I do not own the rights to Naruto or Marvel
Ogun and Logan stood back to back, their senses heightened as they meticulously scanned their surroundings for any sign of the person who had spoken. Ogun could feel an overwhelming malevolence emanating from this individual, a darkness that surpassed even his own.
"I didn't expect a mere civilian to react to my summon," the voice taunted in fluent Japanese, its tone dripping with arrogance.
"Who are you?" Ogun demanded, his words dripping with venom. Logan could sense the seething rage emanating from Ogun, ready to unleash itself upon their mysterious adversary.
"Why should my identity matter to dead men?" the voice retorted, its raspy tone resembling the sinister hiss of a venomous snake.
"We ain't dead yet, coward," Logan retorted, his anger fueling his actions. He sniffed the air, detecting a presence near a pillar to his left. Without hesitation, he lunged towards it, narrowly deflecting a kunai thrown at him. Simultaneously, another massive snake appeared on his right, but Ogun swiftly decapitated it. More snakes emerged from every direction, forcing Logan and Ogun to slash and fight off the relentless onslaught.
After a few intense moments, the snakes ceased their attack, but Logan and Ogun remained on high alert. The voice chuckled, "It seems I've found some interesting prey."
A figure emerged from behind one of the many pillars, stepping into view. The person wore the same black cloak with a red cloud, but they lacked the signature straw hat. Tall and slender, with pale skin, the individual exuded an eerie presence. Their long, straight black hair cascaded past their shoulders, framing their face. Their eyes, yellow with vertical slit-like pupils, gave them a snake-like appearance.
"Are you the one that killed the yakuza last night?" asked Ogun, his anger barely contained. However, the man didn't answer; he simply smirked and shifted his gaze towards Logan, a curious glint in his eyes.
"If you answer my question, I'll answer yours," the man said slyly, his smile widening. Ogun had heard enough and lunged at the man, his swords arched high. Swiftly, the man jumped back, simultaneously throwing two kunais to his left to impede Logan's charging attack. With a third kunai, he blocked Ogun's strike aimed at his neck.
"He's fast!" thought Ogun as he quickly jumped back to create some distance. He observed as Logan continued his relentless charge, claws poised to strike. In a rapid motion, the man moved his hand, causing a wave of snakes to erupt from his body. They surged towards Logan, who skillfully sliced through them as they approached. Seizing the opportunity, Ogun decided to flank the man while Logan kept him occupied. Utilizing the pillars as cover, he stealthily maneuvered to the left side of the man.
Undeterred, Ogun charged forward, his sword aimed to behead the man. He swung with lightning speed, but to his astonishment, a sword erupted from the man's mouth, effectively blocking his blow. Before Ogun could react, a powerful kick landed in his gut, sending him hurtling through the air and crashing into a nearby pillar. Agonizing pain exploded throughout his body, making it difficult for him to regain his footing. His vision blurred, but he fought to stay conscious.
Meanwhile, Logan had managed to close the distance between himself and the snake man. However, his claws were met with a swift block from a kunai. The two engaged in a furious exchange of blows, their strikes colliding with such intensity that sparks flew in every direction. Neither combatant seemed to gain the upper hand, locked in a fierce stalemate.
The man swiftly jumped back, hurling a barrage of kunai and shuriken towards Logan. Despite his best efforts, Logan managed to block most of them, but three found their mark, lodging into his arm. He let out a soft grunt of pain, but quickly pulled them out, witnessing his wound heal rapidly as if it had never occurred.
"Hmmm, that's an interesting Kekkei Genkai you have. I would love to experiment on you," the man said to Logan, his lips curling into a sinister smile. His tongue, long and forked like that of a snake, flicked out, licking his lips in anticipation. Ogun, panting but determined, stood up and readied his blade.
"A what?" Logan asked, attempting to gather as much information as possible. He had already activated his panic button, signaling Storm and Beast to come to their aid. His priority now was to buy time until they arrived.
"A bloodline limit. A technique or mutation that only your clan possesses," the man explained, his voice dripping with a mix of curiosity and malice.
"Never heard of it," Logan replied, his focus sharpening as he prepared himself for another round of combat.
Ogun, realizing that Logan hadn't understood the man's reference to Kekkei Genkai, decided to probe further. "Are these snakes your Kekkei Genkai?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity. He was certain that the man was referring to mutants, not bloodline limits.
The man chuckled, his smirk widening. "Me? Oh, heavens no. I don't possess a Kekkei Genkai. I'm just a simple shinobi," he replied, his tone dripping with amusement. "Well, enough talk. I have to kill you now."
The man swiftly performed a series of hand signs once again, inhaling deeply before unleashing a powerful gust of wind towards Logan and Ogun. The hurricane force winds slammed into them, causing Ogun to wince as the wind not only pushed him back but also cut deeply into his left leg and arm. Desperately, he drove his sword into the wall to anchor himself and prevent being thrown into the air.
"If what he said was true, he isn't a mutant, but how do you explain his powers?" Ogun pondered, grimacing at his injuries. "My left arm is useless, and my leg is compromised. It will definitely slow me down."
Logan, using his claws to anchor himself, endured the relentless assault of the wind. His healing powers worked overtime, rapidly repairing the damage inflicted by the slicing winds. While the man's snake powers may not have been as potent as some mutants Logan had encountered, it was his skillful manipulation of them that made him formidable. The man's mastery over his powers could be compared to the likes of Magneto and Storm, utilizing them to his advantage with deadly precision.
As the wind gradually subsided, their relentless attacker wasted no time in allowing them to recover. Logan barely had a moment to react, swiftly raising his hand to block the sword that seemingly materialized out of thin air. Utilizing his strength, Logan pushed the man back before launching himself forward to engage in a fierce exchange of blows. The clash of metal reverberated throughout the tunnel, filling the air with a resounding echo.
Logan executed a swift clawed uppercut, but the man agilely evaded it with a flip, countering with a powerful kick that connected with Logan's chin. Grunting in pain, Logan refused to let it distract him, maintaining his focus. Seizing the opportunity, he grabbed hold of the attacker's leg and spun him around, hurling him towards a nearby pillar. However, to Logan's surprise, the man managed to straighten his body mid-air. In a startling display of agility, a sword extended from the man's mouth, hurtling straight towards Logan with deadly intent.
Seizing the opportunity while the man's attention was diverted, Ogun sprang into action. With every ounce of speed he could muster, he charged towards the spot where the man was about to land. Just as the man touched the ground, Ogun's blade met his side, slicing through him with a swift and decisive strike. Ogun skidded to a stop, a sense of satisfaction washing over him as he believed he had successfully killed their assailant.
However, his satisfaction quickly turned to shock as he witnessed the impossible. Snakes began to emerge from the severed parts of the man's body, reconnecting and reassembling him before Ogun's disbelieving eyes. The man's abilities were beyond anything Ogun had encountered before, leaving him stunned and uncertain of how to proceed.
Logan stood by Ogun's side, concern etched on his face as he asked, "Are you okay?"
Ogun nodded, his determination unwavering. "Yes, I can continue," he replied, his gaze fixed on the man's body as it reattached itself before their eyes.
"It seems like I need to deal with the weak link first," the man taunted, a sinister smile playing on his lips. Ogun braced himself, ready for whatever the man had planned. But what happened next sent a chill down his spine, stirring up an emotion he hadn't felt in years - fear.
The man bit into his finger, drawing blood, and then slammed it onto the ground. In an instant, a massive cloud of smoke engulfed the area, obscuring their vision. Ogun's heart raced, his instincts screaming at him to be prepared for a sneak attack. But as the smoke cleared, what he saw left him paralyzed with fear.
The colossal red snake towered above them, its scales shimmering with a fiery hue that seemed to radiate an otherworldly energy. Its body coiled and twisted, muscles rippling beneath its scaly armor, showcasing its immense power and strength. The snake's eyes, glowing with a piercing intensity, held a sinister intelligence that sent a chill down their spines.
Its fangs, sharp and venomous, glistened in the dim light, hinting at the deadly potency of its bite. The sheer size of the snake was overwhelming, its massive form casting a shadow that seemed to swallow the surrounding area. Each scale on its body was like a shield, providing an impenetrable defense against any attack.
As the snake moved, its sinuous movements were both graceful and menacing, as if it possessed a predatory elegance that belied its monstrous nature. The sound of its hissing breath filled the air, a chilling reminder of the danger that lurked within its colossal frame.
The sight of this awe-inspiring creature, coupled with the realization that it was under the control of their adversary, intensified the fear that gripped Logan and Ogun. They knew they were facing a formidable opponent, one whose power seemed to transcend the boundaries of their understanding.
"Who dares summon me, the Great Conda?" the massive snake hissed, its presence commanding attention.
"It was me, Orochimaru, the Snake Sannin. I have a task for you. The one with the claws, can you keep him busy? As a reward, you can eat both of them when I'm done," Orochimaru explained, revealing his identity.
"I will agree to this, but after we are done, we will discuss why it has been a few millennia since we've been summoned," Conda responded. Logan stored this information in the back of his mind, recognizing the significance of the encounter.
"They're trying to separate us," Logan warned, concern evident in his voice as he glanced at Ogun.
"Worry about yourself," Ogun retorted, his focus sharpening as he prepared to engage in battle once again.
As the battle unfolded, Orochimaru swiftly moved towards Ogun, his serpentine agility allowing him to close the distance in an instant. Ogun, prepared for the confrontation, met Orochimaru head-on, his sword slashing through the air with deadly precision.
Meanwhile, Logan faced off against the Great Conda, the massive snake coiling and striking with lightning speed. Logan's adamantium claws clashed against the scaly hide of the serpent, their clash echoing through the tunnel.
The Great Conda lunged forward, attempting to wrap its massive body around Logan, but the mutant's agility and reflexes allowed him to evade the deadly embrace. With a powerful swipe of his claws, Logan managed to wound the snake, causing it to recoil in pain.
However, Orochimaru's cunning and mastery of snake-like movements proved to be a formidable challenge for Ogun. The Snake Sannin's strikes were swift and precise, his movements fluid and unpredictable. Ogun fought back with all his skill and strength, but Orochimaru's expertise in snake-based techniques gave him the upper hand.
As the battle raged on, Orochimaru managed to land a series of blows on Ogun, leaving him momentarily stunned. Seizing the opportunity, Orochimaru slithered away, disappearing into the shadows of the tunnel, causing Ogun to chase after him.
Logan, sensing the danger Ogun was in, fought with renewed determination against the Great Conda. With each strike, he aimed to weaken the massive serpent, preventing it from pursuing Orochimaru any further.
The battle continued, Logan's ferocity matched by the Great Conda's relentless attacks. The tunnel echoed with the clash of metal against scales, the hissing of the snake, and the grunts of exertion from Logan.
Despite the Great Conda's size and strength, Logan's tenacity and healing factor allowed him to endure the onslaught. With a final, powerful strike, Logan managed to sever the head of the Great Conda, its lifeless body collapsing to the ground.
"Hmmm, you are far more skilled than I had anticipated," Orochimaru remarked, his voice emerging from behind Logan like a sinister whisper.
Logan's muscles tensed, his senses heightened as he prepared himself for the impending confrontation. "What have you done to the old man?" he demanded, his voice laced with a mix of concern and anger.
A wicked smile curled on Orochimaru's lips as he locked eyes with Logan. "You, too, shall experience the same fate," he hissed, his words dripping with malice, before launching himself at Logan with lightning speed.
Despite his injured leg, Ogun persisted in following the snake man. Waves of pain reverberated through his body as he relentlessly pursued Orochimaru. Suddenly, Orochimaru veered into a narrow corridor, causing Ogun to collide with the wall before quickly regaining his composure to continue the chase. Though he lost sight of Orochimaru, Ogun instinctively knew that the snake man wasn't fleeing, but rather leading him somewhere.
His suspicions were confirmed as they entered a vast tunnel. Orochimaru stood there, a sinister smile etched across his face, a gleaming sword clutched in his hands. "Who would have thought you were foolish enough to separate yourself from the only thing keeping you alive," Orochimaru taunted, his voice dripping with contempt.
"Did you kill those yakuza last night?" Ogun asked once more, his voice filled with determination as he sought to uncover the truth behind Sato's death.
"And if I tell you I did?" Orochimaru replied, a wicked grin spreading across his face, relishing in the chaos he had caused.
Ogun had heard enough. Whether it was this man or his accomplices, he vowed to ensure they met a gruesome and agonizing demise.
The clash of steel reverberated through the air as Orochimaru and Ogun engaged in a relentless sword fight. Their blades moved with lightning speed, each strike accompanied by a symphony of sparks and the resounding clash of metal.
Ogun's muscles strained as he parried Orochimaru's attacks, his determination shining through his every move. He matched Orochimaru's skill with his own, refusing to back down. The dance of blades continued, their movements fluid and precise, as they circled each other with unwavering focus.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with a mix of sadistic pleasure and calculated strategy. He sought to exploit any opening, any momentary lapse in Ogun's defense. With each passing moment, Orochimaru's strikes grew more calculated and deadly, testing Ogun's resilience.
But Ogun fought on, his resolve unyielding. He countered Orochimaru's attacks with swift and precise movements, his instincts guiding him through the chaos of battle. The clash of their swords echoed through the surroundings, a testament to their unwavering determination.
As the fight wore on, Ogun's fatigue began to take its toll. His movements became slightly slower, his defenses weakening. Orochimaru seized the opportunity, launching a flurry of strikes with increased ferocity. Ogun desperately parried and dodged, but one strike slipped through his defenses, slicing through his left arm with a sickening thud.
Pain surged through Ogun's body, but he refused to let it consume him. With a surge of adrenaline, he fought back, his attacks fueled by sheer willpower. However, Orochimaru's relentless assault continued, his strikes finding their mark once again. This time, his blade cleaved through Ogun's right leg, leaving him crippled and sprawled on the ground.
As Ogun lay there, his body wracked with pain, Orochimaru stood over him, a twisted smile etched upon his face.
Orochimaru placed his blade against Ogun's throat and spoke, "For a civilian, you fight well. Perhaps if you serve under me, I will spare your life."
"I... will... never... join... you," Ogun managed to say between ragged breaths. The taste of blood lingered in his mouth, and he never imagined he would meet his end in such a weakened state. Orochimaru raised his blade, ready to strike.
"Then perish like the fools you incessantly inquire about," Orochimaru sneered. Just as he began to swing his blade, a bolt of lightning struck him. Ogun struggled to see what had transpired, but his vision blurred due to the copious amount of blood he had lost. Figures approached him as he slowly faded into the darkness.
Khalid POV
3 Weeks Later
It had been three weeks since my last training session with Ogun and the wolf attack. According to Clint, no one has seen or heard from the martial artist since he left. Even though I was worried about my master, I didn't let it interfere with my training. I've been focusing on a lot of Calisthenics workouts to enhance my natural strength rather than relying solely on chakra to boost my abilities.
Every day, I pushed myself to the point of exhaustion, needing Clint's assistance to be lifted inside, while receiving an earful from Alexis about working too hard. I simply let her words go in one ear and out the other, knowing that my Uzumaki and Senju bloodline would aid in faster healing. The only thing that concerned me was whether Clint would notice it. If he did, he never showed any signs of it.
I also intensified my training with the other kids. I had already made up my mind that they would be my genin teammates. The twins, I must admit, were improving in their taijutsu skills to the academy level, while Gwen only joined us occasionally. She mentioned that the stances didn't feel right to her, so I've been trying to figure out which fighting style would suit her best. As for chakra training, I decided to wait until they are a little older and I'm confident they won't misuse it to show off.
Besides their taijutsu, I needed to determine the roles I wanted them to play in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps I could arrange for them to meet Iruka in a few years. He would be better equipped to teach them the basics, as he had experience working with children. As I sat on the back porch, I found myself contemplating which jutsus would best aid them in self-defense and supporting me when necessary.
"You know you're too young to be lost in your thoughts like that," a voice interrupted my musings.
I looked up to see Nick Fury walking towards me. He wore his signature stoic expression, dressed all in black despite the scorching sun.
"Uncle Fury? What brings you here?" I asked curiously.
"I came here to check up on you guys since it will be at least another month and a half until your father comes home," Fury explained as he sat down next to me.
"What is he doing anyway?" I asked, already aware that I wouldn't receive any direct answers from him.
"That's classified, kid. What I want to talk about is Barton mentioning that you've been pushing yourself too hard. Care to explain why?" Fury inquired, giving me a questioning look.
"Everyone keeps telling me how skilled and intelligent I am," I responded, meeting his gaze before turning my gaze towards the distance. "But my body feels weak. If I am to grow into someone who can make them proud, I have to become stronger."
"You're just a kid, and no one is expecting too much from you," Fury said in a gentle tone, placing a hand on my head and tousling my black hair. "But we do want to ensure that you're prepared for the world out there, both the good and the bad. It's important to be able to defend yourself, but don't forget to live and enjoy your childhood."
I pouted and replied, "You sound like my mom."
Fury chuckled, "She's a wise woman. You should listen to her."
I knew he was right, but if my assumptions were correct and this was the MCU, I would need to be as strong as a Kage when the Chitauri arrived. If this was the comic universe, I would need to be even stronger. Or perhaps All had concocted his own bizarre blend of universes just to mess with me. It was all too overwhelming to think about at the moment.
"Do you know when Master Ogun is coming back?" I asked, my worry evident as I feared that someone had finally managed to harm or kill the old man.
"No, he called a few weeks ago to inform us that he would be taking on a job. He hasn't been in contact since then," Fury explained. "But don't worry, kid. Ogun is not easy to get rid of. Trust me, I've tried."
"Why does he carry so much hatred in his heart?" I asked, genuinely curious about the reasons behind my master's behavior towards others. Fury seemed to contemplate whether or not to answer my question. After a few minutes, he let out a sigh.
"Ogun was a soldier for Japan at the end of World War II. He was subjected to experiments in an attempt to recreate the super soldier serum, but all they managed to do was slow down his aging process. However, at the end of the war, Japan betrayed him and attempted to eliminate him. He managed to escape to America with the help of an unknown friend and became a mercenary. Throughout his life, he has faced betrayal from almost everyone, which has made him distrustful of others," Fury explained.
As Fury shared this information, I couldn't help but wonder why Japan had tried to have Ogun killed. Did they fear his skills or were they trying to conceal the atrocities he had committed in the name of his country? It must have been incredibly difficult for Ogun to know that his own country wanted him dead.
"Khalid! Come play with us!" Rowan's voice echoed from inside the house, followed by the sound of little feet running towards the door.
"Go on, Khal, play with your cousins. I'll catch up with you after a talk with Barton," Fury said, giving me a pat on the back and a rare smile. I returned the smile, feeling a mix of emotions as I got up and headed inside to join the other kids. However, my mind was now filled with more thoughts and questions than before our conversation began.
Fury watched as Khalid walked inside the house to join his cousins, and once the door closed, he made his way towards the wall where Agent Barton was hiding.
"Report," Fury demanded in his usual serious tone.
"Well, by the looks of things, the kid is probably as smart as Tony Stark or maybe even Bruce Banner. He managed to learn how to speak and write Japanese in just two weeks and has now moved on to Brahmic scripts. When I asked him why, he said it looked cool. Additionally, he's probably as skilled in combat as any field agent, except for May and myself. The only thing holding him back is his physical capabilities. As a five-year-old, there's only so much he can do against a stronger opponent. That's why he's been pushing himself so hard in his workouts," Barton explained.
Fury had always known that Khalid was intelligent, but he hadn't realized just how smart he was. Learning Japanese, a complex language, in such a short time was impressive. And now he was even starting to learn Hindi on top of it. Fury considered sending over some computer books to see how Khalid would fare with them.
"He's also been training the other kids in combat, particularly the boys, although the girl has taken an interest in studying Japanese with Khalid. With his help, she's even started asking simple questions in Japanese," Barton added to his report.
Fury pondered over Barton's words for a moment before speaking. "I'll add those kids to the list of individuals we need to keep an eye on. Get everything you can on their families," Fury instructed, but before he could finish, Barton handed him a thick folder with a playful smile on his face.
"I already knew you were going to say that, Boss," Barton said. Fury took the folder and tucked it under his arm, knowing he would review its contents later.
"Any news for me, Boss?" Barton asked, eager to hear any updates he had.
"I've acquired a piece of land for you, codenamed the Homestead. Only you and I know about it. You can start building whenever you're ready," Fury informed Barton. It was a deal they had made when the agent got married and expressed his desire to start a family. Fury had already done it for Coulson, so why not Barton as well?
"Thank you, sir. And what about the mission in Japan?" Barton inquired.
"We found a treasure trove of information inside an intact office. It contained thousands of documents, and we even discovered a few hidden away, although it seems that some scrolls were taken and hidden elsewhere. This would explain the scrolls Khalid possesses. It appears that this place was similar to the Red Room, training children to become soldiers," Fury explained, causing Barton's eyes to widen in surprise.
"Speaking of the Red Room, we have discovered the identity of their leader," Fury continued. "General Dreykov, a former member of the Soviet Armed Forces, was tasked with creating a network of young girls for espionage and assassinations. Once you're done here and have taken your three-month break, I want you to focus on bringing down the Red Room."
Barton let out a sigh, realizing that his boss had just assigned him another long-term mission. "Yes, Boss," he replied, accepting the task.
Fury turned and began walking towards the SUV. As he walked, he couldn't help but think about how these kids, including Khalid, could potentially be the future of S.H.I.E.L.D.