Renya stared at the summoning contract on the table and instantly understood what little scheme Uchiha Madara was plotting.
"This… this is a delivery contract?"
So now, on top of cooking, he had to provide door-to-door service too?
Damn it. Eating is one thing, but why does he have to order takeout as well?
This is too much… eat and take, huh.
Couldn't this wait until he learned the Flying Thunder God Technique?
Once he mastered it, he could just teleport and deliver the food right to the door.
But wait… Madara wouldn't expect him to cook for him for the rest of his life, right?!
After all, once Madara awakened the Rinnegan, he could summon the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path to extend his life.
He'd probably live for a really, really long time…
Renya could already imagine the scene of an eighty-year-old Madara yelling at him to cook.
Madara wouldn't actually go that far… right?
If he really dared, Renya swore he'd yank out his oxygen tube!
Old man, when it's time, just accept your fate and die quietly.
Ah!
Despite the torrent of complaints in his heart, Renya kept a calm expression on his face.
Right now, Madara was in his prime. If he wanted personal service, Renya would just have to endure. He wasn't someone Renya could afford to provoke.
As they say, "A gentleman's revenge is never too late."
"Sign it. That way, we can stay in contact," Uchiha Madara said coldly.
As long as this kid signed the scroll, Madara wouldn't need to come to Konoha whenever he wanted to eat — Renya would just bring the ingredients and cook on-site.
Of course, Madara never ate for free. As payment, he'd guide Renya's training whenever he came to cook.
Renya stared at the scroll before him, bit his thumb without hesitation, let his blood drip onto the parchment, and obediently signed the summoning contract.
Madara nodded in satisfaction, the corners of his mouth lifting almost imperceptibly.
This kid knew his place. The more he looked at him, the more he liked him.
"Kid, are you really not willing to come with me?" Madara asked again, still unwilling to give up.
In his view, staying by Senju Tobirama's side was wasting Renya's talent. It would be far better to follow him and help realize the Eye of the Moon Plan.
Madara had noticed that Renya's Sharingan had already reached the three-tomoe stage. To have unlocked it at his age was proof of extraordinary talent. With just a bit of guidance, Renya could awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan.
At that point, he could become an indispensable assistant in achieving Madara's grand vision…
Someone like this could only reach his full potential by staying close to Madara!
But faced with the olive branch once more, Renya still shook his head and declined.
"Madara-sama, I'm doing well in the village."
It was bad enough being roped into personal chef duties; now Madara wanted to poach him too?
Madara gave him a deep, meaningful look but didn't press the matter further.
This kid had clearly been completely brainwashed by Tobirama.
If it weren't for Hashirama's sake, Madara would've killed Tobirama long ago.
Not only did that bastard kill his brother, but he'd also brainwashed the junior Madara had set his sights on.
Such a waste. Finally, after finding a promising successor, Tobirama had ruined him.
For a moment, Madara's hatred toward Senju Tobirama burned even brighter.
He had initially wanted to invite Renya to join the Eye of the Moon Plan… but now, it seemed he would have to find someone else.
...
Renya sat across from Uchiha Madara, his back straight, hands neatly folded on his thighs, like a child sitting nervously before a strict elder.
Damn it, this was awkward.
He barely even knew Madara — there was zero common ground between them.
Hashirama, where the hell are you?
Hurry up and come drag this guy away!
Madara's long, slender fingers traced the rim of his teacup. Seeing this, Renya quickly refilled his tea.
"Madara-sama, careful, it's hot."
Right now, he was praying desperately for Hashirama to return. He had zero desire to be alone with Uchiha Madara.
The oppressive pressure this man gave off was overwhelming.
Renya was even starting to consider whether he should… poison the teapot.
After all, even someone as strong as Madara wouldn't survive the toxins he'd developed.
But… Madara hadn't shown any hostility toward him, so he had no reason to make a move.
Still, something about the way Madara looked at him felt… off.
"How does Tobirama treat you?" Madara suddenly asked.
This brat had been quiet the whole time — surely, as an elder, he had the right to check up on a younger clan member?
"Tobirama-san treats me very well," Renya replied obediently.
Senju Tobirama really did treat him kindly. Over time, the two had developed a deep bond.
Renya didn't dare say anything bad about Tobirama in front of Madara. If he did, what if Madara got annoyed and decided to kill him?
That possibility was very real…
After all, Madara had hated Tobirama for a long, long time.
Madara frowned at Renya's words, clearly displeased with the answer.
There was no way Tobirama would treat a Uchiha child well.
Based on what he knew about Tobirama, there was no chance he'd let an Uchiha off easy.
Most likely, this kid was being abused and didn't even realize it…
Probably one of those idiots who'd thank someone while being sold off.
Such a good child, and Tobirama had ruined him.
If only the clan had followed him when he'd left… none of this would've happened.
...
"Is that blade yours?" Madara suddenly changed the subject, pointing at the katana [Immaculate] on the table.
"Mm, Tobirama-san gave it to me as a gift," Renya replied, knowing Madara recognized it as Izuna's sword.
"Madara-sama, if you want it, please take it."
Saying this, he gently placed the blade on the table in front of Madara.
Although it had been taken as Tobirama's war trophy, if Madara wanted it back, Renya had no choice but to let it go.
After all, this sword held special meaning for Madara…
Besides, he was rich now and could easily commission a new weapon.
Madara stared silently at the katana for a long time before finally averting his gaze.
"Keep it."
He felt there was no harm in letting the blade stay with Renya. Later, he could personally teach him the Uchiha sword style.
Just like he had taught Izuna back then.
"Alright, Madara-sama," Renya said softly as he put the sword away on the rack.
He sat back down in his seat. This time, Madara asked no further questions.
The two sat there in silence.
From time to time, Renya would quietly refill Madara's teacup, trying to ease the suffocating awkwardness.
In his heart, he prayed over and over for Hashirama to come back soon. He couldn't handle being alone with Uchiha Madara any longer — the pressure was too much.
Finally, after what felt like forever, Senju Hashirama arrived.
"Hahahaha! Madara, I kept you waiting, didn't I?"
The moment Renya saw Hashirama, he let out a long sigh of relief.
"Since you're here, let's go," Madara said flatly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
This kid had kept refilling his tea just now, and now his stomach felt uncomfortably bloated. He needed to go walk it off.
As he spoke, his figure had already reached the doorway.
"Renya, we'll visit you again next time!" Hashirama called out hurriedly as he followed after Madara.
If he didn't catch up quickly, he'd lose sight of Madara completely.
Renya walked to the courtyard gate, intending to see them off, but when he looked around, the two were already gone.
"As expected of the Shura of the Ninja World and the God of Shinobi… vanished in the blink of an eye."