In response, Hakushi could only express regret.
◎
"Since I left, has anything happened here?"
Back on the cruise ship at the port of the Land of Waves, Ichihime asked a Jonin under her command whether anything noteworthy had occurred during her brief absence.
"On the surface, everything seems calm, but in recent days, several unidentified individuals have secretly infiltrated the Land of Waves. The exact number is unclear, but it's estimated to be at least thirty people."
The Jonin from the Land of Demons pondered for a moment before answering.
"Ninjas?"
Ichihime inquired.
The Jonin from the Land of Demons nodded solemnly.
If only ordinary people had smuggled themselves in, it wouldn't be too concerning.
But at a time like this, with so many ninjas infiltrating the Land of Waves, their actions are suspicious.
Their purpose is likely related to the Land of Demons.
The exact force behind this is still unknown and under investigation.
Ichihime nodded to indicate she understood.
Based on the information obtained from Oyashiro, the arms dealer on the Isolated Island, Ichihime could roughly guess which side these ninjas belonged to.
"For now, ignore them. Our main task is to get Tazuna and the workers to construct the factory as soon as possible."
"Building materials have started being transported here to the Land of Waves, and we can formally start construction the day after tomorrow."
Responding to Ichihime's inquiry about those construction workers, the Jonin from the Land of Demons succinctly answered.
"When the time comes, double the number of people overseeing the work. The hidden enemies won't confront us directly, but they'll certainly attempt to hinder us."
"Understood."
After the Jonin from the Land of Demons left, Ichihime finally breathed a sigh of relief and rubbed her aching temples.
She hadn't taken a proper break due to the ongoing matters involving the Land of Waves and the Isolated Island; she decided to relax before the construction began on Tazuna's side.
Once the factory's construction formally starts, things won't be as easy.
That will be when the real troubles begin.
◎
"Dad."
At Tazuna's house, he heard the panicked voice of his daughter, Tsunami.
Tazuna, who was reading the newspaper in the living room, put down his paper and looked toward the direction Tsunami was running from, noticing her alarmed expression, he asked in confusion: "What's wrong, Tsunami?"
Having found a new job, Tazuna had been in a good mood these past few days.
Also, the number of recruited workers met employer Ichihime's requirements.
Though they couldn't breach the contract midway, as it had already been signed by everyone, the remuneration offered by Ichihime was irresistible, so they didn't mind the contract.
Not only would there be substantial work pay, but the site also provides three meals a day, greatly saving on workers' expenses.
Many workers were thankful to Ichihime for offering them these jobs, and also grateful to Tazuna for introducing them.
Spring smiles aptly described Tazuna's current mood.
Without speaking, Tsunami took out something resembling a business card and placed it in front of Tazuna.
Tazuna received it; the front was blank white. When he flipped it over, a sentence on the back caught his eye. A chill surged through him, leaving his body rigid.
—No work the day after tomorrow, or your family gets killed!
Each character was blood-red, seemingly infused with vigorous killing intent, causing shivers upon reading.
Cold sweat uncontrollably dripped down Tazuna's face. If it were merely a prank, it'd be one thing, but the cruelty emanating from the characters was terrifying, indicating he was targeted by a dangerous presence.
Ninja!
"Dad, what now?"
Tsunami knew Tazuna had formally accepted the commission from the merchant's lady from the Land of Demons, and even signed a contract written in black and white. However, before the construction was officially underway, someone delivered a threat letter to stop her father Tazuna from working.
This made Tsunami extremely worried, feeling that her family was embroiled in something perilous, particularly at the vortex's center.
Briefly silent, Tazuna admitted this was his first encounter with such a situation.
Despite his fear, he understood ordinary people like him wouldn't typically be targeted by ninjas unless something significant was involved.
Being targeted by ninjas now, and given their hostile intent, indicated that the problem wasn't on his side but aimed at Miss Ichihime.
"I can't make this decision alone; I need to discuss it with Miss Ichihime."
With a sigh, Tazuna stood up.
"How about abandoning the commission, Dad?"
Tsunami gingerly suggested.
She prioritized Tazuna's safety over their earnings.
"The employment contract is signed; backing out now incurs a penalty."
With a bitter smile, Tazuna shook his head. Although Tsunami's suggestion was good, he couldn't afford the penalty stated in the contract.
Despite Miss Ichihime's current amicability, should the workers breach the contract, to maintain her dignity or interests, she'd inevitably reveal a fearful side.
"Don't worry too much, Tsunami. Miss Ichihime has numerous competent ninjas under her; things might not turn out as bad as they seem."
Tazuna could only comfort himself with these words.
If he had foreseen such troublesome threats, he wouldn't have accepted this work commission.
Unfortunately, remorse was futile now.
Thus, Tazuna could only brace himself to seek Ichihime's assistance, searching for a way to break the impasse.