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"SHIELD stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division," he began. "It's… essentially a global intelligence and defense organization. We handle threats that normal agencies can't—terrorism, advanced technology, superpowered individuals, things that can't be contained by conventional means."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "So… you're like a combination of secret police, military, and spy agency?"
"In a way," Coulson replied. "We operate in the shadows, keeping people safe without most of the world even knowing we exist."
Ethan frowned slightly, processing the information. "And… all this time, my mother kept me away from it? Why?"
"Because she wanted you to have a normal life," Sarah said softly. "She knew that once you got involved, there would be danger… a lot of danger."
"And these people who are after me?" Ethan asked, leaning back slightly.
Coulson replied, "Some of them are enemies your father made, either through operations or personal grudges. That's why you've been targeted."
"Is this the reason my mother divorced him?" Ethan asked, frowning slightly. Coulson nodded. Ethan murmured under his breath, "Well… that explains a lot."
"Are you two assigned to my protection? Because I didn't see you do anything before," he asked, eyes flicking between them.
"We were going to," Coulson said, lifting his gun slightly. "But he beat us to it, so we didn't… we thought we could stay hidden a little longer." Ethan nodded in understanding.
"By the way… is it true he can walk into a building guarded by hundred armed men and come out alive after taking them all down?" Sharon asked, glancing at Storm Shadow.
"He can cut bullets with his sword," Ethan shrugged casually.
"That's… impressive," Coulson said, looking at him closely. "Do you have… superpowers?"
"No," Storm Shadow replied calmly, his expression unreadable.
Coulson nodded slowly, reassessing the situation, while Sharon stared at Storm Shadow with a new sense of respect—and perhaps a little unease.
Ethan leaned back, letting the tension settle. "Don't worry. He's on my side."
Storm Shadow simply nodded, his eyes fixed forward, silent and vigilant.
"Destination reached," the car announced in its robotic voice.
"Hm… we're home," Ethan mumbled, about to step out.
"Let me check if anyone has infiltrated the house first," Storm Shadow said, his tone calm but sharp. Ethan nodded. The ninja moved ahead, disappearing around the side of the car as the door closed behind him.
"Is he really reliable? I mean… he came and those attackers also came at the same time?" Coulson asked, eyebrows raised.
"He is. He used to visit from time to time. I saw him a month before my mother's… accident," Ethan replied, pausing. Then, his voice turned icy, almost whispering, "Was my mother's death… an accident?"
"Yes. She was killed," Coulson said quietly. "We tracked the driver. He was a former military, A mercenary. We captured him."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Did you learn anything from him? Who sent him?" His voice was cold, cutting.
"No… we weren't able to. He didn't know. Everything came through an anonymous channel," Coulson replied, wary smile.
Ethan stood quietly, processing the information.
"So… someone wanted her dead, and I was next," he said calmly.
"Yes," Coulson replied. "That's why we've been watching you. You've been a target since your father's enemies learned about your existence."
Ethan glanced at Sharon. "And you… you've always been ready for this?"
"Yes," she said. "Our job is to protect you."
Sharon spoke carefully. "We should secure the house and make sure no one else is inside. Then we can discuss the next steps."
Ethan nodded. "Alright. Let's check the property and make sure it's safe."
Coulson added, "Ethan, you have a lot to catch up on. SHIELD operates globally. You're stepping into a world your mother kept you away from, for your safety."
"I understand," Ethan replied.
"should we go and scout the building?" Coulson asked.
"Don't worry," Ethan said. "Storm Shadow will scout the whole building easily. Just wait here."
Sharon and Coulson exchanged a glance but nodded, trusting his judgment.
Ethan stepped toward the side of the house, his movements calm and precise. He paused at the edge, tapping a small device on his wrist.
Within moments, the area around the house lit up on a small screen—motion sensors and security cameras Ethan had set up earlier.
"Clear so far," Ethan muttered, scanning the readings. "Storm Shadow will make sure no one is inside."
They returned to the car and waited there.
"I was wondering," Sharon said, "when you mentioned the smart-weapon system… what does that actually mean?"
"Nothing special," Ethan replied. "Just a system that takes in all factors before firing—like pressure, wind speed, humidity, and other things. It helps with accurate shots."
"What about those micro missile-bullets you talked about?" Coulson asked.
"Special ammo," Ethan said casually. "For fast kills. I don't want to end up like those characters in movies who talk too much and die because of it. If I can take someone out quickly and easily, why waste time?"
He shrugged, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Coulson and Sharon exchanged a quick look, both silently acknowledging the kind of person Ethan was becoming—practical, direct, and not someone who hesitated.
Sharon nodded slowly. "Well… at least you're honest about it."
Coulson crossed his arms. "Can't say I disagree. In our line of work, hesitation usually gets people killed."
Ethan leaned back in the seat. "Exactly. I'm just being realistic."
Before either of them could reply, his tablet buzzed. A small icon appeared—Storm Shadow's signal.
Ethan glanced at it. "House is clear. He's checking the backyard now."
Sharon let out a breath. "Good. Once he gives the all-clear, we go inside and set up basic security. You'll need protection until we figure out who's targeting you."
"Don't worry, I'll install my own," Ethan said, waving his hand dismissively.
He was about to say more, but all three of them suddenly turned as a loud whoosh cut through the air.