"Are there truly no differences between mutants and humans in your eyes? I like that answer."
Professor Charles Xavier watched Kurogai with a thoughtful smile. The boy's response aligned closely with his own ideals, causing much of his earlier wariness to ease.
To him, Kurogai's perspective echoed his own peaceful vision for coexistence between mutants and humans.
"Is that so? As long as you're happy with it," Kurogai replied, his expression unreadable.
He knew Xavier had misunderstood. But that worked to his advantage—there was no reason to correct him.
"Alright then. I'll have one of my students show you around the school," Xavier said.
Years ago, when Kurogai rejected Xavier's invitation, the Professor learned he was cautious by nature. This time, rather than pressuring him to enroll, he hoped exposure to the school might sway him.
"Sure," Kurogai replied, calm and deliberate.
This aligned with his plans perfectly. Touring the school meant observing other mutants up close—and, potentially, acquiring their blood. That was important to him.
"Jean, come here for a moment," Professor X said telepathically.
He chose Jean Grey specifically. Her presence was a precaution. Even if Kurogai's stance had softened, Charles hadn't forgotten what he saw in Natasha Romanoff's memories six years ago—how a child of six or seven had slaughtered an entire Hydra unit without hesitation. That kind of ruthlessness didn't fade easily.
And there was more. When Kurogai awakened his powers back then, the Phoenix Force inside Jean had responded. Xavier suspected a connection. By having Jean stay close, he hoped Kurogai's true abilities might surface again.
Thump-thump.
"Professor, you called for me?"
Jean Grey stepped into the office, wearing a white coat over her clothes, her eyes calmly resting on Xavier.
"Jean, our guest here will be staying with us for a while. I'd like you to show him around."
Jean nodded without hesitation and turned toward Kurogai, motioning for him to follow. As they walked through the corridor of the ancient X-Mansion, she finally spoke.
"If I'm not mistaken, you're the child the Professor couldn't track down six years ago, aren't you?"
Kurogai turned to look at her, eyebrows slightly raised.
He hadn't expected her to recognize him. But she did. And her words weren't a guess—they were certain.
"I didn't realize Miss Jean knew of me. I'm a little flattered."
Jean gave a faint smile. "Of course I do. When you awakened your ability all those years ago, it caused quite a stir."
She paused, her expression briefly distant, as though recalling something deeper.
"The moment you awakened... even she felt it."
"She?" Kurogai narrowed his eyes slightly, his interest piqued. Jean's wording hinted at something he hadn't known.
He leaned in a bit, voice light but curious. "Tell me, Miss Jean. I do love a good story."
Jean hesitated, then changed the subject mid-thought.
"When you awakened, even... well, never mind. That's not important now. Let me show you the rest of the school. It means a lot to the Professor."
She walked ahead, her tone calm and her pace even.
Kurogai followed silently, but his mind wasn't on the tour. His thoughts were focused on her slip of the tongue.
"She was going to say the Phoenix Force," he muttered under his breath.
His eyes narrowed as he walked. "If the Phoenix Force reacted to my awakening, then... I've underestimated myself."
He had always assumed his abilities were unique but manageable. Now it seemed they were far more dangerous—perhaps even Omega-level. To shake the Phoenix Force, even slightly, was no trivial matter.
And if that were true... he might be much closer to his goals than he thought.
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