Ikkyu lounged in the Hamura main house, swirling tea in his cup as his guard stood rigid behind him. Across the low table, Ryu mirrored his casual posture—a calculated informality that amused the future Daimyo.
Ikkyu started the conversation by saying, "I like the name... Hamura Industries."
Ryu replied with a grateful smile, "I'm glad the Lord liked it. Your approval means a great deal to us."
Ikkyu thought, 'He is not one to miss an opportunity. I like him.'
"Drop the title," Ikkyu chided, waving a hand. "You saved my sister's life, Ryu. That act not only earns you the right to call me by my name but also solidifies our bond. If it is not too much trouble, please consider me a friend."
Ryu's smile widened at the unexpected gesture of friendship from Ikkyu. "Thank you, Ikkyu. I would be honoured to call you my friend," he replied sincerely.
Ryu thought, 'Is it because I treated his sister or because of my technology?'
Ikkyu leaned forward, his eyes glinting with anticipation and ambition. "Now, about this groundbreaking technology that generates electricity from sunlight—I want it installed in my residence. Name your price," he demanded.
The groundbreaking technology that generates electricity from sunlight had never been seen before in their world. Ikkyu was so impressed that he was willing to pay any price to showcase it in his home.
Ryu thought for a second, 'I can charge him a premium, but I don't need to. A favour from him and his endorsement are worth more than money.'
Ryu chuckled softly, his eyes reflecting sincerity. "Friends don't charge friends. The prestige of illuminating the future Daimyo's home holds more value to me than any payment. Besides, the publicity from showcasing my creation in your residence is priceless."
"Clever," Ikkyu acknowledged, a smirk tugging his lips. "My endorsement will send your company's value soaring. But I insist on paying like any common buyer." His tone softened, layered with intent. "And as thanks, I'll grant you a favour. Anything within my power."
Dan was surprised by the significance of receiving a favour from a member of the Daimyo's family and the potential implications, considering the intricate relationships and rivalries it could involve him in. The implications, especially with Ikkyu's future as the Fire Nation's next Daimyo, left Dan momentarily speechless.
"Hmm," Ryu thought about it and said, 'I don't need to ask him for money. His name is more valuable to me, but if I need to ask, I can request something that only he can provide.'
Ryu thought about it and said, "If it's not too much to ask, I would like the permission of the Daimyo of the Fire Nation to raise my own force and ninja academy."
Dan was stunned. He thought, 'Is he mad? I thought he should ask him for money or a business opportunity. Essentially, he is requesting to be treated like a noble of the Fire Nation. If the daimyo of the Fire Nation allowed this, I don't know how Hiruzen is going to take it, but it would put him in the crosshairs with Danzo and other ninja clans also.'
Ikkyu was also shocked, and his teacup froze halfway to his lips. He asked, "May I ask what your reasoning is? Asking something like this from me. I am not sure how Father is going to take this request. I will have to refuse your request depending on your answer."
Ryu went serious and answered, "Do you know the history of the Hamura clan and how and why only two of us are left of a clan that is as old as the Senju clan of the forest?"
Ikkyu replied, "Yes, my guards briefed me about it. It was very unfortunate, but as your new friend, I must ask you not to seek revenge."
Ryu replied, "Not revenge. I don't want anything to happen to my loved ones and my employees. My best friend was taken from the orphanage by the Root ninjas. I felt helpless then, and even now, under the protection of Lord Third, I can't live like this forever. Besides, he can not protect me forever."
"I plan to change the world through my inventions. And anyone trying to do that is bound to make enemies. With the success of my company, my family and my employers, whom I would also like to call my family, will be targeted in the future. Before that future becomes my present, I would like to have means to protect myself. And I would like to, but involve Hokage in this."
Ikkyu replied, "Even if I believe you and your dream. Even then, it will be hard to convince my father."
Ryu replied, "Then good about this; I would only recruit failures. Those that had failed to graduate from the Ninja Academy, those who were not even considered for admission, and the disabled ninjas who are injured beyond recovery. How about then? Will Fire Lord agree?"
Ikkyu's mind raced with scepticism, questioning, 'Is he truly serious about this?'
"You can verify this force. Fire Capital will have a complete list of people I have gathered all the time. There will be no exceptions."
Ikkyu enquired, "What could you achieve with a force comprised of failures and disabled individuals? You're either a fool or a visionary. I do not think such a force will be of much use. Can they truly compete with trained ninjas?"
Ryu replied, "All I can say is never underestimate the will of people that have nothing to lose."
Ikkyu sighed and thought, 'I don't know what you are thinking, but I know you are not a fool and know what you are doing.'
Ikkyu agreed, "I will discuss this matter with my father and make an effort to persuade him."
Ryu replied, "That is good enough for me."
Ikkyu asked, "So I want to know what other inventions you have planned. I will tell all about it to my father. That will also help with your case."
Ryu smiled and said, "You have witnessed the solar paint, prototype batteries, and the laser in action. The recent medical emergency involving a patient with explosives inside his body gave me the idea for an imaging device that can non-invasively examine the inside of human body."
Ikkyu asked, "That is impressive, but any Hyuga ninja can do it for a C-rank mission. Even the Fire Palace at the capital city uses their services."
Ryu replied, "Yes, they do, but they have limitations. Firstly, not everyone can afford their services. Additionally, while they can describe findings accurately to a doctor, the doctors lack the ability to visualise what the Hyuga clan can see. My machine will directly show the insides of the patient to the doctors. It would have been better if there were a few Hyuga doctors, but they see such a profession as beneath them."
Ikkyu said, "You are right; I got to know the importance of this profession only after my sister was in dire need of treatment. I truly hope for the success of your plans.
Are there more plans?"
Ryu asked, "It depends on if you could solve a problem for me."
Ikkyu asked, "What problem?"
Ryu replied, "I need land for my new factory. And for some reason I need it on the shores. I also need it somewhere where there is iron in abundance. Could you help me find such a place?"
Ikkyu said, "Hmmm.… I have such a place in mind. I will see what I can do about it. So will you tell me now?"
Ryu replied, "The plans you saw in the workshop do not require much for mass production. I will start manufacturing as soon as the factory is set up."
Ryu replied, "But I have some long-term plans also that require a big setup and time. One of the plans is to create a communication device that can communicate long distance. Try imagining talking to Lord Daimo right now and getting his response to my request in real time."
This caught the attention of the young lord. As a future lord, he understands the importance of verifiable information, and if such a device came into existence, it would change how the world works and revolutionise the way people interact and exchange information across great distances.
Ikkyu asked, "Is this possible?"
Ryu replied, "It's more than possible. I have working prototypes being developed regularly, with their range increasing every day."
Ikkyu's eyes widened in amazement at the thought of such advanced technology being within reach.
Ryu continued, "Within 2 years, every household and business in the Fire Nation will have long-distance communication at a minimal cost compared to messenger birds. Even the official court business will have it.
I have more ideas, but these are the ones that will be my top priorities."
Ikkyu thought, 'He had more ideas. Just who is this guy? I need to take this kid seriously. I need to invest in him; his creations have the power to revolutionise societal norms and fundamentally alter the way the world operates.'
##PoWeR StOnEs##
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