Chapter 60: Hulk
A Winter Night's Reflection
Ritsuka Fujimaru walked through the snow-covered streets, his breath misting in the cold evening air. Snowflakes danced gently from the heavens, covering the city in a serene blanket of white. Christmas lights adorned many houses, glowing warmly against the chill, reminding him that the holiday was only two weeks away.
He adjusted the scarf around his neck and smiled as he glanced down at Fou, who had popped his head out from under Ritsuka's sweater.
"Fou, Fou!" the little creature chirped, its eyes shining as it took in the snowy scene.
"Yeah, it's beautiful," Ritsuka said softly, letting his gloved hand pat Fou on the head. "Feels peaceful, doesn't it? Like... the world's taking a breather."
Normally, he'd teleport back to his apartment after completing a mission, but today was different. After ensuring Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy were now on their journey to becoming the Spider duo, Ritsuka felt a quiet satisfaction. Still, there was one more stop he wanted to make—a comic store near his apartment.
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A Comic for Comfort
The little bell on the comic store door jingled as Ritsuka entered, the warmth inside a welcome contrast to the frosty air outside. Rows of colorful comic covers lined the shelves, and his eyes quickly landed on what he was looking for: Legend of Witchcraft.
The cover depicted a battle-hardened witch wielding a glowing staff, her magic tearing through the darkness around her. It was a tale of heroism, sacrifice, and the mysteries of magic—one of the few pieces of media that reminded him of Chaldea and the adventures he'd once had.
"Got another one of these in stock?" Ritsuka asked the store clerk, holding up a copy.
"You're in luck," the clerk replied with a grin. "That's the last one."
Ritsuka smiled and bought the comic, flipping through the pages as he left the store. The snow seemed even softer now, the streets quieter. He paused under a lamppost to read for a few minutes, Fou nestling in his scarf.
"Fou!" the little creature barked, as though urging him on.
"I know, I know," Ritsuka said with a chuckle. "But it's so good. Just one more page."
---
A Girl in the Snow
As he passed through the park near his apartment, Ritsuka heard the laughter of children. A group of them were playing a snowball fight, their voices echoing through the stillness of the evening. Smiling, Ritsuka stopped to watch. It reminded him of simpler times, though they felt like a distant memory now.
But his smile faded when he noticed someone sitting alone on a bench nearby—a young girl with leg braces. She was watching the children play, her expression a mix of longing and sadness. Beside her stood a man, likely her father, his face etched with pain and helplessness.
Ritsuka felt a pang in his chest. He'd seen that look before. It was the look of someone who wanted to help but didn't know how.
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A Kind Gesture
He reached into his coat and summoned a cake, the magic making it appear in a neatly wrapped box. Carrying it over, he approached the girl with a warm smile.
"Hi there," he said, kneeling down to her level. Fou peeked out from his scarf, earning a small giggle from the girl. "My friend Fou here says he's really good at making snowballs. Think we can prove him right?"
The girl looked hesitant at first but nodded. Ritsuka turned to the group of children and called out, "Hey! We've got a new teammate. Mind if we join?"
The other children looked at one another before shrugging and waving them over. With a bit of gentle encouragement from Ritsuka, they welcomed the girl into their game.
Before long, laughter filled the air again. Ritsuka made sure to shield the girl when the snowballs came flying too fast, and when she managed to hit him with one, he exaggeratedly fell into the snow, earning peals of laughter from everyone.
Her father watched from a distance, his expression softening as the girl's joy became infectious.
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A Promise to Help
When the game wound down, Ritsuka handed the cake to the girl and her father. "It's a little early for Christmas, but I think you deserve this."
"Thank you," the father said, his voice thick with emotion. "You didn't have to do all this."
Ritsuka waved it off with a smile. "Sometimes, a little kindness is all it takes to make someone's day better."
As he walked back to his apartment, Fou nestled in his scarf again, Ritsuka couldn't get the girl's smile out of his mind. The memory stayed with him as he climbed the stairs to his home.
Sitting by the window, watching the snow fall, he made a decision.
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A Plan in Motion
"I'm going to ask Tony tomorrow," Ritsuka murmured to Fou, who tilted his head curiously. "We can do something for people like her—something big. I'm sure Stark Industries has the resources to make life easier for kids like that."
"Fou?" the creature asked.
"Yeah," Ritsuka said, determination hardening in his voice. "We're not just here to save the world from disasters. We're here to make it better. Even if it's just one kid at a time."
With that resolve, Ritsuka picked up his comic again. But his mind wasn't on witches and magic anymore. It was on a disabled girl playing in the snow, her laughter echoing in his ears as the snowfall gently blanketed the city.
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A Meeting of Minds
Snow fell gently outside the towering glass windows of Stark Industries, the winter chill a stark contrast to the warmth of the bustling building. Ritsuka Fujimaru stepped through the doors, brushing snowflakes off his jacket. He greeted the receptionist with a polite nod and made his way to the executive offices.
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A Conversation with Pepper
Pepper Potts, now fully in her role as CEO, was seated behind her sleek, modern desk, going over reports. She looked up as Ritsuka entered, offering a warm smile.
"Ritsuka," she greeted, standing to shake his hand. "Good to see you."
"You too, Pepper," Ritsuka replied, returning her smile. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything too important."
"Not at all," she said, gesturing for him to take a seat. "Tony mentioned you'd be stopping by. I assume this is about one of your projects?"
Ritsuka nodded but paused to observe her for a moment. There was something different about her now. Gone was the slightly frazzled but capable secretary he'd met before. In her place was a composed, confident leader with the aura of someone who had firmly taken the reins of her life.
"You've changed," he remarked, smiling. "You've got this... vibe of someone running the show."
Pepper chuckled softly. "Well, being CEO of Stark Industries does that to you. It's a far cry from being Tony's secretary, that's for sure."
"I can tell," Ritsuka said earnestly. "You seem... mature. In a good way."
"Thank you," she replied. "It's been a journey, but I've found my footing. Now, what's on your mind?"
Ritsuka leaned forward, his tone turning serious. "I have two projects I'd like to discuss. Both are my personal Ideas, but I'll need Tony's input for that."
Pepper nodded thoughtfully but before she could respond, the door opened, and a woman with red hair and a polished demeanor entered. Natasha Romanoff, dressed in her civilian attire, glanced at Ritsuka before speaking.
"Tony and Da Vinci are in the conference room," she said. "They're waiting for you."
Pepper smiled and turned to Ritsuka. "You go ahead. Tony can take care of your projects in the meeting. Natasha, could you take him there?"
Natasha nodded, and Ritsuka stood, thanking Pepper before following her out.
---
A Walk with Natasha
As they walked through the pristine halls of Stark Industries, Ritsuka turned to Natasha. "So, how's everything going with SHIELD these days?"
Natasha glanced around, scanning for any eavesdroppers before replying. "Things are... smoother. Most of the Hydra remnants are scattered. Only a few rats left to chase down."
"Good to hear," Ritsuka said, relieved.
"Magneto's been a big help," she added. "He's been... efficient in cleaning them out. I'll give him that."
Ritsuka raised an eyebrow. "Efficient? That's one way to put it."
Natasha allowed herself a small smile but then stopped abruptly. Turning to him, her voice softened. "Thank you."
Ritsuka blinked, taken aback. "For what?"
"For saving those girls from the Red Room," Natasha said, her usual guarded expression replaced by sincerity. "You ended something I've spent my whole life fighting. That's why I joined Nick Fury in the first place—to finish the Red Room. But you? You gave it an end."
Ritsuka shook his head modestly. "I didn't do much. That was BB's work. She—"
Natasha cut him off with a rare look of vulnerability. "Doesn't matter. The result is the same. You didn't just give them freedom—you gave me the chance to work toward something better. Not for my past, but for a future."
Ritsuka smiled, and she returned it—a brief moment of shared understanding.
"Thank you for telling me," he said softly.
She nodded and gestured toward the conference room door. "Go on. Tony's waiting."
---
The Conference Room
The doors slid open, revealing a room filled with familiar faces. Tony Stark was leaning against the table, gesturing animatedly as he spoke to Da Vinci, who was seated with her usual enigmatic smile. Across from them were Bruce Banner and Betty Ross, seated together, exchanging notes.
"Ritsuka!" Tony exclaimed, striding forward and pulling him into a quick, casual hug. "Glad you made it through the snow. Thought you'd just teleport in."
"Sometimes, you've got to enjoy the scenery," Ritsuka replied, grinning. He nodded at Da Vinci. "Good to see you too."
Da Vinci's smile widened. "Ritsuka! You've been keeping busy, I hear. Where's Professor Xavier and our charming magnet-man?"
As if on cue, the door opened again, and Charles Xavier rolled in, assisted by Magneto. Erik Lensherr's imposing figure stood out against the sleek room, but he was surprisingly gentle as he helped Xavier navigate the space.
"Here they are," Ritsuka said, stepping forward to greet them.
"Apologies for the delay," Xavier said, his voice calm and measured as always. "The snow has made travel... interesting."
Erik smirked. "He insisted we come in person, though I could've easily handled it myself."
Tony clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, folks, let's get started. We've got projects to discuss, people to save, and, if I play my cards right, maybe even a little Christmas cheer."
'what thw hell is this talking about? And why Magneto is here. Isn't he the terrorist leader?' Bruce banner and Betty thinking.
As everyone took their seats, Ritsuka felt a sense of warmth despite the cold outside. This was a team of minds and hearts working toward something greater. And as he glanced at the snow falling gently outside, he couldn't help but feel hopeful for what they could achieve together.
The Meeting Begins
Ritsuka Fujimaru entered the sleek conference room, his stride confident yet approachable. He greeted everyone warmly before addressing the AI presence that was always watching over Stark Industries.
"Jarvis," Ritsuka called, looking toward the ceiling. "Can you set up the display for the presentation?"
"Of course, Master Fujimaru," Jarvis replied in his smooth British accent. The room dimmed slightly as a holographic screen materialized at the center of the table.
Ritsuka stood at the head of the table, his tone professional but inviting. "Alright, everyone, let's dive in. First, we need to talk about mutation—what it is, how it manifests, and what challenges it presents."
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Explaining Mutation
The screen displayed a rotating 3D model of human DNA, highlighting the X-gene. Ritsuka gestured toward it.
"Mutation occurs as a natural part of evolution," he began. "The X-gene is a unique marker in mutants, giving them abilities that go beyond what we consider 'normal' human limits. But there's still a lot we don't understand about how or why certain mutations manifest the way they do."
Betty Ross leaned forward, her scientific curiosity piqued. "How is this different from regular genetic anomalies? For example, mutations we already know about, like sickle cell anemia or albinism?"
Professor Xavier interjected with his calm, measured voice. "The difference lies in its potential. The X-gene doesn't just alter a single biological function—it unlocks abilities that fundamentally reshape what an individual can do. Telepathy, flight, elemental manipulation... these are not minor alterations; they are profound changes."
Bruce Banner nodded thoughtfully. "It's as if the X-gene is a master key, unlocking latent potential in human evolution. From a genetic standpoint, it's fascinating. The gene doesn't just sit dormant—it actively rewires biological pathways."
---
The Ethics of Mutation Reversal
Tony Stark leaned back in his chair, his mind already racing. "So, hypothetically, if we can identify the genetic trigger, is there a way to stop—or even reverse—mutation?"
Da Vinci, ever the voice of reason, crossed her arms. "In theory, yes. But we'd be venturing into dangerous territory. Reversing a mutation could destabilize a person's entire genetic structure. We're not talking about curing a cold. This is rewriting the very essence of someone's being."
Erik Lensherr's voice cut through the conversation, sharp and unyielding. "And why, pray tell, would anyone want to reverse mutation? Are mutants so abhorrent to you that we need to be 'fixed'?"
Tony met Erik's glare with his usual bravado. "Easy there, Magneto. We're just exploring possibilities. Not everyone's mutation is a gift. Some people suffer because of it."
Professor Xavier placed a calming hand on Erik's arm. "Erik, we must consider those who are afflicted by uncontrollable or harmful mutations. A child born with a mutation that makes their skin toxic to touch, for instance—don't they deserve relief?"
Erik pulled his arm away, his expression stormy. "And what happens when the governments of the world take this research and weaponize it? When they use it to erase mutants entirely? We've seen it before, Charles. You're naïve if you think it won't happen again."
---
The Herb and the Debate Intensifies
Ritsuka, sensing the tension, cleared his throat and reached into his coat. He pulled out a small, intricately wrapped bundle.
"I understand both sides," he said, his voice steady. "That's why I brought this." He unwrapped the bundle to reveal a vibrant green herb. The screen shifted to display a close-up, along with data on its unique properties.
"This herb has incredible regenerative qualities," Ritsuka explained. "It's not a cure-all, but it could be a starting point for research. It might help stabilize mutations without erasing them entirely."
Betty's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Where did you find this?"
Ritsuka smiled faintly, carefully sidestepping the truth. "An ancient place. It's absorbed unique properties from its environment—let's just say it's one of a kind."
"I'll need to study it further before we can draw any conclusions," Da Vinci said, already mentally dissecting its potential.
---
The Argument Escalates
Erik rose from his seat, his voice filled with conviction. "You see, Charles? Even now, they speak of 'stabilizing' us. This is just another step toward suppression. First, they study us. Then they control us. And finally, they erase us."
Charles met Erik's anger with calm resolve. "We are not enemies, Erik. This research isn't about control—it's about compassion. Think of the children suffering from mutations they cannot control. Should we deny them hope because of our fears?"
"And what of the adults?" Erik countered. "The ones who will be targeted by governments and corporations the moment this research is weaponized? You think you can save everyone, but you're putting us all at risk."
Betty Ross and Bruce Banner exchanged uneasy glances. The tension in the room was palpable.
"Gentlemen," Ritsuka interjected, his voice cutting through the heated exchange. "This isn't about choosing sides. It's about finding solutions that help everyone. No one here is advocating for suppression or control. We're trying to understand."
Erik glared at Ritsuka but said nothing. Charles nodded, his expression softening.
---
A Moment of Reflection
As the meeting wrapped up, the atmosphere remained tense but productive. Da Vinci carefully took the herb for further study, while Tony and Bruce began discussing possible applications. Erik stood by the window, staring out at the snow, while Charles wheeled himself over to him.
"You're right to be cautious, Erik," Charles said softly. "But we must also have hope."
Erik didn't reply, but his silence spoke volumes.
Ritsuka watched them, his thoughts turning to the unstable mutated kids he'd met before. This wasn't just about science or politics—it was about people. And he was determined to find a way to help them, no matter how difficult the path.
The tension in the room lingered as Ritsuka gestured to Jarvis.
"Jarvis, play the video," he said solemnly.
The holographic screen shifted to show a recording of a young boy in a dimly lit room. His small frame was covered in bruises, his skin glistening unnaturally with a faint sheen. The boy flinched with every movement as his mother's voice, harsh and cruel, rang out offscreen. She was demanding he produce more of the chemical—his mutation—and striking him when he didn't comply quickly enough. The scene was accompanied by the child's soft sobs and the sound of a sister whispering words of comfort from a nearby corner, her small hands clutching a recording device.
The video paused, and Ritsuka stepped forward. "His name is Alice Note. His mutation causes his skin to release a chemical that acts as a powerful drug whenever he's hurt. His own mother exploited him, caging him like an animal, hurting him every day to extract the drug and sell it. This went on for years—until I learned about it a few weeks ago, thanks to his sister recording this and telling me during my visit to the mutant community."
The silence in the room was heavy. Bruce Banner's hands clenched into fists on the table as he stared at the frozen image of the boy on the screen. His face was pale, his breathing shallow. The memory of his own father's abuse surfaced, unbidden and raw. He remembered the fear, the pain, and the helplessness that came with being a child who couldn't fight back.
Tears welled in Bruce's eyes as he finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "This... this is monstrous. No child should have to endure this. Not for their mutation. Not for any reason."
Tony Stark's usual sharp demeanor was subdued as he leaned forward, his expression grim. "This isn't about mutation anymore. This is about basic humanity. That kid deserved love and protection, not... this."
Da Vinci crossed her arms, her voice heavy with restrained emotion. "And yet, this isn't an isolated case. How many more children are out there suffering because of their mutations? If we ignore this, we're no better than those who exploit them."
Ritsuka's eyes burned with quiet resolve as he addressed the room. "This is why I want to change things. I don't see mutants and humans as different—they're all people. People who deserve the chance to live without fear or exploitation. Alice is safe now, but the trauma he endured will stay with him forever. I can't undo that, but I can try to prevent it from happening to others."
He turned to Erik, meeting his fierce gaze head-on. "Erik, I'm not asking you to trust humanity. I'm asking you to trust me. This project is mine—not under any government, not under Stark Industries. There's no agenda here beyond helping those who need it most. And I won't use anything we develop on mutants who don't want it. I promise you that."
Bruce sat back, running a hand through his hair. The weight of his own past pressed down on him as he glanced at Ritsuka. For years, he had sought peace, hiding from the world and from himself. But now, he saw that he'd been ignoring the suffering of others—suffering he understood all too well.
"I've been... selfish," Bruce admitted, his voice cracking. "I thought I could just hide away and pretend the world didn't need me. But seeing this... I can't look away anymore." He looked up at Ritsuka, his eyes glistening. "I want to help. I'll do whatever I can. My knowledge, my skills... if it can make even a small difference, I'm in."
Betty Ross reached out, placing a comforting hand on Bruce's arm. "And I'll help, too. This isn't just about science—it's about giving these kids a chance at a better life."
---
Erik and Xavier
Erik Lensherr stood silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke, his tone softer than before. "You speak with conviction, Ritsuka. And perhaps you're right—perhaps this project can help those who need it most. But know this: I'll be watching. If this becomes a tool for oppression, I won't hesitate to act."
Charles Xavier wheeled closer to Erik, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Erik, we must have faith in people like Ritsuka. It's their compassion and determination that will pave the way for a better future—for all of us."
Erik didn't respond, but he gave Ritsuka a curt nod—a silent acknowledgment of trust, however tentative.
He never do mistakes in mutants matter. Even he knows Ritsuka is a good man. But he can't blinding leave the fate of mutants.
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Ritsuka's Determination
Ritsuka smiled faintly, his resolve only strengthening. "Thank you, all of you. This isn't going to be easy, but with your help, I believe we can make a difference. Not just for mutants, but for anyone who's been hurt or cast aside because of who they are."
Then both Eric and xavior went to their respective places due to them being busy.
As Ritsuka stepped into the meeting room with Tony and Da Vinci, he motioned for Bruce and Betty.
"Bruce, Betty, could you both give us a moment? I need to discuss something important with Tony and Da Vinci privately," Ritsuka said politely but firmly.
Bruce gave a curious look but nodded. "Sure, we'll step outside. Let me know when you're done."
With that, Bruce and Betty left the room. Ritsuka turned back to Tony and Da Vinci, who were already sitting casually, waiting for the discussion to continue.
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Ritsuka, Tony, and Da Vinci Discuss Jurassic Park
"So," Ritsuka began, leaning slightly on the table. "About Jurassic Park. How's the progress going, Tony?"
Tony leaned back in his chair, folding his arms with a smug grin. "We're ahead of schedule. Construction will be completed in six months. And as for the shielding technology? That'll take about two months to integrate and test. State-of-the-art stuff, by the way—think Stark-grade containment fields. No rogue dinosaurs running amok on my watch."
Da Vinci nodded, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "The shielding is critical. If we're bringing back ancient ecosystems, we need to ensure their containment won't disrupt modern environments. Let me know if you need an extra pair of hands with the science end of things."
"Always a pleasure having you on the team, Da Vinci," Tony said with a playful smirk.
"Also Tony I want to make all disable people have free access to see Jurassic park, i want them to enjoy happily."
Tony was surprised but he guessed the answer and agreed to the small request of his friend.
"Hmm, okay, We will add this. I bet Jurassic park will become more popular than movies hahaha"
Ritsuka smiled. "Good. I trust you two to handle it. If anything comes up, let me know. For now, I'll head out. Thanks, Tony. Da Vinci."
Tony raised a hand in a casual salute. "Catch you later, Fujimaru. Don't teleport into trouble."
---
Teleportation to the Arctic
After leaving Tony and Da Vinci, Ritsuka found Bruce and Betty near the entrance.
"Bruce," Ritsuka called out. "Could we have a private chat? Just you and me."
Bruce gave a small nod, his curiosity piqued. "Sure. Betty, I'll catch up with you later."
Before Bruce could take another step, Ritsuka summoned a teleportation circle beneath them both.
"Wait, what—?" Bruce managed to say before they vanished, reappearing in an entirely different landscape.
The Arctic.
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The Arctic: Confronting Hulk
Snow stretched endlessly in every direction, the bitter chill biting through the air. The vast whiteness contrasted starkly with the blue skies above, making the landscape feel almost otherworldly. Bruce shivered slightly, pulling his jacket tighter around him.
"Ritsuka, what is this?" Bruce asked, confusion and irritation in his voice. "Why are we in the Arctic?"
"I needed a place where we wouldn't be interrupted," Ritsuka replied calmly. "And I need to talk to him."
Bruce froze. "Him? You mean—no. No, I'm not doing this."
"You don't have a choice," Ritsuka said softly but firmly. "This isn't just about you, Bruce. I need to meet Hulk face-to-face."
Ritsuka used his magic to suppress Bruce banner mind.
Before Bruce could protest further, his body began to tense, his breathing quickening as the transformation started. "You don't know what you're asking for..." he managed to say, his voice deepening as muscles expanded and his skin turned green.
With a guttural roar, Hulk emerged, tearing through Bruce's clothes as his massive form towered over Ritsuka.
---
Meeting Hulk
Hulk's angry eyes narrowed at Ritsuka, his breath steaming in the cold air. "Who you? Why you want Hulk?"
Ritsuka stepped back, raising his hands in a gesture of respect. "I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru. And I didn't come here to fight. I came to talk—to you, Hulk."
Hulk tilted his head, his anger simmering but his curiosity piqued. "Most call Hulk... Banner. Not you."
"Because you're not Banner," Ritsuka said plainly. "You're Hulk, and I respect that. I didn't bring you out here to confuse the two of you. I brought you here because I want to understand you—the person the world calls a monster but who I think is much more than that."
Hulk's growl softened slightly, his massive arms crossing over his chest. "Hulk not monster. Hulk... Hulk just want to be left alone."
"I know," Ritsuka said, his voice gentle. "And I'm not here to hurt you or force you into anything. I want to hear your side, Hulk. What you want, what you feel. Banner gets all the attention, but you're just as important. Maybe more."
Hulk stared at Ritsuka for a long moment, his breathing heavy. "Hulk... always angry. People hate Hulk. Say Hulk break things, hurt people. But Hulk only fight when they hurt Hulk first. Hulk no want to be bad guy."
"You're not a bad guy," Ritsuka said firmly. "You've been treated unfairly, pushed into situations where you had no choice but to fight. But you've also saved lives. You've been a hero, even if the world doesn't always see it that way."
Hulk's expression softened further, his massive fists unclenching. "Hulk... hero?"
"Yes," Ritsuka said, stepping closer. "And I want to work with you, not against you. Banner's intelligence and your strength combined could do so much good. But I need you to trust me first. Can we start there?"
Hulk considered him for a moment before giving a reluctant nod. "
The icy Arctic winds howled softly as Ritsuka stood before the hulking green figure, his every move careful and deliberate. Hulk's massive fists were clenched, his stance tense, and his glare sharp enough to cut through steel. Ritsuka could feel the weight of Hulk's anger, but he didn't falter.
He spoke in a calm, steady voice, like he was talking to a frightened child. "Hulk... I know it feels like everyone is against you. They see your strength, your power, and they fear it. They don't try to understand you. But I'm not here to fight. I'm not here to hurt you. I just want to listen."
Hulk growled, his eyes narrowing. "Hulk doesn't need listening. Hulk just wants to be left alone."
"I understand," Ritsuka replied, his tone gentle but persistent. "But being alone doesn't stop the pain, does it? The rejection, the fear... it hurts. And you're not the monster they make you out to be. You're more than that."
"Hulk if you are bad guy then you would destroy others but you choose to hurt yourself"
Hulk's stance wavered for a moment, the anger in his eyes flickering to something softer. "People always attack Hulk. Even when Hulk saves people, they chase Hulk. Call Hulk monster. Why? Hulk didn't do anything wrong."
"You're right," Ritsuka said, taking a cautious step closer. "You didn't do anything wrong. You've saved lives, Hulk. You're a hero, even if the world doesn't see it. I see it."
The Hulk's massive shoulders slumped slightly, his breathing still heavy but less ragged. "Hulk just... wants to be left alone. No one likes Hulk. Not even Banner."
"That's not true," Ritsuka said firmly, his voice laced with conviction. "Banner might not understand you the way you deserve, but that doesn't mean you're not important. You're not just some... thing trapped in his body. You're your own person, Hulk. And you deserve to be treated like one."
Hulk stared at Ritsuka, his expression a mix of surprise and suspicion. "You... not afraid of Hulk?"
"No," Ritsuka said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'm not. Because I know you're not the monster everyone says you are. You've been hurt, Hulk. People fear what they don't understand. But I see you. The real you."
For the first time, Hulk's posture relaxed. He exhaled deeply and trudged over to the edge of the snowy cliff, sitting down with a heavy thud that shook the ground. Ritsuka followed, keeping a respectful distance but sitting beside him
As they gazed out at the frozen expanse, Ritsuka conjured a small flame in his palm, its warmth cutting through the biting cold. From his satchel, he pulled out a kettle, some tea leaves, and a set of cups—one normal-sized and one large enough for Hulk.
"What... you doing?" Hulk asked, his tone more curious than angry.
"Making tea," Ritsuka said simply, pouring hot water into the oversized cup. He handed it to Hulk with a respectful nod.
Hulk took the cup cautiously, his massive hands dwarfing it. He sniffed the steam, his nose wrinkling slightly, before taking a tentative sip. His eyes widened in surprise. "Good."
Ritsuka chuckled. "I thought you might like it. Sometimes, a warm drink can make even the coldest places feel a little better."
Hulk sipped again, his gaze softening as he looked out at the snow-covered landscape. "No one... ever talk to Hulk like this. No one treat Hulk... like person."
"That's because they don't understand you," Ritsuka said, his voice filled with empathy. "But I do. You're not just a creature of anger, Hulk. You're someone who wants to be accepted, loved, and safe. And there's nothing wrong with that."
Hulk looked down at Ritsuka, his expression unreadable. "Why you care? Why not afraid of Hulk like everyone else?"
Ritsuka met Hulk's gaze without hesitation. "Because I know what it's like to feel alone in weak time. To feel like the world is against you. But you're not alone, Hulk. Not anymore. If you let me, I want to help you."
For a moment, Hulk didn't respond. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Hulk... trust you. But if you lie to Hulk..."
"I won't," Ritsuka promised.
As they sat there, sipping tea and watching the endless snow, the world felt a little less harsh, a little less cold. For the first time in what felt like forever, the Hulk felt seen—not as a monster, but as someone worth understanding.
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Note;
Sorry but one of my draft got deleted that's why this chapter is short. It should have 15k words. Sorry but fortunately I have unedited draft which I will upload in next 16 hours later. Please look forward to it.