Chapter 230: Madara's Invitation

"Madara! You actually praised someone!"

Senju Hashirama widened his eyes as if he had seen something unbelievable, then burst into hearty laughter.

The only person who could receive Madara's praise… besides himself, was Lian Ye.

It was clear that Lian Ye had earned Madara's approval in culinary skills.

Madara Uchiha let out a cold snort, but did not refute it.

The taste was indeed good; it was his first time eating such a delicious dish.

No wonder Hashirama had been raving about Lian Ye's cooking on his way here; the food he made was truly tasty…

In the past two years he had been searching the Ninja World for suitable bases, visiting many famous restaurants along the way, but their culinary skills could not compare to Lian Ye's at all.

It made Hashirama that guy say it right, he really fell in love with the kid's cooking.

Although he was full now, he still wanted another serving.

Seeing the smug expression on Hashirama's face, Madara still dismissed the thought.

He could only wait until evening to have another meal.

"Lian Ye, thank you for your hospitality," Hashirama took out a napkin to wipe his mouth, "Your cooking is as consistent as ever!"

He felt a bit envious of Feijian, who could eat Lian Ye's assorted dishes every day.

Unlike him, who has to sneak back each time he wants a meal, fearing that anyone would discover his Fake Death departure.

"Feijian really got lucky..." Hashirama couldn't help but sigh.

Had he known Lian Ye's cooking was this good, he wouldn't have let Feijian adopt Lian Ye.

He and the Mito Clan could have adopted Lian Ye themselves, and would eat all sorts of delicacies daily.

Of course, Hashirama was only thinking about it.

The original purpose of adopting Lian Ye wasn't to eat good food, but to let Feijian, through interacting with Lian Ye, lower his guard against the Uchiha.

If it were another Uchiha child, it might not achieve Lian Ye's effect.

He has now earned Feijian's approval; according to rumors—

Lian Ye is very likely to become the next Hokage!

This made Hashirama feel very gratified; Feijian being able to make Lian Ye the Hokage shows he has already set aside his prejudice against the Uchiha.

Otherwise he would never consider Lian Ye for Hokage, not even as his adopted son!

"Thanks for the courtesy, Uncle Hashirama," Lian Ye brought two cups of hot tea and placed them before the two.

After they finished eating, he began clearing the dishes from the table.

Madara Uchiha watched Lian Ye tidy the table with appreciation, thinking the kid suited his taste.

He suddenly spoke, "Kid, would you be willing to follow me?"

His voice was low, yet it left both present people stunned.

Madara's voice remained calm, as if discussing today's weather.

But those words in the room were no less than an Explosive Talisman detonating in the center of the dining table.

No, even more severe!

Lian Ye's outstretched hand froze midair, his pupils suddenly contracting, his face showing disbelief as he looked at Madara Uchiha.

What is this guy saying?

Lian Ye's mind was operating in overload.

Following Madara Uchiha… what does that mean?

Defection? Cultivation? Becoming a chef?

Or an invitation to join and realize the Moon's Eye plan?

Lian Ye hadn't expected that simply cooking a meal would earn him a personal invitation from the Ninja World Asura.

That's just too damn outrageous, right?

Now that Konoha's war has finally ended, they haven't even begun to enjoy the hard-won peace.

How could anyone be willing to wander the Ninja World with Madara?

Isn't cooking at home and basking in the sun every day fine?

Although Lian Ye didn't want to leave with Madara, he dared not voice a refusal…

Would not accepting Madara's invitation make him think he was betrayed by his clan again?

Even though he now bears the Senju surname, fundamentally he is still an Uchiha.

Hashirama, holding his teacup, didn't notice it tilt; the scalding tea splashed onto his finger without any awareness.

He slowly turned his head toward his close friend, and a rare look of astonishment appeared on the face that was always smiling.

"Madara, you…"

Madara Uchiha ignored Hashirama, his gaze fixed on Lian Ye, "Kid, how are you considering it?"

The kid's cooking is good; keeping him nearby would mean frequent feasts.

Feijian, that guy, actually got terrible luck, adopting such an outstanding Uchiha.

But today he intends to whisk the kid away.

Lian Ye subconsciously swallowed, and asked softly, "Follow you? Do you mean…"

"Literal meaning," Madara Uchiha crossed his arms, "Your talent is impressive; I wish to take you as a disciple, believing my guidance can make you stronger."

Madara's gaze swept over the nearby Wuku, adding, "I will also teach you Uchiha-style swordsmanship."

The more he looked at the kid, the more familiar he felt, as if seeing Quan Nai from his childhood.

If there truly is reincarnation…

Putting Lian Ye's cooking aside, just this alone made him want Lian Ye to leave with him.

Madara Uchiha simply cannot refuse a Uchiha clan member who not only reminds him of Quan Nai but also cooks exceptionally well.

Of course, we must find a way to lure this outstanding junior back.

Lian Ye, faced with the olive branch tossed by Madara Uchiha, was momentarily at a loss and could only offer an awkward yet polite smile.

His heart roared wildly, "What a joke!"

At this time, shouldn't Madara be hiding in the shadows planning the "Moon's Eye" project?

Why the hell would he come over to recruit me?

Isn't it better to stay hidden in the underground base?

I have absolutely no interest in Infinite Moon Reading, hey!

Lian Ye could only look helplessly at Senju Hashirama, his expression as if saying—

"Uncle Hashirama, please persuade your good buddy!"

Senju Hashirama noticed Lian Ye's gaze, instantly snapped back to his senses, and said solemnly.

"Madara! Lian Ye is a Konoha ninja; don't set your sights on him!"

"So?" Madara lifted his eyes slightly, indifferent, "Let him defect, just like I did back then."

Lian Ye: "……"

Good fellow, you even said you'd defect.

When Senju Feijian learns of this, won't he unleash a Flying Thunder God slash on himself?

"Madara, don't forget Lian Ye is Feijian's adopted son!" Hashirama raised his voice.

Hashirama can go along with Madara on other matters, but not on this one.

If Madara quietly takes Lian Ye away, who knows what Feijian might do?

Moreover, Lian Ye is the Village's hope and must not leave with Madara.

"Think it over. Follow me, and you can become a true strong one." Madara ignored Hashirama, looked up at Lian Ye.

"Sorry, Lord Ban, I'm afraid I can't leave with you." Lian Ye took a deep breath and declined Madara's invitation.

If I don't speak up now, I'll be dragged away by Madara.

Madara's expression didn't change, but a fleeting hint of loneliness flashed in his indifferent eyes.

His invitation was rejected by his own clan member once again.

After a long while, Madara finally spoke, his voice low and calm.

"As you wish."

Lian Ye suddenly felt that this legendary Ninja World Asura seemed even lonelier than imagined.

"Although I can't leave with you, you're welcome to come often so I can cook for you."

He suddenly blurted out a bizarre remark.

Upon saying that, Lian Ye wanted to slap himself twice.

What on earth am I doing?!