The next morning, the air was filled with a fresh scent.
Shun arrived at the Immortal Village training ground with light steps.
At the same time, Ino arrived at the training ground early. She was wearing a light blue dress, her hair gently swaying in the breeze.
Her steps were a bit leisurely, and her eyes occasionally glanced at Shun. When she confirmed that Temari had not followed, a sly smile appeared on her lips.
She thought to herself, 'Yay, Temari-nee isn't here today, so don't I have a chance to get close to Shun-sama?'
Shun stood on the training ground, calmly looking at these little genin. His smile was as warm as a spring breeze, making others feel exceptionally close.
"Children, today I am your teacher, and I will teach you how to use Natural Energy."
Shun's voice echoed across the training ground, attracting everyone's attention.
Neji respectfully asked, "Shun-sama, what is the use of mastering Natural Energy?"
His question resonated with the other genin around him. Everyone looked over curiously, anticipating his answer.
Shun smiled calmly and said, "Today, I am teaching you, so you can call me Shun-sensei."
Everyone exchanged glances, then respectfully called out, "Yes, Shun-sensei."
Shun raised his hand and gathered a wisp of light golden Natural Energy, letting it slowly flow around his fingertips.
"Natural Energy has many wonderful uses. First, it can extend life and slow down aging. There are three Sages in the Ninja World: Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku, White Snake Sage of Ryūchi Cave, and Slug Sage of Shikkotsu Forest. The reason they can live for over a thousand years is because they constantly absorb Natural Energy, keeping their bodies and souls vibrant."
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire training ground instantly fell silent.
Sakura's pen paused in her hand, her face filled with shock. The words "live for over a thousand years" exceeded her understanding.
Hana lowered her head and stroked Akamaru's head, secretly thinking, 'If toads, snakes, and slugs can do it, then ninja dogs should be able to too.'
Naruto's mouth hung open even wider, and he subconsciously exclaimed, "Lived for over a thousand years? Doesn't that make them like mythical monsters?"
Shun pondered for a moment and said, "In a sense, they can indeed be considered monsters. Their Sage Mode causes people to undergo a semi-demonization phenomenon. For example, after entering Sage Mode, Jiraiya's face transforms into a face similar to a toad's."
"However, our Human race also has its own Sage Mode. As long as you can master Natural Energy, you will be able to comprehend and utilize this unique power."
Upon hearing this, Neji's face showed respect, and he bowed deeply. "Shun-sama, may I ask what the Human race's own Sage Mode is like?"
"The Priestess Mode of the Ghost's Priestess, Gift of the Hermit Group of the Fire Temple, and the Three Divine Artifacts, Kusanagi, Yasakani, and Yata, also have similar legacies for using Natural Energy."
"You should have heard of the Kusanagi Sword, and Sakura's family is considered a branch of the Kagura clan. Their clan crest is a circle, representing the Yasaka no Magatama among the Three Divine Artifacts."
Everyone looked at Sakura, making her a bit embarrassed. She explained, "Although the Kagura clan was once glorious, it has now declined. And the Haruno clan is just a branch, so I don't possess the Kagura clan's Legacy, nor have I ever seen the Yasaka no Magatama."
A faint smile appeared on Shun's lips as he said, "Alright, listen as I continue to explain. When Natural Energy, spiritual energy, and physical energy are mixed in a 1:1:1 ratio, Senjutsu Chakra can be formed. It can greatly enhance your Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Genjutsu, and sensory abilities."
As he spoke, he raised his hand and waved a bit of Senjutsu Chakra towards a nearby rock.
A burst of energy struck the rock, making no loud sound, but the entire rock shattered from within, turning into fine stone powder.
Neji's white pupils constricted. He could see that this energy was quite formidable.
Just as Shun was about to continue explaining, Ino suddenly rushed forward, taking advantage of everyone's attention being on the rock debris.
She reached out and wrapped her arms around Shun's arm, gently rubbing her cheek against his sleeve, her voice carrying a hint of coquetry. "Shun-sensei, Karin told me that mastering Natural Energy makes skin as smooth as a baby's. If I learn Natural Energy, will I also become more beautiful? If I can't learn it, can you teach me a few times privately?"
She clutched Shun's sleeve, and feeling the firm arm beneath the fabric, her heart beat a little faster. Her action was both bold and intimate, filled with the secret joy of 'touching it means profit'.
Sakura's pen paused mid-air, her eyes wide with surprise, thinking, 'Ino is too bold. That's too direct.'
Neji frowned, instinctively looking at Hinata. Seeing her flushed face, he quickly averted his gaze, sighing inwardly, 'These girls' thoughts are more complicated than Ninjutsu.'
Shikamaru, who had been leaning against a tree trunk chewing on grass, instantly straightened up at the sight, raising a hand to his forehead and sighing helplessly, complaining in his mind. 'Oh no, Ino is acting up again. This is too brazen. If Temari-nee were here, she'd probably use her fan to blow half the training ground away, and then cleaning up the mess would be troublesome again.'
When Hinata saw this, her cheeks instantly flushed, and her heart also beat a little faster, her sleeve in her hand twisted even tighter.
She couldn't help but recall the scenes from her dream: the warmth of Shun's palm when he led her up the mountain, the gentleness of his fingertips when he placed the hairpin in her hair, and that promise, "I'll marry you when you're 18."
Shun felt the soft touch on his arm, then glimpsed Hinata's reddening ear tips and Shikamaru's pained expression, and smiled helplessly.
He gently patted Ino's hand, his tone gentle but with a hint of seriousness. "Ino, let go first. Today is about teaching everyone, so we need to follow the rules. Quickly return to your seat in the team. I'm about to explain the Nature Mark."
He could feel the slight trembling of Ino's fingers, knowing that the girl was deliberately acting spoiled. He felt both annoyed and amused.
Ino, though a bit unwilling, still obediently let go. As she walked back to her seat, she was still savoring the feeling of having held Shun's arm.
His arm was very firm, and she could feel its warmth even through the fabric.
She couldn't help but smile, her heart filled with sweet memories.
Once everyone was seated, Shun raised his right hand, and light golden Chakra gathered in his palm.
With a gentle wave, a dozen fist-sized Chakra orbs floated up, each orb wrapped in a wisp of energy, like small lanterns suspended in the air, occasionally emitting a faint glow, looking extraordinarily magical.
These orbs floated in front of each young person, stopping at the height of their chests.
"These are Nature Marks."
Shun's voice clearly reached everyone's ears. "Natural Energy exists in all things in the world, but it's difficult for ordinary people to senss it directly. This mark will help you build a bridge. It will guide Natural Energy slowly into your Chakra pathways and also protect you from being overwhelmed by the energy. It is key to sensing Natural Energy."
As he spoke, he gestured for everyone to touch the orbs.
Naruto curiously extended his hand, and as soon as his fingertips touched the orb, it transformed into a warm current that drilled into his body, making him exclaim, "Wow!" and jump up to spin around.
"It feels so good! It feels like a warm power has entered my body, even more comfortable than soaking in a hot spring."
But just as he finished his excitement, he suddenly noticed Sasuke, Karin, Hamamaru, and others standing nearby. There were no
Nature Marks in front of them.
Naruto immediately raised his hand. "Shun-sensei! Why don't Sasuke and Karin have Nature Marks? Don't they need to sense Natural Energy? Is it because they're too stupid to learn it?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone else also looked at Sasuke and Karin, their eyes full of curiosity.
Shun smiled and explained, "They are my children and possess special talents. Even without the Nature Mark, they can easily sense Natural Energy without external assistance."
Sasuke glanced at Naruto and uttered a few words. "Idiot Naruto."
Naruto's eyes instantly widened, and he clenched his fists. "Sasuke, don't go too far. When I learn to use Natural Energy, I'll definitely use Senjutsu Chakra to beat you flat."
Shun raised his hand to stop their bickering. "Alright, everyone quiet down. Now, start trying to feel the Natural Energy. Ask me if you have any questions."
In this tranquil atmosphere, everyone ceased their actions, sensing that mysterious Natural Energy.
Hinata closed her eyes tightly, and her brows relaxed, as if she were fumbling for something in the darkness. Her breathing gradually steadied, and her mind became increasingly clear, yet that wisp of Natural Energy, like a mischievous sprite, always slipped away quietly just as she was about to touch it.
Time passed by minute by minute, and fine beads of sweat began to appear on Hinata's forehead. Her heart grew increasingly anxious.
Just as she was about to give up, suddenly, a faint golden light emanated from the Nature Mark on her chest. Although this light was weak, it was like the dawn before sunrise, bringing a ray of hope to Hinata.
Following this, the Natural Energy, as if attracted, slowly flowed into Hinata's Chakra pathways like a trickling stream.
Hinata's heart filled with joy, and she quickly opened her eyes, only to find that it was Shun, quietly helping her guide it from the side.
Shun smiled and nodded gently at Hinata, showing his approval.
Hinata's cheeks instantly flushed with a hint of red. She shyly lowered her head and then focused even more intently on her training.
Not far away, Ino watched all of this, feeling a bit sour inside. She secretly competed, gritting her teeth, and redoubled her efforts to sense the Natural Energy.
For a moment, the training ground was silent, with only the steady breathing of the young people rising and falling.