This was why Pierce was so shocked — it meant that Steve Rogers' clearance level was still higher than his own!
"Hail Hydra!"
Pierce responded immediately. Since Captain Rogers had already revealed himself, there was no point in hiding anymore.
Stop pretending — we're both Hydra!
Steve walked confidently to the desk, sat down without hesitation, knocked on the table, and gestured for Pierce to sit opposite him.
This scene felt like a cuckoo taking over a magpie's nest. Sitting in that chair meant giving orders.
Pierce frowned slightly. After sitting down, like a subordinate facing his superior, he couldn't help but ask, "Captain, how did you know?"
"Alexander Pierce," Steve said calmly, "I'm asking you, as the Supreme Leader of Hydra — why wouldn't I know your identity?"
Steve hadn't read the comics, only seen the movies.
He remembered fighting hard in the elevator in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and again in Avengers: Endgame.
Why fight to the death when a simple slogan could solve the problem?
But things were different now. Steve wasn't here to play around. He wanted to take over Hydra — he couldn't let all those resources and talents go to waste. So many scientists, so much advanced technology… all of it could serve him.
Pierce's eyes widened. The title Supreme Leader was no joke — it meant authority over all Hydra factions. The entire organization, in theory, answered to that position. But it had been vacant for a long time.
Even the Red Skull, with his massive army, hadn't been able to claim the title. Those four words carried enormous weight. Without true ability, no one could fill that role.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Steve tapped his hand on the table, dissatisfied. Despite his inner unease, he kept up the act. This wasn't just a mission assigned by the system — it was tied to his future happiness.
"Alexander, answer my question!"
The harsh tone made Pierce freeze. He opened his mouth to speak but couldn't find the words.
You're asking me how you know? How am I supposed to answer that?
"I didn't expect that after defeating the traitor, I'd fall into a deep sleep," Steve continued, his tone sharp. "It's disappointing to see such a great organization fall apart. Pierce, are you willing to help me reunify Hydra and reclaim the throne of world domination?"
World domination?
No, no, no — Steve wasn't interested in that. Taking over the world sounded exhausting.
All he wanted was a peaceful life with a wife, children, and a warm bed.
As for how many wives and children… that was still up for discussion.
The idea was absurd — the world's most famous war hero, Captain America, being the secret head of Hydra working for global peace?
Even a seasoned politician like Pierce, who had climbed to the top through countless schemes and wars, was dumbfounded.
Was he too rational… or had the world gone mad?
His mind buzzed. Rationality hadn't yet caught up.
"Captain, before we continue, may I ask a few questions?" Pierce finally managed. He needed time to think.
Should he use Captain America's image to expand Hydra's reach — or should he become a loyal follower?
Hydra had many independent branches and factions. They didn't answer to each other, rarely cooperated, and often fought among themselves — sometimes to the death.
"Your rudeness reminds me of the Red Skull," Steve said coldly. "A man I despise. You may ask two questions. If the third isn't clear enough, I'll send you to the Red Skull himself to clarify."
Steve smiled. If he were wearing Hydra's black combat uniform now, he'd look every bit the Captain of Hydra.
A true leader couldn't allow his subordinates to talk too much — the more they spoke, the more likely they were to expose him.
An unseen coup was unfolding within S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.
At that moment, Maria Hill arrived at the building. After landing, she went straight to the office floor.
Knock, knock, knock.
Pierce was about to ask his next question when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Steve said without hesitation.
A secretary entered. She saw her boss, Alexander Pierce, sitting in front of the desk, while Captain America sat behind it. The sight left her completely confused.
Who was the boss here — and who was the subordinate?
"Deputy Director Hill requests an audience. She has something to report," the secretary said.
"Let her in," Steve ordered.
The secretary hesitated and looked at Pierce.
"Do as the Captain says — go quickly," Pierce said with a frown, deep in thought.
Soon, Maria Hill, dressed in a form-fitting tactical suit that accentuated her tall, graceful figure, walked in. Recently, her figure had filled out noticeably — a sign of good health and nourishment.
"Secretary-General, I'm here to request the Captain's assistance," Hill began, maintaining her professional tone. "We've detected an increase in vampire activity. These vampires are highly infectious, and ordinary soldiers can't handle them."
Hill only glanced briefly at Steve before continuing her report seriously.
Steve walked over, put an arm around her waist, and — to Pierce's shock — kissed her openly.
"Secretary-General," Steve said proudly, "this is my girlfriend, Maria Hill. I love her very much. When the time is right, I plan to propose and marry her."
Hill blinked, stunned. Why was her husband showing off like this — especially in front of their superior? Was he worried Pierce might target her?
But she knew Pierce well. He wasn't interested in such things.
A man capable of great ambition must know restraint. If one can't control their personal desires, how can they control an empire?
"Wife, go wait outside for a bit," Steve said gently, leading her to the door. "I'll talk with the Secretary-General for a while. Pick a place for dinner — we'll eat together later."
Hill nodded and left, slightly touched.
She knew Steve was doing this to protect her — to show that she wasn't alone. If he could prove his value through action, all doubts about him would vanish. In the face of results, no argument could stand.
By displaying affection so openly in front of Pierce, Steve was also showing his power.
He wanted Pierce to see that he wasn't just a relic from the past — he could quickly gather allies and build influence.
And to Pierce's surprise, the act worked.
It seemed this Supreme Leader really did have potential.
...
📢 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.
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Thank you all for your continued support and happy reading! 💙
— Shadow_demon_007