Marvel : Ms. Hyuga's journey

[Apologies for the delayed update! As a token of my apology, I've written the biodata of all Kaguya Hime members, which you can read in the Auxiliary Volume (^^)]

January 2009, at Naori's spacious residence in Brooklyn, a cold and tranquil night enveloped the scene. Naori, along with three other women, sat around a low sandalwood table in the serene garden. Naori's once long black hair now rested just at her shoulders—a change made as part of a prior disguise. Her face appeared calm, though a glint of vigilance sparkled in her pale lavender eyes. Beside her, the unique characteristics of the other three women made the gathering strikingly distinct.

Shiro, a woman with long white hair flowing down to her hips, wore a loose yet stylish kimono. Her middle-parted bangs and vacant yet intense gaze added an air of mystery to her already enigmatic presence.

Yugao, with her long, sleek purple hair and crimson lipstick, radiated cheerfulness. Dressed in a techwear outfit that combined practicality with elegance, her playful smile rarely left her face.

On the opposite side, Yun Seora (Yura), with her blonde hair tied into a high ponytail, exuded a relaxed vibe. She wore a crop top and jeans, embodying a tomboyish yet alluring charm. Her straightforward personality often made her the center of attention.

In front of them, two SHIELD operatives sat with resolute postures. Natasha Romanoff, her fiery red hair and sharp gaze exuding readiness, and Nick Fury, a bald, one-eyed man whose expression was unreadable.

"So, according to your intel… The Hand is planning a mysterious ritual in New York a week from now?" Yura asked, exhaling smoke from the cigar she held casually. The white vapor formed abstract patterns in the air.

Yugao, leaning back while toying with her vape, raised her hand like a student asking a question in class. "I also have a question... Where's Agent Barton?" she quipped with a teasing tone.

Nick Fury didn't answer immediately. Instead, he gestured for Natasha to take the lead. The woman took a deep breath before responding with a professional tone.

"For the first question, we suspect The Hand's activities have been ramping up lately. There are indications that they're preparing for a ritual next week. While the details remain unclear, SHIELD is confident it won't be anything good."

She paused, glancing at Fury before continuing. "As for the second question, Agent Barton is currently on another critical mission and unable to attend this meeting."

"Cih!" The four women clicked their tongues in unison, their expressions betraying disappointment.

Their collective thought was nearly identical. 'What a shame we couldn't enjoy a good view. Natasha's beautiful, but she's a woman. Nick Fury? Come on, a bald, one-eyed man? Not our type.'

Noticing the room—technically, the open garden—filled with white smoke, Natasha frowned. "Is smoking a requirement to join Kaguya Hime? I can barely see with all this smoke."

Naori chuckled, leaning back in her chair. "Of course not. And what's the problem? We're in an open space, my garden, no less. So, it's not an issue, right?"

Her voice was relaxed, but the rhythmic tapping of her index finger on the table hinted at something more serious. "So… what does SHIELD offer for this mission? For the record, both The Hand and Wilson Fisk have also reached out to us. But, as a gesture of loyalty to our esteemed client, SHIELD, I've held off their offers. However… if your rewards are insufficient, don't blame us if we meet as enemies next week."

Nick Fury exchanged a glance with Natasha, then gave her a nod to proceed. Natasha opened the briefcase they had brought and placed it on the table. "One hundred million dollars plus the contents of this case," she said.

The four women gazed at the case with intrigue. Yura exhaled a puff of smoke before asking, "What's inside?"

Nick Fury took over the explanation, his deep voice commanding attention. "This is one of SHIELD's most valuable assets. It is…"

...

After Natasha and Nick Fury departed from Naori's Japanese-style garden, the four women reclined around the low table. The cold night air was laced with faint scents of tobacco, cigars, and vape. The gentle trickle of water from a small pond added to the calm ambiance under the glow of traditional lanterns.

"By the way, the main body, why have you been summoning us so frequently lately?" Yugao asked cheerfully, blowing a cloud of vapor from her vape pod. Her crimson lips curved into a teasing smile.

Naori let out a long sigh, taking a slow drag from her pipe before replying, "After playing so many roles for so long, I feel like I'm suffering from severe mental strain… Look at the four of us with such distinct personalities. Split personalities don't even begin to describe my situation."

"Oh, so this is a free therapy session?" Yura retorted bluntly, twirling her cigar between her fingers. "I don't mind, as long as no one starts crying here."

Naori narrowed her eyes at Yura but chose to ignore the comment. She continued, "And to avoid creating four Naori's once the cloning process is complete, I want to separate each personality as clearly as possible. That way, every member of Kaguya Hime can become an independent entity with unique thoughts and personalities."

Shiro, who had been silent with her vacant gaze, finally spoke. Her voice was soft yet firm. "I agree with the main body's idea. Even though we originate from the same soul, I feel that I and 'Naori' are different individuals." She took a slow drag from her cigarette before adding, "Separating these identities is a logical step."

Yura snorted, leaning back in her chair. "Let's set aside such trivial matters for now. The real question is, which side will we choose?"

Yugao smirked and raised her hand like a student in class. "I'd pick the side opposing SHIELD. Just imagine facing off against Agent Barton, watching that handsome married man glare at you with hostility… Doesn't that excite you a little?" She licked her lips, her crimson lipstick contrasting sharply against her skin.

"Please don't turn Kaguya Hime into a group of perverts!" the other three women protested in unison. Yura even threw a small cushion at Yugao, who only laughed heartily.

Naori restored order by tapping the wooden table in front of her. "Alright, so we're agreeing to side with SHIELD, right? Besides, the reward they're offering is quite tempting."

"Cih!" Yugao clicked her tongue, clearly dissatisfied.

Yura nodded, tapping her cigar against the ashtray. "Well, let's put aside the thoughts of this perverted woman. I think $100 million plus vibranium is a pretty enticing deal."

Naori nodded in agreement. "I didn't expect SHIELD, who usually treats us like cheap labor, to be this generous for once."

Shiro gave Naori a neutral look. "Perhaps SHIELD has found evidence of our dealings with Madame Gao," she said calmly. "To SHIELD, our group poses a significant threat. It would be troublesome for them if we became enemies."

"You're right," Naori replied. "Besides, I dislike Madame Gao's manipulative nature. She reminds me of Orochimaru… Although I admire that man's genius, working with someone like that snake man gives me the creeps."

Yura chuckled. "Strangely, I agree with you. At least Nick Fury is more predictable than Madame Gao."

Naori clapped her hands on the table and stood up energetically. "Alright, let's end the discussion here. If you have more questions, just cancel your Kagebunshin. I'm tired of answering questions from my own clones. Seriously, if this goes on any longer, I feel like I'll go insane."

The three women smiled wryly, seemingly enjoying Naori's exasperation. They exchanged glances, then in unison performed a hand seal. Realizing what was about to happen, Naori shouted in panic.

"Hey! Not all at once! Stop!" she pleaded desperately.

But they ignored her protests. In an instant, the three clones vanished in thick clouds of white smoke.

Naori groaned, clutching her head as the flood of information from the three clones overwhelmed her mind all at once. "Ahhh…!" She lost her balance and collapsed onto the warm tatami floor. The world spun around her, and finally, Naori fainted in her garden under the cold night sky.

The gentle sound of trickling water and rustling leaves reclaimed the atmosphere. Only the moon bore silent witness to the exhaustion of a woman who had carried the burden of fragmented identities for far too long.