Chapter 130: The Star Spirit Clan Joins Earth's Side
…
Earth sailed silently through the vastness of space, encircled by the ten suns and a single moon.
In truth, Earth traveled at an astonishing speed. After merging with two other life-bearing planets, its mass and gravitational force had changed dramatically, enabling it to withstand far greater velocities and pressures.
Thus, Earth now moved several times faster than before.
The star spirit Suigetsu had joined Earth’s alliance, bringing with her crucial intelligence from the cosmic black market.
She sought out Yakushi Kabuto, who then summoned Uchiha Madara and Nara Shikamaru to hear Suigetsu’s counsel together.
Suigetsu, clad in shimmering metallic armor that flowed with radiant light, had naturally curling hazel hair cascading like a waterfall.
Seated at one side of the conference table, she addressed Madara: “Orochimaru saved my life. The star spirit clan never forgets a debt. In gratitude, I pledge the star spirit clan’s allegiance to your Earth faction.”
Madara occupied the head seat of the table, eyes closed, silent.
As Earth’s current decision-maker, he listened intently to Suigetsu’s proposal, though inwardly he wondered, *Why is Orochimaru letting me decide such matters?*
Since joining Orochimaru’s side, Madara had cast himself as both executor and watcher—carrying out Orochimaru’s commands and monitoring whether Orochimaru truly sought to unify the cosmos in peace.
He had never before been involved in making a decision like this.
*Is this a trick to deceive Suigetsu?* he pondered, uncertain.
Suigetsu spoke earnestly: “I am the princess of the star spirit clan, heir to the throne of the next star spirit king. My words bear the weight of my people’s trust. If you doubt me, I can immediately establish contact with the elders of my clan to prove my sincerity.”
Shikamaru, one hand propping up his weight on the table, looked bored and said, “Then make the call.”
He was calculating. How likely was it that someone like Orochimaru would save a stranger on a whim? And not just anyone, but a princess? And that princess then willingly pledging allegiance to Earth?
There had to be a scheme.
Though he had no concrete evidence, his instincts were enough—especially in these delicate times, proof was unnecessary.
*Then why would Orochimaru bring us here to listen? There’s definitely something off.*
…
Orochimaru remained in his laboratory, observing the power contained within a glass vessel—his body’s “pseudo-source” energy.
This pseudo-source energy held the ability to travel back in time, but only once; after use, the temporal factor would be consumed.
Recreating such power was no easy feat.
However, collecting enough varied types of energy could make it possible.
Orochimaru retrieved a sealed scroll containing the undead star core—a force of necrotic energy.
He broke some seals and extracted a small amount of ghostly green energy, merging it into the pseudo-source energy within the vessel.
Pseudo-source energy approximated Earth’s original “source” energy.
Earth’s source energy had emerged at the planet’s formation; later generations of natural energy were but a dissipated form of this source.
If Earth possessed source energy, then the universe’s source energy at its inception must be even more potent.
Earth’s source could travel back in time—thus, the universe’s source would surely be stronger still.
Orochimaru studied the compatibility of undead energy with Earth’s pseudo-source energy, then gradually blended in power from the Ōtsutsuki clan.
Next, he planned to acquire the energies of various cosmic races one by one.
…
In the conference room, Suigetsu employed star spirit power to establish a special connection with her clan.
The current star spirit king was Suigetsu’s father, a formidable being who had consumed the essences of nine planets. He appeared crowned on an energy mirror surface.
“You saved Suigetsu, did you not?” the star spirit king said. “I’ve heard of you—all but annihilated the Ōtsutsuki clan’s ten-thousand-strong army months ago. Such a feat hasn’t been seen in ages. My star spirit clan is willing to join your cause.”
The star spirit clan’s alliance formed surprisingly smoothly. Yakushi Kabuto merely facilitated introductions without comment. Madara closed his eyes, awaiting the final decision; only Shikamaru engaged in dialogue.
Shikamaru conversed with the star spirit king for a time before concluding, “Understood. Not only the star spirit clan, but also the Serpent-Head tribe, the Demon tribe, the Supreme Emperor’s clan, and tens of thousands of other cosmic races have long prepared to overthrow the Ōtsutsuki clan.”
“That is correct,” the star spirit king affirmed. “The cosmic black market was founded for precisely this purpose. Yet we lack a catalyst—a reason for all races to unite. Your Earth is that catalyst.”
Shikamaru nodded and glanced at Madara. Madara finally opened his eyes, revealing the vibrant green of his Rinnegan.
“Very well,” he declared, “Earth will journey to the cosmic black market and become that catalyst.”
Seeing Madara’s green Rinnegan, the star spirit king laughed heartily. “We shall contact the other clans and await your arrival in the cosmic black market!”
The energy mirror vanished, along with the king’s image.
Suigetsu said firmly, “We will overthrow the Ōtsutsuki clan!”
…
Afterward, Yakushi Kabuto and Shikamaru walked together down the corridor. Suddenly, Shikamaru said, “I can feel that the star spirit king is sincere.”
He rested his hands behind his head, squinting, then continued, “He truly sees Earth as the key to toppling the Ōtsutsuki clan.”
Kabuto smiled faintly, a gleam flashing off his glasses. “Oh?”
Shikamaru opened his eyes, chewing on a toothpick. “What exactly is Orochimaru plotting? Suigetsu’s status remains unverified. Her timing is too convenient. I have reason to believe she harbors some hidden agenda against us.”
“But the star spirit king truly wishes to ally with us. Where lies the catch?”
Kabuto shrugged, smiling. “Who knows?”
Shikamaru closed his eyes again. “I know you don’t know either. You simply trust Orochimaru. But what is Orochimaru’s ultimate goal?”
Unlike Kabuto, Shikamaru lacked such blind faith in Orochimaru and refused to recklessly endanger those around him. He needed to unravel the truth.
“Troublesome.”
…
Elsewhere, Suigetsu returned to her chambers. After confirming no surveillance, she lay on her bed and touched the ring on her finger.
Her consciousness was instantly drawn into a dark space, where a blue-violet spirit lay with closed eyes.
Suigetsu’s golden spirit appeared and called out, “Sasuke…”
Sasuke coldly turned his face toward her. “Is the task complete?”
Suigetsu tried to approach, but his overwhelming aura forced her back. Feeling a twinge of hurt, she said, “It is done. I’ve infiltrated Orochimaru’s side, gained their trust, and convinced my father. They are proceeding as planned to the cosmic black market, preparing to unite against the Ōtsutsuki clan.”
Her eyes sparkled with affection. “I don’t care about my father—I only want to help you.”
Sasuke ignored her words and replied bluntly, “Completion is what matters.”
He turned and stepped away, disappearing into the darkness.
Suigetsu pouted. Sasuke was so cold. Eventually, she faded from the dark space and awoke in her room.
…