At the Chiba Estate, Tetsuya stood before Nagato and the other two and spoke solemnly.
"You've been studying under me for quite some time now, and you've gained a basic understanding of business."
The three nodded. During this time, they had indeed gained many new insights into business and come to understand principles they had never known existed.
"As for ninjutsu, your Teacher Izuna tests you every so often. I think it's time I tested what you've learned, too."
As he spoke, he took a stack of banknotes from his sleeve and divided it into three portions.
"I've prepared some starting capital for each of you. Next, you'll have seven days to do business in the Capital City with this money. As long as you earn a profit equal to one-third of your starting capital by the end of those seven days, you'll pass. Remember, profit means the money you earn after subtracting your initial investment. Do you understand?"
The three answered in unison.
"Yes, Teacher!" ×3
They were quite confident about this. After studying under Tetsuya for so long, they figured that even if multiplying their investment several times over was beyond them, earning a one-third profit should hardly be difficult.
"All right, the test has begun. I hope you'll make good use of your time."
He handed the starting capital to the three of them, patted their heads, and gestured for them to get started.
The three ran excitedly out of the Chiba Estate, discussing what kind of business they should start to make money as they went.
Watching them leave, Tetsuya picked up his teacup with a smile and took a sip.
"Go ahead and smile. Let's see if you can still smile after you've seen how cruel reality can be."
"You're just letting them go like