Chapter 279: The Three Each Hold Their Own Thoughts

During the following week, Lian Ye prepared meals for the two of them inside the cave.

When they had nothing to do, they went to the riverbank to catch fish, but Hashirama and Ban absolutely refused to eat the fish, so they had no choice but to give it to Dao Ba, the Fat Cat.

When Dao Ba saw a pile of Grilled Fish, he was completely stunned; if Madara Uchiha hadn't been watching, he would have gone to hang out with Lian Ye.

After all, Lord Ban only ever gives it raw fish and can't possibly make such delicious Grilled Fish.

Who understands the value of a top‑tier caretaker?

The week passed in an instant.

"Lord Ban, Uncle Hashirama, I'm leaving," Lian Ye said as he packed his things, addressing the two.

Heh heh, as soon as I leave, Madara Uchiha will definitely issue an invitation!

Then it would be perfectly logical to join the "Moon's Eye" project.

Before Madara Uchiha awakens the Rinnegan, Infinite Moon Reading cannot be used at all; even if one joins, it has no effect, but it can guarantee the companions' safety—truly a win‑win.

When Ban awakens the Rinnegan, he will already be able to use his massive fist to persuade Ban to abandon the plan.

And now all that is needed is for Madara Uchiha to send him a party invitation.

Qianshou Feijian, Zhi Cun Tuan Zang, Zhuan Qin Xiaochun, Yuanfei Rizhan… these people will survive thanks to his joining.

In other words, these people all owe him a life!

"Lian Ye, are you leaving so soon?" Senju Hashirama said, a bit disappointed.

These past days they finally enjoyed a life of daily delicacies, but that period lasted only a brief week.

Still, Lian Ye's departure is fine; it spares him from constantly being on Ban's mind.

Ban has become almost fanatically driven to achieve his ideals, and he doesn't want to watch Lian Ye get dragged into it with his eyes wide open.

That would only harm him.

If it actually happened, he wouldn't know how to explain it to Feijian.

The child he raised from childhood, now grown, being taken by Ban, would definitely drive Feijian into madness, prompting impulsive actions that would sacrifice lives.

He doesn't know why, but over these years Ban's strength has been increasing slowly, and now it's nearly back to its peak.

Feijian was never a match for Ban, and now it's even less so.

To prevent such a thing, though he feels reluctant, he can only let him go.

Madara Uchiha looked at Lian Ye, who was packing, and said nothing.

He doesn't want to just watch Lian Ye leave, but pride prevents him from speaking up.

He can only hope Hashirama will speak up to persuade him to stay, or suggest traveling together.

Given Ban's understanding of Hashirama, he will definitely persuade him as Ban predicts.

Lian Ye, busy packing kitchenware, felt bewildered—why weren't the two saying a word?

Something seemed off; even just asking him to stay a couple more days would be fine!

But Madara Uchiha stayed silent, and even the usually talkative Hashirama was silent this time.

Lian Ye couldn't help but slow his packing, glancing silently at the mute pair, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes...

What on earth happened?!

When he first wanted to leave, the two pleaded endlessly. Now he doesn't want to go, yet the two remain silent, just watching.

The sky collapsed, the sky really collapsed!

Did the two think his cooking skills were inadequate?

That shouldn't be; his culinary skill is practically flawless.

Just as Lian Ye doubted his life, Madara Uchiha and Senju Hashirama were equally puzzled.

"Lian Ye, why haven't you finished packing yet?"

Hashirama scratched his head in confusion—aren't they just a few pots and pans?

Why does Lian Ye take so long to pack?

Hashirama even saw him take out of the Scroll what he had just placed inside.

What on earth is Lian Ye doing?

He just wants him to quickly finish packing and leave, lest prolonged nights bring more trouble.

After all, Ban has long had his eye on Lian Ye, wanting to invite him to join.

If he doesn't leave quickly, Ban might block him.

Madara Uchiha subconsciously glanced at the speechless Senju Hashirama, his brows slightly furrowing.

What on earth is this guy up to?!

You should know that every time Lian Ye leaves, Hashirama practically begs to persuade him to stay.

But what's going on this time?

Hashirama just silently watched Lian Ye leave, without even trying to stop him.

To be honest, he can't quite figure out his best friend's thought process.

If Hashirama doesn't speak up to persuade Lian Ye, how can he logically follow Lian Ye on a trip?

If he doesn't travel with Lian Ye, the free chef is gone!

No rush, Lian Ye hasn't left yet.

Hashirama is definitely faking it; he'll soon be unable to hold back from urging him to stay.

Madara Uchiha stood with arms crossed, expressionless, observing the two, firmly believing Hashirama will persuade Lian Ye to stay.

The three each harbor their own thoughts, and no one spoke; the cave's atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive.

Lian Ye placed the last bowl into the Storage Scroll, looked up at the still‑silent two.

He felt as if the sky itself had collapsed.

The plot seems off; logically it shouldn't be Uncle Hashirama pleading while Madara Uchiha invites him to join the "Moon's Eye" plan, right?

But what's happening now? Why are both of them staying silent?

As long as he hasn't joined Lord Ban's side for even a day, those he cares about will forever be in dire straits.

After all, no one knows that Madara Uchiha might act against others on his behalf…

"Uncle Hashirama, Lord Ban, I'm leaving?" Lian Ye said tentatively to the two.

"Hmm."

Madara Uchiha let out a light hum, his face remaining indifferent.

He just doesn't believe Hashirama would watch Lian Ye leave with his eyes wide open; he would definitely be unable to hold back from speaking up to stop him.

"Stay safe," Senju Hashirama forced a smile.

Finally, after packing his things to leave, he wouldn't have to worry about Lord Ban targeting Lian Ye.

He knows that Madara Uchiha has been repeatedly rejected by Lian Ye several times, and currently has no intention of recruiting him.

But it's not the fear of ten thousand; it's the fear of that one "what if."

Lian Ye leaving Lord Ban's sight is undoubtedly the best choice!

"Both of you, I'm really leaving?" Lian Ye asked again, unwillingly.

He's about to leave now; why aren't the two of them stopping him at all?

"Hmm." Madara Uchiha didn't even lift his head, letting out a nasal hum.

Wait a bit longer, he doesn't believe Hashirama would just watch this kid walk away…

"Alright, stay safe."

Hashirama's smile was almost fading from his face.

Why does Lian Ye just keep talking and not leave! He's getting a little impatient!

Lian Ye looked back at the two every few steps, a bewildered expression appearing on his face.

Why, why is it like this!

Why aren't the two of them speaking up to persuade him to stay!

What kind of joke is this!

"Uncle Hashirama, Lord Ban… don't you have anything you want to say to me?"

Lian Ye walked to the cave entrance, unable to help but look at the two.

He can't just leave like this; he must at least join the "Moon's Eye" plan!

……

……

ps: I originally wanted to get up at five to write, but I couldn't get up at all, so I could only go home and write three chapters, eee—