Debut

The city at night pulses with a different energy than during daylight hours.

From my vantage point atop the Wilkins Financial building, I observe the patterns of movement below - the flow of traffic, the clusters of pedestrians, the occasional police cruiser making its rounds.

All of it forming a living tapestry of urban existence, unaware of the figure watching from above.

It's been three weeks since my demonstration for the Teen Team and my subsequent induction as a provisional member.

Three weeks of training sessions, patrol rotations, and strategic planning meetings. Three weeks of careful observation and preparation for what I know is coming.

My communicator - a sleek device provided by Ray - vibrates against my wrist. I tap it once to activate.

"Sukuna here," I respond, using the codename I'd chosen for myself. T

he team had been curious about its meaning, and I'd explained that the last kanji in my name meant "driving out evil spirits" - a fitting moniker for a hero.

What I didn't share was its deeper significance: the double-faced specter, the imaginary demon - a part of my true identity.

The irony of adopting my own name as a hero alias amuses me still. Hidden in plain sight, a truth disguised as fiction.

"Armed robbery in progress at First National, corner of Madison and 8th," Rex's voice comes through, clipped and professional.

"Police responding, but hostage situation developing. Eve and I are en route from the west. Invincible's handling an incident uptown."

"Understood. I'm two blocks east. Will approach from the rear entrance."

"Remember protocol," Rex adds, unable to resist giving instructions even after weeks of successful operations. "Assessment first, then coordinated entry."

"Copy that." I end the transmission, already moving across the rooftop.

With a surge of cursed energy enhancing my muscles, I leap to the next building, covering the distance in a single bound.

Another leap takes me to street level, landing in an alley with barely a sound despite the force of my descent.

I move toward the bank, keeping to shadows.

My "costume" is minimalist compared to the others - black tactical pants and a fitted long-sleeve shirt of the same color, with a stylized red symbol across the chest, reminiscent of ancient Japanese characters.

A simple black mask that conceals my identity, though with my abilities, disguise feels almost redundant.

Who would connect the reformed delinquent Megumi Fushiguro with the hero who can slice buildings in half?

Especially in a world where they don't connect Eve and Nolan to Atom Eve and Omni-Man.

The bank comes into view - a neoclassical structure with wide stone steps leading to its main entrance.

Police cruisers form a perimeter, their lights painting the scene in alternating red and blue. Officers crouch behind vehicle doors, weapons drawn.

I circle to the rear of the building, noting security cameras and alarm systems with practiced ease. A service entrance provides the access point I need.

The electronic lock is no obstacle - a precisely controlled application of Dismantle separates the internal mechanism without triggering failsafes.

Inside, I move through the darkened back offices, senses heightened by cursed energy. I can hear voices from the main floor - agitated, threatening.

Four distinct male voices, one female. The latter sounds like a bank employee, likely being forced to access the vault.

I tap my communicator twice, sending a silent signal to Rex and Eve that I'm in position. A single vibration in response confirms they're ready at the front.

Peering through a doorway, I assess the situation. Four armed men, wearing tactical gear and ski masks. Two guarding hostages - approximately twelve civilians kneeling with hands behind their heads.

One watching the front entrance. The fourth escorting the female employee toward the vault.

The leader - distinguishable by his more authoritative posture and the way the others defer to his gestures - speaks into a radio. "Perimeter secure. We have five minutes before SWAT mobilizes. Get the vault open."

I note their weapons - semi-automatic rifles, military grade. Their movements suggest training, possibly ex-military or mercenaries.

This is no ordinary bank robbery. The precision, the timing, the equipment - all indicate a professional operation.

My communicator vibrates three times - the signal for synchronized action. I step from the shadows, channeling cursed energy through my body.

"I suggest you reconsider your timeline," I say, my voice carrying across the marble floor with unnatural clarity.

The effect is immediate. All four men swing their weapons toward me, the leader barking orders.

"Take him down!"

The first burst of gunfire erupts, bullets streaking toward me with lethal intent. I don't move. Instead, I channel cursed energy into a barrier just inches from my skin - not enough to be visible, but sufficient to deflect the projectiles.

I'd rather not have holes in my clothes.

The bullets drop harmlessly to the floor around me, their momentum nullified by the energy field.

The robbers' eyes widen behind their masks. Before they can adjust their strategy, I extend my hand.

"Dismantle."

A wave of invisible force slices through their weapons, cutting each rifle neatly in half. The severed barrels clatter to the floor, rendering the firearms useless.

In the same moment, the front doors burst open. Eve enters in a swirl of pink energy, immediately creating a barrier between the hostages and the now-disarmed robbers. Rex follows, hands glowing with potential explosive energy.

"It's over," I state simply, walking forward with measured steps. "Surrender now."

Three of the robbers raise their hands, recognizing the futility of resistance. But the leader reaches for a secondary weapon - a pistol holstered at his ankle.

Before he can bring it to bear, I'm beside him, moving with cursed energy-enhanced speed. My hand closes around his wrist, applying precisely calculated pressure to the nerve cluster there.

The gun falls from suddenly numb fingers.

"I said, it's over."

Something in my tone - perhaps an echo of my true authority - makes him freeze. He looks into my eyes, and I see the moment fear overcomes his training.

"Okay," he says, raising his hands slowly. "Okay."

Eve secures the hostages, creating a safe passage for them to exit the building. Rex handles the three subordinates, binding their hands with zip ties from his utility belt.

I maintain my grip on the leader, studying him more closely. There's something familiar about his tactics, about the operation itself.

"This wasn't just about money," I say, not a question but an observation.

A flicker of surprise crosses what little I can see of his face.

"You were after something specific in the vault. Something worth risking a high-profile robbery with hostages."

He says nothing, but his pulse quickens under my fingers.

"The quantum storage device stolen from the museum two months ago," I continue, connecting dots that have been nagging at me since I entered. "That was your team as well, wasn't it? Different masks, same tactical approach."

His eyes widen slightly - confirmation enough.

"Whatever you're collecting these components for, it ends tonight."

I release his wrist, stepping back as police officers enter to take custody of the suspects. Rex approaches, eyeing the leader with interest.

"You got something out of him?"

"Just confirmation of a theory," I reply. "These aren't ordinary bank robbers. They're collecting specific technological components. The museum heist, now this. They're building something."

Rex's expression sharpens. "Building what?"

"That's what we need to find out."

Eve joins us as the last of the hostages are escorted outside. "Everyone's safe. No injuries." She glances at the neatly severed weapons on the floor. "Clean work as usual, Sukuna."

I nod in acknowledgment. "We should investigate what they were after in the vault. This bank handles secure storage for several research facilities in the area."

"Already on it," Rex says, moving toward the vault where police technicians are examining the door. "I've got contacts at the police department who can get us inventory lists."

As Rex coordinates with the authorities, Eve moves closer to me, speaking quietly.

"You handled that perfectly. No excessive force, no collateral damage. Just clean, efficient neutralization of the threat."

"That's the objective, isn't it?" I respond, watching as the robbers are led away in handcuffs.

"For some," she says with a slight smile. "Others get caught up in the theatrics. The spectacle of heroism."

I understand her meaning. In the weeks I've worked with the Teen Team, I've observed the different approaches to heroics.

Rex craves attention, making each intervention as flashy as possible. Mark - Invincible - is still finding his balance, sometimes using excessive force out of inexperience.

Eve herself is practical but compassionate, always prioritizing civilian safety over apprehending criminals.

My approach is different - clinical, precise, economical. I use exactly as much force as needed, no more, no less.

It's earned me a reputation among the team and, increasingly, among the criminal elements we encounter.

"The spectacle serves no purpose," I say. "Results are what matter."

"Spoken like a true strategist," she replies, but there's warmth in her voice rather than criticism.

Our conversation is interrupted as Rex rejoins us, his expression serious.

"Just got word from the bank manager. They were trying to access a secure container belonging to Quantum Dynamics - the same research facility that had the explosion a few months back."

"What was in the container?" I ask, already suspecting the answer.

"Technical specifications for something called a 'Harmonic Resonance Amplifier.' Apparently, it's the theoretical design that would make the quantum device from the museum actually functional."

The pieces click into place. "They're collecting components for a weapon."

"Or a power source," Eve suggests. "Quantum harmonics could potentially generate enormous energy if properly channeled."

"Either way, we need to identify who's behind this," I say, my mind already mapping potential connections. "These aren't random crimes. There's a pattern, a purpose."

Rex nods, for once in complete agreement. "I'll run the leader's biometrics through our database, see if we get any hits. Ray can analyze the tactical patterns, maybe find matches with known mercenary groups."

"We should also secure any remaining components," Eve adds. "If they need multiple pieces to complete whatever they're building, we can predict their next target."

As we exit the bank, the night air cool against my face, I find myself satisfied with the evening's work.

Not just the prevention of a robbery, but the discovery of a larger pattern. A puzzle to solve, a threat to neutralize before it fully materializes.

I've been bored after all. If it were the me from before I would have been slaughtering a village or taken a beautiful woman to bed, or would've eaten some of Uraume's cooked humans - or all three.

But now things are different. I don't exactly blame myself for my previous actions - I may feel some guilt and remorse, occansionally, but that part of my life - that isn't the current me. 

I didn't have my current knowledge, my current understanding, and blaming myself is redundant.

I still after all wish to experience as much pleasure as possible, I am not going to ruin that for myself by wallowing in misery.

Besides this, I am still busy establishing myself within the hero community, building alliances, gathering intelligence. All preparation for the coming crisis.

Because I know what the others don't: Nolan Grayson is planning to eliminate the Guardians of the Globe. And I need to prevent that - I just hope that those Flaxans invade soon to grant me the opportunity to fight him. 

Forgoing the necessity of subduing him, I am excited to fight a being of his power. I didn't get my chance to fight against Satoru Gojo before all this went down, Omni-Man will have to do.

The media soon arrived, cameras and microphones thrust toward us as we emerged. Rex immediately stepped forward, assuming his practiced hero pose. Eve stood slightly behind him, professional but less eager for the spotlight.

I remain in the background, observing. Let Rex have his moment with the press. My goals don't require public adulation.

"Rex Splode! Can you tell us what happened inside?"

"The situation is under control," Rex announces with practiced authority.

"The Teen Team responded to an armed robbery in progress and successfully neutralized the threat without casualties.

All hostages are safe, and the perpetrators are in police custody."

"Was Invincible involved in this operation?" another reporter calls out.

"Invincible was handling another incident elsewhere in the city," Rex explains. "The Teen Team operates as a coordinated unit, deploying members as needed to address multiple situations simultaneously."

A woman pushes to the front, microphone extended. "We've been hearing about a new member on your team. Is that him?" She points toward me.

Rex hesitates momentarily, unused to sharing the spotlight. "Yes, that's Sukuna. He's been a valuable addition to our team."

The reporters immediately redirect their attention, cameras swiveling toward me. I remain still, allowing the scrutiny but offering nothing in return.

"Sukuna! Can you tell us about your powers?"

"What does your name mean?"

"Where did you come from?"

I step forward just enough to be clearly heard, but not enough to suggest eagerness for attention.

"I'm here to help maintain order and protect civilians," I state simply. "That's all that matters."

My brevity seems to intrigue them further, but Eve smoothly intervenes.

"We need to complete our official report with the authorities. Thank you for your time."

She creates a subtle energy barrier, not forceful but clear enough to indicate the interview is over. We move away from the press, toward a side street where we can depart discreetly.

"Not one for publicity, are you?" Rex remarks as we walk.

"It serves no tactical purpose," I reply.

He laughs. "Maybe not, but it builds public trust. Makes the job easier when people are on your side."

"I'll leave that aspect to you," I say, without sarcasm. "You're better suited to it."

The compliment, simple as it is, seems to please him. Over the weeks, I've learned that Rex responds well to acknowledgment of his strengths, making him more receptive to collaboration.

"We should meet at headquarters to debrief," Eve suggests. "This connection between the museum heist and tonight's robbery could be significant."

"Agreed," Rex says. "I'll contact Ray and Kate. Mark too, once he's finished uptown."

We separate to make our way to headquarters individually - standard protocol to avoid drawing attention to our base location.

I take to the rooftops again, moving with enhanced speed across the urban landscape.

As I travel, I reflect on my progress. The Teen Team has accepted me more readily than I anticipated, even Rex, who initially viewed me with annoyance.

My abilities have proven valuable in multiple operations, establishing my credibility without revealing my full capabilities.

More importantly, I've gained access to intelligence networks and monitoring systems that track superhuman activities across the city.

Through these, I've been able to keep closer tabs on the Guardians of the Globe and, by extension, on Nolan's movements.

So far, he hasn't made his move against them. But the signs are there - subtle patterns in his behavior, changes in his patrol schedule, increased interest in Guardian activities. He's preparing, just as I am.

The question is: who will act first?

I arrive at headquarters to find Ray already at the main computer terminal, analyzing data from the bank robbery.

Kate is creating multiple copies of herself to simultaneously organize evidence, prepare refreshments, and set up the briefing area.

"Sukuna," Ray greets me without looking away from her screens. "Fascinating work with those weapons. The molecular separation was even cleaner than your previous applications. Are you refining your technique?"

"Constant improvement is necessary," I reply, moving to observe his analysis.

"Indeed, indeed," she mutters, adjusting her glasses. "I've been comparing the tactical patterns from tonight with the museum incident.

The similarities are statistically significant - 95.7% correlation in movement patterns, communication protocols, and equipment specifications."

"Same team, different mission," I confirm.

"But working for whom?" Kate - one of her copies, at least - asks as she sets down a tray of energy drinks. "Mercenaries this well-equipped don't come cheap."

"I have some theories," I say, just as Rex and Eve arrive together.

"Let's hear them," Rex says, grabbing an energy drink and dropping into his chair at the central table.

I move to the digital display board, activating it with a touch. "Based on the components they've targeted, we're looking at someone with advanced scientific knowledge, specifically in quantum physics and energy amplification."

I pull up images of the stolen device and the technical specifications they attempted to take tonight.

"These aren't random high-value items. They're specific components that, when combined, could theoretically create a quantum energy source of unprecedented power."

"A power source for what?" Kate asks.

"That's the question," I acknowledge. "But the list of individuals with both the scientific knowledge to understand these components and the resources to hire military-grade mercenaries is relatively small."

I bring up profiles of several potential suspects - corporate CEOs, rogue scientists, known technological arms dealers.

"My primary suspect is this man." I highlight one profile.

"Dr. Thaddeus Wexler. Former quantum physicist for the Department of Defense, dismissed five years ago for ethical violations involving unauthorized experiments in energy weapons development."

Ray leans forward, interest piqued. "I've read his papers on harmonic resonance. Brilliant but deeply unethical in his methodologies."

"After his dismissal, he disappeared from public view," I continue. "But financial records show he maintained connections with several private military contractors.

And three months ago, he made a significant withdrawal from an offshore account - approximately the amount needed to hire a specialized tactical team."

"How did you access those financial records?" Rex asks, suspicious.

"I have my methods," I reply simply, not elaborating on the fact that I'd utilized a combination of my own learning ability on hacking and some strategic "persuasion" of a banking official.

"The timing aligns with the museum heist," Eve notes, studying the timeline I've displayed. "And Wexler would certainly have the knowledge to utilize these components."

"But what's his endgame?" Rex asks. "What's he building?"

"Based on his previous research," I explain, "I believe he's attempting to create a quantum destabilizer - a device capable of disrupting the molecular cohesion of matter at a fundamental level."

The implications hang in the air, understood by all present.

"A weapon that could disintegrate buildings," Kate says quietly. "Or people."

"Precisely," I confirm. "And if my analysis is correct, they still need one more component to complete it - a quantum synchronization module. Only three exist in the country, all under heavy security."

"Where?" Rex demands.

I bring up a map with three locations highlighted. "Lexcorp Research Division in Metropolis, Stark Industries Advanced Physics Lab in New York, and-"

"The Global Defense Agency's Science Division, right here in our city," Eve finishes, recognizing the implications immediately.

"The GDA facility is the most logical target," I confirm.

"Closer proximity means less risk during transport of the stolen component. And their security, while formidable, lacks the superhuman elements of the other locations."

Rex stands, energy drink forgotten. "We need to alert the GDA, set up surveillance on the facility."

"Already done," I say, earning surprised looks from the others.

"I sent an encrypted warning to their security division while en route to headquarters, highlighting the potential threat and suggesting enhanced protocols."

Rex looks momentarily annoyed at being preempted, then nods grudgingly. "Good call. But we should still establish our own monitoring. If Wexler's team makes a move, we need to be ready."

"Agreed," I say. "I suggest rotating surveillance shifts, two-person teams to maintain coverage without depleting our response capability for other incidents."

The planning continues for another hour - schedules arranged, contingencies discussed, intelligence shared.

Throughout it all, I maintain my role as strategic advisor, offering insights while carefully avoiding revealing too much about my methods.

As the meeting concludes, Mark finally arrives, still in his Invincible costume, looking tired but satisfied.

"Tanker truck accident uptown," he explains, dropping into a chair. "Potential chemical spill. Got it contained, no civilians exposed." He looks around at our serious expressions. "What did I miss?"

Eve brings him up to speed on the bank robbery and our subsequent investigation, while I observe his reactions.

Mark has grown noticeably in the weeks since his powers manifested - more confident in his abilities, more comfortable in his role as a hero.

But there's still an innocence to him, an optimism that will be shattered when his father reveals his true nature.

"So we're talking about a quantum weapon that could potentially disintegrate matter?" Mark summarizes. "That sounds... bad."

"Very bad," Rex confirms. "Which is why we're setting up surveillance on the GDA facility. You're on the rotation with Kate tomorrow night."

Mark nods, accepting the assignment without complaint. "Should we inform the Guardians about this? It seems like something they might want to know about."

The question creates a momentary pause. The Teen Team, while respected, operates largely independently from the more established Guardians of the Globe.

Coordination between the groups is limited, often hampered by Rex's competitive attitude toward the senior heroes.

"I've included the potential threat in my report to the GDA," I say before Rex can respond with his usual dismissal. "They'll determine whether to brief the Guardians based on their threat assessment protocols."

This diplomatic answer satisfies Mark while allowing Rex to maintain his perceived autonomy. It's a delicate balance, managing the team dynamics while advancing my own agenda.

As the meeting breaks up, Eve approaches me.

"That was impressive work tonight," she says quietly. "Both the bank intervention and the investigation afterward. You've got a mind for connecting dots that others miss."

"Pattern recognition," I say modestly. "It's just a matter of seeing the relationships between seemingly unrelated events."

She studies me for a moment. "You know, when you first suggested 'Sukuna' as your hero name, I was curious about the choice.

'Driving out evil spirits' is fitting, but there's something more to it, isn't there? Something personal."

Her perception is uncomfortably sharp. "Names have power," I say carefully. "They connect us to our nature, our purpose."

"And what's your purpose, Sukuna?" she asks, her tone light but her eyes searching.

I offer a small smile. "For now, preventing quantum weapons from falling into the wrong hands."

She accepts the deflection with grace. "Well, whatever your deeper motivations, I'm glad you're with us. The team is stronger with you on it."

Her words carry genuine warmth, and I find myself appreciating her support more than I might have expected.

Eve has become not just an ally in my strategic planning, but something closer to a friend - a concept that would have been foreign to me in my days as the King of Curses.

Especially as she is a woman.

I may have respected some female sorcerers simply because of their capabilities with cursed energy - Kenjaku and Uraume being primary ones - but the normal ones,

I looked down on them even more than men since they were simply biologically less meant for battle.

Past me would have fought with Eve, forced her into her true savage potential and then later either turned her into a plaything or ate her.

The thought of me doing such things to her now makes my heart feel... constricted.

"Thank you," I reply simply. "The sentiment is mutual."

We part ways, each heading home via different routes - another security protocol to maintain our civilian identities.

As I traverse the city one final time, moving through shadows with cursed energy enhancing my speed and agility, I reflect on the evening's developments.

The quantum weapon investigation provides a useful focus for the Teen Team, keeping them engaged and building their trust in my analytical abilities.

Somewhere, after all in this city, a rogue scientist assembles a weapon of potentially devastating power.

But it's merely a subplot in the larger drama unfolding.

Nolan is watching, waiting for his moment to strike against the Guardians. I am watching him in turn, preparing for the aftermath of his betrayal.

All pieces on a board, moving toward an inevitable collision.

As I approach my apartment building, I detect a presence on the roof - a figure waiting in stillness that suggests superhuman patience. I change direction, ascending the fire escape with silent efficiency.

Nolan Grayson stands at the edge of the roof, his white cape billowing slightly in the night breeze. He turns as I emerge onto the rooftop, his expression unreadable in the moonlight.

"Megumi," he greets me, using my civilian name despite my costumed appearance. "Or should I say, Sukuna? An interesting choice of alias."

I remove my mask, recognizing the futility of maintaining pretenses. "Mr. Grayson. This is unexpected."

"Is it?" he asks, stepping closer. "I've been following your activities with interest. Your name particularly caught my attention.

The Japanese folklore figure - the double-faced specter, if I'm not mistaken. An unusual choice for a hero."

His knowledge surprises me slightly. Few in this country would recognize the deeper meaning behind the name.

"The last kanji in my name means 'to drive out evil spirits,'" I explain, offering the same partial truth I'd given the team. "It seemed appropriate."

"And yet in the original tales, Sukuna was himself a demon," Nolan observes. "A being of great power who could be both destroyer and protector, depending on circumstance. The duality is... intriguing."

I meet his gaze steadily. "Most powerful entities contain such dualities, wouldn't you agree?"

A subtle smile touches his lips. "Indeed. Which is why I wanted to speak with you directly, without the complications of our respective teams."

"About?"

"The future," he says simply. "And your place in it."

The weight of his words hangs between us. Is this the moment? Is he about to reveal his true nature, to attempt to recruit me before making his move against the Guardians?

"I'm listening," I say, maintaining a calm exterior despite the tension coiling within me.

Nolan studies me for a long moment, his eyes reflecting the city lights. "You're not like the others," he says finally.

"Not just in power, but in perspective. You see beyond the immediate, calculate the long game. It's a rare quality."

"Experience teaches caution," I reply.

"Indeed." He turns slightly, looking out over the city again.

"The world is changing, Megumi. Forces are in motion that will reshape the existing order. When that happens, choices will need to be made."

"What kind of choices?"

His gaze returns to me, penetrating and assessing. "About allegiance. About survival. About which side of history you wish to stand on."

The implication is clear, though carefully veiled. He's testing the waters, gauging my potential receptiveness to his true agenda.

"I've always believed in backing the winning side," I say, deliberately ambiguous. "Provided it aligns with my interests."

A smile touches his lips - approval, perhaps, or satisfaction at confirming a suspicion.

"A pragmatic approach," he notes. "One that has served many well throughout history." He steps closer, his presence commanding the space between us.

"I see great potential in you, Megumi. Potential that could be fully realized with the right... mentorship."

"Are you offering such mentorship?" I ask directly.

"Perhaps," he says. "In time. For now, I simply wanted to establish a direct line of communication.

Events may unfold rapidly in the coming days. It would be beneficial for us to understand each other."

I consider my response carefully. This conversation is a dangerous balancing act - revealing enough interest to keep Nolan engaged while not committing to anything that might compromise my position later.

"I appreciate directness," I tell him. "And I'm always open to expanding my understanding of the larger picture."

He nods, seemingly satisfied with this answer. "Good. We'll speak again soon." He turns to leave, then pauses. "One more thing. The quantum weapon your team is investigating - it's more dangerous than you realize.

If successfully deployed, it could destabilize matter at a atomic level across a significant radius."

This new information sharpens my attention. "You have intelligence on Wexler's project?"

"Let's just say I've encountered similar technology before," Nolan replies cryptically. "It's not something that should exist on this planet. I trust you'll ensure it doesn't."

With that, he launches into the air with the effortless power of a Viltrumite, disappearing into the night sky in seconds.

I remain on the rooftop, processing the interaction.

Nolan's visit serves multiple purposes - assessing my potential as an ally, establishing a connection independent of Mark or the Teen Team,

and providing information about the quantum weapon that simultaneously aids me while demonstrating his superior knowledge.

It's a calculated approach, designed to position him as a potential mentor figure while subtly testing my loyalty parameters.

More importantly, it confirms my suspicion: he's preparing to make his move against the Guardians soon.

This conversation is part of his preparation - identifying potential allies or threats in the aftermath.

I enter my apartment through the window, moving silently to avoid waking Uncle Kenji. As I remove my costume and store it in its secure hiding place, I consider my next steps.

The quantum weapon investigation must continue - both because the threat is real and because it provides cover for my preparations.

But now I must accelerate my monitoring of the Guardians, perhaps find a way to warn them without revealing too much.

And I need to prepare Mark for what's coming, though he won't believe the truth about his father until forced to confront it directly.

As I lie in bed, sleep elusive despite the night's exertions, I reflect on the irony of my situation.

In using the name Sukuna, I've placed my true identity in plain sight, hidden behind a veil of apparent heroism.

The double-faced specter indeed - playing the role of protector while harboring the soul of one of the greatest evils.

Yet perhaps this duality serves a purpose beyond mere irony. Perhaps in this new life, I can embody both aspects of the myth made about me - the destroyer when necessary, the protector when possible.

I was worshipped as a god once for my presence banished curses from my territory causing the people in it to prosper so long as they bestowed upon me food, women, sacrifices and entertainment.

It is one of the reasons I was bestowed the title Ryoumen Sukuna - my own given name long since forgotten even by myself.

If I was even bestowed a name that is. My mother always hated me - an unwanted wretch I was as she was the womb that begot a demon-child.

"What is the point of these useless thoughts?" I mutter to myself as I run my hand down upon my face.

I should just sleep, I need my rest, there is much to still do.

------------------------------

(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!

I'm trying to flesh out more about Sukuna aspect of him, since well, that is the title, "As Sukuna in Invincible."

As you all most definitely agree - Sukuna was an evil SOB.

Like this isn't me just making headcanon, its logical conclusion from the guy literally after waking asking where the women and children are, that it'll be a massacre.

He also was a hedonist, and sex is one of the great pleasures so...

Yeah, he's evil, evil. But, well, he isn't like that anymore because of his other lives,

so yeah, I hope to see you all later, that's all I had to say,

Bye!)