The warehouse felt smaller now, but the tension in the room was lighter. After hours of careful observation, questions, and subtle posturing, both sides had begun to realize they had something the other needed.
Coulson leaned against a table, arms crossed, studying the masked shinobi before him. "So, you're not hostile… but you are powerful. Far more than any human, enhanced or otherwise. That makes this complicated."
Kakashi's single Sharingan eye flicked toward him, calm and calculating. "Power alone does not define intent. We seek understanding of this world and its resources. Your world has knowledge, technology, and abilities that are… useful. In exchange, we can provide intelligence, assistance with threats, and other capabilities beyond your current reach."
Coulson's eyes narrowed slightly, considering. "You're asking for a partnership. Not just permission to operate, but free access, a base… What's to stop your team from taking advantage?"
Wolf, stepping forward, tilted his head. "Nothing. Except that we answer to our leader. His goals are not personal gain, but preparation and security. Hostile actions would not serve him—or you."
Coulson's lips pressed together. Then he nodded slowly. "All right. Here's my counter-proposal: You get a base. We'll help with infrastructure, security, and access to local resources. In return, any items, data, or tech you acquire here will be shared—or we'll receive commissions. Likewise, you provide intelligence on threats we don't fully understand. That includes your abilities, if necessary, but also your observations of our world."
Kakashi's eye flickered thoughtfully. "Agreed. Terms are acceptable, though 'commission' may require clarification. What percentage or form is expected?"
Coulson smirked faintly. "We can negotiate that as operations progress. For now, you get the space and protection. We get first access to anything you find that could affect global security. And if you help us with threats… well, that's worth a lot more than money."
Cat, Hawk, and Wolf exchanged brief glances.
Hawk finally spoke. "We agree. Our leader's focus is preparation. Mutual benefit strengthens both parties."
"Good," Coulson said, pushing off the table. "Then consider it done. You'll have support from S.H.I.E.L.D. for establishing your base, but you remain discreet. No one outside this room knows about your presence."
Kakashi inclined his head. "Discretion is a natural skill."
Wolf added, "We will provide intelligence, as requested. And in return, we may request assistance when necessary. Mutual trust must be established."
Coulson nodded once. "Agreed. We'll draft protocols for communication, trade, and joint operations. That includes tech exchange, personnel liaison, and threat assessment. Anything that could endanger either party will be flagged immediately."
Hawk's tone was dry, but precise. "Our team is trained to handle emergencies beyond human limits. Should we need intervention, your world's assistance will be requested first."
Coulson gave a faint smile. "And so, a new relationship begins. Let's hope it's mutually profitable—and that neither of us underestimates the other."
The tension in the room shifted into something more collaborative. Kakashi and his team silently noted every detail—the limits of S.H.I.E.L.D. technology, their protocols, the personalities of the agents. This world had much to teach, and more to exploit—if handled correctly.
Coulson's team lingered for a moment longer, studying the shinobi. "One more thing," he said finally. "Your leader—Itachi, right? He's planning to visit eventually?"
Kakashi's single eye narrowed subtly, though the gesture was invisible beneath the mask. "He will decide when necessary. Until then, we operate on his orders."
Coulson nodded, accepting the cryptic answer. "Understood. Let's begin preparations for the base. And remember… we're watching, just as carefully as you are."
As the agents left, Wolf, Cat, and Hawk turned to Kakashi.
"He's cautious," Hawk murmured. "But it works in our favor. They've accepted the agreement."
Kakashi's eye glimmered. "Exactly. New York is ours to observe, learn, and utilize. Let the foundation of this alliance grow—carefully."
Outside, the city hummed, unaware that an unprecedented collaboration had begun. A base was established, trade agreements were drafted, and a network linking two worlds—one of shinobi, one of superhumans—was now in motion.
And in the shadows, Kakashi knew that once Itachi arrived, the real shaping of this world—and countless others—would begin.