With an authorization personally signed by the Fifth Hokage and his Special Jōnin credentials, Ling passed through layer after layer of rigorous identity checks and searches before finally entering one of Konoha's most secret facilities-the Scroll of Seals Reading Room.
Unlike the room piled with scrolls and filled with the scent of books he had imagined, this place resembled a heavily guarded archive. The air was cold and dry, carrying the faint smells of insect-repelling herbs and old paper. Soft, even light came from special luminous minerals embedded in the ceiling, avoiding the damage any open flame might cause to the precious ancient texts. Rows of heavy metal shelves stood in neat lines, holding countless scrolls and old books sorted by category. Many bore clearly visible sealing formulas.
An expressionless administrator whose presence was as still and deep as an ancient well-Mori no Suke, a veteran of the Sealing Squad-took his authorization and checked it carefully before speaking in a flat voice. "Special Jōnin Ling Hatake, by order of Lord Hokage, you may read within the unrestricted areas for six hours. Copying is permitted, but any form of Summoning Technique or spatial technique, as well as any attempt to break the seals on the shelves, is strictly forbidden. If you trigger an alarm, you will bear the consequences. What category of scrolls do you wish to consult?"
[Ask him where to find Theoretical Foundations of Space-Time Ninjutsu, Study of Ancient Contract Runes, and Secret Records of the Land of Water-the nonmilitary material.] Tobirama immediately gave precise instructions.
Ling asked as instructed.
A flicker of surprise crossed Mori no Suke's eyes, as though he had not expected a young ninja to take an interest in such obscure, difficult subjects. But he remained dutiful and asked no questions, merely raising a hand