章節 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.
創作者的想法 
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章節 41: Revealing The Dark Nature of The World
"Think about it more carefully. I want to be honest with you. If you agree to work with me in the future, some of the steps or experiments we might need to take for some of my planned research certainly might go against the medical ethics of you or your parents, for example, and against the general societal norms.",
"However, I want to remind you again that I didn't save you out of my kindness today or that I didn't have anything better to do. I saved you because of your potential and value for my plans. If you disagree, then you are irrelevant to me, and who will save you in the future if such a situation happens again?",
"Could that girl, or some other Main Branch member, randomly target you again for a slight mistake? What would happen to your brain at that time if the Cursed Seal Comman stayed activated for much longer? I'm not saying all this to be mean but to make you understand that power is everything in this world.",
As Hikari spoke these words, his demeanor was calm yet intense, his gaze fixed on Hinome with unwavering seriousness.
Hikari's expression softened slightly when he mentioned the potential dangers Hinome could face without his protection, not out of pity but as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of their world.
"And if you promise to follow me from now on, I promise that I will help you get more power and not find yourself in such a situation ever again, and rise to the top of the ninja world alongside me.",
"Think everything through. You have to rely only on yourself in this world at the end of the day. And on our joint research journey, we will share the information toward power needed for that goal together.",
However, when he discussed potential violations of medical ethics and societal norms, his eyes betrayed a flicker of resolve, indicating his willingness to push boundaries for the sake of greater achievements.
This was not a decision he took lightly but a calculated risk he believed was necessary for progress and power. His words were spoken with a conviction that resonated in the quiet of their secluded meeting spot.
It was a moment of honesty, with Hikari revealing the challenges and rewards that lay ahead should she choose to join him.
As Hinome listened to Hikari, she thought deeply about what he was saying. Hikari's straight talk made her see that maybe seeking power and strength, even if it meant bending some rules, wasn't such a bad idea.
What had happened to her parents, who were sent to the front lines and died without any say in the matter, not controlling their own destinies, similar to what also happened to her today and recently, which she was also powerless to resist, made her question the beliefs she grew up with—about always doing good and helping others without expecting anything in return using her medical knowledge.
Since the loss of her parents, Hinome had learned to fend for herself. Hikari's insistence on self-reliance also deeply resonated with her life lessons.
So, when Hikari finished speaking, Hinome paused to gather her thoughts before responding. Her voice was firmer now, a sign of her newfound resolve.
"I've thought about it..." She said, "I see what you're saying and the risks involved. But after everything I went through when and after losing my parents, I see that sticking to the old ways isn't enough. If being with you means I won't be helpless again, then I'm in. I'm ready to follow you and learn from you as well...",
While declaring this, she felt that she wasn't just agreeing to work with Hikari but also choosing a new path that promised her strength, independence, and the chance to make a difference in a new way. She felt like it was worth it.
Meanwhile, Hinome's curiosity about Hikari also grew as she listened to him. How could a boy of just six years speak with such maturity about life, power, and breaking societal norms?
His plans were far-reaching, his understanding of the world seemingly beyond his years.
As she watched him speak, his white eyes cold and indifferent to the world around them, she couldn't help but wonder about the journey that had brought him to this point.
Hikari's parents were known for their compassion and dedication to selflessly helping others, which was quite the opposite of the path Hikari was now choosing.
Then, she recalled the rumors that had circulated within the clan about three years ago, shortly after the tragic loss of his parents. Hikari had been labeled the son of traitors, subjected to the clan's disdain and isolation.
'So, maybe that's what changed him...', She thought. The realization that Hikari had been forced to confront such harsh realities at a young age provided some context for the drastic shift in his worldview.
This reflection led Hinome to a personal epiphany. If Hikari could step away from his parents' ideals and carve his own path from such a young age, then why couldn't she? She cherished her parents and their teachings, but the desire to forge her own future on her terms grew stronger within her.
'Yes... I'm endlessly grateful, and I love my parents, but I want to go on my own path in the future...' Hinome resolved, her gaze fixed on the young boy before her. Despite being two years her junior, Hikari exuded an aura of maturity and inherent nobility that belied his age.
Meanwhile, Hikari, inwardly quite pleased with Hinome's response, felt relieved. He had anticipated that convincing her to adopt some of his perspectives and perhaps "darken" her outlook on life would be challenging.
He had thought that even getting her to accept his support might be difficult. From his past observations of her, Hikari had pegged Hinome as the quintessential introvert, and in his experience, introverts were often the most resistant to stepping outside their comfort zones.
What Hikari hadn't considered, however, was the significant role his parents' legacy played in shaping Hinome's initial impression of him.
Unbeknownst to him, the positive image Hinome held of Hikari was deeply influenced by the actions of his parents, who had once saved her own.
This prior connection laid a foundation of trust and goodwill that made Hinome more open to Hikari's proposal than he had anticipated.
However, suddenly deciding to provide Hinome with even more incentive, Hikari leaned in closer, capitalizing on primal human desires like 'greed' and 'envy' and better standing within their social hierarchy.
As their faces drew near, Hinome felt a jolt of surprise. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper and tinged with the weight of a taboo subject, Hikari addressed the topic,
"In fact, it is not without the realm of possibility for us to get rid of this for you...", He hinted, his eyes briefly darting to the forehead seal hidden beneath her bangs,
"A decade from now... I feel like I might be able to help you do something about that if you remain eager in your studies and cooperate with me well until then...",
Hikari concluded, his words laden with the promise of freedom from the clan's oppressive mark.
He knew that the mere mention of potentially removing the Cursed Seal spoke directly to a hidden desire for equality and autonomy that lived within every Side Branch member. By introducing this prospect, Hikari not only heightened Hinome's motivation to align with him but also subtly underscored the depth of the connection that he sought to make with her.
However, after retreating back to his original position following his whispered proposition, Hikari was taken aback to see Hinome blushing. It took him a moment to understand why, leading to a surprising realization,
'It seems that this girl thought about... That way to get rid of the Cursed Seal inside the clan...', The thought crossed Hikari's mind that Hinome might be considering the traditional and only known method within the Hyuga clan for a Side Branch member to be freed from the Cursed Seal—marriage into the Main Branch... With him in this case...
Following such a union, if the Patriarch allowed it in the first place, then he would also set up a top-secret ritual to remove the Cursed Mark for the member of the Main Branch family.
Hikari had, in the past, attributed the practice of Main Branch members marrying into the Side Branch to circumventing the consequences of inbreeding, a matter of practical and genetic importance to the Hyuga clan.
The rationale behind this practice was clear: by selecting Side Branch members with the most desirable kekkei genkai genetics and the highest Byakugan "purity," the Main Branch could mitigate the risks of genetic defects that might arise from too close interbreeding.
This strategic pairing not only safeguarded the clan's health but also ensured the continuation of its most powerful traits, keeping the Main Branch's genetics ahead of the Side Branch forever.
With the Hyuga clan encompassing roughly a thousand members across both branches, the selection process for these unions was vast, providing a wider genetic pool from which to choose than only from inside the Main Branch.
Only about 100 Main Branch members—approximately 10 from each lineage—could engage in such unions at any given time. This limitation was also strictly enforced to maintain the delicate balance between the Main and Side Branches and to preserve the clan's hierarchical structure.
Therefore, those personal unions with the Side Branch were the only logical choice. With a tenfold bigger genetic pool to choose from, the risk of genetic defects was quite lowered by that point.
Furthermore, to diversify the gene pool and minimize inbreeding problems even more, the Side Branch itself was occasionally allowed to marry talented civilians, thereby integrating new blood into the clan.
This process required the explicit approval of the Patriarch, who was actively involved in such matters. Far from being a mere formality, the Patriarch played a proactive role, constantly on the lookout for civilians with potential talents that could benefit the clan. The focus was on individuals who had no affiliations with other clans and who had 'clear' backgrounds.
These civilians, once brought into the fold through marriage, did not become full Side Branch members with Cursed Seals, but their offspring did. This fact, however, did not dissuade many from pursuing this path. The allure of the clan's benefits, coupled with the increased chances of survival and prosperity under the Hyuga name, was a compelling incentive.
Such practices were not unique to the Hyuga clan. Other major shinobi clans, including the Uchiha, engaged in similar strategies to ensure the vitality and strength of their lineages. These measures were essential to prevent genetic defects and maintain the health and capabilities of the clan members.
While Hikari pondered how to clarify the misunderstanding without causing further embarrassment, Hinome's bangs slid further down, concealing her eyes as she slumped slightly on the bench.
The blush of embarrassment didn't fade from her face. Instead, it seemed to deepen as she grappled with her own thoughts, 'A decade later... that's around the age people consider for marriage, isn't it? Oh no... Does Hikari-sama think... is he suggesting something like that to me?',
Her mind raced, tying together Hikari's words with the traditional way the Cursed Seal could be removed, leading to her misinterpretation that Hikari might be hinting at a future marriage proposal.
This thought sent waves of shock and confusion through her as she tried to make sense of the situation while dealing with the embarrassment of her assumption.
After a moment of contemplation, Hikari let out a sigh and once more leaned in closer to Hinome, mindful of the sensitivity of the information he was about to share.
His proximity intensified Hinome's blush, yet the need for discretion made it necessary. "Ahem... What I meant was not that traditional method... There is another way..." he clarified.
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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patreon.com/hanma_jack
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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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