"This doesn't sound like an expression of determination.
Instead, it's more like a… whiny complaint mixed with uncertainty."
Di Yan, hearing this, didn't get angry. Instead, he chuckled, his laughter carrying a knowing, playful tone:
"And you… would you?"
These three simple words were like a key.
They instantly opened the floodgates of Ino's chaotic and complex emotions.
Would she?
Ino looked up, staring blankly at the face so close to hers.
It was impeccably handsome, with well-defined features.
Especially those deep eyes, as if they held endless stars and abysses.
Dangerous yet exuding a fatal attraction.
She had to admit.
This face was more mature, more masculine, than Uchiha Sasuke, whom she had once obsessively pursued.
More importantly, the domineering aura of this man before her, that air of looking down on the world and controlling everything.
It was like poison.
Even as it instilled fear, she couldn't help but harbor a ridiculous thought of wanting to get closer, wanting to be conquered.
Their beginning was a mistake.
It was forced, it was humiliating… But she didn't know when.
Under his strong possession and the occasional, undeniable "gentleness" he showed.
Her body, and even a part of her heart.
Had shamefully begun to revel in his scent and his caresses.
This strange, out-of-control feeling frightened her, yet she couldn't resist it.
This was also why.
After returning to Konoha, to her familiar environment.
She had the chance to escape, yet she inexplicably returned to this inn in the end.
Another reason, of course, was her concern for the imprisoned Shikamaru, Choji, and the missing Asuma-sensei.
Looking at the conflicted, confused, and even self-loathing expression on Ino's face.
Di Yan's smile deepened.
He tightened his arm around her slender yet elastic waist.
"Don't be so conflicted."
His voice held an undeniable certainty, "Once I take Konoha, everything here will be mine."
"By then, you can simply and legitimately become my woman. Isn't that good?"
There was no hint of coaxing in his words.
Only a naked declaration and confidence.
Di Yan never bothered to lower himself to humor women.
In his view, as long as a man was powerful enough, holding power and strength.
Innumerable excellent women would naturally flock to him.
The weak needed to pursue relentlessly; the strong only needed to choose.
Listening to his domineering words, Ino's cheeks involuntarily flushed.
She knew she couldn't resist this man's will at all.
And, tragically.
The "solution" he proposed.
Accepting her after conquering Konoha… in her chaotic mind.
Seemed to be… truly the best way to resolve all this pain and contradiction before her?
At least, it gave her a seemingly "reasonable" excuse to continue staying by his side.
A strange irritation and longing suddenly surged in her heart.
Ino felt she needed to vent.
Needed something to fill the inner turmoil and emptiness.
She buried her burning cheeks deep into Di Yan's broad chest.
As if this could hide her from all reality.
Then, in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz, with a hint of trembling and giving up, she murmured:
"Don't… don't say anymore… carry me back to the bedroom…"
This sentence was less an invitation.
And more a desperate surrender and a temporary escape.
Di Yan looked at the young woman in his arms, actively seeking comfort.
A flicker of satisfaction passed through his eyes.
He leaned down and easily scooped Ino into his arms.
Ignoring her slight gasp, he strode towards the bedroom.
The night was hazy, and Konoha outside the inn was still rife with undercurrents.
Inside the room, it was another intertwining of emotion and desire.
Ino, however, was already falling deeper and deeper, unable to extricate herself… The next day.
Just as Di Yan had expected.
Fifth Hokage Tsunade responded to his invitation for a "private chat" conveyed through Ino.
Only the manner of this response.
Made even Di Yan, long accustomed to schemes and conspiracies, a little dumbfounded.
At the same time, he felt it was very "Tsunade."
Fifth Hokage, actually came with only her personal secretary Shizune.
The two of them, swaggering openly and without concealment, arrived directly at the entrance of the inn where Di Yan was staying!
She didn't even bother with a secret meeting.
She just yelled at the guarding black-clad Ninja:
"Go tell your His Majesty the Emperor! Fifth Hokage Tsunade has arrived as invited!"
"Tell him to come out and receive his guest!"
Her voice was loud and full of presence.
As if she were the owner here… 55 Tsunade is here, time to feel her up?
Di Yan, upon receiving the report, paused for a moment, then chuckled and shook his head:
"This woman… truly lives up to her reputation, utterly lawless."
However, this straightforward style.
Instead made him find her somewhat interesting.
He gave instructions.
Tsunade and Shizune were invited into an elegantly furnished tea room within the inn.
In the tea room, Di Yan finally got a close look at the legendary "Sannin," Fifth Hokage… Lady Tsunade.
It must be said, even by Di Yan's discerning eye.
Tsunade was absolutely top-notch.
Time seemed to have been especially kind to her, leaving few traces on her face.
Instead, it added a mature charm.
The simple green robes couldn't hide her impressive assets, which could be called "weapons."
Full breasts, a slender waist, round and long legs.
Formed a devilish figure capable of making any man's blood surge.
Coupled with her unique aura of one long in power, mixed with laziness and dominance.
It was even more filled with a fatal desire for conquest.
Di Yan's gaze lingered unreservedly on her key areas for a few seconds, and his heart was indeed stirred.
Such a beauty, if she could be subdued.
It would be an immense satisfaction, both physically and psychologically.
As for Shizune, who was behind Tsunade, holding a small pig and looking nervous and wary, she was somewhat attractive.
But Di Yan temporarily ignored her at this moment.
He had to prioritize; his target was primarily Tsunade.
Tsunade felt uncomfortable under Di Yan's undisguised, aggressive gaze.
She frowned slightly.
Having lived so long, she had seen all kinds of men.
But this naked gaze, as if he wanted to devour her alive.
Still made her feel extremely awkward and… a hint of inexplicable annoyance.
"This brat… his eyes are too perverted!" Tsunade cursed inwardly, "I could be his grandmother! He has no manners!"
She forcibly suppressed her displeasure, deliberately adopting the dignified posture of an elder and Hokage, and spoke first, her tone clearly impatient:
"His Majesty the Emperor, you went to great lengths to have Ino convey a message, saying you wanted to chat privately."
"Now I'm here, so speak quickly! Don't play games!"
She really didn't want to spend more time with this brat with dangerous eyes.
Di Yan, however, didn't pick up on her words. Instead, he slowly took a sip of tea.
Then he looked up, with a playful smile, and asked a question that almost made Tsunade explode:
"Lady Tsunade… is still single, I presume? I wonder… do you have a man you fancy?"
"Huh?"
Tsunade couldn't believe her ears!
580 This damned brat mysteriously called her here just to ask such an inappropriate question?
She immediately became furious.