It was more like a post-mortem commentary.
"However, there's a first time for everything; you'll get used to it."
For him, this was just a necessary 'collection' process.
The subject's feelings were irrelevant.
He withdrew his hand and turned to Kurenai Yuhi, who had been standing stiffly in the corner like a stone sculpture, her face no better than Ino's.
"Yuhi," Di Yan began, his voice returning to its usual tone, "I am going to find Asuma. Are you coming?"
These words were like a thunderbolt.
They instantly shattered the numbness and self-loathing in Kurenai Yuhi's heart.
Asuma?
He was still in the palace! Di Yan was going to find him?
What did this mean?
Ignoring the soreness in her body and her inner turmoil.
Kurenai Yuhi suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with urgency and fear.
She practically blurted out:
"I'm coming! Your Majesty, please let me come with you!"
She had to go!
No matter what, she had to be there!
Perhaps... perhaps there was still a chance to prevent the worst from happening?
Even if it was just to personally confirm Asuma's safety... Di Yan seemed very pleased with her urgent reaction.
A strange and meaningful smile appeared on his face:
"Oh? So eager to see your old flame?"
Kurenai Yuhi's heart sank.
Her face grew even paler, but she dared not retort.
Di Yan spread his arms and said lazily:
"Then... help me change first."
"I'm a bit tired after moving around."
A sense of humiliation welled up again, but Kurenai Yuhi's mind was entirely consumed by worry for Asuma at that moment.
She gritted her teeth, suppressing the trembling and discomfort in her body.
She stepped forward and silently, skillfully began to arrange Di Yan's clothes and fasten his belt.
Her movements were stiff, but she dared not make the slightest mistake.
Di Yan enjoyed the service of this Konoha elite Jonin.
His gaze, however, swept towards Ino on the bed, and he added:
"As for her... let her have a good sleep."
"Have Hinata guard her, don't let anyone disturb her."
"Yes..."
Kurenai Yuhi replied in a low voice, her heart bleeding.
Once fully dressed, Di Yan no longer spared a glance for the unconscious Ino on the bed.
He turned and walked towards the door.
Kurenai Yuhi immediately hurried after him.
Her steps were somewhat unsteady due to her physical discomfort and inner anxiety.
The door closed softly.
In the dim room.
Only Ino Yamanaka remained, curled up alone on the disheveled bed.
Immersed in a nightmare full of pain and hallucination.
Sleeping soundly... Asuma, relying on his rich combat experience and vague memories of the Daimyo's Residence's former layout.
Moved like a ghost through the complex corridors and palaces.
He used several clever Shadow Clone decoys and smoke bombs.
Finally, he temporarily shook off the pursuers who clung to him like maggots.
He slipped into a relatively secluded side hall, which still showed traces of its former luxury.
He quickly concealed himself behind tall curtain shadows.
Adjusting his slightly hurried breathing, Asuma's sharp gaze swept across the hall like a hawk.
Just then.
His gaze suddenly fixed on the main seat of the palace!
There, a figure sat languidly.
He wore a dark dragon-patterned robe, his face so handsome it seemed otherworldly.
A faint, knowing smile, as if he saw through everything, played on his lips.
It was none other than.
His target for this mission... the ruler of the Land of Fire, Emperor Di Yan!
Asuma's emotions instantly became extremely complex.
He had crossed paths with this man before.
One could even say they were 'classmates'.
In his youth, as a member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
He had close contact with Di Yan, who at that time was merely the unfavored son of the Daimyo.
He clearly remembered.
How unorthodox yet incredibly charismatic Di Yan's ideas were.
He spoke of overthrowing tradition, centralizing power, reshaping order... those words sounded shocking at the time.
Yet they subtly carried a fatal allure.
Asuma even once felt.
If he hadn't been from Konoha, with loyalty to the Hokage etched into his bones.
Perhaps he really would have been captivated by this young man's ambition and charm.
Willingly dedicating his life to him.
Ultimately, it was precisely because he realized the fundamental conflict of their ideologies.
That he chose to leave the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
And returned to Konoha.
Now, meeting again, the other party was already high on the imperial throne.
While he had to sneak in like an assassin.
Asuma's heart was a mix of emotions.
But more than that, there was a cold certainty... Yuhi's disappearance, Team 8's predicament, absolutely could not be separated from the man before him!
"As long as I control him... everything will become clear!"
A look of determination flashed in Asuma's eyes.
He didn't intend to assassinate, but rather to use 'friendly communication'.
To force the whereabouts of Yuhi and the others from the Emperor's mouth.
The process might not be pleasant.
But to rescue his comrades, he had no choice.
Di Yan on the main seat seemed oblivious.
He was leisurely playing with a jade ornament in his hand.
His eyes were unfocused, as if he were deep in thought.
An opportunity!
Asuma's eyes narrowed.
Chakra instantly condensed in his feet!
His figure shot out silently from the curtain's shadow like a ghost.
So fast that only an afterimage remained!
In his right hand, the Chakra Blade 'Flying Swallow' had already extended.
Gleaming with a cold light.
Its target was Di Yan's vital neck.
Not to kill, but to subdue instantly!
Years of smoking might have reduced his lung capacity from its peak.
But the speed and precision he unleashed at this moment still lived up to the name of an elite Jonin!
He was confident.
Before the other party could react.
He would have the blade at his neck!
...44 Instant Kill Asuma; Kunai Pierces Susanoo?
Everything happened too smoothly.
So smoothly that Asuma himself found it somewhat unbelievable.
He had almost unimpededly brought the Flying Swallow, shimmering with cold Chakra light.
To the neck of the Emperor of the Land of Fire, Di Yan, who was seated on the imperial throne.
The cold blade pressed tightly against his skin.
Di Yan could even feel the unique hum of Chakra.
However, he showed not the slightest hint of panic.