(3rd PoV)
*Clang!*
*Clang!*
*Clang!*
Swords clashed against each other at very high speeds.
Sasuke and Hakurou were currently sparring.
While Sasuke has vastly superior physical abilities, be it Sharingan, speed, reflexes, strength, flexibility, and even his Kusanagi Sword, Hakurou was vastly superior in terms of pure swordsmanship.
Was.
On the first day, Sasuke lost. Badly.
On the second day, he started copying Hakurou.
And a week later, not only has Sasuke completely copied Hakurous skills with the sword and learnt how to use his aura, he has started surpassing him.
"Amazing! Old Man is getting pushed back!"
Hakurou didn't even have the opportunity to glare at Gobta for calling him an 'old man'.
He was breathing heavily, sweating, and barely keeping up with the help of his [Heavenly Eye] and [Thought Acceleration].
'What a monster!'
That was his thought as Sasuke's sword stopped at his neck, with no way to dodge.
"You win."
"Hn."
Sasuke let out a satisfied smirk as he sheathed his Kusanagi Sword.
"Way to go! You beat Old Man!"
"Hurray!"
Gobta and crew cheered. And Hakurou glared at them.
"You guys are next."
They shuddered, and looked at Sasuke for help.
Sasuke used [Shadow Movement] and abandoned them without any remorse.
----------------
Rimuru returned from Dwargon that day later, and the whole Tempest welcomed him.
A meeting was held.
Rigurd began reporting on the progress while Rimuru was gone.
"We have found gold bla bla bla."
Apparently, upon going to the river's source, a very large amount of gold was discovered. How much? An estimate couldn't be made, since no one really knows much about mining.
"I see. Rigurd, Sasuke-kun. Good job!"
Sasuke nodded.
"Now, we can start minting our own currency. We don't really have good paper right now, so let's start with gold coins. The gold standard, you know?"
Rimuru tried to make a Dad joke, but no one laughed.
"Ahem! So we will have to establish the finance department first which will take care of all this..."
Rimuru stared at Sasuke.
Sasuke stared back.
As the staring contest began, Sasuke blinked first and sighed.
Rimuru grinned, having won due to his advantage of being a slime.
"I will promote it's usage for exchanges in foreign countries."
Convincing other countries to accept Tempest's currency for exchanges will be difficult, but a one-time thing.
Hmmm... No. It wouldn't be too difficult. Afterall, Tempest speciality is its potions. You can't find a potion that even restores limbs anywhere else.
If Tempest's potions can only be bought using Tempest's currency, almost every country will be forced to accept it as an exchange currency.
It's like how USD became an unchallenged global currency even in front of European countries by almost monopolising oil for dollars. Though Tempest wouldn't need to attack other countries who don't accept it, because no one else can create the full potions.
On the other hand, handling the Finance department will be a constant never-ending headache.
"Alright. You are in-charge of that, Sasuke-kun. With your reputation as a Hero and having taken care of Charybdis, it will be less difficult when negotiating with human nations."
Rimuru relented with the compromise. For now, he will handle the finance department until he finds someone suitable.
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