As Sukuna in Invincible-Chapter 29: She... How?

This chapter is updat𝓮d by freēnovelkiss.com.

"This is ridiculous," Rex Splode muttered, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall of the GDA's largest conference room.

"We're preparing for an alien invasion, and Stedman wants us to play trust falls and share our feelings?"

Kate – currently in triplicate – rolled her eyes at him from across the room where she was helping arrange chairs in a circle. "Would it kill you to be a team player for once?"

"It might," Rex shot back. "I'm allergic to forced bonding activities."

Megumi observed the exchange silently from his position near the doorway.

The entire Teen Team and the Guardians of the Globe had been summoned for what Cecil termed a "mandatory team integration exercise" – a concept that clearly appealed to some more than others.

The Immortal stood talking quietly with War Woman and Darkwing, his eyes occasionally sweeping the room with the practiced assessment of someone who had led teams across centuries.

Green Ghost and Martian Man were examining the refreshment table, while Red Rush zipped around the room, seemingly unable to stay still for more than a few seconds.

"This is so awkward," Mark whispered, sidling up next to Megumi. "Dad's been avoiding the Guardians since his big confession. Now they're all stuck in the same room together."

Indeed, Nolan Grayson stood somewhat apart from the others, his imposing figure drawing occasional wary glances from the heroes he had once planned to eliminate.

The tension was palpable, despite the weeks that had passed since his revelation about the Viltrumite threat.

"Cecil knows what he's doing," Megumi replied quietly. "If we're going to defend Earth effectively, the teams need to function as a cohesive unit."

After all, I was done in the very same way - the working together of the strong to defeat the Strongest.

Mark sighed. "Yeah, I get that. But couldn't we just, I don't know, fight some bad guys together? That's how teams bond in the movies."

"Life isn't a movie, Mark," Megumi said, his tone dry but not unkind. "Unfortunately."

The door opened and Cecil Stedman entered, followed by a young man Megumi recognized as Robot.

"Thank you all for coming," Cecil began, moving to the center of the room.

"I know some of you have reservations about this exercise, but our research indicates that team cohesion is directly correlated with operational effectiveness."

"We get it, Cecil," The Immortal said, his ancient voice carrying easily across the room. "Skip the sales pitch and tell us what we're doing here."

Cecil adjusted his glasses, unperturbed by the interruption. "Today's activities will focus on three key areas: communication, trust, and knowledge integration.

You'll be working in mixed teams – members from both the Guardians and the Teen Team together – to complete a series of challenges."

A collective groan rose from several participants, Rex's being the loudest.

"Participation is mandatory," Cecil continued, his tone making it clear this wasn't negotiable. "And yes, Mr. Splode, that includes you."

Eve, who had been quietly conversing with Shrinking Rae near the windows, caught Megumi's eye and offered a small smile.

He acknowledged it with a slight nod, aware of the intense focus in her gaze even at this distance.

Her fixation had only grown in recent weeks, becoming increasingly difficult to manage without directly addressing it.

"The first exercise," Cecil announced, "is simple information exchange. You'll pair up – one Guardian with one Teen Team member –

and spend fifteen minutes learning about each other's abilities, backgrounds, and tactical approaches."

He began reading off assigned pairs from a tablet. "The Immortal and Rex Splode. War Woman and Atom Eve. Darkwing and Robot.

Green Ghost and Shrinking Rae. Martian Man and Dupli-Kate. Red Rush and Invincible." He paused, looking up. "And Omni-Man and Sukuna."

The room fell silent as the implications of the last pairing registered. Pairing Nolan with Megumi was either a stroke of strategic brilliance or a potential disaster, depending on one's perspective.

The two most powerful individuals present, both with complex histories and agendas, forced to directly engage with each other.

Well, in a sense. Since they have at least been able to communicate decently since the battle. It is still sometimes awkward.

"You have designated areas around the facility," Cecil continued, seemingly oblivious to the tension. "Locations are on your communicators. You have fifteen minutes, starting now."

As the pairs reluctantly dispersed, Nolan approached Megumi with measured steps. "It seems we're partners for this... exercise," he said, his tone neutral but his eyes watchful.

"So it seems," Megumi replied, equally measured. "Shall we?"

They made their way to a small conference room on the east side of the facility, neither speaking until the door closed behind them.

"I suspect this pairing wasn't random," Nolan said, taking a seat at the small table.

Megumi remained standing, preferring the tactical advantage of mobility. "Cecil doesn't do random. He's testing our dynamic."

"Or ensuring we have an opportunity to align our stories before presenting them to the larger group," Nolan suggested. "We haven't spoken privately since our return from the Flaxan dimension."

"We haven't needed to," Megumi said. "Our arrangement has been clear."

Nolan studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Has it? I sometimes wonder if we truly understand each other, Sukuna."

The use of his hero name rather than his civilian identity was deliberate – a subtle reminder of the public persona they both maintained.

"Understanding isn't necessary for cooperation," Megumi replied. "Only aligned interests."

"And are our interests still aligned?" Nolan asked, leaning forward slightly. "You've integrated yourself remarkably well into Earth's defense network.

The Guardians respect your abilities, the Teen Team follows your tactical guidance, and my son considers you his closest confidant."

The observation carried a hint of accusation, or perhaps concern. It was difficult to tell with Nolan.

"Is that a problem?" Megumi asked directly.

Nolan's lips curved in a slight smile. "Not at all. In fact, it's impressive. In a few short months, you've positioned yourself as indispensable. A valuable skill."

"You would know," Megumi countered. "You spent twenty years doing the same."

A moment of silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken implications.

"We should probably discuss our abilities," Nolan said finally, changing the subject. "For the exercise."

Megumi nodded, accepting the shift. "What would you like to know that you haven't already observed?"

"The limits of your energy manipulation," Nolan replied without hesitation.

"In the Flaxan dimension, you demonstrated capabilities beyond what you've shown the teams here. I'm curious about the discrepancy."

"Strategic reserve," Megumi said simply. "I never show everything I'm capable of. I imagine you follow a similar approach."

Nolan inclined his head, acknowledging the point. "Wise. Though it raises the question of what else you might be concealing."

"We all have our secrets," Megumi replied. "Even from allies."

"Indeed." Nolan's gaze was penetrating. "Though secrets between allies can become... problematic when lives are at stake."

Megumi met his gaze steadily. "Then perhaps we should address the most relevant one. Have you received any communication from Viltrum since our return?"

The question was direct, perhaps even dangerous, but necessary.

If the Viltrumite Empire had already detected Nolan's defection, their timeline for preparation would need to accelerate dramatically.

"No," Nolan answered after a moment. "But that doesn't mean they aren't aware of my changed status. Communication across such distances isn't instantaneous, even for Viltrumites."

"How much time do we really have?" Megumi pressed.

Nolan's expression grew grim. "Less than I initially estimated. Three months, perhaps four. No more than that."

"The quantum destabilizer won't be ready in that timeframe," Megumi noted. "Eve and Rae have made progress, but the targeting system remains problematic."

"Then we need alternatives," Nolan said. "Other weapons, other strategies."

Megumi nodded. "I'm working on several. Including one that might interest you particularly."

Nolan raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Mahoraga's study of Viltrumite physiology has yielded some unexpected insights," Megumi explained.

"The 'smart atoms' that give your species its durability might be replicable through certain applications of cursed energy."

Nolan's interest was immediately apparent. "You believe you can grant Viltrumite-like durability to others?"

"Not exactly," Megumi clarified. "But I might be able to develop techniques that mimic certain aspects of it. Enough to give our defenders a fighting chance against your people."

"Fascinating," Nolan murmured. "Though I wonder why you haven't shared this possibility with Cecil or the others."

"It's theoretical," Megumi replied. "And as you noted, some secrets are best kept until they're no longer theoretical."

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Cecil entered without waiting for a response, his expression carefully neutral.

"Time's up," he announced. "Everyone is reconvening in the main conference room for the next phase."

As they followed Cecil back, Nolan spoke quietly enough that only Megumi could hear. "This conversation isn't finished."

"I didn't expect it to be," Megumi replied.

'He's still choosing a more formal tone compared to before the confrontation. Still attempting to maintain distance from one you don't fully trust I see,' Sukuna thought to himself.

The main conference room had been rearranged during their absence. The chairs now formed a complete circle, and a holographic projector had been set up in the center.

"Take your seats, please," Cecil instructed as the pairs filtered back in. "For this next exercise, each pair will present what they've learned about their partner to the group."

Rex groaned audibly. "Seriously? We're doing show and tell now?"

"Consider it tactical information sharing," Cecil replied smoothly. "In a crisis situation, knowing your allies' capabilities could mean the difference between success and failure."

The presentations began with The Immortal and Rex, an unlikely pairing that had clearly spent most of their fifteen minutes in barely civil disagreement.

Their presentation was terse, focusing on basic ability descriptions without any personal insights.

War Woman and Eve followed, their rapport noticeably warmer.

Eve spoke enthusiastically about War Woman's centuries of combat experience and her collection of mystical weapons, while War Woman praised Eve's molecular manipulation abilities and scientific mind.

As the presentations continued, Megumi observed the group dynamics with interest.

Despite the initial reluctance, information was being exchanged, connections were forming, and the tension in the room was gradually easing.

Cecil's strategy, though heavy-handed, was proving effective.

When it came time for Nolan and Megumi to present, the room fell silent again, all eyes turning to the two most powerful individuals present.

Nolan spoke first, his deep voice carrying easily. "Sukuna possesses energy manipulation abilities unlike anything I've encountered in my centuries of experience.

His primary techniques – Dismantle and Cleave – can cut through virtually any material, including Viltrumite flesh."

He continued with a clinical assessment of Megumi's demonstrated capabilities, careful to mention only what had been shown publicly. "His tactical mind is equally impressive. He analyzes situations and adapts strategies with remarkable efficiency."

When it was Megumi's turn, he maintained a similar tone. "Omni-Man's Viltrumite physiology grants him strength, speed, and durability far beyond human capabilities.

His centuries of combat experience make him both a formidable opponent and a valuable ally."

He continued with details about Viltrumite weaknesses that Nolan had already shared with the group –

the specific sound frequencies that disrupted their inner ear function, their vulnerability to certain toxins, the limitations of their healing abilities when facing massive trauma.

As they concluded, Megumi noted the calculating look in Cecil's eyes.

The director was assessing not just what they said, but what they didn't say – the careful boundaries both maintained even in this supposedly open exchange.

"Thank you all," Cecil said when the final pair had finished. "This brings us to our last exercise for today – practical application."

He activated the holographic projector, displaying a complex three-dimensional map of what appeared to be a military installation.

"This is a simulation of a potential Viltrumite incursion scenario," he explained.

"You'll be divided into three mixed teams, each assigned to defend a different sector of the installation.

Your objective is to repel the invaders while minimizing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage."

The teams were quickly assigned, deliberately separating the most powerful members to create balanced units. Megumi found himself grouped with The Immortal, Green Ghost, Rex, and Kate.

"The simulation begins in five minutes," Cecil announced. "Use that time to develop your initial strategy."

As the teams huddled in different corners of the room, Rex immediately took charge of their group. "Alright, I say we take an aggressive approach. Hit them hard before they can establish a foothold."

The Immortal shook his head. "Viltrumites are strongest in direct confrontation. We need to be more strategic."

"Sukuna," Green Ghost said, turning to Megumi. "You've fought a Viltrumite. What's your assessment?"

All eyes turned to him, and Megumi felt a momentary satisfaction at being deferred to despite Rex's attempt at leadership.

He allowed the fool his shine simply to avoid the annoyance of its brightness.

Though sometimes - times like this, that brightness does have its uses.

"The Immortal is right," he said. "Direct confrontation plays to their strengths. We need to separate them, use terrain to our advantage, and focus on coordinated attacks rather than individual heroics."

Rex frowned but didn't argue. "Fine. What's the plan then?"

Megumi moved to the holographic display, examining their assigned sector. "We have three primary entry points to defend. I suggest we position as follows: The Immortal and I will take the main entrance, as we have the best chance of temporarily holding off a Viltrumite if necessary.

Green Ghost, you'll cover the east entrance – your intangibility gives you mobility advantages in that more confined space. Rex and Kate, you'll handle the west entrance, which has the most civilians."

He continued, outlining specific tactics for each position and contingencies for various scenarios.

The others listened attentively, even Rex grudgingly acknowledging the soundness of the approach.

As the simulation began, the teams were directed to separate rooms where advanced VR systems would create the scenario.

The technology was impressive – haptic feedback suits provided realistic sensations of movement and impact, while visuals were projected directly onto specialized contact lenses.

The simulation itself was brutally realistic. Three Viltrumites – modeled after Nolan but with distinct appearances – attacked simultaneously at different entry points.

The AI controlling them incorporated everything Nolan had shared about Viltrumite tactics, making them formidable opponents even in this virtual environment.

Megumi found himself working alongside The Immortal with surprising efficiency.

The ancient hero's millennia of combat experience complemented Megumi's tactical precision, allowing them to coordinate attacks against their Viltrumite opponent with minimal verbal communication.

"On your left!" The Immortal called as the simulated Viltrumite attempted to flank them.

Megumi responded instantly, sending a wave of cutting force that forced the alien to change course, directly into The Immortal's fist.

Across their sector, Rex and Kate were working with similar coordination, Rex's explosive projectiles herding civilians away from danger zones while Kate's duplicates provided evacuation assistance.

Green Ghost, at her position, was using her intangibility to confuse and disorient her opponent, phasing through walls to lead the Viltrumite away from populated areas.

The simulation lasted thirty intense minutes, during which all three teams were pushed to their limits.

When it finally ended, they emerged from their respective rooms sweating and breathing hard, despite the fact that no real physical exertion had occurred.

"Impressive performance," Cecil said as they gathered again in the main conference room. "Particularly from Team Three."

Megumi's group exchanged looks of surprise – they had been so focused on their own scenario that they hadn't been aware of how the others were faring.

"The objective wasn't to 'win' against the Viltrumites," Cecil explained. "That would be unrealistic given the parameters.

The goal was effective coordination and civilian protection. Team Three achieved a 97% civilian survival rate, the highest of any group."

Rex couldn't help a smug smile. "Told you we should go aggressive."

"Actually," Cecil countered, "the data shows your team's success was primarily due to Sukuna's tactical approach and your group's adherence to it.

The coordinated defense strategy minimized civilian exposure while maximizing your combined effectiveness against the threat."

The Immortal nodded, giving Megumi a look of genuine respect. "The kid knows what he's doing. His approach was... sound."

Coming from someone who had led armies across centuries, the acknowledgment carried weight. Megumi inclined his head slightly in acceptance of the compliment.

"This concludes today's formal exercises," Cecil announced. "However, I strongly encourage you all to continue these interactions informally.

The cafeteria has been prepared with refreshments, and the training facilities are available for those who wish to practice together."

As the group began to disperse, some heading toward the cafeteria while others formed smaller conversation clusters, Eve made her way directly to Megumi.

"That was impressive," she said, her eyes bright with that now-familiar intensity. "The way you coordinated with The Immortal – it was like you'd been fighting together for years."

"Adaptability is essential in combat," Megumi replied neutrally, aware of Mark approaching from his left.

"Dude, you guys crushed it!" Mark said enthusiastically. "Our team got our butts kicked. Dad kept trying to take on all three Viltrumites himself."

"A flawed strategy," Megumi observed.

"Yeah, well, try telling him that," Mark sighed. "Hey, a bunch of us are heading to the cafeteria. You coming?"

Before Megumi could respond, Eve interjected. "Actually, I was hoping to discuss some new findings from the quantum destabilizer tests with Sukuna. It might help with the targeting issues we've been facing."

Mark looked between them, a knowing smile forming. "Sure, science stuff. Got it. Catch you guys later then."

As he walked away, Eve turned back to Megumi, a hint of triumph in her expression. "I really do have new findings to discuss, but they can wait if you'd prefer to join the others."

Megumi considered his options. The social interaction in the cafeteria held little appeal, but allowing Eve more one-on-one time might further encourage her growing fixation.

On the other hand, the quantum destabilizer project was crucial to their defense preparations.

"Let's discuss your findings," he decided. "But in the lab, not here."

Eve nodded, clearly pleased. "The lab it is."

The GDA research lab was Eve's domain, a space where her brilliance shone without restraint.

As they entered, Megumi noted the organized chaos that characterized her workspace - holographic displays showing molecular structures,

equipment humming, and notebooks filled with her precise handwriting scattered across multiple surfaces.

"Sorry about the mess," Eve said, though her tone suggested she wasn't sorry at all. "I've been running simulations around the clock."

Megumi moved to the central workstation where a three-dimensional model of what appeared to be the quantum destabilizer rotated slowly above a projection pad. "Your findings?" he prompted.

Eve's eyes lit up as she approached the display, her fingers moving through the hologram to expand certain sections. "I've been working on the targeting problem from a different angle.

Instead of trying to make the weapon avoid specific DNA markers - which is proving nearly impossible given Mark's hybrid genetics - I've been exploring selective activation parameters."

She manipulated the display, highlighting a component near the weapon's core. "The destabilizer doesn't have to discriminate at the targeting stage if we build in a molecular recognition filter at the activation stage."

Megumi studied the design, genuinely interested despite himself. "You're suggesting the weapon would fire indiscriminately but only activate against specific molecular structures?"

"Exactly!" Eve's enthusiasm was palpable as she moved closer to him, her shoulder nearly touching his as she adjusted the display.

"The energy discharge would pass harmlessly through non-Viltrumite tissue but destabilize when it encounters their unique cellular density."

"Clever," Megumi acknowledged. "Have you tested this approach?"

"Simulations only so far," Eve admitted, turning to face him. Their proximity was suddenly apparent, but she didn't step back.

"We need more data on Viltrumite molecular structure to refine the parameters. I was hoping you might have insights from your... encounters."

Megumi considered the request. The information gained from Mahoraga's study of Mark and his confrontation with Nolan could indeed prove valuable to Eve's research.

Yet sharing everything might reveal more about his own intentions than he was comfortable disclosing.

"I have some observations that might help," he said finally. "Though they're based on direct combat experience rather than scientific analysis."

Eve nodded eagerly. "That's still valuable! Sometimes empirical data is more useful than theoretical models."

She moved to a nearby desk, clearing space among the papers. "Let me grab my notes and we can compare findings."

As she busied herself organizing her materials, Megumi found himself studying her with unexpected interest.

Her dedication to the project was impressive, her scientific mind approaching problems from angles others might miss.

There was an intensity to her focus that reminded him, in some ways, of his own single-mindedness when pursuing jujutsu.

"Here we go," Eve said, returning with a tablet and several notebooks.

"So, what did you notice about Viltrumite physiology during your fight with Omni-Man? Anything about how his cells responded to your energy-based attacks?"

Megumi shared carefully selected observations - how his dismantle bypassed certain aspects of Viltrumite durability in ways that could perhaps be replicated,

the way Nolan's healing factor responded to different types of injuries, the apparent density variations in different parts of his anatomy.

Eve took rapid notes, occasionally interrupting with questions that demonstrated her sharp understanding of both physics and biology.

As they worked, Megumi noticed her gradually relaxing, her formal "scientist" persona giving way to something more natural.

"You know," she said during a brief pause, "this is the first time we've really collaborated without me having to drag information out of you." Her tone was light, almost teasing. "It's nice."

Megumi raised an eyebrow slightly. "The circumstances are different. This project has clear strategic value."

Eve rolled her eyes. "Right, because everything has to have 'strategic value' with you." She set down her tablet, leaning against the desk. "Would it kill you to admit you might actually enjoy working together?"

The directness of her question caught him slightly off guard. "I find our collaboration... productive," he allowed.

"Wow, high praise from the great Sukuna," Eve said with a laugh. "I'll take it."

There was something disarming about her in this moment - the professional scientist and obsessive observer temporarily set aside, revealing just... Eve.

Intelligent, perceptive, and surprisingly easy to talk to when not fixated on unraveling his every secret.

"You're different here," Megumi observed. "More..."

"Human?" Eve suggested when he didn't finish. "Yeah, well, the lab is my space. I don't have to be Atom Eve here, or even the Teen Team's resident science genius. I can just be me."

Megumi nodded, understanding the sentiment more than she might realize. Everyone wore masks - some literal, some metaphorical. The freedom to set those aside, even briefly, was rare.

"So," Eve continued, her tone deliberately casual as she turned back to the holographic display, "what about you? Do you have a space where you can just be you?"

"I'm always myself," Megumi replied, though he knew it wasn't entirely true. Even now, with his three lives integrated, he maintained careful boundaries between his various personas.

Eve shot him a skeptical look.

"Right. Because the guy who barely speaks during team meetings and the tactical mastermind who just led a perfect defense simulation and the guy who sometimes talks like he's from another century are all the same person."

Her perception was uncomfortably accurate. "People contain multitudes," he said simply.

"Walt Whitman," Eve noted with a smile. "See? That's what I mean.

One minute you're all 'tactical assessment' and the next you're quoting 19th-century poetry. You're a walking contradiction, Megumi Fushiguro."

The use of his civilian name in this context - casual, familiar - should have irritated him. Instead, he found himself surprisingly unbothered by it.

"Perhaps apparent contradictions are what make people interesting," he replied.

Eve's smile widened. "Now that's something we can agree on." She turned back to the hologram, making a few adjustments.

"Speaking of interesting contradictions, I've been thinking about our dinner a few weeks ago."

Megumi tensed slightly, wary of where this might be heading.

"You were more open then," she continued. "More... present. I've still been wondering what changed."

"Nothing changed," Megumi said carefully. "The context was different."

Eve turned to face him fully. "Was it? Or did you just let your guard down for once, and then regret it afterward?"

The directness of her question was jarring, but also refreshing after weeks of dancing around the growing tension between them.

"Perhaps both," he admitted after a moment.

Eve nodded, seeming satisfied with even this small acknowledgment. "Well, for what it's worth, I liked that version of you. The one who gets excited about good food and isn't afraid to speak his mind."

Megumi studied her, reassessing.

Her fixation was still evident in the intensity of her gaze, but there was also something genuine in her words - an appreciation for who he was, not just fascination with what he could do.

For the first time, he considered that perhaps his resistance to her interest wasn't entirely warranted.

Was Eve's attention really so different from Mark's friendship or Kenji's familial affection? Different in nature, certainly, but perhaps not in sincerity.

The realization was uncomfortable but difficult to dismiss.

If he could accept friendship and family connections in this new life, why did he so reflexively reject the possibility of other types of relationships?

The answer, of course, was Yorozu. Her obsession, her devotion that had transcended reason - it had been useful at times, but ultimately hollow.

A connection based on power and fear rather than genuine understanding.

But Eve wasn't Yorozu. Her interest, while intense, stemmed from curiosity and genuine appreciation rather than blind worship.

She challenged him, questioned him, saw him as a person - obsessed with or not - rather than a deity to be revered.

"The quantum destabilizer," Megumi said, deliberately redirecting the conversation. "How soon can you implement these modifications?"

Eve allowed the change of subject, though her knowing smile suggested she recognized the evasion.

"With the data you've provided? Maybe two weeks for a prototype, another month for testing. Faster if Rae can help with the fabrication."

"That's within our timeline," Megumi noted. "Assuming Nolan's assessment is accurate."

"And if it isn't?" Eve asked. "If they come sooner?"

"Then we adapt," Megumi replied simply. "As we always have."

Eve nodded, turning back to her notes. "I should get these calculations started while they're fresh in my mind. But..."

She hesitated, then continued with unusual directness, "maybe we could grab dinner again sometime? To discuss the progress, of course."

Megumi considered the invitation. The strategic value of continuing their collaboration was clear. The weapon development was crucial to Earth's defense.

But he found himself considering other factors as well - the engaging quality of her mind, the comfort of conversation with someone who saw beyond his carefully constructed facades.

Perhaps it wouldn't be so terrible to explore this potential connection further. Not with the intensity Eve might hope for, perhaps, but with an openness he hadn't allowed himself previously.

He'd need to be careful though, he himself was quite possessive when he considered something his - it would be in ways that would make Yorozu and Eve's obsessions trivial in comparison.

"Perhaps," he began, but stopped abruptly.

A sensation washed over him - a familiar energy signature that he hadn't felt since his arrival in this world. Cold, precise, and unmistakable in its nature.

Cursed energy, but not his own.

"Megumi?" Eve asked, concern replacing her earlier confidence. "What's wrong?"

He was already moving toward the door, his body responding before his mind could fully process the implications. "I need to go. Something's... happened."

"What? Wait!" Eve called after him. "At least tell me what's going on!"

"I'll contact you later," he said, not slowing his pace. "This is important."

He was out of the lab and moving through the GDA facility at a speed that drew startled looks from personnel he passed.

The moment he reached the exterior, he abandoned all pretense of normal human movement, channeling cursed energy to enhance his speed to its maximum.

The energy signature was coming from the outskirts of the city, near an abandoned industrial area.

As he raced toward it, his mind cycled through possibilities, each more unlikely than the last. It couldn't be what he thought. It was impossible. And yet...

The signature was unmistakable. As distinctive to him as his own reflection, a cursed energy he had known intimately for decades in another life.

He arrived at the source - a derelict warehouse with broken windows and graffiti-covered walls.

The area was deserted, the only sound the distant hum of highway traffic and the soft whistle of wind through the damaged building.

Megumi approached cautiously, every sense heightened, cursed energy ready to be deployed at a moment's notice.

He pushed open the rusted door, its hinges protesting with a metallic groan.

The interior was dim, dust motes dancing in the few shafts of late afternoon sunlight that penetrated the broken roof.

At the center of the vast empty space stood a figure - slender, female, dressed in traditional Japanese clothing that looked wildly out of place in this modern, abandoned setting.

She turned as he entered, her face as familiar to him as his own despite the time that had passed since he had last seen it.

Her eyes widened in recognition, a mixture of disbelief and joy spreading across her features.

"Sukuna-sama," Uraume called out, her voice carrying the same reverent tone he remembered from a thousand years ago. "I have found you at last."

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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the Chapter! Do tell me how you found it.

So, father and daughter meet again - that's how I see Sukuna and Uraume's relationship.

Don't worry, I have a fairly logical way to explain how she is here - one that doesn't add the complication of having Jujutsu Kaisen added this world itself.

So yeah, do tell me how you found it and I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)