Chapter 221: The Veteran Never Dies, He Just Runs for Office

A few days later, Watertech Corporation once again made headlines.

And this was all due to Watertech’s first-ever superhero.

Originally, rumors online suggested Watertech’s debut hero would be that neighbor girl who could shoot silk.

No one expected it to be Captain America.

Soon, Watertech released a massive poster.

Captain America, clad in his classic star-spangled suit, knelt on one knee, shield in hand.

Above: Slept for seventy years, but the veteran never dies.

Below: Steve Rogers.

Instantly, social media buzz about Captain America and Watertech skyrocketed.

“Captain America—that’s my childhood memory!”

“This is Photoshop, right? Didn’t Captain America die long ago?”

“Grandpa, look! Your favorite superhero from back then is back in fashion.”

“Is this really Captain America? Or just a clone created by capitalists?”

“According to Watertech, they found Captain America frozen in the Arctic.”

“How’s that possible? Freezing isn’t time stop—how can his skin look like that of a man past his prime?”

Before netizens could debate much longer, Watertech dropped another bomb.

The official account released a video of Captain America walking into a federal court holding a lawsuit.

In the footage, Steve stood before the camera, shield in one hand, complaint in the other, and said to the reporters:

“Seventy years ago, I fought for freedom. Today, I fight for every soldier forgotten.”

“The U.S. government owes us veterans too much.”

Beneath the video, the comment section exploded.

“Should’ve sued long ago—the government treated soldiers as tools for corporate profit.”

“Soldiers bled and cried, yet got no pension.”

“Support Captain America—he’s also a victim of the military’s Super Soldier Program.”

“This is the real superhero—ten thousand times better than those performative ones.”

Just as the incident was gaining momentum, Watertech unleashed its ace card—a single statement that sent the heat soaring again.

Watertech announced it would fund Captain America’s presidential campaign.

The moment the news broke, every netizen went offline.

These days, superheroes aren’t content fighting aliens—they’re entering politics?

Of course—the end of the universe is civil service exams.

The hashtag “Captain America for President” instantly topped global trending lists.

Soon, Watertech’s official account released Captain America’s campaign commercial.

In the video, Steve stood before the Capitol Building, shield in hand, facing the rising sun:

“Seventy years ago, I fought for freedom. Today, I fight for every ordinary person.”

Moments after the video dropped, the comment section flooded with posts.

“Support—I’ve already voted.”

“Save my vote for childhood.”

“I trust Captain America to govern.”

Some netizens even posted videos of their grandfathers marching with old Captain America posters.

Others blurted out live: “Those suited-up politicians are the real villains of this world.”

“It’s time for the real superhero to end Washington’s corruption.”

Riding this wave, Watertech unveiled its ultimate weapon: the Public Superhero Initiative.

They launched a superhero talent show called “Rising Star,” and bought ad space across all of New York.

Instantly, ads for the show clung to every street corner like stubborn eczema.

In subway tunnels, Captain America smiled, shield raised: “Let me turn for Itachi.”

The rules were simple: if Itachi had any special skill, Itachi could join.

Whether Itachi were a bug-man bitten by mutated insects or an electric-man shocked into powers by a utility pole—Itachi could apply.

And it wasn’t limited to noble heroes—outlaws who stole from supermarkets could sign up too.

Even ordinary people with no powers but some talent could participate.

On the show, veteran superheroes like Captain America would serve as mentors and judges.

According to rumors, Iron Man and Spider-Man would make guest appearances, and even the mysterious Superman might show up as a special guest.

…

A few days later, Rojie was sipping tea in his villa.

Gwen stormed in wearing stilettos: “Boss, ‘Rising Star’ is live—won’t Itachi even watch? Itachi’re the mastermind behind it all!”

Rojie swirled his teacup without looking up: “Just a PR stunt for the company.”

“I’m busy assembling the Avengers—no time.”

But Gwen didn’t care whether he wanted to or not—she pressed the remote.

The TV screen lit up instantly, showing the first program: “Rising Star,” the superhero talent show.

On screen, a black man wearing sunglasses had just finished his act and was introducing himself.

“My name is Sam Wilson, former Air Force Pararescue Specialist…”

Rojie glanced at the TV.

He chuckled.

Isn’t that Train Captain?

Rojie remembered this guy was Falcon in the original story—and later became the second Captain America.

On stage, Steve pressed the turn button, and the American flag backdrop behind Sam lit up.

He gave Sam a thumbs-up: “If I ever retire, Itachi’ll be the perfect successor.”

Rojie smiled at that.

These two really clicked.

He pointed casually at the TV and told Gwen: “Recruit this guy. Give him a high-tech wing suit, load it with micro-missiles, package him as a mid-tier hero—call him Falcon.”

Gwen stared, stunned: “So casually? No process?”

Rojie waved his hand: “Just a bottom-tier hero—just slap some branding on him.”

As he spoke, the stage lights shifted, and the next contestant stepped up.

Rojie squinted—it was another familiar face.

It was Harry Osborn, the heir to Osborn Industries.

Harry didn’t just walk on stage.

He arrived wearing expensive high-tech armor, gliding in on a hoverboard.

Rojie stopped Gwen as she turned to leave: “And this rich idiot—recruit him too. Call him Green Goblin.”

Gwen froze: “But he hasn’t performed yet!”

Rojie waved again: “I say yes, it’s yes. Watertech is mine.”

Gwen stormed off, furious.

At that moment, Rojie’s phone rang.

The caller ID showed: Director Dum Dum.

After answering, Nick Fury’s gritted-teeth voice came through:

“Rojie, Itachi bastard—Itachi won this round!”

“I’ll hand Barton and Natasha over to Itachi.”

“And Dr. Banner.”

(End of Chapter)