The bull-headed man grinned hideously, waved to his underlings, and said sinisterly, "A few of you, drag this brat aside and beat him. Beat him hard-beat him till he smokes. The rest of you, get inside and search. Whatever valuables you find, twenty percent is yours!"
Hearing this, the underlings behind him broke into greedy smiles, rubbing their hands together as they prepared to charge into the brand-new, luxurious Manor.
Their eyes gleamed with greed and desire, as though they could already see themselves reveling in the wealth inside.
Just then, however, a voice suddenly rang out. "Wait!" Though not loud, it was full of determination.
Everyone froze, then turned to see who dared interrupt them.
It was Shō who had spoken. Though his face was pale with fear, he had still summoned the courage to step forward.
His legs were weak, and he could barely stand, but he still tried to straighten his body and face the vicious-looking people before him.
He had no choice but to step forward. Though he had no idea what beating someone till they smoked involved, he knew one thing: his slight frame certainly could not take it. He had to find a way to protect himself, even if it offered only a sliver of hope.
He pointed at the Manor and stammered, "Listen! That man's name is... is Matsushita... Tarō. He's... he's my teacher. He went out to find food for me. If he comes back and finds you bullying his only disciple, things won't end well for you!"
After saying this, Shō ground his teeth, inwardly cursing Madara Uchiha.
He knew he had just lied, but now he could only hope that they would have reservations and would not readily hurt him.
At the same time, he was filled with resentment toward