Okay... Chill.

The private estate nestled in the mountains of Kyoto exuded an atmosphere of ancient luxury.

Traditional architecture blended seamlessly with modern comforts, creating a sanctuary that existed outside the normal flow of time - much like its current occupants.

Yukuna followed Uraume through the polished wooden corridors, his eyes taking in the calligraphy scrolls and priceless artifacts that adorned the walls.

Though he would never admit it aloud, there was comfort in Uraume's presence - a constant that had remained unchanged through centuries while he was asleep, while empires rose and fell around their unconscious forms.

"The preparations are complete, Sukuna-sama," Uraume said, her voice carrying that perfect balance of deference and familiarity that only she had mastered. "Kenjaku awaits in the main chamber."

Yukuna nodded, studying Uraume's profile as she led the way. In many ways, she was the closest thing to family he had ever known - taken in as a child, raised under his guidance, shaped into his most loyal servant.

Not that he would ever acknowledge such sentimentality aloud.

"You disapprove," he stated rather than asked, noting the subtle tension in her shoulders.

Uraume's expression remained carefully neutral. "It is not my place to approve or disapprove of your decisions, Sukuna-sama."

"And yet you do." A hint of amusement colored his voice. "Speak freely. I allow you that privilege."

She hesitated only briefly. "I question the wisdom of allying with Kenjaku. Her motives have always been... opaque. Even to you."

"All the more reason to keep her close," Yukuna replied. "Besides, her resources are valuable. Her knowledge, essential."

They arrived at an ornate door decorated with intricate carvings of mythical beasts. Uraume paused, her hand resting on the handle.

"And the other matter?" she asked quietly. "The incarnation ritual?"

Yukuna's expression hardened. "Proceed as planned."

Uraume bowed slightly before sliding the door open, revealing a spacious chamber dominated by a low table surrounded by cushions.

The room was illuminated by traditional paper lanterns, casting a warm glow that softened the austere elegance of the space.

Kenjaku sat at the far end of the table, her appearance striking in its contrast to Yukuna's memories.

No longer inhabiting Suguru Geto's body, she had returned to a female form - specifically, that of Kaori Itadori.

Her long dark hair was pulled back in a simple style that emphasized her sharp features and calculating eyes.

"The King of Curses honors me with his presence," Kenjaku greeted, her voice carrying that familiar blend of mockery and genuine respect. "I was beginning to wonder if you had changed your mind."

"I don't change my mind," Yukuna replied, taking a seat across from her. "I merely prioritize."

Kenjaku smiled, pouring sake into two delicate cups. "And I've risen in your priorities. How flattering."

Yukuna accepted the cup but didn't drink, studying her with narrowed eyes. "You've changed vessels again. I thought you were content with Geto's body."

"I extracted his technique before the transfer," Kenjaku explained, gesturing to herself. "While men's bodies offer certain physical advantages, I find I prefer returning to a woman's form.

It is, after all, my original state." Her smile turned predatory. "Besides, I've accumulated enough power that physical differences are largely irrelevant now."

"Hmm." Yukuna took a small sip of sake, savoring the quality. "You've done as I asked?"

"Of course." Kenjaku rose gracefully. "Though I must admit, your request surprised me. The last time we discussed Yorozu, you nearly killed me for even suggesting her revival." She led them toward a sliding door at the rear of the chamber.

"What changed, I wonder?"

Yukuna didn't answer immediately, his mind turning to the revelations of recent weeks.

The dimensional merger had provided unexpected insights - glimpses of his counterpart's life, abilities, and choices.

The invincible he had killed before meeting the Emperor had carried memories of that fool Angstrom Levy's briefings - information about the other Sukuna that had been... illuminating.

"Perspective," he finally replied. "I've gained perspective."

Kenjaku's eyebrow rose slightly, but she said nothing as she slid open the door, revealing a smaller chamber beyond. The room was dimly lit, dominated by a large futon in its center.

Atop it lay a female figure, her skin adorned with intricate ritual markings in red ochre. Even unconscious, Tsumiki Fushiguro's face carried a serene beauty that belied the chaos about to unfold within her.

"The vessel is prepared," Kenjaku said, gesturing toward the sleeping woman. "The markings will facilitate Yorozu's full incarnation as you requested."

Yukuna approached slowly, his eyes tracing the symbols painted across Tsumiki's forehead. The irony wasn't lost on him - using Megumi Fushiguro's sister as the vessel for Yorozu's rebirth.

In another dimension, another version of himself had become a Fushiguro and was seemingly transformed by it, elevated him to new heights of power.

"Begin," he commanded, stepping back to give Kenjaku space to work.

Kenjaku knelt beside the futon, placing her hands on either side of Tsumiki's head.

Her fingers began to glow with an eerie blue light as she chanted in a language older than recorded history.

The markings on Tsumiki's skin responded, pulsing with rhythmic intensity as the incarnation ritual took hold.

As Yukuna watched, his mind returned to the revelation that had shaken him to his core - his counterpart had surpassed him.

The other Sukuna had achieved powers that Yukuna himself had never mastered, including the ability to manipulate the Heavens themselves.

And he had done so not through isolation and domination, but through connection.

It was... unacceptable. Yet undeniable.

The King of Curses did not ignore evidence simply because it contradicted his preconceptions.

If connection truly offered a path to greater power, then he would explore it - albeit on his own terms, beginning with those whose loyalty and devotion were already proven.

A sudden gasp from the futon drew his attention back to the present. Tsumiki's body arched upward, her eyes flying open to reveal irises that glowed with unnatural light.

The markings on her skin flared brilliantly before sinking beneath the surface, disappearing as they were absorbed into her changing flesh.

When the light faded, the woman who sat up was Tsumiki in form only.

Her movements, her presence, the very way she held herself - all had changed. Her eyes fixed on Yukuna with an intensity that bordered on madness.

"My lord," Yorozu breathed, her voice carrying that distinctive musical quality that had once irritated him so profoundly. "You've called me back."

Without warning, she launched herself from the futon, heedless of her state of undress, and threw her arms around Yukuna's neck.

In the past, he would have struck her down for such presumption. This time, he allowed the contact, his expression unreadable as she pressed herself against him.

"My love," she whispered against his chest. "After all this time... you've finally accepted me."

Uraume and Kenjaku exchanged surprised glances as Yukuna failed to push Yorozu away or punish her for her boldness.

Instead, he stood motionless, allowing her embrace while his mind calculated, analyzed, considered.

His counterpart had gained unprecedented power through connection. Through bonds that Yukuna had always rejected as weakness. The evidence once again was irrefutable - this other Sukuna had transcended limitations that still bound Yukuna himself.

Perhaps there was something to this path after all.

Not the sentimental nonsense humans called "love," but a strategic utilization of the bonds others formed with him.

Yorozu's obsession, Kenjaku's ambition, Uraume's loyalty - all could be leveraged, channeled, directed toward his advancement.

With sudden decisiveness, Yukuna gripped Yorozu's shoulders and pushed her back just far enough to look into her eyes.

Then, in a move that shocked all present, he pulled her forward again and claimed her mouth in a dominating kiss.

Yorozu melted against him, a moan of surprised delight escaping her as her centuries-old fantasy finally materialized. When he released her, she stared up at him with dazed wonder.

"My lord," she whispered. "Why now? After rejecting me for so long?"

"I have my reasons," Yukuna replied cryptically, his gaze shifting to include Kenjaku, who watched the scene with undisguised interest. "Come here," he commanded her.

Kenjaku tilted her head, a slow smile spreading across her face as understanding dawned. "Well, this is an unexpected development," she purred, approaching with the confident grace of a predator. "And here I thought you found human desires beneath you."

"I find nothing beneath me," Yukuna corrected, his voice carrying that imperial authority that brooked no argument. "I simply choose what serves my purpose."

Yorozu's expression darkened as she realized his intentions. "No," she hissed, turning toward Kenjaku with murderous intent. "No concubines. No others. Only me. I've waited centuries for you, my love. I won't share-"

Yukuna's hand shot out, gripping her chin with enough force to silence her immediately. "You misunderstand your position," he said, his voice dangerously soft.

"I do what I want, when I want, however I want. If you wish to remain by my side, you live by my rules, my desires."

For a moment, rebellion flashed in Yorozu's eyes. Then, slowly, she nodded within his grip. "As you wish, my lord," she conceded. Her gaze hardened as she looked at Kenjaku.

"But know that I will kill her, eventually."

Yukuna's lips curved in a cold smile. "You're welcome to try," he said, releasing her chin. "Any woman too weak to survive your jealousy is unworthy of my time anyway."

Kenjaku laughed, the sound rich with genuine amusement. "My, how things have changed," she observed, crossing her arms. "Are you truly serious about this, Sukuna? This isn't exactly consistent with your previous... philosophy."

"Have I ever not been serious?" Yukuna countered. "I won't repeat myself."

Kenjaku studied him for a long moment, her eyes calculating, measuring. Then, with a graceful shrug, she began to undo the elaborate ties of her kimono. "As you wish," she said, allowing the silken garment to pool at her feet.

"Though I must say, this is a rather dramatic change of heart. The last time I offered myself to you was nearly a thousand years ago."

Yukuna approached her, his imposing height - enhanced through modifications to Yuta Okkotsu's body with Mahito's ability - allowing him to tower over her.

He gripped her chin much as he had Yorozu's, tilting her face up to his.

"You wanted this even then," he stated rather than asked. "It's why you were so eager to serve me."

Kenjaku didn't deny it. "I offered once," she admitted, her eyes glittering with ancient ambition. "You rejected me quite emphatically."

Yukuna pushed her against the wall, pinning her wrists above her head with one hand. "Is that why you took part of my soul?" he demanded, his voice a dangerous purr. "Why you fashioned that false twin, that imitation of me? To sire the brat with?"

A flash of genuine surprise crossed Kenjaku's features before her composure returned. "You knew about that? Impressive. Yes, that was part of my motivation," she admitted. "Though I'm still rather annoyed that you killed our son."

Yukuna laughed, the sound lacking any real warmth. "If you want, I could bestow upon you another," he offered, his free hand tracing the curve of her jaw.

'My counterpart as well had a child on the way - something I sensed - perhaps I should explore that avenue as well,' he thought, recalling the memories he had gleaned.

'Two devoted women, just as I shall have. Though his second isn't quite his yet...

From what I recall, since it was that other version of his woman from that Emperor's world - I could practically taste her obsession towards him as I was falling through the cracks in the Walls of the Heavens.

But I know she will be his soon enough, knowing myself as I do.'

Kenjaku's eyes widened fractionally, genuine interest replacing her usual calculated mask. "Now that," she murmured, "would be a fascinating experiment."

Yorozu watched from the futon, her expression a complex mixture of jealousy and arousal. "My lord," she called, her voice carrying that musical quality that had once grated on his nerves. "Come. Let me show you what I've dreamed of for centuries."

Yukuna released Kenjaku and turned toward the bed, his decision made.

Connection had given his counterpart unprecedented power.

He would explore this path, but on his own terms - beginning with the carnal, the physical, the domination he understood best.

Perhaps, in time, he would discover what his counterpart had found - the true source of power that had allowed him the will, the way to transcend Heaven's bounds.

Uraume, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, bowed deeply. "I will leave you to your... negotiations, Sukuna-sama," she said, her voice carefully neutral despite the discomfort evident in her posture. "Please call if you require anything."

As she slipped from the room, closing the door silently behind her, Yukuna removed his outer garments, his eyes moving between the two women who had pursued him across centuries.

Both powerful in their own right, both devoted to him in their own ways, both potentially useful in his quest to surpass his counterpart.

"Now," he said, his voice carrying the authority of one accustomed to absolute obedience, "let us explore this new path. Together."

Outside in the corridor, Uraume leaned against the wall, her expression troubled as she listened to the sounds beginning to emerge from the chamber.

She had served Sukuna faithfully for centuries, had witnessed his cruelty and his brilliance in equal measure. But this new direction... this was unprecedented.

"What has changed you, Sukuna-sama?" she whispered to the empty hallway. "What did you see in that other world that has shifted your path so dramatically?"

Whatever it was, she would adapt, as she always had. Her loyalty to the King of Curses transcended understanding, transcended reason.

If he had chosen a new direction, she would follow - even if that path led to places she had never imagined they would go.

She was his daughter after all, and a good daughter always follows her father.

With a silent sigh, she straightened and walked away, leaving her master to explore his new strategy for power.

The world was changing. Dimensions were shifting. And apparently, even the King of Curses was not immune to evolution.

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

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

Yeah... Yukuna is being... What is the correct word for this situation? I really don't know. Do please comment a proper description for me.

So, what do you all think of Yukuna's desire to understand how our Sukuna got so strong through connection.

Also Kenjaku is a woman, always has been, and I base this on the fact she speaks womanly in Japanese in all her vessels, even Geto. There is no real confirmation of this from Gege, nor whether Kenjaku was a man or woman, so I'm gonna go with my headcanon.

Meaning Kenjaku isn't even her real name which makes sense to me since with CTs existing, there may be one that can effect you from simply know your true name which she would take into account and prevent.

I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)