บท 2: Chapter 2 : The bamboo shoots are all for you

**"Friday,"** Jonny Blaze called after securing the safe.

Light flickered, and a holographic image of a young girl materialized before him. This was the artificial intelligence created by **Tony Stark**, taking over after **J.A.R.V.I.S.** was destroyed by **Ultron**, eventually leading to its transformation into **Vision**.

Of course, Jonny had scavenged this version of **Friday** from the Void!

**"Good evening, boss,"** Friday greeted sweetly.

This version of Friday felt more human than the one seen in the movies. Not only was she more expressive, but she also came with a holographic image—something even J.A.R.V.I.S. didn't have.

**"Everything's good?"** Jonny asked.

**"All systems normal."**

Jonny nodded, then asked, **"What about the people I asked you to investigate?"**

**"Isaiah Bradley, Super Soldier Serum recipient, codename: Captain America. Current residence: Baltimore, Maryland."**

A holographic map appeared, showing detailed locations, with Bradley's current real-time position highlighted.

**"Jessica Campbell, now Jessica Campbell Jones, lives in Midtown Manhattan with her adoptive sister, Patricia 'Trish' Walker."**

The map updated again, displaying Jessica's location. To Jonny's surprise, the red dot marking her position was nearby, on the same street.

**"Luke Lucas…"** Friday continued.

Jonny interrupted, **"No need for the rest just yet."**

Jonny wanted to grow stronger and gain more abilities. Right now, his options were limited. **Bruce Banner** hadn't yet become the Hulk, **Tony Stark** was not yet Iron Man, and future powerhouses like **Wanda Maximoff** were still young. To deal with the **Time Variance Authority (TVA)**, Jonny needed to focus on strength-based abilities, as physical power would be most effective.

The TVA rendered mystical or energy-based abilities ineffective, and even the **Infinity Stones** became nothing more than paperweights in their realm. The **Time Guards**, who patrolled the TVA and arrested time criminals, were just regular people whose memories had been wiped and who had been repurposed as enforcers.

In the TVA's domain, even magic users weren't necessarily more powerful than ordinary **S.H.I.E.L.D.** agents. The guards relied heavily on advanced equipment—weapons that could trap targets in the Void, devices capable of traversing any timeline, time collars to restrain criminals, and timeline resetters to erase entire branches.

If a target was too powerful to confront directly, the TVA had a simple solution: reset the timeline, erasing the threat without lifting a finger.

Back in the present, Jonny's mind returned to the scene in front of him. He stepped outside and saw **Jessica Jones** arguing with a blonde woman on the sidewalk near a bar.

That blonde was her 'sister,' **Trish Walker**. The two were in a heated argument, but Jonny knew it wouldn't escalate into a physical fight, meaning no chance to earn any rewards by being an observer.

**"You know what, Jess? I'm proud of myself tonight, even if you're not."** Trish huffed as she turned and made her way toward her car. **"If you don't want to join me, fine. I'm going out with my friends."**

Jessica scowled. **"You think they're your friends? They're just leeches, draining you of money, booze, and food."**

This struck a nerve with Trish, who snapped back, **"Aren't you the same? Why don't you pay your own tuition?"**

Jessica was taken aback. **"Because you insisted on paying for me!"**

**"And I'm paying the rent by myself too!"** Trish retorted angrily. **"Stop freeloading off me!"**

Now frustrated, Jessica fired back, **"You think I need you? You think I can't get what I want on my own?"**

With that, Jessica stormed over to an ATM, easily ripping it open and pulling out wads of cash. **"See? Problem solved."** She showed the money to Trish.

**"Great, great,"** Trish replied sarcastically, heading for her car. **"When you get arrested and need bail, don't call me!"**

**"And when you overdose and need to go to the hospital, don't call me!"** Jessica shot back.

Trish shook her head, got into the car, and slammed the door. The car sped off, leaving Jessica behind.

**"Damn,"** Jessica muttered under her breath as she knelt to gather the money she had spilled.

As she collected the cash, a pair of feet came into view. She looked up to see a young man with short-cropped hair, standing there with a cool, confident look.

Jonny glanced across the street, seeing a boy with a bottle of wine. Jessica and that boy had a romantic history; their relationship was explored in her personal storyline. Jessica's future signature look—black leather jacket and boots—was inspired by him. Unfortunately, the boy was a scoundrel who met his end at the hands of Jessica's mother.

**"Why argue when you could just slap each other and get it over with?"** Jonny remarked dryly, as if disappointed the argument hadn't escalated.

Jessica looked at him, bewildered. **"What?!"**

**"She's your only relative,"** Jonny added, still casual.

**"Exactly!"** Jessica replied sharply, glaring at him.

Jonny smiled faintly. **"Not anymore."**

Jessica's eyes narrowed. **"What's your problem?"**

Jonny ignored her, a mischievous glint in his eye, as if he knew more than he was letting on. **Your mom's still alive,** he thought. **Surprised? You should be.**

Jessica, now irritated, stuffed the money back into the ATM, roughly slamming the machine shut before turning to leave.

**"Hey,"** Jonny called after her.

**"What?"** Jessica asked, looking over her shoulder.

Jonny pointed to the sign above the **New York Branch of Nadutong Express Logistics Company**, grinning. **"Interested in a job? Room and board included."**

Jessica glanced at the sign, then back at Jonny. After a moment of hesitation, she nodded boldly. **"Let's do it!"**