Just as Kurogai was still getting familiar with the strange power of his Geass eye, Black Widow had already dashed toward the bank next door, where chaos had erupted.
"I'm late—what's the situation?" she asked sharply.
Outside the bank, a sleek figure sprinted into view. It was Natasha, returning from the orphanage. Her outfit had changed back into her iconic black tactical suit—tight, agile, and distinctly combat-ready.
"Natasha, where the hell were you? This isn't like you," said a man armed with a bow and arrow, frowning.
"I ran into a... difficult kid," Natasha muttered through gritted teeth, clearly irritated.
"Alright, let's focus. There are ten robbers inside. Intel suggests they're low-level Hydra operatives."
The muscular archer glanced at her, not pressing further. Instead, he shifted the topic to the robbery, briefing her with a grave tone.
Hydra.
A name that always brought trouble—and a natural enemy of S.H.I.E.L.D. The only reason they'd even deployed for a robbery was because Hydra was involved. Otherwise, a local heist wouldn't warrant their attention.
"What the hell is Hydra after in a place like this?" Natasha narrowed her eyes. "They never move unless there's profit."
"Still unclear," the archer replied.
"Whatever. We'll find out once we take them down." She was about to storm in when a sudden explosion shook the street.
"Bad news, sir! The robbers blasted a hole in the wall—they've moved into the orphanage next door!"
"Damn it!" Natasha's expression twisted. "They're using the children as shields after all!"
She bolted toward the orphanage. Earlier, she'd disguised herself as a staff member there to prevent exactly this scenario. But the robbers had faked their escape direction and circled back, exploiting the orphanage anyway. That deception made her furious.
---
Inside the orphanage, things were tense. After the blast, Director Mary had wisely evacuated the children to the basement. But Kurogai, curious and stubborn, had quietly slipped away when no one was watching.
"Gunshots... It's really happening."
Kurogai crouched near the courtyard, heart pounding. This was his first time witnessing a real gunfight, and despite the fear, his excitement buzzed beneath the surface. With Black Widow on the scene, he figured everything would be fine. She wasn't just anyone—she was an Avenger. Someone untouchable. So, Kurogai stayed to watch.
BOOM!
The wall near the bank exploded. Dust flew everywhere.
Kurogai's eyes widened. He scrambled into the nearest room, peeking through the door's crack to see what was happening.
Ten masked robbers stepped through the smoke, led by a bulky man holding an aged parchment scroll.
"Haha! I thought S.H.I.E.L.D. had elites. Turns out they're a bunch of clowns!" the man laughed loudly.
"This ridiculous full name… Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division? Sounds like someone swallowed a dictionary!"
The others chuckled, mocking the agency while flattering their leader.
"Alright, stick to the plan," the boss barked. "Grab the kids from the orphanage as hostages and get out. The treasure comes first."
From his hiding spot, Kurogai's face darkened.
They were really going to use children as shields?
Even though he hadn't been in the orphanage long, Kurogai couldn't ignore this. Director Mary had shown him kindness. Her compassion reminded him of a mother's care—something he never forgot.
And this orphanage was her life's work.
He wouldn't let anyone ruin it.
"…Guess I'll have to step in. If it comes to blood, so be it."
Kurogai whispered to himself, a chilling edge in his voice. His expression sharpened—no longer the face of a child, but something colder. Focused. Dangerous.
He stepped out from the shadows of the courtyard.
"Who's there?!" the robber boss shouted, raising his pistol.
"Just me," Kurogai said calmly, walking into view.
"A damn kid?" one robber laughed. "Perfect, we'll take him as a hostage."
Kurogai smiled slightly. "Sometimes… kids are more dangerous than adults."
As he stared at them, his mismatched purple-gold eyes began to glow red. An inverted V-shaped symbol—like a pair of eagle wings—flashed into view.
"Sir," Kurogai said, eyes locked on the burly leader. "Uninvited guests usually don't leave without answering a few questions. Care to respond?"
His Geass activated. The red glow flashed across the man's eyes.
"Yes, sir. Please ask," the boss said blankly, frozen in place. The other robbers stared, confused.
A red halo shimmered in the leader's pupils.
Geass Ability: Absolute Command
Activated.
---