The door to the top-floor office of Fisk Tower was slowly pushed open from the outside by two S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents in black suits with stern expressions.
They did not enter, but stood like door gods, one on each side.
Then, Nick Fury's one-eyed gaze swept like a tangible searchlight over everything inside the door, finally settling on the massive figure in the depths of the office, who stood with his back to the door, in front of a huge floor-to-ceiling window.
Fury, wearing his signature black leather trench coat, walked in alone with steady steps.
The heavy oak door silently closed behind him, cutting off everything from the outside.
The office was exceptionally quiet, with only the low hum of the central air conditioning system and the almost absolute silence left after the carpet absorbed his footsteps.
An invisible, taut tension filled the air.
This was not a friendly visit, but the first formal seating of two leaders of forces about to (or already) confront each other across the chessboard.
"Mr. Fisk," Fury spoke first, his voice deep, devoid of any pleasantries, going straight to the point, "It seems your 'Association' business is expanding much faster than we anticipated."
Kingpin slowly turned around.
He did not sit behind the desk symbolizing power today, but chose to stand in the same space as Fury, as equals.
The oppressive presence of his mountain-like physique silently collided in the air with Fury's unfathomable prestige, like a deep sea, tempered by countless storms.
"Director Fury," Kingpin's tone was equally flat, revealing no emotion, "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s attention has always been an... important reference for the Association's development.
Please, have a seat."
He did not walk towards the reception sofa, but casually leaned against the huge floor-to-ceiling window frame, his gaze calmly meeting Fury's sharp single eye.
This posture not only showed the Master's composure but also hinted that he did not intend to proceed according to Fury's pre-set "official meeting" rhythm.
Fury did not stand on ceremony either, sitting on a single sofa not far from Kingpin, leaning slightly forward, his single eye locking onto Kingpin like a hawk.
"Reference?" Fury's lips curved into a smileless arc, "I'd prefer to call it 'necessary vigilance,' Mr. Fisk.
A private organization that possesses unknown high technology, has independent armed forces (even if you call them 'Heroes'), and is rapidly expanding globally, makes it difficult for agencies responsible for global security to not feel... concerned."
His words were like a surgeon's scalpel, precise and direct.
"Concern?" Kingpin raised an eyebrow slightly, his face still expressionless, "All actions of the Association are within the framework of the law.
We deal with extraordinary events that threaten public safety, reducing civilian casualties and property damage.
Isn't S.H.I.E.L.D.'s duty also to maintain World peace and security?
From the results, our goals seem to be consistent.
What is there to be concerned about?"
"Consistent?" Fury's voice grew several degrees colder, "Consistent goals do not mean accepting uncontrolled means and untraceable origins.
Your technology, Mr. Fisk, those construction units far exceeding current technological levels, the event monitoring systems, and even that EMP weapon that instantly crippled Iron Monger... Where do they come from?
Stark Industries?
Hammer Industries?
Or some foreign power we don't know about?
Or..." His single eye narrowed slightly, "...a more distant place?"
This was the core probing.
S.H.I.E.L.D. had used all its resources but could not ascertain the origin of the Association's technology, which in itself was the biggest destabilizing factor.
Kingpin's response was watertight, even carrying a hint of faint mockery: "Every enterprise has its core secrets and patented technologies, Director Fury.
Would S.H.I.E.L.D. disclose all your research details about the Tesseract or those alien remnants?
The Association's technology source is a trade secret.
You just need to know that these technologies are used to maintain order and protect lives, and they are remarkably effective; that is enough."
He cleverly deflected the question and turned the tables on Fury.
Fury was not provoked and continued to apply pressure: "Even if it is a trade secret, when it involves military power capable of affecting strategic balance, S.H.I.E.L.D. has the right, and the responsibility, to supervise it.
Moreover, some of those 'Heroes' you recruit, their abilities themselves fall within the extraordinary category that requires monitoring.
Your organizing them, conducting militarized training and management, makes it difficult not to associate it with... a private army."
"Private army?" Kingpin finally let out a slight laugh, but there was no warmth in it, "Director Fury, if a team focused on disaster relief, combating extraordinary crime, and strictly adhering to laws and regulations can be called an 'army,' then what should S.H.I.E.L.D.'s global Agents and Helicarriers be called?
'World Police'?
" He leaned forward slightly, still resting against the window frame, but the invisible pressure suddenly intensified: "The existence of the Association is a beneficial supplement, and even an innovation, to the existing crisis response system.
We fill the gaps and inefficiencies of S.H.I.E.L.D. and various governments in certain areas.
Cooperation is far more valuable than unnecessary suspicion and restrictions."
"Cooperation?" Fury caught the word, a glint flashing in his single eye, "S.H.I.E.L.D. is willing to cooperate with any lawful force.
But the basis of cooperation is transparency and trust.
And these two points, Mr. Fisk, your and your Association's current performance cannot provide."
"Transparency requires degree, trust requires time, Director Fury," Kingpin straightened up, his tone becoming firm and clear, "The Association welcomes any form of healthy competition and reasonable cooperation.
But if S.H.I.E.L.D. comes with the purpose of scrutiny, restriction, or even attempting to bring the Association under its command... then, I'm afraid you will be disappointed."
He walked to the desk, picked up a document—the Association's latest copy of registration and operating permits, compliant with all international and local laws and regulations—and casually handed it to Fury.
"The Association will develop in its own way and at its own pace.
We will not interfere with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s operations, and we hope S.H.I.E.L.D. can respect our independence and professionalism."
"After all," Kingpin added finally, looking deeply at Fury, "sometimes, appropriate competition can instead promote the... progress and vitality of the entire industry, can't it?"
Fury took the document, without even looking at it, just staring intently at Kingpin, as if trying to see through his calm exterior to all the hidden secrets and ambitions beneath.
A brief silence fell in the office.
Two men standing at the pinnacle of power engaged in their final confrontation with their gazes.
Fury knew that from this meeting, he would not obtain any substantive promises or information.
Kingpin's attitude was firm and clear; he held trump cards and was not afraid to show them.
Finally, Fury slowly stood up, casually placing the document on the sofa.
"Your words, I will take back to the World Security Council, Mr. Fisk," Fury's voice returned to its initial calm, "S.H.I.E.L.D. will continue to monitor the Hero Association's... 'progress and vitality.'"
He turned and walked towards the door, the hem of his black trench coat cutting a sharp arc.
"No need to see me out," Kingpin said indifferently.
The office door opened again, then closed silently.
Kingpin returned to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the tiny city below.
In his mind, the system's notification sound rang out as expected:
[Successfully responded to the formal pressure and probing from the local large official organization 'S.H.I.E.L.D.'.
The Association's independence has been initially defended.]
[Task 'Establish Boundaries' progress updated: 2/3.]
[Hint: Pressure from official sources will continue and may escalate; Host, please be prepared.]
Kingpin's face showed no change in expression.
The first formal meeting concluded.
No agreement was reached.
No conflict erupted.
But both sides clearly drew an invisible line.
The probing ended.
Next, will be the real contest.
Fury sat in the car returning to the Triskelion headquarters, a cold light flickering in his single eye.
He connected to Hill's communication:
"Report to the Council, target's attitude remains firm, supported by unknown technology, clear intentions, threat level confirmed.
Recommend activating 'Containment Plan' Beta phase."
Meanwhile, Kingpin had already begun reviewing Wesley's detailed next steps for establishing branch offices in London and and Tokyo.
A storm was brewing.
And this time, it would no longer be confined to undercurrents and probing.