Marvel: My Eyes Defies Fate.

Kurogai understood Professor Xavier's concerns, but at the moment, he had no time to address them. His focus remained firmly on the formation of his scientific research team.

Days passed, and he had already gathered several scientists specializing in genetic research. However, Dr. Helen Cho, the woman he originally hoped to recruit, remained elusive. There were no leads on her location for now, so Kurogai had no choice but to postpone that matter.

"Maybe I should start with Stark," Kurogai muttered to himself. Reaching out to Tony Stark might prove fruitful—but not yet. His current project demanded full attention.

Standing on a remote coastline, the wind brushing over the surf, Kurogai addressed the group of scientists assembled before him.

"From today onward, we form a new research initiative. I trust you've all made your preparations. Let's begin."

Although he had used the Geass Eye to influence their loyalty, Kurogai hadn't completely overridden their will. They were still themselves, only now unable to betray or expose what they were part of.

"And this," he said, eyes glowing faintly, "is your new research base."

With a wave of his hand, he activated Kamui Space, and a massive spacecraft emerged from thin air, floating just above the waves.

Originally a logistical vessel salvaged from space battles, the ship was reinforced with heavy armor and equipped for long-term habitation. Its advanced systems made it suitable for research under any conditions—a perfect match for what Kurogai had envisioned.

Then, he gestured, and Jean Grey stepped forward.

"This is your acting project lead. All matters will go through her."

Jean's calm gaze swept across the group. She stepped confidently onto a makeshift platform.

"Until the project is completed, I'll be overseeing all operations. Board the ship and begin your assignments."

It wasn't just power that made Jean a good leader. Like Professor Xavier, she could sense minds, detect lies, and remain in control even under pressure. If anyone attempted sabotage, she would know.

As the scientists filed onto the ship, Kurogai activated the cloaking system. The massive vessel shimmered, then vanished beneath the ocean's surface, gliding silently into the deep.

Inside, everything moved according to plan.

After finalizing logistics, Kurogai walked down to the secure holding area. Behind reinforced doors lay Mystique, unconscious and restrained. Her powers made her unpredictable, but now, she was vulnerable.

With a gesture, Kurogai dispelled the illusion clouding her mind. Her eyes shot open—and she lunged.

She never got far.

His Mangekyō Sharingan flared instantly, casting a paralysis genjutsu that froze her in place. Her expression contorted with fury.

"What do you want from me?!" she growled.

"If I wanted you dead, you wouldn't be here," Kurogai said coldly. "Your DNA is valuable. That's why you're still alive."

Without further explanation, he summoned his scythe from Kamui Space. The curved blade shimmered unnaturally as it sliced through the air, nicking Mystique's arm. Her blood flowed into a container without her consent.

She struggled, but it was pointless.

Kurogai examined the vial carefully.

"Still not enough," he muttered. Despite having obtained genetic samples from Sabretooth, Magneto, and now Mystique, his third ring had yet to evolve further. Clearly, more was needed.

Mystique stared at him with confusion and dread. "What are you trying to do?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he resealed the holding cell and walked away.

Days passed.

During that time, the research facility began operating smoothly. Jean oversaw the day-to-day progress with firm leadership, and Kurogai, satisfied with the pace, decided it was time for his next move.

He stepped through a dimensional portal and reappeared at the front gates of the X-Mansion.

Jean had already passed along Professor Xavier's message. Kurogai intended to answer it—but he also had his own reason for coming. He needed access to Cerebro.

Transforming normal humans into mutants was a colossal scientific endeavor. Even Kurogai didn't know the true odds of success. So, he needed a backup plan: locate every mutant on Earth.

If his project failed, then he would track each mutant down, one by one, and harvest their DNA. Only by studying a full spectrum of mutant powers could he hope to achieve the next level of evolution in his Sharingan.

Accessing Cerebro would simplify that task. He could find them all in an instant.

Of course, there was also another option—if he could locate the mutant from X-Men: The Last Stand, the one who could naturally sense other mutants, he could skip Cerebro altogether. But tracking that mutant down was another problem entirely.

For now, the Cerebro would have to do.

There was one more person on Kurogai's mind: Rogue.

He had given her time to think. That time was running out. He planned to meet her again soon and hear her answer, hoping she would make the right choice.

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I've held up my end.....so, where are my power stones?