In many web novels, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s capabilities are exaggerated to an almost mythical degree. As if S.H.I.E.L.D. could track down a black man who got lost in a primitive African tribe.
This is actually very absurd.
In reality, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s efficiency is not much higher than that of a typical administrative agency.
In a vast sea of people, how easy is it to find someone who is determined to hide?
New York is a massive city with tens of millions of people; even if hundreds of thousands of Agents were dispatched, they might not even cause a ripple.
Necessity is the mother of invention. Hunted for years by his father-in-law, Banner had already gained rich experience in escaping.
He would not use anything that could expose his identity—mobile phones, credit cards, passports.
Against someone so seasoned, S.H.I.E.L.D. was actually powerless.
In the movie, the reason S.H.I.E.L.D. could discover the transaction between Banner and Mr. Blue, pinpoint Culver University, and even set up a trap in advance to catch him, was primarily because Banner used an encrypted network called "S.H.I.E.L.D." to send data.
What Banner didn't know was that this encrypted network "S.H.I.E.L.D." was actually controlled by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s logistics department.
Not to mention that the data also contained crucial information like "Gamma Pulse," which was basically like shining a lantern in the dark—it was impossible not to be discovered.
In the end, this was all due to information asymmetry, which caused Banner, the veteran escape artist, to stumble.
Nick Fury listened to Rimuru's entire conversation with Natasha, and this pushed him to further commit to bringing Banner into the Avengers Initiative.
Especially after the logistics department confirmed Mr. Blue's identity and location, Nick Fury's trust in Rimuru immediately skyrocketed.
At the same time, Rimuru's value in Fury's heart rose exponentially.
Controlling Rimuru was equivalent to having a "prophet," which made Fury value Rimuru even more—and, of course, become even more cautious.
Since Rimuru dared to reveal her identity as a "prophet," she clearly feared nothing.
Any wrong, impulsive, or reckless action could damage S.H.I.E.L.D.'s relationship with Rimuru, or even cause a complete fallout.
This was something Nick Fury absolutely could not allow.
In fact, he didn't view it negatively—he appreciated it.
Having power and knowing how to use it to benefit oneself is a sign of maturity. It also reduces trouble and earns respect.
This made Fury begin to reexamine the information Black Widow had brought back from her first meeting with Rimuru.
Thinking about this, Fury couldn't help looking at the sun outside the window. The dazzling light made his bald head feel cold.
Would the Sun really age rapidly?
Thinking about the "Battle of New York" Rimuru mentioned, Fury's sense of urgency grew stronger.
He began seriously considering the feasibility of bringing Rimuru into the Avengers Initiative.
Rimuru probably didn't realize that her bluff had now pulled her deeply into the situation.
Although S.H.I.E.L.D. is an international organization, it is essentially controlled by the United States.
In recent years, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s position had become more awkward. The World Security Council countries all wanted to interfere with S.H.I.E.L.D., and Fury's stubbornness annoyed them.
For this reason, the Council had publicly questioned S.H.I.E.L.D.'s necessity multiple times, repeatedly threatening to cut funding.
If not for Fury's skill, S.H.I.E.L.D. might have lost its independence long ago.
Even so, Fury's pressure increased day by day.
He needed tangible results to convince the Council that S.H.I.E.L.D. was necessary.
That he wasn't wasting taxpayers' money.
(Nick Fury's inner OS: Not wasted at all—I just embezzled and diverted funds to build a secret base.)
And this time was the perfect opportunity to prove S.H.I.E.L.D.'s worth.
After all, General Ross had not only wasted resources and money chasing the Hulk, but also suffered huge casualties.
The public and Congress were already dissatisfied with Ross, and even the Military held serious objections.
If successful, S.H.I.E.L.D. would completely redeem itself, and Fury could use this achievement to silence the bureaucrats on the Council.
Without the Military's disastrous failure, how could S.H.I.E.L.D.'s competence stand out?
As for casually selling out General Ross, potentially ruining his political career, Fury didn't feel bad at all.
Even if they failed, so what?
General Ross had failed repeatedly himself.
This was a World where "who's worse" determined the outcome. No matter how bad S.H.I.E.L.D.'s performance was, it wouldn't be worse than Ross's.
That's right—whether they succeeded or failed, Ross would be the one hung out to dry.
Who told him to be the main person in charge of capturing the Hulk, only to fail again and again?
If capturing the Hulk weren't such a money pit, countless people would already be fighting to replace him.
Fury suppressed the logistics department's report, and a plan to discreetly contact Banner quickly took shape. A large number of Agents began moving.
What Fury didn't know was that S.H.I.E.L.D. had another name:
HYDRA S.H.I.E.L.D.
Just as Fury brimmed with ambition, HYDRA-aligned Agents quietly began plotting.
With Pierce, a high-ranking powerhouse, present, Fury's supposedly airtight plan was already full of holes.
Crossbones: "Director Pierce, what should we do? We've all seen Hulk's combat power. If Fury successfully recruits him, will our plan ever succeed?"
Sylvite, the bald man who refused to be swayed by ideology, also nodded. Glorious missions, restoring HYDRA—none of that mattered to him.
Unlike the fanatics driven by love for their ideals, Sylvite, who was Indian, just wanted to be a quiet Agent.
He didn't want to get involved with HYDRA or S.H.I.E.L.D.
But since Crossbones had spoken, he had to show some stance.
It was just a nod and a statement in front of a superior—low risk, high reward. How could he miss that?
So he simply nodded to show agreement.
As a former Director, Pierce knew far more than ordinary Agents. Fury's Avengers Initiative was top secret to most, but for Pierce, nothing was hidden.
Fury was the head of all Agents, yet he still wanted to form another secret team.
This was not good news.
Pierce even suspected that Fury knew something.
But there was one certainty: whatever the enemy wanted to do, HYDRA would simply destroy.
"We don't need to act. If General Ross finds out Fury concealed information from him and plans to recruit the Hulk behind his back, I imagine his reaction would be… quite interesting."
Crossbones sneered. As a loyal HYDRA member, he found Pierce's move delightful.
"This matter will be handled by Agent Sylvite," Pierce said casually, glancing at the bald man.
Sylvite's scalp tingled, but he could only grit his teeth and accept the mission.
Rank crushes all; low-level Agents have no human rights.
And so, the plan was set. Soon, news about Banner appeared on General Ross's desk.
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