章 88: Chapter 88:- Shikkotsu forest
After Kenshin agreed, Tsunade gave him a satisfied nod before excusing herself, saying she'd return in the morning to take him to Shikkotsu Forest. Kenshin watched her leave, a strange mixture of relief and apprehension settling in his chest.
Downstairs, Tsunade found Kana, Akane, Maki, and Shizune waiting anxiously, their eyes brightening with expectation—until they realized Kenshin wasn't with her. Akane's shoulders slumped, and she clenched her hands tightly, fighting back tears.
Noting their disappointment, Tsunade placed a reassuring hand on Akane's shoulder. "He agreed to something important," she said gently. "Tomorrow morning, I'm taking him to Shikkotsu Forest. It's a place of healing… a sanctuary that I believe can help him find the peace he needs."
Shizune's face tightened with worry. "Is it safe for Kenshin to go there, Tsunade-sama? Shikkotsu Forest has such high levels of nature energy that even I wouldn't be allowed there, and even you…."
Tsunade nodded thoughtfully. "True, Shizune. The forest is hidden to protect its sacred grounds and immense chakra from being disturbed by anyone unprepared. Not even I can properly explore it."
Shizune's brow furrowed further. "But then… how can Kenshin handle it?"
Tsunade's expression softened, a trace of a smile gracing her face. "Katsuyu has granted him permission. His chakra, in Katsuyu's words, is unique. If she believes he can endure the forest's energy, then I trust her judgment."
Akane managed a small smile, clinging to the hope that this journey might truly help her brother.
That night, Kenshin lay awake, staring at the ceiling as countless thoughts raced through his mind.
The day's events, the faces of those he'd hurt, and his own inner turmoil circled endlessly, each memory stinging deeper than the last. The hope of healing in Shikkotsu Forest was the only thing keeping his mind from spiraling.
As the first light of dawn crept through his window, a soft knock broke the silence. He rose, steeling himself as he opened the door to find Tsunade waiting.
"Ready?" she asked, her gaze as firm as her tone.
Kenshin nodded, his expression a blend of determination and lingering doubt. He'd packed everything into a single storage scroll, a physical representation of his commitment to this journey.
As they stepped outside, Kenshin saw Katsuyu waiting quietly, her calm presence reassuring. Tsunade explained, "Through reverse summoning, we can go directly to Shikkotsu Forest from here. It's the safest way to get there."
Katsuyu interrupted,"It's kind of the only way to get there unless you're planning on walking for years."
Just then, Kana appeared, her face radiating a gentle warmth. She approached Kenshin, reaching up to cup his face in her hands, her gaze soft but resolute. With a motherly smile, she pressed a loving kiss to his forehead.
"Ken-chan," she said in her lilting, tender voice, "no matter how far you go, you'll always be my little boy. So, take care of yourself, and remember… you're stronger than you think."
She enveloped him in a tight hug, and for a moment, Kenshin let himself be that child again, safe and loved.
As she released him, he heard Akane's voice. "Kenshin, close your eyes and turn around." Her tone was steady but gentle, and he obeyed without hesitation. He closed his eyes and turned, feeling her step closer until her warmth was right in front of him.
Suddenly, her lips pressed against his, the kiss passionate yet comforting. It took him by surprise, but her presence, so close yet unseen, soothed the haunting flashes of her injured face that had plagued him.
After a moment, she pulled back and said softly, "Be safe, Kenshin. Come back better. I'll be training too, and by the time you return, I'll be strong enough to stand beside you." She paused, then added, her voice firm and tender, "I love you."
Kenshin's breath hitched as he nodded, still unable to open his eyes. "I… I'll do my best."
With a final glance at his family, he felt Katsuyu's energy shift around them, and with a gentle pulse, the world blurred and shifted.
The familiar sights of his home vanished, and Kenshin felt a wave of chakra envelop him as the summoning took hold.
When his vision cleared, he found himself in a place unlike anything he'd seen—a lush, almost otherworldly forest stretched out around him, its towering trees shrouded in a faint, mystical glow.
He could feel the immense concentration of nature energy pulsating all around, dense and powerful. Tsunade stepped beside him, her expression reverent.
"Welcome to Shikkotsu Forest," she said, her voice almost a whisper. "Here, you'll find the solitude and focus you need. Katsuyu will guide you—listen to her, and you'll discover things about yourself that even you didn't know."
Katsuyu's gentle voice echoed all around him, each word resonating like soft thunder.
"Tsunade-sama will stay with us for half a day," Katsuyu said, her tone warm and reassuring, "but then she needs to return to her duties as Hokage, although I suppose she'd rather stay here. But rest assured, Kenshin. I will take good care of you."
Kenshin nodded, still trying to take in the surreal beauty of the forest when he noticed something strange about the mountainous form before him.
The surface was faintly pulsing, alive—and then it hit him. This wasn't a mountain at all. Standing before him was Katsuyu's true body: a colossal, two-kilometer-tall, several-kilometer-long entity that stretched beyond his sight.
"Daaammn!" he exclaimed, awe and disbelief mixing in his tone. "Katsuyu-sama, you're massive! You'd be… at least twelve times the size of the Hidden Leaf!" His mind raced, struggling to process her magnitude.
Katsuyu chuckled, the sound deep yet gentle. "Yes, my true form is indeed vast, Kenshin. But this is only necessary to fulfill my role as the protector of Shikkotsu Forest. I maintain a barrier that shields this place from the world, concealing its presence entirely. The forest is nearly as large as the Land of Fire itself."
Kenshin's eyes widened further, gazing around at the vast, ethereal forest that stretched endlessly in all directions. He could feel a powerful energy radiating from the trees, the earth, even the air itself.
"This forest," Katsuyu continued, "lies on a hidden continent, one humans have not touched in thousands of years, since the time of the Sage of Six Paths. Only a few humans have come here and returned—among them, the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and, of course, Tsunade-sama."
Kenshin glanced over at Tsunade, who gave him a nod of confirmation. "My grandfather came here to master his Wood Release abilities and deepen his bond with nature. This place… it changes you, Kenshin. If you open yourself to it, it can help you see beyond what you think you're capable of."
As her words sank in, Kenshin felt both excitement and trepidation. He had come here to heal, but the thought of discovering something new about himself, of pushing past his limits, stirred something deeper within him.
As they moved through the area, Tsunade showed Kenshin the small patches of earth not entirely blanketed by nature energy.
She explained that Katsuyu had brought them to one of the few areas that allowed humans without mastery of nature energy to tread safely.
"Most animals here avoid these areas," she said, guiding him along a path thick with vines and wild blooms. "The ones deeper in the forest have their own ways of using nature energy, like the toads of Mount Myoboku and the White Snake Sage of the Ryuchi cave."
Kenshin looked at her, brows furrowing. "Wait, so they… use nature energy?"
Katsuyu's voice resonated once more, gently elaborating. "Yes, Kenshin. Many creatures here draw upon nature energy, having evolved over countless ages. They channel it in various ways, though few use it like the sages of Mount Myoboku or Ryuchi Cave."
Kenshin took in the information slowly, glancing around at the flora and fauna with a newfound respect. As they walked, the forest seemed to come alive, every leaf and creature pulsing with energy he could barely begin to sense.
Tsunade led him past a glade filled with vibrant, otherworldly flowers and trees that seemed to sway to a rhythm only they could hear. Kenshin couldn't help but admire the beauty around him, breathing in the crisp, earthy air that seemed to cleanse his lungs with each breath.
He noticed Tsunade's expression was different here—almost youthful, her eyes glinting with excitement he had rarely seen.
"This place is… like a sanctuary for me," she said, her gaze soft as she looked around. "It's somewhere I can escape everything. You know, what happens in the forest stays in the forest, so don't even think about spilling my secrets when we're back." She smirked, a playful glint in her eyes.
Kenshin chuckled, feeling a bit of the heaviness inside him lift. "Alright, Hokage-sama. What happens here, stays here."
They soon stopped by a tree bearing round, yellow-orange fruits, and Tsunade plucked one, tossing it to him. "Try it."
Kenshin turned it over in his hands, thinking it looked like a tangerine. As he peeled it, though, the inside was unexpected—its flesh was soft, banana-like, but the aroma was stronger, earthy and wild.
He took a bite, his eyes widening at the flavor. It was both sweet and tangy, with an intensity he hadn't tasted before.
Tsunade watched him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Not bad, right? The fruit here is like everything else—stronger, wilder, untamed."
With each step, Kenshin felt his spirit lighten, the beauty of the forest filling him with an unexpected calm. As they continued deeper into the forest, he felt his initial hesitation and worries melting away, replaced by a sense of awe and curiosity.
For the first time in a long while, Kenshin felt like he was part of something bigger, something timeless.
Kenshin looked around as they continued walking, taking in the towering trees and shimmering streams, almost otherworldly in their beauty. "This place is so… alive," he murmured. "It feels like every part of it is watching us."
Tsunade nodded, a soft, nostalgic look crossing her face. "That's because it is. The forest itself has a presence, a will almost. You'll feel it the more you open yourself to it."
She glanced sideways at him, smirking a bit. "So don't go picking fights with any of the local wildlife. They're not like anything you've seen before."
Kenshin let out a chuckle, although a nervous one. "Got it. No sparring with giant slugs or chakra-infused tigers."
Tsunade laughed, but her expression quickly softened, and she looked at him with an uncharacteristic gentleness. "You know, Kenshin, this place… it's a refuge. Sometimes we all need a space to just… breathe."
Her words seemed to hang in the air, heavy with unspoken feelings. Kenshin realized that Shikkotsu Forest was more than just a place to Tsunade; it was where she could let down her guard, even if only briefly.
They stopped at the edge of a small, tranquil pond, its glassy surface reflecting the canopy above. Tsunade sat down on a moss-covered rock and patted the spot beside her. "Here, take a moment. Just listen. Feel."
Kenshin sat, closing his eyes as he let the sounds of the forest surround him—the soft hum of nature energy, the rustling leaves, the distant calls of strange creatures. It was peaceful, yet full of power, like the forest itself was a heartbeat he could feel within himself.
Tsunade spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Katsuyu will guide you through everything, but remember—this journey isn't just about getting stronger. It's about finding peace with yourself, too."
Opening his eyes, Kenshin looked over at her and gave a small nod. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama… for bringing me here."
After a while, Tsunade stood, brushing off her hands and stretching as she looked around the forest. "There should be a small hut not far from here," she said, her gaze thoughtful.
"I used to use it when I'd stay longer. But ever since I became Hokage, I don't really get to visit much—Shizune would have my head if I tried to escape for more than a day."
Kenshin chuckled, imagining Shizune's stern expression if she caught wind of Tsunade hiding away here. "Can't blame her for wanting you to keep things under control back in the village," he teased, pushing himself to stand.
As he got up, though, his foot slipped on the moss-covered rock, and before he knew it, he was tumbling forward, landing with a splash in the pond. The water, surprisingly warm despite the season, enveloped him as he surfaced with a surprised laugh.
Tsunade burst into laughter, the sound ringing through the forest.
Kenshin shook his head, water dripping down his face as he grinned back. "Guess I got a little too relaxed." He clambered out, squeezing the water from his sleeves. "At least the water's warmer than I expected."
Tsunade smirked, hands on her hips. "There are hidden springs throughout the forest that keep it temperate year-round. Even in the dead of winter, Shikkotsu Forest stays warm. Another thing to thank Katsuyu for."
Katsuyu's voice hummed in acknowledgment, the giant slug's presence felt like a comforting embrace around them both. "The warmth is necessary for the survival of the unique flora and fauna here. Nature here, like the forest itself, has adapted over countless centuries."
As they continued along the path, they eventually came upon a small, weathered hut tucked beneath an overhang of ancient trees. The structure was simple, made of smooth wooden beams and a roof covered in moss and vines, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
"It's humble," Tsunade said, almost a little shyly, as though seeing it with fresh eyes. "But it's sturdy. Built to last. Grandfather built it for me."
Kenshin smiled, admiring the craftsmanship that had allowed the hut to stand in such a wild, untamed place. "It's perfect. I can see why you'd want to come here."
Tsunade nodded, a small, wistful smile on her lips. "Being here has always made me feel like I'm part of something larger, like this forest's energy is somehow… healing. It's why I knew this place would be right for you, too."
Kenshin looked back at the forest, realizing the truth in her words. Here, in this timeless sanctuary, he could feel some of the burdens he carried growing lighter.
They moved further along the path, Tsunade pointing out landmarks and hidden pockets of the safe zone. Suddenly, she paused, her gaze settling on a fallen log nearby. She bent down, lifting it with ease and examining it with interest.
Turning to Kenshin, a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Hit this with a fireball."
Kenshin raised a brow but complied, forming a quick hand seal. A small, controlled flame burst from his mouth, striking the log.
To his surprise, it ignited with a vivid, bright light, almost like a torch, though the flame was strangely slow and steady.
"This log comes from a special tree," Tsunade explained, watching as the flame danced. "As it grows, it sheds its lower branches. The resin in the wood burns brighter and slower than anything you'll find outside the forest. This one log could burn for a full day without fading."
Kenshin's eyes widened, the glow of the flame casting a warm light on his face. "That's… amazing. It's like the forest has its own secrets."
"It does," Tsunade agreed, a hint of pride in her voice. "But this wood won't survive beyond Shikkotsu Forest. The nature energy here keeps everything alive. Without it, anything from the forest would wither away."
With a quick, powerful stomp, she put out the flame, the log instantly returning to a faint smolder. She placed it back on the ground and beckoned for Kenshin to follow as they continued their exploration.
She showed him different patches of vegetation, pointing out edible fruits and herbs that would be safe for him to eat if he ever needed to.
But as they walked, she gave a stern warning. "Don't even think about hunting any animals or fish here. The forest's creatures don't cross into the safe zone, and if you eat anything from outside it…"
Kenshin looked at her, noting the seriousness in her tone. "What happens?"
"The burst of nature energy will turn you to stone," she replied, her expression unwavering. "It's how the forest protects itself."
Kenshin shuddered, glancing around at the creatures flitting through the trees. "Understood. Definitely sticking to the plants."
Tsunade smiled, satisfied. "Good. The forest has ways of ensuring respect. Just remember, Kenshin—this place isn't about training. It's about balance and reverence."
The forest seemed timeless, each step blending seamlessly into the next, as if nature itself had slowed to let Tsunade and Kenshin savor every moment.
Tsunade showed him a hidden stream with water as clear as glass, where tiny, silver fish darted between rocks. They moved past flowers that seemed to bloom as they neared, filling the air with a heady, almost mystical fragrance.
Kenshin felt the weight of his worries continue to dissolve, replaced by an appreciation for the calm strength of this place and the woman guiding him.
They eventually paused at the edge of another small clearing, the afternoon sun streaming through the canopy in dappled patches of gold.
Tsunade took a deep breath, her eyes soft as she looked over the vibrant forest around them. For a moment, she looked younger, her face unguarded in a way Kenshin rarely saw.
"It's easy to forget everything out here," she murmured, almost to herself.
"Thank you for showing me this place," Kenshin replied, his voice quiet. "It feels like… a fresh start."
She looked at him and nodded, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. But before she could respond, Katsuyu's voice hummed softly through the air.
"Tsunade-sama," Katsuyu's voice was kind but held a gentle reminder. "The sun is beginning to dip, and it is best you return to the Leaf Village. There are matters requiring your attention."
Tsunade sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she gave a resigned smile. "Always something to pull me back, huh?"
Katsuyu's main form then released a small piece of itself, which separated and slithered onto Tsunade's shoulder, settling there with a comforting weight. Tsunade turned to Kenshin, her expression both proud and a touch reluctant.
"Guess it's time for me to head back," she said, brushing a few leaves from her shoulder. "But you'll be alright. Katsuyu will guide you, and remember, take your time here. This forest has a lot to teach if you're willing to listen."
Kenshin gave her a deep bow, his gratitude evident. "Thank you for everything, Tsunade-sama. I'll take care of this place."
Tsunade reached out, resting a hand on his shoulder. "You're stronger than you realize, Kenshin. Trust that strength." She gave his shoulder a squeeze, her gaze steady. "And take care of yourself too. I want to see the man you become after this."
With a nod, she stepped back, placing her hand on the small Katsuyu, who glowed softly with the chakra of reverse summoning. In a quiet flash, Tsunade vanished, the forest momentarily still as if marking her departure.
Kenshin took a deep breath, feeling the silence settle around him, and the forest seemed to shift, like a comforting presence wrapping around him.
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