Shindai had assumed Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi were wealthy individuals. With their support, he expected the shop to be more than halfway completed by now.
But after thoroughly explaining his idea and even creating a prototype, he had raised only 1.2 million ryo.
This amount barely covered rent for a shop space—there was nothing left for anything else. Puppet-making materials, especially those designed to resemble humans as closely as possible, were extremely expensive.
Jiraiya looked at Shindai's worried expression and asked curiously, "1.2 million ryo isn't small change. Shouldn't that be enough to open a store? How big are you planning to make your shop if you need so much more money?"
Shindai frowned and replied, "I told you already—the cost of this one prototype alone was over ten thousand ryo. I'm not exaggerating. If I want to display multiple prototypes in the shop, along with covering research funding and various other startup costs, I'll need to front all those expenses myself. 1.2 million just isn't enough."
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at him in shock. "You really spent over ten thousand ryo on this? Then how much do you plan to sell the finished product for?"
Shindai held up three fingers. "For the first generation models, I'm offering three tiers. The Tier One model has simple voice interaction features and will sell for 250,000 ryo. The Tier Two model is our current Maria No.1, which includes both voice dialogue and basic movement capabilities—I'll price that at 350,000 ryo.
As for Tier Three...customers can make custom requests, such as specific body types and appearances. Also, when new versions are released, if additional functions can be installed on existing puppets, customers simply pay extra to upgrade directly on their current model. If an upgrade isn't possible, they get discounts when purchasing the newer version. This kind of service won't be available for the first two tiers.
So naturally, Tier Three costs more. I've set its price at 600,000 ryo. What do you think? Pretty reasonable, right?"
Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi gaped at Shindai, stunned. "That price...do you really think anyone would buy it? That's outrageously expensive!"
Shindai corrected them with a scoff. "Hey, don't say it like that! I already told you—it's about emotional companionship. Can you really put a price on that? Besides, think about it—this pricing makes perfect sense. A bowl of char siu ramen from Ichiraku Ramen currently costs 400 ryo. So if you skip 625 dishes of ramen, you can afford my Tier One model. Makes sense, huh?"
Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, then considered—it actually did sound somewhat reasonable when phrased that way.
Suddenly puffing out his chest with pride, Shindai declared, "Also, if my business does well, the taxes paid to Konoha will definitely increase. I'm contributing to the village in my own way! So...
Shindai rubbed his thumb against his fingers again, grinning. "Old geezers, drop some more gold!"
"Uh..."
Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi exchanged uneasy glances.
Most of Jiraiya's mission earnings had already gone into hostess bars.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had no money on him—he kept it all with Biwako Sarutobi. He couldn't even imagine what would happen if she found out he was investing in Shindai's shop.
Jiraiya spread his hands helplessly, "I really only have this much. Don't tell me you want me to starve?"
After thinking for a moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "As for money, I really can't come up with anything else right now. However… Shindai, have you picked a location for your shop yet? If you rent one of the Sarutobi clan's shops, I can personally authorize a discount on the rent."
Shindai's eyes lit up immediately, "Minato-sama said he'd save a good spot for me. If one of the Sarutobi clan's shops has a good location, then I'll rent it."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "The location is pretty decent. It's right in the heart of Konoha. What do you think? If you're interested, should I go help you reserve it and put in a good word?"
Seizing the opportunity, Shindai quickly replied, "Yeah yeah, I'll take it. But… could you possibly waive the rent completely?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi helplessly replied, "It's not my shop. It belongs to my clansmen. No way that rent can be waived."
"Then okay, I'll figure out the other expenses by myself."
Shindai left the Hokage Building, planning to head home and figure out how to get some gold. If he really couldn't find another way, then he'd just have to try his luck around Kannabi Bridge.
Just after leaving the Hokage Building, Hiruzen Sarutobi caught up with Shindai.
Shindai asked, "Is there anything else, Third Hokage?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked left and right to confirm no one was around, then took out a photograph and handed it to Shindai, "Shindai, please make one according to this picture—a gentle-looking one."
Shindai took the photo and glanced at it—it was a young Biwako Sarutobi's photo.
Shindai agreed, "Okay, got it. Leave it to me. But it might take some time. Right now I need to figure out the money issue first."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded contentedly, "It's fine. Just remember about it. I'm not in a hurry. Although finishing slightly faster would be better."
Shindai blinked a few times.
This wasn't urgent?
You could practically see the word 'urgent' plastered across his face.
After Hiruzen Sarutobi left, just as Shindai wanted to walk forward, suddenly an arm wrapped around his neck.
Looking up, Shindai felt his eye twitch, "Lord Jiraiya, don't tell me you want me to make one for you right now too?"
Jiraiya raised his eyebrow, "Hmm? Also? Don't tell me… the old man already approached you?"
Shindai turned his head aside, "I didn't say that."
Grinning, Jiraiya said, "Shindai, make one for me too. A level-three model."
Shindai stretched out his hand, "Money. 600,000 ryo. I'll make it for you immediately once you pay."
Jiraiya pressed down Shindai's hand, "Aren't I investing one million ryo into your business tomorrow? I'll give you the money tomorrow."
Shindai remained unmoved. "Those are for funding my shop. If you want to buy one, you'll have to pay."
Jiraiya said with a grin, "Money talk ruins the vibe, doesn't it? Just make me one like Tsunade. Oh right, her personality should be gentle."
Recalling the time Tsunade thrashed him, Shindai shuddered at the memory before refusing outright, "Lord Jiraiya, do you want to get yourself killed? If we're found out, I'll end up getting beaten too!"
Jiraiya patted his chest in assurance, "Last time was just an accident. I'll be much more careful from now on. So what do you think? I might even throw in extra funds later if I come into some cash."
Shindai stroked his chin for a moment, a slow smirk spreading across his face, "Ahem, I can make one for Lord Jiraiya for free—but you'll have to agree to one of my requests."
"Anything goes—just keep it short," Jiraiya replied immediately. "Once Minato ties the knot, I need to leave Konoha to find inspiration for my new book. Earlier, I was going over the wedding details with the old guy at Minato's place. The wedding's happening in a week, so help me get it done by then."
Shindai was taken aback. Have they already set the wedding date?
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