125. Art of War and Diplomacy: Hikari’s Dual Approach


    After their conversation, Hikari and Mei quickly went to where the Hyuga n was still in a tough fight with Kirigakure shinobi outside the vige under the urging of Hikari himself.


    The fight was intense there, with the Hyuga ordinary nsmen side obviously suffering heavier casualties, due to their numerical disengage, which made Hikari very angry at first, after they eventually arrived, however, the tide also turned with his arrival greatly as well.


    His tactical prowess and renewed vigor, bolstered by his sessful confrontation with the Third Mizukage, infused new energy into the fray and he joined in the fight right after.


    He joined forces with Takumi, Hiashi, Shibi Aburame, Tsume Inuzuka, Isamu Sumi, and Ryosuke Gekko, helping them fight against the remaining 5 Mist Swordsmen and Kisame.


    He helped orchestrate a series of attacks that systematically dismantled their opponents turning the previous stalemate between them into a massacre of these enemy Kiri elites.


    However, in the chaos, Kisame Hoshigaki seized a moment of opportunity. Witnessing the death of Suzuki, one of the Mist Swordsmen, Kisame quickly imed the legendary sword, Samehada, from the fallen shinobi covertly.


    With the powerful de, Kisame made a daring escape, diving into the sea. His unique physique was born for swimming and underwaterbat and Samehada''s power allowed him to disappear into the depths, evading capture somehow.


    Hikari, witnessing the escape, felt a mix of amusement and resignation, also feeling a little strange at the entire situation, he felt like it was almost this was akin to a concept of "fate".


    He knew Kisame could somewhat pose a threat in the future, but at that moment, therger battle for Kirigakure''s future took precedence.


    With the Mist Swordsmen dealt with, Hikari led his elite group towards the vige center. Their objective was clear: to secure the heart of Kirigakure and cement their control following the Mizukage''s downfall.


    The remaining Hyuga nsmen and other allies, less mobile but fiercely determined, held their positions against therger numbers of Kirigakure shinobi.


    The enemy''s morale was visibly crumbling, shaken by the loss of their Mizukage and the swift, unrelenting assaults by Hikari and his team.


    Meanwhile, As Hikari, Mei, and these Konoha elites swiftly moved toward the center of Kirigakure, the presence of Mei Terumi among them drew curious nces from the rest of the small group, but Hikari remained silent.


    It was an unusual sight—a young girl, a native of Kirigakure, now moving in step with those who had technicallye to "invade" her home, seemingly under the eptance of Hikari.


    For Mei, the experience was also very surreal. Just hours before, these same individuals were adversaries, part of an invasion force her higher-ups had been tasked with defeating.


    Aligning herself with them now, even temporarily was disorienting yetpelling for her. She was stepping into a new role that felt both alien and inevitable.


    Among the Konoha team, only Hiashi and Takumi were fully aware of Hikari''s intentions regarding Mei''s potential leadership.


    They already saw her as one of the strongest candidates to lead Kirigakure after the dust settled previously due to her background.


    As they moved forward, Hiashi nodded at Hikari, silently praising him for how quickly he had managed to get Mei on their side.


    This nod showed he understood how important it was to have her join them when they did.


    Hikari gave a quick look back, hinting that while they had nned to recruit Mei, the way it happened—Hikari saving her during the Mizukage''s attack—was lucky.


    Mei, sensing the silentmunications about her, understood the weight of the expectations ced upon her. She felt a mix of pressure and empowerment.


    This was her chance not only to redefine her identity away from the maniptions of the previous Mizukage but also to guide Kirigakure toward a new, much more hopeful direction.


    Hikari then assessed the group, their energy visibly depleted from the relentlessbat, yet aware that they remained the most capable force within Kirigakure at this crucial juncture. He quickly formted a n, his voice carrying a quiet authority as he addressed the team.


    "Even though we''re all pretty drained from our battles, we''re technically still the highest-level elites left inside Kirigakure. Let''s split up for now. Everyone else, go and help eliminate the remaining die-hardmanders of the Mizukage faction. Hizashi-kun and Takumi-sensei, let''s use your Byakugan to locate them...", He instructed, ensuring everyone knew their role.


    He then turned to Hiashi and Mei, setting the course for a more diplomatic approach as well, "Terumi-san, Hiashi, and I will head toward the Mizukage''s building. We need to pressure the civilian and more neutral leaders of the vige toe forward and discuss apromise."


    Everyone nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of these tasks. The group quickly split, with Hizashi and Takumi heading off to pinpoint the key hostile figures, while Hikari, Hiashi, and Mei made their way toward the center of power in Kirigakure. This strategic split was designed to ensure that while the remaining military threats were being addressed, a foundation for negotiation and transition of power was also being set in ce.


    This dual approachbining tactical force with strategic diplomacy—was critical to stabilizing Kirigakure and steering it away from further chaos into a period of negotiation.


    Hikari, Hiashi, and Mei quickly approached the Mizukage''s building, their movements swift and silent thanks to Hikari''s newfound maniption ability of natural energy around them.


    He could not only conceal his presence and enhance the speed of himself but also of others near him slightly now as well.


    Both Mei and Hiashi were taken aback by this and felt strange, especially Hiashi who experienced something like this for the first time in person from Hikari and knew that this wasn''t in any way shape, or form an official teaching of their Hyuga n.


    During the entire short-term levitating motion, he couldn''t discern the origin and concept of the mysterious energy powering that move, and it all felt mysterious and otherworldly.


    He realized that Hikari was still getting farther and farther from him, both in mind, but also in strength. And It all made him contemte for a bit before he realized that now it wasn''t the time to be thinking about matters like these.


    Meanwhile, the Mizukage''s building stood imposingly at the heart of Kirigakure, its architecture a symbol of the vige''s power and authority.


    The structure was traditional in design, with sturdy grey stone that spoke to its defensive purpose. It was designed to be the safest building in the entire vige.


    Towering walls surrounded it, topped with sharp, angled roof tiles that were typical of shinobi vige aesthetics, whilst designed to repel and intimidate.


    As they neared, the grandeur of the building cast a solemn shadow over them, its silence a stark contrast to the chaos that had gripped other parts of the vige.


    It stood almost untouched, a relic of the order that the Third Mizukage had maintained before the day''s upheavals.


    Upon reaching the vicinity of the building, Hikari, Hiashi, and Mei paused, taking a moment to survey their final approach.


    Hikari''s use of natural energy not only expedited their arrival but also ensured they remained undetected by any guards or surveince jutsu that might still be active.


    This element of surprise was crucial for their next steps—engaging with the remaining civilian and neutral leadership of Kirigakure.


    Utilizing Hikari''s mastery of natural energy, they quickly leaped onto the roof of the Mizukage''s building covertly.


    This stealthy ascent allowed them to reach a strategic vantage point, positioning them directly above the centralmand areas.


    From this height, they surveyed the area to ensure it was secure before they moved again.


    However, before they managed to enter the building, the quiet tension was suddenly broken by the sound of hurried footsteps echoing from the corridors below.


    A group of individuals d in Kirigakure shinobi uniforms, some in Anbu masks and others in standard attire, approached rapidly.


    Leading them was a middle-aged man dressed distinctly in a brown kimono, his shoulders draped with a yellow scarf, marking him as someone of importance.


    "Elder, Genji...", Mei whispered, recognition flickering in her eyes as she identified the man as they fully emerged. Her voice carried a mix of surprise and caution, hinting at her familiarity with him but also the uncertainty of the moment.


    Hiashi, sensing the potential for conflict, shifted into a defensive stance. His eyes narrowed, prepared for any sign of aggression, as he still wasn''t sure but was hopeful that a diplomatic solution might still be possible.


    Hikari, on the other hand, maintained hisposure, his expression unreadable. Using his Byakugan, he carefully observed Elder Genji''s micro-expressions and bodynguage, seeking clues about his intentions and state of mind.


    He also immediately realized who this was, as it wasn''t just any vige''s higher-up that could basically barracked himself safely into the most important and secure building in the whole vige during times like these, he had to be one of the most, if not the most important individual after the Mizukage.


    A tense silence filled the air, each party evaluating the other, weighing their next words carefully. The moment was fraught with the potential for both peace and conflict, and the decisions made in the next few minutes would significantly impact the fate of Kirigakure.