Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Katsuyu Sage, a colossal entity, appears, dwarfing everyone present.
• Ye Ning, expecting a Tailed Beast-sized sage, is astonished by its size.
• Tsunade, who has only seen manifestations of the Katsuyu Sage, is equally amazed.
• The Katsuyu Sage speaks to them, expressing curiosity about Ye Ning's future, which it cannot see.
• Ye Ning signs a contract with Shikkotsu Forest, and the Katsuyu Sage begins teaching him Sage Mode.
• Ye Ning starts absorbing natural energy from Shikkotsu Forest, a process expected to take two to three years.

Character Developments

• Ye Ning: Shows fear and awe when facing the Katsuyu Sage, but remains determined to learn Sage Mode.
• Tsunade: Initially shocked, she decides to learn Sage Mode as well, motivated by Ye Ning's progress and her desire to move forward from her past.

Significant Themes

• Fear and awe of ancient, powerful entities.
• The power and danger of natural energy.
• The passage of time and personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ning and the Katsuyu Sage: The sage expresses curiosity about Ye Ning, while Ye Ning feels fear and awe.
• Tsunade and the Katsuyu Sage: Tsunade shows respect and awe towards the sage, seeking its guidance.
• Ye Ning and Tsunade: Ye Ning's determination inspires Tsunade to learn Sage Mode as well.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasori completes his first human puppet after three years of work, but is disappointed with its average strength.
• Ye Ning and Tsunade are training in Sage Mode in Shikkotsu Forest, while Sasori focuses on puppet research.
• Sasori decides to go to the Bounty Exchange to find stronger missing-nin for his experiments.
• He encounters a girl with Crystal Release Kekkei Genkai, who has been waiting for him.

Character Developments

• Sasori: Shows intense passion for puppet crafting, feels frustrated with the average strength of his first human puppet, and considers the girl's Crystal Release for his experiments.
• The Girl: Demonstrates persistence and enthusiasm, reveals her Crystal Release Kekkei Genkai, and shows interest in helping Sasori.

Significant Themes

• Sasori's obsession with puppet crafting and his desire for stronger materials.
• The power and rarity of Kekkei Genkai, as seen through the girl's Crystal Release.
• The contrast between Sasori's focus on puppets and the others' Sage Mode training.

Character Interactions

• Sasori and the Girl: The girl persistently follows Sasori, annoying him, but also helping him collect materials. Sasori considers using her as a puppet material but decides against it due to her strength and his benefactor's warnings.
• Sasori and Ye Ning: Sasori follows Ye Ning's instructions not to use innocent people for his experiments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasori and a young girl visit the Bounty Exchange, hidden beneath a public restroom.
• They encounter a formidable, newly arrived bounty hunter named Iburama, with a bounty of 58 million ryo.
• Sasori purchases Iburama's intelligence file for nine million ryo.

Character Developments

• Sasori demonstrates his wealth and determination by buying the intelligence file without hesitation.
• The young girl shows loyalty and protectiveness towards Sasori, glaring at other bounty hunters.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power are reflected in high bounty amounts.
• The danger and allure of rogue ninjas with unique abilities, like Iburama's Storm Release Kekkei Genkai.

Character Interactions

• Sasori and the young girl work together, with Sasori leading and the girl providing support and protection.
• Sasori and the Bounty Exchange's person in charge conduct a transaction, showcasing Sasori's wealth and determination.
• Other bounty hunters eye Sasori covetously but hesitate to act due to his unknown strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasori is followed by a girl who offers to help him kill Iburama, but Sasori rebuffs her.
• Four bounty hunters threaten the girl, leading her to kill them using her Crystal Release.
• Sasori plans to ambush Iburama, using his first human puppet to initiate the attack.
• Iburama, a skilled and powerful shinobi from Kumogakure, engages Sasori's puppet, using his Fire Dragon Bullet Technique and an electrified blade.

Character Developments

• Sasori: Shows his distrust and caution towards the girl, demonstrating his strategic planning and patience in dealing with Iburama.
• The Girl: Reveals her strong loyalty and protective instincts towards Sasori, displaying her powerful Crystal Release and ruthlessness in combat.
• Iburama: Exhibits his formidable skills, keen senses, and ferocity in battle, showing no fear against Sasori's puppet.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Distrust: Sasori's lack of trust in the girl highlights his cautious nature, while the girl's loyalty despite Sasori's rejection emphasizes her devotion.
• Power and Ruthlessness: Both Sasori and the girl demonstrate their power and willingness to use it, while Iburama showcases his strength and ferocity.

Character Interactions

• Sasori and the Girl: Their interaction is tense, with Sasori rejecting the girl's help and the girl showing frustration and annoyance.
• Sasori and Iburama: Their interaction is indirect, with Sasori using his puppet to engage Iburama, showcasing their respective skills and strategies.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Iburama pursues a human puppet, leading him into Sasori's ambush.
• Sasori detonates Explosive Tags, but Iburama's Lightning Release Chakra Mode protects him.
• Iburama quickly dispatches Sasori's puppets, revealing Sasori's hiding spot.
• A girl using Crystal Release (later revealed to be Kankuro) arrives, helping Sasori.
• Both Sasori and Kankuro struggle against Iburama's Storm Release.
• Sasori considers retreating, and Kankuro asks for time to use her trump card.

Character Developments

• Iburama demonstrates his formidable strength and speed under Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
• Sasori shows his strategic thinking and willingness to retreat when necessary.
• Kankuro reveals her determination and hidden power, surprising Sasori.

Significant Themes

• The power of teamwork vs. individual strength (Sasori and Kankuro vs. Iburama).
• Strategic retreat and adaptability in battle (Sasori's willingness to withdraw if needed).

Character Interactions

• Sasori and Kankuro work together to fight Iburama, showing a shift in their dynamic.
• Iburama underestimates his opponents, leading to a tense situation.
• Kankuro's hidden power and determination impress Sasori, changing his perception of her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasori decides to stall Iburama using a scroll with a powerful fire ninjutsu.
• Iburama, despite his Lightning Release Chakra Mode, is severely injured by Sasori's flames.
• Tokika, a girl with Crystal Release, helps Sasori by attacking Iburama while he's weakened.
• Iburama dies from Tokika's attack, and Sasori thanks her.
• Sasori is hesitant to let Tokika follow him, but she insists on waiting for him.

Character Developments

• Sasori: Shows his strategic thinking in stalling Iburama and using Tokika's help. He's hesitant to let Tokika follow him, suggesting he's not entirely cold-hearted.
• Tokika: Proves her usefulness in battle and displays determination in pursuing Sasori, despite his initial reluctance.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork: Sasori and Tokika's combined efforts lead to Iburama's defeat.
• Power dynamics: Iburama's overconfidence leads to his downfall, while Sasori's strategic use of his puppets and Tokika's assistance turn the tide.
• Acceptance: Sasori struggles with accepting Tokika's help and her desire to follow him.

Character Interactions

• Sasori and Iburama: Their battle showcases Sasori's strategic use of his puppets and ninjutsu against Iburama's powerful Lightning Release.
• Sasori and Tokika: Tokika's enthusiasm and determination contrast with Sasori's initial reluctance to accept her help and company. Their interaction shows Sasori's struggle with accepting others and their assistance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasori returns to Shikkotsu Forest with Iburama's corpse, seeking to create a powerful Human Puppet.
• Ye Ning questions Sasori's ability to defeat Iburama, given his formidable strength.
• Morimoto Tokika (Shika) confesses her feelings for Sasori and asks to join their group.

Character Developments

• Sasori: Shows embarrassment and surprise at Shika's confession, hinting at his internal warmth.
• Shika: Demonstrates boldness and determination in expressing her feelings for Sasori.
• Ye Ning: Shows support for Shika's feelings and approves of her joining their group.

Significant Themes

• Love and attraction: Shika's confession explores the theme of love at first sight and determination in pursuing one's feelings.
• Power dynamics: The discussion around Iburama's strength highlights the importance of power in the ninja world and Sasori's desire to create powerful Human Puppets.

Character Interactions

• Sasori and Shika: Their interaction reveals Sasori's hidden emotions and Shika's bold pursuit of him.
• Ye Ning and Sasori: Ye Ning's support for Shika's feelings shows his approval of their potential relationship.
• Ye Ning and Shika: Ye Ning's approval of Shika joining their group indicates his acceptance of her and her feelings for Sasori.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Ye Ning returns from Shikkotsu Forest, mastering Sage Mode and eager to test his enhanced Kekkei Genkai.
• Tsunade learns about significant political and financial developments in the shinobi world, including the alliance between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, and the growing tensions among the five major shinobi villages.
• The stage is set for the potential outbreak of the Third Shinobi World War due to unequal distribution of resources and benefits.
• Jiraiya arrives at the tavern, seeking Tsunade.

Character Developments

• Ye Ning demonstrates improved Sage Mode skills and increased vigilance, protecting Tsunade from Jiraiya's wandering gaze.
• Tsunade remains indifferent to Jiraiya's advances, prioritizing her drinking companions and showing concern for the potential war.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and resource allocation among shinobi villages.
• The inevitability of conflict and war due to unequal distribution of resources.
• The tension between personal desires (Jiraiya's pursuit of Tsunade) and the larger political landscape.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ning and Tsunade: Ye Ning protects Tsunade from Jiraiya's advances, showing a level of camaraderie and protectiveness.
• Tsunade and Jiraiya: Tsunade remains unimpressed by Jiraiya's arrival, focusing on her companions and the looming war instead of his romantic pursuits.
• Jiraiya's interactions with Ye Ning and Tsunade are brief but tense, with Ye Ning warning him against inappropriate behavior and Tsunade ignoring his advances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiraiya visits Tsunade to convince her to return to Konoha due to impending war with Iwagakure and Kumogakure.
• Tsunade refuses, holding grudges against Konoha and the Third Hokage.
• Jiraiya and Tsunade have a tense conversation about her return, with Tsunade leaving abruptly.
• Ye Ning and Tsunade discuss her return to Konoha, with Ye Ning suggesting using Danzo as a scapegoat to divert Sasori's hatred.
• Tsunade agrees to return to Konoha with Sasori and the others.

Character Developments

• Tsunade: Struggles with her decision to return to Konoha due to past grievances but ultimately chooses to go back.
• Jiraiya: Shows concern for Konoha's well-being and tries to persuade Tsunade to return.
• Ye Ning: Remains neutral about Tsunade's decision but offers a solution to mitigate Sasori's revenge plot.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and duty to one's village (Konoha).
• The consequences of past actions and grudges.
• Sacrifice for the greater good (Danzo as a potential scapegoat).

Character Interactions

• Tsunade and Jiraiya: Tense conversation about Tsunade's return to Konoha, with Tsunade showing resistance and Jiraiya expressing concern.
• Tsunade and Ye Ning: Discuss Tsunade's return to Konoha, with Ye Ning offering a solution to Sasori's revenge plot and Tsunade agreeing to return with Sasori and the others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Ning learns that Shimura Danzō ordered Sasori's parents' death.
• Sasori initially refuses to turn Danzō into a Human Puppet, considering it beneath his art, but Ye Ning persuades him to change his mind.
• Ye Ning plans to keep Sasori away from White Fang and considers introducing Sasori to Orochimaru.
• Ye Ning realizes that there might not be enough Akatsuki members left to perform the Phantom Dragons Nine Consuming Seals.
• Uchiha Fugaku and his men harass Danzō in Konoha Prison according to Ye Ning's previous instructions.

Character Developments

• Sasori: Initially unwilling to turn Danzō into a Human Puppet, but changes his mind after Ye Ning's persuasion, showing a desire for more satisfying revenge.
• Uchiha Fugaku: Demonstrates loyalty and competence as a lackey, following Ye Ning's instructions to the letter, even without immediate supervision.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Sasori's desire for revenge against those who wronged his parents drives his actions.
• Loyalty: Uchiha Fugaku's loyalty to Ye Ning is highlighted, even when there's no immediate reward or supervision.
• Power Dynamics: The dynamics between Ye Ning, Sasori, and Uchiha Fugaku showcase Ye Ning's influence and control over others.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ning and Sasori: Ye Ning manipulates Sasori into agreeing to turn Danzō into a Human Puppet, showing his persuasive skills.
• Uchiha Fugaku and his subordinates: Fugaku shows leadership and discipline, ordering his men to harass Danzō according to Ye Ning's instructions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Ning visits Danzo, who is imprisoned and severely weakened.
• Danzo blames Ye Ning for his state and vows revenge.
• Ye Ning orders Danzo to be treated well, implying he has future plans for him.
• Uchiha Fugaku and Ye Ning discuss the upcoming Third Shinobi World War and the Uchiha clan's role.
• Uchiha Fugaku invites Ye Ning to his inauguration as Clan Head.

Character Developments

• Danzo's mental and physical state has deteriorated significantly due to his imprisonment and treatment by Uchiha Fugaku.
• Uchiha Fugaku shows loyalty to Ye Ning and is eager to prove the Uchiha clan's worth.
• Ye Ning demonstrates his strategic thinking and lack of mercy towards his enemies.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of defying Ye Ning.
• The Uchiha clan's ambition and desire for recognition.
• The upcoming Third Shinobi World War and its potential impact on Konoha and the ninja world.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ning and Danzo: Ye Ning shows no remorse for Danzo's condition, while Danzo blames Ye Ning and vows revenge.
• Ye Ning and Uchiha Fugaku: They discuss the Uchiha clan's future and the war, with Fugaku expressing his loyalty to Ye Ning.
• Danzo and Uchiha Fugaku: Fugaku shows no sympathy for Danzo's condition, indicating his allegiance to Ye Ning.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Ning visits Orochimaru's base with Sasori and Shika.
• Orochimaru shares his research findings on Kekkei Tōta with Ye Ning.
• Ye Ning hints at secrets regarding Sharingan, Byakugan, Rinnegan, and chakra nature.
• Orochimaru agrees to hand over his research findings to Tsunade upon her becoming Hokage.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru shows curiosity and interest in Ye Ning's hints about the nature of chakra and doujutsu.
• Ye Ning demonstrates strategic thinking by piquing Orochimaru's interest to ensure his continued cooperation.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of knowledge and truth.
• The manipulation of interests for personal gain.
• The power dynamics between individuals.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ning and Orochimaru: Ye Ning uses Orochimaru's curiosity to manipulate him into continuing his research and sharing his findings with Tsunade.
• Orochimaru and Sasori/Shika: Orochimaru shows interest in Sasori's understanding of immortality and the Crystal Release Kekkei Genkai.
• Shika and Sasori: Shika expresses wariness towards Orochimaru, while Sasori remains calm and collected.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tsunade is busier than ever with the Medical Department.
• Ye Ning feels lonely and decides to visit Sakumo.
• Kakashi is upset that Ye Ning tricked him into learning swordsmanship instead of teaching him Chidori.
• Ye Ning teases Kakashi, who struggles to call him by his title.
• Ye Ning demonstrates Chidori, tempting Kakashi.

Character Developments

• Ye Ning: Shows a playful side, teasing Kakashi but ultimately willing to teach him Chidori.
• Kakashi: More emotionally expressive and determined, struggling with his pride and desire to learn Chidori.
• Sakumo: Recognizes Ye Ning's positive influence on Kakashi and appreciates Ye Ning's actions.

Significant Themes

• The power of temptation and desire (Kakashi's longing for Chidori).
• The importance of personal growth and facing one's pride (Kakashi's struggle with his title for Ye Ning).
• The positive influence of a mentor (Ye Ning's impact on Kakashi's development).

Character Interactions

• Ye Ning and Kakashi: Their dynamic changes due to Kakashi's personality shift. Ye Ning teases Kakashi, who struggles with his pride but ultimately wants to learn Chidori.
• Ye Ning and Sakumo: Sakumo appreciates Ye Ning's actions and influence on Kakashi, showing respect and gratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kakashi asks Ye Ning to teach him the Chidori technique.
• Ye Ning agrees and offers to teach Kakashi other simplified ninjutsu as well.
• Ye Ning brings up the topic of two Sunagakure jonin Hatake Sakumo killed in the past.
• Ye Ning reveals that Sasori, the puppeteer, is the child of those two ninja spouses.
• Ye Ning asks Hatake Sakumo to return to active duty due to the volatile ninja world situation.

Character Developments

• Kakashi shows determination in learning Chidori and is eager to learn more from Ye Ning.
• Hatake Sakumo reveals his stubborn nature and unwillingness to let others take the fall for his actions.
• Ye Ning shows concern for the upcoming war and Konoha's security, planning for the future Hokage succession.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of past actions and the desire for revenge.
• The responsibility of a ninja and the burden of one's actions.
• The importance of a strong leader in times of war and conflict.

Character Interactions

• Kakashi and Ye Ning: Kakashi asks Ye Ning to teach him Chidori, showing eagerness to learn.
• Ye Ning and Hatake Sakumo: Ye Ning tries to convince Hatake Sakumo to return to active duty, while Sakumo remains stubborn about his past actions.
• Jiraiya's loose-lipped nature is mentioned, causing Ye Ning to consider giving him a few slaps.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Minato Namikaze became the Fourth Hokage due to the unfitness of other candidates (Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru).
• Ye Ning, the son of the Fire Country's Daimyo, has been working behind the scenes to help Tsunade become Hokage.
• Tsunade returns to Konoha and finds her role at the Medical Department overwhelming, leading her to drink and seek out Ye Ning.

Character Developments

• Ye Ning shows cunning and patience in his dealings with Tsunade, prioritizing his own interests while trying to maintain a good relationship with her.
• Tsunade is shown to be impulsive and prone to acting on her emotions, particularly when stressed or upset. She is also manipulative, using Ye Ning's desire to avoid work to force him into drinking with her.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Tsunade uses her authority to make Ye Ning do what she wants, while Ye Ning uses his charm and knowledge to influence Tsunade.
• The burden of responsibility: Tsunade struggles with the weight of her duties at the Medical Department, leading her to seek escape in alcohol.
• The consequences of past actions: Minato's ascension to Hokage was due to the unfitness of other candidates, highlighting the impact of their past decisions.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ning and Tsunade's relationship is complex, with Ye Ning trying to maintain a balance between helping Tsunade and protecting his own interests, while Tsunade is impulsive and demanding in her interactions with him.
• Ye Ning's visit to Sakumo's house is mentioned but not detailed, leaving the nature of their interaction unclear.
• Tsunade's interaction with the Medical Department staff is implied to be challenging, as she finds the workload overwhelming.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Ning wakes up next to Tsunade, disheveled and with no memory of the previous night.
• He realizes they spent the night together but is relieved to find his clothes still on.
• Tsunade pretends to be asleep but watches Ye Ning leave.
• Tsunade confronts Ye Ning about the previous night, but he accuses her of having ulterior motives.
• Tsunade hints that she knows about Ye Ning's morning actions, but he remains calm and offers to take responsibility.

Character Developments

• Ye Ning: Becomes more assertive and confident in his interactions with Tsunade. He starts to understand her better and isn't as easily intimidated.
• Tsunade: Shows a softer side, feeling guilty about her actions. She becomes more playful and teasing, hinting at her growing feelings for Ye Ning.

Significant Themes

• Trust and honesty: Ye Ning and Tsunade struggle with trust issues, leading to misunderstandings and playful banter.
• Physical intimacy: The chapter explores the consequences of shared physical intimacy, even if unintentional, and the emotional responses it elicits.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ning and Tsunade: Their dynamic shifts from one of tension and avoidance to playful banter and mutual understanding. They begin to tease each other, hinting at growing feelings and a deeper connection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Ning wanders Konoha after Tsunade's departure, gets summoned by the Hokage.
• The Daimyo is visiting Konoha, and a large gathering of Konoha's elite is called for a meeting.
• The meeting includes clan heads, Jonin, and the Hokage, with specific seating arrangements based on hierarchy.

Character Developments

• Ye Ning shows curiosity and caution about the meeting's purpose.
• Tsunade maintains professionalism despite her earlier discomfort with Ye Ning.
• The clan heads show deference to Ye Ning, reflecting his growing influence and power.

Significant Themes

• Hierarchy and power dynamics among Konoha's elite.
• The impact of Danzo's actions on the clans' attitudes towards Ye Ning.
• The political intrigue and maneuvering within Konoha's leadership.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ning and Tsunade share a brief, low-voiced conversation about the meeting's purpose.
• Ye Ning sizes up the various clan heads, and they, in turn, pay close attention to him.
• Kurama Dequn arrives late, taking his seat among the smaller clan heads.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A squad of Konoha jonin has gone missing in the Land of Water, likely annihilated.
• The Third Hokage convenes a meeting to discuss the situation.
• The clan heads and elite jonin agree to investigate and demand an explanation from Kirigakure if the squad is dead.
• The Third Hokage warns that the Third Shinobi World War is imminent.
• The Daimyo, present at the meeting, expresses dissatisfaction with the Third Hokage's handling of the situation and suggests he step down.

Character Developments

• The Third Hokage shows concern and weariness due to the dire situation.
• Nara Shikaku demonstrates his strategic thinking and calm demeanor.
• The Daimyo displays his indifference and laziness, contrasting with the seriousness of the meeting.

Significant Themes

• The impending Third Shinobi World War and the tension between villages.
• The responsibility and leadership of the Hokage.
• The contrast between the seriousness of the shinobi world and the Daimyo's indifference.

Character Interactions

• The Third Hokage consults with the clan heads and elite jonin to discuss the situation.
• Nara Shikaku and the Third Hokage work together to decide on a course of action.
• The Daimyo's sarcastic remarks towards the Third Hokage highlight the tension between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Third Hokage is pressured by the Daimyo in front of clan heads, hinting at his replacement.
• The Daimyo expresses his intention to marry off Ye Ning, causing him distress.

Character Developments

• The Third Hokage shows political astuteness by handling the Daimyo's pressure diplomatically.
• Ye Ning realizes the Daimyo's manipulative strategy with the Uchiha clan and is dismayed by his marriage pressure.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering among shinobi villages and the Land of Fire's government.
• The pressure to conform to societal expectations, in this case, marriage and family succession.

Character Interactions

• The Third Hokage and the Daimyo: The Hokage navigates the Daimyo's public pressure, showing political acumen.
• The Daimyo and Ye Ning: The Daimyo expresses his desire for Ye Ning to marry and have children, causing him distress.
• The Daimyo and Uchiha Fugaku: The Daimyo praises the Uchiha clan and hints at their future subordination to his lineage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Ning's father, the Daimyo, wants a grandson and suggests Ye Ning marry foreign princesses, but Ye Ning refuses.
• The Daimyo hints at Ye Ning marrying Tsunade, which Ye Ning finds acceptable.
• The Daimyo decides to set a wedding date for Ye Ning and Tsunade.
• The Third Hokage plans to provoke a war against Kirigakure to divert attention from internal conflicts and strengthen Konoha's position.

Character Developments

• Ye Ning: Initially resistant to marriage, but open to the idea of marrying Tsunade.
• The Daimyo: Manipulative and strategic, using marriage to secure political alliances and maintain his son's happiness.
• The Third Hokage: Becomes more assertive and willing to provoke war to maintain his position and Konoha's power.

Significant Themes

• Marriage as a political tool.
• Power struggles within the village and the need to maintain the Hokage's position.
• The potential consequences of war and the importance of victory.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ning and the Daimyo: The Daimyo manipulates Ye Ning into agreeing to marry Tsunade.
• The Third Hokage, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura: The Hokage shares his plan to provoke war, causing concern among his advisors.