Within the Sky Screen.
The Mysterious Man's detached voice asked the question foremost in the minds of most people in the shinobi world.
His tone was flat, without the slightest ripple of emotion.
"The Warring States weapon you claimed could destroy the world-is it this coffin?"
The Uzumaki Third Elder was dumbfounded on the spot.
He stared fixedly at the ancient, heavy stone coffin before him, his face filled with bewilderment and disbelief, his thoughts in complete disarray.
For generations, the elders had passed down word that the clan concealed an unparalleled weapon left over from the Warring States era, powerful enough to overturn heaven and earth.
He had followed the ancestral map all the way here, only to find this coffin.
Yet the coffin looked utterly ordinary. Aside from traces of seals and its considerable age, nothing about it suggested the power to destroy the world.
The Third Elder hurriedly bowed and cupped his hands, explaining respectfully, "My lord, I don't know the exact circumstances either."
"I followed the map and the secret seal incantations handed down through generations to find this place. There can be no mistake!"
"Then that's all that matters."
A faint hint of curiosity finally entered the Mysterious Man's voice as he gave a casual order.
"Since we've found it, let's open it and see. You should know how to remove the seals completely."
Hearing this, the Third Elder felt much of his anxiety melt away.
Thank goodness my lord didn't blame me. Thank goodness I found the right place!
He quickly nodded and replied, "Rest assured, my lord. I know the secret technique for removing the seals by heart. It will only take a moment to break every restriction!"
With that, the Third Elder stepped forward, steadied his mind, and rapidly moved both hands.