Chessboard and Switching Chessboards

Inside a hidden safe house somewhere in New York, thick bulletproof glass shut out every sound from the outside world.

Alexander Pierce stood before a round table made of holographic projections. Several blurred figures appeared on the surrounding screens—their faces deliberately distorted by data streams, their voices electronically altered, yet the chill they radiated remained impossible to conceal.

"The Arbitrators' appearance has disrupted our plans," one hoarse voice said first. "Not only did they stop Abomination's rampage, they also completely exposed General Ross's Super Soldier Program to the public."

Pierce lightly tapped the tabletop with his fingers, his gaze deep. "Fury has already begun to suspect something. He pulled the encrypted footage from the laboratory. There's no evidence directly pointing to us for now, but if this continues, the risks will only grow."

"That Asian man—Chen Tian," another low voice spoke up. "His records are almost entirely blank. There isn't a single file on him in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s database. It's as if he appeared out of nowhere."

"And that white-haired girl," the third figure added, "her combat data far exceeded expectations. She may be the strongest among the Arbitrators."

Pierce gave a cold laugh. "So, you're afraid?"

The room fell into brief silence.

"We are not afraid," the first voice said slowly. "We are merely assessing the risk. The Arbitrators' emergence has forced many of our plans into temporary suspension. If Fury persuades the World Security Council, all our preparations will face enormous obstacles."

Pierce's gaze swept across every screen, a cold curve lifting at the corner of his mouth. "Then make them too busy to worry about us."

"What do you mean?"

"Stir up internal division." Pierce's voice was like a snake flicking its tongue. "Tony Stark is arrogant and conceited. Natasha Romanoff is highly vigilant. Bruce Banner is emotionally unstable. And Chen Tian... he seems especially sensitive about certain things."

"You want to break them apart from within?"

"Not entirely." Pierce gently shook his head. "We need a more clever piece on the board—Captain America."

The figures on the screens shifted slightly, seemingly surprised by the proposal.

"Rogers?"

"That's right." Pierce smiled. "Fury's original Avengers Initiative was meant to make Rogers their leader. Tony rejected the Avengers and formed the Arbitrators instead. If we convince Fury to make Rogers the Arbitrators' leader, then use his prestige and personal charm, Stark will definitely clash with Rogers. Their personalities are complete opposites. Do you really think Stark would let Rogers lead the Arbitrators?"

"Stark would never accept it."

"Of course not." Pierce's voice carried an amused edge. "Their personalities guarantee that they will have trouble seeing eye to eye. Once they work together, they may not clash immediately, but—"

"And then?"

"Then our Winter Soldier will need to make an appearance." Pierce's finger traced a cold line across the table. "Let Rogers recognize his old friend. Let Stark question Rogers's loyalties. Let the Arbitrators tear one another apart amid the chaos."

The figures on the screens fell silent for a moment, then a low murmur of agreement came through. "This is more effective than confronting them directly."

Pierce smiled faintly and took a data chip from his coat, gently placing it on the table. "The Winter Soldier is ready."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop abruptly.

"You intend to use him now?"

"If necessary, yes." Pierce's voice was terrifyingly calm. "But before that, we need Rogers to join the Arbitrators and become Fury's 'goodwill mediator.'"

"Fury will agree?"

"He will." Pierce sneered. "He fears these uncontrollable superheroes even more than we do, and I will make him believe this is the best way to control the Arbitrators."

"Everyone has a weakness," Pierce said softly. "Stark's pride, Rogers's sense of justice, Chen Tian's unknown nature... All we need to do is find it, then give it a gentle push."

The figures on the screens gradually faded, leaving behind only a final whisper:

"Hail Hydra."

Darkness swallowed the room once more. Only the indicator light on the data chip flickered weakly, like a serpent's pupil quietly watching the coming storm.

One week after the Battle of Harlem.

Malibu Coast.

Morning sunlight pierced the thin mist and fell upon the Arbitrators' silver giant tower, making it gleam with a cold metallic sheen beneath the rising sun. Nanobots still flowed over the building's surface, their faint hum hidden by the wind high above, leaving behind an almost sacred stillness.

Chen Tian sat cross-legged on the rooftop, loosely dressed in pajamas. The Patrick Star pattern on them wore a goofy grin. Tony had given him the set, claiming they matched his SpongeBob SquarePants pajamas and proved their friendship.

Speaking of that, Yinsen had to be mentioned. Yes, Yinsen, who had not appeared for quite some time. He had previously joined Stark Industries and successfully become the head of its medical technology research and development department.

But now, Tony had snatched him away from Pepper under the excuse that "the Arbitrators need an outstanding doctor and logistics expert." He now lived on the eighty-eighth floor of the Arbitrator Tower.

(The top floor belonged to Tony, while the floor below belonged to Chen Tian. Tony's floor was normally used for meetings and parties as well. For everyday living, he still preferred the Malibu Villa because Pepper liked it there.)

The sea breeze made Chen Tian's black hair sway slightly. He slowly opened his eyes and sighed.

"Still no pull..." he muttered, scratching his head in frustration. "Ever since I got Satoru Gojo's abilities, has this crappy summoning system drained all my luck?"

The corner of 2B's lips lifted slightly. She reached out and gently helped Chen Tian up. "The last time Master went fifty-seven consecutive days without summoning anything, he nearly tore apart Stark's new yacht again."

Chen Tian curled his lip. "My luck has always been bad. 2B, do you think I should go see the Anci—" He suddenly stopped, because strange data streams were flickering in 2B's eyes.

"Master," 2B said, moving close to Chen Tian's ear, "Stark is receiving four visitors in the top-floor reception room." Her fingertip drew a holographic projection through the air, and the surveillance feed showed Tony holding a martini while seated across from—

"Director Fury, Captain America, Agent Hill, and..." Chen Tian's gaze fell upon the final figure. "Alexander Pierce..."

Chen Tian's eyes lingered on Pierce's image for a moment, and a meaningful smile slowly appeared on his lips. "Looks like Hydra can't sit still anymore..." he murmured, unconsciously rubbing his chin.

The data streams in 2B's eyes flickered faster. "Master, they are discussing the demand for the Arbitrators to accept World Security Council oversight. Pierce proposed that if the Arbitrators refuse the World Security Council's control, Captain America must join them to 'ensure the team complies with international standards.'"

Chen Tian nearly laughed out loud. "Ha! Bringing Rogers in? That's a pretty nasty move."

Just then, Tony's exaggerated voice suddenly came through the communicator. "—Everyone, let me correct that. The Arbitrators have two leaders now! One is me, Tony Stark, and the other is..." He deliberately drew out the pause. "Chen Tian! Chen, stop hiding and come down to meet our 'distinguished guests'!"

Chen Tian raised a brow and shrugged helplessly at 2B. "Looks like our little Tony has run into some trouble." 2B tilted her head, her silver hair swaying slightly. "Master, do you need me to accompany you?"

"No. Help me contact the Ancient One and ask whether exposing Serpent S.H.I.E.L.D. ahead of time will have any consequences." Chen Tian looked down at his pajamas, Patrick Star's smiling face especially ridiculous on his chest. "I'll go meet these important people who want to find us some 'new bosses.'"

Chen Tian stepped into the elevator. From the ceiling, mechanical arms lowered a dark gray hoodie and fitted jeans. Chen Tian put them on, changing out of his ridiculous Patrick Star pajamas.

2B's projection appeared beside him. "Master, the Ancient One replied—'The timeline is stable enough. What is meant to come will come.'"

"Ha, that old fox is still as cryptic as ever." Chen Tian curled his lip.

The elevator descended rapidly. Through the glass walls, the entire Malibu Coast morning scene lay in view. When the elevator stopped at the top floor, Chen Tian walked out lazily with both hands in his pockets.

The reception room doors slid open automatically. The moment he stepped inside, he heard Tony's distinctive exaggerated tone.

"—So your Avengers Initiative is finding some ninety-year-old popsicle to be a babysitter? Come on, Nick. These days, even kindergarten teachers need qualifications!"

Chen Tian could not help laughing, immediately drawing everyone's attention. Fury's single eye narrowed slightly, Pierce maintained a politician's smile, while Captain America—Steve Rogers—furrowed his brow.

"Sorry to interrupt, everyone." Chen Tian strolled over to Tony's side and casually took a cup of coffee from a service robot. "Did I miss anything exciting? Such as... the World Security Council wanting to find us a guardian?"

Tony dramatically threw an arm around Chen Tian's shoulders. "Look! Our other leader is here!" He turned to Pierce. "Allow me to introduce Chen Tian, co-founder of the Arbitrators, and—" He lowered his voice. "The only guy who can stand partying with me for three days and three nights."

Pierce smiled and extended his hand. "I've heard much about you, Mr. Chen. Your... special abilities have left a deep impression on us."

Chen Tian did not shake his hand immediately. He took a sip of coffee first, then lazily offered a handshake. "Thanks, but I'm guessing you didn't travel all this way just to praise me?"

Fury snorted. "Let's be direct. The Arbitrators must accept supervision. Either sign an agreement and submit to World Security Council oversight, or—"

"Or let Captain America join you," Pierce smoothly took over. "As... a bridge between the international community and enhanced individuals."

The reception room suddenly fell silent. Chen Tian and Tony exchanged a glance, and the latter dramatically spread his hands. "Wow, that suggestion is just... touchingly outdated."

Steve finally spoke, his voice steady. "Stark, this is not a joke. Your reckless battles and arrogant personality could easily endanger innocent people."

Tony's brows instantly tightened, a mocking curve rising at his lips. "Wow, moral lectures from the last century—"

He made an exaggerated stopping gesture. "Allow me to interrupt, Captain Rogers. Are you about to start that classic 'back in World War II' speech? Do you need me to pull up a holographic projection for a backdrop?"

A flash of displeasure passed through Steve's blue eyes, but his voice remained calm. "Stark, this is not a joke. Your father Howard once—"

"Don't fucking mention my father!" Tony suddenly roared. The martini glass in his hand smashed against the marble floor with a crack, amber liquor splashing across Steve's polished military boots. "What gives you the right to judge me by his outdated moral standards? Howard Stark spent his entire life failing to replicate your serum. Do you know why?"

He suddenly leaned close to Steve, faint nanite light already flowing across his wrist. "Because he was too obsessed with the myth of Captain America!"

The air in the reception room instantly froze. Hill's hand was already on her sidearm, while a flash of triumphant delight glinted in Pierce's eyes. Without drawing attention to himself, Chen Tian shifted half a step closer to Tony, one of his eyes already transformed into the Heavenly Eye.

Steve took a deep breath. "Tony, I understand how you feel—"

"No, you don't." Tony sneered as he stepped back, suddenly adopting an exaggerated theatrical tone. "Let Captain America tell everyone how he flew a plane loaded with nuclear bombs into the ice in 1945—what a heroic sacrifice!"

He yanked open his shirt collar, exposing the reactor scar on his chest. "Know what this is? A modern-day sacrifice! Except I didn't freeze myself into a popsicle. I built armor and kept saving the world!"

Pierce interjected at just the right moment. "Gentlemen, today's topic is—"

Just as the tension in the reception room reached its peak, Chen Tian suddenly cleared his throat. The tiny gesture was like pressing a pause button, and everyone's gaze turned toward him involuntarily.

Tony's rising fury was interrupted by the cough. He turned to Chen Tian, the anger in his eyes gradually giving way to confusion. Chen Tian met his gaze, something Tony recognized flickering in those sky-blue eyes—a trust only close friends shared.

"Tony," Chen Tian said softly, "let me handle this."

Tony opened his mouth to argue, but when he saw the certainty in Chen Tian's eyes, his shoulders relaxed slightly. He curled his lip and leaned back against the sofa unwillingly, though his eyes still watched the four people opposite them warily.

Chen Tian turned to Fury and Pierce, a faint smile hanging on his lips. "Since you are all so concerned about the Arbitrators' 'compliance,' then fine—" He paused, his gaze lingering meaningfully on Pierce's face for a second. "We welcome Captain Rogers to join us."

The reception room instantly became so quiet that a pin drop could have been heard.

Tony abruptly sat upright. "Wait, are you serious?" Yet the challenge in his tone no longer carried its earlier hostility. Instead, it held a trace of confirmation.

Chen Tian did not answer directly. He simply gave Tony a light nod. That simple gesture seemed to convey something only they understood. Tony's furrowed brows gradually relaxed. Though his expression remained displeased, he no longer objected.

Fury's single eye narrowed slightly. He clearly had not expected Chen Tian to agree so readily, nor had he expected Tony to accept it so easily. Pierce's smile deepened, and he nodded faintly. "A wise decision, Mr. Chen."

Steve's expression was somewhat complicated as he looked at Chen Tian. "Thank you for your trust, but I need to make one thing clear—if I join, what will my responsibilities be?"

Chen Tian shrugged. "The same as they are now. Fight threats, protect the innocent. Only..." He paused, the smile at his lips deepening. "You'll act alongside us, rather than being remotely controlled by S.H.I.E.L.D. or the World Security Council."

Pierce frowned slightly. "I'm afraid that does not conform to—"

"—Does not conform to your expectations?" Chen Tian cut him off directly, his gaze suddenly turning sharp. "Mr. Pierce, Captain Rogers joining the Arbitrators does not mean the Arbitrators will accept orders from any outside force. That is non-negotiable."

His tone remained calm, but the temperature in the reception room seemed to plummet.

Fury stared at Chen Tian for several seconds before suddenly giving a cold laugh. "Interesting. Stark, your 'partner' is much better at negotiating than you are."

Tony rolled his eyes. "That's because no group of bureaucrats has pointed at his face and called him 'your dad's failed product.'" Though his words remained cutting, his body language had relaxed, and he even casually picked up the coffee on the table and took a sip.

Steve took a deep breath and looked at Chen Tian. "If this is your decision, I am willing to try working together."

Chen Tian nodded, suddenly flashing a brilliant smile. "Welcome aboard, Captain." He turned to Pierce, his smile unchanged but his eyes cold as blades. "As for the World Security Council... are you satisfied now?"

Pierce maintained his perfect politician's smile. "Of course. This is a very good start."

But Chen Tian no longer looked at him. Instead, he patted Tony on the shoulder. "Come on, genius. We should arrange a room for our new teammate."

Tony stood up. As he passed Pierce, he lowered his voice and tossed out a sentence. "Tell those old men the Arbitrators are not their toys."

Pierce's expression did not change. He merely watched the two leave. After the reception room door closed, Agent Hill asked in a low voice, "Sir, are we just going to let them..."

Fury raised a hand to stop her. Thoughtfulness gleamed in his single eye. "Observe first."

Pierce lowered his head slightly, concealing the cold flash in his eyes.

The plan had only just begun.

Tony grabbed Chen Tian by the hood of his sweatshirt and dragged him into the elevator. The instant the metal doors closed, he hooked an arm around Chen Tian's neck, nanotech armor instantly covering his right arm. "You'd better explain why you suddenly agreed to let that old geezer join us."

Chen Tian's eyes rolled from being choked, but he grinned like a child whose prank had succeeded. "Cough, cough... let go... your reaction is even bigger than I expected..."

Tony loosened his grip, but his faceplate remained open and his repulsor glowed a deep blue in his palm. "Three seconds."

"Fine, fine." Chen Tian rubbed his neck and straightened up, suddenly lowering his voice. "Remember those encrypted files 2B found when she hacked into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s database last week?"

Tony narrowed his eyes. "Those traces showing Hydra had infiltrated them?"

Chen Tian smiled. Instead of answering Tony's question, he asked, "Tony, do you want to see S.H.I.E.L.D. collapse?"