On the outskirts of Florida stood an abandoned factory, long forgotten by the world. Its rusted gates creaked in the wind, and beneath the crumbling structure lay a vast underground chamber.
At the center of that basement rested a sealed glass containment unit. Inside was no ordinary rock, but a massive meteorite of Carbonadium steel—a substance both priceless and dangerously toxic. Few in the world even knew of its existence, and fewer still would dare to touch it.
A ripple of golden energy shimmered through the air. A portal split open, and Kurogai stepped out, his gaze immediately settling on the meteorite.
During his interrogation of Ajax's soul, he had learned of this hidden treasure. Now, at last, he had come to claim it.
"This much Carbonadium…" he muttered, eyes narrowing in anticipation. "It may be enough to complete the sixth pupil ring."
The meteorite was colossal. Even greater than the Vibranium mines of Wakanda that had once empowered him, this discovery promised an unparalleled leap in strength.
Without hesitation, Kurogai placed his palm against the containment glass. The barrier shattered with a sharp crack, shards scattering across the floor. Stepping forward, he pressed his hand onto the meteorite.
Energy surged.
The toxic metal, deadly to mortals, dissolved into streams of power that flowed directly into his body. The Ultimate Eye within him stirred, its sixth pupil ring glowing brighter with every pulse. The power climbed higher and higher, pushing toward completion… until suddenly, the growth stopped.
Kurogai opened his eyes, his brow furrowed. The entire meteorite had been absorbed, yet the sixth ring still fell short of perfection.
"So even something this massive isn't enough?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
Focusing inward, he examined the Ultimate Eye more closely. At once, the truth became clear—the meteorite had brought the sixth ring close to completion, but not all the way. He needed more.
"Damn it," he muttered, fists tightening. "Every known supply of Carbonadium and Vibranium—I've already taken it all. Am I supposed to scour space itself for the rest?"
Frustration burned, but then another thought struck him. His expression shifted.
"No. I don't need to search the stars. Two pieces are already within my reach."
His mind raced. Wade Wilson's dual katanas, forged from Carbonadium. Captain America's shield, laced with Vibranium. Both relics contained the rarest metals he needed.
"If I take those, the sixth pupil ring will reach completion."
Resolute, he stretched out his senses, locating the trace of binding magic he had left on Wade. A golden circle spun open before him, and he stepped through.
On the outskirts of New York, a figure clad in red and black armor trudged toward the city, twin blades strapped to his back.
"Finally back," Wade Wilson muttered with a laugh. "Even without that bastard, I still made it. Hah!"
Before he could bask in his small victory, golden light split the air in front of him. Kurogai stepped out, his eyes immediately fixed on the katanas.
In an instant, the swords vanished from Wade's back, ripped free by magic.
"Hey!" Wade shouted, spinning around. "What the hell, Blackwood? First you ditch me, now you're stealing my babies?!"
Kurogai ignored the rant, his tone calm, almost cold. "Wade. Remember when I resurrected Ajax for you?"
"Yeah, I remember," Wade said warily. "Why?"
"That wasn't charity. These blades are my payment."
Wade's eyes widened. "Payment? These are my favorite katanas! You can't just—"
"Yes or no?" Kurogai cut him off sharply.
Wade froze. His instinct screamed to argue, but deep down, he knew what Kurogai was capable of. Ajax's resurrection had been a gift he could never repay. His shoulders slumped.
"…Fine," Wade grumbled, his voice heavy with reluctance. "For Ajax's sake. But you owe me big time."
Kurogai said nothing more. With the katanas in hand, he opened another portal and stepped through, leaving Wade cursing in the dust.