Chapter 574: Hydra's Target

After a period of intense excavation, the team finally uncovered the ice-encased figure of Steve Rogers. The sight of the frozen Captain America left everyone astonished.

The team members couldn't fathom how Kabuto had detected a person hidden beneath ten meters of ice.

Agent Coulson, gazing at the frozen figure of Captain America, couldn't contain his excitement. "Be careful," he instructed. "Handle the captain's body with utmost care."

Kabuto glanced at the partially unearthed Steve Rogers and remarked, "Coulson, the Captain is still alive."

"What?" Coulson's disbelief was evident as he turned to Kabuto.

Ward, standing nearby, frowned slightly at the notion. The idea that Captain America was still alive seemed implausible.

"Kabuto, are you certain this person encased in ice is alive?" Coulson asked.

Kabuto nodded. "Yes, but if they continue chiseling like this, I can't guarantee his survival."

Immediately, Coulson shouted, "Stop, everyone, stop!"

The workers halted their excavation, and Coulson turned to Kabuto for guidance. "What should we do?"

Kabuto pondered for a moment before replying, "From what I can sense, he's in a unique state. The ice has both encased and protected him. We need to extract the entire block of ice with him still inside, keeping him in his frozen state."

Taking Kabuto's advice, Coulson directed the team to proceed with the delicate extraction. Soon, a massive ice block containing Steve Rogers was carefully cut and prepared for transport.

Coulson organized for a Quinjet to retrieve the ice block, ensuring the Captain's preservation during the journey back to headquarters.

Aboard the Quinjet, Coulson turned to Kabuto and said, "You've done an excellent job, Kabuto. I'll make sure the SHIELD recognizes your contribution. Is there anything specific you want as a reward?"

With a bright smile, Kabuto responded, "If possible, I'd like to exchange for a couple of jutsu from the Charles Agency."

Coulson's interest piqued. "Have you mastered the jutsu you obtained last time?"

Kabuto nodded. "Yes, I've fully mastered it."

"Alright, I'll put in a request with the Director," Coulson assured him.

…

S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters-

In his office, Nick Fury received Coulson's update. Learning that Steve Rogers had been located and, according to Kabuto, was potentially still alive brought a smile to Fury's face.

"Alive. Alive is good," Fury mused. A living Steve Rogers held immense value. Not only could they extract and study his blood for the super-soldier serum, but they could also reintegrate him into active duty once he awoke.

Holding a living legend like Steve Rogers could also serve as a significant political asset.

"Things just keep getting better," Fury thought to himself, satisfied with the recent developments.

…

Meanwhile, at a Hydra Base-

Alexander Pierce reviewed a report in his hands. "So, all of Wakanda's vibranium was stolen by Ulysses Klaue thirty years ago?"

"Yes, sir," his subordinate confirmed.

"And what happened to this stolen vibranium?" Pierce inquired further.

"The vibranium stolen by Ulysses Klaue has already been sold over the years, turning it into his wealth," the subordinate reported.

Pierce shook his head. "It's impossible that he stole all of it. Wakanda continues to supply a small amount of vibranium to the Five Great Powers each year. Although they claim this is their last stock, I believe they have more."

"Send a squad of Winter Soldiers to negotiate with King T'Chaka of Wakanda. I'm confident we will achieve some results."

"Yes, sir," the subordinate responded.

Pierce continued, "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s experiment on body enhancement has failed. I have arranged for the experimental data to be retrieved. Our task is to build upon their research."

"After thoroughly understanding their data, we will continue their progress with our own experiments. With our experience, I believe our results will be even more powerful."

"Understood, sir."

Pierce glanced at his subordinate and declared, "Hail Hydra!"

"Hail Hydra!" the subordinate echoed.

…

Meanwhile, at Tony Stark's Beachside Mansion-

Charles had brought Jiraiya to Tony's mansion.

"Tony, let me introduce you to a new partner: Jiraiya, one of the Three Legendary Sannin from Konoha."

"Jiraiya, this is my friend Tony Stark—superhero, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist."

Tony looked at the man before him, with long white hair, a floral shirt, and wooden clogs. He pulled Charles aside and whispered, "One of the Legendary Sannin? Is this guy as strong as Tsunade?"

Charles nodded, and Tony relaxed before stepping forward to shake Jiraiya's hand. "I'm Tony Stark."

Jiraiya shook his hand warmly. "Nice to meet you, I'm Jiraiya."

Charles turned to Tony. "Jiraiya is new here and not familiar with our world. Can you show him around and introduce him to our world?"

Tony nodded. "Where's he from?"

Charles smiled but didn't elaborate. Tony assumed Jiraiya was from a magical world unfamiliar with Earth's modern society.

"Okay, leave it to me! But I have one condition—Jiraiya has to help me test a new armor I've been developing."

"Testing armor? No problem," Jiraiya agreed cheerfully.

Seeing Jiraiya's willingness, Charles said, "I have other matters to attend to, so I won't stay long. Jiraiya is in your hands."

Tony looked at Charles with surprise. "I'm hosting a party tonight. Won't you stay?"

Charles shook his head. "No, I need to visit S.H.I.E.L.D. to handle some issues."

"Alright, I won't delay you then. Next time, you're invited."

Charles waved goodbye to Tony and Jiraiya and left.

As Charles departed, Jiraiya turned to Tony with a grin. "What kind of party is it tonight? Lots of beautiful women?"

Understanding immediately, Tony laughed. "A swimsuit party with all the top models! How does that sound?"

Jiraiya, having learned about models and cover girls during his brief time in this world, grinned widely. "Sounds great! I'm looking forward to it."

Tony laughed heartily. "You're an interesting guy. But I have one condition—you have to cooperate seriously during my new armor test."

"No problem," Jiraiya agreed.

"Alright, it's a deal."