Despite knowing that negotiating in front of a country's top military official puts them at a certain disadvantage.
But for the arrogant and high-handed Isolated Island merchants, the behavior of the Land of Demons, refusing to even let them meet, is undoubtedly a humiliating act.
It is also a disgrace to their Isolated Island Merchant Alliance.
Although the Isolated Island Merchant Alliance can indeed count for little in front of strong countries, they possess the top wealth in the Ninja Realm, surpassing the Shion Flower Merchants Association in total financial power. Even high-ranking officials in the Five Great Nations would not treat them so rudely; instead, they would take their money and let the ninjas handle matters.
"So now it's troublesome. They didn't even meet us... Were any reasons given?"
"Just one sentence came out, the Land of Demons does not engage in any illegal black-market commercial activities."
"..."
Upon hearing this, all the major merchants fell silent, but a faint, disdainful sneer appeared on their faces.
"How ridiculous, a group of renegade ninjas just landed, eager to say goodbye to the past."
But it's just sarcasm; they do not have the guts to actually fight the Land of Demons head-on.
Regardless of the past identity of the opponent, being able to force Konoha and the Land of Fire to back off is something beyond ordinary people.
Saying such things just makes them feel a little better.
This Ninja Realm is not just black and white, there's also gray.
The Five Great Nations are not about justice, or rather, there is no so-called justice.
Because justice is created by humans themselves, an extremely ambiguous and excessively self-centered narrow definition.
"So what do we do next?"
A major merchant spoke.
Although they are quite displeased with the arrogance displayed by Chiba Hakushi, lacking military intimidation makes it completely meaningless, and it's only themselves who will suffer in the end.
Failing to rope the Land of Demons into their camp is merely a slight regret; beyond that, there's no feelings at all.
"We need to speed up the progress in the Land of Waves; notify the Daimyo of the Land of Waves. Some officials from the Land of Fire have already been bought by us and will cover for us."
Another major merchant picked up his cane and pointed at the map on the table.
Landing on the islands of the Land of Waves.
The other merchants also turned their eyes, staring there intently, with highly unified intentions.
"The Land of Fire and the Land of Waves are already fully standing with us. The profits received afterward will be divided into three parts. Since the Land of Demons conducts themselves with noble integrity and is unwilling to associate with us merchants full of the smell of money, let's completely squeeze them out from the territory of the Land of Waves."
This is the best way, and the only choice now.
As for offending the Land of Demons, none of the merchants cared.
The Land of Waves is within the sphere of influence of the Land of Fire, and the Land of Demons is far in the Western Continent; even if they wanted to retaliate, they probably wouldn't have the ability.
As for commercial suppression, it's even less to be afraid of.
Their combined forces are enough to overshadow the Shion Flower Merchants Association, and commercial competition is their forte.
"It seems the situation is changing, and how many people will die then? But it's good this way, showing the Land of Demons our merchant power reeking of money. Always sitting in a well and watching the sky isn't good."
The merchants decided on their strategy, and the meeting became relaxed afterward, enjoying tea leisurely in the conference room.
◎
Land of Waves.
In the courtyard, many flowers and leaves have started to wilt. Although Ichihime is not a melancholy girl, she indeed has no mood to go out for work inspection in such gloomy weather.
Moreover, while handling affairs, she wouldn't neglect her training either.
Because she naturally possesses Tailed Beast Level Chakra, and her Sharingan has reached the extreme state of regular Sharingan, which allows Ichihime to spend more time on the training of ninja techniques, taijutsu, and illusion techniques.
Heading towards the training ground.
This estate was once a residence of a noble in the Land of Waves, but not long ago it was bought completely by Kado, temporarily serving as a base for the Land of Demons in the Land of Waves. After buying the estate, Ichihime no longer has to live on the cruise ship every day, making it convenient for operations within the Land of Waves, and this estate can also hide more people.
Before reaching the training ground, a ninja of the Land of Demons hurriedly ran over, with an anxious expression indicating something happened, or he wouldn't be showing such an expression.
"What happened for you to be so hurried?"
Ichihime stopped her steps towards the training ground and inquired from her subordinate.
This ninja from the Land of Demons showed a respectful attitude, with a serious face, and said, "Things are a bit bad, young lady; those gangsters came to cause trouble."
"It seems destroying two of their strongholds before still can't achieve deterrent effect. Just find people to drive them away; if it doesn't work, casually deal with the troublemaking gangsters somewhere. For such matters, there's no need to report to me specially."
Coldness shone in Ichihime's eyes as well, with no good feelings for these gangsters.
"Young lady, the situation is different this time."
The subordinate said with a bitter smile.
"Oh? Different?"
Ichihime paused her tone.
"Yes. It's the workers at the construction site, they seem to have taken out a loan; the gangsters came to collect debt. But even so, it affects the normal progress of the factory. If not for the protectors on guard there, the two sides might have had a shootout."
"..."
This familiar feeling reminded Ichihime of the debt collectors from the Shion Flower Merchants Association.