By now, a clear picture had taken shape in Shinichi's mind of the ancient powers that humans had relied on to survive and fight back before the age of Chakra:
Swordsman: A tradition from before Chakra became widespread, in which people honed their bodies and mastered weapon techniques—especially the sword—to oppose the supernatural!
Core: Physical energy.
Miko/Shrine Priest: A tradition from before Chakra became widespread, in which people used spiritual meditation, Talismans, prayer, and Sealing Jutsu to oppose the supernatural!
Core: Mental energy.
Monk: A tradition from before Chakra became widespread, in which people sensed the natural world and harmonized with Natural Energy, using it to oppose the supernatural!
Core: Natural Energy.
The Three Ancient Systems each represented a different path—and its pinnacle—in humanity's exploration of the power within itself and the world beyond.
But after Kaguya Otsutsuki arrived and Chakra gradually spread, this new form of energy—easier to cultivate, more accessible, and capable of incorporating aspects of all three systems—eventually became the mainstream.
It pushed these ancient traditions to the margins of history or forced them to change.
After thinking through these roots and connections, Shinichi didn't dwell on them any further. It was too early to worry about such things.
After all, he was currently a Konoha shinobi. His identity and loyalties meant he couldn't just run off to some shrine or temple to seek a master.
Besides, ordinary temples and shrines probably couldn't meet the strict conditions his Trait system required for generating an "independent, complete supernatural tradition."
Perhaps only places with a long history, a complete lineage, and genuine access to their core power—like the Miko of Demon Country or the monks of Fire Temple—could qualify.
"This will take careful thought and planning."
For now, he put this plan for the future aside and brought his