Captain America declaration of a break with the officials shocked everyone present.
No one expected Bucky death to have such a profound impact on Captain America.
Or rather, they did expect it, but still spoke as they did because they believed that Captain America should simply endure everything and continue to serve as the spear and shield for the military or the U.S. government, resiliently carrying out actions.
After all, wasn't the Captain America of World War II just such a person?
Words like justice, loyalty, and other terms that praise virtues made Captain America a symbol of the American spirit.
Decades have passed, and under the indoctrination of the American spirit, they believed that Captain America should go through fire and water for the country.
This wasn't really a problem.
The problem was that they overestimated their own influence, thinking they could control Captain America.
But this only led to Captain America becoming disheartened.
After making his statement, Captain America coldly looked around, exchanged a stunned glance with Tony, turned around, and left the Special Forces headquarters building, disappearing into the night.
Moments later.
Tony sighed, knowing that things were over, with no desire to communicate or interact with anyone. Ignoring Batman and the others, he took off, taking his Iron Man drone army with him as he left the Special Forces headquarters building.
However, he didn't go far but instead checked into one of his own hotels.
In every one of the Stark hotels around the world, a room is permanently reserved for Tony.
This is the privilege of the wealthy.
Not to mention, Tony is a super-wealthy billionaire.
On the hotel rooftop helipad, fifty Iron Man stood proudly, appearing like metallic toys but in reality, formidable weapons.
Clearly, Tony knew that although he didn't want to talk today, he would inevitably have to talk eventually.
His actions had crossed a line.
Tomorrow.
Various official forces would try everything to contact him and obtain the invention of the Iron Man.
Especially the U.S. government.
Under such circumstances, there was no possibility for Tony to continue hiding his technology.
Only by making this technology public to some could he be forgiven for his impulsive actions today.
However, this would be a long, drawn-out struggle.
Getting his technology would not be so simple.
While pondering, Tony took a bath, lay down in bed, closed his eyes, and thought again about Captain America resolute departure, sighing deeply.
This was not the outcome he wanted to see, yet it was one he had to face.
Because he never regretted, in front of Captain America, killing Bucky.
Even if given another chance, he would make the same choice.
After Tony left.
Anton and others did not stay much longer either.
Many members of the Special Forces, including Commander Hawkeye, came forward to greet Batman, only to see Batman and his companions nodding at them, and then, amidst a purple wave of energy, a spatial portal engulfed the four members of the Justice League.
"They all run off so quickly, leaving us to clean up the mess..."
Hawkeye felt helpless.
"When did the Special Forces become cleaners?"
Duke and others around him felt even more helpless.
However.
The current situation was that in this event, the Special Forces had no room to play a role.
The Iron Man drone army brought by Tony had left them unable to move.
Even one of their own, Bucky Barnes, also known as the White Wolf, Captain America former comrade and childhood friend, was killed by Tony Stark right in front of them.
"No, the Special Forces can't just be this."
A thought flashed through Hawkeye mind, and he made up his mind: "We need to harness greater power to face these unexpected situations."
The next day.
The Daily Bugle, taking an objective stance, published some details of the incident.
For instance, the fact that Bucky Barnes was the Winter Soldier, Tony blood feud with Bucky, and Captain America defense of Bucky.
The article only briefly touched on the Special Forces involvement.
It glossed over without any unnecessary description, seeming not to concern the writer Eddie much.
This made Hawkeye and others quite grateful, knowing that Batman had given them face, not letting the Special Forces that replaced SHIELD be embarrassed publicly.
Similarly.
The behind-the-scenes machinations of the U.S. government and military, which were part of this event, were not mentioned at all in the report.
However, it subtly hinted at something.
Most citizens didn't care about these behind-the-scenes details they just wanted to enjoy the spectacle, but some astute observers could see hints of the government and military plans and thoughts from behind the scenes of the report, and couldn't help but sneer.
It worth mentioning that the biggest impact of this article was on Tony and Captain America.
Last night events in Washington had already spread across America.
Everyone was discussing and curious about what exactly happened in Washington last night...
After all, Batman had reappeared after many days.
Most importantly, he did not appear alone.
Almost half of Washington could see, projected onto the clouds by a purple wave of light, four figures.
Batman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, and Shazam.
The appearance of four powerful heroes in Washington at the same time couldn't possibly be due to some minor issue.
The publication of this report perfectly catered to people curiosity and satisfied their desire to know more.
And, as the Daily Bugle has been considered almost the most conscientious media in the world over these two years, anyone could find answers to any event in the Daily Bugle.
Its credibility exceeded that of the government.
Now, with the Daily Bugle maintaining a strong background and credibility, even if the government wanted to forcefully interfere with the content of the Daily Bugle reports, they had to think twice and negotiate with Eddie.
Of course, such incidents are rare.
But not this time.
After the Daily Bugle published this report, the government and military were among the first to hear about it, approached to demand the withdrawal of the news, but were refused by Eddie.
Standing behind Batman, Eddie had enough confidence to do so.
And indeed, the government and military had no way to proceed.
Fortunately, Eddie was sensible the report pushed the boundaries but didn't cross them.
As the event fermented, both sides could only grudgingly acknowledge it and guide public opinion behind the scenes to deflect the blame elsewhere.
As a result, Tony and Captain America, the parties involved, instantly became the epicenter of a media explosion.
Some supported Tony, feeling he had the right to seek revenge, while others believed Captain America was right to help a friend.
In summary, there was support and opposition on both sides for Tony and Captain America.
However, the one most affected by this event was undoubtedly Captain America.
Tony himself is not a perfect person and even has many flaws that the public criticizes.
In the public view, he is capricious, arrogant, lustful, and selfish, yet wealthy and talented, having faced almost no setbacks in his life.
His biggest trauma was probably the death of his parents and his kidnapping.
Such an extremely self-centered person, no matter what he does, even if it taking revenge on society, is expected in the public eye, let alone him seeking revenge for his parents.
Avenging his parents is not seen as a sin.
Such forthright actions even sparked the interest of those indifferent to superheroes.
Captain America is different.
In everyone view, Captain America is a symbol of the American spirit and a synonym for justice.
They grew up influenced by the stories of Captain America and naturally revered him almost like a deity.
But, that such a Captain America would tolerate a criminal.
Merely because this criminal was once his childhood friend and comrade in arms.
This is a fact that most people find utterly unacceptable.
Yes.
Regardless, Bucky is a criminal.
Captain America, in his self-righteousness, forgave Bucky without considering the perspective of his former teammate, Tony.
Moreover, many are aware that the Starks, particularly Howard Stark, whom Bucky killed, was once Tony comrade just as Bucky was.
In this context, Captain America made unilateral decisions based on personal feelings, helping Bucky against Tony, which triggered significant discontent among many.
They fiercely criticized Captain America, believing he does not deserve to be the symbol of American spirit, with harsh words that were hard to bear.
In the office.
Anton watched the online tirade and felt pity and regret for Captain America.
However, deep down, he did not sympathize with Captain America.
Of course, as a participant in last night events, fully aware from start to finish and even a behind-the-scenes influencer, he was still quite surprised by Captain America final words.
He too was shocked at the time.
Captain America had actually broken with the U.S. government and declared he would live for himself.
Could it be that the leader of Hydra is about to emerge?
He then shook his head.
Shock aside, Anton did not believe that Captain America would completely turn evil and join Hydra.
Even if Captain America ideology veered off track and his character crumbled, he wouldn't become a puppet for the enemy, working for Hydra.
Perhaps, Captain America would rejoin SHIELD and fight Hydra, which has been severely weakened, and meanwhile, find trouble with Tony.
Speaking of which, after last night, Captain America disappeared, and no one could trace him.
It seems, a hidden force behind the scenes erased Captain America tracks.
"SHIELD?"
Anton pondered and dismissed this possibility.
SHIELD power and influence within the U.S. have diminished under the pressure of the Justice League, lacking the capability to help Captain America conceal his tracks.
Then who could it be?
As far as Anton knew, not only him but also the U.S. government and the military, who intended to mend relations with Captain America, had lost all contact with him.
Captain America had vanished as if he had evaporated from the world.
In modern society, it nearly impossible for anyone, especially someone as scrutinized as Captain America, to leave no trace behind.
Certainly, someone must be helping him in the shadows.
"Could I have overlooked something?"
Anton thought for a moment, unable to find an answer, shook his head, and abandoned the thought.
As for the other party involved in the incident, Tony Stark, he was summoned to the White House first thing in the morning for a confidential discussion with the president and others, which had not yet concluded.
Clearly, Tony Iron Man drones could no longer be kept secret.
If Tony wanted to come out of this incident unscathed, he naturally had to pay a price.
The Iron Man were that price.
The death of Bucky, causing Captain America to break with the government, was a significant loss.
Only a greater benefit could offset these losses and make the U.S. government and military willingly let Tony off the hook.
The Iron Man drones, forming an Iron Man army, represented a greater interest.
No one would be foolish enough to refuse an Iron Man army.
This represents the power of a team of super-powered individuals.
"Tony will definitely engage in a prolonged tug-of-war with the government, and the matter of the Iron Man army won't be settled so easily..."
Anton knew clearly that Tony was never one to accept a loss.
This means, busy with negotiations, Tony would naturally neglect matters concerning the Superhuman Registration Act.
Anton had achieved his goal.
Even if Tony was oblivious to this plan, he naturally had more ways to slowly deal with Tony.
Looking at the Earth, Anton might not say he has no competitors, but at least, Tony, would not be his rival.
Whether it information disparity or the gap in power, Anton has enough to overpower Tony.
Anton sights are now set beyond Earth to the vast universe.
In the evening.
The news about Bucky death and the fallout between Tony and Captain America, published by the Daily Bugle, continued to ferment as a hot topic online.
Tony, looking weary, exited the White House and returned to the hotel where he stayed the previous night.
On the hotel helipad, where fifty Iron Man once stood, there were now only forty-nine.
His negotiations with the White House had just begun, with agreement on the broad directions but details needing continuous refinement and adjustment.
But a token of goodwill is always necessary.
This is the earnest money.
"Jarvis, let me see the news."
Tony face was expressionless as he placed his watch on the table, his tone flat: "I want to know what Batman has done now."
Having learned his lesson, he had a good understanding of Batman methods.
The events of last night were bound to attract attention.
Early this morning, as he left home, Jarvis had already briefed him about the news published by the Daily Bugle, which revealed the truth about last night events, including some details.
Although the article was written by his old friend, Eddie Brock, Tony was well aware that this was definitely Batman doing.
Before the news had even begun to ferment, Tony had entered the White House, prepared for a serious meeting with politicians, or rather, an exchange of interests.
After coming out, he naturally wanted to see the current direction of public opinion.
"Rogers..."
Seeing the insults from netizens, the strong-willed Tony didn't take any of it to heart.
He was used to being criticized by now.
Besides, he wasn't the one being criticized the most this time.
He actually felt sorry for Captain America.
"I hope you can adapt to a life of being insulted."
Tony muttered to himself.
Sad as it was, like Anton, he would never feel sympathy for Captain America.
After reading the news, Tony calmly cleared all the web pages and then instructed, "Jarvis, where is Rogers now?"
"Sir, I was just about to report to you..."
Jarvis paused, "Captain has disappeared. I cannot find his exact location, only that the last place he was seen was on Elm Street..."
"Disappeared?"
Tony furrowed his brow: "He disappeared under your tracking? Who has the capability to help him, could it be Cyborg?"