One Person, One Thousand

Offer diplomacy first to these small countries; resort to force only if negotiations failed.

In recent years, the Land of Fire's once-substantial treasury had nearly been drained by supporting its ninja forces. If not for the recovery brought by collecting commercial taxes from Peach Country, the Land of Fire's Daimyo would have considered disbanding part of the ninja forces.

Now that Shiraishi Yoshijo had suddenly proposed this deal, it was like someone handing him a pillow the moment sleepiness struck. Whether they raided small countries for men or bought them, then resold them to Peach Country, the profits would be immense—and there would be no consequences to worry about. He was definitely taking this human trafficking business.

Besides, there was no need to worry about Shiraishi Yoshijo finding out. Because Peach Country and Shiraishi Yoshijo both had such terrible reputations, the Daimyos of every small country were wary of Peach Country. No one wanted to do business with Shiraishi Yoshijo. Even if those Daimyos learned that the people they sold him had all been resold to Peach Country, they would rather let him pocket the difference than contact Peach Country directly.

A nation's reputation and an individual's prestige were both very important things to a ruler.

In other words, Shiraishi Yoshijo had come to the right man for this business. Only he would make such a deal with Shiraishi Yoshijo, and only he could serve as the middleman.

At that thought, the Land of Fire's Daimyo glanced at Shiraishi Yoshijo, only to catch the meaningful smile on his face.

This guy was no simple man.

"Since Peach Country has such a need, the Land of Fire, as its ally, will naturally lend it a hand."

"Then I cannot thank you enough."

"Hehe, ten thousand per person."

"Too expensive. Peach Country