Chapter 146: Captain America in Crisis, Clark vs Tony!

Clark guessed that Captain America had likely gone to Tony's villa. Was he right? Absolutely! Captain America was indeed in Tony's villa, engaging in a heart-to-heart with Tony, narrating Bucky's ordeals over the years, appealing to Tony's emotions and logic.

If not for Captain America's bruised and swollen face, almost unable to open his eyes, and Tony's look of disdain and impatience, one might actually believe they had reconciled.

Indeed, Captain America showed remarkable resilience. He had shouted outside Tony's door for half an hour to get Tony to come out, only to be met with a beating when he tried to explain his side.

This incident highlighted Captain America's tenacity.

No matter how Tony hit, insulted, kicked, belittled, trampled, or tormented him... Captain America always managed to stand up again and restart his explanation, only to be interrupted by Tony's fists once more.

After beating Captain America for half an hour, Tony felt it was pointless.

Compared to Clark, who could easily dominate him, facing someone like Captain America who wouldn't fight back or retort was frustrating for Tony.

Another punch from Tony: "I want to see how long you can keep this up."

Captain America, once again picking himself up, said with a swollen head, "I can keep this up all day, and continue tomorrow."

Tony was speechless.

"Speak."

Tony's rage had dissipated, and his anger was nearly spent.

At this juncture, if Clark had been in the situation, his persuasion might have been effective, possibly achieving the intended result.

Unfortunately, Captain America and Tony had barely any relationship, and if not for Captain America's status, Tony would have likely dealt with him harshly. Tony's willingness to listen was merely to hasten his departure.

Given the chance to speak, Captain America took the opportunity to explain in detail, starting with a narrative of Bucky's life, then evaluating his deeds, and finally discussing the intricate relationships between him, Bucky, and Howard Stark.

Using his eloquent speech, Captain America talked for hours, though Tony hardly absorbed a word.

"The truth of the matter is just as I've explained," said Captain America, managing a strained smile, "Do you understand what I'm trying to say now?"

Tony, appearing to have just woken up, asked, "Are you done?"

Captain America's smile froze: "Yes, I'm done."

"Goodbye, then."

Stunned, Captain America stood up: "You still don't understand!"

At this point, Tony's patience ran out. "I was willing to listen because I was frustrated, but your endless talking is unbearable. Are you a four-attacks-in-one babble master?"

Stepping forward, Tony aimed his repulsor at Captain America: "Leave now, or I'll be less polite!"

Captain America, standing his ground, grabbed Tony's mechanical arm, directing the repulsor at his own forehead: "If this resolves your hatred, go ahead!"

Captain America's actions seemed desperate, but he felt he had no choice. Both Howard and Bucky were his friends, and he was deeply troubled by their situation. However, he knew Bucky wasn't the murderer, merely a tool used by others. He couldn't let Tony kill Bucky without intervening.

As Bucky's only friend, Captain America felt compelled to protect him, just as Bucky had protected him in the past.

While Tony had every right to seek vengeance for his father, Captain America couldn't consider his actions evil.

His only solution to resolve the crisis was self-sacrifice, a noble idea fitting of Captain America's character. However, without the right circumstances, his plan was doomed to fail.

Frustrated, Tony kicked Captain America away: "Your life cannot heal my heart's wounds!"

"If you want to protect that murderer, prepare for battle. And that shield, made by my father, you have no right to use it!"

Realizing his persuasion was futile, Captain America silently picked himself up and left Tony's villa, walking away like a soulless shell.

He had hoped for a peaceful resolution but faced inevitable failure.

What else could he do? Resort to violence as Clark suggested?

Captain America disagreed with using violence to solve problems, fearing it would only breed more hatred.

Now, caught in an inescapable loop, Captain America's once unshakeable confidence began to waver.

Suddenly, he sensed an imminent threat. Years of combat experience kicked in, and he braced himself, facing the direction of the danger.

He saw a burly man, arms crossed, confidently stating, "You can't leave, Captain. But before we proceed, I must clarify."

"This is not personal."

Meanwhile, Clark was speeding through the sky towards Tony's villa. Despite their residences being in the outskirts of Los Angeles, the distance wasn't short, covering almost half of Los Angeles.

As he flew, Clark wondered if bringing these two together had inadvertently triggered one of Marvel's unwritten laws: the "Steve-Bucky tragedy," where their movie endings are doomed to be tragic, and they are destined to part ways.

Lost in thought, Clark used magic to accelerate, breaking the sound barrier. Arriving outside Tony's villa, he hesitated before floating mid-air and calling out, "Tony Stark!"

His voice, infused with power, enveloped the villa, causing the windows to tremble slightly. If not for the bulletproof glass, his shout alone might have necessitated a complete window replacement.

This urgency showed Clark's concern for his friend, Captain America.

Hearing Clark's call, Tony, in an advanced suit of armor, emerged from the villa. This new armor seemed even more advanced than the one he wore in their previous battle.

Could Tony have upgraded his armor in just a day? Clark thought, but his focus was elsewhere, especially on the blood-stained shield in Tony's right hand – Captain America's shield.

"Did Steve come to you?" Clark asked gravely.

"He came here to die," Tony scoffed, shaking the shield slightly, "This shield was made by my father. As an accomplice to his murderer, Captain America has no right to it. So, I've taken it back."

Nodding, Clark pressed, "Can you hand him over to me now?"

"Impossible!" Tony's response was cold, "I've already said, I owe you nothing. From now on, we are enemies. You have no right to demand anything from me."

"The choice before you is simple."

As Tony's words grew harsher, the night sky lit up with the emergence of ten distinct Iron Man armors, forming a semicircle around Clark.

Tony, at the center, tossed the shield back towards the villa, then with a menacing tone, declared:

"Leave, or die!"

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