67

Chapter 67: Hulk and Banner

Nick Fury glanced at the pale faces around him, a determined look flashing in his eyes.

He was resolute in not letting these people interfere with superhero matters; otherwise, it would only push all superheroes to turn against them.

Others might not realize it, but he knew Thor's strength was far beyond what he had demonstrated. If Thor truly became a threat, the only way to stop him might be to contact Carol Danvers with that communication device.

And even then, Carol might not side with S.H.I.E.L.D.

…

Thor dragged the unconscious Abomination toward the dazed Hulk.

Moments ago, when Thor had been fighting the Abomination, Hulk had arrived but made no move to intervene.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Thor Odinson!" Thor extended his hand.

Despite Hulk's childlike mentality, he understood the gesture and shook Thor's hand with his large, rough palm, replying, "Hulk."

It was clear that Hulk was not displaying his usual aggression; perhaps he was intimidated by Thor's ferocity?

Many people assume that Hulk is fearless, but in reality, Hulk, being somewhat childlike, fears more violent beings, especially those capable of physical harm.

"I understand your situation," Thor continued. "On one hand, you and Banner are the same person but have different perspectives. Regardless, you are deeply connected and should accept each other."

"Therefore, you should communicate with Banner normally. After all, Banner is a timid coward, and the strong Hulk often bullies him, causing him to hide you."

Hulk was impatient with the earlier remarks, but the last sentence pleased him greatly. He stomped his foot and said, "Banner, weak! Hulk, strong!"

With that, his body suddenly began to shrink and soon transformed into Banner, who was left in shorts.

"Who am I? Where am I?" Banner awoke, feeling disoriented. It was unusual for him; normally, Hulk would exhaust his strength to revert, but this time, Hulk had voluntarily returned him to his normal form. Banner looked around and saw Thor.

"I convinced Hulk to return," Thor said with a calm voice.

"Are you joking? No one can communicate with the Hulk!" Banner replied incredulously.

Thor gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder with a faint smile. "Abomination can be communicated with; why not Hulk? You and Hulk are destined to be entangled, and treating him as a virus or a monster will only deepen the divide between you."

Banner argued, "But Hulk has always been very violent, causing so much damage and hurting many people!"

"Actually, Hulk has never intentionally harmed you. Compared to the Abomination's chaos, even though Hulk struggles to control his power, he does not deliberately cause destruction."

Thor observed Banner's indifference and continued, "Hulk is like a knife. What you need to do is not avoid or fear him, but find a way to accept him. If you can't control the knife, at least direct its use where it is needed."

"Although your point is valid, I can choose not to use a knife. Violence doesn't solve many problems," Banner replied, still shaking his head.

It must be said that Banner, as a kind-hearted and gentle person, was not inclined to use violence to solve problems. It is ironic that the most peaceful person would be matched with the most violent superhero, Hulk. Banner would prefer to rely on his intellect rather than sheer force, yet he finds himself compelled to use violence. Fate, indeed, is unpredictable.

This situation might feel akin to diligently completing summer homework only to be told that answers will be provided later and that the homework won't count.

"Perhaps you'll find yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to resort to violence, just as you did this time."

Thor chose not to argue further with Banner. In the future, he would need to rely on Hulk's power repeatedly, and Banner would come to understand.

Thor was determined not to let them become like Dr. Hulk, who, despite seeming to control Hulk completely, lacked the full strength of the enraged Hulk. Furthermore, Banner's combat abilities were questionable, and anti-Hulk armor would be ineffective against him...