Under the cover of darkness, a shadowy figure crosses the blustery banks of Zora's River. The rush of the river muffles his fast-paced footsteps as his eyes dart from side to side, on high-alert for any sign of movement.
Ningan lifts the Gossip Stone to his lips. "So Caedis claimed another victim, and another Medallion. There's only one more left to collect before all six are spoken for; which is why I'm heading straight to Zora's Domain."
"I'm sorry you wasted your time, Ningan." Marson's voice consoles him on the other end. "And your energy also. Don't you think you should rest until morn? You haven't slept since the Hidden Village."
"There's no time, Marson." the ninja swiftly dismisses his suggestion. "There's one Medallion left. Then it's over. If I don't nab this one, then he'll be one-up. I won't stand a chance against him."
"I understand." Marson sympathises. "But you won't be any good in combat if you can't keep your eyes open either."
"I appreciate your concern. Luckily, I have a few shrooms in my satchel that should keep me functioning for another twelve hours. Thank Miruku on my behalf."
As though by some divine irony, the Sheikah arrives at the foot of the renowned Sleepless Waterfall. Its illustrious veil entices plenty of Hyrulean visitors, but only those with royal-certified business may enter the opulent kingdom of the Zora. Ningan gazes into the falling mirror. A tired-eyed ill-nourished scrawny excuse for a man stares back at him: a far cry from the unbeatable warrior he once deemed himself. Would his body ever recover from this?
He pockets the Gossip Stone with a trick up his sleeve. Using the Forest Medallion's enchantment, his reflection morphs into a long-finned, supple-skinned, upright amphibian. Ningan inspects his new aquatic form with a wry smile before taking the leap of faith into the Sleepless Waterfall.
He emerges on the other side with a gasp. Glistening walls of damp rock curve up into a giant dome of stalactites that hang high above his head. His eyes are lost in the mist from a shimmering waterfall that spills into a giant plunge-pool, where others of his kind congregate. Only through word-of-mouth was the beauty of the Zora kingdom conveyed to the ordinary people of Hyrule: yet nothing compares to bearing witness to the magnificence with one's own eyes.
Do not become distracted. The familiar nags of his tutor continue to haunt him. You are on a mission.
The Zora-imposter navigates the splendid domain to the throne room on the highest floor. According to Lady Libra's knowledge, this is where he will hope to find the Zora King; father of the Sage of Water, Princess Ruto. While he may not be her descendant, Ningan prays that he may hold knowledge of the location of the Water Medallion.