While Sasori was immersed in the genjutsu game, contemplating the meaning of life and his future, in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage was meeting with Rasa, the representative of the Sunagakure (Hidden Sand Village) delegation.
The two sides engaged in standard diplomatic pleasantries—long-winded, dull, and devoid of meaning. It was a parade of clichés that kicked off the meeting.
Though both parties knew it was nonsense, the formalities had to be maintained. For Rasa, this was also a valuable learning opportunity—studying the mannerisms and demeanor of the Third Hokage, the longest-serving Hokage in history. If Rasa ever aspired to become Kazekage, such experience would be invaluable.
Indeed, many considered it impressive that the Third Hokage had remained in power for so long and led the Leaf to victory in the Shinobi World War.
After an extended exchange of pleasantries, the meaningless small talk ended. Rasa got to the point—he had heard of a new invention called the genjutsu game, developed in Konoha and sold throughout the Land of Fire. As allies, Sunagakure wanted to purchase a batch of the games under their alliance agreement.
The Third Hokage wasn't surprised. In fact, ever since the genjutsu game had gone public, its secrets and significance couldn't be hidden.
Plans on how to handle this had already been prepared.
Cooperation was possible. Selling the genjutsu game to Sunagakure was acceptable—even a small number of uncut versions could be sold, though at a very high price.
All this was detailed in the proposal Uchiha Kei had submitted to the Third Hokage: how to use this high-end product to extract profits from other villages, trading it for resources and advantages for Konoha. Everything was laid out.
Much of this had already been discussed with the Third Hokage's advisors, who agreed that the business opportunity not only could be pursued—it had to be.
Now, in dealing with the Sand delegation, all the Third had to do was manage the agreement tactfully.
He didn't agree immediately—that would seem too eager. Instead, he pretended to ponder before replying that further discussions were needed. A final answer would be given the next day.
Rasa's eyes lit up. Though it wasn't a direct yes, it wasn't a no either—which meant hope. It could be negotiated. The key would be what price they would have to pay.
With the meeting concluded, Rasa and his delegation returned to their inn. Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't actually convene anyone for discussions—everything had already been decided in advance. This was all part of a larger plan to maximize Konoha's profit.
That night, Sasori returned to the inn carrying a full set of sealed genjutsu game scrolls he had purchased—paid with his own funds, as the delegation's budget had already been blown in the game hall.
All the important members of the Sand delegation gathered in one room at the inn. They wrapped the area in a sound-blocking barrier and thoroughly checked for any surveillance.
Though Sasori was the last to return, no one questioned him—he had said he was going to investigate the genjutsu game.
More importantly, Sasori was a direct subordinate of the Third Kazekage and had been deemed a genius with the potential to become the next Kazekage. Even Rasa, the delegation leader, dared not offend him.
Once everyone had assembled, Rasa began the meeting and shared the results of his talk with the Third Hokage. He reported that a deal for the genjutsu game seemed likely, which pleased the group—this was the main goal of their mission.
Then all eyes turned to Sasori. He was the only one who had experienced the genjutsu game firsthand and was thus qualified to evaluate it.
Sasori didn't hold back. Using himself as an example, he showered the genjutsu game with praise. He described it as an unprecedented work of art—something that could bring the unreal into reality. From an artist's perspective, he spoke so passionately that the others looked more and more uncomfortable.
Though they understood Sasori's artistic inclinations, from a ninja's perspective, his praises sounded... misplaced.
Finally, Rasa had to cut Sasori off and asked him to explain the game's usefulness from a shinobi's standpoint.
Sasori lost much of his enthusiasm—he looked like a failed art school student.
Fortunately, he didn't go off the rails. Switching to a ninja's perspective, he explained that the genjutsu game could enhance combat techniques, provide practical simulation experience, and even improve teamwork among squads.
This explanation finally made sense to the others. They grew serious, reflecting on the strategic implications. Other scouts reported that the genjutsu game was currently the most popular product in the Leaf, and the Third Hokage had even designated it as a training tool for academy graduates.
Moreover, the genjutsu game was a specialty of the Uchiha Clan. Only those with the power of the Sharingan could produce it—no one else could intervene.
The Uchiha could have monopolized it, but instead, they chose to share this highly lucrative product with other clans, allowing the entire Hidden Leaf Village to profit.
Although the game had only been on the market for ten days, its profits were astronomical. Estimates suggested it had already earned more than Sunagakure's annual mission income.
Hearing this, the Sand ninja were green with envy. Their poor village worked themselves to the bone for barely a billion ryō a year—and that was before paying shinobi salaries.
Though the village's total revenue wasn't limited to mission fees, for most ninjas, missions were their sole source of income.
That a single product could earn more in ten days than their village could in a year was infuriating.
At that moment, the Sand ninjas were ready to kidnap the genjutsu game's creator and lock them in a room to make games forever.
Some even suggested it out loud—arguing passionately that even if it meant enraging Konoha, it would be worth it. With the game, Sunagakure could prosper.
The frenzy spread, and soon most of the room was caught up in the idea. It was peak shinobi foolishness, reminiscent of outdated military advisors.
Fortunately, Rasa still had his wits. He understood how terrifying the Uchiha were, and knew such a valuable product must be heavily guarded. Trying to kidnap the creator was suicide.
Besides, they didn't even know who the creator was yet.
Under such conditions, the best course of action was to do nothing rash and stick to negotiation—especially since the Hokage seemed willing to make a deal. Acting impulsively would only cause trouble.
In the end, the delegation agreed to proceed as planned. Even if many were blinded by greed, they had to stick to the mission.
Meanwhile, as the Sand delegation conducted their secret meeting, Uchiha Kei arrived at a secluded manor outside the Hidden Leaf Village.
This was the home of one of the Three Legendary Sannin—Orochimaru.
Tonight, Kei was meeting the man widely known as the greatest scientist in the ninja world—a meeting they had arranged long ago.