In Carl's opinion, the U.S. military had likely attempted to restart the Super Soldier program numerous times, and S.H.I.E.L.D. had almost certainly been involved. But the results of the replicated super soldier serum had always been disappointing.
However, he knew one major upside to the imitation serum: when combined with the Hulk's genetic material, it triggered mutation.
That's exactly how the Abomination was created—first, by injecting an experimental version of the super soldier serum, and then infusing it with Hulk's gamma-irradiated genes.
While the Abomination wasn't quite as absurdly strong as the Hulk, and he lacked the ability to grow stronger with rage, he had one notable advantage: he didn't develop a split personality. With proper training, he could also control his transformation and return to his human form at will.
Compared to the Hulk's chaotic transformation, Carl actually preferred the Abomination's method—even if it did make him look a bit hideous. But appearances weren't a problem, especially when people like Dr. Banner would eventually join his side. With experts like Dr. Stern, Dr. Lister, and Dr. Smith on board, improvements were inevitable.
Chakra, after all, was born from the fusion of physical and spiritual energy. If either of those was especially potent—or better yet, both—the amount of chakra that could be extracted would skyrocket compared to an average ninja's.
If Carl could develop a transformation like Abomination or Hulk's, not only would his close-combat ability improve drastically, but his chakra reserves would also multiply.
Then he wouldn't have to worry about exhausting all his chakra after just a few B-rank ninjutsu.
And if he could eventually learn the Eight Gates technique, then with a supercharged body, he could open the gates and unleash true power.
The best part? He didn't need to waste time researching it himself. That was what the doctors were for. If they succeeded, fantastic. If not, it didn't interfere with his training either way.
"May I ask, Mr. Carl, why you need the super soldier serum and the related information?"
Nick Fury's voice was calm, but the question was firm. He had already noticed the certainty in Carl's tone.
Carl gave a faint smile.
"Technically, I don't owe you an explanation. But I suppose I'll indulge you a little. You see, the Hudson Group has been researching compounds that enhance the human body for quite some time. Our most successful product so far is the three-color pill."
He paused, then added with a slightly bitter laugh, "Even without regular training, long-term use of the red Power Pill can enhance strength and endurance. But when we first released it, no one cared."
Carl couldn't help but rub his forehead at the memory.
"It was originally marketed as a health supplement, something to build muscle and improve overall vitality. Sales were terrible.
Then Jack—my PR guy—suggested we rebrand it as a performance enhancer for the bedroom. The moment we did that, it sold out like crazy."
"Later, when we developed the blue Energy Pill, we didn't even bother with the health route. Straight to the bedroom angle. Instant hit. As for the green Military Ration Pill, it was initially designed as a survival food that could keep you going even in harsh environments."
"But then Jack noticed that rich people didn't care about survival food. They had plenty to eat already. So he marketed the green pill as a miracle weight-loss drug. Suddenly, every gym freak and diet-obsessed teenager was hooked."
Carl shook his head in amused disbelief.
"The super soldier serum, on the other hand, is different. It turned a frail, sickly Steve Rogers into Captain America—instantly strong and healthy. That aligns perfectly with our company's vision."
He straightened up a bit, adopting a more serious tone.
"Our mission at Hudson Group is simple: fight for the health of all mankind and be the most ethical, responsible medical innovators in the world."
He looked straight at Nick Fury and added, "We believe we can use the super soldier serum as a foundation to develop new medicines that restore health to the chronically ill and genetically disadvantaged. Unlike you government types who are always thinking about weapons and war, we're thinking about helping people live better lives."
"Giving us the serum isn't just a business transaction—it's an investment in the future of global health. It's a noble cause."
His voice rang with righteous conviction.
Who said only Nick Fury could use moral blackmail? Carl was just as capable—after all, he was doing it for mankind… and also maybe for some chakra-enhancing mutations on the side.
Tony, standing off to the side, nodded thoughtfully.
"You know, I think Carl's onto something," he said. "Why waste cutting-edge science making supersoldiers when you can use it to help ordinary people? That's the direction I'm heading in too—clean energy, civilian tech, helping people."
After his kidnapping, Tony had sworn off weapons manufacturing. The idea of using tech for human advancement instead of destruction resonated with him deeply now.
Nick Fury was quiet for a few seconds before sighing.
"All right. Since Mr. Carl is doing this for the greater good of humanity, I'll make arrangements to deliver the serum samples and research data as soon as possible."
He pulled out a secure device that looked like a custom satellite phone and began transmitting encrypted messages.
Of course, Fury didn't believe a word of Carl's noble speech. He was a natural skeptic. But given the current situation, he had little choice but to play along.
Without the intelligence Carl offered about Hydra, Fury would be operating blind—and that was a much bigger threat than Carl could ever pose.
If Carl really did end up causing trouble with the serum, well... S.H.I.E.L.D. would deal with him then.
Right now, the priority was flushing Hydra out of S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Since Director Fury has been so cooperative," Carl said with a smirk, "I won't be petty. Let me give you a head start."
He walked toward the edge of the rooftop, gazing down at the glowing skyline of New York.
"It all started before I arrived here. Dr. Smith—chief researcher of the Hudson Group—was kidnapped."
Carl then launched into a revised version of the story, blending fact with fiction. He told of how Hydra had captured Dr. Smith to steal the formula for the Power Pill, and how he had led a team of elite operatives to rescue him.
He conveniently left out his own transformation abilities and chakra techniques. According to him, the intelligence about Hydra was extracted from the base's database just before it was destroyed.
"You said... John Garrett is part of Hydra?" Fury's expression turned grim at the mention of the name.
Garrett was a veteran agent trained by S.H.I.E.L.D. itself—a peer of Coulson. Unlike Coulson, who had unwavering loyalty, Garrett was ruthless and power-hungry. Fury had always kept an eye on him, but he hadn't expected this level of betrayal.
"Yes," Carl replied. "Baron Strucker captured Dr. Smith to trade him for a list of enhanced individuals held by S.H.I.E.L.D. Garrett was the intermediary."
He paused for emphasis, then dropped another bombshell:
"And he's not the only one. There's someone even higher up... the former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.—Alexander Pierce."