"It likely involves a deeper conflict between the Daimyo's Residence… no, between the Imperial Palace and Konoha."
"We must be extremely careful. If we don't handle this well, it could trigger a serious political crisis, or even war."
His analysis silenced both Ino and Choji.
They realized the seriousness of the situation.
"So, what do we do now?" Ino asked.
"First, we need to find a way to infiltrate the Imperial Palace and locate the exact whereabouts of Yuhi, Hinata, Kiba, and Shino."
Asuma made his decision, "Confirming their safety is our top priority."
"After that, we'll act according to the situation. It's best if we can rescue them quietly."
"If not, we must gather evidence and report back to Hokage-sama, so the Village can handle the negotiations."
"Infiltrating the Imperial Palace… that's super troublesome…"
Shikamaru finally spoke, sighing:
"The guards are strict, and there are certainly many barriers. The difficulty isn't ordinary."
"That's why we, Ino–Shika–Chō, need to cooperate perfectly."
Asuma looked at his three disciples, his eyes filled with trust:
"Shikamaru, you formulate the plan; Ino, you handle sensing and intelligence; Choji, you provide strength and breakthroughs."
"Our actions must be concealed, and we must strike quickly!"
"Yes!"
The three responded in low voices.
Just as they were about to discuss the specific infiltration route,
Shikamaru suddenly looked up, narrowing his eyes at the sky, and muttered:
"Are there really so many sparrows in the capital?"
Hearing this, everyone instinctively looked up as well.
They saw that in the sky near the Imperial Palace,
Indeed, many sparrows were circling.
Their flight paths seemed a bit too concentrated over the Imperial Palace.
Unlike ordinary birds, they weren't scattered.
"Maybe there's something to eat nearby? Or is it just a coincidence?"
Ino glanced, not paying much attention.
Who among ordinary people would pay special attention to little birds in the sky?
Asuma also focused his senses for a moment, then shook his head:
"They're not Summoning Animals; there are no Chakra fluctuations. They're just ordinary sparrows."
As an experienced Jonin,
He was very sensitive to Chakra.
Since their sensei said so,
Everyone dismissed this minor doubt.
They refocused all their attention on the plan to breach the Imperial Palace's defenses.
They carefully surveyed the height of the city walls, the guard shift changes, and possible blind spots… However, they did not know.
High above their heads, among those seemingly ordinary sparrows,
In the depths of a few birds' eyes, a strange, human-like gleam flickered faintly.
Just as Asuma's squad, like shadows in the dark night, pressed close to the cold palace walls,
Preparing to find an opportunity to climb over and enter,
Among the flock of sparrows circling in the sky, a few quietly detached from the main group.
As if pulled by an invisible string, they flapped their wings and flew deep into the Imperial Palace.
They deftly weaved through the empty, silent, and heavily guarded palace corridors.
Eventually, they flew into an exceptionally warm and luxurious courtyard.
This place was in stark contrast to the grim atmosphere outside.
Warm jade paved the ground, and incense smoke wafted gently.
In the center was an exaggeratedly large, luxurious bed covered with soft animal furs.
Above the bed, the scene was even more sensuous and decadent.
Yet, it exuded a suffocatingly eerie "harmony."
Di Yan leaned back lazily.
Behind him was Kurenai Yuhi, her face slightly flushed, her eyes complex, yet her movements gentle.
She was kneading his shoulders with just the right amount of force, serving as a human cushion.
Below, Inuzuka Hana pursed her lips, her face showing humiliation and unwillingness.
Yet, she had no choice but to extend her fists, repeatedly thumping his legs.
To his left, Hyuga Hinata kept her eyes lowered.
Her fair cheeks were flushed, and in her hand, she held a plate of crystal-clear grapes.
Whenever Di Yan's gaze swept over her,
She would carefully pluck a grape and feed it to his mouth.
And the most "lively" one
Was Uchiha Hikari, who was nestled in Di Yan's arms.
This little girl seemed to have completely adapted to life here.
She had cast aside her terrifying past and powers, like a truly carefree kitten.
She was frolicking in Di Yan's arms.
Every now and then, she would reach out her small hand to snatch a grape that Di Yan was about to eat.
Then, she would triumphantly pop it into her own mouth, letting out giggles.
Uchiha Izumi stood silently in the shadows by the window, like the most loyal guard.
Her sharp eyes scanned outside the window, maintaining the highest vigilance at all times.
Unlike Mikoto's sorrowful and poignant sense of grief,
Izumi's loyalty was cold and absolute.
What was surprising was that
Uchiha Hikari, this "little monster," seemed to possess a peculiar talent.
Her carefree liveliness quickly made her "familiar" with Kurenai Yuhi, Hinata, and even the inwardly stubborn Inuzuka Hana.
In this twisted environment of captivity,
Hikari became a strange adhesive between them.
They even occasionally played together for a while,
Briefly forgetting the cruelty of reality.
Just then,
The few sparrows that had flown back from outside flapped their wings and landed on the exquisitely carved railing by the bed.
They chirped incessantly at Di Yan.
Their small heads bobbing.
Di Yan, who was currently competing with Hikari for grapes, paused slightly.
He tilted his head, listening intently, as if he could truly understand bird language.
A knowing and playful expression flashed in his eyes… 38 Yuhi's Alternative Approach; Closing the Door to Catch the Thief
"Oh? Have they already reached outside the walls?"
"They're even more cautious than expected… choosing the side gate on the west… Interesting."
Di Yan muttered in a low voice, a cold smirk, indicating everything was under his control, playing on his lips.
It had to be said,
The ability to communicate with animals, which he obtained from Inuzuka Hana,
Was surprisingly useful.
He casually grabbed a small handful of raisins from the plate Hinata was holding and spread them on his palm.
The sparrows immediately flew down cheerfully.
They began pecking at his palm.
After eating, they affectionately rubbed against his fingers.
Then, they flapped their wings and flew away, content.
Throughout the entire process, Kurenai Yuhi, Hinata, and Inuzuka Hana's movements subconsciously froze.
Although they couldn't understand bird language,
Di Yan's murmuring and his knowing smile made them instantly understand.
"Guests" had arrived!
And they were very likely people from Konoha!
Kurenai Yuhi's heart leaped into her throat, and her massaging fingers trembled slightly.
Is it Asuma?
He's here?
Don't come! This is a trap!
The plate Hinata was holding also trembled slightly, her eyes filled with worry.
Inuzuka Hana clenched her fist that was thumping his leg, her emotions complex.
She both hoped someone would come to rescue them and feared that the rescuers would also fall into this demonic lair.
Di Yan savored their instantly heightened tension and fear; this seemed to be the best form of entertainment.
He opened his mouth, and Hinata immediately, subconsciously, fed him another grape.
He slowly chewed, his gaze sweeping over the anxious faces of the three women, and finally he instructed Izumi by the window:
"Izumi, go tell Tekka. The 'guests' are 'visiting' from the west side gate. Let them in first… so we can close the door and catch the thief."
"Yes, Your Majesty."