Ryuuto couldn't help but laugh at Katie's serious face.
"I told Jean and the others—maybe I'm walking the path of a Shura. A man destined to wade through bones," he said with a faint grin. "When that happens, you'll be my witch."
Katie blinked. "Does being your witch mean… I'll have to kill a lot of people?"
"Of course," Ryuuto replied matter-of-factly. "Remember Devil Island? Jean carved through those two mercs like paper. Can you do that?"
"I… don't think I can." Katie's voice softened. "My ability feels more defensive than offensive. I'm not built for killing. Just… surviving."
"That's because," Ryuuto said, tapping her forehead, "you still don't know how to use it."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Think about this. Let's say you're fighting Wolverine."
He gestured sharply, as if painting the battle in the air. "He's a close-range brawler. Adamantium claws, raw power — everything about him screams melee. Which means your phasing ability completely negates his edge. Every physical strike just… passes through you."
Katie's eyes lit up. "So I can't lose?"
"Not so fast." Ryuuto smirked. "If you fight him with a blade, time your phasing right. Let him lunge, phase through, and when his guard drops—counter from behind. He heals fast, yeah, but even Wolverine gets tired. It's a battle of endurance. Keep that up, and you'll outlast him."
Her excitement grew. "Wait—so I'm really that strong?"
"Let me give you another one," Ryuuto continued. "You think Jean's amazing, right?"
"She's incredible!" Katie beamed.
"She's got two powers—telekinesis and telepathy. The first lets her control matter; the second reads minds. But her telekinesis requires focus—she has to perceive what she's affecting. So if you go underground or inside solid matter, she can't lock onto you. Pop your head out of the wall, take your shot, and vanish again. Against ranged fighters like Jean or Iceman, you rely on guerrilla tactics. Against melee tanks like Wolverine, you go head-on."
Katie's smile widened. "I'm really that good?"
"I just gave you two examples," Ryuuto said dryly. "Still doubting me?"
"No! I believe you, every word, brother!"
"Good. Then—hold on to me."
"Eh?"
Before she could process, Ryuuto swept his arm around her waist and jumped.
They plummeted.
Katie shrieked and clung to him like a terrified cat, eyes squeezed shut, breath stuck in her throat.
Ryuuto, of course, wasn't trying to get cheap thrills. He just wanted to test her nerves—and land safely.
When the ground rushed up, he activated Gravity Shift. Their fall softened into a featherlight descent, boots brushing the earth as if gravity itself bowed to him.
Setting her down gently, Ryuuto chuckled. "Scared?"
"Of course I was! I thought we were both going to die!" Katie's legs were trembling. "But… honestly, that was kind of amazing. Everything's different when I'm with you, Ryuuto. Dangerous, but—exciting. People say you're ruthless, but I know better. You're the one who saved me from Magneto. If not for you, I'd be dead."
"Enough flattery, I'll get cocky," Ryuuto grinned. "Now—time to train. Your close combat sucks."
"I can't beat you though!"
"Don't worry. I'll hold back. From now on, I'm not just teaching you how to use your ability—I'll teach you to fight. You'll learn guns later, too."
He paused, thinking. "Actually, I'm not great with firearms. I'll have Natasha handle that."
Katie nodded, eyes shining. "Okay!"
They sparred in the field for half an hour. To Ryuuto, it was like playing with a toddler—her punches light, her footwork clumsy. Still, she tried, and that mattered.
When the session ended, Ryuuto called Natasha Romanoff.
"Got a rookie for you," he said. "Train her in close combat and firearms. She's got potential."
"Copy that," Natasha replied. "Send her my way."
Ryuuto and Katie flew back toward Axville Mutant School. As they neared the gates, something on the ground caught his eye—a motionless figure lying in the dirt.
He frowned. "Wait here."
Activating Gravity Shift, he lowered Katie gently onto the school's terrace, then swooped down toward the body.
It was a man—bruised, unconscious, clothes torn.
Bruce Banner.
Ryuuto's eyes narrowed. "Banner…?"
He carried him inside, straight to the infirmary. Jean Grey was already waiting.
After her telepathic scan and medical check, she spoke calmly. "Severe dehydration. He'll recover after some fluids."
Ryuuto crossed his arms. "The Hulk, dehydrated? That doesn't add up. Last I saw, S.H.I.E.L.D. took him back for recovery. He should've been in top condition."
"When he wakes up, we'll know," Jean replied softly.
Half an hour later, Banner stirred.
His eyes fluttered open—bloodshot, weary.
Ryuuto handed him a cup of water. Banner gulped it down like a dying man finding an oasis.
Then, between ragged breaths, he spoke:
"Something's happened… S.H.I.E.L.D.—Steve—they're both compromised. Controlled by Abomination. I didn't know where else to go. I need your help, Ryuuto."