Charles hung up the phone and looked at Tsunade.
"All set. Tony will bring Pepper Potts along."
"Don't worry, he's settled down now. He won't lead anyone astray."
Tsunade gave Charles a sidelong glance but didn't comment further. After all, even without Tony, Jiraiya had already become the way he was, and she had long stopped trying to change him.
Jiraiya was just a friend, and Tsunade no longer felt the need to meddle in his personal life. She had also given up on the idea of setting him up with someone.
Charles and Tsunade boarded a helicopter from the base, heading directly to the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
…
Meanwhile, on the other side-
In the New York division's mission center, Agent Coulson was reviewing available missions.
His attention was soon drawn to a series of linked jewelry heists. The information piqued his interest, and Coulson squinted slightly as he made his decision.
"This is the one."
He quickly accepted the mission and summoned his team, informing them that their break was over and that they needed to head to the airport immediately.
…
Onboard the Airbus aircraft-
The plane was in mid-flight as Coulson entered the cockpit and sat in a small chair beside the pilot's instruments. Looking at the controls, he commented, "Maybe I should learn how to fly."
He turned to Melinda May and added, "It's not too late, right? I could learn."
May took a deep breath but didn't respond immediately.
Coulson persisted.
"What do you enjoy most about flying?"
"Is it the freedom? The views?"
May finally replied, "Being alone."
Taking the hint from May's blunt answer, Coulson's smile faded slightly.
"Got it. See you in Sweden."
With that, he left the cockpit, giving her the space she preferred.
In the passenger section, Skye and Killer Bee were chatting enthusiastically about the excitement of today's concert, sitting quite close to each other.
In the lab, Ward was examining a liquid bullet and remarked, "I only have one shot. I need to catch them off guard and take them down."
Fitz, holding a handgun, grinned as he approached Ward.
"That's why we need to perfect this beauty."
Looking at Ward's expectant gaze, Fitz explained, "It's a .45 caliber, semi-automatic, with eight rounds of cobra venom-laced bullets in each magazine."
Simmons, overhearing the conversation, turned her head and added, "In case you miss."
Ward shot a look at Simmons, who immediately felt the need to clarify, "Or if there are multiple attackers."
Only then did Ward refocus on Fitz, reaching out for the gun. But Fitz pulled it back, teasing, "We'll have 'Sweet Dreams' ready soon, alright?"
As Fitz walked away with the gun, Ward sighed, slightly exasperated. "Great."
"But one thing—we're not calling it that."
Simmons glanced at Fitz and said, "I told you, he wouldn't go for that name."
Fitz looked back at Simmons, undeterred. "No, it has to be called that."
Just then, Coulson appeared, noticing Skye deep in conversation with Killer Bee. He walked over and knocked on the partition.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
Killer Bee paused and looked at Coulson before asking, "What's up, Phil?"
"Are you here for me or Killer Bee?" Skye asked, curious.
Coulson glanced at Skye. "I need your help with something."
Skye stood up, surprised. "What's going on?"
"Have you ever robbed a bank?" Coulson asked.
"No."
"An armored truck?"
"No."
"How about a casino?"
Skye looked annoyed, "Are you insulting me?"
Killer Bee chimed in, "If needed, I can help her pull it off."
Coulson shot Killer Bee a quick smile before turning back to Skye.
"Someone stole diamonds worth millions. They found a way to bypass the security system, and I need you to figure out how they did it."
Skye's eyes lit up with interest. "That sounds fun."
Killer Bee, impressed by the amount, remarked, "Diamonds worth millions? That's not a small sum."
To him, that kind of money could easily rival an S-rank mission reward.
…
Meanwhile-
Charles and Tsunade arrived at the Bellagio Hotel via helicopter, only to find Tony and Pepper Potts had arrived ahead of them.
Tony approached Charles with a hug.
"Buddy, it's rare for you to remember me."
Charles laughed heartily, embracing Tony in return.
Pepper Potts smiled at Tsunade, "Those two have such a close bond. I hope it lasts."
Tsunade, arms crossed, glanced at the hugging pair and replied casually, "It should."
After breaking the hug, Charles smiled. "Let's not stand around. Let's head inside."
"I've heard the casino here is great. I brought Tsunade specifically to check it out."
Charles walked over to Tsunade and wrapped his arm around her waist, "Come on, let's go in and take a look."
Pepper linked arms with Tony, and the four of them made their way into the hotel.
Once inside, Tony pulled a room key out of his pocket and handed it to Charles. "I've already got your room ready. Now, let's head straight to the entertainment floor."
"Let's hope for some good luck tonight."
At the casino's chip exchange counter, Tony pulled out his bank card and said to the staff, "Four sets of $1 million chips, please."
He turned to Charles and the others, saying, "Everyone gets a million. If we run out, we'll get more."
Pepper shook her head. "I'm not playing. I'll just help you manage the chips."
Tony didn't seem surprised by her response and told the staff, "Make that three sets of $1 million chips."
"Of course, sir."
Soon, three trays of $1 million in chips were prepared, each set consisting of chips in various quantities. The smallest was a $100 blue round chip, followed by yellow $500 round chips, and red $1,000 round chips.
The rectangular chips, representing $10,000 each, made up the bulk of the tray.
With their chips in hand, Charles looked at Tsunade, who was eager to start. "Let's go test our luck."
"Let's do it!" Tsunade replied enthusiastically.
…
Meanwhile-
May piloted the aircraft, bringing them swiftly to Sweden.
Coulson, May, Skye, and Killer Bee arrived at the scene of the heist. The area was sealed off, and the train involved was still parked at the station.
###
Early Access to All Chapters: pat reon. com /gfdsa