Jean's words echoed in Kurogai's mind like a subtle warning: if the current experiment failed, he would need a backup plan. Fortunately, he already had one.
He would turn to Cerebro.
With its unparalleled ability to detect mutants across the globe, it could help locate and collect rare mutant genetics from every corner of the Earth. But for now, only Jean had the capability to use the device safely. Which meant she would need training—a lot of it.
Kurogai knew this wouldn't be a short-term process. First, he had to finish dealing with Tony Stark's affairs. Then, he would focus on strengthening Jean's abilities and helping her fully synchronize with the Phoenix Force. That, above all, would take patience and precision.
After gently reassuring her, Kurogai rose from the bed and adjusted his coat. He made his way toward the experimental chambers to observe the current progress. On his way, he also took the time to visit Mystique, ensuring everything was proceeding as expected.
With those checks completed, he exited the spaceship base and teleported directly to a familiar place—the orphanage.
"Brother Kurogai! Are you sure there's nothing I can help with? I'm seriously getting bored out of my mind here! I was more useful back when I was helping Wanda at Kamar-Taj. At least then I had purpose!"
The voice belonged to Skye, who practically stormed over the moment he arrived. She looked frustrated, her long dark hair slightly disheveled from pacing the orphanage halls day after day. Her power was growing—stronger than ever—but she had no outlet for it, no missions, and no responsibilities.
"I understand," Kurogai said with a calm smile, ruffling her hair gently. "But this calm won't last. Soon, you'll be busier than you've ever been."
That wasn't just a promise—it was part of a larger plan.
Kurogai had decided. It was time to establish a proper organization.
The constant errands and micro-management had begun to wear on him. There were far too many loose ends—mutant tracking, Stark's protection, data collection, experimental oversight. Much of it was work that didn't require his direct intervention. Delegating would free up his time and allow him to focus on what truly mattered—unlocking the full potential of his Ultimate Eye.
A team, trained and loyal, could help him track down mutant DNA samples, monitor magical anomalies, and handle surface-level threats. Even Stark's protection—though critical—was not worth the full weight of his time and power.
This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Kurogai had been mulling over the idea for a while now. In fact, it was one of the reasons he had taken in Wanda and her brother in the first place. They weren't just powerful—he saw potential in them to become the foundation of something greater.
Of course, this kind of organization couldn't be thrown together overnight. It would take time, resources, and careful recruitment.
"I get it…" Skye sighed, her voice laced with reluctant acceptance. "I just don't want to feel useless."
"You won't," Kurogai said simply. "When the time comes, I'll need you more than ever."
With that, he left the orphanage and teleported straight to Monaco—where Dr. Bruce Banner was currently hiding out.
Monaco's coast shimmered in the early light, peaceful and undisturbed—until space twisted near a quiet alleyway and Kurogai stepped out from a tear in reality.
With the magical trace he had left on Banner, finding him wasn't difficult. He appeared directly beside the scientist, who blinked in surprise.
"Kurogai? What are you doing here?" Banner asked, puzzled.
"Didn't you say you had urgent business?" Banner added, arching an eyebrow. "It's only been a day."
"I did," Kurogai answered calmly. "But now I have free time. And I thought it would be a waste to let Hulk go too long without remembering the last beating I gave him."
Banner chuckled awkwardly, but then scratched the back of his head, expression turning a bit hesitant.
"Well, about that… it might have to wait. I'm meeting a scientist friend here—soon, actually. He's flying in for a conference, and I need to talk to him. Something important."
"A scientist?" Kurogai asked, curiosity piqued. "Someone from Monaco?"
"No, no, he's American. His name is Reed Richards. Just so happens he's attending the same conference in Monaco, and I figured it was the perfect chance to reach out."
Kurogai's eyes narrowed slightly at the name.
Reed Richards… why did that sound familiar?
A moment of silence passed before realization struck.
Of course.
Mr. Fantastic.
A brilliant scientist and leader of the Fantastic Four. His intellect was almost unmatched—perhaps the only one in Banner's circle who could rival Tony Stark in raw scientific acumen.
Kurogai smiled faintly. He had underestimated this coincidence. Meeting Richards now could prove… useful.
"In that case," he said, "I'll stay. I want to meet him."
Banner raised a brow. "Why the sudden interest?"
"I'm intrigued," Kurogai replied simply. "Any man you trust enough to help with your condition is worth meeting."
What he didn't say was that a man like Reed Richards might hold answers even Stark didn't—answers about cosmic energy, dimensional rifts, or even the truth behind the Phoenix Force. Kurogai had questions that needed someone like Reed to even begin to answer.
And if Richards turned out to be as brilliant as the stories claimed, then Kurogai intended to see just how far that brilliance reached.