Kabuto's expression turned serious. "What we need are objects infused with mystical energy."
"Such as some of the 084 items within S.H.I.E.L.D. or objects like Thor's hammer," Kabuto suggested.
Hearing Kabuto's words, Sunil Bakshi kept his primary mission in mind.
"Mr. Kabuto, we're more than willing to assist in locating these items, but…"
Kabuto interrupted, "I understand your concerns. While we are Hydra as well, we wouldn't expect Earth's division to make all the sacrifices."
He continued, "I'm sure you're interested in items like the Curse of Fire seal or the Body Enhancement Serum."
"We can exchange these with you."
Sunil nodded, while thinking to himself about Kabuto's arrogance in referring to Hydra on Earth as just a 'branch.'
He then said, "These items are indeed valuable to us, but we're more interested in an exchange of resources."
"After all, we are one organization, are we not?"
Kabuto smiled, asking, "What kind of exchange are you proposing?"
Sunil replied, "We have access to certain technologies. Perhaps we could share some of these with you, in exchange for things such as ninja training techniques."
Understanding that Hydra's interest lay in the secret of chakra, Kabuto recalled the extensive efforts S.H.I.E.L.D. had once made to recruit him, all in pursuit of the shinobi training system.
Kabuto nodded briefly before shaking his head. Sunil was puzzled, "What does that mean?"
Kabuto clarified, "The shinobi training system isn't off the table, but it's not available at this time."
"If we're able to bring Hydra here, you'll receive what you desire."
"But until then, we can initiate collaborations in other areas."
"After all, trust takes time."
"And I'm curious to see what technology you can offer that might interest us."
Sunil wasn't surprised. He hadn't expected to obtain the training techniques immediately, yet he was hopeful since Kabuto seemed willing to entertain the idea, acknowledging their mutual Hydra connection.
"We can compile a list of technologies for potential exchange," Sunil said.
"However, regarding the 084 items, how should we go about the trade?"
Kabuto replied, "One selected 084 item can be exchanged for one Curse of Fire seal."
Sunil suggested, "Mr. Kabuto, while they may all be 084 items, their values vary. Treating them equally would be a significant loss for us."
Kabuto agreed, "You make a fair point, but how do you propose to determine their value?"
"After all, what may be important to you could hold little significance for us."
As Sunil prepared to respond, Kabuto continued, "Of course, as fellow Hydra members, we won't exploit you. It's all for the return of that great being."
"If an item truly exceeds other 084s in value, we'll offer you additional Fire Curse marks."
Understanding they had limited negotiating power in this 'seller's market,' Sunil decided to ask another question.
"Can you tell me about Lord Hydra's strength…?"
Hearing the inquiry about the Eight-Headed Serpent's power, Kabuto smirked.
To him, Orochimaru and the Serpent were one and the same. At full strength, Lord Orochimaru was second only to Lord Charles.
"Powerful. Incomprehensibly powerful."
"No one on Earth could rival him. If he were here, even extraterrestrial threats would be no match."
Sunil's face lit up with excitement upon hearing this.
"This is excellent news!"
Although Sunil Bakshi couldn't be certain if Kabuto's words were true, he was prepared to treat them as such.
As more unusual phenomena and extraterrestrials appeared on Earth, Hydra was increasingly in need of a powerful ally, someone who could rival the likes of the Asgardians and shinobi.
This alliance would provide the organization with a much-needed safety net.
Sunil replied respectfully, "Thank you for sharing this with me. I will promptly have our organization prepare the list of technologies and 084 items."
Kabuto extended his hand, "Pleasure doing business."
Sunil took out a business card and said, "This is my contact information. You can reach me by phone."
Kabuto nodded and offered his own contact details.
Without lingering or touring the Sound Village base, Sunil returned directly to Hydra's headquarters, eager to report this promising development to his superiors.
…
After sending Sunil Bakshi on his way, Kabuto went to a laboratory where Orochimaru was conducting an experiment on a silent subject.
"Lord Orochimaru."
While carefully cutting with a scalpel, Orochimaru replied, "You sent him off?"
"Yes. They're interested in a technical exchange, but I didn't agree to share chakra training methods. Hopefully, they will come to regard us as Hydra's headquarters for the ninja world."
Orochimaru chuckled, "They don't have a choice."
He then observed his test subject, commenting, "The physiology of humans in this world is strange—their cells are notably fewer."
"What intrigues me the most is that they can't produce chakra."
"Is it unique to this species, or is it the case for all humans on Earth?"
"Kabuto, in our next exchange, arrange for them to supply some test subjects. We're running low on materials."
Kabuto nodded, "Understood, my lord."