Chapter 7: Laying the Groundwork

Jiraiya's voice crackled over the intercom, the tone carrying a mix of excitement and authority.

Jiraiya: Good evening, comrades! Gather around; I've got some news that'll set the course for our little operation.

Hiroshi, Q, Aizawa, and Ezio gathered in the living room, their attention focused on the speaker.

Jiraiya: So, here's the deal. Hunter has been shaping up nicely. The kid's learned the necessary skills, and he's ready to put them to the test.

Hiroshi, flipping through his notes, nodded in agreement.

Hiroshi: Yes, his progress has been remarkable. The training in the forest and the guidance from all of you have paid off.

Jiraiya: Damn right! Now, Hunter and I will be hitting the road for a while. We've pinpointed some Hydra bases in our journey, and they'll make excellent testing grounds for Hunter's newfound skills.

Q leaned in, curious about the plan.

Q: Testing grounds, you say? What's the objective?

Jiraiya: (grinning) Well, we've got to check if Hunter can handle the real deal. Hydra's been poking its head where it doesn't belong, and it's time we put them back in their place.

Aizawa, arms crossed, spoke in his usual blunt manner.

Aizawa: About time. Make sure the kid can hold his own. No room for mistakes.

Ezio: (nodding) I have faced similar organizations in my time. Hydra sounds like an adversary worth testing.

Jiraiya: (continuing) We'll be back in two to three months, max. In the meantime, Hiroshi and the rest of you will hold the fort. Keep an eye on the city and gather intel.

Hiroshi: (looking at the notes) We've got a lot to manage, but we'll handle it.

Jiraiya's tone turned more serious.

Jiraiya: Remember, this is just the beginning. We're playing a dangerous game, and each move has consequences. Hunter will lead us, but we're a team. Trust each other and watch each other's backs.

The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of the upcoming challenges settled in.

Jiraiya: (with a smirk) And hey, if anything major happens, don't forget to record it. I want all the juicy details when I'm back.

The group chuckled, the camaraderie evident even in the face of impending challenges.

Jiraiya: (continuing) Oh, and before we set off, let me lay down another task for you guys. While we're out dealing with Hydra, I want a place ready for a more structured operation.

Hiroshi raised an eyebrow, curious about the specifics.

Hiroshi: What do you mean, a more structured operation?

Jiraiya: (leaning in) I mean, we're building the foundation of our little organization. Aizawa, Hiroshi, and especially you, Q, use your unique skills and knowledge to set up the groundwork. We need a base of operations, a reliable communication system, and—oh, don't forget the finance part. Money makes the world go 'round, after all.

Q's eyes gleamed with interest, intrigued by the prospect of creating something from scratch.

Q: Establishing a groundwork for our organization? Now that sounds like a task I'd enjoy.

Jiraiya: (nodding) Good. Hunter's going to need more than just combat skills. He needs a solid infrastructure backing him up. When we return, I want to see this place buzzing with efficiency.

Ezio, assessing the situation, spoke with a seasoned confidence.

Ezio: A well-organized base is crucial. It ensures we operate smoothly and can respond to threats swiftly.

Jiraiya: (smirking) Exactly. So, get your heads together, brainstorm, and put your talents to good use. Hunter's the face, but you guys are the gears turning in the background.

Aizawa, though not a man of many words, simply nodded in agreement.

Aizawa: Make it happen.

Jiraiya: (with a wink) And who knows, maybe we'll come back to a headquarters that rivals those of the most secretive organizations. The sky's the limit, my friends!

The room buzzed with a newfound sense of purpose as the group dispersed to prepare for the tasks ahead.

Q and Hiroshi, the strategic minds of the growing organization, decided to lay the foundation for its logistical and administrative needs. Understanding the importance of a well-established front, they crafted a shell company with a meticulously fabricated history, creating the illusion of a legitimate enterprise.

This phantom company, with a rich backstory and a fabricated trail of success, provided the perfect cover for the organization's future endeavors. It could seamlessly blend into the corporate landscape, concealing the shadows that lurked behind its facade.

With the paperwork in place, Q and Hiroshi embarked on a recruitment drive, targeting top universities to identify bright minds eager to make a mark in the professional world. The duo sought individuals with diverse skills, ranging from business acumen to technological expertise, to form the backbone of the organization.

As they interacted with potential recruits, Q and Hiroshi outlined a vision for the future, emphasizing innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. The allure of being part of a dynamic and ambitious venture resonated with those seeking more than conventional career paths.

The recruits, unaware of the clandestine nature of their prospective employer, saw an opportunity for growth and contribution. Little did they know that they were stepping into a world where their skills would be harnessed for a purpose beyond the ordinary.

The shell company, now backed by a team of capable individuals, stood as a testament to the foresight of Q and Hiroshi. As they prepared the groundwork, they eagerly anticipated the return of Hunter, the linchpin of the organization, to weave his destiny into the intricate tapestry they were creating.

In the dimly lit room of their temporary base, the quartet gathered to deliberate on the next crucial step for their budding organization. The name "Grant Enterprises" hung in the air, a cover for their clandestine operations, and the recruits awaited their joining date, unaware of the true nature of the journey they were about to embark on.

Hiroshi, the pragmatic thinker with a knack for organization, presented his perspective on the need for a well-established and permanent base. He emphasized the importance of stability and infrastructure to anchor the operations of Grant Enterprises. A fixed location would not only provide a sense of permanence but also serve as a hub for strategic planning and coordination.

Q, the technological genius and strategic mastermind, chimed in, highlighting the significance of a state-of-the-art facility for research and innovation. Grant Enterprises, posing as a technological research entity, needed a base equipped with cutting-edge laboratories and secure facilities to maintain its cover and further its true objectives.

Aizawa, the no-nonsense pragmatist, interjected with his insights on security and practicality. He stressed the need for a location that offered strategic advantages, considering potential threats from various quarters. A well-secured base, he argued, would be essential to protect the organization and its members from external dangers.

Ezio, the seasoned assassin with a keen understanding of covert operations, added his perspective on discretion and accessibility. He proposed a location that balanced secrecy with ease of access, allowing the organization to operate discreetly while facilitating efficient movement for its members.

As the discussion unfolded, each member of the quartet brought their unique expertise to the table. The vision of a permanent base took shape, blending elements of technology, security, practicality, and discretion. Grant Enterprises was on the verge of establishing a stronghold from which it could launch into a realm where shadows and ambition coexisted.

Grant Enterprises officially entered the business arena, camouflaging its true nature behind the façade of dealing with Q's failed experiments.

Hiroshi, leveraging his organizational prowess, successfully gathered the necessary funds for the purchase. The skyscraper provided a blend of technology, security, and strategic advantage, meeting the immediate requirements of Grant Enterprises. Although Ezio and Aizawa acknowledged the eventual need for multiple bases, the New York skyscraper served as a solid starting point.

Grant Enterprises, under the guise of handling Q's experiments, swiftly began its operations. The skyscraper housed a growing number of employees, diligently handling logistics, research, and miscellaneous tasks to maintain the cover. The company's public face was gradually taking shape, and the recruits from top universities brought diverse skills to the table.

Simultaneously, Ezio embarked on a recruitment mission to assemble a team of assassins. Armed with James Bond-level equipment, courtesy of the collaboration with Q, Ezio meticulously selected individuals with unique skills and a penchant for discretion. The team of assassins under Ezio's command began to form, each member contributing to the organization's covert capabilities.

As the weeks passed, Grant Enterprises operated smoothly on the surface, navigating the intricate world of Q's failed experiments and technological endeavors. However, beneath this veneer, a powerful organization was emerging, ready to delve into the shadows and confront the challenges that lay ahead.

With Grant Enterprises firmly established, the group recognized the importance of ensuring a steady income to sustain their operations. However, they also understood that the company's cover might not be sufficient to generate the substantial funds needed for their ambitious plans. As they gathered in the strategic meeting room of their New York skyscraper, ideas began to flow.

Aizawa, with his pragmatic approach, suggested leveraging their unique skills and knowledge acquired from various summons. He proposed offering specialized services to those in need, whether it be intelligence gathering, security solutions, or even discreet problem-solving. By capitalizing on their individual strengths, they could cater to a niche market that valued discretion and effectiveness.

Hiroshi, drawing from his experiences in the corporate world, recommended exploring partnerships and collaborations with existing businesses. Grant Enterprises could provide technological innovations, research, and strategic consulting services to corporations seeking a competitive edge. This not only promised financial gains but also created a network of potential allies.

Q, always intrigued by cutting-edge technology, proposed patenting and licensing some of the more benign inventions that emerged from his experiments. This way, they could generate revenue without revealing the true nature of their operations.

Ezio, being well-versed in the art of espionage and underworld dealings, suggested taking on high-profile contracts from influential figures who preferred to remain in the shadows. Such contracts would not only bring in substantial payments but also establish Grant Enterprises as a force to be reckoned with in the clandestine world.

As the group deliberated on these ideas, they realized that a combination of these approaches would provide a diversified income stream for Grant Enterprises. Their goal was not merely survival but establishing a powerful and influential organization capable of navigating the complexities of the Marvel Universe.

A month passed, in currently destroyed Hydra base, Hunter continued his 'intensive training' with Jiraiya. Unbeknownst to him, back in New York, Ezio, Aizawa, Hiroshi, and Q were working tirelessly to build the foundation of Grant Enterprises, each contributing their unique skills to ensure the success of their covert operations.