"Yes, it seems they appeared out of thin air as well. I can't find any previous trace of their existence." Coulson paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
He knew that Fury's question about "same" didn't just refer to the similarities between the two cases, but was also asking whether there was a relationship between them—like "accomplices" or something similar.
After all, this was a guy whose past even S.H.I.E.L.D. couldn't uncover. How would you, a small intelligence agent, know about it?
Could this be a drama directed and performed by Quinn from the very beginning?
Or was there a secret that S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't know about?
Either way, it represented an extremely dangerous development, and Fury would never allow it to happen.
"The fourteen people in the surveillance footage are all captured at night or in shadows, which aligns with Quinn's stated weakness about demons fearing sunlight. But it's uncertain whether they just happened to be caught on camera only at night or in shadows, or if they only appear where there's no sunlight..." Coulson continued analyzing. "But Quinn has cooperated with S.H.I.E.L.D. twice before. He's very aware of our organization's capabilities—the chances of him underestimating us are extremely small."
"However, Quinn can move around under the sun."
"If the demons he mentioned fear sunlight, that at least proves he's not a demon himself. Considering the fact that demons consume humans, it's difficult to imagine there'd be companionship between food and predator."
"So you're saying the possibility they're accomplices is very low, right?" Fury cut straight to the conclusion.
"Yes."
Coulson nodded slightly.
"Though it's not entirely impossible from a human nature standpoint that they're accomplices, whether judging from the investigation information or from the two previous collaborations, it's impossible for him to be the type who'd become companions with man-eating creatures."
"Yet he knows about these mysterious individuals who appear out of nowhere, knows their characteristics, and even has weapons to deal with them."
"But he chose to sell the weapons to us. If they were accomplices, why would he sell us the weapons and reveal weaknesses that could deal with their comrades?"
"What if his purpose was simply to sell information and weapons for money?"
"Is that likely?"
Coulson countered, "If it were large amounts—hundreds of millions of dollars—maybe. But it's only a few hundred thousand, a few million... For someone with his abilities, earning that isn't difficult."
Hearing this, Fury fell silent.
In S.H.I.E.L.D.'s two collaborations with Quinn, one involved the case of Tony Stark being kidnapped and disappearing in the Middle East.
He'd provided the information that "the mastermind behind it is Obadiah."
Just for that single piece of information, he'd received thirty million dollars from S.H.I.E.L.D. and Stark Industries respectively.
Such a person would never orchestrate an elaborate scheme for a mere few million dollars.
This basic logic... In the past, Fury would never have gotten it wrong. But after noticing the potential danger Quinn posed to S.H.I.E.L.D. from their previous call, his brain had subconsciously classified him on the "enemy" side.
"S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intelligence department has never stopped investigating Quinn. Though we still haven't uncovered his past, we know his daily routine like the back of our hand." Coulson continued. "He usually works as a receptionist in that little convenience store. Otherwise, he just wanders around spending money at various leisure spots in New York—no friends, no acquaintances, no inquiries to anyone... Or rather, the people he's contacted have no channels to obtain news."
"What are you getting at?"
"Quinn likely possesses some kind of clairvoyant superpower that allows him to discover information even while sitting at home." Coulson reached his conclusion while simultaneously explaining Fury's doubts.
"...That possibility is very high."
After pondering for a moment, Fury agreed with Coulson's assessment, then added, "But Quinn's suspicion still exists. Send someone to test him."
"I'll prepare for that."
"Also, find those fourteen people immediately and conduct a confirmation investigation."
"Yes!"
"Rare visitor!"
In the dark alley, looking at the man in black tactical gear, Quinn put on a smile.
"Mr. Quinn, you're finally back."
Otto breathed a sigh of relief, then said, "This man has something for you, but he'll only speak with you."
"It's fine, I'll handle it."
Quinn pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it, then looked comfortably at the man before him. "I remember you're the one with Kingpin, called 'Bullseye,' right?"
"Even knowing that—seems you really are an information broker with mysterious channels, as rumored." Bullseye looked at him with a sneer.
"Am I already that famous?" Quinn chuckled, unconcerned, and exhaled softly. "So, what does Kingpin want by sending you to me?"
"Recently, there have been some troublesome guys coming to New York."
"They stole Kingpin's business?"
"No."
"They seized Kingpin's territory?"
"No."
Quinn looked at him in surprise. "Then what did they do to provoke Kingpin into seeking them out?"
"They killed people."
"Pfft!"
Quinn couldn't help laughing and nearly choked on his smoke.
"Kingpin himself is the head of the underworld. More than forty percent of New York's crimes are related to him, and now he's going after a murderer?"
"Boy, show some respect in your attitude!" Bullseye looked at Quinn coldly. "Since you don't know about it, I'll let it slide this time. But next time you're so rude about the boss, you'll die."
"Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to laugh. I just thought it was very strange—a gang boss wanting to catch a murderer. Did they kill your people?"
"Don't ask about things you shouldn't know if you want to live longer." Bullseye said indifferently. "But this situation isn't exactly a secret, so I'll tell you. That group violated the boss's orders."
"Orders?"
"The legitimate world has its order, and the underworld has its order. As the emperor of New York's underground world, Mr. Kingpin is the order. No one can go against his will."
"Understood. Tell me the specifics."
"Here."
Seeing Bullseye hand over a newspaper, Quinn tossed away his cigarette butt and stomped it out, then took the paper.
The headline read: "Cannibal Case Reappears!"
Quinn: "..."
They were coming after Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki again?
Quinn felt somewhat speechless.
He'd let Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki loose thinking he'd only catch S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Ancient One's attention, but he'd unexpectedly encountered the bonus of Blade.
Now it had caught Kingpin's attention too.
Was this more than just one bait fishing multiple catches?
"What's wrong? Do you have any clues?"
Both were standing outside the convenience store window where the lights were bright. Bullseye could see the change in Quinn's expression and couldn't help asking.
"It's nothing." Quinn shook his head lightly and answered truthfully. "It's just that someone else came to me earlier asking for information on these murderers."
"So you know the clues?"
"Two hundred thousand dollars."
Thud!
Bullseye lifted a suitcase from the ground and placed it on the window ledge, opening it to reveal neatly stacked hundred-dollar bills.