Steel and Ambition: No SV, Just Building the Guns Won't Make for a Successful Business. You Need More!

Turn 6

I think… being a ruler doesn't mean you deserve respect. It just means that you're in a position where you can easily earn it through skill and honor. Yet many also avoid that path, relying solely on cruelty and the power of wealth to enforce respect. I can only hope that by making weapons that allow the common person to fight back against those who abuse their power… I can, in some small way, ensure that the world becomes a kinder place.
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Why would this even be what you wanted?

Why were you trying so hard to make Sakamoto agree with you, to even talk about this at all?

"Why do you even care?" you asked, almost snapping.

Sakamoto paused, the question hanging heavy between you. For a moment, he looked genuinely lost for words, searching for something he couldn't quite say aloud. His silence said as much as any speech could. But eventually, he just shrugged, a small, tired motion.

"Maybe it's because I need perspective," he said. "A mind that isn't my own. One not clouded by my own experiences... or the loyalty of my friends."

You stared at him, caught off guard. "That's what you want? Perspective?"

It seemed too simple. Too... honest.

He leaned back slightly. "Are you going to answer the question, or not?"

For a moment, a stubborn part of you resisted. You didn't want to give him the satisfaction. Didn't want to offer him your thoughts like some merchant peddling cheap wares.

But curiosity pulled at you. A deep, gnawing need to know what he would think of your answer. So you spoke.

"I think…" You hesitated, then forced yourself onward. "I think being a ruler doesn't mean you deserve respect. It only means you're in a position where you can earn it, through skill, through honor."

Sakamoto raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, only letting out a short, thoughtful grunt. He was waiting, giving you the space to continue.

And you did.

"Yet many rulers don't walk that path," you said, voice hardening. "They rely on fear. On cruelty. On the sheer weight of wealth and bloodlines to demand respect."

That made Sakamoto still. His casual posture sharpened into something quieter, more serious. He was truly listening now.

"You think they're lazy?" he asked, voice low.

You shook your head. "No," you said slowly. "I think many of them are incompetent. Unworthy of the responsibilities they were born into. And even if… if…they manage to become great over time… how many people must suffer before they get there?"

Silence stretched between you, heavy and thoughtful.

You exhaled, your voice softening just slightly.

"I can only hope," you said, "that by making weapons, by giving the common person the means to fight back against those who abuse their power, I can, in some small way… make the world a kinder place."

You didn't know if he would mock you for your idealism. Or challenge you.

But when you looked up, Sakamoto was just studying you.

And for once at least in your brief time knowing one another, he said nothing.

He simply turned the page of his book, a slight nod of acknowledgment the only answer he gave.

Yet you could see the mind work, and you gave him something to think about.

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And then he came to you with a question.

"Can you make a modern handgun, like the Revolver or wheel gun that the Westerners have?"

That made you realize that he was opening his mind to possibility.

"I don't know. Let's find out?"

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Gained Mission: Make a Revolver for Sakamoto.
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You have 3 General Actions:

[]The Sisters You Love: Miriko and Makoto have been through so much that you want to make sure they can do anything you can ask them.

[]The Sisters Who Work: You need to teach them how to forge. Failing that will lead to even worse things for you… and them.

[]The Enigma of Sakamoto Ryōma: He came back with something… and that is this. "I believe I have made contact with people who can help you with producing even more."

[] Find investors: You need to have people fund your projects. And that means, you need to find people willing to invest in you. So, you will find them.

[]Eavesdrop on Conversations: These villagers do not really seem to be anything more than informants for Sakamoto, or the Shogun, but that does not mean you can't learn news from them.

[]Gather Materials: Scavenge wood, iron, or even discarded metal from old weapons to use in your workshop.
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Workshop Action (This is separate from the general actions above. You can use a general action to have another workshop action)

The Workshop is where skill, patience, and ingenuity come together. Here, you can gather materials, craft weapons and armor, and refine your designs.

You have to work, or you will die.

Current Available Components:
300 Wood
40 Iron
15 steel
5 High Grade Steel

Workshop Actions:
[]Refine Materials: Improve the quality of your raw materials through tempering and careful craftsmanship, increasing the durability and effectiveness of future weapons. (can only make Iron to Steel)

[]Attempt to make a New Weapon: You want to channel your power of creation into something new. Something that you can use and say… Yes, this will be good enough.
-[]Write in what you want to attempt to make. (Will begin a design miniturn)

[]Attempt to Forge a Preexisting Weapon: You want to attempt to make a weapon that you have never designed before.
-[]Write in what you want to attempt.

[]Prototype a New Matchlock: Using what you've learned, attempt to construct a better matchlock firearm with improved accuracy, firing mechanisms, or reliability.

[]Forge a Blade: Firearms may be the future, but swords still hold power. Craft a katana, tanto, or wakizashi to sell, trade, or keep.
-[]Write in what you want to make (Cost 5 Steel)

Research Actions (Choose 1 per turn)
Research actions are focused on acquiring knowledge, developing new ideas, and improving your craftsmanship. Whether it's improving your matchlock design or uncovering forbidden knowledge about firearms and technology, these actions can give you a strategic advantage in your craft.

Research Actions:

[]Study Gunpowder & Ammunition Composition: Explore the properties of gunpowder and ammunition, and test different ratios to improve the effectiveness and reliability of your firearms. This research could lead to better, more powerful ammunition.

[]Analyze Foreign Firearms: Examine weapons brought by the Black Ships or acquired through other means. Learn the secrets of their design, mechanics, and improvements, possibly integrating new techniques into your own creations. (DC is 12)

[]Investigate Gun Design Theory: Dive into the principles behind firearm mechanics. Look into blueprints, books, or historical records on matchlocks, pistols, and rifles to develop a more advanced and innovative design for your weapons.

[]Learn from Local Blacksmiths & Artisans: Visit nearby blacksmiths or craftsmen to learn their techniques and gain new insights into their toolmaking or weaponry methods. These techniques may improve the aesthetics, efficiency, or strength of your own designs.

[]Study Military Tactics & Weapon Use: Focus on understanding how firearms fit into the larger picture of battle. Research military tactics, both in Japan and abroad, to determine how your weapons can be utilized most effectively in combat situations.

[]Explore Samurai Weaponry Design: Investigate traditional Japanese weapons like katanas, yari (spears), and yumi (bows). While your focus is on firearms, there may be valuable insights in the craftsmanship and design philosophies of these weapons.

AN: Enjoy and please vote in plan format please.

Also just want to let you know, there will be a timeskip coming soon.

So that we can begin... things.