A week had passed, marked by the rhythmic sounds of the forest and Sasuke's focused concentration. Then, another week. Now, with a subtle shift in his perception, the natural energy of Shikkotsu Forest flowed around him effortlessly, an intrinsic part of his sensory landscape even without conscious effort.
Katsuyu observed him with her gaze, a soft hum resonating through her form. "As expected, Sasuke-san. You have achieved the ability to sense natural energy with remarkable ease, requiring little conscious focus."
Sasuke offered a respectful nod, his eyes still closed, attuned to the vibrant energy around him. "Indeed. Now that I can perceive it so clearly, I can also sense the faint trace of natural energy already interwoven with my chakra… a subtle residue, I presume, from the curse mark."
"Precisely," Katsuyu affirmed. "Now that you have mastered the initial sensing, the next step is the crucial process of absorbing this natural energy into your chakra."
Sasuke opened his eyes, a flicker of determination within them. He glanced momentarily at his internal awareness.
(Senjutsu : Adept)
A slight surprise registered on his face. 'So the System does add Senjutsu progress. Well with this I will understand when I mastered senjutsu.'
He refocused his attention on Katsuyu. "Understood. I am ready to proceed."
He settled back into his meditative posture, following Katsuyu's gentle guidance.
"Remember, Uchiha-san, the key is balance. Draw in the natural energy slowly, deliberately. Do not attempt to absorb too much, too quickly, or the consequences can be…petrifying."
________
Two more weeks drifted by, filled with Sasuke's diligent attempts to draw the ambient energy into his chakra. Yet, a persistent obstacle arose. Each time he focused on absorbing the natural energy, an unsettling surge would occur, threatening to overwhelm his internal balance despite his careful control.
Katsuyu intervened on several occasions, her fluid body gently nudging him back from the brink of petrification. "It appears, Sasuke-san," she mused, her voice carrying a note of concern, "that the lingering influence of that curse mark is proving to be a significant impediment."
"How so?" Sasuke asked, a frown creasing his brow.
"The curse mark, even in its diminished state as it melds further with your own chakra, seems to possess an unusual affinity for natural energy," Katsuyu explained.
"Whenever you attempt to absorb the ambient energy, the mark acts as an unintended conduit, accelerating the intake at an uncontrollable rate."
She observed the faint remnants of the curse mark on his skin, its color barely discernible now. "However, I sense that its influence is waning rapidly. Perhaps in another two to three weeks, it will be fully integrated, and this interference will cease. I advise you to take a temporary respite from active absorption until then."
Sasuke's frown deepened.
'Two to three more weeks? This is a frustrating delay.'
He nodded slowly, accepting the wisdom of Katsuyu's counsel. "Understood, Lady Katsuyu."
A cold resolve hardened his gaze.
'Once I completed my training here, Orochimaru, you will be the one I take care of first.'
"In meantime, I can focus on my physical training and Raikiri."