Chapter 9: The Sokovia Accords

The content of the Sokovia Accords was actually quite simple and straightforward. On the surface, it was similar to what Peter had learned through television.

The accord stipulated that the Avengers would no longer be a personal organization, and all actions of its members would be supervised by a specialized LHG committee, and they could only take action when the committee deemed it necessary.

"This accord isn't bad, but, let me ask, if there's a situation where the committee wants me to go, but I don't want to, do I have the right to refuse?" Peter looked at Tony and asked.

Tony was taken aback for a moment, then shrugged, "Of course, no problem. The committee only has the right to supervise and prevent us from acting on our own, but they cannot order us to do what we don't want to do."

Peter nodded.

"I understand. I agree to this accord."

Signing this accord meant he would lose some things, such as having his information recorded in files, and even being monitored frequently.

But that didn't really matter.

Because ever since they knew his true identity, these things had already existed.

Even the mighty Thor, who wasn't even from Earth, had his records documented.

Compared to these, what Peter valued more was his autonomy.

This would allow him to act according to his own will when he felt some actions were inappropriate, rather than becoming a tool for others to exploit.

In fact, the Sokovia Accords was just a law specifically for individuals with superpowers.

Ordinary laws restricted ordinary people, and super laws restricted super individuals.

This was reasonable.

Peter also wanted to protect his Aunt May.

If all individuals with superpowers could sign the Sokovia Accords and not abuse their abilities, even using them to benefit others, then his Aunt May would not be harmed by such people.

Of course, he also knew that this was just a vision.

There would never be a shortage of ambitious opportunists in this world.

No matter what kind of world it was, no matter what era it was set against, it would always be the case.

And what Peter could do was to protect the people he cared about as much as possible.

Hearing Peter's affirmative answer, a smile appeared on Tony's face as well, "Good, kid, I didn't misjudge you."

"So, Tony, can you tell me about the help you need from me?" Peter asked.

Tony turned his phone over and put it away, turning serious, "I need you to help me bring in an old friend."

"Captain America?"

"Yes."

"When do we depart?"

"We, uh...you don't seem surprised at all?"

"Why should I be surprised?" Peter spread his hands.

"Kid, you're as smart as I was when I was younger," Tony looked around Peter's room, trying to analyze him through the gadgets and such in his room.

"Did the great Mr. Stark also have to scavenge from junk yards for equipment when he was little?" Peter ignored Tony's behavior. To think he could figure him out just from his room, wasn't he being a bit too naive?

"Well, believe it or not, I actually did!" Tony made an exaggerated gesture, ruffling his already short hair upwards. "When I was twelve, I wanted to make a particle beam weapon, the kind that fires lasers, and then BOOM!"

Peter could already imagine Tony with a blackened face, a smoking explosion on his head.

"Hahaha!"

After a few casual conversations, the distance between them quickly closed.

"Alright, let me tell you what happened," Tony organized his thoughts.

A guy, in order to further his sinister plot, deliberately caused an explosion at the Sokovia Accords signing ceremony in Vienna, using the world's 7 billion people to find the Winter Soldier.

Then, he managed to reactivate the Winter Soldier, turning him back into HYDRA's killing machine.

Captain America secretly helped his old friend escape to protect him.

Falcon also fled with them.

For their "defection," the council wanted to send in special forces to kill all three of them.

But Iron Man convinced the Secretary of State.

However, the Secretary only gave him 36 hours to bring back Captain America, the Winter Soldier, and Falcon.

As for the question of right and wrong, Iron Man hadn't considered it.

He made this decision solely from a friend's standpoint.

He didn't want Captain America to be killed by the special forces, and wanted to bring him in first, let him calm down, and then slowly persuade him.

So, he needed Peter's help.

After all, the opposition had greater numbers and strength.

"Alright, since you don't see any problem either, let's go!" Tony made the final decision.

Peter lightly jumped up, using his hand to push open a cover on the ceiling, from which a bundled set of clothes immediately fell down.

Yes, this was his battle suit.

A suit modified from old clothes and his former school performance costume.

Previously, Peter was quite satisfied with it. Although it was a bit ugly, it was his hard work!

However, after seeing the Shadow Spider-Man's suit, he suddenly felt that his own suit wasn't so great anymore.

The Shadow Spider-Man's suit was also made from old clothes.

But his old clothes were his late uncle's World War I pilot uniform, with decent performance and even some bulletproof properties.

Most importantly, it looked really cool.

With the addition of a stylish black cloak over the battle suit, it was the epitome of cool in the eyes of the young Peter!

Peter's momentary pause made Tony think he was hesitating.

He quickly offered a temptation, "Peter, about the September Foundation, I was actually serious."

"The September Foundation? What's that?" Peter asked, puzzled.

Tony explained, "Simply put, it's a support fund established specifically for individuals with superpowers like you. Using this fund, you can receive support in various areas such as technology and funding."

Then he pointed at Peter's baby onesie-style battle suit and said, "For example, this thing, I think we can upgrade it for you. You deserve better."

"There's something this good!" Peter was somewhat pleasantly surprised. "What are the conditions? The fund isn't free, right?"

Tony nodded, "To gain rights, you must also fulfill obligations. As payment, you need to join the Avengers and become a reserve Avenger to fight against evil."

"Why did you suddenly become so melodramatic?" Peter teased.

But Tony said, "Sorry, I'm a businessman, not good at using ideals to hold people hostage. Comparatively, I prefer to talk about benefits."

"If someone sacrifices their own personal interests for the sake of so-called ideals, I would just think they're a fool."

Tony shrugged and continued, "Actually, you don't need to think too much about it. Captain America, Natasha, Banner... they all have a livelihood."

Peter nodded and readily accepted it.

(End of chapter)