Kurogai prepared to leave the orphanage. Naturally, Skye was saddened by the news, but after a bit of reassurance, she accepted it. After all, he wasn't moving far—still in New York, just living elsewhere. They could visit each other easily.
After saying his goodbyes to Director Mary and Skye, Kurogai departed slowly. His destination was the residence he had previously arranged, now home to Wanda and Pietro Maximoff.
"My Lord, you've returned!"
The twins quickly greeted him, their expressions respectful. Despite Kurogai once asking them to call him "Big Brother," they insisted on using "My Lord." Eventually, he gave up correcting them.
"It seems you've settled in well. How have things been?" Kurogai asked, glancing around.
"We're very happy here. Thank you, My Lord," Wanda replied sincerely.
After a bit of conversation, Kurogai gained a clear picture of how the twins had adjusted. It was rare for them to experience such stability, and they treated this place like home. Kurogai didn't dwell on it long. After a few days of rest, he started their training.
Pietro's training was straightforward: rigorous physical exercises to improve control over his speed and reflexes. Kurogai had previously obtained detailed training routines from Hydra agents and passed them on to Pietro.
Wanda's training, however, was far more complex. Teaching magic required patience and precision.
"I'll start you off with the basics," Kurogai told her in a quiet training room. "Once your foundation is solid, I'll guide you through spellcraft and other disciplines."
Because magical learning demanded concentration, Kurogai had Pietro and Wanda train in separate rooms. Pietro's hyperactivity wouldn't help in Wanda's delicate studies.
Sometimes, while correcting Wanda's technique, Kurogai had to adjust her hand placement or posture. These moments made Wanda blush slightly, creating a faintly awkward air. Still, she said nothing and continued listening attentively.
This reaction wasn't surprising. Kurogai's calm presence, his past act of saving the twins, and his naturally composed demeanor gave Wanda a quiet admiration for him. Though her feelings seemed like a young girl's innocent fantasy, Kurogai recognized them and chose to ignore the implications. He knew better than to act on it—Wanda was still too young.
Due to her self-consciousness, her early progress was slow. Only after several days did Wanda truly begin to grasp the fundamentals of magic.
"Just continue practicing what I've shown you," Kurogai advised gently. "Strengthen your mind, and focus on expanding your magical capacity."
He left Wanda to train alone—his presence clearly made it harder for her to concentrate. With both siblings now immersed in their respective paths, Kurogai returned to his quarters and sat quietly, contemplating his situation.
"I've activated three eye rings and unlocked three ocular abilities," he murmured. "Plus, I've studied magic. That's the extent of what I can use right now."
He began reviewing each of his power sources mentally:
First Eye Ring – Geass Eye, which granted Absolute Command and Foresight
Second Eye Ring – Mystic Eye, containing the Copy Eye and Annihilation Eye
Third Eye Ring – Sharingan, which had only recently awakened. Currently, it allowed for genjutsu (illusion) and limited copying abilities
Kurogai had also spent several years studying the mystic arts. Although this breadth of power appeared substantial, it was still shallow in depth. He lacked true mastery and had many limitations. This urgency drove his desire to grow stronger.
Fortunately, with his ability to open magical portals, he didn't have to worry about personal safety. That was, after all, why he chose to study magic in the first place—security before power.
"The Geass and Mystic Eyes are at a bottleneck," he thought aloud. "But the Sharingan is still developing. And the X-Mansion is full of mutants—ideal for improvement. Mutant blood is the key."
His second goal was even more personal: awakening his own mutant ability.
Although he'd tried training during the past six years, he couldn't locate the source of his power. It was like trying to grasp something that wasn't there. Yet, Professor Charles Xavier had once contacted him telepathically, affirming that Kurogai was indeed a mutant.
That left only one possibility—he hadn't yet discovered the correct way to unlock his mutation.
"I need to go to the X-Mansion," he said firmly. "Professor X may be the only one who can help me."
Having made up his mind, Kurogai began preparing for the next phase of his journey.
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