Brainwashing Yokoo Kanta: √ Poaching Orochimaru: √ Counterintelligence Operations: √ Soothing Erina's Affection: ? Kato Dan and Soul Shaping: In Progress
Compared to his decisiveness and sharp instincts in exchanges of interest, Soji was not at all sure whether his speech promoting the values of independence and self-reliance had successfully soothed the Sarutobi princess's emotions when faced with a young woman's affection...
But given the current reality, Soji truly had no time to worry about whether Lord Hiruzen would personally come knocking to demand an explanation for his tearful grandniece.
Because as soon as the King of Pots confirmed that soul shaping was the key to mastering the Yamada Family's Kekkei Genkai, and Root established its next course of action, the conversation between Danzo and Usami Hayato was quickly delivered to Director Yamada's desk...
Following the principle of risk control at critical junctures, Soji repeatedly simulated the details of future developments in his mind while gradually laying the chips he had prepared beforehand onto the table!
—As the game entered its middlegame, after the initial exchange of pieces, the next focal point in the struggle between Root and the Yamada Faction naturally shifted to Dan Katō.
Yet, as one of only two users of the Spirit Transformation Technique, the Kato Clan's eldest son, who had long operated openly, was actually harder to get a handle on than Inoue Li, who had been adopted into the Inoue Clan.
...It was the same reason Danzo's earlier order to have his subordinates perform a soul link with Soji had provoked public outrage.
In theory, as long as Dan Katō still bore the status of family heir, certain matters could not conveniently be pushed forward in the open. No matter how little the King of Pots cared for his reputation, after