"Keep a close eye on Sasuke Uchiha."
Lin Ze instructed the White Snake Sage, "With Uchiha Fugaku taking power, Sasuke's standing as the clan leader's son will rise accordingly, but he may also become a thorn in certain people's sides."
"Especially Obito Uchiha. He won't allow the Uchiha Clan to grow stronger unchecked."
"Yes, Master."
The White Snake Sage acknowledged his order, then vanished in a puff of white smoke.
Lin Ze stood where he was, pondering for a moment.
Konoha's storyline had gone completely off track, but that was a good thing for him.
The greater the chaos, the more room he had to develop.
He would let Konoha hold the line for now. Once he attained Kekkei Mōra, none of the monsters lurking in the shadows would be worth fearing.
"Next, it's time to solve my own problem."
Lin Ze turned and headed toward the underground laboratory on Ascension Island.
In the laboratory, Kabuto stood before a complex instrument, recording data.
Seeing Lin Ze enter, he adjusted his glasses.
"Brother Lin Ze, you're back."
"How's the cultivation of the Suzaku clone coming along?" Lin Ze asked.
"Very smoothly. Pakura's cellular activity is high, and the characteristics of her Scorch Release Kekkei Genkai are particularly stable. I expect the basic clone to be complete in five months."
As Kabuto spoke, he brought up a data panel. "Also, I've made some headway in researching the soul weakness problem."
Lin Ze perked up.
"Tell me more."
Kabuto gathered his thoughts and explained:
"I consulted the ancient texts left behind in Ryūchi Cave and discussed it with the White Snake Sage. As a sacred site with a thousand-year legacy, Ryūchi Cave actually has quite extensive research into souls."
"After all, snake summoning beasts naturally live long lives, and many ancient, powerful