Chapter Forty-Nine: The Opportunity for Collaboration Between Huaxia and S.H.I.E.L.D.

Nick Fury’s calm tone shifted, and his expression changed as well. No longer composed as before, Fury was acutely aware that Yang Xin’s generous offer must have an ulterior motive; who knew what price he himself would have to pay? For the first time, Fury felt events spiraling beyond his control.

“Replenish the ammunition I lost during the Battle of Manhattan, plus ten standard units of weapons and supplies…” Yang Xin spoke unhurriedly.

Fury, his face dark, listened carefully, knowing that the next words would be crucial.

“Four sky carriers, two hundred Quinjet fighters, along with all manufacturing processes and technology—everything, bundled and gifted to the eastern country, Huaxia…” Yang Xin continued in the same deliberate tone.

Surprisingly, Fury did not react as Yang Xin had expected; he did not grow agitated or angry, but remained impassive. “And?”

“The first-generation arc reactor and its manufacturing technology, plus a Mark II Iron Man suit for Huaxia,” Yang Xin finished, waiting for Fury to bargain.

But the result was even more unexpected.

“Mark II Iron Man suit isn’t with S.H.I.E.L.D.; only Colonel James Rhodes from the military has one. That suit, you’ll have to source yourself. As for the rest, S.H.I.E.L.D. can unconditionally, without reservation, gift them to Huaxia.”

“Why?” Yang Xin asked in surprise.

“S.H.I.E.L.D. is a global organization, dedicated to protecting Earth’s safety. It isn’t subordinate to any single nation, nor reliant on just one. The rise of the East benefits S.H.I.E.L.D.’s development.” Fury shot Yang Xin a knowing look as he spoke.

Yang Xin blinked and understood. S.H.I.E.L.D. truly was global and dedicated to Earth’s safety, but such a vast organization depended on the Security Council while resisting its constraints. With headquarters in New York, America held an inherent advantage, and as the world’s sole superpower, it enjoyed privileges unmatched.

Of course, the White House and Pentagon wished to bring such power under their own banner, but S.H.I.E.L.D. had grown into a giant, its agents spread worldwide; forcibly integrating it would not be appropriate, so if hard tactics failed, soft ones would follow.

A colossal organization needs funding, and America, as the world’s foremost economy, often choked S.H.I.E.L.D. financially. Alexander Pierce was the Security Council’s planted thorn, tasked with restraining Fury.

Pierce himself was a Hydra senior, gladly accepting the Council’s covert appointment. Now, however, Fury’s kaleidoscope had brought him under control, making him a pawn for S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Security Council’s tug-of-war.

Even Deputy Hill was a Security Council plant within S.H.I.E.L.D., but Fury had kicked that particular thorn to Yang Xin’s side…

Now, Fury effortlessly handed over such vital, advanced technology to Huaxia. Huaxia could never accept it lightly; even a drop of kindness must be repaid a thousandfold. If Huaxia wished to make its voice heard at the Security Council, it couldn’t do so without S.H.I.E.L.D.

Huaxia would surely support S.H.I.E.L.D. in key ways—especially economically. As the world’s second-largest economy, there was a gap with the first, but its strength could not be underestimated.

A single dominant force can monopolize, but balance is achieved when eagle and dragon contend. By joining economic forces with the second-largest economy, Fury was confident the first would not remain passive. Then, Fury could profit from both sides, skillfully navigating between them, ensuring S.H.I.E.L.D. would be unbeatable economically.

With economic invincibility, S.H.I.E.L.D.’s strength would also be unmatched!

“Brilliant, truly brilliant!” Yang Xin gave Fury a thumbs-up.

“S.H.I.E.L.D. can also send technical experts for guidance, saving much time,” Fury added softly.

“Excellent! One thousand personnel per year. I’ll give S.H.I.E.L.D. a quota of one thousand, but S.H.I.E.L.D. must expand recruitment of Huaxia agents—thirty percent of these must be Huaxia agents.” Yang Xin emphasized “Huaxia agents,” making it clear: nominally S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, but in truth, Huaxia soldiers.

“Agreed. Aside from S.H.I.E.L.D.’s quota of one thousand, I don’t want any more rogue ninjas outside the system. If any appear, you must report and get my approval first.” Fury answered crisply, but cut off Yang Xin’s plan to flood the world with ninjas.

“And…” Fury glanced at Yang Xin, then spoke gravely, “I want the Sage Body!”

“What?” Yang Xin was stunned.

“In the memory inherited from the Kaleidoscope Sharingan, there’s mention of the Sage Body. My body has undergone genetic modification and harbors many hidden injuries. I wish to use the Sage Body to heal them,” Fury said solemnly.

“Deal!” Yang Xin shook hands with Fury.

Fury felt a surge of energy from Yang Xin’s hand, unlike the cold power of the Sharingan—it was comfortable, warm. As it flowed, Fury felt as if bathed in sunlight.

“This is the power of the Sage Body.” After a long moment, Fury slowly opened his eyes and stretched, his body crackling.

“It’s been ages since I felt so refreshed.” Fury exhaled deeply, then formed a hand seal. “Wood Style.”

A tiny sapling sprouted from Fury’s hand, small but brimming with vitality.

“Coulson, come in.” Fury pressed the office button and turned to Yang Xin, “Coulson will assist you with the tree-planting project.”

Soon, Coulson entered the office.

“Sir, Agent Coulson reporting.”

“Xin, we meet again.”

“Yes, Coulson, it’s been a while.” Yang Xin stepped forward and gave Coulson a big hug, imparting a surge of power as he did.

“What is this?” Coulson was surprised.

“The power of the Uzumaki clan. Use it well. Although you’re strong as a Time Warrior, before transformation you were just average—a mere pistol could take you out. Now you’ve got a bit more to rely on,” Yang Xin said with a smile.

“By the way, call Natasha and Melinda. It’s been too long since I saw them,” Yang Xin laughed.

“Yes, sir!” Coulson stood at attention, immediately dialed the phone, and notified Natasha and Melinda to come. Then he said, “Actually, sir, you were only apart from Agent Natasha for an afternoon, and from Agent Melinda for just a day.”

Moments later, Melinda and Natasha entered.

“Hi, Melinda.” Yang Xin embraced her, passing on the Hyuga clan’s bloodline. In her ear, he whispered almost inaudibly, “Treasure this power. You will become the bridge between Huaxia and S.H.I.E.L.D.”