"Then we can only check if there are any clues on those bodies outside."
Nick Fury scratched his head a little. He said that, but he didn't believe that the mysterious organization that dared to provoke a powerful force would leave any useful information from the people it sent out.
"Although I have some guesses, like the Leviathan on the other side… but without evidence, for now, this is all we have."
"Mr. Stark, should I escort you two back to the New York branch first?"
Nick Fury suggested protecting Howard and Bucky, two key figures.
"Not for now. Bucky and I will continue with my previous operation."
"This…"
Nick Fury saw Howard's resolute and fearless expression and thought, 'As expected of the founder of S.H.I.E.L.D., even a billionaire is so dedicated to his work, not fearing hardships.'
"Isn't it too dangerous?"
"It needs to be dangerous. I want to tell those rats lurking in the dark that I'm fine, I have means, just come… Besides, isn't Bucky protecting me?"
Alright, so he has someone strong to rely on, that's why he's so brave.
Nick Fury then realized that Howard might need protection, but Bucky alone had taken down twelve fully armed elite soldiers. His fierce combat power, coupled with Howard's genius mind and practical skills, made the two of them practically an enhanced version of the 'Hundred-Battle Heavenly Dragon'.
Moreover, Howard's title and rank were higher than Nick Fury's, and he himself was on a S.H.I.E.L.D. mission. If he wanted to continue, Nick Fury had no right to object.
"May I bring the Agents to act with you? At least there'll be some backup."
"Yes, but not too many people, and don't be too conspicuous."
Howard had this exact intention; going through this extra loop was all for show. Otherwise, without the Super Soldier Serum, he would be escorting nothing.
"Yessir, we can depart at any time."
"It would be best to prepare some weapons. I need assault rifles with steel-core bullets, and shotguns with slugs. Of course, a 40mm grenade launcher would be even better. It's difficult to deal with enemies equipped like that again."
"…Of course."
"My invention is used up."
Seeing Nick Fury's slight confusion at Bucky's request, Howard added.
These were minor details. After a few words, Bucky, carrying the metal box that originally held the serum, followed the two out of the villa.
The Agents outside had already cleaned up the scene. They weren't CSI, nor did they need to collect forensic evidence; the perpetrator was on their side.
"Agent Coulson, Agent May, Agent Neil, and Agent Fenton, follow me."
Nick Fury called out the names of the receding hairline, the cold Asian woman Bucky secretly thought, 'It really is her,' and two average-looking individuals.
These four got into an SUV, while Nick Fury, Howard, and Bucky got into another car.
This dashed Bucky's hope of getting to know the other two.
But the journey wasn't lonely.
"How much do you remember about World War II? My father didn't talk much about that time, and I'm very interested in it, and Captain America…"
Nick Fury fully utilized his talent for probing, continuously asking Bucky questions. Although he didn't mention a word about where this mission was going or what exactly they were escorting, compartmentalized management and information secrecy were not rules he initiated.
But how could Bucky not hear that the future Agent King was constantly probing him?
And Bucky just took this as the future Agent King's professional habit. Moreover, with Bucky's high Intelligence and composure attributes, he was quick-witted, analytical, and remarkably calm, constantly analyzing Nick Fury's rhetoric and the various extremely subtle traps and consecutive schemes in his questions, which he found quite interesting.
However, Howard, beside Bucky, occasionally glanced at Nick Fury driving, his eyes flickering.
In his perception, Nick Fury was a young man (relative to his own age) favored and personally promoted by the current Director Pierce. He looked like Pierce's direct subordinate. And Pierce was one of his most suspected targets.
Although Pierce didn't appear in person, Nick Fury's presence was the same.
Nick Fury had no idea that his habitual behavior had made Howard suspicious of him.
…
"Director Pierce? Hmm, I'm fine, but the problem is quite significant…"
Fortunately, Nick Fury didn't keep Howard suspicious for too long. Because Howard's Motorola MicroTAC, a smaller brick phone, rang, and it was a call from Pierce. This was the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Although it was an operation by Howard, a senior veteran, he had complete autonomy, but the Director could also get information from any Agent, so he came to inquire.
So Nick Fury quieted down and listened to their conversation with Bucky.
Would Pierce be relieved, or more nervous?
Bucky couldn't help but wonder as he listened to Howard's bluster.
Before long, the call ended, and silence fell in the car for a moment.
And this trip was a performance, just enough to make a point. Even after taking a detour to a S.H.I.E.L.D. safe house to get equipment, and then heading to the location specified by Howard, they quickly reached their destination.
Howard went to his secret stronghold alone, playing the part fully.
Bucky also conscientiously maintained his guard.
However, the anticipated attack did not come.
"Mr. Stark, shall we return to New York headquarters?"
"No, Bucky and I will go to my company's laboratory. The equipment there is more complete. Hmm, you should follow too. This is no longer just my business; the Bureau also needs to understand Bucky's situation."
Howard's reply to Nick Fury also indicated that Bucky was still his responsibility.
"Okay."
Nick Fury naturally had no objection to this; he had the least resistance to secrets.
…
"New York, I really miss it, Howard, can we get a cheeseburger first?"
Returning to New Jersey, then crossing the George Washington Bridge, they arrived at Manhattan Island, New York, the most dazzling part of the U.S.'s jewel.
"You and my kid have the same taste."
Seeing Bucky's genuine curiosity mixed with bewilderment, and a hint of nostalgia, Howard secretly thought, 'This guy's acting is quite good,' but he didn't realize that Bucky was just being himself.
And tonight's thrilling experience had temporarily come to an end, Howard was also slightly relaxed. Hearing Bucky's suggestion, the first thing he thought of was his beloved yet troublesome brat at home, and he really did take Bucky to a burger joint.
So the three in the car each had a cheeseburger and a milkshake.
"It tastes really good, but it doesn't seem to be the one from my memory."
"…Then how about here?"
Howard pointed outside the car; they were back on a bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge.
The road to Bucky's hometown.
Bucky hadn't expected this; it had a greater reaction on his body than HYDRA chanting spells. In an instant, countless distant memories flooded his mind.
"Brooklyn, Steve, home…"