Kagura Hitomi and Nick Fury locked eyes, and the atmosphere turned ice cold.
"Alright, fine. Yes, I am J. And I know exactly what you're thinking right now, Kagura," Fury said. "WTF, Nick Fury? What the hell are you doing running black-market deals behind the scenes? Are you trying to be the next Obadiah Stane?"
"Ahem—I usually don't swear, Director Fury," Kagura narrowed her eyes. "But you're right, I don't understand why S.H.I.E.L.D. is doing this."
"S.H.I.E.L.D.'s mission has never changed," Fury replied. "I'm not Obadiah Stane. I'm not doing this for money or to create chaos. I'm doing this to protect our world."
Kagura crossed her arms. "How exactly is this protecting the world?"
"It's a long story, but the logic is simple," Fury explained.
"We need more advanced weapon technology to protect this planet. The arms black market is just a means to an end. It's the only way I can get certain classified technology into the right hands."
He continued, "A few months ago, Asgardians fell from the sky in New Mexico. They can fly, summon lightning, and wield the power to level entire cities. Compared to them, our weapons are nothing but toys."
"And what did you see in all that? Some dreamy blonde prince? Did he take you in as his little sister? Because all I saw was an overwhelming threat and the imminent destruction of human civilization."
"I did not have a crush!" Kagura huffed.
"Anyway, we were scared. The people are, and so the world goverment, we realized how primitive and vulnerable we really are."
"So, we turned to something we never fully understood before—a cube containing infinite energy, hoping it could be our salvation."
"The Tesseract," Kagura interjected. "I've heard about it."
"That's right," Fury nodded. "The Avengers Initiative was scrapped. Instead, we started the Tesseract Weaponization Project."
"But S.H.I.E.L.D.'s own research isn't enough to crack the Tesseract's secrets in a short time. I had to share its data and technology—somehow." Fury leaned forward.
"The problem is, the Tesseract is top secret. It's too powerful. The World Security Council gave us strict orders—its existence must never go public. If it did, the world would descend into total war."
"So, after weighing my options, I took control of the arms black market—first in New York, then globally. By purging and stabilizing it, I created a secret channel to discreetly distribute Tesseract-based technology."
"I won't lie to you, Kagura. My actions have increased crime rates and made the world less stable. But this was the only way I could think of."
"This way, Rhodes Island Industries and other research institutions could acquire Tesseract-derived technology indirectly—accelerating our understanding of it."
"Kagura, humanity's childhood is over. We're standing on the brink of survival. Crime rates are the least of our worries now—we need the power to stand against civilizations like Asgard."
"So that's why you're pushing advanced weapon prototypes and classified tech into the black market?" Kagura frowned.
"Are you insane? Do you realize how much social unrest this could cause? What if these weapons—especially those based on Tesseract technology—end up in the wrong hands? The consequences would be catastrophic!"
"Kagura, let me ask you something. Who do you think hacked Rhodes Island Industries' weapon monitoring system?" Fury asked.
"Do you think there's anyone else in America who could do it?"
"...Mr. Stark?"
Fury nodded. "Correct. I explained my plan to Tony, and he agreed to support it. He's the one who allowed me to sell Rhodes Island Industries' weapons. Now, do you understand what that means?"
Kagura clenched her fists. "I still don't agree with your methods."
"This doesn't make any sense. If you wanted Rhodes Island's scientific backing, why not just ask us directly?"
"Because I can't!" Fury's voice rose.
"You don't understand what the Tesseract is. The knowledge it contains could shake the very foundation of human civilization. The World Security Council would never allow us to share its technology."
Exhaustion and despair flickered in Fury's one good eye.
"I've tried every possible way to get this technology into the right hands. But as of now, operating outside official oversight through the arms black market is the only viable option."
"And what's the cost?" Kagura challenged. "According to your plan, all I see is chaos, war, suffering, and a future plunged into darkness—because dangerous weapons ended up in the hands of people who should never have them."
"I know," Fury sighed. "But without Tesseract-based technology, humanity will never survive in the wider universe."
"I understand your dilemma," Kagura said, her golden eyes filled with determination. "But I can't accept a plan that sacrifices peace and stability. If we follow your logic, humanity will only destroy itself in endless conflict."
"You're not giving people the power to protect themselves. You're just exploiting our desperation to create stronger weapons."
Fury's expression darkened. "Say what you want. But I won't just sit by and do nothing while the world is at risk. If S.H.I.E.L.D. has to be the villain, so be it. My hands are already stained with blood, Kagura."
"We dirty our hands so the world can stay clean."
"Then tell me this, Fury," Kagura's voice was steady. "Do you not trust us anymore? Do you no longer believe in the Avengers that you build?"
"The Avengers Initiative is dead. The only way forward is through Tesseract technology. I have to find a way to distribute it to global research institutions."
"No, I don't believe that." Kagura met his gaze.
"You don't need the black market. You don't need to weaponize the Tesseract. You're not the only one protecting this world."
"Fury, Rhodes Island Industries is already building a global defense system. And trust me—it's a lot more reliable than your reckless plan."
Her voice softened slightly. "People just want a peaceful life. You can't justify destroying that peace in the name of protecting it."
"I don't want to see another Ben Parker gunned down by criminals. I don't want innocent families to be torn apart for your so-called 'future of humanity.'"
"They're the ones we're supposed to protect. If we sacrifice them to achieve our goals, what kind of 'heroes' does that make us?"
"...Kagura, you always leave me conflicted," Fury admitted, exhaling heavily.
"But I really don't want to give up. Without the Tesseract's technology, humanity might not survive."
"So what will you do, Fury?" Kagura lifted her chin. "I'll stand in your way. I'll do whatever it takes to stop you. So tell me—will you kill me?"
"...No," Fury finally said after a long pause. "If you're serious about Rhodes Island building a global defense system…"
He sighed and shook his head before looking up at her again. "Alright. I'll trust you."
"Don't make me regret it."
"Don't worry, Director Fury." Kagura smiled faintly.
"You won't regret it. Because this is exactly why Rhodes Island exists."
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