章節 64: Accepting Fighting Challenge From Kiyomi
Meanwhile, hearing Kiyomi's direct and ambitious opening and approach, Hikari felt a flicker of appreciation inwardly,
'So she's straightforward and has her eyes on bigger goals, not just the usual conceited and biased talk I expected from a Uchiha.',
'It seems the Uchiha are looking for more than just a simple joint defensive pact of strategic deterrence against Hokage's Faction. They want to regain their lost rights additionally and won't hesitate to cooperate for that goal.',
'This aligns perfectly with what I've been planning for the future as well...', He thought, reassured by the realization.
Hikari also pondered the depth of commitment Kiyomi and her grandfather held for their clan, appreciating their ability to set aside their faction's deeply rooted personal pride against other clans in such a crucial moment so swiftly.
'Indeed, the Uchiha clan and their radical faction especially are often misinterpreted...', He pondered, 'What outsiders label as 'hate' or 'extremism' is, in their eyes, a profound love for their kin. I can see the rationale behind that perspective... It is just that they were probably given no other exit but to rebel, unlike like this time thanks to my actions and changes...',
Hikari's mind then raced further, connecting dots and deciphering why the Uchiha's participation in their coalition flowed so seamlessly,
'Moreover, for the 'Doves' there, this development probably symbolizes a historic leap towards integrating the Uchiha more fully into Konoha's societal and political fabric. It's a move towards acceptance and unity, something they've always wanted for their clan to have as much safety as possible.',
'On the other hand, the Hawks also probably view this as an opportunity to reclaim their clan's rights and to take a stand against the Hokage's faction, a direct action aligning perfectly with their more confrontational stance and ideology of fighting actively instead of being passive.',
Hikari realized that this alliance offered something to both factions within the Uchiha clan, making it a unique proposition that could unite them under a common cause, 'This really is a win-win situation for both factions then.',
'So, she is probably supported by everyone in the Uchiha clan. By representing her clan today, she might actually be bridging the gap between the Doves and Hawks, embodying a unity that's been absent in the Uchiha for too long.',
He then considered the role of the Uchiha clan's Patriarch Fugaku and his line, and their supporters, within the clan, often seen as the 'third' broader faction within the clan and often seen as the moderating force within the clan, balancing the more extreme views of the Doves and Hawks,
'The Patriarch's line, acting as the neutral arbiters, would likely view this alliance as a strategic move that doesn't contradict their overarching aim of maintaining clan unity and promoting its interests within Konoha. Instead, it would go in positive directions for both.',
'This doesn't go against their policies; in fact, it might even support their goals by providing a platform for the Uchiha to assert themselves as a key player in village politics while patching up some internal strife.',
Before the meeting, Hikari had thoroughly reviewed the privileged intelligence gathered by the Hyuga clan on the Uchiha's internal and external challenges in general in great detail.
This information, known only to the Hyuga elders, painted a complex picture of the Uchiha clan's recent struggles within Konoha.
The village's leadership had systematically undermined the Uchiha, from stripping away their commercial interests and speaking rights to isolating them socially and politically.
The constant encroachment on the Uchiha Police Force's jurisdiction and power in favor of the Anbu, directly controlled by Hiruzen, along with the recent establishment of Root under Danzo, was the biggest blowout of them all. The marginalizations pushed the Uchiha over the edge in terms of their feelings for the village.
These actions had a profound impact on the Uchiha, driving a wedge not only between the clan and the village's leadership but also within the clan itself.
The Hawks faction, advocating a more confrontational stance against these perceived injustices, found fertile ground for their ideology.
Led by the Great Elder Setsuna, a proponent of decisive action against the village's encroachments, the Hawks had gained significant influence, rallying those who felt betrayed by Konoha's leadership.
Understanding this, Hikari recognized the delicate balance of power within the Uchiha clan. The more moderate Doves, once influential voices for integration and cooperation with Konoha's leadership, found themselves sidelined.
Their decline in influence coincided with the rise of the Hawks, making it increasingly difficult for the Doves and the neutral Patriarch's line, led by Fugaku Uchiha, to counterbalance the Hawks' growing power.
This internal power struggle within the Uchiha clan had reached a critical juncture. For Fugaku and the moderate elements within the clan to maintain any semblance of influence, they needed to do something, or more precisely, fight back against Konoha in some way or another, or the entire clan would be taken over by the Hawks faction in the future.
The history of the Uchiha clan, as Hikari understood it, was also a testament to the unpredictable shifts and flows of power and perception.
Following the founding of Konoha, Madara Uchiha's failed rebellion and defeat against Hashirama Senju caused the hawkish elements within the Uchiha to experience a significant loss of influence.
Despite most of them not joining Madara in his rebellion, including a younger Great Elder Setsuna, as those who had already died a long time ago, the faction's reputation plummeted.
This was due to the broader clan's association with Madara's defeat and the perceived failure of their aggressive policies against the village's ethos of unity under Hashirama and the leadership of the Doves, symbolized by the rise of Kagami Uchiha in strength and reputations, a 'false' figure of compromise and cooperation with Konoha's leadership.
However, as time went on, Madara's dark prophecies about the village eventually turned against the Uchiha, which the clan initially dismissed and began to take on a chilling resonance over the decades.
The gradual truth of Madara's words, vindicated by the village's actions against the Uchiha—from marginalization to the usurpation of their authority—lent credibility and power to the more radical faction within the clan.
The Great Elder Setsuna, having known Madara personally, embodied this shift. His long life witnessed a dramatic reversal from disgrace to influence as the village's policies increasingly seemed to validate Madara's forewarnings.
This historical perspective brought Hikari to contemplate the ironic twists of fate. In a relatively short span, the moderate Dove faction, which had once heralded an era of cooperation and peace with Konoha, would give rise to prodigies like Itachi and Shisui.
These individuals, despite their unparalleled talents and intentions for peace, would inadvertently precipitate the clan towards its tragic epilogue, playing into the very extinction Madara had predicted, manipulated by the machinations of Konoha's leadership.
Hikari marveled at the cyclical nature of history within the Uchiha clan, where the once discredited views of the Hawks found vindication in the village's actions, only for the subsequent generation of less numerous and 'counted out' moderates, bearing the hope of reconciliation and peace, to unwittingly march towards a preordained final tragedy.
Meanwhile, outwardly, Kiyomi's demeanor shifted palpably, the weight of clan politics momentarily lifting from her shoulders. A playful smirk danced across her lips, her eyes sparkling with a competitive zeal that hadn't been evident in their discussion thus far. She watched him finish contemplating, cutting him off before he could respond back to her.
"Before we dive deeper into our discussion, Hikari-san, I have a small, somewhat personal request...", She said, her voice lighter, laced with an almost teasing amusement, "I'd like us to spar right here.",
"You see, I haven't really had the chance to test my skills against a peer opponent close to my age and reputed to be of similar strength. And I'll confess, your reputation has piqued my curiosity. And you see, by the way, this how we, the Uchiha, typically like to construct our relations with others... Therefore, I hope that you won't mind and this won't offend you."
Her confidence was unshaken, her pride in her abilities clear, and her competitive nature surfaced unabashedly at his time.
This challenge, thrown down almost playfully, contrasted starkly with the serious, strategic thinker she had presented moments before in Hikari's eyes, who also anticipated it.
Hikari's response was more measured, but his smile hinted at an understanding of her after hearing her and going back to present from his thoughts,
"I see where you're coming from, Kiyomi-san. The Uchiha clan's emphasis on strength is well-known, and it's only natural for you to seek an understanding of the dynamics between us, especially considering our potential future interactions. It's sensible...",
He acknowledged, noting their secluded location beyond Konoha and its sensory barriers as an ideal setting, "I agree to your request. It seems we're in a perfect place, free from unwanted observation."
Internally, Hikari was not surprised by Kiyomi's challenge; it was almost expected. 'So, it comes down to this...' he thought, 'A battle to gauge my capabilities and talents...' He pondered the deeper implications of her request, knowing that there may be more to it than her personality type, feelings of curiosity, and desire to prove herself.
'This was also probably influenced by her role within the Uchiha and her current mission today. She's not just seeking to understand my abilities now but also the potential the entire Hyuga clan possesses because of me for the future under the orders of her higher-ups...',
However, Hikari was also quick to see the advantage for him in Kiyomi's challenge. He knew that if he managed to defeat her effortlessly right now, it would not only prove his strength and talent but also significantly bolster his and the Hyuga clan's entire negotiating power with the Uchiha in the future passively. Winning easily would leave a strong impression on the Uchiha, ensuring they took him and his clan more seriously in all future discussions.
"Then, please be careful, Hikari-kun... I'm about to start..." Kiyomi announced, her smile widening briefly at Hikari's composed, unsurprised reaction. It was almost as if he had anticipated this challenge from the outset, and his confident demeanor unconsciously treated her as a non-threat in her view.
There was a flicker of excitement in her eyes, a spark ignited by the prospect of disrupting his serene, controlled demeanor. 'Let's see how long that calm lasts...' she mused internally, her playful smirk morphing into a focused, determined expression as she prepared to move.
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Hanma_Jack
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章節 65: Duel of Dojutsu: Sharingan vs. Byakugan
As soon as the words left her mouth, Kiyomi wasted no time in escalating the confrontation in silent focus.
Her two tomoe Sharingan ignited, the black of her almond eyes swirling into the deep red of focused determination now.
With a swift motion, she reached into her robes, drawing a handful of shuriken, her specialty.
The metallic glint of the throwing stars barely caught the light before they were hurtling toward Hikari, slicing through the air with deadly precision.
This initial salvo was a classic Uchiha tactic—swift, direct, and testing the waters of her opponent's capabilities.
Kiyomi watched closely, her Sharingan not just as a tool for attack but also for observation, keen to catch every nuance of Hikari's next response. Hikari, for his part, was fully aware of the shuriken's trajectory the moment they left Kiyomi's hands.
His Byakugan offered him a clarity of vision far beyond the ordinary, allowing him to perceive not just the shuriken but the subtle shifts in Kiyomi's stance and chakra flow.
Hikari took the challenge head-on, moving towards Kiyomi while expertly navigating through the barrage of shurikens with what seemed like ultimate ease.
The Hyuga's fighting style thrived on proximity, leveraging their Gentle Fist technique, which required getting close to the opponent. As he advanced, a slight curve played upon his lips,
"Two-tomoe Sharingan at this age? Not bad...", He praised, his voice carrying a tone of approval even as he dodged another wave of shurikens with what seemed like effortless grace.
He understood that the girl was sure to open the last, third stage of ordinary Sharingan and at least become an Elite Jonin in the future, and Uchiha Elite Jonins were generally much stronger than ordinary Elite Jonins, for example, placing her weight higher in his eyes once again.
His Byakugan was a formidable tool, providing him with a visual acuity that turned the intended complex onslaught full of Sharingan's pattern-domain mastery into a ballet of predictability.
The world around him slowed, each shuriken's path clear as daylight, allowing him to anticipate their trajectories and Kiyomi's intended manipulations, which attempted to confuse him.
For example, Kiyomi's attempts to collide with the shurikens in mid-air, changing their directions in a display of Uchiha's adept control, was impressive and often could even be critical against some non-Uchiha shinobi.
However, against Hikari's Byakugan, the small tactic unfolded in slow motion. His heightened perception wasn't just about tracking movement—it allowed him an expanded temporal window to react, almost as if time itself dilated around him. This allowed him to figure the directions out with his 'ordinary' logical reasoning even without the complex pattern-recognition motor skills the Uchiha clansmen possessed, allowing him to 'solve' them out.
This didn't just compensate for his lack of Sharingan; it provided a different spectrum of insight, one that translated the complex patterns of Kiyomi's attack into a solvable puzzle.
On the other side, Kiyomi's confidence wavered for a moment, her mind racing with questions and doubts, 'How is this possible? What is his secret? Is his Byakugan that genetically atypical on the stronger performance side from the rest of the Hyuga too...?',
She pondered, even as she continued her assault. Her prowess with shuriken, honed through relentless practice from a young age, had always been her strong point and second nature.
Combined with the predictive capabilities of her two-tomoe Sharingan and the endless arsenal of throwing patterns those eyes had recorded, and that she now had in her possession, her attacks became a storm few could navigate, making her strikes virtually unpredictable.
As Hikari gracefully dodged the relentless waves of shurikens, drawing nearer with each step, Kiyomi couldn't help but mentally note this development in her 'Hikari Hyuga folder'.
To most opponents, this barrage would be quite overwhelming, forcing them to either evade the entire area of her attacks completely or brute force with their own attack. Yet, Hikari navigated through it with such ease, showing her that this was his pure dojutsu capability.
Nonetheless, as the gap between them closed, Kiyomi recognized the opportunity to shift the dynamics of the duel,
'The distance is just right...', She thought, locking eyes with him firmly in an attempt to ensnare him with her Sharingan's genjutsu.
But Hikari was not unprepared. His Byakugan had been focused on Kiyomi's eyes from the beginning.
As Kiyomi's Sharingan flared with the intent to cast the genjutsu, Hikari was already fortifying his chakra pathway system.
With exceptional control over his inner chakra flow, he bolstered his defenses, effectively neutralizing the incoming Yin Release chakra before it could even begin to weave its web internally.
"That was quite a weak Yin Release, Kiyomi-san...", He commented, his tone neither mocking nor boastful but matter-of-fact, "And even with a three-tomoe Sharingan, overpowering me with a genjutsu would prove futile...",
He added that his confidence stemmed not from arrogance but from a deep understanding of the Yin Release and his Byakugan. Hikari's mastery over his chakra and internal defenses was also rare, making him virtually immune to the mental manipulations genjutsu offered.
A fine bead of sweat appeared on Kiyomi's forehead as she grappled with the ease at which Hikari had neutralized her genjutsu. With him closing the distance quickly, she understood the peril she was in.
The close-quarters combat favored the Hyuga, and being within reach of Hikari's Gentle Fist could spell defeat for her.
Realizing that her attempts at genjutsu and shurikenjutsu had fallen short, Kiyomi decided to shift her strategy to ninjutsu, tapping into the Uchiha clan's renowned affinity for Fire Release.
She chose a jutsu not just for its power but for its symbolic resonance within her clan—the Great Fireball Technique. This technique, emblematic of the Uchiha's might, was her best bet to create distance between her and Hikari and potentially turn the tide of their friendly battle.
Kiyomi executed the Great Fireball Technique flawlessly, sending a massive ball of fire roaring towards Hikari. Yet, to her surprise, Hikari didn't retreat. Instead, he continued advancing, his expression calm, almost casual, as if he were merely facing a mild inconvenience rather than a devastating attack characteristic of the Uchiha clan.
As the fireball neared, Hikari prepared to counter. He extended his right hand, performing a precise chopping motion.
Through the chakra points in his hand, he expelled the chakra, weaving Wind Release into his 'slashing' counterattack.
This combination created a force strong enough to split the oncoming fireball in two.
Hikari's use of his Byakugan was critical at this moment. It allowed him to perceive the fireball's trajectory and the best point of intervention in what seemed like slow motion.
He was also ready to use the Hyuga's defensive Rotation technique if any flames came too close in his sharp vision, but his initial counter was so effective that it became unnecessary.
Meanwhile, despite her Great Fireball Technique not hitting its mark, Kiyomi leveraged the moment to put some distance between herself and Hikari again. The fireball, though split, left its mark on the terrain around them.
The mountainous battle area bore the scars of their confrontation; scorched earth and smoldering vegetation outlined the path of the divided fireball, a testament to the technique's power and to Hikari's skill in neutralizing it.
Without hesitation, Kiyomi began weaving hand signs for another Fire Release technique. Acknowledging that subtlety had its limits against Hikari, she decided to unleash her full chakra potency.
She opted for her unique take on the Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique. Kiyomi's mastery over shurikenjutsu allowed her to infuse the technique with a tactical edge, sending flaming shurikens arcing toward Hikari from all directions.
Her aim was to overwhelm him, forcing him to deploy his Rotation defense, thereby exposing him to a follow-up attack once the defensive technique's brief 'cooldown' left him vulnerable.
However, Kiyomi's strategy was met with yet another surprise. Hikari didn't resort to the Rotation as she anticipated. Instead, he conjured a pair of giant blue lions from his chakra, which roared to life around his arms.
With precise movements, guided by his Byakugan's unparalleled vision, Hikari maneuvered the twin lions to intercept the incoming semi-large fiery shurikens.
The chakra lions 'ate away' at the shurikens' chakra, nullifying their momentum physically and, therefore, extinguishing their effectiveness fully before they could reach him.
Kiyomi watched, her eyes wide with disbelief, as Hikari dismantled her attack with a technique she hadn't anticipated.
The sight of the chakra lions, both majestic and formidable, dealing with her unique technique so efficiently forced her to confront the depth of Hikari's abilities once again.
As Hikari closed the distance between them once more, Kiyomi knew it was time to deploy her most potent technique yet, the Fire Release: Scarlet Fang Overdrive.
This technique was her ace, capable of launching a barrage of medium-sized fireballs that harbored high explosive potential.
Upon nearing their target, these fireballs would fragment into smaller, swifter projectiles, making them a nightmare to dodge or counter due to their explosive-splitting mechanism. It was an A-level technique, the pinnacle of her offensive capabilities.
With determination, Kiyomi unleashed the jutsu, watching as the fireballs tore through the air toward Hikari.
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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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