- In Marvel: I Start by Marrying Scarlett Witch [Complete]
- MWM Chapter 57
Hearing Nick Fury’s commanding tone, Tony Stark smirked and poured himself a drink. With a hint of sarcasm, he replied:
“Don’t trouble yourselves. I plan to hold a press conference tomorrow to officially reveal my identity as Iron Man.
You should probably focus on checking your own S.H.I.E.L.D. It’s been said that most of your high-ranking officials have already become HYDRA agents. Soon, you might as well rename it Snake Shield.”
Since his kidnapping, Tony Stark had changed significantly. He recognized the mistakes he and Stark Industries had made and felt a strong sense of social responsibility.
This sense of responsibility was magnified when he created the Iron Man suit and personally dealt with terrorists.
Just like the news said, Iron Man was a true superhero, and Tony saw himself that way too.
However, this didn’t mean his personality and habits had changed much. He still liked beautiful women, had a sharp tongue, and enjoyed showing off.
So why should he hide his identity as Iron Man?
He was doing good deeds, not committing crimes. Besides, he was Tony Stark—why should he fear anyone, especially the incompetent government officials?
Certainly not.
Originally, he had been considering this decision. Fury’s visit just pushed him to announce it at tomorrow’s press conference out of sheer defiance.
“What did you say?”
Nick Fury’s voice rose a few octaves, his expression instantly turning serious.
He wasn’t shocked by Tony’s announcement, as their personality analysis had predicted this; it was just a matter of time.
What truly concerned him was Tony’s information about HYDRA infiltrating S.H.I.E.L.D.
But that couldn’t be true; HYDRA was destroyed during World War II. However, Tony’s micro-expressions suggested he wasn’t joking.
“I said get out, leave my house, now. Can you understand that?”
Tony pointed to the door, his tone clearly impatient.
Nick Fury felt just like the overbearing government officials Tony had dealt with. He wasn’t buying it.
“The infiltration of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s upper ranks by HYDRA agents is a matter of global security. This isn’t a joke, Tony. I hope you’re not joking.”
Fury’s tone softened, understanding the gravity of HYDRA and not wanting to provoke Tony.
Tony, softening at Fury’s shift in tone, hesitated and said:
“The information I got is like this. I’m not sure about the details, but it’s definitely not a joke. You should investigate it yourself. That’s all.”
He gestured for Fury to leave.
This time, Fury didn’t argue, leaving Tony’s mansion with a serious expression.
…
Washington, D.C., S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters, Triskelion, Director’s Office.
Nick Fury sat in his chair, poring over documents compiled overnight, muttering to himself:
“I didn’t expect there to actually be a problem!”
He had been skeptical of Tony Stark’s claim. After leading S.H.I.E.L.D. for so many years, how could most of its senior officials be HYDRA agents without him knowing?
However, even a small possibility required thorough investigation. So, he returned to headquarters overnight and, without notifying anyone, used his authority to analyze S.H.I.E.L.D.’s missions and records deeply.
Without relying on technology that could leave traces, he used his top-tier spy instincts and skills.
Assuming most senior officials were HYDRA agents, he scrutinized the data for inconsistencies.
Indeed, Fury’s spy skills were top-notch, and his analysis revealed numerous suspicious points.
Under normal circumstances, as the director, these would not reach his desk. Even if he noticed them, without linking them to HYDRA, he might dismiss them as administrative oversights.
“When did it start? How many have betrayed us? Who can be trusted? And most importantly, how did Tony Stark get this information?”
Fury’s mind raced with questions.
After some thought, he used his authority to pull all records on Tony from before and after his kidnapping.
Regarding Tony Stark, the son of S.H.I.E.L.D. founder Howard Stark, Fury had always kept an eye on him.
He confirmed that Tony had no knowledge of S.H.I.E.L.D. before his kidnapping. Therefore, he must have learned about it during or after the kidnapping, likely from someone he encountered.
Reviewing Tony’s post-kidnapping activities, Fury quickly found a lead:
“Li Group, Leo Chen, there’s something off!”
A company from Sokovia, with no previous ties to Stark Industries, was suddenly visited and heavily supported by Tony upon his return.
Moreover, Dr. Yinsen, who had escaped with Tony, also joined this group.
Identifying this lead, Fury used his director’s authority to gather all available information on Leo Chen swiftly.
Given Leo’s origins in an obscure Eastern European country, S.H.I.E.L.D. had limited data on him.
Superficially, Leo appeared to be a benevolent businessman, beloved in Sokovia for his charity work.
His company’s products were highly effective and affordable, with even S.H.I.E.L.D. purchasing a significant amount.
“Nobody’s that perfect. The more perfect someone appears, the more suspicious they are.”
From the surface, Leo was the ideal businessman. His age, only twenty, made him even more suspicious to Fury.
“Get Agent Natasha Romanoff to my office!”
Fury pressed the intercom button after some thought.