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53.84% With Ope Ope no Mi in Hunter x Hunter / Chapter 147: Chapter 147: The Fall of Garrett and Ward (Part 1)

Chapter 147: Chapter 147: The Fall of Garrett and Ward (Part 1)

"Not quite on target," Daniel Davis murmured as he stepped out of the portal, looking at the plane preparing for takeoff. "Seems I'm not quite at Doctor Strange's level yet. Maybe it's the difference in the magical systems."

Though satellite positioning was precise, it still lagged behind the Sanctum's magical targeting.

"At least the portal didn't expose its existence. But this welcome is a bit too grand." Just as the plane left the ground, a violent explosion erupted in the nearby mountains, and the ground beneath him began to collapse. Reacting swiftly, Daniel teleported to the plane above with an Apparition before the debris could reach him.

"Who's there?" A familiar voice called out as he appeared on the plane—Melinda May.

"It's me. What the hell happened? You called me over, and then an explosion goes off," Daniel replied, his tone a bit annoyed.

"It was an accident. Skye's this way," May said, leading Daniel to the medical bay. The plane, prepared by Fury for Coulson, was fully equipped.

"Garrett and Ward, interesting," Daniel noted as he saw Coulson, Ward, Fitz, Garrett, and an unknown African American outside the medical bay. While Daniel hadn't met Garrett before, he had seen photos of him.

"Sorry, had some issues and only just got your message," Daniel said to Coulson before heading into the medical bay. Inside, Simmons was examining the still-unconscious Skye.

"Looks like she's stabilized," Daniel observed after checking the medical instruments.

"Yes, this drug is amazing. Too bad it seems to be the last of it," Simmons replied, her excitement tempered by the realization. The drug had saved Skye from the brink of death, which was incredible to her.

Daniel said nothing, merely checking Skye to ensure she was out of danger before leaving the medical bay. GH325 had side effects on others but was harmless to Skye.

"Phil, who is this?" Garrett asked, turning to Coulson with a smile after eyeing Daniel for a moment.

"Good actor," Daniel thought with a cold smile. Although Garrett, as an eighth-level agent, theoretically didn't have the clearance to know who Daniel was due to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s compartmentalized information system, HYDRA's higher-ups, including Garrett, certainly recognized him.

"Consultant," Coulson replied.

"Like Tony Stark, then." Garrett stepped forward, extending his hand to Daniel. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Consultant. I'm John Garrett, an eighth-level agent like Phil. We were the best partners."

Daniel smiled and nodded at Garrett but ignored his extended hand, remaining seated. He turned to Coulson instead. "What happened? Why was Skye shot?"

Daniel's attitude made Garrett's eyes flash with anger. He had never been so blatantly ignored, whether as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent or as the Clairvoyant. Even Fury and Alexander Pierce treated him with respect.

But Garrett was skilled at hiding his emotions. Despite his fury, he kept a calm exterior, smiling slightly. "I'll check on Quinn," he said before leaving.

"It was my fault. I shouldn't have let her act alone," Fitz explained, recounting how Skye got shot while investigating Ian Quinn, which involved Deathlok.

Daniel knew that since he controlled all of Whitehall's operations, including Roxxon Corporation, he was aware of the mechanical body armor ordered by Quinn. Although Daniel didn't manage the company directly, he knew about the order, which was later canceled.

The Clairvoyant operated under the radar, without revealing his identity to Whitehall. Daniel deduced this from the weaponized mechanical body armor.

Roxxon was a legitimate tech company selling mechanical prosthetics—akin to automail in the Fullmetal Alchemist world. They conducted normal business, but requests to add weaponry to prosthetics were declined.

It seemed the Clairvoyant had sourced the mechanical body armor from another company since high-tech prosthetics were a lucrative market.

"What is the Clairvoyant?" Daniel asked after Fitz finished his account, falling silent for a moment.

"This is classified S.H.I.E.L.D. information," Garrett interjected before Coulson could respond.

"Is that so? Then I guess I'll have to ask Fury." Daniel smiled at Garrett, pulled out his phone, and dialed. He held the dialing screen towards Garrett and shook it.

Garrett's face changed instantly, not expecting Daniel to contact Fury so casually.

"It's you. You calling me first?" Fury's voice echoed through the phone.

"Got something to ask. I'm on Coulson's plane," Daniel replied, showing Coulson's image to Fury before explaining the Clairvoyant situation.

"You're interested in that?" Fury sounded puzzled.

"Curious. Seeing the future is beyond even Heimdall of Asgard. How could I not be curious about such a person?" Daniel glanced at Garrett with a playful smile.

"Alright, Phil, share all the intel with him," Fury ordered after a brief pause.

"Thanks." Daniel hung up, turning to Garrett with a smile. "No more worries about leaking classified information, right?"

"The Clairvoyant... We first got intel about him when..." Coulson began, taking over from Garrett, who looked embarrassed.

"So, all your actions were preempted by the Clairvoyant. Even you were captured and rescued, but this seer couldn't predict what happened after your death. So, they shot Skye to force you to reveal how you were revived," Daniel summarized with a smile, drumming his fingers on the table and scanning the room.

"Bring Quinn here. I have some questions for him." With Fury's authorization, Daniel held the highest authority on the plane.

"Spill everything about your dealings with the Clairvoyant," Daniel said to the bruised and battered Ian Quinn. Despite being a billionaire, Quinn had been duped by the Clairvoyant. "You are such a fool."

"I've already told them," Quinn muttered, still fearful, and repeated his account. As a rich second generation, he folded easily under pressure.

"How could a wealthy man like you fall for a scammer's tricks? If the Clairvoyant truly had such powers, why wouldn't he approach S.H.I.E.L.D.'s director or world leaders instead of you? Because you're easier to fool."

"He really could..." Quinn began but was interrupted.

"Even if he could, why approach you? If he truly could see everything, he'd seek alliances with higher authorities, not someone like you. Or maybe he targeted you because you're greedy," Daniel suggested, his words leaving everyone stunned.

"If he wanted to stay low, he'd avoid you. If he wanted attention, he'd go to higher authorities. Targeting you implies you were easy prey. And your greed blinded you."

"Phil, you're an eighth-level agent with all this intel. How haven't you figured out who the Clairvoyant is?"

"You know who the Clairvoyant is?" Coulson and the others were shocked, while Garrett and Ward exchanged furtive glances. Ward's hand crept toward his waist.

"Who is it?" Quinn demanded, echoing everyone's curiosity.

"I don't know," Daniel admitted, causing May's face to darken. "But I do know where the Clairvoyant is hiding."

Ignoring May's anger, Daniel continued, "Your operations were compromised because the enemy had inside information. If it wasn't foresight, then it was espionage. Someone in S.H.I.E.L.D. leaked your plans. If not an outsider, then an insider. Quinn's encounters were similarly compromised. High-level S.H.I.E.L.D. agents could easily access and leak this intel."

"The Clairvoyant couldn't see Coulson's resurrection but thought another attempt might reveal it. Hence, the insider might be among those who joined Coulson on this mission."

Daniel's gaze landed on Garrett, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He had decided to expose Garrett's identity now, seizing the moment.

Ignoring Garrett might have been acceptable, but targeting Skye warranted retribution. Besides, Daniel could now play detective with his newfound strength.

"Don't move." As Daniel finished, May reacted swiftly, drawing her gun on Garrett. Simultaneously, Ward pulled his gun on Trip, while Fitz backed away.

"Phil, you can't seriously think I'm the Clairvoyant," Garrett said, raising his hands with a smile.

"A truth serum will sort that out," Daniel suggested with a smile.

"You're the Clairvoyant! You killed them!" Trip shouted, glaring at Garrett. As a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Trip understood the logic in Daniel's deductions. Among the two outsiders, he knew he wasn't the Clairvoyant, leaving Garrett as the obvious suspect.

___________________

Read Ahead

P@treon.com/Mutter


Chapter 148: Chapter 148: The Fall of Garrett and Ward (Part 2)

"Phil, you can't just believe an outsider's baseless accusations. We've been friends for years, and I came to take custody of the prisoner on orders from HQ. I can't just ignore those orders," Garrett protested, hands raised in a placating gesture.

"I want to believe you, John, I really do. I've never doubted you before. But now, given these suspicions, I'm sure you won't mind undergoing a full HQ investigation," Coulson said after a long pause, his eyes fixed on Garrett.

S.H.I.E.L.D. had strict protocols for prisoner transfer. Sending an eighth-level agent to retrieve a captured prisoner was unusual; eighth-level agents were elite, tasked with critical operations. Coulson had found it odd but had trusted Garrett due to their friendship and the legitimacy of the orders.

However, Daniel's words had sparked doubt. While Coulson didn't believe in precognition, he understood the logic behind internal leaks and betrayal.

"We've been friends for years, and you trust a stranger over me?" Garrett began, but Daniel interrupted him.

"Enough with the drama. The truth is simple to uncover. Use truth serum. As an eighth-level agent, you must have undergone truth serum tests before," Daniel said, tapping his wand on the table, his gaze shifting to Ward.

S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, especially those above level six, underwent rigorous screening, including truth serum tests. Although not foolproof, they could still reveal hidden intentions, unless one was highly skilled in counter-interrogation techniques like Black Widow or Hawkeye.

"By the way, Ward has been under your command for a long time. He is suspicious too. Disarm him," Daniel added, pointing his wand at Ward. A burst of invisible force knocked the gun out of Ward's hand.

Ward had been aiming at Triplet, but could easily switch targets. Better to neutralize the threat.

"Ward isn't a traitor," Fitz shouted.

"I didn't say he is, only that he's suspicious. A thorough check will confirm," Daniel replied calmly.

While Ward had potential for redemption, Daniel wasn't inclined to gamble on it. Unlike Fitz, Simmons, or Skye, he had no emotional ties to Ward and preferred a straightforward solution.

"Incarcerous," Daniel cast the binding spell, ropes snaking around both Garrett and Ward, restraining them.

"Why not tie me up too?" Triplet asked, watching the scene unfold.

"As a descendant of the Howling Commandos, I trust you're not a bad guy," Daniel said. Triplet was one of the few S.H.I.E.L.D. agents Daniel remembered, mainly because he sacrificed himself to save Skye in the original storyline.

"You'll need to undergo a review, but no need for restraints. If Captain America found out I restrained a Howling Commando's descendant, he'd probably give me hell."

The Howling Commandos were Captain America's elite squad in WWII. They played a crucial role in his wartime exploits.

"Howling Commandos?" Coulson and May were shocked, staring at Triplet. They knew him but hadn't known his lineage.

While they were processing this revelation, Daniel dialed Fury again.

"What's the issue now?" Fury's irritated voice came through.

"I've found a lead on the Clairvoyant," Daniel explained, summarizing his deductions about Garrett and Ward.

"I see. I'll send a team to retrieve them. But next time, inform me before taking action," Fury said, exasperated.

Daniel had overstepped his authority by detaining S.H.I.E.L.D. agents without proper protocol.

"I acted to prevent their escape or taking hostages. Besides, I suspect they have ties to certain individuals," Daniel hinted.

"I get it. But still, follow protocol next time."

"Got it," Daniel agreed.

"Keep an eye on them, Coulson. A team will arrive soon to take them."

Three Quinjet fighters soon surrounded Coulson's plane, indicating Fury's serious concern about Garrett and Ward.

"Leave Triplet here," Daniel instructed as the retrieval team prepared to take Garrett and Ward. They reluctantly complied after Daniel mentioned Fury.

As Garrett and Ward were led away, Garrett's glare promised vengeance.

"How will HYDRA handle this? Will they strike their own?" S.H.I.E.L.D.'s action team was mostly HYDRA infiltrators. Alexander Pierce wouldn't let Garrett and Ward fall into Fury's hands; the damage would be too great.

HYDRA's infiltration meant eliminating Garrett and Ward might be a logical move to contain the fallout.

Just as Daniel predicted, the Quinjet transporting Garrett and Ward was attacked mid-flight. Both men vanished.

Daniel had kept Triplet and Quinn to avoid this.

"What?" Coulson, Fitz, and Simmons shouted in unison upon hearing the news.

"Looks like I was right. Maybe I have a knack for detective work," Daniel mused.

"Damn it!" Fitz yelled, realizing Ward's involvement in Skye's injury.

"Who are those people?" Coulson asked, furious enough to disregard S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secrecy protocols.

Coulson, usually strict with himself, was capable of fierce anger. In the original timeline, after Ward killed his girlfriend, Coulson abandoned his principles to hunt Ward down, eventually killing him on an alien planet.

"Ask your director. I can't disclose that. But here's a hint: S.H.I.E.L.D. has more people like Garrett and Ward," Daniel said before Apparating away from the plane.

"You think you can escape?" Daniel, hovering on his broom, smirked. He exposed Garrett and Ward to ensure events didn't spiral out of his control. Missing Skye's crisis was a wake-up call; he couldn't always anticipate everything.

If he were in another dimension and something happened, like Agent Hand being killed by Ward, it would be disastrous. Hand was his intended CEO, and finding another competent, responsible person like her would be tough.

Garrett and Ward's exposure also disrupted HYDRA. Daniel withheld information from Fury because it was futile. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s deep infiltration by HYDRA couldn't be eradicated without disbanding the agency and publicizing the information.

Even killing Alexander Pierce wouldn't suffice. Fury's attempt to preserve S.H.I.E.L.D. while purging HYDRA was unrealistic; it would only drive HYDRA deeper underground.

Fury understood this and disbanded S.H.I.E.L.D., preferring to rebuild from scratch.

"That bastard! I'll kill him!" In a hidden, dilapidated warehouse lab, the rescued Garrett raged, smashing everything around. He had been close to acquiring GH325 to save his life, but Daniel's intervention had ruined everything.

Garrett's quest for Coulson's resurrection secret was driven by his impending death; only GH325 could save him.

As Garrett vented his fury, Raina watched with a cold smile. Her admiration for the Clairvoyant had turned to disappointment upon realizing his supposed foresight was merely exploitation of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s resources.

Raina sought extraordinary powers, not predictions based on data.

"Raina, how many Centipede soldiers can we deploy?" Garrett asked, determined to retaliate against Daniel. He disregarded Pierce's orders to hide.

Garrett's allegiance to HYDRA was pragmatic, not ideological. He leveraged HYDRA for power, resenting the organization for making him a guinea pig in the Deathlok program.

This resentment fueled his disregard for HYDRA, focusing only on his ambitions.

"Eight, but three are unstable," Raina replied. The Centipede soldiers, while formidable, required extensive maintenance and relied on superhuman blood for stability.

Fitz and Simmons' work had helped stabilize Deathlok, providing data that advanced Raina's research.

"Deploy them all. Kill him," Garrett ordered, not needing to specify the target.

"Your Clairvoyant cover is blown," a familiar voice interjected. Sunil Bakshi, Whitehall's right-hand man, appeared.

"What do you want?" Garrett snarled at Bakshi.

"Mr. Whitehall wishes to meet. He's intrigued by the wizard. Perhaps we can collaborate," Bakshi suggested with a smile.

"Is that so? Fine. When do we strike?" Garrett, intrigued, agreed.

"Mr. Whitehall prefers discussing it in person for a flawless plan," Bakshi replied.

"Alright." Garrett led Ward and Bakshi away, instructing Raina to ready the Centipede soldiers.

"Mr. Whitehall, a pleasure to meet you." In a luxurious office, Garrett and Ward greeted the figure seated behind a grand desk, facing away from them.

___________________

Read Ahead

P@treon.com/Mutter


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