บท 39: Another Victory On The Record for Hikari
After receiving Akemi's formal acceptance of his challenge, Hikari didn't waste a moment. So, with a faint nod acknowledging her agreement and opening his Byakugan,
He immediately sprang into action with his small frame, stunning everyone present near the scene and causing them to move away quickly from the two.
Hinome was now positioned right behind him, however, and she also watched him in shock and awe, her expression concerned.
Positioning himself in a practiced stance, Hikari prepared to unleash his unique adaptation of a common Hyuga clan technique, which he had named the 'Wind Vacuum Blast Salvo'.
Executing this technique involved channeling his refined Wind Release chakra throughout his entire upper body.
With precise control, Hikari thrust his palms forward, launching a bombardment of pressurized Wind Release chakra.
This wasn't just a simple release of energy; the technique harnessed the wind picked up from the air, amplifying its force as it raced towards its target.
Hikari knew he had to start strong because being 8 years younger than Akemi was a big deal. He wasn't sure how this fight would go since it depended a lot on how talented Akemi was among the Main Branch. He didn't have enough information about her level of training.
Akemi's eyes widened in surprise when she saw Hikari use a technique she recognized but with a unique twist.
Caught off guard and facing the technique's wide blast radius, she had no choice but to push her Byakugan to its limits, ignoring the pain from her current injury.
She still had full mobility, as the injury wasn't all that serious, albeit it was somewhat painful to fight for her now.
She quickly used the Gentle Fist technique, a fundamental Hyuga combat style, to break apart the incoming chakra and prevent it from hitting her.
This move required her to exert more effort than she had anticipated, especially to counter such a powerful and unexpected attack.
While Akemi was busy defending against the Wind Vacuum Blast Salvo, Hikari didn't waste any time. He moved in close to her, attempting to land a hit.
Akemi managed to block him, but Hikari's swift actions gave him a slight advantage in their exchange.
From a distance, Hinome watched the confrontation with a mix of shock and admiration. The sight of Hikari, who was two years younger than her, engaging in such a high-level battle with Akemi was unlike anything she had ever witnessed.
The fluid movements, the precise use of chakra, and the strategic execution of techniques left her awestruck.
As the battle between Hikari and Akemi unfolded, both attempting to seal each other's tenketsu points, it became clear that Akemi was starting to gain the upper hand.
The Side Branch members and Hinome watched anxiously as the exchange of Gentle Fist techniques progressed.
Despite Hikari's skill and determination, the eight-year difference in their ages, along with disparities in body stature, chakra volume, and skill proficiency, began to tilt the fight in Akemi's favor. The bout, stretching over a few intense minutes, seemed to push Hikari to his limits.
However, suddenly, just as Akemi's next attack was poised to hit Hikari and perhaps finish him off, it inexplicably stopped, freezing her motion just inches from him.
Seizing this, Hikari gathered all his strength and speed, channeling his Wind Release chakra into the most powerful palm strike he could manage.
The strike landed squarely on Akemi's chest, impacting her organs with such force that it sent her flying back several meters.
Her eyes widened in shock as she coughed up blood, finally crashing into a wall and falling unconscious.
Hikari, panting heavily from the exertion, felt a wave of relief wash over him. The momentary pause in Akemi's attack, which had provided him the opening he needed, was not mere chance.
Hikari had previously discreetly utilized Yin Release chakra slowly during the exchange, a method he started learning from Takumi in its most basic form.
This subtle application was intended to eventually disrupt Akemi's cognitive functions, creating a brief window of vulnerability.
As Akemi lay unconscious, the onlookers, including the Side Branch members and Hinome, were left in awe of the fight's dramatic conclusion.
As Akemi's attendants rushed to her aid, probably carrying her back home for recovery, Hikari took a moment to reflect on the battle.
It had been a swift but intense clash, and in the few seconds following its conclusion, he considered what had transpired.
'This was much harder to use in battles than I thought. It seems that I have a long way to go before getting closer to Takumi's level... This time, I was lucky that this girl looked like she virtually had no serious fighting experience, and that's why I managed to trick her with that primitive form. And she should also be on the more mediocre side of the talent among the Main Branch. She is a middle Chunin at most, whereas I am the late Chunin at most now...',
Hikari didn't enter the battle recklessly; his recent progress in strength had given him confidence in his ability to at least match, if not best, an opponent like her.
Knowing he was significantly younger, he understood that even a draw would not tarnish his reputation. However, Hikari had aimed for a decisive victory, not just for the sake of winning, but to make a lasting impression on Hinome, who had been observing the entire event.
As the dust settled and Akemi was taken away, everyone around breathed a sigh of relief. From what Hikari could tell, the actions he took today might have temporarily eased some of the tension and resentment these Side Branch members felt towards the Main Branch, stirred up by Akemi's behavior.
Over centuries, the Side Branch members had, through generations of indoctrination, gradually come to accept their subordinate identity within the Hyuga clan, with some even developing a kind of 'Stockholm Syndrome'—a psychological bond with their oppressors.
As a result, those among the Side Branch who harbored inward resentment towards the Main Branch were exceedingly rare.
However, the recent war and its aftermath had subtly shifted these dynamics, creating an undercurrent of discontent that had not been as pronounced before.
And Akemi's decision to use the Cursed Seal Command, especially at such a sensitive time, was, in Hikari's view, not just a personal error in judgment but also a broad strategic blunder.
It underscored a lack of understanding of the current mood among the Side Branch members and a disregard for the potential consequences of her actions on the clan's internal harmony and unity.
In Hikari's opinion, the Cursed Seal was supposed to and meant to be used to make the clan more hierarchical and unified, not the opposite.
However, at that moment, Hikari's focus wasn't on the broader clan dynamics, nor was it on the reactions of the other Side Branch members and the relived tension. His attention was solely on Hinome, who had managed to stand up, though still appearing weak from the ordeal.
Under the surprised gaze of those around, Hikari approached Hinome with a concern that hadn't been evident in his demeanor up until that point,
"Do you need my support? Can you walk on your own? Let's go somewhere and talk. You are probably curious about why I've said that I've been watching and supporting you. Let's go...", He said, his voice carrying a mix of command and 'genuine' concern.
Hinome, still feeling the aftershocks of the confrontation, the pain from the Cursed Seal, and now the unexpected defense from Hikari, found herself at a loss for words. Despite the turmoil, Hikari's offer to talk and explain his actions sparked a curiosity in her. Her response was soft, a reflection of her current state, "No, I can walk alone. I will follow you..."
Hikari nodded in understanding and led the way to a secluded terrace nearby, which he had spotted with his Byakugan. The terrace, equipped with benches, would provide Hinome a place to sit down and rest.
The walk to the terrace was silent, filled with unspoken questions and anticipations about the conversation to come.
Upon arriving, Hinome gratefully took a seat on one of the benches, her posture reflecting the physical and emotional toll the day had taken on her.
Hikari, meanwhile, remained standing for a moment, scanning the area with his Byakugan to ensure privacy and security before joining her.
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บท 40: The First Conversation With Hinome
"Are you feeling better now?" Hikari asked, surprisingly not immediately addressing the reasons behind his previous actions.
"Yeah, I'm better now, Hikari... sama... Thank you for your concern. Thank you for helping me this time. And I am sorry I had to bother you in such a way...", Hinome responded, her voice laced with a mix of relief and apology.
"It's good that you're feeling better. However, you should also rest up at home for a few days. Also, there's no need to say thank you for all of this. Instead, if you truly feel thankful, I have some ideas about ways for you to repay my help if you are up for it...", Hikari replied directly.
Hinome, feeling eager to reciprocate Hikari's assistance and confused about how she could help someone of his status and strength, replied with a touch of uncertainty, "I would be glad to help you, Hikari-sama; just say if there is anything I can do."
"I won't beat around the bush then. First, it's true that I really noticed your talent quite a while ago, and I've been secretly keeping tabs on your progress. I've even discussed various ways I could support you with your professor in the third class. I noticed your talent a month ago during our first meeting when I joined that class we saw each other in for the first time.",
"I'm mostly fascinated by your unique Byakugan vision ability of microscopic nature. I think I will need your help in the future when I officially become the Third Elder of the clan. You are crucial for some of my very important plans.",
"You might not realize it, but your unique ability is truly precious, and allowing it to develop fully would benefit not just me and my lineage but the entire clan..." Hikari said with sincerity and directness, underscored the importance.
'So, is that why the professor and his team were so polite to me and gave so much attention to my matters during those scientific workshops...',
'I didn't expect to be kept in the dark like this... But it doesn't feel bad...', Hinome found herself pondering after hearing Hikari's straightforward explanation.
Choosing to trust Hikari felt natural to Hinome, especially since the professor had also often mentioned how rare and valuable her ability was for the scientific field in general. Being kept in the dark about Hikari's involvement didn't bother her as much as she would have thought.
"Then what expectations do you exactly have for me?", Hinome asked, her curiosity piqued by Hikari's acknowledgment of her talent and his stated intentions.
"Nothing special, for now, you just stay under the guidance of that professor and raise your scientific proficiency level. That area will be key in how you can help me. As for other medical jutsu areas, use them only as secondary interests.",
"Believe me, there are many talented medical ninjas in this clan and the village; however, there are not many who are experts in scientific research.",
"If you're eager to help your clan and help as many people as possible in the future, then it makes sense to focus on this field. I will talk to the director of this institute, who is related to the Sixth Elder, to ensure you're allowed to develop fully and to prevent situations like today from happening again. I will also pay for all your expenses...",
"When I officially become the Third Elder in six years, if your skills are up for the task, you are going to become my main assistant. And your salary at that time won't be under the director of this institute.",
"I plan to open my own scientific research lab at that time for the collective betterment of our clan and, to be honest, also to try and improve my own ability through some daring and bold ideas I have...",
Hikari added, outlining a future that not only included Hinome in a pivotal role but also detailed his ambition for leveraging scientific research to advance the clan and himself.
Hinome was a little surprised by Hikari's statement, especially the part about her future salary not being under the director of this institute.
She knew the director was the brother of the Sixth Elder and was recognized as one of the wealthiest members of the entire clan.
The notion that her financial compensation would be competitive with, or even surpass, that of someone of such high status within the Hyuga clan showed the serious investment Hikari was willing to make in her and her abilities.
After her parents died, fulfilling their wishes for her to live well became Hinome's primary motivation.
Leveraging her early exposure to medical knowledge and the unique microscopic vision of her Byakugan, she ambitiously enrolled in all three advanced workshops offered at the institute.
Hinome was already planning for her future livelihood, mindful of the time when the village and clan's monetary support, extended to her as an orphan of war heroes, would cease.
Hikari's offer, therefore, arrived at a pivotal moment for Hinome. His words, charged with sincerity and the evident respect he had for her abilities, resonated deeply with her.
The respect she felt was further cemented by her parents' positive remarks about Hikari's parents, his act of saving her today, and the mention of a high salary.
Even if the eventual compensation didn't reach the lofty figures Hikari hinted at, it would still be very high, judging by Hikari's future status.
This, coupled with Hikari's evident belief in her potential, made her more easily agree to his proposal.
The suggestion to prioritize scientific research over direct medical jutsu and healing wasn't as big a leap for Hinome as it might have been before the recent events.
The pressure she faced in the last few days after being pressured to heal that many people, one after another, day after day, leading to her fragile and fatigued state, culminating in the attack by the Main Branch girl, had left a profound impact on her.
Also, Hinome's parents' tragic fate as medical ninjas who lost their lives on the frontline deeply influenced her perspective on her future role within the clan and the wider ninja world.
This personal history had imbued her with a strong desire to help others, a hallmark of her pursuit of medical knowledge.
However, it also served as a clear reminder of the dangers and sacrifices inherent in the life of a medical ninja actively engaged in combat situations.
Hikari's proposal offered a compelling alternative that aligned with her evolving outlook. By focusing on becoming a scientific professional, Hinome saw a path where she could contribute significantly to the well-being of others without exposing herself to dangers.
However, just before Hinome could express her agreement, Hikari began to speak again. He realized that being completely upfront about her future role was crucial.
It was better for her to understand everything upfront rather than be surprised later on.
Hikari also recognized that enhancing her skills was only part of the preparation; shaping her mindset and outlook on life was equally important.
The path ahead, involving certain experiments and research needed to achieve his goals, might not always align with conventional 'moral codes,' mildly put.
Hikari valued results and believed that achieving his objectives might require actions that others could view as morally ambiguous.
He saw power as the ultimate means to happiness and safety and expected Hinome, as his first and main assistant in the future, to share or at least understand his perspective. Therefore, Hikari's next shift in demeanor brought a sudden gravity to the conversation.
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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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