Chapter Three

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Sakai Port Village, Mayor Akimasa leaned back in his chair, savoring the last bite of his meal—a bowl of fresh crab in seaweed soup. The rich, briny flavors lingered on his tongue, a reminder of the bountiful waters that sustained their village and his luxurious lifestyle.

The door slid open, and his personal assistant, Fuyu, entered quietly. Over the years, their partnership had solidified control over the village's affairs. Together, they had skillfully diverted the emperor's attention from their clandestine dealings—pocketing bribes, granting illicit favors, and skimming off tax revenues long before they reached the imperial coffers. In this precarious world, knowing potential threats was paramount, and Fuyu excelled in this regard.

"What's the problem, Fuyu?" Akimasa rumbled, his deep voice resonating in the quiet room.

Fuyu took a seat across from him, his expression as composed as ever. "A ship," he replied simply.

"A ship? There are many ships in the harbor, Fuyu. Which one are we talking about?" Akimasa's brows furrowed, concern flickering behind his piercing gaze.

"A foreign ship," Fuyu clarified, his tone calm but firm. "It arrived this morning. Its occupants are… unusual. No one seems to know who they are. The captain and crew refuse to disclose anything about the ship's owners. However, one individual was seen leaving the ship—a man dressed entirely in black. He wandered the marketplace briefly, avoiding attention, speaking to no one, and purchasing nothing. Then, just as quietly as he arrived, he returned to the ship. That was all."

Akimasa's bulk shifted in his chair as he considered the implications. Though he lacked the sharp mind of his assistant, his imposing presence and raw instincts made him a man to be reckoned with. "And what do you make of this, Fuyu? Is this something we should be worried about?"

"It's too early to tell," Fuyu admitted, his tone measured. "But I suggest we tread carefully. I can arrange a welcoming meeting tomorrow, a gesture to gauge their intentions. If they remain tight-lipped, I've already sent word to our contacts in the capital. It's only a matter of time before we learn who owns that ship and why they're here."

Akimasa nodded, the flickering lamplight casting ominous shadows across his broad face. He trusted Fuyu implicitly—his assistant's knack for analyzing threats and presenting solutions had kept them ahead of countless dangers.

"Good, very good, Fuyu," Akimasa said, his satisfaction evident. "Handle it. I trust you'll keep this situation from escalating."

The room, dimly lit by lanterns, seemed to shrink around the two men as they spoke in hushed tones. Their words carried the weight of conspirators entrenched in their web of corruption, confident in their ability to navigate even the murkiest of waters.