Black fractures spread across the battlefield like cracks in reality itself. Buildings split apart silently as Astra stands at the center of the ruined city, one hand raised while thin black lines stretch endlessly through the air.
Across from him, Ryomen Sukuna watches carefully now, smile gone.
For the first time—
He's cautious.
Astra takes one step forward.
Instantly, a black fracture activates beneath Sukuna's feet.
A deep slash tears across Sukuna's arm.
Blood scatters.
Sukuna's eyes narrow.
No visible attack.
No motion.
Just movement itself being punished.
"…So that's your real technique," Sukuna mutters.
The fractures spread further. Every direction. Every surface. Every possible movement path becoming part of Astra's territory.
Astra's voice remains calm.
"You adapt quickly."
Sukuna slowly grins again despite the blood dripping from his arm. "…And you're finally becoming interesting."
Then—
The ground beneath Sukuna explodes.
He vanishes.
Astra's eyes sharpen instantly as Sukuna appears directly above him, cursed energy erupting violently around his body. Multiple compressed slashes overlap into one massive strike aimed downward.
Astra raises his hand.
Black fractures surge upward to intercept—
Impact.
The city shakes.
A deafening rupture tears through the colony as black fractures and invisible slashes collide violently against each other. Buildings collapse instantly beneath the pressure while the street caves inward.
Then Sukuna smiles wildly.
"…Let's leave the weaklings behind."
The compressed slashes detonate outward.
Astra's eyes widen slightly.
The explosion launches both of them across the colony like meteors, tearing through skyscrapers and barriers alike before disappearing into the distant cityscape.
Silence.
The battlefield becomes still.
Smoke drifts slowly through ruined streets.
Collapsed debris burns quietly beneath the rain.
Then—
Mirai coughs violently, forcing herself up slightly with trembling arms. Blood runs down the side of her face as her vision struggles to focus.
"…Gone…"
Nearby, Izuku Midoriya slowly pushes himself against broken rubble, breathing unevenly.
"…What… was that…"
A few meters away, Maki remains unconscious while Aoi Todo barely manages to sit upright, staring toward the destroyed skyline.
"…Monsters…"
Then—
Four presences appear.
Heavy.
Cold.
Mirai's eyes widen immediately.
Four figures stand atop the ruined street ahead.
Not rushing.
Not threatening.
Just watching.
The pressure pouring from them alone makes the air feel heavier.
One steps forward.
Tall. Black uniform. Hands in pockets. Calm eyes lacking any emotion.
"…So these are the survivors Vice-Captain Astra left behind."
Another laughs softly from behind him. "Pathetic. I expected more."
Midoriya's instincts scream instantly.
Danger.
Real danger.
The third general glances toward the destroyed skyline where Sukuna and Astra vanished. "…Even from here… that battle is absurd."
The fourth says nothing.
But the cursed energy around him alone cracks the ground beneath his feet.
Mirai grits her teeth, forcing herself upright despite her injuries.
"…Who are you…"
The first general looks down at her calmly.
"We are the Four Generals of Night Sky."
A pause.
Then a faint smile forms on his face.
"And you…"
The pressure around the generals intensifies.
"…are obstacles."
Mirai and Midoriya barely standing before the four generals while behind them the ruined battlefield stretches endlessly beneath the rain.
Elsewhere—
Sukuna and Astra's battle continues far beyond the colony.
The war has now split into multiple fronts.