In the conference room, the screen displayed the words "Access Denied."
Pierce spoke up, "Unlocking requires an executive order, which needs two Level-A personnel."
The implication was clear: there was only one Level-A personnel present—himself. This meant the data release was destined to fail.
Natasha glanced at Pierce and smiled, "Don't worry, help is on the way."
At that moment, a helicopter landed on the rooftop helipad. The sound of the rotors drew Pierce's attention, and he looked toward the aircraft. When he saw who disembarked, his eyes widened in shock.
Soon, Nick Fury, dressed in his signature black trench coat, walked into the room.
Looking at him, Pierce said, "Did you receive my flowers?"
"I'm glad you could make it, Nick."
Nick Fury stared at Pierce and replied, "Really?"
"Because I thought you tried to kill me."
Pierce, watching Fury approach, retorted, "You know how the game is played."
Fury voiced the question that had been on his mind, "Why did you make me Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
To Fury, it was baffling that Pierce, a former S.H.I.E.L.D. Director and Hydra operative, didn't pass the role to another Hydra member upon stepping down.
Pierce responded directly, "Because you're the best, most ruthless person I know."
Fury countered, "I'm doing my best to protect people."
Pierce continued, "My enemies are your enemies, Nick."
"Chaos, war, dirty bombs in Moscow, or EMP attacks on Chicago—they're just a matter of time."
"Diplomacy? It's a temporary solution."
"Do you know where I figured it out? Colombia."
"You didn't ask questions; you just did what needed to be done."
"Sacrificing two million lives to save seven billion—that's the next step if you're willing to take it, Nick."
Even now, Pierce didn't stop trying to sway Nick Fury, making one last attempt at persuasion.
Fury rejected him outright, "I have the courage not to take that step."
Then, turning to Selene, he said, "Thank you for your support. Give my regards to Charles Doyle."
Selene nodded silently, acknowledging his words.
Fury grabbed Pierce and brought him to the screen as Natasha began the authorization process.
"Iris scan initiated."
As the iris scan appeared on the screen, Pierce smirked and said, "Did you think we wouldn't revoke your access?"
Nick Fury looked at him calmly and replied, "I know you deleted my password, but there should still be scan records."
"But if you want to beat me to it…"
At that moment, Nick removed his eyepatch, revealing his scarred eye, and said, "You'd better keep both eyes wide open at all times."
Both of them then completed the iris scan.
"Level-A personnel confirmed. Encryption unlocked. Confidential protocol canceled."
…
At Konoha Base-
In the command room, alarms blared as the cancellation of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s confidentiality protocols triggered a system alert.
Red Queen's voice sounded, "Confidentiality protocols detected as canceled. Initiating reception of S.H.I.E.L.D. archive data."
A progress bar appeared on the screens, advancing steadily, reflecting the sheer volume of S.H.I.E.L.D. files.
Ginny issued an order, "Skye, immediately delete any historical data on Charles Doyle included in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s released files."
Skye acknowledged and got to work on her computer, "Understood."
…
On the Helicarrier-
Steve Rogers was being overwhelmed by three enhanced agents. Each time he blocked one's attack with his shield, the other two would strike from different angles.
Despite being stronger than any of them individually, their teamwork and relentless assaults had him on the defensive. Every time he tried to break free, the fire-imbued agent would hurl a fireball, forcing him back.
…
In the broadcasting room, Maria Hill noticed two Hydra operatives approaching via the surveillance feed.
She retreated to the door and took them down with two precise shots, then called out again, "Six minutes left!"
Hearing the time remaining, Steve knew he couldn't afford any more delays. He shouted, "Snake Extinction!"
As Steve called for assistance, Charles Doyle shook his head.
As expected, Steve was formidable one-on-one, but even he struggled against a coordinated group.
In an instant, Charles appeared before the group, glanced at Steve, and said, "I'll handle this. You've got your mission to complete."
With that, Charles grabbed Steve and hurled him out of the fray. Seeing that Charles had arrived, Steve immediately felt reassured. After a brief glance back, he sprinted toward the chip room.
The four enhanced agents, recognizing Charles Doyle, instantly tensed up, their faces filled with apprehension. They had no hope of success now—they were facing the Ninja Immortal.
Charles looked at the four of them and muttered, "Chidori Sharp Spear!"
Lightning crackled around Charles's right hand, striking the ground and paralyzing all four of them instantly. The lightning then extended into a spear-like form, impaling the four warriors like skewered candy.
In mere moments, the four enhanced agents were dead.
Meanwhile, Steve reached the chip room. After entering the secret code, the location chip was ejected. Without hesitation, he replaced it with the one Nick Fury had prepared.
"Chip replacement for Ship A complete."