Chapter 99: Resolution (2)

“Ugh…”

The moonlight filtered through the window, illuminating Saki’s forehead. Under the silver glow, her eyelids slowly began to open.

It was late at night.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

“…Speedweapon?”

A faint groan escaped her lips. As she regained consciousness, the paralysis in her body faded, and an intense pain flooded her all at once. Saki pressed her lower lip together and, with effort, sat up. At that moment, a cheerful voice echoed in her ears.

“Oh! You’re finally awake, Saki!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

‘Where am I, and why is he here?’ she thought, not even having time to question it. Before she could articulate her doubts, Speedweapon began speaking nonstop, as usual.

“…T-three days?”

In front of her, Speedweapon jumped to his feet, welcoming her with enthusiasm. Saki’s expression instantly turned confused.

“Do you know how many days you’ve been unconscious? Almost three whole days!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

For a moment, Saki’s eyes went blank. Then, memories of the final exam flooded her mind. She remembered Erio’s surprise attack and how she had struck back in the same way. It was part of her nature—to return whatever was given to her, no matter the circumstances.

“Yes, how can you sleep so much after everything? What are you, a hibernating bear?”

‘…But.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

While she remained lost in thought, Speedweapon, now sitting again in a chair, continued talking.

“Saki, you owe your life to the club president. According to Rachel, Kang Geom-Ma gave you and Leon first aid immediately. I had no idea he had a Regeneration Blessing! The doctors said his treatment was extraordinary, almost miraculous.”

“….?”

Saki pressed her forehead as she tried to piece together what had happened. A strange, tingling sensation in her chest unsettled her, as if she had forgotten something important.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

‘…Oh, no.’

‘Please let me stay like this a little longer.’

Saki’s eyes trembled violently, and her face flushed red in an instant. The words and actions from that day resurfaced in her mind with perfect clarity. She remembered resting in Kang Geom-Ma’s arms and whispering.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

“S-Saki? What’s wrong all of a sudden?”

Despite the pain she still felt, she let out a scream of despair and started kicking the sheets with her feet. Her body twisted as if trying to shake off the sheer humiliation.

“Aaaaaaahhhh!”

For a moment, Saki’s face went completely pale, like a blank sheet of paper.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

‘I’m done for.’

That phrase perfectly summarized her situation.

Speedweapon’s eyes widened as he approached, alarmed. However, Saki leaned forward, burying her face in her hands as cold sweat trickled down her back.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

“…Is this what they call post-traumatic stress? If even Saki, who always acts so dignified and proud, is like this, just what the hell happened during that final exam…?”

If only her head could break apart right then and there. Maybe, with a good dose of amnesia, she could pretend nothing had happened. But, of course, her flawless memory gave her no mercy. Everything that had occurred was engraved in painful clarity.

Saki dug her fingers into her hair and began ruffling it in frustration. Her pupils swirled like whirlpools, while Speedweapon, concerned, murmured.

How could she ever face him again after saying something so embarrassing? Just thinking about her own words made her skin crawl, sending chills down her arms.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

“And why are you here at this hour? What are you doing here, bothering me? Are you here to gawk at me or what?”

Even though she was just venting her frustration, her words came out with an aggressive tone. She couldn’t help it; the weight of her embarrassment was crushing her.

The harshness in her tone startled Speedweapon, who took a step back. He had been keeping watch by her bedside as part of the club members’ assigned shifts. After all, given her history with villains, it was only natural to take extra precautions.

After talking to himself for a while, Speedweapon started trembling slightly. His reaction caught Saki’s sharp gaze.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

And, by chance, it had been his turn that night. However, now Saki was glaring daggers at him.

Although he didn’t fully understand, he assumed it was some kind of psychological trauma. He reached into his pocket and, nervously, pulled out a small package of yokan.

‘Why is she so suddenly pissed off?’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

Saki stared at the yokan on the sheets before slowly lifting her gaze toward Speedweapon.

“Look, I brought your favorite yokan! It’s the good kind. Please, calm down.”

Carefully, he placed the sweet on the bed, raising both hands as a sign of surrender.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

Thud!

Silence filled the room, blending with the bitter scent of medicine. Then, a vein started to bulge on Saki’s temple.

“……”

The rolled-up pillow in her hands hit Speedweapon square in the face.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

She grabbed another pillow, ready to throw it, while Speedweapon waved his hands and ran toward the door.

If she had only been venting her anger before, now she was genuinely irritated. She felt like Speedweapon was treating her like a dog that could be calmed with a snack.

“Ack!”

“Do you think you can fix everything with a little yokan, you idiot?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

“You’ll regret this!”

“…Hah.”

Finally, she sighed. A slight pang of guilt crept in a second later.

Speedweapon pointed a finger at the air in an accusatory manner and bolted, slamming the door shut behind him. For a moment, Saki just stared after him.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

As her initial emotions gradually subsided, Saki averted her gaze.

“…I think I was too harsh on him.”

Even though it annoyed her that he tried to calm her down with yokan, she couldn’t ignore the fact that he had been looking after her late into the night.

‘I’ll apologize later.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

There it was, the yokan that Speedweapon had dropped in his escape, resting untouched on the sheet.

Saki stared at it for a long while, then suddenly reached out like lightning and grabbed it.

“…….”

Then, she quickly turned her head from side to side, checking that no one was watching.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

“…It’s delicious.”

With her brows slightly furrowed, as if trying to hold back tears, she devoured the yokan in silence.

A rich, intense flavor ran through her tongue, making her jaw tremble slightly.

The pale moonlight was the only thing illuminating her. There was no sign of anyone nearby. Once she confirmed she was alone, Saki swallowed and took a big bite of the yokan.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

***

The full midnight moon was the only witness to the scene.

Step. Step.

The atmosphere of the hospital was bathed in a faint glow.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

‘That chatterbox must be desperate to talk to someone after being alone for so long.’

I walked through the dark hallway, moving through the dimly lit corridor. Although it was Speedweapon’s turn for night duty, I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to drop by and keep him company.

I smiled slightly at the thought as I headed toward the room.

Three days had passed since the final exam.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

Fortunately, my gamble of manifesting the four Blessings to treat them had paid off, saving their lives.

Due to the unexpected appearance of the villains, Ryozo and Leon had been gravely injured. Looking back at the situation, it was a miracle that both were still alive.

Saki and Leon had been carried out of the special area by Rachel and Choi Seol-Ah, who had taken responsibility for each of them. In my case, it was Senior Ha-na who supported me when my knees finally gave out.

Of course, the effort had nearly cost me my consciousness. However, thanks to the pain reduction effect, I managed to avoid being hospitalized.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

As soon as they were admitted, Media came to see me, demanding an explanation. In the middle of a barrage of questions about what had happened, I didn’t answer immediately, postponing everything for later. My priority was tending to the two injured.

After that dreadful final exam, we headed straight to the hospital.

‘At least three of us made it out unscathed.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

Judging by the injuries on Leon and Saki, Media seemed to have a good idea of what had transpired.

Another unfortunate incident had occurred during the exam. Despite having relocated the exam site to the academy grounds after the problems during the midterms, two cadets had returned on the brink of death.

Even though it was just a phone call, her voice carried a mixture of concern and fury.

I asked Media for a week to explain everything.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

Either way, the moment for revenge was slowly approaching. The club members were working tirelessly to investigate potential suspects.

Of course, I was just as furious. I wanted to gather the villains immediately and make them pay with my sword.

No matter how harsh the special area was, it did not justify someone returning with a shattered arm or a torn body. Her voice trembled with anger as she muttered, and that scene remained vivid in my mind.

However, I knew that acting on intense emotions would only complicate matters, so I gritted my teeth and suppressed my rage.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

“……”

Lost in thought, I continued walking without realizing it until I arrived in front of Saki’s room. Just then, a small commotion echoed from inside, and then…

Instinctively, I turned my gaze to the window in the hallway. Through the darkness of the night sky, I observed the scenery. The moonlight dimmed the brilliance of the stars.

I took a deep breath. The cold night air filled my lungs, clearing my thoughts.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

“Huh? President? What are you doing here at this hour?”

Clack!

The door suddenly swung open, and Speedweapon ran out, panting. After catching his breath, he seemed to notice my presence and turned his head toward me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

Speedweapon’s eyes filled with a strange melancholy.

“I just couldn’t sleep. I thought you might be bored, so I came to keep you company.”

With a surprised expression, he shot me the question. I scratched my chin before responding.

“President…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

“……!”

“President, Saki woke up.”

Seeing a grown man with teary eyes was… uncomfortable. While rubbing his eyes, he opened his mouth and spoke in a quiet voice.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

When I asked, Speedweapon, who had been silent for a moment, let out a sigh before answering.

“It looks like, thanks to you, her body is at least in good condition. But the problem is…”

“Problem?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

I looked at Speedweapon, who was sighing deeply, with a mix of disbelief.

“……”

“…It looks like she has post-traumatic stress disorder. She suddenly starts screaming, throws pillows… It was already chaotic before, but now her temper is even worse. I tried to calm her down by offering her yokan, but she rejected it immediately. Things aren’t looking good, President.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

Based on what he said, Saki’s attitude toward him hadn’t changed much, though maybe now she was a little more… direct.

‘…This guy, what the hell?’

The same Speedweapon who had gotten beaten up by Ryozo was now complaining as if getting hit by a pillow was some sort of tragedy.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

‘…Maybe it’s precisely because of how clumsy he is that Saki has feelings for him.’

She had probably rejected the yokan because she didn’t like Speedweapon’s shallow attempt at appeasing her. But here he was, diagnosing her with PTSD and acting like he was the victim.

If I were Saki, I would’ve knocked out a couple of his teeth by now.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

‘Anyway.’

Because of that, I decided not to comment on it. Instead, I sent a silent thought of support to Saki, imagining how difficult it must be to deal with someone like him.

Even so, his concern for her was genuine, and that had some merit.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

I asked Speedweapon.

The final exam period was about to end. With the holidays right around the corner, any delays could ruin our plans.

“By the way, how’s the search for the villains going?”

Something came to mind that I needed to discuss. The past few days had been so chaotic that I hadn’t had the chance to bring it up before. Now that Saki was awake, the timing seemed right.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

“Not just the club members—even Rachel got involved. We’ve identified about five staff members who seem suspicious.”

“Are you sure it’s them?”

Seeming to understand my intentions, Speedweapon nodded and responded.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

‘Five suspects…’

Speedweapon nodded at my question, confirming it with a firm gesture.

The actual number was probably higher, but if we managed to expose those five, it was likely that the whole operation would collapse like a house of cards.

Knowing his cautious nature and logical thinking, his answer was practically a certainty.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

“Speedweapon, can you come with me somewhere tomorrow after class? Does that work for you?”

As I pondered the possible implications, I shifted my focus back to Speedweapon. He was looking at me with an expectant expression, as if waiting for me to say something. I patted him on the shoulder before speaking.

“Eh, sure, I don’t have any scheduling conflicts. But if Saki is already awake, shouldn’t we bring the others here after class?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

Finally, Speedweapon nodded as if he had finally understood. I couldn’t help but let out a sigh at his lack of perception. It was surprising to find someone more clueless than me, even as a rookie when it came to relationships.

“…Ah.”

“…Do you really think Ryozo would be happy if everyone showed up in a crowd? You’ve known her for so long—do you not get her personality?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

When I raised my eyebrows at him, giving him a slightly exasperated look, Speedweapon tilted his head in confusion before asking.

With a calm smile, I responded.

“So, where are we going tomorrow?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 99: Resolution (2) by Indra Translations.

There were only a few days left before the closing ceremony, and I intended to use them to their fullest to catch those damn villains.

“To the director’s office.”

It was time to put the old saying into practice: ‘Strike while the iron is hot.’