Chương 297: Phoenix Unleashed! Traitor Among Us! The Dark Side of Kamen Rider!

Steve curiously asked, "Director Fury, what do we do next?"

"What do we do?" Nick Fury slowly raised his eyes to the top floor of Stark Tower and then smiled slightly.

Tony Stark and a few others discussed their next steps to track down Martin Li in a leisure area at the top of the tower.

"Now that Martin Li has disappeared, he might go into hiding and plan his next big move. For the safety of New York City, we need to find his whereabouts quickly," Rand said.

Peter Parker asked, "So where do we start looking?"

At that moment, Tony walked over, holding a bag of chips, and said, "I've already started using satellites to scan globally for..."

"Boom!!!"

The large glass window shattered before Tony could finish his sentence, and a figure burst in from outside.

"Transform!"

Instinctively, Parker, Tony, and the others transformed. Only Frank Castle remained seated, calmly observing the situation.

The Punisher wasn't alarmed because he recognized a familiar face, realizing the newcomer wasn't an enemy.

"Who are you!?" Tony demanded, glaring at Kamen Rider Kuuga.

Steve gently set down Nick Fury, who had been carried on his back. Fury brushed off the dust from his shoulder and said, "Tony Stark, don't worry. We're not the enemy. We just need your help!"

Frank intervened, "I know you're not the enemy. You're the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., right?"

Upon hearing the name S.H.I.E.L.D., the others exchanged glances. Though they didn't know Fury well, Tony recognized S.H.I.E.L.D. as an ally in his intelligence.

The tension eased as Frank spoke, and Fury patted Steve on the shoulder. "Captain, relax. They're not our enemies."

Hearing this, Steve relaxed a bit. Fury then explained their purpose.

"Tony Stark, I apologize for the abrupt entrance. We're here to ask for your help in joining S.H.I.E.L.D."

Tony smirked, "You must be joking, uh..."

Fury noticed Tony's hesitation and introduced himself. "Nick, Nick Fury."

"Oh, right, Nick Fury. What you're saying sounds absurd. Why should I join S.H.I.E.L.D. and be under anyone's control?"

Fury smiled, knowing it wouldn't be easy to win them over. "Frank told me about your deeds. I know you're a group of strong-willed individuals. So, when people need help, I think you won't refuse, right?"

Tony raised an eyebrow, "That depends on the situation. Besides, you can't just expect us to become your subordinates with a single request."

"A significant event is about to happen, one that threatens the entire planet," Fury interrupted Tony, making everyone exchange concerned looks.

"What's going on?"

Fury explained the situation with the Gurongi. "If we let these Gurongi run rampant, all of humanity could face destruction. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s resources are limited, so I must ask for your help."

Peter asked, "What's in it for us if we join S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

"At least you'll receive military support, and your actions will be legally sanctioned," Fury replied.

Peter seemed excited. Many saw his actions as illegal, causing public outrage. This was a perfect opportunity to join the official ranks.

However, Peter looked to Tony for his decision. Tony pondered momentarily, realizing that joining S.H.I.E.L.D. was better than acting alone.

Slowly, Tony extended his hand, and Fury smiled and extended his own hand as well. "I'm glad to work together."

"Likewise," Tony replied.

Fury then looked at the others. Peter said, "If Tony's in, so am I."

Rand and Matt shook their heads. "Joining S.H.I.E.L.D. would restrict our freedom. That's not our style."

Frank added, "I agree with Rand and Matt, but we'll help if there's a major crisis."

Fury respected their decision. "I won't force you, but please consider my offer."

With that, the meeting ended.

Meanwhile, Pierce was planning to deal with the captured Gurongi in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s special ward when he received startling news.

"What!? You saw Nick Fury!?"

"I'm not sure, but he looked like Fury," Martin Li said.

"No, knowing Fury, it's likely him," Pierce said, clenching his fists. "Investigate Fury's movements. He might have discovered my identity."

"Understood," Li said, leaving to follow orders.

Pierce pulled out a laptop and activated it alone, revealing a Hydra emblem. Several Hydra members appeared on the screen.

"What's going on? Why the sudden meeting?" one asked.

"My cover may be blown. Fury might know who I am," Pierce said, causing shock and panic among the Hydra members.

"Enough!" Pierce shouted, silencing them. "Fury hasn't acted yet, likely planning something."

"Do you mean Fury has a hidden agenda?" one asked.

"Exactly. We must strike first," Pierce declared, making his intentions clear.

Elsewhere, in a hidden Hydra base, Dr. Zola was fine-tuning various devices. He had obtained technology to create monster cyborgs, making numerous experimental creatures.

With the technology perfected, he prepared to create his strongest monster. He looked at a soldier with a metal arm and familiar hairstyle—the Winter Soldier.

Following Zola's instructions, the Winter Soldier entered a machine. Zola activated it, causing the soldier immense pain as the machine's readings increased.

Suddenly, sparks flew, and explosions erupted from the equipment.

"Impossible! I can't fail! What went wrong?" Zola panicked, trying to adjust the controls. But it was too late; the system was beyond his control.