Coulson could sense the Demon Slayer Corps' strength and legacy from every word Kyojuro spoke, which made him lose confidence in successfully recruiting the Flame Hashira into S.H.I.E.L.D.
After all, why would someone join an organization they knew nothing about when they already belonged to something with proven success?
Truth be told, Coulson hadn't really wanted to recruit Kyojuro in the first place.
As a qualified agent, he wasn't naive enough to trust someone he'd just met—even if that person had saved their lives. There was always the possibility this was all part of some elaborate scheme to gain their trust.
But regardless of his reservations, Kyojuro's strength was undeniable.
More importantly, this power didn't require physical modification or genetic mutation. It could be mastered through training and learning alone. That kind of knowledge was an irresistible temptation for any individual or organization.
Once word spread that "the lone dimensional traveler Kyojuro Rengoku possesses a method to gain superhuman strength simply through training and learning," armed forces across the entire world would set their sights on him.
Underground criminal organizations and national governments alike.
Sure, Kyojuro's displayed strength seemed capable of fending off anyone with ill intentions, but it was easy to dodge a spear in the open—much harder to guard against a hidden arrow.
Kyojuro was human. No matter how powerful he was, he still needed to eat, drink, sleep, and use the bathroom.
As long as he remained human, there were countless vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
He was just one person. As long as his personal strength didn't surpass that of entire organizations, the attempts against him wouldn't stop.
Human greed wouldn't be deterred by his power. On the contrary, it would be like a starving wild dog spotting fresh meat—even knowing the cost would be steep, they'd still rush forward one after another.
Coulson was worried. Worried that this method of gaining immense power would fall into the hands of an ambitious organization that would recklessly use force for selfish purposes. And he didn't want this righteous man, whose mission was to eradicate evil, to meet with misfortune.
That's why he'd extended the invitation for Kyojuro to join S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. could provide him with protection and help him achieve his ideals, while he could make great contributions to S.H.I.E.L.D. and humanity. It was mutually beneficial.
Whether for public or private reasons, Coulson believed S.H.I.E.L.D. was the best place for this man.
Therefore, even though he felt his chances of successfully recruiting him were slim, he didn't intend to give up.
"Phew..."
Coulson took a deep breath and looked sincerely at the Flame Hashira. "Mr. Kyojuro, I'm afraid that won't work.
Your power is extraordinary, and you have no documented history in this world. That in itself is a factor that causes social instability. S.H.I.E.L.D. has an obligation to monitor individuals like you.
Secondly, establishing a private armed force... setting aside the need to appease local governments, the cost of maintaining such a force is considerable.
As far as I know, although Quinn has some assets, they're not sufficient for expenses like this. And he doesn't have the connections to sway government opinion either."
"I can help with that!"
Tony suddenly interjected.
Everyone turned to look at him in astonishment.
Coulson felt his frustration spike. What are you doing? My chances were already slim, and now you're making it worse! This is too much!
Tony just shrugged nonchalantly. "What? He saved my life. I'm repaying the favor. If he needs help, this is nothing."
The truth, of course, wasn't as simple as he made it sound.
While Tony was genuinely grateful, he'd never repay someone this way under normal circumstances.
He offered to help because he himself hoped an organization like the Demon Slayer Corps would exist in this world.
During his investigation into demons, he'd uncovered many truths hidden beneath the world's surface.
Vampire empires. The Hand. Spirits of Vengeance. Hell's denizens.
The world wasn't just threatened by terrorists and power-hungry individuals—there were also these extraordinary beings lurking in the shadows. The world needed an armed force that could fight against these supernatural threats, that belonged to humanity, and that fought only for humanity's interests.
Of course, this all depended on whether the Demon Slayer Corps was truly as noble as Tamayo and Kyojuro described.
Therefore, if he ultimately funded Kyojuro's establishment of the Demon Slayer Corps in this world, he would inevitably get involved. He'd strictly control the character of each member and the organization's rules and regulations to prevent it from becoming a tool for personal ambition.
"Thank you for your kindness, but it's too early to discuss these things. The idea of establishing a Demon Slayer Corps just came to me recently. I haven't thoroughly thought through the pros and cons or its feasibility. I need to ask Mr. Quinn for his opinion before we discuss specifics."
After answering Tony's offer, Kyojuro turned to Coulson and said seriously, "I don't object to your attitude toward me, but I won't stop my actions because of it. I have—"
Just then, a figure suddenly descended from the sky, landing in the distance like a cannonball. The impact caused violent tremors and a deafening roar.
Everyone looked toward the sound and saw a man emerging from the smoke and dust—short pink hair, golden eyes, pale skin, and countless dark blue tattoos covering his body like criminal markings.
The man moved so fast that no one could track him properly.
His target was crystal clear—Tamayo. He saw nothing else, only his objective. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of her, extending his right hand with bright red nails.
Everyone was still in a daze, as if they'd just snapped back to reality.
Just as the attacker was about to succeed, the man who burned like the sun stepped forward.
"Flame Breathing, Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!"
Kyojuro moved to intercept, his blade slashing upward with such ferocity that the air itself seemed to distort, like a blazing sun rising in the night sky.
Shlick!
The fist was split down the middle, then the entire arm.
The man who'd appeared without warning and launched his surprise attack was stopped cold.
He didn't linger for the fight. With a light step, he retreated, leaping back more than ten meters.
"Who the hell—!"
Only then did everyone fully come to their senses, raising their weapons and aiming at the sudden attacker.
Then they saw the number inscribed in the man's golden eyes—Upper Rank Three!
An Upper Rank demon!
Everyone felt horror grip their hearts, panic and fear washing over them.
They'd nearly been wiped out by Lower Rank Five before, and now Upper Rank Three had appeared. How were they supposed to fight this?
Thud!
Kyojuro strode forward and positioned himself in front of everyone.
As they all gazed at that broad back, a sense of calm inexplicably settled over them.
What were they afraid of?
Wasn't there a top expert right here who specialized in slaying evil demons?
This Upper Rank Three had been injured the moment he appeared. Even if he was stronger than the previous Lower Rank demon, there had to be limits. He definitely wouldn't be a match for Mr. Kyojuro.
All they needed to do was provide covering fire while Mr. Kyojuro fought the demon.