Selling Devil Fruits in the Marvel Universe

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Helen Cho and Bruce Banner had a good personal relationship. During her research on the Rebirth Cradle, Helen had often sought Bruce's academic advice. Bruce was an unparalleled expert in the field of organic biology. With his eight doctoral degrees, he was an authority in organic biology and seven other fields. 

Helen, known for her high self-esteem—a common trait among top geniuses—held Bruce in high regard, even more than Tony Stark. Bruce's humility and politeness made him the perfect image of a scientist in Helen's eyes.

However, something strange happened seven months ago: Bruce suddenly disappeared. He stopped attending any events and ceased all communication. Helen even inquired with Bruce's fiancée, Betty Ross, but even Betty had no idea where Bruce had gone.

Helen was deeply concerned for Bruce, though it was purely from a friend's perspective. She tried to contact him but without success. Three months ago, Bruce reached out through anonymous emails, asking about nanobiology and gene repair and whether the Rebirth Cradle could be adapted for genetic-level repair.

Though Helen could not fully grasp the situation, it was clear that Bruce was suffering from a rare genetic illness. Previously, Helen's Rebirth Cradle was still a prototype and could only work on the cellular level, not on genetic repair. 

But now, things were different.

"Please..."

"Please..."

Listening to the engaged tone on the line, Helen prayed silently.

'Bruce, pick up the phone!'

'Please, pick up!'

'I might have a solution for you this time!'

"Sorry, the number you've dialed is not available at the moment. Please try again later…"

As usual, the call wouldn't go through.

Helen shook her head in frustration, put away her phone, and opened her computer to send an email to Bruce Banner.

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"Bruce, I have gained a new ability recently. It's hard to explain, but I can now tackle problems that go beyond conventional medicine."

"If it's convenient for you, please contact me!"

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*Click-clack, click-clack!*

In a filthy, cramped apartment in Vietnam, Bruce Banner typed furiously on his keyboard. The computer screen displayed complex and obscure papers in German, comprehensible only to someone like Bruce.

Suddenly, a new email notification appeared.

Bruce had not received Helen's phone calls because he no longer used that number, having discarded both the phone and the number long ago. 

Bruce had left behind his former identity with his father-in-law's relentless pursuit. Seeing an email from someone he had privately contacted in the past, Bruce clicked on it immediately. 

Helen had made a breakthrough!

Bruce knew Helen was not one of those pretentious scholars but a practical and genuine genius. Her claim meant she had substantial confidence.

Bruce was intrigued but was hesitant to reply to the email directly. Any trace of contact might be traced back to him by his father-in-law.

He needed to meet Helen in person, but not just yet!

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"Bruce, please!"

After sending the email, Helen sat in front of her computer, anxiously awaiting a response.

Five minutes passed. Ten minutes. The screen remained silent.

Helen shook her head and stood up. She hoped this time would be different from the previous attempts that had disappeared into the void.

"Sorry, sir, but Dr. Cho is not available right now. You cannot enter."

"Sir, you're trespassing! This is illegal!"

"Sir, if you continue acting this way, I'll have to call security!"

Helen's assistant struggled to keep out a bespectacled, gentlemanly-looking man in the lobby.

"Sorry, I'm truly sorry, but this is a very urgent matter. I apologize for the inconvenience. If there were any other way, I wouldn't intrude."

The man appeared very polite, unlike the ruffian or troublemaker Helen might have imagined. He seemed like an educated individual.

Perhaps he truly had an urgent issue.

"Jennifer, it's alright. I'll handle this."

Helen stepped forward, dismissing her assistant, and approached the gentleman.

"Dr. Cho, I apologize for the manner of my appearance, but my boss is in dire need of your help. I'm deeply sorry for the intrusion!"

The man was very humble, repeatedly apologizing to Helen.

Boss?

Helen then noticed the imposing figure standing at the door—a gigantic bald man who looked like a giant.

Helen was momentarily stunned by his size. She even had a fleeting thought that he might accidentally topple her building.

"Dr. Cho, I am Wilson Fisk. I apologize for the intrusion, but the situation is urgent."

Despite his rough appearance, Fisk spoke courteously, contrasting sharply with his intimidating physique. "I'm truly sorry for any offense I may have caused ."

"Mr. Fisk, please come in, and let's talk."

Helen could see Fisk was genuinely anxious, so she invited both men into the meeting room without delay.

"Dr. Cho, forgive my rudeness, but the situation's urgency forced me to skip pleasantries. My fiancée is critically ill, and I need your help!"

"I've researched and discovered that you've performed many miracles in the past month. If anyone can save her, it's you."

Fisk urgently explained to Helen.