The boy's figure gradually came into focus. He looked about Sasuke's age, but he was much thinner and weaker in build. His tattered clothes were covered in patches, making him look rather bedraggled.
Yet the battered longsword in his hand gleamed coldly, giving off an air of unyielding tenacity.
[Beep beep, human, combat power: 0.1]
This left Madara somewhat surprised.
This little fellow's combat power actually surpassed the Genin level.
An ordinary Genin's combat power did not even meet the threshold required to be displayed.
The boy ran up to O-Tama, panting, his eyes filled with concern.
He anxiously looked her up and down and asked, "O-Tama, are you all right? Are you hurt?"
O-Tama shook her head and smiled. "I'm fine, Big Brother Shō. This gentleman didn't hurt me."
Only then did Shō breathe a sigh of relief, though he still looked warily at Madara.
He gripped his longsword tightly and asked in a serious tone, "Who are you? Why are you here?"
Madara watched Shō calmly, a flicker of curiosity passing through his eyes.
He could sense the courage and determination radiating from the boy before him.
"I was just passing through," Madara replied indifferently.
"Passing through?" Shō frowned, clearly dissatisfied with Madara's answer.
His eyes were filled with doubt and distrust.
"I don't care who you are! Stay away from O-Tama, or I won't let you get away with it!" Shō gripped his longsword tightly, staring at Madara with fierce determination as he shouted.
Madara smiled faintly at this, seemingly unconcerned by Shō's threat. He replied calmly, "Don't worry. I mean you no harm." With that, he turned to leave.
Just then, however, Shō suddenly shouted, "Wait!" His voice echoed through the air, forcing Madara to stop.
Madara turned around with a slight frown and