Novel All
147. Pakura’s Alliance and Aspirations with Hikari (2)
147. Pakura’s Alliance and Aspirations with Hikari (2)
Pakura, meanwhile, absorbed Hikari's assurances and his light-hearted yet earnest admissions. Her expression was a blend of thoughtfulness and cautious optimism. She was totally blissfully unaware of Hikari's real 'thoughts'.
His declaration that there were no hidden strings attached and his acknowledgment of his limited influence once she assumed power in Sunagakure made her reflect on the sincerity and practicality of his support.
"So, you're using 'charm' as a strategy too, Hikari?", Pakura asked, a slight smile breaking through her usually stern demeanor.
Hikari chuckled at her observation, "Well, if charm is what it takes to ensure a strong alliance, I might as well put it to good use."
"But honestly, Pakura, while building a long-term personal interest group is my priority, I genuinely believe in supporting you for who you are."
Pakura felt a warmth spread through her at his words, touched by the blend of humor and genuine respect. It was a novel experience for her to feel valued for her abilities and seen as a person, not just a strategic asset.
However, Hikari suddenly moved closer, and the space between them narrowed, venturing into the territory of social intimacy.
Pakura, now regaining her strength and already standing, met his gaze a bit confusedly.
Their faces were suddenly just a few feet apart, their proximity lending an intensity to the moment that transcended their earlier discussions.
"And that guy, Rasa... I don't know why, but I've come to really despise him too. I can't wait to see him dead, to be honest... He's really too much...", Hikari unexpectedly confessed with a vehemence that seemed more personal than strategic and political.
The sudden closeness and Hikari's emotionally charged words caused Pakura to blush, a reaction that surprised her, given her seasoned experience as a kunoichi.
Her heart raced, not just from the recovery but from the unexpected emotional whirlwind Hikari's presence stirred within her,
'Does he hate him so fiercely because of what he did to me? Why does he seem so personally invested, and why does this make me feel so... confused?', She wondered.
"Why would you say something like that? Is your hatred because of what he tried to do to me? But we weren't even allies at that time...", Pakura asked, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and a flutter of unexpected emotion.
Hikari's response was a look that mixed confirmation with something deeper, possibly a protective fervor that bordered on personal.
His intense expression and the emotional depth of his statement made it clear that his feelings were intertwined with her own plight more than she had realized or understood.
However, Hikari's demeanor shifted abruptly back to his typical stoic and analytical self, as if the emotional exchange moments before had been a brief deviation rather than a part of his usual character,
"Let's wait a few more minutes before heading out. You could use a bit more time to recover fully. The battlefield situation will likely be chaotic when we show up together like this after all. I also need to assess things first...",
He said, distancing himself slightly from Pakura as he engaged his Byakugan, scanning the distant battlefield with an intense focus.
Pakura, meanwhile, needed a moment to adjust from the previous... 'intriguing' interaction to this sudden return to business.
The swift change in his focus was jarring, yet it reminded her of the serious nature of their situation.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
She eventually also expressed stepping up behind him, however, instinctively, unbeknownst to her, still maintaining a closer physical distance than before, for some subconscious reason.
As she watched Hikari, his face marked by the strain of concentration and the prominent veins that bulged slightly, there was an unusual softness in her gaze that hadn't been there before.
She nodded in agreement to his plan, her voice warmer yet carrying a firm undertone of resolve,
"Uhm. And let's discuss our strategy for what exactly to do when we make our appearance after you finish observing. I want to make sure we're aligned on how to handle the situation exactly.",
Her words floated softly behind him, affirming her readiness to follow his lead and prepare to add her insights to their strategy. She also did not mention the previous interaction entirely, as if it had never happened.
However, suddenly, Hikari moved one of his hands upwards in Pakura's direction behind him as if inviting her. As it began to glow with the greenish hue of medical ninjutsu, employing Yang Release energy, he still looked at the unfolding chaos on the battlefield in the distance with urgency.
"It's getting really hectic out there. We need to hurry up. Come here, I'll try to boost your physical recovery more aggressively now until you're ready, if it's okay...", He said, his voice carrying urgency and a slight commanding edge.
Pakura felt a familiar flutter of heightened emotion at his intimate yet logical gesture. A slight blush tinged her cheeks again, reflecting the complex interplay of feelings she was experiencing.
However, the seriousness of their situation quickly pulled her focus back to the urgency of the moment.
She remembered the ongoing casualties and the importance of their timely intervention to potentially negotiate a ceasefire. The longer they took, the harder it will be to reconcile their respective armies.
With a serious expression and a nod of resolution, Pakura stepped forward, closing the distance between them. She positioned herself just a few feet in front of Hikari. "I understand..." she responded firmly. "Use both of your hands on my back. It will be more effective. Come on..." she instructed, aligning herself to facilitate the medical treatment.
As Hikari placed his hands on Pakura's bare back next, he couldn't help but momentarily lose his composure.
The feel of her skin was unexpectedly intoxicating—soft, smooth, and impeccably warm under his touch.
The revealing nature of her tank top left her slender, V-shaped back and delicate shoulders completely exposed, offering a sight of skin that shimmered faintly under the soft glow of his medical ninjutsu.
The intimate nature of this contact sent a subtle thrill through Hikari, compelling him to swallow hard again, an involuntary reaction to the sudden surge of warmth that coursed through him.
His hands, though trained for precision and steadiness, hesitated momentarily as they traced the lines of her muscles—toned from her years as a shinobi yet retaining a softness that belied her warrior's exterior.
The warmth of her skin and the proximity of their bodies in such a vulnerable moment caught Hikari off guard, momentarily distracting him from the task at hand.
However, regaining his composure soon, Hikari channeled his focus back into the healing energy. His hands, now steady once more, glowed with a renewed intensity.
He skillfully manipulated the Yang Release energy, directing it into Pakura's system to facilitate a faster recovery.
Each pulse of chakra was meticulously controlled, designed to mend and fortify as he put aside the momentary distraction to ensure they were both prepared for the looming confrontation.
As Hikari's hands traced the contours of Pakura's back with medical ninjutsu, she experienced a cascade of new and unexpected sensations.
The initial touch of his hands on her bare skin sent a ripple of surprise through her, heightening her awareness of their proximity.
The gentle yet firm pressure of his palms conveyed both professionalism and an unintended intimacy, stirring a complex mix of emotions within her.
Pakura felt a warmth spread from the points where Hikari's hands made contact, not just from the healing chakra but from the physical connection itself.
Each movement of his hands was precise and calculated, yet there was a softness in his touch that conflicted with the typical sternness she associated with ninja interactions.
This softness was comforting and disarming. As the healing energy permeated deeper, easing the aches and pains of her recent battles, Pakura found herself relaxing into the sensation.
The heat from his chakra was soothing, and as her physical discomfort lessened, her emotional defenses began to lower as well.
The initial shock of the intimate contact gave way to a tentative acceptance and then a quiet appreciation of the care he was providing.
Despite her seasoned experience as a kunoichi, Pakura wasn't used to such direct care and concern, especially from someone who was, until recently, a stranger from an enemy village.
The gentle tracing of his hands across her back, the focus and concentration he dedicated to her recovery—these actions made her reconsider not just Hikari's intentions but the possibility of deeper connections forming between them.