Chương 28: The Wasabi Family

The caravan finally pulled up in front of the designated dock warehouse. The laborers began unloading the cargo, while Hiroyama Makoto bustled about handing over the shipments, a smile of surviving a disaster plastered across his face. Shuji found a relatively quiet set of stone steps near the warehouse where he could observe movement across the docks and the main street, settling down to sit.

Anko crossed her arms, the hood of her dark purple trench coat casually draped back, her sharp gaze scanning passersby, while Itachi sat quietly on Shuji's other side.

"The Land of Tea's governance over its continental territories is actually quite lax. As long as taxes are paid and no major trouble arises, they don't particularly care who holds administrative control," Shuji continued explaining the situation to the two young ninjas.

"Therefore, those bandits likely secured administrative rights directly from the Daimyo of the Land of Tea, turning themselves into official Land of Tea administrators." Still, a mere band of highway bandits becoming official officers... even if they numbered two or three hundred, there had to be more to the story. If this were another world, one might assume their numbers and brute strength forced the government to offer amnesty.

But in a world of ninja, soldiers couldn't even hold formation against jutsu, let alone a rabble of mountain bandits. Given a bit of time, an ordinary Genin using Transformation Techniques could crumble the Chashan Gang's structure from within, causing them to collapse on themselves. Synthesizing the mismatch in perception between Konoha and Hiroyama Makoto, Shuji already had a clear idea of what to do. Hiroyama Makoto seemed to have finally concluded initial negotiations.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he trotted over with near-obsequious gratitude and undeniable anxiety in his eyes.

"Captain Shuji! Honored ninjas! Thank you for your hard work! You've truly worked so hard! The Haifeng Pavilion Inn near the docks is quite clean, and I've already booked rooms for you! Please do me the honor of staying for a few days so I can show my humble appreciation! All expenses are on me!" That was the official pitch.

In truth, handovers would take several days, and having reached Dehashi Port, Squad 5 was technically entitled to mark the mission complete, especially after resolving the city gate tax issue earlier. However, Makoto was terrified that once the guards realized Shuji and his team had departed, they would make trouble again. Therefore, he had no choice but to cling to Shuji's squad and entreat them to stay.

After all, when he posted the mission back at the village, he never anticipated the risk of losing his goods after entering the city.

"Very well." Shuji pondered briefly before accepting. Makoto personally led the three toward the inn. The Haifeng Pavilion Inn was located on a quieter street at the edge of the dock district... a three-story wooden building with a modest front, yet kept quite neat. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The innkeeper was a quiet and reserved middle-aged man.

Seeing Makoto bring in three ninja wearing forehead protectors, his eyes showed a touch of awe, and he efficiently arranged three top-floor guest rooms with the best views. Shuji's room sat at the end of the hall. Opening the window, most of the harbor district and the deep blue sea in the distance came into full view. Anko and Itachi headed to their respective rooms to rest and refresh themselves. Shuji stood by the window, his calm gaze scanning the bustling port below and the somewhat chaotic streets.

The Chashan Gang thugs in guard armor still hovered nearby in groups of three or five, casting hostile glances toward Haifeng Pavilion, though none dared approach. Soon, Anko arrived in a light, dark-colored training outfit, her hair tied up casually, an impatient look on her face.

"Captain, there are a few sneaky bastards lurking downstairs watching us. Want me to clear them out?" Having learned the true nature of these men, Anko had discarded all restraint. Itachi also finished unpacking and stepped into Shuji's room. Just then, a small disturbance arose downstairs, followed by the innkeeper's nervous voice: "Master Wasabi? Why are you personally..." A gentle voice carrying unquestionable authority resonated: "No matter.

I heard distinguished guests from Konoha are staying here, so i had come to pay my respects." Wasabi... If memory served, Dehashi Port was dominated by two prominent local clans: the Wasabi Family and the Wagasuke Family. For a long time, local administration had been held by one of these two families. The Chashan Gang's sudden inclusion must have squeezed one out, or perhaps impacted both.

"Anko, invite Mr. Wasabi upstairs."

"Yes, yes~ Captain." Moments later, steady footsteps sounded up the wooden staircase. A middle-aged man wearing a dark gray silk kimono stepped inside behind Anko. Around forty years of age, he moved with measured steps and a tall, straight posture, clearly possessing a respectable foundation in taijutsu. His hair was neatly combed, his face lean, and his gentle eyes conveyed a shrewdness born from long experience in the world. This was none other than the head of the Wasabi Family, Wasabi Jirocho.

His gaze swept swiftly over the three occupants in the room, lingering briefly on Anko's impatient expression and Itachi's quiet demeanor, before locking firmly onto Shuji by the window. Though Shuji appeared close in age to the young ninjas, he carried a presence completely distinct from Anko. Someone who employed such heavy-handed tactics at the city gate, yet presented himself with such quiet composure... Jirocho swiftly deduced that Shuji's actions at the gate were anything but impulsive.

"Forgive my unannounced intrusion," Jirocho said with an impeccably polite smile, offering a slight bow.

"I am Wasabi Jirocho. May I ask how I should address our distinguished guests?"

"Shuji," Shuji replied in a calm tone, pulling out a chair.

"Please, have a sit." Jirocho thanked him and sat down, before remarking: "Shuji-kun's actions at the city gate were quite reckless."

"Tch." Anko leaned against the doorframe with crossed arms, letting out an unreserved snort of contempt. Shuji's expression didn't shift in the slightest. His finger tapped lightly against the wooden tabletop with a subtle sound.

"Oh? I am all ears." His tone was flat, as if discussing the weather.

"Originally, the Hokage of your honored village had other words he wished for me to pass along once Shuji-kun entered the city." These words prompted Itachi, who had been watching silently, to turn his head toward Jirocho, a subtle flash of contemplation crossing his youthful face. Shuji remained seated, his face showing no sign of surprise, as though he had long anticipated this.

"I am all ears," he repeated, his gaze calm as still water. Jirocho continued: "Our Wasabi Family and the Wagasuke Family have long contested administrative control over Dehashi Port, standing evenly matched. That was until half a month ago, when the Wagasuke Family suddenly brought that band of bandits from outside the city. With that, the Wasabi Family lost control of the town."

"If they had stopped there, for the sake of the port's stability, we could have tolerated it for a while. But the Wagasuke Family is letting those greedy jackals run wild! Inventing bogus charges, imposing heavy taxes, and extorting passing merchants! If this continues, our town will collapse very soon!"

"Therefore, I asked your Hokage for assistance."