After entrusting the task of creating chakra bullets to Orochimaru, Senju Haruto stepped through a portal and returned to the New York Sanctum.
First, because he was now a legitimate Guardian of the Sanctum. All the mages there—including Arthur—treated him with the utmost respect.
Second, although his sign-in system had already issued a new location, the timing wasn't immediate. Patience was required.
When Stark returned from the Middle East, he didn't clash with Obadiah Stane right away. That confrontation only came later—after Stark announced the closure of Stark Industries' weapons division.
Naturally, Stane was hardly a virtuous man. In fact, the Ten Rings' ambush and Stark's kidnapping in the desert had been orchestrated by Stane himself. On the surface, though, their relationship still appeared cordial.
It was only after the shutdown of the weapons division, the unveiling of the Iron Man armor, and Pepper and Coulson's investigation that Stane's mask was torn away. Then came his decisive battle against Stark while piloting the Iron Monger.
That battle became the climactic moment of Iron Man—a highlight of the film.
And now, the system's designated sign-in location was none other than the street where the two had fought.
As for Stark's press conferences, his company's stock plunges and surges—Haruto couldn't be bothered.
The reason was simple.
He wasn't just the Hokage of the Land of Fire. He was also Guardian of the New York Sanctum.
Once the Ancient One passed away, Haruto could openly assume the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme without anyone daring to question him.
With such status, why would he care about Stark Industries' stocks? That would only show his horizons were far too small.
"Besides, even if Stark is the richest man in New York, his fortune still pales in comparison to the Black Panther's wealth," Haruto thought. "Compared to Stark's stocks, Wakanda's vibranium and its lands are far more tempting."
But some things had to be taken step by step.
Haruto exhaled slowly, pushing aside the thought, and walked back into the Sanctum.
What he hadn't expected, however, was that Anna and the others who had taken the mage trial alongside him had resolutely chosen to come to the New York Sanctum as well, hoping to serve as his allies.
Especially Anna.
The moment she sensed ripples of magical energy within the Sanctum, she immediately thought of Haruto.
When she finally saw him again, she could hardly contain her excitement.
"Haruto… do you still remember me?" Anna asked cautiously as she edged closer, her voice tinged with nervousness.
In truth, they'd barely interacted. They had exchanged names, but during the trial she had hardly been of any help. To be blunt, she'd been more of a burden.
If Mordo hadn't given them a second chance, Anna would never have passed. That fact alone spoke volumes about how poorly she had performed.
"It's you," Haruto said, gazing at the girl as he recalled his early days after arriving in the Marvel world. He did remember—this same girl had tried clinging to him for protection.
Which wasn't strange at all. Girls naturally sought security. And in this world, what could provide more security than a powerful mage?
Most likely, after passing the trial, she had chosen to come to the New York Sanctum—just as he had.
"You actually remember me?" Anna's eyes widened in surprise, her face lighting up with joy. She looked at him like a stray kitten suddenly reunited with its owner.
"Mm." Haruto nodded slightly. His memory wasn't failing him—he hadn't been in this world for very long, and the number of people he'd met was limited. It only took a moment's thought to recognize her.
As they spoke, Arthur appeared with a group of a dozen mages. They bowed respectfully to Haruto, who returned a small nod, signaling they needn't be so formal.
After asking a few questions about Kaguya, Haruto sent them back to their own duties. Unless it was truly necessary, he preferred they act as if he weren't there.
At the same time, he deliberately asked Arthur to look after Anna—saying so directly in her presence. A little admirer like her posed no problem if kept nearby.
Once those matters were handled, Haruto went to see Kaguya.
Although he had been away, her emotions were calm and steady. When she saw him again, her expression remained serene.
"You're back," Kaguya said softly, and before Haruto could reply, she continued on her own.
"Next time, take me with you."
Though she still disliked shinobi—the ones who had stolen her chakra—and though she held bitterness toward the land that had only brought her sorrow, during their separation she realized something important: Haruto was different.
Only in his presence could she feel at ease.
With others, there was always an invisible wall keeping her apart. She never knew what to say or how to close the distance, much less break that wall down.
Thankfully, as the progenitor of chakra, Kaguya was free from ordinary needs. She didn't require food, drink, or rest to maintain herself.
After all, she had already reclaimed nearly all of her chakra—save for the fragment of the Nine-Tails' Yin half that rested within Naruto. Her strength was immense.
But strength alone didn't bring her joy. She had never cared much for power. The only reason she had sought it before was because people had continually betrayed her.
Now, having met Haruto, she cherished their bond deeply. She no longer wished to return to the days of suspicion and fear.
Haruto understood her feelings.
He stepped closer, gently placed a hand on her forehead, and brushed through her silver hair.
The touch made Kaguya's heart stir in an unfamiliar way. Instead of resisting, she found herself wanting more of that warmth.
"In that case," Haruto said with a smile, "let's go eat together."
Before the sign-in day arrived, sampling some of New York's food seemed like a fine way to relax.
Time passed, and the sign-in date drew near.
Haruto took Kaguya to the very street where Iron Man and Iron Monger would clash. They slipped into a roadside restaurant and waited patiently.
About half an hour later, a red object plummeted from the sky, crashing into the street and carving a crater into the asphalt. The shockwave rippled outward, scattering pedestrians in panic.
In an instant, chaos engulfed the district.