28. Natural Energy and Senjutsu Potential

28. Natural Energy and Senjutsu Potential

'This revelation also seems to confirm some of my previous theories about this world in general. Other individuals, from the past, and possibly present, also likely managed to acquire senjutsu abilities without any actual connections to those three 'Holy' places...',

'The key was in extensive meditation all along. Yet, my Byakugan probably shortcut what would have been many, many decades of needed daily meditation for someone else before they could finally perceive this elusive natural energy...',

This insight led Hikari to a deeper appreciation for the unique advantage his Byakugan offered in his pursuit of higher power.

Two years ago, after delving into the historical records of this world, particularly those predating the Warring States period and the establishment of ninjutsu and the shinobi system, Hikari came to a realization that hinted at a broader spectrum of power.

His study, combined with the canonical information from his previous life, pointed towards the existence of a different system of power. Central to this realization were the samurai and various monks, who predated shinobi and persisted alongside them.

These warriors and ascetics were the predominant forces in the world before the advent of chakra. And what else was present before the chakra? Natural energy.

Natural energy was the energy derived from the fundamental elements of the world: the air that blanketed the planet, the water that flowed through its rivers and oceans, and the earth that formed its vast landscapes.

This energy existed ubiquitously, permeating every corner of the globe and endlessly circulating through the environment. It was an ever-present force, seamlessly woven into the fabric of nature itself, influencing ecosystems and the planet's myriad forms of life.

Hikari hypothesized, drawing parallels with fantasy elements from his previous life, that monks and samurai wielded unique sets of powers derived from intense internal focus and spiritual alignment with nature.

Through decades of meditation, they might have been capable of perceiving natural energy and utilizing it to enhance their swordsmanship and martial prowess, increasing the power and range of their attacks.

Furthermore, once chakra was introduced into this world, it was conceivable that these ancient warriors learned to combine this newfound energy with the natural energy they were already attuned to, giving rise to early forms of senjutsu.

What interested Hikari the most was not the Sage Mode, given that he recognized his physical limitations and chakra reserves were not on par with those who could easily harness such power.

The legendary bodies of the Senju or Uzumaki clans, known for inheriting the "body" of the Sage of the Six Paths, were well-suited to manage the influx and balance of natural energy within their bodies.

Hikari mused that perhaps if he had inherited the "body" of Hamura Otsutsuki, like Toneri's clan on the Moon or the descendants of Kaguya, he might have had a better chance.

This method allowed him to carefully enhance his taijutsu moves outside without the need to internalize the natural energy first, thereby sidestepping the significant risks that come with internal manipulation as highlighted many times in the original series by various characters.

However, had Hikari been a fighter inclined more towards ninjutsu instead, he would have likely been forced to take the complex task of integrating natural energy directly into his body's inner chakra system first in order to blend it with his physical and spiritual energies, meaning his own chakra, there, if he truly wanted to use senjutsu with his abilities at all.

This necessity stemmed from the difficulty of externally manipulating natural energy for ninjutsu techniques compared to taijutsu techniques Hikari was familiar with from Hyugas.

For instance, attempting to externally wrap a large-scale ninjutsu like some 'fire dragon' with natural energy, after it would have been already executed outside and distant from the user, posed significant challenges.

The technique's size and the distance it would have covered from the caster, in an instant it was launched outside, would certainly have made it a complex task and beyond the reach of simple close-range chakra manipulation, therefore, without much possibility for success.

But, the needed internal mixture of natural energy, instead, with one's own chakra could then lead to petrification if not properly managed, a danger also magnified during high-intensity and various battle scenarios when focus and concentration, for chakra control, got divided.

As the sky deepened into shades of twilight, Hikari returned to calm and focused and continued his meditation delving deeper into the realm of what he now knew was the natural energy with the aid of his Byakugan.

He moved with the natural rhythm of the world around him, trying to synchronize his chakra with the elusive patterns of natural energy he sought to understand and harness.

This unique meditative session stretched on, with Hikari fully immersed in the experience, pushing the limits of his perception.

However, after some time, a slight discomfort began to manifest, a subtle signal from his Byakugan that it was time to conclude the session.

Recognizing this indication, Hikari gently closed his eyes, allowing the visual prowess of his Byakugan to fade as he brought the meditation to a close.

With a deep, grounding breath, he acknowledged the progress made and the limitations respected, rising from his seated position with a sense of accomplishment and understanding.

As night fully enveloped the courtyard, Hikari retreated back inside his room, the peaceful and productive session leaving him in a state of deep contemplation.

Moving to his large adult bed, he settled in for the night, the day's experiences and insights weaving through his thoughts as he drifted off to sleep.