Agreement (2)

As the tension in the clearing thickened, one of the White Zetsu clones stepped forward, addressing Itachi with an almost playful tilt of its head.

"Itachi, why do you refuse the Phenex Tears? They could cure your illness."

Itachi's crimson Sharingan spun lazily as his gaze shifted to the still-kneeling Riser Phenex. His voice was cold and measured, cutting through the murmurs of the devils.

"I didn't fight for material rewards," he said, his tone sharper than any blade. He gestured subtly toward Riser, who flinched under the weight of his gaze. "I fought to teach him a lesson, a lesson his arrogance would never have allowed him to learn otherwise."

Riser's face turned crimson as he bowed his head, shame filling the silence. The devils surrounding the clearing whispered among themselves, casting uncertain glances at Itachi.

The White Zetsu was unfazed. "Then why contact Konan about the reward if you had no intention of taking it?"

Itachi's expression darkened, and the oppressive weight of his presence caused even seasoned devils to tense.

"That was to teach her a lesson," he replied coldly.

"A lesson?" the Zetsu asked, its mocking curiosity cutting through the thick air.

Itachi turned his full attention to the Zetsu, his crimson gaze sharper than ever. "Her actions exposed the existence of shinobi to the supernatural world. By using Kakuzu's money so brazenly, because of her carelessness Kakuzu broke the rule that even we follow. He exposed the existence of us to all supernatural and humans alike."

The devils around them froze. Every word was a knife of realization. They were hearing something that was unthinkable to them all.

Itachi's voice dropped, becoming an almost menacing whisper. "Do you think the five great nations will take it lightly? The shinobi villages are more than just hidden factions—they are guardians of humanity. For thousands of years, we have worked in the shadows to protect the human world from threats it cannot comprehend. While devils, fallen angels, and angels played their games of dominance, we silently ensured the survival of humankind."

Sirzechs Lucifer, his commanding presence like a beacon among the chaos, turned to Ajuka Beelzebub. "Ajuka, if this is true... If this 'shinobi' world has remained hidden for thousands of years, does that mean they've been protecting humanity without us knowing?"

Ajuka's sharp mind raced. "It's not just about protection, Sirzechs. The level of secrecy required to operate so effectively is staggering. It suggests an infrastructure—a network—far beyond anything we've encountered. If their methods are this advanced, they could easily infiltrate the Underworld or other supernatural realms. Their ability to shield humanity from threats we never noticed is even more alarming."

Zekram Bael, the ever-pragmatic elder of the Bael family, frowned deeply. "This revelation changes everything. We cannot afford to dismiss the shinobi as mere mortals. If they've been defending humanity for millennia, it means they possess very unique abilities."

The murmurs among the devils grew louder. Words like "guardians," "unseen power," and "humanity's protectors" filled the air.

Itachi spoke again, his voice slicing through the chaos. "While the supernatural world indulged in its feuds, shinobi perfected the art of subtlety, deception, and war. Our mission was never to dominate, but to safeguard. The shinobi villages have faced threats from demons, rogue deities, and creatures far more terrifying than you could imagine. And we did so without drawing attention to ourselves."

He let the weight of his words settle and looked at the devils present. "You've lived in a false sense of superiority, believing the supernatural world to be the apex of existence. But the shinobi have operated beyond your understanding. We are the knife in the dark, the force that keeps humanity standing, even when the odds are against them."

Itachi's gaze swept across the gathered devils, his tone becoming sharper. "But now, because of carelessness, that delicate balance is at risk. If the supernatural world turns its gaze to the shinobi, it will force a confrontation that neither side is prepared for. This is not a matter of pride or power—it's a matter of survival."

Sirzechs' eyes narrowed, and he used magic to communicate his thoughts with others. "If the shinobi world has truly shielded humanity from threats for millennia, their methods are far more advanced than we can comprehend. But why hide? Why not join the supernatural councils and work openly?"

He was waiting for response, and Ajuka answered, his tone analytical.

"Because openness invites vulnerability. If the shinobi's purpose is to protect humanity, revealing their existence would make them a target. Their secrecy is their greatest strength."

Zekram Bael's expression hardened. "This is troubling. A faction with such resolve and discipline could be a formidable ally—or a devastating enemy. We must tread carefully."

Lord Phenex, his face pale but resolute, asked, "How have we never detected them? Even with our magic and systems in place?" he said aloud, forgetting they were using thought communication.

The White Zetsu chuckled, its grin widening. "Because the shinobi are not bound by your rules. They do not rely on magic, faith, or even power. They rely on skill, strategy, and most importantly chakra. Your magic scans? Your wards? Child's play to bypass for those trained in the ways of the shadows."

Ajuka turned to the Zetsu, his voice calm but firm. "If the shinobi have truly existed for this long, why reveal yourselves now?" He paused before smiling. "My ability can detect that this story you've put up has a lot of flaws, so please tell the truth, otherwise..." he said, his eyes shining green because of his unique formula.

The Zetsu's grin didn't falter. "Because the choice was taken from us. After all, we are not in a good position right now."

"Idiot," Kisame said, and both Itachi and Kisame vanished into the shadows, leaving the devils with an unsettling realization.

---

Itachi, who thought he had made a perfect story to fool the devils, was hit hard this time. "Ajuka," Itachi muttered, as he never thought a side character like him could interrupt his lie like this.

He had lost a lot of shock points, and that's why he had to push even further and try to recover them.

Controlling Zetsu, he spoke some random excuse. "Because the choice was taken from us. After all, we are not in a good position right now."

---

Devils' POV

All the devils were thinking the same thing: the shinobi world was not an enemy to be trifled with—it was a force that had silently shaped the fate of humanity and could do the same to the supernatural world.