What a Clever Quip

Staring at Hashirama Senju, who wore an apologetic expression and even seemed a little flustered, Qile fell into deep thought. For a moment, he couldn't tell whether the guy was genuinely stupid or deliberately acting this way to fool people.

If he was putting on an act, then he was doing a flawless job!

Every expression, every gesture—he played them all to perfection, making it almost impossible not to believe him.

And yet, deciding that he really was this innocent seemed just as absurd.

Given his status and all his experience, how could he not know what a huge commotion his offhand remark would cause once it spread?

Don't think that just because Konoha had been established, all the clans would now live together like one big, happy family.

In truth, the Hokage's position in Konoha at this stage was more like that of a martial arts alliance leader. He might appear to command all the various factions, but in reality, his authority over the clans was quite limited.

The clans were like independent sects. Even after joining the big family that was Konoha, they still maintained a high degree of autonomy, each doing as it pleased and yielding to no one.

Of course, this situation persisted even later on; things simply became a little more harmonious.

Under these circumstances, no one from the Uchiha Clan would ever apprentice under the Senju Clan. Especially before Madara left the clan, there was no chance he would let any of his people study under the Senju Clan—not even under someone as powerful as Hashirama...

Unless...

Just then, Yeling, who had been preparing dinner, walked in. Smiling, she said softly to the three people in the room, "Clan Leader, dinner is ready. Shall we eat?"

Madara nodded slightly to show he understood. "All right. I don't need you here for now, so go get some rest."

At that, Yeling obediently nodded and left.

Seeing the atmosphere grow more and more awkward, Qile thought, This is bad. His eyes darted around, and he quickly seized on his hunger as an excuse to change the subject.

Grinning at Madara, he said, "Clan Leader, shouldn't we go eat first? My stomach's been growling!"

Of course, there wasn't anything especially complicated about how Hashirama had managed to become such close friends with Madara. Aside from their comparable strength, the most important reason was his peerless ability to shamelessly brazen his way through anything.

No matter how awkward the situation or how bad things got, he never so much as batted an eye. It was as if he didn't care what anyone thought, taking his shamelessness to the absolute limit.

It was this unique quality that let him break through one awkward moment after another while spending time with Madara, eventually winning his friendship.

Just like now, Hashirama reacted in a flash and seized the chance to go along with Qile's suggestion. Without the slightest hesitation, he stood up and strode straight toward the dining room.

As he walked, he quickly and carefully tucked his beloved dice into his robes, as if afraid they might vanish into thin air.

Watching Hashirama, Madara merely shook his head slightly and said nothing.

His stern face showed no change in expression, as though he had long since grown used to Hashirama's behavior.

Then Madara looked up at Qile and said in a grave voice, "Let this matter end here. Do you understand?"

Qile naturally didn't dare object.

Truthfully, he had been entertaining a few little schemes of his own.

For one thing, he wanted to get some precious ninjutsu scrolls from Hashirama.

He'd even been thinking of having a good chat with Hashirama's white-haired younger brother and exchanging insights.

Qile quickly nodded. "Understood, Clan Leader! I get it..."

Just then, Hashirama, who had already gone ahead, suddenly shouted, "Madara! Why aren't you two coming to eat? Hurry up!" His booming voice echoed through the air, lingering for a long time.

Hearing Hashirama's urging, Madara set down his teacup. "Come on. Let's eat first." Then he set off toward the dining room.

On the way there, Qile's curiosity grew like weeds, impossible to hold back. In the end, he couldn't help asking Madara, who was walking ahead, "Clan Leader, did the Hokage come by today because of what I said yesterday?"

Madara didn't even turn his head. "No. He just wanted somewhere to slack off. As for what you said yesterday, he probably doesn't know about it yet. But..." Madara suddenly stopped speaking and left the rest unsaid.

Even though Madara hadn't finished, how could Qile not understand what he meant?

It was simply that Hashirama himself still didn't know what Qile had said the day before, but his white-haired younger brother already did.

Of course, Hashirama had come to Madara's place because the white-haired one wouldn't drag him back to handle Konoha's official business there.

At that moment, Madara seemed to remember something important. He slowed his pace a little, turned his head, and said quietly, "Also, from now on, you should show Hashirama and me a little more respect. Don't keep calling us 'Clan Leader' and 'Hokage.' It makes it seem as if the Uchiha Clan lacks proper manners."

"Got it, hehe. Oh, right! How about I call you Grandpa Madara from now on? I mean, if you count our blood relations, then we..." Qile spoke animatedly, gesturing with his hands. Clearly, he wanted to tease the unsmiling Asura of the Ninja World.

But before he could finish his clever quip, he suddenly noticed that Madara, who was walking ahead, had stopped without warning.

Madara stood there silently, without moving. He slowly turned around, and his icy gaze shot toward Qile like two sharp swords, instantly dousing Qile's cheerful mood like a bucket of cold water.

Just then, a hearty laugh rang out. "Hahahahaha! I think that's a pretty good name, Grandpa Madara! It sounds so imposing and mighty!"

As he laughed, Hashirama Senju appeared from nowhere. Before Qile could react, Hashirama darted forward and lifted him up by the scruff of the neck like a chick, then looked at Madara with a mischievous grin.

With Hashirama holding him up, Qile dangled in midair, kicking his legs wildly. "Uh... um... Lord Hokage, could you put me down first?"

As he struggled, he sneaked a glance at Madara's expression. It had grown even darker and more unpleasant, and Qile felt even more miserable.

Hashirama, however, acted as if he hadn't heard Qile's plea and went on teasing Madara. "Madara, you're just too stiff and serious! I think 'Grandpa Madara' is a great name. It sounds much better than that 'Asura' nonsense you used before!" He even winked at Madara on purpose, making himself as annoying as possible.

Looking at Madara's face, black as the bottom of a pot, Qile gave up struggling like a deflated balloon. He really wanted to slap himself hard across the mouth!

That stupid mouth of mine. Why did I have to make a clever quip for no reason...