The brutal years of turmoil slowly passed. The scene on the Sky Screen shifted completely, leaving behind the horrors of that living hell and settling on a quiet, secluded waterfall high in the mountains.
Mountain springs surged and waterfalls cascaded, mist drifting through the forest. At a glance, it was an ideal sanctuary for training.
Gamamaru's tiny figure crouched on a bluestone beside the waterfall as he earnestly guided the brothers Hagoromo and Hamura in their training.
An unknown amount of time slipped quietly by. The brothers trained tirelessly day and night, never slacking off, until they finally mastered the basics of controlling natural energy.
Now, Hamura's chakra blended perfectly with natural energy. His aura was powerful and steady, making him seem like an entirely different person.
He slowly raised his hand, feeling the unprecedented power surging within him. His face filled with irrepressible excitement and astonishment, and he could not help exclaiming aloud.
"This is incredible! Is this the power of natural energy?!"
"After combining it with my own chakra, my physique, speed, strength, and perception have all skyrocketed!"
"I've become at least several times stronger! Is this the legendary Senjutsu?"
"It's truly amazing!"
The gentle, vast, pure power of Senjutsu overturned everything he had previously understood about strength.
Watching Hamura brimming with joy and excitement, Gamamaru gave a gratified smile from atop the rock and spoke slowly.
"This is only the beginning."
"You've barely crossed the threshold and achieved an initial fusion. Once you become fully proficient, bring it all together, and master deeper levels of natural energy, the boost Senjutsu gives you will be several times more formidable than it is now."
"Really? Hahaha! Gamamaru, you're incredible!"
Hamura laughed heartily, filled with anticipation for the future.
Just as their spirits were rising and everything seemed to be