The establishment of the organization marked a turning point. With the structure now in place, every position was officially assigned, and Kurogai Blackwood had given everyone their orders. Strangely enough, life seemed to carry on as if little had changed—yet in truth, the real game had only just begun.
Jean returned to the orbital research base, continuing her leadership of the scientific team. Wanda departed for Kamar-Taj, her time with the Ancient One not yet complete. She remained the current Supreme Sorcerer of Kamar-Taj, bound by her training and responsibility.
Skye and Rogue followed different paths. Skye returned to the orphanage, though now her role extended beyond a simple guardian. She was no longer just a protector—her department was part of the organization's armed forces, meaning she was responsible for reinforcement and response. Should any division call for aid, she would be dispatched immediately.
Rogue, however, had been entrusted with something far greater. Kurogai had already told her that her future lay in overseeing the intelligence network, formerly controlled by Wilson Fisk. But instead of taking her to Fisk's estate immediately, Kurogai first brought her to a quiet town.
"Rogue," Kurogai said, his tone calm but firm, "I brought you here to strengthen yourself. You need more than what you have now—you need the ability to protect yourself."
Although Rogue already possessed Sabretooth's regenerative powers and Mystique's shapeshifting, Kurogai was far from satisfied. To him, those gifts were valuable, but insufficient. Her mutant ability—to absorb the powers of others—was her true weapon. What she lacked was refinement and choice.
"What kind of strength are you talking about?" Rogue asked, genuinely curious. She still didn't know what he had in mind, especially since Kurogai had warned her before that she should only absorb selectively, not recklessly.
"You'll see soon enough," Kurogai replied with a slight smile.
The two of them arrived at a secluded temple. Kurogai had long believed that the abilities of sorcerers could change the tide of any battle. A simple Sling Ring could open gateways across the world—an invaluable skill. With Wanda's help, he had learned of certain locations where independent sorcerers practiced outside of Kamar-Taj. Those, not the protected sanctum, were his target.
As they entered the temple, a monk quickly moved to intercept them.
"Who are you? Outsiders are not welcome here. Leave at once—"
His words faltered. Before he could finish, the entire temple fell under the sway of Kurogai's illusions. Every monk was trapped in his mental web, powerless to act.
"Absorb his power, Rogue," Kurogai instructed, his eyes locked on a sorcerer among them.
The man radiated magic. Rogue hesitated only briefly before stepping forward, placing her hand against him. Energy surged, flowing into her like fire and lightning. The sorcerer's body weakened rapidly, his strength drained, though his life remained intact.
"That's enough," Kurogai said sharply, cutting off the transfer. He had no desire to leave corpses behind.
Together, they disappeared, leaving the monks in confusion. When the illusions broke, all the sorcerers staggered as though awakening from a dream, pale and weakened, yet alive. None of them could explain what had happened.
This process repeated itself across several locations. A dozen sorcerers found themselves suddenly diminished, their magic siphoned, their strength waning. None of them died—but none of them would ever forget the feeling of being utterly helpless.
By the time it was over, Rogue had acquired the ability to open portals. With Kurogai's guidance, she had even grasped a few minor spells.
When her training was complete, Kurogai finally brought her to Fisk's estate.
"Treat Fisk as nothing more than a subordinate," Kurogai told her. "He's under my control—my mental influence leaves him with no will to resist. All you need to do is take charge of the intelligence division."
Rogue nodded firmly, determination burning in her eyes. "I'll make this the most powerful intelligence network on Earth. If something happens anywhere in the world, we'll know."
Her words carried weight. For the first time, she truly felt the burden of responsibility. This was no small mission—it was trust, entrusted directly by Kurogai. She swore silently to herself that she would not fail.
"Don't overwork yourself," Kurogai said gently. "If I find the right person in the future, I'll give you an assistant."
His mind was already on potential candidates. Susan, for instance, could be one—if she fully embraced her place and mastered her abilities.
Beyond that, there was another reason Kurogai wanted Rogue here. Her mutation gave her the unique ability to absorb and refine powers. With access to intelligence flowing in from across the globe, she could select targets whose abilities would strengthen her further.
"I'll stay here for a few days," Kurogai added. "You've just taken command, and I want to make sure everything settles."
But to his surprise, Rogue adapted faster than expected. Within days, she had a firm grip on Fisk's network. Gangsters bent to her will, the system bent to her control. What had once been a criminal empire was slowly reshaping into a true intelligence division.
When he was satisfied, Kurogai left New York quietly. His thoughts returned to the battle with the Abomination, and to the unexpected development Stark had brought him. The conditions for unlocking the next stage of his power—the next ring of his eyes—were now within reach.
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