Xu Fu's fishing spot glimmered under the morning light. Today, he had followed coordinates provided by Starlight and Monday, who was increasingly sharp and ready to take the bait.
Last time, the fog had yielded nothing. But this time, Xu Fu's energy was high. He was ready to catch something big.
The area was small and slightly rundown, but Xu Fu didn't believe his luck would fail him. After all, he had survived the European chaos and defeated the Planet Devourer. Surely, he could harvest something worthwhile here.
Just then, Monday dashed over, flustered. "Master! I received an email from someone named Yuan Qianjianyi, code 910. He knows you're in the Eastern Dwarf Kingdom and is inviting you to a special welcome banquet."
Xu Fu's eyes flickered. Wolverine?
He recalled the old connection. Long ago, Haramae Kenichi had crossed paths with Wolverine while still young in the Eastern Dwarf Kingdom. During that time, the young Kenichi had been reborn thanks to Wolverine, whose self-healing ability had first revealed itself.
As the years passed, Kenichi grew increasingly aware of the limits of human life. Ordinary people aged and died, but Wolverine seemed untouched by time. His self-healing was no longer just recovery—it was a glimpse of eternal life.
Xu Fu realized that Yuan Qianjianyi's invitation likely targeted Wolverine. Given the personal nature of the letter, this was probably another attempt to draw him out.
"Monday, reply to Kenichi Haramae. I'll handle it from here," Xu Fu said.
"Yes, Master."
Xu Fu's connection with Wolverine was delicate; he did not wish for Wolverine to be dragged into trouble unnecessarily. Besides, this trip to the Eastern Dwarf Kingdom had a secondary purpose: eradicating the Shouhe Group, which had colluded with Apocalypse and nearly destroyed the Mutant Academy. Now, they could finally be eliminated.
Maple Leaf Country, Secluded Border City
The border city was almost uninhabitable, surrounded by desolate ice and snow. Only a single path led there. Few knew that the legendary Wolverine, Logun, had chosen this place for seclusion.
His isolation was more than hiding—it was penance. In the Syracuse White House battle, Logun had personally killed Jean Grey, a woman he loved. The memory haunted him, replaying in endless nightmares where he strangled her.
To cope, he had removed himself from the world.
On this day, Logun came to a local izakaya—not for himself, but for a bear he had long cared for. The bear had been trapped and harmed by hunters, leaving only one fatal scar.
Logun's fury was instantaneous. As he fought, a mysterious Oriental woman appeared, joining him against the hunters. Within moments, their enemies were crippled, leaving the small izakaya in stunned silence.
The woman beckoned him to follow, and though hesitant, Logun obeyed.
In the car, she finally introduced herself. "Hello, Wolverine Logun. My name is Yukifu. I was sent by the former president."
"Haramae," Logun muttered, recognition sparking.
"Yes. The former president is seriously ill and wishes to invite you to thank you for everything you did in the Eastern Dwarf Kingdom," Yukifu explained, handing over extensive materials.
Logun studied the documents, memories flooding back: the time he saved young Kenichi Haramae. The gratitude he had received then was now being returned.
"That's what I'm looking for," Logun said slowly, a flicker of emotion in his voice.
"Yes, Lord Logun," Yukifu nodded. "The former president always remembers your help. Everything he has achieved is because of you."
Logun simply nodded, lost in thought, recalling the kindness of young Kenichi Haramae so many years ago.