Morning light filtered through the exquisite lattice windows of Stillness Garden, casting mottled shadows across the floor of the quiet chamber. Neji sat cross-legged on a cushion, his fingertips lightly tapping the table with a rhythmic sound.
Three jet-black crystals lay neatly arranged before him. Each had been carved into the shape of an intricate vertebra, with flowing runes faintly visible within.
"Young Master Neji, the guests have arrived." The old steward Fujiwara's voice came from outside the door.
"Let them in." Neji did not look up as he spoke. His fingers brushed lightly over the crystals' surfaces, checking the integrity of every rune.
The door slid open, accompanied by Jiraiya's exaggerated shout. "Wow! Is this where you train? It's much plainer than I imagined!"
Neji looked up to see Jiraiya rush in first, his white hair swinging wildly. The young man's face was filled with barely concealed excitement, but Neji sharply noticed his fingers twisting together unconsciously—an indication of nerves.
"Quiet, idiot." Tsunade followed close behind, her golden ponytail swaying gently with her steps. Her green eyes swept across the quiet chamber before lingering briefly on the crystals in front of Neji. "Is this the 'filter' you mentioned?"
Orochimaru entered last, moving as lightly as a snake. His golden slit pupils gleamed with curiosity as his gaze shifted between the crystals and Neji, a faint smile resting on his lips.
Neji gestured for the three of them to sit on the prepared cushions. "Have you all adjusted yourselves?"
Jiraiya plopped down onto a cushion and stretched dramatically. "Adjusted for what? I can't wait any longer! I was so excited last night that I couldn't sleep!" Though he said that, he unconsciously reached up to rub the back of his head.
Tsunade sat formally on her knees, her posture as