Hikari smiled and patted her bear cub, letting his petty insults wash over her. It seemed that he was a collection of words on an often misquoted book which had become less of a ‘classic’ than a phenomenon no one could explain, or cared to. Oh so very important, certainly, I’m sure you’re right, what with your clan being spread out, so many of them refugees from climate change, a dead clan name must be very important to your people. She thought with a sneer, declining to speak, however, because his words weren’t worth replying to. “The Tanaka clan? There are more than a few of us, my name is innocuous, but my relatives have held power in Kumo for decades. Names are pretty things, but meaningless.” She said, “And honestly, so seems the rest of your little tirade. Look at you, trying your own little heart out to make me feel bad.” She rolled her eyes, “Your words are petty.”
His expression blanked, and Hikari knew she had struck a nerve. She smiled a little, almost enjoying his displeasure. Perhaps she should not have stung him with his attachment to Haruka, but to be frank, she didn’t care. He had decided to needle her, and she had fought back. In other words, he could count each word as retribution for those he had spoken. “Ally?” He asked, his blank expression seemed to grasp out at straws. She nodded, raising a brow. “Very well. I shall give you an ally.” He then spun, striking out at Kenta. Hikari took half a step back and raised her hands, ready with a bind. Instead of attacking, he snatched Kenta and then something began to happen. Sand, combined with the winds her presence had stirred, made things difficult. “Take note.” He said, “I never once claimed I killed anyone.”
Hikari turned her gaze to Kenta who seemed to be consumed within a vortex of sand and energy. She looked back at Hoshikata with an expression of displeasure. She didn’t quite know what was happening, but she was certain she wouldn’t like it. At the same time, Hoshikata turned once more to look at Hikari, lifting his staff slightly to point it at her. ”I think you might want to call your Raikage.” He said in a domineering way. She was reminded strongly of their former medical sennin. It was no surprise they shared a name. It seemed to her that all Isakis were rude self ingratiating pricks.
As the cloud of dust faded, Hikari realized that the person standing before her was not Kenta. His expression was far too familiar. He moved toward her, and put his arms out. “I submit myself to the shinobi corps of Kumogakure to be taken as a prisoner. I will cooperate fully Tanaka-san. But know this, the man is not to be trusted."
Hikari’s lips parted, as she searched his face. “Zaku.” She said, even as Haruka came to stand beside her. Frankly she didn’t know what to say. She was sure she’d hear jokes about how the chatty Tanaka had been silenced. Some lame joke… but Hikari had honestly never expected to see Zaku again.
"My lady, I am sorry for the delay. I would have thought someone would have responded sooner."
Hikari turned her head slightly, to Haruka, “You’re forgiven, Shima dono.” She said, “Your presence is appreciated.” For a moment, Hikari was distant. Things seemed surreal. Then, Haruka handcuffed Zaku, and Hikari came back to herself. “And Zaku. I thought never to see you again. Your surrender is accepted.” She said.
"What the hell do you think to gain by doing this, Hoshikata?" She was quite plain with her speech when it came to Hoshikata, something that rather surprised Hikari. To be honest, Hikari was unsure if Haruka had ever called her by her surname. The level of scolding she put into calling him by his name, however, made her glad that Haruka was calling someone else, and not her.
Hikari pulled Zaku back, and called the Raikage on her headset, relating all that she knew in simple terms, “Sennin Tanaka Hikari here.” She began, telling Shin’s secretary about Kenta and then how Hoshikata had removed some sort of mental block from him, so that he, once more, became Zaku. She verified that she was certain it was him, and that he had surrendered, pronouncing her former faux clan leader dangerous. She then once more requested help. “I do not trust Hoshikata’s intentions, Raikage Sama. “ She said, ending the call with that.
