In the medical recovery room, looking at Bucky who had awakened but remained unresponsive, Steve's heart felt like it was shattering.
He had already attempted to communicate with Bucky, but at this moment his oldest friend was like a deactivated machine. Without receiving specific instructions, he naturally wouldn't respond to anything.
Steve sat beside Bucky's hospital bed and spoke continuously about their shared past—how when he wasn't yet Captain America, Bucky had protected him and helped teach lessons to those who bullied the scrawny kid from Brooklyn.
Even though Steve had always protested that he could handle things himself, he knew that without Bucky's protection, he would have died long ago with his frail body and numerous health problems.
He also reminisced about how when his parents had passed away, it was Bucky who had stayed by his side, comforted him, and helped him work through the devastating grief.
"You promised you'd always be by my side..." Steve whispered.
Bucky stared at the white ceiling above his head, as unresponsive as a broken doll.
Steve continued, describing how he'd rescued Bucky from Hydra captivity, and how they'd worked together as partners. In their final mission, Bucky had fallen from that train, while Steve and the aircraft had been buried beneath the Arctic ice...
Then both of them fell into prolonged silence.
After what felt like an eternity, Bucky suddenly turned his head and looked directly at Steve.
"I don't know you," he said flatly.
Hearing this, Steve was simultaneously stunned, heartbroken, and strangely relieved.
"It's okay. I'll remember for both of us."
It didn't matter that Bucky had lost his memories. What Steve feared most was that his friend could no longer be reached and had become nothing more than a weapon.
"Captain, we need to move," came a voice accompanied by knocking on the room door.
Peter emerged, wearing his classic red and blue uniform, his eyes behind the mask filled with obvious concern.
"Hydra is searching for us everywhere now. They've infiltrated Stark Industries and planted operatives within Osborn Industries. If they can't locate us, I'm worried they'll resort to desperate measures."
Hearing this update, Steve stood with renewed determination etched across his features.
Hydra was the enemy. Only by destroying Hydra completely could Bucky return to normal.
For both personal and professional reasons, this wasn't the time for him to remain here wallowing in grief.
He glanced back at Bucky one final time, then turned resolutely and walked toward Peter.
"Let's go!"
At Osborn Industries headquarters, Pierce arrived with a substantial force of agents to surround the building.
Outside the corporate tower, the impressive armed presence attracted considerable attention from passersby.
At the top of the building in Norman's executive office, Pierce stood with his hands casually in his pockets, glaring at Osborn while several agents positioned themselves around Norman.
Norman remained seated in his executive chair, legs crossed, maintaining perfect composure and dignity.
"Norman Osborn, surrender Nick Fury and my operative to me immediately."
"Mr. Pierce, I genuinely don't understand what you're referring to," Norman replied, clasping his hands and resting them beneath his chin.
"Your son publicly rescued Nick Fury, a fugitive wanted by SHIELD, and you claim to know nothing about it?"
Pierce was so frustrated he nearly laughed at the absurdity.
He produced a video recording showing Harry piloting his Green Goblin glider while carrying both Nick Fury and the Winter Soldier.
Norman spread his hands with apparent innocence.
"I know nothing about this incident. Harry didn't bring Nick Fury here."
"Furthermore, I don't see anything wrong with my son, as a superhero, rescuing the director of SHIELD from a group of terrorists carrying heavy weapons and committing crimes in public."
Hearing this response, Pierce sneered dismissively. "In case you weren't informed, Nick Fury is no longer SHIELD's director. He's been exposed as a Hydra agent who has been selling our intelligence to foreign governments for years."
What he stated was technically accurate according to official records.
"Not only him, but the entire group of so-called superheroes he assembled have betrayed this country. The Security Council has issued orders for a comprehensive manhunt, both domestically and internationally. Once located, they are to be eliminated immediately!"
"You're an intelligent man, Norman," Pierce said, approaching Norman and speaking with the tone of an old colleague.
"Your son Harry Osborn is wealthy and capable of acting as a superhero, which is admirable, truly admirable. But he's chosen the wrong side. I believe Nick Fury has confused him, but that's manageable—we won't take action against a misguided young man."
"Instead, we could make him the new Iron Man."
This represented both encouragement and a veiled threat.
What Pierce implied was that he could either elevate Harry to Iron Man's status or make him as wanted as Stark.
"I apologize, but I genuinely don't understand what you're discussing," Norman replied, unmoved by the pressure.
"You claim Harry took Nick Fury away, but I haven't seen him." He shrugged casually. "Every area of Osborn Industries is open for your search, but as you can observe, there's nothing here."
At this point, Pierce understood Norman's position completely.
He regarded Norman coldly, picked up a small decorative object from the desk and began examining it while speaking.
"Osborn Industries has always been a cornerstone of this nation's economy, and you've been an exemplary entrepreneur. Don't make foolish decisions. Why involve yourself with these criminals?"
"Recognize the reality of your situation, Norman."
He looked directly into Norman's eyes.
"You're an intelligent person—what can Nick Fury possibly offer you? You've barely had any previous contact, but I'm different."
"Tony Stark is also involved in this conspiracy. As soon as I apprehend him, Stark Industries will cease to exist entirely. Osborn could replace Stark completely. Simply surrender Nick Fury and announce publicly that you support our cause, and anything becomes possible."
After delivering this ultimatum, Pierce set down the ornament and walked toward the door. Then he stopped and turned back:
"I'm giving you exactly one day to consider this offer. Tomorrow I expect to meet with Nick Fury, and I want to see you announce to the media that you want the Green Goblin to join our organization. Otherwise..."
Pierce departed without completing his threat.
Several agents followed him out.
However, Norman understood perfectly that numerous operatives were undoubtedly monitoring his every movement covertly.
He wasn't concerned.
Because everything was proceeding exactly according to plan.
J. Jonah Jameson, who had just emerged from an expensive private medical suite, encountered what he considered a golden opportunity.
He bit his cigar excitedly, wearing his work clothes with hands on his hips, shouting: "Move faster!"
"Spider-Man! I finally found something that could destroy you completely!"
He laughed triumphantly.
The wanted notice issued by SHIELD clearly listed two Spider-Men among the fugitives, which made Jameson as jubilant as if it were Christmas morning.
He demanded overtime from everyone and ordered the company to print newspapers immediately. Robbie entered reluctantly:
"Boss, there's something seriously wrong with these wanted posters. How could Spider-Man possibly be a criminal? Not to mention the wanted list includes Tony Stark, and..."
As an experienced journalist, Robbie obviously detected the conspiracy.
He turned the wanted poster to the page featuring Steve Rogers.
Probably no one would have anticipated that Captain America Steve Rogers from seventy years ago was still alive. What was even more shocking was that he allegedly worked for Hydra.
Who could believe such an accusation?
Captain America represented a universal icon in the hearts of all Americans.
For nearly a century, the United States had promoted him continuously, day and night, building memorials and publicizing his heroic deeds so that every American child could take him as an example of dedication and service!
But now they were claiming that everything from the past was merely false propaganda, and that Steve Rogers was actually affiliated with Hydra.
Wasn't this absolutely ridiculous?
"What do you know?" Jameson bit his cigar, glared at Robbie with obvious displeasure, and declared:
"This is an official government document. Do you think they're fabricating evidence?"
"I've said it repeatedly—Spider-Man is not a hero at all. If he was genuinely doing good deeds, why doesn't he remove his mask and let everyone know his identity?"
"It's because he can't reveal his true face beneath that mask, so he has to conceal his identity. As for that soldier, hmph—do you think all American soldiers are automatically good people?"
"Go print the newspapers immediately!"
"The headline will be 'Spider-Man: New York's Public Menace! Captain America: Attention-Seeking Costumed Fraud!'"
He physically kicked Robbie out of his office, then seemed to remember something and pounded his desk.
"Where's Parker? I need fresh photographs of Spider-Man!"
"Boss," Betty knocked on the door and entered cautiously. She glanced at Jameson and whispered, "Someone is asking about Spider-Man's photographer..."
She looked nervously toward the office exterior, and through the window, Jameson observed a group of individuals in business suits who clearly weren't people to antagonize.
He considered for a moment, spat out his cigar, and said: "What Spider-Man photographer? Didn't I tell you that guy always mails his photos anonymously?"
Ben Sr. and May had rarely dedicated an entire day to community service activities.
During this period, they'd devoted themselves to charitable work and found their lives fulfilling but also somewhat exhausting, so they'd decided to rest together for a few days.
"It's genuinely quiet now that the boys aren't home," Ben Sr. commented, settling onto their worn sofa and activating the television.
On every channel, virtually all regular programming had been interrupted by wanted notices for Prime and the others.
The only fortunate development was that Ben had deleted all information about Spider-Man from SHIELD systems, so Pierce still didn't know Spider-Man's true identity.
Otherwise, Ben Sr. and May would probably be sick with worry by now.
Despite this protection, after viewing the news reports, both husband and wife frowned simultaneously.
"Hydra spies—oh my God!" Aunt May covered her face in shock. "I can't believe Peter is friends with such dangerous people!"
"Don't jump to conclusions, May," Ben Sr. shook his head thoughtfully. "Something's wrong with this entire situation. Have you forgotten that Spider-Man has rescued Peter and Ben multiple times? Although he's not well-regarded by society generally, everyone he's helped knows he's not a villain."
Mainstream media had always treated Spider-Man negatively, and this wasn't solely due to Jameson but also because of the New York Police Department's influence.
But Spider-Man had always been active on New York's streets, helping countless people. Regardless of media coverage, everyone possessed their own moral compass.
Compared to Spider-Man, Ben Sr. was more shocked that Captain America Steve Rogers was still alive and had allegedly betrayed the United States.
"This is complete nonsense!" When he saw this particular news report, he stood up immediately.
He almost wanted to march to the television station and confront those broadcasting such lies!
For elderly men like him, Captain America's legacy was like a brand burned into their fundamental beliefs! In the era they'd lived through, legends hadn't departed the world too long ago.
Moreover, everyone had lived during this country's most glorious period, and their faith in Captain America was stronger than anyone else's.
Countless people had chosen to serve their country specifically because of Captain America's influence.
Now they were claiming Captain America had betrayed America. How could anyone accept this?
Although it represented an official wanted warrant, anyone who saw it would inevitably harbor serious doubts.
Knock, knock, knock!
At that moment, someone knocked on their door.
May opened it to find Mary Jane standing outside.
"Hello, May. I wanted to ask—are Ben and Peter home?"
Hearing this, Aunt May was momentarily surprised.
Normally when Mary Jane visited, she would only ask about Ben, but today she'd mentioned Peter as well, which seemed unusual.
But she didn't overthink it and immediately answered, "They're not here. Ben's at the company. Peter seems to be working on some experiment."
"Then I'll go find them at Primus," Mary Jane nodded.
After closing the door, Mary Jane's expression transformed into obvious worry.
Minutes earlier, she'd seen the news on her phone that Spider-Man and Prime were wanted fugitives, which had shocked and concerned her.
Because she knew Peter was Spider-Man.
She'd discovered this secret during the period when Ben had been away from Earth.
At that time, she'd watched from her window daily, wondering when Ben would return home. Then one night, she'd observed Peter in his spider suit climbing into his own bedroom.
Peter is Spider-Man.
Originally, she'd planned to share this secret with Ben, but on his first day back on Earth, Ben had appeared as the second Spider-Man.
At the time, Mary Jane had speculated that Ben might be the second Spider-Man.
But that night, she hadn't questioned Ben and had kept the secret to herself.
Now both Spider-Man and Prime were wanted fugitives, and she couldn't help worrying about Ben's safety.
Mary Jane rushed to Primus as quickly as possible, but when she arrived, the Primus building had been completely cordoned off.
After leaving Norman Osborn, Pierce had immediately proceeded to Primus Tower.
Since Harry wasn't at Osborn Industries, perhaps the young man was staying at Primus instead.