Following the procedure, Zemo easily awakened the Winter Soldier and completed the brainwashing. Using the equipment in the base, he implanted Bucky Barnes' memories into the man's mind.
Finally, a bottle of acid was poured down.
Amid the Winter Soldier's agonized screams, his face was completely disfigured—no longer recognizable. Zemo casually picked up a mask and placed it over what remained.
"From today onward, you are Bucky Barnes—the most trusted comrade of Captain America, Steve Rogers," Zemo said coldly.
"Yes, Master. I am Bucky Barnes."
The Winter Soldier's voice was hoarse; the acid had damaged part of his vocal cords.
---
"Let's assume we sign it. Then the government will track us like criminals. Our movements will be completely exposed. Think about our families and friends—they'll become targets for retaliation."
Sam and Rhodey were debating whether to sign the Sokovia Accords.
"117 countries have already agreed to it. One hundred and seventeen, Sam. Can you really pretend nothing's happening?"
Rhodey's stance was clear. Under pressure from that many nations, no one could truly resist. Even if forced, they would have to sign.
The two couldn't reach an agreement. Sam insisted they shouldn't sign—once their identities and movements were exposed, their loved ones would be vulnerable. And when that happened, who would protect them? The government? The slow-moving police?
Just then, JARVIS' voice sounded.
"I have compiled a set of statistical data."
A projection appeared before them.
"I analyzed data from the time Mr. Stark became Iron Man to the present. The results show that the number of enhanced individuals has been increasing linearly. At the same time, incidents involving crime or global threats have also risen."
As JARVIS explained, the charts kept changing.
"You're saying this is our fault?" Steve asked, looking up from the Accords in his hands.
"Not exactly, Mr. Rogers. I am merely presenting data. However, I do believe there is a causal relationship. Individuals like you and Mr. Stark may attract challenges. Challenges lead to conflict, and conflict leads to disaster. Based on my calculations, accepting oversight is something we should seriously consider."
JARVIS' conclusion immediately earned Rhodey's approval.
"Finally, someone said it right."
"Tony, you've been awfully quiet. What do you think?" Natasha asked, looking at him sprawled on the couch.
"Because he's already made up his mind," Steve said without even looking up.
He knew Tony well—if he hadn't decided yet, he'd already be arguing nonstop.
"Cap, you really do know me. You're starting to rival Pepper," Tony muttered as he stood up and walked to the bar, pouring himself a drink.
"I've thought about it a lot. We don't have a decision-making system. Even Nick Fury just throws problems at us and hides behind the scenes. Sure, he cleans up afterward, but clearly, that hasn't earned recognition from the world."
Tony set down his glass.
"I think we need oversight. No matter the form, I can accept it. Without limits, sooner or later we'll cross a line—and when that happens, we won't be any better than the criminals we put away."
He crossed his arms and let out a long breath after finishing.
Several people's expressions turned serious.
"Tony, people dying in front of us is something we can't always prevent. But you can't give up because of that," Steve said, finally putting down the Accords.
"I'm not giving up, Steve. Who said we are?"
"If we can't take responsibility for our actions, that is giving up. These so-called agreements are just a way to shift responsibility."
Steve had carefully read much of the document. It was full of empty political language—nothing concrete.
"Steve, this is a United Nations resolution," Rhodey countered. "Not S.H.I.E.L.D., not HYDRA—this is the entire world."
"Exactly—the UN. But in the end, it's still run by people. And people have agendas. If they order us to kill innocent people, would you do it?"
Steve's question cut straight to the core flaw.
The Accords required the Avengers to act under orders—but what if those giving the orders had ulterior motives?
"If we sign, we give up our right to choose. Right now, we decide who's right and wrong. After this, we won't have that choice anymore."
Steve continued, pointing out the traps hidden throughout the document.
"We may not be perfect, but we trust each other. We know what's right."
"And if we don't sign, they'll force us to," Tony replied. "And when that happens, our families and friends will be dragged into it. Don't argue—it's the truth. You think only criminals use loved ones as leverage? You're being naïve, Steve. When it comes to that, things will get ugly."
Tony wasn't wrong. Politicians could be just as ruthless.
"I agree with Tony."
Natasha spoke up, drawing everyone's attention.
"If we compromise a little, there's still room to maneuver. But if we completely break away, it'll only end in total confrontation."
"Natasha… are you still the same person who used to stand against the government?" Sam asked in disbelief.
"I'm trying to protect us," she replied calmly. "We made mistakes in the public eye. We need to earn their trust back."
"Wait—hold on," Tony blinked, surprised. "Did I hear that right? Are you actually agreeing with me?"
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