When Kurogai's indifferent gaze fell upon him, Nick Fury involuntarily tensed. In that moment, without a word or a hint of hostility, Kurogai exuded a pressure so overwhelming that it was suffocating.
It wasn't telepathy. It wasn't a mind trick. It was raw presence—an unspoken spiritual dominance that made even Fury's battle-hardened instincts scream caution.
Not even the President could rattle him like this.
Fury had long suspected that Kurogai's years off the radar hadn't been spent idly. But now, seeing him again, that suspicion hardened into something else: certainty. Whatever Kurogai had been through, it was beyond classified files, beyond comprehension—and definitely beyond Earth.
"Mr. Heterochromatic Eyes," Fury began, careful with his words, "we haven't been monitoring the orphanage. Not in years. What happened was… we picked up signs of a spacecraft matching your energy signature. Someone spotted a man who looked exactly like you piloting it—descending from orbit."
His tone remained diplomatic, though edged with curiosity and concern.
"So I had people positioned near the orphanage, just in case. There's no other way to reach you—you're never exactly… reachable."
Kurogai's gaze lingered for a few more seconds before he slowly turned his head away. Fury exhaled in relief.
"That's better," Kurogai said calmly.
Fury seized the opportunity. "Then, would you mind explaining why a man who looked exactly like you landed a spacecraft from orbit yesterday? That's not something we can ignore."
His voice carried weight—not as a threat, but as a national security imperative.
After all, while S.H.I.E.L.D. still struggled to reverse-engineer alien tech from a decade ago, someone like Kurogai had clearly mastered interstellar travel. That wasn't just a risk. It was a paradigm shift.
Kurogai didn't hesitate. "You've already guessed. It was me."
Fury's expression tightened. Even though he'd expected it, hearing it confirmed sent a shiver through him.
"Then… can I ask what you were doing out there?"
"I know what you want," Kurogai replied flatly. "And I know what you're worried about. But I don't have time for long-winded explanations."
He paused, then added, "However, I'm willing to offer you something—if you're interested in making a deal."
Fury's eyes narrowed. "What kind of deal?"
Kurogai gave a slight smirk. "Relax. You'll benefit from this."
With a flick of his hand, he pulled an object from a hidden dimensional pocket—an energy rifle, sleek and alien in design. He tossed it casually toward Fury, who caught it instinctively.
Fury's eyes widened.
"This is…" he examined the weapon, quickly realizing it was extraterrestrial tech. Clean, elegant, deadly. There was no doubt—it was real.
A find like this could advance Earth's technology by decades, maybe centuries. If reverse-engineered successfully, it could redefine modern warfare, energy systems, even space travel.
Fury looked back up. "What do you want in return?"
"Three conditions," Kurogai said evenly.
"I can authorize anything within reason and national interest," Fury replied quickly. "As long as it doesn't go against our principles."
"Good," Kurogai nodded. "First, find a quiet location—somewhere far from New York. I want you to relocate the orphanage and personally handle its security and logistics."
Fury blinked, briefly surprised by the simplicity. "That's it?"
Kurogai raised a brow. "You think that's too easy?"
"No," Fury said quickly, nodding. "No, it's done. Consider it done. What about the other two conditions?"
"I'll let you know when I decide," Kurogai said, already turning back toward the orphanage.
He didn't need to hear Fury's reply. He knew the answer.
Truth was, giving Fury that weapon wasn't a one-sided deal. Kurogai had his own reasons for planting it in Earth's defense system. There were bigger things coming—forces far beyond S.H.I.E.L.D. or even Earth's current understanding.
Later, he briefed Director Mary on the move, instructing her to coordinate with Fury and his team. Since S.H.I.E.L.D. had previously helped relocate the orphanage once before, the process would go smoothly.
Once everything was in motion, and the relocation underway, Kurogai departed New York.
His next destination was Kamar-Taj.
A portal swirled open before him, gold rings of light spinning in harmony.
There were people waiting for him there—people he couldn't ignore.
Without hesitation, he stepped through the gate and vanished.
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