Ling followed Kakashi to a room hastily converted into a study. General Mifune was already waiting there, with several ancient scrolls spread across the desk, carrying the scent of age and dust. Tsunade and Shikaku Nara were also present, clearly placing great importance on any information about the Nether Purification Stone.
"Please sit, Sir Ling." Mifune gestured, his expression grave. "I understand you have studied natural energy and the art of purification extensively, and that your chakra nature is water. Perhaps you can offer some unique insights into the stolen Nether Purification Stone and certain obscure passages in these ancient texts."
"Please go ahead, General Mifune. I will share everything I know," Ling replied solemnly. He was deeply concerned about this as well.
Mifune pointed to one of the oldest scrolls. Ancient writing and simple illustrations depicted the Nether Purification Stone-an irregular crystal, azure throughout, with what seemed to be flowing water and halos of light swirling within.
"According to the secret records passed down through generations in the Land of Iron," Mifune said gravely, "the Nether Purification Stone is not simply a natural creation. Extremely fine, almost natural-looking patterns are engraved upon it, forming an ancient sealing formula called 'Sea-Calming.'"
"The Sea-Calming seal?" Ling studied the blurry diagram of the markings, feeling the senjutsu chakra within him faintly resonate with it.
"Indeed. This seal does not lock away the Nether Purification Stone's power. Quite the opposite: it restrains and guides the immense, pure water-nature natural energy within, allowing it to be released gently and nourish the earth's veins rather than surge out like a flood. You could say that the Nether Purification Stone itself is an extraordinarily powerful and precise 'natural energy regulation and purification device,'" Mifune explained.
Shikaku Nara looked thoughtful. "In other words, if this Sea-Calming seal