In the Laboratory-
Agent Hand walked in, looking at Simmons and Triplett as she said, "You two don't have much time left. It all depends on what happens next."
"Hydra has successfully infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D., even at the highest levels."
"It took seventy years, but today, we make our grand return."
Simmons and Triplett exchanged a glance, remaining silent.
Hand continued speaking, "We have the support of many Level 9 and Level 10 agents, and those who opposed Hydra have already been eliminated."
"That includes Director Fury."
The news stunned both Simmons and Triplett. Simmons' breathing grew heavier with anxiety.
Hand went on, "I'm here to offer you a simple choice."
"Either swear unwavering loyalty to Hydra right now, or meet the same fate as Fury."
As her words hung in the air, a squad of agents raised their weapons, aiming directly at Simmons and Triplett. The wrong choice would mean swift execution.
When neither of them responded, Hand spoke sharply, "I won't wait long."
Triplett glanced at Simmons and winked. Simmons subtly nodded back.
In the next instant, Triplett launched himself at the nearest agent, disarming them with a swift strike and landing a punch on the second.
He caught the knife Simmons tossed to him, grabbed the first agent as a human shield, and pressed the blade against their throat.
"If we go down, one of yours will come with us," he growled.
Hand smiled, "Correct."
"I trust seven people now."
The agents lowered their weapons, leaving Simmons and Triplett bewildered.
"How is the containment operation proceeding?" Hand asked.
Agent Shaw responded, "All agents below Level 5 have been detained in the East Wing."
"And the assault on the plane?"
"They're breaching it as we speak."
Simmons asked in disbelief, "That was a test?"
Hand turned to them, "Only a few passed."
Relieved, Simmons exhaled deeply, "I thought we were dead for sure."
"You're not with Hydra. Thank God."
Hand replied with a grim expression, "Don't celebrate too soon. We may not be Hydra, but your superior Coulson is."
With those words, Hand turned and walked away, leaving Simmons struggling to process this revelation.
In one day, her world had been overturned far beyond what she could have imagined.
…
Elsewhere-
At the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy-
Mei Terumi led her ninja forces and newly recruited agents in looting the academy for valuable materials and potential 084 items.
In three separate academies, the Mist agents targeted the technology institute first.
"Ao, use the Byakugan to scan for the top researchers and the ten most promising students in the facility," Mei ordered.
Ao nodded, "Understood, Lady Mizukage!"
"Byakugan, activate!"
Ao immediately activated his Byakugan, scanning the entire technology academy.
Chaos reigned as battles erupted everywhere. One side was clearly overwhelmed, with many retreating to the underground levels and barricading themselves in various rooms.
"I've located them," Ao reported, pulling out a pre-prepared map. He marked the coordinates while briefing the Three Swordsmen of the Mist and Haku on the key locations.
Once the briefing concluded, Mei Terumi issued her orders, "Agents and students, split into six teams. One team will follow me. The other five will each follow a ninja. Sweep through the academy in coordinated flanking movements."
"Conclude the operation—both combat and resource acquisition—within one hour. Assemble at the main entrance."
"Yes, ma'am!"
With the orders in place, Ao led his team into action. When confronted by Hydra operatives, Ao dispatched them without hesitation, eliminating each with a single strike.
Haku, on the other hand, preferred non-lethal tactics, using senbon needles to incapacitate enemies. He took care to protect his teammates as well.
The Three Swordsmen of the Mist, however, showed no such restraint. They fought with brutal efficiency, showing no regard for collateral damage.
Jinpachi Munashi's explosive techniques even caused friendly-fire casualties among his own team.
Meanwhile, independent factions unaffiliated with the Mist Village moved toward the communications academy to initiate rescues and suppress the Hydra members. Though fewer in number, this group included five superhuman agents with formidable power.
…
S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters-
Charles observed the situation while concealed by magic. The headquarters was one of the most deeply infiltrated Hydra strongholds.
The entire facility had fallen. Level 5 and below agents were imprisoned, while high-ranking agents who resisted were executed.
Under the threat of death, many S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives defected to Hydra. Those who refused had been mercilessly eliminated, leaving Hydra firmly in control of the base.
Charles utilized Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu to search rapidly. Knowing that the headquarters housed relatively few 084 items, he had no intention of lingering.
His clones approached restricted areas without clearance, dispelling the concealment spell to breach them by force.
His presence threw the base into renewed chaos.