Training Ground 2-
Yamato lay on the ground, pale and exhausted. The training ground had been thoroughly ravaged, with the earth churned up multiple times and remnants of Wood Release techniques—tree stumps and scattered wood—scattered around.
Charles observed Yamato's collapsed form with a satisfied nod. Yamato's power had indeed increased significantly, now almost reaching the level of a Kage.
With his Wood Release Kekkei Genkai, he could hold his own against typical Kage-level opponents and was particularly formidable against Jinchuriki and tailed beasts, potentially even surpassing them.
"Yamato, how does your current strength compare to the Yamato in your memories?" Charles inquired.
Yamato stood up, took a moment to assess, and then replied, "Compared to the Yamato in my memories, my overall strength has significantly improved."
"The increase in chakra reserves and the enhanced power of my Kekkei Genkai have made my ninjutsu much more potent. I also feel that my Wood Release has untapped potential that, with further training, could lead to even greater strength."
Charles nodded in approval. "It's good that your strength has improved. Continue to train diligently and elevate your abilities further."
Glancing around at the devastated training ground, Charles added, "But before that, I have a task for you: restore Training Ground 2."
Yamato surveyed the area and nodded respectfully. "Yes, Lord Charles."
…
Time flew by.
A week passed quickly. The Long Island incident in New York had become a heated topic online.
Despite efforts by the NYPD and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents to disperse the crowd, numerous witnesses had seen the events unfold on the beach. Names like Flame Warrior and Shinobi Immortal were once again dominating media headlines.
S.H.I.E.L.D.-
In the underground research facility housing the Tesseract, Nick Fury held a vial of Felix Felicis, the luck potion acquired through a deal with Charles.
He planned to give this potion to Dr. Erik Selvig, who was researching the Tesseract, to see if the luck it provided could benefit scientific endeavors.
"Dr. Selvig, I have something here that is said to bring good luck when conducting experiments," Fury said as he approached.
Dr. Selvig glanced at Fury and chuckled, "Director, you must be joking."
Fury's expression remained serious. "I am not joking. This is a very special item called Felix Felicis. It can make the person who consumes it very lucky for the next twelve hours. I believe this luck could greatly aid in our research."
Dr. Selvig, seeing Fury's earnestness, pondered for a moment before responding, "An artifact from Asgard?"
Fury considered the comparison before replying, "Not quite, but it's similar."
Hearing this, Dr. Selvig's interest was piqued. If the potion were claimed to be their own creation, he might be skeptical. However, if it was something from Asgard, he was more inclined to believe it.
Dr. Selvig took the crystal vial of Felix Felicis from Nick Fury, examining it curiously. "Any special instructions?"
"Just consume it normally," Fury replied. "After that, immerse yourself in the research on the Tesseract. It should bring you good luck."
Dr. Selvig uncorked the vial, peering at the small amount of liquid inside before downing it in one gulp. "Not bad," he remarked, "it tastes better than I expected."
As the luck potion took effect, Dr. Selvig resumed his work on the Tesseract. Fury watched intently as the scientist's research progressed with remarkable smoothness.
Calculations flowed effortlessly, and soon, Dr. Selvig began scribbling equations on a nearby whiteboard with newfound inspiration.
Suddenly, Dr. Selvig exclaimed, "Iridium! It might stabilize the Tesseract."
"I need to run a few simulations," he added excitedly.
Nick Fury nodded in satisfaction, watching the once-stalled research now moving forward with ease. Charles Doyle's resources were proving invaluable once again.
Fury mused about the potential benefits if Charles's faction could be fully integrated into their organization, but for now, he was content with the current collaboration.
Leaving Dr. Selvig to his work, Fury turned and exited the facility.
…
Meanwhile, in the Arctic-
After weeks of searching, Kabuto had finally found his target. Beneath the icy surface lay a figure clad in the iconic star-spangled uniform. Without his sensory abilities, Kabuto might never have discovered the frozen body of Steve Rogers.
Staring at the ice beneath him, Kabuto's curiosity grew. The man below was in a state resembling hibernation, having survived over sixty years in the ice without perishing. Kabuto was intrigued by America's first super-soldier.
Looking over at the agents still scanning the area with their instruments, Kabuto called out, "Ward, Coulson."
Both agents turned towards him simultaneously. "What's up?" they asked.
Kabuto crouched and pointed at the ice. "Look at what I've found."
Ward and Coulson hurried over. Coulson crouched beside Kabuto, peering into the ice while wiping away the snow with his hand.
"Kabuto, I don't see anything but ice," Coulson said, puzzled.
Ward frowned, also seeing nothing unusual.
Kabuto looked up at them and said, "Beneath the ice is our target."
Coulson's eyes widened. "You mean Captain Steve Rogers is down there?"
Kabuto nodded. "There's a man in a star-spangled uniform. If no one else got frozen here, it must be him."
Coulson immediately signaled the excavation team and turned back to Kabuto. "How deep?"
"Ten meters."
Coulson nodded, and the agents began operating the heavy equipment to start the excavation.