Marvel : The Summoning System

Hunter stood in the dimly lit command room, gazing at the map of Pandora displayed on the central holographic table. The hum of machinery was the only sound, save for the occasional beeping of data being processed. He looked up as Ezio entered the room.

"Ezio," Hunter began, "It's time we let them experience this world for themselves."

Ezio raised an eyebrow, "If you mean the shinobi, I say it's a very bold idea."

Hunter nodded. "Yes. Take them to the surface. Let them see the world with their own eyes. Give them a week to observe, understand, and adapt. We can't keep them here forever. I guess the more we keep them here, more trouble they would cause here"

Ezio crossed his arms, a hint of concern on his face. "And what if they cause trouble outside? They're not exactly the most subtle group."

Hunter smirked. "I'm trusting them, Ezio. They're skilled in what they do, and they understand the importance of blending in. Plus, I'll give them some basic kits and money to help them get by."

Ezio sighed but nodded. "Alright. Where do you want me to take them?"

"New York," Hunter replied. "It's bustling and diverse enough for them to remain unnoticed. When their week is up, tell them to meet at a café called 'Grand Moon' across from Grant Enterprise. You'll be there to bring them back."

Ezio gave a slight nod and left to prepare for the mission. Hunter leaned back against the table, his mind already racing with what to do next.

In the main hall of the Red Room, the shinobi gathered, their expressions a mix of curiosity and cautiousness. Jiraiya stood at the front; his arms crossed as he observed their reactions. Sakumo stood nearby, silently watching, while others like the Iwa and Kiri shinobi kept their distance.

Hunter entered the room, sound of his steps drawing everyone's attention. He addressed the group directly. "I'm sending you to the surface. You've been given enough information to understand this world's basics, but now you need to see it for yourselves."

The shinobi exchanged glances but remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I trust you," Hunter said, his gaze sweeping over the group. "I believe you're capable of handling yourselves and staying out of unnecessary trouble. To help you, I've arranged some basic supplies and money. Use it wisely."

He handed a small pouch to each team. "Inside, you'll find currency, identification, and a basic communication device and gadgets. If you run into trouble or have questions, call Ezio."

Sakumo stepped forward, his calm demeanor reassuring. "We understand. You have our word that we'll act responsibly."

Hunter gave a brief nod of acknowledgment before turning to Ezio. "Take them to the surface. You'll be landing in New York."

Ezio gestured for the shinobi to follow him, leading them toward the quin jet. As they left, Hunter exhaled deeply. Trusting them was a gamble, but it was one he was willing to take.

After entering the quinjet, Ezio set the destination and put the jet on autopilot, he stood at the open area in quinjet. The shinobi, seated in scattered groups, watched him intently. Though the tension from earlier had dissipated, the curiosity and wariness remained in their eyes.

Ezio clapped his hands once, drawing their full attention. "Alright, listen up. Before you head to the surface, there are a few things you need to know. This world runs on a different set of rules and tools than what you're used to, I am sure you know that since some info was given to you last night. Now, these gadgets will help you blend in and survive. I'll explain everything."

He picked up a rectangular piece of paper from the table beside him and held it up. "First, this is currency—dollar. You'll need it to buy anything up there, whether it's food, clothes, or information, I don't think I need to elaborate. But this," he flicked his wrist, revealing a plastic card, "is a credit card. Think of it as a more advanced form of currency. Just don't go waving it around unnecessarily."

The shinobi exchanged glances, some frowning in confusion. An Iwa shinobi raised a hand. "So, this... card has money inside it?"

Ezio smirked. "Not exactly inside it, but let's just say it lets you access money stored digitally. Don't worry about the details for now. Just know that the card is tied to an account, and I'll show you how to use it."

Next, he held up a sleek, black rectangular device. "This is a communication device, also called a phone. It allows you to talk to people no matter where they are, as long as you know their number. It also does a lot more—maps, information gathering, taking pictures, and more. It's a compact version of the tablet you received last night. Anyway, I'll give you a quick tutorial on how to use it after this as this has more features than tablet and is more tailored towards uses in missions."

He passed out a phone to each shinobi. "There's a protective case on these, but don't drop them too much. Modern tech isn't as durable as your kunai."

Ezio then displayed a small earpiece. "These are communication earpieces. Put them in your ear, and you'll be able to talk to each other privately, without anyone else hearing. The range is impressive, but don't go too far out of the city without letting me know first. I will be connected on an open channel on the earpiece."

He set down the earpiece and picked up a small device that resembled a beetle. "This is a small drone. Think of it as a tiny scout. You can control it from your phone or with this remote," he held up a small controller. "It has a camera, so you can see what it sees, and it can record footage, it has infrared vision and some other useful features. It's perfect for reconnaissance."

A Kiri shinobi raised an eyebrow. "A mechanical scout? No chakra?"

Ezio chuckled. "No chakra, just technology. It doesn't need rest or food, but it does need to recharge its battery."

He moved on to a pair of sleek, dark glasses. "These are smart glasses. When you wear them, they can scan your surroundings and even identify people if they're in a database. They can also record what you're seeing and display information directly on the lens. Useful for surveillance or gathering intel, even extraction."

The shinobi murmured amongst themselves, some exchanging impressed looks.

Ezio raised a hand to quiet them. "All of this may seem overwhelming, but you'll get used to it. Practice using them while you're on the surface. I've also included a small guide in your bags, but feel free to ask me if you're stuck."

Finally, he pointed to the bags at their feet. "Now, the last thing before you leave, your clothes. You can't walk around wearing your usual shinobi gear. People will notice, and it'll raise questions. Inside your bags, you'll find outfits that match the fashion up there. Change into them before we leave."

As the shinobi hesitated, Ezio added with a smirk, "Don't worry. They're just clothes. You'll survive."

One by one, the shinobi stood, grabbing their bags and heading to the changing areas. Ezio watched them go, his gaze lingering on a few who still seemed uneasy. He muttered under his breath, "This is going to be interesting."

The quinjet landed in a secluded area of New York City. As the shinobi stepped out, they were greeted by the towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and the hum of city life. The Iwa shinobi muttered under his breath, clearly overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the buildings. The Kiri kunoichi scanned the crowd, her sharp eyes picking up details of the people around them.

Ezio addressed the group. "You have one week. Observe, learn, and adapt. At the end of the week, meet me at the Grand Moon café. Don't draw unnecessary attention to yourselves."

The shinobi nodded, dispersing into smaller groups. Sakumo lingered for a moment, his gaze fixed on the horizon before he followed the others.

Back in the Red Room, Hunter sat in the command center, watching the news feed. Hiroshi's voice crackled through the comm. "Hunter, you might want to tune into this. Tony Stark is holding a press conference."

Hunter quickly switched to the live broadcast. On the screen, Tony Stark stood before a crowd of reporters. The room fell silent as Tony looked at everyone and said,

"I am Iron Man."

The crowd erupted into chaos as reporters shouted questions. Hunter couldn't help but smirk. "And so, it begins," he murmured.

He activated his communicator. "Ghost, stay alert. We might have some activity tonight. I'm sending Ezio to assist you. Monitor Stark's movements closely."

"Understood," Ghost replied. "What's the plan?"

"Nick Fury will likely approach Stark tonight," Hunter explained. "SHIELD will have the area secured, but I want our eyes on the ground. Ezio will bring a camouflage device to help you stay hidden."

"Got it," Ghost said before the line went silent.

Hunter connect with Ezio, "Ezio, are you there?"

A moment later, Ezio's voice came through, calm and collected as always. "I'm here. What do you need?"

Hunter directly came on the main point, "I need you to regroup with Ghost tonight. Tony Stark just outed himself as Iron Man, and I have no doubt SHIELD will move swiftly. Nick Fury will pay him a visit."

"Understood," Ezio replied without hesitation.

"I want you to monitor Stark's mansion and watch Fury when he shows up. Observe their interaction, but more importantly, track Fury's movements. He's one of the few people in this world who knows more than he lets on. If you get an opportunity, plant a tracker on him—but don't risk exposure."

Ezio's voice carried a hint of amusement. "You're asking me to put a tracker on the director of SHIELD. That's bold."

Hunter smiled faintly. "Bold plans yield bold results. I trust you can handle it."

"Do I have backup?" Ezio asked, his tone casual, though Hunter could tell he was already mentally mapping his approach.

"You'll regroup with Ghost. He'll ensure you're covered. I've already informed him about the situation. The perimeter will likely be secured by SHIELD agents, so keep the camouflage device ready. No unnecessary risks this is strictly reconnaissance."

Ezio gave a short laugh. "No unnecessary risks? You do realize who you're talking to, right?"

Hunter rolled his eyes. "Ezio, just stick to the plan. Monitor the area, track Fury, and rendezvous with Ghost. Stark's arrogance might make him predictable, but Fury… he's an entirely different game. They say Fury thinks ten steps ahead of you and I don't want to face him unprepared, even as an ally."

Ezio's voice grew serious. "Understood. I'll contact Ghost and head to the surface immediately. I'll update you once the mission's complete."

"Good," Hunter replied. "And Ezio stay alert. SHIELD's best would be there. The game is only just beginning. This event is the first step."

Ezio disconnected the call, leaving Hunter to lean back in his chair once more, eyes returning to the TV screen. He muttered under his breath, "Fury, let's see what cards you're hiding."

A small beep alerted him to the arrival of someone at the door. The entrance slid open, and Azmuth, the great Galvan inventor, strode in.

Hunter leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Azmuth. I assume you're not here just to admire the decor."

Azmuth ignored the quip, folding his tiny arms as he looked up at Hunter. "Do you have questions, or should I start with what's relevant?"

Hunter chuckled lightly. "Let's begin with the shinobi. Do we have eyes on all of them?"

Azmuth nodded, his tone clipped. "Yes. I've deployed trackers on every one of them, undetectable even by their sharpest sensors. Their movements, conversations, and actions are all monitored. Jiraiya has taken an active role in overseeing them, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks."

Hunter raised an eyebrow. "Efficient as always. Any concerns so far?"

"None worth mentioning," Azmuth replied. "The shinobi are exploring, observing. As you expected, they are treating this world with a mix of caution and curiosity. However, I'll continue to monitor for anomalies."

Satisfied, Hunter shifted in his seat. "Good. Keep it that way. The shinobi are valuable assets, but they're also unpredictable. I don't want any surprises. Now, why don't you tell me why you're really here?"

Azmuth's eyes gleamed, "The Red Room is saturated. It has served its purpose as an operational hub, and has the capabilities to go to space but for further advancements, it's inadequate. I need a proper land base—somewhere expansive and isolated, where I can conduct experiments without constraints or risk of collateral damage."

Hunter leaned forward, intrigued. "You're asking for a fortress."

"Precisely," Azmuth confirmed. "A facility that can function as a weapons manufacturing hub, a research lab, and an impenetrable stronghold. The kind of place where innovation isn't stifled by resource limitations or concerns about structural damage."

Hunter tapped his fingers on the console thoughtfully. "You're ambitious, Azmuth."

Azmuth's tone sharpened. "Ambition is what built the Red Room, and it's what will ensure we survive what's coming. The threats this world faces will evolve, and so must we. To create, I need space. To upgrade, I need a base."

Hunter's smirk returned. "So a place without hindrance of laws and rules, basically lawless. I'll see what I can do. Anything else?"

Azmuth reached into a compartment on his utility belt and retrieved a sleek, wrist-mounted device. He held it out to Hunter. "This."

Hunter accepted it, examining the intricate design. "It looks like—"

"It's not the Omnitrix," Azmuth interrupted, his tone firm. "But it's close. This device contains the DNA of the Skrulls and my own species, the Galvan. You won't transform into them, but you can use their abilities."

Hunter raised an eyebrow. "Abilities?"

Azmuth elaborated, "From the Skrulls, you'll gain shape-shifting and enhanced strength. From the Galvan, enhanced intellect and engineering skills. But remember, you can only use one ability at a time. The device's interface is intuitive—it will respond to your neural commands."

Hunter slipped the device onto his wrist, feeling its snug fit. "You've outdone yourself again, Azmuth. This will come in handy."

Azmuth gave a rare smile. "Of course it will. Now, do something about the base, and I'll continue to outdo myself."

Hunter nodded. "Consider it done. Anything else?"

"No," Azmuth said, turning to leave. "For now, I'll keep an eye on your shinobi and continue preparing for what's to come. Don't waste time, Hunter. The clock is always ticking."

As the door slid shut behind Azmuth, Hunter leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. His gaze shifted to the console, and with a flick of his wrist, a vibrant holographic map materialized in the air before him. The three-dimensional projection displayed a dense, chaotic cityscape surrounded by water, its neon-lit streets pulsing with life even in the dead of night.

Hunter's fingers hovered over the map, zooming in on specific areas—the bustling Lowtown, rife with crime and the gleaming towers of Hightown, oozing with opulence and corruption. His eyes narrowed as he tapped on strategic locations: ports, warehouses, and key buildings. The map shifted, highlighting security perimeters, patrol routes, and choke points.

Hunter muttered under his breath, "A place for very rich or for the very poor. Let's see what you got!"