At his most lucid, he forgot the world around him and entered a profound state of spiritual clarity. He could clearly sense the surging energy around his body, bursting forth with the breath of nature.
"Sometimes gentle, sometimes restless, as changeable as the weather, following nature's endless cycles. Natural Energy is exactly what its name says. I really did it." Having successfully sensed Natural Energy, he smiled faintly as if his spirit were being cleansed.
"Fugaku, are you ready to receive the gift I prepared for you?"
Kaede murmured confidently.
"Winter, you're hurt!" When he stood up on Winter's head again and took in his surroundings, he noticed streaks of blood staining her pure white fur. She'd been injured in the fight.
"Whimper~ It hurts so much~ Kaede, that ugly guy is really strong. He's hit me several times, and I've got a huge gash."
Hearing Kaede's voice, Winter knew he'd woken up. She whimpered in his mind, her voice weak and tearful.
"Mm~ It's fine. Your wound has already healed. Don't be scared; you won't die. You're not a normal creature. You can be destroyed, but you can't be killed."
Kaede reassured her, exasperated.
As a Rune Creature, she was already something like a half-energy being. As long as she had enough Natural Energy, any physical injury would heal quickly.
"But it hurts~"
"Extra food tonight!"
"Roar~ I'll take on ten!" Golden lightning coiled around her paw as she rose onto her hind legs. The sudden attack caught Fugaku off guard, and her paw struck Susanoo's face again and again.
She slapped Susanoo backward, over and over.
"What kind of summoning beast is that? I don't think I've ever seen one in the Shinobi World. It's far too strong, isn't it?"
"Ever since the clan leader started fighting Uchiha