Nick Fury wasn't supposed to notice the issues within S.H.I.E.L.D. until a few years later, but recent changes in the U.S. had accelerated things dramatically.
The Tesseract was gone, and the military was planning to create a super soldier, having applied for the release of Emil Blonsky, someone he had clashed with years ago. Additionally, there was now the Super Seven team, with four publicly known superheroes so far, including Spider-Man, who was famous throughout New York.
Most importantly, without the Tesseract, Nick Fury had no way to deal with threats from beyond Earth, lacking a technological breakthrough. Otherwise, an alien landing with the power to easily destroy a small town would leave him with few options.
Unless he launched strategic missiles like Patriots or Sidewinders, conventional weapons were useless against such supernatural beings.
These pressures pushed Nick Fury to contact several superpowered individuals and geniuses, aiming to form the Avengers to respond to everything. He considered Tony Stark indispensable, valuing his genius intellect more than the entire S.H.I.E.L.D. organization.
But inviting Tony Stark led to unexpected complications.
Tony Stark and his J.A.R.V.I.S. discovered irregularities within S.H.I.E.L.D., exposing Hydra hidden inside. However, they didn't uncover Project Insight itself, and instead found themselves framed and hunted by the Snake S.H.I.E.L.D.
Decades of Hydra infiltration, combined with Nick Fury's recent poor performance, meant he couldn't compete with high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. officials like Pierce after just being reinstated.
Moreover, Fury had indeed used S.H.I.E.L.D.'s internal data to help Stark perfect J.A.R.V.I.S., making the pursuit technically justified.
However, Fury's group was formidable, especially with Tony Stark, making them difficult for ordinary agents to handle. Currently, Snake S.H.I.E.L.D. could only summon Stark for questioning on charges of stealing national security secrets.
Without evidence, targeting a billionaire was unwise; escalating the situation could invite White House and Congressional scrutiny.
"Sir, what should we do?"
Peter Parker was unsure after learning about Hydra. His usual work involved rescuing citizens, never participating in such high-level conflicts.
Wanda and Quicksilver, despite previous contact with Hydra, were also left uncertain.
"Just escalate things, Peter. When it blows up enough, the lid can't hide what's underneath anymore. Then higher-ups will investigate thoroughly."
Hyuga Mirai explained. This mission would deploy not just Spider-Man, but also Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch for a higher-stakes operation.
"Aim to avoid casualties, Peter. You have plenty of experience rescuing citizens, and I trust Tony Stark won't use civilians as shields. As long as there are no deaths, the company will cover all hero activities, even if you blow up the Pentagon."
Peter nodded, touched. "I will, sir. Please rest assured." It felt good having support. Previously, as a vigilante, he had to flee from real police.
"You three coordinate well. 18 won't deploy for now. She'll only intervene if you encounter something beyond your capabilities."
Wanda raised her hand to ask, "Sir, what about the team leader..."
"She might need more rest. This one's on you."
Hyuga Mirai said helplessly. Tsunade's interest in superheroics had waned. She might perk up if things got bigger.
"Then move out. I've had 18 reply to S.H.I.E.L.D. and the NYPD. The Super Seven have accepted the mission."
Ohio
Tony Stark had J.A.R.V.I.S. open the mechanical warehouse, airing it out before letting everyone enter.
"Stay here for now. This was originally meant for building suits, but was later moved to Stark Tower. so it's abandoned and unrecorded—not even in Stark Industries' asset logs. A decent hideout."
Tony brushed off dust while introducing the place. As systems booted up, Nick Fury and the others saw the full layout.
Small by Tony's standards, with only two rest areas, insufficient for everyone. But fully equipped, even with personal energy weapons for each.
"We need detailed intel. All of it."
Tony slapped a table. Once seated, he said, "Hope they don't seal up Stark Tower too fast, or J.A.R.V.I.S. will be severely limited. So, Director, what's the plan? Dr. Banner, stay calm—this place is secure..."
"Sir, you should see this news."
J.A.R.V.I.S. interrupted, displaying a projection with the latest coverage of their situation.
[Exclusive: Nick Fury Suspected of Endangering National Security Secrets, Iron Man Aids Escape, Super Seven Team Hired for Pursuit]
Everyone crowded around to watch the interview.
"Spider-Man, will you confront Tony Stark directly? You're currently NYC's two most popular heroes, though he's 30% less popular than you in polls..."
Tony's brow furrowed incredulously. "30% less? Do journalists just make up numbers now?"
J.A.R.V.I.S. adds, "Actually, sir, you're 36% less popular than Spider-Man in recent polls."
"J.A.R.V.I.S.!? Mute the news!"
The others glanced at Tony silently, amused but maintaining straight faces to spare his pride.
On screen, Spider-Man waved at reporters. "...Yes, if Iron Man broke the law, I'd arrest him per federal statutes. This operation is jointly conducted by S.H.I.E.L.D. and NYPD. As NYPD's external contractors, the Super Seven's participation is completely legal and compliant."
"Spider-Man, did you accept due to your recent lawsuit with Stark?"
"No connection. This is an NYPD assignment. If you'd like to see, each of us carries summons and arrest warrants for Mr. Stark. Fully legal and compliant procedures."
Another reporter jumped in: "Rumor has it the wanted list includes more than just Iron Man, but also agents and a big green monster. Can you handle them alone..."
"Ma'am, correction: the Super Seven now has five members." Spider-Man wagged a finger, experienced from numerous interviews. "This mission only requires me and two new teammates, per our leader's decision."
"Please convey to all Americans: for any criminals endangering public safety, the Super Seven, NYPD, and all U.S. police will stop their illegal activities."
The last line was added at NYPD's request. As Spider-Man's fame grew, so did NYPD's reputation for partnering with him. The current police chief had confirmed his candidacy for next NYC mayor, with high odds of winning.
After securing the mayoralty, he planned to make the Super Seven a city icon, deepening cooperation with Future Biopharmaceuticals.
After watching the news, Tony Stark closed the projection and turned to Nick Fury. "Alright Director, another problem. What's your plan?"
"Find evidence against Hydra, present it to Congress, and eliminate them all."
Nick Fury condensed a lengthy ten-thousand-word plan into just twelve words. Everyone sighed.
Technically, they were the villains now. S.H.I.E.L.D.—no, Hydra—controlled the entire organization. Despite discovering Hydra's existence, they had no proof of national security threats.
As long as Hydra didn't activate Project Insight, they were unbeatable. Many high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. officials were Hydra, with external Congressional allies too.
And Fury couldn't explain letting Tony access internal data—evidence against him. Without Tony's boldness, they'd still be under S.H.I.E.L.D. surveillance.
Better to discover it early. Despite Tony triggering the pursuit, Fury, Steve, and others didn't blame him.
"Should we contact those superheroes?"
Bruce Banner, newly persuaded to return to the U.S., was still unfamiliar with domestic dynamics. "If we convince them, they'd be valuable allies... Why are you staring?"
"Great suggestion, Dr. Banner—unless Stark's willing to sacrifice himself."
Natasha smiled wryly. Two Super Seven members had poor relations with Tony; they might have accepted specifically to target him.
After hearing about Tony's history with them, Banner quickly apologized. "Sorry, Stark."
"No problem, Dr. Banner. If you have time, help me out instead."
Tony retrieved some semi-finished robots. "Staying here isn't safe either. If the Super Seven's joining the hunt, we should abandon this place. But we'll leave decoys to fool electronic surveillance... Director, any other options?"
"A few. I'll contact them..."
Nick Fury sounded casual, but internally uncertain. Stark had uncovered so many Hydra agents, even Pierce was compromised. He didn't know whom to trust.
But relocation was necessary, unless they wanted to confront the Super Seven directly. Spider-Man alone wouldn't be terrible; Fury feared Future Biopharmaceuticals' owner and the two other team leaders.
An unknown leader and unknown member, plus the company owner and their super-soldier serum. Fighting Hydra gave Fury some confidence, but facing these people truly troubled him.
After thinking it over, Fury pulled out his phone., texting Agent Hill: 'Hill, we're in Vegas. Any developments?'
Pocketing the phone, he joined Tony for help. He wasn't worried about interception; only that AI could bypass J.A.R.V.I.S., and after upgrades, it would be impossible to go unnoticed.
J.A.R.V.I.S. was Tony's pride; without its assistance, his Iron Man suits would be advanced infantry, unable even to fly.
"What now? Go directly to them?"
Wanda asked from her broom, her witch hat and robe perfectly embodying medieval witch fantasies—especially the dark red metallic material making her the most conspicuous of the three.
This marked the Scarlet Witch's debut. Such a beautiful young witch would surely become the Super Seven's most popular member, possibly surpassing even Spider-Man.
Unless Tsunade engaged in heroics.
"Should we ask the boss?"
"No need. Let's just capture them. Besides Hulk and Iron Man, the others aren't major threats."
Peter considered, not wanting to bother Hyuga Mirai. He had all intel on them. The agents were merely proficient with firearms and archery; Quicksilver alone could handle them. The remaining superpowered individuals were three: Captain America, Hulk, and Iron Man.
He'd occupy Hulk, Quicksilver would neutralize normals then handle Cap, assist Wanda with Iron Man, and finally deal with Hulk.
Rough plan, but Peter thought it perfect.
Wanda raised a slender eyebrow. "Can you two go any faster?"
"This is max speed, Wanda. First time using a flyer too—your standards are too strict."
Pietro barely managed to stabilize himself. He was a land runner, lacking Wanda's telekinesis or Peter's spider-sense. Leaving the ground at high speeds made him dizzy.
(End of Chapter)