He's in Marvel, working behind the scenes.

Today, the Vongola have taken control of New York's underground society.

Chapter 161 Prelude

The Vongola Family Headquarters.

Boss Sawada Tsunayoshi, the seven guardians, the Varia assassination squad, the advisory group... all the high-ranking members of the Vongola family, except for the retired Ninth Generation and his six guardians, gathered in the hall.

"This is the sixth sneak attack."

Tsunayoshi swept his gaze over everyone with a serious expression and said, "Since last week, family members and subordinate forces have been assassinated. This is no longer just a provocation; someone wants to destroy us."

"It's all your fault for being too kind!"

Xanx couldn't help but sneer, saying irritably, "Those who dare to resist should just be killed. But you give them a choice, making everyone know about your mercy, so that they dare to rebel against the Vongola."

"Your violence..."

Gokudera Hayato instinctively tried to protect Tsuna, but Tsuna raised his hand to stop him.

Because Xanx is right.

While his actions may win over those who surrender, they may also embolden other forces to resist... In any case, even if they lose, they will have a chance to surrender, so why not try to resist first?

What if we win?

Many people share this view.

Therefore, the process of subduing New York's underworld was not without its challenges.

Fortunately, the Vongola's immense strength allows them to easily suppress whatever tricks the opponent tries.

But this time is different.

Before they even knew who their enemy was, more than 160 people were attacked and killed, including 26 family members who had traveled through time with them.

"Utter violence is unacceptable."

Tsuna said calmly, "But Xanx is also right. Blind mercy will only embolden the enemy. This time, we must demonstrate our strength to the outside world..."

He then turned to Xanx and said, "I'll leave this matter to you. You are free to mobilize family members during this incident."

"The Tenth Boss, giving him so much power..."

"No need to say more."

Tsuna once again stopped Gokudera Hayato's attempts to dissuade him, staring intently at Xanx, and said, "Although Xanx and I have always been at odds, this is an internal matter within the Vongola family. When facing external enemies, all members will unite against them."

"That's right!"

Xanx grinned and said, "Sawada Tsunayoshi, I can't stand anything about you, but I do acknowledge your leadership qualities."

As he spoke, he stood up.

The six members of the Balian force also stood up and surrounded him in the center.

"Just wait and see what good news I have for you!"

With a savage grin, Xanx walked out, saying, "I'm not as naive as you. Those trash who dare to provoke the Vongola family will disappear from this world!"

……

hotel.

Gu Qing watched the entire Vongola family meeting and couldn't help but mutter, "Even the Varia have been mobilized. It seems the Vongola is really in trouble."

Xanx's Varia unit once competed with Sawada Tsunayoshi, Gokudera Hayato, and others for the Tenth Boss and the Guardians.

Although they ultimately failed, Tsuna and the others won by a narrow margin, and their strengths were roughly equal.

However, as Tsuna and the others successfully competed for the Tenth Boss position and obtained the Vongola Rings, their strength surpassed theirs.

But now, they have lost the Vongola Rings.

In this situation, Tsuna and the others... except for Rokudo Mukuro, who didn't use the Vongola Rings from the beginning, are all weaker than the Varia forces.

By sending them out, Tsunayoshi was essentially using the Vongola's maximum military force.

but……

"This can be considered a good thing!"

Gu Qing smiled and said, "If we keep sending them to deal with ordinary gangs, the battles end before they even have a chance to demonstrate their own strength, and they don't gain much at all."

"Boss, it's three o'clock in the afternoon."

Just then, Otto's voice came from outside the door.

Gu Qing turned her attention back to what was in front of her, smiled gently, and said, "Okay, let's go eat together later."

"Ah."

……

S.H.I.E.L.D., temporary headquarters.

Tina and Hawke sat crouching beside the hospital bed, staring blankly at the Blade Runner, who had been burned to a crisp.

After a while, Hawke turned to Banner and said, "This guy is in such a state, he's probably dead!"

"No, his vital signs are still active."

Banner glanced at the heart monitor, and while writing data on the computer, said, "This guy's body was blown into six pieces before, but he recovered from the fight. This minor injury is no problem."

"Tsk, vampires are really tenacious!"

Hawke remarked.

"No, I'm not a vampire!"

Blade Warrior weakly retorted.

Tina and Banner perked up, quickly stood up, went to his side, and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"A burning pain."

Blade said with difficulty, but his voice was a little stronger than the previous one.

Clearly, he is recovering rapidly.

"Want some blood?"

Hawke stretched out his pig's trotter and said, "If vampires drink blood, they can recover faster, right? I'll let you drink some."

"..."

Blade didn't reply, but just silently looked at Hawke.

Hawke felt uncomfortable being stared at, shuddered, and said irritably, "Why are you staring at me?"

"It really sounds like a pig talking."

Blade said silently.

Then, looking at Banner and Tina, he asked, "What's the deal with this little girl and the pig?"

"They are the newest members of the Avengers."

"Oh."

Blade's reaction was indifferent.

After the battle against the demons, Fury also invited him to join the Avengers.

However, Blade's goal is to exterminate all vampires, which could potentially affect the agreement between the human government and the vampire empire. He worries that joining the Avengers would restrict his actions.

Therefore, after careful consideration, I declined.

But he also learned about the Avengers' requirements: powerful superhumans with impeccable character.

It would be quite normal for there to be talking pigs.

Although he was still very curious about what breed Hawke was, he wasn't the type to gossip.

What happened to you last night?

At this moment, Banner spoke up and asked.

"It's Faith Dickon."

Blade said, "It's that leader of the mixed-blood lineage who was expelled from the vampire empire. He's become stronger and can transform into countless bats to evade and heal his injuries. I didn't prepare any corresponding weapons."

"That's it?"

"...and there's another mysterious person."

After a moment's hesitation, Blade said uncertainly, "At that time, my whole body was burning with flames, and the pain made it difficult for me to pay attention to other things, but I still felt the pressure of a natural enemy coming from the doorway."

"Natural enemy?"

Hawke's head popped up with a question mark, and he scoffed, "Are you sure we didn't run into something powerful?"

"It's not just about being powerful..."

Blade Warrior's gaze turned solemn as he said in a deep voice, "I've faced powerful guys like Muzan before. The demonic aura emanating from him made me feel like I was carrying a mountain on my back. But this guy is different. His aura isn't that strong, but he has a kind of emotion that makes me feel fear and anger deep in my genes."

That's strange.

Dr. Banner looked puzzled. "In terms of individual strength alone, vampires are stronger than any powerful animal in the world. What animal could be the natural enemy of a vampire?"

"It must be a werewolf!"

"A werewolf!?"

Upon hearing Hawke's words, everyone couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

Dr. Banner shook his head vehemently, "No, no, no, although there are vampires in this world, there are no werewolves. At least, S.H.I.E.L.D. has never found any trace of werewolves."

Blade Warrior chimed in, "There are many legends about werewolves among vampires, but I've never seen one."

"Perhaps you just don't know it."

"They could also be outsiders!"

Just then, Fury's voice came from outside the door.