S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy –
Advanced Training Division –
Ao stood before a gathered crowd of agents and cadets. His voice rang clear as he addressed them, "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., cadets!"
"I'm sure you all heard the broadcast just now."
"'Out of the shadows, into the light!'"
At his words, HYDRA operatives in the crowd exchanged secretive glances, while genuine S.H.I.E.L.D. agents remained confused.
One agent spoke up, "Sir, is this a drill?"
"I heard explosions and gunfire."
HYDRA operatives in other parts of the Academy had launched violent power grabs, their assaults far different from standard training exercises.
Ao shook his head, "You don't understand the gravity of the situation."
"If I'm not mistaken, that broadcast was HYDRA's activation signal."
The room erupted into murmurs.
"What?"
"HYDRA?"
"Impossible! They were destroyed after the war!"
Some HYDRA infiltrators, maintaining their cover, joined in the chorus of disbelief.
Most HYDRA agents at the Academy were high-level operatives and those rare few enhanced by serums.
As they watched the sharp-eyed Ao, they couldn't help but be impressed by how quickly the Mist Village jonin had recognized and responded to the truth.
Now, they waited to see how he would act next.
If Ao remained neutral, the HYDRA agents would seize the opportunity to ambush the remaining S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives. If he sided with S.H.I.E.L.D., they would stay hidden and bide their time.
Ao's overwhelming strength made all the difference—every one of them knew from experience that even combined, they stood no chance against their instructor.
However, if Ao were part of HYDRA or even supported them, victory would be guaranteed. The four S.H.I.E.L.D. academies would fall under HYDRA's control.
"Silence!"
At Ao's command, the entire crowd fell quiet, their eyes fixed on him.
"From my observation," he began, "the other three academies are under heavy assault."
"This means HYDRA's infiltration has been a long-term effort, not something built overnight."
HYDRA agents in the crowd thought to themselves, 'Could it be that Instructor Ao is on our side?'
But then Ao continued, "However…"
Every HYDRA operative's heart sank at that one word.
"However" was never a good sign.
"I don't think they will succeed."
A cadet called out, "Instructor, let's go help the other academies!"
Others quickly echoed, "Yes, sir! Let's help them!"
Ao looked over the crowd, then pulled out his phone.
"And yet," he said, "I also don't think S.H.I.E.L.D. will survive this."
The crowd fell into stunned silence as he continued, "S.H.I.E.L.D. has just made all of its classified files public—every single one. Including your personal records."
"If I'm right, after this event, S.H.I.E.L.D. will be dismantled."
The cadets and agents alike were visibly shocked.
"What? That's impossible!"
"All the files? Public?!"
Some instructors and staff pulled out their devices, quickly checking the news.
"It's true…"
"S.H.I.E.L.D.… is finished."
They knew all too well what the exposure of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s archives meant. Combined with HYDRA's infiltration, the agency's dissolution seemed inevitable.
Many agents—whether in fieldwork or research—had bent or broken laws, protected only by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s shadow. Without its cover, they now faced arrest and interrogation.
The cadets, lacking personal devices, watched in confusion.
Ao tossed his phone to the nearest student, who caught it and checked the headlines.
"It's true…" he murmured, passing the phone back as other cadets peered at the screen.
Outside, the sound of gunfire and explosions grew louder, signaling the intense battles raging at the other academies. HYDRA's coordinated surprise attack had given them a decisive upper hand.
The cadets' expressions darkened. Unlike new recruits, they were seasoned operatives chosen for enhancement trials.
Many had bent international or local laws during their missions, relying on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s protection. Now, with their records exposed and no organization to shield them, they faced life as fugitives.
Even so, thanks to their enhancements and training, they would avoid prison. After thorough vetting, agencies like the military, CIA, or FBI would likely recruit them.
But no future position would offer the same camaraderie or ideals as S.H.I.E.L.D. Many still felt loyalty to the organization despite its collapse.
At this point, seeing that everyone had grasped the general situation, Ao continued: "I am an elite jonin from Kirigakure, and I was also hired as an instructor by S.H.I.E.L.D."
"To ease your worries, I am willing to offer you all an opportunity—a chance to join Kirigakure."
Hearing these words, the crowd froze in surprise.
'Is he recruiting us?'
The unwavering S.H.I.E.L.D. agents maintained serious expressions, but the HYDRA operatives couldn't hide their delight.
Most HYDRA agents had no ideological commitment to their cause. They weren't interested in destroying the world or resurrecting HYDRA's ancient leaders.
Many had joined under threat or for personal gain—whether forced by superiors or lured by HYDRA's resources and power.
Several agents knew they would never have been granted access to enhancement serums without HYDRA's sponsorship. It was an arrangement of mutual benefit.
But now, with Kirigakure extending an invitation, they saw a new path forward.