The Incan Temple-
The temple was now securely surrounded by S.H.I.E.L.D., with a large number of field agents stationed around to maintain the safety of the site.
Inside the temple, Barton, with his bow slung over his shoulder, approached Sitwell, who was directing a team of researchers.
"Any leads?" Barton asked.
Sitwell shook his head. "Coulson's intel only confirms that this is where they first appeared. But the exact reason and how the teleportation array works still need to be studied."
Barton nodded and began surveying the surroundings of the temple.
…
New York City-
It was already evening.
Outside the Sound Ninja Base, a Chevrolet SUV with the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo was parked at the entrance.
Inside the vehicle, Rumlow spoke to Steve Rogers. "Cap, we'll proceed with Plan A. If they agree to hand him over, great. We won't pursue."
"But if they refuse, you mustn't engage. We'll retreat and move on to another plan."
Steve nodded, "Understood. I won't act rashly."
Satisfied with Steve's response, Rumlow and another agent Dobi both breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Steve didn't fight in the ninja's stronghold, they were fine.
Steve Rogers, Brock Rumlow, and Hendell Dobi exited the car. Approaching the entrance, Steve pressed the doorbell.
In the monitoring room, Kin Tsuchi noticed the doorbell ring and observed the three individuals standing at the entrance through the surveillance cameras.
Recognizing it as a visit from S.H.I.E.L.D., she switched on the intercom and asked, "What brings you here?"
Hearing the voice from the speaker under the doorbell, Steve Rogers replied, "I'm Steve Rogers from S.H.I.E.L.D. We're here to visit Ms. Tayuya of the Sound Village."
Upon hearing that it was a visit to Tayuya, Kin Tsuchi responded, "Please wait a moment."
Kin Tsuchi then called Tayuya, reporting, "Lady Tayuya, Steve Rogers from S.H.I.E.L.D. is here to see you."
"Let them in."
"Yes, my lady."
After hanging up the phone, Kin Tsuchi instructed Zaku Abumi to escort the guests inside.
Zaku Abumi soon appeared at the base's entrance, opening the door and saying to Steve Rogers and his companions, "Follow me. Lady Tayuya is waiting for you in the living room."
Steve and Rumlow exchanged glances before following Zaku Abumi inside.
It was Steve's first time at the Sound Ninja Base, so he carefully observed his surroundings. The area was quite spacious, but the open lawns around them showed no signs of other ninjas.
Even though it was his first visit, Steve Rogers had already reviewed the original map of the base before accepting the mission.
After all, the Sound Ninja Base had been sold to them by S.H.I.E.L.D. itself. Although it had undergone significant changes, some basic elements remained the same.
They crossed the lawn and entered the interior of the castle, where Steve Rogers saw Tayuya sitting on a sofa. Besides Tayuya, Jirōbō was also present.
Zaku Abumi led the three men to Tayuya and respectfully said, "Lady Tayuya, your guests have arrived."
"You may leave."
"Yes, my lady!"
As Zaku Abumi departed, Steve Rogers spoke first, "Hello, Ms. Tayuya. I'm Steve Rogers from S.H.I.E.L.D."
Tayuya looked at the three of them and smiled, "The famous Captain America. I've heard of you. Please, have a seat."
After sitting down, Steve continued, "Ms. Tayuya, the reason for our visit is an important matter. Dosu Kinuta from your Sound Village took a man named Michael Peterson from Union Station in California. This action is illegal."
"We need you to hand over Michael Peterson. Holding someone against their will is a crime."
Hendell Dobi then took out a tablet and played a video showing Dosu Kinuta taking the person away from the station.
Steve handed the tablet to Tayuya, placing it in front of her.
Tayuya crossed her legs, not even glancing at the tablet in front of her. Instead, she let out a cold laugh, "Heh."
"You've come to the wrong place if you're looking for him."
"If that's what you're here for, you can leave now."
Steve, with a serious expression, insisted, "Ms. Tayuya, your Sound Ninja Dosu Kinuta not only took Michael but also killed a police officer at the scene."
"Are you really not going to hand over Michael?"
Tayuya remained indifferent. Michael was a target desired by Lord Charles, so there was no way she'd hand him over.
Besides, with the Sound Ninja's strength, what could S.H.I.E.L.D. do? To the locals, Michael might be considered someone powerful, but to the Sound Ninja, he was just another weakling.
"We don't have the person you're looking for. As for Dosu Kinuta killing someone, if you think you can take him, you're welcome to try."
As she spoke, both Tayuya and Jirōbō released their chakra, filling the room with an overwhelming aura.
Despite the intense pressure, Steve managed to ask, "Is he still alive? His son is waiting for him."
Seeing that Steve could still speak under the pressure, Tayuya withdrew her chakra and coolly replied, "Go back. The person you're looking for isn't here."
"And if you don't have any other business, I won't be hosting you any longer."
Hearing this dismissal, Steve wanted to say more, but Rumlow pulled him back.
Realizing that negotiations wouldn't work, Steve knew they might have to resort to force.
"Since the Sound Ninja won't hand him over, I hope you won't regret it. Let's go."
Steve stood up and left the Sound Ninja base with his companions.
Back in the car, Rumlow advised, "Steve, don't act on impulse."
"If they won't hand him over, we'll execute Plan B and report it to the agency."
Steve, still angry, replied, "We should storm in there. I'm not afraid of them."
Hendell Dobi said, "We three aren't a match for them. A covert approach wouldn't work either, and we can't be sure Michael is even in their base."
"Our investigation hasn't found any evidence that Dosu Kinuta brought him through the main entrance. Let's report it and execute Plan B."
Steve nodded, "Report it."
Rumlow took out his phone and called, "Director, they refuse to hand him over. They said if we can, we should just take Dosu Kinuta by force."
Nick Fury, with a cold tone, replied, "Come back and execute Plan B."
"Yes, sir!"
The car then started and left the Sound Ninja base.
Inside the base, Kin Tsuchi reported, "My lady, their vehicle has left."
Jirōbō then asked, "Tayuya, do you think they have other plans?"
Tayuya scoffed, "With their strength? I don't think so."
"Unless they bring the Avengers, we could storm their headquarters ourselves. Don't worry about them."