Yasuo in Marvel - Chapter 37

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For the past two months, Yasuo had returned to a peaceful life. With his identity already exposed, Yasuo no longer hid himself and began to stroll through the streets of New York at night. However, to his dismay, since that exciting night two months ago, he hadn’t earned a single gold coin. Ordinary thugs were worth less than even a minion in the system’s eyes, so killing them didn’t yield any rewards. Over time, rumors began to spread about a “Red-Clad Weirdo” who appeared nightly, fighting crime and saving the weak, leaving behind a string of legendary tales.

Since that night, Hathaway had disappeared, thwarting Yasuo’s “hero saves the beauty” plan. Everything became dull once again, leaving Yasuo bored and lying lazily on his counter like a salted fish.

Today’s New York news caught Yasuo’s attention: the NYPD Commissioner announced an early retirement due to illness, with George Stacy succeeding him. George Stacy was the father of Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man’s girlfriend, and one of the few righteous policemen in New York.

“Ring, ring.”

The phone, which hadn’t rung in two months, finally broke the silence. Yasuo hurriedly answered, without even checking who was calling. It had been a week since he last spoke to anyone, and he felt he was close to becoming reclusive.

“Yasuo, are you still at your knife shop?” The voice on the other end was a familiar female voice, one Yasuo was certain he had heard before.

“Yes, I’m in the shop,” Yasuo replied, unable to recall who the caller was but maintaining a calm tone without any fluctuations.

“I’ll be at your shop in five minutes. Please don’t leave,” the voice instructed officially.

Yasuo frowned. Such an official tone wasn’t typical of a customer or a friend. Indeed, Yasuo didn’t have any female friends. Excluding those possibilities, the caller could only be from a government agency.

A few minutes later, Melinda May walked into Yasuo’s shop, dressed in a black, businesslike suit.

“Ah, Agent May, your visit is quite unexpected!” Yasuo exclaimed upon seeing Melinda, whom he had met months ago.

“Surprised? I’ve transitioned to an office role. Yesterday, I noticed a financial request from Coulson for you, amounting to $30,000. Since there was no way to contact you, I decided to deliver it personally,” Melinda explained, still as efficient as before, though now more like an office worker.

Hearing that his overdue salary had finally arrived, Yasuo felt a rush of emotions. Business had been poor recently, and he had invested his savings in Stark Industries stock. Often, he couldn’t even afford instant noodles. If not for a few thugs occasionally giving him some cash at night, he might have been the first superhero to starve without resorting to crime.

For the past two months, Yasuo had tried calling Coulson numerous times to demand his salary, but Coulson’s phone was always off. He had even considered visiting S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, but didn’t know where it was located.

At this point in the timeline, the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division (S.H.I.E.L.D.) hadn’t officially surfaced and was still a secret agency. Yasuo doubted his limited personal contacts could help him find information on S.H.I.E.L.D.

“Honestly, I’m surprised you came all this way for $30,000, especially with S.H.I.E.L.D. being so busy lately,” Yasuo explained.

“Coulson specifically told me to give you the money. He’s worried you’d do something strange if you didn’t get it,” Melinda clarified.

“Where’s Coulson? I’ve tried calling him, but his phone is off,” Yasuo inquired about Coulson, who had once risked his life to save him.

“He’s on a mission. He didn’t expect it to take this long. S.H.I.E.L.D. is always busy, we’re used to it,” Melinda replied, not intending to discuss mission details. She had another purpose for her visit.

“Thank you for bringing the money,” Yasuo expressed his gratitude after receiving the funds.

Melinda remained seated, indicating she had more to discuss. “Now that the small matter is settled, let’s talk business.”

Yasuo slapped his forehead, realizing that S.H.I.E.L.D. agents wouldn’t come just to deliver money. They had tricked him again.

“‘Reapers’—you named them, right?” Melinda pulled out a file, starting the official conversation.

“Are you referring to those vampires I fought in the tunnel a couple of months ago? Yes, I named them ‘Reapers’,” Yasuo confirmed, regretting mentioning the name ‘Reapers’ in front of a beautiful woman. He didn’t expect S.H.I.E.L.D. to be so meticulous.

“Ten days ago, about 200 ‘Reapers’ attacked a S.H.I.E.L.D. secret base. They are now stronger and seem to be under someone’s control. What do you think about this?” Melinda cut to the chase.

Yasuo only registered the part about 200 Reapers. Each Reaper was worth 90 gold coins, making 200 Reapers a fortune in Yasuo’s eyes.

Seeing Yasuo in a daze, Melinda kicked his leg, snapping him out of his reverie. “I’m talking about serious matters, please focus.”

Startled, Yasuo blurted out, “They are a special type of vampire, with no weaknesses other than ultraviolet light.”

“Agent Sharon Carter is investigating the Reapers. Yesterday, she sent out a distress signal. Given your knowledge of Reapers and your previous contact with Sharon Carter, S.H.I.E.L.D. hopes you can assist and support her,” Melinda stated the main purpose of her visit.

Sharon Carter’s name rang a bell for Yasuo. If he remembered correctly, she was Captain America’s future girlfriend. But when had he interacted with her?

“Who is Sharon Carter? I don’t recall meeting her,” Yasuo questioned, puzzled.

“Two months ago, you and Sharon Carter went to the tunnel for a rescue mission. Have you forgotten already? This time, S.H.I.E.L.D. will also pay you $30,000. Rest assured,” Melinda explained, wondering if Yasuo was pretending to be clueless or was genuinely forgetful.

Monsters to fight and money to earn. Fine, whoever’s girlfriend she is, Yasuo thought. He had been bored for the past two months. As a “Happy Wind Man,” he planned to have a blast in the Marvel Universe.

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