Konoha Base-
In the command room, Charles Doyle returned after sweeping through S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New York headquarters. The gain was disappointing—after a thorough search, only two rechargeable items were found, and they weren't even top-grade.
Instead, they were two laser cannons made from leftover energy cells.
Following the principle of "every little bit helps," Charles didn't leave them behind. After successfully recharging them, he gained 1,000 gold coins. However, dissatisfied with the overall outcome, he returned directly to the base.
"Ginny, what's the current situation?"
Ginny, turning toward Charles Doyle, began her report:
"S.H.I.E.L.D. has far too many bases. Even with all our ninjas and the High Table acting as intermediaries worldwide, the sheer number of S.H.I.E.L.D. facilities is overwhelming. The major bases are widely spread apart, and given the limited time..."
"So far, our forces have reached locations including Maria Hill's office, the Joint Dark Energy Mission Facility, the Trauma Recovery Center, the Slingshot Base, the Fracture Prison, the East Africa Headquarters, and the London Branch..."
"Per your instructions, no ninjas have been dispatched to S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy."
"Minato Namikaze has been the most efficient, clearing six Level 2 S.H.I.E.L.D. bases already, but many more remain without personnel to collect resources."
"In addition to static bases, S.H.I.E.L.D. also has numerous mobile bases—Coulson's 616 airborne command center, the Iliad (Base 74), and mobile platforms like the Lemurian Star Destroyer satellite launch pad."
"The first batch of loot has been transferred through summoning beasts from the summoning realm."
"Boss, you'll be able to review your gain soon. However, national governments are already deploying forces to seize S.H.I.E.L.D.'s bases, and some 084 items will inevitably fall into their hands."
"On top of that, Hydra-controlled bases will prevent us from taking a significant portion of the resources."
Charles nodded in understanding. His eyes scanned the global map on the virtual screen, which was dotted with countless red points representing S.H.I.E.L.D. bases.
This didn't even include safe houses or other secret facilities established by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
"Continue operations for three more days. After that, no matter the outcome, this mission ends."
Ginny nodded, "Understood, Boss. I'll have Red Queen notify all ninjas."
Charles nodded and turned to leave the operations room.
…
Elsewhere-
At S.H.I.E.L.D. Central, Coulson stared at the news reports.
"Today, the world's most advanced intelligence agency suffered devastating attacks. Leaders from multiple nations are demanding answers."
"The president called this the worst intelligence breach in history..."
"Leaked data from S.H.I.E.L.D...."
"Congress has convened a special investigative committee, but responsibility for the incident remains unclear."
"Since leaving the Capitol hearing, Natasha Romanoff has disappeared, as have several top S.H.I.E.L.D. officials. The agency is now in shambles."
At that moment, a female agent approached Coulson.
"Sir."
Coulson looked at her and said, "Find Agent Martin. We need to establish contact with the United Nations."
"Find someone we can trust," Coulson instructed.
The agent nodded and immediately set out to carry out the task.
Just then, Fitz approached, holding a tablet. "I've compiled a list of S.H.I.E.L.D. bases that are still secure."
Coulson asked, "How many?"
"Seven?"
Fitz replied, "Three."
Coulson, surprised, followed up, "Including the Hub?"
Fitz nodded, "Yes, including the Hub."
"This is just the initial list. We'll identify more soon."
Coulson turned his gaze back to the news broadcast on the screen and remarked, "At least we're still alive. This battle has only just begun. The fight against Hydra is far from over."
…
Cuba – Havana –
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Havana barbershop served as a hidden outpost. Beneath the old-fashioned storefront was a S.H.I.E.L.D. base, now overtaken by Garrett and his Hydra forces, repurposed as their temporary headquarters.
Ward escorted Raina through the door, entering without hesitation.
"Welcome back, Mr. Ward," greeted a barber with a razor in hand.
"Need a shave?"
In the barbershop, two men were present besides the barber: one was a bald man in a leather jacket sitting off to the side, and the other was a barber giving a shave.
Ward rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "I think I'll keep it a while longer, Ernesto."
Raina, puzzled by the strange setting, looked around and asked, "The Clairvoyant arranged to meet us in a place like this?"
The man under the hot towel removed it, revealing himself as John Garrett.
"No need to call me that anymore," he said.
"Just call me John—John Garrett."
He stood and approached Raina, offering a handshake.
"You were expecting me to look more like a fortune-teller, weren't you?"
Raina hesitated momentarily before realizing who he was. She eagerly took his hand, smiling.
"It's an honor to finally meet you."
Garrett grinned, "The honor is mine."
"You've done outstanding work on Project Centipede."
Raina quickly responded, "It was your brilliance that gave me direction."
Hearing this, Garrett glanced at Ward, who responded with a slight smile.
Then Garrett turned back to Raina with a grin and said, "Sorry to disappoint you, flower dress girl, but I'm going to burst your bubble."
"I don't have any special gift—at least not the kind you're thinking of."
"What I do have is high-level S.H.I.E.L.D. security clearance and a talent for persuasion."
Raina stared at him, asking, "You don't have the Clairvoyant's power?"
"No."
"But if it makes you feel any better, a lot of people believe I'm the Clairvoyant—more than just you."
The smile faded from Raina's face as she remarked, "So you're a fraud."
"A fake."