A Transmigrator’s Story in the Hyuga’s Main Branch

128. A New Order: Reimagining Kirigakure’s Future (1)

Hikari nodded slightly at Genji's invitation to finally discuss terms, maintaining his composed demeanor,

"If we are to discuss true peace and a sustainable future for Kirigakure, then it's essential we include all relevant parties in this negotiation...", Hikari stated clearly, as if there was no room for objection on this matter.

"I propose we bring Arata Yuki and Toru Kaguya, the patriarchs of their respective clans, to the table as well. Their involvement is crucial if we are to reach a comprehensive agreement that respects the interests of all sides."

Genji's slight flinch did not escape Hikari's notice. Despite Genji's constant, more neutral, and reasonable stance compared to the late Mizukage, Hikari understood the complexities of the elder's position.

Genji had navigated the political landscape of Kirigakure with a pragmatic approach, often aligning with the Mizukage's harsh policies against kekkei genkai users to maintain his influence and power base, particularly within the civilian sector.

Realizing the delicate nature of these proposed talks right away, Genji took a moment to process Hikari's suggestion.

He was aware that integrating the Yuki and Kaguya clans into the village's governance would require significant concessions.

These clans had suffered a great deal under the previous regime, and their official inclusion into Kirigakure would not only shift the power dynamics within Kirigakure but also potentially open old wounds.

"Your point is well taken, Hikari Hyuga...", Genji finally responded, his voice measured but resolute, "Bringing the Yuki and Kaguya patriarchs into this discussion is a step that, while challenging, may indeed be necessary for genuine reconciliation and rebuilding. Let's do it."

Genji quickly motioned to the Kirigakure shinobi nearby, whispering urgent instructions. He tasked them with spreading across the battlefield to convey a critical message: hostilities were to cease immediately in anticipation of peace talks, and they were to start assessing the damage, tending the wounded, and helping civilians entrapped in rubble all over the village.

His demeanor was one of urgency, underscoring the importance of halting the fighting to prevent further casualties and chaos.

"Wait!", However, Hikari suddenly interjected sharply, halting Genji just as he was about to issue his final commands. All eyes present turned towards him as he spoke with a chilling detachment,

"The entire Hozuki and Hoshigaki clans have to go. Tell your official Kirigakure troops to stop protecting them anymore from the shinobi going after them and to turn a blind eye to their elimination.",

"The same is true for other higher-ups, besides yourself, who supported the Third Mizukage the most. Kaguya and Yuki Patriarchs have already said to me that there would be no talks unless you allow them to do that.",

"Maybe that will pacify them for all the injustices they suffered. Do what you want, deal with the damage as soon as possible, but this is also the order that you must also make right now if you know what's in your best interest.",

Hikari's tone was very dispassionate, treating the directive with a cold pragmatism as if discussing a mundane chore rather than the orchestrated removal of entire clans, with probably even many civilians and women and children implicated.

He knew that without at least some "blood", there would be no way that Toru and Arata would agree to his plans.

Also, Hikari was very realistic, realizing that if those figures still survived, who were the ones at the clash with the two clans the most during many decades, true inner peace in this village would never be possible. This was all done with the goal of long-term stabilization.

Meanwhile, Genji's expression tightened at Hikari's cold directive, the gravity of the demand weighing visibly on him for a while.

Nevertheless, after a moment of contemplation marked by a deep, almost imperceptible sigh, he responded, his voice strained but very resolute,

"Your conditions are harsh, Hikari Hyuga, but I understand the logic behind it. Therefore, I will communicate your terms to our remaining forces, or at least ones I can control well now. It will be done as you have requested, albeit this is a very bitter pill for Kirigakure to swallow...", 

Genji's acceptance, though seemingly extremely hesitant, clearly recognized the need for concessions to foster a broader peace and reconciliation within this post-war Kirigakure.

However, he also made sure to note this move as one of his concessions for the upcoming negotiation by sighing and saying such words in such a 'depressing' kind of way at the end.

Yet, beneath his reluctant agreement lay another deeper, but this time quite personal, and greedy strategic calculation.

By consenting to the removal of other key elder and commanding figures in the village next, he acknowledged that his own position of power would consequently greatly strengthen.

With the likely elimination of these figures, he would emerge as one of the few remaining leaders in the village, apart from probably the Kaguya and Yuki patriarchs, and possibly, as he noted with a glance, the young girl Mei Terumi now also awkwardly standing right there. 

At the same time, Hiashi, understanding the significance of the moment and recognizing the need for a clear and visible signal to his forces, prepared a flare. He launched it into the sky, a bright burst of light that soared above the village.

This flare was prearranged as a signal indicating that the enemy had submitted to some extent—a sign for the Hyuga and their allied forces to stand down and regroup after finishing the remaining opposition and the die-hards of the previous Mizukage. 

This signal, understood by all involved, helped to quickly disseminate the message of some kind of ceasefire throughout the ranks, curbing the violence and bringing an immediate sense of calm over many areas of the battlefield. 

Then, following the directives from their leaders, a steady stream of shinobi slowly began to converge toward the village's center, particularly around the Mizukage's large building.

Just moments before, these same shinobi were locked in a fierce battle, each side fighting with lethal intent.

Now, as they approached the central meeting point, the air was tinged with tiredness and high tension but also with a yearning for peace.

The shift from combat to ceasefire was palpable. The sound of battle had been replaced by the quieter, cautious steps of shinobi, who had just been adversaries.

Eyes that had glared with hostility now glanced around with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.

The close proximity of former enemies, now gathering to discuss peace, was a stark contrast to the previous violence.

This uneasy peace highlighted the strange duality of the shinobi world—how quickly the tides of war could turn towards diplomacy.

As they moved closer to the building, each warrior carried the weight of the day's conflicts, the memory of fallen comrades fresh in their minds, yet each step they took was a move towards a potentially more stable and united future.

As the hours passed, this influx only grew and now included nearly all the remaining Kirigakure shinobi. Weary of the prolonged conflict, they were no longer inclined to fight and had aligned themselves with Genji's directives. At this point, the others perished, fighting against their opponents.

Additionally, from the other side arrived the remaining forces of the Kaguya and Yuki clans, led by their respective patriarchs, Toru and Arata, as well as the remaining Hyuga clansmen under Takumi's arrangements.

Preparations were made on the rooftop of the Mizukage's building for the follow-up of crucial peace negotiations. A large table had been set up, signifying the transition from battle to diplomacy.

This setup was intended for the key figures involved in the talks, ensuring the privacy necessary for such high-stakes discussions.

The most important leaders gathered around this table, each representing their faction's interests, while a significant space was maintained to keep the negotiation area uncluttered.

Ordinary shinobi were strategically positioned throughout the building to form circles of protection, but they were notably absent from the rooftop, maintaining the exclusivity and focus required for the negotiations.

The main table now hosted only the most crucial participants: Hikari, Hiashi, Arata, Toru, Mei, and Genji. As they took their seats, a silent acknowledgment passed among them of the critical work that lay ahead.

However, Toru Kaguya, clad in his traditional white robes, now looking entirely red as they were stained with a huge amount of blood from his enemies, maintained a distinctly tense demeanor at the negotiation table.

Unlike the other leaders who showed signs of cautious optimism, Toru's face still held a slightly 'maddened' look of battle.

His intense eyes and rigid posture revealed his deep-seated resentment toward Kirigakure's leadership.

As the only one visibly indignant about the cooperation, Toru's every clenched fist and stern glance underscored his protective instincts, fierce loyalty to his clan, and hatred toward Genji sitting not far away.

Arata Yuki, the young patriarch of the Yuki clan, meanwhile presented a stark contrast to Toru at the negotiation table.

Despite his youth, his demeanor was composed and serene, reflecting a maturity beyond his years as usual. 

He also addressed Toru with a steady, calming voice, "Please, Kaguya Patriarch, let's focus on what comes next. The battle has ended, and it's time for us to navigate the politics here.",

"I share your pain; our clans have both suffered greatly just now, but this is our chance to ensure the survival and revival of our people. We must be willing to compromise a bit too.",

He then turned slightly towards Genji, continuing in his composed manner, "And let's not overlook the role Genji-san has played just now.",

"He also wasn't directly involved in the assaults on our clans; his focus was on internal and civilian affairs within Kirigakure under the previous Mizukage.",

"It's largely due to his efforts that we've reached this point of ceasefire now so fast, opening the door for these peace negotiations...",

Toru listened intently to Arata's reasoned words as he respected his opinion quite a bit. The tension in his expression gradually eased.

After a moment of contemplation, he gave a slow nod, signaling his agreement and readiness to shift his approach.

His silent acknowledgment of Arata's perspective helped to further lighten the mood around the table, effectively opening the door for a more constructive and open conversation among all parties involved.

Genji, now feeling a palpable sense of relief, sighed internally. Despite his leadership position, he was mainly a civilian administrator and not a combatant, and the intense killing intent Toru exhibited on the table and his memory of the previous conflict—where he single-handedly decimated hundreds of Kirigakure shinobi alone, at least—had left him deeply unsettled. 

On the other side of the table, Hikari observed the dynamics with a keen eye. He caught the subtle exchange and appreciated the role Toru was playing in this negotiation kind of game.

Understanding the strategic advantage of having Toru play the 'bad cop,' Hikari discreetly nodded, acknowledging his effective role in adding pressure, which in turn facilitated the opening for diplomatic engagements. 

Toru also surprisingly signaled back in understanding toward Hikari. His previous approach at the negotiation table truly was strategic, not just a reflection of his typical Kaguya's intensity.

Aware that the main perpetrators against his clan, including the entire Hozuki and Hoshigaki clans for example, were already neutralized, he recognized the value of securing a stable peace next to start renewing their numbers and strengthening the clan's position within the shinobi world with this move of joining the Kirigakure officially as one of the de facto rulers of it next being the first one. As a seasoned clan patriarch, he was far from being such a brutish figure.

From that point onward, the negotiations officially began, with Hikari first laying out his vision for Kirigakure's future. He proposed a unified governance structure that would integrate the Kaguya and Yuki clans with the existing Kirigakure shinobi under Genji's present leadership. 

"The Kaguya and Yuki clans will relocate inside Kirigakure, sharing power over all village affairs and the civilian populace...", Hikari explained, "They would, therefore, not just reside here but hold substantial authority and responsibility on an equal basis as the other faction."

He further detailed the strategic alliance: "This reformed Kirigakure will also then become a steadfast ally of the Hyuga clan first and the broader Anti-Hokage faction of Konoha. This partnership will enhance our collective strength and influence within the shinobi world and ensure mutual support and protection against external threats and internal disputes too.",

Hikari's proposal aimed to transform Kirigakure into a cohesive and powerful new entity, ensuring a balanced distribution of power and fostering a strong alliance with his faction.

Hikari's proposal continued with a promise of stability: "I can guarantee not only a temporary ceasefire but also a long-lasting peace with Konoha for this reformed Kirigakure.",

However, to achieve this and for me to be able to convince the rest of Konoha to end hostilities, Kirigakure must agree to several conditions."

Genji listened intently, his expression a mix of curiosity and caution, prompting him to ask, "What kind of conditions are you proposing?"

Hikari outlined the terms right away, "Firstly, Kirigakure must relinquish all claims and influence over Yugakure, allowing Konoha complete governance of this area in the future.",

"Additionally, Kirigakure must sign formal agreements acknowledging the Land of Fire's sovereignty over some of your territories in the Land of Water. I'm talking about your continental territory that we already occupied during this war."

Genji's response was hesitant, "But how can we convince our Daimyo to accept such terms? His approval is crucial, and he might not see the benefit of losing territorial claims. After all, that is all officially a part of the Land of Water's territory, as a country, not our Kirigakure's."

Hikari addressed the concern with strategic insight, "Your Daimyo's power is derived from the unity and support of Kirigakure. If the current village collectively agrees to these terms, it diminishes his capacity to oppose them. He doesn't have any real power; after all, any army that he could send to reclaim them would be finished quickly by our shinobi and soldiers.",

"Moreover, without the fear of retaliation from the now-deceased Third Mizukage present anymore, due to their own more vulnerable members' security, the Kaguya and Yuki clans have less to fear from making bold moves against him or his extended family if needed.",

Turning to Toru, who was visibly agitated and filled with intent, Hikari added to Genji once more, "Perhaps you could remind your Daimyo of this new reality. Inform him that he should be grateful that someone from the Kaguya or Yuki clans simply does not decide to visit his main island to exact vengeance for all the grievances he's caused over the years to them."

Toru's response was fierce, his voice laden with threat, "Yes, let's make sure the Daimyo understands that he's fortunate. Otherwise, I will personally ensure that he grasps the gravity of our new stance if he starts some problems next. From now on, he is the one who should feel apprehensive in his life."

The Land of Water was isolated, and unlike any other nation, Toru Kaguya and their faction didn't fear potential blowback from the rest of the world, even for going against the Daimyo.