The air above Metropolis burned with tension. Itachi and Sasuke moved as phantoms across the battlefield, ANBU units weaving deadly patterns of elemental jutsu and shadow strikes. Steppenwolf, towering and relentless, cut through everything with terrifying precision.
Itachi's crimson eyes flared as he phased with Kamui, dodging a sweeping strike that crushed a block of concrete. Sweat beaded at his brow despite his calm demeanor. His chakra reserves were dwindling — even Susanoo at partial manifestation was beginning to strain him.
This is different from anything I've faced before… he thought. Steppenwolf is fast, strong, and relentless. My chakra will not last forever.
Just as he launched a fire dragon jutsu combined with wind blades to push Steppenwolf back, a thunderous roar cut through the chaos.
"Enough!"
From the skies above, figures descended like meteors: Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg — the Justice League had arrived. Their combined aura radiated power, immediately altering the dynamics of the battlefield.
Steppenwolf snarled, sensing the escalation. He roared in fury and charged, swinging his massive sword. Itachi's eyes narrowed — now he would not only fight a god-tier alien but also coordinate with the world's greatest heroes.
Itachi assessed the battlefield instantly. The League will occupy his attention, giving me openings. But I must conserve chakra. I cannot waste Susanoo fully.
He signaled Sasuke. "Coordinate attacks with the League. ANBU, flank their rear. Focus on Parademons and support where needed. Stay sharp."
Itachi phased behind Steppenwolf, delivering a Kamui-enhanced sword strike. Steppenwolf staggered slightly but was still formidable. Superman barreled forward, striking with incredible force, followed by Wonder Woman's lasso whipping around Steppenwolf's arms, restricting movement.
Itachi activated partial Susanoo, firing a barrage of elemental attacks that clipped Steppenwolf's armor. Lightning from Sasuke's Chidori combined with fire and wind techniques, forcing the alien to retreat momentarily.
Perfect, Itachi thought. This is exactly the opening I needed.
The battlefield became a chaotic symphony of power. Flash zipped in, creating afterimages to disorient Steppenwolf; Aquaman summoned tidal waves; Cyborg fired missiles enhanced by chakra-infused kunai Itachi had sent through his ANBU.
Itachi used the distraction to create a high-level illusion, targeting Steppenwolf's perception. For a brief moment, the alien hesitated — a perfect opening. Kamui phased Itachi and Sasuke behind him simultaneously, ready to strike.
But even with the League's help, Steppenwolf's raw strength pushed them back. His swings shattered concrete, and the brothers were forced to retreat multiple times to recover.
I cannot fight like this indefinitely, Itachi thought, crimson eyes scanning the battlefield. I will need to adapt. Chakra efficiency, strategic coordination, and exploiting openings… that is the only way to bring him down.
Despite the strain, Itachi remained calm. He watched as ANBU units struck from every angle, and the Justice League delivered punishing blows. Points began accumulating rapidly:
[System Notification: Parademon Eliminated — 500 points each][System Notification: Elite Lieutenant Eliminated — 5,000 points]
The combined assault gave Itachi the breathing room he needed to analyze Steppenwolf. Each strike, each movement, each guard pattern was recorded in his Sharingan. The alien was powerful, but predictable. If the League continued to occupy him, the brothers would find the critical opening.
"Sasuke," Itachi said quietly, eyes glowing. "We coordinate with the League. Focus attacks on openings I signal. We cannot overextend — conserve chakra. Steppenwolf's strength will punish the reckless."
Sasuke nodded, lightning crackling along his blade. "Understood."
The battle raged across the city, a blend of alien strength, ninja precision, and superhuman power. Itachi felt the strain in his chakra — a reminder that even he had limits — but also a thrill. With strategy, coordination, and timing, even a god-tier enemy could be pressured.
This is only the beginning, Itachi thought. Steppenwolf may be powerful, but he underestimates what happens when genius, strategy, and elite ninja precision meet alien warlord strength. And by the end of this, the system points will make me unstoppable.
The fight for Metropolis had escalated into a multi-front war — a test of strength, tactics, and coordination unlike anything Earth had ever seen.