Vol 1 Chapter 3-【Side Story】The Secret of the Karambit Knife (Extra Edition)

This is a story from the time when the Empress began moving in earnest.

Under the boss’s orders, Kuzuryuu-san and I were heading to a certain location.

“What kind of weapon do you use, Hirata?”

“Huh? Weapons? I don’t really have anything specific. Sometimes, I don’t carry anything at all.”

Weapons.

They are essential for eliminating targets or protecting oneself.

Everyone affiliated with the Empress is required to possess at least a basic weapon. Those in the upper ranks often use weapons they personally favor.

For example, Satsuki’s dual revolvers or Arisu’s daggers are notable examples.

Each executive carries a distinctive weapon, but Hirata didn’t have one of her own.

“As conflicts increase, having a weapon you’re comfortable with will be crucial.”

“I understand that, but…”

Hirata didn’t have a weapon she could call her own.

In truth, compared to the other executives—aside from Nonomura—she had significantly fewer cases of combat or killings under her belt.

Despite being a member of the Empress, a massive criminal organization, she seemed to be somewhat oblivious to the necessity of weapons. Perhaps her mindset was a bit too peaceful for this line of work.

“Well, you should try out different weapons in your free time. You’re bound to find something that suits you.”

“Got it… I’ll give it a try.”

After listening to Kuzuryuu’s advice, Hirata began to develop an awareness of the importance of weapons.

(Though honestly, I’m not good with guns or blades…)

Reluctantly, she decided to explore her options.

Underground Training Room of the Empress’s Hideout

The sound of gunfire echoed through the room.

“Not hitting anything…”

Hirata sighed as she held a handgun in her hands.

The large target in her view had not a single bullet mark on it. Her expression turned sour.

“It’s heavy, and unlike Satsuki-san, I can’t shoot it one-handed. I really don’t like guns…”

Her physical limitations only added to her frustration.

Compared to the other executives, Hirata was physically and skillfully lacking in every aspect.

However, she held the role of the boss’s assistant, essentially making her the de facto No. 2 of the organization. This was because Sakata himself had decided on the roles, and the other executives complied without question. Still, Hirata could sense that some of the more eccentric members harbored dissatisfaction.

An assistant to the boss serves as both a secretary and a right hand.

If someone in that role is weak, they can’t act as a shield in critical moments.

The conversation she had with Kuzuryuu earlier weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her feeling increasingly anxious.

“Is there some special weapon that would suit me…?”

She put the gun down and picked up a knife.

But knives were also challenging weapons to handle.

Their reach is short, and one must aim for vital spots to be effective. For those reasons, she had avoided them thus far.

She swung it experimentally, but it didn’t feel quite right.

It seemed more likely she would injure herself before hurting someone else.

“Everyone’s so amazing…”

A sigh escaped her lips.

Realizing she couldn’t go on like this, she decided to step outside for some fresh air.

“It’s so cold…”

It was late December.

The world around her was gearing up for the end-of-year and New Year’s festivities.

She could see her breath puffing out in white clouds.

“Let’s get something to drink.”

She walked up to a vending machine nearby and purchased a warm tea.

She quickly opened it and took a sip.

The warmth spread through her body as she drank, raising her temperature little by little.

“Time sure flies…”

It had been a few months since Hirata joined the Empress.

She thought back on her experiences—from meeting the boss to this very moment.

“Is it okay to rely on his strength again…?”

Just then, her phone rang.

“Who could it be…?”

She slowly took out her phone. The moment she saw the name on the screen, her eyes widened.

“Boss! Thank you for calling!”

The caller was Sakata.

Hirata spoke with excitement.

“—Huh? You want me to come to you?”

Sakata’s request was for her to meet him. It was rare for Sakata to call someone personally, but Hirata answered with a smile.

“Understood! I’ll head there right away!”

Ending the call, she immediately ran to the room where Sakata was waiting.

“Sorry to keep you waiting!”

“You’re fast. I’m impressed.”

As always, Sakata exuded an overwhelming presence, and Hirata’s eyes sparkled as she looked at him.

No matter how many times they met, her admiration for him remained unwavering.

“So, what is it you need from me today?”

Hirata waited eagerly for Sakata to speak, like a dog awaiting its master’s command.

“It’s nothing major, but…”

The two began their discussion.

For Hirata, even though this was work, getting to talk with Sakata one-on-one was pure bliss.

“That’s all. I’ll leave it to you.”

“Understood! You can count on me!”

As their conversation ended and she was about to leave the room, Hirata suddenly stopped in her tracks. She hesitated, torn over whether to share her concerns.

Should I talk to the boss about the weapon issue…?

If he found out she couldn’t properly handle any weapon, would it disappoint him greatly?

These anxieties ran through her mind.

She wanted to tell him, but at the same time, she didn’t.

She was conflicted.

“—Is something wrong?”

Sakata’s voice came from behind her.

“N-No, it’s nothing.”

“I see. You looked like you had something on your mind.”

Hirata chose not to say anything.

Even though Sakata’s expression was hidden behind a mask, his voice felt wrapped in kindness.

“You don’t have to shoulder your burdens alone. I’m just like you—a human being. If something’s bothering you, I’m here to listen.”

“Boss…”

Those words moved her heart.

“Actually…”

She confessed everything she had been worrying about—not just about the weapon, but also how she felt inferior to the other executives in terms of physical strength and skills. She was afraid that she might be causing trouble for Sakata.

Amidst her fears and shame, she poured everything out.

“I see. That’s also my responsibility. I apologize.”

“N-No, Boss! You’ve done nothing wrong!”

Hirata panicked at Sakata’s apology.

Sakata, appearing to be deep in thought, pulled out a box from his desk drawer and handed it to Hirata.

“Boss, what’s this…?”

“Well, open it and see.”

Following Sakata’s words, Hirata opened the box.

“This is…”

Inside was a sharp, curved knife.

“It’s a karambit knife.”

“A karambit knife…?”

Hirata stared at it curiously.

“It was originally used for harvesting rice. Later, it became a weapon for war and martial arts.”

“It has such a distinctive look… I’ve never seen one before. May I hold it?”

“Go ahead.”

She slipped her finger through the ring on the handle and gripped it. Compared to other knives, it felt easier to hold, but the reach felt even shorter.

“This knife is designed to target and sever an opponent’s vital points, like arteries. It’s also easy to wield and swing. If you’d like, it’s yours.”

“—What.”

A gift from the boss.

A present for someone as troubled as she was.

Her body trembled.

A sudden rush of joy overwhelmed her.

“…Hirata-san?”

“…Really? I can have this?”

Hirata leaned toward Sakata with a fervent intensity.

“Y-Yes. I’m not sure if it suits you, but…”

“It’s not about whether it suits me or not. I’ll make it work for me!”

With a loud declaration, Hirata left the room.

From that moment, her efforts were extraordinary.

It was like a modern-day girlfriend practicing a game to play with her gamer boyfriend.

She suffered numerous injuries as she mastered techniques that weren’t possible with conventional knives. Sakata told her repeatedly not to push herself, but she didn’t listen.

It was all for the sake of the one she admired.

She worked tirelessly.

One Year Later

“Didn’t even need me today, huh.”

In an old, unused tunnel in Japan, countless bodies lay scattered.

“Good work. Let’s head back to the hideout.”

“Yes, Boss!”

Hirata sheathed her karambit knife.

She had completely mastered its use.

One could even say she surpassed military professionals and martial artists.

“Well, as long as I don’t have to stain this precious knife with the blood of some insignificant nobody, that’s fine.”

Speaking to herself, she had no more doubts in her heart.