Mahito looked at Madara, who had suddenly appeared before him. For the first time, clear confusion entered his eyes.
When had this black-haired boy appeared?
How had he appeared? Why hadn't I sensed any fluctuations in cursed energy?
It was as though he had appeared out of thin air.
No, that wasn't right.
Mahito looked at the ice-blue blade-it was formed from highly concentrated cursed energy, and its quality was astonishing.
And those eyes.
Blood-red eyes, with intricate patterns spinning within their pupils.
What cursed technique was that?
"Who are you?" Mahito tilted his head, his tone full of pure curiosity.
He had already forgotten how he had nearly killed Junpei a moment ago.
Madara did not answer.
He simply flicked his wrist and withdrew the blade.
The blue glow faded and the blade dissipated, but he still stood in front of Junpei, shielding him completely.
Then Madara reached back with his left hand, caught Junpei's wrist with precision, and gave a gentle tug, pulling the still-dazed Junpei over to Itadori.
"Madara Uchiha." Madara finally spoke, his voice terrifyingly calm, yet every word carried immense weight.
"The man who will kill you."
The air froze for a moment.
Then Mahito laughed, roaring with laughter.
He rocked back and forth, his shoulders shaking, laughing so hard that tears nearly spilled from his eyes.
"Hah~ hahahahahaha!!!" Mahito's laughter echoed through the empty corridor, shrill and crazed.
"You've got some nerve! You... think you can kill me?"
He stopped laughing and tilted his head at Madara, his expression returning to that cruel curiosity.
"Do you know what I am? Do you know what my cursed technique is? Do you know-" He raised his hand, spread his fingers, then slowly clenched his fist.
"-that ordinary attacks mean absolutely nothing to me?"
Madara did not