Chapter 78 – Viper's Toxin Is Primarily Neurotoxic
"I like order. I believe in working within a framework of order. But that doesn't mean I lack the courage or resolve to break it when necessary. Why fight before sitting down to talk? Because I wanted to show you my strength and determination—to avoid greater conflict in the future."
"Coulson, do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
Coulson nodded slowly, the level of caution he felt toward Uchiha Akira rising once again.
"You may take Norman's body. According to his final wishes, I have the right to gradually acquire his shares. I trust you won't interfere with that, right?"
Akira's face was cold as he stared directly into Coulson's eyes.
"Mr. Akira, you're joking. As long as it's a legal business matter, we won't get involved. After all, it's beyond our department's jurisdiction."
"Good. I like people who respect order. Because when someone tries to manipulate the system, it's uncomfortable for everyone."
Akira's stern expression suddenly broke into a smile.
"See? I'm a reasonable guy, aren't I?"
In the end, Coulson and Barton left under the watchful eyes of Akira, Kenta, and Shota—defeated and dejected.
Later...
"Director, the mission failed. Apologies—we weren't able to save Norman Osborn. By the time we reached the Uchiha Medical Center, the fight between Akira and Norman was already over."
"Forget it," came Nick Fury's voice over the phone. "We did what we promised. If Norman's dead, then that's on him. I only agreed to step in—not to keep him alive. Debrief me when you get back."
Fury didn't sound particularly upset. After all, saving Norman wasn't his personal goal.
Recalling the favor he'd promised, Fury picked up a secure line and dialed.
"Hello? It's me. Alexander, I'm afraid Norman didn't make it."
On the other end, Alexander Pierce remained silent for a minute before replying calmly,
"So be it. I only tried to help him as a favor to a friend. If Norman's dead, that's that."
"But don't worry—the budget increase I promised for next quarter still stands. Thirty percent, as agreed."
Only when Pierce confirmed the funding did Fury allow himself a satisfied smile.
"Oh, come on—I'm not that obsessed with budget increases."
Even Fury himself didn't fully believe that. Let alone Alexander Pierce—the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Fury's former boss.
"I'll let you go. The Security Council is acting up again—I've got to handle it. Nick, let's have a drink next time."
After hanging up, Pierce sneered. No matter how hard Fury worked to secure funds and strengthen S.H.I.E.L.D., Pierce had no complaints.
Because the stronger S.H.I.E.L.D. became, the stronger HYDRA became.
And Nick Fury—blissfully unaware that HYDRA had infiltrated all around him—was actually pouring resources into their hands. All his effort building up S.H.I.E.L.D.'s infrastructure? Ultimately funding HYDRA.
S.H.I.E.L.D. New York Branch – Underground Facility
Norman Osborn's body now lay on a dissection table.
"Ophelia, how's the autopsy?"
The woman conducting the dissection wore a green leather outfit, with long blonde hair and a dangerous allure.
"Don't call me Ophelia," she said with a forked tongue and a venomous smile. "Call me Viper."
Her tongue, with a faint green tint, clearly wasn't from candy.
"Norman's bones are practically all crushed—definitely from some overwhelming external force. But the surprising part is the toughness of his body—far beyond what we expected. Looks like that Super Soldier Serum of his, flawed as it may have been, was actually near completion."
"Tsk tsk… Look at the strength of these cells. They're nothing like a normal human's. I'll admit—Norman did achieve something with all those years of research. Too bad…"
Despite saying "too bad," Viper's face showed no regret.
Strictly speaking, she and Norman had only shared a brief fling in their youth. She'd never respected his abilities—and certainly wasn't mourning him now.
"Collect the samples quickly. Norman Osborn's still a public figure. His body has to be returned tomorrow. Once we have the samples, you can research however you want."
Rumlow, checking his watch, urged her on.
"Shift change is in an hour. Don't make this complicated."
"Relax. Samples are already collected. The body's useless now," Viper replied, licking her lips with a seductive expression.
"We've still got an hour, Rumlow. It's been half a year—don't you want to catch up?"
Rumlow gave a knowing grin. "You sure?"
Viper stepped forward and knelt down slowly.
"Blame Norman for being unlucky. He messed with someone he couldn't handle."
"…Wait, is the venom in your mouth safe? I'm not looking to end up disabled down there."
Despite everything, Rumlow hadn't lost all reason.
"Don't worry. The toxin levels are low today. With your resistance, it won't do much harm. Worst case—you'll have weak legs tomorrow."
That was enough for Rumlow to drop his guard.
The Next Morning
Coulson met Rumlow to handle the official transfer of Norman's body—after all, it had to be returned to the family.
"Rough night, Rumlow? Those are some serious dark circles," Coulson remarked, surprised by his colleague's worn-out appearance. As one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top agents, Rumlow was usually full of energy.
"Yeah, didn't get much sleep last night…" Rumlow muttered.
Truth was, he'd underestimated the toxin. While Viper hadn't lied about the dosage, he'd overestimated his own resistance.
By the time he got home, the venom had kicked in—leaving him sluggish and drained. He was now operating under a full-on debuffed status.
"Watch it!"
Rumlow sneezed, then suddenly blacked out and collapsed to the floor.
Word of Rumlow's poisoning quickly spread through S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New York branch. Fortunately, medical response was prompt.
Diagnosis: neurotoxic venom, typical of viper species. Luckily, the amount was small.
After an injection of composite anti-venom serum, Rumlow felt significantly better.
As for why there was no bite wound, the doctor didn't ask—and Rumlow didn't explain.
The only mystery left to the medical team was this:
Why was the majority of the venom concentrated in Rumlow's lower body, almost causing the poor guy to lose his… closest friend?