"Hmm… so to sum it all up…"
Kagura sat cross-legged on her bed, her fingers flying across the holographic interface in front of her.
"You're telling me I need to disguise myself as a young girl superhero with some sort of special ability, infiltrate Peter Parker's 'Friendly Neighborhood' team, and investigate why they attacked the Rhodes Island Industries transport truck?"
"That's exactly right, Master," Cortana's holographic image nodded with satisfaction from the comm device.
"Also, to avoid any unnecessary complications, you'll need to completely change your identity. Your real name must remain a secret, and you can't use your current hero codename, 'Flashblade,' either."
"Hmm…" Kagura frowned and tilted her head in thought. "But… don't you think there's a better way to handle this?"
She ran her fingers through her silver-white hair.
"Like maybe we could talk to Mr. Stark and just have him drag Peter in for questioning? Or go through the Avengers directly or something…"
"Master, the grown-ups are very busy," Cortana replied with a polite smile. "When it comes to kids' matters, it's best if kids solve them themselves."
"All we need to do is monitor and gently guide things along. That's also the best way for Spider-Man to grow."
"Hmm… you might actually have a point. We can't keep solving all of Peter Parker's problems for him. If we did that, he'd never grow up. Proper guidance is more important."
Kagura nodded with a furrowed brow.
"Alright then! I'll take the mission. I did say this would be a good way to rehab myself anyway!"
"I'm very glad you've agreed to help, Master. I'll provide whatever support you need." Cortana gave a graceful bow. "Have fun out there"
————————————————————————
New York – Rhodes Island Industries Headquarters
After the call ended, Cortana let out a long sigh. "Phew… finally convinced my little Master."
Behind her, Vision hovered a few inches above the floor, slowly gliding over like someone who clearly disliked walking.
"Cortana," he said, "I still believe you could've just explained things to Miss Kagura directly. Was it really necessary to go through all that trouble? If there's a misunderstanding and she loses trust in you, it wouldn't be worth it."
Cortana turned around and answered with a gentle smile.
"You mean… tell her outright that, in her current physical condition, unless she undergoes repeated real combat situations, she'll have a very hard time recovering?"
"Exactly," Vision nodded. "I believe Miss Kagura would understand."
"…Sigh," Cortana exhaled again. "You're right. That would've been the most logical and straightforward approach. But I don't want Master living in a constant state of anxiety and pressure."
She continued softly, "Master has already given so much to this world. As her support AI, I must help carry the weight on her shoulders."
"Right now, with this Peter Parker incident, we've been handed the perfect opportunity for her recovery training. There's no need to burden her with more stress."
Vision tilted his head, seemingly considering her words. "…I've recalculated. You're right, Cortana. Allowing Miss Kagura to recover through a lighthearted and enjoyable 'adventure' is clearly the more comforting path."
"Exactly. So let's just let her have fun with it," Cortana smiled gently. "And as for the rest… we'll take care of it ourselves."
"…You really are a kind artificial intelligence, Cortana." Vision remarked with quiet admiration. "Kagura is fortunate to have you by her side."
"No, you're mistaken, Vision." Cortana remained as poised and graceful as ever, bowing slightly. "My kindness… is a reflection of Master's gentle soul."
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— The Next Day, Queens, New York.
"Ugh… this is sooo—boring—aaaaaa!"
As the sun dipped low in the sky, Kagura was lazily dangling from a streetlamp, staring down at the corner bank across the street.
"Hey! ヽ(●-`Д´-)ノ Cortana! You didn't trick me, did you?!"
The silver-haired girl tapped her earpiece and grumbled into the comms.
"You said CTOS predicted a bank robbery would happen here today, and that Peter Parker would conveniently show up to play hero."
"Then I'd swoop in, help out, and voilà—I'd get a smooth entry into Spidey's little hero club!"
"Please don't complain so much, Master," Cortana replied with a hint of exasperation.
"Remember, we're talking about CTOS—your global threat prediction system. Have a little faith in your own work."
Kagura puffed out her cheeks, still swinging slightly as she shifted into a more comfortable hanging pose.
"Yeah yeah, 98% chance of a robbery today… but what about the 2% it doesn't happen, huh?"
"If that happens, then I suppose you'll have to wait until tomorrow," Cortana said.
"According to CTOS, Peter Parker will still pass by this area again. And besides… if you really end up hitting that 2%, by your logic, you're officially 'European.'"
"What kind of nonsense is that…?" Kagura pouted. "Missing out on a 98% chance isn't European luck—it's full-blown African-tier misfortune!"
"o(︶︿︶)o Sigh…"
She let out a heavy sigh, rubbing her chest where the lamp post had been pressing against her.
"You know… if I really wanted to join Peter Parker's 'Friendly Neighborhood' squad, why don't I just walk up and talk to him directly? Why are we going through all this drama?"
"This approach is more strategic, Master," Cortana said calmly.
"And besides… wouldn't it be more fun and dramatic to swoop in during a real crime and impress him?"
"Much cooler than walking up and saying, 'Hey, can I join your club?' right?"
"Ugh… I mean, sure, making a flashy entrance mid-fight does sound pretty badass… but hanging here all day like a piñata is torture! This really feels like entrapment, you know?"
"Master, CTOS was designed to detect crimes before they happen. If a bank robbery occurs right in front of you, that is basically a form of predictive entrapment."
"Pfft—no way! That's called proactive crime prevention using smart tech, thank you very much!" Kagura stuck out her tongue.
"Still, I've been dangling on this stupid pole all afternoon. I'm dying of boredom here!"
"Master…" Cortana's voice softened slightly. "Please believe me. I would never do anything that goes against your best interests. I promise."
"I know, I know, Cortana." Kagura smiled faintly, sensing the concern behind the AI's words. "I was just venting. Don't take it to heart."
"My apologies for making you hang there so long. Looking back, it was probably boring…" Cortana paused for a moment, then added, "But boring time is officially over."
"I've just detected a vehicle one block away carrying suspects flagged by CTOS—they're speeding toward the bank. Also, Peter Parker is nearby."
"Aha! Now that's what I'm talking about!" Kagura cracked her neck and stretched her limbs with a grin. "Guess my CTOS system does know its stuff after all. Alright—time for this kitty to make her move!"
As the sun dipped behind the buildings, Queens began to settle down into a quiet hush.
But on one dimly lit street corner, a carefully orchestrated encounter was about to unfold.
A fated meeting—set into motion by data, destiny, and just a dash of chaos—was ready to begin…
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