The news of Madara's departure was kept hidden. After all, familial bonds were like tendons still connected even after the bones were severed. It was not until a week later, when Hashirama wanted to speak with Madara again, that he discovered Madara had already left the village.
Ten li outside Konoha, Madara was sitting by a river, grilling fish. The river was impressive too—it had flowed for decades without ever running dry. But now, he was the only one there.
Suddenly, Madara rose to his feet and looked toward the distant forest. Two blurry black dots were slowly approaching. His eyes narrowed. Judging from their presence, they did not seem to be from the Land of Fire.
As they drew nearer and came face-to-face, Madara slowly sized up the pair. It was a strange combination: a bizarre man wrapped in bandages traveling with a child who had a garlic-shaped nose.
The other side was secretly observing Madara as well. He wore armor that was clearly standard-issue for a clan, with a large fan and a slender sickle strapped to his back. Doubts immediately arose in their hearts. Hadn't all the ninja clans in the Land of Fire been gathered into Konoha? Why was there still a clan ninja wandering outside?
"Who are you people?"
"We are..."
Ōnoki was young. When he heard the question, he was just about to answer when Mu tugged him back. Mu slowly stepped forward and shielded Ōnoki behind him.
"We have no intention of becoming enemies. We are merely passing through."
"Oh?" Madara's lips curled upward. "In that case, I happen to be in a bad mood. Why don't we spar?"
Before Mu could refuse, Madara had already charged at him with his sickle and fan in hand. Mu could only hurriedly meet him in