Energy

In the ninja world, a substance known as **energy** pulsates in every organism. This is not the mundane fuel of muscle but a numinous source. Harnessing it immediately classifies one as a ninja. Because energy can grant people extraordinary feats such as leaping across chasms and bending the elements, people use it to wage war amongst one another.

This is the main source piloting the ninja world: a double-edged blade demanding control, for untamed energy can warp minds and unleash chaos.

## History

Before the coming of Hendrix Griffin, people walked the earth blind to the concept of energy. This primordial force bloomed within them without their knowledge. Hendrix, a fallen angel, distributed the key to awakening their energy from within. But the people withdrew their attention from him and grasped energy differently. They delved into its depths, not to commune with spirits but to forge a weapon. By twisting and kneading their inner energies, they birthed techniques and a physical and spiritual force, forever altering the landscape of their world. Thus, the acquisition of energy became a double-edged sword, its legacy etched in both the power to heal and the potential to wound.

## Deployment

Energy was the very essence of power, an unseen force coursing through men’s veins. Even the most mundane techniques relied on its subtle manipulation, channeled through hand signs that correlated with their planetary system most similar to the ones on earth. With a flicker of fingers, ninjas could tread the watery surface as if they were on land, breathe searing flames, or conjure illusions that placed people in dream-like states. Only when it coalesced or surged forth within the elements in the air could energy be effectively used. Though potent, it is a finite resource, demanding judicious use and constant refinement through training like meditation.

Energy is not boundless by stamina but rather a complex interplay of mind and spirit. Defined by one's consciousness, energy grows through relentless study, meditative exercises, and the accumulation of hard-won experience. Repeatedly practicing a technique embeds it within the ninja's consciousness, strengthening their energy and allowing them to channel greater amounts of energy. For physical techniques, the same principle applies, with enduring training boosting the body's capacity to channel and withstand more surges. For example, perfecting a simple punch might eventually culminate in a devastating blow capable of shattering stone.

However, even the most prodigious ninjas are tethered to their physical limitations. Some, born (created) with high-enough potential, can accelerate their rate of progress faster. Others, like Jonathan Yuan, have the chance of being born with inherently lower energy, restricting their effectiveness with even basic techniques. As delicate as it is resilient, ninjas can only handle so much of it, as witnessed in Jonathan's attempt to absorb Batholith's power. Conversely, depletion of one’s energy effects one’s stamina until it, too, is depleted. Each individual's energy also bears a unique signature from their genetic ancestry. Sensor-type ninjas possess the remarkable ability to identify these signatures. Any alterations made to their signature will manifest in any separated fragments and can rarely be changed ethically.

While countless techniques draw upon energy, martial arts stand apart. This discipline requires no active manipulation of energy. Standard strikes and maneuvers remain rooted in the physical realm, relying on one’s muscles. Yet, even the most mundane strikes require a strong enough spirit to withstand the physical strains.

### Control

Perfecting energy is a cornerstone of the ninja's arsenal. Unlike a burst of adrenaline, it is a refined force, painstakingly cultivated through years of rigorous training. This slow, deliberate accumulation necessitates careful control and conservation. A skilled ninja needs only a little to execute a specific technique. Excess energy eventually dissipates, leaving a ninja drained and vulnerable. Conversely, underestimating the energy requirement can render a technique ineffective, potentially jeopardizing a ninja in a critical moment. Maintaining this delicate balance demands focus and emotional control. Only with a calm and centered mind can a ninja tap into their energy reserves to execute a technique without wasteful expenditure.

## Types of Energy

### Natural Energy

Practitioners, called pandits, use their energy not from their inward selves but from the earth itself. This energy is known as natural energy and unlocks a new dimension of power, imbuing a ninja’s techniques with the raw might of nature—hence the name change to “Nature Tech”.

### Youkai Energy

A youkai’s energy is a volatile and corrupting essence. It could stem from raw malice, woven from hatred, fear, and despair. Others view it as a parasitic contagion, feeding on negativity and twisting morals. Some depict it as too chaotic to be around, as shown when Jonathan felt uneasy near the Dire Wolf’s simple roar. No matter its form, a youkai’s energy can be tamed by those with unwavering hearts and ready spirits. Jonathan tamed Batholith’s energy through his belief on Jesus Christ.