Lord Phenex approached Itachi again after his lengthy discussions with the two Devil Kings seated on there thrown. His tone carried a mix of curiosity and arrogance. "Tell me, Itachi, are you truly confident in this arrangement? The stakes are higher than most can imagine."
Itachi's calm, unwavering eyes met Lord Phenex's. "Confidence doesn't determine the outcome. Preparation does."
Lady Phenex nodded approvingly. "A wise perspective. Though your presence has certainly caused quite the stir."
Ravel, standing beside her parents, finally found the courage to speak. "You don't seem nervous, even with all these powerful devils here. Are humans really so fearless?"
Itachi's gaze shifted to her, his voice steady and controlled. "Fear is a tool. If you control it, it becomes your ally. If it controls you, it becomes your weakness."
Ravel blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his answer. Before she could respond, Lord Phenex chuckled. "You speak as if you've fought battles far beyond your years. You're only 16, aren't you?"
Itachi said nothing, his silence serving as quiet affirmation.
---
Not long after, Serafall reappeared, dragging Ajuka Beelzebub along with her. "You've been avoiding the fun part, Ajuka! Come talk to Itachi-kun!"
Itachi immediately sensed something was off.
Ajuka sighed, but his sharp, analytical eyes focused on Itachi. "Serafall exaggerates. Still, I must admit your abilities have piqued my curiosity. A human with the ability to use Senjutsu is highly unusual."
"An anomaly, perhaps," Itachi replied, "but one with purpose."
Ajuka smirked faintly, the subtle gesture unsettling. Itachi instinctively felt a chill run down his spine. Ajuka's overwhelming presence made it clear—if he chose to act, Itachi would have no chance to respond. His experience told him that Ajuka could likely break free from even the most intricate illusions.
"And what purpose brings you here?" Ajuka inquired, his tone probing. "Surely it's not just to play games with devils."
Before Itachi could answer, Sirzechs Lucifer, seated on his throne, spoke with authority. His voice effortlessly carried across the hall. "Ajuka, you're probing too deeply. Let the man enjoy the evening before his fight against Lord Phenex."
Ajuka chuckled, stepping back. "Of course, Sirzechs. My apologies."
Serafall, unfazed by the exchange, clapped her hands excitedly. "Enough boring talk! Itachi, let me show you the dance floor!"
Itachi raised an eyebrow. "I didn't come here to dance."
She pouted for a moment before brightening again. "Well then, when will your partner arrive?"
---
Meanwhile
Watching from the side, Sona Sitri commented dryly, "It looks like my sister is going to drain him of all the information she can."
"And he might just reveal it," Rias Gremory added, her tone laced with annoyance. "His organization is shrouded in too much mystery."
"I still don't get it. What's so great about him?" Issei Hyoudou grumbled, clearly irritated by the attention Itachi was receiving.
---
Itachi's POV
My partner, I thought, recalling the arrangement. I had stated that I would bring a partner to challenge Lord Phenex. Observing Lord Phenex and his peerage, I quickly evaluated their strengths. Lord Phenex himself was at the Ultimate-class level, while his peerage members averaged at High-class. To counter them effectively, I needed someone who excelled in water-based techniques.
The solution was clear. I would summon the one known as the Tailless Beast.
"System, open character summoning. Display Kisame Hoshigaki."
A holographic interface appeared in my mind, presenting detailed information:
Name: Kisame Hoshigaki
Rank: High (Advanced) Kage-level / Intermediate Ultimate-class
Cost: 30 million shock points
Customization: Available
"Open customization," I commanded, and another window appeared.
Base Price: 10 million shock points
Note: Chakra amount cannot be altered.
The system explained that summoned characters were bio-puppets, not real entities, and their abilities could be integrated into my own. I could customize Kisame's skill set, removing unnecessary or redundant abilities.
I began tailoring Kisame's template. I removed sealing techniques and his beast mode transformation, which I deemed unnecessary for this battle. After eliminating a few other non-essential skills, the final cost was reduced to 22 million shock points.
This was a price I could afford.
"Hold the summoning for now," I said aloud, closing the interface. The time for action was drawing closer, and my preparations were nearly complete.