Ryūchi Cave.
The White Snake Sage lay coiled on her stone throne, a trace of agitation in her golden serpentine eyes.
She glanced over Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime, who stood respectfully below.
"Is there... still no word from Tagitsuhime?"
"No, Lady White Snake Sage."
Tagorihime answered respectfully, "Since her last report saying she was confident she could guide Lin Ze to Ryūchi Cave, we have heard nothing further."
Ichikishimahime added, "As you instructed, I have been watching the outskirts of Mount Myōboku. I have found no trace of Tagitsuhime, nor have I sensed Lin Ze's presence approaching Mount Myōboku."
The White Snake Sage's brow furrowed deeply.
Not long ago, she had clearly sensed an unimaginably pure and vast draconic presence erupt near Konoha in the Land of Fire!
That presence was so powerful that even she, who had lived for countless years and considered herself close to becoming a "flood dragon," felt repeated pangs of dread and a trembling deep within her bloodline.
It had definitely been Lin Ze!
He must have used his true power!
But why had Tagitsuhime, who had been following him and was responsible for making contact with him, sent no word at all?
This was highly unusual.
Given her usual habits, Tagitsuhime always reported every fortnight. She could never have concealed something so significant without reporting it.
Unless... something had happened to her, or... her loyalties had changed?
At the second possibility, the White Snake Sage's gaze instantly turned cold.
The snakes of Ryūchi Cave would stop at nothing to evolve. Betrayal was hardly rare in Ryūchi Cave.
"We cannot wait any longer."
The White Snake Sage spoke slowly:
"Pass on my command. Every snake in Ryūchi Cave capable of entering the Shinobi World is to mobilize! You two will lead them personally!"
Her sharp gaze