The streets of Metropolis shook with the force of the clash. Steppenwolf's massive sword carved destruction through buildings and streets alike, each swing threatening to crush ANBU, League members, and even the brothers themselves. The Justice League fought with everything they had — Superman's blows sending shockwaves, Wonder Woman's lasso constricting, Flash darting in and out with blinding speed — but even their combined might only managed to slow the alien warlord.
Itachi's crimson eyes glowed brighter than ever, analyzing every movement, every strike, every opening. Chakra reserves were strained to their limits — but he had no other choice. The battle had reached the point of life or death, strategy or utter failure.
He signaled Sasuke, his tone calm yet commanding: "Sasuke, ANBU, focus on crowd control. Keep him distracted. I'll end this."
Sasuke nodded, lightning crackling along his blade as he launched a synchronized flurry of Chidori strikes with his brother's fire and wind techniques, forcing Steppenwolf to block repeatedly. The alien snarled, swinging with terrifying precision, and the brothers were nearly pushed back.
Itachi exhaled slowly, then activated the fourth stage of Susanoo. The colossal ethereal warrior erupted around him — its armor glinting in the sun, energy radiating like a crimson storm. Each movement of Susanoo carved the air with elemental blades, creating fire, water, and wind-infused strikes that shredded the surrounding battlefield. Parademons were vaporized instantly, and Steppenwolf himself faltered under the overwhelming pressure.
This is it, Itachi thought. No holding back. Every ounce of strategy, every shadow, every illusion… it all comes down to this.
Itachi's eyes glowed as he formed a series of rapid hand seals, faster than anything even Sasuke could track. In his palm appeared the Totsuka Blade, shimmering with an otherworldly seal energy — a weapon capable of binding even the mightiest of foes in an eternal dream.
Steppenwolf roared, swinging his sword, but Itachi's Susanoo moved with preternatural speed, phasing partially with Kamui to evade each strike while closing the distance. Every slash of the Totsuka Blade sent out shockwaves of sealing energy, slicing through Parademons and deflecting Steppenwolf's attacks.
With perfect timing, Itachi launched the final assault:
Susanoo's massive sword strikes forced Steppenwolf to stagger.
Itachi phased through Kamui, appearing directly behind the alien warlord.
He thrust the Totsuka Blade forward, the seal energy blazing around it.
Steppenwolf swung desperately, but the sword cut through the air, piercing armor and landing directly on him. The ethereal energy of the Totsuka activated instantly, binding him in an eternal sealing barrier. He roared, struggling, but the power of the blade was absolute. The alien warlord vanished into the blade, trapped in an unending dream.
The streets went silent for a moment, broken only by the exhausted breathing of the League, ANBU, and the brothers. The Parademons faltered, leaderless, scattering into disarray.
Itachi's crimson eyes softened slightly as he retracted Susanoo. He let out a long exhale, feeling the tremendous chakra drain from using the fourth stage and the sealing technique. Even for him, this had been nearly catastrophic.
Sasuke approached, panting slightly, eyes wide. "You… you actually sealed him."
Itachi's expression remained calm, almost cold. "Yes. But this is only the first wave. There will be others. And every fight teaches us something. Every point, every kill, every battle… it builds power. Strategy and patience — that is how even god-tier enemies fall."
The system chimed softly in Itachi's mind:
[System Notification: High-Tier Enemy Defeated — Steppenwolf Sealed][System Points Earned: 50,000][Kakashi Template Progress: 50%][Special Reward: Totsuka Blade Mastery Achieved — Susanoo Efficiency Increased]
Itachi looked across the battlefield. The Justice League nodded silently at him, recognizing the sheer genius and lethality of the young Uchiha. Even their combined might had needed his intervention to subdue a god-tier threat.
This is only the beginning, Itachi thought, crimson eyes glowing. If I can handle Steppenwolf, the rest of this world… and beyond… will eventually fall in line with the system.
The Parademons were scattered. Steppenwolf was sealed. And Itachi, Sasuke, and their ANBU units had proven the terrifying efficiency of ninja strategy combined with god-tier techniques.