As Pakura settled securely onto Hikari's broad back, the two of them moved swiftly through the woods and the uneven terrain.
The smooth fabric of his traditional robes brushed against her skin, offering an unexpected sense of calm amidst the storm raging within her.
The gentle touch of the material provided a rare reprieve, a fleeting comfort against the backdrop of her internal chaos and the harrowing events that had unfolded.
She couldn't help but notice something surprising: despite being at least five years her junior, Hikari's physique was that of a fully grown adult.
His steady frame provided stability and an unexpected ease, allowing her to adjust to his back without discomfort.
Having just endured profound betrayals at the hands of her own village, Pakura could never have imagined finding even a shred of solace with someone from Konoha—a village she had long considered a sworn enemy.
And yet, here she was, feeling an unanticipated sense of safety and trust in the presence of Hikari Hyuga, a figure she had been taught to see as a threat.
As he carried her, Hikari was equally aware of her presence. The contours of her body—her surprising softness juxtaposed with her lean, warrior's build—did not escape his notice.
The faint tremors running through her spoke volumes about the pain and strain she was enduring, something he acknowledged silently but fully.
Sensing her unease, perhaps even doubts about his medical expertise, he spoke up, his voice steady and calm as they pressed on.
"Don't worry," he began, navigating the terrain with practiced ease. "I may not be a formal medical shinobi, but I've been training in those arts for years. My mother was one of the best medical ninja, and she passed much of her knowledge on to me."
He paused briefly, then added with a hint of candor, "I also know a technique that's particularly useful against poisons like this one. I just haven't had the opportunity to perform it on a living patient before."
Pakura listened carefully, her sharp shinobi instincts weighing the sincerity in his words. There was reassurance in his tone, but the gravity of her situation kept her on edge. She allowed herself a moment of vulnerability, her voice softer than usual but still laced with the strength of a seasoned kunoichi.
"Thank you, Hikari-san," she said, the faintest crack in her otherwise composed demeanor. "Your words mean more than you might realize right now. I… I was ready to die back there." She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "Even if this technique of yours is untested, I'll take the risk. It's better than the alternative."
Her gaze, though tired, remained sharp as she looked ahead. "That said, trusting someone from Konoha—especially in a situation like this—is something I never imagined myself doing. But here we are. Just do your best; that's all I ask."
Her gratitude, however, quickly gave way to pragmatism. Her voice firmed, her shinobi instincts surfacing. "But Hikari-san," she continued, her tone now steady and resolute, "I understand nothing comes without a price. You're a shinobi of Konoha, and I know there must be something you expect in return for saving me."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, her words carrying weight. "I'm prepared to negotiate. But let me be clear: if your terms jeopardize Sunagakure's interests, I won't agree to them, even if it means my life ends here and now."
Letting her words settle, she softened her tone slightly, a gesture that acknowledged the delicate situation. "However, if your conditions are reasonable and don't compromise my village's core values, I will honor them. If you manage to save me, you will have my lifelong gratitude—and I'll repay that debt with honor as long as it aligns with my principles and my people's welfare."
Hikari responded calmly and sincerely. "Let's focus on your recovery first, Pakura-san," he said. What I want from you isn't material. I hope we can build a lasting friendship and alliance through these turbulent times."
His tone grew more serious. "I couldn't stand knowing you were betrayed by your village, all because of your strength. After everything you've done for them—missions, sacrifices—they turned on you. It's not unlike what happens in Konoha. Those in power fear us, fear those of us with real gifts, and they act out of envy. You've seen it, haven't you?"
His words sharpened as he added, "It's not just Konoha. Kirigakure is the same. The powerful are treated as threats instead of allies. That's why I saved you. I see a kindred spirit in you, Pakura. If we stand together, we can challenge these injustices and grow stronger for ourselves and what we believe in."
Pakura absorbed his words in silence, her sharp mind processing the weight of what he was saying. While his proposal carried a strategic undertone, she couldn't deny the validation it offered. Hikari's acknowledgment of her experiences touched something deep within her—a sense of recognition she hadn't felt in years.
"Thank you, Hikari," she said finally, using his first name without hesitation. It felt natural, given the circumstances. "Your understanding of what I've been through… it means something to me."
She paused, her voice steady but reflective. "It's rare to find someone who recognizes potential and wants to fight against the injustices that come with it. Your offer of an alliance—based on mutual strength and support—seems promising. I'll consider it."
However, Pakura's thoughts were swirling internally. While she was moved by Hikari's understanding and open acknowledgment of their similar plights, she also remained skeptical.
His words, though persuasive and seemingly heartfelt, at least to a certain extent, in her impression, also hinted to her at his open strategic positioning that she couldn't ignore.
She recognized the potential benefits of aligning with Hikari but was acutely aware that his ultimate goal might be to leverage her position within Sunagakure for broader influence.
Nevertheless, despite her reservations, Pakura saw some truth in Hikari's assertions. She understood that any alliance would inherently involve some level of influence, but Hikari's emphasis on partnership over control suggested a more cooperative relationship than a manipulative one.
This realization provided a degree of comfort, reinforcing her willingness to consider his proposal seriously.
Pakura also speculated that Hikari might be positioning her to lead Sunagakure, perhaps even as the next Kazekage.
This idea aligned surprisingly well with ensuring her village's safety and prosperity under her leadership, which would naturally extend her ability to protect her people's interests in this hypothetical relationship with Hikari and his faction.
As she considered these thoughts, Pakura knew that formal negotiations and precise terms would need to wait.
Physically and cognitively weakened, she was still processing the full scope of Hikari's strategy, so she was not ready to commit to any specific actions yet.
Yet, she recognized the potential for a partnership that could empower both her ambitions and her village's standing. For now, she chose to maintain a cautiously optimistic approach, ready to explore the possibilities that this new alliance and their relationship could manifest.
Up to 60 additional chapters ahead are available on my Patreon. The link is below as well on this story's main page!
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Hikari's Byakugan led them to a quiet spot away from the battlefield of two armies, well-hidden by dense foliage.
It was a small clearing surrounded by tall trees, whose thick branches and leaves created a natural canopy overhead, giving them a good cover.
Nearby, a small stream flowed, its soft gurgling adding to the calm of the secluded spot. The water was clear, running over smooth stones, and could be useful for cleaning or as part of Pakura's treatment.
The ground was soft, covered in moss and scattered leaves, making it comfortable for Pakura to lie down while Hikari prepared to treat her.
Light from the sun peeked through the tree branches, lighting up the area with spots of brightness.
Even though they were not far from the conflict, this hidden spot felt peaceful and removed from the rest of the world, allowing them to focus on Pakura's recovery without interruption.
Settling into the quiet clearing, Hikari prepared to initiate the medical procedure on Pakura. He explained the steps he would take, ensuring she understood the nature and intensity of the treatment given its urgency and potential discomfort.
"This medical technique I'll be using is specialized against poisons; it is the best in Konoha...", Hikari started, maintaining eye contact to gauge her reaction and ensure her comfort with the process,
"It's designed to draw out toxins and heal the damage they've caused. First, I'll use my Byakugan to locate the disturbances in your chakra caused by the poison. Thanks to my Byakugan, it will also be relatively easier for me to perform it than it is for ordinary people."
Hikari continued, "I'll make a small incision using a chakra scalpel near the affected area. Then, I'll introduce a medicinal fluid through the incision, which will encapsulate the poison and draw it out from your body. It's effective but can be quite painful, so I need you to be as still as possible.",
However, as Hikari prepared to begin, he noted the location of Pakura's initial wound—the creamy skin of her exposed naturally thick thigh, where the poison had entered her system.
Nonetheless, Hikari's expression remained composed outwardly as he addressed the necessary procedure,
"The poison entered through your left thigh, I see...", He informed Pakura, his voice neutral to maintain 'professionalism', "I'll need to start the work from there to extract it effectively."
Pakura, understanding the necessity, nonetheless felt a flush of shyness at the intimate nature of the treatment.
Despite the urgency, her cheeks colored slightly, and she shifted a bit, trying to position herself in a way that offered him access while maintaining her modesty.
Hikari noticed her discomfort and nodded reassuringly, aiming to ease her unease. "I'll be as quick and as careful as possible," he assured her, his tone gentle enough to calm her nerves.
As he positioned himself to make the incision, Hikari couldn't help but appreciate the contrast of her warrior-like strength against the vulnerability and grace she displayed at the moment. It was also a reminder of her humanity beneath the hardened shinobi exterior.
Using a chakra scalpel, Hikari made a precise incision near the site where the poison had first entered from the ground.
As he administered the medicinal fluid, he was acutely aware of Pakura's tensed muscles and the effort she made to remain still through the discomfort.
The dark tissue on her previously quite proportionally muscular and athletic thigh looked especially atrophied and full of convulsions. It was probably the most painful area.
Following the injection, Hikari then manipulated the medicinal fluid, now in the shape of a translucent orb, which immediately began its work, binding with the poison everywhere Hikari's hand moved it, but mostly in the immediate surroundings of the initial wound.
The process was intense, and Pakura's breaths came in short gasps as she felt the fluid interact with the poison, drawing it out with a painful but necessary force. She gritted her teeth against the pain, her fists clenching.
Hikari remained focused, watching closely through his Byakugan to monitor the progress and ensure the poison was thoroughly removed.
The entire process was taxing for both Pakura and Hikari, but there was a palpable sense of relief as it concluded.
Once the extraction neared completion, he applied a gentle flow of healing Yang Release type, precise chakra to soothe the area, help her body's natural recovery systems, and aid the healing of the incision. "It's almost over, Pakura..." he murmured, almost as much to comfort her as to inform her.
As the final traces of poison were removed, Pakura let out a long, slow breath, the relief palpable in her exhale.
She glanced down at her thigh, then up at Hikari, a complex mix of gratitude and newfound respect in her gaze.
Despite the awkwardness of the situation, his professionalism and the successful treatment forged a bond of trust that might have been impossible under any other circumstances.
"Thank you, Hikari...", She said, her voice softer, the initial shyness replaced by a quiet strength, "I wasn't sure what to expect, but you handled that... well...",
Her smile was tentative but genuine, acknowledging both the physical and emotional ordeal they had just navigated together.
Hikari, meanwhile, observed her as she thanked him and smiled beautifully, in his impression, and as she regained some color in her face, her appearance clearly showing signs of relief and recovery already.
Despite their clinical interaction, he couldn't help but notice her resilience and the striking, attractive way she presented herself—even in a state of exhaustion and vulnerability.
Pakura's stunning face, glistening from sweat, though marked by the ordeal, carried a beauty that was enhanced rather than diminished by her evident fatigue in his mind.
The wet, bruised contours of her worn-out, exhausted, fair-skinned body contrasted sharply with her delicate, harmonious facial features, framed by her damp hair sticking to her forehead and cheeks.
Now that the procedure had passed already, Hikari noticed for the first time just how seductive she looked overall.
She wore a smaller and more form-fitting black tank top than usual shinobi attire, which seemed to accentuate her warrior's physique further. Hikari found himself momentarily distracted by her appearance.
Despite his usual stoic and unfazed demeanor, a brief, involuntary swallow betrayed a flash of human reaction—surprise mixed with an uncharacteristic flicker of human male desire.
At 20, she was indeed the oldest and one of the most captivating women he had ever been this close to, and her minor role in the original story he knew did nothing to diminish the impression she made in person.
But, Hikari masked these thoughts well, maintaining a composed exterior as he spoke, "The procedure seems to have been effective, Pakura. You should feel significant relief soon...",
He said, his voice calm and devoid of the internal conflict he had just experienced, "We'll need to keep a close eye on your recovery for a bit more, but the worst should be behind."
Hikari's mind processed the success of the medical intervention, acknowledging the practical application of years of theoretical study and training.
As he watched Pakura begin to stabilize slowly, a strategic thought crossed his mind: 'All those years of medical mastery finally paid off, but surprisingly not for my benefit but by potentially securing a powerful ally like Pakura in Sunagakure.'
He recalled that Sakura had used a similar technique to treat Kankuro in the original story of his previous life.
The circumstances were different—Kankuro had been suffering for days under the influence of a slow-acting, torturous poison, making the treatment more complex and demanding.
In contrast, Pakura had been affected only briefly by a poison designed for rapid lethality, which simplified the extraction process somewhat.
Hikari acknowledged that while Sakura was undoubtedly a more proficient medical ninja, the poison's nature and the treatment's timing played crucial roles in the outcomes.
Sasori's poison used on Kankuro was crafted to debilitate over time, drawing out the victim's agony.
The quick-acting poison used on Pakura, while potentially deadly in the short term, didn't integrate as deeply into the system, allowing for a quicker and more straightforward intervention.
Reflecting on these differences, Hikari understood that his success was not just a testament to his medical skill but also a consequence of the specific circumstances and the nature of the poison.
Therefore, he knew he was not necessarily a better medical shinobi than Sakura.
Nonetheless, he was pleased with the outcome and the strategic advantage it could represent.
Securing Pakura's trust and cooperation could be invaluable, and he was prepared to leverage this incident to build a lasting alliance.
Up to 60 additional chapters ahead are available on my Patreon. The link is below as well on this story's main page!
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patreon.com/hanma_jack
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If you like the story and want it to continue, please give it some Power Stones, Reviews, Comment often, and put it in your Collection.
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