However, compared to these gangs, the Debt Collectors from the Merchants Association have clear ranks, strictly adhere to debt collection rules, and are more professional.
"So, they came looking for trouble with a legitimate excuse?"
Ichihime raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
The Ninja of the Land of Demons smiled helplessly. This time, those gangs got smarter; they knew that if caught, they would face retaliation from the Land of Demons, so they opted for this method. It achieves their goal without leaving any handle for the Land of Demons to grab.
After all, they are now operating under the banner of the Shion Flower Merchants Association, not the military of the Land of Demons.
And when it comes to money issues, just the word 'legal' is all that's needed.
The gangs collecting debts from debtors, the Shion Flower Merchants Association seems to have no excuse to oppose, and even threatening with force would affect the reputation the association has worked hard to build over the years.
"How many workers are involved?"
"One hundred twenty-seven people."
This subordinate hesitated for a moment but still reported this number.
The number of people involved made Ichihime jump in shock.
"One hundred twenty-seven people? Are you sure you didn't miscalculate?"
"That's right, it's one hundred twenty-seven people."
Confirmed the Ninja of the Land of Demons.
Out of a total of one thousand workers, more than one-tenth of them have taken loans from the gangs, a ratio that left Ichihime feeling incredibly surprised.
"How could there be so many people?"
"The people of this country are too poor and economically backward. The unemployment rate is high everywhere, and without any economic sources, they can only go to some banking institutions to get a loan. Or leave the country to find a way to survive."
Ichihime couldn't find any words and slightly relaxed her furrowed brows, but her mood hadn't improved.
"Collect the information of those indebted workers. If there are any with bad records, such as gambling or drug use, remove them and let them fend for themselves. Keep those who borrowed out of desperation."
Ichihime didn't hesitate for too long and gave an answer.
She knew that among the more than one thousand workers assembled by Tazuna, not all were honest and simple; some were bad apples with gambling and drug habits.
This time it's the perfect opportunity to get rid of these people, and meanwhile, win some hearts to proceed to the next step.
The gangs causing trouble with legitimate excuses surely have someone behind them pulling the strings.
But now is not the best time to deal with the puppeteer yet.
At least until the real 'alliance' is formed, it's not the right time.
◎
"Tazuna, is there really no way out?"
The workers on the construction site gathered together, with everyone looking towards Tazuna.
Because not only has he shown his face to the employer, but he's also the leader of these workers.
Many things they are willing to confide in Tazuna.
Seeing all those eyes focused on him, Tazuna also felt a bit helpless.
Honestly, he's just a workman, not really some Savior.
Moreover, he's quite satisfied with his current life; though difficult, with a bit of effort, one can survive.
The reason these workers sought him is quite simple.
The gangs found some of their workers and started demanding repayment.
Although the Ninja of the Land of Demons guarding the site temporarily dispersed those gang members, this isn't a solution.
If they directly come to cause trouble, those Ninja of the Land of Demons would be happy to teach them a lesson.
But they came with legitimate reasons, so the Ninja of the Land of Demons dispersed the gangs merely to prevent hindrance to the construction.
As for other times, such as when workers are off-duty, the Ninja of the Land of Demons won't manage it.
These are private issues and weren't included in the initial cooperation contract.
Even if workers encounter problems, the employer has no justification to step in, at most providing verbal mediation.
Those indebted workers include quite a few of his friends and young people who had no choice but to loan because they couldn't make ends meet.
Though the loan contracts have all sorts of loopholes, those at a disadvantage might not have thought much at the time.
While they can read, their actual cultural level is not high, just enough to earn a living.
Honestly, Tazuna is willing to help his friends and doesn't want the gangs to turn their families upside down, eventually making them disappear without a trace.
But can a foreman really take on such a matter?
"Sorry, regarding this matter, I really don't know how to handle it."
Facing eager eyes, Tazuna knew his words would disappoint, but he's limited in ability and doesn't want to get involved in such trouble.
"But..."
"Alright, Tazuna also has his own difficulties, let's not force him."
Still, it was Tazuna's old friend Kich who spoke reasonably.
"But if that's the case, those workers in debt might be at risk..."
"If you owe money, you should pay it back."
"But these are gangs, they must have used coercion in the beginning..."
Though knowing they were in the wrong initially, recalling the gangs in the Land of Waves, the workers nodded, deeply agreeing.
Because those gangs have caused countless families, who should have been happy, to fall apart.
"I hope I'm not interrupting your conversation."
A voice suddenly intervened, breaking the dialogue among Tazuna and the others.
Seeing clearly who it was, all the workers including Tazuna were surprised.