Marvel Cybernetic Girl

"Becoming the unseen guardian of civilization?"

Bruce Banner chuckled. "Are you joking, little girl?"

"Hmm…"

Kagura Hitomi pouted. "I'm being serious."

"Let's focus on this so-called Tesseract instead," Bruce said, clearly uninterested in her proposal. "What kind of help do you need from me?"

"Alright then."

Kagura opened her tablet, activating its holographic display.

A projection of the Tesseract appeared in midair, along with detailed data.

"The Tesseract constantly emits weak gamma radiation. And you're the world's foremost expert on gamma rays. S.H.I.E.L.D. hopes you can help track its location."

"So… you're not asking me to turn into a giant green rage monster and smash things up?" Bruce smirked. "Because last time I was in New York, I nearly leveled an entire block."

"I know."

Kagura smiled. "I was there."

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "So… you've actually seen the Hulk? You've met the other guy?"

"That's right." Kagura nodded.

"In fact, I was surprised you didn't recognize me."

"Well…" Bruce waved a hand. "The two of us don't always share memories, so…"

"Got it."

Kagura moved on. "So, Dr. Banner, do you have any thoughts on how to track the Tesseract?"

"Hmm…" Bruce examined the holographic projection of the cube, pretending to hold it in his palm. "I'll need a fully equipped modern laboratory. This place just won't cut it."

"Understood. S.H.I.E.L.D. will provide you with the necessary facilities."

Kagura extended a hand. "Thank you for your cooperation, Dr. Banner."

Bruce hesitated briefly before shaking her hand. "Let's just hope I don't cause you any trouble."

"Are you sure you won't reconsider my offer?"

Bruce laughed. "Kagura, I don't think civilization needs a walking disaster like me as its protector."

With a wry smile, he added, "But if you ever need help in medicine, physics, or anti-electron research, I might be able to assist. Rhode Island Industries has given me a place where I can live in peace."

"Alright. But personally, I think the world could use a bit more chaos and fury sometimes."

Seeing his firm stance, Kagura decided not to push further. "Well, Dr. Banner, if you ever change your mind, you're always welcome to join Griffin Security."

"Griffin?" Bruce repeated the name thoughtfully. "So, another spy agency like S.H.I.E.L.D.? Cute little agent?"

"I told you, it's not!" Kagura huffed. "Griffin is a professional global surveillance and defense organization."

"I see. Then I won't ask any more questions," Bruce said. "When do we leave?"

"Right now."

After watching Bruce Banner board the S.H.I.E.L.D. Quinjet, Kagura activated her communication link with Rhode Island Industries.

"Cortana, report mission status."

"Natasha Romanoff has arrived in Germany. She is negotiating and arranging the transport of the designated iridium resources."

"Good. What's Bucky Barnes' status?"

"Bucky Barnes is on standby aboard the 'Halo' transport aircraft, ready for deployment at any moment."

"Any activity detected by 'Argos' in deep space?"

"Currently, within the Oort Nebula range, no temporal distortions, warp signatures, or unidentified celestial bodies approaching the solar system have been detected."

"Understood. Continue the operation."

Kagura ended the call and awaited the arrival of the Rhode Island Industries 'Halo' transport ship.

She had been preparing for Loki's schemes for over a year.

In any war, intelligence superiority is a decisive factor.

Loki's plans and intentions had long been within Kagura's grasp.

Now, all that remained was to use this overwhelming intelligence advantage to trap him and put an end to this farce as soon as possible.

Kagura remembered the Battle of New York.

She didn't want to see Tony Stark carrying a nuclear missile through a wormhole into space—risking his life just to protect New York, to protect Earth.

If I was born into this world, if I am a part of this world…

Then I will use my power to change these tragedies and moments of despair.

She would not hesitate any longer.

Kagura was determined to use her own hands to build a better future.

As the 'Halo' transport ship descended before the silver-haired girl, she prepared for the next destination:

Germany. Stuttgart.

———————————————————————

New York – S.H.I.E.L.D. Special Rehabilitation Center

The facility was designed as a training and fitness center, carefully renovated in a vintage style to perfectly recreate the 1940s.

Anyone stepping inside would feel as if they had traveled back to that era of dreams and ambition.

A well-built young man was alone in the gym, practicing on a punching bag.

Memories of war flickered through his mind—scenes of his best friend falling from a cliff haunted him, a pain undiminished by the seventy years that had passed.

"Can't sleep, Mr. Rogers?"

Nick Fury entered the room, holding a file.

"I've slept for over seventy years, Director. An old man like me might have grown tired of sleep."

Steve Rogers switched to a new punching bag. "So, I'd rather do something that helps me clear my mind."

"You should get out more. The world has changed a lot—you should see it for yourself."

Nick Fury waved the file in his hand. "Better than staying cooped up in here."

"When I fell into the ice, we were still at war."

Steve paused his training and turned to Fury. "When I woke up, they told me we won… but it feels like I lost something I'll never get back."

"Of course." Fury smirked. "But how do you know what's lost if you don't go looking for it?"

Steve's eyes flickered to the file in Fury's hand. "Is that a mission, sir? Something to help me 'adjust' to this world?"

"No." Nick Fury handed him the file. "It's a mission to save it."