Hand Ninjas vs Counter Strike and similar abilities

[Redmoon45634]

When Elektra makes an Ancient Throwing Stars attack into Baron Zemo or another character with a strike back ability, what happens when the grunts deploy? 

1) Grunts deploy, make their attack, Zemo can then attack the grunts and then the interaction ends. 

2) Grunts deploy, make their attack, Zemo can then attack Elektra and then can attack the grunts.

[Thoras]

The attack would reach step 14a.

The Grunts would be placed into play if not already in place.

The Grunts would make their attack from Ninja Ambush.

Resolve any 14a effects.

Baron Zemo would have an opportunity to use Counter-Strike against the Grunts attack in 14b of that attack.

You would return to the Ancient Throwing Blades attack, step 14a.

The attacker would resolve any remaining 14a effects.

Baron Zemo would then have an opportunity in step 14b of the Ancient Throwing Blades attack to use Counter-Strike against Elektra.