Chapter 26 Let's Get a Part-Time Job, Lord Oden
Seeing their expressions, Oden also felt a bit embarrassed.
"You guys, how can you do such petty thievery!" he scolded loudly, even though his own actions were hardly any better.
"These are just minor matters. Although Kuri's laws are strict, as long as you compensate at market price, you can avoid jail. The crops you ruined, the waterwheels you damaged, and the other losses—I've already paid for them out of my own pocket."
Ren's words immediately made Oden and the others feel a sudden sense of goodwill toward him.
However, the next sentence was completely different.
"Compared to these insignificant economic losses, you people resisted the Tenryu Bugyo's forces and injured many soldiers. That is the truly serious matter," Ren said sternly. "Oden, ignoring the law, assaulting others, and resisting government troops—these charges alone are enough to sentence you to death."
"But your people came looking for trouble first!" Kin'emon said anxiously.
"But you broke the law first. Otherwise, why would the Tenryu Bugyo's people come to arrest you?" Ren replied. "Originally, Shutenmaru intended to lead a large force and wipe you out as bandits, but I stopped him."
No matter what, Oden was still the son of the shogun. What Ren wanted was to rule Wano Country, not to start a war with it.
Hearing this, Kin'emon and the others let out a sigh of relief. After thinking it through, they also realized that the Daimyo of Kuri would never act so rashly.
"Daimyo of Kuri, could you help cover the medical expenses for the injured?" Oden asked, recalling that the soldiers they had repelled should not have been seriously hurt.
"That's not a problem," Ren replied calmly. "But if I pay for it, how do you plan to repay me? As far as I know, you don't seem to have any source of income right now."
"You should understand that the number of injured is quite large. Combined with those losses, it probably won't be settled without at least 1000 gold."
Wano Country's currency was based on platinum, gold, and silver. Platinum was rare, and common people usually used gold and silver.
1 silver was equivalent to 100 Berries decades later, while 1 gold was equivalent to 10000 Berries.
Unlike the constantly depreciating Berries, Wano Country's economy formed a closed loop, with almost no inflation or deflation.
"You don't need to worry about that," Oden said confidently. "I'm strong and capable. If I work, I can earn money very quickly."
"That's good, then," Ren nodded. "Mr. Oden, stay in Kuri and work until your debt is fully repaid. I'll have my subordinates arrange a job for you."
Ren fully intended to put Oden to work. With such strength at his disposal, there was no reason not to make use of it.
"And during this period, I won't provide you with any special assistance. You'll have to arrange your own food and lodging."
Oden nodded without hesitation. He had already been living roughly for the past 2 years, so this made little difference to him.
More importantly, he wanted to know Ren's stance on opening the country.
This was a sensitive topic in Wano Country, but Oden had never cared about such things. He asked directly, "What does the Daimyo of Kuri think about Wano Country's isolation policy?"
"I heard you've tried to go to sea 38 times already, and all of them failed," Ren replied casually, as if chatting with an old friend. "What, you still haven't given up?"
This manner didn't annoy him at all. On the contrary, Ren found himself somewhat enjoying the conversation.
"I won't give up," Oden said excitedly. "This country is too restrictive. There's a much broader world overseas, where all kinds of new and exciting things exist. Aren't you curious?"
"In truth, I share your view," Ren said calmly. "Complacency only leads to decline. However, I am merely the Daimyo of Kuri and cannot oppose this ban that has lasted for centuries."
There was no need for him to hide this.
Oden was visibly delighted upon hearing it. In his entire life, this was the first time someone had openly agreed with his desire to open the country.
Seizing the moment, he said eagerly, "In that case, after I repay my debt, may I ask you to help me go overseas?"
Ren shook his head.
"Oden, going to sea is against the law. Do you want me, the Daimyo of Kuri, to take the lead in breaking it?"
Ren said this deliberately. In reality, by leveraging his position as Daimyo, Kurozumi Orochi had already traveled overseas multiple times.
Although leaving Wano from Kuri was difficult, with Ren using the Ama no Murakumo to assist, the risk was actually not very high.
Ren's refusal was meant to make Oden work harder for him.
Once Oden went to sea, he was destined to become a pirate. Logically speaking, after joining Whitebeard's crew, he should have obtained a share of their plunder, but no one knew where it all went—most likely spent on banquets.
If Ren helped him go to sea, a portion of Oden's future gains would naturally have to be handed over first. At the same time, Oden could also help collect Devil Fruits.
All of this would be considered Ren's compensation for "taking the risk" on his behalf. Given their respective positions, Ren and Oden were destined to become enemies sooner or later.
Since that was the case, why not use an enemy's strength to reinforce himself?
Devil Fruits were Ren's primary objective. The number of Devil Fruits within Wano Country was still far too small.
Oden was not his only potential enemy. One day, Wano Country itself would be swept into the massive tides of the world, and Ren needed to prepare for the threats that would come with it.
"Oden, it's impossible for me to help you break the law," Ren said firmly. "If the shogun learned that I sent his son out to sea, he would certainly hold me responsible."
"Although I'm also curious about the outside world, I cannot take that risk."
Even as he said this, Ren's expression clearly showed dissatisfaction with the benefits involved, subtly tempting Oden to continue persuading him.
Ren was not in a hurry to agree. After all, Oden still had to remain in Kuri and perform several years of hard labor.
After the meal ended, Ren did not allow Oden and the others to stay overnight and had them escorted out.
He took out a map and casually marked a location, arranging a temporary place for Oden to stay. Naturally, land cost money, houses cost money, and even cutting wood from the forest cost money.
Oden had not only failed to repay his debt—his debt had increased instead.
"First, we need to buy wood to build a house," Denjiro calculated carefully. "Then we need money for food. Fortunately, the Daimyo lent us a little later on."
"It's really impossible to take even a single step in Kuri without money."
At that, Denjiro turned to Lord Oden and shouted forcefully, "Let's work, Lord Oden!"
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