CH-46. S. W. O. R. D

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Natasha approached slowly, drawing closer to Jaxon, "As long as you can help me."

As she spoke, Natasha wrapped her arms around Jaxon's neck, bringing their faces close together.

Jaxon had already considered this in his mind, but Natasha's allure was undeniable.

A single glance, a subtle gesture—these small things were enough to stir his heart.

He was just about to respond when her lips silenced him. The kiss was erotic, with their lips sucking each other's and their tongue exploring each other's mouths.

"Mmmm~ Slurp~ Mmmm~ Slurp~"

After a long moment, Natasha pulled back and gave Jaxon a seductive look.

"Consider this a down payment."

"Though I don't like to turn this into a transaction, beautiful women always have their privileges."

When Natasha finally stepped away from Jaxon, she noticed that Gwen looked quite displeased.

"Oh no, I totally ignored Gwen." She whispered.

Noticing Jaxon's dilemma, Natasha leaned in and whispered in his ear, "I can help you handle her."

"???"

"How do you plan to handle it?"

"You'll find out, but not right now."

Jaxon didn't have much else to say and let her take over.

Afterward, he shared a drop of the water of life with Antonia. It was potent, nearly draining him of energy, but he managed.

The water of life began to work on Antonia's injuries, mending her burned face and damaged nerves.

When the healing was complete, she'd no longer need the chip, and her face would be restored to its natural beauty.

"It'll take some time, probably a few hours. You should be fully healed by the time you wake up."

"Thank you, Jaxon."

Natasha, resolute, approached Antonia, "I know this won't make up for all the pain you've endured. If you want to take your revenge on me, I won't stop you."

Finally, their mission was nearing completion.

All the Black Widows here had been rescued.

They would call back those still out on missions, and all records of them would be erased.

Most of these women were orphans, with no homes to return to.

Their future was now their choice.

While Jaxon could have claimed the Black Widows as his own force, he had no such interest.

Wouldn't it be better to live a simpler life, free of complications, with those he cared about?

Let someone else handle the messy affairs; Jaxon had no intention of involving himself in that.

Meanwhile, Dreykov watched, heartbroken, as years of his efforts went up in smoke.

"It's over. Everything I've built is gone." He said bitterly.

"Natasha, I underestimated you. You've ruined everything."

"But do you think you can manage this airship and all these Black Widows?"

Natasha responded coolly, "S.H.I.E.L.D. can handle it."

---

Melina and Yelena returned, bringing a dozen Black Widows with them—each one of them capable, experienced leaders.

"Natasha, what's our next step?" Yelena asked.

Natasha's eyes hardened, "We deal with him first."

Without hesitation, she shot Dreykov, killing him instantly.

The Black Widows, who had endured unimaginable suffering under his control, felt a deep sense of relief at his end.

With their revenge complete, they were filled with a grim satisfaction.

"Natasha, are you here on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D., or is this personal?" One of the Black Widows asked.

"Both." Natasha replied firmly, "Now, I have two options for all of you."

"First, we'll be forming S.W.O.R.D., an agency to protect the world."

"If you'd like to continue as agents, you're welcome to stay."

"But if you're tired of this life, then from now on, you're free."

Most of these Black Widows were highly skilled and resourceful. They'd be able to make a life for themselves if they chose to leave.

"Can we really leave?" One Black Widow asked, doubt in her voice.

"Yes. We'll arrange identities for those who wish to leave. However, once you go, you're forbidden from disclosing anything about this place."

One by one, the women considered their options. A Black Widow named Anna spoke up, "I want to leave."

"And the rest of you?"

Another Widow responded, "We're all orphans without families. Though this isn't truly home, it's familiar, and there are people here we know."

"I'd like to stay too."

Natasha didn't press those who wished to leave, "Anna, you're free. I hope you'll have a good life."

"Thank you, Natasha."

"Now, let's gather the others who wish to leave. Melina will make arrangements for your departure."

"Thank you."

As Melina set to work, Yelena lingered by Natasha's side.

Looking at Yelena, Natasha felt a surge of pride and affection.

"Yelena, you've grown up." She said softly.

Yelena tried to keep a straight face, "Yes, I'm not a little girl anymore."

"So, what will you do? Stay or leave?"

"Where would I go? My whole life is a lie. My family, my mom, dad, sister—all of it fake."

Yelena's bitter smile tugged at Natasha's heart.

"Yelena, I'm so sorry."

"I thought I'd killed Dreykov. I thought you were free. But when you didn't come to me, I just assumed you were living your own life."

"It was only recently that I learned Dreykov was still alive."

"I know we aren't real sisters. I miss the life we had back then, but we've all grown up now."

Yelena had already made up her mind, "I know. I choose to stay."

Natasha hugged Yelena, comforting her. The two sisters had rekindled their relationship and would likely fight side by side in the future.

Melina and Anna returned with the statistics completed. Out of the Black Widows currently on the helicarrier, only five chose to leave with Anna, while most decided to stay.

Natasha arranged for someone to escort Anna and the others away. Now, it was time to address the remaining Black Widows.

Gathering them all, Natasha began her speech.

"From today on, you are no longer Black Widows. You are members of S.W.O.R.D."

"S.W.O.R.D. exists to protect world peace. We will no longer engage in assassinations or sabotage. Our mission is to gather intelligence and neutralize threats to social stability."

"S.W.O.R.D. is independent—it doesn't belong to any national organization, and it certainly doesn't answer to S.H.I.E.L.D."

"Melina will act as the temporary director, and I'll be her deputy. In the future, Nick Fury will step in as the new director."

"I trust Nick Fury, and I'll serve as his assistant. I promise he won't let you die in vain."

Melina looked worried, "Natasha, if you're the deputy director and Nick Fury is the director, then what about you?"

"I'm not suited for management. I'm just an agent. I'll select a few top agents from among you to form the Black Widow team, and I'll lead them in our missions."

Yelena immediately volunteered, "I want to join."

Several other Black Widows wanted to join as well, but Natasha held them back, "Not so fast. I'll choose carefully, as the enemies we'll be facing next are extremely dangerous."

Yelena, undeterred, replied, "I'm not afraid."

With most matters settled, Melina's attention turned to Antonia.

"What about her?"

Natasha looked at Antonia, who was recovering but not yet fully healed.

"She was just an innocent girl hurt because of me. Now, I can at least try to make up for it. If she wants to stay, she can. If she wants to leave, she can do that too."