"Lord Charles." (x5)
Seeing that it was Kabuto Yakushi who had arrived instead of Orochimaru, Charles wasn't surprised.
Orochimaru was likely still immersed in his research, and as long as the goods were delivered, Charles didn't care whether it was Kabuto or Orochimaru handling the delivery.
At this moment, each of the Sound Four carried three massive scrolls on their backs, towering in size.
"My lord, these are the 084 objects collected by the Sound Village from S.H.I.E.L.D.'s central base. In addition, there are items contributed by HYDRA as well."
"Altogether, there are 1,063 items. However, Mitarashi Anko mentioned that a significant portion of them are not energy-based 084 objects that we specifically collect."
While speaking, the Sound Four set down all the scrolls they had carried, placing them before Charles.
Charles nodded in response and said, "No problem. Any harvest is a good one. As for Coulson seeking to collaborate with you, consider that an unexpected bonus."
"Regarding the value of this batch of materials, I'll confirm it and let you know later. As for how much support to offer Coulson's side, you can decide for yourself."
Kabuto replied respectfully, "Understood, Lord Charles."
Charles looked at Kabuto and asked, "What's happening with HYDRA? Any notable movements from the other factions? The Sound Village's gain this time should be quite substantial."
Hearing Charles's question, Kabuto began to report:
"Pierce had a hidden team of sixty operatives that only activated after his death. They've now come to pledge allegiance to us, bringing 40 energy-based 084 objects in hopes of gaining support to reestablish themselves as a leading faction within HYDRA."
"As for the other factions of HYDRA, after witnessing Pierce's downfall, their cooperation with us has grown even closer."
"They've started sending large numbers of experimental subjects and 084 objects in exchange for physical enhancement serums and the Curse Mark of Fire."
Charles nodded, "Investigate their inner workings. Identify the faction specifically responsible for facilitating HYDRA's return."
"From what I know, this particular branch transports people to the true HYDRA on specific dates every year."
"It's actually a teleportation device, though they're unaware of it."
Kabuto looked puzzled and asked, "The true HYDRA?"
Charles explained, "It's essentially an Inhuman—or, in modern terms, a superhuman. In reality, though, it's a being composed of cellular parasites that can infest and control hosts."
Kabuto mulled this over before responding, "Parasites? Wouldn't that make it susceptible to being countered by the Aburame Clan?"
Charles smiled, "That's a possibility, but it wouldn't be easy. The current Shino Aburame isn't a match; his parasitic insects are not up to the task."
Kabuto seemed thoughtful, realizing that this ancient HYDRA leader was no ordinary opponent, given its incredibly long lifespan.
"My lord, where is this teleportation device located?"
"It's likely not on this planet."
Charles nodded and said, "It's on a distant planet, far away from here, and I don't have the exact coordinates for it."
"However, it can be reached through HYDRA's teleportation matrix. Once we secure it, we'll head to that planet and eliminate Hive."
"That planet will become ours, whether it serves as an extension of the ninja world or as a site to grow the Chakra Tree. Either way, it's a perfect choice."
Hearing that it was a second habitable planet, a glint of excitement appeared in Kabuto's eyes. A planet of resources like that was a massive opportunity.
He was also intrigued by the Chakra Tree mentioned by his lord. What kind of tree would require an entire planet for cultivation? Although curious, Kabuto refrained from asking further and instead nodded.
"Understood, my lord. I'll locate what you need as quickly as possible and secure the teleportation device to Hive's planet."
Charles nodded approvingly, "I trust you with this."
"This harvest has been fruitful. You'll soon have new allies joining your side."
"Oh, and I've also brought a new experimental subject for Orochimaru. I believe he'll find it quite fascinating."
One of Charles's shadow clones left briefly and returned with a glass container holding a man.
"This is Absorbing Man. He can transform his flesh into any material he touches—whether it's metal, fabric, glass, soil, or wood."
"However, the downside is that he must physically contact the material each time he transforms, and the speed of transformation is somewhat slow by ninja standards."
"Additionally, there are limits to the energy he can harness. Not all materials allow full conversion."
Looking at the man confined within the glass prison, Kabuto smirked, "An intriguing ability, indeed. I'm sure Lord Orochimaru will be more than willing to devote some time to study him."
Kabuto turned to Jirōbō and instructed, "Jirōbō, take Lord Charles's gift."
Jirōbō stepped forward and said, "Understood, Lord Kabuto."
After Jirōbō hoisted the glass prison onto his back, Kabuto and the Sound Four left.