Chapter 193: Art of negotiations

"Finally we can train our own ninjas." Ryu said.

Dan replied, "I think we should thank Lord Ikkyu for his help. He must have convinced his father."

"Yes", Ryu said, "I will thank him next time I see him."

Dan replied, "There is also a letter from Lord Ikyuu."

Dan handed the letter to Ryu, and Ryu started reading the letter from his new friend.

___________________________________________

Dear Ryu,

Congratulations! I hear the Father has finally recognised your talent and granted you a licence for having your own private ninja force. But now, your neck is tied to mine. And I couldn't be prouder!

Just remember, no funny business with your ninjas, or you'll answer to me. And promise me that your ninjas will never lose to the regular ninjas. I won't let you embarrass me in front of the father.

On a more serious note, the Daimyo of the Land of Rivers will soon pay you a visit. His country is rich in minerals but lacks the resources to utilise them properly. I have told him about you, and they're eager to negotiate a land lease for your factory, hoping your expertise will turn their raw ore into something of value.

You've already saved his only granddaughter, Aoi, so he's coming to meet the man who gave him such a precious gift. He has high expectations, but I'm confident you'll impress him.

I will also come with him and act as a mediator. I'm always here to help. See you soon.

Your friend,

Ikkyu Madoka

........

Ryu smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his friend. The upcoming meeting with the Daimyo of the Land of Rivers was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss. It was time to prepare a proposal that would be irresistible.

Ryu chuckled as he finished the letter and told the contents to his grandfather. He said, "This meeting with the Daimyo of the Land of Rivers could be a game-changer."

Dan nodded and said, "It sounds like a promising opportunity. The Land of Rivers has a lot to offer, and with your skills, you could turn their raw resources into something truly valuable."

Ryu's mind was already racing with ideas. "I need to make a proposal that they can't resist. But first, I need to know more about the Land of Rivers. Please tell me everything you know, Grandpa."

Dan leaned forward, a faraway look in his eyes. "Where do I even begin?"

Ryu replied, "I need to understand its geography, history and current political standing if I'm to make a compelling proposal. If I know what they are lacking and what they sufficiently have, their relationships with neighbouring nations, their trade relations and foreign policy, then I will be able to make a better deal."

Dan said, "You sound like someone who has worked as a diplomat or a professional negotiator."

Ryu thought, 'Of course I know how to do foreign trade and to make deals with someone like the Daimyo of the nation. My brother Robert worked as a diplomat for some time, and he used to take me to meetings whenever he felt nervous. I can't even remember how many times I have had to negotiate on his behalf. This will be easy if I have all the information on this country.'

Ryu spoke, 'Negotiating deals like this is all about leverage. When you have sufficient information about the other party, you can negotiate terms in your favour. While some rely on power and influence, we lack in that area; hence, it's essential to assess the weaknesses of our opponent before negotiations and offer something they desire but do not possess.'

Dan nodded and said, "You are right. That is what negotiations are all about."

He then started his explanation, "The Land of Rivers is ruled by Daimyo Azuma Kasen. this county is nestled between the Land of Wind, the Land of Fire, and the Hidden Rain Village. The rains from the Hidden Rain flow through this land, giving it its name."

Ryu nodded, his eyes wide with interest. "And politically? How are its relations with others?"

Dan replied, "Azuma Kasen's daughter is married to Lord Madoka, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. He married her to have better influence in trade deals in that region. Aoi, the girl you saved, is Azuma Kasen's granddaughter. That's why saving her was such a big deal, and you should use it to your advantage."

Ryu looked at Dan and replied, "I cannot do that, Grandpa."

Dan was surprised by this rejection. He asked, "Why not?"

Ryu replied, "Because it does not look good on me professionally. I am a medic even if I am a trainee. Saving a life is my duty, and I cannot use the fact that I saved his granddaughter in a negotiation."

Dan was surprised. He felt a surge of pride for his grandson as he thought, 'This world does not deserve you, Ryu. I hope you never change. This cursed world has a tendency to change people like you.'

"What about its geography?" Ryu asked.

"Politically, it's a strategic location. If its situation were better, it could influence other nations. However, its lack of power makes it vulnerable to external influences and exploitation by neighbouring regions. The western part is all barren and a bit desert where it touches the Land of Wind, and the eastern part is full of rivers. There is some agricultural land in the east, but it is not sufficient for the whole country, so they import food from the Land of Fire. They have some minerals deep underground but don't have proper infrastructure to mine it or process it."

"And its manufacturing capabilities?" Ryu asked, eager for more details.

Dan sighed. "The Land of Rivers struggles in that regard. They export iron ore to the Fire Nation for essentials and also to the Wind Nation. Their 'Artisan Village' has some ninjas, but nothing on the scale of even minor ninja villages. The highest rank there is Jonin. Even elite Chunin are not so common. They rely heavily on the Sand Village in the Wind Country and our Leaf Village for high-difficulty missions."

Ryu's mind was already spinning with ideas. "So, they have the resources but lack the skills and infrastructure to utilise them. This is where we can step in."

Dan nodded. "Exactly. With your factory and the right training, you could turn their raw materials into finished products, boosting their economy and providing jobs. It's a mutually beneficial agreement for both sides.

Ryu absorbed this information, his mind already racing with ideas as to what to say to the Daimyo of the Land of Rivers.

He then looked at the [C.A.T. Seal] and said, "We must tell Jiyuu and Yasashii the good news. Now that we have the licence, we can start their training soon."

Dan smiled, rising from his chair. "I'll go with you. It's time we shared this news with them. They'll be thrilled."

Ryu found Jiyuu and Yasashii in the training area, their expressions a mix of doubt and hope. "I have news," Ryu began, his voice filled with excitement. "The Daimyo has granted us a licence to train ninjas outside our clan. You two are our first recruits."

Jiyuu and Yasashii exchanged glances; it was still hard for them to believe it. They believed it was happening, but they lacked confidence in their own abilities due to their disabilities.

Jiyuu said, "But… but we're not like other ninjas. We have disabilities. What if we can't keep up?"

Ryu's grin faltered, and he looked at them with a serious expression and said, "That's exactly why you're perfect for this. We need to prove to everyone that people with disabilities are not useless. You have the chance to prove that disabilities don't define a person's worth. Society may see you as limited, but I see potential. It won't be easy, but I believe in you both."

Yasashii looked up, a spark of hope in her eyes. "You really think we can do this?"

Ryu stepped forward, his voice filled with conviction. "Then we try again. And again. And again. Because the only way to guarantee failure is to give up. And I won't let you two give up."

Yasashii looked down, his voice barely above a whisper. "But what if it's impossible?"

Ryu's smile returned, wider than ever. "Then we aim for the impossible and make it possible. We work hard, we push ourselves to the limit, and we prove everyone wrong. Are you with me?"

Jiyuu and Yasashii exchanged a glance, and then they nodded, determination in their eyes.

"Let's do this," Jiyuu said, his voice firm.

Yasashii nodded. "We won't let you down, Ryu."

Ryu clapped them on the back, a smile spreading across his face, and said, "I know you won't. Now, let's get to work. We've got a lot to do."

And with that, the four of them set to work, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

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