Crackle--
The flames danced merrily over the pile of firewood, bringing waves of comforting warmth.
Beside the burning fire, the three brothers sat in a circle. Izuna and Enkō had taken off their drenched outer garments, revealing their toned, muscular bodies. Though they looked rather bedraggled, they could not suppress the smiles on their faces.
Izuna threw an arm around Enkō's shoulders and laughed heartily. "Hahaha, we finally made Big Brother take a step back! I told you we'd succeed someday, didn't I? That's my little brother for you. That last change in technique really had my style from back then."
Enkō was just as excited. Though it had only been an ordinary spar, with none of the three going all out or even using ninjutsu, in their previous matches, he and Izuna had never managed to make Madara retreat even a single step. It was like finally clearing a hurdle that had blocked them for years, leaving his whole body feeling refreshed. "No, Second Brother's coordination was what made it work. I couldn't have done it alone without him."
"Hahaha, that was because you were quick enough to keep up with my movements."
"No, it was Second Brother who guided me well..."
"You're too modest, too modest... Hahaha..."
The two brothers, carried away by their triumph, failed to notice Madara's expression darkening by the second. Only when they sensed the increasingly oppressive aura in the air did their laughter gradually fade...
Izuna discreetly removed his arm from Enkō's shoulders and cleared his throat twice. "Ahem, well... I just remembered there seems to be something in the Anbu that still needs handling, so I'll be leaving first. Enkō, keep Big Brother company and have a proper chat."
Damn it! You really are my dear brother! Enkō grumbled inwardly, but his