Setting Off

Natsume exited the vault with the two scrolls and returned to the counter. Seeing she was already finished, the scroll keeper led her to the study room, unsealed the scrolls and gave her ample time to memorize them. However, since she was an Uchiha with Sharingan, memorizing the contents was only a matter of time. Once she read through the Body Flicker scroll, she already had an understanding of how it worked.

As for Subterranean Voyage, she had a difficult time comprehending the theory. Fortunately, she had three days to practice, and Natsume was confident in her learning ability. And if by chance she still couldn't figure it out, she could always practice on the mission. She returned the scrolls and went straight toward the training ground. However, when she arrived, she almost fainted from shock.

In the center of the training grounds was a large crater. At the bottom of the crater was a smooth, black surface. All the grass in the clearing was either burned up or dried out. She gulped and finally understood the severity of her actions. There were three designated training grounds that were considered safe and secure based on their proximity and nearby natural barriers. Destroying one would be equal to cutting the future strength of the Uchiha by a third.

Fortunately, the ground was just damaged which could be easily repaired. Considering that it was left alone was likely indicated that it was Natsume's responsibility to fix it. Since it was not a secret that she had a secondary earth nature, it wasn't an unreasonable expectation.

It was even possible that there were no proficient earth release users available either. Her chakra nature is a bit unique in the clan. Approximately half the Uchiha population would have fire and lightning release, and the other half would have fire and wind release. There was only a small fraction that would have a third primary nature or a different second nature all together.

The only issue was that Natsume didn't have any Jutsu that could fix the hole quickly. She walked over and inspected the damage. The black rock at the bottom of the hole was quite strange. She slid down the side of the hole and landed with a thud. The rock was very solid underneath her feet. When she touched it, it was very smooth. Although she had never seen it herself, somehow it was very familiar. It had a wavy pattern to it as if it was a liquid at one point.

"Ah! That's it!" Natsume was suddenly enlightened. She jumped out of the hole and formed the hand seals. She sunk into the ground as it turned into a thick custard-like liquid. Then, by transforming the earth in front of her and reverting the earth behind her, she would be able to 'swim' through stone. On her first attempt, the rock was too thick. On the second attempt, it was too thin.

Through repeated trial and error, Natsume was getting closer and closer to the right consistency that would make her movement through the earth the most efficient. However, after practicing for a hour, she had to take a break. Her face was red, and she took heavy breaths. There was one major weakness to the technique—air! As long as she could hold her breath she could travel through the earth. Fortunately, shinobi have strong capability to hold their breaths as it is a fundamental skill to have.

After catching her breath, Natsume decided to work on body flicker for now. The concept was a lot simpler. Basically, she just had to move really fast in an instantaneous motion. It required very minimal comprehension of lightning release and mostly body control. After practicing the technique for five hours, she was confident that her body flicker was worthy of a high-rank warrior. The chakra requirement for body flicker was low so she didn't need much time to rest.

However, before she could return to practicing Subterranean Voyage, she detected a familiar presence approaching. Natsume turned and greeted him. "Hello, Sahiro-sama."

Her father returning from the front meant that the war was likely completely over. Only a few sentry groups would be posted to keep an eye on any movement. However, since the mercenary jobs were over, few clans would go out of their way to fight for no reward. Although there was a hatred between the Uchiha and Senju, they were both also just fighting to survive in this chaotic time. With winter approaching, it was best to store food and reinforce buildings. Despite its name, the Land of Fire did see a fierce snow storm every year.

"Natsume, on the day that you were born, I named you with the hope that you would live safely to see the summer sun after every winter. However, I realize now my naivety. I have fought my whole life to protect the clan and my family, now I see that you will inherit my mantle. Bring your sword out!"

Sahiro drew his sword from his hip and made a frontal assault. Natsume was ready and began to clash blades with him. She assumed that he would hold back, but she was very wrong. On this end of his blade, she felt like one of his enemies on the battlefield. His killing intent was not hidden at all, and his three tomoe sharingan spun wildly.

Natsume utilized every muscle in her body just to draw enough strength to parry and block. As for dodging? It was impossible. Sahiro was faster and stronger than her. However, as the fight gradually progressed, one minute turned into one hour. And eventually, the sun began to set. Natsume was lying on the ground, completely exhausted, but she had gained a lot. Sahiro sheathed his sword and left Natsume there to think over their long battle.

After resting and consolidating everything she learned, Natsume went back to her residence. Although her skill in kenjutsu was very good for her age, it was still a far cry from a shinobi with battlefield experience. This was the main thing that Sahiro had intended to teach her. The fancy attacks and tricky angles were useless against overwhelming power and aggression. It was no longer a match of who was better in kenjutsu, but who could grind down their opponent's stamina first.

And in that, Natsume lost on all counts.

Originally, she thought that she could master Subterranean Voyage in the three days allotted. However, it proved to be much more difficult than she expected. The limitations she faced were firstly, lack of proficiency in earth release, and second, lack of stamina. And as if to drive that point even further, her father would come after noon to beat her to a pulp until sunset.

Although frustrating, she was thankful. Pointing out her flaws and weaknesses in battle would be essential to her survival in a real fight. She had still yet to face someone that wished to kill her, and based on Sahiro's attitude, it was likely to occur on this search and rescue mission. Although they were much more distant than compared to the past, she could still feel his fatherly love.

On the morning that Natsume planned to set out, Sahiro knocked on her door.

"Sahiro-sama, what instructions do you have?" She asked, thinking that he had brought some advice. However, she saw a beautiful black and red scabbard housing a sword with black leather wraps.

"This is the sword that my father passed down to me. I have never used it out of guilt, but I believe you can bring out this sword's full potential."

Natsume was hesitant to take the gift. It seemed that whenever someone gave her a gift, that person would die or disappear. However, seeing the love in his eyes, Natsume took the sword and bit her lip. "Thank you… father."