Summer End's voice echoed through the forest. Perhaps it was the surroundings, but the main culprit was the shrill, incessant chirping of cicadas, which kept disturbing the dense woods of the Land of Fire.
The sound waves couldn't disrupt Rikusei's thoughts. He sped up as he leaped through the trees and called to the figure leading the way, "Where's my carriage?"
The boy's puzzled question was quickly swallowed by the wind.
Rikusei sped up again, caught up with him, and asked sternly once more, "Where's the carriage we brought from the village?"
Madara's short hair fluttered toward his ears as he leaped through the forest. His calm expression revealed his clean-cut face as he replied, "At the Hagoromo Clan's."
He glanced sideways at Rikusei and continued, "It's only a short distance. Don't tell me you're tired already."
Stung by the taunt, Rikusei grew agitated. He reached his right hand toward the scroll on his back, ready to swing it at Madara, but thankfully, reason prevailed. "I haven't even gotten to enjoy the feeling of riding at full gallop!"
Madara slowed down and seriously sized up his height. He spread his arms and gestured, as if to say, "With a little body like yours, maybe in a few years."
Rikusei was so offended that he silently put his hand behind his back and made a friendly gesture from another world at Madara.
"Where are we going next?"
Madara stepped on a branch, leaped down from above, and landed on the ground. As he walked across the grass, he answered, "The Land of Hot Water."
"The land of hot springs is famous throughout the Shinobi World." Rikusei steadied the swaying scroll on his back as he walked beside Madara, bubbling with excitement. "Now I'll finally get to enjoy it properly."
Madara's expression