As he looked at the black-haired boy who had suddenly stepped out of the darkness before him, wearing a smile that mingled interest with cruelty,
Mahito's expression visibly turned exceptionally ugly.
He recognized him.
That face, those eyes, that oppressive presence that made even his soul sting.
Madara Uchiha.
One of the culprits who, back at the school, had nearly driven him into a corner with nothing more than a clone, ultimately forcing him to blow himself up to escape.
And now, the man's real body had appeared deep underground, right along the escape route Mahito had thought was his best-kept secret.
This was no coincidence.
Kenjaku slowly straightened, withdrawing the hand he had extended toward Mahito.
The gentle smile on his face did not change in the slightest, as though he had merely run into an acquaintance, but an intensely grave glint flashed through the eyes hidden in shadow.
"You're," Kenjaku began, his voice steady and devoid of discernible emotion, "Madara Uchiha."
He named him correctly.
Madara's smile deepened a little. In the dim sewer light, his scarlet eyes resembled two slowly revolving, blood-red stars.
His gaze lingered on Kenjaku-or rather, Suguru Geto's shell-for a moment before sweeping over Mahito, who struggled on the ground like a bug.
"Suguru Geto?" Madara's voice was soft, carrying a hint of amusement.
"That explains it. I thought I was just taking out one piece of trash, but it turns out I can take another with me... two birds with one stone. Not bad."
He paused, and the interest in his smile gave way to pure killing intent.
"Both of you are going to die here."
He seemed unwilling to spare even another word of proclamation.
The instant the final syllable fell, Madara's hands had already formed a seal before his chest.
He