Main World.
Year 19 of Konoha, winter.
British Continent, New Capital.
Imperial Harbor.
The winter sea wind was bitterly cold, whipping fine grains of snow against their faces with a painful sting. Yutian stood on the dock, a heavy black cloak draped over his deep purple governor's robes, snapping in the wind. Behind him stood two men-Shanbao and Kuroha.
Shanbao wore a modified version of the imperial military uniform, sleeveless, exposing two muscular arms covered in leopard-pattern tattoos. His features were rugged, his gaze sharp, and he radiated a wild air. Kuroha wore a black, close-fitting outfit under lightweight leather armor, his face stern and his gaze calm. He was an Elite Jonin of the Empire's Kuroha Clan, a ninja clan, skilled in assassination and reconnaissance, and an assistant Yutian had specially selected.
"Grand Duke, the ship is ready."
An imperial officer stepped forward and bowed.
"Let's go."
Yutian set off toward the enormous sailing ship moored at the dock.
Shanbao and Kuroha followed behind him.
The sailing ship's deck was packed with imperial soldiers. They wore matching dark gray uniforms, long blades at their waists and muskets on their backs, their gazes sharp. The hold was piled with cargo-silk, porcelain, tea, spices, and several chests of gold coins.
"Grand Duke, where are we going first?"
Shanbao stood beside Yutian, gazing at the gray horizon in the distance.
"The Land of Fire."
Yutian's voice was calm.
"To sell goods."
Shanbao frowned slightly.
"Sell goods? Aren't we going to capture slaves?"
"Sell goods first, then capture slaves."
Yutian turned to look at him.
"Triangle Trade. Step one—leave the Empire with goods for the Shinobi World. Step two—sell the goods in the Shinobi World for silver. Step three—use the silver to buy slaves in the Shinobi World and ship them back to