After Coulson left Skye, he headed straight to the armory and found Agent Hand.
"Two of my team members, Ward and Fitz, were told there was a rescue team, but there isn't."
"Hand, you owe me an explanation. I have Level 8 clearance."
"I have the right to know information that affects the safety of my team. You should have informed me."
Hand, unfazed by Coulson's anger, shook her head, "I don't need to explain anything, do I?"
"Even if you knew, what difference would it make, Agent Coulson?" she replied.
Coulson shot back, "In our missions, we usually have a rescue plan."
Hand calmly responded, "Barton and Romanoff never have rescue plans."
Coulson retorted, "But they knew that from the beginning."
Hand explained, "Agent Fitz has no real combat experience. Knowing the full details would only distract him and demoralize him."
Coulson shook his head, "That decision should have been mine to make."
Hand replied, "I was concerned you wouldn't agree."
"Your team includes a non-agent with an ankle monitor, someone infamous for leaking secrets."
"By the way, this reminds me, how did you come across this information?"
Coulson looked at Hand and said, "I understand the value of a thousand lives, and I know how important it is to destroy high-level weapons of mass destruction. But I also know my team and their worth."
"The decision to participate should be theirs to make."
Hand nodded, "Perhaps. But you need to trust the organization, Agent Coulson."
"And besides, this mission is one that your team must complete, isn't it?"
With that, Hand turned and walked away without looking back.
As she left, Coulson turned and immediately headed back to the aircraft, gathering May, Skye, and Simmons.
"May, it's time. Let's go."
…
Meanwhile-
As Killer Bee and his team departed, Charles took out the two 084 items from the sealed scroll, along with the one he had acquired himself.
Ding! Detected items eligible for recharge. Would you like to proceed?
Recharge!
With the successful recharge, Charles gained a total of 8,000 coins: 2,000 coins for one item and 3,000 coins each for the other two.
At this point, Charles's coin balance had reached 150,000. It seemed like a good time to check the monthly limited edition ninja updates, especially since he still had three open battle slots.
Entering the summoning space, Charles opened the monthly limited edition ninja recruitment interface.
What greeted him were three B-rank ninjas from the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist: Jinin Akebino, Jinpachi Munashi, and Kushimaru Kuriarare.
Looking at the trio, Charles was surprised, "Looks like the system opened a special session for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!"
"And it's not a mixed batch either—this is the first generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen."
Charles recalled the original seven members: Juzo Biwa (the Executioner's Blade), Fuguki Suikazan (Samehada), Kushimaru Kuriarare (the Long Sword), Jinin Akebino (the Blunt Sword), Jinpachi Munashi (the Explosive Sword), Raiga Kurosuki (the Lightning Blades), and Mangetsu Hozuki (the Twin Swords).
He remembered that the strongest of the group was Juzo, who joined the Akatsuki and teamed up with Itachi Uchiha.
The others were at the elite jonin level, but when they fought together, they were as strong as a kage.
Unfortunately, five of them were taken down by Might Duy when he opened the Eight Gates during the Third Great Ninja War.
As he looked at the three ninjas in front of him, Charles realized that Kirigakure could finally start replenish its strength.
Each ninja was priced at 16,800 coins.
Without hesitation, Charles purchased all three ninjas, spending 50,400 coins.
He bought them now because the monthly cycle was about to end. If he didn't get them today, they would be refreshed tomorrow, and who knew when they'd be available again.
Charles had just gained control over the massive surge of power within himself, and with the approaching mission from Odin, he knew that a major battle was imminent.
Summoning these ninjas now could serve as a boost to his strength in the upcoming fight.
After spending 50,000 coins, Charles still had 103,000 coins left, enough to deal with any unexpected situations that might arise.
…
Meanwhile-
Having completed their mission, Fitz and Ward ran out, watching as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s aerial strike units fired missiles down toward their target.
Ahead of them, a large number of separatist soldiers were closing in.
Realizing there was no rescue plan, Fitz turned to Ward and asked, "You said they need people like us, right?"
Ward nodded, "Yes."
Initially neither of them intended to resist; they planned to wait for S.H.I.E.L.D. to intervene and rescue them later.
Just then, the sound of roaring engines came from the sky, and a massive shadow covered them both.
Fitz turned his head toward the sky, excitement lighting up his face, "The extraction team is here!"
Ward, too, spotted the aircraft overhead and smiled, "Even better, it's our team."
"You can never get tired of this sight."
May was piloting the plane and used its jet turbines to blow away the soldiers on the ground, allowing Ward and Fitz to be safely extracted.
…
At S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters-
Sitwell, having completed his tasks, returned to the operations room and asked while watching the screen, "Did Coulson's team make it out safely?"
Hand calmly replied, "They did."
Sitwell was surprised, "I thought there wasn't an extraction plan?"
Hand explained, "All our personnel are being used elsewhere. Besides, it's Agent Coulson's team; they don't need assistance."
With a smile, she added, "Now, let's focus on cleanup."
She turned and left the room, while Sitwell glanced at the screen one last time before following suit.
…
Aboard the aircraft, Ward extended his hand to Coulson as he approached, "Thanks for coming to get us, sir."
Coulson shook his hand and replied, "We take care of our own."
He then shook hands with Fitz before walking away from the ramp.
Simmons welcomed Fitz with a smile, "Welcome back, Fitz."
The whole team gathered to greet Ward and Fitz upon their return, exchanging brief pleasantries before dispersing.
…
Back in her room, Skye was deep in thought when Coulson entered.
Skye looked at him and apologized, "I've been thinking about what happened today. I'm really sorry..."
Coulson interrupted, "I just wanted to let you know, I haven't forgotten what you asked me to do at the Hub."
Skye looked confused, "What do you mean?"
Coulson clarified, "I've found the unedited file about your past."