184

Chapter 184: Riot

Public opinion is notoriously easy to manipulate. Just as the Council tries to morally coerce the public into condemning the Avengers, Thor is leveraging public outrage to undermine the Council.

At this critical moment, news of the California tsunami emerged.

This time, not just New York, but the entire United States was in turmoil.

Some authoritative experts questioned, "I never imagined that the disaster depicted in 'The Doomsday Collapse' would become a reality! There has never been a tsunami of such magnitude in California's history; not even a Category 5 hurricane could match such power."

"The nuclear bomb launched by the Council previously failed and fell off the west coast. The tsunami occurred less than an hour later. Are these events connected? Did the shockwave from the nuclear bomb cause this disaster?"

Led by New York's mayor, Wilson Fisk, critics issued 327 speeches denouncing Washington and the Council.

In front of numerous reporters, Kingpin displayed a look of faux sympathy, lamenting, "Our country is no longer the beacon of freedom and democracy! Now it's a stage for corrupt politicians. Yesterday it was New York, today it's San Diego. These shameless politicians are dragging our country to hell!"

In truth, the nuclear bomb's yield was not significant enough to cause such a catastrophic disaster. However, no matter what the Council explained, no one believed them.

The latent power that Kingpin had built up over the years came into play. Many officials under his influence spoke out in a coordinated manner, and soon the entire United States was engulfed in protests and riots.

Angry citizens vandalized countless public facilities and statues of presidents. Many buildings were set on fire, and the flames raged throughout the night. The White House was surrounded by barbed wire, and the president even had to seek refuge in the basement several times...

"What a beautiful landscape!" Thor remarked casually.

"I already regret letting Skye get involved with you," Peggy said, her frustration evident.

She had never anticipated that things would escalate so dramatically, turning New York into a scene reminiscent of Syria...

Skye, like a child who had made a mistake, hid behind Thor and stuck out her tongue.

Peggy Carter's anger level increased significantly.

Seeing her furious expression, Thor couldn't help but laugh and said, "You're not even American. Why are you so worked up? Did you not see that the Fury didn't even come to see me?"

"It's impossible to cause such severe chaos with mere provocation alone. The root cause is the Council's disregard for and humiliation of the people.

Do you know why Nick Fury hasn't approached me yet? Because he also disapproves of these politicians' decisions. They need to be made aware of the consequences of their actions."

Peggy Carter, despite her intelligence, was more driven by emotion.

"If you do something wrong, you should face consequences. Chaos is only temporary. The world needs stability, but it also needs justice."

Thor suddenly smiled and said, "Look, yesterday I was labeled a tyrant, and today I'm being hailed as a savior! It seems that in the public's eyes, the Avengers are far more trusted than the Council!"

The domestic turmoil was escalating, and neither side of the civil war was yet fully aware of the extent of the situation.

After being reprimanded in the sea prison, Stark finally discovered Steve's location.

He rushed over immediately, without even catching up on domestic news.

In a military base in Siberia, the pair living a secluded life were surprised by an unexpected visitor.

"Hey, don't shoot. I didn't come here to fight!"

"I didn't inform Ross about your visit, and I don't plan to. Otherwise, I'd be arrested."

These comments only served as a reminder of his non-compliance with the law, and in a sense, they were a tacit acknowledgment that Steve was right.

Steve put away his shield and extended his hand: "Nice to meet you, Stark."

"Likewise."

Bucky lowered his gun.

The three entered the base where the Winter Soldier was being trained.

They didn't notice a shadow lurking behind them.

T'Challa, who had learned the truth from Banner, also arrived in search of Zemo.

To their surprise, the other Winter Soldiers who were supposed to be under Zemo's control were dead in their containment pods.

An indifferent voice emerged: "Did you really think I needed these soldiers? No, their sole purpose was to draw you in."

From behind a blast door, Zemo's figure slowly became visible.

Steve stepped forward and asked, "You orchestrated the Vienna attack to lure us here?"

Stark, who knew Zemo's identity, also inquired, "You're from Sokovia. Was this your aim?"

He was puzzled. If Zemo's goal was revenge, why eliminate the Winter Soldiers here?

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