The air in the Mizukage's Office seemed to freeze. Mei Terumi's question struck at the heart of the matter, and Aogiri and Zabuza immediately focused their gazes on Ling. Outside the window, Kirigakure's distinctive, hazy light filtered through the glass, casting faint shadows across his calm face.
Ling did not answer immediately. Instead, he held a rapid exchange with Tobirama in his mind.
[We can disclose some information in exchange for closer cooperation,] Tobirama analyzed calmly. [Emphasize the danger posed by the Sacred Lord organization and the scope of its operations across the Shinobi World. Downplay any suggestion that Konoha intends to act alone. Keep our specific sources vague.]
Ling raised his eyes to meet Mei Terumi's scrutinizing gaze, his voice steady and clear. "The intelligence Konoha currently possesses indicates that Sacred Lord is an extremely secretive, multinational organization with unclear objectives. They are dedicated to collecting various unusual kekkei genkai, secret techniques, and even the power of tailed beasts. Their methods are brutal, and they possess some bizarre technology that harnesses dark chakra and negative energy."
He paused briefly before continuing. "They have previously operated along the borders of the Land of Fire, in the Land of Grass, and elsewhere. Their targets included the power of the Shrine Maiden and the energy of the dragon vein. The underwater outpost discovered here in the Land of Water is one part of their vast network, primarily used for energy extraction and long-distance communications. We suspect their ultimate aim may involve overturning the existing order of the Shinobi World."
Ling's words mixed truth with falsehood, elevating Sacred Lord into a threat to the entire Shinobi World and framing Konoha's actions as a response to a shared danger rather than mere intelligence gathering.
Mei Terumi lightly tapped her slender fingers against the desk