[Sponsored] Chapter 76

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"Hail Hydra! (Long live Hydra!)"

Fang Mo's sudden proclamation left Pierce in disbelief. But before Pierce could react, Fang Mo swiftly plunged the Mind Stone into Pierce's chest. As a master of brainwashing, Pierce himself fell victim to the power of the Mind Stone.

Wide-eyed and convinced of Fang Mo's alliance, Pierce stood there, speechless. But in an unexpected turn of events, Fang Mo slapped Pierce across the face, producing a resounding sound. Pierce stumbled and fell to the ground.

"Damn it, I've been wanting to do that for a long time!" Fang Mo clapped his hands, a smile playing on his lips.

The Hydra members and even the Avengers were stunned by this audacious act. It was quite remarkable for someone to casually slap the former Secretary of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the current Director.

"Director... Director!" Shaken, the Hydra members on Pierce's side finally snapped out of their confusion and rushed to assist him.

Meanwhile, the remaining Hydra members aimed their guns at Fang Mo, their fingers tight on the triggers. Their intent to kill was palpable.

However, to their surprise, Pierce, once helped to his feet, became furious. "What the hell are you all doing? Idiots! Lower your weapons!"

"???" Bewildered, the Hydra members couldn't comprehend the situation. Not only had they failed to protect their leader, but they were also scolded by him. They were completely perplexed, unable to grasp their superior's thoughts. Reluctantly, they holstered their guns.

"Wait, Advisor… Ahem… Fang Mo." Pierce turned his head, managing a faint smile despite his current condition. Fang Mo hadn't used full force with the slap, but it still left Pierce bleeding and missing several teeth.

Yet, Pierce's unwavering gaze held a newfound understanding.

Had Fang Mo merely shouted "Long live Hydra," Pierce might have been surprised, but the power of the Mind Stone had fully brainwashed him. In his mind, Fang Mo was a trusted comrade and even a superior.

Pierce believed that Fang Mo possessed incredible power, capable of moving the entire Helicarrier. The fact that Fang Mo had spared his life with that slap meant one thing – Fang Mo spared him intentionally.

This realization meant that Fang Mo acknowledged Pierce's Hydra identity, and they shared great ideals. Pierce chastised himself for not recognizing Fang Mo's true identity sooner. His attempt to seize the Tesseract and the Scepter had led to their confrontation, and Fang Mo had no choice but to strike him.

Considering Fang Mo's character, if killing him was the objective, he would have done it without hesitation.

Admiration filled Pierce's thoughts. Fang Mo was not only incredibly powerful, but his cunning went unnoticed by the Avengers and Nick Fury. Now that Fang Mo possessed the Tesseract, it was an astonishing achievement, rivaling that of the Hydra leader, Red Skull.

Furthermore, Fang Mo's strength far surpassed Red Skull's. Pierce could almost envision Hydra's glorious restoration. The excitement surged within him, compelling him to shout "Long live Hydra."

Unfortunately, with the Avengers still surrounding them, Pierce withheld his words.

"Advisor…" Despite coughing up blood, Pierce forced a smile and spoke, "Please don't misunderstand. Fury used to be my superior. I didn't intend to target any of you. The Tesseract and the Scepter were coveted by certain individuals in the government... cough..."

Interrupted by another bout of coughing, Pierce continued, "However... it seems that leaving those items in their hands would lead to disaster. So, I... cough... I will find a way to handle the situation..."

"What...?!" Pierce's statement left both the Avengers and Hydra members dumbfounded.

The Avengers, particularly Thor with his straightforward thinking, couldn't comprehend how a mere slap could change Pierce's attitude so drastically. They found his behavior despicable and wondered if he enjoyed being struck. Perhaps it was time to give him a taste of his own medicine?

The Hydra members shared the confusion. Several core members stared at Pierce, unable to fathom why their leader willingly relinquished the Tesseract without a fight. Hydra members were not known to back down out of fear, so it was clear that Pierce's apparent surrender after being slapped was a ruse. There must be some undisclosed reason behind his actions.

"Director, we..." One of the Hydra members couldn't contain himself and tried to remind Pierce, but he was swiftly silenced.

"Shut your mouth, fool!" Pierce glared at the member. "I am the Director! Do not question my decisions!"

As a witness to all this, Fang Mo had one thought in mind.

The Mind Stone truly possesses incredible power.

It resembled a simplified version of the Kotoamatsukami, except the effects of the Mind Stone's brainwashing could be undone when the victim regained consciousness. Abilities like mind control were undeniably dangerous.

Although unsure if he could be affected, Fang Mo decided to remain cautious. He realized that eliminating Danzo as soon as possible in the world of Naruto was imperative.

"Well, well, it seems you've finally realized it." After a moment of contemplation, Fang Mo smiled and sarcastically patted Pierce's face. He spoke, "In that case, leave quickly. Don't bother me again, or next time, I'll disfigure the other half of your face. Understand?"

"Goodbye, Advisor Fang Mo..." Despite the pain from his facial wound, Pierce managed a forced smile. He waved his hand and led his subordinates to retreat.

Pierce's cunning was noteworthy. Even under the control of the Mind Stone, his intellect remained intact. During the retreat, he pretended to have a clandestine conversation with his subordinates, making statements like, "Prevent him from becoming desperate and unleashing havoc upon the world. We'll find an opportunity to deal with him later." It was apparent that he wasn't addressing his own subordinates but rather conveying a message to the Avengers on Fang Mo's behalf.

Being controlled by the Mind Stone, Pierce truly regarded Fang Mo as an ally. To avoid raising suspicion among the Avengers, Pierce crafted an illusion of considering the bigger picture, expressing concerns that Fang Mo, if provoked, might bring destruction upon the world. So, for now, he spared Fang Mo, promising to find a way to confront him in the future. In reality, this was all part of a performance, a means to help Fang Mo maintain his deception.

Pierce's scheming abilities were commendable. Unfortunately, all his actions occurred under the control of the Mind Stone, unbeknownst to him. He engaged in a battle of wits with an illusory adversary.

While Pierce desperately tried to protect his assumed ally, Fang Mo silently ridiculed him in his mind, deeming him a fool.