Chapter 61: He Has Bled for His Country! (Edited)

Hydra's top agent in SHIELD, Alexander Pierce, along with Egghead and Coulson!

Was SHIELD deploying its most formidable diplomatic force to deal with him?

"Indeed, the original name of this sword was Chidori. After Tachibana Dōsetsu was struck by lightning and survived, the people of Japan began to view him as an incarnation of lightning, the first person capable of cutting down thunder itself. Hence, the sword was renamed Raikiri."

As they approached the training ground, Pierce, leading the conversation, said, "Mr. Lee, being able to identify the sword's original name as Chidori shows your extensive knowledge of famous cold weapons. It seems I was preaching to the choir."

Clark couldn't help but think how his guess seemed more like a lucky shot, especially since the Marvel universe doesn't have anything related to Naruto.

Standing up from the snow, Clark, maintaining a cool demeanor, addressed the uninvited guests, "It's quite impolite to enter our home without permission, don't you think?"

After scanning the three top agents with his gaze, Clark continued, "Even if I were to eliminate all three of you here, it would be deemed self-defense in court. What do you think?"

Of course, Clark had no intention of doing so, but he needed to assert his stance.

With Pierce incapacitated for over a month without waking, various factions were undoubtedly becoming restless. At this critical juncture, Clark couldn't afford to appear weak or vulnerable to anyone.

"You seem very confident, but don't you think you're a bit overconfident?" Egghead, as Punisher's former comrade, was not someone to back down easily. Hearing Clark's sharp words, he immediately responded in kind.

Clark simply shrugged, his attention focused on Pierce.

"Let me introduce myself. I'm Alexander Pierce, Director of Homeland Strategic Defense Attack and Logistics Support. These are agents Fury and Coulson," Pierce said, maintaining his polite demeanor before swiftly changing the subject. "I'm here to discuss the Ant-Man suit with you."

"The Ant-Man suit?" Clark frowned. "What's that?"

His act was convincing, but fooling three skilled agents was wishful thinking.

Pierce shrugged, "Many people are interested in the Ant-Man suit. Handing it over to us for safekeeping is in your best interest."

Clark continued to deny any knowledge, "Sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about."

Seeing Clark's firm stance on denying the existence of the Ant-Man suit, Pierce calmly handed him a business card, "Here's my card. If you change your mind... I mean, if you remember anything, feel free to call me."

After finishing, Pierce, along with Egghead and the silent Coulson, took their leave.

Watching them go, Mindy expressed her concern, "Are we in trouble now?"

"There will be trouble, but it's not something you need to worry about yet. Use this time during the winter break to get familiar with this sword. It's a renowned blade, and it might be difficult to find a more suitable weapon for you for a long time."

Mindy nodded excitedly, "No problem. Clark, you're much more understanding than Uncle Marcus!"

With her new "toy" in hand, she happily ran back into the villa.

Clark's phone rang at that moment.

"It's not Macau, my real name. I've been away too long, mother..." The caller ID showed it was Hope.

Was she in trouble too?

With curiosity, Clark answered the call.

"Hello! Clark?" Hope sounded urgent, "Some FBI agents came to the hospital, claiming we have an Ant-Man suit and demanding we hand it over to the government for safekeeping. I can't make them understand. Can you come to the hospital if you're free?"

The agents were right there with Hope!

From her words, Clark instantly understood her predicament.

There was no need for her to feign ignorance if that wasn't the case.

Considering her difficult situation and the possibility that the FBI might have taken control of Hank Pym, Clark quickly responded, "Don't worry, I'm on my way."

Hanging up, Clark rushed inside the villa, "Mindy, stop playing with your sword. I have an emergency. Change out of your Hit-Girl costume and drive me to the hospital."

...

Despite America's proclamations of freedom, special privilege agencies like the FBI were omnipresent. With the FBI involved, the hospital was very cooperative, even providing a temporary office for their use.

When Clark arrived at the hospital, as expected, Hank Pym was under FBI "protection."

Led by an FBI agent, Clark entered the special office.

Only two people were inside: Hope, silent and tense, and a Caucasian man in a suit who introduced himself as FBI Agent Ross.

Despite his anger, Clark remained composed, shaking hands with Ross.

Noticing Clark's restrained demeanor, Ross was relieved, hoping for a smooth conversation. However, when he tried to withdraw his hand, he found he couldn't.

"Uncle Pym has served SHIELD for many years, saving millions of lives."

"He has contributed to freedom; he has bled for his country!"