After some insipid pleasantries and flattery, the host and guest seemingly amicably entered the tea room.
After three rounds of tea, the superficial formalities were mostly done.
Di Yan set down his teacup, his gaze sweeping over the several Hyuga Clan members standing respectfully in the room.
His tone was calm but carried an undeniable authority: "Hyuga Hiashi, I have some matters I wish to discuss with you alone."
Hyuga Hiashi's heart tensed, knowing the real discussion was about to begin.
He waved his hand, signaling for all the surrounding clan members to withdraw.
Although he was extremely vigilant, facing the "request" of an Emperor, he could not openly refuse.
Soon, only Di Yan and Hyuga Hiashi remained in the tea room.
The atmosphere instantly grew heavy.
Di Yan did not beat around the bush; he went straight to the point: "Hyuga Hiashi, Konoha is about to undergo a drastic change."
"I hope that the Hyuga Clan, in this transformation, can make a wise choice… and stand on my side."
Hyuga Hiashi's heart sank with a thud.
He thought, 'Sure enough!'
He knew that the Emperor's personal visit was not for sightseeing; ultimately, it was aimed at Konoha's power.
However, as one of Konoha's oldest clans, the Hyuga Clan had always maintained neutrality and wisely protected itself.
They never easily got involved in the struggles for the Hokage position.
No matter who took office, they would need the power of the Hyuga.
This was their way of survival.
So, Hiashi put on a formal smile and began to evade, changing the subject: "Your Majesty's favor is something the Hyuga Clan is unworthy of."
"My clan has always only known to protect Konoha and be loyal to our duties."
"Regarding internal Village affairs, it is truly inconvenient for us to participate too much…"
"Moreover, Lady Tsunade is currently the Fifth Generation, leading with great competence…"
He spoke a torrent of polite platitudes, simply refusing to engage with the topic of "taking sides."
Di Yan did not get angry, as if he had long anticipated this reaction.
He leisurely sipped his tea, then suddenly changed the subject, bringing up a topic completely unexpected by Hiashi: "Since Hyuga Hiashi is not interested in power struggles, then… how about a marriage alliance?"
"Pfft… cough, cough!"
Hyuga Hiashi almost choked on his own saliva, looking at Di Yan with an incredulous expression.
The topic change was too absurd!
Just moments ago, they were discussing political upheaval and taking sides, and now it had jumped to a marriage alliance?
A marriage alliance?
A marriage alliance with the Emperor of the Land of Fire?
Hiashi's heart involuntarily began to beat faster.
He had two daughters: his eldest, Hinata… and his second, Hanabi… Hinata was the Main Family heir, but her personality was gentle… Hanabi had greater talent… If one of them could become the official wife or even a concubine of the Land of Fire's Daimyo…
Then, for the Hyuga Clan, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous honor and a solid guarantee!
This seemed… much more worthwhile than getting involved in a dangerous political upheaval?
Hiashi's mind instantly became active.
But being cunning and experienced, he naturally wouldn't immediately state his position.
He stroked his beard, feigning deep thought: "This… Your Majesty, this matter concerns my daughter's lifelong happiness, and also the future of the Hyuga Clan."
"Please allow this old man… to consider it carefully."
He neither refused nor agreed, leaving ample room for maneuver.
Di Yan wanted precisely this attitude from him.
He deliberately did not specify whether he wanted to marry Hinata or Hanabi, because his inner plan was… he wanted them both.
But it was too early to say that now.
Seeing that his initial goal had been achieved, Di Yan no longer dwelled on the topic of marriage alliance.
He stood up, preparing to leave.
However, just as Di Yan reached the doorway, as if suddenly remembering something, he stopped.
He turned back to Hyuga Hiashi and casually mentioned: "Oh, by the way, Hyuga Hiashi. I happened to hear some old stories…"
"Regarding your clan's Hizashi… it's truly regrettable."
"The way Third Hokage-sama handled it back then… hehe…"
"Sometimes, adhering too strictly to so-called 'rules' can instead dishearten loyal retainers."
A light, airy remark, yet it was like a cold dagger, instantly piercing the deepest scar and hidden pain in Hyuga Hiashi's heart.
His younger brother, Hizashi, was forced to die in his place to preserve the Main Family and appease Kumogakure's wrath.
And Third Hokage's inaction at the time… indeed planted a seed of resentment in the hearts of many Hyuga Clan members!
Hiashi's expression instantly became somewhat gloomy, his gaze complex as he looked at Di Yan.
Di Yan smiled faintly, leaving with a final remark: "So, even if the Hyuga Clan ultimately chooses not to take sides, I still hope…"
"You can at least maintain true neutrality."
"After all, the future Land of Fire needs ancient clans like the Hyuga, who understand how to assess the situation."
Having said that, he no longer lingered, turning and departing.
Leaving Hyuga Hiashi standing alone in the tea room, his heart tumultuous and unable to calm down for a long time.
Di Yan's words were both an enticement (marriage alliance), a reminder (old grievances), and a warning (the future).
For the Hyuga Clan to continue to remain completely aloof as before… it would probably… be very difficult now.
Hiashi looked in the direction Di Yan had left, his brow tightly furrowed.
Konoha's sky was truly about to change… On the other side, the Hyuga Main Family's grand estate felt both familiar and unfamiliar to the returning Hinata.
The familiar courtyard, the familiar corridors, the familiar respectful yet distant attitude of the clan members.
But returning here again, her state of mind was completely different.
It was as if an invisible barrier separated her from her past life.
"Sister!"
A clear, joyful voice called out.
Hinata turned and saw her younger sister, Hyuga Hanabi, running towards her like a happy little bird.
Though Hanabi was young, as the second daughter of the Hyuga Main Family, she had shown extremely high talent and competitiveness from a young age.
Normally, she always liked to put on a mature, grown-up facade.
But at this moment, seeing her sister, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, return safely, her childish dependence and joy could no longer be hidden.
She directly threw herself into Hinata's arms, her small hands tightly gripping Hinata's clothes.
"Sister, you're finally back!"
"Was it dangerous outside? Father was very worried about you!"
Hanabi looked up with her small face, her pure Byakugan filled with concern and affection for Hinata.
Looking at Hanabi's innocent face and feeling her unreserved trust and closeness, Hinata's heart felt as if it had been fiercely clutched by something.
A strong wave of sadness and guilt surged within her.
She thought of last night.
The mission Di Yan had whispered to her… the mission that required her to bring her dearest sister into that abyss… "Hinata, I need you to bring Hanabi to the inn where I am staying tomorrow."
"Don't worry, I won't harm her."
"On the contrary, this might be a blessing for her, and for the Hyuga Clan."
"You are her sister; it is most appropriate for you to do this…"
Di Yan's words echoed in her mind like a curse.
She was afraid, she resisted…