by MangaMoon

Naruto - Madara Uchiha 3D panel

Remember… young Madara skipping stones by the river when he first meets Hashirama? Madara tries to send a stone bouncing across the water to the opposite bank, but it sinks just short. An unfamiliar boy appears nearby, throws his own stone, and reaches the other side. Madara is immediately annoyed: this stranger has watched him struggle and beaten him. Hashirama introduces himself as his stone-skipping rival. Their conversation quickly becomes an argument. When Madara criticizes him, Hashirama suddenly slumps in despair, leaving Madara awkwardly trying to cheer him up. These future warriors are simply children here—proud, clumsy, and funny. They exchange first names but conceal their surnames. In this world, a clan’s name can instantly turn a new acquaintance into an enemy. A corpse drifting downriver interrupts their game. Even here, war intrudes on their brief chance to be ordinary children. During later meetings, they discover how much they share. Both have lost brothers. Both dream of a world where children no longer fight wars. There is no Hokage yet, no Madara feared by the world. Just two boys finding friendship in rivalry—before discovering that their families are enemies.

Material: Wooden