Marvel: My Eyes Defies Fate.

"So you were the one who destroyed that Hydra base back then."

Nick Fury narrowed his eyes slightly, watching Kurogai closely. Not many people knew the origin of the helmet Fury now wore, so if Kurogai recognized it, that meant he had been there. It confirmed Fury's long-standing suspicion.

"It was me. Whitehall tried to kill me, so naturally, I didn't let him walk away."

Kurogai's voice was calm, almost indifferent, as if he were discussing something mundane. But Fury's expression hardened.

The fact that Kurogai could so casually admit to taking down an entire Hydra facility—and do so in front of S.H.I.E.L.D.—spoke volumes. He wasn't intimidated by authority. Or perhaps more accurately, he didn't care at all.

Nick Fury let out a bitter smile. This boy truly operated without fear or limits.

He remembered clearly: even as a child, Kurogai had managed to manipulate and command Hydra agents, making them commit mass suicide without lifting a finger. That incident alone had haunted Fury for years.

"Alright, let's get down to business," Fury said finally. "You've been gone for years. Why come back now? What's your real reason for returning? Are you planning something?"

He watched Kurogai's face for any tells, any sign of motive—but Kurogai remained composed and unreadable.

"Of course, I'm here to live," Kurogai said lightly. "The city's atmosphere is just so lovely. Maybe I'll get a job, settle down, grow old here."

His tone was dry, clearly mocking. He knew exactly what reaction it would provoke—and enjoyed it.

Sure enough, Fury's expression darkened. His already deep complexion seemed to absorb even more shadow.

Live here? Permanently? In New York?

Kurogai, a walking catastrophe? A living anomaly no one could control? The idea alone made Fury's stomach churn.

"This might not be the best place for that," Fury muttered. "The industrial pollution's bad. You'd hate it."

He was grasping at straws and he knew it. If he had the power, he'd have detained Kurogai long ago. But there was no guarantee they could restrain him—not with his mind-control abilities. For all Fury knew, half of his agents were already under Kurogai's influence.

So there was no point in provoking him now. This visit was meant to gauge his intentions, learn what he wanted. Damage control, nothing more.

"Let me make this clear, Nick," Kurogai said sharply, his eyes cold. "Take your men and leave. I don't want this orphanage under your surveillance. As long as no one bothers me, I won't start anything."

Fury clenched his jaw. Kurogai had clearly noticed the hidden surveillance they'd set up around the orphanage. Still, there was nothing to argue. Fury knew that if he pushed too hard, the consequences could be catastrophic.

"I understand," Fury replied quietly. "We'll pull out. Just keep your word."

He nodded to his agents. A few moments later, the black-clad S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives began to withdraw. Soon, the orphanage was once again surrounded by stillness.

Kurogai turned and reentered the building.

---

Meanwhile, in a darkened high-rise across the city, a man in a sleek black suit slowly lowered a communicator.

"The Eyed One has surfaced," he murmured, his voice calm and measured. "After all these years… New York, of all places. Unexpected."

His eyes narrowed, calculating. After a pause, he reached into a drawer and retrieved a badge: a skull with eight writhing tentacles beneath it.

The mark of Hydra.

"No matter his power," he said coldly, "he dared to provoke us. We will remind the world what happens to those who cross Hydra."

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