Uehara Naraku was speaking the truth.
If not for his protection, Nick Fury wouldn't have been severely injured, hit by at least seven or eight bullets all over his body, with a fatal sniper bullet in his chest.
If not for his protection…
Maybe… Nick Fury could have escaped?
Uehara Naraku's face was covered with sadness and self-blame, while his heart was filled with worry. What if Nick Fury wakes up and disagrees with him taking over S.H.I.E.L.D.?
Would he get another shot?
Or maybe two?
But surely, there should be no one more suitable than himself, right?
Just as Uehara Naraku and Tony Stark were waiting for Nick Fury's surgery to end, a phone call suddenly came to his cell phone.
"Mr. Uehara, I am Vice Admiral Ross."
The voice on the phone sounded aged yet calm: "We are aware of Director Nick Fury's situation, and now need you to come to Washington to report to the World Security Council and the military..."
"Sir, my superior has not yet awakened…"
Uehara Naraku spoke hesitantly and softly continued: "If possible, I would like to wait till Director Fury wakes up before going…"
"There's no need for that."
Admiral Ross on the other end rejected Uehara Naraku's request, unequivocally stating: "This now concerns the affiliation of S.H.I.E.L.D. and your Avengers Squad…
We hope you can arrive in Washington within an hour. This distance should not be particularly challenging for a superhero, right?"
"…Yes."
Uehara Naraku nodded, feeling a sense of difficulty.
Now the military and the World Security Council have together summoned him to report. It seems almost certain that they will have him take over S.H.I.E.L.D.…
Uehara Naraku entrusted Nick Fury's safety to Tony Stark, and transformed into a dazzling blue stream of light, soaring towards Washington.
Washington.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters meeting room.
The representatives of the World Security Council and the military were all here, waiting for Uehara Naraku's arrival. He was the chosen candidate after their various deliberations.
Vice Admiral Ross sat at the center of the meeting room. Seeing Uehara Naraku walk in, he slowly clasped his hands: "Special Agent Uehara, let's start with the routine reporting questions…"
"Yes."
"We've heard you've gained a portion of the Tesseract's power…"
Vice Admiral Ross reached out and unveiled the files in his hands, softly inquiring: "Do you see yourself as a superhero of the Avengers Squad, or as an agent loyal to S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
Upon reaching this point, Vice Admiral Ross again gestured with his hand, correcting his statement: "Of course, there's no conflict between the two. Have you thought about whether you might also fly around New York like Tony Stark executing justice one day…"
This statement was a little risky.
Though Americans generally admire and love superheroes, as representatives of the government, they certainly do not favor those uncontrollable superheroes.
"I apologize."
Uehara Naraku shook his head, interrupting Vice Admiral Ross. A stern look flashed across his face: "If there was ever a day I fly around New York, it would certainly be due to a command from my superiors…"
"First, I belong to S.H.I.E.L.D. as an agent."
"Second, I am merely a fortunate one blessed with superpowers."
"Lastly, even superheroes adhere to federal laws. I don't consider myself a superhero; I am just an agent responsible for executing federal missions."
By this juncture, Uehara Naraku's expression gradually turned solemn: "The Avengers initiative is Director Fury's plan, and the role of a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent in the Avengers Squad is to guide those who might be unwilling to abide by the laws to continue complying…"
"We understand."
Vice Admiral Ross gestured to Uehara Naraku to say no more, only a hint of a smile creeping at the corner of his lips. At this moment, he didn't have much to say about what Uehara Naraku had declared.
Although not sure if Uehara Naraku's words were true…
Yet indisputably, Uehara Naraku's stance was far better than other superheroes; at least he appeared willing to offer up his power.
Not to mention...
Uehara Naraku's willingness to comply with the law sounded like a much higher level of awareness compared to other superheroes, certainly better than Tony Stark.
"The second question."
Vice Admiral Ross continued perusing the file in his hand, smiling as he continued: "Then regarding Director Nick Fury's Avengers initiative, what are your thoughts?"
"..."
Uehara Naraku fell silent for a while, then deliberated before speaking: "I apologize, I cannot offer my opinions as this is Director Fury's plan."
"No problem."
Vice Admiral Ross nonchalantly spread his hands, lightly laughing: "Special Agent Uehara, feel free to speak here, whether about Iron Man, Hulk, Captain Rogers, pick any of them; it doesn't matter who…"
"Nothing much to say, really?"
Uehara Naraku raised his eyebrows, glanced at the people present: "Thanks to the Avengers initiative, this group of superheroes is at least willing to follow a portion of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s orders…"
The previous can show forth.
At this moment, one must absolutely not show forth randomly.
Because the Avengers actually holds more importance compared to S.H.I.E.L.D., it is the ultimate force to protect Earth in the future.
"Then let's bypass this topic for now…"
Vice Admiral Ross opened the final document, his expression gradually turning solemn: "We've heard you're a member of Akatsuki, representing Earth in joining this cosmic organization. What is your view on Akatsuki?"