Chapter 152: The Young Master Kuze

An alien with a large head named Kurozawa Shosei stared at the image in disbelief. Those two managed to ignore the illusion and made a direct approach toward the star core.

After a brief moment of surprise, he regained his composure.

“Lord Shosei, what do you think we should do?” a subordinate asked, making a throat-cutting gesture.

Shaking his head, Kurozawa Shosei replied, “No need. Let them come.”

If they could ignore the Blood Sea illusion, even if all of them attacked together, it would be difficult to succeed. They might even have to use the half-finished Crimson Star Core, and victory would still be uncertain—hardly worth the cost.

“Continue modifying the star core; don’t concern yourselves with them,” Kurozawa Shosei said indifferently.

Soon, Orochimaru and Toremyo arrived. They broke through the Blood Sea and descended straight into the ground, finally reaching the planet’s core—completely unharmed.

Kurozawa Shosei had been waiting there.

“Welcome, both of you,” he said with a faint smile.

Orochimaru showed no expression and ignored Kurozawa Shosei. He surveyed the surroundings briefly, then withdrew his gaze, clearly uninterested.

“You promised your people would take us directly to the main Uchiha star, but you did not fulfill your agreement, so I have come to find you,” Orochimaru said, his face unreadable.

Kurozawa Shosei narrowed his eyes; this was expected.

He had two guesses for Orochimaru’s purpose: first, anger over being outmaneuvered, seeking trouble with him; second, interest in the Blood Sea planet’s star core, hoping to claim a share of the benefits. Or perhaps both.

It wasn’t clear yet which was true.

Kurozawa Shosei put on a dignified front and smiled lightly. “Then I offer my apologies on behalf of my men.”

He displayed great poise and magnanimity.

Orochimaru nodded, unconcerned about being tricked—it was like being jostled by a horse and then receiving an apology from it, not a big deal.

With the matter settled, he said, “I want to go to the main Uchiha star.”

These words stunned Kurozawa Shosei. He had expected the next sentence to reveal a hidden dagger—either an accusation or a threat for compensation. Instead, it was about the Uchiha main star.

His mind raced, but he quickly answered, “Very well.”

He gestured to the side, chakra flowing through him. From his fingertip shot a yellow light.

His finger traced a circle in the void; the yellow light crackled like a welding torch, sparks flying. After a moment, a circular portal opened.

Kurozawa Shosei said, “Beyond this gate lies the main Uchiha star.”

Orochimaru nodded approvingly. This was perfect.

At that moment, Toremyo, who had been watching Kurozawa Shosei’s face with suspicion, suddenly exclaimed, “You are… Kurozawa Shosei?! One of the Ten Elite Under the Six Paths Sage!”

The Six Paths Sage had long waged war with the Ōtsutsuki clan, giving rise to many formidable figures. Among his Ten Elite, led by Uchiha Itachi, was Kurozawa Shosei.

Kurozawa Shosei looked past Orochimaru toward Toremyo and smiled. “Yes, that’s me. I thought you’d recognized me earlier.”

He was quite famous; most people knew him.

Toremyo, trembling, forced a laugh—he had only just dared to confirm it. Deep inside, he felt a chill.

“The Ten Elite Under the Six Paths Sage—all capable of interstellar combat. Kurozawa Shosei hails from the Kurozawa clan, born with powerful soul abilities and possessing the Blood Dragon Eye, further strengthened. He’s renowned throughout the universe, said to be only slightly weaker than Uchiha Itachi! Now, by nurturing the star core with human blood and enhancing the Blood Dragon Eye, he probably rivals Itachi himself!”

Thinking of the Ten Elite’s reputation, it was truly well-earned—they were constantly becoming stronger.

Almost clashing with such a person filled him with both fear and relief.

Orochimaru stepped through the portal and vanished, Toremyo following hurriedly.

After they left, the portal closed. Kurozawa Shosei stared into the void but did not withdraw his gaze.

“A follower of Uchiha Itachi? Heh,” he murmured.

Not recognizing him immediately, only someone devoted to Itachi could explain it. He was working on something that would erupt soon, affecting all those allied with Itachi.

“Heh heh.”

...

Upon arriving at the main Uchiha star, they were conveniently teleported to the building where Uchiha Itachi resided.

As soon as Orochimaru and his companion appeared, the building’s guards immediately noticed and hurried forward.

“May I ask your business? Are you here to see Lord Itachi?” they asked respectfully.

Opening a spatial gate directly at the building’s entrance meant they were not to be trifled with; the guards were friendly and courteous to avoid offending them.

Orochimaru nodded. “I wish to see Uchiha Itachi.”

The guard asked, “Do you have an appointment?”

Many sought an audience with Itachi; no one could be admitted casually.

Orochimaru shook his head. He had no such thing.

The guard’s expression turned difficult. “Then I cannot let you in.”

His duty was to guard the gate and prevent unauthorized access.

Suddenly, Orochimaru smiled. “No need. He’s coming.”

...

At that moment, Uchiha Itachi, who had been meditating in his room, suddenly opened his eyes.

Overwhelmed with emotion, his eyes shone black with red irises.

“This presence... this presence...” he said excitedly.

It had been a thousand years since he last sensed such chakra.

Cold, sinister, yet pure and truthful...

This presence belonged to that person—the one who should never have appeared!

He looked toward the building’s entrance. His insight revealed the figure there—the very person he had been thinking of!

Without waiting to open the door, he shattered the window and flew out at top speed, meeting Orochimaru’s gaze.

A thousand words filled his heart, yet none could be spoken. He had thought Orochimaru dead for a millennium.

The guard was stunned. What kind of person could unsettle Lord Itachi so deeply that he would burst out like this? Even the Six Paths Sage had not earned such treatment.

Nervous and curious, the guard stole many glances at Orochimaru.

Toremyo was equally shocked. He had assumed Orochimaru was Itachi’s subordinate, returning to report. But what kind of subordinate would inspire such an emotional welcome?

And seeing Orochimaru’s faint smile as Itachi trembled with excitement, it felt more like the return of a master.

A bold thought suddenly crossed his mind: “Could Lord Itachi be a follower of Lord Orochimaru?”

He immediately shook his head; impossible. Itachi had always been loyal to the Six Paths Sage!

Orochimaru and Itachi locked eyes—one smiling gently, the other shaking with emotion—as the scene froze.

Suddenly, Orochimaru said, “Long time no see, Uchiha Itachi.”

Itachi suppressed his feelings and replied, “Long time no see, Lord Orochimaru.”

At first, he had hesitated to say “Lord,” but after a pause, he added it.

Those two words left the guard and Toremyo dumbfounded on the spot.