The ruins of Death City trembled under the weight of unleashed cursed energy, a storm of malevolence that warped the very air. Kuma stood at the center of the shattered plaza, Shira at his side, shifting fluidly between human and weapon forms. The pulse of Sukuna within him roared, a relentless tide of power and malice whispering commands, urging domination, destruction, the surrender to raw instinct. Today was the critical juncture—the moment where mastery, strategy, and sheer will would collide in a life-or-death duel.
Shira's voice was precise, unwavering, cutting through the oppressive tension. "Kuma… this is the pivotal moment. Every strike, every movement, every breath must be calculated. He will probe for hesitation, exploit weakness, and tempt the dark within. Focus is survival."
Kuma tightened his grip on Shira, feeling the resonance of her energy as a stabilizing anchor against the torrent of Sukuna's influence. Control first. Precision first. Strategy first. The voice inside surged with seductive insistence: "All must kneel! Unleash! Dominate!"
He exhaled deliberately, centering his mind. "We act as one."
Sukuna manifested fully, his form radiating cursed power, shadows extending like living appendages that rippled through space. Each movement bent reality, each glance was a blade aimed at Kuma's resolve. The oppressive force pressed against his mind, a constant test of discipline, instinct, and resolve.
The DWMA team established a strategic perimeter, civilians evacuated, but the duel belonged solely to Kuma. Maka's gaze was sharp: "Kuma… remember. Control, strategy, precision. Don't let him infiltrate your mind."
Soul's voice was tense. "Yeah… this is all you now. He's trying to crack your focus. Stay sharp."
Shira shifted to sword form, humming with deadly resonance. "Every strike, every parry, every movement is critical. Sukuna will push toward destruction—but control and precision are your weapons."
The duel erupted immediately. Sukuna's attacks were lightning-fast, probing every weakness, baiting Kuma into succumbing to the inner whisper. Shadows twisted into monstrous appendages, energy arcs collided with steel, the ground fracturing beneath every clash. Shira alternated between human and weapon forms, directing Kuma: "Anticipate! Counter! Strike only when the opening is certain!"
Sukuna's whispers surged, sharp and insistent: "Destroy. All must fall. Unleash the fury within!"
Kuma resisted, grounding himself through Shira's presence. No. Control first. Precision first. Team first. Each strike, block, and movement became a precise maneuver, balancing instinct with intellect, raw power with measured discipline.
The battle escalated into chaos. Sukuna's attacks became multi-directional, unpredictable, yet calculated, forcing Kuma to move with inhuman reflexes. Shira leapt to rooftops in human form, issuing rapid guidance, synchronizing the team's actions. Maka's scythe arcs flowed seamlessly with Kuma's blade, Soul intercepted lethal attacks, Kid's gunfire formed a suppressive network, rear guard maintained flanking coverage.
Sukuna unleashed a colossal wave of cursed energy, a force capable of annihilating the plaza. The inner voice roared: "All or nothing! Strike! Crush all in your path!"
Kuma inhaled sharply, centering with Shira's guidance. Control. Precision. Strategy. He channeled the destructive wave into controlled counters, dismantling it incrementally, Shira's blade guiding each strike. Maka, Soul, and Kid harmonized perfectly, creating a seamless offensive.
Sukuna intensified the duel, moving with blinding speed, attacks growing chaotic yet intelligent, testing Kuma's mental and physical limits. Shadows warped, energy arcs bent reality, every strike a test of mastery and endurance.
Stein's voice rang across the battlefield: "Kuma! Discipline, coordination, control! Every choice now dictates survival!"
Finally, Kuma perceived a subtle flaw in Sukuna's assault—a minuscule opening invisible to all but the most disciplined. He signaled Shira. "Now!" She shifted into blade form, metal resonating with latent power. Kuma moved, every motion synchronized with Shira and DWMA. The strike connected with Sukuna's defense, devastating, forcing him back.
Sukuna roared, a mixture of fury and intrigued acknowledgment. "Impressive… but this is only the beginning."
The plaza fell silent, tension heavy, Sukuna's presence lingering, a shadow pressing against Kuma's mind, reminding him the ultimate test had only begun.
Shira returned to human form, placing a steadying hand on Kuma's shoulder. "You endured the first wave… but every choice now carries weight. Sukuna watches. Be ready."
Kuma exhaled, muscles taut, mind sharpened. The duel had tested skill, coordination, and team cohesion. Sukuna's influence remained insidious, persistent, a shadow tethered to his consciousness.
Maka nodded in acknowledgment. "You've demonstrated strength, leadership, and control. But the path ahead demands even greater mastery. Sukuna's shadow grows with every challenge."
Soul adjusted his scythe. "Yeah… the real fight isn't over. He's just testing you. Stay sharp, Kuma."
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 against godlike power. Sukuna's presence lingered, ominous, a reminder that the ultimate life-or-death confrontation awaited, where every decision, every movement, every strike could mean life—or annihilation.