7

'.....'= Thoughts

"....."= Conversations

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The second path was not much better than the first one. John would reveal that he had already injected the serum into himself, turning him into a Super Soldier like Captain America.

In this scenario, spying and involvement from organizations like SHIELD and HYDRA would still exist. However, they would lack a legitimate reason to attack or capture John, unlike in the first path.

While Fury would keep John under surveillance, he would also include him in the Avengers Initiative.

Given HYDRA's current weakened state, they would definitely think twice before crossing paths with a person involved in the Avengers Initiative.

If HYDRA were to attempt an overthrow of SHIELD, similar to what happened in the movie 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' a few years from now, John would have become even stronger by then and would possess the capability to resist and eliminate HYDRA on his own.

The risks in both paths were nearly identical.

John was unsure about which path to choose. Logically, the first option of hiding his identity and abilities for as long as possible seemed better.

After thinking for a while, John finally made his decision.

Looking at Tony, who was sitting beside him, John asked for more information about his parents. The previous John was unaware of many things regarding his parents.

Tony nodded and provided a few details about John's parents when asked.

John discovered that his parents were renowned scientists working for SHIELD. They hadn't told the previous John about this because SHIELD was a secretive organization, and its members were not allowed to disclose any details about it to anyone.

As they were talking, a car pulled up at the gates of the mansion.

Two men stepped out of the car and entered the mansion.

John stood up to welcome them.

"Mr. Wick," the man with an eye patch over his eye shook John's hand. "I am Nick Fury, the Director of SHIELD. SHIELD stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. It is an American extra-governmental counter-terrorism and intelligence agency, tasked with maintaining both national and global security. This is Phil Coulson, one of the valuable agents in our organization."

"Nice to meet you," John shook Nick Fury's and Phil Coulson's hands.

"Who's responsible for all this?" John asked them, though he already suspected HYDRA for the kidnapping. As no one other than HYDRA, who had completely infiltrated SHIELD, would successfully perform such a kidnapping under SHIELD's nose.

"It's an organization named RED, with its headquarters situated in Russia. For the past few years, it has indulged in various illegal activities and has a network all over the world," Fury answered.

"Hmm, it's possible that this organization named RED is just another subsidiary of HYDRA. Or it could be that HYDRA had outsourced the job to this organization named RED," John pondered. "Whatever the case may be, I will definitely pay them a visit soon," he decided.

"Mr. Wick, I have an offer for you. You would make an important addition to our organization. With your abilities, we would be more confident in dealing with the troubles of the world. You joining SHIELD would also make your parents proud. Tony must have told you that they were part of SHIELD, right?" Nick Fury asked.

"Abilities? What abilities? I am not as intelligent as my parents," John asked doubtfully.

"No, I am actually talking about the abilities of the serum ingested by you," Fury replied.

'What? How did he know? Does my mansion have spy cameras? No, Tony would have definitely warned me if there were any. Then how?" Wait a minute, if he knows about the serum, then why didn't he mention anything about my abilities with the Quake Quake Fruit, which I used earlier on the researchers and soldiers?' John was shocked.

"There is no need to be so surprised, Mr. Wick. I have my own methods. Nothing can be hidden from my eyes...eye," Fury replied mysteriously.

'Stop acting so cocky. Say all this to HYDRA, which has infiltrated your organization,' John wanted to, but he didn't say this part aloud.

"Anyways, what's your say on the offer, Mr. Wick? You would be responsible for a noble task as a protector of the humans in this world," Fury continued.

Tony who was listening to Nick Fury just rolled his eyes at how he was trying to fool John in joining SHIELD. But he didn't try to stop Nick Fury as he knew that John was mature enough to make his own choices and would not be fooled by him. 

"No offense, Mr. Fury, but I'm not interested," John replied calmly after the first wave of shock given to him by Fury.

Fury raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by John's response. "You sure about that? With your skills, you could make a real difference in the fight against evil."

John shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, I really do. But I have my own way of making a difference. I don't need an organization like SHIELD to do that."

Fury's expression turned serious as he leaned closer, his voice low and compelling. "I get it, John. I do. But think about the resources, the training, and the technology we have at our disposal. It would help you in efficiently and effectively using the strength you have acquired for the good of humanity."

John remained firm, realizing that Fury wasn't going to give up easily. As he was about to say something, Tony interrupted," I can help him with that. He doesn't need to go to the SHIELD for that."

John looked at Tony with a hint of surprise and then nodded towards Fury showing that he was in agreement with what just Tony had said.

Fury sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I see you're a stubborn one, John. But I respect that. Just know that if you ever change your mind, the offer will still be on the table."

John nodded, appreciating Fury's understanding. "Thank you, Mr. Fury. I'll keep that in mind."

With that, Fury and Coulson excused themselves and left the mansion.

"I didn't tell them," Tony said as he watch them leave.

"I know," John believed as Tony had no motive for doing this. John decided to leave that topic aside for a while.

Tony couldn't help but smirk. "Nice move, John. I can't believe you turned down Nick Fury."

John chuckled. "Honestly, Tony, I have enough on my plate as it is. Joining SHIELD would just complicate things. Also from what you told me about SHIELD, I'd better stay away from it. Plus, I don't like being tied down to an organization. I value my freedom too much."

Tony nodded, understanding John's perspective. "Fair enough. Just remember, if you ever need backup, you know where to find me.

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