Backup Plan

"What did you say?!"

For the first time in his life, Howard felt that his mind simply was not enough to process this.

To force the powerful, arrogant Japanese Empire of World War II to admit defeat and surrender through the strength of one person alone—only a legendary god could barely accomplish something like that!

Standing shoulder to shoulder with gods as a mortal?

"It’s worth trying. There’s no real danger anyway," Kyle said confidently. He was genuinely considering the operation.

The plan had originally been an unrealistic, near-suicidal proposal born from the fear of the American higher-ups.

But in his eyes, this combat mission was not impossible!

With the Venom Suit’s gliding, camouflage, concealment, and other abilities; all kinds of blue skill support abilities and life-saving cards; and his own physique far beyond that of ordinary humans—Super Soldier plus Healing Factor—

Kyle did not think going to Japan alone was especially dangerous. He had been hesitating because he was seriously considering the feasibility of the plan. General Chester had thought he was afraid and cowardly, never realizing that Kyle was truly weighing the proposal.

"Howard. Didn’t you say before that the nuclear weapon, due to be completed in less than a month, would be enough to affect the global war? I don’t think the threat I pose is much weaker than a nuclear weapon."

Kyle smiled confidently and said to Howard on the other end of the phone, "Ending World War II early and restoring peace to the world is something I want to see as well. I might as well go to Japan and give it a try."

This was not for anyone else. It could only be said that the chaos of World War II had hindered his plans and ambitions for the future.

Howard seemed to understand. After a long silence, he shook his head and sighed. "Kyle, you really are something…"

The American higher-ups thought they had everything under control. They had used favors and every possible tactic to persuade Kyle to go to Japan on the mission, effectively pushing him away and eliminating him.

But from beginning to end, they had overlooked one premise: Kyle’s strength far exceeded the estimates that had made them wary. His vision and ambitions were also far beyond anything they could foresee.

"Since you put it that way, I’m relieved. I thought you were being sent to Japan without any preparation. You scared me half to death."

After letting out a breath, Howard said teasingly, "Now I’m suddenly looking forward to it. If you really manage to end the world war all by yourself and return safe and sound, what kind of expressions will the American higher-ups make?"

He sighed. "If you succeed, you’ll become a god in a single battle! From then on, you’ll be able to stand at the very top of America, even the entire world, on your personal prestige alone, admired by countless people!"

"You know I don’t care about that." Kyle chuckled softly, then said in a somewhat grave tone, "But there are two things I want to ask you to do for me."

"Go ahead!" Howard said heartily. Knowing his friend was not in danger put him much more at ease.

"The first thing: after I leave for Japan, contact Logan and have him come over that night to take Lucy away and move her somewhere safe," Kyle said solemnly.

No matter what, his relationship with the military could never return to what it had been. American soldiers, even former members of the Howling Commandos, could no longer be trusted.

"Alright, I’ll notify Logan in time. But the soldiers guarding outside your house…" Howard trailed off, hesitating to continue.

"Tell Logan not to kill them. Teach them a lesson and knock them all out," Kyle replied coldly. Those soldiers had merely been dragged in by the American higher-ups to repay favors. No matter what, the blame could not fall on them.

But the former members of the Howling Commandos had ceased to have any connection with him from the day they accepted General Chester’s orders. From now on, they were strangers.

"That’s good." Howard secretly breathed a sigh of relief, then asked curiously, "What about the second thing?"

"Have Fury secretly investigate which American higher-ups were the first to propose the mission arrangement targeting me." After pondering for a moment, murderous intent surfaced in Kyle’s azure eyes. "I suspect there are leftover Hydra spies among them."

"Hydra?" Howard drew in a sharp breath.

After the battle at the Alpine underground base, the remnants of Hydra had still not been completely uprooted, despite the price of Captain America’s plane crash and disappearance. And spies had infiltrated America’s upper ranks?

"The president just died suddenly, and now you’re being secretly set up so soon after. There may really be Hydra remnants among those people in the upper ranks, stirring up trouble. Their favorite thing is sowing discord," Howard muttered. The more he thought about it, the more terrifying it became.

"If we want to completely eliminate Hydra’s remnants, we need to identify every target and wipe them out in one sweep." Kyle instructed, "Just have Fury investigate in secret. Don’t alert them yet. We’ll wait until I return."

Howard said calmly, "Alright, I understand. You have to be extra careful. Once you, this superhero, return in triumph, we’ll drink all night!"

"If you want to drink all night with me, you’ll need to work on your tolerance first." With one final amused jab, Kyle hung up. The phone transformed into a card and vanished from his hand.

When he turned around, Lucy was already standing behind him, her large eyes slightly reddened as she looked at him.

"Don’t worry. I’ve already made contingency arrangements for everything. Just wait for me to come back," Kyle said, taking Lucy’s small hand and pulling her soft body into his embrace before kissing her smooth, fair forehead.

Lucy smiled faintly, her lips parting as she said with certainty, "Okay. I’ll wait for you."

At that moment, in Washington, inside a certain congressman’s office.

A middle-aged man stood before the window with both hands in his trouser pockets, pacing restlessly. His narrow eyes were slightly narrowed, and no one knew what he was thinking.

A knock sounded at the door. A sexy, mature female secretary entered carrying a large box, her red lips pouting as she said, "Congressman Ivan. These are all suggestion letters sent by the public to the Senate hall. Most of them hope the congressmen will reconsider and negotiate the mission arrangements for Major General Kyle’s trip to Japan."

"Are they ever going to stop? This was unanimously decided at a high-level meeting already. What is there to reconsider?!" Ivan shot the secretary a gloomy glance and said chillingly, "Call General Chester and remind him to send that man off quickly. Don’t delay any longer!"

"Yes." The female secretary placed the box overflowing with letters in the corner. Her black-stockinged legs clicked in high heels as she swayed her hips out of the office.

"Kyle. An American major general, a War Hero, hmph!" Ivan snorted coldly and slammed his fist down on the desk. "Before this war reaches its end, no one can say who will win and who will lose!"

"When my master Schmidt returns, it will be the day the Earth is unified—"

"Hail Hydra!"