54. Hinome Moving to Hikari’s Third Estate

54. Hinome Moving to Hikari’s Third Estate

Later that day, after Hinome had time to settle into her designated living space within the Third Estate, and the afternoon had given way to the early evening, they reconvened.

This time, their meeting place was one of the estate's spacious training fields, a serene spot that contrasted with the flurry of activities that had marked their day.

"How have you settled in?", Hikari inquired, his voice carrying a genuine concern for her comfort and adaptation to the new environment.

"It's all right...", Hinome replied, her response brief yet carrying an undertone of appreciation for the efforts made to accommodate her.

The simplicity of her answer belied the significant change she was undergoing, adapting not just to a new physical space but also to those strange implications she heard earlier today.

"That's great... You are my most important and closest partner so far in this clan, and you know that...",

"As my chief assistant, it's not only your research skills that matter. Growing stronger and being able to protect yourself is crucial too...", Hikari began, his tone underscored by the seriousness of his words.

"Here's a collection of some advanced Wind Release and Lightning Release ninjutsu that I've compiled from within the clan during these days. You must master these techniques now. After ascending to this position, it wasn't that hard for me to get them, so don't worry...",

Hikari's commitment to Hinome's safety and development was evident, "I know I'm also not an expert in these types of ninjutsu, so I've arranged for specialists to come and train you.",

"They're experts in their fields, and they'll start working with you occasionally from tomorrow...", He continued, revealing his proactive approach to ensuring Hinome had all the resources she needed to grow, not just intellectually, but as a shinobi as well.

Hinome accepted the sealing scrolls containing the ninjutsu techniques from Hikari, a wave of gratitude washing over her.

She felt a profound sense of appreciation, recognizing the lengths to which Hikari went to ensure her safety and development.

For Hinome, Hikari's significance in her life transcended the professional realm. While Hikari might view her as a vital partner in their shared endeavors, to Hinome, he was the most important person in her life.

His actions—protecting her, supporting her, and fostering her growth—highlighted a level of care that no one else had shown since her parents passed away. This realization deepened her respect and affection for him, further solidifying the unique bond she shared with him.

A few years earlier, Hikari had taken the initiative to determine Hinome's chakra affinities, which revealed her unique twin affinities for wind and lightning release.

Since that discovery, he had dedicated himself to nurturing those affinities, sharing with her the methods and practices he had used to enhance his own wind release capabilities earlier.

Over time, Hikari introduced Hinome to a variety of lower-level jutsu, focusing on C and D ranks, to build a solid foundation and gradually increase her mastery over her affinities.

"Come on, show me your progress in our clan's advanced techniques...", Hikari's voice broke through the air, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he assumed a Gentle Fist stance opposite Hinome.

Hinome nodded in acknowledgment and mirrored his stance, her expression a mix of concentration and determination.

Then she launched into her attack. She executed the '64-Palms' with precision, her movements a blur as she moved from one strike to the next.

This was followed by the 'Vacuum Palms', sending a forceful burst of chakra towards Hikari, who expertly dodged, his smile widening in approval.

Lastly, she performed the 'Rotation', creating a protective barrier of chakra around herself, a technique that required a deep understanding of one's chakra flow and control.

"I read over the literature regarding that, and I felt that it is truly possible, but extremely hard to achieve. However, I also feel that I have to do this for myself if I want to gain a foothold in this cutthroat world like you always say...",

Hinome, still catching her breath and a bit sweaty from their duel, now dressed in more formal white robes styled for female Hyuga members, but of a more noble kind of origin, sent to her by Hikari himself through his servants, expressed her determination. The conviction in her voice and the resolve on her face underscored the depth of her commitment.

Over the years, Hinome's desire for knowledge and power had grown, fueled by the insights she shared with Hikari about the realities of their world.

However, this desire was not entirely just about personal ambition; it was also driven by her wish to remain valuable to Hikari, to ensure she never became a liability or irrelevant to him.

The thought of a future without Hikari's presence, guidance, and support was unimaginable to her, highlighting the profound impact he had on her life and aspirations.

Confidence brimmed within Hinome, bolstered by the knowledge of Hikari's own daring achievements.

She believed in her capacity to create this new elemental release, seeing it as a challenge within her reach, especially given the innovative breakthroughs Hikari himself had accomplished.

However, after suddenly seeing Hinome's determined expression, which he found unexpectedly 'endearing', Hikari couldn't help but smile, and in a rare departure from his usual demeanor, and in a moment of uncharacteristic spontaneity,

He stepped forward and affectionately ruffled her hair, an act of encouragement and approval for her bold words and the confidence she just displayed. This gentle gesture left her hair even more tousled than before.

Caught off guard by his own actions, Hikari then stared at his hand, as if it belonged to someone else, his mind racing with thoughts that clashed with his typical cold and calculated approach.

Hinome's reaction was one of sheer surprise; her face flushed with a deep red, her usually neat and dense bangs now disarrayed, inadvertently revealing the faint, ominous mark of the Side Branch beneath.

Hikari was momentarily taken aback by his impulsiveness, reflecting, 'It seems that after becoming an Elder, I've become looser and bolder than before. What was I doing? I can't afford to waste time and focus on such matters; I need to be completely focused on my goals...',

This introspection led Hikari to recognize that his recent rise in status might have loosened the reins on his suppressed instincts, particularly his subtle and strange affection for Hinome, a realization that caught him by surprise.

At that moment, Hikari acknowledged the complexity of his feelings related to Hinome, thankfully still in their 'infancy', recognizing them as a potential huge distraction from his ambitions and the strength he sought to achieve.

Despite the warmth of the interaction, he resolved to firmly reign in these initial impulses, believing that such vulnerabilities could not be afforded in his quest for power and influence, especially not while he was still this relatively 'weak' in comparison to many potential threats.

Unbeknownst to Hikari, however, Hinome was watching him closely at this time, her gaze hidden beneath her disheveled bangs. The unexpected warmth of his gesture left her with a racing heart, her cheeks flushed even more deeply from the brief but impactful contact.

Yet, as she witnessed Hikari's immediate shift towards regret for his previous action, a twinge of disappointment flickered within her entire being.

However, Hinome's keen observation also led to a pivotal realization. As she saw Hikari grapple with his actions, her initial disappointment gave way to a deeper understanding.

She also recognized the complexity of her own feelings towards him now, feelings that had evolved and were now finally openly realized by her.

And she also sensed a mirror of those emotions faintly in Hikari too—albeit restrained by the ambitions that weighed heavily on him and possible hidden fears.

'So that is it... I finally understand those feelings slightly... And also his feelings for me are somewhat similar... It is just that his ambitions probably prevent them from growing more and prevent him from being more open to facing them.',

'Then I also won't be the one to distract him, and will silently grow in strength and assist him more, in various ways, until that day finally arrives in the future...', This epiphany brought a sincere smile to Hinome's face next, even as they stood together in an awkward silence.