Sokovia Accords

The contents of the Sokovia Accords were actually quite simple and straightforward. On the surface, they were much the same as what Peter had previously learned from television.

The Accords stipulated that the Avengers would no longer be a private organization. Every action taken by its members would be supervised by the LHG Special Unit, and they could only act when the unit deemed it necessary.

"These Accords aren't bad, but I mean, if—if there's something the special unit wants me to do, but I don't want to do it, do I have the right to refuse?" Peter looked at Tony Stark and asked.

Toby paused, then shrugged. "Of course, no problem. The special unit only has supervisory authority. They can stop us from acting on our own, but they can't order us to do things we don't want to do."

Peter nodded.

"I understand. I agree to these Accords."

Signing them meant he would lose certain things. For example, his information would be entered into official files, and he might even be monitored frequently.

But that did not really matter.

Ever since they had learned his true identity, those things had already existed anyway.

Even someone as powerful as Thor, who was not even from Earth, still had records on file.

Compared to that, Peter valued his autonomy more.

It would allow him to act according to his own wishes whenever he felt something was inappropriate.

Rather than becoming someone else's blade, to be used by them.

In truth, the Sokovia Accords were simply laws aimed specifically at superpowered individuals.

Ordinary laws restricted ordinary people, while superhuman laws restricted superpowered people.

That was only reasonable.

Peter wanted to protect Aunt May, too.

If every superpowered person could sign the Sokovia Accords, refrain from abusing their abilities, and even use them to benefit others, then Aunt May would not be hurt by people like that.

Of course, he knew that was nothing more than a vision.

This world would never lack ambitious opportunists.

No matter what kind of world it was, or what era it existed in, that would always be true.

All Peter could do was protect the people he cared about as best he could.

Hearing Peter's affirmative answer, Tony smiled as well. "Good, kid. I was right about you."

"Then, Tony, can you tell me what you need my help with?" Peter asked.

Tony turned his phone over and put it away, his expression turning serious. "I need you to come with me and bring back an old friend of mine."

"Captain?"

"Yes."

"When do we leave?"

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

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

"You really are smart, kid. You're a lot like me when I was young." Tony looked around Peter's room, trying to analyze him through the furnishings and other things in it.

"Did the famous Mr. Stark also have to rummage through scrapyards for equipment when he was young?" Peter ignored Tony's behavior. If Tony thought he could figure him out just by looking at his room, was that not a little too naive?

"You know, I actually did! When I was twelve, I wanted to build a Concussion Rifle, the kind that fired lasers, and then—BOOM!" Tony made an exaggerated gesture and brushed his already short hair even higher.

Peter could already imagine Tony with a soot-blackened face and a smoking, exploded mop of hair on his head.

"Hahaha!"

After chatting idly for a few moments, the two quickly grew closer.

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

Someone had deliberately caused an explosion at the Sokovia Accords signing conference in Vienna in order to carry out some scheme, using the attention of seven billion people around the world to find the Winter Soldier.

Afterward, he found a way to activate the Winter Soldier, turning him back into Hydra's killing machine.

Captain America had secretly helped his best friend escape.

Falcon had escaped alongside the two of them.

For their "defection," the council had wanted to dispatch special forces directly and kill all three.

But Iron Man had persuaded the Secretary of State.

However, the Secretary of State had only given him thirty-six hours. He needed to bring back Captain America, the Winter Soldier, and Falcon within thirty-six hours.

As for who was right and who was wrong—

Iron Man had not considered that.

He had made this decision solely from the standpoint of a friend.

He did not want Captain America to be killed by special forces. He wanted to bring him back first, let him calm down, and then slowly persuade him.

That was why he needed Peter's help.

After all, the other side had strength in numbers.

"Alright, since you think it's fine too, let's go!" Tony made the decision.

Peter gave a light jump and pushed open a hatch in the ceiling above him. A folded set of clothes immediately fell out.

That was right. It was his suit.

A suit modified from old clothing and costumes from his past school performances.

Peter had actually been quite satisfied with it before. It was ugly, sure, but it was his hard work!

But after seeing Shadow Spider-Man's suit, he suddenly felt that the one in his hands no longer seemed so appealing.

Shadow Spider-Man's suit had also been altered from old clothes.

But his old clothes were a pilot's uniform left behind by Uncle Ben from World War I. Its performance was excellent in every respect, and it even had some bulletproof protection.

Most importantly, it looked cool.

Adding a stylish black cape to the suit was, in young Peter's eyes, practically the ultimate symbol of coolness!

Peter's hesitation made Tony think he was having second thoughts.

He hurriedly dangled some bait. "Peter, I was serious about the September Fund."

"The September Fund? What's that?" Peter asked in confusion.

Tony said, "Simply put, it's an assistance fund set up specifically for superpowered people like you. Through it, you can receive support in areas like technology and funding."

Then he pointed at the baby-pajama-style suit in Peter's hands. "For example, this thing. I think we can give it an upgrade. You deserve better."

"There's really something this good?" Peter was a little surprised. "What are the conditions? The fund isn't free, right?"

Tony nodded. "If you gain rights, naturally you must fulfill obligations. In exchange, you need to join the Avengers, become a reserve Avenger, and fight evil."

"Why did that suddenly get so cringe?" Peter complained.

Tony said, "Sorry, I'm a businessman. I'm not good at using ideals to pressure people. Compared to that, I prefer talking about benefits."

"If someone sacrifices their own vital interests for some so-called ideal, I'd only think he was an idiot."

Tony shrugged and continued, "You really do not need to think too much about it. Captain, Natasha, Banner... They all have financial security."

Peter nodded and accepted it openly.