Kakegurui: Ten Consecutive Guaranteed Hits

Volume 1 Chapter 61: Special Student Council Payment System

"Before operating the casino, we need to make sure that we earn a certain amount of money from the casino every month," analyzed Mary.

"First, there's the Special Student Council Payment System. Hyakkaou Private Academy ranks its students based on the amount of money they contribute as a Special Student Council Payment System, and the bottom 100 students will become 'livestock.' According to the recent ranking list, you only need to pay 100,000 yen to avoid becoming livestock. However, this year, they added students like me and Kiyohei, so 150,000 yen per person is a safer option."

Mary paused for a moment and asked with confusion, "By the way– since you only need to pay enough as the Special Student Council Payment System to avoid becoming livestock, why do so many people willingly pay millions or tens of millions of yen?"

There was a display screen in the corner of the school's main hall, showing real-time information about the monthly Special Student Council Payment Systems. Saotome Mary saw it when she passed by, and the top ten individuals on the list had all contributed at least 10 million yen each.

She couldn't understand why these wealthy individuals were so generous in giving money to the Student Council, while they tried to avoid taxes when paying the government.

To this, Togakushi Yukimi explained, pushing up her glasses.

"It's like this: the Student Council holds various activities every month, and the number of participants is limited. The higher you rank on the list, the more priority you have when participating in these activities. Besides, you know, the students in this school are all very competitive and ambitious. They all strive to outdo each other, and there are competitive and cooperative relationships between their families in the background. I'm not entirely sure about the specifics, but this ranking list is considered a showcase of one's power, and I've heard that even the school's higher-ups pay attention to it."

Then she continued, "Oh, and one more thing. If you consistently rank high on the list and contribute enough Special Student Council Payment Systems, you might gain the Student Council President's recognition and be invited to join the Student Council."

Hearing her words, Mary nodded her head, "I see– I may not understand the thinking of these wealthy families, but anyway, we only need to pay 100,000 yen. Besides the Special Student Council Payment System, there's also the casino usage fee."

Togakushi Yukimi continued, "If we want to use the casino, we need to pay a monthly usage fee of 100,000 yen."

"But it's just an empty classroom! They're charging 100,000 yen for that?! You could rent a villa for that money outside!" Mary expressed her dissatisfaction by slamming the table.

"That's why I couldn't afford this fee, and that's why the Student Council is pressuring me," Yukimi replied with a smile, looking rather relaxed now.

"In any case, Saotome-san, starting next month, you'll need to pay this fee. And, in addition to the Special Student Council Payment System and the casino usage fee, you'll also need to give a monthly income to Ayanokōji-san."

Mary looked at Kiyohei gratefully and then turned to Tsuzura, saying seriously, "Before we can gather enough money– Tsuzura, you must break free from the 'livestock' status."

The 'livestock' status was determined at the beginning of the school year, and there was still a considerable amount of time before the next ranking. This time, Tsuzura had a blade placed in her shoe. If someone targeted her during this time and intensified their actions, there might be an irreversible situation.

"Are you saying... we don't have to wait for the deadline to submit the Special Student Council Payment System and instead pay a 'Special Student Council Payment System' to remove the 'livestock' status?"

Yukimi realized that Mary wanted to talk about something and quickly shook her head, saying, "But that's a million yen! It's impossible; we definitely can't earn that much in a short time!"

If students don't pay enough in Special Student Council Payment Systems, they will be classified as "livestock." If they can't wait until the next Special Student Council Payment System submission deadline, they can go to the student council to request an early release from the "livestock" status after paying one million yen in a "Special Student Council Payment System."

"If you have one million yen, you definitely won't become 'livestock,' but most 'livestock' can't come up with that much money. So, not many people pay attention to this 'Special Student Council Payment System' rule."

"...Mary?" Kiyohei furrowed his brow and said, "If it's about helping Tsuzura break free from the 'livestock' status, I can lend you the money."

Surprisingly, Mary refused his offer. "No need," she shook her head, determined. "This money is my debt to Tsuzura, and it has nothing to do with you. I will find a way to earn it on my own."

Togakushi Yukimi, who was also puzzled, reminded her, "Mary, if you're in urgent need of money now, why not just ask him for help? You need to think this through. My casino can't even earn 100,000 yen in a month."

However, even after she said this, Saotome Mary was not prepared to change her decision. She looked at Ayanokoji with a serious expression.

"Since you put it that way...," Kiyohei said as he got up, deciding to leave for a while to let Saotome Mary calm down.

Not knowing what Kiyohei was thinking, Mary grabbed his hand almost reflexively and explained desperately, "What are you thinking?! What I meant earlier is that I have a fast way to earn money right now, so I won't ask you for money. But if I really reach a dead end and have no other choice, I will come to you! Trust me, I can earn the money!"

Mary blushed and turned her face away, murmuring softly, "I've already received too much help from you, and if I ask you for money again, I'll feel like I'm lowering myself in your eyes..."

Saotome Mary's implication was that she didn't want to owe Ayanokoji any more favors, especially when it came to Tsuzura.

Kiyohei chuckled unexpectedly, not expecting her to have this side to her. "I understand," he said.

He sat back down in silence for a moment and then suddenly asked, "By the way, do you have any funds right now? Without funds, how do you plan to open a casino?"

With that question, the atmosphere instantly became tense.

"I have 300,000 yen..." Hanatemari Tsuzura said softly.

"Putting aside the fact that this is your money, and 300,000 yen is too little, it's not nearly enough," Mary decisively rejected the idea.

Togakushi Yukimi chimed in, "I'm just here to help, and I don't have much money on hand either, so don't count on me."

So, for now, it seemed they would have to rely on Kiyohei.