After accepting Magneto's 'gift', Shin decided to reciprocate by sharing a method that could potentially maximize Apocalypse's powers. It wasn't exactly a new strategy, more of a rediscovery of an old one, finding Rogue and allowing her to absorb Apocalypse's powers, then using those powers to enhance other mutants one by one.
Because of their past, however, things weren't simple. The last time Magneto had used Rogue to fuel one of his machines, she had developed a deep fear and distrust toward him. Her relationship with Magneto had soured to the point of outright hostility. Even so, the potential benefits of Apocalypse's gene-enhancing ability were far too enticing to ignore.
For someone like Rogue, who struggled to control her own absorption power, Apocalypse's abilities represented a possible solution, a path to mastery rather than chaos. Perhaps with his energy, she could finally learn to regulate her gift instead of fearing it.
Shin knew that Rogue would find the temptation irresistible. And it wasn't just her. Many mutants in the X-Men faced similar issues controlling their powers. For example, Jean Grey's link to the Phoenix Force was a constant threat to herself and others. Amplifying her own psychic strength might actually allow her to maintain better control. Cyclops, meanwhile, longed to remove his ever-present red quartz visor. Even mutants like Storm or Catwoman, whose powers were already stable, would be tempted by the opportunity to grow stronger.
The allure was too powerful to deny. In this way, convincing Rogue to help Magneto would not be difficult. While the process wasn't as groundbreaking as creating a device to awaken dormant X-genes in ordinary humans, strengthening existing mutants was certainly achievable.
This plan became even more urgent with the rise of anti-mutant technology. Humans had already developed an antidote known as 'The Mutant Cure', capable of suppressing mutant genes. If a more advanced serum to erase mutations ever came to light, mutants would face an even greater existential threat.
Still, Shin doubted humanity would dare take such drastic measures. As chaotic as the world had become, mutants often played an essential role in protecting humanity, especially when greater cosmic dangers loomed. With alien invasions now a recurring phenomenon, humanity might soon have no choice but to rely on the very beings they feared.
...
After leaving Wakanda, Shin and Wanda returned to their usual rhythm of life. Among Shin's collection of Devil Fruits was the Float-Float Fruit, which he now put to use. Utilizing the vibranium he had acquired from Wakanda, he crafted numerous combat suits imbued with the fruit's powers. Each of his subordinates, apart from Wanda, received one.
After all, most of Shin's subordinates were street-level heroes or former criminals. Even the toughest among them, like Jessica Jones, could only endure small-caliber gunfire and blunt attacks. These simplified vibranium suits, modeled after Black Panther's armor, provided them with a tremendous leap in protection.
The only member who didn't require such gear was Sandman. His elemental composition rendered him impervious to physical damage, though he remained vulnerable to water and heat. Against bullets or punches, however, he was practically invincible.
For a time, peace seemed to settle across the world. Magneto's Brotherhood of Mutants had paused its campaigns, the Zerg that Mister Fantastic had lured away were gone, and the shattered Tesseract had stabilized into the Space Stone once again. Even the street-level conflicts had decreased dramatically.
Kingpin had consolidated control over New York's underworld, while Shin had absorbed the Hand's remaining forces, creating an uneasy balance. The city's criminal world became oddly structured, more businesslike than chaotic.
Of course, it might also have been due to Kingpin's newfound powers. Now armed with both Armament and Conqueror's Haki, he had become an unstoppable force. Any hero foolish enough to cross him found themselves crushed. It was no wonder the street heroes had grown quiet.
Months passed in this relative calm. Magneto and the X-Men eventually reached an understanding: as long as Magneto refrained from mass murder, the X-Men would not interfere with his affairs. Rogue, in turn, agreed to help strengthen mutants across both factions.
This benefited everyone. Rogue wasn't merely enhancing Brotherhood members; she began by aiding the X-Men, setting a tone of collaboration.
With the radical Colonel William Stryker gone, the infamous Weapon X program had slowed to a halt. Though the military still possessed the mutant boy Jimmy, codename Leech, they no longer prioritized developing the serum derived from him.
Most of the Weapon X research budget had been redirected to General Ross. His success in the battle against Galactus had skyrocketed his reputation, and his gamma radiation research project absorbed most of the government's scientific funding.
Still, the results were minimal. The only notable outcome was that General Ross's daughter's relationship with Bruce Banner had suffered another public scandal, a consequence of Bruce's complicated personal life rather than any scientific breakthrough.
And so, the world entered an odd state of quiet. But as Shin knew all too well, in the realm of heroes and villains, peace was never permanent. It was merely the pause between disasters.
After nearly half a year of relative tranquility, trouble returned this time from beyond the stars.
Shin stood atop a rooftop when he saw Tony Stark descend in his latest armor, the golden-red plates gleaming under the afternoon sun.
"Are aliens coming to our door again?" Shin asked with a dry smile.
Tony landed beside him, his armor folding open to reveal a scowling face. "Yeah, you guessed it. It's that time again."
"Has Earth always been this dangerous?" Shin asked, half-joking. "I've read through S.H.I.E.L.D.'s archives, and there weren't this many intergalactic invasions before."
Tony sighed as he entered the building, removing his helmet. "Tell me about it. I'm starting to think I should have built an armor that can handle paperwork instead of battles."
Shin chuckled quietly but said nothing. In truth, he suspected Tony's time as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., or rather, S.W.O.R.D. now was coming to an end. Bureaucratic leadership required patience and subtlety, two traits Tony sorely lacked. In agencies like these, success wasn't about brilliance but about avoiding catastrophic mistakes.
And in this world, where global crises erupted yearly, that was nearly impossible.
Even Batman, with all his foresight, might have struggled. Tony's genius was unmatched in technology, but diplomacy and damage control were another matter entirely. Shin doubted Tony would keep the position for long, though he probably didn't care much about it anyway.
"So," Shin asked, "who's coming this time? What kind of cosmic mess are we dealing with?"
Tony's eyes narrowed. "A group of space pirates called the Chitauri. They're heading toward Earth right now. According to our readings, they've already passed Jupiter's orbit. They'll be here soon."
He paused, his voice tinged with irritation. "That's what Ms. Marvel told us before she disappeared into the void again. Apparently, she thinks we can handle it ourselves."
Shin exhaled through his nose. "She's still out there playing intergalactic cop?"
"Yep," Tony muttered, rolling his eyes. "The galaxy's busiest superhero, but never around when her home planet's on fire."
Shin didn't respond, though he shared Tony's frustration. Captain Marvel's priorities had always baffled him. The Earth was clearly the epicenter of cosmic chaos, yet she preferred chasing threats across the stars.
Now, with another alien invasion imminent, she was once again nowhere to be found.
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Now available - Chapter 641: Training