Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 205 - 193: Generous Reward

Chapter 205: Chapter 193: Generous Reward

Shaman made a sudden visit to Iraq, shaking both Saudi and Iraq to their cores.

Shaman made a sudden visit to Iraq, drawing side glances from the United States and shocking anger from the CIA.

What exactly did Abdulla mean to Shaman, to warrant such a display of national strength with a formal diplomatic stance?

It must be noted that Shaman’s first visit was not only abrupt but also conducted with a disregard for diplomatic protocol, before he had fully seized control and while his foundation was unstable, accompanied only by a small entourage.

To put it nicely, it was brave; to put it bluntly, it was reckless.

Was Shaman’s visit nothing more than a demonstration of his stance to the United States, a declaration of his refusal to be manipulated and controlled by them?

No one could truly fathom Shaman’s thoughts.

Because no one would believe that Shaman’s visit was simply a mission to save someone.

To extract a few people from the impenetrable fortress of the Green Zone, Shaman took the stage himself.

In this moment, Shaman only wished to say one thing,

"You’re right, only a fearless General deserves fearless soldiers! I understand now why you can have a subordinate as honest and brave as Feng!"

Shaman spoke with genuine sincerity.

If there ever was a time for a hero to appreciate another hero, it was now, in the presence of Gao Yi.

Shaman used to think Feng’s words were exceedingly considerate; now, he realized that this man, whose name he didn’t even know, could say things just as fitting.

Shaman had capable people under him, and loyal ones too, but he never had anyone as competent and attentive as the man before him.

Shaman couldn’t help but extend his hands; instead of a handshake, he grasped Gao Yi’s shoulders, earnestly saying, "You all, join the National Intelligence Bureau!"

Shaman was truly moved by their talent, and though he did not know the man’s name before him, he wanted to entrust him with a significant responsibility.

Abdulla had limited abilities, but he was loyal, making him the perfect candidate to lead the National Intelligence Bureau.

However, the National Intelligence Bureau was indeed in need of capable people. Despite being foreigners with unknown origins and humble backgrounds, it didn’t matter—as long as they could get the job done and do it cleanly, that was more than enough.

"Your Highness," I am grateful for your appreciation, and to gain your acknowledgment is my greatest honor!"

To receive worship from a servant is meaningless, as a person does not feel exalted by the gaze of ants.

A hero yearns only for the respect of the strong.

Shaman was filled with an emotional surge, proud of his ability to recognize talent and his unorthodox approach to recruiting it.

But in the midst of Shaman’s excitement, he once again heard something completely unexpected.

"However, Your Highness, I’m afraid I can’t join the National Intelligence Bureau!"

Shaman, stunned, asked in astonishment, "Why?"

"Your Highness, my identity is too complicated. If I join the National Intelligence Bureau, it could bring unnecessary trouble to you. For example, my deep ties with the Defense Clandestine Service, our close relations—if I were to join, wouldn’t it send a signal that the National Intelligence Bureau has shifted from being CIA’s backyard to a cooperative unit with the Secret Action Bureau?"

Shaman was internally shaken.

"Your Highness, I am in awe of your charisma, and there are things I shouldn’t say, but now I feel compelled to speak. Whether it makes sense is for you to decide. The CIA belongs to the United States, the Secret Action Bureau also belongs to the United States, but the National Intelligence Bureau can only belong to you, it must be your own!"

The logic was simple, very simple. Shaman knew this, of course, but no one ever mentioned it in his presence, nor did anyone take such an obvious fact seriously.

Everyone thought the National Intelligence Bureau should be a vassal of the CIA, including his own father, all his ministers, and even the staff within the National Intelligence Bureau itself.

No one saw any problem with the highest intelligence organization of a country being a vassal to another, and no one tried to change that situation.

But now, it was a former enemy, someone who had once held him hostage, who spoke these words.

Shaman’s mood was slightly heavy, and he couldn’t help but nod.

"Your Highness, you want to purge the National Intelligence Bureau, but you must not drive out a wolf from the front door only to let in a lion through the back. Your Highness, the Defense Clandestine Service is the intelligence agency of the Pentagon, and if we’re talking about threats, the Pentagon is far more dangerous than the CIA!"

Shaman let out a soft sigh.

"Your Highness, just for this reason alone, I also can’t join the National Intelligence Bureau, because this move would send a message, a message for all within the National Intelligence Bureau and the entire world to see. What do you think?"

Yes, he couldn’t let the CIA go only to let the Pentagon in, as that would make others believe he was merely changing partners but was ultimately still controlled by others—a puppet.

Shaman wouldn’t do such a thing, so the man he admired could not join the National Intelligence Bureau.

What a pity, such a regret.

Shaman sighed lightly and said, "Yes, you are right, but it’s regrettable that someone of your talent can’t assist me."

"It’s my honor to serve Your Highness, and it’s an honor for all of us from Sky Garden. Besides, to help Your Highness, why must we join the National Intelligence Bureau? All it takes is one call from Your Highness, and we will serve you wholeheartedly. After all, we are an assassin organization."

An assassin organization?

Shaman frowned and said, "Assassin organization? Just assassins? You don’t look like mere assassins to me."

"Your Highness, looking the part doesn’t matter, what matters is the outcome."

"I see you more as... um."

Shaman was puzzled. What was Sky Garden then?

It didn’t resemble anything.

Assassins who use cannons to blast the CIA in the streets, spies not heard of on the Dark Web, and as mercenaries—they don’t even carry a gun, so how could they be like mercenaries?

Yet they worked harder than the National Intelligence Bureau, and throughout their operations, their intelligence work was impeccably done, acquiring information even the Bureau didn’t have. But now, Sky Garden didn’t seem to be from the Secret Action Bureau.

If they were from the Secret Action Bureau, how could they possibly give up an opportunity to enter the National Intelligence Bureau?

Sky Garden was just Sky Garden, unique with no similar template to be found.

Shaman couldn’t find the answer and finally said, "I see you more as an action team, a full-function action team that combines assassination, intelligence gathering, and special operations into one, not unlike the CIA’s Special Action Teams. Oh, and Naaoi was killed by you."

"Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness. If you say we’re an action team, you’re not wrong. We can’t join the National Intelligence Bureau, Your Highness, but we can serve you, and our fees are not high... Please allow me to introduce our financial director who can give you a full list of our rates, an..."

Talking about money now?

Right, this kind of wild, strong group was generally assembled for the sake of making money.

That’s fine too, a wild action team with no national backing, that is both tough and sweet-talking, if used appropriately, could not be more suitable.

"Your Highness, this is our financial director. All our financial matters are handled by him. If you’re satisfied with our service, he can discuss our fees with you..."

How annoying to talk about money.

What is money? What does money matter? His admiration for a person, how could that be measured with money?

Shaman waved his hand dismissively; he thought for a moment and decided that since the matter originated from Harold, it must end with Harold.

Shaman wouldn’t dwell on an issue for too long. Though Harold’s case wasn’t trivial and was quite indicative, shaping many people’s decisions, Shaman still decided to compensate the man he admired so greatly.

"What’s your exact connection with Harold? How much did he pay you?"

"Harold... Your Highness, I am friends with him, I call him big brother. Our team was recently formed with little fame, but Harold offered us the utmost respect, so I responded with what I could. He didn’t give money."

Shaman was extremely shocked; he pondered for a moment, then asked again, "Then what compensation did he offer?"

"I believe there will be compensation, but it seems he has nothing left... Your Highness, Harold truly dares not oppose you now; he really doesn’t dare to go against you."

Shaman was touched and said solemnly, "Did Harold’s son play a significant role? What’s his son’s name? I don’t quite remember."

"Your Highness, his son is innocent and didn’t contribute much, but he admires you greatly..."

Shaman smiled, seeing through the concerns of the man before him.

"You’re afraid I’ll harm Harold’s son to the extent that you dare not even speak his name? Would it be difficult for me to find out what his son’s name is?"

"Your Highness! I truly didn’t mean that; how could a lion feel threatened by the cub of a hyena?"

Shaman couldn’t help but laugh, then he added, "You do know that lions really will kill the cubs of hyenas, right?"

Seeing the embarrassment on the face of the man he greatly admired, Shaman felt more relaxed and pleased, and his trust grew even stronger.

He did not wish to see his admired one embarrassed any further, so he waved his hand and declared, "Alright, I’ve decided. Harold must leave Saudi Arabia; it’s a matter of the big picture, and I cannot allow him to stay. That would give too many people false hope. Also, his family’s corporate assets must be nationalized."

"Yes, I understand... as long as he can live safely, that is enough."

Shaman stated firmly, "Give Harold three years. Tell him he can stay in Abu Dhabi for three years, and after that, he can return to his country. Then, I will return 49% of his corporate shares to his family."

"What? Really! Sorry, sorry! I didn’t mean to question Your Highness, it’s just overwhelming. On behalf of Harold, thank you for your generosity, I—I am grateful..."

Shaman savored the gratitude from the Warrior, and so, he continued, "All the imports and exports of Harold’s company must go through a third party, and this third party must be yours, indefinitely, as I have said."

Left speechless this time, Shaman watched as the other’s face twisted in surprise and couldn’t help but smile, "Also, Harold’s son..."

"Muhan, his name is Muhan!"

"Muhan, Harold’s corporate shares must be left to Muhan to inherit, without inheritance rights for any other sons. This is my reward to Muhan; are you satisfied?"

Those who have contributed deserve a generous reward.

As for money.

What does money signify?