Lin Ze was not worried about that.
His White Tiger Clone and Genbu Shadow Clone were both within the Akatsuki and could pass on intelligence at any time.
Itachi and Ryōta had also made preparations long ago and would not easily fall for a trap.
"I'll go see the Shrine Maiden first."
Lin Ze's figure flashed as he sped toward the Palace.
He remembered that he still had an agreement with the Shrine Maiden of the Land of Demons-back when he had obtained the Contract Seal under the identity of Suzaku, she had said that if Moryo showed any unusual activity, she would send someone to Kusagakure to post a mission seeking him out.
But so many years had passed, and the Shrine Maiden had never contacted him.
It seemed that Moryo's seal was fine for the time being.
A side hall in the Palace of the Land of Demons.
Eight-year-old Shion was learning Sealing Jutsu under the Shrine Maiden's guidance.
Dressed in shrine maiden robes, the little girl wore a serious expression, and the ofuda in her hands gave off a faint glow.
"Concentrate. Feel the flow of chakra..."
The current Shrine Maiden-Shion's mother-guided her softly, her eyes full of affection.
Suddenly, she paused and looked outside the hall.
"We have a guest."
The Shrine Maiden stood and told Shion, "Keep practicing. Mother is going to see someone."
"Who is it?" Shion asked curiously.
"An... old friend."
The Shrine Maiden smiled and left the side hall.
In the Palace's main hall, Lin Ze was already standing there wearing his Suzaku mask.
He had reined in his aura and looked like an ordinary traveler, but the Shrine Maiden could sense the unfathomable power within him.
"Lord Suzaku, it has been a long time."
The Shrine Maiden bowed slightly.
"Lady