章節 38: Another Challenge within The Main Branch
"Did you get the permission of your parents or your grandfather, the Fourth Elder, before coming to run wild here like this? First, this is a hospital and a learning institution. It is not a place where some useless 'vase' like you can run amok.",
"Since they said that they have no medical experts ready to spare for you and send you to the Fourth Estate, then you just should accept that rationally instead of going all the way here to cause trouble with your stupid brain...",
Hikari's voice was cold and emotionless as he delivered his rebuke. His gaze was fixed on Akemi, and his eyes were expressionless.
Akemi, upon recognizing the identity of the young speaker before her, instinctively ceased the use of the Cursed Seal Command on Hinome.
She realized she was confronting Hikari, the future Third Elder, also known as the highest talent in the Hyuga clan's history.
His potential and status were recognized and pushed by the entire Main Branch in a joint resolution, and even her grandfather and parents had repeatedly warned her to try and build the best possible relationship with him and not to provoke him under any circumstances.
The sudden halt in Akemi's actions brought a wave of relief that swept through the room, palpably lifting the heavy atmosphere that had settled over the assembled crowd.
Hinome, still on the ground and recovering from the acute pain inflicted by the Cursed Seal, turned her gaze weakly toward Hikari.
In that moment of vulnerability, recognition dawned on her: this was not just any classmate stepping in to defend her, but also the boy whose parents had once been heroes on the battlefield, heroes who had saved her own parents in a time of dire need during the start of the previous war, before both sets of parents also tragically lost their lives a few years ago.
'He's truly kind just like his parents and doesn't discriminate between branches...', Hinome thought to herself, a wave of gratitude washing over her.
Despite the humiliation and the physical pain she had endured, Hikari's intervention had allowed her to salvage a sliver of dignity from the ordeal.
After a moment of silence, during which Akemi managed to gather her composure, her wounded pride and offense at Hikari's sharp rebuke stirred her to respond.
Despite acknowledging Hikari's higher status than her own, Akemi's deeply ingrained sense of superiority as a Main Branch member wouldn't allow her to remain silent.
After a bit, Akemi managed to calm down and, feeling insulted by Hikari's harsh words and being called a 'useless vase' and essentially implied that she was 'stupid', decided to speak up. Her pride as a Main Branch member wouldn't let her stay quiet.
"Okay, okay, it looks like Hikari-kun really 'likes' the Side Branch, just like his family before him... I won't make a scene in front of our 'legendary talent' today; I'll let it go this time. But you shouldn't just throw insults around for no reason...",
She shot back, implying that Hikari was wrong to defend Hinome, the girl on the ground, especially against another Main Branch member like herself.
She also suggested that Hikari was being too idealistic, just like his parents, despite him having used the Cursed Seal Command against some Side Branch members before, which had made people in the Main Branch think differently of him.
Overall, Akemi's words were a mix of backing down and still poking at Hikari. After all, a part of her statement was vaguely aimed at trying to isolate him from the rest of the Main Branch.
"No, I'm not defending her because she is a Side Branch member, but because she is a very important talent already picked up and cultivated by me in secret. So, you essentially just attacked one of my people. And who said you can go just like that? Do you think attacking my people was this easy?",
"I'm officially challenging you right now, and if you want to prove that you are not a vase and that calling you a vase was an insult instead of an objective fact, then accept this challenge from me, an 8-year-old boy younger than you, and fight openly right now..." Hikari's voice was firm, his intention clear as he took a step closer to Akemi, his expression deadly serious.
Hikari spoke truthfully; his concern wasn't rooted in the mere fact that a Side Branch member was being punished but in the potential harm to Hinome's unique talent, particularly her eyes, which he deemed crucial for his future plans.
The reckless use of the Cursed Seal Command, which was probably connected to her eyes in some way, stirred a deep, sudden anger in him, prompting his decision to confront and teach Akemi a lesson.
However, Hikari believed that the rest of the Main Branch's higher-ups would, upon reflection, see the wisdom in his current actions.
The aftermath of the war had left many in the Side Branch grieving from losing family members or suffering from injuries after barely coming back alive themselves.
Hikari knew that the Fourth Elder, Akemi's grandfather, had understood this delicate balance.
His silent acceptance of the lack of immediate medical attention for his granddaughter, who was slightly injured during training, in favor of many seriously injured members of the Side Branch, was a testament to a broader vision of the clan's higher-ups.
There was no place for childishness there. The Elders of the Hyuga clan were all wise and strategic, not given to wasteful or sadistic uses of the Cursed Seal Command.
Its activation was a serious matter; it didn't happen 'every day', and the purpose of using it wasn't so openly stated in front of everyone as Akemi did. If she wanted to teach them a lesson, as she said, then it should not be done so openly, completely stating your purpose upfront.
In that way, you would only drive more hidden resentment against the Main Branch and resoluteness and unity amongst the Side Branches themselves instead of targeting broad fear.
Akemi's use of the Cursed Seal Command was everything it shouldn't have been. It was rash, public, and excessive, unlike the careful and discreet way the senior Main Branch members usually handle it, also in the right doses, after a period of calculated risk to reward.
Hikari thought this mistake showed a big gap in what Akemi had learned about leadership and strategy from those before her. In his view, her actions showed she hadn't been taught to think about the bigger picture or how her decisions affect the whole clan.
This was a lesson her elders missed, and now it was causing problems. So, in Hikari's opinion, they should even be thankful to him now that he was about to teach her a lesson in humility and life.
Hinome, still on the ground and recovering from the pain of the Cursed Seal, listened with a mixture of shock and awe as Hikari stood up to Akemi on her behalf.
His words, clear and authoritative, cut through the tension in the room. Hinome had never expected anyone, let alone Hikari—a Main Branch member and someone she respected for his talent and integrity—to defend her so openly and boldly right now.
Additionally, as she listened to Hikari's bold defense and challenge, her surprise was magnified by the revelation that she was considered one of "his people."
This statement left her puzzled and curious. Why would Hikari, a member of the Main Branch and known for his exceptional talent, consider her, a member of the Side Branch, to be under his protection?
The concept was foreign to her, given the clan's strict division and the usual indifference the Main Branch showed towards the Side Branch members.
Her mind raced with questions. What interest could Hikari possibly have in her? Was it purely because of her medical ninjutsu abilities, or was there more to his actions than met the eye?
The thought that Hikari had been secretly observing and valuing her progress was both flattering and bewildering. Until this moment, Hinome had felt largely invisible within the clan, her contributions unnoticed by the Main Branch.
"Talent, haha? What kind of 'big talent' could that little girl have after being so clumsy and failing to treat even the most basic injury for me? And what are you doing here in the first place? Don't tell me you are here for this girl, and you developed some childish feeling between you, haha...?",
Akemi's laughter cut through the tension, her words dripping with sarcasm as she mocked Hikari. Her reaction made it clear she wasn't taking his challenge or his defense of Hinome seriously.
However, Akemi's response, which Hikari found foolish, only irritated him further on the inside. Despite this, he maintained his composure and replied with a calm and icy exterior,
"Okay, then, since you don't seem to accept my challenge, you are dismissed from here. And don't make me see you around here again. I won't wait for you to formally agree to my challenge to teach you a lesson at that time.",
"Also, from now on, I want everyone here to spread the word that Akemi of the Main Fourth Lineage is a useless vase who can only go against defenseless individuals with Cursed Seal Commands, not even her power, and chooses to deflect when facing the prospect of going against me, an 8-year-old younger genius from the Main Branch...",
As he moved past Akemi toward Hinome's position, his gestures exaggeratedly 'ejecting' her from the scene. His action clearly asserted dismissal completely and established authority over Akemo without leaving her any face, something that was truly rare and provocative among their branch. It was obvious that he just wanted her to formally accept the fight or strike first.
Akemi's initial amusement vanished instantly, replaced by a flare of anger at Hikari's biting words. The dismissive tone, the challenge to her competence, and the public humiliation ignited a fire within her.
Her pride as a Main Branch member and her personal dignity had been called into question, and the suggestion that she was a 'useless vase' was more than she could bear in silence.
Her face reddened, a mix of anger and defiance flashing in her eyes as she retorted, "Fine! I accept your challenge, Hikari. But don't you dare regret it later! You think you can just insult me and get away with it? I'll show you that I'm not someone to be dismissed so lightly.",
Akemi's voice carried a sharp edge, her words heavy with the promise of retribution. At that moment, any semblance of composure was replaced by a need to defend her honor, prove herself against Hikari's accusations, and keep a 'her face.' The idea of backing down was no longer an option; accepting the challenge was the only way to restore her standing.
創作者的想法 
Hanma_Jack
Hanma_Jack 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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章節 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.
創作者的想法
Hanma_Jack
Hanma_Jack
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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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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