Chapter 55: The Missing Tony

John Wick first drove Smith Dole to the coast, then boarded an Assassin Alliance-owned yacht, heading toward international waters.

"BOSS, no other ships nearby, but we're still some distance from international waters," John reported.

Smith surveyed the sea. True—no ships nearby. Still, the ocean was vast and a ship would be visible from afar. Best not to risk it.

"Keep going."

Though curious why Smith wanted to head out alone, John said nothing. After some time, they crossed into international waters.

"BOSS, we've entered international territory. No vessels in sight," John confirmed.

"Good. You've done well," Smith replied.

He stepped onto the deck and launched into the air with Bukūjutsu (Sky Dancing Technique).

Even John Wick's stoic face cracked in awe as Smith slowly ascended, energy bursting from his body as he rocketed out over the open sea, nearly knocking John off his feet.

Smith shot across the ocean like a missile.

"Ahhh!"

With his full ki unleashed, his speed increased drastically—but he quickly noticed how fast his energy depleted.

After repeated tests, Smith found a balance: at moderate speed, ki usage was minimal and sustainable. For emergencies, he could spike his power for bursts.

After exhausting most of his energy, he returned to the yacht.

John had calmed himself, but when Smith landed, he couldn't help but ask:

"BOSS, can I learn to fly like you?"

Smith responded:

"Not with your current power level. Train. Reach human peak first."

John paused—then realized this meant flight was a skill, not an innate ability. It could be learned.

Face turning red with excitement, John nodded furiously.

"Return to base," Smith ordered.

...

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

Phil Coulson reported to Nick Fury.

"Coulson, your assessment of Smith Dole?" Fury asked.

"He confirmed the Assassin Alliance has not developed a super soldier serum. That matches our intel. However, they've started acquiring advanced scientific equipment, seemingly to build a lab. My theory is—they intend to study his condition."

"We haven't identified which scientist joined them. Might be a scam, but if it's legitimate, we'll know once we find the lead researcher."

"Smith is wary of organizations like ours—he fears becoming a test subject. Still, based on his group's philosophy and operations, I don't think he poses an anti-human threat."

"So containment isn't necessary," Fury muttered, then added, "But leaving him unchecked has risks. Could we recruit him into S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

Coulson's eyes lit up.

"Sir... are you referring to that initiative?"

Fury didn't answer.

"I did probe him—he refused to work with us. But his values don't conflict with ours. We may still win him over. It'll take time."

"Also, sir, he said our agency name is too long and suggested shortening it."

Fury chuckled.

"Noted. Keep contact. Watch him. Draw him in slowly. His physical capabilities... may surpass even Captain America."

"Understood, Director."

...

Elsewhere.

At Stark Tower, Pepper Potts paced anxiously. Tony Stark had been missing for some time now—no sign of life or death.

His friend Rhodey had said that everyone else at the ambush site was accounted for—except Tony. That meant there was still hope. The military was actively searching.

Happy Hogan entered.

"Any news?" Pepper asked.

Happy shook his head.

"Nothing yet."

Pepper stamped her foot.

"We can't just wait! Happy, do we have any powerful contacts who can help?"

Happy thought for a moment.

"There was one—The Continental. Their intelligence network was unmatched in the underworld. But... they were just dismantled."

"The group that replaced them is called the Assassin Brotherhood. They absorbed the Continental's intel network. If anyone can help now—it's them."

"What level were they before?" Pepper asked.

"Global. Controlled 80% of underground operations."

(End of Chapter)

[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][www.p@treon.com/euridome]

[Thank You For Your Support!]