Chapter 447: It's Ban's Aura!

Since the war began, he hasn't had a decent meal for a full two months.

Back then he still thought Lian Ye's departure wouldn't matter; Orochimaru had learned a few of Lian Ye's true teachings, allowing him to barely cobble together three meals a day.

In the end he pitifully discovered that Orochimaru had also gone to the battlefield.

When Qianshou Feijian heard the news, he felt everything was tasteless.

Since he couldn't get any good food, his enthusiasm for research disappeared.

Two months later, Lian Ye finally came back.

He had originally wanted Lian Ye to make him meals, but the kid didn't come back immediately.

Just as he was about to ask why, he asked whether he was hungry.

Qianshou Feijian subconsciously swallowed, not giving an answer right away.

The sensible Lian Ye, seeing the situation, already put on an apron and headed to the kitchen to start preparing lunch.

Sure enough, merely shifting the topic lets him brush it off.

Lian Ye feels he's an outright genius!

As long as you apply the right remedy, there's no one who can't be dealt with.

Madara Uchiha, Zhi Cun Tuan Zang, and Qianshou Feijian are all easily controlled by him!

Soon, Lian Ye laid out a table of sumptuous dishes.

The old kid Qianshou Feijian finally tasted the food he had been longing for over two months.

At the dining table, he didn't mention the earlier incident again.

Since the kid won't speak, asking any way is futile.

Perhaps he has falsely accused Lian Ye; that's also possible.

Moreover, Lian Ye acts with restraint; this surely reflects his own considerations.

At his age, one shouldn't be given too much freedom.

"Uncle, have you recently developed any new powerful Ninjutsu?"

Lian Ye looks toward Qianshou Feijian opposite him, thinking of learning a few powerful Ninjutsu for self‑defense.

The old kid's Ninjutsu are all quite good, especially those Forbidden Techniques that Uncle Hashirama has sealed.

Learning them now will let him later break ties with Ban Daye and catch him off guard.

After all, the techniques he currently uses are already known to Ban Daye.

Qianshou Feijian puts down his chopsticks and looks at him with suspicion.

Why has this kid suddenly become so eager to learn?

"I haven't developed any Forbidden—Ninjutsu lately; a few years back I did develop some."

"After we finish eating, I'll go fetch the Scroll for you."

His purpose in developing these powerful Ninjutsu is precisely to raise the Village's overall combat power.

In recent years he hasn't continued development because his older brother is always watching from the shadows.

"Feijian, this Ninjutsu is too dangerous; seal it…"

Thus it can't be researched openly and honorably as before.

Since Lian Ye wants to learn, let him study it.

Anyway, these Scrolls will eventually be given to Tuan Cang, who will seal them in the records room.

If not for his older brother's interference, he could certainly develop more powerful Ninjutsu.

However, during his older brother's Fake Death years, Qianshou Feijian has already developed countless powerful Ninjutsu.

For the Village, these are enough.

After the meal, Qianshou Feijian leads Lian Ye to the Laboratory and takes the Forbidden Technique Scroll from the safe.

"These Ninjutsu haven't been submitted to the Village yet; after you finish reviewing them, take them to Tuan Cang."

"Understood, Uncle."

Lian Ye takes the Scroll and carefully places it in his chest.

The old kid's Ninjutsu are undeniably powerful.

When used against Ban Daye, it'll surely catch him off guard!

"If there's nothing else, you may go back now."

Qianshou Feijian waves his hand; he has an appointment with Orochimaru this afternoon to conduct research.

This kid staying here would only be a hindrance.

Lian Ye cheerfully departs with the Forbidden Technique Scroll.

Qianshou Feijian Residence.

Lian Ye, just back home, saw Hashirama sitting anxiously in the courtyard.

Lian Ye, seeing that, knows nothing good is happening.

Uncle Hashirama is probably once again inquiring about Ban Daye's whereabouts.

In the courtyard, Hashirama's eyes instantly brightened upon seeing Lian Ye return.

"Lian Ye, you finally returned!"

Saying that, he hurried over to Lian Ye's side, sniffed carefully, and displayed a satisfied expression.

This scent...

Indeed, it's Ban's aura!

He has spent about ten years alone with Ban, and can easily detect Ban's aura.

Though faint, it's unmistakably Ban's scent!

Senju Hashirama anxiously looked around, found no one, and then lowered his voice to ask.

"Lian Ye, did you secretly go to see Madara?"

His tone held no doubt, only absolute certainty.

Lian Ye: "……"

What a guy, you didn't even act?!

He said nothing, yet was discovered by Uncle Hashirama.

Whether he opened it or not, only he knows.

Seeing Lian Ye remain silent, Senju Hashirama spoke to himself.

"Lian Ye, stop lying to me. I smell on you an aura unique to Madara, and at this concentration, it shows you have met Madara more than once!"

Lian Ye can lie, but Madara's aura cannot lie!

Madara's years of bloodletting therapy have long made his body flow with Madara's blood.

This special sensation cannot be faked!

Lian Ye: "……"

What am I even saying?

I've given it to you, all of it.

It's not that I wanted to betray you, Ban Daye; the key is that Uncle Hashirama is too powerful.

In other respects Hashirama may be simple and naive, but on matters concerning Madara, his intellect rivals that of Qianshou Feijian.

"That's right, I indeed met Lord Ban."

Now, Lian Ye can only tell the truth.

He believes Ban Daye knows the truth and will not blame him.

"Lian Ye, where is Madara hiding now?"

Senju Hashirama is uninterested in those trivial matters, focusing solely on learning his close friend's exact location.

Lian Ye stays silent, thinking to himself, "Uncle Hashirama, just don't stir up trouble."

Just dealing with Ban Daye alone gives him a headache.

If he were to tell Uncle Hashirama the location, the consequences would be unimaginable.

There's a great chance he would also be discovered by Qianshou Feijian…

He still doesn't want to fall out with Ban Daye now; the odds of winning aren't high.

Without a ninety-percent certainty, Lian Ye does not intend to take the risk.

The current Ban Daye only wants to realize the "Moon's Eye" plan; if Uncle Hashirama were to interfere, who knows what extreme actions he might take?

"Sorry, Uncle Hashirama," Lian Ye said solemnly, "Ban Daye explicitly told me not to reveal his location to you!"

Madara Uchiha indeed said that.

Senju Hashirama's eyes dimmed at the words, and he murmured softly.

"Madara, are you still blaming me for exposing your identity?"

He has always thought that Madara's unwillingness to meet him stemmed from his own exposure of his identity in Konoha years ago, which let everyone learn of Madara's Fake Death.

If he hadn't been discovered by Feijian at that time, this situation might not have arisen.

These years, he has been constantly remorseful and guilty.

Lian Ye: "……"

Is Ban Daye's avoidance of Uncle Hashirama really for this reason?

Seems Uncle Hashirama is still that naive Uncle Hashirama!

Bai Jue, who secretly monitors Lian Ye, heard the two's conversation crystal clear.

So this is the truth?

I didn't expect Lord Ban to be so petty!