/
Colorful group of technicians
The Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers) led by Shizuko are based on the Roman legion, but have been modified to fit the environment of the Warring States period. The Roman army was not only composed of excellent soldiers, but also skilled engineers. They were trained in the basics of civil engineering and were able to independently construct roads spanning tens of kilometers and quickly build military camps.
Shizuko’s Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers) had reached a level comparable to that of the Roman legion. They had received military training as soldiers and were thoroughly trained in civil engineering. The difference from the Roman legion lay in the mental state of the soldiers.
“Boss, what do you need today?”
The “babysitters” who had been called to gather asked the person referred to as “boss” about the reason for the assembly.
Naturally, there is a hierarchy within the Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers). The boss refers to someone who leads a relatively large group of Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers), while the babysitters refer to those who lead smaller groups of Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers) members. It is similar to the relationship between a military general and a unit leader. Therefore, it is common for the boss to have several babysitters under them. However, unlike modern bosses, the babysitters are not necessarily disciples of the boss.
“We specialize in waterwheel construction. That’s why we have been entrusted with a job directly from Shizuko-sama.”
The word “job” caught the attention of the babysitters. The Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers) undertake various jobs from different sources. They are primarily requested through Shizuko, but sometimes they are directly requested by military commanders.
In modern times, it is easy to find the desired technician due to the abundance of information, but in the Warring States period, it was a struggle just to find skilled craftsmen. Additionally, due to the specialization of trades, it was extremely difficult to find craftsmen with the desired skills. Therefore, it was a groundbreaking system to have a contact point where various specialists gather and can help find the necessary craftsmen if approached.
“If it’s a waterwheel, two people should be enough in three months. There’s no need for everyone to gather, right?”
“Listen to the whole story. Don’t be hasty. You know that those who rush receive less, right?”
One of the babysitters expressed their opinion, but was advised by the boss to retract it. The boss looked over the babysitters again and continued speaking.
“There was an opinion earlier that two or three people are enough for a waterwheel. We have enough stock of materials, so even two months would be sufficient. However, the reason we gathered you is simple. There are many places where waterwheels need to be built. If I say this much, you should understand, right?”
The babysitters reached a certain understanding based on the boss’s words. The boss smiled smugly, pleased that they quickly understood.
“That’s right! This is a challenge from Shizuko-sama! Whether we can combine ‘speed’ and ‘quality’! Get fired up! The deadline is three months, but we don’t need that much time! We’ll finish it all in one month!!”
Naturally, there is no intention from Shizuko to challenge the craftsmen. They are simply estimating a longer period of time to completely renew the aging waterwheels.
“Uoooh!!”
“I knew it would come to this!”
“As expected of the boss! This is too much of a challenge!”
Despite their words, the babysitters cheered with joy. They started as just a group of craftsmen, but they must have influenced each other through the gathering of various trades. They eventually became able to balance “speed” and “quality.” They were able to complete tasks that would normally take several months in half the time, but they never cut corners. They became known for their efficiency and perfection. Their motto became to work quickly, yet flawlessly. They aimed to create high-quality products that would impress people, constantly developing their skills day and night. This mindset became one of the reasons why they were highly valued in the ever-changing battlefield.
“There are eleven locations for installation. If you apply, the logistics group will transport the materials for you. So, think about it for a month! Of course, you can bring up to five people. Normally, there might be complaints, but I assume it won’t be a problem for you guys, right?”
“No problem. I think four of us will be enough.”
“Hey, we’ve made plenty of waterwheels before. Two of us should be enough.”
“No, one person should be in charge of cooking. If we neglect meals, Shizuko-sama will get really angry.”
“Yeah, if we don’t eat proper meals, we’ll get scolded. Shizuko-sama is strict when it comes to meals, even though she approves of our usually unreliable plans with a smile.”
The boss crossed his arms and nodded in agreement with the babysitters’ words.
“That’s right. Make sure to bring a cook. If you become as thin as a needle, Shizuko-sama will be furious. If you neglect meals and sleep, she will take away your work.”
“That’s right. I once stayed up all night to catch up on work and got kicked out of the workshop and forced to sleep in a house surrounded by soldiers.”
“They confiscated all my tools and locked me up in a house surrounded by soldiers. At first, I didn’t think they would go that far.”
“But sleeping cleared my head, and in the end, I met the deadline. Eating and sleeping are important after all.”
“That’s right. Listen, don’t stay up all night to finish early. Work as usual and finish early. If you’re falling behind, tell me. It’s my responsibility to take care of it.”
“Yes. The boss doesn’t need to apologize.”
“That’s right. We won’t make such mistakes.”
“You idiots, it’s precisely because you’re used to it that you need to stay alert. Accidents can happen from a momentary lapse of concentration. Keep that in mind.”
The babysitters made light-hearted remarks, but they were taken aback and became more focused by the boss’s words.
“Alright, it’s going well. That’s the end of the discussion. Each of you, listen to your assigned areas and start working.”
“Yes, sir!”
The boss nodded with satisfaction at the response of the babysitters.
After that, they worked as usual and manufactured and installed the waterwheels in one month, just like always.