Location: Confidential
Oto-nin Human Experimentation Base-
In a dimly lit conference room, a network meeting was underway. Before Kabuto Yakushi stood holographic projections of four prominent Hydra leaders: Daniel Whitehall, Baron Strucker, Baron Zemo, and Madame Viper.
These individuals each commanded different branches of Hydra, similar to how Alexander Pierce had controlled S.H.I.E.L.D.
Baron Strucker spoke first, "Mr. Yakushi, Pierce's plan has failed, and he is dead."
"His actions exposed Hydra to the public. His faction will now resist and cause chaos as they are hunted down."
Madame Viper sneered, "I never supported Pierce's plan. Fortunately, I stayed away from that mess."
"I just hope his fallout won't affect my operations."
Turning to Kabuto, she continued, "However, our collaboration with you will proceed as agreed. The chaos caused by Pierce's exposure gives us an opportunity to act more boldly."
"For example, we can provide the experimental subjects you need by sacrificing some of Pierce's old bases. It will divert attention."
Kabuto nodded and replied, "I trust that Pierce's failure will not interfere with our plans. To restore Hydra's dominance and return Otogakure to prominence in the ninja world, we require many energy-rich 084 artifacts."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. is in shambles, too busy to defend itself. Ninja villages are already raiding their resources. You should seize this moment."
"The more 084 items we gather, the more we can advance our goals."
"In exchange, we'll provide unlimited supplies of body enhancement serums and Fire curse mark to support your efforts."
The other leaders nodded in agreement.
Kabuto continued, "However, you must decisively eliminate any connections to Pierce's faction. Steve Rogers isn't just a S.H.I.E.L.D. operative—he's an Avenger."
"He will undoubtedly rally his team to strike Hydra bases."
"Also, here's a free piece of intelligence: Thor is currently on Earth. He will join the fight."
Hearing the mention of the Avengers, the leaders' expressions grew grim. Even Hydra needed to remain in the shadows to survive.
"We'll handle it carefully," Baron Zemo affirmed.
Madame Viper added, "As for the next shipment, it will be delivered as soon as things settle down."
Kabuto smirked and concluded, "Hail Hydra!"
The four leaders echoed in unison, "Hail Hydra!"
With that, the holographic meeting ended, and the virtual images vanished.
Kabuto adjusted his glasses and asked, "After so many transactions, have you located their base?"
Kidomaru responded, "They're cautious. None of the exposed bases so far are their headquarters."
"They have many hidden bases, each deeply concealed."
"It will take more time to fully investigate them."
Kabuto nodded, "Continue the investigation. I want to know exactly what power they possess."
"How many of Pierce's men have defected to our San Francisco base?"
Tayuya answered, "More than we expected. Pierce had a secret unit that brought dozens of 084 artifacts directly to us."
"He left them as a contingency plan. The moment his heart stopped for over 60 minutes, his devices emitted a unique frequency signal to activate this backup plan."
"Following that signal, they came to join us and surrendered the artifacts."
"They claim to be a secret force unknown to the rest of Hydra."
Kabuto smirked, "A clever fox always has multiple dens. What do they want in return?"
Tayuya replied, "They want our support to reclaim leadership within Hydra."
Kabuto chuckled, "Since they trust us, we'll welcome them."
"We need manpower to build our new bases anyway."
"And the artifacts?"
Tayuya produced a sealing scroll, respectfully handing it over. "All here."
Kabuto took it with satisfaction, "Excellent. Now, let's see what Guren and the others bring back."
…
Sokovia-
Baron Strucker stepped out of his meeting with Kabuto. A scientist in a white lab coat approached, "Pierce has fallen. Fury made everything public."
Strucker replied coldly, "Fury only revealed what he knew."
The scientist pressed on, "Strucker, if the Avengers find out what we're doing here—if they learn we're Hydra—"
Strucker interrupted as they walked, "Pierce's faction and S.H.I.E.L.D. are both finished."
"What we possess is beyond their comprehension."
He stopped outside a laboratory, staring at a corpse inside—a werewolf, acquired through a deal with Sunagakure.
"While we haven't replicated Sunagakure's genetic enhancement formula, we've created werewolves."
"Stronger, faster, with incredible regenerative abilities—and they can transform."
"Even their lifespan..."
Strucker glanced at the werewolf and turned back to the scientist, "Other Hydra factions are distractions for Captain America and his meddling friends."
"We'll keep them busy."
"But we need more volunteers. We need a werewolf army."
The scientist nodded, "They'll face our army soon enough."
Strucker's eyes gleamed as he watched the werewolves training fiercely, "This is no longer a world of spies. The future belongs to superhumans."
"And we have far more than one Captain America."
He added with a smirk, "These werewolves can even be infused with the Cursed Seal of Fire."
"The future is ours."