You're Pretty Good!

Renye bustled back and forth between the stove and the cutting board, the pots, bowls, and utensils clinking crisply together.

Mito Uzumaki was not idle either. She skillfully chopped vegetables, occasionally speaking softly with Renye about the details of the dishes, a gentle smile on her face.

Before long, dish after dish, perfect in color, aroma, and flavor, filled the entire table. Their rich fragrance instantly spread through the room, stirring everyone's appetites.

Hashirama Senju took his seat first. The moment he sat down, his gaze was drawn to the feast before him, and he instinctively swallowed.

Mito Uzumaki sat beside Hashirama. Looking at the food on the table, she praised, "As expected of Little Renye's cooking. We can really feast today."

"Haha, Mito is right!" Hashirama Senju agreed.

The couple had been craving this for a long time.

"You flatter me." Renye smiled.

Tobirama Senju walked over at an unhurried pace, his usual calm expression unchanged, though his slightly quicker steps revealed the anticipation in his heart.

When Renye was at home, when had he ever made such a huge spread?

Usually, he simply made two ordinary home-cooked dishes to make do.

Although Tobirama Senju thought Renye's home cooking was delicious too, he still looked forward more to the times when Renye prepared an entire table of dishes.

That way, he could eat lots of delicious food...

Once everyone was seated, Renye warmly invited them to start eating.

Hashirama Senju had long been unable to restrain himself. He reached out, picked up a piece of glossy braised pork, and put it into his mouth. Its rich flavor immediately blossomed across his tongue.

He could not help but exclaim in satisfaction, "Little Renye, your cooking is incredible! This taste is simply irresistible!"

As he spoke, he picked up another huge mouthful and stuffed it into his mouth.

"I'm glad you like it, Uncle Hashirama. Please eat more," Renye said.

As a "cook," having the food he made recognized and praised by others was a very happy thing.

Mito Uzumaki smiled softly as she elegantly sampled each dish, occasionally casting approving looks toward Renye.

"Little Renye, the food you made is truly delicious!" She paused, then added, "And preparing this meal together with you has made it even more meaningful."

Some of the dishes had been made jointly by her and Renye, which made her especially happy.

Mito realized that she was growing fonder and fonder of Renye.

She did not understand it. Renye was so obedient and sensible, and he could cook so well—why did Tobirama always complain about him to them?

Though Tobirama Senju did not praise him loudly like Hashirama, his chopsticks moved with remarkable frequency.

Before long, the bowl in front of him was piled high with all kinds of food.

He nodded slightly and said quietly, "Mm, it really is quite good."

The setting sun's lingering glow streamed through the window and fell across the dining table as everyone reluctantly put down their bowls and chopsticks.

Hashirama Senju leaned back comfortably in his chair, patted his round belly, then turned to Renye with a smile and asked, "Little Renye, how have things been at school these past two days?"

"Uncle Hashirama, it's been alright." Renye wiped the corner of his mouth and sat up straight.

Although he had not wanted to go to school at first, after attending for two days, he found that he could accept it.

After all, every classmate at school was a talent, and they spoke so pleasantly. It was much more interesting than cultivating alone at home.

Hashirama Senju nodded in satisfaction, then asked, "Little Renye, what are your ambitions for the future?"

At those words, Tobirama Senju, who was sitting nearby, quietly looked toward Renye.

Renye lowered his eyes to the tea rippling in his bowl, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing against the edge of the porcelain.

He was considering how to answer this question in a way that would satisfy Hashirama Senju.

Renye's reason for becoming stronger was simple: he wanted the ability to protect himself in future wars, so that he would not be treated as cannon fodder and sent to his death.

But obviously, he could not say that...

After a moment of silence, Renye raised his head, his gaze firm.

"I want to become stronger. Very, very strong!"

Tobirama Senju's eyes flickered, and the expression on his face grew increasingly grave.

Why was this brat so obsessed with becoming stronger?

He desperately wanted to know Renye's purpose for becoming stronger. This was very important!

Fortunately, Elder Brother had asked for him...

"Why must you become stronger?" Hashirama Senju asked.

Renye looked straight at Hashirama and said, word by word, "Because only by becoming stronger can I protect the things I want to protect... just as you protect the village."

Those words were like a stone cast into deep waters, stirring up towering waves.

Hashirama Senju's pupils suddenly contracted. Countless images of fallen clansmen from his memories overlapped with Renye's stubborn face before him.

Tobirama Senju stared blankly at Renye, looking as though he had seen a ghost.

He never would have imagined that an Uchiha brat could say something so profound.

Was this really the brat he knew?!

Renye did not know that his words had completely overturned everything Tobirama Senju thought he knew about him.

"Could I really have been wrong?" Tobirama Senju murmured softly.

Renye's words had struck him too hard, plunging him into self-doubt.

Perhaps he truly had been biased against Renye before because of his Uchiha identity...

After a long while, Hashirama Senju's palm landed heavily on Renye's shoulder, his voice much deeper than usual. "Good. Well said!"

He strode over to the wooden cabinet by the wall and pulled out a yellowed Ninjutsu Scroll bearing the Senju clan crest.

"These are the ninjutsu and cultivation insights I've accumulated over the years." Hashirama Senju solemnly held the scroll out before Renye, his fingertips brushing over it. "I'm giving it to you. I hope you'll study it well and become stronger soon!"

Tobirama Senju looked on in shock.

He had not expected Elder Brother to give that scroll to Renye.

It contained quite a few Senju clan ninjutsu, and even Wood Release...

Mito Uzumaki's eyes were full of gratification as she said gently, "Little Renye, if you encounter any confusion during cultivation, come ask us anytime."

Renye's hands trembled slightly as he held the scroll and bowed his head. "Thank you. I definitely won't let you down!"

He had originally only intended to say something flattering to make Hashirama Senju happy.

Instead, he had failed to control his force and overdone it.

Still, this was not bad either. It was an unexpected gain.

Tobirama Senju stared at Renye with a complicated expression, seemingly lost in thought.

After that small interlude, the two bid their farewells and left.

The night was as dark as ink.

Renye hugged the scroll as he followed behind Tobirama Senju.

When they reached the maple tree at the edge of the clan grounds, Tobirama suddenly stopped and said coldly, "Uchiha Renye... you're pretty good!"

Renye looked at Tobirama Senju with a baffled expression.

What was this old man suddenly going on about?

Tobirama Senju folded his arms and swept his gaze over the scroll in Renye's hands. "Protecting what you want to protect takes more than words."

"Tomorrow at the Tiger Hour, bring the scroll to the training ground. I'll guide you personally." Tobirama Senju turned around, and his figure vanished into the night.

Renye stood there blankly, his eyes filled with disbelief.