MARVEL: THOSE YEARS I WAS UNDERCOVER IN S.H.I.E.LD

"Sit."

Triskelion, S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters – Director Nick Fury's Office

Nick Fury leaned back in his chair, a rare smile playing on his face as he looked at the young man before him—Grimclaw.

Grimclaw was a recruit Fury had personally brought into S.H.I.E.L.D., and so far, he couldn't be more satisfied with him.

Smart, competent, and genuine, Grimclaw had earned the respect and admiration of his fellow agents. He had the kind of charisma that made people trust him, but more importantly, he had the skill to back it up.

No matter how difficult the assignment, Fury could rely on Grimclaw to get it done.

Most crucially, he wasn't naive. That was what Fury appreciated most.

After all, while Fury valued dedication, he had seen too many agents allow their good nature to interfere with the mission. Sometimes, that kindness led to complications.

It wasn't that kindness was a weakness—far from it. But knowing when to be merciful and when to be ruthless was what made the best agents.

On the surface, Grimclaw was similar to Phil Coulson—both were respected as some of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s finest.

But when it came to dealing with enemies? Coulson couldn't hold a candle to Grimclaw.

Maybe that was because Coulson hadn't grown up in S.H.I.E.L.D. the way Grimclaw had. Maybe it was because he hadn't been shaped by the Eagle's Nest.

If it weren't for this young man sitting in front of him, Fury might have one day considered passing the mantle of S.H.I.E.L.D. Director to Coulson.

Just like Alexander Pierce had handed it to him.

But now?

Now, he had a better choice.

Fury watched as Grimclaw accepted a cup of coffee from Maria Hill with a polite nod of thanks.

Then, with an easy smile, he asked, "Do you know why I called you here today?"

Grimclaw took a sip of his coffee and nodded lightly. "Yes. Natasha Romanoff told me this morning. You're sending me to New York."

Then he tilted his head slightly. "Can I ask why?"

Fury exhaled. "Simple. Tony Stark."

He gave Grimclaw a pointed look.

"You know how much of a headache that man is. Ever since Stark escaped the Ten Rings in the desert, I had Coulson looking into it."

"First, to find out exactly how he pulled off that escape."

"And second—to track down who was really behind his kidnapping."

With that, Fury pulled open his desk drawer and slid a folder labeled "TONY STARK" across the desk.

Grimclaw took it and flipped it open just as Fury continued.

"You know what Stark means to S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

"Of course." Grimclaw didn't hesitate.

"Tony Stark's father, Howard Stark, was one of the three original founders of S.H.I.E.L.D. Alongside Peggy Carter and Colonel Chester Phillips."

"So as Howard's only child, Stark's safety is our responsibility."

Fury nodded. "Exactly."

"But more than that—Tony Stark was practically raised by Peggy."

Fury sighed.

"When he was kidnapped, Peggy called me more than once, demanding that S.H.I.E.L.D. do everything in its power to bring him home."

"You know how hard it is to say no to Peggy Carter."

"After all, who in their right mind would refuse a direct request from one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s founders? A woman who dedicated her life to this organization?"

Leaning back in his chair, Fury motioned toward the folder.

"Take that. Read it. Then get moving. I need you in New York today."

"I've already contacted the S.H.I.E.L.D. field team there. Whatever you need—manpower, equipment, resources—it's yours."

Then Fury fixed Grimclaw with a hard stare.

"Grimclaw. You know what I expect from you."

Grimclaw stood immediately. His expression was sharp, serious.

"Yes, sir. Priority one: ensure Tony Stark's safety.

Priority two: track down the true mastermind behind his kidnapping."

Fury smirked, nodding in approval.

"Now that's what I like to hear. Makes it worth training people myself."

He gestured vaguely.

"Before you go, if you need to pull extra personnel for this mission, do it. I trust your judgment."

Then, as if remembering something, he tapped Grimclaw's shoulder.

"One more thing."

"Effective immediately, you're Level 8. No ceremony."

Grimclaw gave a sharp nod. "Yes, sir!"

Then he turned and walked out.

As Grimclaw's figure disappeared down the hall, Fury exhaled.

He turned to Maria Hill, who was standing at her own desk.

"You tell me, Hill—they're both S.H.I.E.L.D. agents."

"So why the hell doesn't Coulson understand me?" Fury shook his head. "The guy is still trying to handle Tony Stark like he's some lost cause worth saving."

Hill didn't even look up from her tablet as she replied, "Coulson's competent, too, you know."

"But let's be real—Grimclaw came out of the Eagle's Nest."

"Four years of brutal training. Top of his class. Number one every single time."

"Whether it's strategy, combat, or sheer skill—no one in his group ever came close."

She finally met Fury's gaze.

"But the real difference? You trained Grimclaw personally. For over a year, he was by your side. So of course—his methods? His mindset?"

"He learned them from you."

Hill paused.

Then, with a small smirk, she added, "Thankfully, he doesn't have your personality."

Fury raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Hill crossed her arms.

"He's still that big-hearted kid with a warm smile. There's a gentleness to him, even in how he handles people."

"Unlike you."

"Because let's be honest—if Grimclaw were exactly like you? S.H.I.E.L.D. agents would probably have a harder time working under him."

Fury let out a short, dry chuckle.

He wasn't offended. He knew himself too well.

And honestly?

Hill was probably right.

Still, as he stared at the closed door where Grimclaw had left, he couldn't help but think—

So this is what it feels like to raise your own successor?

Not bad.

Not bad at all.