Susan was arguing with Ryuuto about something ridiculous—buying underwear for Katie Dee—and somehow decided he should wait outside the store.
But as her teacher and Katie's self-appointed "big brother," Ryuuto couldn't help feeling responsible for the kid's "training."
In this case… apparently, fashion training.
As he leaned against the wall outside, a noble-looking lady passed by, her perfume slicing through the air like a challenge.
Ryuuto blinked, smirked, and muttered, "Oh, I've got a stupid idea."
A few hand seals later—poof!—the noblewoman's twin stood in his place.
Ryuuto, now rocking the body and poise of a high-class lady, strutted into the lingerie store like a queen on a mission.
Inside, Susan was holding up a black lace bra, spinning it like she was presenting a holy relic.
"I think black is perfect," she said, gesturing toward Katie. "You've got fair skin, so black will make it look even whiter. And look—the lace trim, this little cut-out? Men go crazy for that sort of thing."
Katie flushed crimson. "I—I don't need to be that sexy, Sister Susan. I'm sixteen. I'd rather wear something plain. You're the one who should buy something like that. You're Teacher Ryuuto's girlfriend after all, right? You've got to keep your charm up."
Susan grinned, flicking her hair. "I was already plenty attractive before that."
Ryuuto nearly choked holding back laughter.
He wanted to yell, Don't flatter yourself so hard, woman! but he stayed in character.
"Sister, I'll just take a normal one," Katie said, shyly holding up a simple bra.
"Well then," Susan smiled. "When you finally get a boyfriend, I'll bring you back here to buy something more... exciting."
"Okay!" Katie said brightly.
Watching them, Ryuuto's disguised heart softened.
Ever since Magneto wiped out Sixston Town, Katie had been like an orphan—alone, lost.
When Ryuuto offered to be his brother, the boy's entire world brightened again. Now, with Susan in the mix, calling her "sister," it almost looked like a real family.
Yeah, Ryuuto thought. We'll protect this kid. No matter what.
Still wearing his transformation, he sauntered over, voice lilting.
"Still can't decide, hmm? As someone experienced in these matters, I think I can help~"
He held up two sets—one blue-and-white, one plain checkered.
"This one," he said to Katie, "matches your purity. Blue and white, neat and clean—perfect for your age."
Katie nodded thoughtfully and took them.
Then Ryuuto turned to Susan, eyes gleaming.
"As for you, my dear... you're an angel-faced devil-bodied temptress. You need something bold—black or purple, maybe with lace. Thin fabric, hollow patterns… a little danger in every fold. That's what drives men insane."
Susan's mind went straight to Ryuuto's face. Her cheeks caught fire.
"D-Don't say things like that!"
"Oh? Don't you want your boyfriend to be tempted?" Ryuuto teased.
"I do!" she shot back, not realizing she was scolding her boyfriend in disguise. "But if I have to rely on underwear to make him want me, doesn't that mean I'm not enough? If he loves me, he won't care whether I wear something plain or sexy."
For a moment, Ryuuto froze.
Then, softly, he said, "...You're right. I wish you happiness, miss."
"Thank you," Susan said, bowing slightly.
Once outside, Ryuuto released the transformation with a puff of smoke.
He exhaled, half laughing, half emotional.
"She really doesn't get it, huh... Even if the world burns, I'm not letting her go."
Ten minutes later, Susan and Katie walked out of the store, each carrying a shopping bag.
"What did you two buy?" Ryuuto asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not telling you," Susan said, walking ahead smugly. "Come on, we've still got clothes to buy. I haven't been shopping in ages! I'll fill my closet today—and maybe grab something for Natasha and Jean too. Those two dress like they're stuck in a time loop."
Ryuuto groaned. "...I'm the one carrying all that, aren't I?"
He sighed, but couldn't stop smiling.
Even if he was doomed to haul ten bags, it was worth it to see them happy.
Meanwhile, on the Helicarrier, Banner was sprawled across a couch in the lounge, still nursing his stomach.
Ryuuto's Rasengan had done a number on him—pain flared whenever he moved—but the Hulk's cells were regenerating fast. Two more hours, he guessed, and he'd be fine.
It was the first time since the gamma accident that he'd been hurt this badly.
That alone proved just how terrifying Ryuuto's attack was.
And honestly, Banner was lucky.
If Ryuuto had used his World-Peeling Technique, there wouldn't even be atoms left to complain.
The door clicked open after a soft knock.
"Come in," Banner groaned.
Steve stepped inside, the glint of Loki's scepter faintly reflected in his eyes.
"How's the injury?" he asked. "Nick's planning to rebuild the Avengers. Said he found a new captain. Kind of bittersweet, but I think he's right."
"Oh?" Banner raised a brow. "Who is it?"
"An old friend of yours," Steve said, smiling oddly. "He's outside, nervous he'll scare you. Shall I let him in?"
"Sure. Let's see who it is."
Steve patted his shoulder. "You'll be… thrilled."
The door creaked open again—
And Banner's blood ran cold.
Standing there was Emil Blonsky.
The Abomination himself.