Chapter 417: Konoha’s Enemy! (Patreon)

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S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters-

After leaving the physique-enhancing serum from the Konoha village, Coulson turned and left. He planned to visit the Sand Puppet Shop to confirm if they also had similar items for sale.

Additionally, he intended to check on the upcoming establishment of the Sound Ninja Village base.

Nick Fury, watching Coulson leave and contemplating the physique-enhancing serum left behind, made a call.

"Barton, come to my office."

After a few minutes, Barton pushed open the door to Nick Fury's office and walked in.

"Director, you called for me."

Seeing Barton, who had fully recovered, Nick Fury nodded silently. Truly, Barton was an agent he valued.

"We've acquired a new physique-enhancing serum, comparable to the Super Soldier Serum that was once manufactured for Steve."

Hearing the director's words, Barton's eyes seemed to shine brighter.

Nick Fury continued –

"It comes from the Hidden Leaf Ninja Village behind Charles Doyle, a physique-enhancing serum with no side effects, capable of enhancing human strength to a level similar to Steve Rogers."

At first, Barton seemed disappointed, thinking it was finally a successful replication of the Super Soldier Serum by S.H.I.E.L.D. or some military-industrial complex.

However, when he heard it was from ninjas, he began to reconsider. Considering the strength of the ninjas, the serum they developed might be even more stable and powerful.

"Director, are you saying..."

Nick Fury looked at Barton and continued, "We need to test it. We haven't verified its effects or whether there are any side effects. We have no idea whether it's genuine."

Barton clenched his fists. In his mind, there was already a plan. This kind of thing, sold by Charles, wouldn't be cheap. If it turned out to be as effective as Captain America's serum, and if it was limited to one per person, then it would be a missed opportunity if he didn't get one.

"Director, I'll be the first to try."

Nick Fury nodded. "Let's conduct the injection test now."

Nick Fury picked up the briefcase containing the physique-enhancing serum brought by Coulson and, accompanied by Barton, went to the laboratory.

…

Meanwhile, Coulson drove to the Sand Puppet Shop. After pushing open the door, he saw that Temari was still inside.

"Miss Temari."

Putting the Kusarigama in her arms aside, Temari looked at Coulson and said, "It seems that Agent Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D. is here again to help my business."

"I have something to trouble you with, Miss Temari."

After Coulson and Temari settled on the sofa in the guest area, Temari smiled and asked, "How did it go? Did you find someone to take over the mission to capture Hidan?"

Coulson sighed, "It failed!"

Temari was surprised, "Someone actually took on this mission?"

Coulson looked at Temari, realizing that she seemed unaware of what had happened in S.H.I.E.L.D.

So, he explained, "Ninjas from the Sound Village took on the mission, but unfortunately, they didn't manage to capture the S-rank rogue ninja Hidan. He managed to escape."

Hearing Coulson's words, Temari, seeming to think about something, inwardly speculated that Charles must have brought the people from the Sound Village to this world.

Considering the encounter with Orochimaru at the base, it seemed that soon enough, he might become independent and lead the Sound Ninja.

Nonetheless, she casually said, "So, it's the guys from the Sound Village. It's not easy for the small ninja villages to successfully capture a S-rank rogue ninja."

"Why did you come here today?"

Since Temari didn't want to discuss this matter, Coulson didn't press further. Instead, he asked, "I obtained a physique-enhancing serum from Charles Doyle. I wonder if the Hidden Sand Village has something similar for sale."

Upon hearing Coulson's words, Temari didn't seem to care. She responded, "The Hidden Sand Village also has its own physique-enhancing serum for sale."

"Do you need to purchase it?"

Upon learning that it was available for sale, Coulson felt relieved. Confirming his speculation, he asked, "I wonder what the price is?"

When Coulson arrived, he brought along 200 energy blocks, ready to make the purchase directly.

"It's 15 kilograms of Vibranium, and you can take it with you."

"What? Fifteen kilograms?"

"S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't have that much Vibranium. How about using energy blocks for payment?"

However, Temari refused, stating, "We only accept Vibranium."

Hearing Temari's words, Coulson was momentarily at a loss. Fifteen kilograms was a considerable amount, and he wasn't sure if S.H.I.E.L.D. possessed that much Vibranium. Even if they did, it would require an application to get it.

"Miss Temari, would you accept other materials for payment? Vibranium is quite rare, and we might not have that much."

"Transactions should be about what is useful for both parties. For the physique-enhancing serum, you have a demand, and for us, Vibranium is useful. Energy blocks are not as valuable as you think."

Hearing this, Coulson felt helpless. It seemed he would need to report back.

"Alright, I'll have to apply for it before coming back. But before that, I have some questions to consult with Miss Temari."

"Sure, 50 energy blocks for one minute, as usual."

Coulson nodded, agreeing to the terms. As Temari reversed the hourglass, he immediately asked, "I heard that there are enemies among the ninja villages. I wonder who the enemies of the Hidden Leaf Village are?"

Hearing Coulson's question, Temari thought for a moment before responding, "The Hidden Leaf Village doesn't have enemies. All ninja villages coexist peacefully."

Coulson was a bit surprised. "Didn't Uchiha Itachi kill an attacking ninja when he was four? Who was that enemy?"

Hearing Coulson mention Uchiha Itachi, Temari paused for a moment before answering, "We're not deceiving you. Currently, there is indeed peace between the ninja villages."

"We, the Hidden Sand Village, are allies with the Hidden Leaf Village."

"But the incident you mentioned, when Uchiha Itachi was four, during that era, there were indeed some frictions between the ninja villages."

"At that time, ninjas from the Hidden Mist Village attacked the Hidden Leaf Village. The Uchiha Clan was responsible for dealing with the Hidden Mist, so the enemy you mentioned should be the ninjas from the Hidden Mist Village."