The sky above Death City had darkened to a bruised, ominous hue, clouds swirling with latent cursed energy. The plaza, already shattered from prior clashes, trembled under the pressure of Sukuna's overwhelming presence. Kuma stood at the epicenter, Shira at his side, alternating fluidly between human and weapon forms. The pulse of Sukuna surged violently within him, a relentless tide of malevolent power urging domination, destruction, surrender to raw instinct. Today, the duel had reached a pivotal moment, where mastery, strategy, and sheer will would determine life or death.
Shira's voice rang sharp and steady through the oppressive tension. "Kuma… this is the turning point. Every strike, every movement, every breath must be precise. Sukuna will probe for hesitation, exploit weakness, tempt the dark within. Precision and control are the only way forward."
Kuma tightened his grip on Shira, feeling her resonance stabilize his mind. Control first. Precision first. Strategy first. He exhaled slowly, centering himself. "We act as one."
Sukuna manifested fully, shadows writhing around him like living extensions of his will, each movement bending space, each glance carrying lethal intent. The oppressive force pressed against Kuma's consciousness, testing discipline, instinct, and will.
The DWMA team formed a strategic perimeter, civilians evacuated. Maka's gaze was sharp, her voice cutting through tension. "Kuma… control, strategy, precision. Don't let him infiltrate your mind."
Soul adjusted his scythe, voice taut. "He's testing your limits. Don't let him crack your focus."
Shira shifted into blade form, resonating with deadly energy. "Every strike, every block, every movement is critical. Sukuna will push toward destruction—but control, coordination, and precision are your weapons."
The clash erupted with catastrophic force. Sukuna's attacks were blindingly fast, probing Kuma's defenses, baiting him to succumb to the inner whisper. Shadows coiled into monstrous forms, arcs of energy collided with steel, and the ground fractured beneath every impact. Shira alternated between human and weapon forms, guiding Kuma: "Anticipate! Redirect! Strike only when the opening is absolute!"
The inner voice surged with seductive insistence: "Destroy! All must fall! Unleash your fury!"
Kuma resisted, grounding himself through Shira's presence. No. Control first. Precision first. Team first. Every strike, block, and maneuver became a precise calculation, balancing instinct with intellect, raw power with discipline.
The duel escalated into a maelstrom of chaos. Sukuna's attacks were multi-directional, unpredictable yet meticulously calculated, forcing Kuma to react with near-inhuman reflexes. Shira leapt to a ruined rooftop 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 aimed at allies, Kid's gunfire created tactical suppression, rear guard maintained coverage.
Sukuna unleashed a colossal surge of cursed energy, threatening to obliterate the plaza entirely. The inner voice roared: "All or nothing! Strike! Crush all in your path!"
Kuma inhaled sharply, centering through Shira's guidance. Control. Precision. Strategy. He channeled the destructive wave 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 the assault, moving with supernatural speed, attacks chaotic yet intelligently adaptive, testing Kuma's physical and mental limits. Shadows warped, energy arcs bent reality, every strike a trial of endurance and mastery.
Stein's voice cut across the battlefield. "Kuma! Discipline, coordination, control! Every choice now dictates survival!"
Finally, Kuma perceived a subtle flaw in Sukuna's barrage, a tiny opening invisible to all but the most disciplined. He signaled Shira. "Now!" She shifted into blade form, resonating with concentrated energy. Kuma moved, every action synchronized with Shira and DWMA. The strike landed with devastating precision, forcing Sukuna backward, the first clear breach in his defenses.
Sukuna roared, a mixture of fury and intrigued acknowledgment. "Impressive… but this is only the beginning."
The plaza fell into tense silence, heavy with the weight of battle. Sukuna's presence lingered, an oppressive shadow pressing against Kuma's mind, reminding him the ultimate trial—the decisive confrontation—was ongoing.
Shira returned to human form, placing a 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 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 still. Stay sharp, Kuma."
As the city settled into uneasy calm, Kuma and Shira moved side by side through the ruins. 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 survival—or annihilation.