Chapter 23: with translation of chapter title

Lian Ye bustled back and forth between the stove and the cutting board, pots, pans, bowls, and ladles clinking with a clear sound.

Xuanwo Mizuto wasn't idle either; she skillfully chopped vegetables, occasionally exchanging soft words with Lian Ye about the cooking details, a gentle smile on her face.

Soon, dish after dish of fragrant, colorful, and delicious food filled the entire table, the rich aroma instantly spreading and tantalizing everyone's taste buds.

Senju Hashirama was the first to sit down; as soon as he took his seat, his gaze was drawn to the feast before him, and he unconsciously swallowed.

Xuanwo Mizuto sat beside Hashirama, looking at the food on the table, and praised, "No wonder it's Xiao Lian Ye's cooking—today we can really feast!"

"Haha, Mizuto is right!" Senju Hashirama chimed in.

The couple had been craving this for a long time.

"You flatter me," Lian Ye said with a smile.

Qianshou Feijian walked over at a leisurely pace, his face retaining its usual calm, yet his slightly quickened steps betrayed his inner anticipation.

Normally at home, Lian Ye would never make such a big spread.

Usually he just throws together a couple of home-style dishes to get by.

Although Feijian thought Lian Ye's everyday cooking was also tasty, he still looked forward more to seeing Lian Ye prepare a full table of dishes.

That way, he could enjoy lots of delicious food...

Everyone took their seats, and Lian Ye warmly urged everyone to start eating.

Senju Hashirama could no longer hold back; he reached out, picked up a piece of enticing red-braised meat, and popped it into his mouth, the rich texture bursting instantly in his mouth.

He couldn't help but exclaim in satisfaction, "Xiao Lian Ye, your cooking is absolutely superb! This flavor is simply irresistible!"

Saying that, he shoved another big bite into his mouth.

"If Uncle Hashirama likes it, eat a bit more," Lian Ye said.

As a "cook," having one's food recognized and praised by others is a very happy thing.

Xuanwo Mizuto smiled faintly, elegantly tasting each dish, occasionally casting approving glances at Lian Ye:

"Xiao Lian Ye, your dishes taste really good!" she paused, then added, "And preparing the feast together with you makes this meal even more meaningful."

Some of those dishes were made jointly by her and Lian Ye, which made her feel very happy.

Mizuto realized she was growing fonder of this child, Lian Ye.

She couldn't understand why, given how well-behaved and sensible Lian Ye was, and his decent cooking, Feijian kept complaining about them.

Although Qianshou Feijian didn't praise loudly like Hashirama did, his chopsticks moved very frequently.

Before long, his bowl in front of him was piled high with all kinds of delicacies.

He gave a slight nod and said softly, "Mm, indeed not bad."

…………

The lingering glow of the sunset streamed through the window onto the table, and everyone, still reluctant to leave, set down their chopsticks.

Senju Hashirama leaned back contentedly in his chair, patted his round belly, turned his gaze to Lian Ye, and asked with a smile:

"Xiao Lian Ye, how have you been at school these past two days?"

"Uncle Hashirama, I've been doing okay," Lian Ye replied, wiping his mouth and sitting up straight.

Although he didn't want to go to school at first, after two days he found he could tolerate it.

After all, the classmates at school are all talented, pleasant to talk to, and far more interesting than training alone at home.

Senju Hashirama nodded satisfactorily, then asked, "Xiao Lian Ye, what are your aspirations for the future?"

Upon hearing that, Qianshou Feijian beside him looked at Lian Ye without changing his expression.

Lian Ye lowered his eyes, staring at the trembling tea in his bowl, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the rim of the porcelain bowl.

He was thinking about how to answer this question so as to satisfy Hashirama.

Lian Ye's purpose in becoming strong was simple: to have the ability to protect himself in future wars, so he wouldn't end up as cannon fodder thrown away.

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

After a moment of silence, Lian Ye lifted his head, his gaze firm:

"I want to become strong, very, very strong!"

Qianshou Feijian's eyes flickered, his expression growing increasingly grave.

【Why is this little brat so obsessed with becoming strong?】

He urgently wanted to know Lian Ye's purpose in becoming strong—this was crucial!

Fortunately, his older brother had asked for him...

"Why must you become strong?" Senju Hashirama inquired.

Lian Ye locked eyes with Hashirama and said, word by word, "Because only by becoming strong can I protect what I wish to protect... just as you protect the village."

Those words were like a stone dropped into a deep pool, sending up shocking waves.

Hashirama's pupils contracted sharply; the memory of countless clansmen falling overlapped with the sight of Lian Ye's stubborn face before him.

Feijian stared at Lian Ye blankly, wearing a look as if he'd seen a ghost.

He never expected that a little brat from the Uchiha clan could utter such profound words.

Is this still the little brat he knows?!

Lian Ye didn't realize that his words had completely overturned Feijian's entire perception of him.

"Could I really have been mistaken?" Feijian murmured softly.

Lian Ye's words were so impactful that they began to plunge him into self-doubt.

Perhaps he had indeed been prejudiced against Lian Ye before simply because of his Uchiha identity...

After a long while, Hashirama's palm came down heavily on Lian Ye's shoulder, his voice much lower than usual: "Good, well said!"

He strode over to the wooden cabinet by the wall, pulled out a yellowed ninjutsu scroll bearing the Senju clan emblem.

"This is my accumulated ninjutsu and cultivation insights over the years." Senju Hashirama solemnly handed the scroll to Lian Ye, his fingertips brushing the scroll, "I give it to you; I hope you study it diligently and become strong soon!"

Qianshou Feijian's face showed shock upon seeing this.

He never expected his older brother would actually give this Scroll to Lian Ye.

You should know, inside it records many Thousand Hand Clan Ninjutsu, even Wood Release...

Xuanwo Mizuto's eyes were full of relief as he said gently, "Xiao Lian Ye, if you have any doubts while training, feel free to come ask us."

Lian Ye's hands trembled slightly as he held the Scroll, bowing his head in salute, "Thank you, I will surely not disappoint expectations!"

He originally wanted to say some nice words to make Senju Hashirama happy.

As a result, he failed to control his strength, using too much force.

However, this is not bad; there's an unexpected joy.

Qianshou Feijian stared at Lian Ye with a complex expression, not knowing what he was thinking.

After the little incident, the two said goodbye and left.

The night was as dark as ink.

Lian Ye held the Scroll, following behind Qianshou Feijian.

Until the two reached the maple tree at the edge of the clan's land, Feijian suddenly stopped and unexpectedly said, "Uchiha Lianye... you're not bad!"

Lian Ye looked at Qianshou Feijian with a clueless expression.

I don't know what the heck this old guy is up to!

Qianshou Feijian crossed his arms, his gaze sweeping over the Scroll in Lian Ye's hands, "To protect what you want to guard, relying just on talk isn't enough."

"Tomorrow at the Tiger hour, bring the Scroll to the Training Ground, I'll personally guide you." Qianshou Feijian turned around, his figure disappearing into the night.

Lian Ye stood there dazedly, his eyes full of disbelief.