A few days later-
Inside Charles's Base-
In Ginny's office, Shizuka had officially taken up the role as Ginny's secretary, while Shikamaru Nara had become her assistant.
Shikamaru was currently reviewing documents when a particular file from Charles Agency caught his eye.
The document detailed a client who had been classified as an "084" by S.H.I.E.L.D., with her payment being… herself.
Her request was to investigate her own identity and information about her parents.
Thinking about Charles's interest in 084 objects, and seeing that this involved a human "084," Shikamaru decided to take the file to Ginny.
"Miss Ginny," he said, "Here's a request involving an 084 as payment. I think Lord Charles might be interested."
Ginny took the file and reviewed it.
"Interesting. So, the client is a supposed '084,' labeled as such due to her abilities?" She noted the person's skill in hacking and other computer-related activities but found it odd that S.H.I.E.L.D. had designated her an 084.
Though the individual was not a superhuman, Ginny found her classification curious and nodded, "I'll ask the boss and see if he's interested."
"Yes, Miss Ginny," Shikamaru replied, returning to his desk to continue reviewing files.
Ginny brought the document and knocked on Charles's office door.
Charles looked up as she entered.
Ginny explained, "Boss, Selene encountered an interesting client at the office. She hasn't decided on taking the case yet and thought it's best to inform you."
Surprised, Charles took the file, wondering what could be so unique that it required his attention.
As he reviewed the file, he quickly understood—this was Daisy Johnson, also known as Quake, seeking information about her origins and willing to offer herself in exchange.
Knowing her background and how to activate her abilities, he decided it was worth pursuing.
"Ginny, I approve. Tell Selene to finalize the contract and bring her here to meet with me."
Ginny nodded, "Understood, Boss."
…
Elsewhere-
In Hydra's base, high-ranking members assembled once again, each appearing as a hologram.
Pierce looked toward Whitehall and asked, "Are you saying that the Sound Village, ruled by Orochimaru, claims to be the ninja-world equivalent of Hydra?"
Whitehall nodded, "You've all seen the reports."
"Although we can't confirm if this is true, they've openly declared themselves as Hydra. On Earth, being associated with Hydra is dangerous, a hunted identity. For ninjas to pose as Hydra, especially if they're willing to negotiate with us, seems unlikely."
The others nodded.
Madam Viper commented, "Based on the information they've provided, we understand that entering our world isn't without a price."
"Apart from the teleportation arrays, we'll need some additional energy to stabilize the portals," Pierce explained.
He continued, "Charles Doyle previously traded for a large amount of energy blocks on Earth and acquired the Tesseract, allowing for a greater influx of Leaf Village ninjas here compared to the other villages combined."
"To bring that powerful Hydra entity here would require an enormous amount of energy; otherwise, they wouldn't have needed to contact us."
"And whoever it is, even if not the strongest, would surely be a top-tier force," he added.
"At the very least, it'd be stronger than Orochimaru and his Sound Village."
Baron Zemo nodded in agreement, "Indeed, this entity's strength could be pivotal for us. The collaboration is essential for our future."
Whitehall then chimed in, "It's intriguing that Orochimaru's Sound Village may have some technology to share with us, though they've made it clear that the secrets of ninja training won't be available until this individual arrives."
Pierce addressed the others, "This exchange brings us far more advantages than disadvantages. Since they're also Hydra, if we were to recognize their ninja-world leader as a superior, it wouldn't affect us negatively."
"We've had previous Hydra leaders like Red Skull, so adding another head to our hierarchy won't be a problem—especially if it brings us valuable resources."
The others agreed, understanding the potential benefits of another leader if it meant strengthening their collective position.
Pierce pressed on, "For the technology exchange, I'd like each of you to contribute something noteworthy. We need to show Orochimaru that Hydra on Earth has its own advanced capabilities."
He added, "As for the 084 items, I've managed to intercept a few that were sent from the Slingshot base using my authority. I assume each of you has some items at your disposal as well."
Everyone nodded, agreeing to pool together significant technological assets and 084 items for an initial exchange with Orochimaru's group.
…
Elsewhere-
Agent Coulson led the S.H.I.E.L.D. team on a new mission, but before departing, they confirmed Killer Bee's concert plans.
This time, however, their consultant, Killer Bee, would not be joining the team.
Madison Square Garden Arena-
Through S.H.I.E.L.D.'s connections, Killer Bee was scheduled to be a guest performer at Justin Bieber's concert.
Backstage, while another performer was on stage, Justin Bieber turned to Killer Bee and said, "Killer Bee, you're the first ninja singer I've ever met."
"You ninjas have some seriously cool abilities!"
Killer Bee laughed and replied, "Your music's great too! I heard your album from last year won Artist of the Year at the 40th American Music Awards—you're pretty talented in your field."
"You must have lots of concerts planned for the future."
Pride beamed on Justin Bieber's face as he nodded, "Man, you're the only ninja I know who's also into music. Even if our styles are different, I'd love to have you as my special guest at my future concerts."
Appreciative of the offer, Killer Bee smiled, "That sounds awesome."
"By the way, I'll need to make an announcement during your concert, if you don't mind. Don't worry—I'll make it worth your while."