บท 126: Strategy, Strength, and the Future of Kirigakure (1)

Genji's deep sigh broke the silence, carrying a weight of resignation and authority. His eyes briefly met Mei's before returning to Hikari and Hiashi.

"You must be Hikari Hyuga, right? And this is Hiashi Hyuga, the future patriarch of your clan?", His tone was calm yet firm.

He continued, his gaze steady and assessing, "Although you are strong, perhaps the strongest young man I've ever encountered, we have observed your battle with the Mizukage even though we couldn't intervene directly.",

"You might be nearing the end of your vitality and merely masking your fatigue quite well now. Understand, despite your abilities, we still have the advantage in numbers, particularly among our Anbu. It would be possible to track you, wear you down, and ultimately, eliminate you through sheer numbers force even outside of this village, even if you try to run away afterward."

Genji paused, letting his words sink in to gauge the reaction of his young adversaries. He then offered a resolution, "I recommend that you withdraw voluntarily from this village, along with your people. Disappear, and I will call off any further pursuit.",

His proposal was not just an ultimatum but a strategic positioning meant to assert control over the situation and to test Hikari's resolve and real condition.

Hikari stood calm and collected, unfazed by Genji's warning. His strategy had been to make Genji speak first, a subtle move to shift the power dynamics in his favor.

Genji's prompt to speak first revealed more about his position and confidence than any physical display or words could.

Hikari had read the elder's uncertainty hidden behind a facade of control, and it was time to leverage this in the negotiations.

"Yes, I'm Hikari Hyuga, and this is Hiashi Hyuga...", Hikari responded courteously yet firmly, acknowledging Genji's assessment of their physical state.

"Nice to meet you. And yes, while I am certainly quite fatigued now, I am not nearly as depleted as you might hope and presented it as.",

"I still have enough energy left to cause significant 'damage' here, all around your village, and you know my capabilities well. You've seen my speed; no one here can match it once I'm in motion. That chaos would be unbearable for you."

Hikari paused, his gaze steady and penetrating as he continued, "And yes, you have numbers, but with the Mizukage's fall by my hand—a sight all your troops witnessed—morale on your side has plummeted, whereas ours is only bolstered.",

"It's uncertain who would prevail if this conflict continued, but one thing is clear: further fighting would only lead to the destruction of Kirigakure. It would only be a matter of time before other villages take advantage of its weakened state.",

Hikari's words were deliberate, designed to strike at the core of Genji's fears—further chaos and the potential collapse of Kirigakure.

He was positioning himself not just as a formidable adversary but as a rational actor who recognized the broader implications of continued conflict.

This approach aimed to shift the conversation from threats to potential cooperation, suggesting that a compromise might indeed be the only path forward that preserved Kirigakure's future.

Mei watched Hikari with a mixture of awe and introspection. His youthful face, calm and composed, belied the weight of his words as he engaged in this subtle duel of diplomacy with Elder Genji.

It was almost surreal to see someone so close to her own age display such maturity and command, standing toe-to-toe with an elder who had decades more experience. She couldn't help but feel a deep respect for his ability to navigate these treacherous waters with such finesse.

As Hikari spoke, Mei's thoughts turned inward. She clenched her slender fists, her nails lightly pressing into her palms, a silent, physical manifestation of her internal hopes.

She found herself silently rooting for Hikari's success, understanding intuitively that a peaceful compromise was undoubtedly the best outcome for Kirigakure.

Even though the revelations about the village's dark manipulations under the previous Mizukage had left her feeling betrayed, her feelings toward the village itself were complex.

She hated the regime that had deceived her, but she held no ill will toward the ordinary people of Kirigakure.

They, like her, were products of their environment, mostly unaware of the deeper machinations at play.

Despite the bitter truth about her past, Mei felt a profound connection to Kirigakure. It was the only home she had ever known, a place imbued with memories both sweet and painful.

This attachment wasn't merely about the location but the community and the everyday lives intertwined with hers.

'Even if my heritage lies elsewhere...', She thought to herself, 'This village is part of who I am. It shaped me, for better or worse. And now, perhaps, I can help shape it for the better...'

Meanwhile, Hiashi also observed Hikari's interactions with a mixture of respect and surprise the entire time.

The younger Hyuga's poise under pressure was remarkable, and Hiashi deferred to Hikari's judgment throughout this passive confrontation.

This deference was not borne out of obligation but from a genuine belief in Hikari's leadership.

It was an unusual position for Hiashi, who was older and more experienced—traditionally, the qualities revered in a leader within shinobi culture. Yet, here he was, instinctively looking to Hikari for guidance.

The fact that Hikari had single-handedly defeated the Mizukage added to Hiashi's respect for him.

That victory demonstrated Hikari's combat prowess, strategic acumen, and ability to endure extreme stress.

It was these qualities that had earned Hiashi's complete silent endorsement from now on.

Hiashi recognized that Hikari's blend of strength and tactical thinking made him exceptionally fit to navigate the complexities of their current mission.

Moreover, Hiashi was also aware of the subtle shifts in their interaction—how Hikari had begun to address him simply as "Hiashi" rather than with any honorific that might denote seniority and how he had taken the initiative to lead discussions and make decisions.

These changes might have bruised the ego of a less secure leader, but Hiashi saw them as positive. He appreciated the efficiency and directness they brought to their operations.

In his heart, Hiashi felt no envy. As the future patriarch of the Hyuga clan, his primary concern was the welfare and strength of his clan, and he saw Hikari's emerging leadership as a boon to their collective success.

His realism about the clan's needs and his own capabilities allowed him to embrace Hikari's ascent not just with acceptance but with optimism.

He understood that Hikari was a vital asset and that supporting him was not just sensible—it was necessary for their survival and prosperity at this point.