Hidden behind the priests, Aknadin hardened his resolve and revealed the Millennium Eye in his left eye socket.
Before the others could react, he fired a golden beam at Kisara, then turned and ran.
Tetsuhiro's expression turned icy. He tipped his head toward Madara, then unleashed a repulsive force to deflect the beam.
"Trying to run? Did you ask my permission? Banshō Ten'in!" Madara raised a hand, and Aknadin flew toward him, struggling all the way, as though offering his own neck to Madara's grasp.
"A traitor like this deserves to die." In an instant, Aknadin's face turned a dark, purplish red.
"Urgh, help... help me..."
"Please wait, Lord Madara. He is my uncle. How could I bear to watch him die needlessly before my eyes? I beg you to stop." Tears streamed down the Pharaoh's face as he pleaded sincerely.
"What? Pharaoh, why would you lower yourself by calling him 'Lord'?" Mahad was the first to object, stepping forward to question him.
"Stop getting hung up on such trivial matters. We have more important things to deal with."
Madara glanced indifferently at Mahad, then looked at the Pharaoh and gave his verdict. "Indecisive. He'll never accomplish anything great. What do you think, Hashirama?"
"Whether he lives or dies makes little difference to us. Let him live, and use him to teach this disappointing student of mine a proper lesson. Let him see just how complicated the human heart can be."
"All right." Madara released his grip, and Aknadin immediately collapsed to the ground, coughing nonstop.
The priests rushed forward and bound him.
"Wait. We can spare his life, but he still has to be punished. How can someone this dangerous be allowed to keep a Millennium Item? Take it from him!" Tetsuhiro issued the ruthless order without hesitation.
"Hmph!