Seeing their expressions, Oden also felt a bit embarrassed.
"You guys, how could you stoop to such petty theft!" he quickly scolded, though his own actions weren't much better.
"These are just minor issues. The laws of Kuri are strict, but as long as you can compensate for the damages, you can avoid jail time. The crops you ruined, the waterwheels you damaged, and other things—I've been covering the costs for now," Dan's words suddenly made Oden and his group feel a sense of gratitude.
But the next sentence was different.
"Compared to these trivial economic losses, what's truly serious is that you people resisted the Military Commission's army and injured many of them!" Dan said sternly. "Oden, disregarding the law, assaulting people, and resisting the government forces—these crimes are enough to have you executed."
"It was your people who came looking for trouble first!" Kin'emon retorted.
"And it was you who broke the law first. Otherwise, why would the Military Commission have come to arrest you?" Dan replied. "Originally, Shutenmaru planned to lead an army to wipe you out as bandits, but I stopped him."
After all, Oden was the Shogun's son. What Dan wanted was to rule Wano, not to go to war with it.
Hearing this, Kin'emon and the others breathed a sigh of relief. But then they realized that the Daimyo of Kuri would never have done such a thing.
"Daimyo of Kuri, could you please cover the medical expenses for the injured?" Oden asked, recalling that the injuries of the retreating soldiers weren't too severe.
"That's not a problem, but if I cover it, how do you plan to repay me?" Dan countered. "As far as I know, you currently have no source of income, right? The number of injured is not small, and the damages are significant. It'll probably take a fortune to settle this."
In Wano, the currency is calculated in platinum, gold, and silver. Platinum is rare, while gold and silver are commonly used. One silver is equivalent to 100 Berries decades later, and one gold is equivalent to 10,000 Berries.
Unlike the constantly depreciating Berries, Wano's economy is a closed loop, with almost no inflation or deflation.
"Don't worry about that. I'm strong and capable. If I work, I'll be able to earn the money quickly."
"That's fine. Then, Mr. Oden, until your debt is repaid, you'll stay in Kuri and work. I'll have my subordinates arrange a job for you," Dan decided. He planned to make Oden work for him. After all, the guy had plenty of strength, and it would be a waste not to put it to use.
"Also, during this time, I won't provide you with any assistance. You'll have to handle your own lodging and meals."
Oden nodded. He had already gotten used to roughing it over the past two years, so this wasn't a big deal.
More than that, he wanted to hear Dan's thoughts on opening the country.
This was actually a sensitive topic in Wano, but Oden had never been one to hold back. He asked directly, "What do you think about Wano's isolationist policy, Daimyo of Kuri?"
"I've heard that you've tried to set sail 38 times so far, Oden, but failed every time. What, you still haven't given up?" Dan felt like he was pretending to be Oden's friend, chatting casually.
This kind of act wasn't something he disliked. In fact, he was enjoying it a bit.
"I'll never give up. This country is too restrictive. There's a wider world out there, and anything could happen. Aren't you curious?" Oden said excitedly.
"I actually share the same view. Isolating ourselves will only lead to our downfall. But I'm just the Daimyo of Kuri. I can't defy a century-old ban."
There was no need to hide this.
Hearing this, Oden was visibly delighted. In all his life, this was the first time he'd heard someone agree with his idea of opening the country.
Thinking this, he looked pleasantly surprised and pressed further, "In that case, after I repay my debt, could I ask for your help to leave the country?"
But Dan shook his head. "Oden, setting sail is against the law. Do you want me, the Daimyo of Kuri, to openly break the law?"
Dan was deliberately saying this. In reality, using his position as the Daimyo of Kuri, Kurozumi Higurashi had already made several trips overseas. Although leaving Kuri by sea was difficult, with Dan's help using Okuchi no Makami, there wasn't much risk.
Dan wanted to refuse Oden's request to set sail because he wanted to make him work even harder for him.
If Oden set sail, he would undoubtedly become a pirate. Logically, after joining the Whitebeard Pirates, the treasures Oden plundered should have included his share, but it was unclear where he spent it. Probably on feasts with others.
If Dan helped Oden set sail, then a portion of the wealth Oden gained would have to be handed over to Dan. At the same time, Oden could also help collect Devil Fruits.
These would be considered rewards for Dan's "risk-taking." Given their opposing positions, Dan and Oden would undoubtedly become enemies. So why not use this enemy's hand to strengthen himself?
Devil Fruits were Dan's primary target. There were too few Devil Fruits in Wano.
Dan's enemies weren't just Oden. Wano would inevitably be swept into the world's turmoil one day, and he needed to prepare for the threats that would come.
"Oden, I can't help you break the law," Dan said. "If the Shogun found out I helped his son set sail, he would surely blame me.
"Although I'm also curious about the world outside, I can't take such a risk."
Although he said this, Dan's expression hinted that the benefits weren't enough, enticing Oden to keep persuading him.
Dan wasn't in a hurry to agree. After all, Oden still had to work as a laborer in Kuri for a few years.
After the meal, Dan didn't let Oden stay overnight but sent them away.
He took out a map and casually marked a location, planning to have Oden stay there temporarily. Of course, the land and housing would cost money, and even the wood from the forest would cost money. Oden hadn't repaid his debt yet, and now it had grown even larger.
"First, we need to buy wood to build a house," Denjiro calculated. "And then there's the cost of food… Thankfully, the Daimyo lent us a bit more. Without money, it's really hard to get by in Kuri."
At this, Denjiro turned to Oden and shouted, "Let's work, Lord Oden!"