Then, while massaging Master Roshi's legs, he said with a smile:
"Master Roshi, please just tell me directly. I'm especially slow-witted—how could I be as smart as you? No matter what it is, you understand it the moment someone points it out."
"I'm terribly foolish, and I've always regarded you as my own master. Yet look at you, being so distant with me."
Hearing Uchiha Hiko's words, Master Roshi was somewhat baffled. How had this guy suddenly started saying he was being distant?
He pulled down his sunglasses, fixed Uchiha Hiko with his tiny eyes, and asked:
"Distant? How have I been distant? Besides, this is my disciple's home. Even if I were being distant, it wouldn't be with you."
Hearing that, Uchiha Hiko smiled softly and met Master Roshi's gaze as he said:
"Exactly. Look, you and my Big Brother are master and disciple, while Big Brother Niu and I have a friendship forged through life-and-death trials. We have never distinguished between yours and mine."
"You are his master, which makes you my master as well. Since your disciple has done something wrong, look at how you directly take action whenever you discipline Big Brother Niu."
"I already see myself as your disciple, so how can you still be so distant with me? If I've done anything to displease you, Master Roshi, whether you want to beat or punish me, I'll gladly accept it."
Hearing this, Master Roshi was so amused by Uchiha Hiko's quick wit that his eyes disappeared behind his grin.
Chuckling, he helped Uchiha Hiko up and said:
"Let me put it this way: I have no intention of punishing you at all."
"Because in my eyes, you're quite a good kid. So why did you go back on your word?"
Uchiha Hiko was dumbfounded. When