Belonging

The subterranean training facility beneath the Grayson house hummed with energy, the reinforced walls vibrating slightly with the power contained within.

Mahoraga stood in the center of the room, its imposing figure perfectly still as it studied Mark Grayson, who hovered a few feet away, uncertainty evident in his posture.

"Just stay there," Megumi instructed Mark from the observation area. "Let it examine you. This won't hurt."

"You sure about that?" Mark asked, eyeing the massive shikigami warily. "It looks like it could tear me in half without even trying."

"It could," Megumi confirmed matter-of-factly. "But it won't. Not unless I command it."

The Divine General Mahoraga, now fully under Megumi's control after their battle in the Flaxan dimension, was a sight to behold.

Standing over eight feet tall, its muscular humanoid form radiated power, while the large wheel balanced above its head rotated slowly, processing information.

"What exactly is it doing?" Mark asked as Mahoraga circled him, its blank face revealing nothing.

"Learning," Megumi replied, watching the interaction. "Mahoraga's primary ability is adaptation. It can understand and counter any phenomenon it experiences.

Right now, it's studying your Viltrumite physiology."

"To do what with that information?" Mark's voice carried a hint of concern.

"To see if certain aspects can be replicated," Megumi explained. "Specifically, I'm interested in your cellular structure - the 'smart atoms' that give Viltrumites their durability and strength."

Mark nodded, relaxing slightly. "Dad mentioned you were looking into countermeasures against Viltrumites. I guess this is part of that?"

"Yes and no," Megumi said. "Understanding Viltrumite physiology helps us develop weapons against them, certainly. But I'm more interested in whether Mahoraga can adapt itself to incorporate similar properties."

And whether it can incorporate those very same properties to my own atoms.

"You want to make it stronger?" Mark sounded surprised. "Isn't it already pretty much unstoppable?"

Megumi's lips curved in a slight smile. "Nothing is unstoppable. Everything has limits. The key to victory is expanding those limits while exploiting your opponent's."

Mahoraga had completed its circuit around Mark and now stood before him, its wheel spinning faster.

With surprising gentleness for such a massive being, it reached out and touched Mark's arm, its fingers pressing against his skin as if testing its resistance.

"Does it... talk?" Mark asked, trying not to flinch at the contact.

"No," Megumi replied. "At least, not in any conventional sense. It communicates through action and adaptation."

After a moment, Mahoraga stepped back and moved to a small desk in the corner of the training room. There, it picked up a pen with surprising dexterity and began writing in a leather-bound journal Megumi had provided.

"What's it doing now?" Mark asked, watching with fascination.

"Documenting its findings," Megumi explained. "Mahoraga's adaptations reset each time it's dismissed and resummoned. By having it record what it learns, we maintain continuity of knowledge."

"Smart," Mark acknowledged. "So it's like... building a database on Viltrumite physiology?"

"Essentially. The adaptation process for something as complex as smart atoms is particularly demanding on my energy reserves. This method is more efficient than starting from scratch each time."

Mahoraga continued writing for several minutes, its massive hand somehow managing the delicate task with precision.

When it finished, it closed the journal and returned to the center of the room, standing at attention as if awaiting further instructions.

Megumi nodded, satisfied. "That's enough for today." He made a gesture with his hand, and Mahoraga dissolved into shadow.

Mark let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "That thing is... intense. Even when it's just standing there, it feels like being watched by something old."

"An accurate assessment," Megumi said, walking over to retrieve the journal. He flipped through the pages, scanning the intricate diagrams and notes written in a script that seemed to shift and change as he read it.

"Interesting. It's made significant progress understanding the quantum-level interactions of your cellular structure."

"Is that good or bad for me?" Mark asked with a nervous laugh.

"Potentially both," Megumi replied honestly. "Understanding Viltrumite physiology helps us develop defenses against your people, but it also gives us insights that could benefit you personally."

"Like what?"

"Like how to accelerate your healing, how to maximize your strength output, how to better resist certain types of attacks." Megumi closed the journal. "Knowledge is never inherently good or bad. It's application that determines its value."

The sound of the facility's security door opening interrupted their conversation. Both turned to see Cecil Stedman entering, his expression as unreadable as always behind his glasses.

"Mr. Fushiguro," Cecil greeted him formally. "Mr. Grayson. I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

"Just finished," Megumi replied, subtly sliding the journal into a drawer. The GDA director didn't need to know about his findings, let alone Mahoraga - not yet, perhaps not ever. The shikigami represented an ace that Megumi preferred to keep hidden.

"Good timing then," Cecil said, approaching with measured steps. "I have some news that might interest you, Mr. Fushiguro."

Megumi raised an eyebrow slightly. "Oh?"

"Your probation situation," Cecil continued. "It's been... adjusted. Effective immediately, all remaining terms of your juvenile probation have been waived. You're a free man, so to speak."

Mark grinned, clapping Megumi on the shoulder. "That's great news!"

Megumi studied Cecil's face, looking for the catch. "May I ask what prompted this sudden generosity from the justice system?"

"Let's just say that having a superhero on probation creates certain... administrative complications," Cecil replied smoothly. "The judge agreed that your service as Sukuna more than fulfills any remaining community service obligations."

"I see," Megumi said, maintaining his neutral expression despite his internal suspicion. This had Cecil's fingerprints all over it - the man rarely did anything without multiple layers of purpose.

"There's more," Cecil continued. "The Global Defense Agency has established a stipend program for active heroes working directly on planetary defense initiatives.

As a key contributor to our Viltrumite countermeasures research, you qualify for substantial financial support."

"Financial support," Megumi repeated flatly.

"Your uncle works too many hours at the hospital," Cecil said, his tone softening slightly. "Our analysis suggests his overtime is primarily motivated by financial need rather than professional dedication.

This arrangement would allow him to maintain a healthier work-life balance while ensuring your household remains financially stable."

Megumi felt a flicker of genuine surprise. He had indeed mentioned his uncle's excessive work schedule to Cecil during a previous briefing, but he hadn't expected the director to act on it so promptly.

"That's... thoughtful," Megumi acknowledged carefully.

"Merely practical," Cecil countered. "We need you focused on defense preparations, not concerned about domestic finances."

Mark looked between them, then excused himself. "I should probably head upstairs. Mom's expecting me to help with dinner." He nodded to Cecil. "Director."

After Mark left, Cecil's demeanor shifted subtly - becoming even more businesslike, if that were possible.

"There's another matter we need to discuss," he said once they were alone. "Your uncle."

"What about him?" Megumi asked, instantly alert.

"He doesn't know about your... extracurricular activities," Cecil stated. "This creates a security vulnerability. If he discovers your identity through unofficial channels, it could compromise operational security."

"My uncle has no reason to suspect anything," Megumi countered. "I've been careful."

"Perhaps," Cecil conceded. "But as your involvement with planetary defense deepens, maintaining this deception becomes increasingly difficult. The GDA recommends a controlled disclosure."

Megumi frowned. "You want me to tell him I'm Sukuna."

"We want to facilitate that disclosure in a secure, supported environment," Cecil clarified.

"With GDA personnel present to answer questions, provide context, and ensure he understands the confidentiality requirements."

Megumi considered this. Uncle Kenji finding out about his activities was inevitable at some point. A controlled disclosure under GDA supervision would be preferable to Kenji discovering the truth during a crisis.

"When?" he asked finally.

"Tomorrow afternoon," Cecil replied. "We've already arranged for him to have the day off. A GDA representative will accompany you to your residence for the conversation."

Megumi nodded slowly. "Very well."

Cecil studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. "There's one more thing. We've detected unusual energy signatures near your apartment building last night.

Nothing conclusive, but the pattern suggests someone may be taking an interest in your civilian identity."

"What kind of energy signatures?" Megumi asked sharply.

"Interdimensional fluctuations," Cecil said. "Similar to those recorded during the Flaxan invasion, but on a much smaller scale. We've increased surveillance in the area as a precaution."

Megumi processed this information, his mind already calculating possibilities. Interdimensional energy could indicate many things - most of them potentially problematic.

"Thank you for the warning," he said finally.

Cecil nodded. "A car will pick you up at noon tomorrow for the meeting with your uncle. Until then, maintain normal patterns." He turned to leave, then paused. "

And Mr. Fushiguro? Congratulations on completing your probation. Your rehabilitation has been... remarkable."

After Cecil departed, Megumi retrieved Mahoraga's journal from the drawer, flipping through the complex diagrams and notes once more. The Divine General's insights into Viltrumite physiology were fascinating - and potentially game-changing for their defense preparations.

But his mind kept returning to Cecil's warning about interdimensional energy signatures. Someone or something was taking an interest in Megumi Fushiguro.

The question was: did they know about Sukuna -his superhero identity or was this related to something else entirely?

Either way, it warranted investigation. But first, he needed to prepare for tomorrow's conversation with Uncle Kenji - a discussion he'd been both anticipating and dreading since arriving in this world.

The Fushiguro apartment was exactly as Megumi had left it that morning - modest, neat, with the lingering scent of the coffee Uncle Kenji had brewed before his shift.

Now, sitting on the couch beside his uncle, with GDA Agent Maria Col occupying the armchair across from them, Megumi felt an unfamiliar tension in his stomach.

"Mr. Fushiguro," Agent Col began, her tone professional but gentle, "thank you for meeting with us today. I understand this is unexpected."

Uncle Kenji looked between them, concern evident in his tired eyes. "Is Megumi in some kind of trouble? Has something happened with his probation?"

"Quite the opposite," Agent Col assured him with a small smile. "Your nephew's probation has been officially terminated, with all remaining obligations considered fulfilled."

Relief washed over Kenji's face. "That's wonderful news! But... why is a government agent delivering it? Ms. Chen usually handles Megumi's case."

"This isn't about probation, Uncle," Megumi said quietly. "It's about something else. Something I've been... involved with."

Kenji's expression shifted immediately to concern. "Megumi, if you've gotten mixed up in something-"

"It's nothing illegal," Megumi interrupted. "Actually, it's the opposite." He exchanged a glance with Agent Col, who nodded encouragingly.

"Mr. Fushiguro," she said, "are you familiar with the hero known as Sukuna?"

Kenji blinked, momentarily confused by the change in subject. "The new one who works with the Teen Team? I've seen him on the news. He helped during the Flaxan invasion, right?"

"Yes," Agent Col confirmed. "He's been instrumental in planetary defense efforts over the past few months."

"What does this have to do with Megumi?" Kenji asked, still not making the connection.

Megumi took a deep breath. "Uncle Kenji... I'm Sukuna."

The words hung in the air between them. Kenji stared at his nephew, his expression cycling through confusion, disbelief, and then dawning realization.

"You're... but that's not possible," he said finally. "Sukuna has powers. He can do things that are..." He trailed off, studying Megumi's face more intently. "Can you really...?"

Instead of answering verbally, Megumi extended his hand toward the coffee table. "Dismantle," he said softly.

A thin line appeared across the surface of the wooden table, a perfect cut that separated it into two equal pieces that shifted slightly but remained in place.

Kenji's eyes widened, his mouth opening and closing without sound. Finally, he managed, "How long?"

"A few months," Megumi replied. "The abilities manifested suddenly. I've been working with the Teen Team and other heroes since then."

"All those nights you said you were studying at the library," Kenji murmured. "The unexplained absences. The injuries you tried to hide..." He looked up sharply. "You were out there fighting... what? Criminals? Aliens?"

"Both," Megumi acknowledged. "Among other threats."

Agent Col interjected smoothly. "Your nephew has become a valued asset in Earth's defense network, Mr. Fushiguro. His unique abilities and tactical insights have proven invaluable, particularly during the recent Flaxan invasion."

Kenji ran a hand through his graying hair, still processing. "And the probation? The community service?"

"He continued fulfilling those obligations while also serving as Sukuna," Agent Col explained. "Which is why the judicial system has now recognized that his heroic service more than satisfies any remaining requirements."

"I see." Kenji was quiet for a moment, then turned to Megumi. "Why didn't you tell me?"

The question was simple, but loaded with emotion that caught Megumi off guard. There was no accusation in Kenji's tone - only hurt and concern.

"To protect you," Megumi replied honestly. "The fewer people who knew, the safer you would be."

"Safe," Kenji repeated with a sad smile. "While you were out there risking your life." He shook his head. "I'm a nurse, Megumi. I've treated victims of violence. I've seen what happens in the aftermath of these superhero battles. The thought of you being in that kind of danger..."

"I'm not ordinary," Megumi reminded him. "My abilities provide significant protection."

"No one is invulnerable," Kenji countered, years of emergency room experience evident in his voice. "Not even Omni-Man, from what I've seen."

Agent Col cleared her throat. "Mr. Fushiguro, I understand your concerns. But please know that your nephew operates with substantial support and resources.

The Global Defense Agency monitors all hero activities and provides immediate assistance when needed."

Kenji looked at her, his expression hardening slightly. "And why is the government involved in this? Why are you here for this conversation?"

"Security protocols," she replied smoothly. "When a hero's civilian identity is disclosed to family members, we provide support and guidance to ensure both parties understand the implications and responsibilities."

"Responsibilities," Kenji echoed. "You mean keeping his secret."

"Among other things," Agent Col confirmed. "Knowledge of a hero's civilian identity represents a significant security vulnerability - for both the hero and their loved ones."

Kenji turned back to Megumi, studying him with new eyes. "All this time, I thought you were finally finding your way after... after everything that happened. Getting your life back on track. But you were becoming something else entirely."

Megumi felt an unexpected tightness in his chest at the mixture of pride and sorrow in his uncle's expression. "I am on track," he said quietly. "Just not the track we imagined."

Kenji reached out suddenly, pulling Megumi into a tight embrace. "I'm proud of you," he whispered. "Terrified for you, but proud."

The gesture caught Megumi completely off guard. Physical displays of affection were foreign to him - especially in his life as Sukuna, where touch had been either clinical or in battle, never comforting. He remained stiff for a moment before awkwardly returning the embrace.

When Kenji pulled back, his eyes were damp. "Your parents would be proud too, you know. Your father always said you were destined for something extraordinary."

The mention of parents sent a strange pang through Megumi. Though he had come to understand that this was indeed his third life -

that he had been Megumi all along, just as he had once been Sukuna and someone else before that -

the emotional connection to these family memories still felt distant, like trying to recall a dream upon waking.

Yet the genuine love in Kenji's eyes, the unconditional acceptance despite the shocking revelation - it stirred something within him that felt almost like... guilt.

As Sukuna, he had never known such acceptance. His own mother had feared him from birth, seeing in her child something unnatural, something to be feared rather than loved.

His grandmother - the immortal Tengen (her Star Plasma Vessel having been his grandmother) had viewed him not as a child to be nurtured but as the Son of Heaven - a being with responsibilities to guide humanity's advancement.

He had rejected that path, of course. Why should he guide and elevate those who had shunned him, feared him, called him demon since his first breath?

Instead, he had chosen subjugation, domination, the imposition of his will upon a world that had offered him nothing but fear and expectation.

And here was this man - this simple, ordinary human - offering unconditional love to him. No expectations of greatness, no fear of his power, just concern for his safety and pride in his choices.

"There's more," Agent Col said, interrupting Megumi's unexpected introspection. "As Mr. Fushiguro's involvement with planetary defense efforts increases, his financial needs are being addressed through a GDA stipend program."

Kenji blinked, shifting mental gears. "Financial needs?"

"In simple terms," she continued, "Megumi will be receiving compensation for his work as Sukuna. Enough that you no longer need to work excessive overtime shifts at the hospital."

Understanding dawned on Kenji's face as he turned to Megumi. "You did this? Arranged financial support so I wouldn't have to work so much?"

Megumi, still processing his own unexpected emotional response, simply nodded.

Kenji smiled, though his eyes remained concerned. "Always looking out for others, even while carrying such a burden yourself. You're so much like your father."

The comparison stirred something deep within Megumi - memories of his father in this life, still hazy and incomplete, but undeniably his.

It felt strange to connect with these memories that were simultaneously his and yet felt like they belonged to someone else.

In his life as Sukuna, he had taken what he wanted without regard for those he harmed. Why should this be different?

Yet it was. Somehow, it was.

"There are some forms to sign," Agent Col said, producing a tablet from her briefcase. "Standard non-disclosure agreements, emergency contact authorizations, that sort of thing."

As Kenji reviewed the documents, occasionally asking questions that Agent Col answered with practiced efficiency, Megumi found himself watching his uncle with a strange mixture of emotions he couldn't quite identify.

This man had welcomed him without question, had worked himself to exhaustion to provide for him, had worried about him and cared for him without any expectation of return - even before his remembrance.

When he was still but a delinquent who only brought trouble and a bad reputation. 

It was so unlike virtually anything Sukuna had experienced in his long existence.

The only one who could possibly be compared to this would be Uraume. His most loyal follower. The girl who he found and raised as a portable fridge and cook.

In essence, now remembering her, and their relationship, he realises that he indeed did in his own way care about her - akin to perhaps the way a father would care for one's daughter.

Though perhaps that is his new way of viewing all things clouding his previous feelings towards her. He has changed quite substantially since his loss and remembrance of his original life.

"One last thing," Agent Col said as Kenji finished signing the forms. "The GDA will be installing enhanced security measures in your apartment - discreet ones that won't disrupt your daily life. Standard protocol for families of active heroes."

Kenji nodded, then turned to Megumi. "I still have a thousand questions, but I suppose they can wait until Agent Col has finished her official business."

"Actually," Megumi said, "I think I'd like to answer those questions now." he stated, glancing at Col.

She nodded. "Of course. Be at your own leasure. My role here is primarily supportive. This is a family matter at its core."

As they settled in for what would undoubtedly be a long conversation, Megumi found himself experiencing something entirely new - a desire to share, to explain, to connect with this man who had shown him nothing but kindness.

Not for strategic advantage. Not for manipulation. Simply because it felt... right.

It was still disconcerting. Unsettling.

Still foreign despite everything that happened, for it simply could not dwarf the decades of existence as the lone King who stood atop the mountains, whose hands could reach the Heavens and shatter the earth.

Yet as he began answering Kenji's questions - carefully edited versions of the truth, but more honest than he might have been before - Megumi realized he was experiencing something he had not known in decades.

Belonging.

Not as a king feared by subjects. Not as a curse dreaded by sorcerers. 

But as family.

The concept was so alien that he almost couldn't process it.

Yet as Kenji listened with rapt attention, asking thoughtful questions and expressing genuine concern rather than fear of his abilities, Sukuna found himself warming to this unfamiliar dynamic.

Perhaps, he thought as he demonstrated a small, controlled application of cursed energy at Kenji's request, this was what he had been missing all along. Not just in this life, but in his previous one as well.

Someone who saw him - truly saw him past his strength - and accepted him anyway.

It was a dangerous thought. Attachment was vulnerability. Caring made one predictable, exploitable.

And yet...

When Kenji smiled at him with pride untainted by fear, Megumi couldn't help but think that perhaps some vulnerabilities were worth the risk.

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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter!

Do tell me how you found it.

Yeah, Sukuna himself admitted that he was so cruel because he hated the world for their cruelty towards him in the final chapter - it is why he rejected love so vehemently, and well, because of that I found this fitting.

Personally, I'm geniunely wanting to write Uraume in this situation - she deserves to meet this Sukuna. Who's care would be more apparent.

I can see a logical way to make it happen, though I am interested in what you guys think of it.

So yeah, I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)