Steve Rogers didn't care at all about the report in The Daily Bugle—in fact, it made him laugh.
At least J. Jonah Jameson, the boss of that tabloid, was a profiteer with some sense of morality. As Spider-Man's biggest critic, he was ridiculously easy to manipulate.
S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters was located in Washington, D.C.
The massive complex consisted of three towering skyscrapers arranged in an arc-shaped triangle, surrounded by a hundred-meter-wide artificial canal.
Steve was supposed to arrive in the morning. Instead, he strolled in casually at 5 p.m.—just before closing time.
Crossbones, who was responsible for receiving him, was speechless. Wasn't this guy supposed to be the model of discipline and morality? What happened to punctuality?
Steve wanted to arrive earlier, but the system wouldn't allow it!
If the mission said "slack off during work hours," then that meant he had to actively avoid working.
So, he had gone to meet Pepper Potts to "discuss" investing his dividends in a movie.
A movie was a perfect cover—plenty of action scenes, a heroic image, and enough emotional resonance to win over the public.
If lies crumble on their own, why bother defending the truth?
If the mountain won't come to him, he'll make the mountain move!
If The Daily Bugle smeared him, his fans would naturally step in to defend him.
The key was simple—fight fire with fire. No need for complicated tricks when the best trick was doing nothing.
Meanwhile, in his office, Alexander Pierce—the Secretary-General of the World Security Council—stood gazing out the window.
As one of Hydra's top leaders, Pierce's influence was no less than that of the U.S. military itself. Over the decades since World War II, Hydra had quietly gone underground, slowly infiltrating every layer of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Now, the plan was nearly complete. Watching the greenery and flowing water outside the glass, Pierce felt a rare moment of pride.
He checked the time—it was almost the end of the workday. Why isn't Rogers here yet?
The chaos caused by Captain America's pursuit of vampires yesterday had drawn public outrage. Among the casualties were the wife and son of a sitting senator.
The senator, furious and well-connected, had immediately filed for impeachment against both Captain America and S.H.I.E.L.D. itself.
Backed by powerful families and opportunistic politicians, the situation had quickly spiraled. Even Pierce felt a mild headache—though only a small one.
In truth, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to test Captain America.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Secretary-General, Captain Rogers has arrived," the secretary said.
"Send him in," Pierce ordered.
Steve walked in holding a bottle of juice in one hand and a copy of Playboy in the other.
Pierce almost dropped his cigar. This is Captain America?
Did the great Steve Rogers really walk into a high-level meeting… reading Playboy?
Pierce immediately grew suspicious. Is this some kind of imposter?
"Captain, please have a seat," he said cautiously. "You caused quite a stir yesterday. Senator Wickman's wife and son were among the victims. He's teamed up with others to impeach you in the Senate."
The Senate wasn't some small-time political circus—it was serious. Using it to target a Level 6 S.H.I.E.L.D. agent like Rogers meant this case had heavy political weight.
It was a real mess.
Just then, a familiar tone echoed in Steve's mind.
Ding! Mission triggered — 'Captain Hydra'.
Mission: A captain who doesn't strive for progress is a good captain. Hydra possesses vast resources—it would be a shame not to use them. Infiltrate Hydra and become a Hydra Captain.
Reward: Evil Aura.
Steve blinked. Evil Aura? What the hell is that supposed to be?
Evil Aura: Increases movement speed and physical recovery of self and teammates by 50%. (Effect doubles when used solo.)
Steve's eyes lit up instantly. He didn't even hear what Pierce was saying anymore.
This skill's perfect for slacking off!
If he activated it, everyone around him would move faster and work harder. He could just sit back and take the credit for their increased "efficiency."
And when he turned it off, everyone would suddenly feel drained and exhausted.
Naturally, they'd think he was the reason things ran so smoothly.
Brilliant!
The system really got him.
Pierce finished his explanation and studied Steve closely, expecting to see guilt or panic.
Instead, Rogers just sat there calmly—almost absentmindedly.
A dozen people were dead, and the Senate was calling for his head—yet he looked like a man thinking about dinner plans.
Pierce tapped the desk sharply. "Captain, did you hear what I said? This situation is serious! Wickman's family has political influence. If they decide to press charges, you could end up in prison!"
Steve finally set down his juice and placed the magazine aside.
"Red Skull isn't dead," he said quietly.
"What?!"
Pierce froze. That name—the leader of Hydra during World War II—wasn't one he expected to hear today.
Steve's eyes narrowed. "How's Dr. Zola doing these days?"
Pierce's mind went blank. How does he know that name?
Steve leaned back lazily on the couch, flipping through Playboy again, clearly unconcerned.
"You're troubling me with small-time politics," he said flatly. "Do you really think I have time for gossip? You disappoint me, Pierce."
Pierce's heart skipped a beat. The words… the tone… Could it be?
Could Captain America actually be one of them?
Then Steve stood up, walked over, and leaned close to Pierce's ear.
"Hail Hydra."
Pierce froze. His pupils contracted.
He had suspected, but never dared to believe it.
Steve Rogers—the shining symbol of American virtue—was one of them!
Hydra's structure was built on secrecy. Only superiors knew the identities of their subordinates. Unless someone revealed themselves, no one knew who was on their side.
And now, Pierce realized—he had just found a very valuable "ally."
...
📢 Author's Note
The full completed version of Marvel: This Captain America Is Different (Part 1) is now available on Patreon!
✅ Part 1 Complete — 117 Chapters
Join the journey of a wildly unpredictable Captain America as absurd system missions, unexpected rewards, and chaotic adventures turn the Marvel Universe upside down.
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
Thank you all for your continued support and happy reading! 💙
— Shadow_demon_007