The ruined streets of Metropolis trembled under the weight of destruction. Buildings were scarred by the impact of elemental jutsu, taijutsu strikes, and the sheer force of Steppenwolf's massive sword. Parademons still swarmed, but the ANBU units, moving like shadows across the battlefield, had thinned the numbers significantly.
Itachi hovered briefly, crimson eyes scanning every angle, every opening. The partially manifested Susanoo rippled behind him, a shield of immense power — but one that demanded careful conservation. Even with his chakra reserves, Steppenwolf's strength could force it to collapse if he wasn't cautious.
"ANBU, flank him from the east and west. Do not engage directly unless necessary. Sasuke, with me," Itachi commanded, his voice cold and precise.
The brothers moved like phantoms. Crows flitted ahead, scouting Steppenwolf's movements. Fireballs and water spears erupted from Susanoo's chakra projection, forcing him to parry and swing his massive sword with deadly efficiency.
He's strong… faster than I anticipated, but predictable if I bait him, Itachi calculated.
He dispersed into a body flicker, appearing behind Steppenwolf for a split second to strike with wind-chakra-infused sword slashes. Steppenwolf reacted instantly, spinning his blade, forcing Itachi to phase through Kamui mid-strike. The clash of chakra-infused steel and god-tier strength sent shockwaves across the street.
Sasuke followed with Chidori Senbon, skewering Parademons and keeping Steppenwolf on the defensive. Every strike from the brothers was calculated — precise enough to deal maximum damage while conserving chakra.
The ANBU units moved in perfect synchrony, striking from flanking positions, using elemental jutsu combinations to herd Parademons and create openings for the brothers. The streets themselves became a battlefield of fire, wind, and water — a deadly chessboard where every move was life or death.
Steppenwolf roared and swung, forcing Itachi and Sasuke to retreat. The impact shattered concrete, sending debris flying. Crimson eyes narrowed.
He's strong enough to overpower Susanoo at full power if I'm not careful. I need to force him to overextend, Itachi thought.
He raised his hand subtly, forming a series of rapid hand seals, unleashing a high-speed illusion targeting Steppenwolf's perception. The Parademons nearby froze momentarily, disoriented by the illusory duplicates of the brothers. Steppenwolf, though resilient, stumbled slightly, giving Itachi the opening he needed.
With a swift combination of Kamui phasing and fire-style Dragon Jutsu, Itachi struck at Steppenwolf's torso. The god-tier warrior blocked instinctively, but the strike forced him to retreat several steps — exactly what Itachi had calculated.
Every step, every strike, every illusion is a point in my favor. But I cannot rely solely on brute force… my chakra will not hold against him long.
Sasuke mirrored his movements, coordinating lightning-style slashes to keep Steppenwolf off balance, while Itachi deployed water spears and wind blades to restrict his movement.
The fight raged across multiple blocks, debris and fire marking the path of destruction. Despite the ANBU thinning the Parademons, Steppenwolf's sheer strength and resilience made the battle an ongoing struggle.
Itachi's mind worked at lightning speed, calculating every tactic, every energy expenditure. He knew this would be a prolonged engagement, and only by using strategy, illusions, and calculated strikes could they survive — let alone earn the points that the system promised.
Crimson eyes scanned the battlefield once more. "Sasuke," he called quietly, "we cannot hold him indefinitely. We will need to force him into a position where a single, coordinated strike can cripple him. Wait for my signal."
Sasuke nodded, eyes blazing with determination. Together, the brothers became a lethal, unstoppable tactical unit, combining genius, power, and strategy against a god-tier opponent.
The battle had only begun, and the streets of Metropolis would be the proving ground for the most dangerous ninja the world had ever seen.