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

129. A New Order: Reimagining Kirigakure’s Future (2)

A few moments later, Hikari continued to outline the terms of the alliance, his tone earnest but firm,

"Additionally, as a sign of goodwill towards this alliance between my clan and your village, we are willing to gradually return all of your famed Seven Swords over time, under an agreement.",

"Please understand, given that we were adversaries just a few hours ago, trust will need to be built gradually.",

"But I am confident that, over time, we will come to see each other as true allies, which is why we will eventually return all of your swords.",

He then addressed Elder Genji directly: "Elder Genji, you will play a key role in all these processes. Just as we commit to returning your shinobi cultural heritage, we expect that you will assist us as needed, and we will be ready to support Kirigakure in any future conflicts with other villages."

Genji listened intently, the gravity of Hikari's proposal clear on his face. After a moment of reflection, he responded, "Your proposal is generous, Hikari Hyuga, and it demonstrates a commitment to forging a deep and lasting bond between our people. I accept these terms.",

"We will work on our side to ensure that Kirigakure upholds its part of the agreement, and I trust you will do the same."

Genji's response to the promise of the Seven Swords' return was one of quiet elation. The swords were powerful weapons and symbols of Kirigakure's unique martial heritage and pride.

Their loss significantly affected the village's morale and prestige. Knowing that these cherished artifacts would eventually be restored to Kirigakure filled him with relief and optimism for the future.

He also felt that his position would be quite stable now after this among the remaining Kiri's shinobi force, coming mostly from ordinary civilians who respected those swords and the history behind them the most.

He could also use it to motivate elites among them, on an individual level, to follow his plans much easier and be more loyal to him. 

This would also make it easier to convince others to support this kind of new village architecture.

However, Genji's momentary elation over the swords sparked a glimmer of further ambition. He began hesitantly, "Then about...", But before he could finish, Hikari, anticipating his next request, interjected sharply.

"The two Tailed Beasts I have in my possession will also be returned..." Hikari declared firmly, to the surprise of both Toru and Arata, who previously seemingly didn't know about that.

"However, unlike the swords, which you, along with the Kaguya and Yuki clans, may decide how to distribute or manage in the future, using the pre-determined process that would be agreed upon by yourselves later, the Tailed Beasts will be entrusted only to two individuals I selected from within your village.",

"On this matter, there will be no negotiation or bargain; this is already the maximum concession I am prepared to offer. This is already as if you hit a jackpot as a village."

As if noticing the expectation for his answer, on who they would be given to, building up on the table, Hikari also prepared to continue speaking while glancing slightly at Mei first,

Who also sat at the table the entire time, feeling a bit out of place and still feeling slightly awkward but happy that the village was "saved" this time and that comprise was reached between Hikari's forces and the remnants of her village in the end.

"This matter is also connected to Mei Terumi and her future position...", Hikari finally announced, causing all eyes to shift towards Mei,

"If you haven't guessed yet, Elder Genji, we've decided to push for her as the next Mizukage. She possesses a unique heritage, being both a lifelong citizen of Kirigakure and the inheritor of two distinct kekkei genkai from almost extinct bloodline-based clans of the Land of Waters. Her unique background makes her an ideal candidate to bridge the divisions within the village forever, acceptable to both the Kaguya, Yuki, and the regular Kirigakure shinobi."

As he spoke, Mei looked around, the weight of her new role settling upon her. Hikari continued, addressing the concerns about her capabilities: "And for those who doubt her present strength, there will be no need to worry. I plan to have the Six-Tails sealed into her..."

After Hikari dropped this "bombshell" news, while Hiashi remained composed, having been the only one here beside Hikari already privy to the entire plan, others showed visible shock. 

Genji visibly processed the gravity of the situation first, his initial shock slowly morphing into contemplation and then agreement. After a brief pause, he cleared his throat and responded,

"This is a significant decision, one that could indeed unite our village under a new vision.",

"Her heritage and potential role as a bridge between shinobi of different backgrounds make her a promising leader.",

"If she is to be equipped with such power as the Six-Tails, it reassures us of her capacity to govern effectively. We will support her ascension and ensure a smooth transition.",

"I see no problem with this arrangement. I feel like I would be able to convince everyone to follow her in the future, and as the next Mizukage, you can have peace of mind."

Genji was already aware of Mei Terumi's potential due to her unique genetics and her reputation as a promising talent in Kirigakure. Her hosting the Six-Tails only solidified her suitability for Mizukage.

But Genji was curious about the quick development of her rapport with Hikari. Observing their interactions, he noted a surprising, subtle 'ease' that had formed rapidly between them.

He wondered how Hikari had managed to quickly 'convince' Mei to listen and follow him so fast. The dynamic between them suggested more than just a quick strategic alliance; there seemed to be a deeper connection or understanding that had influenced Mei's acceptance.

Genji considered what talks might have taken place before the announcement, reflecting on the nature of the promises or assurances Hikari offered to the young girl to secure such a pivotal agreement.

Initially taken aback by the sudden shift in plans, Toru Kaguya soon showed a grudging respect for the strategy.

His hardened features softened slightly as he realized the tactical advantage of finally having a Mizukage who could empathize with the struggles of the kekkei genkai clans like theirs.

"If this young lady can truly understand and represent the needs of clans like mine...", He said slowly, "Then perhaps this is the fresh start Kirigakure needs. We will watch closely and hope she honors the promises made today."

Arata Yuki nodded thoughtfully, his youthful face betraying a flicker of optimism, "This young lady's unique position and new powers could indeed herald a new era for Kirigakure...", He mused aloud,

"Her leadership could mend old wounds and forge a path toward a more inclusive village. The Yuki clan will fully support her Mizukage tenure, hopeful for a future where all clans can coexist peacefully."

Mei Terumi listened intently, absorbing every detail of the conversation about her future. The news of becoming Mizukage was something she had been prepared for, a role she had mentally braced herself to accept.

However, the revelation about the Six-Tails, the Tailed Beast, being sealed within her was entirely unexpected. For a moment, a wave of anxiety washed over her as she considered the implications—Jinchuriki were often viewed with fear and suspicion within their villages.

But as she sat there, surrounded by leaders discussing her fate, a different kind of realization dawned on her. Mei wouldn't just be any Jinchuriki; she would be the Mizukage, a leader supported by all factions within Kirigakure, envisioned as a unifying figure.

Hikari's backing and endorsement from the table painted a picture of a role far removed from the isolation typically experienced by Jinchuriki.

Mei's thoughts quickly shifted from apprehension to determination: 'If I am to lead Kirigakure into a new era, then I need every advantage I can get...'

The power of a Tailed Beast could be a formidable tool, not just for enforcing her authority but for protecting the village and driving its development forward.

She looked around the table, meeting the eyes of those who discussed her future, and felt a surge of resolve, "I understand the concerns and the potential stigma attached to being a Jinchuriki...",

Mei finally spoke, her voice steady and more confident, "But I also see the opportunity it presents. As Mizukage, I will ensure that this power is used for the betterment of Kirigakure, to protect and to lead. I am not afraid of the responsibility that comes with the Six-Tails; rather, I am ready to embrace it to fulfill our shared vision for a stronger, united Kirigakure."

Her declaration reassured those around her of her capability and readiness to assume the dual mantle of Mizukage and Jinchuriki and marked her commitment to transcending the traditional boundaries and limitations placed on those in her position.

As Mei articulated her acceptance and vision for her role, Hikari watched intently, gauging her reaction with keen interest.

Her response to the sudden revelation about the Six-Tails was in itself a test of her resilience and adaptability. He decided purposefully not to disclose that information to her beforehand.

Hikari was inwardly pleased with her reaction; Mei's bravery and readiness to embrace such a monumental responsibility affirmed his decision.

Choosing Mei was strategic, influenced by how well the Six-Tails's powers complemented her inherent twin kekkei genkai and by a desire to fortify her position as Mizukage.

Hikari aimed to solidify her as a formidable ally in his broader plans for the shinobi world by making her more powerful than in the original story.

Her dual kekkei genkai and the added power of a Tailed Beast would make her an undeniable force in Kirigakure and beyond. Trusting her with the Six-Tails was a calculated risk but one that he believed would pay off.

With Mei as Mizukage, empowered by one of the Tailed Beasts, Hikari was confident that Kirigakure would remain a steadfast ally, preventing any potential future betrayals and ensuring that the village moved in a direction aligned with his interests for a very long time.

This move was about more than just influencing Kirigakure; it was about creating a network of power, with Mei as a central figure, that would extend his influence and control far beyond his clan's borders.

By positioning Mei as a powerful, capable, and supported Mizukage, Hikari was securing an essential pillar in his strategic framework for the shinobi world.

He also had quite a bit of trust in her despite the early stages of their familiarity. 

However, beyond the strategic positioning within Kirigakure, Hikari had another crucial motive for returning the Tailed Beasts.

He needed a legitimate reason to 'retain control', at least to some extent, of the beasts rather than handing them over to the Hokage and his faction of Konoha, his enemies, which was expected given the usual protocols regarding such powerful entities and this was the way.

By framing the return of the Tailed Beasts to them as a necessary step to secure peace with Kirigakure, Hikari ingeniously crafted a scenario that could be somewhat 'justified' and hard to verify or to use as a pretext to move against him, as he would be a peace-creating hero, in the village, after everything that transpired here during all these months gets to be known.

As the negotiations progressed, Hikari shifted the focus slightly, addressing everyone gathered around the negotiation table.

With a supportive nod to Mei, he praised her readiness to take on the role of Mizukage and the responsibility of hosting the Six-Tails.

"The host for the Three Tails has not yet been decided...", Hikari announced to the group, "We will finalize this decision in the coming days as we continue our matters here in Kirigakure.",

With this strategic announcement made, Hikari finally stepped back, allowing Hiashi to take over the finer details of their alliances.

Hiashi, experienced in such matters, began working through the mechanics of the alliance, discussing terms and responsibilities that would define the relationship between Kirigakure and their Hyuga-led Anti-Hokage faction.

Following Hiashi's detailed discussions, Toru and Arata took the floor. The two clan patriarchs began to negotiate the intricate details of Kirigakure's internal restructuring and power distribution.

Their conversation focused on ensuring that the Kaguya and Yuki clans integrated into the village's governance and received fair representation and influence in the new administrative framework.

This part of the negotiations was crucial as it determined how the newly united Kirigakure would function as a cohesive entity, balancing the power between the existing Kirigakure forces and the newly incorporated clans.