A gust of wind swept through, sending leaves fluttering down. A few landed on Neji's shoulders. He brushed them away and continued, "Opening a branch in the capital would expand our market on one hand and help us establish connections with the upper ranks of the Land of Fire on the other. Wealth needs power to protect it. That holds true in any world."
Old Akita let out a long sigh. "You've thought it through very thoroughly. It's just..." The old man looked around, his gaze passing over the apprentices hard at work in the workshop. "Are craftsmen like us really suited to stepping into the world of power?"
"Father," Tetsusai interrupted Old Akita, a rare occurrence. "Neji is right. The money we've made these past two years is more than we ever dared imagine over the past several decades. But the more we earn, the less peacefully I sleep at night." He looked at Neji. "Kid, do whatever you want to do. I support you."
Old Akita fell silent for a long while before finally nodding. "So be it. If these old bones can live to see the art of Ninja Talismans flourish, I'll already be satisfied. Leave everything else to you young people."
Warmth rose in Neji's heart. The trust and support of the Akita father and son were his firmest support in this unfamiliar world. Just as he was about to speak, that inexplicable palpitation struck again, more intense than before. Neji abruptly turned toward a spot beyond the wall—there was no one there, but his senses told him that someone had been watching from there moments ago.
"What is it?" Tetsusai asked warily, following Neji's gaze.
"...Nothing." Neji forced himself to relax. "It's getting late. Let's head back. We can discuss the expansion plans in detail