The three-hour jolting ride in the large, semi-metallic carriage was grueling for everyone. Kids cried, women fretted, men tried soothing their loved ones. Hourly stops with food and water calmed the scared folks somewhat, assuring them they weren't headed to slaughter.
The last third of the journey was unusually smooth—no jolts—and the little ones finally slept. Komamura couldn't ignore the incredibly smooth black road and wondered what it was made of.
Upon arrival, dozens met the carriages. Komamura noted the excellent organization and followed orders.
Men were immediately sorted by professions and skills, then sent to specialists with some experience.
Komamura fell into the elite high-skill category. Only three others: two pro stonemasons and one skilled carpenter.
They were led to a grand beautiful building, urged not to do anything stupid and be utterly polite. Komamura saw it as puffed-up importance—none of the escorts had chakra, so they were just uppity peasants who'd arrived earlier.
The group of four was taken to the second floor and told to wait. Komamura marveled at the building's luxury, careful not to damage anything.
Minutes later, a young beautiful girl emerged from an office and called one stonemason. Fifteen minutes after, the dazed man left, and she called the carpenter.
Komamura was next. Gathering his thoughts, he awkwardly rose from the sofa and followed the petite beauty. In the cozy office, he saw a young, harmless-looking guy who smiled welcomingly.
"Have a seat, Komamura-san," the youth said with a friendly smile.
The broad-shouldered blacksmith silently approached the table and awkwardly sat. He scanned the guy first—no chakra signs. His movements were normal, without the "jerkiness" and "vibration" of chakra users. Their speed blurred to the human eye.
Seconds later, the girl entered with two cups of aromatic coffee, placed them politely, and smiled warmly at the youth.
"Thanks, Aiyano," the youth said softly, making her bloom. She bowed respectfully and quietly left.
"Well then, Komamura-san. To get the best job of your life, answer some simple questions. Ready?" the youth asked, looking straight into the giant's eyes.
"As if I have a choice..." Komamura grumbled, answering all questions.
With each, Komamura grew convinced the guy was just a self-important kid lording over others. The questions were stupid and pointless. Moral queries meant nothing—a scoundrel could lie easily.
"Good, Komamura-san, you're free to go. Be ready to start tomorrow morning," the youth said with a light smile, making the giant wince slightly and nod.
After Komamura left, a gray-haired man met him and escorted him out, engaging in a respectful, trusting chat.
"You're very lucky, Komamura-san. Lord Nakayama himself noticed you. Don't disappoint him, and life here will be like a fairy tale," the fiftyish man said, smoothing his clothes.
"Lord Nakayama...?" Komamura asked in surprise. Hard to believe such a powerhouse noticed a mere blacksmith.
"Yes. You were honest in the talk. No one's fooled our Lord yet," the man said with fanatical gleam.
"Wh-what?! That was Lord Nakayama?!" Komamura exclaimed in shock, instinctively looking back.
"Ha-ha-ha-ha! Don't worry, you're not the first. He's righteous and humble, doesn't like forcing people. But don't abuse his kindness. Even a righteous man's patience isn't infinite."
Komamura mostly stayed silent the rest of the way, pondering. Shocked at speaking to the top man here and a regional leader. Lost in thought, he didn't notice arriving at a beautiful two-story house.
"Saiko...?" he said in surprise as his not-so-young wife appeared at the door.
"Daddy! Father!" joyful cries rang out, and two girls—eight and eleven—rushed into his arms.
"Congratulations, Komamura-san. Few get such a house. Don't disappoint the Lord, or you won't like the consequences," the man said with a light smile, then quickly said goodbye and left, promising to return at eight a.m.
"Daddy, daddy! Come quick! Look at all this in this cold box!" the eleven-year-old exclaimed excitedly, pulling her father to the refrigerator.
Komamura froze opening it. Not just the light source, but tons of food—including several chocolate bars. He looked at his wife in amazement; she just smiled.
"They said this is our house now, everything belongs to us—including the delicacies!" Saiko said joyfully, hugging her strong husband's arm.
No fool, he knew free food was often a rat trap. But seeing his youngest daughter's eager eyes, he grudgingly took one chocolate bar, divided it equally, and gave pieces to kids and wife.
He gave his share to the youngest, forbidding his wife from giving hers to the little son. Then he resolved to do any work demanded.
Touring the luxurious house brought no less surprise than the day before. Saiko hadn't remembered everything explained, but with kids' hints, she showed her husband the basics of the appliances.
Lighting, plumbing, and sewage already made it elite; two floors and eight rooms put it in shinobi elite territory.
The cellar full of various canned goods was a revelation. Counting the meat cans, Komamura realized it would last the family over three months.
For the first time in ages, Komamura felt peace. Smiles of full-bellied kids were his only joy before; the trust from Lord Nakayama meant he must strive not to disappoint such a generous man.