Politics Turns Your Heart Black / Iron Man's "Beloved Son"

Kevin stroked his chin thoughtfully; he couldn't recall New York City ever being so peaceful and welcoming.

Tony couldn't help but give a thumbs up, expressing his deep admiration for his old friend's keen sense of smell.

"Recently, a bill to reform the police system is about to be introduced, the main content of which is to relax the recruitment standards for ethnic minorities and mutants."

Kevin narrowed his eyes slightly, hitting the nail on the head.

"The key is recruiting mutants, isn't it? Times have changed; we need more extraordinary individuals to join us."

"However, given the previous friction, humans still harbor a certain degree of wariness towards mutants."

"So, I guess the reason why Magneto is so law-abiding is to win over minorities, gain public sympathy, and portray mutants as Black people, or LGBT groups, which should not be discriminated against in formal settings."

Tony opened the profile of the mutant bystander, his words laced with mockery.

"Actually, this guy didn't die unjustly. The day before he was killed, he robbed a convenience store."

"But who cares about the truth? Mutants today are just like Black people, reduced to a group that is oppressed and treated unjustly."

"Therefore, they are qualified to put forward their own rights advocates, to enter Congress and police agencies, to protect the interests of the group."

Chapter 823, Section 861: Those who play politics are all black-hearted.

"So, I don't think anyone would reject the recent police reform bill, right?"

"Otherwise, a political correctness warning?"

Kevin looked down at the harmonious scene of police and civilians "mingling together," shook his head slightly, and then became somewhat curious.

"Who's behind this, orchestrating things for the mutant community? Magneto is shrewd, but not in politics, and Professor X is even less suited for such cunning..."

Tony coughed lightly, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"Okay, to be honest, 70% of the funding for this protest came from the Avengers' clandestine channels, and it was authorized and approved by President Benford."

"If the era of the old humans should be replaced by more perfect genes, then for the sake of this world's future, let's join them and face it head-on..."

"Hopefully, we can achieve this integration without shedding too much blood..."

"Yes, those two sentences are President Benford's original words."

Adam Benford, the unfortunate president who nearly died in a biohazard attack ten years ago, but Kevin has crossed paths with and cooperated with him and has a good impression of him.

At least, he was an enlightened president, and it now appears that his political influence has broken the unspoken rule that US presidents cannot serve two consecutive terms.

However, this is for the best. Having a teammate who is self-aware and doesn't hold you back is better than having a self-righteous, all-knowing "know-it-all".

"I guess Lao Wan's radical approach is just a target he's using to create buzz and attract attention."

"Even if those gentlemen in the White House are willing to compromise a little for political correctness under the overwhelming public opinion, they would never let Old Man in, would they?"

"Is he paving the way for Professor X to enter politics? These two old partners, one openly and one covertly, supporting each other—they really work together seamlessly."

Tony nodded slightly and continued to reveal some inside information to Kevin.

"In fact, the financial support for the Avengers can be considered a political investment."

"The integration of mutants into human society has significantly reduced crime rates in recent years."

"Moreover, as long as these New Humans are placed in the military and police departments, their combat effectiveness will inevitably see a phased increase."

"As you said, we don't have much time to waste."

"It's better for the two leaders of the mutants to achieve their goals through political means than to suffer more bloodshed and sacrifice."

Kevin agreed, although he didn't particularly like the mutants' tendency to bully each other.

But with the addition of this new force, he will have at least a few cards to play should a foreign enemy invade.

"However, all of this change is thanks to your help, my friend."

Tony showed Kevin a hint of respect, waved, and gestured for his old friend to follow.

As Tony followed Iron Man into the Avengers' training hall, Iron Man, who had one of the highest authority, clapped his hands and opened two isolation walls.

Among them, a young man with a mustache and shoulder-length curly hair was running through the space with lightning speed, his figure impossible for a normal person to catch.

On the other side, a beautiful young woman with long brown hair, a mature yet youthful demeanor, and deep eyes, wearing a red deep-V coat, had red light shimmering at her fingertips, causing the surrounding space to slightly distort.

"Let me introduce the newest members of the second generation of the Avengers..."

Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch...

"They are Magneto's son and daughter. After their mother was found, she remarried Erik and, after obtaining a U. S. green card, has consistently supported her husband's political career..."

After giving a brief introduction, Tony leaned close to Kevin's ear and whispered his explanation.

Indeed, mutants are still human. If they could walk openly under the sun, who would want to live like a rat in some remote corner?

Currently, the seemingly perfect family life has been worn down by the comforts of stable living and the allure of capitalism, which has eroded the stubborn spirit of rebellion.

Furthermore, the fact that her children, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, chose to join the Avengers may serve as a bridge for cooperation between the two sides.

It's good to be involved in politics; it's always better than messing with your own people...

Kevin felt relieved to see that the issue of mutants in the United States had been largely resolved through liberal and democratic policies.

Guided by Tony, the brother and sister finished their training and, upon learning that Kevin was the one who had brought their family together in harmony, their eyes were filled with gratitude.

Scarlet Witch struck up a conversation with one of the founders of the Avengers, introducing her training results and current life trajectory.

Quicksilver then familiarly handed Kevin a bottle of energy drink and inquired about some inside information regarding the other major organizations.

"Oh, right, Mr. Tony, I was so focused on talking to you that I almost forgot about today's court verdict."

As the four chatted and laughed, their initial awkwardness gradually dissipated. Quicksilver glanced at the clock on the wall, slapped his forehead, and immediately rummaged through the sofa for a remote control, turning on the Illusionary Screen.

In the solemn courtroom, several elderly judges sat down, while a few familiar faces from the Avengers below held their breath, anxiously awaiting the answer.

On the defendant's stand, the Winter Soldier, who voluntarily appeared in court wearing shackles and handcuffs, had disheveled hair and a messy beard, but his demeanor was more composed. He seemed unfazed by everything before him, as if he didn't care at all whether he would be released today.

"Soldier, I said this ten years ago: back then, you had no choice and no responsibility."

"So, regardless of whether you've lived up to the name of a hero, you shouldn't spend the rest of your life in prison..."

"However, since you hope to alleviate your inner torment while serving your sentence in prison, we respect the decision of a person with a conscience..."

"Now that your sentence is over, remove the shackles from your body, and more importantly, let go of your guilt and bravely step out."

This was a ceremonial internal sentencing. The judge, wearing reading glasses, glanced at the verdict but did not read it aloud. Instead, he stepped down from the stage, took the key from the guard, and unlocked Winter Soldier's Bucky handcuffs.

"In fact, I know very well that it wasn't me, but these crimes were indeed committed through my hands, and that's an inescapable fact."

"I may not be held accountable for my actions, but I must pay the price for my conscience..."

"Thank you for giving me a chance to repent. To be honest, the food in New York prisons is pretty good; I even gained weight there..."

The Winter Soldier stretched his limbs, the gloom accumulated from his past brainwashing and killing vanished, and he pinched the roll of fat on his stomach, chuckling lightly.

"Soldier, before you leave, could you grant me a personal request?"

The elderly judge looked serious and seemed somewhat hesitant.

"Please, just say it!"

Bucky looked slightly tense, his eyes serious.

"Could you sign my autograph? I've always been a fan of the Howling Commandos and their captain from World War II. I never had the chance before, but now it's finally convenient."

"Ah?"

At that moment, Bucky and the others looked slightly taken aback, then couldn't help but chuckle.

P. S.: In the original comic book storyline, after Iron Man calmed down, he learned about Bucky's predicament and realized that he could not judge Bucky's actions, so he took him to the Supreme Court. The final result seems to be that Bucky was released in court.

However, I personally believe that Bucky needs to pay the price for his conscience and for mending the rift between Captain America and Tony.

Therefore, a plot change was added in which he voluntarily applied to serve his sentence.

Chapter 824 (Bonus Chapter) - Iron Man's "Preferred Son"

In a Turkish kebab restaurant in New York, almost all of the Avengers' active-duty members who were available were present.

Captain America, Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, and Dr. Banner arrived late, sat at a table together.

Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, along with Kevin, Tony, and Black Widow, sat together, their eyes filled with strange expressions as they slowly ate the roasted meat on their plates, creating an extremely awkward atmosphere.

Damn it! How did I even agree to come to this restaurant for Turkish kebabs? Tony's face was tense, and his lips twitched slightly.

Based on his recollections, Iron Man cast a resentful glance at Kevin, wondering why the mere mention of this place had given him such an urge to give it a try.

Moreover, in a moment of impulse, he also invited the group that had welcomed the Winter Soldier back to a meal.

The atmosphere grew increasingly eerie, the surrounding silence seemingly broken only by the chilling sound of chewing. The Avengers watching exchanged glances, but none of them spoke first.

"Ahem, the barbecue here..."

"Fantastic! A wonderful experience! Thank you both for the invitation."

As soon as Kevin opened his mouth, Captain America immediately chimed in with a chorus of praise, and the other Super Hero, seeing someone break the silence, nodded in agreement without saying a word.

"That's it? Turkish kebabs are supposed to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, but this one is overcooked inside. It's not only tough and chewy, but it also lacks juice and tastes dry and tough."

"Even J.A.R.V.I.S.'s ass-made stuff tastes a hundred times better than this. I must have been out of my mind to choose this place..."

However, the arrogant and sharp-tongued Tony, while picking his teeth, frowned and responded, causing everyone to look slightly embarrassed.

Kevin couldn't help but roll his eyes. Luckily, the soundproofing in the private rooms was good; otherwise, they might have been kicked out by the owner on the spot.

Just as the atmosphere became awkward again, a figure stood up from the chair and walked up to the person who was fiddling with a teacup.

"I'm so sorry about your parents, Tony..."

"Dr. Howard has always been one of the people I respect most. He provided a lot of help to my and Rogers' Howling Commandos during World War II..."

"If I had a choice, I would hope that I would have died the moment I fell off the cliff."

Tony looked up at the man who had volunteered to serve ten years in prison, then glanced at Captain America beside him, who looked tense, and his own expression became somewhat complicated.

"From a revered martyr to an executioner manipulated by the enemy, assassinating political figures from various countries, the torment you endured was probably the most Affliction..."

"Welcome back, Winter Soldier, no, Howling Commandos veteran—Mr. Bucky Barnes..."

"I think you'd prefer this name..."

Kevin reached out and gently shook hands with the one-armed man, simply expressing his opinion with admiration in his eyes.

Kevin didn't want to influence his old friend's decision regarding Tony's reaction, especially since his parents' deaths occurred while Bucky was being controlled.

But without a doubt, his hands are stained with the blood of the Howards. Tony has the right to resent, and he also has the right to forgive; these are his choices.

Everyone seemed to be waiting for Tony's answer, quietly gazing at Iron Man, who was tapping his fork and frowning.

Time ticked by, but Bucky received no forgiveness or reciprocation from Tony's silence.

The scene before him made the veteran, who had just regained his freedom, clench his fists and look somber. Captain America, standing beside him, hesitated, wanting to defend his friend, but was stopped by Bucky's eyes.

"How about we go to the shop next door and get some donuts? It's on me!"

Just when everyone thought that the conflict between Tony and Bucky would become an irreconcilable hatred, Iron Man, who had been deep in thought, suddenly looked up and offered a suggestion with great interest.

"Look at this Turkish kebab, it's so unappetizing, I'm not even full..."

Everyone was taken aback, some even finding it both funny and exasperating. So you were thinking about this just now? Can't your thinking go that far?

Bucky, who had lost faith in the forgiveness, was at a loss for words and stood there dumbfounded.

Tony got up nonchalantly, stretched, and walked towards the door. But just as he stepped out the door, he seemed to remember something, turned back slightly, and said in a low voice.

"How about we discuss inviting Mr. Bucky Barnes to join the Avengers?"

Everyone was stunned again, feeling their nerves being constantly teased by this arrogant guy. Bucky, who understood the deeper meaning, gradually let the gloom in his eyes melt away.

A look of surprise and delight shone in the eyes of Captain America, Bucky, and the others.

The rest of the donut trip went very smoothly, with Tony, Captain America, and Bucky managing to avoid mentioning Howard and his wife.

After witnessing Bucky's admission ceremony, the group discussed areas of common interest.

Moreover, with the arrival of Iron Man's "own son," Spider-Man Parker, the good neighbor of the people of New York City, the lively atmosphere reached its peak.