Several days later, within the Yoshida Jin residence.
Inside a spacious study, Yoshida Jin sat stiffly, his gaze flicking cautiously between Tatsuya and the figure standing silently behind him—Jizo. Pakura sat quietly to the side, an observant presence.
Though Yoshida Jin didn't personally know Jizo, he had heard enough from Ishikawa and the others to understand the man's terrifying combat prowess. The previous night, Jizo alone had killed a Jonin and a Chunin, along with dozens of Genin, before ultimately capturing the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki from Takigakure after the host had transformed.
Such power was enough to fill Yoshida Jin with genuine fear.
In the grand scheme of the shinobi world, one or two elite Jonin might mean little to the Five Great Shinobi Villages. However, for the vast majority of mid-sized organizations, even a single elite Jonin could be the pillar supporting their entire reputation. A powerhouse like Jizo was comparable to the Kage of the major hidden villages.
Yet, this very same powerhouse now stood obediently behind Tatsuya.
The implication was unnervingly clear.
"Yoshida Jin-san, you've worked hard during this time," Tatsuya said softly, setting down the Ansei Hall ledger he had been carefully reviewing. He turned his gaze towards the older man.
"Not at all, not at all! It's merely my duty! My duty!" Yoshida Jin's facial muscles twitched as he responded hastily, his voice tight.
"There's no need to be so tense, Yoshida Jin-san," Tatsuya said with a light chuckle, offering a placating smile. "We've known each other for quite some time now. Surely you understand my character? As long as you serve me faithfully, I won't treat you poorly."
"Yes, yes, of course!" Yoshida Jin nodded again, his smile stiff and forced.
He was already in too deep; there was no room left for second thoughts. Honestly, if he could turn back time, he would never have gotten involved in any of this. Wasn't it better to just live comfortably as a wealthy merchant? Why did he have to meddle in the dangerous affairs of shinobi?
Tatsuya paid his inner turmoil no mind. It was only natural for Yoshida Jin to feel apprehensive now that the power gap between them had become so apparent. As long as Yoshida Jin cooperated obediently, Tatsuya didn't mind letting him earn a bit more profit.
"Yoshida Jin-san," Tatsuya began after a moment's thought, "there is something I'd like to ask for your help with."
Yoshida Jin straightened slightly. "Tatsuya-san, please, just tell me what you need!"
Tatsuya spoke slowly, deliberately. "I would like you to help me arrange a private meeting with the Daimyo of the Land of Fields. We are preparing to establish a shinobi village there."
The idea of building his own power base outside of Konoha was something Tatsuya had considered for a long time. He had simply lacked the right conditions to implement it.
Now, the time was nearly right.
"Establish... a shinobi village?" Yoshida Jin's voice jumped several octaves, his eyes widening as they darted frantically between Tatsuya and Pakura.
An elite Jonin from Konoha and another from Sunagakure wanted to establish a shinobi village in the Land of Fields!
The news was too explosive! Yoshida Jin felt his mind reeling. This was tantamount to treason! How could Konoha and Sunagakure possibly tolerate such an act? Tatsuya and Pakura had certainly displayed formidable strength, but could they truly stand against two of the Great Shinobi Villages?
He was just a small merchant! How could he dare get involved in this clash between titans? Yoshida Jin felt as though he were sitting atop a volcano on the verge of eruption! Once it blew, his entire family would be reduced to ash!
"Oh?" Tatsuya's voice, now carrying a distinct chill, echoed in the room. "Does Yoshida Jin-san have some thoughts on the matter?"
Tatsuya's words snapped Yoshida Jin out of his panicked terror. He managed a bitter smile. "Tatsuya-san... do I truly have a choice anymore?"
"Why be so pessimistic?" Tatsuya countered, his tone softening slightly, though the pressure remained. "Perhaps, in the future, you'll even feel fortunate about this turn of events. Since retreat is impossible, why not embrace it more proactively?" Seeing Yoshida Jin looking as wilted and dejected as a frost-bitten eggplant, Tatsuya offered what sounded like gentle encouragement. Ansei Hall's business still needed Yoshida Jin's management; Tatsuya couldn't afford to let him crumble now.
"Let's hope so," Yoshida Jin managed, forcing another weak smile.
"Yoshida Jin-san," Tatsuya continued, producing a small porcelain vial from within his robes and placing it on the table. "This is an upgraded version of the Six-Flavor Rehmannia Pill, specially formulated for you. I believe you'll find it quite agreeable." He added casually, "Besides, at this stage, we are only beginning the preparatory work for founding the village. There's no need to announce anything publicly for the time being."
With that, Tatsuya stood, motioning for Pakura and Jizo to follow him out.
Left alone in the study, Yoshida Jin stared at the vial on the table, a tumultuous mix of fear and faint hope flickering across his face. After a long period of contemplation, he finally grit his teeth and picked up the vial. He was already fish on the chopping block. Since resistance was futile, perhaps it was better to just... accept it.
In the following days, Yoshida Jin began actively and frequently contacting the Daimyo of the Land of Fields.
The Daimyo was an old man, well past fifty, known for being not only elderly and incompetent but also thoroughly obsessed with money. Under Yoshida Jin's relentless financial assault, the Daimyo quickly consented to Ansei Hall's request to establish a village. Without any formal review or inspection, he directly approved Tatsuya's petition, even allowing Ansei Hall to choose the village's location freely.
There was, however, one condition: the village establishment permit and the land itself had to be purchased at a steep price.
Tatsuya agreed without hesitation. "Anything that can be solved with money isn't really a problem."
The permit and the land deed combined cost over twenty million ryo.
The village hadn't even begun construction, yet such a massive sum had already been spent. The expense pained Yoshida Jin so much he lost his appetite for half a day—this was, after all, the same man who had only been willing to offer one million ryo to save his own life when previously threatened. However, thoroughly intimidated by Tatsuya's power, Yoshida Jin could only grit his teeth and bear the cost.
Once the permission to establish the village was secured, Tatsuya tasked Pakura with overseeing the preparations. In this area, her knowledge surpassed his own.
Yamanashi Castle, West District. Inside a bustling izakaya.
Around a low table, several men were drinking heartily.
"Haha, let me tell you! My boss, Ishikawa, he's the Guard Captain for Ansei Hall now! It won't be long before I snag a squad leader position myself!" one of the men, dressed in ninja attire, boasted loudly, his face flushed with drink and excitement.
This man's name was Oka Kyu, a member of the guard force recruited by Ansei Hall, currently serving under Ishikawa's command.
During the recent battle, many of the rogue ninja recruited by Ansei Hall had fled without fighting. Tatsuya had dismissed all of them afterwards. Ishikawa, who had managed to hold his ground until the end—despite only being a Chunin—had demonstrated his loyalty under fire and was subsequently promoted to captain of the Ansei Hall Guard.
With Ishikawa's rise in status, his subordinates naturally benefited. Several had already been promoted to squad leader positions.
Hearing Oka Kyu's constant bragging, some at the table felt envious, others offered fawning praise, while a few curiously asked for details about the battle.
Perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps it was the unaccustomed feeling of being admired, but Oka Kyu became completely carried away. Like loose beans spilling from a bag, he blabbed everything he knew.
After finishing his drinks, Oka Kyu, already staggering slightly, prepared to leave the city and return to Ansei Hall.
Swish~
Suddenly, a figure flickered into existence directly in front of him.
In an instant, Oka Kyu snapped sober, his eyes sharp. He barked, "Who are you?"
The newcomer raised their hands gently in a placating gesture. "Don't be alarmed," the figure said softly. "I mean you no harm. I simply wish to ask for your help in delivering a message."
Oka Kyu asked nervously, "What message?"
The figure replied, "I request an audience with the person in charge of your Ansei Hall."
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