Shinsuke, before answering to Zero, looked him in the eyes, squaring him from top to bottom.
"About weapons, we are more than delighted to bring you some 'samples' of personal handheld firearms made in Sirius. Believe me, the elite of the elite of personnel defense - you'll appreciate them more than your Gallic counterparts, hai.
About drugs, as drug dealing is off-limits in Kusari, we Hogosha do not deal with them as we cannot see a profitable window. In your case, however - given that you mostly rely on Nox exports - I think we can arrange something, perhaps?
Alas, about slavery, we cannot help you in any way. Drug dealing and slavery are off-limits within Kusari, as we deem both activities unhonorable and unethic. From our point of view, slavery is also unprofitable as we do not have any party seeking for them. The kind that employs slaves the most, in Sirius, are those Outcast baka."
He paused, took a small sigh, sipped from its drink, and continued.
"But what we cannot help you with, I propose something we can help with. I suppose that the Gallic elite have already seen Artifacts from Sirius, or already have at least one, hai? Perhaps we can import them so that your distributors may channel them through the Gallic blackmarket? Of course, we can also import commodities from Kusari and abroad that you might need - such as Kyushu Rice. What do you say, Zero-dono?"
Midway through his talk, Zero lost a bit of his focus. He was listening to what he'd just said and was taken back a little, and was even a little shocked. This Kusarian effectively insulted the Brigands right in front of one. Amusing, and potentially a deal breaker.
"It would seem that our alignments do differ greatly. While I have heard of the 'artefacts' that you speak of, I've yet to ever see anything valuable in them myself. They are not outlawed by the crown to my knowledge, so there is little for the Brigands to gain by trying to dabble in their trade. Things go up in price when they are illegal, not the other way around. There is little to no point us trying to risk profits by testing something that has no surface value."
"With the Hogoasha's stance on some of our dealings, it makes me question whether we would indeed work together as well as it would seem on paper. I've already got contacts in Sirius bringing munitions and armaments, so we can take a loss in that direction I believe."
Zero chose his words very carefully, as not to upset or anger his guest, but he needed to be blunt.
"While I do like the sound of more items, and a higher variety of them, a deal has to be worthwhile. A regular contact has to be beneficial for both parties. We are really only interested in things that are illegal, as they are what fetches the most profits. If we are to establish some form of contract, the entire deal hinges on what you can offer us, and whether or not you are willing to deal with Nox."
The whole deal became as fragile as glass. One wrong movement could shatter the glass, making all of Shinsuke's efforts in vain. While listening to Zero, he tapped his fingers on his forehead, as a way to think. As the Brigand stopped, after pondering his words, the Hogosha spoke.
"Allow me to put it this way: we can broker a deal for Nox, as I happen to know several 'customers' who have tried it and wish to consume some again. Perhaps we'll ship Nox purchased from you in a...discreet way, so to not raise any eyebrows. In short - yes, we are willing to deal with Nox - I hope this relieves you a little, Zero-dono.
As for what the Hogosha Association can offer, we have a wide array of commodities we can acquire from all around Sirius , even from those systems and station you are not able to reach yet. And to add to this, we also offer Sirius itself as a whole new market of dealers and customers for your Nox, and we would become your main Sirian haulers for your Nox."
He paused, took a sip from its drink.
"So, Zero-dono, does the perspective of new export market appease you and the Brigands? It's not something bad to offer - and it benefits both. We purchase the stuff from you to sell it on the Sirian markets, and perhaps even beyond the Houses - in the Independent Worlds, perhaps even in the Border Worlds. What do you think?"
He pondered his words carefully. Everything was in balance over the tip of a needle.
This time Zero did not lose focus. He stared back into his eyes and took in every word, making sure it was crystal clear in his mind. His hands formed a small finger pyramid on the table.
"I find such terms... acceptable. However, I will not risk my own neck by securing a contract until we know for certain our ideological differences will not come into conflict. I would like to run some trial shipments from both sides. We will bring Nox, you will bring weaponry. Should this, after some time, prove to be trouble free, we can talk more long term deals and contracts."
His voice was stern, he wanted to make sure he was understood and there was little room for misinterpretation. Within a few moments the entire mood of the talks had soured and one could feel the heat of the conversation rise.
"Given what has just been revealed, I'm sure you understand my caution, and I'd expect a great deal of caution on your part as well. It shows one relies on their instincts, which is an essential part of this trade - something I am sure you know well, oui? Do you find these terms acceptable?"
"I find these terms acceptable, hai. I also understand your caution, Zero-dono. And yes, instinct is a crucial part of this trade, as you said. I'll make sure to prepare our transports and instruct our Associates once I'm back to Kusari. We'll uphold this deal."
He paused, took a sip from its drink, leaving the glass empty, and he raised up from the table, straightening his suit, and turned to Zero, before moving his right hand towards the Brigand, as a sign of a handshake.
"For now, I think we are done here, hai? Perhaps, we shall meet again once our...deal has solidified enough. Bring my regards and the regards of the Hogosha Association to Rousseau-dono. As for me, I think it is time to make my way back to Kabukicho and inform our Oyabun Council. Until next time, Zero-dono - to a prosperous business future between us. May the Fortunes bless your pockets."
Zero met his hand with a pleasant handshake, but it was rather clear the the warmth from the initial greeting was gone.
"Oui. Until next time. Something to note before you go: there are going to be some rather sudden changes in the near future with the Brigands. We'll contact you once we are ready, if that is alright with you?"
After Zero exchanged the handshake with Shinsuke, the Kusarian spoke.
"It is alright. Once you are ready, contact me. And about the changes within the Brigands that you just spoke of - when said are over, feel free to contact the Association anytime. We'll be heeding your call."
