Chapter 144: Hydra Sets Its Sights on the Home of the Devil Fruit

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Triskelion

Top Floor Office

Alexander Pierce sat at his desk, a pair of reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose as he pored over the file in his hands. Every detail captured his full attention, his demeanor that of a scholar deeply engrossed in unraveling a complex puzzle.

Standing across from him was Marco, a senior operative within S.H.I.E.L.D. His impeccably tailored suit and carefully polished glasses gave him a professional look, but his posture betrayed his unease. He stood rigid, his hands clasped behind his back, and his breathing was controlled, each inhale calculated to avoid breaking the silence. Of course, Marco wasn't just a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent—he was a loyal HYDRA operative, deeply embedded within the organization and unwavering in his allegiance.

Five minutes passed in silence before Pierce finally closed the file with a soft thud. He removed his glasses, setting them down on the desk, and in that moment, his aura shifted. Gone was the studious academic; in his place was the commanding presence of a seasoned leader who wielded power with precision and purpose.

Pierce fixed his sharp gaze on Marco, his tone calm but filled with unspoken expectation. "All right, Marco. Let's hear what you've uncovered."

Marco straightened slightly, stepping forward with measured confidence. "Yes, sir," he began, his voice steady and professional. "We've confirmed that the Devil Fruits are real. Those individuals Director Fury once flagged as rogue mutants are now confirmed to be Devil Fruit users."

He paused briefly, choosing his next words carefully, fully aware of the gravity of his report. "Additionally, Natasha Romanoff has consumed a fruit known as the Mimic-Mimic Fruit. It grants her the ability to shapeshift with extraordinary precision, very similar to Mystique, the mutant from the X-Men."

Pierce's brow lifted subtly at the revelation, his expression betraying a mix of curiosity and concern. "So, Romanoff can flawlessly mimic anyone she chooses? No residual traces?"

"That's correct, sir," Marco replied with a firm nod.

Pierce's expression darkened, and his piercing gaze locked onto Marco with unnerving intensity. His tone grew colder, each word deliberately spaced. "That would mean, hypothetically, if she assumed your identity, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference?"

Marco's breath hitched for a fraction of a second, but he recovered swiftly. His voice rang with conviction as he stepped into the Hydra salute. "Sir, I assure you—I am Marco. Hail HYDRA!"

Pierce studied Marco momentarily, his gaze dissecting every detail, searching for even the faintest sign of deception. Satisfied, he leaned back slightly, nodding. Natasha's ability was concerning, but it was highly unlikely that even she could uncover the layers of secrecy surrounding HYDRA's operations—or Marco's allegiance.

"Hail HYDRA," Pierce replied, his tone clipped but resolute.

After a moment's thought, Pierce's demeanor softened just enough to allow for strategic reflection. "We'll need to reinforce our internal protocols immediately. If Romanoff's abilities are as dangerous as you've described, we can't leave any vulnerabilities unchecked."

He gestured for Marco to continue. "What else have you uncovered?"

"In addition to Romanoff," Marco continued with measured precision, "we've confirmed that Fury himself purchased a Devil Fruit. However, we haven't been able to identify which fruit he consumed. As for Clint Barton, the evidence suggests he's acquired a fruit as well. Fury recently requisitioned a substantial amount of gold—a transaction we suspect is connected to Devil Fruit commerce—and recalled Barton from Chicago. Unfortunately, we've yet to ascertain what abilities Barton has gained."

Pierce's gaze narrowed, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Find out what powers they've acquired. Immediately."

"Yes, sir," Marco replied without hesitation.

Pierce exhaled sharply, his mind racing. The implications were unsettling. Fury was already a formidable adversary with his unparalleled cunning and strategic brilliance. If he now possessed the enhanced abilities granted by a Devil Fruit, the scales could tip dangerously in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s favor. Adding Clint Barton, a deadly marksman, to the equation only complicates matters further. Pierce had learned long ago never to underestimate Fury—or those under his command.

Marco shifted slightly, breaking the brief silence, and placed another file on the desk. "There's one more matter that might require your attention, sir," he said, his voice cautious but firm.

Pierce raised an eyebrow and opened the file, his eyes scanning its contents quickly. "A murder case?" he asked, his tone skeptical but curious.

"It's more than that," Marco explained, his voice lowering slightly. "Fury is also investigating the incident. Our intelligence indicates that this case might involve a superhuman individual—possibly another Devil Fruit user."

Pierce leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers thoughtfully on the armrest as he processed the new information. A murder tied to a superhuman wasn't entirely unheard of, but if Fury's attention was on it, there was undoubtedly more at play. The possibility of another Devil Fruit user in the mix made the situation even more precarious.

"If this incident does involve a superhuman, it needs to be handled delicately," Pierce said finally, his voice steady but laced with authority. "Proceed with the investigation. If the individual is confirmed to have abilities, I want them captured and brought to me. Use any means necessary."

He paused briefly before adding, "If the situation escalates, I'll authorize deployment of the Winter Soldier to assist. We can't afford to leave any loose ends."

Marco nodded sharply, his expression resolute. "Understood, sir."

Pierce leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as his sharp gaze bore into Marco. "Fury is already leveraging the power of these Devil Fruits. We can't afford to fall behind. Have we uncovered anything about the shop that's distributing them?"

Marco hesitated briefly before responding, "Not yet, sir. Its origins remain a mystery.

Pierce's lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't seem surprised. "No matter. We can't afford to wait for answers to fall into our lap. I've already set aside the necessary gold for a purchase."

His tone shifted, carrying a note of finality. "Assemble a team. I want you to acquire a selection of these fruits immediately. Be subtle. The last thing we need is to draw Fury's attention or tip off the shopkeeper. Your mission's primary focus is intelligence gathering. Understand this—do not attempt anything reckless. Our strength lies in patience and precision."

"Yes, sir." Marco nodded, his voice resolute.

"Good." Pierce leaned forward slightly, his sharp eyes meeting Marco's. "Dismissed."

Marco stood straight, snapping his hands into the Hydra salute. "Hail HYDRA!"

Pierce returned the gesture without hesitation. "Hail HYDRA."

As Marco exited the room, his footsteps fading into the distance, Pierce calmly placed his glasses back onto the bridge of his nose. He resumed his work, his posture relaxed and his expression unreadable. To an outsider, he was the picture of a dedicated bureaucrat, diligently attending to the minutiae of his duties.

But beneath that polished exterior lay a mind constantly strategizing, always three steps ahead. Pierce's facade was as seamless as the shapeshifting abilities of Romanoff herself—a carefully maintained disguise in a game where every move carried the weight of the world.

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Next Chapter: Crossbones Visits the Home of the Devil Fruits

Next Next Chapter: The Punisher 

Next Next Next Chapter: Ghost of Vengeance and Justice

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