On the plane en route to Malta-
There are still some times left before the shareholder meeting.
Coulson stood in front of his wardrobe, looking over various styles of bulletproof vests. He turned to Ward behind him and said, "I understand your concerns, but we don't have any other options."
Ward spoke gravely, "She's got skills, sure. She managed to whip up an invitation in seconds, hacking it through her phone using a backdoor program during the conversation."
"But sending her in as an undercover agent without proper training is too risky."
"I know after your last sacrifice, Director Fury feels he owes you a favor."
Coulson added, "I also sacrificed my Captain America vintage trading cards."
Ward continued, "He's given you some autonomy, but sending Skye on a covert mission…"
Coulson cut him off, "Are you worried about her safety or her loyalty?"
"Both."
"If it weren't for the Rising Tide, she wouldn't have that invitation. Who knows how many rules she's broken?"
Coulson, having finally chosen his suit for the mission, replied, "That's her talent—ignoring rules, finding connections and backdoors that others can't see."
"Anything else bothering you?"
Ward took a deep breath and confessed, "She holds back, Coulson."
"She says she wants to be an agent, but she's not all in."
"She doesn't listen, makes jokes."
Coulson asked, "Maybe you're being too hard on her."
"I've tried going easy on her, too. I need a new approach."
Coulson offered his advice, "Try ditching all approaches. Stop thinking like an agent, and think like a normal person."
"Maybe then, Skye will be open to your help."
Ward, confused, asked, "Help with what?"
"Help her think like an agent."
Ward nodded thoughtfully. Then Coulson asked again, "And what about Killer Bee? Have you learned anything during this time?"
Ward considered it for a moment before replying, "He's incredibly optimistic."
"Maybe it's because of the differences between our worlds, but what seems dangerous to us doesn't faze him."
"Also, he's in no hurry to return to the ninja world. He hasn't mentioned returning to the Inca temple since we left. Instead, he's been pretty laid-back, going with the flow."
"Oh, and he's really excited about the upcoming twelve concerts. He's been learning about underground rap labels and all that."
Coulson thought for a moment, then said, "Since he's the only one from the Hidden Cloud Village here, it's possible he activated a teleportation array by accident. Sitwell is overseeing the Inca temple situation. Maybe his squad members will show up soon."
Ward looked puzzled, "Squad?"
"Ninjas usually operate in four-man squads—one leader and three team members."
"I assume the Hidden Cloud operates similarly."
"So, before his teammates arrive, let's strengthen our relationship with him and have him complete more missions for us."
"If he's doing thirteen concerts, he should at least complete thirteen missions, don't you think?"
Ward chuckled at Coulson's remark, then said, "I'll check on Skye. I've been teaching her some strategies for dealing with enemies."
Coulson nodded without further comment and sat down to open his laptop.
Some time ago, Nick Fury had recently assigned him a task: to reach out to Kabuto Yakushi and gain some insight into what was happening on his end.
Coulson was shocked by the situation that had unfolded at HQ, but despite his efforts over the past few days, he hadn't received any reply from Kabuto. He remained in the dark about what was going on over there.
…
Elsewhere-
Charles lay spread out on the ground in a "T" position, exhausted from the relentless training that had allowed him to further strengthen his control over his rapidly increasing power.
Sitting up, Charles calculated the time. If he wasn't mistaken, it wouldn't be long before the Nine Stars Alignment—the moment the Reality Stone would emerge.
That meant he could visit Odin during that time, defeat the Dark Elves, secure the Reality Stone, and complete Odin's task.
For now, his focus was on mastering his growing power and preparing the other two Cloud ninjas for their appearance.
Considering how little time had passed since Killer Bee arrived, Charles decided to wait a few more days before releasing the two others.
Additionally, the Mist Village's strength needed enhancement. Mei Terumi had subtly brought up Kimimaro's situation to him, but Charles hadn't agreed to her request.
After all, Mei wasn't the only one interested in Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku. Orochimaru had shown considerable interest in Haku, the Ice Release user, curious whether the bloodline of the Frost Giants could amplify the Ice Release's abilities.
Charles had turned both of them down. Whoever's subordinates they were, that's where they belonged.
…
Back on the plane-
Ward was currently training Skye, while Killer Bee sat nearby, watching with interest with a bucket of popcorn and a soda beside him.
Ward held a handgun and pointed it at Skye. "Again, slower this time. What's the first step?"
Skye grabbed Ward's wrist, turned in toward his chest, and pressed her shoulder against his gun arm.
Seeing her execute the first step, Ward asked, "What's next?"
Skye joked, "Then this escalates quickly—I'm a respectable Southern girl, you're gonna mess up my clothes."
Ward, slightly exasperated, continued his lesson. "Twist the thumb, palm the barrel."
Ward then released her and, with a serious expression, said, "You'll get yourself killed out there, and put us all in danger."
"Going on a mission without self-defense skills is risky."
Skye raised her hands defensively, "I'll be ready."
Ward pressed on, "You need muscle memory, the basics. Turn yourself into…"
"A fully armed tool?" Skye interrupted.
Ward, looking over at Killer Bee, asked, "What would you guys do in a situation like this?"
Killer Bee put down his soda, thought for a moment, and said, "A handgun wouldn't help us. It wouldn't even be useful against a third-year academy student."
"Whoosh!"
In a flash, Killer Bee appeared right in front of Ward, his long sword drawn and pressed against Ward's neck.
"Before you could pull the trigger, I'd take your life."
"Sure, a bullet moves fast, but not faster than my reflexes."
Killer Bee then sheathed his sword with a flick, sending it back to its place on his back. He turned to Skye, "If you could get your hands on a physical enhancement serum, you'd handle this kind of situation better."
"But that's given to new ninja academy students, and I didn't bring any."
"Maybe you should take Ward's training more seriously."
"Otherwise, for an ordinary person like you, this could be even more dangerous."
Skye, eyes wide in awe, exclaimed, "That was so cool!"
"If only you were a bit taller…"
"But you're right. Ward, let's practice again."