Chapter 597: Birthday Party

Nick Fury looked at Natasha and said, "This matter is of the highest confidentiality within S.H.I.E.L.D., classified as top secret. Until the classification is downgraded, do not disclose it to anyone."

Natasha responded with a serious expression, "Yes, Director!"

Nick Fury nodded, "Alright, continue with your report."

"Director, from my understanding, the relationships between the ninjas are not amicable. They have had conflicts and wars in the past."

"Based on the intelligence I received, the Mizukage does not have control over the teleportation arrays between the two worlds."

"If they remain missing for an extended period, the Hidden Mist Village will likely consider their leader lost and conduct a widespread search in the ninja world."

"To avoid losing contact with the ninja world, the Mizukage will try to find the teleportation arrays. If unsuccessful, they might target other ninja villages."

Nick Fury agreed with Natasha's assessment. The prolonged absence of an organization's leader would undoubtedly lead to significant problems.

"Which village do you think the Mizukage would target if they decide to take action?"

Natasha thought for a moment and then said, "If the Hidden Mist Village takes action, they will most likely target the Sound Village first."

"Among the forces that control the teleportation arrays, the Hidden Leaf Village has the most personnel, making it the hardest target."

"The Akatsuki, despite having the fewest members, consists of strong Kage-level ninjas and is highly elusive."

"Although the Hidden Mist initially encountered the Akatsuki, I don't think they will target them."

"The Hidden Sand Village currently has only four ninjas, making them relatively weak. However, three of the Hidden Sand's members are the children of the Kazekage."

"Additionally, the Hidden Sand, Hidden Leaf, and Hidden Mist are among the Five Great Shinobi Countries and top-tier forces in the ninja world. The Hidden Mist would likely avoid conflict with them unless absolutely necessary."

"If Temari and the others are attacked, it's highly possible that the Hidden Sand will send reinforcements."

"The Sound Village, on the other hand, has only five ninjas and is considered a small village. I suspect that if the Hidden Mist takes action, it will be against them."

Upon hearing Natasha's analysis, Nick Fury furrowed his brows. Ninjas indeed are not peaceful individuals, and the destruction they could cause in a conflict is considerable.

Based on previous combat reports, the three members from the Hidden Mist are not primarily taijutsu users but ninjutsu users capable of large-scale attacks and terrain-altering powers.

Even battles in remote areas could cause significant damage and impact.

Nick Fury pondered for a moment and then asked, "Is there any possibility of mediating the situation? Perhaps getting the Hidden Mist to pay a price to borrow the teleportation arrays from the other three villages and send the Mizukage back."

To Nick Fury, sending the Hidden Mist back to the ninja world and keeping them off Earth would be beneficial, though he recognized the difficulty.

If he were the Mizukage, he would also try to find the teleportation arrays upon returning and send people back, as Earth is a habitable planet that would not be easily abandoned.

Natasha shook her head.

"I don't think we have the ability to mediate this situation effectively, but we can arrange for someone to try."

"Alright, I understand. We'll leave it at that for now. I'll have another task for you soon."

"Yes, sir!"

As Natasha turned to leave, Nick Fury opened a file he had been holding. Inside were dossiers on several individuals, with Brock Rumlow, Natasha Romanoff, and a few other S.H.I.E.L.D. agents listed.

This was the candidate list for the next round of serum injections. Nick Fury planned to select two or three agents to undergo the procedure.

Nick Fury even considered whether he should inject himself with the serum. But since he seldom found himself on the front lines, the value of using the serum on field agents was greater.

Besides, he had his own set of contingencies and wasn't overly concerned about his safety.

After contemplating for a while, Nick Fury selected the files of Brock Rumlow, Natasha Romanoff, and Steve Rogers.

...

A week later-

The large lawn in front of Charles's base was set up as the main venue for the birthday party.

Numerous staff members were bustling around, serving guests. Drinks, snacks, and desserts were arranged on tables for everyone to enjoy.

Top-tier Michelin star chefs were brought to prepare gourmet dishes for the attendees.

Although Charles hadn't invited any random people, the turnout was still considerable.

The Elders of the High Table arrived early.

The Charles Agency was closed for the day, allowing even the werewolves under Charles's command to join the festivities.

The spaciousness of Charles's base ensured that, despite the large number of guests, the venue didn't feel crowded.

At that moment, Tony Stark arrived with Pepper Potts and made his way toward Charles.

"Hey, buddy, happy birthday!"

Charles smiled as he saw Tony. "Tony, long time no see."

Pepper Potts handed over a gift box and said, "Mr. Charles, happy birthday! This is a little something from Tony and me."

Ginny, standing nearby, took the gift box from Pepper.

"Tony, you shouldn't have. Your presence is gift enough."

Tony chuckled and replied, "There are a lot of guests today. You go ahead and greet them. We can catch up later."

"Sure, there are other familiar faces here for you. You and Pepper can mingle with them for now."

Tony and Pepper walked away, and as they did, Jiraiya suddenly appeared and threw an arm around Tony's shoulder.

"Tony!"

Tony quickly pushed Jiraiya away and introduced him, "Pepper, this is Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin from Konoha. He's a powerful ninja and a friend of mine."

Pepper extended her hand to Jiraiya, "Hello, I'm Pepper Potts. Nice to meet you."

Upon hearing that Pepper Potts was Tony's girlfriend, Jiraiya was somewhat surprised but still shook her hand warmly. "Hello, I'm Jiraiya."

After exchanging a few words, Jiraiya pulled Tony aside and asked in a low voice, "Bro, when did you start dating? How come I didn't know about this before?"

Tony cleared his throat and replied seriously, "Jiraiya, Pepper and I have been together for a while now. She's been busy running my company, so you haven't seen her around."

Jiraiya gave a thumbs up and raised an eyebrow. "Well done, buddy!"

Meanwhile, elsewhere at the party, the 'Konoha Twelve' gathered together, chatting and enjoying their time. They shared stories of their experiences in this world.

Kakashi, Might Guy, Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, and Obito Uchiha stood together, reminiscing about their own stories. Kakashi, especially, cherished Obito dearly, next only to Charles.

The entire scene was divided into various groups: the Elders of the High Table, the werewolves, the Adjudicator team led by John, and the ninja from Konoha—all mingled separately in their own circles.

Observing the crowd from a corner of the banquet hall were Kabuto and Coulson.

"Kabuto, the number of Leaf Village shinobi has increased again. There are so many of them now."

"I counted at least twenty-three people with Leaf Village headbands. It seems like there are more Leaf Village ninja here than from all the other villages combined."

Kabuto nodded in agreement. "Yes, unless there's been a large influx of ninja from other villages recently, the Leaf Village indeed seems to have a significant presence."

Kabuto couldn't help but wonder if Charles had a particular fondness for the Leaf Village, considering that two-thirds of the ninja he had brought from the ninja world were from there.

Just as they were conversing, Pakura arrived with three shinobi from the Hidden Sand Village.

"Mr. Charles, happy birthday. This is a birthday gift prepared by the Hidden Sand Village for you."

At this moment, Temari held out a wrapped gift box. It appeared quite large, and no one knew what was inside.

Charles smiled at the Hidden Sand ninja as they approached. "You're all here, and bringing gifts too? That's too kind."

"Ginny, take this."

Ginny stepped forward to receive the gift from Temari. As she took it, she felt its weight and wondered what could be inside.

Fortunately, Ginny had been injected with Type III physique enhancement serum, so her strength was extraordinary. She easily took the gift and placed it with the others on the gift table.

After the Hidden Sand Village delegation arrived, it wasn't long before the five members of the Sound Ninja also made their appearance.

Unlike the Hidden Sand, the Sound Ninja attracted more attention as they approached, causing a stir among the guests.

Sakon, Ukon and Kidomaru are both quite strange in appearance; it's hard not to notice them.

Following that, Kimimaro, accompanied by the four members of the Sound Ninja, presented birthday gifts and wishes to Charles Doyle, and then proceeded to the banquet area to interact with other ninjas.

The last to arrive was Mei Terumi, the Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village, accompanied by Ao and Haku.

Approaching Charles Doyle, Mei Terumi smiled and said, "Happy birthday, Mr. Charles. I'm a bit unfamiliar with this place since I've just arrived. I hope I'm not too late."

Charles smiled back, "Not at all. The party hasn't officially started yet, so your timing is perfect."

Mei Terumi chuckled before calling out, "Ao!"

Ao, who was behind Mei Terumi, held a gift box and stepped forward, saying, "Happy birthday. This is a little token from the Hidden Mist."

Ginny came over, accepted the gift from Ao, and placed it aside before leading Mei Terumi and her companions to another area.

Coulson looked at Kabuto and said, "This beautiful lady is actually the Mizukage of the Hidden Mist. Have you ever met her before?"

Kabuto smiled bitterly, "Coulson, I'm just a nobody in the ninja world. How could I have met the Mizukage?"

Coulson nodded, "True, but you have now."

"If you go back later, you'll have the capital to boast to your buddies. Want to go say hello?"

Kabuto shook his head, "Forget it. Such a big shot, I'd rather not bother her."

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Charles took the microphone and said, "A very warm welcome to all the guests who have taken time out of their busy schedules to come to my birthday party."

"The party starts now. I hope everyone enjoys the food, drinks, and atmosphere!"

Charles didn't waste much time with pleasantries and quickly thanked everyone before officially starting the party.

Watching Charles Doyle with a smile on her face, Mei Terumi couldn't help but feel a bit infatuated; Charles Doyle was just too handsome. She thought to herself, "It would be great if he could be my future husband."

At this moment, Ao spoke up, "Mizukage, there are many guests here. Are there any that catch your eye?"

Ao knew that Mei Terumi was actually a woman who was eager to marry a handsome and powerful man.

Mei Terumi's expression changed, and then she calmly said, "The man for me, Mei Terumi, must be someone who isn't easily swayed."

Ao looked at the men on the stage and whispered, "What do you think of Mr. Charles Doyle?"

Mei Terumi glanced at Ao but didn't say anything.

As Charles announced the start of the party, Mei Terumi went over to the Sound Ninja's area and approached Kimimaro.

"I heard you're from the Kaguya Clan."

Kimimaro, whose gaze had been fixed on Orochimaru, turned to face Mei Terumi when she stood in front of him and replied, "What's the matter?"

"I'm Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage, and I'm inviting you, a member of the Kaguya Clan, to return to the Hidden Mist."

Kimimaro remained expressionless and replied coldly, "Not interested."

Mei Terumi smiled, "You little brat, it's not up to you."

Meanwhile, from a distance, Coulson watched anxiously as Mei Terumi went to chat with the Sound Ninja.

He had received information from the director that the Hidden Mist might engage in a battle with the Sound Ninja.

Coulson worried, "The Hidden Mist won't start a fight with the Sound Ninja directly at the party, will they? They shouldn't."