Elder Genji listened intently to Hikari's words, his stern expression giving way slightly to show his contemplative mood.
After a moment, he responded, his voice mixing caution with a measure of respect that had not been there before.
"You raise a valid point, young Hyuga...", Genji started, his authoritative tone softened by a dose of pragmatism,
"Your skill and determination are clear, and the fall of our Mizukage at your hands speaks volumes. You're capable of wreaking havoc next if you so choose.",
He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned slightly forward, emphasizing his next words with careful deliberation,
"However, you can't trick someone with my level of experience. I watched your battle with the Mizukage closely.",
"You're running on gas despite your efforts to conceal it. You might not even have a quarter of your former chakra left.",
"Even if your fighting style relies mostly on using the same external energy as our fallen Mizukage also did, you saw his end, right? It still needs to be controlled and parried with your own body and internal chakra reserves first to be employed in the first place...",
He then paused, weighing his next words carefully, "However, your acknowledgment of the potential destruction that continued fight could bring to Kirigakure didn't fall on deaf ears.",
"I am tasked with the safety and continuity of our village, and I must consider all paths that lead to peace,
"Although, your own cream of the crop of the Hyuga clan elites would also probably perish here if this continued, so don't make it seem like this is a one-sided thing...",
Genji's demeanor softened slightly as he continued, "If you are suggesting another kind of a compromise, then I am willing to entertain this discussion slightly, at least.",
"Kirigakure has suffered enough, and if there is a way to end this with diplomacy rather than further bloodshed, it is worth exploring...",
This response marked a significant turn in the encounter, moving it from the brink of further conflict to at least the possibility of a peaceful resolution.
Hikari nodded, absorbing Genji's words but ready to counter with his own leverage. His expression hardened and turned colder as he prepared to reveal his most important ace.
"Thank you for your assessment, Elder Genji...", Hikari began, his voice calm but with an underlying sharpness,
"While I appreciate your call for pragmatism, I must correct your perspective on our situation. It's not just about my remaining strength or the Hyuga clansmen still fighting over there."
He took a moment, ensuring his next words carried the full weight of their implications, "As we speak, I have two of your Tailed Beasts, still inside of their Jinchuriki, sealed within special scrolls on my body.",
"I can also release them at any moment here, over your village. The havoc they would wreak could effectively end Kirigakure, while my people and I evacuated easily. I suppose those beats must've built quite a grudge against your village.",
Hikari's gaze was steady and piercing as he continued, "This isn't a threat; it's a fact of our current standoff. My preference is for a diplomatic resolution, not destruction. However, this means you don't have the luxury of considering whether to negotiate.",
"We need to find a solution now, one that ensures the survival and stability of Kirigakure. You're not in a position to 'explore' options; you need to act on them as soon as possible or face total annihilation.",
As Hikari issued his ultimatum, he was keenly aware of the complexities behind his position. Internally, he grappled with the limitations of his threat.
The truth was, releasing the Tailed Beasts wasn't as straightforward or as appealing an option as he made it seem.
He lacked a reliable method to reseal them once unleashed, and they could pose a significant risk not only to Kirigakure but to himself and his forces, despite him stating otherwise, at least to some extent.
The beasts' unpredictable and destructive nature could easily spiral out of control, turning a tactical advantage into a catastrophic blunder.
Moreover, Hikari's strategic goals extended beyond mere destruction. His vision for Kirigakure was not to waste it but to integrate it into his broader plans against the current Hokage and Konoha's leadership.
Destroying Kirigakure would serve Konoha by eliminating a potential rival, whereas securing its allegiance would significantly bolster his own faction's standing and resources in the looming larger conflicts he anticipated.
Genji's reaction to Hikari's revelation was immediate and intense. The elder's composure faltered, betraying his shock as he processed the unexpected news about the Tailed Beasts.
Genji had been certain those powerful entities were securely under Konoha's control, but they were now potentially being integrated into new hosts after Hikari stole them.
The thought that Hikari had managed to intercept and personally keep them for so long was startling, suggesting a level of audacity and strategic depth that Genji had not anticipated.
This revelation forced Genji to reassess his understanding of Konoha's political landscape. He cursed Kirigakure's inadequacy of intelligence, which had failed to grasp the extent of the internal divisions plaguing their rival village.
As Genji processed this information, he realized the strategic restraint Hikari had shown. The fact that Hikari hadn't unleashed the beasts immediately upon their arrival suggested that his intentions extended beyond mere destruction.
Hikari sought leverage, aiming to bring Kirigakure into some form of alliance or into the 'orbit' that would serve his broader goals.
This insight shifted Genji's perspective, highlighting the necessity of navigating this negotiation with great care.
Furthermore, the knowledge that Hikari possessed not only the Tailed Beasts but also all seven of Kirigakure's prized swords now compounded the gravity of the situation.
It became clear to Genji that Hikari held most of the cards, and if Kirigakure was to salvage anything from this confrontation, concessions were inevitable.
With a heavy heart and a mind burdened by the weight of his village's future, Genji acknowledged internally that he would need to offer more than he had planned.
His goal now was to secure the best possible outcome for Kirigakure under the current circumstances.
"Very well, Hikari Hyuga...", Genji said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within, "It seems you've outmaneuvered us at every turn. Let's discuss your terms for this... alliance.",
"What exactly are you proposing, and how do you envision Kirigakure's role in your plans...?",
While conceding the negotiation's direction to Hikari, his question also sought to clarify the specifics of what Hikari expected in return for peace and cooperation.
Even the Kirigakure shinobi nearby couldn't hide their reaction to Hikari's bold declaration.
They flinched, their previous aggression melting into a more defensive stance, a subtle but clear sign of their growing apprehension.
The weight of Hikari's threat had clearly shaken them, introducing a layer of fear and uncertainty into their demeanor.