A wizard, and one with powerful magic at that.
For the S.H.I.E.L.D. strike team to forcibly take the Mind Stone Scepter from John would be no easier than clearing the Chitauri raid all over again.
Barton stood off to the side, arms folded, offering no comment.
Loki sneered. "See, wizard? They were never on your side."
"Shut up, Loki." Thor's face darkened, and he took out a muzzle and clamped it over Loki's mouth.
But even he did not know whose side he should stand on.
John turned his gaze to Tony. After thinking for a moment, Tony said, "John."
"I think I know what you're thinking." John handed the scepter to the agent before him. "Then our partnership ends here."
He was perfectly composed as he smiled at the bald agent before him. "Make sure you hold on tight, Sitwell."
Sitwell wore a smile that showed he had no idea what he was getting into. "I will, Mr. Wick."
John walked past Natasha and stood beside Hulk.
Natasha opened her mouth, then closed it without saying anything. Barton noticed her conflict and patted her shoulder.
"Mr. Wick," Rumlow, the captain of the S.H.I.E.L.D. strike team, said, "we're following orders."
John nodded slightly and said nothing more.
Beside him, Hulk was still examining his pants.
"There are a few other styles," John said. "You can try them if you're interested, Hulk."
Hulk liked John even more now.
John watched the S.H.I.E.L.D. strike team take the scepter away, his eyes unreadable.
Meanwhile, Tony put the Tesseract away as well.
Everyone got into the elevator to leave, except Hulk.
He was simply too big.
John patted his waist and said, "I know another big guy. He's a good friend of mine. I'll introduce you sometime."
Hulk obediently went to take the stairs.