bookpower 123. Caught in the Crossfire: Mei’s Unexpected Savior
123. Caught in the Crossfire: Mei’s Unexpected Savior
123. Caught in the Crossfire: Mei’s Unexpected Savior
Meanwhile, as the battle between Hikari and the Third Mizukage also continued, at the same time, they moved swiftly across different parts of Kirigakure.
Hikari cleverly used the fact that they were fighting in the Mizukage's own village to his advantage, constantly forcing the Mizukage to hold back to avoid destroying his home to buy himself as much time as possible to build some experience during this battle and turn the tides and bridge the gap of experience in utilizing this specific fighting style they knew.
Despite this, the damage to Kirigakure was becoming significant. Buildings were falling apart and the landscape was getting scarred as the intensity of their fight increased.
The Mizukage's attacks grew more reckless over time. Initially more cautious about preserving the village, his rage towards Hikari now drove him to care less about the destruction he was causing.
Hikari noticed that the Mizukage was getting lost in his anger and hate toward him, attacking wildly and caring less about the damage to his surroundings.
The Mizukage was not just trying to defend his position or beat an enemy anymore; he was overwhelmed by his emotions, lashing out without considering the consequences.
As the battle between Hikari and the Third Mizukage intensified, they found themselves once again on a hill within Kirigakure.
This time, however, the Mizukage's reckless abandon reached new heights. Surrounding him were Kirigakure shinobi who had previously been assisting him against Hikari from a distance, but now they too were at risk.
Unconcerned by their presence, the Mizukage gathered a massive bubble of water mixed with natural energy, preparing to release it in a devastating explosion.
Hikari, sensing the imminent danger, prepared to use his Rotation Sphere as a launchpad to escape once again right away.
But as he activated his Byakugan's 360-degree vision, he caught sight of a young girl among the frightened Kirigakure shinobi behind him next.
Something about her struck him — her face was oddly familiar. In that brief moment of recognition, Hikari's instincts kicked in, and rather than leaping to safety alone, he propelled himself backward to scoop up the girl as well.
The two of them flew backward just as the Mizukage unleashed his attack. The hill where they had just stood was obliterated in a high-pressure explosion of water and energy, leaving nothing but devastation in its wake. Other Kirigakure shinobi who had been unable to escape were caught in the blast and perished.
Safely away from the immediate danger, Hikari took a moment to look at the girl he had saved to try and confirm his guess.
Now, away from the chaos, he could see her more clearly — her fair skin, green eyes, and auburn hair with distinctive bangs.
Though she wore a Kirigakure jonin uniform, different from her usual attire known to him from the original story, he quickly recognized her: Mei Terumi.
A young version, around only 12 years old, not yet the powerful kunoichi and future Mizukage she was destined to become.
Mei's expression, a mix of shock and confusion, shifted to one of cautious relief as they landed safely on a more distant building rooftop.
Mei Terumi, still reeling from the shock, tried to process the rapid shift in her reality. Her role during this "invasion" had been pretty clear: support the Third Mizukage in subduing the intruder, Hikari Hyuga, alongside the other shinobi who were tasked with a similar task.
From a distance, she had done exactly that, from the beginning, utilizing her unique twin kekkei genkai to try and assist in the battle once the target, Hikari Hyuga, had been locked.
As they stood momentarily safe from the battlefield chaos, Hikari spoke to Mei in a tone that mixed sincerity with the underlying strategic intent,
"You have the potential to lead and heal this village...", He began, gauging her reaction to plant the seeds of an ambitious idea,
"Kirigakure needs a leader who understands both its strengths and its deep wounds. The answer is never black and white, but somewhere in between. Yuki and Kaguya, fighting for their existence around us now, also have a point. They are also human beings like others.",
"You've also seen the truth of what leadership can become just now...", Hikari continued, subtly weaving a narrative of opportunity and necessity,
"Think about your future, not just as a shinobi tool of other hypocrites, but as someone who could truly make a difference next."
As the Third Mizukage launched himself towards them with a forceful jet of water, Hikari's demeanor remained calm and focused, his eyes sharp and assessing the trajectory of the incoming attack.
Turning slightly to Mei, he instructed firmly, "Here he comes again... Stand behind me, I will protect you. We will talk about everything later after this is over.",
"I also know a bit about your real parents and your real background, just be patient, and allow me to deal with this old madman now...",
Mei, still reeling from the recent revelations and her rescue, found herself instinctively obeying Hikari's directive.
She stepped behind him, her eyes wide with a mix of fear, gratitude, and growing curiosity about her rescuer.
Despite the chaos swirling around them, Mei's thoughts briefly drifted to what Hikari had hinted about her origins—secrets she hadn't been fully aware of herself.
She intuitively now felt like she didn't know the full story judging from everything that happened just now to her.
As Hikari faced the Mizukage's aggressive approach, Mei watched in awe. His posture was resolute, a stark contrast to the destructive frenzy of the Mizukage.
Hikari's dark blue traditional kimono fluttered with the harsh winds stirred up by the battle, lending him an almost ethereal quality amid the harsh reality of their situation.
Mei found herself wondering about this young shinobi, just slightly older than her, who now stood so confidently against one of the most powerful and experienced figures in the shinobi world—a man who had been a cornerstone in the establishment of the major ninja villages.
As the battle with the Third Mizukage resumed, Hikari's confidence grew. Throughout the previous confrontations, he had not only been defending himself but also adapting heavily.
Feeling a surge of newfound understanding, Hikari began to channel the natural energy surrounding him with increased proficiency in ways that he learned only just this morning.
He drew upon the life force from the land, the air, and even the small plants that clung to the ravaged battlefield more, weaving this energy into his jutsu to create a huge potent force.
His movements became even more fluid and seasoned, and his chakra more vibrant, as he harmonized his own abilities with the natural energy coursing through the environment.
He created barriers of pulsing energy, deflecting torrents of water, and countering with precise strikes designed to disrupt the Mizukage's flow of chakra and balance himself.