The Clawed Heroes: Season Two (MHA X Wolverine)

Chapter Sixteen - The Fury Of A Patient Man

As the very foundations of Hero Society began to change, Romulus was watching the news broadcast of All Might's battle with All For One. He had anticipated that the two champions would face off in a titanic battle. Romulus watched with interested as All Might defeated All For One using what little power he had left. As All Might's true form was revealed, Sabertooth along with Omega Red and Lady Deathstrike entered the room.

Sabertooth: So that's what the famous All Might really looks like. I gotta say. I'm a little disappointed. 

Omega Red: This is the end of the Symbol Of Peace. The truth behind this false symbol has been exposed for all to see.

Romulus: A well said statement, Omega Red. You are very correct. This battle was his last. The Age of Heroes has been dealt a heavy blow. Their champion is but a shadow of his former self. He can no longer be the Hero this society needs. 

Sabertooth: That's all dandy and all, but I couldn't give a shit about the Symbol Of Peace. 

Lady Deathstrike: Creed is right. What of the gaijin dog? 

Romulus: There has been....an unforeseen complication. But I believe this complication can work in our favor. 

As Romulus said that, Daken walked into the room. Immediately, Omega Red and Lady Deathstrike prepared to attack Daken. Sabertooth simply chuckled as he cracked his knuckles. 

Sabertooth: Well well well. Look at what the cat dragged in. Now what's one of Jimmy's little runts doing here? Come looking for a fight? 

Romulus: Stand down. He is with us. 

Upon hearing this, Omega Red and Lady Deathstrike immediately become confused while Sabertooth chuckles. 

Omega Red: Explain yourself. 

Romulus: You see, I've known young Akihiro when he was a child. Like all of you, young Akihiro resents Wolverine and wants nothing more than to see him dead. He shares the same hatred and resentment as you all. In terms of my plan, Akihiro has the most important role. 

As Romulus said this, Omega Red and Lady Deathstrike were hesitant trust Daken considering his relation to Wolverine. 

Sabertooth: You got something to say, runt? Why betray your dear old dad? 

Daken: My reasons are my own, Creed. I've been giving information about my father to Romulus for some time. It's because of this information that you and the others have been able to move forward with your plans. Frankly, I don't care about you all. Your reasons and motivations mean nothing to me. 

Omega Red: Bold words for an insolent child. 

Daken: Unlike you all, I'm more than willing to wait for the chance to exact vengeance on Wolverine. You're all nothing more than rabid dogs who are chomping at the bit to get a piece of Wolverine. I'm not like you. We may share a hatred of Wolverine, but I am nothing like any of you. I am willing to wait as long as it takes for the opportunity. For the longest time, I've lived in my father's shadow. I've lived in my father's shadow while plotting his death. Now, I will live in my own shadow. I will become a shadow. As well as the light that creates it. My time has come. Beware the fury of a patient man.

Sabertooth: Little runt's got guts, I'll give him that. 

Lady Deathstrike: It does not matter what this child says. The gaijin dog will die. 

Romulus: With All Might's retirement, the people of this society will lose faith in it's heroes. But we must not squander this opportunity. To rush now would be to undo all the progress we have made so far. I understand your need for vengeance, but patience is what's needed. Now then, I wish to speak with Akihiro alone. You all know what needs to be done. 

With that, Sabertooth along with Omega Red and Lady Deathstrike left the compound. Once Romulus was alone with Daken, the two spoke. 

Daken: These fools are doomed to fail. You know this. 

Romulus: That may be true, but they have their uses. You have promise, Akihiro. There's a reason why you've spent your life watching the sheep, Akihiro--and it's not because you're a shepherd. It's because your a wolf. You are a wolf who knows the nature of the world. You know that in this world, the strong rule the weak. It is the natural order of things.

Daken: Yes. The natural order of things. 

Romulus: I must ask you this. When you betrayed your sister, how did you feel?

As Daken was asked that question, Daken's mind fell to his fight with his sister. He thought about the injuries he inflicted on her both physical and mental. He also thought about the times he spent with his sister, bonding with her. As he thought of those things, he soon had an answer. 

Daken: Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I spared her so that she may tell Wolverine of what I did. But if she continues to stand in my way, I won't hesitate to kill her. 

Romulus took note of Daken's words as he embraced him as a son. In that moment, Daken full embraced his new fate. He would work with Romulus to orchestrate the death of Wolverine whatever and whenever it takes. Daken was prepared to wait years for the chance to kill Wolverine. For Romulus, he was one step closer to his master plan. As for X-23 and Wolverine, they had to prepare themselves for what would come next, not knowing what would await them.