For three consecutive days, Tsunade had lost a total of 100 million dollars to the casinos in Las Vegas, earning her a notorious reputation as an easy mark in the area.
Although there were other high rollers who had come from the Middle East and lost billions, Tsunade was different—she hadn't won a single hand.
Yes, not a single win. This outcome had Tony Stark and Pepper Potts shaking their heads in disbelief.
On the plane back to New York, after Tsunade went to the restroom, Tony approached Charles, saying, "Buddy, you've got to get her to quit. With her skills, no amount of money will be enough to cover her losses."
"This is just her playing small. If she moves on to the big leagues, I'm afraid the losses will need two extra zeroes behind them."
Charles smiled and shook his head, replying, "I've got it under control."
Seeing that Charles was confident, Tony didn't push the subject further. Some things didn't need to be overly explained.
Still, he couldn't help but wonder if even with two worlds supporting his friend, wouldn't constant losses like this lead to financial ruin?
…
Meanwhile-
On the way to New York, Coulson's team was on their aircraft, with Fitz and Ward playing Texas Hold'em. Each had a pile of chips next to them.
Ward glanced at his cards and, after a moment of thought, said expressionlessly, "Call."
"I'll raise a hundred."
Fitz put down his cookies, looked at his cards, and remarked, "You know how I know I can beat you?"
Ward mocked, "By losing?"
Fitz placed his cards face down and confidently declared, "You have a tell, a nervous twitch that lets me know you're bluffing."
"If I just carefully observe you..."
"If I just carefully observe you..."
At that moment, Skye, sitting in her room with bone conduction headphones, interrupted, "Sorry, hold on."
She then grabbed her glasses and said, "You know, if I do this, not only can I see Ward's cards, but I could also see you naked, right?"
Fitz froze for a moment and then said to Ward, "I fold, you win."
Without another word, Fitz stood up and left.
Ward was left confused—were they not playing anymore?
Meanwhile, Skye put on her glasses, activated the X-ray function, and glanced in Ward's direction.
"Tsk tsk tsk~"
She then smirked and shook her head, looking over toward Killer Bee.
…
New York-
At Charles's base-
Ginny was in her office, reviewing reports from the ninjas and the High Table. Standing behind her were Shizuka and Nara Shikamaru.
As she read a report about Las Vegas, Ginny clenched her pen so hard that it snapped.
"Damn it, I was there first..."
Seeing Ginny's frustration, Shizuka maintained a stoic expression, avoiding saying anything, while Shikamaru looked down, intently studying the patterns on the floor.
It was clear that they had compiled these reports and were fully aware of their contents.
The report detailed how Tsunade and Charles had checked into the Bellagio Hotel, and how their bed had collapsed during their stay.
…
On the aircraft-
Coulson walked into the lounge and found Ward, saying, "When the aircraft lands at Central Airport, take Killer Bee and go explore. Get a sense of the underground rap scene."
"Maybe you can arrange for him to meet a few well-known rappers in New York, but make sure Killer Bee doesn't pick up any of their bad habits."
Ward glanced at Coulson, "Shouldn't you be doing that?"
"With my personality, I might end up arresting them all the moment I say hello."
Coulson nodded, "I have some things to handle, and besides, there aren't any concerts in New York for the next few days."
"Understood, sir."
As Ward stood up, Coulson thought for a moment and added, "If all goes well, I'll ask Kabuto to set up a meeting for you."
"Maybe that will help you move forward and teach Skye."
Ward paused. "Thanks."
Coulson smiled as he watched Ward leave.
Soon, the aircraft arrived at the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters in New York. After disembarking, Coulson parted ways with his team and headed to Nick Fury's office.
Ward, meanwhile, took Skye and Killer Bee to visit Curtis James Jackson III, the famous American rapper.
Coulson knocked on Fury's office door and entered.
"Sir."
Nick Fury looked at Coulson and smiled. "It seems like you're in great shape. Letting you form the dream team was clearly the right call."
Coulson smiled back. "Thank you for the support, sir."
Fury nodded. "We've prepared the items the Sound Village requested. They're stored in a warehouse on the outskirts of town."
"As for the billion dollars, we've set up a bank account in Kabuto's name. If he prefers cash or other liquid assets, that will take a bit more time."
Coulson nodded and pulled out his phone, dialing Kabuto's number.
After a moment, Kabuto picked up.
"Kabuto, we've prepared everything you asked for."
"As for the money, we've deposited the billion dollars into a bank account in your name. Is that acceptable?"
Kabuto wasn't concerned about the money, knowing S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't dare play tricks with such a large sum.
"What about the ceasefire agreement? Will you be signing, or is your director coming?"
Coulson asked, "On your side, will Orochimaru be attending?"
Kabuto chuckled. "It's just an agreement. I'll sign as the representative."
Coulson glanced at Fury, who shook his head.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. will be represented by me for the signing."
"I'll send you the meeting location shortly. See you at 2 p.m."
After hanging up, Coulson turned to Fury, "Orochimaru won't be at the signing. Should we notify Konoha?"
Clearly, if Orochimaru had attended the signing, S.H.I.E.L.D. would have leaked his location, allowing Konoha to capture their S-rank rogue ninja.
However, with Orochimaru being cautious and not attending, S.H.I.E.L.D. would proceed with the deal as planned.
"Since Orochimaru won't be there, and we can't take him out in one strike, we'll proceed with the cooperation as usual."
Coulson nodded, then asked, "About the Cursed Seal of Heaven, does my dream team have a chance to secure a slot?"
It was clear that Coulson was interested in Kabuto's items. If his team could get one, it would significantly boost the strength of members like May or Ward.
But Fury shook his head, "Coulson, when I approved the use of the Super Soldier Serum for you, I took a lot of heat for it."
"If I were to give your team another enhancement, the person who received it would no longer be under your command."
"I have other plans for that batch of serums."
Hearing that his team wouldn't get a slot for the Cursed Seal of Heaven, Coulson knew the matter was closed.
"Understood, sir."
"However, May and Ward are both excellent. If the agency conducts a selection process, I hope they'll be considered."
With that, Coulson didn't linger any longer and left Nick Fury's office.
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