The ruins of Death City seemed suspended in a heavy, unnatural silence, as if the very air had been compressed by the overwhelming weight of cursed energy. Kuma stood at the center of the shattered plaza, Shira at his side, fluidly alternating between human and weapon forms. The pulse of Sukuna surged violently within him, a relentless tide of malevolent power urging domination, destruction, and surrender to instinct. Today, the duel had reached its apex, the point where mastery, strategy, and raw will would determine survival.
Shira's voice cut through the oppressive tension, precise and unwavering. "Kuma… this is the pinnacle. Every strike, every movement, every breath must be calculated. He will probe for hesitation, exploit weakness, and tempt the dark within. Precision and control are the only weapons that will keep us alive."
Kuma tightened his grip on Shira, feeling the resonance of her energy anchoring him against the surging force of Sukuna. Control first. Precision first. Strategy first. He exhaled slowly, centering his mind. "We act as one."
Sukuna manifested fully, his form radiant with cursed power. Shadows twisted and writhed around him like living extensions of his will, each movement bending space, each glance carrying lethal intent. The oppressive force pressed on Kuma's mind, a constant test of discipline, instinct, and resolve.
The DWMA team assumed a strategic perimeter. Maka's gaze was sharp, her voice cutting through the tension. "Kuma… remember everything. Control, strategy, precision. Don't let him infiltrate your mind."
Soul adjusted his scythe, voice tense. "Yeah… he's testing your limits. Stay focused."
Shira shifted into blade form, metal humming with latent energy. "Every strike, every movement, every decision is critical. Sukuna will push toward destruction—but control, coordination, and precision are your weapons."
The clash erupted instantly. Sukuna's attacks were blindingly fast, probing Kuma's defenses, baiting him to surrender to the dark whisper. Shadows twisted into monstrous appendages, energy arcs collided with steel, the ground fracturing beneath every impact. Shira alternated between human and weapon forms, guiding Kuma with sharp precision: "Anticipate! Counter! Strike only when the opening is absolute!"
The inner voice surged, insistent and seductive: "Destroy! All must fall! Unleash your fury!"
Kuma forced himself to resist. No. Control first. Precision first. Team first. Every strike, block, and maneuver became a precise calculation, balancing instinct with intellect, raw power with disciplined strategy.
The duel escalated to chaotic intensity. Sukuna's attacks became multi-directional, unpredictable, yet calculated, forcing Kuma to act with reflexes beyond normal human limits. 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 strikes aimed at allies, Kid's gunfire created suppressive networks, rear guard maintained tactical coverage.
Sukuna unleashed a colossal surge of cursed energy, threatening to annihilate the plaza entirely. 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 surge into precise counters, dismantling it piece by piece, Shira's blade guiding each strike. Maka, Soul, and Kid harmonized perfectly, creating a seamless, combined offensive.
Sukuna intensified his assault, moving with inhuman speed, attacks chaotic yet intelligent, testing Kuma's physical and mental limits. Shadows warped, energy arcs bent reality, every strike a trial of endurance and mastery.
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 barrage, a minute opening invisible to all but the most disciplined. He signaled Shira. "Now!" She shifted into blade form, resonating with concentrated energy. Kuma moved, each action perfectly synchronized with Shira and the DWMA team. The strike landed with devastating precision, forcing Sukuna to stagger backward, the first clear breach in his defenses.
Sukuna roared, a mix of fury and intrigued acknowledgment. "Impressive… but this is only the beginning."
The plaza fell into tense, heavy silence. Sukuna's presence lingered, a shadow pressing against Kuma's mind, a reminder that the ultimate test—the decisive duel—was still ongoing.
Shira returned to human form, placing a steadying hand on Kuma's shoulder. "You survived the first wave… but every choice now carries weight. Sukuna watches. Be ready for the next stage."
Kuma exhaled, muscles taut, mind sharpened. The duel had tested his skill, coordination with Shira, and the team's cohesion. Sukuna's influence remained insidious, tethered to his consciousness.
Maka nodded. "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 an unprecedented duel against godlike power, yet Sukuna's presence lingered, a constant, ominous reminder that the ultimate, life-or-death confrontation awaited, where every decision, every movement, every strike could mean life—or annihilation.