Chapter 162: Chapter 101.2: The Selfishness of Humanity and the Advancing Tiger
Chu Yang: "…"
Suddenly, the alloy door ahead opened, and a bald head appeared—it was Nick Fury.
"This isn't oppressive; it's understated. Agent Hill, it's rude to casually criticize someone else's aesthetic," Nick Fury said, narrowing his eyes. Hill smiled awkwardly but politely, gesturing for Chu Yang to proceed.
"Thank you," Chu Yang said and stepped into the room. Immediately, he saw Alexander Pierce sitting on the sofa, raising his wine glass with a meaningful smile. When Nick Fury turned back, Pierce quickly switched to a friendly expression.
"How does it feel to be a hero everyone talks about?" Nick Fury asked as he leaned down to pour Chu Yang a glass of wine. Suddenly, remembering Chu Yang's age, he asked, "Can you drink?"
Chu Yang smiled and replied, "My coming-of-age ceremony was held in Asgard."
The high-quality wine's smooth taste amazed Chu Yang, as it was his first time drinking. Nick Fury downed his wine in one gulp before saying, "The first time I met you, I thought you were a spy from another country, so I investigated your background."
"Later, I thought you were a mutant and tried to recruit you into S.H.I.E.L.D."
"In the end, you turned out to be a sorcerer, showcasing remarkable abilities in the previous war. It left me no choice but to invite you here," Nick Fury said, his eyes deep and fixed on Chu Yang. Teasing, he added, "Can you tell me if there's any other identity of yours I don't know? I'm not good with surprises; a little warning would be appreciated."
Chu Yang grinned, "I'm just an ordinary sorcerer, nothing more."
Nick Fury exhaled deeply. "You don't look very ordinary."
Chu Yang retorted, "And you don't seem fainthearted."
Both laughed, and then Nick Fury began asking about the abilities Chu Yang had previously displayed. Chu Yang, in a good mood, cooperatively explained, mixing truth with lies.
He was pleased because of the other person in the room—Alexander Pierce, a key figure of Hydra hiding within S.H.I.E.L.D. If Chu Yang controlled him, gaining control over S.H.I.E.L.D. or even Hydra would just be a matter of time.
And… Pierce seemed equally interested in Chu Yang.
When Fury finished his questions, Pierce took the initiative to say, "Nick, could you give me a moment? I'd like to have a private chat with this young man."
"Tony Stark is waiting for him in the lobby," Fury replied, clearly warning Pierce not to cause trouble. Fury was well aware of his former colleague's personality.
Pierce smiled and said, "No ill intentions, just a little chat. Is that okay?"
Nick Fury turned to Chu Yang, who nodded agreeably, smiling brightly.
"Three minutes," Fury said before quickly leaving the office.
"Hello, Mr. Chu Yang. I'm Alexander Pierce, the current Secretary of Security for the Security Council and the liaison for S.H.I.E.L.D. You can think of me as Director Fury's superior," Pierce introduced himself.
"Hello, Secretary Pierce. It's a pleasure to meet you," Chu Yang replied politely, shaking his hand.
Pierce suddenly leaned closer and whispered in Chu Yang's ear, "Would you be interested in working for me personally? I can offer you unimaginable power."
To Pierce, Chu Yang, despite his shocking strength, was just a naive youngster. Such youths were often easily tempted by money, power, or beauty. Knowing Chu Yang's close ties with Tony Stark, Pierce guessed that money and beauty might not work, leaving power as his leverage.
"Unimaginable power?" Chu Yang feigned surprise, leaning closer to whisper back, "Are you suggesting handing over Hydra to me?"
"What?" Pierce froze at the mention of Hydra, his face changing dramatically as he stammered, "You're…"
Before he could finish, Chu Yang cast the Imperius Curse, the spell's incantation echoing in Pierce's ears like a devil's whisper. Pierce's expression became vacant as if his soul had been drained.
Three minutes later, Chu Yang and Pierce emerged from the office, both smiling as if they had a pleasant conversation.
Nick Fury waited by the elevator, curious about their discussion. After seeing Pierce off, Fury took Chu Yang back to the top floor to meet Captain America. Steve Rogers, relieved to see Chu Yang unharmed, relaxed visibly.
As they prepared to return to the lobby, Fury couldn't help but ask, "What did Pierce say to you?"
Steve looked at Chu Yang curiously.
Chu Yang smiled faintly. "Secretary Pierce invited me to work for him and promised many benefits. But I declined. For now, I just want to focus on my studies. I've already been on leave for a long time due to certain reasons."
Fury seemed to have expected this and nodded without pressing further.
Entering the elevator, Chu Yang hummed a tune happily while pressing the button for the lobby floor.
Steve noticed Chu Yang's unusually good mood and teased, "Looks like Secretary Pierce made quite the offer, giving you a sense of recognition."
Chu Yang's smile widened as he nodded. "It was indeed a sincere offer."
Nick Fury watched them descend, feeling that something was off but unable to pinpoint what.
In the lobby, Tony Stark, holding a newspaper he had somehow acquired, glanced up as the elevator arrived. Natasha Romanoff, however, noticed Tony occasionally checking his watch.
Ding!
The elevator doors opened, and Chu Yang and Steve walked out.
Tony smiled, theatrically checking his watch before teasing Steve, "Captain, you're so punctual. If I were a lady, congratulations—you would've stolen my heart."
Tony's casual joke inadvertently pricked Steve's heart, reminding him of the one date he had missed in his life. Pain flickered briefly in his eyes. Natasha gently patted his shoulder.
"Alright, the sightseeing ends here. If we head home now, we might still make it for Pepper's homemade dinner," Tony said, throwing an arm around Chu Yang and swaggering out of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Steve took a deep breath and turned back toward the recruits awaiting training.
In the car, Tony's expression grew serious as he asked, "So, what happened in there?"
Chu Yang recounted everything. After hearing it, Tony scoffed, "These people really think they can poach you from me. I knew they had no good intentions when they invited you."
Chu Yang grinned mischievously. "Who's poaching who isn't set in stone yet."
Tony was momentarily stunned. "What do you mean?"
Naturally, Chu Yang didn't reveal his "infiltration" tactics. But thinking about how Tony and the others had unknowingly become his pawns, he couldn't help but chuckle.
Tony tilted his head in confusion, exchanging puzzled glances with Happy Hogan, who looked equally bewildered.
…
In the Pirate World…
The Red-Haired Pirates were holding a feast on an island in the New World.
Chu Yang found Shanks sleeping soundly on a large rock and shouted into his ear, "Captain, I need to leave for a while."
Startled, Shanks rolled off the rock and complained, "If you want to go out, just go! Why wake me up?"
Chu Yang replied solemnly, "I might be gone for a long time this time."
Shanks' expression grew serious. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Do you need help?"
Chu Yang grinned and shook his head.
"I see," Shanks said, smiling as well. "Then go and come back soon!"
"Why are we going to such great lengths to send this human back to her homeland?"
"Arlong, we're almost at our destination. Why are you still saying this? If Brother Tiger hears, he'll be upset again."
"Brother Tiger is too kind to humans—so much so that it's bordering on weakness. Over the past few years of sailing, I've grown rather disappointed."
"Enough, Arlong. Stop talking about it."
On the deck of the Sun Pirates' ship, Arlong and the ship's doctor, Aladdin, were whispering to each other. As they saw a human girl approaching, they immediately stopped their conversation.
Forcing a smile, Aladdin asked, "Koala, is there something you need?"
Nervously, Koala replied, "Captain Tiger is looking for you."
"Thank you. I'll head over right away." Aladdin patted Koala on the head, casting a warning glance at Arlong before leaving.
Arlong sneered disdainfully, glaring at Koala with hostility.
Koala became even more anxious. Of all the people on the ship, this man was the one she feared the most.
Suddenly, Arlong asked, "We've been sailing for weeks. Judging by the time, we should be close to your hometown, right?"
Koala's blank expression brightened, and she nodded enthusiastically, filled with joy.
But Arlong's tone shifted as he continued coldly, "If that's the case, make sure you obediently get off the ship when the time comes. To be honest, being on the same ship as you all this time has made me feel utterly disgusted."
Koala clutched the hem of her clothes tightly, tears welling in her eyes. She tried her best not to cry, silently enduring Arlong's vicious words.
Mindful of Tiger's and Jinbei's previous warnings, Arlong didn't push her too far. After muttering a few insults under his breath, he brushed past Koala.
---
The next day.
The Sun Pirates successfully arrived at Koala's homeland—Foolshout Island.
"Everyone stay on the ship. I'll escort Koala home. If we all disembark, it might frighten the locals," Tiger said as he stepped off the ship first.
Koala followed behind him, waving back to the crew with reluctance. "Goodbye, everyone! When I return home, I'll tell everyone in the village that there are many kind people among the Fish-Men!"
The crew responded loudly, bidding her farewell.
On the way home, an excited and nervous Koala took the initiative to hold Tiger's hand. Tiger's body stiffened, and he too became tense.
At the village entrance, a crowd of villagers eagerly awaited. Among them, a young woman seemed especially restless.
The moment she saw Koala, she dashed forward.
After being taken by the Celestial Dragons as a slave, Koala was finally reunited with her mother after so many years.
Mother and daughter embraced tightly, tears of joy streaming down their faces.
Tiger turned away with a gratified smile but suddenly heard Koala's voice.
"Thank you, Captain Tiger, and thank you to everyone in the Sun Pirates. I will never forget you!"
Without turning back, Tiger waved a hand in response and walked away. Engulfed by happiness, Koala could never have imagined that Tiger would meet his death on this island because of her.
---
After walking a distance, Tiger could no longer see Koala's village.
He was truly happy for her, but for some reason, he couldn't smile anymore.
Suddenly, a large group of Marines appeared, surrounding him. Countless guns were aimed at him.
"Fisher Tiger, you arsonist who dared to burn down the Holy Land! Today is your death day. Go to hell and atone for your sins!"
Rear Admiral Strawberry said this expressionlessly.
Seeing the Marines, Tiger was first shocked. Then, as if realizing something, his expression turned to one of disappointment.