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 she also watched him in shock and awe, her expression concerned.
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 it depended a lot on how talented Akemi was among the Main Branch. 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 technique's wide blast radius, she had no choice but to push her Byakugan to its limits, ignoring the pain from her current injury.
She still had full mobility, as the injury wasn't all that 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.
The fluid movements, the precise use of chakra, and the strategic execution of techniques left her awestruck.
As the battle between Hikari and Akemi unfolded, both attempting to seal each other's tenketsu points, it became clear that Akemi was starting to gain the upper hand.
The Side Branch members and Hinome watched anxiously as the exchange of Gentle Fist techniques progressed.
Despite Hikari's skill and determination, the eight-year difference in their ages, along with disparities in body stature, chakra volume, and skill proficiency, began to tilt the fight in Akemi's favor. The bout, stretching over a few intense minutes, seemed to push Hikari to his limits.
However, suddenly, just as Akemi's next attack was poised to hit Hikari and perhaps finish him off, it inexplicably stopped, freezing her motion just inches from him.
Seizing this, Hikari gathered all his strength and speed, channeling his Wind Release chakra into the most powerful palm strike he could manage.
The strike landed squarely on Akemi's chest, impacting her organs with such force that it sent her flying back several meters.
Her eyes widened in shock as she coughed up blood, finally crashing into a wall and falling unconscious.
Hikari, panting heavily from the exertion, felt a wave of relief wash over him. The momentary pause in Akemi's attack, which had provided him the opening he needed, was not mere chance.
Hikari had previously discreetly utilized Yin Release chakra slowly during the exchange, a method he started learning from Takumi in its most basic form.
This subtle application was intended to eventually disrupt Akemi's cognitive functions, creating a brief window of vulnerability.
As Akemi lay unconscious, the onlookers, including the Side Branch members and Hinome, were left in awe of the fight's dramatic conclusion.
As Akemi's attendants rushed to her aid, probably carrying her back home for recovery, Hikari took a moment to reflect on the battle.
It had been a swift but intense clash, and in the few seconds following its conclusion, he considered what had transpired.
'This was much harder to use in battles than I thought. It seems that I have a long way to go before getting closer to Takumi's level... This time, I was lucky that this girl looked like she virtually had no serious fighting experience, and that's why I managed to trick her with that primitive form. And she should also be on the more mediocre side of the talent among the Main Branch. She is a middle Chunin at most, whereas I am the late Chunin at most now...',
Hikari didn't enter the battle recklessly; his recent progress in strength had given him confidence in his ability to at least match, if not best, an opponent like her.
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, at that moment, Hikari's focus wasn't on the broader clan dynamics, nor was it on the reactions of the other Side Branch members and the 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.