A golden halo appeared above Manhattan's skyline, then the sleek gold-and-silver armor erupted into existence before bursting into flame and rocketing into the distance. That was Kurogai in flight, his new "Waltz" armor slicing through the air.
Once inside his Kamui space, he activated the armor and suited up. Although Kurogai could already fly using the Phoenix energy or float via his Tenseigan, this was different—thrusters, HUD overlays, live diagnostics. Technology and mysticism blended seamlessly.
A calm voice spoke inside his helmet, modeled after Stark's omnipresent assistant. "Mark suit online, sir. Full system checks complete."
"Good," Kurogai replied. "I'll call you Waltz from now on."
"Yes, sir," the armor replied.
"Waltz—engage full speed," Kurogai ordered. Instantly the suit's thrusters ignited in a brilliant throng of exhaust. He rocketed away, streaking above suburban New York.
Moments later, a soft alert sounded. "Sir, two armed groups in conflict below."
Kurogai leveled off and peered at the ground. The HUD fed him a blurry thermal overlay. Among them he recognized Logan and another adolescent mutant—the girl nicknamed "Rogue."
That didn't make sense. Logan wouldn't fight armed forces unless ordered.
"Waltz, query recent White House incidents," Kurogai instructed.
"Sir—mutant attacked presidential office yesterday. Assassination attempt failed; subject at large," Waltz reported.
Kurogai's eyes narrowed. The scenario mirrored the climax of X‑Men II, when William Stryker targeted Xavier's school. He adjusted course, descending rapidly into the fray.
Below, Logan led frightened young mutants in pajamas through a courtyard. They were fleeing in chaos. Machine‑gun smoke drifted over, and as Kurogai approached, a radiant figure descended in gold armor. Gunsmoke dispersed to reveal the golden silhouette of Waltz beside the children.
Everyone froze. On one side: armed men with injections, sedatives, researching mutants. On the other: Kurogai in armor—silent, poised.
Without warning, he lifted a palm, and a searing energy beam shot from the gauntlet. One of the attackers collapsed instantly.
The cannon wasn't Stark's typical repulsor beam—it was modified—born of Tony's tech fused with Kurogai's arcane enhancements. The precision and lethality were next‑level.
Within moments, the attackers panicked. Their dart‑guns and sedatives bounced off the armor like soft toys. As they circled fearfully, Kurogai unleashed calculated bursts. One by one they fell.
From the group, Rogue nudged Logan, whispering: "Logan—is that our guy?"
Logan's eyes flicked to the suit. "Annoying guy? Could it be… Kurogai?"
Understanding dawned. Rogue's gaze lifted in awe as Waltz methodically swept away the threat. What once felt terrifying now felt heroic.
As the last threat disappeared, Kurogai deactivated his repulsor and lowered the armored visor. Floating with quiet grace, he approached them.
The kids trembled, wary. They still remembered his earlier ruthlessness—but now he'd just saved them. Rogue broke away, running and calling out:
"Kurogai! Did you come to save me?"
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