.:~^~:.
"Ooiii. Anyone here, or what?" Kouji peered over the unattended merchant's cart, looking for any indication where the merchant was, or when he was to return. "Pretty stupid to set up shop here, righ' next ta the alley where the goons like to hang around." 'Akugi glanced around anxiously. "Hello~?"
"Mhmm?" Kouji left the cart and stared down the alley, behind it. Voices were hear from right around the corner. It sounded like an argument, or confrontation. He motioned for 'Aku to follow as he made his way back.
"I-I told you, I can't buy it for more than 20 taels... You must understand." The discovered merchant pleaded with a large, burly man. In the man's hand was a large bulging sack of some sort. They style and material didn't resemble anything around here. His attention was diverted from the exchange when 'Aku laid a stiff hand on his shoulder. He glanced at him, catching the dark look on his face, laced with concern. He turned his gaze to what brought such an expression from his subordinate.
Behind the large man, sat a young woman, dressed in foreign clothing and had tear stains on her face. Judging by her position, Kouji guessed, her arms were tied up. Hostage. She watched, terrified as the two men exchanged words. He growled. 'Aku followed Kouji toward the two, their finally realizing they weren't alone any longer.
"Oi, merchant. Don' you know if you wanna run a business here, ya' gotta clear it with the bandits of Mt. Reikaku first?" The startled man sputtered, before starting to apologize. He attempted to make his way toward the two, an act of cowardice toward the other man, when the large goon grabbed him.
"I wasn't done with you, old man. And you! What business do you have being here, can't you see we're busy? Get lost!" He snarled before turning back to the old merchant, "25 taels!"
"Maybe you didn’t understand me th' first time. I said can't do business here," Kouji but agitated, but calmly replied. "And what's with th'girl? You a slave trader or somethin'? We don't tolerate your kind in this town. Leave the girl and her belongings and we'll think 'bout leaving your limbs still attached." The ongoing stare Kouji directed the man told him not to mistake his threat for a bluff. The goon was about to reply with a sharp retort when 'Aku stepped in, "You'd best just leave pal. This's Kouji, leader of the Reikaku bandits. And rightfully so for good reason. I'd heed his warning."
The slave trader did a double-take. "Kouji?" He must have chose wisely, because after a moment of inner confliction, he threw the girl's bag at her in disgust before replying, "Keh, nothing worth any value anyway. Since when do bandits take mind in poor defensless women? An easier way to bed them, maybe?" The goon sneered. Taking one last glance at the girl, who's expression still looked of apprehension he replied, "Bet you'd have fun with 'er to. Looks like quite tyhe screamer." Kouji merely glared at him, not having any desire to start a fight. It'd be a waste of his time and effort. He didn't have the burden though, as 'Aku gladly took the pleasure of socking the offending being right in the jaw. Instead of returning the punch, he glared at 'Aku with eyes of malice before hightailing it out of the alley. Now, back to previous matters.
"Are you a new trader here, old man?" Kouji inquired. He nodded. "Thought so. It'd be in yer best interest not ta' set shop so close to downtown. And secondly, if you plan to do business here, you have to be willing to pay the small fee for our banditly duty of protecting our citizins, as you've jus' seen." He flashed his grin. The man nodded once more. Kouji's expression was then replaced with a stern yet bland stare, hand extended. "Good. Pay up. Collecting day, last day of th'month."
'Akugi smiled uncertainly. The boss and his antics.. 'Aku himself knew the boss wouldn't force the humble merchant to pay if it depended on his well being. He just wasn't that kind of bandit. The old merchant approached cautiously, fretfully wringing his hands.
