After a brief moment of thought, Rasa remembered.
This was exactly how Uchiha Yato had loosened his tongue during the buffet before—first overwhelming him with delicious food to lower his guard, then probing with questions.
But Yato didn't bring up anything else this time, instead chatting and laughing with Sasori.
This made Rasa feel like a fool for overthinking things.
Uchiha Yato had no intention of revealing his trump card just yet.
After all, if others guessed his intentions too soon, it would backfire.
Besides, once he had Sasori and Rasa hooked on his food, how could they possibly run away?
His Uchiha specialty promotion hadn't even started yet—there was no way he'd let them leave so easily.
Happy times always passed quickly. Without mentioning any ulterior motives, Yato simply stuffed the two of them full before calling it a day.
Time flew by under such conditions.
Soon, the final day arrived.
This time, after their work was done, Uchiha Yato not only brought out food but also cigarettes.
Sasori had never been exposed to cigarettes before, so Yato skipped him entirely—after all, minors were prohibited from smoking.
Holding out a cigarette to Rasa, Yato said, "Try this. The flavor's not bad."
Cigarettes weren't uncommon in the shinobi world, though most veteran ninjas still preferred smoking pipes.
Rasa didn't resist too much, trusting in Uchiha Yato's character.After all, with so many days of being treated, there was at least this much trust.
Not to mention, the cigarettes Uchiha Yato provided were far superior in taste compared to those sold in Sunagakure or elsewhere.
When it came to relieving fatigue, lighting one up to perk oneself up wasn't a bad choice at all.
Rasa asked, "Does the Uchiha Clan produce cigarettes as well?"
This was exactly the line Uchiha Yato had been waiting for.
After days of anticipation, a fish was finally about to take the bait.
Uchiha Yato replied, "The Uchiha Clan has even categorized cigarettes into different grades."
As he spoke, he deliberately pulled out a video recorder and had Tom set up a display screen to play and explain.
The screen showed an image of a tobacco plant.
Uchiha Yato began his explanation, "Every part of this tobacco plant, from top to bottom, can be used to make cigarettes."
"And our Uchiha Clan has further classified these parts into different grades."
He then fast-forwarded the video, pausing on a frame showing a large, plump tobacco leaf.
At this point, Uchiha Yato continued, "Leaves like this—rich in color and treated under the best sunlight—are what we call 'Five-Star.'"
"Smoking this kind doesn't irritate the throat and offers a very soothing experience."
"Long-term use even leaves a faint, pleasant tobacco fragrance."
His words stirred a hint of temptation in Rasa.
He figured the cigarette Uchiha Yato had given him earlier must have been a Five-Star one.
Noticing Rasa's reaction, Uchiha Yato immediately intensified his pitch. "Slightly below that are these Four-Star leaves, which are also quite good."
He then ramped up the promotion, elaborating on the Four-Star, Three-Star, and Two-Star grades.
Rasa listened, somewhat dazed.
He hadn't expected the Uchiha Clan to have such meticulous classifications and such elaborate presentations for their cigarettes.
Finally, when it came to the One-Star grade, Uchiha Yato deliberately glanced at Rasa and said, "And lastly, these are the yellowish leaves—less exposed to sunlight, but still usable for making cigarettes."
Seeing Rasa's look of disdain, Uchiha Yato didn't beat around the bush. "Don't scoff—this is what the cigarette you're holding right now is made of."
"I came in a hurry this time and didn't bring many of the premium ones, so you'll have to make do with this."
Rasa didn't buy Uchiha Yato's claim of not bringing the good stuff—it was clearly just to mess with him.
But it did spark a growing curiosity in Rasa about those higher-grade cigarettes.
It's easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to go back.
Using Rasa as a living advertisement, Uchiha Yato slowly introduced the Uchiha Clan's products into the market.
This was also how the Uchiha's economic channels began to open up.
Sure enough, after a day of word spreading, many had heard that Uchiha Yato had a uniquely flavored cigarette, along with the Uchiha Clan's rich and mellow liquor.
Soon, a specialized representative came to negotiate with Uchiha Yato.
And that representative was Chiyo.
Well, it wasn't unusual for Sunagakure's people to wear multiple hats—this was just how things were.
Uchiha Yato said, "Granny Chiyo, so you're the one handling negotiations this time?"
"In that case, since we're old acquaintances, Granny Chiyo, don't drive the price down too hard—I might not be able to take it."Uchiha Yato's usual tactic was to strike first and shift blame—regardless of effectiveness, it was guaranteed to be irritating.
Chiyo said, "No need to go that far."
"The Uchiha Clan's specialty cigarettes and Laobaigan Liquor are quite popular among the people of Sunagakure. We'd like to discuss pricing with you."
The message was clear: keep everything strictly business, no personal matters.
Uchiha Yato replied, "At first, you probably didn't have a full understanding of our products, since only a small number of people know about them now."
"How about this—I'll send a batch for you to try first. Let's say 5,000 each of the cigarettes and fine liquor you mentioned earlier. What do you think?"
Had Uchiha Kei been present, he would have smelled a scheme.
Last time, Uchiha Yato had pulled the same move—forcing a domineering, free handout to secure Hatake Sakumo's support.
This time, while Sunagakure might profit, Uchiha Yato would certainly come out ahead.
Hearing the proposal, Chiyo, ever cautious, said, "It's better to be clear. After all, the last incident had quite an impact on the Third Kazekage."
Uchiha Yato responded, "First, this is a small compensation for the previous incident. We'll also offer additional benefits to the Third Kazekage."
"Second, your grandson, Sasori of the Red Sand, is currently exchanging knowledge with us."
"We hope you'll share some of your Puppet Technique expertise—collaborating and learning together."
Chiyo understood now.
It was simply an exchange of their goods for knowledge of the Puppet Technique.
The Puppet Technique was unique to Sunagakure, rarely seen in other villages.
After some thought, Chiyo said, "Aside from forbidden techniques, I can teach some of the basics."
Hearing this, Uchiha Yato knew she had agreed.
As for the forbidden techniques she mentioned—wasn't that just the Human Puppet?
When it came to the Puppet Technique's combat power, Uchiha Yato wasn't particularly impressed.
His own strength was formidable. What he really needed was the Puppet Technique's creative potential and methods for crafting puppets.
Imagine—one person controlling at least five puppets for farming, with minimal human labor. It would be the ultimate labor-saving machine!
Both sides felt they had gained much from the deal.
Chiyo traded basic puppet knowledge for a large supply of goods and future negotiations.
Uchiha Yato merely exchanged some resources for the support of a technical master.
The two old foxes exchanged sly smiles, thoroughly satisfied with the discussion.
Thus, the Sandbar Exchange Meeting was now ready to commence...
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