Working side by side, Madara and Izuna carefully modified the branch until it resembled a proper walking stick.
Well, “working side by side” might have been an exaggeration.
Madara only allowed Izuna to make a couple of ceremonial cuts before taking full control of the project himself.
After trimming it to an appropriate size, smoothing the rough edges, and ensuring it could at least function as a basic cane, Madara finally nodded in satisfaction.
Holding the finished cane in one hand while taking Izuna’s hand with the other, he led his younger brother toward Ryo’s room.
Before they arrived, however, an unusual sound reached their ears.
Someone was running inside.
Madara blinked.
Then he gently knocked on the door.
“…Big Brother?” The running stopped instantly.
A split second later— Crash!
Followed by the sound of multiple objects scattering across the floor.
Madara’s expression immediately changed.
Concerned, he slid the door open.
The scene inside matched his worst expectations.
Ryo sat amidst a chaotic pile of overturned belongings.
One hand was pressed against the back of his head while he silently endured the pain.
A toppled storage cabinet lay beside him.
“…Big Brother.” Madara stared.
“What happened here?” Upon hearing his voice, Ryo hurriedly climbed to his feet while rubbing the sore spot on his head.
“Nothing happened.” He laughed awkwardly.
“Most of my injuries have healed already, so I thought I’d try exercising a little.” “I was running along the rooftop.” “Then I heard someone knocking.” “I got impatient while climbing back down, misjudged the distance, and accidentally knocked over the cabinet.” He scratched his cheek helplessly.
“Not being able to see is a much bigger problem than I expected.
Hahaha…” Madara: “…” After releasing a long sigh, he handed the cane to Izuna.
Then he motioned for him to stay near the entrance before stepping into the room.
“If you’re trying to adapt, there’s no reason to force yourself.” Carefully guiding Ryo around the clutter, Madara spoke calmly.
“I’ll clean everything up.” “Why don’t you take Izuna outside for a while?” “The weather’s nice today.” “Since your injuries have mostly recovered, getting some fresh air might help.” Ryo smiled sheepishly.
“Sorry, Madara.” “I’m causing trouble for you again.” “It’s not trouble.” Madara shook his head.
“I’ve already finished my training and classes for the day.” “Any additional practice can wait.” “And cleaning up won’t take long.” Meanwhile, Izuna could no longer restrain his excitement.
Holding the cane proudly above his head, he rushed forward.
“Big Brother!” “This is for you!” Ryo accepted the object that was placed into his hands.
Carefully, he ran his fingers across its surface.
“…What is it?” He tilted his head.
“A branch?” “No…” “It feels polished.” “A walking stick!” Izuna announced proudly.
“Madara and I made it together!” “I helped too!” Ryo froze momentarily.
Then he gently grasped the cane while reaching out with his free hand.
Soon his fingers found Izuna’s hair.
A warm smile appeared as he softly ruffled it.
“Is that so?” “Our Izuna is very thoughtful.” His voice became gentler.
“This is exactly what I needed.” “Thank you.” “Both of you.” He lightly lifted the cane.
“Shall we go test it?” “I’ve never used one before.” “Okay!” Izuna immediately grabbed his brother’s arm.
“Let’s go to the courtyard!” Then he added excitedly, “And also!” “I’ve started practicing chakra control!” “Can you see if I’m doing it correctly?” “Of course.” Ryo laughed softly.
“Our Izuna is clever.” “I’m sure you’re doing wonderfully.” Madara watched the pair disappear down the veranda together.
Only after they were out of sight did his hands slowly curl into fists.
Izuna was still too young to notice.
But Madara had seen it clearly.
That brief pause.
That tiny moment when Ryo realized what the gift actually was.
Big Brother is still suffering…
It’s because of those damned Senju.
If it weren’t for them, Big Brother wouldn’t have— Madara abruptly froze.
Immediately, he shook his head.
Hard.
As though trying to physically cast away the thoughts.
His hands repeatedly clenched and relaxed at his sides.
After standing there for quite some time, he finally let out a long breath.
Looking down at the mess scattered around the room, he spoke quietly.
“Big Brother never allows hatred to control him.” “He never drowns himself in self-pity either.” A bitter smile surfaced.
“And yet I’m the one who can’t let go.” His gaze lowered.
Could I really do what he did?
Could I truly earn the respect of everyone in our generation?
Could I really become heir?
Can I— He shook his head once more.
More firmly this time.
No.
He couldn’t keep thinking that way.
Gradually, determination filled his eyes.
“Compared to Big Brother…” “I’m still lacking.” “But just like he said…” “Every hardship marks the start of a new stage of training.” His fists slowly tightened.
“Big Brother has already done everything he can for me.” “Now it’s my turn.” “No.” His expression became resolute.
“I must fulfill my responsibilities.” “I absolutely can’t let him down.” “If nothing else…” “I have to earn the same recognition from my peers that he did.” After repeating those words several times, Madara finally began cleaning the room.
Though judging by the intensity with which he attacked the task, his self-motivation might have been a little too effective.
Meanwhile, Ryo and Izuna arrived in the front courtyard.
It was the first time Ryo had stepped outside since returning home after his injuries.
Everything felt unfamiliar.
Yet strangely refreshing.
The countless sounds surrounding him carried a new kind of charm.
Most captivating of all was the wind.
When it passed beneath the eaves, it produced a low, mournful hum.
When it brushed through the trees, it became a chorus of gentle rustling whispers.
The fresh scent of earth drifted alongside it.
Then it slipped across his hair and vanished once more.
Without realizing it, the wind seemed to carry away some of the weight burdening his heart.
Before losing his sight, Ryo had never experienced the world this way.
For the first time since the accident, the darkness surrounding him no longer felt entirely oppressive.
After standing quietly for a while, he smiled.
“It doesn’t seem as terrible as I imagined.” The smile deepened.
“I suppose people really should spend more time outside.” Izuna tilted his head.
He couldn’t understand why a simple breeze had made his brother smile.
But he liked this smile.
Ever since Ryo returned home injured, he had continued smiling.
Yet those smiles always felt different somehow.
Distant.
Forced.
The smile he wore now felt genuinely warm.
I knew it!
Izuna thought proudly.
Big Brother just needed a walking stick!
Just like the blind swordsmen from stories!
When I get stronger, I’ll make him an even better one!
Naturally, Ryo had no idea he had just been classified as a “blind swordsman” by his youngest brother.
Still, his mood had genuinely improved.
Lowering his head slightly, he spoke.
“Didn’t you say you wanted to show me something, Izuna?” “What was it?” Izuna’s eyes immediately sparkled.
“Chakra control!” He puffed out his chest proudly.
“My academy teacher said I’m learning faster than everyone else!” “Really?” Ryo reached out and rubbed his hair once again.
“Our Izuna is incredible.” He lowered himself beside the veranda.
“Then let me take a careful look.” “Show me.” Izuna nodded vigorously.
Helping Ryo sit beside him, he closed his eyes and began following the chakra exercises his instructor had recently taught him.
Slowly, chakra began flowing through his body.
Ryo rested a hand on the boy’s shoulder.
Carefully, he sensed the movement of chakra within Izuna.
A short while later, he withdrew his hand.
A soft chuckle escaped him.
“It seems our family has produced another little prodigy.”