On the other side-
After Daisy hung up on Simmons, she sent an already-prepared farewell email. With everything settled, she approached Shizuka.
"I've finished my tasks. What do you need me to do next?" Daisy asked.
Shizuka glanced at her and replied, "Come with me."
Shizuka led Daisy to see Ginny.
"Secretary Ginny, this is Daisy. Lord Charles says she's temporarily under your command."
Ginny looked up at Daisy and replied, "Leave her arrangements to me."
…
Back on the aircraft-
The team gathered again in the command room. The initial relief of rescuing Coulson had faded from their faces. Coulson was reading Daisy's email.
"Agent Coulson, and everyone on the team,
It pains me to say that I won't be able to continue this journey with all of you.
May once told me that every member of this team has a role and a mission. You're all here for more important things than my search for my family.
This is my personal matter, and I can't hold you back for it.
To that end, I commissioned the Charles Agency to help me uncover my background.
The agency accepted my request, as I'm technically an 084 myself, which helped.
Now, I've learned my origins and joined the agency.
Agent Coulson, you won't need to worry about my past anymore. Agent May, no more scolding faces at me. And Agent Ward, no more daily training.
Fitz, Simmons, I hope you two get to be together.
Everyone, goodbye."
Coulson looked up at Simmons, "When did this happen?"
"Right after I called to let her know you had been rescued. Not long after that, this email arrived."
Coulson rubbed his temples, exhausted from recent events.
First, he'd been abducted and repeatedly sedated with nerve toxins, then forced to confront painful memories. And now, one of his most promising agents had chosen to leave on her own.
Fitz spoke up, "If the Charles Agency took her on as a client, then any contract involving her as a 'commodity' would be against federal law and unenforceable."
Simmons nodded, "A contract like that should be void."
Ward sighed, "But it's the Charles Agency. No one can take Skye without Charles Doyle's consent. That agency has a high concentration of superpowers, especially skilled ninjas, far more powerful than even the ones who leveled the Triskelion."
Hearing Ward's words, Simmons and Fitz deflated visibly.
After thinking it over, May voiced her concerns, "Coulson, who exactly is Skye?"
"The Charles Agency doesn't come cheap," she continued, "Some jobs they only take for rare items. They found Skye's identity so quickly, which means they must see a lot of value in her."
The group shared a realization: Skye's background must be far from simple. Her value might even rival a high-level 084 artifact or be worth fifty energy cubes.
Coulson shook his head, "I haven't fully uncovered Skye's background. There are still mysteries surrounding her."
"When we get to New York, I'll pay Charles Doyle a visit and see if there's a way to bring Skye back."
Ward asked, "What if they refuse?"
Coulson offered a wry smile, "Then we can only hope she's happy at the Charles Agency."
"In any case, we won't give up on Skye," Coulson declared firmly.
He knew SHIELD wouldn't take an aggressive stance to retrieve Skye, nor would his own team.
After all, even one small squad from the Sound Village had nearly toppled SHIELD headquarters.
And with the immense strength of the Leaf Village from the Land of Fire—the most powerful among the Five Great Nations—a direct confrontation would be unthinkable.
"Skye's situation—should we report it?" May asked, looking at Coulson.
Coulson thought it over, then replied, "Let me talk to Charles Doyle first, then we'll decide."
May nodded without further comment.
…
New York City-
At the Hidden Sand Puppet Shop, Hope entered and saw Chiyo sitting in the lounge area. She walked over.
"Grandma Chiyo, you called for me?"
Chiyo smiled warmly at the young woman before her, "Hope, you've come."
Hope Van Dyne nodded and took a seat across from Chiyo, "What do you need, Grandma?"
Chiyo pretended to frown, "So, an old lady like me can't call you just because she wants some company?"
Hope quickly apologized with a smile, "My bad. If you're missing me, I'm happy to keep you company anytime."
Chiyo's expression softened into a grin, then she continued, "Actually, I do have something for you this time."
"Did you see the press conference held by the Cloud Village about their Physical Enhancement Serum?"
The mention of the Cloud Village press conference caught Hope's attention.
She nodded, "Yes, it's been all over the internet. I heard the place was packed today."
Chiyo nodded and said, "Hope, I'd like you to organize a similar event for us."
"We, the Sand Village, also have Physical Enhancement Serum."
Hope's face brightened with a smile, and she agreed readily, "Of course, Grandma Chiyo. Leave this to me."
Chiyo's smile grew, "Don't worry about the costs—Sand Village will cover everything."
Hope shook her head, "For something this small, I couldn't let you pay. I'll handle it."
Chiyo chuckled, "Alright, alright, I'll leave it to you."
"You help this old lady, and I'll help you in return. If you ever need something, come to me. As long as it doesn't involve the Charles Agency, I'll do my best to help."
Hope responded gratefully, "Thank you, Grandma Chiyo."
Ever since learning Chiyo's true identity, Hope had frequently visited the shop. Over time, they'd grown close, and today she had finally earned a commitment from Chiyo.