The sky above Death City darkened unnaturally, a storm of cursed energy swirling like an omen of devastation. Kuma stood at the heart of the ruined plaza, Shira beside him, shifting fluidly between human and weapon form. Sukuna's presence within him pulsed violently, a relentless force whispering commands sharper than any blade, urging domination, destruction, surrender to instinct. Today, the duel reached its apex—the ultimate confrontation where strategy, power, and will would collide.
Shira's voice was steady, piercing the oppressive tension. "Kuma… now is the test of all tests. Every movement, every strike, every breath must be perfect. He will exploit hesitation, push you, tempt the dark within. We cannot falter."
Kuma gripped Shira's hilt, feeling the resonance of her energy, the tether to his sanity. Control first. Precision first. Strategy first. The voice inside surged, insistent: "All must kneel! Unleash! Show your supremacy!"
He exhaled slowly, centering himself. "We act as one."
Sukuna emerged, his form radiant with malice, shadows and cursed energy coiling around him like living extensions of his will. Every step bent the air, every glance carried lethal intent. Kuma could feel the oppressive force pressing against his mind, testing his discipline, his instinct, his resolve.
The DWMA team assumed their strategic positions, forming a perimeter to protect civilians and provide tactical support, yet aware the duel's heart belonged solely to Kuma. Maka's voice was sharp: "Kuma… remember everything. Control, precision, strategy. Do not let him dominate your mind."
Soul's voice was taut with tension. "Yeah… he's testing your limits. Don't give him even a crack to enter your head."
Shira shifted into blade form, resonating with deadly energy. "Focus. Every strike, every movement, every decision is critical. Sukuna will tempt destruction—but precision, control, and coordination are your weapons."
The first exchange erupted instantly. Sukuna's attacks were lightning-fast, each strike probing Kuma's weaknesses, seeking to exploit hesitation, tempting surrender to the dark whisper. Shadows twisted into monstrous appendages, energy arcs clashed against steel, the ground fractured beneath their feet. Shira alternated between human and weapon forms, guiding Kuma: "Observe! Redirect! Strike only when the opening is absolute!"
The whispers surged, insistent and seductive: "Destroy! All must fall! Unleash the fury within!"
Kuma forced his jaw to unclench, resisting. No. Control first. Precision first. Team first. Every strike, every block, every step became a calculated maneuver, balancing instinct with intellect, power with restraint.
The battle escalated rapidly. Sukuna's movements became multi-directional, unpredictable, yet calculating, forcing Kuma to act with near-inhuman reflexes. Shira leapt atop rooftops in human form, observing and issuing rapid commands, coordinating the team's actions. Maka's scythe arcs flowed perfectly with Kuma's blade, Soul intercepted lethal attacks, Kid's gunfire created suppressive grids, rear guards maintained flanking coverage.
Sukuna unleashed a colossal wave of cursed energy, threatening to annihilate the plaza. The inner voice roared: "All or nothing! Strike! Crush all in your path!"
Kuma inhaled sharply, centering himself with Shira's guidance. Control. Precision. Strategy. He channeled the destructive wave into precise counters, dismantling it piece by piece while Shira's blade directed each strike. Maka, Soul, and Kid harmonized perfectly, creating a seamless counter-offensive.
The apex moment arrived. Sukuna flickered with supernatural speed, attacks more chaotic yet intelligent, pressing Kuma to make instantaneous life-or-death decisions. Shadows twisted, cursed energy warped space, and every strike was a test of mastery, endurance, and coordination.
Stein's voice rang across the battlefield: "Kuma! Discipline, coordination, control! Every choice now dictates survival!"
Finally, Kuma detected a subtle flaw in Sukuna's assault. He signaled Shira. "Now!" She shifted into blade form, resonating with latent power. Kuma moved, his actions perfectly synchronized with Shira and the DWMA team. The strike connected with Sukuna's defense, a precise, devastating impact that forced the King of Curses backward.
Sukuna roared, a sound of both fury and intrigued acknowledgment. He evaluated Kuma with a piercing gaze. "Impressive… but this is only the beginning."
The plaza fell silent, heavy with tension. Sukuna's presence lingered, a shadow pressing against Kuma's consciousness, reminding him that the ultimate test—the final duel—had only just begun.
Shira returned to human form, placing a hand on Kuma's shoulder. "You endured the first wave… but every decision now carries weight. Sukuna watches. Be ready."
Kuma exhaled, muscles taut, mind sharpened. The duel had tested his skill, coordination with Shira, and the team's cohesion. Sukuna's influence remained, persistent, insidious.
Maka approached, nodding in acknowledgment. "You've proven strength, leadership, and control. But the path ahead will demand even greater mastery. Sukuna's shadow grows with every challenge."
Soul adjusted his scythe. "Yeah… the real fight is just starting. Stay sharp, Kuma. He isn't done."
As the city settled into uneasy calm, Kuma and Shira moved side by side through the devastated plaza. The DWMA team had survived a duel with a godlike force. Sukuna's presence lingered—a constant, ominous reminder that the ultimate life-or-death confrontation with the King of Curses awaited.