“Madara! You actually praised someone!”
Senju Hashirama’s eyes widened, as if he had seen something incredible, then he burst out laughing.
The person who could receive Madara’s praise… besides himself, there was only Renye.
It was clear that Renye had received Madara’s approval in cooking.
Uchiha Madara snorted, but did not refute.
The taste was indeed good; this was the first time he had eaten such delicious cuisine.
No wonder Hashirama had been full of praise for Renye’s cooking on the way here; it turned out his food was truly delicious…
In the past two years, he had been searching for suitable bases all over the Ninja World, visiting many famous restaurants along the way, but their skills simply couldn't compare to Renye’s.
Hashirama had been right; he really had fallen for this kid's cooking.
Although he was full now, he still wanted another serving.
Seeing the triumphant expression on Hashirama’s face, Madara still dismissed the idea.
He could only wait until evening to eat another meal.
“Renye, thank you for your hospitality.” Hashirama took out a tissue to wipe his mouth. “Your cooking is as good as ever!”
He was a little envious of Tobirama; he got to eat all sorts of delicious food made by Renye every day.
Unlike him, who had to sneak back just to eat a meal, afraid of being discovered that he faked his death and left.
“Tobirama is really lucky…” Hashirama couldn’t help but sigh.
If he had known Renye’s cooking was so good, he wouldn’t have let Tobirama adopt Renye.
If he and Mito had adopted Renye, they could have eaten all kinds of delicious food every day.
Of course, Hashirama only thought about it.
The original intention of adopting Renye was not to eat delicious food, but to let Tobirama, through his interactions with Renye, let go of his guard against the Uchiha.
If it had been another Uchiha child, it might not have achieved Renye’s effect.
He had now gained Tobirama’s approval, and according to rumors—
Renye was very likely to become the next Hokage!
This made Hashirama very relieved. Tobirama allowing Renye to become Hokage showed that he had already put aside his prejudice against the Uchiha.
Otherwise, he would never consider letting Renye become Hokage, even if he was his adopted son!
“You’re too kind, Uncle Hashirama.” Renye brought two cups of hot tea and placed them in front of the two.
Seeing that they had finished eating, he began to clear the dishes from the table.
Uchiha Madara watched Renye clearing the dishes with appreciation, feeling that this kid was very much to his liking.
He suddenly spoke, “Kid, are you willing to follow me?”
The voice was not loud, but it made both people present freeze simultaneously.
Madara’s voice remained calm, as if discussing the weather today.
But this sentence, falling in the room, was no less than an Exploding Tag detonating in the center of the dining table.
No, it was even more serious!
Renye’s outstretched hand froze in mid-air, his pupils suddenly constricted, and he looked at Uchiha Madara with disbelief.
What was this guy saying?
Renye’s brain was overloading.
Following Uchiha Madara… what did that mean?
Defection? Training? Becoming a chef?
Or was he inviting him to join in achieving the Eye of the Moon Plan?
Renye hadn’t expected that simply making a meal would earn him a personal invitation from the Shura of the Shinobi World.
Isn’t this too messed up?
Now that Konoha’s war had finally ended, he hadn't even begun to enjoy the hard-won peace.
How could he possibly be willing to wander the Ninja World with Madara?
Isn’t it better to cook at home and bask in the sun every day?
Although Renye didn’t want to leave with Madara, he didn't dare to refuse…
If he didn't accept Madara’s invitation, would it make him feel betrayed by his clan again?
Even though he had changed his surname to Senju now, he was still essentially an Uchiha.
Hashirama, holding his teacup, tilted it without noticing, and scalding hot tea spilled on his fingers without him realizing it at all.
He slowly turned to look at his best friend, a rare look of astonishment appearing on that face which always carried a smile.
“Madara, you…”
Uchiha Madara ignored Hashirama, staring directly at Renye, “Kid, what do you think?”
This kid’s cooking is good; if he stays by my side, I can often eat delicious food.
Tobirama really got lucky, adopting such an excellent Uchiha.
However, he was going to abduct this kid today.
Renye subconsciously swallowed, and asked softly, “Following you? Do you mean…”
“Literally.” Uchiha Madara crossed his arms. “Your talent is good. I want to take you as my disciple, and I believe my guidance can make you stronger.”
Madara’s gaze swept over the “innocence” not far away, and he added, “I will also teach you Uchiha-style sword techniques.”
The more he looked at this kid, the more a familiar feeling came over him, as if he was seeing Izuna when he was young.
If there really was reincarnation…
Putting Renye’s cooking aside, just this point alone made him want Renye to leave with him.
Madara simply couldn’t refuse an Uchiha clansman who not only felt like Izuna but also cooked exceptionally well.
Of course, he had to find a way to abduct such an excellent junior back.
Renye, facing Uchiha Madara’s olive branch, was at a loss for a moment, and could only show an awkward yet polite smile.
Inside, he roared frantically, what kind of joke is this?!
At this time, shouldn't Madara be hiding in the shadows, planning the Eye of the Moon Plan?
Why did he run over to recruit me?!
Isn’t it better to just hide in the underground base?
I have no interest in Infinite Tsukuyomi, hey!
Renye could only look at Senju Hashirama for help, his expression as if saying—
Uncle Hashirama, quickly persuade your good buddy!
Senju Hashirama noticed Renye’s gaze, instantly came back to his senses, and said with a serious expression.
“Madara! Renye is a Konoha Ninja, don’t you dare lay a hand on him!”
“So?” Madara slightly raised his eyes, indifferently saying, “Just let him defect, like I did back then.”
Renye: “…”
Good heavens, he even said “let me defect.”
If Senju Tobirama found out, wouldn’t he hit me with a Flying Thunder God Slash?
“Madara, don’t forget Renye is Tobirama’s adopted son!” Hashirama raised his voice.
Hashirama could go along with Madara on other matters, but not on this one.
If Madara secretly took Renye away, who knew what Tobirama would do?
Moreover, Renye was the Village’s hope and absolutely could not leave with Madara.
“Think carefully. Follow me, and you can become a true strong person.” Madara ignored Hashirama and looked up at Renye.
“I’m sorry, Lord Madara, I’m afraid I cannot leave with you.” Renye took a deep breath and rejected Madara’s invitation.
If he didn’t refuse now, Madara would drag him away.
Uchiha Madara’s expression didn’t change, but a fleeting hint of loneliness flashed in his indifferent eyes.
His invitation had been rejected by a clansman once again.
After a long pause, Madara finally spoke, his voice low and calm.
“As you wish.”
Renye suddenly felt that this legendary Shura of the Shinobi World seemed… even lonelier than he had imagined.
“Although I cannot leave with you, you can often come to me and I’ll cook for you.”
He suddenly said something as if possessed.
As soon as these words came out, Renye wished he could slap himself twice.
What on earth am I doing?!