The Eastern Stratagem

Nick Fury and the other two had no intention of blaming Iron Man.

If Iron Man was truly busy with some "great work," they would feel embarrassed about disturbing him.

Before the Helicarrier took off, it was merely an internal struggle within S.H.I.E.L.D., and there were plenty of ways to resolve it.

Only once the Helicarrier had launched and threatened countless lives would it be appropriate for Iron Man to step in.

Captain America asked, "Should we call Banner?"

Nick Fury shook his head. "Tang isn't here. With no one to keep Banner under control, the potential danger is too great. Besides, we can't tell friend from foe right now. If he acts, he may end up hurting our own people."

The Hulk only knew how to smash and kill. A delicate task like distinguishing the loyal from the traitorous truly was not something he should be called in to help with.

Nick Fury let out a long sigh and said helplessly, "In the end, it's not that we lack strength. It's that we have no way to separate Hydra from S.H.I.E.L.D."

"Hydra's ability to infiltrate is even more frightening than its combat power."

Captain America hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but held it back.

Then he went into the room, took out a box, lifted an exquisite little brocade pouch from inside, and placed it before Nick Fury and Black Widow.

"Before Tang left, he gave me this thing. He said it was some kind of Eastern stratagem. He also made me promise not to open it before the trigger condition was met."

Black Widow and Nick Fury exchanged a glance and asked in unison, "Why did he give it to you?"

In their minds, Apocalypse did not seem particularly close to Captain America.

And the