After settling matters with General Ross, Senju Haruto returned directly to the New York Sanctum, ready to move on to the next stage of his plan.
Outside of the superheroes themselves, the most influential force in the United States was none other than the military behind Ross.
And the other major power…
Without question, it was S.H.I.E.L.D.
Of course, at this point in history, S.H.I.E.L.D. had already been thoroughly infiltrated by Hydra. So much so that many jokingly called it "Snake Shield."
But regardless, no one could deny S.H.I.E.L.D.'s deep background—or the influence of Nick Fury.
The man who had the power to gather all the superheroes together under one banner.
"To gain full control of S.H.I.E.L.D., and then cleanse it from the inside…"
As Haruto quietly considered his next move, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.
The visitor was none other than Arthur.
Arthur stepped inside, meeting Haruto's gaze, which carried the faint irritation of being pulled from his thoughts.
"Haruto, Fury is here."
That was all Arthur needed to say.
Fury?
At once, Haruto pictured the bald man with the black eyepatch and goatee.
As a transmigrant, Haruto was naturally no stranger to him. His sudden visit could only mean one thing—Fury wanted to recruit him into the Avengers Initiative.
In fact, Fury had long gathered intelligence on every superpowered individual in New York. Whenever he found someone promising, he would personally extend the invitation to join S.H.I.E.L.D.
And yes, during the Battle of New York, the Avengers he formed had played a pivotal role.
But in Haruto's eyes, it simply wasn't enough.
The power he had already displayed was far beyond anything Fury or his agents could comprehend. Beyond anything they could even imagine.
Even Stark had once shown interest in joining the New York Sanctum, hoping to become a mage and learn the secrets of magic.
Most importantly, thanks to his mysterious Sign-In Assistant, every time Haruto completed a sign-in, he received a reward that only made him stronger.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say his growth rate—and his potential—had no limit.
So why would he ever care about S.H.I.E.L.D.?
Even during the Broadway Incident, he hadn't revealed his full strength.
If Fury truly understood the extent of his abilities, he probably wouldn't even dare to show up.
Arthur, meanwhile, waited silently by the side.
To him, Haruto was now the genuine Supreme Sorcerer.
The thought of Fury arriving with the intent to recruit him almost made Arthur laugh.
In his eyes, Haruto was already Earth's mightiest guardian. As long as Haruto stood, there was no need for any "Avengers Initiative."
Even the Ancient One, the former Supreme Sorcerer who had vanished, couldn't compare to Haruto in Arthur's mind.
"Arthur, what do you think?"
Haruto reclined in his chair, asking with faint amusement.
Arthur had been a guardian of the Sanctum long before Haruto, and he understood New York, S.H.I.E.L.D., and Fury's dealings well enough.
"I don't think it's necessary to meet him," Arthur replied with a frown. It wasn't out of personal bias against Fury, but he doubted the man's limited vision could ever grasp Haruto's true power.
Still, Arthur only offered his opinion—he had no intention of influencing Haruto's choice. Nor did he have the right.
"Mm."
Haruto gave a soft sound of acknowledgment, then gestured with one hand for Arthur to bring Fury in.
"Yes."
Arthur responded crisply and stepped back out through the doorway.
"Nick Fury…"
Haruto leaned back, watching the door close, and let his mind settle again.
Before crossing worlds, he had read plenty of Marvel fanfics. In those stories, many protagonists boasted about being above Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D., acting like they couldn't care less.
But in practice? Their actions always betrayed a hint of wariness. Some even ended up joining S.H.I.E.L.D., currying favor with Fury.
But Haruto was different.
At this point, forget S.H.I.E.L.D.—even S.W.O.R.D., Fury's secret division in space, wasn't worth much in his eyes.
Other than Captain Marvel, who else among them was worth acknowledging?
The Skrulls? Don't make him laugh.
Haruto exhaled softly, reclining in his chair once more, and waited calmly for Nick Fury's arrival.
Time passed slowly.
At last, a deep, gravelly middle-aged voice came from outside the door:
"Haruto, it's Fury."
Haruto opened his eyes, rose from the chair, and flicked a finger. The door creaked open on its own.
In stepped a broad-shouldered man with dark skin, a goatee, and the familiar black eyepatch. His gaze lit up when it fell upon Haruto.
Fury had already conducted extensive investigations on him—just like Madame Viper had. And just like her, he had found nothing. Not even S.H.I.E.L.D.'s vast intelligence network could uncover Haruto's origins.
That only meant one thing—the young man before him must have a background far greater than anything he could fathom.
"I know a lot about sorcerers, Haruto," Fury began without preamble.
Haruto didn't interrupt, his eyes glinting with amusement as he watched Fury continue.
Seeing that Haruto wasn't difficult to approach—and even seemed intrigued—took some of the weight off Fury's shoulders.
"I also know about the Ancient One."
A faintly smug smile tugged at Fury's lips.
The Ancient One's name was legendary in magical circles, but almost unknown to the outside world. By mentioning it, Fury was showing that he wasn't just another clueless government suit. He was someone who knew things.
And in his mind, that revelation should have been enough to shock Haruto.
After all, the Ancient One—who had lived for centuries—was practically a myth.
"Oh? And then?"
Haruto's lips curved upward. He already knew where this conversation was headed.
Fury faltered at the sight of his smile. Just moments ago, Haruto had seemed so interested. Why was he suddenly so unfazed?
"Fury, we both know why you're here. So let's not waste words."
The room fell silent as the two locked eyes.
At last, it was Fury who broke it.
"True. With the extraordinary power you wield, you must already know truths that ordinary people could never comprehend." He drew in a steadying breath before stating his purpose outright.
"I want you to join my Avengers Initiative."
Fury's gaze was unwavering, full of expectation for Haruto's answer.
But Haruto had none to give.
He simply shook his head with a smile. "It's not as though I lack a reason to refuse, but still…"
"I refuse."
His words rang like steel, and the smile vanished from his face.
S.H.I.E.L.D.?
He had no interest whatsoever.