Captain America's words instantly made the atmosphere on the scene heavy, and the air felt slightly congealed.
If Captain America's unfortunate prediction were to come true, then the problem would truly be immense.
Pierce, as a high-ranking official at S.H.I.E.L.D., above even the director, would secretly plot to kill the current S.H.I.E.L.D. director!
Regardless of the reason, a shocking conspiracy would inevitably be involved.
It was something Nick Fury didn't even want to imagine.
But Nick Fury had to admit that Captain America's words were very reasonable, and with his usual style as an intelligence chief, many things didn't actually require confirmation.
Just the possibility was enough to take action.
From that moment on, Alexander Pierce was already on Nick Fury's special watch list.
"Pierce is one of the few people I still respect. I hope the Captain is just overthinking," Nick Fury said in a deep voice after a moment of silence.
"I hope I'm overthinking too," Captain America echoed seriously.
"Regardless, this incident has sounded an alarm for me," Nick Fury said, collecting himself and changing the subject, "It has made me realize some of our current shortcomings!"
Nick Fury naturally wouldn't reveal what those shortcomings were in public, but he already had a general idea in mind.
In the future, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s management would adopt a segmented approach.
Everyone involved in an operation would not receive all the orders, but only the part relevant to them.
This way, even if someone truly fell into enemy hands or betrayed them, there would be no possibility of intelligence leaks.
Because no one would truly possess all the intelligence!
And no matter who arranged that assassination in the future, precise intelligence gathering was essential.
This would also enhance his own safety in the future.
Furthermore, the Black Panther nano-suit must be worn twenty-four hours a day, not to be taken off for a single moment, even when showering!
The 'Egghead' immediately had a plan.
"Nick Fury, besides the footage just now, I think the other options in this question are also worth analyzing," Iron Man suddenly said, "For example, D, aren't you curious about what this Sokovia Accords actually is?"
"Sokovia, that's the name of a small country," Nick Fury, being well-informed, recognized it immediately.
"This is an accord named after a country, so this accord is related to Sokovia. Something happened in Sokovia, which led to this accord," Captain America added.
"It's not just related to Sokovia, it's also related to you, Captain," Iron Man said, looking at Captain America, "This is an accord that Captain America needs to sign. So, what kind of accord would it be?"
"Stark, please continue," Nick Fury knew Iron Man must have an idea, so he made a gesture for him to proceed.
"What identities will Captain America have in the future? I guess there are only three."
"First, the identity of an ordinary American citizen; second, the identity of a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent; third, the identity of an Avenger."
"The first identity doesn't need to be considered, it's impossible for it to be an accord for all American citizens. The second identity..."
"The second identity is also unlikely. I would never let my agents sign some damn accord, unless I was crazy," Nick Fury interrupted Iron Man directly.
"I agree, that's not your style."
"So the most likely is the third identity. That accord is for the Avengers."
Iron Man nodded in agreement, "Perhaps the Avengers did something in Sokovia, which led to the creation of this accord."
"The Avengers are all 'enhanced individuals.' They will eventually attract the attention of some powerful figures, and even the international community," Nick Fury also nodded, "It makes sense for corresponding accords to be introduced then."
"However, Captain America will refuse to sign this accord in the future. It seems that it shouldn't be a very friendly accord," Iron Man then shrugged.
Captain America didn't say much; he knew absolutely nothing about that accord at the moment, so anything he said would be premature.
"We generally have an idea about that accord, so what about C? Does it reveal anything?" Nick Fury asked, pacing a few steps.
"There's nothing to say about C, Bucky is already dead," Captain America said gloomily, a hint of sadness on his face.
"How can you be sure of that?" Iron Man retorted, looking at Captain America.
"You don't know, Bucky was my closest comrade-in-arms, he..." Captain America was about to explain to Iron Man, but was quickly interrupted by Iron Man.
"Bucky Barnes, Captain America's closest comrade-in-arms and best friend, later joined the Howling Commandos, and died after falling off a cliff during a mission..."
"Captain, Bucky's information can be found in many museums in America. We all know who he is, but!"
At this point, Iron Man suddenly made a turn, "Would Pierce arrest you for something that happened seventy years ago? Even as a distraction, isn't that too insulting to one's intelligence?"
"Stark, what do you mean?" Captain America's voice was slightly agitated.
He was vaguely beginning to understand Iron Man's meaning, but the conjecture was too bold, he dared not confirm it.
"What I mean is, this Bucky in the option refers to Bucky seventy years later! Bucky very likely didn't die!" Iron Man boldly blurted out, "Captain, you never found Bucky's body, did you?"
"Yes, we searched that whole area, but we found nothing!" Captain America grew even more agitated, "That means Bucky might also be alive now, like Peggy!"
This could be said to be the greatest good news Captain America had received since he woke up.
Nick Fury didn't say much, but he secretly made a decision in his heart.
After the quiz was over, he would investigate Bucky's whereabouts and confirm whether he was still alive.
Clearly, this person had a great influence on Captain America, and might even lead Captain America down a criminal path.
If he was really alive, he would need to be closely monitored.
[Please answer the question: Iron Man Tony Stark teamed up with which of the following to kill Ivan Vanko?]
[A. Captain America Steve Rogers]
[B. Doctor Strange Stephen Strange]
[C. War Machine James Rhodes]
[D. Hawkeye Clint Barton]
[Friendly Reminder: The correct answer will receive a reward of one Universal Capsule; an incorrect answer will result in a random deduction of one personal attribute, including but not limited to knowledge, experience, skills, possessions, etc...]
After a while of discussion, a new question appeared, and everyone temporarily stopped their discussion, all turning their gaze to the large screen in front of them.