SCREEEEECH!
The Rasengan slammed against Captain America's shield, shrieking like a saw tearing into steel. Sparks rained down as the swirling chakra drilled against the alloy.
Steve had thought the shield would simply swallow the impact. Instead, it quivered violently in his grip. The vibration rattled up his arm, numbing his jaw, nearly tearing the buckle from his hand.
What the hell is this? he thought, eyes narrowing. That tiny spinning orb of light carried a weight far beyond anything he'd faced in battle.
Across from him, Ryuuto was just as surprised. He'd carved holes through rock and steel before, yet this shield held fast. The so-called "strongest metal in the universe and on Earth"—yeah, it earned its reputation.
But breaking the shield wasn't his goal.
Convincing Steve was.
"Not bad," Ryuuto muttered, smirking as he leapt back. His fingers blurred into seals. "But how about this—"
[Ninjutsu: Shadow Clone Technique!]
BANG!
Two clones burst into existence at his sides, sprinting straight for Steve.
Steve's eyes widened. "Illusions?" He scoffed and kept his focus on the original Ryuuto, who stood with his hands on his hips, grinning.
Big mistake.
The clones hit from both flanks.
[Taijutsu: Leaf Shadow Dance!]
One clone's kick rocketed Steve into the air like a ragdoll. His body modifications gave him endurance, but compared to Ryuuto's leg strength, he was still mortal.
The second clone soared upward, twisting midair. Its heel crashed into Steve's gut, shield or not—the impact sent him plummeting like a meteor.
BOOOOM!
The ground shuddered as Steve slammed into the dirt. Dust exploded outward.
Coughing, bruised but alive, Steve pulled himself up. Thanks to the serum, his body endured the ten-meter drop without breaking, but the ache in his muscles was real.
As the clones dispersed into smoke, Steve stared, stunned. "Those weren't phantoms… they had weight. Real attacks."
Ryuuto tilted his head. "Why'd you assume they were illusions? Don't tell me the great Captain America can't keep up."
Steve chuckled despite himself, shaking his head. "Ignorance on my part. With power like yours, you could take on the Hulk. But remember this—your mission is to defeat him, not kill him. If you bring Banner back to the surface, we win."
"I've been briefed by Natasha," Ryuuto replied coolly.
Steve nodded and walked toward Tony. "Combat level: first-class. His clones have autonomy, almost like a second consciousness. A one-man army. If we recruit him into the Avengers, we'd gain a true powerhouse."
Tony snorted. "Forget your club. That energy ball of his—that's what I want. If I can study it, Stark Industries could rewrite the entire energy game." His eyes gleamed. "When he's done with Banner, I'm making him an offer."
Steve was about to respond when he glanced at his shield—
—and froze.
His breath hitched.
Scratches. Dozens of them. Thin, jagged lines cut across the surface.
The alloy of Adamantium and Vibranium—the "unbreakable" shield—had been scarred.
"My God…" Steve whispered.
Tony's grin stretched ear to ear. "Hah! Now that's what I call impossible tech. Forget Banner, I want this kid in my lab yesterday!"
Natasha approached Ryuuto, her expression serious. "Listen. Hulk isn't Banner right now. He's pure destruction. Over a hundred tons of strength, immune to bullets, blades, and most explosives. His palms can generate shockwaves that topple buildings. If he hits you once, you might not get back up. Don't take him lightly."
Ryuuto scratched his cheek, eyes narrowing. "One hundred tons, huh? That's… what, enough to swat a jet out of the sky?"
Natasha's gaze didn't waver. "He already has. I've seen him leap a hundred meters and smash an aircraft to pieces in one blow."
"…Tch." Ryuuto exhaled, smirking. "Figures. From 'Powerless Freak' to 'Monster-Slayer.' If I survive this, they'll have to come up with a new nickname."