บท 143: A Delicate Balance: Pakura's Trust in Hikari

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.