Main World.
Year 19 of Konoha, winter.
British Continent, New Capital.
Imperial Palace, Institute of Technology.
Winter sunlight streamed through the enormous glass windows, casting bright patches onto the polished stone floor. The Institute of Technology was one of the tallest buildings in the New Capital, built entirely of grayish-white stone, with sharp edges and cold, hard lines, full of the Empire's style. This was one of the Empire's most vital institutions-all blueprints for technological research, weapon improvements, and industrial designs originated here.
Sasori stood in the center of the laboratory, holding a test tube filled with pale golden liquid-the latest improved version of the Gene Serum. He wore a dark purple uniform with a standing collar and rimless glasses on his nose, his golden serpent eyes gleaming with concentration behind the lenses. Behind him stood rows of enormous Growth Chambers, with various biological tissue samples and unfinished products submerged inside.
The door was pushed open.
Toyotomi Yinglang walked in, followed by Sakura Haruno.
"Teacher."
Sasori set down the test tube, turned around, and bowed slightly.
"How is it progressing?"
Toyotomi Yinglang walked up to the Control Console and looked at the intricate runes and annotations.
"The improvements to the Gene Serum are complete. The new version is thirty percent more effective than the old one, with fifty percent fewer side effects."
Sasori's voice was calm, but carried a trace of barely concealed pride.
"What about the cost?"
"The cost has dropped by twenty percent."
A faint, satisfied smile curved Toyotomi Yinglang's lips.
"Good."
He turned to look at Sakura Haruno.
"Sakura, do you know where this money comes from?"
Sakura Haruno frowned slightly.
"The Triangle Trade?"
"Yes. The Triangle Trade."
Toyotomi Yinglang nodded.
"Some of the silver Yutian earned was exchanged for gold, silver, and copper coins and flowed