As everyone started chatting, the table was no longer shrouded in silence. Every so often, their gazes drifted toward the calm-faced Madara.
"Hey, old man, what's your relationship with that guy beside you?" Leone leaned toward Hashirama and nudged his arm.
"Ah! You mean Madara! I'm his best friend!" Hashirama casually slung an arm around Madara's neck, completely ignoring his sour expression as he showed off their closeness to Leone.
"Oh!" Leone drew out the word, her eyes darting mischievously. "Didn't Her Holiness Pope Ria defeat him? Why did he come along this time?"
At the mention of his defeat, Madara's expression darkened further. But it was the truth: he couldn't beat that woman. As the Asura of the Ninja World, he wouldn't stoop to concealing the facts.
"Hehe, he's here to make up for his offenses! If you've got any missions, you can leave them to him. My friend here is a little proud and doesn't talk much, but otherwise, he's pretty reliable." Hashirama had his friend's best interests at heart.
"Don't worry, old man. I'll definitely come to you two if anything comes up. And you, stone-faced old man, make sure you look after us from now on." Leone winked at Madara, whose face couldn't possibly have grown any darker.
"Hmph!" Madara haughtily turned away, leaving Leone staring at the back of his head.
"Haha, don't mind him, don't mind him!" Hashirama waved at Leone awkwardly. "So, young lady, how about some gambling tonight? It'll help us get to know each other." He hurriedly changed the subject.
"You play cards too, old man?" Leone asked in surprise.
"Of course! I've been playing with my granddaughter lately, but I keep losing." Hashirama chuckled.
"Perfect. I'll get a game together tonight, and we can play mahjong." Leone agreed without a