Chapter 71: Big Appetite
"Well, I have three conditions."
"Go on..."
"First, this superhero organization must operate independently and not be subordinate to any other entity! No one is qualified to give me orders, and I will make all final decisions."
"Alright, that was my intention. I don't want superheroes to become pawns of politicians. As for you... just consider helping out when needed."
It's clear that Thor won't be as obedient as a professional agent; he will do as he pleases and ignore tasks he doesn't want to undertake.
And his boundaries are equally clear—he must maintain a friendly relationship with Thor.
Subordinate? That's not happening...
"Second, just as agents need to keep their family members confidential, I don't want my family to be overly disturbed. If this is not respected, I reserve the right to defend myself at all times."
Due to Peggy, their family had faced numerous disturbances. Each year, a few troublemakers were apprehended near Thor's home, and they ended up feeding the fish at sea.
However, superheroes are far more significant than agents. Exposure could lead to chaos. For instance, Spider-Man's Aunt May was killed in revenge due to the registration of the "SOKOVIA Act"...
Though Hela, the powerful antagonist, resided with them, she was a ticking time bomb. It was a small miracle if she didn't cause trouble...
"Yes, we'll do our best to ensure superheroes face no unnecessary worries." Nick Fury hesitated before nodding in agreement.
Thor nodded in satisfaction: "The last condition..."
"The last condition... Wait, what's the name of your plan? The Guardian Plan?"
Thor suddenly recalled an issue and asked.
Nick Fury was taken aback: "Uh, what's the matter? Actually, I agree that name isn't ideal. I was considering changing it to... The Avengers Initiative! Or perhaps the Justice League?"
Thor shook his head: "Forget it, that sounds too cliché. Just call it The Avengers! My final condition is a piece of land in Manhattan. With so many people in my family, our current manor is almost insufficient. Twenty-five acres would be ideal—nothing too grand..."
"No way... Absolutely not!"
Nick Fury almost blurted out a refusal upon hearing the land request but quickly composed himself and firmly denied it.
Is your unit out of your mind? Twenty-five acres? Do you plan to build a palace? The offices of top officials in Washington are only a few acres...
If there were no geographical constraints, he would have begrudgingly agreed. The United States is vast and resource-rich. A piece of land on the western plateau could be easily allocated for housing or farming.
However, in Manhattan, where land is extremely scarce...
Nick Fury seriously doubts there is such a large vacant lot available in Manhattan.
"Mr. Fury, you're being unreasonable. You know the first two conditions are practically non-existent—they're merely formalities. The last request is what I want, and you refuse?"
How could I ever agree to this?
Nick Fury nearly shouted but restrained himself due to the disparity in their respective powers.
"Please, even if I agree, I lack the authority to grant such a request. Washington isn't keen on this plan, and you want them to allocate such a large plot of land. That would cause an uproar on Wall Street..."
"Okay." Thor shrugged nonchalantly: "If that's the case, the conversation ends here."
Nick Fury was speechless. Was this request entirely non-negotiable?
"Come back if you change your mind; I don't care either way."
"Wait!"
Nick Fury stopped him: "I don't have the authority to approve your request, but I can pass your conditions to my superiors. I can't guarantee whether they will be accepted."
Not only is it uncertain, but it would also be miraculous if it were to be achieved...
Thor nodded: "Alright, I'm not in a hurry. Let me know when there is a decision. Oh, and just so you know, within the scope of the land, I have final authority, and U.S. electrical laws don't apply to me..."
Nick Fury remained expressionless.
Does he really think this? Is he trying to establish a sovereign enclave in Manhattan?