The battlefield trembled with the aftermath of Yuka's duel with Dabura. Streets were shattered, buildings leaned at precarious angles, and the air shimmered with Mul-infused energy, residual cursed energy, and the echoes of Mahoraga's immense power.
Yuka hovered slightly above the cracked asphalt, Mahoraga partially fused with her, energy radiating violently but controlled. Her arms trembled from exertion, sweat streaking her face, yet her eyes remained sharp, unwavering.
Beside her, Tsurugi gritted his teeth. He had been observing Dabura's movements, noting the fluctuations, the subtle distortions in space, and the pulses of Mul energy that hinted at hidden attacks. He knew he had to act, but not recklessly. The balance of the battlefield rested on precise coordination.
"Yuka… you're pushing too far," he murmured, voice low but firm. "If you collapse, we all fall."
"I'm fine," she panted. "Just… keep the perimeter secure. And Yutsumi… be ready."
Yutsumi's Adaptive Perfect Copy flared faintly. He was analyzing Dabura, Mahoraga, and Yuka simultaneously, predicting energy flows and preparing to intervene at the exact moment of instability. But he knew something had shifted—Tsurugi's own energy was reaching a critical threshold, ready to evolve.
Tsurugi closed his eyes, calling upon Rika, his shikigami, linking his cursed energy with hers. A wave of golden-red energy surged outward as the fusion completed. His body glowed faintly, armored in a spectral aura, and his sword thrummed with amplified cursed energy.
Yuka's eyes widened. "Tsurugi… is that…?"
"Yes," he said, voice steady despite the intensity of the surge. "Rika and I… we're in sync. We can stabilize the battlefield, support you, and counter Dabura's distortions more effectively."
Mahoraga pulsed beside Yuka, sensing the energy change. Yutsumi's adaptive energy responded immediately, integrating Tsurugi's fusion into the triad of coordinated power. The three of them—Yuka, Tsurugi, and Yutsumi—now radiated a combined aura capable of countering even Dabura's overwhelming force.
Dabura hissed, claws slashing through the air as he warped space around them. "So… the humans combine powers. Interesting… but not enough!"
Tsurugi moved forward, energy flowing along his blade like molten light. He sliced through distortions in space with precise arcs, creating corridors of stability for Yuka and Mahoraga to maneuver. "Stay focused! Maintain control!"
Yuka adjusted, pulsing energy in harmony with Tsurugi's stabilization and Yutsumi's adaptive flow. Mahoraga lunged with a controlled strike, energy arcs deflecting Dabura's residual attacks harmlessly into the ruins.
The fusion allowed Tsurugi to manipulate not just his own energy, but the surrounding area. He formed precise wards and buffers, temporarily neutralizing distortions while directing Yuka's offensive with surgical accuracy.
Dabura growled, sensing the synchronized triad. "How… how do you resist me?!"
Yuka's voice rang out, determined and fierce. "Because we're not resisting! We're harmonizing! We're controlling our power, and we're not alone!"
Her declaration sent a shockwave through Mahoraga, amplifying the energy and stabilizing her form further. The synchronization was near perfect, a testament to training, trust, and the invisible thread of protection that bound the siblings together.
Tsurugi's eyes met Yuka's. "We're ready… let's push him back—together!"
Yutsumi nodded, adaptive energy flaring brighter. "I've got you both. Let's end this phase!"
The three surged forward, a coordinated wave of cursed energy, martial precision, and adaptive harmonization. Dabura countered, claws slicing the air, but the combined triad was overwhelming.
For the first time, Dabura was forced onto the defensive. Each strike he launched was met with precise counters, energy harmonized to neutralize destruction and stabilize the battlefield. He hissed, claws retracting slightly, calculating, realizing that the humans—Yuka, Tsurugi, and Yutsumi—were no ordinary opponents.
The duel had evolved. No longer was it Yuka versus Dabura alone. It was a synchronized, adaptive triad, combining human ingenuity, cursed mastery, and a bond that transcended ordinary limits.
The city, scarred and trembling, bore witness to a rare harmony amidst chaos.
Yuka's voice rang out, firm and unwavering: "We are the Okkotsu siblings! And we will not falter!"