Marvel With Zanpakutou

Chapter 822: Fullbring

Austria, Vienna.

This ancient city, known as the world’s capital of music, is also a sacred paradise for artists.

The blue Danube River flows around the inner city, with few tall buildings in sight. Gothic and Romanesque architecture dominates, with tree-lined boulevards encircling the inner city. Cobblestone streets are everywhere, dotted with fountains and Greek sculptures.

Landmarks such as the Vienna Golden Hall, Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral still stand tall, bearing time marks. The weathered walls quietly narrate tales of the city’s glorious past.

Perhaps the Russian soul carries an innate pursuit of philosophy and art, for Natasha, Steve’s companion, was surprisingly taken with Vienna. She enthusiastically shared the city’s rich history throughout their journey.

In contrast, Steve remained indifferent, even cold. He had little interest in art and was even less inclined to delve into the stories behind history.

"You don’t seem to like Vienna much?" Natasha asked, her hand resting casually on the steering wheel as she expertly maneuvered their black BMW, glancing at Steve’s indifferent expression.

"No, I’m just thinking about something," Steve replied, shaking his head as he stared at the passing buildings. "If the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts hadn’t rejected that one person’s application, maybe there wouldn’t have been a Second World War."

Everyone knows that the rejection letter from Vienna’s Academy of Fine Arts catalyzed World War II, turning a passionate artist into a different kind of painter.

A painter... who painted on maps.

"Pfft..." Natasha was stunned for a moment before realizing who Steve was referring to, and she couldn’t help but laugh. "I’ve never thought about it like that. Didn’t you ever ask Hitler about it?"

"I never met him," Steve said with a self-deprecating smile. "We fought on the Eastern Front. All I ever saw were Hydra forces."

"Shame... I never met him either," Natasha quipped as she twirled a strand of her hair. "Your girlfriend’s been seen near the Golden Hall in Vienna after stealing that item. It’s like she’s waiting for you. What’s your plan?"

It was strange.

After stealing a highly classified item, Peggy Carter hadn’t fled Vienna. Instead, she remained in the city, often spotted near the Vienna Golden Hall, almost as if waiting for someone.

S.H.I.E.L.D. initially planned to capture her, but reality quickly proved that difficult.

During her seventy-year absence, Peggy had acquired some kind of mysterious ability, vanishing like a ghost whenever they tried to apprehend her.

After several failed attempts, Fury realizes what Peggy wants and reveals everything to Steve, urging him to meet his old comrade.

"I’m going to see her."

"And then?"

"I’ll have that long-overdue date... and bring her and the stolen item back."

Steve’s voice was steady, without a trace of emotion.

"Wow..." Natasha clicked her tongue, glancing at Steve as if seeing an alien. "I didn’t know you could be so romantic, Captain."

"It’s not that..." Steve paused, shaking his head with a sigh. "Never mind, just drive. When we get to the location, I’ll go in alone. You all should stay back."

"Don’t worry," Natasha grinned, turning the steering wheel sharply. The tires screeched, and the BMW drifted smoothly into a side street. "I have no interest in interrupting a date between two seventy-year-olds. That sounds like a one-way ticket to hell."

"Heh, thanks," Steve chuckled softly. His mind was already preoccupied, gazing out the window, lost in thought.

The Vienna Golden Hall.

The black BMW came to a smooth stop at the curb. Steve stepped out, dressed in a well-tailored Italian suit that flattered his athletic frame without appearing bulky. His physique, as perfect as a Greek statue, attracted admiring glances from the high-society women passing by. Some even boldly mouthed the words "I love you" in his direction.

Steve, a bit uncomfortable with the attention, smiled wryly. "Was all this really necessary?"

"Of course!" Natasha teased, handing him a gold-embossed invitation. "If you show up underdressed, your date might not appreciate it."

"Howard once told me the same," Steve said, taking the invitation and adjusting his clothes. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves and added, "But thanks, Natasha."

"Good luck, Captain." Natasha waved before closing the car door and hitting the gas. The car roared like a beast, speeding down the street and disappearing in the blink of an eye.

Tonight, no one would disturb them.

At this moment, Steve’s importance wasn’t just about being a super soldier. He was crucial to S.H.I.E.L.D.’s efforts to explore spiritual power and build connections with the Soul Society. More than that, he was Fury’s comrade.

In this matter, Fury had stood firm, even overruling former Director Pierce’s objections, placing the decision entirely in Steve’s hands.

Feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, Steve walked into the Golden Hall, a place that had captivated countless musicians and was considered a sacred site by many.

Greek statues of muses adorned the building’s golden walls. The hall itself was dazzling, its grandeur accentuated by massive crystal chandeliers. Every inch of the space reflected an overwhelming sense of luxury.

The Vienna Symphony Orchestra was performing Für Elise, the crescendo reverberating through the golden hall, stirring the hearts of all who listened.

Even Steve, who knew little about music, felt his heart race at the piece’s climax. Yet he didn’t forget why he was there. His eyes scanned the audience, and finally, he spotted her—Peggy Carter.

Suppressing the surge of emotions, Steve slowly approached and quietly sat beside her, sharing the moment in silence.

It was strange...

Though they hadn’t seen each other in seventy years, sitting beside her calmed Steve. The restlessness that had plagued him since waking up seemed to melt away in her presence.

Peggy leaned slightly, resting her head on Steve’s shoulder and gently grasping his hand.

Steve tightened his grip on her hand, savoring the scent of her hair as memories of seventy years ago flooded back. For a moment, he simply enjoyed the peace.

Neither of them spoke.

A few moments later, the piece ended.

Peggy slowly sat up, gazing at Steve with deep affection and nostalgia. "He didn’t lie. You really are alive, and you’ve come back... even if you’re seventy years late."

"I’m sorry..." Steve pulled her into a tight embrace, breathing in her scent. "I broke my promise and made you wait seventy years. But I’m here now. Come with me, Peggy."

"No, Steve..." Peggy whispered into his chest. "Not until things are resolved. Tell Fury to be wary of Pierce."

With that, Peggy gently pulled away, gazing at Steve with longing. "Steve, your right arm of the giant... it can still grow stronger."

"How do you know?" Steve asked, shocked, then remembered the intel. Peggy, do you have special powers, too?"

"To be precise..." Peggy smiled softly. "Our abilities are the same. But we call it... Fullbring."

"Full... Fullbring?" Steve needed clarification.

"Remember this, Steve," Peggy said, looking deeply into his eyes. "Fullbring is the power of love. Only with strong love can greater power be unlocked."

With those words, Peggy stood and began to leave.

Steve sensed her intention and reached out to grab her, but she vanished like a ghost before he could touch her.

He had lost her again...

...

Peggy entered a modest house and walked to where several people were seated.

"Welcome back," a man greeted her, standing with his arms crossed, his face hidden in the shadows.

"Yes, I told him," Peggy said as she stretched and sat on the couch, leaning her head on her hand, lost in thought. "I wonder if, the next time we meet, he’ll feel abandoned."

"He probably will," the man stepped out of the shadows, revealing a resolute face. "But to destroy Hydra, it’ll all be worth it."

"You’re still the same..." Peggy shook her head. "If we want to take down Hydra, we have to find Hive first. We’ve been searching for years and found nothing. Let’s wait for now, Bucky."

The man was none other than the missing Bucky.

"It won’t be long..." Bucky’s eyes burned with fury, his voice low. "We can’t let the disaster from seventy years ago happen again!"

"Yes..." Peggy’s eyes became distant as memories of seventy years flooded her mind. Her voice was laced with deep-seated hatred. "Fullbring... shouldn’t exist in this world. And Hive... must die!"