Chương 96: Don’t Try to Pull Any Tricks on Me, Natasha

Well aware of Black Widow's true identity, Rosh easily deduced her intentions for joining the group chat—likely to gather intelligence. But he didn't mind. Given S. H. I. E. L. D.'s vast resources, they would likely have their eyes on this group sooner or later anyway. Plus, with SHIELD coming to him, it could be useful to have such a big player on the board; there could be times when nudging them into action might prove helpful. With these thoughts in mind, Rosh had no reason to turn down her request.

"Of course, that's no problem!" Rosh readily agreed, pulling out his phone to exchange contact info with Black Widow.

"What's your name, Shopkeeper? I'm Natasha Romanoff," she introduced herself with an innocent smile. Rosh, however, looked back at her with a half-smile and a hint of amusement. He didn't say a word, but the look was enough to make Natasha's heart skip a beat. She felt as if Rosh could see straight through her for a moment, leaving her nowhere to hide.

"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, feigning innocence.

"Miss, I suggest you remember where you are," Rosh's tone turned serious, his gaze sharpening.

"Do you think a few tricks would be enough to fool me?"

"If you mistook me for an ordinary person, that's where you went wrong." Black Widow's body stiffened as she felt the weight of his piercing gaze, which resembled a predator's glare. She was practically holding her breath, feeling that even one wrong move would expose her entirely. She realized immediately that she'd made a mistake. This wasn't an ordinary place. Rosh, seemingly harmless, clearly wasn't someone to be underestimated. She'd been careless.

She decided to drop the act since he'd already hinted at her cover being blown.

"Seems my cover's blown," Black Widow admitted a slight smile of acceptance on her face.

"Apologies for the deception. Given my line of work, I can't reveal my identity so freely. But you're right; it was a mistake to assume I could fool you." With a professional air, she extended her hand.

"Formal introduction then—Natasha Romanoff, S. H. I. E. L. D. agent. Pleased to meet you." Rosh's expression softened somewhat, though he merely glanced at her extended hand without shaking it. The cold reception didn't faze her. She composed herself and explained, "Please rest assured, Shopkeeper. SHIELD is simply interested in learning more about Devil Fruits. There's no other agenda." You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"Do you think I care?" Rosh chuckled, his tone dripping with indifference. His indifference was so effortless and genuine that Natasha could tell he really wasn't concerned about S. H. I. E. L. D. in the slightest.

"In that case, Shopkeeper, would you mind adding me to the group chat?" she asked formally.

"Sure," Rosh nodded, inviting her to the group and notifying everyone. ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘ Shopkeeper: " @Everyone, we have a new member joining the Devil Fruit Family. Let's all welcome her!" Natasha Romanoff: "Hello, everyone! I'm Natasha Romanoff. I just purchased a Devil Fruit from the Shopkeeper, and I'm excited to be part of this family." Wade Wilson: "New member alert? Natasha, huh? Dunno why, but that name feels strangely familiar. Like I've heard it somewhere before." Vanessa: "Oh really, Wade?

How about you tell me where you've heard it, exactly?" Vanessa: "And welcome to the group, Natasha!" Hope van Dyne: "Yay, another sister in the group! Great to have you here, Natasha! I'm Hope van Dyne!" Shaun Lee: "Welcome, Natasha. I'm Shaun Lee, wielder of the Laser-Laser Fruit. Out of curiosity, which fruit did you choose?" Natasha Romanoff: "Thanks, everyone! I really appreciate the warm welcome. I went with the Mimic-Mimic Fruit, which lets me copy others' appearances."

After a brief hesitation, she decided to reveal her fruit's power. Keeping it a secret made no sense; once she was in the group, people would find out sooner or later, so it was better to disclose it herself. Shopkeeper: " @Everyone, by the way, Natasha Romanoff here is a SHIELD agent. Let's all keep that info within the group and be mindful not to share it with outsiders. I'm sure everyone understands the importance of confidentiality for an agent, right?" Natasha Romanoff: "..." Rosh's words left her speechless.

He spoke about the importance of her confidentiality while revealing her identity himself! She couldn't believe his audacity. Of course, Rosh knew full well what he was doing. There was no way he'd let a spy sneak into his group unnoticed. If she wanted in, she'd do so in full view. The news stirred the group immediately, and curiosity abounded. Wade Wilson: "A spy? Miss Natasha, you're a spy? Oh man, the group just got more exciting! Assassins, mercenaries, mob bosses, scientists, professors, and now a spy? Crazy!

I love it!" Hope van Dyne: "SHIELD? I wonder what kind of organization that is." Of course, Hope knew about SHIELD; her father had once been an agent. She was just playing dumb for fun. ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘ Next Chapter: Threatening SHIELD Next Next Chapter: Nick Fury's Concern Next Next Next Chapter: A Full Investigation of the Home of the Devil Fruits Visit my P@tr3on or K0‑fi ''Isopuff'' page and unlock +20 extra chapters and daily updates!