He had realized that no matter how intelligent he was, he still didn't completely understand how Konoha operated, especially regarding local commerce and politics. With his head full of questions, he looked at Haruto, who appeared so calm and experienced.
With a slight sigh, Zack couldn't hold back his curiosity any longer.
— Haruto, you mentioned the clans, the prices, and the negotiations, but... I still don't fully understand how all this works. I'm new to all this, and no matter how hard I try, I can't piece it together. Can you explain it to me a bit more? How exactly does Konoha handle commerce?
Haruto looked at Zack, recognizing the spark of curiosity in the boy's eyes, but also noting the hesitation and lack of deep knowledge. Haruto was an experienced merchant but didn't expect Zack to be an expert. He chuckled lightly and began to walk toward a nearby stall where vendors were offering fresh fruits.
— Alright, Zack. I won't bombard you with everything at once, but let's take a look at this first — he said, picking up a red apple and offering it to Zack. — Here, this apple is a good example. What do you think it's worth in Konoha?
Zack looked at the fruit with a curious gaze, but he still couldn't see much beyond its basic value.
— Well... it looks like a normal apple. It must be cheap, right? — Zack replied uncertainly.
Haruto smiled softly.
— Not so simple, kid. Price isn't just about what you see on the surface. There are many layers. Konoha, as you may have already noticed, has many types of merchants, from the simplest to the most influential. Prices can vary depending on who you know and where the goods come from.
Haruto then stepped forward, placing the apple back on the vendor's counter and grabbing another for himself. As he chewed, he continued to explain.
— You've heard about the clans, right? They are like businesses here. And what many don't realize is that the more influential clans have direct agreements with merchants. They buy in bulk, so they get better prices. But of course, you also have the smaller clans, which don't have that capacity. They need to buy in smaller quantities and end up paying more for it.
Zack attentively looked at the apple and thought about Haruto's words. He didn't completely understand how all this worked, but it seemed like there was an invisible game happening behind daily transactions.
— So, the value isn't just about the quality of the goods? — Zack asked, trying to understand.
— Exactly. The price of anything in Konoha depends on a combination of factors. Who is selling, who is buying, and what is at stake. As I mentioned, the larger clans have more influence. They can control the price of goods or even decide what comes in and out of the village. A simple merchant can be pressured to sell something for less than it's worth if they don't have the power to negotiate.
Zack became thoughtful, trying to piece all this information together in his mind. He was starting to understand, but he still felt like there was much more for him to grasp about how the village functioned.
— And what can I do to better understand this? How can I... improve my knowledge of Konoha? — Zack asked sincerely, still trying to figure out where he fit into this grand chessboard.
Haruto looked at Zack with a tired smile, as if he knew the boy was beginning to see how complicated the scenario truly was.
— Well, the best advice I can give you, Zack, is that you need to be observant. Don't settle for what is said on the surface. Listen to the whispers, observe the negotiations, understand who is winning and who is losing. The clans are not just families; they are empires. And you need to know how these empires function if you really want to do business here.
Zack gave a slight nod, feeling that he was starting to grasp the basics. But his mind was still filled with questions. He knew it wasn't enough to just know about clans and prices. He needed to dig deeper, to understand the secrets and hidden relationships that made Konoha operate.
Haruto noticed the thoughtful look on Zack's face and realized that the boy was beginning to grasp the first layers of Konoha's workings. Still, he knew that he couldn't leave him lost in the complexities of commerce without imparting the basic concepts.
— It's starting to make sense, isn't it? — Haruto asked as he picked up another apple from the stall. — But what you need to understand, Zack, is that in Konoha, everything is about who controls the flow. Commerce isn't just about buying and selling; it's about manipulating the currents of power and influence.
Zack looked at him more attentively, trying to absorb what he was saying.
— So... who has control over what kind of product or service really calls the shots here?
Haruto let out a light laugh and pulled a chair from a small plaza bench, sitting down and signaling for Zack to do the same.
— Control comes from contacts, from the clans, and from knowledge of the market. For example, you have the big weapon merchants, who are allies of powerful clans, like the Uchiha Clan, for instance. They control not only the quality of the weapons but also who gets the best ones. Other clans, like the Nara Clan or the Akimichi Clan, have contracts more focused on the distribution of food and products that are essential for daily life. Everything connects. If a clan decides to cut off the supply of a product, the impact can be monumental, no matter what you're selling.
Zack furrowed his brow, deep in thought. He was starting to see how things worked, but he still didn't know how he could fit into this system.
— So, if someone wants to succeed here, they need to align themselves with one of these clans? — he asked curiously.
Haruto made an affirmative gesture but with a tone of caution.
— Yes and no. Partially, yes. But you need to know how to navigate between the clans. It's not enough just to do business with the most powerful. Sometimes, a deal with a smaller clan can be more advantageous, depending on the moment. Additionally, you need to understand Konoha's politics. The clans are constantly playing against each other to secure more influence, and it's not just about money, but about power, having the loyalty of certain merchants, and controlling supply routes.
Zack thought for a moment before asking:
— And how do people do business without always being in the shadows? If it's all so political, how could someone like me sell something without getting caught up in these power games?
Haruto smiled slightly, clearly enjoying how Zack was beginning to understand.
— Good question, Zack. There's a fine line between being a pawn and being a master of the game. You don't need to be a clan to have power. But you have to be clever. Many merchants, even the simplest ones, can negotiate with multiple clans at the same time, as long as they know how to please the right people and not get swallowed up by the dynamics of power. It's like a chess game. You need to observe, understand who is who, and where each piece fits.
Zack looked at Haruto with a more determined expression, now realizing that commerce in Konoha wasn't just about buying and selling, but a battlefield of mental and strategic combat where knowledge and cunning were essential.
— So, the secret is to position oneself well? — Zack asked with a slight smile.
Haruto nodded, pleased with Zack's evolving thought process.
— Exactly. And once you know how to play, you can make the game work to your advantage. Remember, you don't need to control everything, but you need to understand enough not to be controlled.
The two fell silent for a moment as Zack processed everything. Their conversation had already stretched a bit, but Haruto didn't seem rushed. He knew Zack was on the right path; he just needed time and patience.
— Now, let's take a break, — Haruto said, grabbing a piece of bread from a nearby stall. — Sometimes, the best thing is to step back and look at everything from a broader perspective. Let's eat a bit and reflect on what we've talked about. After that, we can continue.
Zack agreed, and the two spent some quiet time savoring the bread and fruits, absorbing the words and lessons that had been shared. Zack now had a foundation, a starting point for understanding commerce in Konoha. There was still much to learn, but he felt he was closer to uncovering the mysteries that surrounded the village.
While Zack and Haruto were still enjoying the bread and fruits, a man approached their table. He was the owner of the food stall where they had taken a break, a short and stocky man with a friendly expression, but at the same time, his eyes seemed to always be calculating.
He approached with a wide smile, but it didn't hide the purpose behind his visit.
— So, did you enjoy the food? Here are the prices, my friends — he said, extending a small notepad with the detailed costs. — The apple costs 50 ryos, the bread 30, and the water 20. Totaling 100 ryos, please.
Zack looked at the paper, and a look of surprise crossed his face. He hadn't expected it to be so expensive. He looked at Haruto, waiting for a reaction, but the merchant merely tilted his head and gestured towards the amount.
— Go ahead, Zack, you can pay — Haruto said calmly, observing the scene.
Zack raised an eyebrow, not believing he was being left to cover the bill.
— This isn't fair — he murmured, staring at the paper with the prices. — I thought you were going to pay, Haruto.
Haruto let out a low laugh and looked at Zack with an amused smile.
— First lesson, Zack. Nothing is free here. Konoha has its rules, and one of them is that each person looks after their own pocket. If you want to learn how to play the game, you need to be prepared to deal with these moments. Commerce isn't just about bargaining. Sometimes it's also about perceiving the thoughts of those around you.
Zack looked at the stall owner and then back at Haruto, beginning to understand the lesson. The situation that seemed simple, a mere meal, had much more to teach about how things worked there. It was a matter of observing, understanding intentions, and acting accordingly.
— I understand. So, the price is what he says, and it doesn't matter to think that the world will offer something for free — Zack reflected, already realizing that this small moment of "tension" was a chance to learn more about the dynamics of the village.
Haruto nodded, satisfied with Zack's understanding, and waited as he took the 100 ryos from his pouch and handed it to the merchant.
— That's right — said Haruto, with an approving smile. — Now, over time, you will begin to notice other layers in these small details. When you're comfortable with the basics, then we can start talking about how to manipulate situations to your advantage.
Zack paid the amount with some reluctance but also with a sense of satisfaction for learning more about how the game worked. He was beginning to see that everything, even a simple meal, had something to teach about the complex web of relationships and exchanges within Konoha.
Zack looked into his pocket and counted the 500 ryos he had with him, thoughtful. He had never been one to spend much, but now, in such a complex place like Konoha, he needed to understand how to sustain himself. Not knowing the exact cost of living there, he turned to Haruto and asked a straightforward question.
— Haruto, what do I need to survive daily here? How much should I have on hand, considering the basics?
Haruto looked at him, evaluating the situation before responding. He knew Zack was trying to comprehend how to manage his finances in Konoha, and it was not simple. Life in the village had its costs, and they often varied depending on the place and situation.
— Well, let's start with the basics. A regular day here in Konoha can be quite affordable, but it depends on what you're going to consume — Haruto began. — If you're going to spend only on simple food and necessary items for daily survival, you can live on around 300 to 400 ryos per day. That would cover your meals, transportation, and some basic needs.
Zack thought for a moment, trying to calculate in his mind. He had 500 ryos, so at least for a few days, he could be fine.
— That would be enough for the basics, then — he said, looking at Haruto. — But what about the rest? If I want to do business, interact more, how will the money work?
Haruto smiled, seeing that Zack was starting to understand the need to be strategic with his resources.
— When you start getting more involved in business, especially in interactions with clans and more influential merchants, things can get more expensive — Haruto explained. — You may need more money for bribes, kickbacks, or even to secure advantageous deals. If you're planning to start negotiating with the clans or to enter any type of market competition, you might need to gather more than this. But overall, with 500 ryos, you can survive for a week as long as you don't get into anything too extravagant.
Zack nodded, now more aware that money was a fundamental tool in Konoha. He would need to learn how to manage his resources better, especially if he wanted to integrate and understand the complex commercial and political relationships within the village.
— So, basically, 300 to 400 ryos per day will cover me, and the 500 ryos I have is a good start — Zack said, organizing the information. — But for business and more complicated negotiations, I'll need more. Got it.
Haruto nodded, satisfied with Zack's progress.
— Exactly. Now, the most important thing is how you're going to use those ryos. It's not just about the amount you have, but how you position yourself to make the money work in your favor. That will be the differentiator for anyone wanting to succeed in Konoha.
Haruto looked at Zack with a smile, noticing the boy's apprehension about how to manage in Konoha.
— For now, you'll be able to stay with me without worrying about lodging. I'm a businessman, so it won't be a problem for a while — Haruto said, giving a slight smile. — But you need to understand that eventually, you'll have to fend for yourself, learn to support yourself and manage your own resources. That's part of the process here.
Zack nodded, already knowing that eventually, he would need to find his own way. But for now, he was relieved to have Haruto's help.
— And where do you live here? — Zack asked, curious about Haruto's life in Konoha.
— Let's go there now — Haruto replied, getting up and starting to walk toward a less busy street. — I'll take you to where I usually stay when I come to Konoha, and there I'll explain what your leader asked me to share with you. I think you'll need this information for what lies ahead.
Zack followed him, his mind still buzzing with all the new information. He knew that Konoha was a place full of secrets and challenges, and every step he took seemed to lead him deeper into this labyrinth of relationships and negotiations.
As they walked through the streets, Zack observed more closely the details around him, trying to absorb as much as possible. He knew Haruto wasn't just being kind, but was also trying to prepare him for what was to come, something that involved more than just business and commerce.
Haruto then stopped in front of a small, unassuming yet well-kept building situated on a quiet street, away from the hustle and bustle of the commercial center.
— This is where I stay when I'm in Konoha — Haruto explained, opening the door and gesturing for Zack to enter. — Now, let's talk about what your leader asked me to pass on to you.
Zack stepped inside, still filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. He knew that this conversation could be crucial for the path he would take in Konoha.
Haruto looked at Zack with a smile, and he knew this was a decisive moment in the boy's journey. He closed the door behind him, creating a calm and secure environment for the conversation.
— As I mentioned, your leader asked me to have you conduct negotiations here in Konoha on his behalf — Haruto began, his tone now more serious. — I know you must be thinking that a child wouldn't be well received doing business of this kind, and you're right. But that's the challenge he set for you. In two years, you'll have the basic knowledge necessary to handle transactions and move around here with confidence.
Zack frowned, trying to grasp the magnitude of the situation.
— Two years... is that enough time to learn what I need? — Zack asked, still with a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
Haruto nodded with a calculated smile.
— Exactly. What you need now is time to familiarize yourself with Konoha, its rules, its clans, and, above all, how negotiations occur. You need to understand the power plays that happen here every day. The truth is that merchants and clans are always in motion, and those who can't keep up get left behind. It won't be easy, but you have something in your favor: time and a good foundation to learn.
Zack thought about Haruto's words, trying to fit everything into his mind. He knew the path ahead would be tough, but somehow he felt this challenge could be what he needed to become more than just a scared and lost child. He wanted to become someone capable of facing the world before him.
Haruto then stood up and went over to a small shelf where he picked up a piece of paper and a brush. He quickly wrote some words and handed them to Zack.
— This here is a form of disguise that you will learn to use — he said, explaining as he showed the written technique. — A transformation jutsu. As I mentioned before, being a child, you would easily be looked down upon trying to conduct business on your own. So, by learning this technique, you'll be able to go unnoticed or even be mistaken for someone older, allowing you to move without drawing attention. In commerce, appearance matters more than you might imagine.
Zack looked at the paper, trying to understand the strokes and symbols written there. He knew he had much to learn, but this was the first step toward integrating himself into this strange and new world.
— And how do I learn to use this? — Zack asked, eager to put into practice what he was beginning to comprehend.
Haruto smiled approvingly.
— Let's start with the basics. First, you'll need to train in chakra manipulation and learn to control its flow. Then, over time, you'll learn how to project a different appearance using chakra. It will be a process, but with effort, you'll manage. Initially, it's like any technique; the more you practice, the more natural it will become.
Zack felt a wave of determination growing inside him. He knew it was just the beginning, but what he was hearing seemed like an opportunity to finally start understanding Konoha and perhaps even become a protagonist within this vast political and commercial landscape.
Haruto leaned back in his chair, observing Zack attentively, and finally said:
— You have two years, Zack. Two years to understand how things work around here and to earn the respect you need to make your transactions. During this time, I will guide you, but don't expect any handouts. The world of Konoha won't give you anything for free. Now, what you do with this time and knowledge… that depends on you.
Zack nodded firmly. He knew his journey in Konoha would be difficult, but now he had a clear purpose. He had two years to prepare, and nothing would make him give up.
— I'll do whatever it takes — Zack said, with a determined expression.
Haruto looked at Zack with a firm smile, as if preparing the boy for a new challenge.
— So, keep in mind that I will be coming and going to conduct negotiations for two years, and after that, it will be up to you — Haruto said, his tone calm but filled with a slight seriousness. — During this time, your job will be to learn the basics of how the world of Konoha functions, the power games, the transactions, and of course, how things really happen around here.
Zack paid attention to every word, now more aware of what the future held for him. He felt the weight of Haruto's words but also a growing excitement for finally receiving the tools to adapt.
— And to have a foundation for the world, we're going to enroll you in the Konoha ninja academy. We've already made the arrangements, and soon you'll start your classes there — Haruto continued. — The academy won't just be a place to learn combat techniques but also a field of observation. It will be there that you will start to understand how ninjas deal with the dynamics of the village. You will have to manage on your own and learn to navigate relationships, with other students and even the teachers. It will be your first real experience in understanding how to position yourself in Konoha.
Zack fell silent for a moment, absorbing the information. He knew that the academy wouldn't be an easy place, but if this was the path to learn what he needed, he was willing to face whatever it took. He had always wanted a solid foundation, and now it seemed the first step toward that was about to begin.
Haruto leaned slightly forward, his eyes fixed on Zack.
— I've already shown you the jutsu in writing that is necessary — he said, pointing to the paper with the visible symbols. — When you see this jutsu at the academy, focus on learning it as quickly as possible. This disguise will be fundamental for you to move more freely, as being a child, you can easily be ignored or underestimated. But with this disguise, you will have the advantage of being seen as someone with more experience and capability, which will facilitate your entry into the world of business and negotiations.
Zack nodded, understanding that the transformation jutsu wasn't just a technique but a key to obtaining what he needed in Konoha. It was another tool to hide in plain sight, to be noticed only when necessary, and thus manipulate situations to his advantage.
— I understand, Haruto. I'll learn the jutsu and adapt to the academy. It won't be easy, but I'll give it my best — Zack said with conviction, his mind already starting to prepare for what lay ahead.
Haruto observed Zack for a moment, clearly pleased with the boy's response. He knew Zack was still young, but his commitment was starting to solidify. If the boy could follow this path, it wouldn't be long before he was ready to take on the responsibilities that his leader had entrusted to him.
— That's right. I'll be around, supervising your activities, but you'll have to learn to walk on your own. And remember: time is key here. You will need this time to become strong enough to handle the negotiations that are to come.
Zack looked to the horizon, feeling the weight of Haruto's expectations, but at the same time, a sense of determination took root within him. He knew he couldn't fail. This wasn't just about him, but also about the chance to repay his leader's trust in him.
— I will do this, Haruto. I'll prepare for whatever comes my way.
Haruto smiled with a touch of pride.
— Now, it's time to start moving. You have much to learn, but with time, everything will fall into place. Let's take the first step toward your new path.