Chapter 84: Splitting into Two Teams
"Hello, I'm Coulson. Do you remember me? We've met before." Coulson smiled and extended his right hand, but Uchiha Shota ignored him.
They had crossed paths not long ago, so of course Uchiha Shota remembered Coulson.
"Actually, I have a mission request for you all. I heard your clan accepts mission commissions. I haven't been able to contact your clan leader. Could you let him know?"
Sure, Coulson could have gotten Uchiha Akira's number, but that wouldn't show much sincerity. At the very least, asking in person made S.H.I.E.L.D.'s interest clear.
"Unfortunately, the clan leader already departed for Japan today. What kind of mission is it? If the requirements aren't too high, I can report it to our supervising Jonin for assignment."
Shota got straight to the point. His supervising Jonin was Uchiha Hien, and missions needed his approval.
"It's like this: one of our agents is currently trapped in Sokovia due to some… special circumstances. We need special ops personnel to carry out a rescue. The mission requires strong individual combat ability, and we have little time or backup."
As Coulson explained the basic intel, he followed Shota to the Osborn Group's reception lounge.
Since Osborn Group was taken over, most Uchiha personnel had been relocated there. Their residence and work areas had been clearly separated.
"Hello, I'm Coulson from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division."
"I'm Uchiha Hien, Shota's supervising Jonin. I've been briefed on your request. We'll take the mission. The fee is 2 million USD. If the mission scope changes drastically, we reserve the right to renegotiate terms or compensation. Any objections?"
"Isn't that… a bit much?" Coulson looked awkward. Two million USD was no small sum.
"You can check with your superior." Hien didn't pressure him—he was still patient with clients.
After checking in with Nick Fury, Coulson received a direct green light.
"No problem. My superior agreed. So, will you be leading the mission?"
"No. Uchiha Shota will lead. You two, come in." As he spoke, Hien called out, "Uchiha Tanaka, Uchiha Sachiko."
Sachiko was a genjutsu specialist and trained in medical ninjutsu—she had already begun to master Palm Healing techniques.
Uchiha Tanaka was a ninjutsu specialist, skilled in Fire Style and Earth Style.
As the team leader, Uchiha Shota was a well-rounded fighter, equally adept at taijutsu and ninjutsu.
Coulson's expression darkened. While the mission wasn't extremely dangerous, Hien sending just three kids made him question their sincerity.
Taking a group of what clearly looked like children on a mission—not only could it draw unwanted attention, but could they even fight?
"Mr. Coulson, don't worry. Although they've only recently graduated, each of them has already reached Chunin-level strength. They're more than capable of handling your mission. Besides, Shota is above average for a Chunin. There won't be any issues."
Coulson couldn't argue. This mission was meant to establish preliminary cooperation with the Uchiha anyway. Worst case, he'd just have to be extra careful himself.
After the agreement, Shota, Tanaka, and Sachiko began preparing their gear. Ten minutes later, they were ready—and each had a cat perched on their shoulders.
"Why are you bringing pets on a mission?"
"How rude! Why are you insulting us like that?"
"The cat… talked?" Coulson finally recalled the talking cat he'd seen at the Uchiha estate before. So that wasn't a one-time thing—they actually lived with a bunch of cat demons!
"Please don't worry. They're our trusted partners—and excellent support in combat."
Shota patiently explained on behalf of the Ninja Cat Clan.
"But bringing them on a plane… your 'partners' won't make it through airport security~" Coulson could already tell this mission would be a hassle.
"Not a problem. This part is easy." In front of Coulson, the three cats transformed into silk scarves. Then, with a poof, Shota and the others transformed into three adults—three white adults, to be precise: two young men and a burly bearded guy.
"Sachiko… why did you transform into that?!" Shota was stunned by her choice—a hulking man with a chest full of hair?! His eyes burned!
"What? I saw guys like this on TV. They looked reliable!" Sachiko seemed completely unaware of her questionable taste.
"Can someone explain to me what kind of weird abilities you people have?"
None of them noticed a man quietly tailing them as they boarded the plane.
Sokovia, inside a military base.
"We've received intel: Coulson from Nick Fury's unit has arrived in Sokovia. He's likely here for the Black Widow. Should we take care of him?"
"Make it look like an accident."
"Yes, sir. Hail Hydra!"
Meanwhile, Uchiha Akira and Iron Man were already aboard a flight to Japan. Naturally, Stark was flying in his private jet.
Next to Tony sat Happy. Next to Akira were Uchiha Izumi and Jean Grey.
"Can someone remind me why I invited you again?" Tony rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed at Akira flaunting his 'girlfriends'.
"Kid, you're not even an adult yet. Take care of your body, will you?"
"Mr. Stark, while federal law in the U.S. sets 18 as the minimum marriage age, many states allow it at 16. I'm already 17. Uchiha Akira is 16, turning 17 soon."
Jean cut in, firmly, giving Tony no face.
"Akira, why are you letting your little girlfriend talk for you?"
"Tony, are you seriously this bored…?"
Meanwhile, Izumi sat there thinking, "I'm not even 16 yet… what do I do…"
"Tony, you're literally twice our age. Why are you arguing with a bunch of teenagers?"
"You call yourself a teenager? You're more like a snake in human skin…"
"Playboy, mind your own business."
Tony and Akira bickered without restraint. At Tony's level, it was rare for someone to talk back to him like this. But today, he'd gotten into it himself—and was getting roasted mercilessly by Akira.
"Hey, hey, Akira, don't push it. I'm still your creditor, remember? I lent you a ton of money. Aren't you afraid I'll demand it back? Can't you give this poor investor some respect?"
"You yourself admitted you're a sucker. What's there to complain about?"
"Besides, I never worry you'll use that debt to pressure me. You're Tony Stark—you'd never stoop that low."
Akira had borrowed money from Tony to acquire Harry's shares in the Osborn Group. As one of America's wealthiest men, Tony had plenty of liquid assets.
And since Tony didn't even charge much interest, Akira happily took advantage of the opportunity—after all, a fool and his money...
Tony, who had been somewhat annoyed, now found himself actually respecting Akira's boldness. There was a sense of mutual understanding between men.
"Of course! I, Tony Stark, am not that kind of guy!"