"Immediately launch the nuclear missile toward the battlefield!"
"We absolutely cannot allow these two alien armies to spread outward!"
"That's right!"
"Earth must never become a battlefield for alien forces!"
"How is that different from those colonies of the last century?"
"Everyone, please calm down!"
Nick Fury hastily interrupted the heated debate among the group and explained seriously, "First of all, that's Manhattan... Secondly, one of those is our potential ally. Are you sure you want to use nuclear weapons to destroy an ally helping us protect Earth?"
"Earth has never asked for their help!"
"They also don't care about Earth's opinion!"
"This group is also invaders..."
"Everyone!"
Nick Fury had to interrupt their discussions once again, speaking seriously, "Even though we indeed hate these presumptuous do-gooders...
But I hope you seriously consider...
If we actually launch a nuclear missile, it means we've provoked terrifying enemies before even entering the interstellar arena, and these are originally our potential allies..."
To be honest...
Nick Fury also detests the Akatsuki's presumptuous incoming army.
However, the unrealistic ideas of these World Security Council officials are even more tiresome; they simply cannot comprehend how much trouble these individuals with extraordinary powers...
will bring!
"To take a step back..."
Nick Fury tapped his fingers and continued seriously, "We've all watched yesterday's video of the outer space satellite being destroyed... I don't think a nuclear missile could possibly trouble them."
This is the most critical!
That slash was enough to unleash scorching flames that could incinerate all the steel on Earth, easily triggering a nuclear detonation; nuclear missiles on Earth are ineffective...
If nuclear weapons cannot deal with the Akatsuki's army, the entire planet will provoke a super-alien force organized by a group of superheroes!
This group can easily beat Earthlings so their teeth can't be found anywhere!
Besides...
Actually, Nick Fury harbors a certain expectation.
The appearance of Loki, the Prince of Asgard, means their fixed ally Asgard might not be reliable...
Moreover, Nick Fury received a piece of insider information half an hour ago, allegedly a princess from Asgard stands behind Hydra.
Future Earth will face more and more alien invasions; a potential ally could serve as their trump against those alien invaders...
"Then speak up..."
An old man slowly clasped his hands, looking at Nick Fury through the screen: "We can't do nothing, can we?"
"Keep all nuclear missiles in a state of readiness..."
Nick Fury slowly clenched his fist, his eyes showing a faint determination: "Before this war spirals out of control, our current best choice is to hold our position, and my squad is also on the front line of the battlefield..."
"Don't worry."
A raspy voice appeared next to Nick Fury's ear.
A space whirl quietly appeared beside Nick Fury, a mysterious masked man emerged on the airborne carrier, speaking calmly: "Akatsuki is a peace organization. Our purpose is to eliminate unreasonable interstellar wars in the universe..."
"..."
Nick Fury hesitated for a second.
To be honest, this kind of platitude is quite familiar to him...
Because S.H.I.E.L.D. often styles itself as a peace organization... one capable of mobilizing F22 fighters at any time and any military unit below the regiment level.
"Earth used to be a member of Akatsuki."
The mysterious masked man glanced at the cautious agents around and calmly continued, "Our leader's friend, Howard Stark, once represented Earth in Dawn of the Dawn... representing Earth willing to abide by Akatsuki's rules."
"..."
Nick Fury's expression showed a bit of hesitation again.
"What are Akatsuki's rules..."
One of the World Security Council officials frowned, a bearded elderly man politely explained: "Howard Stark can't really represent Earthlings... Before we understand Akatsuki's rules, we may not acknowledge the past agreement."
What exactly are Akatsuki's rules?
Did Howard Stark, the founding member, presumptuously represent Earthlings, and sell Earth to Akatsuki?
Without the World Security Council's approval, they absolutely won't recognize any so-called Akatsuki rules!
"Wait a moment..."
Nick Fury furrowed his brow, solemnly asked: "Dawn of the Dawn... is it just a loose alliance, similar to some cooperative organizations existing for common goals?"
If that's the case...
Perhaps Earth could join in!
No, compared to Asgard, Chitauri, or Kree, such a cosmic organization seems overly benevolent!
Moreover...
As long as Earth joins in... Akatsuki's armies could help Earth deal with alien invasions under the guise of peacekeeping?
"Howard Stark passed away long ago."
Nick Fury swiftly turned his head to look at the mysterious masked man, his one eye keeping watch on the mysterious masked man's single eye: "Can we now discuss matters such as restoring Earth's seat in Akatsuki, hoping Akatsuki is the kind of peace organization I understand..."
"You're wrong."
The mysterious masked man slowly shook his head, softly continued: "Before that, perhaps you should better understand the qualifications to join Akatsuki...
In this universe, not just anyone or any faction can join Akatsuki, anyone looking to don the cloud black robe possesses a significant power."
The mysterious masked man turned to the live monitoring screen of the battle in New York, and as his gaze fell upon the six Void Thrones above New York, he calmly continued: "Those sitting on the Void Thrones possess the power to destroy planets..."
"..."
Nick Fury's expression instantly became somewhat rigid.
If what this mysterious masked man says is true, why does this war have so many dangerous personalities appearing; Earth would rather deal with the Chitauri themselves!
"So..."
"Anyone wanting to become an Akatsuki member..."
"The most important requirement is possessing powerful strength or wisdom..."
The mysterious masked man's gaze turned to the members of the Avengers Squad, softly said, "At least those in New York with special abilities aren't qualified as outer members of Akatsuki... only with powerful strength or extraordinary wisdom can one don the cloud black robe."
"..."
Nick Fury's expression stiffened for a moment, suddenly asked: "Shouldn't there be plenty of planets without suitable candidates to join Dawn of the Dawn, right? You..."
"That's right..."
The mysterious masked man's voice slowly became deeper: "No matter their safety or their fate can only be decided by Akatsuki... unmatured children have their adult families guide their future."
"How interesting..."
Nick Fury's mouth suddenly curled into a smile, though the smile seemed somewhat awkward: "Feels just like a pair of parents deciding a child's fate under the guise of their future thriving..."
"This is the best choice."
"Before the weak become strong, they are unqualified to decide their own destiny..."
"Unless..."
The mysterious masked man looked at Nick Fury and shifted the conversation to Earth: "They could become fortunate like Earth..."
"You call this fortunate..."
Nick Fury's words were abruptly interrupted by himself, he stared intently at the mysterious masked man beside him, appearing somewhat incredulous and spoke: "Fortunate like Earth, do we... have suitable candidates?"
"Currently, none exist."
The mysterious masked man's voice remained somber and raspy, looking at the frowning Nick Fury, he shook his head and spoke of another matter.
"However..."
"This planet is indeed fortunate."
"The leader of Akatsuki once had an agreement with Howard Stark that as part of our cosmic cube research reward, Akatsuki's leader allowed Earth contact with us again, and we'll choose an intern from Earth."
When he said this, the mysterious masked man looked at Iron Man flying on the screen, softly muttered: "Earth hasn't produced a more suitable candidate, after the war we'll inquire with Howard Stark's descendants..."
"Tony, is it?"
Nick Fury pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "If Tony can represent Earth to join Akatsuki, it might be good too..."
Compared to others, Tony Stark as a member of the Avengers Squad is at least somewhat acceptable, at least he barely counts as one of our own...
Unfortunately...
If only it were someone who could follow S.H.I.E.L.D.'s orders...