Marvel: My Eyes Defies Fate.

"You're looking for Dr. Helen Cho? What do you want with her?"

Tony Stark's initial enthusiasm faded as Kurogai's words registered. His expression sobered instantly, instinctively guarded.

Kurogai didn't flinch. "Relax. I only want to invite her to collaborate on a research project—genetics. She's an expert in the field, and I need her insight."

Tony's brow furrowed as he crossed his arms, clearly unconvinced. "I'll need to talk to her first. If she's willing, I'll consider it."

Despite the calm explanation, Stark remained wary. A stranger showing up in his home with technology light-years ahead of anything on Earth? That didn't sit right. He couldn't shake the sense that Kurogai wasn't just some scientist with good intentions.

"That's fair," Kurogai replied, unbothered. "I'll give you until this time tomorrow. I'll return for your answer. And one more thing—the energy beam rifle you saw, it's not cheap. Be prepared."

With a faint smirk, the space around Kurogai shimmered. A ripple distorted the air, twisting and folding around him, until he vanished entirely into a spiraling vortex.

The display was intentional. Kurogai knew men like Stark responded to power—especially when it felt alien and unpredictable. Intimidation wasn't cruelty, it was strategy. He couldn't afford Stark poking into places he didn't belong.

And it worked. Stark stood there in stunned silence, blinking as his mind replayed the moment.

"JARVIS," Stark finally said, voice low, "did you see how he left?"

"I did, sir," JARVIS responded. "In fact, I detected no entrance or approach when he first arrived. It's possible he arrived the same way he left—via spatial manipulation."

Stark frowned, absorbing the implications. Technology like that, paired with weapons that broke every known law of physics? This wasn't some eccentric inventor. And now he was asking about Helen Cho. That raised every red flag Tony had.

"Start a trace. I want everything you can find on this guy—background, energy signatures, tech blueprints—everything."

Stark didn't make decisions lightly, and right now, caution was the only card he could safely play. He wasn't ready to involve Helen until he knew exactly who—or what—he was dealing with.

---

Somewhere far out in the Atlantic, the ocean rippled unnaturally. Atop the undisturbed waters, a cloaked ship hovered in place—silent and invisible to satellites. Kurogai's mobile research base had returned to standby, and so had he.

As Kurogai stepped inside, the ship's lights activated, responding to his presence. A familiar figure was already approaching—Jean Grey.

"You're back," Jean said, concern in her voice. "How did it go?"

Her question was layered. She wasn't just asking about Stark. Jean's thoughts lingered on Charles Xavier—her mentor, her second father. She didn't want tension between him and Kurogai, not when she was caught between them.

"It's fine," Kurogai said calmly, pulling her gently into his side. "And I managed to secure something. I need you to check if the data's intact."

He didn't elaborate—partly because Jean didn't need to know every detail, partly because some truths would only burden her.

"What is it?" she asked curiously.

"Come to the first cabin."

They walked together into a dimly lit chamber. This room had been prepared to house something important—something powerful.

Kurogai reached into his coat and pulled out a compact device. With a tap, it activated, projecting a glowing 3D interface in midair. A holographic Cerebro flickered into existence, its data matrix fully intact.

Jean's eyes widened. "Is that... Cerebro? How did you copy it?"

"You know my powers," Kurogai replied. "I need mutant DNA to strengthen my abilities. But the plan to turn ordinary people into mutants might fail, so this is the backup. If it comes to it, I'll build a version of Cerebro."

Jean's concern was immediate. "But I don't even know if I can use it. Cerebro's dangerous. One wrong move, and—"

"I know," Kurogai interrupted softly. "This is only a contingency. I won't risk you. Not unless I'm absolutely certain it can be done safely."

He wasn't being reckless. Behind the calculated risks was someone who cared deeply for Jean. He wouldn't throw her into the storm unless he had already built the shelter around her.

Still, mastering something like Cerebro—and by extension, the Phoenix Force—was no simple task. But Kurogai had a mind for adaptation. If there was a way to wield psychic powers without risking Jean's life, he'd find it. He might even do it himself.

For now, though, it was preparation—not execution. Jean didn't need to worry, not yet.

And he wouldn't let her.

---

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