Thor nodded, indicating his agreement with Charles's words, but still spoke up, "Although I haven't fully recovered, it won't affect my combat ability."
Hearing Thor's assurance, Charles nodded, relieved that his combat power remained unaffected.
"But we also need to gather intelligence on the current situation of the Frost Giant and the Mountain Giant."
Charles formed hand seals.
"Wood Release: Wood Clone Technique!"
In the next moment, a wooden statue extended from Charles's body, landing and transforming into a clone with the same appearance as Charles.
Wood clones had high resilience against attacks, unlike Shadow clones which would dissipate upon being hit, and possessed greater strength than Shadow clones.
"I'm counting on you for gathering intelligence!"
"Leave it to me, Sir!"
With Charles's instructions, the wood clone departed from the underground cave to gather information outside, focusing on determining the enemy's troop deployments, the number of commander-level powerhouses, and information about their leaders.
Observing Charles's actions, Thor commented, "Your abilities are really convenient."
"Loki can also create illusionary clones, but it's a pity that his clones are mainly for deception and lack much attack or mobility capability."
"It's a shame I won't see my brother again."
Hearing Thor mention Loki's clones, Charles also understood. Loki's clones were similar to basic ninja clones, both being illusions with no actual attack capability.
As for Loki's fate, Charles didn't tell Thor, as it would be pointless. At most, in half a year, Loki would meet Thor again and the Battle of New York would commence.
"Let's rest here for now, and wait for my wood clone to bring back intelligence."
"Hopefully, the Mountain Giant and Frost Giant haven't concentrated all their forces together, which would give us opportunities to attack separately."
Thor nodded and began to continue recovering his divine power, while Charles refined his chakra.
…
Osaka, Japan-
After leaving that place, Pakura arrived at Osaka's largest library, the Osaka National Library, to continue her learning journey.
As her figure appeared on the camera, it was immediately captured by SHIELD personnel.
In the temporary base, upon receiving the information, an agent hurried to Lance Hunter's office.
"Sir, the target has appeared again."
"Where?"
"At the Osaka National Library."
Upon hearing this news, Lance Hunter furrowed his brow slightly. He pondered why this Sunagakure ninja had appeared in bookstores twice in a row.
What could be attracting her in those bookstores? Could there be something hidden in those books that he didn't know about?
Or is she searching for some specific information? Surely, they wouldn't learning about this world through books; After all, they weren't aliens unfamiliar with Earth.
"Let's go and meet this Sunagakure ninja."
"Yes, Sir!"
Lance Hunter led a team of SHIELD agents.
Inside the Osaka Library, Pakura was flipping through a book titled "The Times Atlas of World History" by Geoffrey.
She was quite curious about everything here. The people's bodies in this world were unexpectedly fragile, yet they possessed abundant resources.
As Pakura flipped through the pages of world history, Lance Hunter led a team of agents to the library's entrance.
After getting off the vehicle, Lance Hunter didn't bring any other agents with him. He entered the library alone and walked towards Pakura's location.
Approaching Pakura, Lance Hunter observed her rapidly scanning through the book's contents. Her speed was remarkable, as if she were searching for something.
Glancing at the book, Lance discreetly noted its title and then spoke up calmly, "Miss Ninja from Sunagakure, hello."
"I'm Lance Hunter, a SHIELD agent, specifically assigned to communicate with you."
Pakura had already noticed Lance Hunter's arrival but didn't pay much attention. She continued reading her book. However, when he mentioned Sunagakure, Pakura looked up from her book and gazed at the man before her.
"You actually know I'm from Sunagakure?"
Lance Hunter nodded and then glanced at the forehead protector on Pakura's head before speaking, "SHIELD and the Puppet Shop of Sunagakure have a cooperative relationship. We know that this forehead protector represents a ninja from Sunagakure Village."
Hearing about the Puppet Shop of Sunagakure, Pakura pondered. This place was where Lord Charles asked her to go, and she didn't expect these people to know about it.
A cooperative relationship, is it?
"What's the matter?"
Lance Hunter spoke earnestly, "I wonder what I can call you?"
"Pakura!"
"Miss Pakura, do you have any particular tasks for this visit? SHIELD is very willing to offer assistance."
Pakura didn't directly answer but asked, "What do you want from me?"
"SHIELD and the Puppet Shop of Sunagakure have a cooperative relationship. I just hope to gain your favor, so we can cooperate more in the future."
"Consider it making a friend."
Lance Hunter didn't directly state what he needed but mentioned future cooperation and friendship.
Hearing this, Pakura smiled slightly but didn't think much of it.
"I need to go to the Puppet Shop of Sunagakure in Brooklyn, New York. Can you take me there?"
"I don't have any identification from your side, so it seems I can't buy a ticket directly."
Seeing someone offering assistance and mentioning cooperation with Sunagakure, Pakura didn't hesitate and directly asked for a ride.
Lance Hunter agreed straightforwardly, "No problem, Miss. We'll arrange a plane to take you directly. It happens that I also need to return to the New York headquarters, so it's quite convenient for both of us."
Pakura smiled, closed the book in her hand, and held it as she spoke, "Then let's go."
"Alright!"
With a brief exchange, they reached an agreement.
Lance Hunter and Pakura left the library and headed straight to the airport by car. As for the temporary base, Lance had no intention of taking Pakura there.