Ben didn't know the specific internal structure of H.A.M.M.E.R. or the finer operational details from the comics.
But those specifics weren't important. What mattered was that H.A.M.M.E.R.'s existence would demonstrate to the world that Earth remained protected by its own people. It would ensure that ordinary citizens felt they were the ones wielding the hammer's handle, giving them a sense of security and control.
As for the Plumbers, there was no need for them to take the lead position.
Ben would never allow those shadowy political figures to interfere with the Plumbers' operations.
Of course, this didn't mean he was abandoning the Plumbers' development or SHIELD's substantial legacy assets.
After this crisis concluded, SHIELD's legitimate authority would transfer to H.A.M.M.E.R., while Hydra's orthodoxy would naturally flow to the Plumbers.
The Plumbers could operate just like Hydra had—seemingly independent of SHIELD, but in reality functioning as an integral component of the organization.
Eventually, when all H.A.M.M.E.R. personnel were Ben's allies, H.A.M.M.E.R.'s resources would effectively belong to the Plumbers.
The overarching strategy was to question Hydra, understand Hydra, become Hydra, and ultimately surpass Hydra!
"I'm afraid this approach will be extraordinarily difficult," Norman observed.
He was genuinely interested in this proposal, but the fundamental question remained: from what position and with what authority could he implement such a plan?
After all, he was currently just a businessman. Even if a new organization emerged after SHIELD's destruction, he would have no legitimate basis for involvement.
"Therefore, you must make an irreplaceable contribution in the fight against Hydra," Ben explained.
"First, Osborn Industries needs to publicly declare that Spider-Man and Prime—who have made significant contributions in the battle against Hydra—are actually superheroes created through Osborn Group resources and technology."
This wasn't entirely fabricated. Without Osborn's involvement, Spider-Man wouldn't exist.
"Then, as events develop and Hydra realizes they can no longer remain hidden, they will inevitably issue wanted notices for Captain America, Spider-Man, and others. At that critical moment, Osborn Industries must immediately step forward to express support for Captain America, with Harry participating in combat operations as a corporate representative supporting Steve's mission."
Ben studied Norman carefully.
"At that point, Osborn's position may become extremely precarious..."
"Is there anything I haven't already experienced?" Norman smiled slightly, unconcerned by Ben's warning.
After all, Hydra's tactics would likely involve economic suppression, market manipulation, sanctions, and potentially even terrorist attacks against Osborn Industries.
This represented nothing particularly daunting to Norman, who had already lost everything and nearly died in the process.
"Don't worry about attacks. My technology isn't for show. When the time comes, I can activate energy shields to create a protective barrier over all of New York, unless they're planning to deploy nuclear weapons..."
At this point, the obstacles facing Norman in establishing H.A.M.M.E.R. would be minimal.
But there remained one crucial final step.
"Finally, recruit Captain America as your primary symbol and bring him into H.A.M.M.E.R."
"Previously, the symbol of Captain America Steve Rogers was the shield in his hand, which gave SHIELD its name and legitimacy. Now, the world will witness Captain America raising a hammer to completely destroy his former enemies."
"What we must accomplish is making ordinary citizens believe that H.A.M.M.E.R.'s authority represents Captain America's hammer, while convincing politicians that the hand gripping that hammer belongs to them, not to aliens. Will there be any obstacles at that point?"
Since they were raising the Captain America banner, they had to utilize it effectively and correctly!
What did the American people believe in? What did American soldiers trust? What did even cynical politicians respect? Captain America.
It wasn't that everyone universally believed in him—it was that people were willing to trust him and felt reassured by this soldier's presence.
"I understand completely," Norman nodded with growing appreciation.
After concluding his discussion with Norman Osborn, Ben returned to the SHIELD facility.
By this time, Peter and Captain America had successfully destroyed the first Hydra base and returned in triumph.
Peter was extremely enthusiastic, explaining to Ben that the sonic weaponry was devastatingly powerful. The armor was essentially specialized siege equipment that couldn't be used under normal circumstances.
"After I complete the nanotechnology version, I'll provide you with another suit," Ben promised.
Tony seemed particularly interested in nanotechnology applications, but before he could discuss technical specifications with Ben, Nick Fury approached with Captain America.
"Avengers, time for a team meeting."
Everyone prepared to follow, but just as Tony took a step forward, Nick Fury turned and said, "Why are you following? You're not an Avenger. Go finish upgrading your aircraft carrier."
Tony: ???
"You invited me here to repair your carrier, and now you're having secret meetings behind my back? What exactly do you think I am?"
Nick Fury rolled his eye. "A maintenance technician?"
Tony: Son of a—
Seeing that Tony was about to explode with indignation, Nick Fury offered a compromise: "I'll give you another opportunity to serve as an Avengers consultant. Are you interested?"
"Fine!" Tony said through gritted teeth.
"No salary required, right?"
Nick Fury was delighted.
Got him!
In the conference room, the first generation of Avengers assembled—minus Thor and Hulk, but with Spider-Man and Prime added to the roster.
During the meeting, Nick Fury first commended the successful operation by Spider-Man and Captain America, then analyzed the intelligence they'd gathered.
Tony pretended to be surprised, asking, "Hydra? What's Hydra?"
Nick Fury explained the situation again from the beginning.
Tony then expressed that while this matter didn't directly concern him, since his father had helped establish SHIELD, he felt obligated to participate.
Steve regarded Tony with extremely complex emotions.
The young man before him was Howard Stark's son.
Steve felt both anger and guilt regarding Howard.
They had once been friends, but ultimately Howard had betrayed him by collaborating with their enemies.
If not for Howard's Operation Paperclip, even if Hydra remnants still existed, they would have been nothing more than scattered fugitives.
The guilt stemmed from knowing that another friend of his had killed Howard.
But he couldn't abandon Bucky.
Because Bucky was the only person who had stood firmly by his side when Steve had nothing.
In the darkest and most hopeless periods of his life, Bucky had remained beside him, always faithful.
Therefore, only feelings of guilt continued growing in his heart.
He hadn't killed Howard personally, but he felt ashamed nonetheless.
Because he knew he was essentially protecting the murderer.
He clearly understood that Bucky had killed Howard, but when Tony Stark stood before him, he couldn't bring himself to reveal the truth.
Because he was afraid.
Afraid that Tony would demand Bucky pay for his crimes, afraid of losing his friend, and afraid of severing the last connection to the era that had belonged to him, disappearing completely from this world...
A hero who lost everything?
With Bucky alive, he still had something.
He sat with his head down, like an elderly man struggling with concentration, barely hearing the meeting's proceedings.
Until Nick Fury's voice penetrated his awareness: "Captain! Captain? Captain!"
Steve looked up suddenly, as if awakening from a trance, momentarily unable to remember his surroundings.
After what felt like an eternity—or perhaps only seconds—everything gradually came into focus, and Nick Fury's concerned face appeared before him.
"What happened?"
"What happened?" Nick Fury repeated his question, clearly surprised. "It's not like you to be distracted during briefings."
"I'm just... somewhat tired," Steve replied.
He exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose between two fingers. After a few seconds of composure, he scanned the room.
Except for Tony and Ben, almost everyone was regarding him with obvious concern.
Though it was difficult for Steve to determine who, besides Peter, was genuinely sincere.
"Sorry, where were we?"
Ben smoothly continued the discussion: "Fortunately, your mission with Spider-Man was successful. All Hydra operatives in the base were captured, and most of their data and equipment were preserved. So Tony Stark and I can use these systems to reverse-track other Hydra bases."
"Incorrect!" Tony declared arrogantly, stroking his goatee. "I can accomplish this alone."
"Can't you two cooperate just a little?" Nick Fury said helplessly. "Your relationship could improve. Remember, he saved your life," he said, pointing at Ben, then indicating Tony, "and he provided significant assistance to your company."
"I don't care, as long as he stops acting so pretentious," Ben replied.
He and Tony had originally intended to maintain some visible tension in front of Nick Fury and Hydra observers. After all, if all the heroes appeared completely united, that was precisely what Hydra feared most.
But their performance might have been slightly excessive.
Tony added, "As long as he admits I'm more intelligent than him."
"You're only a genius by Earth standards," Ben taunted.
Seeing the two about to argue again, Steve quickly redirected the conversation.
"Excellent! It would be ideal if we could eliminate all Hydra bases using this method."
Despite his words, there was no joy in his expression.
Eliminate all Hydra bases? Ridiculous.
Wasn't the largest base located directly beneath his feet?
Steve's gaze shifted to Ben.
The person who had informed him about Operation Paperclip was Ben. He must understand that no matter how many installations they destroyed, they wouldn't be severing Hydra's true lifeline.
This approach was essentially meaningless.
What would it take to eliminate all of Hydra?
Steve felt confused and lost.
But he believed Ben possessed the answer.
Nick Fury hadn't noticed that all the plans, all the events thus far, had originated with Ben Parker.
But Steve's intuition told him that this young man was orchestrating everything.
It was only after Ben had Peter contact him about joining the Avengers that hidden Hydra operatives seemed to surface suddenly.
How convenient that the Hydra base began attacking SHIELD systems and was subsequently tracked down.
In Nick Fury's perspective, Hydra feared the Avengers' formation.
But in Captain America's assessment, this was probably Ben's doing.
Considering their previous conversation, it was obvious that Ben already possessed extensive Hydra intelligence.
The plan to assault the Hydra base must have been Ben's strategy.
Only Nick Fury still believed events were proceeding according to his control.
Soon, the brief Avengers meeting concluded.
Nick Fury assigned tasks: "Tony, continue upgrading the helicarrier. Prime, follow the intelligence leads and investigate other Hydra bases. Move quickly—I'm concerned that Hydra has already begun evacuating."
"Don't be impatient. If they're genuinely planning to evacuate, it will actually make them easier to locate. As they say, when you stir up trouble, there's always noise," Ben said with a smile.
"As long as you understand the situation."
Nick Fury stood, clearly in excellent spirits.
Some time ago, he'd traveled everywhere trying to form the Avengers but couldn't gain support anywhere. Now his fortune had turned, and a capable team had emerged.
His original concept had been absolutely correct.
When these talented individuals were assembled, they obviously unleashed even greater power.
The Hydra base that had remained hidden for years was destroyed the moment it was exposed! This was accomplished with only two Avengers deployed, and Captain America hadn't even wielded his hammer yet.
If all the Avengers were mobilized, he couldn't imagine what enemy they couldn't defeat.
"Meeting dismissed."
He clapped his hands and prepared to leave.
"Wait," Peter said, standing and scratching his head. "Prime and Iron Man both have assignments. What about us?"
"Everyone else is on standby and can operate freely."
"Kid, I know you want to contribute more, but don't worry—you performed excellently this time."
Peter was probably the most genuinely innocent person in this group.
Someone with a complicated, suspicious mind like Nick actually harbored little malice or wariness toward naive individuals like Peter.
"You can assist that iron man with aircraft modifications."
Ben stood, gathering the intelligence from Hydra's Polish base, and departed.
Steve watched his retreating figure, considered briefly, then stood and said, "I'll go observe as well."
Nick Fury didn't think much of this, assuming Captain America was eager to learn about the next target location.
Captain America caught up with Ben, who seemed unsurprised by his arrival.
"Are you anxious, Captain?"
Captain America glanced around cautiously.
"Don't worry, this area isn't monitored," Ben assured him.
"I want to know what it will take to completely destroy Hydra."
Hearing this, Ben set down his materials and turned to face him directly.
"It's simple, Captain."
"You just need to become Hydra."