"Don't worry, I'm very powerful."
Wade's voice rang out confidently, not a hint of hesitation in his tone. It was almost charming, how completely unaware he was of the dangerous waters they were about to dive into.
Kurogai didn't reply immediately. He stood there, arms folded, eyes unmoved. To be fair, Wade wasn't wrong—this wasn't your average mission. Any job that put out a bounty of two million dollars for a doctor—specifically one in the scientific field—was anything but routine.
And Wade? Well, Wade was crazy. But not stupid. The moment he caught sight of Kurogai, he'd tried to team up. That alone showed he understood just how deep the rabbit hole went.
Still, Wade had that signature Deadpool confidence, the kind that allowed him to treat mortal danger like a prank war. He truly believed that no matter how bad things got, he'd still come out swinging.
"Alright then," Kurogai said flatly, adjusting the cuff of his coat. "Give me the coordinates. We're finding Banner. Now."
Wade blinked. "What? Just like that? No breakfast? No shower? No tactical nap? Come on, man. Planning is important. That guy's probably not going anywhere anytime soon."
Kurogai ignored the protest. Without another word, his eyes flickered red—the telltale sign of his magic activating. In one clean motion, he cast a subtle mental suggestion spell, lightly probing Wade's mind for the intel he needed.
It took all of two seconds.
"Canada," Kurogai muttered, eyes narrowing. "Of course it's Canada."
"Hey!" Wade gasped dramatically. "You peeked into my brain! You saw everything! My secrets, my shame... my browser history. You better marry me now, or at least buy me dinner first."
Kurogai gave him a look so flat it could iron a shirt. "Do you want the money or not?"
He tossed a few bills on the counter, turned, and walked out of the dingy pub without a second glance. Wade sputtered behind him but followed quickly, slinging his gear over his shoulder.
The moment they stepped into a narrow alleyway behind the bar, Wade looked around, confused.
"Wait, weren't we heading to Canada? I'm all packed, emotionally and physically. What are we standing around for?"
Kurogai didn't answer. Instead, he lifted his hand, drawing a golden rune in the air. With a hum of mystic energy, a circular portal shimmered to life before them.
Wade's jaw dropped.
"Holy hell, you're a mutant!" he exclaimed. "Are you one of Xavier's kids? No? You met John? The teleporty guy with a pyro complex? Tell me you at least know Nightcrawler, he owes me fifty bucks—"
Kurogai stepped through the portal without acknowledging a single word. Wade scrambled after him.
They emerged in a cold, damp forest—northern Canada. The portal collapsed behind them.
"So this is Canada, huh?" Wade sniffled dramatically. "Can't say I'm a fan of the décor. Do you smell that? That's pine and disappointment."
Kurogai closed his eyes briefly. He'd barely been here five minutes, and already his patience was wearing thin.
"Wade," he said without turning, "I've made a decision. If we're going to travel together, you need to shut up."
He raised his hand again and drew a quick, angular rune. It flashed once before zipping forward, striking Wade's throat.
Wade's eyes bulged. He tried to speak, but nothing came out. His mouth opened and closed like a confused goldfish.
"Finally," Kurogai exhaled, savoring the silence. "Peace."
He turned away, focusing on the mission at hand.
According to Wade's fragmented thoughts, Bruce Banner had been spotted somewhere nearby just a few days ago. That meant he might still be within range—if they moved quickly.
Kurogai's eyes glowed once more, but this time with a different magic. His pupils shifted, sharpening into a Byakugan-like form that enhanced his vision. The mystical enhancement let him peer through the dense foliage for miles, scanning every heat signature and energy pulse in the area.
Still nothing.
"Give me a photo of Banner," he said calmly, glancing back at Wade, who was waving his arms in a frustrated panic.
Realizing Wade couldn't speak, Kurogai snapped his fingers, lifting the voice seal.
Wade gasped for breath, like someone rescued from underwater.
"Dude! You voodoo sealed my throat! Do you even know how that feels? It's like having cotton balls and bad decisions shoved in there—never do that again!"
"The photo," Kurogai interrupted, expression unchanged.
Wade grumbled and rummaged through his utility belt, pulling out a slightly crumpled photo of Bruce Banner—green sweater, glasses, serious face. Typical Banner.
Kurogai took it without a word.
Snap.
Wade clutched his throat again, realizing he was silenced once more.
He groaned.
Kurogai tuned him out completely. He closed his eyes, focusing on the image in his mind now. Magic rippled through the air as he began scanning once more, now with a clearer target.
Somewhere out here, the Hulk was hiding.
And Kurogai had every intention of finding him.
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