Trading on up (Fujii Yori)

[Gabriella Santos]

It had been some time since Gabreilla had left Totomi, by herself. Ever since she had ended up leaving were the Oda provided protection, for that of the Amakusa instead. Sitting atop her horse, she pulled out the crumpled letter that had been the cause of her leaving and travelling so far. She was all the way on the opposite side of the Oda lands compared to were Totomi was. Having entered the lands of the Azai. Frowning, she looked down at the note. It wasn't in Japanese unlike most of what she had read in a long time. But in her native language instead. 

 To My Little Gabby

 I know I haven't been able to get a message out to you since you left. I apologise profusely. But I fear I must  ask for you assistance
in something my daughter. I have been trying to expand on the family business. Trying to branch out into trade with the Azai. But no
one there seems willing to speak with a old foreigner like me. Even though I can provide so much at a fair price, I fear that the my
terrible grasp of the native tongue here is preventing me even having a chance. You however are much more skilled in that regard.
I ask you please. Could you do your old man a favor, and try and see if anyone amount
the Azai are willing to open trade between us. 

With much love, your father. 

Crumpling the note up once more, Gabriella moved into the Azai capital. Making her way towards the camp surrounding the castle. Finding a soldier among those around, she sat atop her horse to keep herself above them. 'Make them think your important Gabriella.' She thought to herself before speaking. "I am looking to speak to someone regarding the opening of trade, between the Santos Trading Company, and the Azai clan. I know that your Lord is most likely busy, but there should be any number of quartermasters, or the like able to discuss this great opportunity."  Gabriella would say, in prefect Japanese, except for the obvious non-Japanese name. She only hoped their would be someone here willing to listen. While she didn't interact much with her father, she did not want to disappoint him. 

[Fujii Yori]

The soldiers that were station at the camp looked over to see, a small girl standing at the front of the camp. They could tell that she was not Japanese but if they did not look she could have been mistaken for one. The men looked back at each other talking amongst themselves, to even see if it's even worth the energy to even tell her to leave. One of the soldiers was about to tell her to leave, but another one desided to send her to Yori.

" A man named Fujii Yori would be your best option, he came out of no where but now handles the majority of the busines, diplomatic and economic deals. He should be back from doing something today i would try the north gate "

The soldiers turn away from her and go about their business and ignore most of her questions about the man. She managed to just least some information about the man but it varied from him being a wise old man to a young boy genius. The only information that stay the same thoughout her questioning was, that he wore a light blue kimono and that nothing could break his composure.

[Gabriella Santos]

Gabriella listened as one of the soldiers told him about who she would need to talk to in order to discuss possible business agreements. The north gate. Slightly vague locationto give but Iit was better then nothing. "Thank you." She said simply before turning her horse round and heading off.

Along the way. She asked after the man she was trying to find. But the discription clashed greatly except over a few details. Not long much later she would reach the north gate. Dismounting she approach one of the people there. "I'm looking for a man by the name of Fujii Yori. Would he happen to be avaliable?" She would ask the young man in front of her.

[Fujii Yori]

Looking upon the woman with his signature expression. She looked around his age foreign, exceptional japanese for a foreigner. Nice attire with the exception of her left side beinging altered ( to most likely hide a deformity or injury ), with a horse she could be a member of royalty to a daughter of a rich business man. Though Yori was surprised to be address by name even if he did not show it. Never the less it's time to see what she wants.

" I might know of who you speak, but to avoid confusion could you describe him more and tell me what it is you wish of him "?

Yori polite asked waiting patiently for her response, not showing any sighs of curiosity even though he is curious to know what people describe him as and why she wishes to speak.

[Gabriella Santos]

Gabriella found it odd, that the man would say he knew the person, but then ask for a description. But the reason of trying to avoid confusing felt like a reasonable one so ignored it. "Well to be honest, those I spoke to were not very consistent in their descriptions of the man. I am look to talk to him about opening trade between the Azai on my fathers behalf. The only real information that seemed of note, was that he would be here, his sharp mind and the light blue clothes he wore." Gabriella would explain truthfully. Before looking at the man closer. "In fact, kind of like those that you seem to be wearing actually." Gabriella would add. Her expression turning slightly sour. 

If the man was indeed, the one she had been sent to talk to, and he quite clearly knew it. Then this meeting probably had gotten started off on the wrong foot. However she would hold that back, she was here on behalf of her father, and she wouldn't let minor annoyances prevent her from helping. She just hoped that if he was Fujii Yori, that such actions were not indicative of his normal character. 

[Fujii Yori]

Open trade with the Azai, on her father behalf. So she is a merchant's daughter, Her last comment and slightly soured expression showed Yori that he could no longer play the fool any longer. Though she seems easily provoked, if used correctly he could use her emotions against her. With the same blank face and tone of voice he speaks.

" I have been found out it seems, to confirm your suspicions I am Fujii Yori. However i am now at a disadvantage for i only know of your intent but not your name or the company you represent or further more what you wish to trade. "

He slowly turns all the way around, then looks back at her and adds an extra note.

" We also seem to be in the middle of a very busy main entry point. It's an odd place for a meeting such as this, however that is merely my opinion what's your opinion on the matter at hand "?

[Gabriella Santos]

Gabriella would bow factionally to be polite as she introduced herself. "I am Gabriella Santos, on behalf of the Santos Trading Company owned by my father." She would say in a put on, proud tone of voice. "I agree that some where more private, would probably be in order before we truly discuss trade, somewhere preferable to sit and drink as we talk." She would agree with the man's assessment of the open location. She knew all to well, that most tea or sake house had private room for those who wish privacy while they drank. Casually looking around, in hopes of spotting one. Her arm was bugging her as normal, and something to take the edge off the pain would probably be nice if she was going to be discussing something like trade for long periods of time. 

"However I assure you, that my fathers company trade in a variety of goods and resources. And that some mutually beneficial agreement could be reached the would result in profit of some way on either side." She would explain, not wanting to have to list off, long lists of possible trades. Mentally adding to herself, know her father that any trade made probably would be better for them, unless the man ahead of her was a truly amazing haggler. 

[Fujii Yori]

She seemed to have drinks on her mind and trade in the background, and her casual glance failed on the account that she did not pause to read any of the sighs three of them being restaurants. A bar to get me drunk or is it for her? Thinking back to her hidden side. She also mention her father quite frequently, and a variety of goods and services. This could translate into her not well know or is not who she say she is, using her so called father as a way of access to trade or other interests. The variety of goods and services is vague and show that they are most likely a small business with no strong monopolys on any commoditys. However these are merely conjectures and i need more information before i act on anything. For now i will play along and see what she has to offer.

" There are many restaurants around and a small private bar nearby, Since you are now a possible business partner and a guest of The Azai and me. What is your choice for venue "?

I say bowing to her in agreement of the change of venue.

[Gabriella Santos]

The offer of different locales for them have their talk, monumentality split Gabriella. As much as she wanted to choose the bar, which would have plentiful alcohol, better quality and even a cheaper price. She wasn't here for her own pleasure, and a restaurant would have drink as well, which she could use to numb the everyday pain. "A restaurant sound fine to me." She replied, mental adding to herself that the man probably wouldn't mind the option of food while they talked. Gabriella would allow him to lead the way, thinking to herself how to go about explaining what the company was looking for. Once they were seated, and awaiting whatever they ordered, she would start to give a explanation of what the Santos family could provide. 

"My family company, if you haven't been able to figure it out, hails from the far land of Portugal. Our ships travel down here, buying  good, like fine silks, food and other things from places like China on route. Then arriving here, we sell western weapons in order to recover funds. We are one of the largest suppliers of rifles and the like to the Oda Clan. However, while those items our ships buy along the way are valuable back home.

"They are also quite valuable here, seeing China outlawed direct trade with Japan. As such being able to sell those goods here, makes us a profit as well as allowing us more cargo room to carry, more good purchased here. I will however come straight out and tell you, unlike many western traders that come to this land. The Santos Trading Company does not accept any payment in the form of slaves. Preferring the abundance of precious metals such as Silver and Copper you land produces. " 

By the time she had finished talking, their food and drinks would have arrived, and she would take a large drink in order to wet her throat after talking so much. Wondering what Yori would think of the offer laid out before him. 

---
OOC: Good thing I know so much about historical trade between Portugal and Japan. Otherwise this thread would have been a really bad idea on my part. 







 

[Fujii Yori]

" Itadakimasu "

Yori inattentively says while he enjoys his dish, almost disinterested in her fantastically said explanation of what her company is and what it trades. What interest Yori the most was rifles, is that the only firearm they trade or do they also have cannons? They the main supplier of The Oda but who else Yori wondered? Slowly placing his chopsticks down and putting his attention on Gabriella.

" Does your company only extend to The Oda or has it spread further to other factions, and do you have any trade agreements or manifest to back your companies's impressive feats "?

Yori asks in his same polite but somewhat disinterested tone, seeing if she is the real deal or a charlatan.



===

"" OOC: Yes very impressive you definitely brought your A game "!

[Gabriella Santos]

It seemed the man wanted some proof that opening trade with her was worth it. As such she reached inside her kimono and retrieved more papers. Seperating the note from her father which she quickly put away once more she handed over a couple of papers. They weren't the original by copies that her father had drawn up for her. The first was indeed a trade agreement with the Oda. Having section in both Japanese and Portuguese it out lined agreed prices and the like for what the Oda were buying from the company. Reading through it, Yori would be able to see that indeed the company sold more then just rifles. Listing both small and large cannons, suit to ground and navel purposes respectively, as well as small arms like pistols. Large quantities of gun powder, ammo and tools for the weapons maintenance. 

The second was a collection of trade agreement, not directly with faction leaders but with many settlement across the southern coast of Japan, of varying factions. They unlike the previous paper, mostly were in the other good she had mentioned, most numerous among them was food. As many place around Japan had food being sent to fuel armies for defensive or offensive actions. Settlements could quite easily feel they were coming up short, and would be glad to trade in order to make sure they had enough or a surplus just in case. 

"Hopefully those will answer both of your questions. However we are also looking to open trade with the Totomi." She would say as he looked them over. The mention of the Totomi trade was more something that she was planning to bring her father round to, so that those under Lord Amakusa including herself would have what they needed in coming days. 

[Fujii Yori]

Seeing Gabriella quickly pick a small crumpled note out of the other papers. Raised Yori's interest in something that was most likely a personal note. However it raised more questions: what kind of personal note, a note to her family, lover, friends, allies? It might be worth while to at least hint at it she how she reacts. Looking over the trade agreements checking the amount traded and price, Of the many firearms and cannons. The deals were fair surprisingly, but haggling is a must. Yori also made note of the seals and stamps to make sure that these are indeed the real thing and the supplies that kept stationed armies supplied. Cutting off supply lines is always useful to tip the scales in your favor and disease and hunger are just as much threat as any opposing army. Making mental notes of this new found information Yori asked just a few more questions as he slid the papers back to Gabriella.

" I apologize of all of the questions, however i have a few more before i show my offer. Is their any other documents you might have forgotten to show, you don't have to show them of these are your property and it turn you did not even have to show me these documents to which i thank you for. Also do you perhaps have any firearms that can reference the quality of your merchandise"?

His words were polite even if his face and tone showed no sighs of emotion or feeling.

[Gabriella Santos]

Yet more question asking for her to prove herself of the man in front of her. She understood some level of suspicion in current times, but the man took it even further then she herself would have if the situation was reversed. Nevertheless, she wouldn't let it get to her. Drinking a little, before placing her cup down. Calmly she would draw her weapon, a large matchlock pistol and placed it on the table. She would let the other man examine it. For the prices listed in the documentation it was quite easily good value for the quality of the weapon. The company did sell better, for those individuals who desired more impressive weaponry, but they were less common and costed more. Usually only being bought for key people in those they traded with and not just normal foot soldiers.  

However that answered only one of the man's questions. He still wanted to prove that she was indeed who she said she was. With how paranoid he seemed they she may not be though she doubted any thing would really count as proof. Even asking for documentation say she was how she was, would require trusting the papers. Instead Gabriella would raise her hand. A small rainbow coloured ring of glass, would among it's pattern bare the same coat of arms of her family as the trade agreements had. If the man didn't want to trust that, their wouldn't be much else she could do. 

[Fujii Yori]

The side arm is indeed impressive and her ring solidifies her identity. Yori was however a bit disappointed that he only managed to mildly annoy her and cause her to drink, even though i think she would of done that on her own. Moving his plate to the side and casualy picking the pistol up. Examinings the pistol while talking to Gabriella.

" Exquisite weapon, however i'm buying for a military force so i need reliable, easy to handle and sturdy. What do you have that fits the categorys for rifles, cannons and the necessary items for the weapons. Also you mentioned services i required someone to teach my army to properly use and maintain the weapons in question ".

[Gabriella Santos]

Gabriella mentally decided to herself that long drawn out discussions about trade, while some thing she could do they were not something she enjoyed. She would have to at some point, take time to talk to her father, improve his knowledge of the language of the land in order to prevent, him asking for her assistance in such things in the future. However she was going to finished the job in front of her first. "Well as for rifles, we have a large number of Matchlock ones. Commonly called Tanegashima in these lands. Cannons we have both large, cannons on wheels perfectly suited for open engagements. As well as Swivel guns, mounted cannons normally for ship that allow quick firing and aim, perfect for fortification due to there fixed location." Gabriella would explain, the more cannons she could off load the better. They were something that could turn a good profit. 

"As for training, their are always members of my fathers ship crew. With years of experience of using such weapons under there belt, who are always willing to spend long sans of time on dry land. Those that are willing would gladly take being hired of from our services, in order to help improve your troops with such weapons." She would tell him, it wasn't what her father expected in opening trade relations but it would be money coming in bit by bit over time. The basic idea, would be to hire them out at 1 and half their normal wage, give them there wage, and then keep the rest. 

[Fujii Yori]

The Azai currently has six hundred and ninety three soldiers. Their are obviously not going to arm everyone with rifles, that would be ludicrously expensive and would make are army less versatile. Yori places her pistol that he was holding in his left hand to the left side of her table and places his order.

" I believe The Azai would be interested in a trade of one hundred and fifty Tanegashima and ten large mobile cannons. For the training of operation of the new weaponry. I believe you would be prefect for the job, you know are language, your controlled and your already here ".

Though he was asking her to stay here as a personal trainer that is not the only reason Yori wishes her to stay in arms reach.

[Gabriella Santos]

Gabriella would awkwardly reach to her left side with her right arm in order to reclaim her gun. She couldn't tell if the man had done it purposefully to see why she hid her arm, but it was annoying nevertheless. Putting the gun away, she thought about what Yori said he was looking for. "Well that order should be easy enough to follow, I can... Wait what?" She cut her self off only just realising that Yori had in fact asked her to stay, in order to help the Azai learn how to use the weapon in question. 

"I doubt I'm suited to the task. Trust me." She would say. And to a certain extent it was true, she wouldn't know how to show a man to load a rifle as quickly as possible. One because she didn't use a rifle herself, and two because on the few occasion she had, she had to figure out how to do so with one arm. This was by no means effective or fast. "Plus I also have obligations elsewhere, that mean I wouldn't be able to stay for long periods even if I was correct for the task." She would add, she couldn't stay away from Totomi forever. She had thrown her lot in with the Amakusa, and while she had the freedom to go where she wanted, she didn't want to stay away. She never knew when next the lord might take the army somewhere. 

[Fujii Yori]

" That is unfortunate, however the Azai will forgive this insult, unless the proper restitution is given". 

Her refusal to train do to obligations, put Gabriella in a bit of a pickle. Putting the trade dealing more in Yori favor, shes already shown she is not leaving until a deal has been struck. Yori wonder how she might to turn her mistep around, maybe she will try and force Yori to backdown and force Yori to apologize and pay. That would work if she was the only possible arms dealer, or if Yori is a pushover. She will most likely take the safer route and try and lesson the damage.

Also she reached for the gun awkwardly with her right hand, confirms his belief that she can't use her left side. So it would be impossible for her to teach the soldiers, however Yori will not let her off the hook. This information was never relevant, Yori was just curious and using it to annoy her.

[Gabriella Santos]

Gabriella suppressed the smirk wanting to meet her lips. The comment was a good one. The man was good with words and quick to have come up with it, hoping that it would put them in a better bargaining position. "Why of course I would expect no less." She would start seemingly to agree with Yori. "I could not in good conscious offer my services except at a discounted price if you had insisted, and as I am unable to do so you will be expected to pay no more then I would have charged for my own lesser service in instructing your men." It seemed like it was a concession a small one but one easily made. However it wasn't in anyway shape or form. Gabriella would never have charge her services as less then her own fathers men, and agree to have them paid at a lesser rate to match her, in truth would equal a net change of nothing. It wouldn't push her in a place for a better deal out of the Azai, but it would hopefully prevent it becoming a worse one for the company. 

She would smile apologetically at Yori. As if sad to have to make the concession but willing to do so to make up for her inability to train the Azai men. However behind the face she was putting on she was still trying to figure out the man's intention in having tested her arm like before. In the end she decided it didn't really matter, as while the man would have more information or enjoyment whatever her reason. She would once again be the one with a loaded gun at her side. She didn't plan to use it, but it made the other man seem slightly less smart to have handed it back only to have followed with negative news for the possible deal between them. 

[Fujii Yori]

Yori had to hand it to her, shes a wordsmith in her own right, but that fact she took the safe route and pandered to Yori's ego gave Yori extra reinforcement to push more. Her apologetic smiles fell to a halt when meeting the cold unfeeling face that was Yori. He flick her practically empty jug that held her sake, the jug let out a small hollow ring. Yori then spoke in the same unfeeling and noncomforting voice.

" Lady Santos i think the sake got the better of you. first you refuse us, then you tell what are reconciliation is. I believe we should move forward. The reconciliation for your dual insults shall be that items requested at cost ".

With that said we moved into the haggling phase. She smart and controlled, but everyone has a limit and this ones armed. Yori doubts that she would pull a gun on him, but stranger things have happened. Shes smart though she will most likely try haggle him back to a reasonable rate.