"The superhuman registration act?"
Mr. President couldn't help but frown.
"What's the rationale behind it?"
"To put it simply..." the Attorney General said sinisterly after pushing up his glasses.
"It calls for a real-name registration of all superheroes! From now on, they can no longer be masked heroes. Instead, they must let the public know their true identities and names, and the public has the right to know their location whenever a crisis occurs!"
Who among those attending this meeting wasn't a shrewd fox? They quickly realized the sheer malice of this plan.
First, the superheroes' secret identities would be forcibly exposed, and their lives would inevitably be affected.
Secondly, what would those criminals who had been suppressed by the superheroes do once they learned their true identities?
If I can't deal with you, can't I at least take revenge on your family?
Finally, and most ruthlessly, was the mandatory publication of their locations!
When a crisis occurred, the public would know immediately where the superheroes were.
Under such circumstances, if there were still casualties, it would naturally be blamed on the superheroes' incompetence.
In the future, no one would complain about the government anymore; instead, all the blame would be shifted onto the superheroes for failing to do their jobs.
This was equivalent to forcibly splitting the superheroes and civilians, who were originally in the same camp against the government.
Let the two sides fight like dogs, while the high-ranking government officials could stay hidden and safe.
Not only would they stop being criticized, but they could also play the game of balance. By simply balancing the public opinion or conflicts between the two sides, they could control both forces in their own hands!
After understanding these key points, the Military bigwigs and politicians present all showed a mixture of excitement and cruel smiles.
Brilliant!
This plan was practically killing three birds with one stone!
It could destroy Arbitrator's reputation using public opinion, take the opportunity to push through the superhuman registration act they had long dreamed of, and even... use this pretext to ruthlessly fleece the people!
"Let's do it!" General Mac slapped the table, greed flashing in his eyes. "Mr. President, contact that kid immediately and use the rhetoric we discussed!"
"This... alright."
Mr. President hesitated for a moment, but under the oppressive gazes of everyone, he finally tremblingly picked up the special phone on the desk.
...
"Peter, it's me. We take your warning at Times Square today very seriously! Can you tell us in detail what the crisis you mentioned is all about?"
"Of course."
Peter cleared his throat and told the President on the other end of the line the set of rhetoric he had prepared long ago.
In his description, the Inheritor Family became a group of lunatics who enjoyed slaughtering superheroes and would destroy the Universe at any time.
At the same time, he suggested with utmost seriousness that Mr. President must build new large-scale protection and shelter facilities at all costs.
After hearing Peter's account, there was a long silence on the other end of the line.
A moment later, the President's "troubled" voice rang out again:
"Peter, on behalf of all citizens, I would like to express my highest respect for your heroic dedication! You are a true hero!"
"It's just... you know, to build an energy protection system that covers all of New York, and even the entire United States, the cost is... too enormous. With our current financial situation... we are truly powerless."
Peter had already anticipated this answer.
He sneered inwardly, but said with an anxious face:
"Mr. President, this isn't a matter of money! This is a crisis concerning the survival of all mankind! Once they arrive, the entire Earth will be devastated!"
"I understand, of course I understand!" The President's tone sounded like he was about to cry from anxiety.
"But the problem is, we really can't come up with that much money! More importantly, the taxpayers won't understand!"
"If they knew we were using money to build those illusory safety facilities, they would only think we were throwing their money away!"
"Then what should we do?"
Peter showed an anxious attitude that perfectly matched his age.
"Those monsters could come at any time. If we delay any longer, it will be too late, and many people will die because of it! I'm definitely not being alarmist!"
"I know, Peter, I can understand how you feel!"
Mr. President comforted Peter, then exchanged a look with the high-ranking officials around him who were stifling their laughter before speaking:
"Let me think... I've got it! Perhaps we can use your reputation and the power of the media."
"I'll contact the TV stations immediately to broadcast emergency news, and you, as Arbitrator, will explain all this to the public! Let them understand how severe the crisis we face is. How about that?"
"This might be the only way... Only then can we convince Congress and the public to agree to this emergency appropriation!"
Listening to the President's "sincere" performance on the other end of the line, Peter almost laughed out loud on the spot.
These politicians really couldn't wait to ruin his reputation!
However, this was exactly the effect he wanted!
Therefore, Peter also suppressed his laughter and said in a "righteous" tone:
"I understand. For New York, for our home, I am willing to step forward and take responsibility for all of this!"
"That's great! Mr. Arbitrator, rest assured, we will fully cooperate with you!"
After hanging up the phone, the "weakness" and "solemnity" on Peter's face vanished instantly, replaced by a playful smile.
Beside him, Tony and Captain America were completely dumbfounded.
Tony stared at Peter in shock, as if looking at an alien.
"Peter, are you crazy? You're putting yourself on the chopping block!"
Even Tony, who was usually known for being outrageous in the public eye, felt that Peter was courting death.
Even Steve, who had always trusted Peter unconditionally, couldn't help but frown now.
"Peter, this is too risky. The public's trust is hard-earned; once lost, it's very difficult to regain."
However, facing their concerns, Peter just smiled dismissively.
He turned around and looked at these two core members of the Avengers, his eyes flashing with wisdom.
"Don't worry, this is all part of my plan."
"Besides... for this show to have the greatest impact, I can't do it alone."
Peter's gaze swept across Tony and Steve's faces one by one, a mysterious curve forming at the corners of his mouth.
"The next part of the script still needs your heartfelt performances."
"Us? Performances?"
Tony and Steve looked at each other, both seeing deep confusion in each other's eyes.
Perform what?
Facing their bewildered gazes, Peter smiled and uttered a word that made Tony and Captain America gasp in horror:
"Civil War!"