After Itachi stepped forward to shield Kisame, Ulquiorra did not continue his attack.
He simply stood there with both hands in his pockets, his emerald eyes gazing indifferently at the distant Itachi, like a demonic gentleman.
Beneath the gloomy curtain of rain, Ulquiorra's bone-pale skin and the black tear tracks beneath his eyes lent him an air of melancholy.
Yet in Itachi and Kisame's eyes, it was all merely the facade of a powerful being.
After their earlier exchange, neither Kisame nor Itachi would underestimate his strength.
Those movements, so fast they were impossible to perceive, had perfectly proven just how terrifying this newcomer was!
Itachi's expression was grim. Beneath the fringe of his black hair, his crimson eyes carried an intense sense of oppression as he stared solemnly at the motionless Ulquiorra in the distance.
Facing the terrifyingly powerful Ulquiorra, the lines on his face seemed to deepen even further.
After a long silence, Itachi spoke in a somewhat hoarse voice.
"What is your name, man from Las Noches...?"
Hearing Itachi's question, Ulquiorra did not conceal it. He looked at him calmly and replied in an indifferent voice.
"Ulquiorra Cifer."
Upon hearing that name, Itachi fell briefly silent, while Kisame behind him narrowed his eyes.
Th-this guy's name... was somewhat similar to that Barragan Louisenbairn...
Were they both from the same place!?
Or rather... did this guy possess strength comparable to Barragan's!?
While Kisame carefully analyzed the information about his opponent, Itachi stared straight at Ulquiorra and asked in a hoarse voice.
"What reason would make someone as powerful as you come looking for me?"
Hearing Itachi's words, Ulquiorra still did not hide anything. His emerald eyes lightly glanced at Itachi as he answered evenly.
"I already said it before. Someone sent me to test your strength..."
At that