Chapter 11.
The marketplace is odd to Muteki. While the Leaf village is full of lively people, both happy and rambunctious. The Rain has a somber feel to it. Muteki had heard that the village was a hot bed for war. So, she supposed the villager's demeanors reflect this. It's tense- tense and uncomfortable. Muteki swiftly bought her clothes at the first shop she could find. Just so she could get that errand out of the way. When she gave her money to the shopkeeper it was apparent they were surprised Muteki didn't try to haggle. The weaponsmith couldn't bring herself to try it because she can tell the woman is starving. Her face is hollow, and her eyelids are a dark shade of purple. Seemingly common features in this town. It would have wreaked her conscious and she doesn't want that guilt. When she left the first shop the smith continued to walk around and spotted some merchants with quite healthy appearances. They are rare to see but there are a few. It doesn't sit right with her.
'Like 90 percent of these merchants are on the verge of death but a couple of them are fitter than an ox. I wonder what is causing such disparity. Maybe I can ask someone on the way home? Or is that too presumptuous to ask?' The woman slipped on her new raincoat as she went on a search for ore. This is, without a doubt, the highest priority deal she must make. It must be handled asap so she can whip up some basic shinobi tools before her shop's grand opening. It also has to be managed with great care. Should she make a contract with a shady tradesman she'll be screwed out of the gate. So, she has to take care and examine their product and prices.
'I can talk to the other shopkeepers to see who they'd recommend. That much can't hurt.' Or could it… Muteki caught sight of a semi-approachable fruit stand owner who didn't give her that suspicious glare the others had. Not what she'd call particularly kind either yet still not hostile. Muteki made eye contact and gave him a smile as she approached. The bearded man only nodded but before she was able to strike up a conversation a shout caught their attention.
"WATCH OUT! MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! EVERYONE MOVE OUT OF THE WAAAYYY!" Muteki turned her head to see what the unseen man was going on about, but something collided with her knees and took out her legs from underneath. The woman was flipped upside down and left slightly startled. While in mid-air she saw barrels rolling along the muddy ground. There are dozens of them. They cover the entire area around Muteki and they left no space for the weaponsmith to land.
"SHIT." Muteki's training kicked in. Her form corrected as she completed a full flip. The smith's feet landed on top of a barrel that she was GOING to kick off of to escape. Instead, a barrel in front of her cracked open. The fluid inside showered the street and drenched Muteki from top to bottom. The weaponsmith's eyes burned on contact and the scent of the liquid invaded her nostrils.
"SAKE? Is this sake!? OUCH that stings!" The smith had to run backwards as she rode the barrel away from the fruit shop. Muteki is hastily rubbing the alcohol out of her eyes all while trying to keep balance on a runaway barrel.
"Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, ouch, shit, shit, my eyes, shit, shit, shit, ooohhh about fell there, shit, shit- "Many were both perturbed and impressed by the foreigner's impromptu circus act. Many were also irked by her foolishness, but Muteki can't see their sneers anyhow.
"-Shit, shit, - "She continued chanting. Eventually she is able to open her eyes again but her vision is blurry.
"Shit, still can't see, shit, where am I?" She'd whoop that vendor's ass if she wasn't so sure this is the curse. Something in Muteki's gut just knows when an accident is of supernatural origin.
'Where are we going this time?' Was there a threat she hadn't notice? Or is it just being bossy?
'-Most likely fucking with me but we'll see. God, I didn't want this kind of attention. Right in the middle of the marketplace I can't-' She can already hear the gossip now.
'It's ok, it's got to be. If I can just be labeled accident prone, I can deal.' A man called out to Muteki. She could see the remnants of his form approaching her left.
"Grab hold child!" As his ghostly frame edge near, the smith barely detected the sight of a tan 'bar' being held out before her. She did as the man commanded and held on. What she couldn't see was the man leaning back with his entire body weight to drag her to safety. He isn't strong and all he can do is keep his grip on his walking cane. Muteki did the rest as she sensed the direction of her momentum and leapt off the barrel. His cane guided her around to the side of the street out of the way of the barrels. The old man fell but wasn't harmed. Meanwhile, Muteki dropped to her knees as she nearly clawed out her eyes trying to wipe away the remnants of sake. The old man searched his pocket for anything that could help.
"Are you alright, girl? What is wrong with your eyes?" Muteki could hear he was scrambling and waved at him to let him know she didn't need any more of his aide.
"One of the barrels broke and got me in the face. Burns but I'll be fine. Thank you, mister? -"
"Sana. That sure was an exciting show. Haven't seen something so ridiculous around here since- well, I just never have witnessed such craziness."
'Man, I wish that was me.' The weaponsmith silently groaned.
"Yeaaaa pretty crazy." Muteki agreed. The sake has completely cleared from her sockets and she can finally face her rescuer.
"-Almost as crazy as you helping me just now. Sir, respectfully, you shouldn't be exerting yourself like that." She's playing but only slightly. Sana is very elderly. He can't be younger than 70 with all the age spots and wrinkles he has. All that remains of his hair is two white tufts on his temples. The rest of his scalp is shiny and bald. Muteki can see he's missing most of his teeth just by looking at his sunken cheeks. He had no business getting involved and she felt horrible that he did. She would have been ok, but he might not have been.
"Oh you sound like my daughter. Women and nagging go hand in hand I swear."
"Is it nagging or people looking out for you?"
"Bah, I save you from that mess and this is how you repay me?" Muteki smirked at his crotchety retort.
"Hey now, I am just concerned. I appreciate your help. Thanks" She got up and offered a hand. He dismissed it and used his cane to get back upright.
"Yea, yea. You're welcome and all that. You really want to thank me you'd buy something, child." Muteki agreed it is a good idea. Only depends on what his wares are.
"Oh yea? I just might do that. What do you sell-"
'-If he says what I think he's about to say I swear I'm gonna- '
"-I sell ore. Do you know what that is?"
'OH OF COURSE HE SELLS ORE. GOD DAMMIT CURSE, LET ME CHOOSE WILL YA?!' Her face is contorted into a smile- but it's strained. Sana had already turned around, so he didn't notice it.
"I only jest, you probably have no use for such things." Muteki glared at the elder's back.
'-Not appreciating this decrepit corpse's casual sexism but I don't think he's trying to be an ass. He did risk serious injury to help me.'
"You may be surprised Sana. Can I see what you've got?" She felt indebted to him even if his interference wasn't necessary. So, she can at least LOOK at what he has to sell. Although, Muteki isn't too keen on letting her curse pick her ore provider. She also came here today just to get a lay of the land. Muteki wasn't supposed to be making deals yet and definitely not THIS deal.
'It's still up to me even if the curse brought me to him. Give him a shot to make his pitch and then I will make the decision. It's still me making the calls, the curse is just FORCIBLY making a suggestion.' Sana stood underneath his small tent behind a wooden table he's using to display some of his product. He leveled Muteki with a scrutinizing gaze. A bit eerie with his cloudy iris's.
"I have many items here for sale but I also have notebooks listing all of the ore I can procure. My prices are also listed as well. I can show you them but are you sure you wish to shop here? I don't want you wasting my time because you feel obligated." Now Muteki really rolled her eyes at him. She's giving him and this curse a chance here. If anything, he might be wasting HER time. Yet she would never say that to an elder.
"Just give me the transcripts will ya?" She raised her hand palm side up and Sana snorted before tossing a book at her.
"Rude girl, aren't you? I suppose you aren't married yet?" Muteki's eyebrow twitched.
"Isn't your business, Sana."
"So you aren't then? Not surprised. Men don't tend to marry rude girls. Nor do they marry nags. You should work on that or you'll die alone." Muteki is sneering even though she's trying to appear pleasant.
"Oh no, I don't need a spouse. I'm just fine." Sana crossed his arms as Muteki started skimming his records.
"Of course you need a husband. How else will you have kids?" Muteki stopped trying to force a smile. She's openly scowling at the book in her hands.
"Now I really don't want those. A spouse? Maybe one day but kids? I'm good."
"Nonsense, a girl your age should focus on building a family. It's the greatest thing one can do." Muteki gritted her teeth.
'Remember he's old.'
"Sana this is a little awkward? We just met each other. Let's change the topic- keep it strictly business?" Sana crossed his arms with a pointed grimace.
"Of course, don't mind me just trying to impart some wisdom onto the naïve youth of today. - "Muteki about tore his notebook in half.
'Why am I a beacon for assholes with no damn tact lately?! Hansuke, the Hidden Stone shinobi, the Rain's guards, 'God's FALLEN angel', Reiji- Is this my life now?!'
"Sana, strictly business please."
"Fine, fine. I'll let you browse." Muteki did just that and went through every listing that pertained to her craft. Although this man is incredibly forward and callous, he's intelligent. She noticed this just from his transcripts.
"You're very organized Sana. You not only list general pricing but shipment and tax as well. I see you also organized your stock by region, closest mine to furthest mine and oh, you even have your suppliers listed by last and first name. The maps are a nice touch too. Your age is showing, you sure know what you're doing yet your prices are quite high. Particularly the shipment fees. Why is that? Your organization leads me to believe you're way too logical to believe these prices are fair."
"I have my reasons. Reasons I don't need to explain."
'Oh really…' Muteki knew just what to say.
"Ahhh… So, I suppose this is about as good of a time as any to introduce myself. I am Muteki, the Hidden Rain's new weaponsmith." The shop keep sucked in a massive gulp of air. A satisfying reaction for the smith after what she just sat through.
"-I am trying to find some business partners, but I don't have an ore supplier. So yes, I really need you to explain yourself if you don't mind."
"I-I, you are serious? You're not fooling me, are you?! If this is a prank from Touma I swear- "Muteki held up her hand.
"No, no. I'm as serious as a heart attack. You can even ask that lady you call 'God's Angel'. This is real." Sana's mind spun and his legs gave out. The old man fell once again.
"WOAH HEY! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?"
'-Why is he reacting so much!? I know this deal can make him quite a bit of cash but this is ridiculous!' She reached over the table to give him a hand. She knocked a few bits of ore off the table while trying to help.
"-Shit! Sorry I'll pick those up!" Sana didn't care about the mess. He took her hand and got back to his feet. When she tried to clean up his stand as she had promised he refused to let her hand go. He'll clean it.
'My family, I could take care of my daughter and grandkids. I-I NEED this!'
"Don't you dare insult me by caring for MY stand. I am old, not incapable." He whispered. Muteki noted the lack of apology but his shock was revenge enough.
"It's no big deal but whatever you say man. Look I'd like to consider your business but these prices are ridiculous. Could they be lowered somehow?" Sana's face darkened. The old man appeared not just depressed but humiliated. Muteki can't get a read on him. His mood swings are disorienting.
"-Uh hello? I just asked if the prices could be lowered? Pretty standard question?" Sana released her hand he was still holding and shook his head.
"It's, it's not that simple, girl. I can't afford the security if I lower them."
"Security? What do you mean?" Sana heaved a large sigh. He wants to do business with this child. Terribly so, he NEEDS this deal. Yet he sees his chance slipping through his fingers already. Just when he had hope mere seconds ago.
"It is safe to assume you have no knowledge over the marketplace's dealings and politics, correct?" Muteki gave him a nod.
"You've got me there, I'm new here and this is my first time visiting the market. Why?" Sana kept a stool at his stand for when his legs got tired. He took a seat in it and folded his hands over his lap. The elder couldn't look her in the eye for what he was about to tell her shamed him.
"Before I speak, I wish to remind you that I don't want anyone's pity."
"'Kaayy?"
"The marketplace here isn't really what many would call a free market. There are several families who have combined their resources and work together to help promote themselves. They share trade routes, security, and supplies. Thanks to this business agreement their prices are quite affordable for the common folk. So already my prices are higher for this reason alone." Muteki is already lost.
"I mean, good for them? That wasn't really my question? Specifically, why is your security so expensive?"
"…Well, I can't say this is true or not since I have yet to find any proof. But soon after they began their union decades back, merchant's outside of the union had a surge of attacks from bandits and rogues. I can't accuse them of hiring these people- but I can't help but find it convenient. Due to the attacks, we must scrounge for cash to increase our security." Now Muteki is starting to get it.
"Oh I see, so how about some of you also form a union? It worked for them, didn't it?" Sana's hands clenched into a tight grip. If he had teeth, he would be grinding them.
"Many had attempted to but somehow they never worked. For SOME REASON or another, there would always be a betrayal and fall out. No matter how loyal the merchants appeared. It's occurred every. Single. time. No one wants to try it anymore." Muteki's mouth dropped.
"You think this group sabotaged them?" Sana grimaced.
"I've been around since they formed and I can't think of any other possibility. I've seen even the most honest of man 'caught' stealing funds. But as I said I can't prove any of this so please don't try to get the village involved. I can't afford to be charged for slander." Muteki leaned against his table and blew a low whistle. This is more than she bargained for today's shopping trip.
"Not a problem, although I'm glad I spoke to you first. I was wondering what I was seeing around here. A lot of you are on your last leg huh?"
"Yes, unfortunately- "Sana finally looked her in the eye again. His expression stern.
"-There is another ore merchant here. A young man named Touma who is part of the union. You should go to him if you want cheaper prices for I cannot change my own. For a budding business it is the smarter choice."
"Hey, you're not supposed to advertise for your competitor-" He held a hand up to interject.
"I will go down with my business as an honest man Miss Muteki. I can save some of my honor then." Muteki didn't argue. Instead, she picked up a sample of ore to examine its quality.
'His stuff looks so pure and refined. Surely high grade but damn it's expensive. I have quite a bit in savings but I would be blowing way too much of it on him if I were to proceed. And what about the others? I can't play hero. Sucks, I really want to help them out.' Muteki can see the curse isn't looking out for her this time. No, it apparently wants her to help him and the other struggling merchants. It's one of the few times she and the curse could agree on something.
'-Is there any way I can help them?' She thought long and hard as she stared at the chunk of iron ore in her hand. Sana waited patiently as the woman debated her options but truth be told, he's accepted that she will leave to speak to Touma. The girl would be an idiot if she didn't. Just when he thought she'd dismiss him Muteki's face brightened.
"Sana, what if I could get security taken care of for you? We can make a secure trade route for you and the other merchants I make a contract with. You all will have to share I'm sure but that should be ok, right?" Sana gasped.
"I have been forced to hire jounin to protect my caravan's you can't afford to- "Now it is Muteki's turn to interject.
"I made a deal with the village that allows me to hire free labor. I can ask for shinobi to defend your caravans while traveling down the trade route. None of us would pay for security." Sana slammed the table with both hands.
"WHAT!? Why would the village make such a deal?!" Muteki brought her pointer finger to her lips.
"That's between us. Look, I like your stuff and I'm a bit of a sucker for a good underdog. You've also proved your honest and that goes far with me. So then, if I get security handled would you lower your prices?"
"Y-yes! Of course! My prices will be lower than even Touma's! I can send you a list of adjusted cost by the end of the day. You just have to tell me where you're staying." Sana is trembling as he speaks to Muteki.
'Is this really happening!? Truly!?' The weaponsmith beamed at the merchant.
"Great, I suppose we have a deal then. Hey actually I have a question. I need to check out other suppliers. You have any recommendations?"
"Y-yes, absolutely. There are many who could use this opportunity that have my full confidence. Let me close my shop and I'll take you around to introduce you." He really just wants to see their faces when they realize their lives may have been saved.
'We can finally make a stand against that alliance. This trade route won't just lower our prices for this child. It'll carry over into our other dealings. If we are cheaper than the competition than we can possibly topple their monopoly and even out the playing field. Let them know what it's like to live a humble life for once!' The old man had waited decades, DECADES for something to finally change. Touma isn't a kind person. (Nor was his father but Sana won't speak ill of the dead.) He only plays the part for his customers and fellow merchants. He's been a terror to Sana with a past time of tormenting the struggling merchant. Although… his treatment of Sana is child's play compared to what he did to his daughter. For so long that demon was confident that Sana and his child could NEVER be a threat toward him.
'I am going to give this girl my all. I want revenge for myself and my Sara. Muteki, I beg of you- do not fail me and ABSOLUTELY do not fail her.'
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Author's note- I AM SO SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG BUT HERE IS A DOUBLE LENGTH CHAPTER! PLEASE FORGIVE ME I PROMISE I DIDN'T MEAN TO TAKE SO LONG! ALSO IF THE QUALITY IS A BIT LOWER THAN MY PREVIOUS CHAPTERS PLEASE FORGIVE MEEEEE!
Also, side note- I would like to mention Sara isn't pronounced like Sarah. It's a Japanese name and supposed to mimic her father's. Sana and Sara. (Pronounced Sah-nah and Sah-rah.) Kind of like Naruto and Boruto. Anywho I'll do my best to make sure it never takes this long again! Just with the death in the family and everything else going on I didn't have the drive to pick up any of my hobbies. Not an excuse but a reason and I hope you guys understand. Thank you for your patience!