His

The royal procession wound through the streets of New Viltrum, the capital city that had once been called Washington D.C.

Before the merger of Earth and Viltrumite civilizations.

Seventeen years of imperial rule had transformed the city beyond recognition - gleaming spires of crystal and adamantium reached toward the heavens,

roads of perfectly smooth material that seemed to absorb and redirect light flowed between buildings designed with both beauty and function in mind.

Atom Eve sat in the central hover-transport, her posture perfect, her expression composed as she acknowledged the crowds that had gathered to witness her passage.

As Grand Regent of the Empire in the Emperor's absence, she had maintained this ritual for seventeen years - a weekly tour through the capital to remind the people that despite their Emperor's absence, his vision continued to guide them.

Beside her, Sukuna and Eve watched with undisguised fascination as citizens - human and Viltrumite alike - bowed or saluted as the procession passed.

Children threw flowers that floated on air currents specifically designed to carry them to the royal transport.

"They love you," Eve observed, studying her counterpart with a mixture of curiosity and respect.

Atom Eve's smile was gentle but carried a hint of correction. "They love him," she replied, nodding toward Sukuna. "I am merely the caretaker of his legacy."

Sukuna remained silent, his expression thoughtful as he observed the adoration of a populace he had never directly ruled.

It was strange - seeing the fruits of decisions made by a version of himself he had only recently confirmed existed within his past.

"The eastern district is particularly enthusiastic today," Atom Eve noted, gesturing toward a section of the crowd where the cheering seemed most fervent.

"They've just received the new educational enhancements you designed before... before you were taken from us. Their children are thriving with the integrated learning systems."

The procession turned onto a broad avenue lined with trees whose cherry leaves shimmered in the morning light.

"Grand Regent!" a voice called from the crowd, somehow carrying above the general din.

Atom Eve's attention immediately focused on the source - a woman holding a child who appeared to be about five years old.

With a subtle gesture, Eve halted the procession and descended from the transport, moving with graceful efficiency through the security perimeter that immediately formed around her.

Sukuna and Eve exchanged glances before following, curious about this break in protocol.

As they approached, the woman knelt, still holding her child. "Grand Regent," she said, her voice thick with emotion, "this is my daughter, Megumi."

Atom Eve's composure softened visibly as she knelt to the child's level. "Hello, Megumi," she said gently. "That's a very special name."

The little girl nodded solemnly. "Mama says I'm named after the Emperor. The one who saved us all."

Atom Eve glanced up at the mother, who was watching Sukuna with dawning recognition, her eyes widening.

"Is it... is it truly him?" the woman whispered, hope and disbelief warring in her expression. "Has the Emperor returned?"

Atom Eve hesitated, then nodded once. "Yes, Elara. He has returned to us." She stated, knowing the name of everyone in the Empire.

The news spread through the crowd like wildfire, murmurs becoming exclamations of joy, then chants that grew in volume until they echoed off the buildings:

"The Emperor lives! The Emperor has returned!"

Sukuna stood perfectly still as the adulation washed over him, his expression unreadable. Eve moved closer to him, her hand finding his in silent support.

The little girl named Megumi stared up at Sukuna with solemn eyes. "Are you going to stay this time?" she asked with the directness only a child could manage.

Before Sukuna could respond, a new group approached - twelve figures in gleaming armor that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it.

Each wore a helmet shaped like a different animal, and they moved with the disciplined precision of elite warriors.

"The Royal Knights," Atom Eve explained quietly. "Your personal guard, created according to your specifications before... before the incident."

The Knights formed a perfect semicircle before Sukuna, then knelt in perfect unison, their right fists pressed against their hearts.

"Emperor Fushiguro," the central figure intoned, his helmet shaped like a wolf's head. "We have maintained our vigil as commanded. The Empire stands strong, your vision preserved, your people protected."

"Rise," Sukuna said, his voice carrying that unmistakable authority that seemed inherent to his being, regardless of which life he was experiencing.

The Knights stood, and the wolf-helmed leader removed his helmet, revealing a face marked with ritual scars that formed patterns reminiscent of Sukuna's own markings.

His eyes, cybernetically enhanced, glowed with a soft blue light.

"Commander Thax," Atom Eve introduced. "Leader of the Royal Knights and the most decorated warrior in the Empire after yourself and Mark."

Thax bowed his head slightly. "My life is the Emperor's, as it has been since he saved me during the Rigellian conflict."

Sukuna studied the man, noting the absolute devotion in his stance, his expression.

This was not mere loyalty to a ruler - this was reverence for a savior, a transformative figure who had fundamentally altered the course of this man's existence.

"The Knights would be honored to escort you to the Imperial Citadel," Thax continued. "The people have waited seventeen years for your return. They deserve to witness their Emperor's triumph over death itself."

Atom Eve stepped forward. "Commander, the Emperor has only just returned. There will be time for public ceremonies after he has had opportunity to rest and... reacclimate."

Thax immediately bowed. "Of course, Grand Regent. Forgiveness for my presumption."

Sukuna observed the interaction with interest, noting the absolute respect the commander showed Atom Eve despite his clear eagerness to celebrate the return of his Emperor.

It spoke volumes about the authority she had established in his absence - not merely maintained, but earned.

"The Grand Regent speaks wisely," Sukuna said, his voice carrying to the assembled crowd. "I have indeed returned, but there is much I must understand about the Empire's current state before I address my people formally."

A murmur of disappointment rippled through the gathering, but it was tempered with understanding and respect.

"Until then," Sukuna continued, "know that I am pleased with what I see. The vision continues, the work progresses, the Empire thrives."

The cheers that erupted were deafening, a release of seventeen years of grief, hope, and patience.

Atom Eve watched Sukuna with an expression that contained too many emotions to name - pride, relief, longing, and something deeper that she kept carefully controlled.

The procession resumed, now with the Royal Knights forming an honor guard around the hover-transport.

As they continued through the city, Atom Eve pointed out notable developments - the Quantum Research Institute that had pioneered breakthroughs in faster-than-light communication,

the Medical Advancement Center where Viltrumite and human doctors worked together to extend human lifespans and treat previously incurable conditions,

the Cultural Integration Pavilion where art and knowledge from a hundred worlds were preserved and shared.

"All of this," she explained, "follows the blueprint you created. The seventeen-phase plan for Earth's transformation from conquered world to imperial center."

Eve, who had been listening intently, leaned forward. "You've accomplished all this in just seventeen years?"

Atom Eve's smile held pride tempered with humility. "We had an excellent foundation. Megumi had already anticipated most challenges, prepared contingencies for virtually every obstacle. I merely... implemented."

"You're being modest," Sukuna observed, his eyes scanning the city. "Implementation at this scale requires more than following instructions. It demands vision, adaptability, leadership."

A faint blush colored Atom Eve's cheeks at the praise. "I had excellent advisors. Mark, though changed by grief, never wavered in his commitment to your vision.

And Toji... well, he provided a certain practical perspective that proved invaluable when dealing with resistance."

The transport began to ascend, rising above the city toward a massive structure that floated in the sky above - a perfect geometric shape that seemed to be constructed of crystal and living metal, shifting subtly as it caught the light.

"The Imperial Citadel," Atom Eve announced. "Your home. And the administrative center of the Empire."

As they approached, the structure seemed to recognize them, portions of its crystalline surface becoming transparent to reveal intricate internal architecture -

gardens, living quarters, research facilities, and at its heart, a massive chamber that could only be the throne room.

"It's beautiful," Eve breathed, already analyzing the seemingly impossible engineering.

"It's alive," Atom Eve explained. "A biomechanical construct designed according to Megumi's specifications. It learns, adapts, evolves according to the needs of its inhabitants."

The transport docked at an entry port that opened precisely as they approached, the timing so perfect it seemed choreographed.

As they disembarked, a delegation of officials waited to greet them - humans and Viltrumites in formal attire that blended styles from both cultures.

"The Imperial Council," Atom Eve explained quietly. "Representatives from each sector of the Empire. They've governed alongside me during your absence."

A distinguished Viltrumite female stepped forward, her bearing regal despite her obvious deference to Atom Eve. "Grand Regent," she acknowledged with a slight bow, then turned to Sukuna.

"Emperor Fushiguro. The Council welcomes your return and stands ready to brief you on all matters of state."

"Thank you, Councilor Tela," Atom Eve replied smoothly. "However, the Emperor requires rest after his interdimensional journey. The Council's report can wait until tomorrow."

Tela bowed immediately. "Of course, Grand Regent. We serve at your pleasure."

As the Council members dispersed, Sukuna noted the efficiency with which Atom Eve managed them - firm but respectful, maintaining authority without requiring displays of dominance.

It was a leadership style he recognized as similar to his own preferred approach, at least in theory of his first life and implementation of this one as well.

Atom Eve led them through the Citadel's corridors, the structure adjusting its lighting and temperature as they passed, anticipating their needs with uncanny precision.

Guards and servants they encountered all showed the same deep respect - bowing or saluting as appropriate, their expressions revealing genuine devotion rather than mere obligation.

"Your quarters remain as you left them," Atom Eve explained as they approached a massive doorway that seemed to be carved from a single piece of some unknown material. "I... I couldn't bring myself to change anything."

The door recognized Sukuna immediately, sliding open to reveal a suite of rooms that blended luxury with functionality.

The space was elegant but not ostentatious, designed for comfort and efficiency rather than display.

"This feels... familiar," Sukuna murmured, moving through the space with growing recognition. The layout, the furnishings, even the color palette resonated with his aesthetic preferences.

"It should," Atom Eve said softly. "You designed it yourself. Said it reminded you of a place from your childhood - a traditional Japanese home with modern adaptations."

Eve wandered to a wall lined with books - actual physical volumes rather than digital replacements. "These are all first editions," she noted with surprise. "Some of these are museum pieces where we come from."

"Megumi valued knowledge in its original form," Atom Eve explained, watching Sukuna as he examined a chess set made from materials not found on Earth.

"He said digital copies lost something essential - the texture of the pages, the smell of the binding, the weight of the ideas made physical."

Sukuna picked up a chess piece - the king - and turned it in his fingers. The piece seemed to respond to his touch, warming slightly, its surface shifting to better fit his grip.

"Memory-reactive materials," Atom Eve explained. "They remember their owner, adapt to provide optimal tactile experience."

A door at the far end of the main chamber slid open, revealing a bedroom of surprising simplicity given the grandeur of the rest of the Citadel.

A large bed dominated the space, its frame carved from what appeared to be a single piece of dark wood, its surface inlaid with patterns that matched the markings on Sukuna's skin.

"I'll leave you to rest," Atom Eve said, though her tone suggested the offer was more formality than genuine expectation. "There's much to discuss, but it can wait until you've had time to... process everything."

Sukuna studied her for a long moment, noting the careful control she maintained, the way she held herself slightly apart despite her obvious desire to be closer.

Seventeen years of waiting, of preserving his legacy, of ruling in his stead while never claiming his place - it was a devotion that transcended ordinary loyalty.

"Stay," he said simply. "Both of you. We have much to discuss, and rest can wait."

Atom Eve's composure slipped slightly, relief and something deeper flickering across her features before she controlled them once more. "As you wish."

The three moved to a sitting area where comfortable chairs arranged around a low table adjusted themselves as they approached, conforming to their individual preferences for height, firmness, and support.

"Tell me," Sukuna said as they settled, "about the Empire. Not the public face you showed during the procession, but the reality. The challenges, the threats, the true state of our position."

Atom Eve straightened, shifting seamlessly from companion to Grand Regent. "The Empire spans seventeen galaxies, as Mark may have mentioned.

Our primary challenges come from three sources: the Coalition of Free Worlds, which opposes our expansion on ideological grounds;

the Qu'ularian Dominion, which contests our control of key resource planets; and internal resistance movements on newly incorporated worlds."

She gestured, and a holographic display materialized above the table, showing a three-dimensional map of the known universe with the Empire highlighted in blue.

"Our military position remains strong," she continued. "The Viltrumite forces, supplemented by elite human units trained in your combat methodologies, maintain order throughout imperial space.

The economic integration proceeds according to phase fifteen of your plan, with resource distribution at 87% efficiency - 3% ahead of projected targets."

Eve leaned forward, studying the display. "And the people? How do they fare under imperial rule?"

Atom Eve's expression softened with genuine pride. "Better than they ever did under their previous governments. Poverty has been eliminated throughout the core worlds.

Disease is managed through advanced medical technology available to all citizens regardless of status. Education is universal and comprehensive."

"And freedom?" Eve pressed, her tone neutral but her question pointed.

"Defined differently than in your original world," Atom Eve acknowledged. "There are restrictions on certain activities - those that harm others or undermine social cohesion.

But within those boundaries, citizens enjoy more meaningful freedom than most had before the Empire.

Freedom from want, from fear, from the tyranny of corrupt local officials or corporate exploitation."

Sukuna absorbed this information, comparing it to his own evolving philosophy on governance and control.

It aligned remarkably well with conclusions he had reached independently in his current life - that true freedom required structure, that chaos was not liberty but merely a different form of oppression.

"And your role in all this?" he asked Atom Eve directly. "Grand Regent is an impressive title, but what has it meant in practice?"

Atom Eve's hands clasped in her lap, the only visible sign of emotion as she answered. "In practice, it has meant seventeen years of implementing your vision while preserving your legacy.

Balancing the needs of humans against the expectations of Viltrumites. Maintaining the Empire's expansion while ensuring that expansion served a purpose beyond mere conquest."

She looked up, meeting his gaze directly. "It has meant seventeen years of waiting. Of knowing you might never return, yet refusing to abandon hope. Of ruling without claiming the throne that many urged me to take."

"Many wanted you to declare yourself Empress?" Eve asked, surprised.

Atom Eve nodded. "The Empire needed stability. A single, clear authority. The Council, the military leadership...

"But you refused," Sukuna stated rather than asked.

"I refused," she confirmed simply. "I knew you would return. Somehow, someday, you would return.

And for me to do so would need me to establish a imperial line in which case I would need to marry which I of course refused.

Besides that of course, Mark had them all executed for their demands."

"Show me your work," Sukuna requested suddenly. "Not reports or statistics. Show me what you have built with your own hands, your own mind."

Atom Eve blinked, then smiled - a genuine expression that transformed her features, making her appear younger, more like the Eve they knew from their own dimension.

"I'd be honored," she said, rising. "Though it might require a small journey."

They left the Imperial Citadel aboard a smaller, more discreet transport that Atom Eve piloted herself.

As they flew over the city and beyond, she explained that while most of her work had been administrative and diplomatic, she had maintained one personal project throughout the years.

The transport descended toward what appeared to be an ordinary mountain range outside the capital.

As they approached, however, portions of the landscape shimmered and disappeared, revealing a massive complex built into and through the mountains themselves.

"An illusion?" Eve asked, her scientific curiosity piqued.

"Molecular camouflage," Atom Eve corrected. "The facility exists in plain sight, but the light passing through it is redirected to create the appearance of unbroken landscape."

They landed on a platform that extended from the mountainside, the structure recognizing Atom Eve and adapting to receive them.

As they disembarked, the air around them hummed with energy - not threatening, but alive with purpose.

"Welcome," Atom Eve said with quiet pride, "to the Genesis Institute."

Inside, the facility revealed itself as a marvel of scientific advancement.

Laboratories filled with equipment beyond cutting-edge, research spaces where scientists of multiple species worked in collaborative harmony,

and at its heart, a massive chamber dominated by what appeared to be a miniature sun suspended in a containment field.

"My life's work," Atom Eve explained, her voice soft with reverence. "A self-sustaining energy source that draws power from the space between dimensions. Clean, unlimited, and impossible to weaponize."

Eve moved closer to the containment field, her expression one of professional awe. "This is... revolutionary. The applications are endless."

"It's based on our research," Atom Eve told her. "Your theories about molecular manipulation at the quantum level. I merely... expanded on them."

Sukuna observed the interaction between the two Eves with interest - the respect they showed each other, the genuine appreciation for each other's capabilities.

There was currently unlike before no jealousy, no competition, only recognition of shared brilliance expressed through different paths.

"This will transform countless worlds," Sukuna observed, understanding immediately the implications of such technology. "Energy independence removes one of the primary causes of conflict throughout the universe."

Atom Eve nodded. "That was the intention. To create something that would further your vision of an empire built on cooperation rather than mere subjugation.

To show that imperial rule could bring benefits impossible under fragmented governance."

They spent hours touring the facility, Atom Eve explaining her work with growing animation as she shared discoveries and breakthroughs she had achieved during the long years of waiting.

Her scientific passion was evident, revealing a side of her that had perhaps been suppressed beneath the weight of imperial governance.

By the time they returned to the Imperial Citadel, night had fallen over the capital.

The city glowed beneath them, a testament to the order and prosperity that Atom Eve had maintained in Sukuna's absence.

They retired to the imperial quarters, the day's experiences settling over them, tiring them.

Eve excused herself to explore the adjacent guest chambers, her scientific curiosity drawing her to examine the living architecture of the Citadel more closely.

Alone in the imperial bedroom, Atom Eve's carefully maintained composure began to slip.

Seventeen years of discipline, of restraint, of waiting - all crashing against the reality of Sukuna's return.

"I've tried to be patient," she said quietly, her back to him as she gazed out at the city lights. "To give you time to adjust, to understand, to remember. But seeing you here, in these rooms, in this place we built together..."

She turned, and visible in her eyes was the loneliness, the determination, the unwavering faith that had sustained her through nearly two decades of separation.

"I've held myself back," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm tired now. I've gone too long, too many years without your embrace."

Atom Eve moved toward him, giving way to emotional need that had been contained for far too long.

Without hesitation, she pressed her lips to his in a kiss that carried seventeen years of longing, of devotion, of love preserved against impossible odds.

The kiss deepened, becoming something more primal, more desperate - a minute stretching into eternity as she poured everything she had kept contained into this single connection.

When they finally separated, Sukuna studied her face - the familiar yet more mature features that mirrored Eve's.

He reached up, his finger tracing gently along her cheek, down to the sensitive skin of her neck. His touch was deliberate, exploring, as if mapping territory both familiar and new.

With a precision that spoke to his absolute control, he activated Dismantle - not to harm but to remove the barriers between them.

Her clothing fell away in perfectly cut sections, leaving her exposed yet unharmed.

Atom Eve gasped softly, but made no move to cover herself.

Instead, she watched with anticipation as Sukuna guided her backward until her legs met the edge of the bed.

With gentle pressure, he pushed her down onto the mattress, following to position himself above her.

A deliberate cough from the doorway drew their attention. Eve stood there, her expression a complex mixture of jealousy, amusement and desire.

"Have you forgotten someone?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of challenge.

Without hesitation or explanation, Sukuna extended his hand toward her, a subtle application of Dismantle reducing her clothing to precisely cut fragments that fell away to reveal naked form as well.

Eve's soft cry of surprise quickly transformed into something else as Sukuna beckoned her forward with a simple gesture with his finger.

She moved toward the bed, and crawled onto the mattress to join them.

Atom Eve shifted to make room, but her eyes held a question as she looked at Sukuna. "Can you..." she began, then hesitated, uncharacteristic shyness overcoming her usual directness.

"I've seen footage from the other world, when you were fighting Conquest. Before you detransformed, you had another form."

Sukuna's brow furrowed slightly in confusion.

"I want to know every part of you," Atom Eve explained, her voice gaining confidence. "To know you now as I knew you before. Completely, fully."

Sukuna considered her request in silence. Then, with deliberate grace, he moved back from the bed, creating space between them.

His form began to shift, expanding, transforming - additional arms emerging, his height increasing until he towered above them both, his skin marked with tattoos shifting, his hair turning into a rose color.

The two women watched in fascination, their blushes deepening as they beheld the King of Curses in his true form - powerful, majestic, transcendent.

Four arms reached toward them. Two pairs of eyes gazed upon them with intensity that promised complete attention, complete awareness of every sensation, every reaction.

The King of Curses had returned to his empire. And in the arms of two women who loved him he began to fully embrace this reclaimed aspect of his complex life.

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

Do tell me how you found this chapter. It was a bit difficult to write, since it needed to be futuristic and all that. I hope I didn't use too many eloquent words. I tried to simplify it, but wasn't easily able to.

So yeah, I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)