[Chat Group]
Senju Hashirama: "Can't mutants and ordinary people coexist peacefully? Ninjas with Kekkei Genkai can live alongside regular ninjas without issue, so why can't mutants and humans do the same?"
Sebastian Shaw: "It's not because of Eric, is it? If he inherited my ideology, then peaceful coexistence would be impossible."
Lucas: "There are many reasons why mutants and humans can't live in harmony, and Magneto is just one of them. After all, the mutants he leads are the weaker party. They are far from having the power to enforce peace—let alone start a war on equal footing."
Tohsaka Tokiomi: "But Magneto can control metal. Doesn't that render all modern weapons useless against him? And yet, you're calling him weak?"
Lucas: "Don't underestimate science. Magneto isn't as invincible as you think. If metal weapons don't work on him, then humanity will develop weapons immune to magnetic control. As far as I know, scientists have already created plastic bullets."
Howard Stark: "Actually, it's not just plastic. Certain special alloys can resist external magnetic fields, and even metals can be demagnetized through various means."
Sebastian Shaw: "Exactly. Science is terrifying. That's why I never rushed to establish a mutant empire. If I didn't understand the true horrors that big countries can bring, why would I bother preparing for war?"
Senju Hashirama: "But if that's the case, why do ordinary people reject peace? Aren't they afraid of pushing mutants to the brink and causing widespread destruction?"
Lucas: "Of course, the common people are afraid—but their opinions don't matter. The ones who truly hold power, the ones who govern nations, they don't fear mutants the same way. They aren't afraid of a threat unless it endangers them directly."
Senju Hashirama:
At that moment, Hashirama felt a chill run down his spine.
Lucas: "Think about it. If mutants are allowed to thrive, they could eventually threaten the ruling class. But if mutants are eradicated, only the lower-class citizens will suffer. Which option do you think those in power will choose?"
Golden Lion Shiki: "Shihahahah! Hashirama, do you still think everyone is as naive as you? Wake up! Didn't the group leader already tell you? Not everyone longs for peace. For some, war is exactly what they desire."
Howard Stark: "As much as I hate to admit it, Shiki's right. If nothing else, arms dealers despise peace the most. Without war, how would they make money?"
Lucas: "If I recall correctly, your Stark Group sells weapons, doesn't it?"
Howard Stark: "Yeah, which is precisely why I understand how arms manufacturers think. But I'm not like those war-hungry profiteers. Even without selling weapons, Stark Industries is still a top-tier company. We don't rely on war to survive—but other arms manufacturers do."
Gengetsu Hōzuki: "Really? I find that hard to believe. A business is a business—who would willingly make less money?"
Howard Stark: "That's where you're wrong! A genius like me doesn't need war to make a fortune. I started an arms company to develop advanced technology and help my country protect itself—nothing more."
Uchiha Shisui: "So, in order to maintain power and keep arms dealers profitable, they actively push for conflict between humans and mutants?"
Lucas: "Arms dealers are just one example of those who benefit from war. They aren't directly responsible for the human-mutant conflict... or so it seems."
Lucas: "But you're mistaken if you think they have no involvement. Magneto is only one man. Many mutants still rely on weapons that can be used against them. And who do you think develops weapons immune to mutant abilities?"
Howard Stark: "Exactly. Arms manufacturers have poured vast resources into designing weapons to counter mutants. If the war suddenly stopped now, they'd suffer enormous losses."
[Outside World]
In the distance, a group of robots advanced toward the Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, surrounding the massive estate on the outskirts of the city. Without hesitation, they launched an all-out attack.
"Enemy attack!"
"Everyone, prepare for battle!"
"Damn Sentinel robots—they're targeting the Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters again!"
"Those who can't control their abilities, retreat! Teachers, get ready to fight!"
The Sentinel robots struck first, but the Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters responded swiftly. It was clear they had anticipated such an assault, smoothly activating their defensive countermeasures and launching a counterattack.
[Chat Group]
Sebastian Shaw: "Heh, looks like Charles may be a bit naive, but he's not completely hopeless. Judging by how prepared they are, they've been expecting the Sentinels for a long time."
Uchiha Madara: "So these are mutants? Their abilities seem quite impressive. Unlike ninjutsu, they don't require hand seals, and unlike Devil Fruit users, they're not hindered by seawater or Seastone."
Whitebeard: "Their powers do feel similar to Devil Fruits—convenient and powerful. In fact, compared to some Devil Fruit abilities that require specific gestures to activate, mutants might have the advantage."
Lucas: "Don't overestimate them. Mutants also have significant weaknesses. While they're not affected by seawater or Seastone, there are special devices designed to suppress their abilities."
Golden Lion Shiki: "What?! I thought I finally found abilities without drawbacks, but they have weaknesses too? How do their powers get suppressed?"
Sebastian Shaw: "It likely has to do with their genetics. Mutations are drastic changes at the genetic level, so their abilities stem from special genes. Inhibiting those genes would suppress their powers."
Lucas: "Exactly. Also, a mutant's abilities are often unstable when they first awaken, sometimes triggering uncontrollably and causing destruction. That's one of the main reasons why ordinary people fear and even hate them."
Kariya Matou: "So mutants can't control their powers?"
Lucas: "At first, many can't. Some abilities are relatively mild, but others—like fire or electricity—are like walking disasters. That's why ordinary people see them as ticking time bombs."
Sebastian Shaw: "Hah! I'd bet that humans have staged numerous 'accidents' to make mutants look like dangerous threats. The masses only see what those in power want them to see. Fabricating disasters is an easy way to justify exterminating mutants."
As a former leader, Shaw knew all too well how the ruling class manipulated public perception.
Senju Hashirama: "Group Leader, shouldn't you help the Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters? There are a lot of children there—they're innocent."
Seeing that the Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters didn't send children into battle, Hashirama immediately felt sympathy for them.
Sebastian Shaw: "No need. I think they can handle these robots. Instead, we should go find Eric. I want to see how that kid is doing."
Lucas: "Sorry, I don't know where Eric is. But if Charles is around, he should be able to find him."
Sebastian Shaw: "Ah, I see! Those two have been obsessed with each other for a lifetime—of course, they must know each other's whereabouts."
Lucas: "No, that's not it. Charles has a device that amplifies his abilities, letting him scan the entire planet for anyone he wants to find."
Senju Tobirama: "Nani?! An ability that covers the entire planet?! That's not just an ability—that's a strategic weapon! Why wouldn't big countries recruit someone like him?"
Lucas: "Because he refuses to obey. If a big country recruited him, it wouldn't be for peaceful reasons. Charles turned down every offer that wasn't about peace. Since they couldn't control him, the only alternative was to eliminate him."
Sebastian Shaw: "If that's the case, then we should help the Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Otherwise, getting Eric's whereabouts from Charles will be difficult."
Senju Hashirama: "Shaw, are you asking for help just so you can kill Eric for revenge?"
Sebastian Shaw: "What? Of course not! If I want revenge, I'll do it myself. Besides, if I die, I bet Eric would be the one to handle my body—heh, isn't that poetic?"
[Outside World]
The battle between the Sentinel robots and the Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters raged on. However, as the fight continued, it became clear that the Sentinels were losing ground.
Suddenly—
Clang!
Lucas appeared out of thin air. With a single step, he activated his Gold-Gold Fruit ability. Gold spread across the ground, rapidly coating the entire battlefield. In mere moments, the golden hue reached the Sentinels' feet.
From behind the Sentinel robots, golden constructs emerged, taking the shape of enormous hands. They seized the robots in their grip—then crushed them effortlessly.
"Who's there?!"
The Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters's teachers, engaged in battle, were momentarily stunned. Seeing the strange golden transformation, they instinctively turned their attention to Lucas, bracing themselves for a possible threat.
"Are you a mutant too?"
Before Lucas could answer, Storm stepped forward, her expression warm and inviting.
"This is the Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. All mutants are welcome here. If you don't have a place, you can stay with us."
Lucas didn't waste time with pleasantries. He got straight to the point.
"I'm here to see Professor Charles. Can you take me to him?"
"No problem!"
The teachers agreed without hesitation. After all, if there was one thing Charles Xavier was known for—it was recruiting people.
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