Koenig played the video. The footage showed the entrance of the Fridge.
Destroyed helicopters and jets lay scattered among dead Hydra soldiers, but only two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents appeared dead—both shot in the forehead. Oddly, the door remained undamaged.
As the footage shifted inside, dead S.H.I.E.L.D. agents lined the hallways.
A man identical to Koenig was speaking in the video, "The Fridge was attacked by Hydra. It appears they tricked the guards, broke in, and used anesthetic gas. Many Hydra soldiers were found dead with gas masks still on."
As Koenig let the video play, he turned to Coulson and said, "I've got some tough news for you. Brace yourself."
Coulson, sensing what was coming, steeled himself, "Go ahead. I'm ready."
Koenig looked him in the eye, "Your teammate, Ward, is Hydra."
Coulson froze, his mind racing in disbelief, "What?"
"That's impossible—he was escorting Garrett!"
"What about Agent Hand?"
Koenig gestured to the screen, "The footage contains surveillance from the Fridge hallways. It will explain everything. As for Agent Hand, she's likely… gone."
He continued, "Take some time to process this. I'll go get your badge."
Koenig walked away, leaving Coulson alone with the video.
…
Meanwhile–
At S.H.I.E.L.D.'s central base-
General Talbot stood outside, unable to breach the defenses. His forces had suffered heavy casualties. He knew if they failed to retrieve what the military wanted, he would face serious consequences.
Just as he was about to call in reinforcements with heavier artillery, a sudden transformation began around the base.
"Crystal Release: Jade Crystal Labyrinth Technique!"
Blood-red crystals burst from the ground, rapidly encasing the entire base in a massive gem-like structure. The shimmering fortress completely trapped the facility within.
Missiles from attack helicopters and jets exploded against the crystal wall, creating bursts of fire and smoke but causing no real damage.
Talbot grabbed his radio and shouted, "Cease fire!"
He recognized the crimson crystal barrier encasing the base—this was the work of a ninja from Otogakure.
High above the crystal labyrinth, Guren stood calmly, her gaze fixed on the aircraft circling overhead.
"I am Guren of the Sound Village," she declared.
"I am here to fulfill a transaction with S.H.I.E.L.D. Any interference will be considered an act of provocation against Otogakure. Further aggression will be met with immediate force."
Despite the calm tone, her words, amplified by chakra, resonated directly in Talbot's ears with piercing clarity.
Obeying his earlier command, the peacekeeping forces ceased fire.
Using the helicopter's loudspeaker, Talbot responded, "I'm Colonel Talbot of the United States Air Force. Under orders from the military and Congress, I'm here to secure S.H.I.E.L.D.'s central facility. Please cooperate."
Guren glanced at his helicopter, her eyes narrowing. She formed a series of hand signs, "Crystal Release: Giant Hexagonal Shuriken!"
A massive, glittering hexagonal shuriken shot from her hands, slicing cleanly through the rotor blades of Talbot's helicopter.
Crunch!
The rotor shattered, and the helicopter spiraled out of control, plummeting toward the ground.
Without hesitation, Talbot strapped on a parachute and leaped out.
Boom!
The helicopter crashed, erupting in flames. The fireball lit up the battlefield.
Dangling under his parachute, Talbot watched the fiery wreckage, cold sweat dripping from his brow. His heart raced—he had narrowly escaped death.
As he maneuvered his descent, he barked into his radio, "Regroup on my position!"
Guren observed Talbot's parachute drifting downward. She made no further move to attack; his survival was irrelevant unless he provoked her again.
Every moment of descent was torture for Talbot. The helplessness of being at the mercy of an enemy gnawed at him. His life had been entirely in her hands.
At last, he touched down safely. His knees buckled as he staggered, barely catching himself before falling. Soldiers rushed to his side, forming a protective circle.
Talbot stared at the towering crystal barrier and gave the only order he could, "Retreat!"
He knew if they stayed any longer, his forces would be annihilated.
…
Inside S.H.I.E.L.D.'s central base-
Anko Mitarashi had successfully made contact with the agents. She now stood in the 084 storage room, filled with mysterious artifacts and dangerous relics.
As the vault doors opened, revealing the vast collection of classified items, Anko turned to a nearby agent and said, "Thank you."
She formed a hand sign, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Two shadow clones appeared beside Anko Mitarashi, and together, the three versions of her unfurled sealing scrolls, beginning to store the 084 items in front of them.
Meanwhile, outside the crystal barrier, Guren watched as the Air Force retreated. She nodded approvingly—those who knew when to retreat were wise indeed.