Marvel : Ms. Hyuga's journey

SHIELD Headquarters – Nick Fury's Private Gym

Nick Fury stood before a punching bag, hanging firmly from its metal chain. The clang of gym equipment and the distant footsteps of SHIELD agents filled the background. In the gym's solitude, Fury delivered a barrage of punches, his breaths heavy, his focus razor-sharp. Sweat trickled down his brow, dripping onto the floor beneath him. The punching bag swayed violently, absorbing the force of every strike—an impressive display of strength for a man of his age.

The gym door creaked open, revealing Natasha Romanoff stepping in with a curious expression. It wasn't every day she saw her usually composed director, known for strategizing behind the scenes, in the gym unleashing his energy on a punching bag.

"Director Fury?" Natasha called out, folding her arms across her chest. "What's this? I never thought I'd see you here... sweating, let alone throwing punches at a bag."

Fury paused, wiping sweat from his face with a small towel draped around his neck. "Romanoff," he greeted casually, "Sometimes sitting behind a desk too long dulls the mind—and the body. Someone reminded me of the importance of returning to the basics, so here I am."

Natasha raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And who managed to convince the Nick Fury, 'the Unstoppable Director,' to get back in the gym? Should I be worried? Is there some massive threat looming that has you thinking it's time to train again?"

Fury chuckled, a low and steady sound. "Nothing to worry about, Romanoff. The world's not ending—yet. But I need to make sure I can still kick some ass if the situation calls for it."

Natasha tilted her head, half-skeptical, half-amused. "Fair enough. But you know, sharpening your skills isn't just about beating up a punching bag. How about a light sparring match? It's more interesting than hitting something that can't hit back."

Fury arched an eyebrow, giving Natasha a once-over. "Sparring with you, Romanoff? You know I have a reputation to uphold."

"Don't worry, Director. I'll make sure your back doesn't give out," Natasha teased with a sly smile, already shrugging off her jacket and stepping into the ring.

Fury shook his head, muttering under his breath, but followed her into the ring. "Don't regret it if I manage to beat you, Romanoff."

"Director, if you actually beat me, I'll buy you a drink. But if I win, you're buying."

"Fair deal," Fury replied.

They squared off, Natasha starting with her signature agility, darting in with quick strikes to test Fury's defenses. Despite being slower than the much younger Natasha, Fury read her movements well, blocking punches, sidestepping kicks, and even landing a few counter-strikes.

"You're still tough, Director," Natasha remarked, hopping back to create distance.

"And you talk too much," Fury shot back, launching a swift punch that narrowly missed her shoulder.

The sparring continued for several minutes. In the end, Natasha managed to trap Fury in one of her infamous arm locks, forcing him to yield. "Beat me in the next round, and I'll buy you that drink," she teased, offering a hand to help him up.

Fury shook his head, wiping away sweat. "I used to be better than this. But you're good, Romanoff. Better than I expected."

Natasha smirked, though there was a hint of respect behind her teasing tone. "If you ever decide to get back on the field, Director, I'd say we'd have one more serious threat for our enemies."

Fury answered with a small nod, watching as Natasha left after briefing him on mission details.

Left alone, Fury resumed his training, his focus unwavering. Something was driving him to push harder, to prepare himself. Whether it was a reminder from Naori or a gut feeling about what lay ahead, Fury knew one thing—he needed to be ready for anything.

...

After a relentless week, Naori and Shiro finally completed the device they called the Mugen Tsukuyomi Lite.

In the middle of the hangar, a two-meter-wide device stood majestically, surrounded by thick cables snaking toward various control equipment. A pale blue glow emanated softly from its center, exuding an aura of advanced yet enigmatic technology.

Yugao stared at the device, raising an eyebrow. "Isn't this a bit too big to call portable, Naori? How do you plan to take it to the field? Drag it along like a baby carriage?"

Naori, busy checking the control console, merely scoffed. "Yugao, if you want a smartphone-sized device, give me two years and an extra engineering team. This is the result of a one-week effort. Be grateful we have something usable at all."

Shiro, standing beside Naori, added while inspecting the final connections. "To be honest, we're not even sure this device is strong enough to affect a chunin. But for an ordinary scientist who hasn't undergone ninja training—even if he's turned into a green monster—this should suffice, theoretically."

Yugao crossed her arms over her chest, snorting. "Theoretically? You're asking us to face the Hulk with something theoretical?"

Naori shot her a sharp look. "All technology starts with theory, Yugao. If you've got a better alternative, step forward and build your own device."

Yugao fell silent for a moment before stepping back with a faint smile. "I'm just joking, boss. Relax. But seriously, I'm curious to see what happens if we use this on the Hulk."

Ignoring her, Naori picked up her phone and dialed Nick Fury.

"Fury, the device is ready," she said curtly. "Send your team to pick it up."

"Understood," Fury replied in his usual monotone. "I'll have someone there immediately."

SHIELD Testing Grounds

The Mugen Tsukuyomi Lite now stood in the center of the testing grounds, surrounded by SHIELD agents, several officials, General Thunderbolt Ross, and his military team. Naori stood by the control console, appearing calm yet focused. Beside her, Shiro double-checked the device's energy stability.

Nick Fury stepped forward, arms crossed as he studied the device. "Alright, Naori. This is your show. Let's see what it can do."

"The first test requires a human subject," Naori said bluntly. She glanced at the agents standing nearby. "Don't worry, the device is set to its lowest intensity. The effects will be temporary."

Fury gave a small nod before turning to Jasper Sitwell, who was standing not far away. "Agent Sitwell."

Sitwell immediately straightened. "Yes, Director?"

"Step up and give it a try," Fury said without expression.

Sitwell looked shocked, his eyes widening slightly. "I... Director, you mean—"

"Yes, I mean you. Don't worry, it's just a light test. Stand in front of the laser beam. Don't move."

Sitwell hesitated for a moment but eventually stepped forward slowly to the device. Once there, he glanced briefly toward Alexander Pierce standing behind him, as if silently asking for help. Pierce merely shrugged, looking just as unsure.

Naori activated the device, and a pale blue light began radiating from its center. "Stand still," she instructed firmly. "This is the lowest setting, so you should feel slightly relaxed... or maybe too relaxed."

As the beam touched Sitwell, nothing happened at first. But after a few seconds, his expression began to change. A small smile appeared on his face, slowly widening into an unnaturally broad grin.

"I... feel... amazing," he said, holding back a small laugh.

The surrounding agents exchanged puzzled looks, while Fury remained stoic.

Naori adjusted the controls slightly, increasing the intensity. The effect was immediate. Sitwell now looked like he was floating on cloud nine, his eyes unfocused, his posture overly relaxed.

"Alright, that's enough," Naori said, shutting off the device. She walked over to Sitwell and patted his shoulder. "Are you okay, Agent Sitwell?"

Sitwell appeared disoriented for a moment but eventually nodded. "Yes... yes, I'm fine. But... I didn't say anything weird, did I?"

'Like shouting something crazy, such as... "Hail Hydra," or anything like that, right?' Sitwell thought to himself.

Fury stifled a small laugh while several agents around them tried to hide their smirks.

Naori returned to the console, addressing the officials behind her. "As you can see, this device can effectively influence a subject's mental state, even at its lowest setting. Against someone like the Hulk, this is our best plan."

Ross folded his arms, nodding slightly. "If this device can stop the Hulk without leveling half a city, that's more than good enough for me."

Fury gave Naori a serious look. "Alright, we'll go with this plan. Make sure the device is field-ready."

Naori nodded, her eyes gleaming with confidence. "Leave it to me."