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Even they themselves had not clearly perceived it.
But Mikoto and Izumi, who had been observing with cold eyes, saw it clearly.
Mikoto was quietly arranging flowers on the distant veranda.
Her gaze occasionally swept across the courtyard.
She saw Kurenai Yuhi and Hinata, from their initial fierce resistance to their current half-hearted compliance.
They even subtly showed signs of dependence.
A complex understanding and a faint sadness flashed in her eyes.
She recalled her own process of falling into depravity.
Was it not also like this?
Under the absolute disparity in power and strength,
and with continuous treatment, mixed with pain and occasional "charity,"
a person's will would slowly be eroded.
Di Yan seemed to possess a strange magic about him.
A complex temperament, combining strength, cruelty, occasional "tenderness," and absolute control.
It would cause the women within his grasp to gradually lose themselves.
Eventually, like frogs in warm water, they would become dependent and even… addicted.
Uchiha Izumi stood in the corner like the most loyal shadow.
Her adoration for Di Yan was blind and absolute.
In her opinion,
it was their honor that His Majesty was willing to spend time "teaching" these two captives.
It was only natural that they would gradually submit to and depend on His Majesty.
His Majesty was, after all, a supreme being.
He deserved the submission of all.
Just as Di Yan was "teaching" with "great enthusiasm," almost pulling Hinata completely into his arms to correct her movements,
a maid quietly approached and whispered something to Uchiha Izumi.
Uchiha Izumi nodded slightly and waved the maid away.
She appeared silently beside Di Yan.
"Your Majesty."
Izumi knelt on one knee.
Her voice broke the strangely "harmonious" atmosphere in the courtyard.
Di Yan released Hinata.
Hinata immediately jumped back a few steps like a startled rabbit.
Her cheeks were so red they almost bled, and her heart pounded.
Kurenai Yuhi also took the opportunity to distance herself, secretly sighing in relief.
Yet, after the warm touch on her back disappeared,
she felt an inexplicable sense of emptiness.
This terrifying thought immediately made her break out in a cold sweat.
"What is it?"
Di Yan's tone was calm.
As if what had just transpired was nothing more than a normal teaching session.
"Representatives from the Inuzuka Clan and the Aburame Clan have arrived outside the palace."
Uchiha Izumi reported, "They request an audience with Your Majesty, hoping to 'peacefully resolve' the matter concerning Inuzuka Kiba and Shino Aburame."
She paused, then added, "Additionally, Inuzuka Hana, the clan leader's daughter of the Inuzuka Clan, has also accompanied them."
A knowing glint flashed in Di Yan's eyes.
The fish had taken the bait.
"Oh? They didn't notify the Konoha Higher-Ups?"
He asked with interest.
"According to our informants, no. They came secretly," Izumi confirmed.
Di Yan's lips curved into a sarcastic smile.
Just as he expected.
These ancient Ninja Clans, when faced with a choice between their family heirs and the Village's interests,
still ultimately prioritized the former.
Or rather, they didn't even consider him, this "Emperor," important.
Did they think that with the combined strength of their two clans, sending a dozen Ninja,
they could easily demand the return of the people from him?
Perhaps they even harbored the thought of incidentally "teaching a lesson" to this restless Daimyo?
Truly… ridiculously naive!
After all, nominally, the Daimyo was the ruler of the country.
Ordinary Ninja maintained a respectful attitude towards the Daimyo.
But in reality, in the original plot,
Second Hokage Senju Tobirama could directly bypass the Daimyo to appoint the Hokage.
Third Hokage appeared respectful on the surface.
In reality, the appointment of the Hokage was also decided by him, and the Daimyo had no say.
Even Danzo, after failing in his bid for the Fourth Hokage,
dared to openly glare at the Daimyo, showing no respect whatsoever… All these examples show that.
On the surface, Ninja maintained a respectful attitude towards the Daimyo.
But in reality,
when a Ninja's level reached a certain point,
they no longer regarded the Daimyo, as ordinary people, with respect.
This is why these Ninja Clans, who have been passed down from the Sengoku period, are so confident.
"It seems the 'gift' (fingers) I sent them was not enough to make them clearly realize… who is the true master of the Land of Fire."
Di Yan's voice carried a chilling murderous intent, "Very well, since they've come, they won't leave."
"Coincidentally, my Training Grounds still lack some decent 'sparring partners.'"
He glanced at Kurenai Yuhi and Hinata, whose expressions suddenly became tense and worried.
A meaningful smile suddenly appeared on his lips:
"Yuhi, Hinata, I'll be excused for a moment."
"You two continue practicing… I'm going to meet your future good sisters."
Di Yan's tone was relaxed.
But the chill in his words made Kurenai Yuhi and Hinata shiver simultaneously.
Good sisters?
Was he referring to Inuzuka Hana?
Would she also be… The two women exchanged glances, both seeing the apprehension in each other's eyes.
They realized.
A new storm was about to arrive.
And the representatives of the Inuzuka and Aburame Clans.
were probably stepping, one by one, into the trap meticulously set by Di Yan… 29 The Two Clans Jointly Apply Pressure; the Fiery Inuzuka Hana
The capital city of the Land of Fire.
Inside a seemingly ordinary inn, the atmosphere was as heavy as iron.
Twenty-six Konoha Ninja were gathered there.
They were either sitting or standing, exuding the seasoned aura of those who had seen much combat.
Fourteen of them carried Ninja dogs, the elite of the Inuzuka Clan.
The other twelve mostly wore sunglasses and high collars, members of the Aburame Clan.
The Chakra fluctuations of the five Jonin were like stable boulders.
The remaining Chunin all had sharp eyes.
Their movements were perfectly coordinated.
Such a force was enough to overthrow a small country.
Completing an S-rank mission would be more than sufficient.
Now, they were gathered here.
Their purpose, however, was not for a mission.
But to pressure the Land of Fire's newly appointed, self-proclaimed "Emperor," the young Daimyo.
"Hmph, a greenhorn who rose to power through schemes and tricks."
"And he calls himself an Emperor? He even dares to detain Kiba and Shino."
"And even brazenly tells us to choose sides? What a joke!"
A Jonin from the Inuzuka Clan snorted coldly.
His tone was filled with disdain for the so-called "Emperor."
In the eyes of these Ninja, who had long lived by the blade,
the Daimyo was merely a financier, a flower living in a greenhouse.
He simply did not understand what true power was.
"Exactly! He even dares to harbor thoughts about Hana-nee? Saying she's a concubine? I think he's tired of living!"
Another young Inuzuka Clan member echoed indignantly.
His gaze respectfully directed towards the figure in the center of the room.
In the center of the room stood a tall woman with a wild beauty.
She wore the distinctive fur-collared jacket of the Inuzuka Clan.