The sky over Death City had darkened unusually early, clouds thick and roiling as if reflecting the tension building in the streets below. The academy grounds were quieter than usual, the usual hum of soul energy subdued, replaced by an uneasy anticipation that gnawed at the edge of every student's perception. Kuma and Shira walked side by side through the deserted streets leading to the outskirts of the city, Shira in her human form, eyes flicking sharply in all directions, noting the smallest shifts in shadows.
"This area… it's unstable," Shira murmured, voice low, carrying an edge of warning. "There's more than simple residual energy. Something is watching, waiting for weakness."
Kuma's hand brushed instinctively against the hilt of his weapon strap, the faint pulse of Sukuna within him vibrating subtly, urging him toward preemptive aggression. "Stay calm," he thought, silently to himself. "Control first. Precision second."
From the alleys, a disturbance emerged—a faint ripple in the energy that drew immediate attention. Dark shapes coalesced into semi-solid forms, humanoid but twisted, their presence marked by a shadowed aura of malice. These were no simple training simulations. These were rogue entities, emanating curses strong enough to disrupt the city's delicate balance of soul energy.
Maka and Soul appeared suddenly beside Kuma, flanking him instinctively. Maka's eyes narrowed. "That energy… it's strong. Not normal. Not controlled. Stay sharp."
Soul's grip tightened on his scythe, stance defensive yet ready to strike. "Yeah… this isn't a drill. They're real."
The rogue entities advanced in chaotic formation, their motions unpredictable, shifting and morphing in response to the ambient energy. Shira shifted immediately into her sword form at Kuma's signal, metal gleaming faintly in the dim light, resonating with the cursed energy and forming a subtle hum that cut through the tension in the air.
"We will coordinate," Shira whispered directly into Kuma's mind. "I guide, you execute. Do not let Sukuna control your decisions."
Kuma exhaled slowly, centering himself, then advanced. Each movement was calculated, his body a conduit for both his skill and Shira's precision. Their initial strikes were seamless, cutting through the rogue entities with uncanny speed and efficiency. Yet with every attack, Kuma felt the tug of Sukuna stronger, pressing him to act with ruthless, unchecked force.
"Kill them all… leave nothing," the voice whispered, seductive and insistent.
He resisted, gripping the sword tighter, letting Shira guide his strikes, focusing on efficiency rather than excessive destruction. The rogue entities adapted quickly, testing the limits of Kuma and Shira's coordination, pushing them to react faster than ever before.
From a rooftop, Kid and his twin pistols observed, alongside other students, forming a perimeter. "They're keeping their composure… but that energy is unstable," Kid remarked, voice tense. "Watch the Meister… that's no normal force."
The battle escalated. Shadows of the rogue entities collided with Shira's blade, sparks of energy scattering into the night. The resonance between Kuma and Shira intensified, the pulse of Sukuna flickering in response, threatening to override his control. Yet every time the dark whisper surged, Kuma forced himself to counteract it, drawing deeper upon the Weapon's guidance, their link a lifeline against the malevolent force within and around them.
Maka and Soul joined in coordinated strikes, their attacks synchronized with Kuma's, forming a triad of defensive and offensive maneuvers. Maka's scythe slashed through the air, Soul pivoted with precision, and Shira's sword cut clean arcs through the advancing shadows. Each attack was measured, each counter carefully timed, yet every successful strike sent a subtle ripple through Kuma, a reminder of the latent threat Sukuna posed.
The rogue entities intensified, coalescing into larger, more aggressive forms. One surged directly toward Kuma, its cursed energy lashing outward. Shira shifted fluidly between forms mid-air, guiding Kuma's counter with a precise mental command. The strike was intercepted, the entity's form splintering but not dissipating entirely.
Maka's voice was sharp, cutting through the tension. "Focus! Don't let them distract you!"
Soul nodded, eyes narrowing. "Yeah, stay with your Weapon!"
Sweat beaded on Kuma's brow as he executed a series of fluid strikes, each movement deliberate yet instinctual, blending guidance from Shira with the raw reflexes amplified by Sukuna. The entities began to falter, their cohesion disrupted by the precise combination of attack and defense, yet the tug of the curse remained—a subtle but persistent influence, testing his restraint.
Suddenly, a larger, malformed figure surged from the shadows, its form more defined, energy more concentrated, a clear apex of the rogue group. Kuma felt the pressure spike, Sukuna's whispering intensifying, urging decisive, devastating force. Shira's presence grounded him, her sword's pulse resonating sharply. "Control… precision… together!"
With a coordinated strike, Kuma and Shira cut through the apex entity. The force of their attack sent shockwaves across the area, dispersing the remaining rogue forms into dissipating shadows. The courtyard fell silent, the only sounds the strained breathing of the students and the hum of residual energy.
Stein appeared from the shadows, stepping forward with his characteristic calm but intimidating presence. "Remarkable," he said, voice cutting clearly through the aftermath. "You have faced real threat without succumbing to the uncontrolled influence. However," he continued, eyes piercing Kuma's, "do not underestimate the danger of what lies within you. Sukuna's presence remains a constant risk, and your restraint is the only thing standing between controlled action and catastrophe."
Shira returned to human form, standing beside Kuma, her expression a mixture of relief and pride. "You managed well… but remember, he's always there, waiting for weakness," she said quietly.
Kuma nodded, muscles tense, heart racing. The first true threat had been survived, yet the danger had been tangible, real, and a stark reminder of the delicate balance he maintained.
Maka stepped closer, her gaze softening slightly. "You did well… better than I expected. But remember, this is only the beginning. Control, restraint, teamwork—these will be tested constantly."
Soul adjusted his scythe, eyes still alert. "Yeah… and next time, it might not be something you can slice through. Don't get complacent."
Stein's gaze lingered on Kuma, evaluating every detail. "You have passed the first test of real combat. But do not mistake survival for mastery. The next challenge will test your ability to lead, to anticipate, and to resist the influence you harbor. Your Weapon's guidance is crucial, but your judgment must remain your own."
Shira placed a hand on Kuma's shoulder briefly, human form grounding him. "You are growing… but remember, we are not invincible. Control is everything."
Kuma exhaled, the tension easing slightly. He could feel the bond with Shira strengthened through this trial, their coordination refined under real-world conditions. The Sukuna presence lingered, subtle and provocative, yet he had resisted it, had acted with measured judgment. He understood now that power alone was meaningless without mastery.
As the night deepened over Death City, the academy grounds slowly returned to normalcy, students regrouping and instructors debriefing. Kuma and Shira moved toward the central halls of DWMA, their first real threat survived, but the shadow of future challenges—and the constant whisper of Sukuna—looming over every step.