Starting From Being Adopted by the Second Hokage!

Renya was busily moving between the stove and the chopping board, the crisp clatter of pots and pans echoing through the kitchen.

Uzumaki Mito wasn't idle either. She was deftly slicing vegetables, occasionally whispering with Renya about the details of cooking, a gentle smile on her face.

Before long, a table full of dishes, rich in color, aroma, and flavor, was laid out. The strong fragrance instantly filled the air, tantalizing everyone's taste buds.

Senju Hashirama was the first to take a seat. As soon as he sat down, his eyes were drawn to the spread of delicious food. He instinctively swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

Uzumaki Mito sat beside him. Looking at the feast on the table, she praised,

"As expected of little Renya's cooking. We're in for a real treat today."

"Haha, Mito is absolutely right!" Senju Hashirama echoed her with enthusiasm.

The couple had been craving Renya's cooking for quite some time.

"You flatter me," Renya said with a modest smile.

Senju Tobirama walked over unhurriedly, his face as calm as ever, but his slightly quicker steps betrayed his inner anticipation.

Normally, at home, Renya would never make such a lavish spread.

He would usually just whip up two simple home dishes to get by.

Though Senju Tobirama thought even Renya's everyday meals tasted great, he was much more excited about scenes like this, where a whole table of food awaited him.

That way, he could indulge in all kinds of delicacies...

Once everyone was seated, Renya warmly invited them to dig in.

Senju Hashirama couldn't wait any longer. He picked up a glossy, richly-colored piece of braised pork and put it in his mouth, where the full, layered flavor exploded instantly.

He let out a deeply satisfied sigh.

"Little Renya, your cooking is absolutely divine! This taste is simply irresistible!"

Saying that, he quickly picked up another big bite and stuffed it into his mouth.

"If Hashirama-san likes it, have some more," Renya said.

As a "chef," it was always a joy when others appreciated and praised his cooking.

Uzumaki Mito smiled softly and elegantly sampled each dish, occasionally casting approving glances at Renya.

"Little Renya, your dishes really taste wonderful!" she said, pausing before continuing, "And preparing the food together with you made this meal all the more meaningful."

Some of the dishes were ones she and Renya had made together, and that made her feel very happy.

Mito realized she liked this child more and more.

She couldn't understand—Renya was so obedient, so sensible, and such a good cook. Why did Tobirama always complain about him?

Senju Tobirama didn't lavish praise like Hashirama did, but his chopsticks moved quickly.

Before long, his bowl was piled high with various delicacies.

He gave a slight nod and said in a low voice, "Mm, it's quite good."

...

The setting sun cast its golden rays through the window onto the dining table as everyone finally set down their chopsticks, clearly still reluctant to stop eating.

Senju Hashirama leaned back comfortably in his chair, patted his now round belly, then looked toward Renya with a smile and asked,

"Little Renya, how have things been at school these past couple of days?"

"Hashirama-san, it's been fine," Renya said, wiping the corner of his mouth and straightening up.

Although he hadn't wanted to go to school at first, after two days, he found it tolerable.

After all, the classmates at school were all pretty talented and spoke pleasantly. It was more interesting than training alone at home.

Senju Hashirama nodded in satisfaction and asked,

"Little Renya, do you have any dreams for the future?"

Hearing this, Senju Tobirama glanced at Renya without changing his expression.

Renya lowered his eyes, staring at the tea swirling in his bowl, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the rim of the porcelain.

He was thinking about how to answer in a way that would satisfy Senju Hashirama.

His reason for getting stronger was simple—so that in the wars to come, he would have the strength to protect himself and wouldn't be sent to die as cannon fodder.

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

After a brief silence, Renya looked up, his eyes firm.

"I want to become strong—really strong!"

Senju Tobirama's gaze sharpened, the expression on his face growing increasingly serious.

[Why is this brat so obsessed with becoming strong?]

He was desperate to understand Renya's motivation for getting stronger. That mattered a lot.

Luckily, his brother had asked for him...

"Why do you want to become strong?" Senju Hashirama asked.

Renya stared directly at Hashirama, and spoke each word clearly:

"Because only by becoming strong can I protect the things I want to protect… just like you protect the village."

Those words were like a stone dropped into a deep pond, stirring up crashing waves.

Senju Hashirama's pupils contracted sharply as countless memories of fallen clansmen overlapped with Renya's determined face.

Senju Tobirama stared blankly at Renya, as if he'd seen a ghost.

He never imagined that a little Uchiha brat could say something with such depth.

Was this really the same brat he knew?!

Renya had no idea—his words had completely shattered Tobirama's previous understanding of him.

"Could I really have been wrong about him?" Senju Tobirama murmured under his breath.

Renya's words hit hard, plunging him into self-doubt.

Maybe… maybe he really had been biased against Renya just because he was an Uchiha...

After a long moment, Senju Hashirama's hand landed firmly on Renya's shoulder. His voice, deeper than usual, said,

"Good. Well said."

He strode to the wooden cabinet by the wall, pulled out an aged scroll engraved with the Senju clan's crest.

"These are my years of ninjutsu and training insights," Senju Hashirama said solemnly, handing the scroll to Renya. His fingertips traced the scroll's surface.

"I'm giving this to you. I hope you study it well and grow strong soon."

Senju Tobirama's face filled with shock.

He hadn't expected his brother to give that scroll to Renya.

Inside were not only many Senju clan techniques… but even Wood Release...

Uzumaki Mito's eyes were full of warmth. She said gently,

"Little Renya, if you run into confusion during your training, don't hesitate to ask us."

Renya's hands trembled slightly as he held the scroll, bowing his head respectfully.

"Thank you. I won't let you down!"

He had only meant to say a few nice words to please Senju Hashirama.

But it seemed he'd overdone it.

Still, this result was better than expected—a pleasant surprise.

Senju Tobirama stared at Renya with a complicated expression, deep in thought.

...

After the small interlude, the two said their goodbyes and left.

Night had fallen, dark as ink.

Renya held the scroll in his arms, walking behind Senju Tobirama.

When they reached the edge of the clan grounds, beneath a maple tree, Tobirama suddenly stopped and said coldly,

"Uchiha Renya… you're pretty good."

Renya looked at Tobirama, utterly baffled.

What the heck was this old guy on about?

Senju Tobirama crossed his arms, his eyes sweeping over the scroll in Renya's hands.

"Protecting what you want to protect… words alone aren't enough."

"Tomorrow, bring that scroll to the training ground. I'll personally instruct you."

With that, Senju Tobirama turned and disappeared into the night.

Renya stood there dumbfounded, eyes full of disbelief.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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