Watching Yuuko and Washizu's departing figures.
The pirate second-in-command instantly breathed a sigh of relief.
He looked at Yuuko's retreating back with fear in his eyes, muttering lowly:
"If I do this, he shouldn't be angry, right..."
"I've already sold the food to that old man at a good, low price..."
"It's really strange, why did he only make us sell food to the villagers at a low price, instead of forcing us to supply food to the village for free..."
The pirate second-in-command scratched his head in confusion, feeling utterly perplexed.
In fact, some time ago, Yuuko had already contacted this group of pirates alone.
He had also had a good talk with them about some principles.
Never resort to force if it can be avoided.
After all, compared to using force, a true gentleman like Yuuko was more accustomed to convincing people through 'physical' means.
Then, after a harmonious negotiation.
These kind-hearted pirates were finally forced to agree that if the village chief came to exchange for food in the future, they would sell it to him at an extremely low price.
As for why Yuuko didn't make the pirates hand over the food for free, but instead had them sell it at a low price.
It was also because he considered that the pirates themselves needed to survive; if everything was taken, and all the pirates died, how would they supply food to Higi Village in the future?
Now, Higi Village relied on these pirates for sustenance.
Moreover, if Higi Village were to unconditionally accept food donations from the pirates, the village would inevitably become dependent on them.
This would be very detrimental to long-term development.
If the pirates suddenly kicked the bucket in the future, and Higi Village suddenly lost a source of food, wouldn't it also face collapse?
Therefore, no matter where, freeloading is a very bad custom... On the way back, Village Chief Washizu, holding the large bag full of food, was full of doubts:
"Today is truly strange. Why did those pirates suddenly sell us food at such a low price?"
Yuuko, beside him, smiled: "Perhaps they suddenly had a change of heart?"
The village chief stared at Yuuko for a while, lost in thought.
He naturally couldn't help but be suspicious of such an unusual matter.
Besides him, only Yuuko in the village knew about the pirates.
Could the pirates' change be related to Yuuko?
Village Chief Washizu couldn't help but start thinking along these lines.
But after some thought, he shook his head, dismissing the idea.
How could a harmless, ordinary-looking villager like Yuuko possibly have a way to make the pirates change their minds?
Perhaps the pirates really did have a change of heart!
Anyway, being able to get food from the pirates at a low price from now on was a great relief for Washizu.
He had already spent all his Mora, his entire fortune, to get food from the pirates before.
Now he was completely penniless, a pauper.
Afterward, the two of them carried the food and headed back to the village.
It wasn't until they were almost back at the village that Village Chief Washizu handed the food to Yuuko and said:
"Uh, Yuuko, you take these back first, to the food storage. I have some things to do and will return to the village later."
Yuuko said helplessly:
"Village Chief, it's fine if the villagers see it. Just honestly admit that you bought food from the pirates. What's there to be embarrassed about if they see it?"
Village Chief Washizu's old face immediately flushed red, and he snapped in a low voice:
"What nonsense are you talking about! I just genuinely have other things to do! And by the way, absolutely do not tell the villagers about this!"
He probably didn't want the villagers to worry.
He was such an old tsundere.
Anyway, Yuuko had no reason to refuse, so he took the food obtained from the pirates and returned to the village.
After returning to the village and storing the food in the 庫.
Yuuko unexpectedly saw Teppei, whom he hadn't seen in two days.
However, for some reason, Teppei gave off a different vibe than before.
Since he saw him, Yuuko went up to greet him:
"Yo, Teppei, haven't seen you for a few days. Did something happen?"
Teppei showed a hearty smile and said proudly:
"Mr. Qian, I have good news for you!"
"What good news?"
"Tomorrow, Lady Sangonomiya will lead the resistance to attack Kannazuka Island! After so many days of silence, the opportunity has finally arrived!"
So, the war is finally starting... Yuuko smiled: "But Teppei, aren't you not going to the front lines?"
"Hahaha! Lady Sangonomiya indeed didn't let me go to the front lines before, but now I'm completely different! My strength has been recognized by Lady Sangonomiya!"
Teppei patted his chest, laughing heartily:
"Mr. Qian! I won't hide it from you! I've now become the captain of Herring Squad One!"
As he spoke these words, Teppei's eyes were filled with a shining light.
Compared to before, this change in him was quite significant.
After all, in the past, a faint melancholic emotion would always show in Teppei's eyes, no matter when.
However, now, that melancholy was nowhere to be seen in his eyes.
Did something happen during the time I wasn't at Sangonomiya Shrine...? Yuuko secretly wondered.
Although he didn't know what was going on, it was good that Teppei had become more cheerful and confident than before.
"You've become a squad captain? That's really impressive."
"Haha, actually, it's just a newly established small squad, and there aren't many people in it." Teppei scratched his head shyly, then smiled confidently again:
"But I won't hide it from Mr. Qian, I've become much stronger now!"
"Oh, and Mr. Qian, your skills are also very good! How about we have a match to test it out!"
"Uh..." Yuuko gave a wry smile: "That might not be a good idea."
"What's not good about it? It's just a friendly spar, and I'm also very curious about how strong Mr. Qian really is!"
Perhaps because of the previous incident with the Thunder Thundercat, Teppei now regarded Yuuko as someone with strength.
"Are you really going to fight?"
"Come on, Mr. Qian! Once the war starts later, we might not have this chance!"
"Alright, then, let's do it." Yuuko thought about it, and since there was no reason to refuse, he nodded.
Moreover, he was also quite curious as to why Teppei seemed like a completely different person, with greatly increased confidence, after only a few days... And so, the two of them went to an open field outside the village, planning to have a makeshift sparring match.
Teppei pulled out his spear, then looked at Yuuko in surprise and asked:
"Mr. Qian, are you going to fight bare-handed?"
Yuuko nodded: "I only know some close-quarters combat techniques; I'm not used to using weapons."
Teppei recalled that when they dealt with the Thunder Thundercat that day, Yuuko was indeed bare-handed, so he nodded.
Afterward, Teppei confidently confronted Yuuko.
However, for some reason... looking at Yuuko, bare-handed and seemingly full of openings, he inexplicably felt immense pressure... Teppei swallowed, saying: "Mr. Qian, you really are not simple..."