Encounter Nature Energy Again

"Tsume, did you enjoy the market?" She saw the goods on the cart and the excited look on her face. Natsume ran up to Saya and hugged her. Saya was surprised but hugged her back. Natsume was in the middle of acting, but deep down she had the urge to treat Saya as her mother. This was a trauma she couldn't seem to get over. The trauma was clear and Saya didn't find it strange at all.

"Honey, welcome home." She looked over at Lee as he unloaded the cart and started taking care of the ox. Lee nodded at her and looked away. Saya giggled at her shy husband and brought Natsume into the house to show her around. There wasn't much, which was expected of a farming family. Natsume realized just how wealthy of a life she had in her clan. She hoped that more families could share that comfortable life in the future.

"Aunt, let me help you make rice." Natsume rolled up her sleeves and started helping Saya wash the rice and vegetables. She smiled and didn't say no. The best way to build a rapport was to do things together and both of them had that intention. Saya was determined to give her motherly love to fill in the void and Natsume was trying to build her identity flawlessly.

After three days of living with her adoptive family, Natsume planned her first nightly mission. Saya and Lee would be traveling to a nearby village and not return until the next day. They needed to buy some specialized rice seedlings to sow for the new season. This was his secret to high yield every year. Saya gave Natsume a long list of things to do and how to take care of herself.

"We left plenty of money, don't hesitate to buy whatever you need!" Lee sat on the cart waiting to leave, but Saya was nervously repeating everything to Natsume again.

"En, I understand."

"Remember to go to bed on time and lock up. Don't let the rodents get into the pantry. Ask the neighbor if you need any help with anything."

"I understand." Natsume was patient. She never experienced such smothering love before and didn't get frustrated. However, she was finally rescued by Lee as he picked Saya up and placed her on the cart.

"We'll be right back! I'll miss you!"

"I'll miss you too!" Natsume waved at them until they were too far to see. After they left, Natsume shut the door and sat on the mat. There was something different about this place that gave her a sense of serenity. Not using her chakra for the last few days gave her a peace she never attained in the clan. She started moulding her chakra and entered a meditative state. Before long, she was already in a trance.

The sensation she experienced at the Naka Shrine had returned. Her perception was at an all-time high and what she suspected to be Nature energy was right before her. She reached out to it and nearly grasped a strand. However, unlike before, she was patient. She waited for the energy to return to her rather than chasing after it. Every time she repeated the process, it would get closer and closer to her.

When she just barely touched it, the sensation disappeared. Natsume wasn't discouraged because this was great progress. She opened her eyes, and it was already midnight. She realized that she depleted all of her chakra while sensing Nature energy. However, the next time she attempted to gather Nature energy she was confident in succeeding.

'Next time I will reach out to Tagitsuhime to help me. I do not wish to be turned to stone…' The side effects were scary, but the benefits were worth it. She took out the storage scroll and released the hidden fuinjutsu seal. After retrieving her equipment, she disappeared into the night with a yin release technique that made her like a shadow in the night.

She searched the nearby lands and looked for any signs of shinobi. After six hours, she didn't find anything. Natsume expected this to be a long-term mission, so she wasn't discouraged. She activated Fuchikoma and sent an update directly to the coordinates he had given her previously. Using it a few times she already figured out that she could send small objects for practically no cost to her. Then, she packed up her gear and returned to her temporary life.

Fortunately, her travel speed was significantly faster than a cart and she made it back before anyone noticed anything. She took a hot bath and cleaned up around the house. She decided to make herself a big breakfast to cover up for not eating anything the last day. In the afternoon, she heard the wagon wheels as the two returned.

"Tsume, we're back!" Saya came down and went over to check on Natsume. She checked her all over for any injuries and Natsume just let her be inspected with a smile on her face. Lee was already unloading germinated rice seeds in a small hand cart. He would manually plant them all and then monitor their growth for the next few months.

"Uncle, let me help you sow the rice seeds!" Natsume came to his side and had a very determined expression. He saw her and after a moment consideration he nodded his head.

"You need boots and different clothes." She smiled and nodded her head. The market was still open so she took some money and ran to the market before Saya could even stop her. However, they had no issue with her helping. Usually, Saya and Lee would do it on their own every year, but most of the work was done by Lee alone. A little helper would be more than welcomed.

"She's such a good child."

"En." Lee spoke little, but Saya could understand his feelings.

"You really like her." Saya looked over at him and he turned away to hide his face, causing Saya to laugh.

============

9 chapters owed left!