Arakawa Zenkichi was strong—so strong that even facing Loki, the God of Mischief, he felt no fear. The Black Widow, however, was a different case. She was formidable in her own right, a veteran operative of S.H.I.E.L.D., but there was no denying she was still human. Against a god, especially one as cunning as Loki, the playing field tilted dangerously.
"I understand," Natasha said, though her brow furrowed. At first, she didn't quite grasp the meaning behind Zenkichi's warning. But the more she thought about what had just happened, the clearer it became. Her eyes sharpened slightly as the memory of Loki's presence replayed in her mind.
Zenkichi sighed inwardly. He had made the warning as direct as possible, yet it was obvious she wasn't taking the threat as seriously as she should. Her face betrayed a lingering doubt, and he could read it plainly.
"Listen carefully," he said, his tone firm. "That man you just saw is no ordinary enemy. He's a god—one with a particularly dangerous personality. Loki isn't the forgiving type. If he decides you're worth targeting, you will be in danger."
This was his second warning, and he wasn't planning on giving a third.
Natasha froze, the word 'god' ringing in her ears. "What did you just say?"
"You heard me," Zenkichi replied flatly.
"That's impossible… I thought he was just some kind of high-level psychic. You're telling me he's an actual god?" There was disbelief in her voice, but also a creeping edge of fear. "And now… I've been noticed by him?"
Her mind immediately replayed the confrontation. Loki's gaze, the subtle smirk—every moment took on a new weight now that she understood what he was. A shiver ran down her spine. Gods were not just powerful beings; they were figures of myth and legend. Their status was something most mortals couldn't even fathom, and provoking one was akin to playing with death.
"Otherwise, why do you think I warned you so seriously?" Zenkichi rolled his eyes. "Do I look like someone who wastes breath on nonsense? You're in danger, and that's the truth."
Natasha went quiet, her thoughts a tangled mess. All she had done was come here to extend an invitation to S.H.I.E.L.D., and somehow she had stumbled into offending an actual deity. It was absurd… and terrifying.
Seeing her expression, Zenkichi's voice softened just slightly. "Relax. He's not going to attack you—at least not for now."
She narrowed her eyes. "And why should I believe that?"
"Because I'm here," he said simply, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I already told him—if he tries anything in front of me again, I'll kill him. So for now, he won't dare touch you."
"That's… comforting," Natasha replied, though her tone made it clear she wasn't entirely reassured. "But you won't always be by my side, will you? The moment you're gone, it's open season."
Zenkichi knew she was right. He couldn't shadow her every move. But he also didn't feel like getting drawn into another long debate. "Then take this."
Before she could ask what he meant, he extended his hand. Energy began to gather in his palm, swirling with a deep, emerald light. The air seemed to thicken with a strange, almost intoxicating presence. Slowly, the energy condensed into a small, ornate token—its surface engraved with intricate patterns that shimmered faintly, as if alive.
The moment Natasha laid eyes on it, she felt a pull, a strange desire to reach out and claim it. There was power in that token, potent and undeniable.
"What is it?" she asked, her voice low.
"A link," Zenkichi said, holding it out to her. "As long as you carry this, no matter where you are, I can reach you instantly. If Loki—or anyone else—tries something, I'll know. And I'll handle it."
Natasha hesitated for a moment, then reached out and accepted the token. The metal was cool against her palm, but she could feel the faint thrum of energy within it, like the heartbeat of some living creature.
"Thank you," she said sincerely, slipping it into a concealed pocket in her suit. "I'll keep it close."
"You'd better," Zenkichi replied, turning away. "And one more thing—don't tell anyone about what happened here today. The fewer people who know, the safer you'll be. The moment Loki senses you've been talking, you'll make yourself a target."
Natasha gave a single, firm nod. She understood now—this wasn't just another mission. This was survival. And for once, she was willing to admit that she was glad to have someone like Arakawa Zenkichi watching her back.
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