You're Not Bad!

Renye bustled between the stove and the cutting board, the clatter of pots and pans ringing out crisp and clear.

Mito Uzumaki wasn't idle either. She chopped vegetables with practiced ease, exchanging soft words with Renye about the finer points of cooking, a gentle smile on her face.

Before long, dish after dish of vibrant, fragrant food covered the entire table. The rich aroma wafted through the air, tugging at everyone's appetites.

Hashirama Senju was the first to sit down. The moment he settled into his chair, his gaze locked onto the feast before him, and he swallowed instinctively.

Mito Uzumaki took her seat beside Hashirama, eyeing the spread. "As expected of Little Renye's cooking. We're in for a real treat today."

"Haha, Mito's right!" Hashirama chimed in.

The couple had been craving this for quite a while.

"You flatter me," Renye said with a smile.

Tobirama Senju walked over unhurriedly, his usual calm expression intact, though his slightly quickened steps betrayed his anticipation.

At home on a normal day, when would Renye ever cook a spread like this?

He'd usually just whip up a couple of simple dishes to get by.

Sure, Tobirama thought Renye's everyday cooking was delicious too, but he still looked forward to those rare occasions when Renye went all out.

That way, he could enjoy a lot more good food...

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

Hashirama Senju could no longer hold back. He reached out, picked up a piece of glistening braised pork, and popped it into his mouth. An explosion of rich flavors burst across his tongue.

He let out a satisfied groan. "Little Renye, your cooking is absolutely incredible! This taste—it's irresistible!"

With that, he grabbed another big chunk and stuffed it in.

"Uncle Hashirama, eat as much as you like," Renye said.

As a "cook," having your food recognized and praised by others was a genuinely happy thing.

Mito Uzumaki smiled softly, savoring each dish with elegance, occasionally casting approving glances at Renye.

"Little Renye, the food you make really is wonderful!" She paused, then added, "And sharing the process of preparing it with you makes this meal even more meaningful."

Some of the dishes were ones she and Renye had made together, which brought her great joy.

Mito realized she was growing fonder and fonder of this child.

She couldn't understand—Renye was so well-behaved, so sensible, and such a good cook—why did Tobirama always complain about him?

Tobirama Senju didn't praise loudly like Hashirama, but his chopsticks moved with remarkable frequency.

Before long, his bowl was piled high with all sorts of delicacies.

He gave a slight nod and murmured, "Mm. It really is quite good."

The last rays of sunset streamed through the window, spilling across the dining table as everyone reluctantly set down their chopsticks.

Hashirama Senju leaned back in his chair with contentment, patted his round belly, and turned his gaze to Renye with a grin. "Little Renye, how's school been treating you these past couple of days?"

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

Though he hadn't wanted to go to school at first, after two days, he found it tolerable.

After all, the classmates at school were all talented individuals, and their conversations were pleasant—far more interesting than training alone at home.

Hashirama Senju nodded in satisfaction. He pressed on, "Little Renye, do you have any dreams for the future?"

Hearing this, Tobirama Senju subtly turned his attention toward Renye.

Renye lowered his gaze, staring at the rippling tea in his bowl, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the rim of the porcelain.

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

Renye's goal for getting stronger was simple: to have the means to protect himself in future wars, so he wouldn't end up as cannon fodder.

But obviously, he couldn't say that...

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

"I want to get stronger. Really, really strong!"

Tobirama Senju's eyes flickered, his expression growing more serious.

Why was this kid so fixated on getting stronger?

He desperately wanted to know Renye's purpose for seeking strength—this was important!

Good thing his elder brother had asked...

"Why do you have to get stronger?" Hashirama Senju inquired.

Renye met Hashirama's eyes directly and spoke slowly, one word at a time. "Because only by getting stronger can you protect what you want to protect... just like you protect the village."

These words struck like a stone thrown into a deep pool, stirring up towering waves.

Hashirama Senju's pupils sharply contracted. In his memory, the images of countless fallen clansmen overlapped with the stubborn face of the boy before him.

Tobirama Senju stared blankly at Renye, looking as if he'd seen a ghost.

He never would have imagined that a brat from the Uchiha could speak with such depth.

Was this still the same kid he thought he knew?

Renye had no idea that his words had completely shattered Tobirama's entire perception of him.

"Have I really been wrong all along?" Tobirama murmured under his breath.

Renye's words were too impactful, starting to plunge him into self-doubt.

Perhaps he really had been biased against Renye before, simply because of his Uchiha heritage...

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

He strode over to the wooden cabinet against the wall, pulled out a yellowed Ninjutsu Scroll engraved with the Senju clan crest, and held it out.

"This is my collection of jutsu and training insights over the years." Hashirama solemnly handed the scroll to Renye, his fingers brushing its surface. "It's yours now. I hope you'll study it well and grow stronger soon!"

Tobirama's face showed shock at the sight.

He never expected his Elder Brother to give that scroll to Renye.

After all, it contained many Senju clan techniques, even Wood Release...

Mito Uzumaki's eyes were full of approval as she said softly, "Little Renye, if you ever have questions during training, don't hesitate to come ask us."

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

He had originally planned to say some nice words to make Hashirama happy.

But he hadn't controlled the intensity well—he'd overdone it.

Still, this wasn't bad. There was an unexpected bonus.

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

After the small incident, the two took their leave and departed.

The night was as dark as ink.

Renye hugged the scroll, following behind Tobirama.

When they reached the maple tree at the edge of the clan grounds, Tobirama suddenly stopped and spoke out of nowhere. "Uchiha Renye... you're not bad."

Renye looked at Tobirama in utter confusion.

He had no idea what was up with this Old Man.

Tobirama crossed his arms, his gaze sweeping over the scroll in Renye's hands. "Protecting what you want to protect—talking alone won't cut it."

"Tomorrow at Tiger Hour, bring the scroll to the Training Ground. I'll personally instruct you." Tobirama turned and vanished into the night.

Renye stood there dumbfounded, his eyes filled with disbelief.