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

After a series of meaningless pleasantries and flattery...

The guests and hosts entered the tea room seemingly in a harmonious manner.

After three rounds of tea, the pretense of politeness was mostly done.

Di Yan put down his teacup and glanced at the several Hyuga clan members who were standing at attention with their hands at their sides in the room.

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority:

"Chief Rizu, I have something I'd like to discuss with you privately."

Hiashi Hyuga felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the real show was about to begin.

He waved his hand, signaling all the clansmen on his left and right to step back.

Although I was extremely vigilant.

But he could not openly refuse the "request" of the head of state.

Soon, only Teiyan and Hyuga Hiashi remained in the tea room.

The atmosphere suddenly became solemn.

Di Yan didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point:

"Chief Hiashi, Konoha is about to undergo a major upheaval."

"I hope that the Hyuga clan will make a wise choice in this transformation... and stand on my side."

Hiashi Hyuga's heart skipped a beat.

As expected, the secret passage was indeed there!

He knew that the emperor's personal visit was not for sightseeing, but ultimately for the power of Konoha.

However, the Hyuga clan, as one of the oldest clans in Konoha, has always adhered to neutrality and sought to protect themselves.

He never easily gets involved in the struggle for the Hokage position.

Whoever comes to power will need the strength of the Hyuga clan.

This is their way of surviving.

So, Hiashi put on a formulaic smile and began to dodge the question, changing the subject:

"Your Majesty's kindness is too much for the Hyuga clan to bear."

"Our clan has always only known how to protect Konoha and be loyal to our duty."

"It's really not appropriate for me to get too involved in village affairs..."

"Besides, Lady Tsunade is now the Fifth Hokage, and she's a capable leader..."

He kept spouting platitudes.

They simply wouldn't take the bait with the idea of ​​"taking sides."

Di Yan wasn't angry, as if he had expected Di Yan to react this way.

He slowly sipped his tea, then suddenly changed the subject, bringing up a topic that completely surprised Hiashi:

"Since Chief Rizu is not interested in power struggles, then... how about a marriage alliance?"

"Pfft...ahem!"

Hiashi Hyuga almost choked on his own saliva.

He looked at Di Yan with disbelief.

This topic has taken such an absurd turn!

They were just talking about taking sides in a coup, and now they're jumping to marriage alliances?

Marriage?

A marriage alliance with the emperor of the Land of Fire?

Hijika's heart began to beat faster involuntarily.

He has two daughters, Hinata the elder, and Hanabi the younger...

Hinata is the heir to the main branch of the family, but she has a timid personality...

He has an even greater talent for fireworks...

If one of them could become the wife or even a concubine of the daimyo of the Land of Fire.

That's for the Hyuga clan.

This is undoubtedly a great honor and a solid guarantee!

It seems...

Is it much more worthwhile than getting involved in a dangerous coup?

Japan's mind immediately became active.

But he was shrewd and calculating, so naturally he wouldn't make a statement immediately.

He stroked his beard, feigning contemplation:

“This… Your Majesty, this matter concerns my daughter’s lifelong happiness, as well as the future of the Hyuga clan.”

"Please allow me... to consider this carefully."

He neither refused nor agreed.

This leaves ample room for maneuver.

This was exactly the attitude that Di Yan wanted.

He deliberately didn't specify whether he wanted to marry Hinata or Hanabi.

Because his inner plan was... I want them all.

But it's too early to say that now.

Having achieved his initial goal, Di Yan stopped dwelling on the topic of marriage.

He stood up, ready to take his leave.

However, just as Di Yan reached the door...

As if suddenly remembering something, he stopped in his tracks.

Looking back at Hiashi Hyuga, he casually remarked:

"By the way, Chief Hiashi. I overheard some old stories..."

"It's truly a pity about Mr. Hiashi, the nobleman."

"The way the Third Hokage handled it back then... heh..."

"Sometimes, being too rigid in adhering to the so-called 'rules' can actually discourage loyal ministers."

A seemingly casual remark, yet it was like a cold dagger.

It instantly pierced the deepest scars and hidden pains in Hiashi Hyuga's heart.

His younger brother, Hizashi, was forced to die in his place to protect the main family and quell the anger of the Hidden Cloud Village.

The Third Hokage's inaction at the time...

This has indeed sown seeds of resentment in the hearts of many Hyuga clan members!

Rizu's face instantly turned somewhat gloomy, and he looked at Di Yan with a complicated expression.

Di Yan smiled enigmatically, then left with the final words:

"Therefore, even if the Hyuga clan ultimately chooses not to take sides, I hope..."

"At least you can maintain true neutrality."

"After all, the future Land of Fire needs a family like the Hyuga, with a long history and the ability to assess the situation."

After saying that, he didn't linger and turned to leave.

Hiashi Hyuga was left standing alone in the tea room.

My heart was filled with turbulent emotions, and I couldn't calm down for a long time.

Di Yan's words were a temptation (for a marriage alliance), a reminder (of old grudges), and a warning (for the future).

The Hyuga clan wants to continue living completely detached from worldly affairs, just like before...

I'm afraid...it's going to be very difficult.

Ri Zu gazed in the direction Di Yan had left, his brows furrowed tightly.

The sky over Konoha is truly about to change.

……

the other side.

The Hyuga main family's mansion felt both familiar and strange to Hinata upon her return.

The familiar courtyard, the familiar corridors, the familiar respectful yet distant attitude of the clansmen.

But I'm back here again.

Her state of mind, however, had changed completely.

It was as if an invisible barrier separated her from her past life.

"elder sister!"

A clear and joyful voice rang out.

Hinata turned her head and saw her younger sister, Hyuga Hanabi, running towards her like a happy little bird.

Although Hanabi is young, as the second daughter of the Hyuga main family, she has shown exceptional talent and competitiveness since childhood.

He usually likes to act like a mature little adult.

But now I see my sister, whom I haven't seen for a long time, return safely.

She could no longer hide the dependence and joy that belonged to a child.

He rushed straight into Hinata's arms.

Her little hands gripped Hinata's clothes tightly.

"Sister, you are finally back!"

"Is it dangerous outside? Your father is very worried about you!"

Hanabi tilted her little face up, her pure Byakugan eyes filled with concern and affection for Hinata.

Looking at Hanabi's innocent face, I felt her unreserved trust and closeness.

Hinata felt as if something had clenched her heart tightly.

A wave of intense sorrow and guilt washed over me.

She thought of last night.

The task that Di Yan whispered in her ear...

The mission that required her to drag her dearest sister into that abyss as well...

"Hinata, I need you to bring Hanabi to my hotel tomorrow..."

"Don't worry, I won't hurt her."

"On the contrary, this may be a blessing in disguise for her and for the Hyuga clan."

"You're her older sister, so you're the most suitable person to do this..."

Di Yan's words echoed in her mind like a spell.

She was afraid, she resisted...