After Coulson hung up the phone, he glanced at the potions on the table. The most important task now was to deliver the potions back to the central facility. As for the leak incident, that would be the next mission.
…
Meanwhile-
Charles arrived in the Summoning World with the Cloud Ninja version of the body enhancement potions that Shizune had prepared.
Pushing open the door, Charles found C and Karui deeply engrossed in learning about this world.
They hadn't rested for three days, overwhelmed by the vast amount of information. Even after reading at a rapid pace, they had barely covered half of the materials.
Still, both of them now had a basic understanding of this world. When they saw Charles enter, they quickly stood up and greeted, "Lord Charles."
Charles nodded and tossed a storage scroll to C.
"Inside are the body enhancement potions—nine in total."
"You already know how to handle the trade."
C accepted the scroll and nodded, "I've reviewed the previous trade records with Sunagakure and the agency. I'll maximize the profits."
Charles nodded in approval and continued, "You can handle the construction of the Cloud Village base. As for additional ninjas, if there are suitable candidates, I'll consider them for you."
"Thank you, Lord Charles," both C and Karui responded in unison.
Charles then asked, "How is the information study going?"
C replied, "We've gone through about half of it. In three to four more days, we should be done with an initial review."
"However, to fully understand everything, we'll need more time for continued learning."
Charles nodded, "This is just basic information. Once your base is established, you can continue studying and mastering it."
"Once you've finished these basics, get ready to integrate into this world."
"Yes, Lord Charles," they both replied.
Charles didn't linger long in the Summoning World and soon used Reverse Summoning to return to his base.
…
Later in the evening-
After Coulson had delivered the Cursed Seal of Heaven potions back to the S.H.I.E.L.D. central facility, he gathered everyone.
Skye and Killer Bee entered the command room together, laughing and talking about their day.
They had visited a famous rapper, one of America's top ten, who had been thrilled to meet Killer Bee, a fellow rapper and ninja. The two had hit it off immediately.
Once everyone was assembled, Coulson began, "We've recently encountered a serious information leak."
"According to Kabuto from the Sound Ninja and Agent Sitwell from the Incan Temple, the Rising Tide group has hacked into the Incan Temple's data."
As soon as Coulson finished speaking, everyone turned to look at Skye, including Killer Bee.
Everyone in the team knew that Skye had once been a part of the Rising Tide.
Feeling the weight of their stares, Skye's expression darkened. She quickly spoke to Coulson, "The Rising Tide is a large, global organization. It could have been anyone."
"It wasn't me."
Ward, his face expressionless, said sternly, "No one said it was you."
Skye looked at Ward and retorted, "But that's exactly what you're all thinking. I can see it in your faces."
Coulson responded, "We're evaluating the situation, and our next mission is to capture the leaker."
Skye argued, "Then you should consider that I've been living with you all on the plane. There's no way I could've hacked S.H.I.E.L.D."
Coulson looked at her, "That might make it easier. But that's not enough to clear you of suspicion."
Skye looked around at the group, "I was part of the mission at the Incan Temple. There was no reason for me to hack into it."
Seeing that her explanation hadn't changed many minds, she continued, "Fine. Let me track this hacker. I can prove my innocence."
Killer Bee then spoke up, "I trust her if what she says is the truth."
Ward also added, "We need to find out who did this. Skye is very capable of tracking them down."
Coulson nodded, "Go ahead, but be quick about it."
"I'm worried that the Incan Temple could be attacked by unknown forces soon. Other Cloud Village ninjas have already arrived there."
Killer Bee looked at Coulson with confusion and asked, "Are you saying that Cloud Village ninjas have already arrived?"
Coulson nodded. "Yes, they came, but after confirming your safety, they temporarily returned. They mentioned the possibility of reaching some kind of cooperation and, after gathering some information, decided to leave for now."
"They should return in some time, and when they do, they'll likely come looking for you."
At that moment, many questions flooded Killer Bee's mind: Returned? Returned where?
He knew it was impossible to return to the Shinobi World. These must be Cloud Village ninjas brought to this world by Lord Charles through the River of Time.
Though he had many thoughts, Killer Bee didn't show it and instead nodded, saying, "It seems they've found that spot. Hopefully, they can enjoy their time for a while."
Coulson nodded in agreement, then turned to Ward, "Ward, step outside with me for a moment."
Once outside the command room, Coulson pulled out his phone and displayed a phone number.
"This is Kabuto's number. You should take note of it."
"He mentioned that after handling his current tasks, he'll invite you out for a meal."
Ward nodded, took out his phone, and saved the number. He then asked, "What's the plan with the Cloud Village?"
Coulson shook his head, "We'll see what Cloud Village decides."
"If we can reach a cooperation agreement, that would be ideal."
"Oh, by the way, Kabuto has come up with a new item called the Cursed Seal of Fire. It gives the user fire control abilities, somewhat similar to Chen's powers."
"If you get the chance, see if you can secure a spot for purchasing it."
Hearing this, Ward's face lit up with excitement, "If possible, I'll definitely try. But I don't have any of the materials they need—084 items are owned by the agency."
Coulson chuckled. "If you manage to secure a spot, you can apply for the resources from the Director."
"After all, these kinds of items are rare, and we haven't cracked the technology ourselves yet."
Ward nodded thoughtfully, but he was also slightly concerned about one thing: whether this new item could work alongside the body enhancement serum.
"By the way, Coulson, from what you've said, this thing seems different from the previous body enhancement serum. Do you know if it's compatible?"
"You've already been injected with the body enhancement serum. If you could also acquire this Cursed Seal of Fire, your strength might increase dramatically."
Coulson looked at Ward, paused for a second, and then shook his head. "Unfortunately, I asked Kabuto the same question, but it's not possible to use both at the same time."