
For a split second, Takuma’s mind went blank. How did he...?
This was different from Hinako. Hinako had watched Takuma her whole life; she had studied his methods and his thought patterns for years. That was why she had been able to catch on at the very last second.
"...How did you know?"
"Just a hunch. The more I looked into Hamada Motors, the more I felt like I could see you behind it, Takuma-san..."
There was no logic to it. It was the exact same talent Takuma possessed.
"Ha... haha!"
It felt like looking into a mirror. I see. So this is how people feel when they look at me? It was a fascinating experience—so much so that he couldn't help but laugh.
"...You’re right."
"I thought so. Um... was my response the right one?"
"I’ll give you your grade another day. I’m a bit busy at the moment."
"Understood."
Itsuki was an obedient student, likely used to their dynamic by now.
"Takuma-san. Thank you for everything you’ve taught me."
With a polite farewell, Itsuki hung up.
"I'm the one who should be thanking you, Itsuki-kun," Takuma said to the empty room, a smile playing on his lips.
"With you here, I think I might actually be able to make my wish come true."