Chapter Ninety-Eight: The Greater Plan Lies With Me...!

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For certain reasons, just as planned, Rogers captured Bucky and learned the short awakening spell to bring him back to consciousness. After a period of training—or rather, after some friendly interactions—Bucky regained his senses just as Rogers had hoped. Although Bucky remained cold and indifferent throughout their time together, he still revealed his identity, which brought Rogers both joy and sorrow. Joy that his comrade had come to his senses, sorrow that Bucky had forgotten their cherished memories. Nonetheless, Bucky’s return to clarity was good news for everyone.

Nick Fury found their friendship baffling but fascinating. What memories were there? They were just friends, after all. “I have friends too, a big shot actually, though I have no idea where they are now…” Fury pondered, touching the signal transmitter hidden on his person, thinking of Captain Marvel and wondering which corner of the universe she might be in. Just then, Rogers pushed open the door and entered.

“I thought you’d be lost in the warmth of friendship and wouldn’t come find me. I’m surprised you still remember our plan,” Fury said.

“We caught up and clarified some important matters, then devised a new plan,” Rogers replied.

“I’m curious, go ahead,” Fury said, recently having recruited several street heroes, some elite, and feeling quite confident.

Ignoring Fury’s look that said, “This is my last cup of coffee,” Rogers picked up the coffee and drank it all in one go. The bitterness sharpened his senses.

“I think we’ve found a way to deal with Hydra.”

“Go on, I’m listening.”

Rogers beckoned Bucky over. Bucky entered, sat down, and stared coldly at Fury. His expression made Fury feel as if Bucky was about to punch him with his metal arm at any moment.

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“What’s wrong with him?” Fury asked, puzzled why Rogers had brought Bucky in.

“Though he’s awake, there are still some side effects. But I’ve gathered some intelligence. I know Bucky’s character—he wouldn’t lie to me,” Rogers explained.

“We could already see signs from what happened on the mother ship. Hydra spent so many people to seize the ship. By targeting Barton’s actions, we fully exposed Hydra—and even brought the shadowy Hill to light. The most important thing is, Hill escaped, which means they may accelerate their plan,” Rogers said.

“That explains why Hydra was so eager to have Bucky deal with us. Hill probably couldn’t wait anymore, or the pressure made it impossible for her to remain undercover. They’ll rush their operation. This is an enormous conspiracy.”

“Think about it, Fury: Washington has Congress and many important institutions. If Hydra colludes with the military, and with Secretary of State Ross involved, what if the space carrier crashes directly onto Congress or the White House? What a devastating blow that would be…”

Rogers grew more convinced of this possibility. Otherwise, why would Hydra seize the carrier? It couldn’t be just for sport.

“So, what’s your plan, Rogers? I trust you’ll give me a satisfactory answer,” Fury said, resting his chin on his hands, the tactical gleam in his eye. He too considered this possibility real. Hydra might truly be capable of such things.

“Using Bucky, I want to carry out a decapitation strike within Hydra. As for coordinating the external environment and other aspects, that’s where you come in; you’re better at that,” Rogers said.

“Bucky is now on our side, and with the elite recruits we’ve gathered recently, I think it’s enough.”

Moon Knight, Spider-Woman, Blade, Falcon, along with Bucky and Rogers himself—this made a versatile assault team.

Thanks to his vast intelligence network, Fury promised these heroes both material and spiritual rewards—this was Fury’s new Avengers squad.

“We can’t eliminate all Hydra operatives, but we can take out their leadership,” Rogers said, sharing his plan with Fury.

Through telepathic links, Hill and Roald were listening to Rogers and Fury’s discussion.

One had to admit, the clever minds could connect the dots.

“As expected of my master. I suspect the moment you approached General Ross, you had this planned,” Hill, now transformed into the Death Wraith, admired sincerely.

Roald, utterly baffled, had never considered such a complex scenario. Rogers was just speculating wildly, but that didn’t stop him from going along with it.

“No, Hill, it’s all destiny’s choice, and I’m merely walking alongside fate,” Rogers replied.

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“Of course, it’s destiny’s choice—just as I became the Death Wraith,” Hill said.

As they talked and listened to Rogers’ plan, Fury’s voice came from the other side.

Bucky once again confirmed the identities of Hydra’s members, extinguishing the last flicker of hope in Fury’s heart.

“Those damn Hydra agents have infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. so deeply—even Pierce is one of them!”

Fury heard the news he least wanted.

“Alexander Pierce is Hydra too, and a leader at that.”

At last, he understood why his plans always failed—because Hydra was everywhere around him.

His expression darkened further.

Fortunately, his racial traits made it hard to distinguish subtle changes in his complexion.

“Yes, Director, this is the pivotal part of my plan. We can’t take down all Hydra agents at once, but if we control Alexander Pierce, we can use him to help root out Hydra and ease this crisis.”

“I agree,” Fury nodded.

Catching every Hydra agent was utterly unrealistic—they lurked in every profession, perhaps even the old doorman. Capturing all would require systemic sacrifice.

Or rather, if all Hydra operatives were eliminated, how many true S.H.I.E.L.D. agents would remain?

Fury dared not imagine.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. framework must not be disturbed; large-scale upheaval would collapse the agency. Most importantly, this was an intelligence organization under the Security Council; others could not intervene.

So, dealing directly with Pierce and using him to control Hydra may not be ideal, but it is the best option for now.

“Yes, Director. Hydra’s long concealment shows their communication is very secretive, likely a single-line transmission. Controlling Pierce is like controlling Hydra from the top. I think you understand what I mean.”

“Yes, I do. But what’s the detailed plan?”

Although single-line communication is secret, it also has drawbacks. Fury quickly thought of a solution.

“I think we need a hero who can control minds. Do you have any recommendations?”

Looking at his new Avengers team, Fury asked.