Chương 89: Chapter 89:- The cats of Shikkotsu Forest

Kenshin wandered through the Shikkotsu Forest, his senses absorbing every detail of the vivid, untouched wilderness around him.

The air was cool and vibrant, filled with a hum of energy he could almost feel in his bones, while rays of warm light filtered through the treetops, casting everything in a soft, golden glow as the sun began to dip below the horizon.

Remembering Tsunade's advice, he picked a few of the brightly colored fruits she'd pointed out earlier, their fragrance refreshing.

Along the way, he found a fallen log from one of the resin-rich trees, a find he knew would make the night warmer back in the hut.

As dusk deepened, he returned to the small shelter. With a spark of his fire jutsu, the log ignited, casting a steady, warm glow that brightened the room.

After finishing the fruits he'd gathered, Kenshin lay down, watching the fire flicker and dance, his thoughts wandering in the quiet.

The next day unfolded in a similar, peaceful rhythm, though a restlessness began to stir in him as the hours passed. By mid-afternoon, he found himself gazing past the boundaries of the safe zone, curiosity flaring.

It was as if the heart of the forest called to him, and he felt the pull to explore deeper, to witness the raw power of Shikkotsu Forest beyond the limits set for him.

He finally voiced his thoughts to Katsuyu, who hesitated, her gentle voice tinged with concern. "The deeper forest holds ancient energy, Kenshin. It is not safe for you."

"But you'll be there, won't you, Katsuyu-sama?" Kenshin reasoned. "And I feel ready—I'm prepared to face whatever is out there."

After a pause, Katsuyu relented. "Very well, Kenshin. But take caution. The energy outside the safe zone is unlike anything you've experienced."

A small part of Katsuyu detached and nestled onto his shoulder, emitting a soft, protective energy that wrapped around him like a shield.

Kenshin felt its calming warmth, and as they moved beyond the safe zone, he sensed the difference instantly. The air grew thicker, charged with nature energy that pulsed in tune with the heartbeat of the forest itself.

Katsuyu-sama's voice resonated in his mind. "This barrier will allow you to adjust gradually. Stay mindful, and let the forest guide you."

With each step forward, Kenshin felt himself absorbing the pulse of Shikkotsu Forest, his senses awakening to the endless, untamed energy surrounding him. He was entering uncharted territory, yet it felt as if he were finally crossing a threshold he'd long yearned for.

As Kenshin ventured further, even with Katsuyu-sama's barrier enveloping him, the dense nature energy was undeniable.

It wrapped around him, seeping into every fiber of his being, leaving him feeling lightheaded—not in a disorienting way, but as though he was floating in some ancient, all-encompassing presence that soothed his spirit.

He paused, breathing deeply, taking in the richness of the forest. It was a place his family would cherish, and a pang of guilt struck him for not sharing this experience with them.

Akane would have been captivated by Shikkotsu's unique energy, and he could easily imagine Kana's face lighting up with childlike wonder at the boundless life in these woods.

But when he thought of Akane, the weight of why he'd come here settled over him again. He'd come to heal, to escape from the shadows of his mind, so that he could return to her without the haunting images—the memories of that terrible day, of her blood-streaked face—that had haunted him ever since.

He wanted to stand by her side without the pain, without seeing her as a reflection of his own turmoil.

Lost in thought, he continued to wander until he came to a sudden halt. Through the shifting shadows of the forest, a figure stood in the distance, vaguely humanoid and almost blending into the dense surroundings.

Kenshin froze, his heartbeat quickening as he tried to make sense of the unexpected presence.

Kenshin took a cautious step forward, peering at the figure in the distance. "Katsuyu-sama, who… who is that?"

Katsuyu's voice echoed gently, reassuringly. "You may call out to her, Kenshin. She isn't hostile."

Nodding, Kenshin raised his voice. "Hello! I'm… I'm Kenshin!"

The figure turned, revealing herself fully as she faced him—a young woman with strikingly short white hair, pointed feline ears, and a long, sleek tail swishing cautiously. She wore a green top and shorts, clearly adapted to the forest environment.

Kenshin barely had a moment to take in her unique appearance before she tensed, a flicker of instinct flashing in her eyes.

"Meowww!!!" In an instant, she lunged at him, claws bared in a flurry of movement.

Kenshin activated his Sharingan, instinctively dodging her first strike. But the oppressive nature energy around him amplified his lightheadedness, making his reaction time sluggish. Using his personal chakra within this dense nature energy made it hard for him to resist it, despite Katsuyu's barrier.

His vision swayed, and he felt his footing slip as he narrowly avoided another swipe, feeling the rush of wind from her claws brush against his cheek.

"Kira!" Katsuyu's voice rang out, stern and unyielding, startling the catgirl. "Enough! He's not an enemy."

Kira stopped, her golden eyes wide, as if snapping back to reality. Kenshin managed a weak, relieved smile before the dizziness took over completely.

The world spun as his knees gave out, and the last thing he saw was Kira's surprised face hovering over him before everything went dark.

Kenshin stirred, his eyelids feeling like lead as he slowly drifted back into consciousness. He felt his limbs heavy and his mind hazy, but he was vaguely aware of two figures standing beside him.

One of them was the catgirl he'd encountered earlier—Kira, if he remembered Katsuyu's voice correctly—and beside her was another, who bore a striking resemblance to Kira but had softer features and an even more curious expression.

The second catgirl leaned closer to Kira and whispered, "Are you sure he's really a human? He doesn't look like one of the forest animals. You think they're the same down there?"

Kira gave a mischievous grin, her gaze flicking to Kenshin with a glint of curiosity. Slowly, she crouched beside him, her fingers inching towards the belt of his pants, her eyes gleaming with childlike wonder.

A sudden jolt of awareness shot through Kenshin, and he cleared his throat as best he could, managing to mumble, "Excuse me! Am I being… you know, raped? Because, in that case, I'd prefer to fall back unconscious first."

Kira froze, her eyes widening in surprise before narrowing in slight annoyance. The other girl stifled a giggle, covering her mouth as she smiled apologetically.

"No, no!" she said, laughing lightly. "We're not interested in… that. We've just never seen a human up close. We were… just curious." She nudged Kira with an amused grin. "Right, Kira?"

Kira huffed, crossing her arms as she looked away. "You humans and your assumptions," she muttered, though there was a hint of a playful smile tugging at her lips.

The second girl then introduced herself, giving Kenshin a small, polite nod. "I'm Sora, Kira's younger sister."

She gestured to the area around them, her eyes bright. "We… don't get many humans here, so please forgive us if we seem… a bit forward."

Kenshin managed a small, sheepish smile, his body still too heavy to move much. "No worries, but maybe a little less hands-on curiosity next time?"

Sora laughed, and even Kira let out a slight chuckle, her tail flicking behind her as she relaxed a bit.

As Kenshin lay on the ground, still regaining control of his body, Katsuyu's gentle voice echoed in his mind.

"Kenshin, I must admit, I'm surprised to see you've retained your human form without my barrier," Katsuyu murmured, a tone of mild astonishment in her voice. "It would seem that your body has a natural resilience to the nature energy here."

Kenshin blinked up at the slug, the weight of her words slowly sinking in as he processed the intense energy that pulsed through the forest. "You mean… I should have turned to stone?"

"Yes," Katsuyu replied calmly. "It's fortunate you haven't. Such resistance is rare for humans without proper training in sage techniques."

Kira shot Kenshin a sidelong glance, a hint of both suspicion and intrigue in her golden eyes. Sora, meanwhile, seemed genuinely impressed, her tail flicking with interest.

"Kira and Sora here are part of the cat tribe of the Shikkotsu Forest," Katsuyu continued, turning her attention to the two sisters. "Their clan gained these humanoid features many generations ago when a large number of humans transformed under the influence of nature energy."

"Humans?" Kenshin echoed, still feeling slightly dazed as he looked between Kira and Sora.

Sora nodded, smiling a little at his confusion. "A long time ago, many humans came here, hoping to learn sage jutsu from the Great Cat Sage—our ancestor, Nekomata."

"Nekomata? As in the yokai?" Kenshin asked, curious despite his lingering lightheadedness.

"Yes," Katsuyu explained, "but Nekomata is not just one individual. It is a title passed down through the generations, given to the strongest of the cat tribe. Kira and Sora are daughters of the current Nekomata, their mother, who leads the tribe."

Kenshin glanced at Kira, who crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, muttering, "Not that it matters to a human." Her tone held a touch of irritation, as if Kenshin's presence were more nuisance than novelty.

Sora sighed, nudging her sister playfully. "Don't mind her. She just… has her own way of showing interest." She smiled kindly at Kenshin. "It's rare for us cats to meet a human, especially one who... isn't turned to stone."

Kira's tail flicked in agitation, and she let out a low growl. "I don't care. He's still a human, and humans are noisy, reckless, and disrespectful. That's what grandmother told us." She shot Kenshin a sharp glare. "So don't get any ideas about sticking around."

Kenshin chuckled weakly, catching her irritated gaze. "We'll see about that, princess. I love changing people's attitude towards me."

Sora laughed, but Kira huffed and turned away, her ears twitching in apparent annoyance.

Sora extended her hand, helping Kenshin to his feet. "You're certainly not like the humans grandmother told us about," she said with a soft smile. "If you'd like, you can come visit our village. It's not far from here."

Kenshin's eyes lit up. "I'd love to," he replied, dusting himself off. Despite Kira's obvious reluctance, the thought of seeing more of the Shikkotsu Forest—and perhaps understanding the cat tribe's way of life—was too intriguing to pass up.

Kira folded her arms, her tail twitching with irritation. "Hmph. Just don't expect any warm welcomes," she muttered, flicking her gaze elsewhere.

Katsuyu slid onto Kenshin's shoulder with a calm nod. "Very well, then. I'll remain close to assist with the nature energy."

They walked in silence at first, weaving through dense, ancient trees, their branches forming a canopy that filtered soft rays of light onto the forest floor. As they neared the village, Kenshin could hear faint, lively sounds—chattering voices, laughter, and the occasional yowl echoing through the trees.

He looked around, marveling at how the entire area seemed untouched by time, every inch brimming with raw energy.

Kira's pace slowed as they approached the entrance, where a series of woven wooden arches marked the boundary. "Just… don't make a fuss." she grumbled over her shoulder, glancing briefly at Kenshin with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.

Sora, walking beside him, grinned. "Welcome to the village of the Nekomata," she said proudly. Kenshin stepped forward, eyes widening as he took in the sight.

The village was alive with catfolk going about their day—some walking upright like humans, others on all fours, carrying supplies or lounging on rooftops. The sight was unlike anything Kenshin had ever seen.

As soon as Kenshin set foot inside the village, everything around him shifted. Conversations halted, and countless golden and green eyes turned toward him, widening in shock and unease.

Within moments, whispers became a wave of nervous murmurs, escalating into startled yowls and the sounds of paws and feet scrambling away.

Kenshin froze, feeling the weight of so many eyes on him. His instinct told him to back away, but he stood his ground, glancing at Katsuyu for guidance.

High above, her enormous true form emerged, a vast, towering figure that cast a calm shadow over the forest canopy.

A low rumble from Katsuyu rippled through the trees, her voice steady and reassuring. "Calm down, people. He is here under my protection and guidance. There is no cause for alarm. He is but a guest in our forest."

Slowly, the catfolk calmed, the tense energy dissolving into hushed curiosity. Kira, however, smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement as if savoring the village's wary reception.

"See? You don't belong here," she said with a smug tone, clearly entertained by the chaos his presence had caused.

Kenshin shrugged, managing a small grin. "Hey, guess that means I'm special, right?"

Sora chuckled and shook her head, nudging him forward. "Come on, let's take you to meet our mother. She'll want to know you're here." She led him down the central path, flanked by the watchful eyes of villagers, who observed him with a blend of wariness and fascination.

At the end of the path stood a large, ornate mansion with arched doorways carved in the shape of paw prints and walls adorned with intricate designs of feline symbols.

Sora guided him inside, the atmosphere shifting from the forest's wild energy to a refined, mysterious calm.

"This is the residence of the Nekomata," Sora said with pride, her tone respectful as she gestured toward a grand door lined with faintly glowing runes.

Kenshin took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. He was about to meet the leader of this tribe—the Nekomata herself, Kira and Sora's mother.

As Kenshin entered the mansion, he found himself surrounded by an air of sophistication and quiet reverence that set it apart from the wildness of the forest.

Catfolk with sleek fur and graceful movements lined the hallways, clearly servants, and each held a look of composed grace. However, even they couldn't entirely mask their curiosity—and surprise—at seeing a human in their midst.

Eyes widened, tails flicked nervously, but the servants kept their composure as they led Kenshin and the sisters deeper into the mansion.

Sora's calm smile gave Kenshin some reassurance, while Kira's smirk persisted, clearly savoring the unease Kenshin's presence was causing.

Finally, they arrived at a large set of doors adorned with elaborate carvings of mystical feline figures.

One of the attendants stepped forward, gently pushing open the heavy doors to reveal a grand room with towering, arched windows that spilled the fading afternoon light across the room.

At the center sat the Nekomata, reclining upon an intricately carved wooden throne layered with lush, soft furs. She exuded an undeniable regal presence, her poise a blend of mystique and power.

Her silver hair cascaded down her back, shimmering with subtle undertones of violet, and her eyes—an intense, otherworldly shade of gold flecked with green—narrowed with an astute gaze as she regarded Kenshin.

She wore a long, dark violet robe adorned with elegant silver embroidery, intricate patterns that resembled flowing rivers and vines. The robe covered her almost entirely, save for her tail, which rested elegantly beside her like a silent reminder of her feline nature.

She smiled, the expression both welcoming and assessing. Her voice was soft, yet it carried an underlying authority that filled the room. "So, this is the human who has wandered into our realm."

Kenshin met her gaze, feeling both a strange comfort and a tension he couldn't entirely shake. Bowing respectfully, he replied, "Yes, ma'am. My name is Kenshin."

"Kenshin." The Nekomata rolled the name over her tongue thoughtfully, her eyes briefly flicking over to her daughters. "You must have an unusual chakra to be able to walk these lands without succumbing to the nature energy. A rare quality in any human."

She leaned forward slightly, studying him with an intensity that bordered on unsettling, as though searching for something beneath the surface. "Tell me, Kenshin—what has brought you to our forest?"

Kenshin took a steadying breath, feeling the weight of her gaze. "I came to this forest to recover, to find a place of calm and… maybe some healing. I'm here under Katsuyu-sama's guidance. I hurt some people I care about, and have come to heal from that trauma."

The Nekomata nodded slowly, a glimmer of understanding in her expression. "I see." She folded her hands, her long, graceful fingers tipped with barely-there claws that glinted in the light. "Healing can be a long, arduous journey. I hope you achieve what you come for."

She glanced toward Kira, who, still smirking, seemed uninterested in any sentiments. Sora, however, looked at her mother with quiet empathy. The Nekomata's gaze softened, and she turned back to Kenshin.

"I am Aruna, the Nekomata," she said with a serene smile. "The title has passed through many of our kind, but I hold it now. The mantle carries with it both privilege and burden. Much like Katsuyu-sama, I am a guide and protector of this forest and those who dwell here."

Kenshin nodded, sensing the strength and wisdom in her words. "It's an honor to meet you, Aruna-sama."

Aruna tilted her head slightly, her gaze as penetrating as ever. "Honor is earned, young human," she replied with a faint, almost teasing smile.

"But if you seek to stay here for a time, then perhaps you may find a place within our village." She glanced at Kira, a spark of playful command in her eyes. "And my daughters may be able to learn a thing or two from a visitor."

Kira's smirk vanished, and she shot her mother a wary, almost indignant look. "Mother…"

Aruna chuckled, a low, lilting sound that echoed softly. "Welcome, Kenshin. I trust you'll find your stay… enlightening."

Aruna's eyes softened as she looked at Kenshin, her tone firm yet inviting. "Also, you may stay with us, Kenshin," she said. "And if you're interested in learning the ways of nature energy and the techniques of our kind, I can allow you to begin… provided you're compatible with our energy."

Kenshin's eyes sparked with excitement. "I'd be honored to learn sage techniques from you, Aruna-sama."

Aruna rose gracefully from her throne, her intense gaze holding Kenshin's as she approached. Kira's mouth curled into a mischievous smile, like she knew what was about to happen, while Sora rolled her eyes with a small sigh, clearly aware of the meaning of this display.

As Aruna came close, Kenshin's heart quickened, unsure of what to expect. Then, without warning, she leaned forward, her lips pressing against his in a kiss that startled him.

Her tongue slipped into his mouth, carrying with it a strange, warm energy that surged through him. The sensation was overwhelming, spreading through his body like a current of life and vigor.

After a lingering moment, Aruna pulled back, a thin trail of saliva bridging their mouths before she withdrew fully. Kenshin blinked, his cheeks flushed and mind spinning as he processed the unexpected kiss—and the power that had come with it.

Aruna smiled with satisfaction. "I've just injected you with my own nature energy," she explained. "If your body wasn't compatible, you would've fainted immediately. But you're still standing… though perhaps your heritage as an Uzumaki-Uchiha hybrid played a part in this."

Kenshin grinned, recovering his composure. "Well, I could get used to receiving nature energy this way," he said with a playful tone. "And I have to say, Aruna-sama, you're a very good kisser."

Kira snickered, amused at Kenshin's boldness, while Sora sighed, shaking her head as though she'd expected nothing less. Aruna, however, chuckled, unbothered by his teasing.

"Flattery aside," Aruna continued with a slight smile, "your heritage may indeed explain why you're able to handle my nature energy. The Uzumaki clan, alongside the Senju, are direct descendants of the younger son of the Sage of Six Paths, Ashura. Ashura had three daughters, and one of them was the first human to attempt using our process of drawing upon nature energy."

She tilted her head, studying Kenshin as if observing history reborn. "That daughter failed, however, and her body began to take on feline traits. She remained in the Shikkotsu Forest, choosing to stay with the cat tribe rather than return to human society."

Kenshin listened, captivated. "And over time… that's how the current cat tribe came to be?"

Aruna nodded, her voice softening. "Yes. Many other humans tried in the century that followed, and not one succeeded. Each transformed in some way, gaining feline characteristics and ultimately becoming part of the tribe. This was how our people came to be. So, in a way, we carry both human and nature energy within us. Our appearance is a reflection of that transformation."

Kenshin absorbed her words, the significance of his dual heritage settling within him. "And what about the Uchiha clan?" he asked.

"The Uchiha descend from Indra, the elder son of the Sage of Six Paths," Aruna replied. "In a way, you possess a very diluted form of the Sage's chakra, combining aspects of both his sons. Perhaps that's why you haven't succumbed to my nature energy. But know that this is only the beginning."

Her gaze grew more intense, an ancient wisdom reflecting in her eyes. "To wield our nature energy will require not only skill but resilience."

She paused, a touch of nostalgia crossing her expression. "The Nekomata in power during the age of the Sage of Six Paths was my great-grandfather. What I've shared with you comes from the knowledge passed down by my ancestors."

Kenshin regarded her with newfound respect. "You've lived a very long time, haven't you, Aruna-sama?"

She nodded, her serene smile tinged with wisdom. "Indeed, centuries have passed since I first took on the mantle of Nekomata. And now, perhaps, you'll come to understand the legacy of this place, and of our tribe."

Kenshin blinked in surprise, Aruna's timeless beauty and poise making him suddenly curious about her daughters' ages. "Wait, so… how old are Sora and Kira?"

Kira immediately let out an annoyed huff, crossing her arms with an indignant flick of her tail. "Probably older than your mother, human," she replied with a scoff. "I'd guess by a fair amount too."

Kenshin raised an eyebrow, stifling a chuckle. It was technically true, considering Kana was only 37, but the idea was still a bit hard to wrap his mind around.

Sora, ever calm, added more detail. "In human years, I'm around 76, and Kira is 98."

She flashed a serene smile, a slight twinkle of amusement in her eyes. "But by our standards, we're considered… well, what humans would call teenagers. Not much older than you."

Kenshin glanced between the two sisters, now feeling slightly overwhelmed. "So, basically, you both still have some growing up to do?"

Kira rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched into a smirk. "Watch it, human," she said, jabbing his shoulder with her tail. "Or you might not survive long enough to see us 'grow up' fully."

[Image of the Nekomata family]

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