Ch. 41Hawkeye's Astonishment
Chapter Summary: Hawkeye's Astonishment
1. Key Plot Points & Events
- Su Ming arrives at S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Triskelion headquarters in Washington, D.C., wearing the Crimson Suit, intending to retrieve a mysterious box left by Howard Stark.
- He decides to bypass formalities and leap directly onto the building.
- Hawkeye (Clint Barton), on guard, spots him and fires warning arrows.
- Su Ming casually blocks the arrows with his palm, then blows away a smoke bomb and leaps from the balcony to the ground—a jump of several hundred meters that stuns Hawkeye.
- Nick Fury, observing from his office, recognizes Su Ming and orders Hawkeye to escort him inside.
2. Character Developments
- Su Ming: Demonstrates extraordinary physical enhancements (superhuman jumping, durability, and the ability to block arrows barehanded), though he appears slightly annoyed by Hawkeye's interference.
- Hawkeye: Established as a skilled, perceptive S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, but his confidence is shaken when his attacks have zero effect. Ends up visibly confused and intimidated.
- Nick Fury: Shows his cunning and resourcefulness; immediately shifts from surprise to opportunistic interest in Su Ming's unknown capabilities.
3. Significant Themes
- Power vs. Preparedness: No amount of tactical skill (Hawkeye's arrows) can overcome raw superior strength.
- Misunderstanding & Escalation: Su Ming's unorthodox entry triggers unnecessary conflict between two sides that are nominally on the same "hero" spectrum.
- Hidden Potential: Fury's reaction hints that Su Ming's true abilities remain largely unknown, setting up future interest from S.H.I.E.L.D.
4. Character Interactions
- Su Ming & Hawkeye: Tense but non-lethal confrontation. Su Ming brushes off Clint's attacks, scolds him casually, and wipes soot on his shoulder—a mix of warning and playful disrespect.
- Hawkeye & Nick Fury: Fury calls Clint, instructs him to bring Su Ming in; Clint is left shocked at the realization that his attacker is Fury's "guest."
- Nick Fury (internal): Reflects on Clint's value as an agent and mentions Natasha Romanoff's ongoing investigation of Tony Stark, weaving Su Ming into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s larger plans.