"Hm?!"
Loki's smile, once filled with visions of a glorious future, froze.
Like he'd been shocked, he shot up from his chair, glaring at the satellite feed. His eyes narrowed.
"Damn it… they still came. Stick to the plan!"
…
Seaside Villa.
"Oh! Saitama… I can't believe it, you're finally back! I thought you'd vanished!"
Pepper Potts greeted him with an enthusiastic hug, like welcoming back an old friend.
Bruce Banner also offered a friendly nod.
"Where's Stark? Didn't see him."
Saitama glanced around.
"Went to Africa to clean up his mess. Shouldn't be long—a month maybe, or a couple weeks."
Pepper chuckled as she poured drinks and served desserts.
"Are you staying here for a while? Tony misses you, Saitama. And of course, Bruce is happy to have you too."
"Depends. Just came to say hi with Bruce."
Saitama shrugged. Alcohol wasn't his thing—burgers, fries, and ramen were more his style.
While they chatted, the doorbell rang.
Agent Maria Hill appeared at the entrance.
"Honored to meet you, Saitama, the hero Director Fury speaks of. And Dr. Bruce Banner—I'm Agent Hill."
Her grace and beauty left a favorable impression.
"Mr. Saitama, Director Fury invites you to S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters. There's a surprise waiting for you."
"Oh? S.H.I.E.L.D. calling me in?"
Saitama glanced at Bruce, who shrugged indifferently.
Bruce was calm now—he wasn't the same man once terrified of the military. After living in Saitama's world, his confidence had grown.
After saying goodbye to Pepper, the three departed.
…
Engines roared. A military jeep screeched to a stop, blocking their path.
A tall woman in leather, with long legs and fiery presence, stepped out.
Black Widow—Natasha Romanoff.
But she looked different, weary, shadowed by unease.
"Ma'am!"
She snapped a crisp salute to Hill.
"Agent Romanoff? You came too? On Fury's orders?" Hill asked.
"No. On my own. For a friend. Just to welcome him."
Natasha forced a smile, moving closer to Saitama.
"Fine. Let's go together."
They boarded Natasha's helicopter, flying straight out to sea.
The aircraft landed on a massive helicarrier.
"Saitama."
As Hill led the way, Natasha whispered softly, barely audible.
"Hm? What's wrong, Natasha?"
Saitama blinked at her.
"Something's off in S.H.I.E.L.D. I can't explain it, but Fury, Barton… they're hiding something. Be careful this time."
She had narrowly avoided being controlled by Loki's scepter while away on a mission, but now… everything about S.H.I.E.L.D. felt wrong.
Saitama yawned.
"Maybe you just need more rest. You look tired. Right, Bruce?"
Bruce gave a helpless smile. Natasha sighed. "Forget it."
…
In the control room, Fury and Coulson welcomed Saitama warmly. They proudly unveiled humanity's latest creation—
The Helicarrier.
Massive turbines roared to life, lifting the carrier skyward.
Bruce frowned as the ship soared higher. "We're a bit too high, don't you think?"
"Not for someone who can punch a sea monster to death," came a mocking voice.
Everyone turned.
Loki.
Calm and confident, holding his scepter. Fury, Hill, and the agents' faces went blank, stepping behind him in allegiance.
"What?!" Natasha's eyes widened in shock.
Even more shocking—three figures emerged from another door.
Captain America.
Hawkeye.
Iron Man.
All with glowing blue eyes—under Loki's control.
"These ants were stubborn," Loki said coldly, rubbing a bruise on his face. "Especially that fool Stark. Took me three tries to subdue him, thanks only to Barton and Steve."
Now, with three heroes and S.H.I.E.L.D. under his control, Loki laughed.
Saitama scratched his head.
"No wonder Stark hasn't answered my messages. You controlled him, huh? Do me a favor and undo it."
"Undo? Hahahahaha! Surely you jest. Saitama, I know I'm no match for you—but this is just a projection. You can't kill me here."
His form shimmered, showing it was an illusion.
"I never intended to face you head-on. No, I just want to play a game… a game called 'Enemies.'"
He tapped his scepter against a screen.
A live feed appeared—an air force base launching nuclear missiles.
"Four hundred seventy-six warheads. Enough to crack the Earth. Of course, I won't go that far—after all, this will be my domain. But…"
His smile sharpened.
"Destroying one helicarrier? That'll do nicely. You have one minute. Enjoy the game… hahahahaha!"
(End of Chapter)
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