Naruto: Before Chakra Emergence

Five years had passed since Shiro Rai had woken in this strange, new world, a world so different from the bustling streets of Konoha. It was a world untouched by the chaos of the shinobi villages, where the lives of thousands of clansmen seemed to revolve around simple, humble living. The clan Shiori had been born into was large, stretching over vast lands, with farming, hunting, and fishing as the main sources of livelihood. Despite the simplicity of life here, there was an undercurrent of mystery that Shiro couldn't ignore. Everything was serene, yet puzzling—why was there such a focus on Sage Arts, and why did no one want to teach him anything about chakra?

The first few years had been difficult to understand, but with time, Shiro had adapted. His new body had grown, his senses had sharpened, and he had become accustomed to the rhythms of this place. The villagers treated him with reverence, calling him "the child of destiny," and it was clear that his Sage Horn was no small matter. Many had approached him, eager to be in his presence, to bask in the glory of the Sage lineage. But there was one thing Shiori couldn't shake—a burning desire to understand chakra, to learn jutsu like the ninja from his previous life.

His curiosity was fed by Michi Rai, another child of the clan who shared his Sage Horn. She had been his closest companion since the beginning, a fellow bearer of the sacred mark. Together, they had spent countless hours training and exercising, both eager to understand the strange power that ran through them. But while Michi seemed content with their daily routines, Shiori's heart longed for something more.

They were often paired together in exercises, running through the fields, lifting weights, and eating nourishing foods that were said to strengthen their bodies for the trials ahead. Their bond had grown stronger over the years, not just because of the shared mark, but because of the quiet understanding they had of one another. Yet, there was always the question in Shiori's mind: Why won't they teach me chakra?

Whenever he asked about it, the elders would smile kindly, but their answers were always vague or dismissive. "Patience, young one. There is more to power than what you think." But that didn't satisfy Shiro's hunger for knowledge. He had grown up hearing about chakra, jutsu, and the world of ninjas, and it was hard to resist the pull of that fascination.

One day, the moment Shiori had been waiting for finally arrived. The clan leader, now older and more frail with each passing day, gathered him and Michi for their first real lesson in the Sage Arts. The air in the hall was heavy with the scent of incense, and the old man's voice echoed through the room as he spoke.

"This is the beginning of your true training," the clan leader said, his voice still strong despite his frailty. "The world you now find yourself in is ancient and filled with wisdom. But you must understand that there is a greater path than the one you seek. This is not the way of the shinobi or the chakra-based jutsu you are familiar with. This is the way of the Sagehood Era."

Shiori and Michi exchanged a glance, their faces full of curiosity. The clan leader continued, his eyes gleaming with the knowledge of centuries.

"The Sagehood Era," he began, "was a time when all beings were equal. Beings strove to become sages, not for power, but for enlightenment. A sage's only ambition is to comprehend the world with their own insight. To gain understanding of both the natural and spiritual realms. Sages sought to understand all of creation, and in doing so, they could create phenomena—rain, earthquakes, not just natural forces, but unnatural ones as well. These powers were drawn from natural energy. But there are only three known sages who ever achieved such a state, beings who could comprehend the world so deeply that they gained the Sage Horn. This horn serves as a mediator between heaven and earth, between the spiritual and physical worlds."

Shiori's thoughts raced as he processed this information. Sage Horn… mediator between heaven and earth? It sounded more like a story than something that could be real. But there was something in the old man's voice, something that made Shiori believe that this was not just some fanciful tale.

The clan leader paused, letting the weight of his words settle in the air. "The Sage Arts are difficult to learn. Only those with the Sage Horn can unlock their potential. The rest of the clan will learn chakra and jutsu, like the world beyond these lands. But you, Shiro, Michi… you are different. You are destined to learn the ways of the Sage. The world will not wait for you to grow old. The secrets of the Sagehood Era are yours to claim, but you must be patient."

Shiori couldn't suppress the burning question in his mind. "But… but I've heard of chakra. I've seen people use jutsu before. Why can't we learn that? It's what I know. It's what I want to learn," he blurted out before he could stop himself.

The clan leader's gaze grew sharp. "Jutsu? Chakra?" he muttered, almost dismissively. "For that question, I will explain in due time. Do not be greedy, Shiori. The Sage Arts are more profound. Do not waste your time chasing after something less than what you are capable of. There is a reason the world is divided, and there is a reason your power is different. Trust me. The answers will come."

Though the clan leader's words were stern, they didn't completely quell Shiori's desire. I'll get my answers, he promised himself.

With that, the training began. The first lesson was to sense natural energy. "The key to Sage Arts," the clan leader explained, "is to connect with the world around you, to sense the energy that flows through all living things. Focus your mind and your body, and let the natural energy flow into you."

Shiori and Michi closed their eyes, concentrating as the clan leader instructed. The air around them seemed charged with something unseen, a subtle hum that was almost imperceptible. At first, the energy felt distant, faint like a faraway whisper. But as they focused, the feeling began to grow stronger. It was a quiet presence, like the very earth beneath them was alive and pulsing with life.

Hours passed as they meditated, their senses sharpening, their connection to the energy deepening. After what felt like an eternity, Shiori felt a small pulse of warmth spread through his body, followed by a faint vibration in his chest. It was as if the world itself was breathing with him.

"Good," the clan leader said, his voice filled with approval. "Very good. You have begun to sense the natural energy. Now, continue to absorb it. Nourish your bodies and spirits. The next stage of training will come soon, but for now, rest in this power."

Shiori and Michi continued to meditate each day, focusing on drawing in the natural energy and growing stronger with each passing hour. The work was grueling, but they could both feel the changes within themselves. Slowly, their connection to the world around them grew deeper, and the faint traces of power they had felt before turned into a steady, pulsing force.

By the end of the month, they had both mastered the art of drawing natural energy. The clan leader smiled at them with pride, but Shiori could sense that there was still much more to learn. This was only the beginning.

"We will continue," the clan leader said. "But remember, you must never rush. True wisdom comes with patience."

As Shiori rested that night, the weight of his training settled into his bones. He didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain—this path was far more complicated than he had imagined. And yet, as he lay there, his Sage Horn pulsing with the energy of the earth, Shiori couldn't help but feel a strange sense of excitement for the challenges that lay ahead.