Chapter 61: Is It So Easy?

New York, Broadcasting Building.

As usual, the building buzzed with activity, with employees performing their daily tasks. However, there was an underlying tension in the air. Every so often, nervous glances were cast towards the second-floor studio.

"Captain Barton, he doesn't want to fight," came Angus' voice over the communicator.

Hawkeye, stationed in ambush across from the studio, showed no reaction. It was as if he had expected this outcome all along. He responded with a calm, detached tone:

"I told you before, if he ever joined S.H.I.E.L.D., he'd be the first to run when it came to missions."

His words weren't just heard by Angus but also by Maria Hill, who was also in position, listening intently. Her brow furrowed in confusion.

Why would someone so willing to save the city refuse to help apprehend such a dangerous criminal? Could it really be fear?

"Did he say why?" Maria Hill asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Angus sighed. "He said since we're S.H.I.E.L.D., we can handle it ourselves."

Hawkeye, who had been calm, couldn't help but frown at that. He let out a cold snort. "Have you informed the Director?"

"It's been reported," Angus confirmed.

Hawkeye said nothing further, his attention locked on the studio across the way. Through the window, he could see the Mandarin, sitting calmly in a chair, his head bowed, absently toying with the rings on his fingers. Two men stood by his side, seemingly waiting for something.

"I'm feeling uneasy about this, Agent Barton," Maria Hill's voice came through the communicator again, a hint of worry seeping into her tone.

Hawkeye was slightly surprised. Hill wasn't the type to get nervous during missions.

"Don't worry," he replied softly, sounding more confident than perhaps the situation warranted.

"I just feel like we should wait for Captain America and the others before we proceed," Maria suggested.

Hawkeye didn't take his eyes off the Mandarin. His voice was icy as he responded, "Honestly, I agree with you." He paused before continuing, "But we can't afford to wait. If the Mandarin escapes, catching him again will be a nightmare."

Hill fell silent, considering his words. Hawkeye was right—this was a rare opportunity. The Mandarin was right in front of them, with the building surrounded by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Every inch of the place was under surveillance, and snipers were positioned with clear views of their target. It was practically impossible for him to escape.

But something still felt off.

Before Hill could voice her concerns again, her communicator crackled to life. "Hill."

The voice of General Chris filled her ears. "How's the situation?"

Hill glanced at the Mandarin, still seated in the studio. "He's in our sights, sir. But he's been sitting there for a long time without moving. It's... odd."

General Chris cut her off. "This mission is crucial. I need to hear of its success soon." His tone grew more serious. "Nick Fury and the Avengers aren't around, but I believe you can handle this."

Hill exhaled deeply. "Understood. We'll proceed."

With the order given, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, led by Hill, began to move toward the studio. Snipers, guided by Hawkeye, kept their sights on the Mandarin, ready for any sudden movement.

The noise in the building grew louder, masking the careful footsteps of the approaching agents. Hill, leading the charge, moved silently along the wall, each step timed with Hawkeye's signals.

After what felt like an eternity, Hill reached the door to the studio. She glanced back at Hawkeye one last time. He nodded.

She counted down. Three... two... one.

"Now!"

Hill kicked open the studio door, her voice commanding and firm. "Don't move! You're surrounded. Resist, and we will fire without hesitation!"

She quickly aimed her weapon at the Mandarin's head as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents swarmed the room, encircling the Mandarin and his two guards.

The two men beside the Mandarin moved to draw their weapons, but before they could act, gunshots rang out—boom, boom—and both dropped to the floor, neutralized by Hill's team.

Yet, the Mandarin remained unmoved, still playing with the rings on his fingers, head bowed. His calm demeanor only heightened Hill's anxiety. Normally, rules dictated that if there was no resistance, they couldn't shoot.

But this was no ordinary criminal—this was the Mandarin, a man known for his danger.

Hill's finger tightened on the trigger, preparing to act when, suddenly, the Mandarin raised his hands. His voice was calm, almost too calm.

"I surrender."

The words echoed through the room, leaving everyone stunned. Maria Hill froze, struggling to believe what she was hearing. The infamous Mandarin... surrendering?

Was it really that easy?

"Cuff him," Hill ordered, though her voice carried an edge of suspicion.

The agents moved swiftly, binding the Mandarin's hands and escorting him out of the studio.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the building. The tension that had gripped them for hours finally began to dissipate. Hawkeye, who had been observing from his vantage point, stood and made his way over to Hill.

As he approached, Hill was already reporting back. "Task complete."

Leader Matthew Ellis's excited voice came over the line. "Fantastic! Get him to a high-security facility immediately!"

Hill responded with a brief acknowledgment. But as she pocketed her communicator, Hawkeye's sharp eyes caught something troubling.

"Who are those people?" he asked, pointing downstairs.

Hill followed his gaze. A group of about a dozen people had just entered the building. They didn't look like S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, nor did they resemble the building's regular security.

Her heart sank as she noticed something—a faint red glow emanating from their bodies.

"Explosive men!" Hill gasped.

Before she could react, Hawkeye's instincts kicked in. He spun around, grabbing the Mandarin by his beard and pulling back hard. The man's face shifted under his grip, revealing a disguised imposter beneath.

"This... isn't the Mandarin!"