After a successful retreat, Yasuke began to feel the adrenaline gradually dissipate, giving way to pain coursing through his body. Every resentful muscle, every wound inflicted during combat, now came with a sharp sting.
Grimly, Yasuke scanned his body with his eyes, identifying the multiple wounds and bruises that adorned his skin. Cursing silently, he pulled several leaves from his bag and counted them carefully. Then, he brought them to his mouth and began to grind them between his teeth.
A few days ago, during one of his expeditions in search of food and scrolls of information, he had observed how some rabbits ate an herb and then fell fast asleep. Moved by curiosity, he collected some of these plants and took them with him. Experimenting with controlled doses, he discovered that the herb worked as a potent natural painkiller.
However, Yasuke was aware of the dangers of uncontrolled use. If administered in excess, it could lead to extreme drowsiness and even fainting. Too much, and it could be fatal. After conducting several tests on small animals, he had carefully calculated the dosage needed for his own weight.
Now, with the ground leaves in his mouth, Yasuke hoped he would soon feel the relief the natural painkiller would bring. He knew he could not afford to remain motionless for long. Although he had managed to escape the confrontation with Haruki, he could not let his guard down.
Aware that he could not risk staying in the same place, Yasuke decided to get moving. He knew that due to the effect of the tranquilizer, his senses were currently disconnected, leaving him vulnerable to any threat that might arise. He didn't want to trust that his last attack would be enough to deter Haruki from following his trail.
With this precaution in mind, Yasuke pulled out several maps he had obtained during his previous expeditions. Although they all looked the same to the naked eye, he had learned to notice the small but important differences between them, especially regarding safe routes and areas where dangerous beasts inhabited.
Carefully, he examined each of the maps, comparing the different routes and mentally marking the most dangerous areas to avoid. Although his mind was clouded by the effect of the tranquilizer, his survival instinct was still alert, guiding him towards prudent and calculated decisions.
After studying the maps carefully, Yasuke chose a route that seemed to be the safest and least traveled. With cautious steps, he entered the thick forest.
After two hours that seemed like forever, Yasuke finally spotted what had been his settlement, his safe haven in this dangerous forest. However, instead of finding the tranquility he had expected, he was greeted by an obvious disorder that set off all his danger alerts.
It seemed that something had disturbed the tranquility of his safe haven in the forest. Yasuke cautiously advanced towards the place, alert for any possible threat. The disorder evident around him added to his worries, and when he noticed that one of his traps had been triggered, his heart began to pound harder.
An uneasy feeling came over him as he surveyed the surroundings for any sign of what might have caused this chaos. What had happened in his absence? Who or what had invaded his shelter? These questions flitted through his mind as he prepared to face whatever danger might lurk in the shadows of the forest.
Cautiously, Yasuke began to search for clues that might help him understand what had happened.
With his heart beating rapidly, Yasuke approached the hollow log and examined the area cautiously. Fresh blood stained the ground near the entrance, indicating that something had happened recently. A sense of dread came over him as he prepared to face whatever he might find inside.
Carefully, Yasuke crouched down and stepped into the hollow log, his senses alert and his body tense for any possible threat. His mind quickly calculated the possibilities and prepared to act in case of emergency.
Inside the hollow log, following the blood trail, Yasuke encountered something surprising: a majestic albino leopard with an imposing presence. The animal, predominantly white fur with barely noticeable spots, emanated an aura of mysticism and ferocity. Its intense red eyes stood out powerfully, cautiously watching the entrance to the lodge.
The leopard lay prone, with a watchful expression on its feline face. Following the blood trail, Yasuke noticed that one of the animal's limbs had been pierced by a kunai, probably belonging to one of the multiple traps he had left before his absence.
Despite his surprise, Yasuke quickly understood the delicacy of the situation. With slow, respectful movements, he attempted to approach the wounded animal, but a deep growl echoed through the air, warning him not to come any closer.
Understanding the albino leopard's warning, Yasuke backed up a few steps, showing respect for the animal and acknowledging its dominance over the space. Carefully, he backed away slowly, keeping a safe but watchful distance.
Yasuke was in a delicate situation. The physical and mental exhaustion from the day's battle had been extreme, and the effects of the tranquilizers he was using to control the pain plunged him into a deep drowsiness. However, the risk of being attacked at night, both by his enemies and by the wounded beast that now shared his shelter, was a constant worry.
Every noise in the darkness made him startle, every shadow kept him tense and ready for action. Despite his physical weakness, Yasuke knew he could not afford to let his guard down, especially in an environment as hostile as the Forest of Death.
The night passed slowly, with Yasuke fighting sleep and fatigue, but also fear and uncertainty. Every moment of stillness was interrupted by the sounds of the surrounding nature, every whisper of the wind a potential warning of danger.
As dawn illuminated the horizon, Yasuke felt a faint sense of relief that he had survived the night. However, he knew that his struggle was far from over.
Yasuke was forced to go out hunting to satisfy his all-consuming hunger. With his physical and mental state weakened, he knew he would not be able to conduct a normal hunt. His once full emergency fund had been diminished by the needs of the beast that now shared his shelter.
He decided to resort to an ingenious plan to procure food. Using some of his last remaining stock of soothing herbs, he ground them into powder. Then, he found a small pond in the forest and sprinkled the powdered herbs into the water, allowing them to dilute.
He hid near the pond and waited quietly, patiently. After several minutes of waiting, his goal materialized: a group of deer approached the pond to drink water. The dilution of the tranquilizer in the pond water was not enough to make the deer fall asleep, but it did affect them enough for them to show signs of lethargy and their legs to tremble slightly.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Yasuke moved with stealth and precision. He approached the group of deer and, with a swift and accurate movement, managed to bring one of them down. Although his hands were shaking and his body was weak, the need to feed gave him the strength and determination to complete the hunt.
After securing the prey, Yasuke returned to his shelter, thankful that he had found an ingenious solution to obtain food in his weakened state.
Thinking of his new housemate.
After a moment's hesitation, Yasuke decided to act. Carefully, he prepared a portion of meat and stuffed it with the soothing herbs, knowing that they could ease the beast's suffering.
Once he finished his work, he placed the food near the entrance of the trunk, hoping that the beast would find it. In the meantime, he concentrated on preparing his own food, though his mind was still preoccupied with the condition of the albino leopard. A few tension-filled minutes passed before Yasuke decided to check if the beast had taken the food.After some time had passed, Yasuke crept closer and found the albino leopard deep in slumber. His white fur glistened in the dim light of the forest, while his slow breathing revealed the momentary calm he was in.
With quiet steps, he approached the sleeping animal and examined it cautiously. He noticed that its breathing was calmer, but the tension was still reflected in its wounded body.
With determination, Yasuke began to examine the wound on the leopard's shoulder. The dried blood and the mark of the kunai evidenced the damage inflicted, but also the animal's resistance to pain. Yasuke knew he had to act quickly and precisely.
Determined to help, Yasuke set about treating the wound on the leopard's shoulder. Using his clothes and a stick, he improvised a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
Skillfully, he attempted to apply a tourniquet to the leopard's injured arm. However, the animal's thick, tough skin made his task difficult. With patience and concentration, Yasuke channeled his chakra to help maintain pressure on the wound and stop the bleeding as best he could.
Once he managed to stabilize the wound, Yasuke set about carefully removing the kunai embedded in the leopard's shoulder. With hands trembling with tension, he began to remove the metal blade, but underestimated the animal's sensitivity.
In an instant, the leopard's eyes widened, flashing a deep red glow that reflected its fury and pain. Yasuke froze for a moment, feeling the beast's racing pulse and the warning clear in its gaze.
Despite the fear that came over him at that moment, Yasuke remained calm and tried to convey calmness to the leopard with slow movements and peaceful gestures. He knew that any misunderstanding could trigger a violent reaction from the injured animal.
With the animal still on alert, Yasuke was faced with a delicate situation. Looking for a way to gain the albino leopard's trust, he pulled a kunai from his ninja pouch. The animal's reaction was instantaneous, showing signs of increased tension at the possible threat. However, Yasuke was determined to prove his good intentions.
- Easy, buddy, I won't hurt you," Yasuke whispered in a calm voice as he slowly extended his hand towards the leopard.
- Grrr... -the leopard growled, showing its fangs, but keeping its gaze fixed on Yasuke cautiously.
- Look, I'll show you," Yasuke said, determination in his eyes. Carefully, he pulled a kunai from his ninja pouch and thrust it into his own hand, causing a surprised expression on the leopard's face.
The leopard backed away slightly, watching Yasuke's strange action curiously.
Subsequently, Yasuke tore one of his clothes and made a makeshift bandage.
- Look, friend, I don't want to hurt you. - Yasuke raised his injured hand, revealing the makeshift bandage wrapped around the wound caused by the kunai. The leopard's eyes were still fixed on him, full of distrust and wariness.
- I know this may seem strange, but I need you to trust me. - Yasuke kept his tone of voice soft and reassuring, hoping the animal would understand his words.
The leopard growled slightly, without looking away from Yasuke.
- I understand that you're scared, but I promise I just want to help you. - Yasuke took a step forward, slowly approaching the animal. The leopard backed up a little, but did not attack.
- Look what I did with my own hand. - Yasuke pointed to the bandage on his injured hand. - I want to do the same to you, to make you feel better.
The leopard watched him for a few more moments, evaluating his words and actions. Finally, he gave a soft grunt and lowered his head, as if accepting Yasuke's help.
- Thank you for trusting me. - Yasuke smiled, feeling a momentary relief at the leopard's reaction.
Yasuke continued his work, carefully applying first aid to the leopard's wound. As he worked, the initial tension gave way to an atmosphere of mutual cooperation, as the young ninja and the wounded beast found an unexpected bond amidst the adversities of the Forest of Death.
Continued....