Chapter 237: C229
Looking at the red-faced Sergei, Pietro, and the others laughing, dancing, and drinking as if nothing had happened, Leon couldn't help but smile. Amid the lively scene, Natasha leaned close, exuding her characteristic triumphant attitude.
Leon kissed her, a small grin playing on his lips. "You're in this business, yet you can still say things like that?"
"Why not?" Natasha retorted, raising her chin slightly and giving him a half-smile. "Don't you enjoy seeing a scene like this?"
"Of course I do."
Leon's response was shameless, though his thoughts briefly drifted to Wanda. He'd have to find time to coax her into joining their little escapades, even if she objected initially. But for now, he changed the subject. "Just don't complain when she starts getting too comfortable with it—you'll be the one in trouble."
"It's fine," Natasha said with a casual shrug. "Wanda's shy, thin-skinned, and easily confused. She's the easiest type to manipulate."
Leon chuckled, shaking his head helplessly. Natasha had a knack for understanding people, especially someone like Wanda, whose intelligence often clashed with her trusting personality.
Before Leon could respond, a loud shout came from the bonfire.
"Boss Leon! Natasha! Get over here!"
"Coming!" Natasha called back.
They shared a knowing smile, grabbed the freshly grilled food, and headed toward the bonfire. The night was lively, the laughter contagious, and even the moon seemed shy, hiding behind scattered clouds.
But while they enjoyed their carefree evening, the rest of the world was anything but calm.
A massive piece of data had inexplicably appeared on global networks. This wasn't just any data; it was a series of detailed lists—names, aliases, countries of origin, family connections, sources of income, and more. Each list was meticulous, and what tied all these individuals together was a single, chilling word: Hydra.
For years, Hydra had lurked in the shadows, its origins tracing back to World War II. Their infamous slogan—"Cut off one head, and two more shall take its place"—had become synonymous with their insidious presence. Hydra's goal was simple yet terrifying: global domination.
The release of these lists sent shockwaves across every government. High-ranking officials from around the world were stunned to find familiar names among the exposed. If even a fraction of these individuals were truly Hydra operatives, then this shadow organization already wielded enough power to destabilize nations.
There was no time for hesitation. Orders were issued to security agencies worldwide: apprehend and interrogate the individuals on these lists at all costs.
The data's authenticity was unquestionable. Detailed financial transactions, secret meeting videos, and even recordings of individuals declaring, "Long live Hydra," left no room for doubt.
Within hours, a global purge began. Hydra operatives, who once believed themselves untouchable, found their carefully constructed empires crumbling.
Gunfire erupted in cities across the world. Streets ran red with blood as law enforcement clashed with Hydra's forces. Hydra agents, desperate and cornered, resisted fiercely. Every second brought chaos, fear, and death.
Despite the destruction, world leaders remained resolute. The cost was irrelevant—Hydra had to be eradicated. The organization's ambitions to overthrow governments and seize power were too dangerous to ignore.
Hydra's leaders, once cloaked in shadows, were thrust into despair. The global manhunt left them breathless and exposed. Resources that once seemed limitless proved useless against the overwhelming, coordinated assault.
Their despair was matched only by confusion and rage. Who had the power to compile and release such comprehensive information?
They had been exposed too swiftly, their operations dismantled before they could react. Even attempts to delete the lists from global networks failed. It was as if the information was untouchable—beyond the capabilities of any human hacker.
The same question plagued the minds of Nick Fury and Tony Stark: Who was behind this?
Within SHIELD, the revelations were catastrophic. More than 60% of SHIELD's agents were Hydra operatives, embedded in every key department. Even Alexander Pierce, the former director of SHIELD and a current member of the World Security Council, was exposed as a Hydra leader.
The betrayal sent shockwaves through SHIELD's ranks. Once the most formidable intelligence agency in the world, SHIELD now found itself in chaos. Hydra's rebellion within its ranks turned trusted agents into deadly enemies overnight.
Gunfire and explosions tore through SHIELD facilities. The betrayal claimed countless lives, and the ensuing battle was nothing short of a war.
Thankfully, Nick Fury acted swiftly. He mobilized loyal SHIELD agents to join forces with the military in a massive counteroffensive. Fury called in the Avengers and even sought help from Professor X and the X-Men.
The rebellion was suppressed, but the cost was staggering. Hydra's infiltration had shaken SHIELD to its core, leaving scars that would take years to heal.
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