Bab 64: Accepting Fighting Challenge From Kiyomi
Meanwhile, hearing Kiyomi's direct and ambitious opening and approach, Hikari felt a flicker of appreciation inwardly,
'So she's straightforward and has her eyes on bigger goals, not just the usual conceited and biased talk I expected from a Uchiha.',
'It seems the Uchiha are looking for more than just a simple joint defensive pact of strategic deterrence against Hokage's Faction. They want to regain their lost rights additionally and won't hesitate to cooperate for that goal.',
'This aligns perfectly with what I've been planning for the future as well...', He thought, reassured by the realization.
Hikari also pondered the depth of commitment Kiyomi and her grandfather held for their clan, appreciating their ability to set aside their faction's deeply rooted personal pride against other clans in such a crucial moment so swiftly.
'Indeed, the Uchiha clan and their radical faction especially are often misinterpreted...', He pondered, 'What outsiders label as 'hate' or 'extremism' is, in their eyes, a profound love for their kin. I can see the rationale behind that perspective... It is just that they were probably given no other exit but to rebel, unlike like this time thanks to my actions and changes...',
Hikari's mind then raced further, connecting dots and deciphering why the Uchiha's participation in their coalition flowed so seamlessly,
'Moreover, for the 'Doves' there, this development probably symbolizes a historic leap towards integrating the Uchiha more fully into Konoha's societal and political fabric. It's a move towards acceptance and unity, something they've always wanted for their clan to have as much safety as possible.',
'On the other hand, the Hawks also probably view this as an opportunity to reclaim their clan's rights and to take a stand against the Hokage's faction, a direct action aligning perfectly with their more confrontational stance and ideology of fighting actively instead of being passive.',
Hikari realized that this alliance offered something to both factions within the Uchiha clan, making it a unique proposition that could unite them under a common cause, 'This really is a win-win situation for both factions then.',
'So, she is probably supported by everyone in the Uchiha clan. By representing her clan today, she might actually be bridging the gap between the Doves and Hawks, embodying a unity that's been absent in the Uchiha for too long.',
He then considered the role of the Uchiha clan's Patriarch Fugaku and his line, and their supporters, within the clan, often seen as the 'third' broader faction within the clan and often seen as the moderating force within the clan, balancing the more extreme views of the Doves and Hawks,
'The Patriarch's line, acting as the neutral arbiters, would likely view this alliance as a strategic move that doesn't contradict their overarching aim of maintaining clan unity and promoting its interests within Konoha. Instead, it would go in positive directions for both.',
'This doesn't go against their policies; in fact, it might even support their goals by providing a platform for the Uchiha to assert themselves as a key player in village politics while patching up some internal strife.',
Before the meeting, Hikari had thoroughly reviewed the privileged intelligence gathered by the Hyuga clan on the Uchiha's internal and external challenges in general in great detail.
This information, known only to the Hyuga elders, painted a complex picture of the Uchiha clan's recent struggles within Konoha.
The village's leadership had systematically undermined the Uchiha, from stripping away their commercial interests and speaking rights to isolating them socially and politically.
The constant encroachment on the Uchiha Police Force's jurisdiction and power in favor of the Anbu, directly controlled by Hiruzen, along with the recent establishment of Root under Danzo, was the biggest blowout of them all. The marginalizations pushed the Uchiha over the edge in terms of their feelings for the village.
These actions had a profound impact on the Uchiha, driving a wedge not only between the clan and the village's leadership but also within the clan itself.
The Hawks faction, advocating a more confrontational stance against these perceived injustices, found fertile ground for their ideology.
Led by the Great Elder Setsuna, a proponent of decisive action against the village's encroachments, the Hawks had gained significant influence, rallying those who felt betrayed by Konoha's leadership.
Understanding this, Hikari recognized the delicate balance of power within the Uchiha clan. The more moderate Doves, once influential voices for integration and cooperation with Konoha's leadership, found themselves sidelined.
Their decline in influence coincided with the rise of the Hawks, making it increasingly difficult for the Doves and the neutral Patriarch's line, led by Fugaku Uchiha, to counterbalance the Hawks' growing power.
This internal power struggle within the Uchiha clan had reached a critical juncture. For Fugaku and the moderate elements within the clan to maintain any semblance of influence, they needed to do something, or more precisely, fight back against Konoha in some way or another, or the entire clan would be taken over by the Hawks faction in the future.
The history of the Uchiha clan, as Hikari understood it, was also a testament to the unpredictable shifts and flows of power and perception.
Following the founding of Konoha, Madara Uchiha's failed rebellion and defeat against Hashirama Senju caused the hawkish elements within the Uchiha to experience a significant loss of influence.
Despite most of them not joining Madara in his rebellion, including a younger Great Elder Setsuna, as those who had already died a long time ago, the faction's reputation plummeted.
This was due to the broader clan's association with Madara's defeat and the perceived failure of their aggressive policies against the village's ethos of unity under Hashirama and the leadership of the Doves, symbolized by the rise of Kagami Uchiha in strength and reputations, a 'false' figure of compromise and cooperation with Konoha's leadership.
However, as time went on, Madara's dark prophecies about the village eventually turned against the Uchiha, which the clan initially dismissed and began to take on a chilling resonance over the decades.
The gradual truth of Madara's words, vindicated by the village's actions against the Uchiha—from marginalization to the usurpation of their authority—lent credibility and power to the more radical faction within the clan.
The Great Elder Setsuna, having known Madara personally, embodied this shift. His long life witnessed a dramatic reversal from disgrace to influence as the village's policies increasingly seemed to validate Madara's forewarnings.
This historical perspective brought Hikari to contemplate the ironic twists of fate. In a relatively short span, the moderate Dove faction, which had once heralded an era of cooperation and peace with Konoha, would give rise to prodigies like Itachi and Shisui.
These individuals, despite their unparalleled talents and intentions for peace, would inadvertently precipitate the clan towards its tragic epilogue, playing into the very extinction Madara had predicted, manipulated by the machinations of Konoha's leadership.
Hikari marveled at the cyclical nature of history within the Uchiha clan, where the once discredited views of the Hawks found vindication in the village's actions, only for the subsequent generation of less numerous and 'counted out' moderates, bearing the hope of reconciliation and peace, to unwittingly march towards a preordained final tragedy.
Meanwhile, outwardly, Kiyomi's demeanor shifted palpably, the weight of clan politics momentarily lifting from her shoulders. A playful smirk danced across her lips, her eyes sparkling with a competitive zeal that hadn't been evident in their discussion thus far. She watched him finish contemplating, cutting him off before he could respond back to her.
"Before we dive deeper into our discussion, Hikari-san, I have a small, somewhat personal request...", She said, her voice lighter, laced with an almost teasing amusement, "I'd like us to spar right here.",
"You see, I haven't really had the chance to test my skills against a peer opponent close to my age and reputed to be of similar strength. And I'll confess, your reputation has piqued my curiosity. And you see, by the way, this how we, the Uchiha, typically like to construct our relations with others... Therefore, I hope that you won't mind and this won't offend you."
Her confidence was unshaken, her pride in her abilities clear, and her competitive nature surfaced unabashedly at his time.
This challenge, thrown down almost playfully, contrasted starkly with the serious, strategic thinker she had presented moments before in Hikari's eyes, who also anticipated it.
Hikari's response was more measured, but his smile hinted at an understanding of her after hearing her and going back to present from his thoughts,
"I see where you're coming from, Kiyomi-san. The Uchiha clan's emphasis on strength is well-known, and it's only natural for you to seek an understanding of the dynamics between us, especially considering our potential future interactions. It's sensible...",
He acknowledged, noting their secluded location beyond Konoha and its sensory barriers as an ideal setting, "I agree to your request. It seems we're in a perfect place, free from unwanted observation."
Internally, Hikari was not surprised by Kiyomi's challenge; it was almost expected. 'So, it comes down to this...' he thought, 'A battle to gauge my capabilities and talents...' He pondered the deeper implications of her request, knowing that there may be more to it than her personality type, feelings of curiosity, and desire to prove herself.
'This was also probably influenced by her role within the Uchiha and her current mission today. She's not just seeking to understand my abilities now but also the potential the entire Hyuga clan possesses because of me for the future under the orders of her higher-ups...',
However, Hikari was also quick to see the advantage for him in Kiyomi's challenge. He knew that if he managed to defeat her effortlessly right now, it would not only prove his strength and talent but also significantly bolster his and the Hyuga clan's entire negotiating power with the Uchiha in the future passively. Winning easily would leave a strong impression on the Uchiha, ensuring they took him and his clan more seriously in all future discussions.
"Then, please be careful, Hikari-kun... I'm about to start..." Kiyomi announced, her smile widening briefly at Hikari's composed, unsurprised reaction. It was almost as if he had anticipated this challenge from the outset, and his confident demeanor unconsciously treated her as a non-threat in her view.
There was a flicker of excitement in her eyes, a spark ignited by the prospect of disrupting his serene, controlled demeanor. 'Let's see how long that calm lasts...' she mused internally, her playful smirk morphing into a focused, determined expression as she prepared to move.
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