"Hmm? Fine, 500 ryo per jin. Much obliged." Since he would have to set up a stall to sell them once he reached Rock Mountain City anyway, the uncle was more than happy to make an opening sale on the road.
After paying, Shuichi picked out several good-looking peaches and put them into his bag. Instead of leaving right away, he began asking the uncle some questions.
"Uncle, can I ask you something? Why are so many of you traveling together? I've never seen such a long caravan before."
"Oh, you're probably not a resident of Rock Mountain City, are you? See that merchant emblem up ahead? It belongs to a large merchant guild from the Land of Fire Capital. Every month, they set out from the capital, make a circuit around it, and trade in every city they pass through."
"I came from a city near Rock Mountain City. Individual merchants like me only need to pay a small fee to travel with the whole caravan, and then we can receive the army's protection." Since Shuichi was his customer, the uncle gave him an explanation.
"I see. Thanks, Uncle! Perhaps we'll meet again." Shuichi did not continue toward Rock Mountain City with the caravan. Instead, he pretended to be a traveler heading in another direction.
This fruit vendor was positioned near the front-middle of the caravan, following closely behind the Land of Fire merchant guild's massive shipment. Behind him were many individual merchants selling all kinds of supplies.
Shuichi walked slowly near the roadside, though he remained close to the caravan. He carefully observed every merchant who passed by him.
Suddenly, a caravan transporting grain caught his attention.
They had three cargo carts traveling side by side, with two people pushing each cart. The tops of the carts were