The spring breeze drifted gently, and red blossoms stretched as far as the eye could see.
It was the season when cherry blossoms were in full bloom.
Katsuo sat cross-legged atop Hokage Rock, gazing at the brilliant, enchanting sea of cherry blossoms before him and sighing.
Because of his physical condition, he had set aside strenuous physical training and, left with no choice, changed his path of cultivation. Drawing on fragments of memories from his previous life and following the guidance of Daoism from that world, he tried meditating to calm his mind. He intended to comprehend nature and draw in the Natural Energy between heaven and earth!
"During this period of meditation, aside from expanding my sensory range, I still haven't been able to sense Natural Energy..."
"If I can't sense Natural Energy, I can't try absorbing it either... Without an 'accelerator' like Toad Oil, and without the dense, abundant Natural Energy of the Three Great Sage Regions, comprehending nature and absorbing energy out here is simply too difficult!"
Katsuo let out a faint sigh, looking somewhat helpless.
"Could it be that my mind isn't calm enough?"
He could not help reflecting on himself, feeling that he was probably too restless and anxious.
Closing his eyes to calm himself once more, he intended to give it another try. But before he could focus and begin sensing, a figure within the limits of his perception caught his attention.
Katsuo opened his eyes. Seeing the figure running while crying, he found it amusing, yet also felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
"Is this... her getting bullied again?"
He stood, intending to call out to the figure. Yet before he could speak, she stopped and looked up. By sheer coincidence, she looked in his direction and spotted him rising to his feet!