Months had passed since Sam began the assimilation process for the "Beginner" potion, and he had recently managed to fully digest it, granting him profound changes in both his body and mind. His instincts had sharpened, his physical endurance had exceeded his expectations, and with the potion's properties, he had become more focused, allowing him to refine his Nen skills with greater precision and discipline.
Sam no longer spent his time working in the fields as he used to. Instead, he dedicated most of his day to training in Nen and hunting in the forest with Rin, the old man's grandson. These trips were not just for securing food; they were also a real test of his new abilities and a way to hone the instincts enhanced by the potion.
In the early morning, Sam sat inside his hut, following a strict routine to strengthen his aura. He started with Ten, focusing on maintaining a continuous flow of Nen around his body, forming a protective veil that prevented energy leakage. He sat still, feeling the energy circulate within him as if he were sensing it for the first time, listening to the faint rhythm of his own life force—this was how he structured his days.
By evening, his trips into the forest had become more frequent. He realized that hunting was not just a means of survival but also another form of training to enhance his survival skills. Instead of relying on direct combat or chasing prey, he began using traps and bows, which required patience and precision.
On one such trip, Sam and Rin set out at sunset, moving silently through the dense trees. Sam carried a simple bow, with a small bag on his back containing rope and metal traps he had borrowed from the old man.
He chose a strategic spot near a small stream where deer often came to drink. Using En, he expanded his aura to a radius of 30 meters, allowing him to sense the movements of creatures in the area. Carefully, he set up the traps at familiar crossing points, camouflaging them with grass and leaves.
After securing the traps, he climbed a nearby tree and used Zetsu to completely conceal his presence, keeping his eyes locked on the ground below. Hours passed in silence until he finally sensed a faint movement within his range.
A young deer appeared, stepping cautiously toward the stream. Sam remained still, merely observing the animal's breathing, the way its muscles tensed with every step. When the deer finally stepped into one of the traps, he moved swiftly, drawing his knife and slitting its throat in one precise motion.
Rin, who had been watching from a distance, approached, whistling in admiration. Though he didn't particularly like this method of hunting, preferring a direct confrontation instead, he couldn't deny its effectiveness.
After gathering their prey, they made their way back to the village. Hunting was not just a skill—it was a way to refine his survival instincts, to harden his mind for the challenges ahead.
One evening, as Sam and Rin returned to the village with their kills, they noticed an unusual gathering in the square. Sam stepped forward cautiously to see what was happening.
One of the village men had returned from the outside world—his right hand brutally severed, the blood still fresh.
Yet what caught Sam's attention was not just the injury, but the expression in the man's eyes—fear and confusion, deeply etched into his face.
The old man approached, studying him carefully before exchanging a brief glance with Sam.
There was no need for words; both of them could sense it—this was no ordinary wound.
Something was coming.
Something that could shatter the village's fragile peace...**