"This... this is..." Even Mayuri Kurotsuchi, worldly and dedicated to pursuing truth, had a slight tremor in his voice. It was not fear, but instinctive shock and ecstasy at confronting an unknown beyond imagination.
"An Otsutsuki... navigation chart? Or... hunting ground markers?" Orochimaru's breathing grew heavier too, his golden snake eyes fixed on the blurred region at the center of the star chart, as though trying to see through the secrets behind it.
"Star coordinates and communication signals... imprinted in blood... How was this done? Biological instinct? An advanced civilization's method of passing down information? Or..."
They both realized that this was not merely a picture.
It was a signpost, a priceless treasure revealing the Ōtsutsuki Clan's range of activity, the possible location of their home base, and their means of contacting one another! Its significance far exceeded that of studying the secrets of Momoshiki's individual power!
"Immediately! Back up all data! Apply multiple layers of encryption! Activate the highest level of physical isolation!" Mayuri Kurotsuchi reacted first, issuing shrill orders. "Wipe the memories and reset the logic of every computational brain involved in this analysis! Ensure absolute secrecy surrounding the information source!"
"We need to report to Sōkū immediately!" Orochimaru said gravely, his gaze still on the star chart. "This 'chart in the blood'... could change everything."
Rōran, the top-floor bedchamber.
It was late at night. Sōkyū Hatake had just finished his day's work and was preparing to rest. Sara had already gone to sleep, and only the soft glow of a night-light illuminated the bedchamber.
Suddenly, the dedicated communicator beside his bed began vibrating rapidly and glowing faintly, signaling the highest emergency authorization, which was not to be used except in extreme circumstances.
Sōkyū Hatake instantly became alert, all sleepiness vanishing from his eyes. He picked up