39. Another Victory On The Record for Hikari

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 also watched him in shock and awe, and a concerned expression on her face.

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 a lot depended on how talented among the Main Branch Akemi was. 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 wide blast radius of the technique, she had no choice but to push her Byakugan to its limits, all the while ignoring the pain from her current injury.

She still had full mobility, as the injury wasn't allthat 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.

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, Hikari's focus wasn't on the broader clan dynamics at that moment, nor was it on the reactions of the other Side Branch members and 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.