The universe is vast, teeming with terrifying figures, and those who roam it quickly learn which names must never be crossed. Over the years, Yondu had added a new name to that mental blacklist: The Kree Hunter.
A man who dared to oppose the Kree Empire—one of the most dominant powers in the cosmos. That kind of defiance made Kurogai a figure of infamy and legend, and Yondu had no intention of crossing him.
But now, standing face-to-face with the man himself, Yondu couldn't help but feel uneasy. His blue skin, a trait shared with the Kree, made him a potential target for mistaken identity—and that mistake could get him killed. Desperate, Yondu quickly tried to clarify things.
"Not a Kree? Then tell me who you are," Kurogai said coolly, narrowing his eyes as he examined Yondu.
That name stirred something in his memory. Yondu Udonta… Ravager… raised Star-Lord. It had been a long time since Kurogai thought about the minor players in the cosmic landscape. Yondu's face had faded into the background, buried under more pressing memories.
"I'm Yondu Udonta, captain of the Ravagers. I'm Centaurian, not Kree!" Yondu blurted out, emphasizing the distinction as if his life depended on it—which it very well might.
Kurogai paused, then nodded. "I see. Get up."
With those simple words, the heavy pressure holding Yondu and his crew to the ground lifted. Relieved, they staggered upright, breathing easier.
"I'm the kid's guardian," Yondu added, gesturing toward Star-Lord. "I came to bring him back. I hope you'll allow it."
Kurogai didn't respond immediately. He glanced at Star-Lord, who was already in the midst of a loud protest.
"I'm not going back! I don't care if you kill me, I'm staying! Sir, we're both human—how can you just hand me over like this? Don't throw me to the wolves!"
Kurogai's eye twitched. He tossed Star-Lord toward Yondu without hesitation.
It wasn't out of cruelty. Kurogai had already assessed that Yondu meant no harm and, honestly, Star-Lord wasn't ready for the wider universe. The kid had nearly gotten himself killed in a seedy bar—what hope did he have against actual threats?
Besides, he was too loud.
Star-Lord kept yelling until Kurogai finally slapped him across the back of the head, silencing him mid-rant. Yondu didn't miss a beat—he gave Kurogai a grateful nod and hauled Star-Lord away without delay.
Finally, silence returned.
But it didn't last.
A low rumble shook the air as an explosion echoed from above. Kurogai didn't even bother looking up.
"They're early," he muttered.
"I didn't expect this either," said Old Ou's voice from a hidden comm link. "It's probably a nearby Kree vanguard force. They must be trying to delay you until the main fleet arrives."
Kurogai frowned. Normally, the Kree would need at least another day to reach this quadrant, even with accelerated warp travel. This was no coincidence—it was a tactical move.
Old Ou was right. The Kree wanted Kurogai dead. Desperately. This vanguard group had been dispatched ahead of the main armada to hold him in place, even if it meant sacrificing themselves.
"They're throwing themselves at me again," Kurogai said, exasperated. "I was going to rest. Guess not."
The sky darkened with approaching dropships. Energy weapons whirred. Kree soldiers descended rapidly, locking down the building.
"There he is!" one of them shouted. "Kree Hunter! You're finished!"
"You won't escape this time, monster!" another bellowed, aiming their weapon.
Kurogai didn't even flinch. Within moments, dozens—then hundreds—of Kree soldiers surrounded the building. They carried high-grade energy rifles, their armor sleek and unmistakably militarized. The entire bar was locked down.
Everyone else had fled—Old Ou included, despite his distaste for the Kree. As much as he wanted vengeance, he knew he wasn't strong enough to stand against them. If he stayed, he'd die before Ronan ever did.
Only Kurogai remained.
The Kree commander barked orders, staying at a distance. "Fire at will!"
Without hesitation, the Kree unleashed a blinding barrage of energy blasts, ripping through the bar's walls like paper. The assault was relentless, the ground shaking under the impact.
But Kurogai stood untouched.
Unbeknownst to them, he had already activated Kamui, shifting his body out of phase, making him intangible. Every beam passed through him harmlessly.
After several minutes, the shooting stopped. The once-sturdy building now looked like a smoldering ruin. Dust and energy residue filled the air.
Kurogai slowly stepped forward, calm and collected.
"Are you done?" he asked.
Then his expression hardened. "Good. Now, it's my turn."
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