Marvel: Beginning with the Collection of Shinra Tensei

A faint gleam appeared in Winter Soldier's eyes. This era was now seventy years ahead of the time he remembered. Most of his old friends, if they were still alive, would likely be confined to hospital beds, relying on medical devices to prolong their lives—or they might already have passed away.

Captain America had always been Winter Soldier's best friend—in the past and still today. Upon hearing that Captain America was alive, his expression suddenly grew animated. With a start, he leaped to his feet.

"Really? Where is he? Is he okay? Do you have his contact information?"

Han Yu smiled and gestured gently with his hand, signaling him to calm down. Realizing his overly excited reaction, Winter Soldier smiled awkwardly and sat back down in his chair.

"For Mr. Rogers, knowing that you're alive is certainly good news. But for others, it's not. You'll become a target for assassination," Han Yu said seriously.

Winter Soldier nodded silently. During the years he served Hydra, the people he had been sent to assassinate were all well-known figures—individuals who held significant influence in their respective fields. If the news of his survival were to spread, it would undoubtedly attract the pursuit of powerful enemies.

Seeing his silence, Han Yu continued, "What's more important is that your friend, Rogers, is now part of a group of extraordinary individuals called the 'Avengers.' Among them is someone who goes by the name 'Iron Man'—Tony Stark. He harbors considerable resentment toward you."

"Tony... Stark?"

Hearing the name, Winter Soldier's expression turned grim. After a moment of contemplation, he cautiously asked, "Is he Howard's son?"

"Yes," Han Yu confirmed with a nod.

Howard Stark, Tony Stark's father, had worked for S.H.I.E.L.D. During Captain America's campaign against Hydra seventy years ago, Howard was responsible for providing equipment and resources.

Although Winter Soldier didn't know Howard well, they had spoken a few times. Their last meeting had been when a brainwashed Winter Soldier received orders from Hydra to assassinate Howard.

Han Yu continued, "His son, Tony, is now a central figure in the Avengers. He possesses a one-of-a-kind arc reactor technology and has created a near-invulnerable high-tech Iron Man suit. If he finds out you're alive, he won't let you go."

Winter Soldier now understood Han Yu's point. He had shared all this to warn him that Tony Stark had a strong connection with Captain America. If Winter Soldier showed up recklessly, it would create a precarious situation for both sides.

Captain America would undoubtedly protect Winter Soldier, but doing so might lead to a fallout with Tony Stark. That was not something Winter Soldier wanted. He didn't want Captain America to lose one friend in the process of protecting another.

"If he truly wants to kill me, I have nothing to say," Winter Soldier said with a resigned smile. "Just knowing that my friend is doing well is enough for me."

Han Yu was silent for a moment before sighing. "Let's contact Rogers first and see what he has to say. This is between you two, and I don't want to interfere too much."

Han Yu was about to call Captain America when the sound of brakes screeching came from downstairs. He walked to the window and looked out to see three cars stopping in front of the general store. From the middle car, a man stepped out—someone Han Yu recognized well: Alexander Pierce, the leader of Hydra.

"What's he doing here? Could he be getting desperate?" Han Yu muttered to himself.

While he spoke, Winter Soldier came over and saw the scene below. His expression turned anxious. He knew exactly what kind of ruthless character Pierce was—otherwise, he wouldn't have risen to the position of Hydra's leader.

"They've come for me. I should leave. I don't want to drag you into this," Winter Soldier said.

Han Yu had already done him a great favor by helping remove Hydra's conditioning from his mind. He didn't want to cause further trouble for Han Yu and the others.

"Causing trouble? Don't be ridiculous. I already took Zola and you under my wing—that ship has sailed. Stay here, and I'll handle this."

Han Yu clapped his hands with a grin. "Someone's here looking for trouble. Brothers and sisters, grab your gear!"

"Troublemakers? Oh, this I gotta see!" Quicksilver perked up immediately. It wasn't every day someone dared to stir up trouble at the general store. Speaking in his heavy Northeastern accent, he bolted down the stairs, ready for action.

Wanda and Ultron exchanged a glance. Seeing Han Yu nod toward them, they smiled knowingly and followed him downstairs.

"Listen to me—I didn't come to make trouble—" Pierce tried to explain, but Quicksilver wasn't having it. He kept talking over him, spouting his own lines.

"I don't care what you're here for. Are you here to shop? No? Then I'll deal with you myself. My boss said anyone causing trouble gets handled, and I saw you walk in. If it's not you, is it that stray dog peeing outside?"

Quicksilver's words came rapid-fire, like a machine gun. In less than ten seconds, he rattled off a long stream of chatter.

One of Pierce's bodyguards started to move, but Pierce held him back. Even so, a flicker of irritation crossed Pierce's face. I need their help for now, so I'll endure this, he thought grimly.

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from upstairs. Han Yu appeared, followed by Ultron, Wanda, and Winter Soldier.

The saying "enemies meet, and their eyes burn with hatred" couldn't have been more fitting. When Pierce saw Han Yu, a flash of resentment flickered in his eyes, though he quickly concealed it.

Han Yu noticed but didn't dwell on it. To him, Pierce was just an ordinary man—one who couldn't stir up much trouble in his world.

When Han Yu finally descended, Pierce's face lit up with joy. He quickly stepped forward and extended his hand, smiling. "You must be the owner of this shop. It's an honor to meet you—"

Han Yu barely spared him a glance before ignoring the outstretched hand. Ultron, ever timely, brought over a chair for Han Yu to sit down.

"Shouldn't Hydra be busy warring with S.H.I.E.L.D.? What brings you to my general store?"

Han Yu sat down, his hands folded on his lap, a faint smile playing on his lips. His calm demeanor didn't waver, even in front of Hydra's leader.

This was Pierce's first face-to-face meeting with Han Yu. Though he had known of him since the Sokovia incident, they had never met directly.

Pierce felt a wave of embarrassment at being ignored so openly. He knew the young man before him, despite appearing to be in his twenties, wielded powers capable of endangering the entire world. Suppressing his frustration, Pierce forced a friendly smile, hoping to build rapport.

"This is a general store, right? You sell everything?"

"Everything," Han Yu replied casually. "Except to scum."

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