"Director, here's the latest intel on the Assassin's League and Smith Doyle."
"According to Natasha's surveillance and the information we've gathered, here are the key points."
"First, with the collapse of both the Hand and Wilson Fisk's organization in Hell's Kitchen, the Assassin's League has seen a massive improvement in its finances. Their estimated gains are no less than 20 billion USD."
At that, Nick Fury interrupted,
"That's it?"
"I remember the Hand and Fisk's assets being worth way more. Fisk alone owned a massive empire."
Coulson explained,
"Yes, their total assets were indeed far greater. However, the League couldn't take over everything. On the legal front, only a portion of Fisk's businesses were successfully transferred. As for the Hand's legitimate assets, the League acquired very few."
"As for the underground industries—arms dealing, narcotics, organ trafficking, human smuggling, telecom scams, and assassinations—the League didn't take them over. They only seized all the cash and a few properties."
Nick Fury nodded.
"If there are no heirs left, take over the legal assets under an official banner."
"We've already sent people to handle that," Coulson replied.
"Second," he continued, "Natasha reported that Smith Doyle possesses an ability to emit a devastating energy blast using both hands. He once destroyed an entire building in a single shot. The full extent of its power and range is currently unknown."
"Third, Smith Doyle has formed a close relationship with Tony Stark. They've appeared together at charity galas, and he profited during Stark Industries' recent stock dip. It's believed they bonded over a rescue incident."
"Fourth, Smith Doyle told me they developed a device—one likely instrumental in finding Stark in the desert. They plan to sell it separately and launch a public product announcement."
"Fifth, all the assassination contracts currently listed under the Brotherhood are being carried out by underground mercs. No members of the Assassin's League are personally taking jobs."
"As for Smith Doyle's background, our undercover agent working in the League's archives didn't uncover much. The only intel is that he's an orphan—and the upper ranks refer to him as 'Heaven's Gift.'"
After hearing the five points, Fury looked up and said,
"Have Natasha find out who's leading their research labs. As Fox's secretary, she should have access."
"And since the League is launching products now, Coulson, you'll attend the product release. Even if it's useless, buying a batch is good diplomacy."
"If the device proves valuable, we'll need to reassess the League entirely."
"Also, strengthen ties with Smith Doyle. If needed, we can grant his company some leeway on regulations."
"Have intel go over all missing baby cases in Brooklyn from 18 years ago. Maybe that's a way to trace his origin."
"No one just appears out of thin air."
Coulson nodded without surprise. He knew exactly what Fury had in mind—recruiting Smith Doyle. But without a common enemy, uniting people under one cause would be difficult. Intel would have to do some heavy lifting.
"Yes, sir."
With that, Coulson turned and left without delay.
After he left, Fury looked down at the file, then carefully set it aside.
He recalled intel from a few elders who had survived the high council explosion—explosives like grenades could injure Smith Doyle.
That knowledge eased Fury's concern slightly. If Doyle's resistance only covered small-caliber firearms, then there were plenty of ways to deal with him.
Still, probing his actual physical limits would be tricky. The surveillance videos only offered a rough estimate. This would require careful planning.
If only Carol Danvers were here. With her power, she could test Doyle easily. Thinking of her, Fury opened a special safe and retrieved a custom pager.
It was the Captain Marvel pager—Carol Danvers' parting gift. He had never used it.
One, because she told him only to use it in world-ending situations.
Two, because since relocating the Skrulls, nothing truly catastrophic had happened—S.H.I.E.L.D. could handle everything.
But the nickname "The N-Word Killer" used for Smith Doyle frustrated him. How could a man with such a strong sense of justice be a racist?
If Fury didn't know Doyle better, he would've met him already. A person this significant should be approached personally.
But knowing Doyle's temperament, if he showed up unannounced in a sneak meeting, he might get vaporized before speaking.
Fury shook his head and abandoned the idea. Best to let Coulson handle the recruitment.
He didn't return the pager to the safe. Instead, he slipped it into the pocket of his trench coat—just in case. But against whom…?
---
Elsewhere…
Tony, now piloting his upgraded Mark III armor, arrived at the town of Migula—where pure chaos reigned.
Ten Rings militants were in the midst of brutal slaughter and pillaging.
Women and children were being herded onto trucks like cargo. The men and elderly were executed on sight.
One father screamed for his son. The boy called back from the crowd.
Just as the father was about to be gunned down—Tony dropped from the sky in full armor.
The Ten Rings soldiers, stunned, raised their rifles and opened fire on the armored figure.
Clang- Clang- Clang
The barrage of bullets did absolutely nothing. Not even a scratch on the Mark III's paint job.