I do not own the rights to Marvel or Naruto

August 31st, 2000 New York, Coulson Family Residence

Alexis was busy in the kitchen, baking a chocolate cake for when Phil and Khalid returned from the exam. She had no doubt that Khalid would pass; the boy had managed to learn how to read, write, and speak Japanese over the summer, which never failed to amaze her. As she prepared to pour the batter into the baking pan, there was a sudden knock at the door.

Alexis paused and glanced at the front door camera, spotting Helen and Lizzy standing outside. After quickly cleaning her hands, she made her way to the door to welcome them.

"Hey! What brings you guys here?" Alexis inquired as she opened the door. Helen was dressed in a simple white top, jeans, and brown boots, while Alexis wore a black and white sundress with black slippers.

"Well, since we're all housewives, I thought it would be nice for us to make it a regular thing to meet up for lunch or get together at least three times a week," Lizzy explained enthusiastically as she entered the house, giving Alexis a quick hug and peck on the cheek.

Following Lizzy inside, Helen echoed her sentiments, saying, "Lizzy mentioned Khalid's exam, so I thought it would be a good idea to come check on you. You look radiant!"

Alexis blushed slightly at the compliment, her hand instinctively resting on her seven-month pregnant belly, which had grown larger than she had anticipated. She was dressed in a simple black maternity dress she had purchased since moving to New York. Coulson had been a true blessing, especially with his cast being removed, as he took care of everything around the house. Baking this cake was the first task she had been able to do on her own in a while.

"Well, Phil makes sure I get plenty of rest. I was baking a cake for when Khalid comes home and tells me he passed the entrance exam," Alexis explained, turning to head back to the kitchen. As she walked towards the bowl, Lizzy suddenly stood in front of her.

"You sit down, and I'll put this in the oven for you," Lizzy commanded, not waiting for a response as she picked up the bowl and turned towards the oven. Alexis let out a resigned sigh and obediently took a seat at the counter.

"What have you guys been up to?" Alexis inquired as Helen took a seat beside her.

"Well, my husband has been eager to meet the boy who turned his daughter into the karate kid," Helen replied with a laugh.

"James is the same, but he also wants to meet Khalid's teacher to continue the boy's training. I told him that's never going to happen. I still can't believe you guys allowed that psycho near Khalid," Lizzy remarked as she smoothed out the cake batter.

As Alexis thought about the intense training Khalid had undergone with Ogun, she reflected on how resilient and mature her son was. Phil had once asked her to inform him if Khalid exhibited any unusual behavior. The only thing she found remarkable was Khalid's maturity for his age and his toughness.

"It's not like Khalid is a typical kid. I don't think a regular martial arts teacher would be suitable for him. He's intelligent, resilient, and strong-willed. Besides, I believe Ogun has a genuine concern for Khalid. That's the impression I got when I spoke to him at the ranch," Alexis remarked with a slight smile on her face. While she may not fully trust or like Ogun, she was certain of one thing - Ogun would likely protect her son with his last breath.

Ogun sat on the roof of his home, savoring a self-made English breakfast and relishing the rare moment of tranquility in his life. He was still awaiting responses from Fury and Coulson regarding continuing Khalid's training. While he was contemplating plans to potentially kidnap the young boy, he was wary of attracting the full attention of SHIELD, especially with Fury already keeping a close eye on him. As he lifted his coffee cup to take a sip, Ogun suddenly spoke out loud, "If you're going to sneak up on me, you'll need to breathe softer."

As the footsteps drew nearer, Ogun could discern from the shadow that it was a female approaching. There was only one person who would come to see him amidst all the chaos. "Ahhh, Raven, what a surprise. I was expecting you and Eric to visit me sooner," Ogun greeted her.

A tall, slender figure with a lithe and athletic build came into view. She had blue skin, yellow eyes, and long red hair, dressed in a white dress with a skull belt and boots. Taking a seat across from Ogun, she crossed her legs.

"I'm sure you know I go by Mystique," she corrected him, annoyance evident on her face. Despite her dislike for her birth name, she refrained from risking her life by attacking him.

"My apologies, Mystique. You know how us old folks can be," Ogun said sheepishly.

"Cut the act, old man. Xavier informed me and Magneto about everything that occurred in Japan. He has sent me here to gather full details of your encounter," Mystique stated firmly. Ogun sat up straight, his bloodlust evident as he watched her body tense, though her facial expression remained unchanged.

"It would be wise to remember who you are speaking to. Both you and your master have attempted to kill me and failed. How many of your assassins have I put in the ground, Raven?!" Ogun's words dripped with venom as he confronted Mystique.

Mystique stood up from her seat, anger evident on her face, ready to retaliate. Before she could unleash her fury, a strong yet calm voice resonated from above them.

"That's enough, Mystique. He's just trying to provoke a reaction from you. He's been facing setbacks lately," the voice said. Ogun looked up to see Magneto hovering over the building. Magneto was a powerful mutant with the ability to manipulate magnetic fields. He was a tall, muscular man with sleek black and white hair, piercing blue eyes, and was clad in a red and purple costume with a helmet that aided in controlling his powers and shielding his mind from psychic attacks.

Ogun sighed at the sight of the man flying above his home and tried to relax. He resumed eating his breakfast before speaking again, "Could you please come down here like a normal person? I don't want my neighbors or SHIELD getting curious about why there's a wanted terrorist hovering over my home."

Magneto slowly descended to stand behind Mystique, and they sat in silence as Ogun continued his meal. After ten minutes, Magneto's patience began to wear thin, and he was about to speak when Ogun brought up a new topic.

"Have you ever heard of the term 'shinobi'?" Ogun inquired.

Max was taken aback by the remarkable achievement of a five-year-old who had outperformed some of the brightest teenagers in America. He observed as Conners praised the child, who appeared more annoyed than anything, while his father remained stoic. Max couldn't help but wonder where Fury had discovered this prodigious child.

Enthused by the opportunity to elevate Horizon Tech, his company, to new heights, Max saw potential in mentoring the child to surpass the narcissistic Tony Stark. Approaching the trio, Max overheard he Conners concluding his statement.

"We can achieve great things with me and Max training him," Conners remarked.

"Indeed, we can also secure him a position at Horizon Tech upon his graduation. He can work for my company and receive financial support for any project he envisions," Max swiftly added, aiming to sway the boy's father.

"Although that's a tempting offer, my son is keen on either starting his own business or joining the family enterprise," Coulson explained. Max inwardly sighed, holding onto hope that the father's stance might evolve over time. In the meantime, he resolved to shape the boy in his own image and surpass Stark Industries as the leading tech company.

"Very well, perhaps we can revisit this discussion when young Khalid is older. Let's kick off with a tour of the campus. While we typically do this during orientation, it's currently summer break," Max stated confidently as he turned and strode out the door. The Coulsons followed suit, matching his pace.

Fury stood before six massive monitors, each displaying a member of the World Security Council. He had been engaged in a detailed report on the situation in Japan for the past hour, carefully weaving half-truths to divert their attention from the true purpose of Coulson and May's mission.

"Are you suggesting that a group of enhanced individuals are attempting a takeover of the underworld in Japan?" inquired Ambassador Tanaka, the Japanese representative.

"Yes, sir. Agent Coulson and May were tasked with locating the ringleader. They had received intelligence indicating his presence in a forested area, where they coincidentally stumbled upon the site," Fury fabricated.

"Why then did you request for academy students to be deployed there?" Secretary Pearce inquired calmly.

"To quickly secure the site and address concerns of a potential 083 event, we deployed the academy students. Fortunately, it turned out to be a ninja village," Fury explained, fabricating another story. He couldn't risk revealing any information that could lead back to Khalid, especially with the Council unaware of The Dawn's existence.

"And what did you discover?" inquired Minister Bates, the U.K.'s Secretary of State for Defense.

"We uncovered numerous skeletons, some remarkably preserved weapons, as well as scrolls and tomes. The majority of our findings have been shared with the Japanese Government. We have retained a few samples for further analysis in our labs. Once we have the results, they will be promptly shared with you," Fury responded, maintaining his facade.

"Good, then we can withdraw our recruits from Japan and have them resume their training," Pearce stated firmly. Fury understood that this was not a request.

"They are already in the process of packing up and preparing to return home. Dr. Mann and his team will continue to assist the Japanese government in the ongoing excavation at the site," Fury explained.

"Now, what about this group of enhanced issue you mentioned earlier?" Tanaka inquired.

"We have been tracking a group of enhanced individuals who have been targeting Yakuza clan leaders. We have only seen videos of two of them, and a confidential informant of mine provided information on a third individual. I suspect there may be a total of 5-10 members in this group. Their motives are unclear, but we are committed to stopping them," Fury responded. He observed as the faces of the Council members shifted to expressions of concern.

"What did your confidential informant provide?" Pearce asked calmly, adjusting his glasses with his wrinkled hands. Fury tapped a few keys on the keyboard in front of him.

"On your screen, you should see a detailed sketch of a man known as Orochimaru. There is also a video showing him in the main hall, where he killed the known Yakuza boss Kenji Yamamoto. His origins are unknown, but he is considered highly dangerous. According to my informant, Orochimaru single-handedly eliminated 25 Yakuza members without sustaining any injuries," Fury explained. He observed as the Council members reviewed the reports he had sent them, all of which contained information provided by Ogun, including photos of suspected crime scenes linked to the group.

"Alright, I will relay this information to the POTUS, Secretary of Defense, and all relevant agencies. I suggest you do the same, especially you, Tanaka. We will conclude this meeting now, but Fury, please remain for a few moments longer," Pearce stated. Fury watched as the screens of the other council members powered down, leaving only him and Pearce.

"How is Phase 1 progressing?" Pearce asked quietly.

"It's going well. Although we have yet to find someone who fully comprehends what's happening with the Tesseract," Fury reported. Pearce leaned back in his chair and gave a slight nod.

"Alright, Nick, keep me informed on Phase 1 and this group of enhanced individuals," Pearce said dismissively. Pearce noticed that Fury didn't shut off his screen, indicating that there might be more to discuss.

"Is there something else you need to discuss, Nick?" Pearce inquired in a friendly tone. Fury sighed.

"We didn't anticipate their swift movements. This situation would have been better handled with a response team," Fury explained. Pearce scoffed in response.

"Listen, Nick, I'd like to think that we're friends. You should focus on Phase 1 of the Tesseract study. The council has already voted on it, and the answer is no. We can discuss the group of enhanced individuals later," Pearce said before disconnecting. Fury scoffed and turned away. The doors slid open, and Maria Hill was waiting on the other side. She quickly joined his side and matched his pace. He was slowly growing to trust her, even though she had not yet noticed him surveilling her ever since Coulson had recommended her.

"Hill, make sure you keep an eye on Ross's project. I'm putting you in charge of the operation," Fury said without looking back.

"I'll do my best, sir," Hill replied quickly. Fury didn't have to turn around to know that she was smiling.

"Don't mess this up, or I'll demote you to a janitor," Fury said swiftly. She instantly froze in place while Fury kept walking with a small smile on his face.

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Manhattan, Horizon Academy's campus stands as a beacon of inspiration and opportunity for students of all ages. The campus is a harmonious blend of modern architecture, lush greenery, and vibrant energy, creating a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere that ignites a passion for learning and exploration.

The Science and Tech building is a marvel of innovation, with sleek lines and state-of-the-art facilities that beckon students to delve into the realms of discovery and experimentation. From cutting-edge laboratories to interactive classrooms, students are immersed in a world of scientific inquiry and technological advancement, preparing them to tackle the challenges of the future with confidence and creativity.

The Culinary building at Horizon Academy is a culinary oasis, where the tantalizing scents of freshly baked pastries and sizzling dishes tantalize the senses. With professional-grade kitchens, a pastry lab, and a cozy dining area, students are invited to unleash their culinary talents and explore mixing dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs and industry experts.

The Sports Complex is a bustling hub of activity, where the sounds of laughter and the thud of sneakers on the court fill the air. From the expansive gymnasium to the outdoor fields and courts, students have access to top-notch facilities for honing their athletic skills, fostering teamwork, and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

It was more than just a place of learning—it is a vibrant community where students are encouraged to dream big, think boldly, and reach for the stars. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and personal growth, the campus provides a nurturing and empowering environment where students can explore their passions and discover their strengths.

They were standing in the entrance way after the tour had concluded. Coulson couldn't help but be impressed with the facilities. He knew Khalid's mind will grow in these surroundings. If he does join Shield he will become a valuable asset to the Science division. At least he would be out of harms way.

"I think he can start next Monday. By then, we will have the special classes area set up. We've been using that floor for storage since no student could access it," Max said with a smile on his face. Coulson wasn't entirely sure he trusted the man, but he knew Fury would also be keeping a close eye on Max.

"This place is awesome! I can't wait for school on Monday," Khalid exclaimed. Coulson could see his son's eyes shining with excitement, much like they did when he trained in combat.

"This place is fantastic. I'm confident Khalid will learn a lot here," Coulson remarked with his usual business-like smile.

"Yes, I plan to give Khalid my full, undivided attention when it comes to his learning. I'm sure many of the other teachers will also provide guidance on various topics," Max said a bit too enthusiastically for Coulson's liking.

"We will also be sending a bodyguard for Khalid. Since he has a private class, it won't look too awkward," Coulson stated firmly. He observed as Max's body tensed for a moment before responding.

"Of course, that won't be an issue," Max replied, his smile appearing more forced this time. Coulson was now certain that he needed to keep a close watch on this man.

"Thank you for the tour, and I'm glad my son was accepted into your school. I'm sure you're a busy man. We'll let you get back to work," Coulson said, quickly shaking Max's hand and heading to his car, with Khalid following closely behind.

Khalid's POV

We had spent two and a half hours at Horizon this morning, and I couldn't wait to get home and share the good news with Alexis. Now, I could send a clone to class to learn and start some of the projects I had planned, while I trained during school hours. Everything was falling into place perfectly. I just needed to find an abandoned warehouse or something, and I could start.

"I'm proud of you, Khalid, for acing that test. As a reward, you can ask for anything you want," Coulson said calmly. I began to think about what I would want. As a shinobi, I already had everything I needed on my wrist. Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks.

"Can I have one of the extra rooms to turn into my home lab?" I asked. Coulson stopped at a red light and looked at me with confusion.

"Don't you have a lab at school? Why would you need one at home?" Coulson asked.

"Because there's something off about that Max guy. He gave me a creepy feeling, like he wants to own me or something," I explained. Throughout the tour, Max had been overly insistent about wanting me to work for him. "When I do start inventing things, I would feel better knowing my projects are at home." I looked up at Coulson to see him smiling.

"Good, at least some of my skills are rubbing off on you. You're right, though, I got the same feeling. I'll talk to Fury about setting up a lab in the empty bedroom next to yours. Maybe Fitz and Simmons can help," Coulson said happily as he drove.

"Thank you," I said cheerfully.

"You earned it, Khal. Just don't go inventing anything that could destroy the world," Coulson replied jokingly.

"I make no promises."