Location: Konoha – Lotus Store (Main Office)
On the third floor of the Lotus Store, Hina sat at the head of the table, dressed in a deep green kimono with a white obi, her long black hair pinned up in a professional style.
Her sharp gaze flickered over the papers in front of her, fingers adjusting the sleeves of her kimono—a habit she had whenever she was thinking deeply.
Across from her, Ishida-san, the elderly former store owner, sipped his tea with measured patience.
Hashimaru-san, his hair slightly disheveled from stress, leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping against the wooden armrest.
Minutes passed before Hina finally lifted her head and pulled out a scroll from her sleeve, placed it on the table and exhaled. "The Young Master has decided to expand into the food industry, specifically agriculture, preservation, and distribution. This is a major step, and we need to be prepared."
Hashimaru let out a low breath. They had just concluded their reports on their market earnings from the month before and were now expanding?
"That's ambitious. But with the war ongoing, it makes sense. Food is security, and people will pay anything for that peace of mind."
Ishida-san stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The war is both a challenge and an opportunity. With more shinobi deployments, supply chains will weaken. That's where we step in."
Hina's gaze sharpened at that. "Explain."
The elderly merchant smiled knowingly, eyes distant for a brief moment.
He had been trading goods long before villages had banners or borders, back when markets followed clan armies, money was secondary to survival, and tomorrow was never guaranteed under the chaos of the Warring States.
"Farmers and traders will hesitate to sell freely. Bandits, war requisitions, and unstable village demands will disrupt supply lines. If we position ourselves as a stable supplier, both civilians and shinobi will come to rely on us."
Hashimaru rubbed his chin. "That's true. But how do we compete? War means higher prices, hoarding, and shortages. Farmers will sell to the highest bidder."
Hina picked up the scroll, unrolling it. "The Young Master anticipated this. Our plan has two core strategies:
1. Food Processing & Preservation. By using better storage methods with fūinjutsu, we can extend shelf life, making our products the most reliable in the market.
2. Securing Farmers. We provide them with better tools, fertilizers, and, most importantly, a guarantee of stable prices, something no other merchant will be willing to offer."
Ishida-san hummed approvingly. "Instead of competing in a chaotic market, we create stability. If we ensure farmers' livelihoods, they'll prefer Lotus Store over traders looking for quick profit."
Hashimaru frowned. "That's going to require heavy investment upfront. If the war drags on longer than expected, we could bleed capital."
He stared at Hina intensely and asked. "How much are we talking about?"
Hina smiled slightly. "The Young Master has been preparing for this. We have the funds to secure the first three rounds of purchases without affecting our core business."
Unlike Hashimaru who recently joined them and didn't know the full capability of Murakami, she and Ishida knew.
As for securing stability…that's what Shinobi are hired for. They were mercenaries after all.
And since Murakami was, in his own words, "still a child", his personal expenses were minimal. Apart from a one-time splurge on jutsu scrolls and his apartment, he had saved aggressively.
And where there was money involved, Shinobi were just a mission away.
Ishida-san's expression grew serious. "If we succeed, the village will notice. Not just merchants, the Hokage's office as well."
Hashimaru exhaled deeply as though he'd been holding his breath over that issue. "That's another one of my concerns. The moment we grow too influential, the Hokage's office might decide we're a threat."
Hina's lips curled in amusement. "Which is why we're staying out of military rations for now. We let other merchants handle the shinobi market while we focus on civilians. If we control civilian food supply, we control landlords, noble houses, and merchants. The village won't interfere unless they're prepared for the consequences."
Hashimaru shook his head with a chuckle. "This is a dangerous game."
Ishida-san's eyes twinkled. "Survival in business is like war—control the battlefield, or get swallowed by it."
Hina took another sip of tea, setting her cup down with a soft clink. "Once we establish ourselves, moving against us will cost more than anyone is willing to pay."
A heavy silence settled over the room as the reality of their path forward loomed over them.
Finally, Hashimaru sighed. "Alright. Where do we begin?"
Hina smiled. "First, we purchase and store as much non-perishable food as possible; rice, grains, dried meats. We also need secure warehouses."
Ishida-san's eyes twinkled. "I know a few abandoned storage spaces near the river district. Some of my old acquaintances used them before relocating to the capital due to the war."
Hina nodded. "Perfect. Second, we discreetly approach farmers. We offer them better tools and fertilizers in exchange for exclusive supply contracts. No coercion, just mutual benefit."
Hashimaru chuckled. "And let me guess, we undercut the competition?"
Hina smirked. "Only those who deserve it."
Ishida-san laughed, shaking his head. "The Young Master trained you well."
Hina smiled, the sharp glint in her eyes unmistakable. "I learned from the best."
The meeting stretched long into the night as they refined their strategies and weighed the risks it carried.
"That concludes this month's executive meeting." Hina announced, setting her brush aside as she finished noting their finalized strategies.
The room was silent for a moment before Hashimaru let out a low chuckle. "Well, that was the most intense meeting I've been part of in a while."
Ishida-san smirked, sipping his now-cold tea. "Business is war, my boy. The moment you stop thinking ahead is the moment you lose everything."
Hashimaru stretched, rolling his shoulders. "Still, this is a hell of a plan. If we pull it off, the Lotus Store won't just be a merchant house, we'll be a pillar of Konoha's economy."
Hina leaned back in her chair, a small smile on her lips. "That's the goal."
Despite the late hour, none of them looked exhausted. Excitement buzzed beneath their composed exteriors. They were on the brink of something monumental and they knew it.
Ishida set his teacup down with a quiet clink. "With this settled, I take it the Young Master will be shifting his focus soon?"
Hina nodded. "Yes. While we handle the food industry, he's turning his attention to the next phase of expansion." She glanced at Ishida. "Speaking of which… how is your progress on acquiring land for the Lotus Pavilion in the capital?"
After much consideration, Murakami decided not to base his headquarters in Konoha but rather, in the capital city of the Land of Fire.
Konoha could simply be described as a military outpost or state. This is where the Land of Fire military might reside.
There were other villages and settlements within the Land of Fire with a capital where the Daimyō of the Land lived with other noble and affluent families.
These families were not Shinobi but rather civilians through and through.
They were even banned from training in Ninjutsu and other arts since they could easily bring Chaos to civilian life.
In lieu of this, it was safer to establish there than in Konoha.
At the mention of this, Ishida's smirk faded, replaced with a calculating look. He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a folded scroll, tapping it against the table thoughtfully before setting it down.
"There have been… complications."
Hina raised a brow but didn't reach to pick the scroll. "Complications?"
Hashimaru frowned, leaning in. "That's not what I expected to hear from you, old man. What kind of trouble are we dealing with?"
Ishida sighed, rubbing his temple. "The capital isn't like Konoha. Land ownership is a different game there. Most of the prime locations are already controlled by wealthy noble families and established merchant clans. They don't take kindly to outsiders muscling in."
Hina exhaled, her fingers drumming against the table. "We expected resistance, but I take it this is more than just bureaucratic red tape?"
Ishida gave her a knowing look. "Oh, they're not just making us wait through paperwork delays. They're making it clear; if we want land in the capital, we have to play their game."
Hashimaru scoffed. "And let me guess, playing their game means paying ridiculous bribes or getting tangled in political favors."
Ishida nodded. "Exactly."
Hina's expression remained neutral, but her mind was already working through possibilities.
"Who's leading the resistance?" she asked.
Ishida unfolded the scroll, revealing a list of names. "The most vocal opposition comes from the Hirano Merchant House and the Katsuragi Noble Family. The Hiranos have a monopoly on textile imports from the Land of Wind, while the Katsuragi family owns several inns and high-end establishments."
Hina's eyes narrowed. "So they see the Lotus Pavilion as a threat to their business."
Ishida hummed in agreement. "The Hirano House is worried that once we establish supply lines in the capital, they'll lose control over certain goods. As for the Katsuragi family… well, let's just say they don't like the idea of competition in the hospitality sector."
Hashimaru clicked his tongue. "So what do we do? Go around them? Pressure them?"
Hina considered the options carefully. She knew Murakami's vision for the Lotus Pavilion included but didn't just end in hospitality alone. He envisioned something far more grander than even she could imagine that she thought he was mad.
"We never make enemies unless we have to. First, let's see if we can turn one of them into an ally."
She tapped her finger against the names on the scroll. "The Hirano House's strength is also its weakness. Imported textiles require stable logistics and a fed workforce. If we become the most reliable food supplier in the country, they might reconsider their stance."
Ishida chuckled. "Ah, a trade-off. Convince them that opposing us will cost them more than working with us."
Hina nodded. "Precisely."
Hashimaru crossed his arms. "And what about the Katsuragi family?"
Hina's gaze darkened slightly. "They'll be harder to sway. Unlike merchants, nobles hold onto their power out of pride, not just profit. If we want them to back down, we need to apply indirect pressure."
Ishida leaned forward. "Meaning?"
Hina's lips curled into a small, calculating smile. "We build relationships with other influential families in the capital. If we secure their support, the Katsuragi family will find themselves isolated. Nobles only remain powerful if they have allies."
Hashimaru let out a low whistle. "That's bold."
Ishida grinned. "That's brilliant."
Hina reached for her tea, taking a slow sip. "The Young Master doesn't move carelessly. If we're going to establish the Lotus Pavilion, we do it on our terms, not theirs."
A thick silence settled over the room as they absorbed the weight of their next challenge.
Then Ishida chuckled. "Well, this just got a lot more interesting."
Hashimaru smirked. "When is it ever not?"
Hina smiled. "Exactly."
Reaching for a fresh scroll, Hina dipped her brush into ink and glanced at Hashimaru first. "You'll oversee the agricultural expansion."
Hashimaru straightened, his brows lifting slightly. "I figured as much."
Hina nodded and began writing. "You have the most experience dealing with farmers. Your task is twofold; securing farmland and convincing farmers to work with us under exclusive contracts."
She waited a few seconds for the ink to dry before rolling it up and passing it to him.
She then picked up and unrolled another scroll, revealing a map of the surrounding regions. With precise strokes, she circled key areas.
"These are the villages where we'll start. We need to survey their soil quality, estimate potential yield, and determine which crops will provide the best return."
Hashimaru tucked away the scroll and leaned forward, scanning the map. "That's a solid approach, but I'll need leverage to get these farmers on board. Right now, they sell to multiple buyers, how do I convince them to choose us?"
"That is up to you to figure out. Just get it done. And fast."
Hina tapped the map once, sharply. "We sell certainty. Fixed contracts, guaranteed purchases, no seasonal bargaining."
Her gaze lifted. "Everything else from tools, fertilizers, training… you already know how to leverage. Use them."
Ishida gave a quiet, knowing laugh. "You're not negotiating with farmers," he said. "You're anchoring them."
Hina inclined her head slightly. "A farmer who depends on us won't look elsewhere."
Hashimaru scratched the back of his head, thinking. "This will take time. Farmers aren't quick to trust merchants."
Hina ignored his words and handed him a sealed envelope. "This contains the initial funds and contracts. Start with small groups, convince a few key farmers, and the rest will follow."
Hashimaru took the envelope, tucking it into his robe. "Alright. I'll handle it."
Hina then turned to Ishida. "You'll focus on acquiring land in the capital. We need that Lotus Pavilion established."
Ishida smirked. "Ah, the fun part." He said sarcastically.
Not paying his sarcasm any mind, she handed him a second scroll. "Start by working on the Hirano House. Offer them priority access to our food distribution network. If they see us as an asset rather than a competitor, they'll stop blocking our progress."
Ishida hummed. "And if they refuse?"
Hina's expression turned cool. "Then we go to their rivals. If the Hirano House doesn't want to work with us, someone else will. And once their competition grows stronger because of us, they'll regret their decision."
Ishida chuckled, impressed. "I do love a good negotiation."
Hina nodded. "As for the Katsuragi family, we take our time. Focus on networking with other nobles first. Build relationships. Make it so that opposing us would mean opposing half the city's elite."
Ishida gave a mock sigh. "Ah, the long game. Patience is key, then?"
Hina smirked. "Patience and positioning. We don't need to defeat them, we just need to make them irrelevant."
Ishida grinned. "Understood."
With the final assignments made, Hina leaned back on her seat, letting the tension ease from her shoulders.
Their plans were set, all that was left was to put it into action.
Hashimaru rolled his shoulders. "So, when do we begin?"
Hina met his gaze. "Tomorrow. The Young Master expects results."
Ishida chuckled. "Then let's better get to work."
With that, the meeting truly ended, and the wheels of expansion began turning.
***
A/N: Damn. Didn't even know I was a business guru till I started writing and the ideas just kept pouring out. Hopefully I don't lose this inspiration.