With a roaring descent, the stealth fighter landed on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s tarmac, where Assistant Director Coulson was already waiting outside the cabin.
"Director, the reception room is prepared," Coulson said respectfully to Nick Fury.
"Thank you, Coulson." Fury nodded, then turned to their guest, Ryu Takahashi. "Mr. Ryu, this way, please."
As Fury led Ryu toward S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Coulson's curiosity was piqued. When Tony Stark disembarked from the stealth fighter, Coulson pulled him aside.
"Mr. Stark, who is this guy? Why is the Director treating him like royalty?" Coulson asked, his face a mix of intrigue and suspicion.
Tony smirked. "This is the guy who took down Obadiah with a single punch."
Coulson's eyes widened, his usual calm shaken. "He... did that? But he looks so... unassuming."
Tony left him hanging, strolling after Ryu with a bemused grin. Realizing the importance of the moment, Coulson activated his earpiece. "Administration, important guests incoming. Be ready to receive."
In the reception room, everyone took their seats. After clearing his throat, Fury addressed the newcomer.
"Mr. Ryu, thank you for coming on such short notice. I apologize if the accommodations aren't ideal."
Ryu waved him off, urging him to continue.
Fury leaned forward. "Over a decade ago, Earth was invaded by alien entities..."
Ryu cut him off. "You mean the one that Captain Danvers handled, right?"
Fury's gaze darkened, and he spoke carefully. "How do you know about Danvers? Besides me, no one in the United States is even aware of her existence!"
"Oh, you could say I'm not from around here," Ryu replied, realizing he had said too much.
Fury let it slide and resumed. "Since you already know about Danvers, I'll be direct. Earth needs protection from supernatural threats. Which is why I've begun gathering a team. I call it... the Avengers."
Ryu glanced at him, instantly understanding Fury's intention. "Because I took down the Iron Monger so effortlessly, you want me on this team?"
"Exactly," Fury said. "Your abilities have impressed us. Join the Avengers, and we'll compensate you handsomely."
Fury outlined the perks: a luxury apartment in the city center, a monthly stipend from S.H.I.E.L.D., and more. The terms were attractive, but Ryu was practical.
"Alright, I'll join," he replied. "But I have questions. What's the salary? What are the hours? Do I get overtime pay if I work beyond regular hours?"
A stunned silence filled the room.
Meanwhile, Steve Rogers, freshly thawed and suited up, entered S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ. He'd been briefed on the Eastern Asian Man that Fury had just recruited and decided to see this so-called powerhouse for himself.
He entered the reception room to find Ryu sitting calmly, facing the attention of everyone around him. Steve frowned. Is this scrawny kid supposed to be the team's new powerhouse?
Clearing his throat, Steve caught Ryu's attention. "Fury, is this kid the new recruit? He doesn't exactly scream 'superhero' to me."
Ryu gave him a disinterested look, but Steve wasn't one to be ignored. He removed his shield from his back and announced, "As the team's captain, I'm responsible for testing new members. Let's see if you're as good as Fury thinks."
Ryu sighed, exasperated by Roger's bravado. "Alright, but if your shield gets damaged, don't blame me."
Captain laughed. "This shield is Vibranium—hardest metal in the world. It's been through countless battles."
Ryu looked unimpressed and turned back to Fury. "Are we done here? If so, can you show me to my new place?"
Seeing Ryu's indifference, Captain couldn't contain himself. Doesn't this kid know who he's dealing with? Fuming, he threw his shield at Ryu. The Vibranium disk arced through the air with deadly precision.
Without even glancing back, Ryu reached out and slapped the shield back toward Captain. The shield returned with a force that stunned him, landing in his hands but with a visible dent along the edge.
Captain looked down at his shield, shaken. "Could... he really have done that with just a slap?"
As the stealth fighter took off with Ryu aboard, Steve Rogers clutched his shield, his confidence replaced by a creeping doubt.