A delicate and subtle atmosphere permeated the air.
Di Yan had not yet gone to bed.
Instead, he leaned lazily on a soft couch.
He held Hyuga Hinata's small, soft body entirely in his arms.
Hinata's cheeks were flushed with an inviting blush, like a ripe peach.
She seemed a little unaccustomed to such a close embrace.
Subconsciously, she twisted her body slightly.
But it wasn't a true rejection.
Instead, it was as if she was searching for a more comfortable position, one that would fit Di Yan more snugly.
Finally, like a docile kitten, she nestled quietly in Di Yan's arms.
Her fair fingers unconsciously intertwined with the ties of his robe.
This subconscious dependence and obedience.
Even Hinata herself had not noticed the change.
"Hinata," Di Yan's deep voice resonated above her head, "Tomorrow, there's something I need you to do."
Hinata looked up, her pure Byakugan showing a hint of confusion and obedience:
"Your Majesty... what does Hinata need to do?"
Her voice was very soft, with the unique sweetness of a young girl.
After arriving in Konoha.
Aside from still imprisoning Asuma, Shikamaru, and Kiba, Di Yan had not restricted the freedom of Kurenai Yuhi, Ino, Hinata, and Inuzuka Hana.
He even tacitly allowed Inuzuka Hana to return to her clan once.
However, what was strange was that these women, despite having opportunities to leave or even seek help, did not choose to escape... Requesting first order! Scoop.
52 Traditional Woman Hinata; Abducting Hyuga Hanabi
In fact, after Inuzuka Hana returned to her clan for a period, she came back herself, with a complicated expression on her face, not long after.
This subtle mentality.
Perhaps even they themselves couldn't quite explain it.
Was it Stockholm Syndrome?
Was it fear?
Was it numb acceptance of the current situation?
Or... other deeper reasons?
Di Yan had no time to delve into these; he had specifically requested Hinata to serve him tonight precisely because she was a crucial part of his plan for tomorrow.
He needed this seemingly timid girl, who was actually exceptionally resolute once she set her mind on something, to complete it.
Hearing Hinata's question, Di Yan's lips curved into a wicked, charming smile that could captivate all beings.
"Hinata, let's... take our time..."
His voice carried a bewitching magic.
With a slight exertion of his arm, he lifted the weightless Hinata by her waist... "Mmm..."
Hinata gasped.
Her cheeks instantly flushed crimson, and she buried her face deeply, yet without the slightest struggle or resistance.
Di Yan observed Hinata before him.
A peculiar feeling suddenly arose in his heart.
The Hinata before him.
Seemed to have undergone some fundamental change from the shy girl he initially remembered, who would faint at the sight of Naruto.
Especially after she became his woman, that subtle change became even more apparent.
She was still shy, still innocent.
But she had gained an indescribable... sense of belonging?
Even a nascent form of 'husband leading, wife following'?
This discovery stirred Di Yan's heart.
He couldn't help but ponder deeply.
He recalled the original plot:
Hinata grew up under the Hyuga Clan's extremely traditional, even feudal and decaying, main family system.
Her personality was gentle, obedient, and centered around her husband.
To a large extent, this was the result of the clan's deliberate cultivation.
Her future trajectory.
Was originally meant to be Naruto's wife, the future Hokage's wife.
Then, like most traditional noble women "580" of her kind.
She would gradually withdraw from the forefront, assisting her husband and raising her children.
Devoting her entire being to her family and husband.
In other words.
Hinata's personality.
Was inherently molded into the template of a "perfect wife"!
Deep down, she possessed the potential to fully commit, be unswervingly loyal, and even sacrifice everything for her husband once she acknowledged a relationship!
And now.
Whether by a twist of fate or by forceful acquisition.
Di Yan and she had the most intimate relationship.
This connection, in this worldview.
For a girl like Hinata, steeped in traditional thought.
Carried immense weight and binding power.
Subconsciously, she.
Perhaps had already begun to accept her fate.
And started to view Di Yan as a "husband" or "destiny" in some sense.
Thus exhibiting this astonishing obedience and dependence!
Upon realizing this.
Di Yan was overjoyed!
This was simply an unexpected treasure!
He had initially only coveted Hinata's beauty, the potential of the Great Thunder and Byakugan.
But he hadn't expected to unearth such a treasure.
A girl with immense potential, a special bloodline, and who could very likely be cultivated into an absolutely loyal assistant!
"Heh..."
Di Yan couldn't help but let out a low chuckle.
Looking at the obedient Hinata before him.
His gaze became even deeper and more aggressive.
"Hinata, my little Hinata... you truly have... given me too many surprises."
He lowered his head and, in an extremely gentle yet undeniable tone, spoke into Hinata's ear.
Slowly, he revealed the task she needed to complete tomorrow... a task that would influence the entire situation in Konoha.
"Ah... how could it be..."
Hinata's body visibly stiffened.
A hint of struggle flashed in her Byakugan.
But in the end, that emotion was replaced by a deeper obedience and a strange sense of mission to "share the worries of her lord."
She gently nodded, responding in a voice as soft as a mosquito's hum:
"Yes... Your Majesty... Hinata... understands..."
The night was still long.
And Di Yan's plan had successfully placed another crucial chess piece.
"Good Hinata, I must thank you properly..."
"..."
...On the second day of Di Yan's arrival in Konoha.
Just as undercurrents surged within Konoha Village and the situation became increasingly tense and delicate.
He made a move that surprised many people.
He formally visited the prominent Konoha clan, the Hyuga Clan.
In front of the main residence of the Hyuga Clan.
Clan Head Hyuga Hiashi had already led a group of clan elders and core members, waiting respectfully.
For the sudden visit of this young and eccentric "Emperor" of the Land of Fire.
The Hyuga Clan was flattered.
At the same time, they were filled with vigilance and unease.
The display was grand, and the ancient etiquette was meticulously observed.
It not only showcased the Hyuga Clan's heritage but also expressed the highest respect on the surface.
Di Yan accepted it calmly.
Under Hiashi's guidance, he toured the Hyuga Clan's symbolic training grounds and ancestral shrine.