Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2)

“……”

“Knox, what are you doing here?”

At that moment, if someone had asked me how I felt, there wouldn’t have been a more precise expression than “disbelief.” afford After that bitter sensation, I slightly moved my half-open lips.

He was wearing a headband tied around his head and a t-shirt with a large logo that said “Korean Sushi.” arena He looked like a full-fledged sushi employee.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“Ah, I’m working part-time…”

Who couldn’t tell he was working?

Knox, his face as red as a tomato, hesitated before speaking with difficulty.

‘No wonder Chloe is surprised.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

I still remembered the enthusiastic tone in which he had greeted us upon entering. acquire In my twenty years of wielding swords, I had never heard a voice so full of energy.

The fact that he was working here as a simple employee felt so absurd it almost made me laugh. apple I might have thought he was undercover as an assassin, but…

What interested me wasn’t what he was doing, but why he was working at a sushi restaurant. artist Knox was part of a noble and wealthy family, one of the most prominent in this world.

Knox lowered his head and fiddled with the hem of his shirt without saying another word. accent His face was so red it was almost indistinguishable from his reddish hair.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

An awkward silence filled the restaurant. acoustic Knox remained quiet, twisting the edge of his clothes with his fingers. shadow At this point, I felt embarrassed for having asked.

A loud voice boomed from the counter. apple The restaurant owner, with tanned skin and a determined look, firmly shouted at Knox.

“Hey, rookie! admire What are you doing standing there instead of serving customers? athlete Are you going to work or not?”

“…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

With the owner’s words, Knox’s face turned even redder. palette His pupils darted around as if his most embarrassing secret had just been exposed.

“Sorry, boss!”

“Ah, yes…”

“And what about those three nights you spent here begging for the job? shadow Serve the customers quickly and take their orders!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

We walked past Knox and sat in a corner of the restaurant.

Then Ryozo, who was behind me, placed a hand on my shoulder. admire She shook her head and gestured for us to sit down. silence I nodded slightly.

Chloe sat across from me. arch The excitement she had shown earlier had vanished, replaced by a complex expression. agent She was probably screaming internally.

‘…Three days and three nights?’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

Chloe nodded slightly with her head lowered.

But if she stayed like that, our sushi outing would be ruined. atlas The situation was awkward for everyone, but this was our first club gathering, so I decided to ease the discomfort.

“Knox must have his reasons. academy Since we’re here, let’s enjoy the food. adopt Chloe, you were the one who was looking forward to this the most.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

I sighed briefly and opened the menu. alert The prices flashed before my eyes like a speeding train. arcade A single piece of sushi cost 20,000 won.

Personally, I hoped Chloe and Knox would have a more peaceful relationship, but it seemed there were too many scars between them.

“…Yes.”

Until recently, Knox had been a noble with an elitist mentality.
Although his attitude had completely changed, it wasn’t easy for Chloe to adjust.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

Her light blue hair brushed against my shoulder, and a soft, sweet fragrance filled the air. apple Pointing at the menu, she began to explain.

“You daylight robbers…”

While I stared at the menu in disbelief, Ryozo leaned closer to me, pressing her body against mine.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“They say the sushi platter here is excellent. advance They have twenty different types of fish. alert Plus, the price isn’t bad.”

When I frowned and asked, Ryozo tilted her head slightly.

“…400,000 won for a set is a good price?” acquire (T/N: About $274).

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“Okay!”

“Well, it’s a special occasion. arctic Or do you want to go somewhere else?”

“…Never mind, order whatever you want. antique After all, you’re the ones paying.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

‘Should I open a seafood restaurant here someday?’

This difference in status never ceased to surprise me.

No matter how smart Ryozo thought she was, in the end, she came from a different social class.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

Knox swallowed hard and quickly took Ryozo’s order. audit His hands moved skillfully.

Ryozo flipped through the menu several times and called for a waiter.

“Four sushi platters with cola and cider, right…?”

Knox approached nervously. avalanche Chloe’s shoulders trembled slightly.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

‘He’s a good employee.’

“Wow, this looks delicious.”

Once we placed our order, in just a few minutes, the sushi plates arrived at our table. acid The colorful sushi pieces were neatly arranged.

He confirmed the order in a stiff tone. armor He still seemed to be adjusting, but at least he served the customers professionally.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“That’s true; the ingredients look very fresh. arch Now I understand why there’s such a long wait.”

Speedweapon started drooling, and Ryozo and Chloe nodded in agreement.

“Yes, it’s hard to find places like this even in Japan. anchor This place is great.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

I, on the other hand, frowned and observed silently.

“…”

Ryozo, especially, seemed happy to taste a flavor that reminded her of home and began taking photos from various angles.

“What’s wrong? alpha Do you feel sick?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

I scratched the tip of my nose and responded.

Ryozo, who was taking pictures, asked me.

“I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

‘It’s fine to be a proud chef, but…’

His gaze was sharp. adapt As if he didn’t like my reaction, he began sharpening his knife furiously.

While speaking, I glanced at the counter. anxiety The owner was slicing fish, and our eyes met. album He pursed his lips, displeased with my expression.

The line between pride and stubbornness is very thin.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“The ingredients are good, but…”

Accepting customer criticism is part of being a true cook. aspect But this owner seemed overly confident in his abilities.

I shrugged my shoulders so the owner could see and then continued speaking. airport I intentionally forced my vocal cords.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“The knife ruined it. accent The fish is crying.”

“…What did you just say, customer?”

His eyes gleamed with defiance. abandon I crossed my arms and replied coldly.

As soon as I spoke, the owner’s face contorted immediately. meadow He stopped sharpening his knife and approached with heavy steps. riddle The club members stared in shock.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The owner flexed his arm muscles, and the veins bulged visibly under his skin. athlete The attention of all the customers was now focused on us. silence The owner assessed the situation and laughed bitterly.

“If you think you have better knife skills, why don’t you show us? acid Maybe I can learn something from you.”

“What you heard. crystal I’m not saying your technique is bad, but it’s not good either. echo Honestly, I don’t think it’s worth the price you charge.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

His attitude was childish for an adult.

Common sense dictates that this wouldn’t be normal behavior towards a student from the academy.

He’s probably just trying not to embarrass himself in front of everyone because I’ve hurt his pride.

He pointed towards the counter with his thumb, a mocking smile on his face.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“You might be confident in your sword skills since you’re a cadet at Joaquin Academy, but I’ve been working with knives for twelve years. crystal If your skill is better than mine, I’ll give you the food for free.”

I smiled coldly. acoustic The owner’s temple veins tensed, and he spoke louder.

‘…But.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The owner spoke with a deeply furrowed brow. anxiety Without the slightest hesitation, I stood up from my seat.

“…What?”

“A man doesn’t go back on his word.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The customers murmured among themselves.

Cold sweat trickled down his cheek.

Seeing the chaos I had caused, the owner sighed.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The owner tried to stop me belatedly. ability But Knox shook his head and dissuaded him.

“Wait!”

The owner waved his hand dismissively. auction I ignored him and walked towards the kitchen. riddle All eyes followed my steps.

“…Hah, forget it. audit Just eat and leave.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“Boss, let’s just watch for now.”

Knox looked at the owner silently and then calmly spoke.

“Hey! audit Are you crazy? anxiety How can you bring a stranger into the kitchen?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The owner, visibly shocked, scolded Knox. adjust But Knox watched me with determined eyes, as if trying to engrave every small movement and gesture of mine into his mind.

“It’s hard for me to say this as an employee, but you can probably trust him.”

“What the hell, Knox? armor Why are you saying that all of a sudden? atomic You’re usually a quiet worker. apple Do you know how much that fish costs?!”

I entered the kitchen with a faint smile on my face. artist A pleasant smell of fish mixed with the metallic scent of blood filled the air.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

A slight smile formed on my lips, reflected in the gleaming steel. alpha I gripped the sashimi knife.

Beside it was a sashimi knife, finely sharpened and still wet from being honed on a whetstone.

On the cutting board lay a sea bream that had yet to be touched.

“It’s been a while.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

***

The blade vibrated. shadow The sashimi knife sliced through the fish with an impressive trajectory.

[The Blessing of the God of the Sword has manifested.]

Shing!

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“Huff, it seems I’ve lost some practice after so long.”

The eyes of those present shifted alternately between Kang Geom-Ma and the freshly filleted sea bream. arctic Among those gazes, naturally, was the restaurant owner’s.

“…”

Kang Geom-Ma wiped the sweat from his forehead after preparing the sea bream. aluminum He was the only one who had spoken in the restaurant.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

‘This is impossible.’

The white filleted flesh gleamed like jade under the light.

The cut lines were clean and precise, leaving not a single scrap of meat on the bones.

Although some time had passed, the movements of the knife still lingered in the owner’s mind. action He had built a reputation in the culinary world, but he had never witnessed such incredible skill. acquire The astonishment left him speechless.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The speed of Kang Geom-Ma’s hands had been impressive. atlas However, if it had been only about speed, the owner wouldn’t have been so shocked. apple His gaze returned to the sea bream.

Kang Geom-Ma smiled faintly and addressed those present.

‘Did his swift hands manage to avoid crushing the cells?’

The cells on the cut surfaces shone like polished crystals.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

At his question, an elderly man sitting at the counter raised his hand. zenith His clouded eyes, fully covering his pupils, resembled those of a raccoon.

“Is there anyone who would like to try it?”

“Can this old man have a taste?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“Of course.”

“…”

The elderly man silently smiled, took a piece, and began to chew. alpha His Adam’s apple visibly rose and fell.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The elderly man’s eyes widened.

“!”

Silence filled the place. ability Even the sound of swallowing ceased.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

Immediately, a bright tear rolled down his wrinkled cheek.

The elderly man firmly grasped Kang Geom-Ma’s hands. adopt The rough texture of his wrinkled palms could be felt.

“Young man, would you like to partner with me? autumn Tasting sashimi like this before dying… Everything I’ve eaten until now feels like child’s play.”

“T-This taste!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“Wow, you’re right! acoustic I’ve seen him on television. antique He’s a magnate whose word can make ingredient prices rise or fall. arena He’s among the ten wealthiest people in the country.”

“Wait, isn’t that old man Baek Jong-Hwe, the president of the largest restaurant chain in the country?”

The elderly man gestured, and a man dressed in an impeccable suit handed Kang Geom-Ma a business card. accent One of the customers whispered to his companion.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“They say he’s extremely picky with his food. anxiety That student was recruited directly by Baek Jong-Hwe. matrix Incredible.”

“Young man, join me immediately. aluminum Don’t let your talent go to waste.”

Whispers.

“Yes, and he even cried after tasting it.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“…Haha.”

“In this industry, age doesn’t matter. acquire If necessary, I’ll make sure to stay alive until you graduate.”

“I’m still a minor.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The owner nodded and took a bite. admire He closed his eyes as he savored the sashimi.

The more the commotion grew, the more confused the restaurant owner felt. orbit He timidly approached Kang Geom-Ma and asked,

“…May I try it too?”

“It’s your fish, so go ahead.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“Ah…”

A jolt ran through his temples.

The owner couldn’t suppress a gasp. riddle The flavor was so impressive that his legs trembled. arctic Finally, he knelt before Kang Geom-Ma.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The owner bowed deeply.

“…Please stand up, sir.”

“Master, please accept me as your disciple.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The owner quickly nodded and took out a notepad and pen. abandon Kang Geom-Ma smiled faintly and added:

“Calling me Master is too much. altitude I can give you a few tips.”

Kang Geom-Ma scratched his cheek.

“No, Master. agent I was a fool. absorb Please accept me as your apprentice.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“A left-handed knife?”

“Yes. orbit Judging by the cuts, you’re applying too much force with your right arm, crushing the flesh. athlete By switching knives, you’ll improve significantly. shadow The rest will come with years of practice.”

“It’s not that you lack skill, but you don’t fully understand knife usage. ability Try using a left-handed sashimi knife.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“…Can I call you Master?”

The customers watched the scene with surprise and bewilderment. airport Some began to rise from their seats.

Kang Geom-Ma shook his head, horrified. aluminum However, the owner clung to his pants.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“Hey, I was first!”

“Excuse me, can I have a taste too?”

“Me too, please! aluminum I’ll pay whatever it costs.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

Kang Geom-Ma, with an uncomfortable expression, whispered something to the owner.

“Please excuse us, but President Baek Jong-Hwe is currently speaking with him.”

A small dispute broke out.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

Clap!

He gestured toward the knife. acquire The owner immediately nodded.

Kang Geom-Ma clapped loudly, silencing the commotion. athlete When everything calmed down, he spoke:

“A bet is a bet. auction I won’t accept money, but this will cover the cost of our meal.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The crowd responded enthusiastically, and Kang Geom-Ma smiled in satisfaction. acquire Then, he picked up the knife again and began moving with agility. timber His smile was clear and serene.

“The owner has given me permission to serve customers today.”

“Yes!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

Saki Ryozo glanced at Chloe and then turned her attention back to the counter. sphere She smiled faintly and nodded.

“Yes.”

“So Kang Geom-Ma can smile like that too…”

Chloe, seeing that expression, murmured,

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“Shall we help a little?”

“Hey, Speedweapon, where are you going?!”

“Are we going to just sit back while our president is this excited?”

At that moment, Speedweapon rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

Ryozo rubbed her temples and then rolled up her sleeves as well.

“Ugh.”

“Chloe, let’s go.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

“I’ll show you how to do it.”

Chloe looked at her brother. aspect Knox sighed and nodded.

“…Thank you.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 73: The Best Swordsman in the Country (2) by Indra Translations.

The siblings walked together towards the chaos.