A physical pendulum consists of a uniform thin rod of mass \(M\) and length \(L\) pivoted frictionlessly at one end, and an adjustable point mass \(m\) clamped at a distance \(x\) from the pivot, where \(0 \le x \le L\).

For small-angle oscillations, the period of the system as a function of the clamp position is given by
\[ T(x) = 2\pi \sqrt{\dfrac{\dfrac{1}{3}ML^2 + mx^2}{g\left(\dfrac{1}{2}ML + mx\right)}} \]

Which of the following correctly identifies the period of oscillation in the limit \(x \to 0\) and explains whether the period initially increases or decreases as the point mass is moved slightly away from the pivot?