The first clash hit fast.
Yuji launched forward—no hesitation.
A punch aimed straight at Kechizu.
Impact—
Kechizu twisted unnaturally, the hit grazing instead of landing clean.
Nobara moved in from the side.
Hammer ready.
Megumi's shadows spread across the ground.
Takeru stepped forward—
calm.
focused.
"…We end this quickly."
He moved.
Fast.
His fist pulled back—
perfect timing—
perfect spacing—
Black Flash—
Nothing.
The punch landed—
but normal.
No distortion.
No crack in space.
Takeru's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Again."
He stepped in—
hand raised—
"…Cleave."
Nothing.
No slash.
No split.
The air stayed still.
A pause.
Takeru's expression didn't change—
but something shifted.
"…Domain Expansion."
His voice was steady.
"…Malevolent Shrine."
Silence.
Nothing happened.
No domain.
No shift.
No pressure.
Yuji glanced over mid-fight.
"…Takeru—?"
Takeru tried again—
faster this time—
"…Infinite Void."
Nothing.
Megumi froze for half a second.
"…That's not possible."
Takeru's eyes sharpened.
"…Mahoraga."
Nothing.
Not even a flicker.
Nobara stepped back slightly.
"…Okay, that's bad."
Takeru raised his hand again.
"…Divine Dogs."
Nothing.
No shadows.
No summons.
Just… empty air.
Silence.
Even Eso paused slightly.
Watching.
Kechizu twitched.
"…What… happened…"
Yuji backed up slightly toward Takeru.
"…Dude… what's going on?"
Takeru didn't answer immediately.
He looked at his hand.
Opened it.
Closed it.
Nothing.
No flow.
No presence.
Just—
Empty.
Then he said it.
Quietly.
"…Am I out of…"
A pause.
"…Cursed Energy?"
Silence hit harder than any attack.
Megumi's eyes widened slightly.
"…That doesn't just happen."
Nobara tightened her grip.
"…Yeah, that's not a thing."
Hakari wasn't here.
Gojo wasn't here.
Just them.
Yuji stepped forward.
Putting himself slightly in front.
"…Then don't use it."
Takeru looked up.
Yuji clenched his fists.
"…We'll fight anyway."
Eso smiled wider.
"…Interesting…"
Kechizu's body shook.
"…Break… them…"
Megumi stepped forward.
Shadows ready.
"…We adjust."
Nobara smirked slightly.
"…Guess we're carrying for a bit."
Takeru lowered his hand slowly.
No panic.
Just realization.
"…Understood."
No cursed techniques.
No backup.
No safety net.
Just raw fighting.
And the enemies were already moving again.