Chapter 29: reaction (2)
"Do you think both Itachi and Kisame are the strongest members of their organization, or are all the members equally powerful?" Serafall asked, her tone thoughtful but tinged with unease.
Ajuka shook his head, his gaze steady as he conjured a magic circle above an image of Itachi holding a peculiar ring. "I don't believe all members of this organization are on the same level," he replied firmly.
The image came to life, reconstructed from Rias extracted memories. It shifted, the stillness breaking as the figure of Itachi began to move and speak. A projection materialized in front of him, forming the image of a woman with striking blue hair and an origami flower in her hair. Her calm yet commanding presence seemed to dominate the room, even through the memory.
"Itachi," the woman said, her voice steady and authoritative. "Did you find the Three-Tails? And where is your partner?"
"No," Itachi replied without hesitation, his tone as emotionless as ever. "I did not find the Three-Tails, and my partner is dead. However, I've encountered an opportunity—a wealthy family in the underworld is offering rare items called Phoenix Tears in exchange for a fight."
The projection cut off abruptly, leaving the room in silence.
"They don't even care about each other," Serafall remarked, her expression darkening.
Ajuka nodded. "This confirms not all members of their group hold equal power as one of them was killed. But what concerns me more is the mission that led to one of their members dying and what is this three tails."
Serafall and Sirzechs exchanged uneasy glances before Sirzechs broke the silence. "Serafall, summarize what we know about this organization." His tone was sharp, his focus now entirely on the screen showing the fight between Itachi and Lord Phenex.
Serafall quickly scanned the documents she had, glancing up occasionally as the battle raged on. "From what we've gathered, this is a human organization, but their members are extraordinarily powerful and gifted. At least, Itachi is. His bone age is only 17." She paused, watching as Itachi effortlessly blocked one of Lord Phenex's most devastating attacks with a shield-like object.
"It's clear from the way Itachi and Kisame interact that Itachi is the leader of their two-man team, despite Kisame having more raw power."
"And the others?" Sirzechs prompted, his eyes narrowing at the escalating destruction on the battlefield.
"There are six confirmed members," Serafall continued. "Itachi and Kisame are unquestionably Ultimate-class combatants. There's also a woman named Konan. Based on her interactions with Itachi, I believe she's even stronger than both of them. Their leader…" She hesitated, as though reluctant to speak it aloud. "Their leader is rumored to be on the level of a Devil King. Another member, Kakuzu, seems obsessed with money, but his true strength remains unconfirmed."
"And the last?" Ajuka asked.
"One member is dead," Serafall finished.
Her explanation ended as the battle intensified. Mountains crumbled and melted as if they were mere ice. The scale of destruction was reminiscent of the Civil War, yet even then, Lord Phenex had never displayed such overwhelming power.
The room fell silent, save for the sounds of the raging battle. The older devils, veterans of the Civil War, watched in pale-faced horror, their expressions reflecting memories of long-buried nightmares.
"I thought Lord Phenex would win," Sirzechs murmured, his voice low. "But this fight… it seems even." He briefly considered shutting down the live broadcast but dismissed the thought. Whatever came of this, they would face the consequences later.
Ajuka suddenly rose to his feet. "Lord Phenex might lose," he said, his tone grim. "It seems like Itachi is trying to unseal something."
Sirzechs and Serafall both turned to him, their confusion apparent. "Unseal what?"
Before they could press further, Itachi's humanoid form began to shift. Red energy flared violently around him, shaping itself into a massive, armored figure—a crimson Susano'o.
The Susano'o moved with deadly precision, effortlessly deflecting Lord Phenex's attacks before pinning him to the ground. Even with 60% of his energy remaining, Lord Phenex was utterly powerless to free himself. To their collective horror, the Susano'o's sword began draining his demonic energy, absorbing it at an alarming rate.
"That sword," Ajuka said, his voice urgent. "It's sealing Lord Phenex."
The realization sent shockwaves through the room. All the Devil Kings stood, their alarm evident. Lord Phenex was not just a noble but one of the ten strongest devils in the underworld. If he fell, it would be a catastrophic blow to their race.
The artificial dimension began to collapse, its framework shattering under the strain of the battle. Sirzechs and the others moved to intervene, but a violent surge of energy from the Dimensional Gap stopped them. The sheer force repelled even Satan-class devils like them, a phenomenon none of them had ever encountered before.
Ajuka's voice cut through the chaos. "I've located the portal's exit." His magic circle activated in a flash, and moments later, they teleported to the human world.
As they arrived, Ajuka erected a barrier to contain the area, sealing all entry and exit points. Suddenly a portal opened, and from its, Kisame emerged.
For a moment, his eyes flicked around the unfamiliar surroundings. Then, as if unbothered by the tension in the air, he sat down casually, resting his massive blade, Samehada, behind him. He radiated confidence, a clear indication of his faith in Itachi and that he don't fear them.
Sirzechs observed the scene carefully, unease building in his chest. He hadn't sensed how Kisame had teleported, a troubling sign that suggested use of magic beyond there comprehension.
"This wasn't magic," Sirzechs muttered, his voice low but sharp. "This is something… else."
Ajuka, his mind already working at full speed, transmitted the coordinates of their location to the remaining Ultimate-class devils. Orders were sent to mobilize all available forces. As the devils teleported and took their positions, the only exceptions were Lady Phenex and her two young children, both of whom were High-class devils. The eldest son had also arrived, despite the danger.
Ajuka did not question why High-class devils were present, understanding that their family member's life was at risk. Without objection, he reinforced their position by creating a barrier using his power, ensuring their protection should a fight break out.
The tension thickened as the barrier hummed around them. Kisame, still seated, seemed entirely unconcerned, his calm demeanor a sharp contrast to the rising panic among the devils.
Inside the crumbling artificial dimension, Itachi's Susano'o stood as an unshakable monolith of power. Lord Phenex, one of the underworld's mightiest, was pinned beneath its colossal blade, his energy rapidly dwindling.
"What is that sword doing?" Serafall asked, her voice trembling.
"It's not just sealing his energy," Ajuka replied, his tone grim. "It's trying to absorb his soul."
"Why aren't they stopping? Don't they realize this dimension is collapsing?" Ravel cried, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face.
"Don't worry, Papa will be alright," Lady Phenex reassured her daughter, though tears glistened in her own eyes. Her voice wavered, betraying the fear she tried to hide.
Riser, standing nearby, was consumed with guilt. He clenched his fists tightly, his mind racing. It was his fault his father was in this situation. If only he hadn't acted so recklessly, his family wouldn't be facing such danger.
Everyone present braced themselves, certain that Itachi would deal the killing blow to Lord Phenex. It was what they expected, a merciless end to the battle. However, what happened next left them in utter shock.
To their astonishment, Itachi did not kill Lord Phenex. Instead, he shielded him from the collapsing dimension. The armored form of Susano'o surrounded them both, protecting Lord phenex from harm.
As Lord Phenex emerged from the collapsing dimensional gap with Itachi's assistance, the devils gathered outside were on edge. Itachi had emerged victorious, and they all understood the implications of his victory.
For devils, losing was unacceptable. They prided themselves on dominance, cunning, and power. Being looted, especially by an outsider, was a humiliation they could not tolerate. Looting, scheming, and seizing power, money, resources were part of their nature. They were ready to kill Itachi and his friend.
Yet, what happened next shattered their worldview entirely.