Chapter 49

[Authors note:So James Bond Casino Royal movie, Kage would be placed instead of Bond and Solange Dimitrios (Catrina Murino) will be a love interest.]

A shuriken blade grinds against a whetstone as kage sharpens the weapon with practiced grace.

With a serene yet intense focus, Kage's fingers glided along the shuriken blade, each movement whispering secrets of ancient arts. The soft grating of metal against stone resonated in the dimly lit room, where only thin slivers of sunlight managed to pierce through the vertical blinds. As he completed the sharpening ritual, rising to his full height, Kage appeared as if chiseled from the darkest obsidian by a master sculptor. Surrounding him, wooden blocks were meticulously positioned, awaiting their fate.

In his palm, a single shuriken abruptly fans into many like a deck of cards.Suddenly his arm whips around as the shurikens crack and split the thick wooden targets.He stands alone, still blindfolded.

Kate removed his blindfolds then moved a bed of nail, Glistening under the room's muted light, a bed of sixteen penny nails lay perfectly aligned, their sharp tips glinting ominously.

With astonishing grace, he executed handstand push-ups, his body forming a seamless line, mirroring the sharpness of the nails beneath him.

Kage his breathing is rhythmic and deep, but this is really the first time we have heard him sound like he is straining.He is doing handstand push-ups. On the nails. Over and over, with little apparent effort. The hard edges and lines of his body catch the light, like the tips of the nails.

From the shadows, Gisele observed, her eyes wide with admiration and disbelief. As Kage sensed her presence, his voice, deep and resonant, broke the silence. "What brings you here, Gisele?"

She managed a hesitant smile, "Just watching."

His unwavering gaze locked onto hers. "Any word from Dom or General Hawks?"

She hesitated before replying, "Dom, Brian, and Mia are contemplating a trip to Rio. And General Hawks? He's overseeing new recruits."

Kage's mind raced, recalling intelligence on Roadblock, Hobbs' estranged twin. "Anything else from the General?"

Gisele's expression turned grave. "He wants you to reach out."

The room is dimly lit, with a massive holographic display in the center. Various officers are busy at their stations, monitoring data streams and communications. A soft hum fills the air, emanating from the advanced machinery.

Kage steps forward and places his hand on a console, and a holographic keyboard materializes in front of him. Tapping swiftly, he initiates a secure line.

The holographic display activates, revealing the stern face of General Hawks. His eyes are sharp, and the weight of responsibility is evident on his face.

General Hawks' voice echoed through a secure line, filled with urgency. "Your suspicions were warranted. Cobra has tendrils in the U.S. government. We're unsure of their reach, but there's a surge in suspicious recruits and unexplained financial activities."

Deep lines formed on Kage's forehead. "Have the President or Defense Minister been informed?"

"They remain in the dark," the General admitted, "Only Breaker and Heavy-duty know."

Kage exhaled slowly, "Keep this under wraps. The capture of Cobra Commander hasn't quelled the storm. Zartan, the master of disguise, remains elusive. The body-transfer tech of Doctor Mindbender has muddied the waters. Trust is a luxury we can't afford."

Understanding the gravity, General Hawks inquired, "Do you suspect any Joes are compromised?"

Kage's resolve was unwavering. "I've scrutinized every Joe's habits, communications, and behaviors since Mindbender's escapade. We remain vigilant."

General Hawk nodded understanding, why Kage did what he did, so said"Continue these checks."

The holographic connection starts to flicker, signaling the end of the communication.

General Hawk's voice held a newfound respect added "Maintain your vigilance, Kage. The battle is far from over."

The holographic display fades, leaving Kage staring at the now empty space. He takes a deep breath, knowing the gravity of the situation.

While Gisele entered the room, she saw Kage was tensed started massaging his shoulders.

While Kage smiled and just swiped his hands on the console, then holographic images of the G.I. Joe operatives hover above the console, each one detailed and lifelike.

Roadblock, Flint, Mouse, Lady Jaye and Jinx. Roadblock's specialty was that of a heavy gunner and he was extremely skilled in using such weapons, making him an invaluable asset to the G.I. Joe Team.

Kage explained"Yes, Gisele. Meet the new team Joes."

Gisele recognised one of them

"Interesting choices.Roadblock or Marvin, Inhave met him before.He is really good with weapons and very good fighter."

Kage looked at Holographic image of Roadblock and muttered"Marvin F. Hinton, it seems Hobbs and this guy has some really strained relationship for him to just cut of his name and family."

The an image of Lady Jaye serves a covert operator with a specialty in weapons.Also known as Jaye Burnett.

Gisele smirks, her eyes darting to the image of Lady Jaye and questioned "Lady Jaye? She seems intriguing."

Kage didn't know, what Gisele was thinking said

"She's one of the best covert operators we have. Her skills in weaponry and intelligence gathering are unparalleled."

Then there is Flint was a loner and a showoff.He is an agility expert, freerunning.Also has been trained as Paratrooper, Heli-pilot;Demolitions.

Kage muttered"There are lot of talents in this new group."

Gisele's voice was laced with curiosity. "Where's Storm Shadow? Will he be joining us?"

With a heavy sigh, Kage replied, "He's embarked on a mission to track down our master's murderer. He's determined to avenge the Hard Master's death. I believe he also has a lead on the possible culprit."

Gisele nodded understanding Storm Shadow's decision.