Koenig powered up the device, ensuring all data readings were normal. Standing in front of Killer Bee, he began, "We'll start with some simple questions to establish a baseline. Can you tell me your full name?"
"Killer Bee," Killer Bee answered confidently.
Koenig chuckled and asked, "You really like sunglasses, huh? Haven't seen you take them off, even indoors."
"Of course," Killer Bee said with a grin, "They're cool."
"Ever been married?"
"No."
Koenig laughed, "Well, given your personality and lifestyle, I didn't think so. Wouldn't make sense."
He glanced at the device's readings, confirming no abnormalities, then continued, "What's the difference between an egg and a rock?"
"One you can eat, the other you can't."
Koenig smiled and asked, "Have you heard of Project Insight?"
"No."
"Ever had contact with Alexander Pierce?"
"No."
Koenig checked the readings again—still no fluctuations—then asked, "If you were stranded alone on an island, and you found a box on the beach, what would be inside?"
"A book of rap lyrics," Killer Bee replied without hesitation.
Koenig burst out laughing, "Seems like you're really passionate about rapping."
"Of course," Killer Bee nodded, "It's my greatest love."
Koenig shifted his tone slightly and asked, "S.H.I.E.L.D. no longer exists and has been labeled a terrorist organization. Why are you still here?"
Killer Bee replied frankly, "Honestly, Coulson promised me 13 concerts. So far, he's only delivered three. When I joined, S.H.I.E.L.D. was still around."
"But now, it seems Coulson neither has the ability nor the time to fulfill his promise. My original plan was to drop them off in a safe location and leave."
"Now that they're here, and it's relatively safe, my work is done."
Koenig raised an eyebrow, "Are you saying you're planning to leave Coulson's team?"
Killer Bee nodded, "That's right. Aside from being this team's consultant, I'm a shinobi of Kumogakure."
"Since the concerts won't happen, it's time for me to return to the Cloud Village."
"With S.H.I.E.L.D. compromised and so many 084 artifacts on the loose, I suspect our business in this region will soon get busier."
Koenig glanced at the machine—no sign of deception.
Scratching his head, he said, "I'm conflicted."
"You passed the test, so I should issue you a badge. But if you're planning to leave, it feels...off."
After a pause, Koenig sighed, "Fine. Here's your badge. By the way, have you told Coulson about this?"
"I'll tell him right after the tests are done," Killer Bee said.
Koenig nodded and handed over the badge, "You're clear. Please notify the next person to come in."
Killer Bee took the badge, slung it around his neck, and left the room.
As he stepped out, Melinda May entered, ready for her turn.
Killer Bee approached Coulson, smiling as he showed off the badge, "Got my badge."
Coulson grinned, "I knew you'd pass. I've never doubted you."
"I don't think you even needed to participate," Coulson said, shaking his head slightly.
Killer Bee replied, "I still don't believe Nick Fury is dead. I don't trust Koenig's claims."
Coulson hesitated. He wanted to agree but remembered Koenig's warning and chose not to say anything further.
Killer Bee then said, "But none of that matters now, Coulson. I've come to say goodbye."
Coulson's eyes widened in surprise, "What?"
"Killer Bee, are you really leaving the team at such a difficult time?"
Killer Bee explained, "Coulson, my dream is to perform concerts."
"With everything going on right now, you guys clearly don't have the time or the capacity to deal with that."
"Since that's the case, I have no choice but to return home."
Coulson tried to persuade him, "Killer Bee, you believe Fury isn't gone, right? Hydra may be wreaking havoc now, but I believe S.H.I.E.L.D. will overcome them in the end. And when that happens, I promise to fulfill the 13-concert deal I made with you."
"Trust me, I won't let you down on this."
Killer Bee smiled faintly and said, "Coulson, I know you wouldn't lie about something like that. But with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s bases compromised and a flood of 084 artifacts hitting the market, the business in Kumogakure's outpost is about to pick up again."
"I'll be called back soon."
Hearing this, Coulson knew he couldn't change Killer Bee's mind. And truthfully, there was no way to deliver on the concert promise under the current circumstances.
Over the past few months, Killer Bee had been the glue holding the team together. Despite being young, he was the anchor of the squad.
With him around, Coulson had never feared Hydra overtaking the team. But now, that advantage was coming to an end.