Having witnessed Ao's abilities firsthand, the thought of becoming a ninja—and achieving unparalleled strength—was tantalizing.
They had even heard rumors that the serum they received was a mere trifle compared to what actual ninja school students used, and ninja school students weren't even full-fledged combatants.
Their breathing quickened with excitement. One agent spoke up immediately, "Instructor Ao, I am willing to join Kirigakure!"
Seeing the first volunteer step forward, Ao smiled, "Good. Anyone who wishes to join Kirigakure, step out of line and stand to the side."
With Ao's permission, the first volunteer eagerly moved to the side. Encouraged by his example, more followed suit. Even some faculty and staff members approached cautiously, "Instructor Ao, will Kirigakure accept us too?"
Ao chuckled at their eagerness, "Of course. Kirigakure is expanding, and we welcome new members."
From Ao's perspective, no matter their past affiliations, these people represented valuable manpower.
He didn't care if they had been with HYDRA—once they joined Kirigakure, they would be under his control. They posed no threat to his authority, and menial tasks could always be delegated to them.
Soon, out of the 30 cadets, 25 chose to align themselves with Kirigakure.
Ao knew that most of them were likely HYDRA operatives, but it didn't bother him.
'In Kirigakure, they are mine now.'
None of them had the power to challenge his rule.
Still, five cadets chose to remain loyal to S.H.I.E.L.D., holding onto the hope that the agency could endure its crisis and rise from the ashes.
Those who stayed behind harbored no resentment toward their departing comrades. They understood the gravity of the situation and the uncertainty of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s future.
One of the remaining cadets finally spoke up, "Instructor Ao, aren't you worried that some of these people are HYDRA agents?"
"I know I'm not one of them, but can you be sure that no one else here is?"
His words made the others glance around suspiciously, while some silently cursed him for stirring trouble.
Ao, however, remained unfazed and smiled, "That doesn't concern me. Once they're in Kirigakure, they are my people."
"Whether you were a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent or a HYDRA operative before, once you join Kirigakure, your past is forgiven. Do your job, and that's enough."
"But if anyone tries to betray us and act as a spy—no one can escape my sight, nor survive Kirigakure's retribution."
"Living HYDRA agents can't hide from us. Dead ones won't fare any better."
Hearing Ao's bold declaration, those who chose to join Kirigakure felt reassured and even joyful.
This was solid protection.
"As for the rest of you who refuse to join, I won't force you. Take care of yourselves."
Just then, Mei Terumi appeared with Haku and three members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. They suddenly materialized in front of Ao and the others.
"Swish, swish, swish!"
Smiling, Mei Terumi asked, "Ao, are these the recruits you've gathered?"
"There's quite a lot of them."
Seeing her arrival, Ao nodded and replied, "Yes, these are the agents who've chosen to side with us."
Mei Terumi gave a small nod before saying, "Alright, let's not waste time."
"Take your people and help me gather resources, any suspicious 084 objects, and useful research personnel."
Ao responded, "Understood, Mizukage-sama."
…
Elsewhere-
In the interrogation room of the aircraft-
May had regained consciousness. With her enhanced physiology, the freezing gun's toxin had only incapacitated her for a short time.
She looked down at her wrists, which were bound with handcuffs specifically designed for enhanced soldiers, and realized she couldn't break free.
Ward, standing nearby, spoke first, "Coulson says you're a mole. Care to explain?"
May, sitting up from the floor, grimaced and replied, "No. I don't want to."
"Damn freezing gun… my head feels like it's going to split open."
Ward, still serious, pressed on, "I have the right to know."
May refused, "Can we not talk about it?"
Being falsely accused of betrayal weighed heavily on her, especially when the team had been hit by a series of unexpected disasters.
"Follow orders. Ask no questions."
"Until Fury clears me, I can't tell you anything."
Ward, hearing this, began to suspect that May wasn't working for HYDRA. Of course, he wasn't entirely sure—his knowledge of HYDRA operatives was limited. He chuckled and shook his head.
"You're really something."
"I've always heard how tough you are, but I've got to admit, you've been playing us like fools—deceiving me, Coulson…"
May retorted, "I didn't deceive anyone. I'm on your side."
Ward countered, "On our side? Reporting on us behind our backs?"
"You always told me to keep my emotions in check, but wow, you really take the cake."
May responded, "You should've listened to me."
"You killed someone in cold blood. Your emotions clouded your judgment."
Ward shouted back, "That was to protect our team!"