Chapter 54: Emergency Plan

Finally, Oaks heard the term from Nick Fury's mouth.

"What is this? Avengers? Seeking revenge against whom? An Initiative?"

"..."

Although Nick Fury didn't understand what he was talking about, seeing Oaks's face expressing his disdain, he knew it was better to explain it.

"Seeking revenge against threats to the world," he took a deep breath, "This is a special response team composed of members with combat capabilities far beyond ordinary humans. They are responsible for dealing with special situations that ordinary armies cannot handle."

"Such as?"

"Such as..."

Nick Fury paused for a moment and continued, "A few days ago, the US military found the Hulk."

"Huh?"

Oaks was slightly taken aback. Did they find Bruce Banner?

"Oh, your S.H.I.E.L.D. must have put in a lot of effort."

"It's 'our' S.H.I.E.L.D, Mr. Consultant."

Nick Fury emphasized, "S.H.I.E.L.D. is investigating the Hulk not only because of the request from the US military but also because he poses a huge threat beyond ordinary ones."

"He caused quite a commotion in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and according to intelligence analysis, he has likely already returned to the US. This news has kept the military on high alert for a while."

"Rio de Janeiro? Ha, the US military making such a fuss in the second-largest city of Brazil, a former capital, is like catching a stray dog in their own backyard. Truly the United States."

Oaks looked contemptuous, "I feel that Dr. Banner didn't really intend to cause harm. Otherwise, with those mediocre soldiers, none of them would have returned alive."

"While the military didn't send mediocre soldiers, I share the same sentiment."

Fury snorted and nodded. In his opinion, cross-border operations should be S.H.I.E.L.D's privilege, and the US military's direct involvement without going through him was a violation.

However, as the biggest source of funding for S.H.I.E.L.D., he generally gave the domineering US military some face in such matters.

"With the Hulk, at least we still have Dr. Banner. Based on his behavior, he doesn't pose an active threat. But there are other extraordinary individuals who aren't as simple—"

"Last month, before Stark caused chaos, the United Nations peacekeeping forces discovered new superhumans near the border of Wakanda, a small country in Africa. And it seems that he is the leader of a mysterious force, even accompanied by an army."

"Wakanda..."

Oaks fell silent. It seemed that the peacekeeping forces came close to Wakanda and were discovered by the Black Panther. But who is the current Black Panther?

Well, that's not important. In any case, S.H.I.E.L.D. has taken note of this information and is wary of the Black Panther with his own army.

"Not only that, but there are also other threats in the world that are becoming increasingly dangerous, and conventional forces are becoming less capable of dealing with these situations.

Therefore, to respond to threats beyond human capabilities, we can only use methods that exceed human capabilities."

Embarrassingly, in Fury's opinion, Oaks, the person who seemed to pay him the least attention, seemed to be the most reliable candidate.

Because his potential harm was even lower than that attention-seeking brat Tony Stark's, almost approaching zero.

"Did Tony agree to join?"

Oaks's expression made Nick Fury's face lengthen.

"From your expression, I've already guessed it."

"Haha, how could that arrogant guy pay attention to what you're saying? Let me think, he would probably say..."

Oaks put on an aloof expression and pointed his chin at Nick Fury.

"A threat? I'm enough on my own; a team is unnecessary!"

"...That's right, that's what he said."

Nick Fury gritted his teeth. Why couldn't that bastard be a bit smarter?

"He will actively request to join."

He could only try to save face for himself:

"However, whether he is qualified to join will depend on the circumstances."

"Are you trying to find a breakthrough through me?"

Oaks stroked his chin, thinking that Tony Stark and Nick Fury were pretty much the same when it came to arrogance and sarcasm.

"You know, my interest lies in environmental causes. My dream is about natural balance and exploring the mysteries of nature and life. I have no interest in being a superhero.

Besides, I haven't received any military training. Tony, on the other hand, at least has a background in the arms industry. I'm just a harmless scholar."

"A harmless scholar who can silently and effortlessly break people's necks? A large beast that appeared in the slums of Brooklyn ten years ago? A biologist who strolls through the Amazon rainforest like a garden? The Druid who can heal fatal wounds with a wave of his hand?"

Nick Fury tugged at the corner of his mouth, leaning forward:

"I'm not intending to pursue these matters, but you are wasting your abilities, Mr. Consultant. I haven't even asked you to join S.H.I.E.L.D."

"You did ask, but I declined. You just said 'our' S.H.I.E.L.D. earlier."

Oaks remained expressionless. If Nick Fury was foolish enough not to realize what he had done, it would be surprising, but it didn't mean he wanted to be controlled by him.

"This 'Avengers Initiative' seems to be under the jurisdiction of S.H.I.E.L.D. And I have already refused to become a subordinate of S.H.I.E.L.D. I'm just a Consultant, an external member.

Even if the Benevolence Society is under S.H.I.E.L.D., it won't change the fact that I won't unconditionally accept orders from S.H.I.E.L.D."

"Don't forget, this is a transaction, and in a transaction, the status of both parties is equal. I have never seen myself as your subordinate, Director Fury."

"Wooo..."

Seemingly sensing his owner's mood, Moco, who was lying next to Oaks, bared its teeth at Nick Fury and let out a low growl, while Coco on the other side impatiently flicked its tail and raised its paw.

Even Goose, who was next to Fury, stood up and jumped back to Oaks's side.

Calming the emotions of the three little creatures, Oaks smiled faintly:

"And, this dangerous plan... forgive me for speaking frankly, Director Fury, but I'm afraid you can't decide it alone, can you?"

"..."

Fury stared at Oaks intently and took a while before exhaling:

"Mr. Consultant, if one of my subordinates dared to speak to me like this, tonight he would find himself in Siberia digging up ancient relics."

If they couldn't find any ancient relics, maybe they would find an old popsicle.

Oaks silently complained, but he didn't see the anger he had expected from Fury.

"My emotions are not easily provoked, Mr. Consultant."

Fury still had that poker face, and he seemed a bit melancholic because Goose chose Oaks over him.

"You're right. The Avengers Initiative is currently just a plan. If possible, I hope it never needs to be put into action.

But I can't wait until the threat arrives and then scramble to minimize the damage. My habit is to have alternative contingency measures regardless of what happens.

And If you're talking about the World Security Council, let me tell you, although they are responsible for supervising S.H.I.E.L.D.'s actions and do have concerns about the growing authority of S.H.I.E.L.D., when a real crisis occurs, they won't stand in for us on the battlefield!"

--------------------------------

🙏🙏Please consider supporting this translation project by becoming a P@treon member, if possible! 

Your support is greatly appreciated!

Available on my P@treon page for just $4!!

Early access to the following translations:-

⭐MCU: Druid's Adventures (MCUDA) - +42 advance chapters

⭐Famous Police Detective in Detective World (FPDDW)- +132 advance chapters & 2 Chapters/Day

⭐Marvel: Little Genius (MLG) (⭐COMPLETE⭐) - Total Chapter 450

p@treon.com/Lightreaper457

--------------------------------