"That's not quite right," Leone remarked, pointing to his ear. "Based on the intelligence I've gathered over the past few days, the key figures currently leading S.H.I.E.L.D. are still intact. The Hydra operatives embedded within are primarily the backbone and elite members."
Tony was taken aback. "Just the backbone and elite? How is that any different from the entire organization being compromised? My father's legacy has been handed over to the enemy by those fools!"
He began pacing beside the workbench. "No, Leone, it's our responsibility to rectify the mess our predecessors left behind. We must dismantle this organization!"
"I agree," Leone responded without hesitation. "This organization lacks true strength yet deludes itself into believing it's the world's savior. I can't stand that arrogance."
"And it aligns perfectly with my plan for revenge."
Leone gestured toward the holographic projector, which displayed an image of Nick Fury.
"Nick Fury, the current director of S.H.I.E.L.D., has an overwhelming desire for control. He wants to hold the world's safety in his own hands."
"Sounds a lot like Hydra. Wait, why isn't he part of Hydra?" Tony inquired.
"I'm not sure. Perhaps his predecessor feared that Fury would threaten his position if he joined the organization."
Leone waved again, and a file package appeared on the screen.
"This is a list of Hydra members within S.H.I.E.L.D. I've compiled and packaged it, complete with evidence and identities."
"Later, Tony, find a way to send this file to Nick Fury. Let them deal with internal chaos first."
"Remember, don't just have Jarvis send it. They could trace it back."
"Once they're sufficiently entangled, we'll release these files publicly and expose Hydra entirely."
"By then, the world will naturally unite against Hydra."
"We can seize the opportunity to uncover the truth about our parents' deaths—evidence, the murderer, everything!"
Leone gave a sly smile. "And I'll use this chance to showcase my power to the world."
"How do you plan to do that?" Tony asked, surprised.
"I'll provoke them into deploying weapons of mass destruction—intercontinental missiles, hydrogen bombs, anything!"
"Then I'll confront a missile head-on and obliterate a military base with a single punch."
Leone poured himself a glass of water. "This will demonstrate both my defensive and offensive capabilities, as well as my ruthless approach when I strike!"
"Presumably, after that, even if I stroll around in a Superman suit, no one will dare to challenge me."
Tony envisioned Leone being bombarded by a missile and hesitated. "Isn't that a bit too risky?"
"Don't worry, I'm not eager to die. I'll only act when I'm confident. Besides, if I can't withstand a missile, I can always dodge it."
As Leone spoke, he retrieved a box from behind him.
"I still need to become stronger; I'm not ready to die... Tony, come and see the suit I made. What do you think?"
He opened the box, revealing a Superman suit interwoven with gold, blue, and red.
This suit lacked the traditional underwear-on-the-outside design. It was entirely dark blue, featuring a golden inverted pentagon with an 'S' logo on the chest and a red cape attached to the shoulders.
"A Superman suit woven from Kevlar fiber—bulletproof, flexible, and, most importantly, very stylish."
Despite his concerns, Tony couldn't help but comment, "Looks good. I'm glad you didn't go with the underwear-on-the-outside look. And this 'S'—I recall it symbolizes hope, right?"
"No, it now stands for Stark—the first letter of Stark."
Leone tapped the 'S' emblem. "Starting tomorrow, I'll wear this suit and head to Afghanistan to eliminate the Ten Rings Gang. From now on, I am Superman."
"You seem to have forgotten that I'm here too. I'll go with you!" Tony said earnestly, grabbing Leone's arm. "This is my own mess; I must resolve it myself."
"But you still need to execute our earlier plan," Leone pointed to the projection. "I believe you're eager to uncover the truth."
Tony shook his head. "That doesn't prevent me from traveling thousands of kilometers to deal with some troublesome thugs while investigating the truth."
Tony had been monitoring the Ten Rings Gang for the past few days. These individuals wielded significant power from Afghanistan to the Middle East.
Within their sphere of influence, ordinary people suffered daily oppression and exploitation.
Even if Leone hadn't mentioned it today, Tony would have soon decided to take action against this gang.
"Alright then, but we must be cautious regarding the S.H.I.E.L.D. matter. We should avoid being traced back to us in the early stages; that would cause significant trouble."
"I'll follow your lead." Tony looked at Nick Fury's image on the projection and asked again, "But I'm curious. You should be able to locate Hydra's base. Why not take direct action?"
Leone shook his head. "Hydra's high-ranking officials hold prominent positions in various countries. Those bases belong to them. If I act directly, I might be manipulated by public opinion and labeled as a dictator or war instigator."
"Although I'm not afraid—after all, even if I face such situations, I can always relocate."
"But why wait for trouble to come knocking when I can prevent it with a bit of foresight?"
Tony nodded in agreement. "I knew you were someone who doesn't like being passive, just like me."
Leone ignored his playful remark. "The reason I want to display my strength to the world is also for this reason."
"After all, it's impossible for me to never use my superpowers. My identity will inevitably be discovered one day."
"And when that happens, the first thing all parties will do is test me!"
"But if others start testing and showing signs of aggression, can I still endure it?"
"But if I confront them directly, whether they want to maintain their prestige or avenge their people, the result will still be that they won't let it go."
"In the end, the situation might escalate to the point where I have to eliminate most of the world's armed forces before I can return to a peaceful life."
"In that case, I might as well plan ahead, identify a common enemy, and showcase all the power that can instill fear in global forces!"
Tony couldn't help but applaud. "Good idea. You've made the right choice, Leone."
"Thank you for the compliment. I just don't like my normal life being disturbed."
Leone packed away the suit. "That's all I have to do. I've told you everything. Now, Tony, you can finally rest assured, right?"
Tony smiled. "I wasn't worried... By the way, one question: why do you want to dress up as Superman, looking like a... pajama baby? Forgive my bluntness. Could it be that you want to be a superhero?"
"No, I just like Superman, but I won't become a righteous hero like him."
Leone left with the box. "Maybe I'll be a good man who draws his sword to help when he sees injustice, but doing good deeds and saving the world? Forget it."
Tony shook his head behind him. "That's a pity. I already thought of our hero group name: Super Iron Man Brothers. What do you think?"
"I think it's childish!" Leone's voice echoed from the hallway. "Sounds like two kindergarten babies!"