Chapter 81: The First Business Deal
If the merchants from the Lands of Rain and Earth recognized the massive potential profits along this trade route, Ishiro wouldn't need to worry further—merchants driven by wealth would naturally flood the route.
By then, Ishiro's primary task would simply be maintaining safety on the trade route; everything else would take care of itself.
With optimism about the future, Ishiro escorted Hirosho's merchant caravan smoothly to the border between the two countries. Upon arrival, as previously arranged with Yahiko and the others, they encountered an Akatsuki team consisting of eight ninja, divided into two squads. Ishiro smoothly transferred the escort responsibility of Hirosho's caravan to this Akatsuki team. Meanwhile, Team 7 remained stationed at the border awaiting the caravan's return.
Although Team 7 had sufficient time and could have accompanied Hirosho's team all the way to their destination, Ishiro felt that it would be pointless. They had to become accustomed to handing escort duties over to Rain Ninja halfway through, then reclaiming escort duties once the caravan returned to Earth Country after exchanging goods in the Land of Rain.
The time spent waiting at the border was far from dull for Ishiro and his team. As ninja, idle time naturally translated into training time. Ishiro recently learned three B-level ninjutsu: two area-of-effect attack techniques—Exploding Water Shockwave and Group Water Line Technique—and a high-intensity localized attack jutsu, the Group Water Pressure Line Technique.
This waiting period was the perfect opportunity for him to demonstrate these new techniques to his teammates.
Moreover, since Ishiro had recently adjusted his physical training regimen—including updating his weighted gear—he needed time to adapt to the new routines. This period was ideal for that adjustment.
In addition, Ishiro had another important matter demanding his attention.
After more than half a year of relentless practice in foundational swordsmanship, Ishiro finally met Purple Lightning's strict requirement. Now, he could successfully strike the wooden training dummy approximately forty consecutive times, with the first thirty strikes landing with perfect accuracy.
This achievement meant Ishiro was now qualified to practice his long-awaited B-level swordsmanship.
When Ishiro first succeeded at this dummy exercise, he nearly shed tears of joy.
Throughout those past months, even during missions, Ishiro never missed a single session of foundational sword training, and only now had he finally reached the necessary standard.
Thinking back, he could barely recall exactly how long he'd held onto the swordsmanship scroll without being able to learn it. Such delayed gratification had been incredibly frustrating.
It wasn't that he couldn't have started sword practice earlier. He simply hadn't had the spare time, as his schedule had always been fully packed. Abandoning other crucial training sessions had never been an acceptable option.
Now, with foundational swordsmanship practice complete, he finally had the time freed up to dedicate to learning B-level swordsmanship.
With Hirosho's merchant caravan still far from returning, Ishiro immersed himself fully into sword training.
Foundational sword training had involved straightforward actions—basic sword movements such as thrusting, cutting, and lifting—with each exercise solely focused on accuracy and power delivery.
Thanks to his intensive groundwork, Ishiro found the transition into B-level swordsmanship surprisingly smooth. He understood that mastering this more sophisticated sword style wouldn't happen quickly, yet each day he practiced, Ishiro clearly felt his skills improving.
Every day's progress felt tangible, almost as if he were accumulating experience points in a game. Once enough experience was gathered, the swordsmanship would naturally become usable.
This marvelous feeling immersed Ishiro entirely.
Ten days later, Hirosho's merchant caravan finally returned. This time, however, in addition to the original two Akatsuki teams, three familiar figures—Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan—were present.
From the excited expressions on their faces, Ishiro immediately deduced that Hirosho's first trade mission had gone exceptionally well.
Yahiko rushed forward ahead of the others, enthusiastically calling out, "Ishiro, you're amazing! We didn't expect you'd arrange a merchant caravan so quickly!"
Ishiro smiled lightly. "Actually, it wasn't as quick as it could've been. My team had some leave, which delayed things slightly. But from now on, things will run smoother. Hirosho mentioned that future trade of agricultural products can be conducted near the borders of both our countries."
Yahiko nodded vigorously. "Yes, Hirosho explained it to me as well. We'll ensure next time to arrange trade directly at the border between the Lands of Rain and Earth, so merchant caravans can complete more frequent trips."
Konan and Nagato approached as well, looking at Ishiro with gratitude. The three genuinely regarded the citizens of the Land of Rain as family, deeply appreciating any action taken to improve their lives.
Afterwards, Ishiro discussed detailed aspects of the merchant caravan's journey with Yahiko's group. Carefully reviewing every interaction involving Hirosho's team, Akatsuki escorts, and Team 7, Ishiro identified areas needing improvement and prepared an operational manual. He proposed using this manual as the guideline for future trade missions.
Yahiko was utterly astonished by Ishiro's meticulousness.
Ishiro explained patiently, "We can't yet compete against major merchant caravans. So, improving details and minimizing costs are critical to making our trade more profitable. Greater profitability will naturally attract other merchants."
Finally, pointing to an empty area within the Land of Rain, Ishiro proposed, "Build a resupply station there. It will serve as a rest and replenishment spot for passing caravans."
"Right now, my influence in Iwa is limited, so the first resupply station should be established within your territory. Later, when I receive more substantial support, we'll build another station on Earth Country's side. That way, we can smoothly handle escort exchanges and enhance overall efficiency."
Yahiko brightened immediately. "That's a fantastic idea! I'll arrange it as soon as I return. We'll build a huge resupply station!"
Ishiro shook his head gently. "No, not yet. Start small, then expand gradually as more caravans come through. We can't rely purely on enthusiasm; cost efficiency matters greatly."
"Right now, we're investing heavily without expecting immediate returns. But once our caravans expand, both our nations will eventually benefit significantly. Towns and villages near the trade route will prosper, and increased economic activity will boost tax revenues. While border taxes decrease, domestic taxes will rise."
"From now onward, each step we take must consider our nations' interests. Only when everyone sees mutual benefit will they support our cause."
Yahiko considered Ishiro's words before hesitantly asking, "But aren't the ninja escorts supposed to be unpaid?"
Ishiro clarified, "Not paid by the merchant caravan, but our countries' leaders can provide payments. On our side, it'll be the Land of Earth, and yours, the Land of Rain. The increased tax revenues from this trade will make it easy to persuade our respective Daimyo to allocate budgets for escort missions."
Yahiko finally understood. "So you're saying we must pay the ninja performing escort tasks, funded by our respective Daimyo. Any additional projects, like expanding resupply stations, would require separate mission payments from the Daimyo?"
Ishiro nodded. "Ninja can't continually work unpaid. The escort payments must come from the Daimyo, as they'll benefit most once trade routes thrive."
Yahiko confidently responded, "Don't worry, I'll persuade our Daimyo!"
Ishiro felt slightly envious of Yahiko's position. The Akatsuki already held considerable influence in the Land of Rain, making negotiations with their Daimyo straightforward. By contrast, Ishiro needed significant results first to convince Earth Country's Daimyo to fund such missions. Even then, negotiations wouldn't involve Ishiro directly, as his influence was minimal.
Fortunately, Iwa possessed sufficient scale to initially cover the expenses without concern. Unbeknownst to Ishiro, from Onoki's perspective, gaining the Daimyo's support wasn't the core issue—successful trade would simply justify higher military funding requests, easily covering the escort expenses.
After discussing the trade route thoroughly, Ishiro suddenly suggested sparring with Yahiko's group. He had wanted this exchange for some time but hesitated initially due to politeness. Now, their strengthened relationship made the request reasonable.
Yahiko hesitated briefly but quickly agreed, given his straightforward nature.
After instructing Team 7, Ishiro departed with Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan toward a nearby lake—at Ishiro's request, providing ample water for his jutsu.
His first opponent was Yahiko. Though the original story gave few details of Yahiko's strength, Ishiro sensed Yahiko had reached Jonin-level even earlier than himself. Ishiro initially felt confident, knowing Yahiko hadn't extensively trained in ninjutsu.
Yet, upon engaging, Ishiro immediately realized he'd miscalculated. Yahiko wasn't ninjutsu-focused, but his taijutsu surpassed Ishiro significantly.
Though Ishiro's foundational swordsmanship had improved, he lacked comprehensive formal training. In contrast, Yahiko had undergone systematic instruction from Jiraiya, reducing detours in his growth considerably.
Thus, from the first clash, Ishiro fell clearly behind.
Yet, thanks to earlier lessons from Inoue, Ishiro gained experience in fighting Jonin, allowing him to barely withstand Yahiko's relentless assault.
♧♧♧
-> SUPPORT ME WITH POWER STONE
-> FOR EVERY 200 PS = BOUNS CHAPTER
♧♧♧
-> 25 Advanced chapters Now Available on Patreon!!
-> https://www.patreon.com/c/Segais
(Just remove the hyphen to access patreon normally)
If you like this novel please consider leaving a review that help the story a lot Thank you