"Madara! Did you just… compliment someone?!"
Senju Hashirama's eyes widened in shock, as though he'd just witnessed an impossible phenomenon. Then, a hearty laugh burst out of him.
To be praised by Madara… other than himself, the only one who could possibly achieve that was Renya.
It was obvious now — Renya had earned Madara's approval when it came to cooking.
Uchiha Madara let out a cold snort but didn't refute it.
The taste really was excellent. This was the first time in his life he'd eaten food this delicious.
No wonder Hashirama had been singing Renya's praises all the way here. So this was why — his cooking truly was extraordinary.
Over the past two years, Madara had traveled across the shinobi world searching for a suitable base, visiting countless famous restaurants along the way, but none of their chefs could even come close to Renya's skill.
Hashirama had actually been right for once — he really did enjoy this kid's cooking.
Even though he was already full, he still wanted another serving.
But when he saw Hashirama's smug expression, he suppressed the urge.
He could only wait until dinner to have more.
"Renya, thanks for the meal," Hashirama said as he took a napkin and wiped the corner of his mouth. "Your cooking is as amazing as ever!"
He couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of Tobirama. That guy got to enjoy Renya's cooking every single day.
Unlike him, who had to sneak back to the village whenever he wanted a proper meal, terrified someone would discover his "fake death."
"Tobirama's one lucky bastard…" Hashirama sighed in envy.
If he had known Renya's cooking was this good, he would never have let Tobirama adopt him.
If he and Mito had taken Renya in themselves, they could've eaten like this every day.
Of course, that was just a passing thought.
The original purpose of letting Tobirama adopt Renya wasn't for food, but to help Tobirama lower his guard against the Uchiha through spending time with him.
If it had been any other Uchiha child, the outcome likely wouldn't have been the same.
Now, Renya had even earned Tobirama's trust. According to the rumors—
Renya might very well become the next Hokage!
That alone made Hashirama incredibly relieved. If Tobirama was considering Renya for Hokage, it meant he had finally begun to let go of his prejudice against the Uchiha.
Otherwise, he would've never entertained the idea, not even for his own adopted son.
"Hashirama-san, you're too kind," Renya said as he brought over two cups of hot tea and placed them in front of them.
Seeing they had finished eating, he began clearing the dishes.
Madara watched Renya collect the bowls and plates, his sharp eyes softening slightly. This kid was becoming more and more to his liking.
Suddenly, he spoke.
"Kid, how about coming with me?"
The voice wasn't loud, yet it made both Hashirama and Renya freeze on the spot.
Madara's tone was calm and steady, as if he were merely commenting on today's weather.
But his words exploded in the room like a paper bomb set off in the middle of the dining table.
No—worse than that!
Renya's hand froze midair, pupils shrinking as he stared at Uchiha Madara in disbelief.
What… did this guy just say?
Renya's brain went into overdrive.
Go with Uchiha Madara…? What exactly did that mean?
Defection? Training? Becoming his personal chef?
Or… was he inviting him to join the "Eye of the Moon" Plan?
All Renya did was make one simple meal, and now the Shura of the shinobi world himself was personally inviting him?
This was insane!
The war in Konoha had only just ended. He hadn't even started enjoying the hard-earned peace yet.
Why on earth would he want to wander the world with Madara?
Wasn't staying at home, cooking meals, and basking in the sun much better?
Renya definitely didn't want to go with him — but he didn't dare voice his refusal.
If he rejected Madara outright, would it make him feel like he was being betrayed by his own clan all over again?
Even though Renya now bore the Senju surname, deep down, he was still an Uchiha.
Hashirama, meanwhile, was holding his teacup — which had tilted unnoticed, spilling scalding tea onto his fingers without him even realizing it.
Slowly, he turned his head toward his lifelong friend. The usually cheerful face now bore a rare expression of utter shock.
"Madara, you…"
Uchiha Madara ignored him, his gaze fixed squarely on Renya.
"Kid, have you thought it over?"
This kid's cooking was excellent. If he kept him close, he could eat like this all the time.
Tobirama had really lucked out, adopting such an outstanding Uchiha.
But today, he fully intended to steal him away.
Renya swallowed hard, his voice coming out in a low, cautious murmur.
"Go with you…? You mean…?"
"Literally," Madara replied, arms folded across his chest. "Your talent is remarkable. I want to take you as my disciple. With my guidance, you'll become far stronger."
Madara's gaze drifted briefly toward [Immaculate] nearby before adding:
"I'll also teach you the Uchiha sword style."
The more he looked at this kid, the stronger the strange sense of familiarity became… almost as if he were looking at Izuna when they were young.
If reincarnation truly existed…
Putting aside Renya's cooking, just this resemblance alone made Madara want to take him away.
How could he refuse a clansman who not only reminded him of Izuna but was also an incredible cook?
He absolutely had to bring this brilliant junior with him.
Renya, faced with Madara's sudden offer, was completely caught off guard.
All he could manage was a polite yet awkward smile, though inside his head he was screaming.
Are you kidding me?!
Shouldn't Madara, at this point in time, be hiding in the shadows plotting the "Eye of the Moon" Plan?
Why the hell was he recruiting people here of all places?!
Wouldn't staying in your underground hideout be better?
And for the record — I have zero interest in Infinite Tsukuyomi!
Renya turned desperately toward Senju Hashirama, his eyes practically begging for rescue.
His expression screamed:
"Hashirama-san, please talk some sense into your crazy best friend!"
Senju Hashirama noticed Renya's pleading gaze and immediately snapped out of his daze, his expression hardening.
"Madara! Renya is a Konoha shinobi! Stop trying to lure him away!"
"So?" Madara raised an eyebrow, completely unfazed. "He can just defect. Like I did back then."
Renya: "…"
Wow. He really said it out loud.
If Tobirama ever got wind of this, he'd probably teleport over and decapitate him with Flying Thunder God.
"Madara, don't forget Renya is Tobirama's adopted son!" Hashirama's voice grew louder, firm and uncompromising.
He could give in to Madara on many things, but not this.
If Madara secretly spirited Renya away, who knew what Tobirama would do in retaliation?
Besides, Renya was a future pillar of the village. There was no way he could leave with Madara.
"Think carefully. If you come with me, you'll become a true powerhouse," Madara said, still ignoring Hashirama as his sharp gaze locked onto Renya.
"I'm sorry, Madara-sama," Renya took a deep breath and finally spoke, his voice steady despite the tension. "I'm afraid I can't leave with you."
If he didn't refuse now, Madara really would drag him away.
Madara's expression remained impassive, but in the depths of those cold, distant eyes, a fleeting hint of loneliness surfaced before vanishing.
Once again… his invitation had been rejected by his own kin.
After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice low and flat.
"As you wish."
For some reason, Renya suddenly felt that this so-called Shura of the shinobi world… seemed far lonelier than he had ever imagined.
"Although I can't leave with you," Renya blurted out without thinking, "you can come by anytime, and I'll cook for you."
The moment the words left his mouth, he wanted to smack himself.
What the hell am I even saying?!