The Witcher - Uchiha Madara!

Chapter 164 - Advancing to Kaer Morhen 01.

[Chapter Size: 2100 Words.]

Third Person POV

Northern kingdoms.

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Outside the chaos that had engulfed the meeting of the kings, the mage chapters, and the northern commanders, Madara continued his journey over the following days.
They had passed through Aedirn in recent days and finally reached the edge of those lands, stopping near the riverbank that separated Aedirn from Kaedwen.
"Are you okay?" Madara turned to the girl on his back.
"I'm a little tired..." she murmured, slightly embarrassed, not really wanting to admit it, but the circumstances left her no choice. Fatigue was unavoidable.
Madara nodded, aware that Cirilla was at her limit. They hadn't rested in the past two days, traveling nonstop and camping discreetly to avoid drawing attention. No one could know of two children traveling north, especially after Yennefer herself suggested altering their memories to give them a chance to hide.
Madara had been surprised by the sorceress's suggestion, but he had accepted it, knowing it would buy them some time. However, he understood that they would still be hunted across the continent. At least the pressure might lessen with the idea of him having "disappeared" from the kingdoms. He just needed to maintain a low profile in the years to come.
That wouldn't be easy. Madara couldn't use a transformation jutsu on himself to alter his appearance, and even if he could, he would refuse to do so.
"Alright... we can stop for a bit," Madara said as Ciri nodded and climbed off his back.
"We can stay here and eat something," she suggested.
"But we shouldn't remain visible near the river. A fisherman might spot us... remember, we can't leave any evidence that we're traveling north. If our enemies and pursuers hear about two teenagers on the move, we'll immediately be linked. You understand that, don't you?" Madara said, shifting his gaze from the river to look at Ciri.
She pressed her lips together at his words and nodded, meeting his eyes. "You're right. We can stay behind the trees. I'm sure you can spot anyone approaching," she said, finishing with a note of confidence. Madara nodded in agreement.
They had been avoiding towns and roads, encountering nothing but wildlife on their journey and the occasional monster in the forests. Madara's advantage lay in traversing dangerous and dense areas using only the trees for movement. They stopped in safe spots where Madara would summon luxurious beds, so it wasn't as though they were sleeping on the cold ground. Even so, Ciri occasionally needed to rest for a few hours, as her muscles ached from staying in the same position for hours while Madara pressed northward.
They stopped near the river but stayed hidden by the foliage, settling in a clean area as Madara retrieved food from his scrolls while Cirilla rested and ate.
She had been quiet all day, watching him intently. Madara noticed and turned to her to figure out what was bothering her.
"Something wrong?" he asked, and the girl immediately looked away before cautiously meeting his gaze again.
"I was thinking about yesterday... I don't know what happened in the war, but you changed its course and defeated the Nilfgaardians," she said carefully.
Madara didn't let her finish. He already knew where her thoughts were headed, so he sighed and looked at her.
"You're wondering why I didn't use the power I wielded in the war at Sodden or in Cintra," Madara said, cutting to the heart of the matter. When Nilfgaard invaded the North, Madara had killed at least 3,000 soldiers in a single battle. That was nothing compared to the 100,000 to 130,000 soldiers he eliminated during the final battle at Sodden. "I didn't have that power back then. I only used it once at Sodden, and I can't use it again," he explained.
"I understand," she nodded, seemingly reassured by his words. The idea of saving Cintra still weighed heavily on her heart, even months later. The pain lingered, but when she looked at Madara, she knew she was safe by his side.
"What is it?" Madara asked, sensing her gaze lingering on him. Embarrassed, Ciri immediately turned her eyes away.