"Little Asta, you don't know how much the orphanage has changed over the past few years. Oh, and there's something else—you won't believe this. After you left, a bunch of wealthy benefactors started donating. I don't know why those corporate vampires suddenly grew hearts, but thanks to them, Skye and the others can finally attend school."
Inside the orphanage, Director Mary chatted excitedly, updating Kurogai on everything that had happened during his absence. She even mentioned several large corporations that had donated generously.
"As long as you're happy, Director Mary. I promise, even more people will come forward to help. You've always deserved the best for your kindness."
Kurogai smiled faintly. What she didn't know was that these so-called 'generous benefactors' were no coincidence. Before he left, he made arrangements—subtle threats, leveraged secrets, and a few strategic nudges—to ensure the orphanage would never be in need. This was his way of repaying Director Mary's kindness.
With him behind the scenes, the money would keep flowing. The orphanage would never be in want, and Mary would continue giving lost children a home.
"Wait, are you saying all those donations were because of you, Kurogai? How did you do it? How did you make those vampires bleed their wallets?"
Director Mary's eyes widened as realization dawned. She couldn't help but marvel at what he must've done. Kurogai remained silent—some things were better left unsaid. A pure soul like Mary didn't need to know the darker truths.
"Oh, and Kurogai, you'd better keep a low profile. Otherwise, that organization—what was it, Homeland something—will try to arrest you!"
Director Mary's tone turned anxious as she recalled the bald man who had visited years ago. Her warning was sincere.
"It's alright, Director Mary. I'll be fine."
Kurogai chuckled. He wasn't worried in the slightest. S.H.I.E.L.D. couldn't truly threaten him anymore. But her concern reminded him of something important: he needed to protect Mary and Skye.
Though he had power, they were just civilians. He had to leave behind magical protection, enchantments that would activate if they were ever in danger.
He began forming ideas, but there was no need to act just yet. At that moment, his wards—the early-warning magic he'd placed around the property—triggered.
"Director Mary, Skye, stay inside and don't come out. I'll go check something."
He gently peeled Skye off his sleeve. The little girl looked up at him with wide eyes, clinging tightly to his arm.
"Where are you going, Brother Kurogai?" she asked, worried. "You won't leave again, will you?"
"Don't worry. Some guests just arrived. I'll go see what they want."
Kurogai gently reassured her before stepping outside.
The street outside the orphanage, normally quiet and empty, was now packed with a dozen black vehicles. They had surrounded the building in a wide arc. Men in tactical black uniforms stepped out, armed with stun batons. Their silence was eerie, their formation precise.
But none of them used lethal weapons. They wouldn't dare. Not with Kurogai.
"Quite the welcome party. Bit excessive, don't you think, Nick Fury?"
Kurogai ignored the agents and turned toward the central vehicle, knowing exactly who sat inside.
A moment later, the door opened and a familiar deep voice responded.
"No, not excessive at all. When someone like the Heterochromatic-Eyed One returns, you prepare. Just in case."
Nick Fury stepped out of the vehicle, his bald head now covered with a peculiar helmet—metallic, slightly angular, and oddly familiar.
"Heterochromatic-Eyed One, huh? That's the title you're giving me now? But more importantly—what's with the helmet, Fury? Afraid the sun's too much for that shiny dome of yours?"
Kurogai laughed aloud, genuinely amused. Fury looked ridiculous. The helmet made him look like a knockoff Magneto.
"Believe me, I don't care how it looks. I'm not taking any chances with you," Fury said seriously. "I still remember being controlled by you like a puppet. That's not happening again."
Kurogai raised an eyebrow, then squinted at the helmet. "Wait... That helmet. Isn't that Whitehall's old toy? A Magneto replica?"
"Found it at the ruins of a Hydra base," Fury confirmed grimly. "Kept it for situations like this."
Kurogai smirked. "Looks like it works. You look ridiculous—but hey, if it helps you sleep at night."
Fury didn't respond to the jab. He stood with arms crossed, watching Kurogai with visible tension. He wasn't here to play games.
But neither was Kurogai.
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I won't even request for stones today, as usual just do your thing.
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