140

Chapter 140: Crazy Idea

After Underwood finished speaking, the room fell silent.

Everyone, including Steve, was frozen. Some councilors began to whisper, occasionally glancing at the Captain. Some looked troubled, while others nodded in agreement.

Steve's expression was serious. "Sir, do you know what you're suggesting?"

Underwood seemed resolute, without any hesitation. "I do. I hope you, Captain, as a candidate for the third party, will participate in the presidential election in half a month!"

"Sorry, you must be mistaken. I'm a fighter, not a politician!"

Steve flatly refused the idea, dismissing it as an absurd whim.

"Washington was also a fighter!" Underwood exclaimed. "I know the idea sounds crazy, but I believe it's the right choice! Look at the United States today—divided and fractured.

Seventy years ago, when we nearly lost our resolve in the face of evil, Captain, you risked everything to answer the call.

Today, we face even greater crises, and we need you again!"

Steve shook his head. "The role of the president requires constant compromise with harsh realities. While reality may be grim, it is dreams and hopes that make life worth living. I am someone who prefers to drown in ideals."

Underwood smiled. "There are many people here, all gathered together for ideals!"

"This country is at its most dangerous moment, like a giant with feet mired in deep mud, poised to fall at any time. The Wakanda invasion is merely a spark. Compared to the past, we are missing a spirit we once had. And you, Captain, represent that spirit!"

In debates, Steve was not particularly skilled, and this was not his strength.

Such a significant matter couldn't be decided on the spot. He told Underwood he needed time to think and then left.

"Underwood, are you serious? Is the Captain really up to the challenge? After all, he's been out of the spotlight for seventy years and lacks a political foundation…"

Everyone gathered around Underwood, seeking his explanation.

Underwood smiled. "No one starts off fully prepared. Moreover, what we need is not just a politician. This is an era that needs heroes. The Captain is the greatest one!"

"However, he hasn't agreed yet."

"I believe… he will."

In a hidden room of the hotel, Thor and Jean Grey sat across from each other.

"This is real mind manipulation! Even more impressive than the Professor's abilities!"

"Is your goal to have someone who can truly direct the country?"

Jean pondered.

She couldn't help but think about the situation of mutants in her own world.

When mutants faced exclusion and hostility in various forms, some must have had their eyes set on the presidency.

But in the end, nothing was done.

The Professor's personality made such methods unacceptable. And Magneto, given the choice, would likely seek a puppet, which was also unacceptable.

The situation in the United States was different. Whether or not the Captain agrees, he is at least a figure who is accepted by both the Avengers and ordinary people. It's a situation that both sides can tolerate.

To change the situation for mutants, policy inclination is unnecessary—fairness and justice are what matter!

Having realized this, Jean looked at Thor with a complex expression. "It's a shame we don't have a schemer like you in my world. Otherwise, the situation for mutants wouldn't be so dire."

"No," Thor shook his head with a smile. "It's not that you can't think of it. It's just that being in the midst of the game can make one biased. But from another perspective, even if the entire Earth were my enemy, it wouldn't matter."

Steve returned to his temporary residence in silence.

He wasn't someone who craved power. However, Underwood's words had touched him deeply, causing him to struggle with his thoughts.

"We need you. This country needs you to be its beacon of freedom and democracy."

But could he truly bear all of this?

Steve spent the entire night unable to sleep, consumed by these thoughts.

The next morning, the phone rang.

"Jingle bell, jingle bell…"

At six o'clock, Steve, who had not slept all night, picked up the phone. It was Stark calling. He pressed the answer button.

"Hey, Steve, you need to explain what's going on. Is this what they're saying?"

Stark fired off a series of questions, leaving Steve stunned.

"What happened? What did you say?"

"Check the news yourself."

Confused, Steve turned on the TV.

His eyes widened in shock.