New York-
After wrapping up matters in the magical world, Charles didn't linger there. Since the crafting of magical equipment takes time, he returned directly to his base.
As soon as he entered his room in the base, the voice of Red Queen echoed.
"Master, Kabuto Yakushi requested a visit during the day."
Hearing it was Kabuto, Charles responded, "Have him meet me in the office."
"Yes, Master."
Using the Hiraishin technique, Charles instantly teleported to his office.
It wasn't long before there was a knock on the office door, and Kabuto Yakushi entered.
Looking at the approaching Kabuto, Charles asked, "What's the matter?"
Standing respectfully before Charles, Kabuto replied, "My lord, Phil Coulson has reappeared, and he's fully recovered."
"He arranged a meeting with me today, and I believe he's still intent on recruiting ninjas..."
Hearing Kabuto's report, Charles chuckled, "Recruiting ninjas, huh? Interesting."
"Is he not afraid of spies infiltrating again?"
Charles then began to recall the events involving Coulson. Before the Battle of New York, Coulson was stabbed by Loki and sent to Tahiti for recovery. It seems he's recovered now.
At this point, Charles wondered if Coulson's team had already been formed. If so, Skye and the Inhumans might soon make their appearance.
Kabuto adjusted his glasses and added, "Perhaps he has his reasons."
"Unfortunately, I've already withdrawn, and due to time constraints, I wasn't granted access to certain classified information. Even before I left, I couldn't locate the storage facility for the 084 items."
Charles laughed, "Since they're so eager to have ninjas, we can send someone over at the right time."
"Anyway, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s time is running out."
Charles was well aware that the disbandment and self-destruction of S.H.I.E.L.D. were not far off. Sending some personnel there might allow them to retrieve valuable items when the time comes.
"I've noted this matter. Since Coulson reached out to you, keep that connection alive. You might find it useful in the future."
"Yes, my lord."
"How is Orochimaru's Extremis virus research progressing?"
"My lord, the research is proceeding smoothly and is advancing in an orderly fashion. It may not take long before we achieve some success."
Charles nodded, "Good. If you need anything, submit a report."
"Yes, my lord."
After Kabuto left, Charles said, "Red Queen, search for information related to the Hooded Hero."
"Yes, Master."
A virtual screen appeared in front of Charles, displaying several videos that had been circulating widely online.
Charles stroked his chin and mused, "The Centipede organization, huh? It seems someone could contribute to Orochimaru's research."
"Where does the situation currently stand?"
After recalling the real name of the Hooded Hero, Charles instructed Red Queen to search again.
"Search for Michael Peterson: African American, former factory worker, divorced with one child." With the information Charles provided, the search quickly yielded results, including the latest news report on Michael Peterson's incident at the factory.
"Organize Michael Peterson's information and load it onto a USB drive."
"Yes, Master."
After receiving the information, Charles did not use the Hiraishin to go to the Sound Ninja base.
Instead, he wrote a mission scroll and handed it, along with the USB drive, to Parker, who was summoned.
Charles instructed, "Deliver this to the Sound Ninja Village. This is their mission."
"Yes, Master."
Parker then dispelled the summoning and went to the summoning world, using the Reverse Summoning Technique to bring forth Tayuya from the Sound Ninja Village.
"Tayuya, Lord Charles has a mission for you. The details are in the package I'm carrying."
Tayuya glanced at Parker, took the package from him, and returned to the base.
Upon opening the package, Tayuya read the mission scroll and examined the USB drive inside. She immediately called the the team Dosu.
Tayuya looked at the three and tossed the mission scroll to them.
"The Lord has assigned you three a mission: bring the target back to the base."
"If you fail, you know what consequences you'll face."
"The target information is on the USB drive."
As Tayuya spoke, the three of them shuddered. Since Kimimaro's departure, the Sound Four had been relentlessly beating them in brutal sparring sessions, under the guise of "training."
Being from the Sound Ninja Village, they were well aware of what failure would mean.
"We'll complete the mission."
Tayuya nodded at the trio.
"Study the intel and prepare to depart."
"Yes!"
…
Meanwhile-
At Coulson's airborne base-
Fitz displayed the information he had gathered on the screen.
May, who was watching the footage of two men, asked, "What's going on here?"
Fitz explained, "This man is lashing out at another man."
The others waited for more details as Fitz spoke.
Simmons then said, "The data is heavily corrupted."
Fitz nodded, "Yes, I can't sync the time codes because there's no..."
Skye, who had been silently observing, interjected, "What if you had audio?"
As everyone turned to look at her, Skye continued, "I was monitoring the lab."
"My boom mic was aimed at the window before the explosion. The audio file is in my van."
"There was too much background noise for me, but maybe you can filter it out."
Fitz considered her suggestion while Simmons added, "Find a sync point and cross-reference it, and you'll..."
Fitz interrupted, "But I can't extract the audio patterns."
After some discussion, they quickly came up with a solution. Fitz then said, "Thanks, we could really use that audio."
Coulson looked at Skye and said, "Your van is here, but you're right—we couldn't decrypt your files."
Skye smiled and replied, "The encryption is attached with the GPS. If you drive my van back to that alley, I can start working."
Coulson didn't refuse and said, "Agent May will escort you."
"And on your way out, wake Ward up."
May nodded and headed to the interrogation room.