Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1)

I even helped a female diver who owned a seaside stall in Jeju compete against major sushi franchises.

From small establishments run by elderly owners who could no longer hold a sashimi knife due to their advanced age, to owners who had been unjustly labeled as ingredient manipulators by dishonest bloggers.

For about twenty years as a chef specializing in sashimi, I managed to save many restaurants.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

My colleagues used to say I was crazy, but I continued on my path, achieving great results.

I always rejected material offers from large corporations and instead sought out places that seemed on the verge of collapse.

I didn’t do it out of a charitable spirit, but for personal satisfaction.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

How romantic!

I admit, I suffered from late teenage syndrome. It was probably due to the influence of my first mentor, who taught me how to wield a knife.

‘Reviving a restaurant with a single sashimi knife.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

‘I was something, but that guy was a lost cause.’

Anyway.

He was constantly absent from the restaurant, wandering around looking for some hidden master, and as I mentioned before, every time he found a shiny new sashimi knife, he’d give it a strange name and sleep hugging it.

Setting up a food stall and selling dishes with the atmosphere of a night market is something I’m very familiar with.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

…But now.

‘Those days…’

Every restaurant I touched with my knife was revived, became a well-known establishment in the community, and customers would line up with numbered tickets.

Perhaps that’s why I was so excited before the festival, as memories from my previous life came flooding back.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

I stared at a fly floating in the air before turning my gaze to the inside of the stall.

The scene was desolate. The only one missing was Speedweapon, who had gone out to hand out flyers.

Chloe, for some reason, was slicing green onions on an empty cutting board. Senior Ha-na was quietly reading in a corner, while Ryozo typed on her computer with a bored expression.

“How is it possible that there’s not a single customer?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

It wasn’t a perfect preparation, but it was the best we could do with the resources we had. With twenty years of experience and the organizational skills of the club members, it was incomprehensible that the stall was empty. This was something I had never experienced before.

Was the problem the menu? After much deliberation, I had chosen a dish that didn’t require too much knife work and had general appeal: kimchi stew. Who doesn’t like kimchi stew?

“This doesn’t make sense…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

Although we were assigned a corner spot due to the small size of our club, Speedweapon had gone to the heart of the festival to distribute flyers. And yet, there were no signs of human life.

Chloe, who had been slicing green onions, timidly approached me.

“Hey… Kang Geom-Ma…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

“I’ve finished preparing the ingredients… Is there anything else I can do?”

She hesitated upon seeing my dark expression, and I responded with a slightly awkward smile.

“What is it?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

“…Hmm, could you bring a few more plates from your room? Maybe a lot of customers will suddenly show up.”

Her comment hit me right in the heart.

Chloe nodded with a slight bow and left. I watched her walk away for a moment before shaking my head.

However, Chloe’s eyes shone with enthusiasm. I forced a smile and replied.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

‘But where the hell is Speedweapon?’

Everything was going wrong from the start. With all the confidence in the world, I had said, lSince we’re doing this, let’s enjoy the moment!”, but there was no way to achieve that in these conditions. We needed a new plan.

‘This is the first time my hands have been this free since starting a business.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

But the heat was unbearable, and it had been more than two hours since he left.

While I was pondering, Ryozo suddenly stood up, frowned deeply, and spoke in a cold, sharp voice.

If someone had to do it, he insisted on being the one.

He had volunteered to endure the scorching sun and hand out flyers.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

“…I’m going to find that idiot Speedweapon.”

Her expression seemed to carry a significant amount of repressed frustration.

She said those words firmly and left the stall, leaving a chill in her wake.

“What’s going on now?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

“That’s probably the reason.”

She gestured with her chin toward Ryozo’s computer screen.

I tilted my head in curiosity, and Senior Ha-na let out a small laugh.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

‘But what does this have to do with Ryozo leaving?’

I looked in that direction and saw several low-resolution images filling the screen.

‘CCTV cameras?’

Judging by what I saw, it seemed like Ryozo had hacked into the Joaquin Academy’s security system, famous for its strict security measures…

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

I turned back to the computer screen.

I gave Senior Ha-na an inquisitive look, but she simply smiled faintly and returned to her reading.

“……”

In the corner of the image, I saw Speedweapon, excitedly waving his arms in the middle of a crowd. Under his arm, the flyers Ryozo had designed were crumpled and in complete disarray.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

At that moment, I had a bad feeling.

If I didn’t intervene, today, Speedweapon might end up dead at Ryozo’s hands.

A short while later.

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

Ryozo, who had gone out to find Speedweapon, finally returned.

Without showing any emotion, Ryozo tossed him onto the ground like a discarded piece of chewing gum. Speedweapon lay there like a soaked rag.

In one hand, he was dragging Speedweapon as if he were a corpse. His nose was completely covered in blood.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

“Ughhhhh… Hhrkghhh…”

“……”

‘How much did he hit him?’

Speedweapon let out a distorted groan, possibly because his mouth was injured. Ryozo clapped his hands loudly, shaking them clean.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

I crouched down in front of the battered Speedweapon, who barely raised a hand and murmured.

“Ahhgh… Presi… Help me…”

Although it was a bit pitiful, Speedweapon had brought it upon himself.

I didn’t feel particularly sorry for him.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

His nasal septum seemed slightly crooked, but there didn’t appear to be any major damage.

I smiled with satisfaction.

The pleading lament of Speedweapon. I let out a faint sigh as I checked his physical condition.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

“Pre… si… dent…?”

“At least your arms and legs aren’t broken, so you shouldn’t have any trouble working.”

Speedweapon’s trembling eyes looked at me. I stood up and pointed to a spot nearby.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

We had prepared a first aid kit in case Chloe cut herself while cooking. Then, I looked at Senior Ha-na and spoke.

“There are some gauze pads over there. Go clean off the blood.”

“Sure, I was getting bored anyway. I’ll take care of it.”

“Could you take over handing out flyers in his place, Senior Ha-na?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

“Oh, and Ryozo, could you print more flyers? These are too bloody to be used. Once you’re done, hand them over to Senior Ha-na.”

“And after that?”

Senior Ha-na stretched with a smile and gave me a thumbs-up.

“Since we’re promoting, don’t just stop at flyers. Post something on social media and use a lot of hashtags. I’ll leave the rest to you.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

Ryozo nodded. I chuckled softly and glanced down. Speedweapon was looking at me with a lost expression.

Speedweapon opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but then he closed it and nodded.

“You’ll be in charge of table service.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

I clapped my hands, and every club member sprang into action, heading to their tasks. I tied a bandana around my forehead and tightened the strings of my apron.

“Now, the customers will start coming.”

Clap!

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

That’s the foundation of any business.

***

When a problem is identified, it must be addressed and improved.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

Senior Ha-na’s efforts and Ryozo’s keyboard skills were paying off.

In the afternoon, people began to arrive.

The flyers distributed by Speedweapon had finally taken effect, and the previously empty stall started filling with people.

‘This feels right.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

My idea of using a machete to assist had been immediately rejected by the others’ horrified looks.

Chloe was chopping ingredients with impressive precision.

Bang bang bang bang bang!

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

‘…She’s good.’

Resigned, I focused on preparing the broth pots and adjusting the seasonings. Everything was working with an almost synchronized rhythm.

‘What a shame.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

“It’s called kimchi stew. It doesn’t require complicated ingredients, but the flavor is perfectly balanced.”

Chloe always described herself as a clumsy cook, but perhaps because her weapon was a katana, her knife skills were excellent. Her face showed enjoyment.

“What did you say this dish was called? I want to make it when I return to France!”

“Wow! What is this? Why does it taste so good?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

“Speedweapon, this one is for table nine.”

When a dish is delicious, people feel compelled to share it.

Customers from various nationalities had nothing but praise.

The best advertisement is always word of mouth.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

Speedweapon responded in a nasal voice due to the gauze plugging his nose.

It was an awkward sight—a tall, muscular guy speaking with such a high-pitched voice. However, he worked diligently.

“Yes, yes.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

‘Well, the important thing is that he understood my point.’

Honestly, I felt a bit bad about how I had treated him earlier, but Speedweapon had approached me first to apologize.

Apparently, he had been a passionate fan of the American hero *All Mute* for a long time, which caused him to lose his composure.

I replied with a smile and spoke humbly. Only then did his dark expression lighten. Essentially, men communicate more through actions than words.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

Just as the United States remained the number one superpower in this world, they had their own hero system.

‘…Speaking of which.’

All Mute, whose real name was Khan Elizabeth, was the hero closest to inheriting the title of “Star” after the retirement of the Sword Master.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

Today was the first time I had seen her in person, and my thoughts were…

Thank goodness I’m not American.

For someone like me, who wasn’t born there, it was a bit embarrassing, but here, it was taken for granted.

Their tight, colorful suits were exactly what one would expect from an American superhero.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

Although the outfit seemed ridiculous to me, it was undeniable that Khan Elizabeth was a powerful figure.

It was highly likely that our paths would cross someday since she would be the Sword Master’s successor, and I didn’t want that to happen.

‘How can they wear clothes like that?’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

‘Let’s avoid meeting her as much as possible.’

The sun was starting to set, and the flow of customers was increasing even more. Senior Ha-na truly had a talent for business.

“Whew, it’s busier than I expected.”

Anyway, I didn’t plan to leave the stall during the three days of the festival. Besides, it was unlikely that someone like her would come to eat kimchi stew.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

But the peace didn’t last long.

Flap!

The summer heat mixed with the steam from the pots, but I didn’t feel the slightest discomfort. Instead, I felt energized.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

Speedweapon, who was serving tables, froze.

The canvas of the stall fluttered. A group of men dressed in traditional uniforms abruptly entered.

“Welcome⎯!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

Click, click.

The sound of heels echoed on the ground. The men stepped aside to make way.

Everyone’s attention turned in the same direction.

A female figure appeared in the center, her traditional dress fluttering and revealing her legs with every step.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

One of the customers seemed shocked and spilled his kimchi stew. The reactions of others were not much different.

“Oh my God! It’s her!”

As if on cue, they began taking pictures.

“Uh, uh, uh, that person…!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

The customers began taking photos and applauding.

I, on the other hand, gritted my teeth and clicked my tongue slightly.

The men whistled in admiration.

“Please, look at me! I’m your fan!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

A brief silence fell. The air felt cold.

A moment later, the woman at the center of the group continued walking and stopped directly in front of me. Too many eyes were on us.

‘Just what I needed.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

She lifted her sharp gaze.

“Is it you?”

Her expressionless face leaned toward me. She looked very much like certain familiar people.

‘The Calamity Twins.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 78: An Insignificant Bond (1) by Indra Translations.

“Are you the one who left my brothers in that state?”

An unpleasant connection from the past was standing right in front of me.

Relentless Iron, Mao Lang.