Marvel: My Eyes Defies Fate.

To a young girl going through puberty, the sudden appearance of an extraordinary figure like Kurogai was enough to spark a crush. He found it amusing, if not slightly troublesome, but didn't have the heart to burst her bubble. Instead, he gently redirected the conversation back to the matter at hand.

"Rogue," he said evenly, "have you thought about what I proposed earlier?"

His eyes lingered on her face, calm yet firm. He wasn't trying to pressure her—this was one of the rare times he wasn't forcing anything. He genuinely wanted her decision.

"I… I'm still not sure," Rogue said softly, her voice laced with uncertainty. "I need time to think."

Kurogai nodded. "Alright. I'll give you two more days."

She needed space to decide, and he understood that. Besides, he had his own errands to run.

It had only been a day since he returned, and there were people he needed to check in on—like Director Mary at the orphanage, and Skye and the others back at Kamar-Taj.

As for the situation at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, he already had a solid grasp on how the timeline would unfold. Two days was more than enough for him to settle the important things. Everything was still under control.

Before leaving, he made sure to inform Jean, to avoid worrying her again. Then, without another word, Kurogai opened a spatial portal and stepped through.

A shimmering golden ring of light materialized in a quiet yard on the outskirts of New York. Children were playing, laughter filling the air. As soon as Kurogai appeared, a few kids dashed inside excitedly.

Moments later, Director Mary emerged, slightly winded from rushing. Her long hair had streaks of white now, signs of years gone by. But her eyes lit up the moment she saw him.

"My dear Asta, you've finally returned," she said, pulling him into a hug. "You disappeared for years again… I missed you terribly."

"Long time no see, Director Mary," Kurogai replied with a faint smile.

"Where have you been all this time? And Skye—no word from her either. You two had me worried sick!"

The maternal worry in her voice was genuine. Kurogai stood patiently, allowing her to vent her concern. He answered with small anecdotes, light conversation—things that helped ease her mind.

Eventually, the warm reunion settled into a quiet pause. That's when Kurogai raised the topic that had weighed on him.

"Director Mary," he said, his tone shifting to serious, "have you ever considered relocating the orphanage?"

She blinked. "Relocate? But… this place has been our home for years."

"I've been thinking about this for a while," he explained. "New York is at the heart of nearly every major incident on this planet. Aliens, supervillains, giant robots—it's only getting more dangerous. I can't always be here to protect you, no matter how many spells I've placed."

He paused. 'And once the major conflicts begin... New York will be the Frontline.'

Director Mary looked conflicted, her hand brushing through her hair.

"I know it's not easy," Kurogai added gently. "The kids have memories here. But I want to move you all to somewhere safer. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere you can build something lasting."

She looked down, thoughtful. "This place holds a lot of memories. But I trust you. If you think it's best…"

"I do," he said firmly. "And I'll handle everything. You just focus on getting the children ready."

Mary nodded slowly. "Alright. We'll prepare."

Relief washed over him. He had half-expected resistance, but she was reasonable—as always.

"Good," he smiled. "I'll be back soon. I've got some people to meet."

As she turned to coordinate the preparations, Kurogai stepped out into the street.

A car was already parked outside. Standing beside it was a bald man wearing a tactical helmet—Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

As usual, Fury's paranoia hadn't changed. He still came armored up around Kurogai.

"You've got good timing," Kurogai said, eyeing him. "Or have you been keeping tabs on the orphanage this whole time?"

Fury didn't flinch. "Long time no see, Mr. Kurogai. You've been off the radar again."

Kurogai's gaze sharpened. "I told you before. Stay away from the orphanage. No surveillance. That was the deal."

Fury raised a hand, signaling no hostility. "We've kept our distance. But you returning lit up a dozen sensors across New York. I didn't need eyes on the kids to know you were back."

Kurogai narrowed his eyes but said nothing more. For now.

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