What's wrong with having a large harem if you're the emperor of the ninja world?

As expected, this Di Yan is from the Uchiha clan?

At the same time, Kurenai Yuhi felt an indescribable bitterness and a strong sense of shame suddenly surge into her heart.

He watched as the three women surrounded Di Yan.

Whether gentle, aloof, or innocent...

Yet they all carried a strange sense of belonging, but what about myself?

Disheveled clothes, both physically and mentally damaged.

Like a dirty beggar who has intruded into someone else’s happy world!

Di Yan's "gentleness" towards them formed the cruelest contrast with the violence she suffered!

That warm atmosphere felt more like a complete trampling of her dignity!

Hinata's Byakugan widened slightly.

Her pure eyes were filled with shock and bewilderment.

She couldn't understand.

Why would such a terrifying demon have such a "warm" side?

Those three women...were they truly happy?

Or... just a bird imprisoned in a gilded cage?

Di Yan seemed to have noticed the commotion at the door.

He slowly put down his wine glass and turned his head.

His gaze fell on Kurenai and Hinata, who were pale-faced and had complicated expressions, at the doorway.

A meaningful smile, like a cat playing with a mouse, curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Oh? Are you awake?"

He spoke lazily.

The sound was exceptionally clear and jarring in the cozy courtyard.

"Perfect timing. Are you hungry? Come on over, let's eat something together."

He pointed to the empty seat next to the stone table.

His tone was as casual as if he were greeting two late guests.

It was as if all the bloodshed and brutality that had occurred in the dungeon and the palace had never existed.

"Dog meat hotpot tonight,"

Di Yan's gaze swept casually over Kurenai Yuhi's face, which had turned deathly pale, and Hinata's bewildered expression.

A cruel, mocking smile played on his lips as he added:

"The taste... is quite good."

He deliberately emphasized the word "dog meat," instantly shattering the false warmth in the courtyard.

Kurenai and Hinata stood frozen at the doorway.

Neither advancing nor retreating.

The enticing aroma of meat now seemed to have transformed into the sulfurous smell of hell.

...

14. A light that has been buried for a long time; a cliché.

Dog meat?

Di Yan's words, spoken lightly yet deliberately emphasized.

It pierced through the defenses of Kurenai and Hinata's hearts.

The two women froze simultaneously, their faces draining of all color!

Akamaru?

That one always followed Ya.

A lively and loyal white puppy...

It...it really...was...

Considering the disappearances of Kiba and Shino, and Teiyan's ruthless and cold-blooded way of doing things.

Yuhi Kurenai was almost certain of the origin of the enticingly fragrant chunks of meat in the bowl.

A strong feeling of nausea and indignation instantly welled up in my throat.

Hinata covered her mouth, her Byakugan eyes wide with shock.

The body trembled slightly.

I almost vomited on the spot.

Di Yan took in the two women's pale faces and their barely suppressed physical reactions.

The mocking smile on his lips deepened.

He slowly cut off a piece of meat, put it in his mouth, and chewed it carefully.

It felt like savoring an unparalleled delicacy.

His voice carried a hint of condescending "forgiveness":

"Why? Can't bear it?"

"It's okay. If you don't want to eat, then go hungry. Tonight... there's nothing else."

He casually announced their choice.

They could either swallow this "food" that symbolized the torture and murder of their companions.

Or they had to endure the torment of hunger.

Kurenai bit her lower lip hard, the taste of blood filling her mouth.

As an elite Jonin who has experienced brutal wars and witnessed countless life-and-death situations.

Her mental fortitude is far stronger than Hinata's.

Fear, nausea, anger...

These emotions crashed over her like a raging tide.

But she forcefully suppressed them!

Live!

Take the intelligence out!

This belief, like a lighthouse in the darkness, sustained her faltering will.

Hinata...sit down.

Kurenai's voice was hoarse but unusually firm.

She gripped Hinata's cold hand tightly, conveying an undeniable strength.

She pulled Hinata, who was almost unable to stand, and braced herself.

They sat down at a table a little distance away from Di Yan and the others' "cozy" dining table.

At this distance, you can smell the nauseating aroma of meat and clearly see the other person's expression and movements.

Di Yan seemed quite satisfied with their "obedience".

Clapped his hands gently.

Immediately, a maid dressed in simple palace attire appeared silently.

She quickly and efficiently set out delicate bowls and chopsticks for Kurenai and Hinata.

Then, like a ghost, he quickly retreated, never glancing to the side.

"You're welcome, just eat."

Di Yan pointed to the steaming "hot pot" with his chopsticks.

The tone was as if the speaker were entertaining a guest.

Uchiha Mikoto, standing beside him, kept her head down and silently served food to Di Yan.

His gaze swept over Kurenai and Hinata with a complex expression.

With a touch of pity, as a fellow woman.

But more than anything, it's a numb resignation to fate.

Uchiha Izumi, on the other hand, stood like a cold sculpture, focused solely on the food in front of her.

His sharp gaze occasionally swept over Kurenai, filled with assessment and vigilance.

It was as if they were examining a potentially dangerous object.

The only exception was the little girl, Uchiha Hikari, sitting next to Di Yan.

She blinked her big, innocent eyes, curiously observing the two newly joined "older sisters."

She was gnawing on a meat bone, her little mouth glistening with oil, when she suddenly spoke innocently:

"Wow! The sister with red eyes and the sister with white eyes, you are both so beautiful!"

Hikari's voice was clear and melodious, full of childlike sincerity in her praise: "She's even a little bit prettier than Mikoto and Izumi!"

This sudden "praise" stunned both Kurenai and Hinata.

Especially the sunset red.

Looking into Guang's eyes, so pure and without a trace of impurity.

Listening to her heartfelt praise, and then comparing it to the "dog meat" she was currently gnawing on.

A tremendous sense of absurdity and intense compassion welled up inside me instantly!

Such an innocent child... must have been coerced by this devil in human skin!

Kurenai Yuhi was resolute in her heart.

Di Yan even managed to obtain the wife of the Uchiha clan chief through despicable means.

Controlling a young girl whose mind is not yet mature is even easier.

This thought deepened her hatred for Di Yan.

At the same time, it also developed a strong protective instinct towards light.

"Thank you...thank you."

Kurenai forced out an extremely stiff smile.

In an attempt to respond to the "goodwill" of the light.

She needs a breakthrough.

And this seemingly innocent girl, who is deeply favored by Emperor Yan, may be the opportunity!

"Little sister, what's your name?"

Kurenai softened her voice.

Trying to appear gentle and harmless, I began to cautiously probe.

"My name is Hikaru! Uchiha Hikaru!"

Guang answered happily, her big eyes curving into crescents, "It was my brother who rescued me from that dark place!"

As she spoke, she affectionately rubbed against Di Yan's arm, showing obvious dependence.

"Hikari... that's a really nice name."