Jessica's complaints, naturally, would never reach Bruce's ears—even if he was Batman.
But he wasn't Superman.
Meanwhile, nearly all American citizens had already received a message from S.H.I.E.L.D.
The message was so brief that it was almost unbelievable.
And its content was even more astonishing.
"The new president's inauguration in three minutes?"
"What? Is this the speed of superheroes?"
"That's way too fast."
Throughout history, very few American presidents had taken office in such a rush—except during wartime. There had never been a situation this urgent.
But considering the current state of America, it made sense.
The country was likely going through the most difficult period in its history.
"I guess they're trying to stabilize the situation as quickly as possible."
"I believe in Batman."
"He's Batman, after all!"
The American people held high expectations for Batman taking office as president.
They no longer wanted to live in such turmoil.
At any moment, a sudden outbreak of rebellion could claim their lives.
They couldn't endure another day of this.
As citizens eagerly anticipated Batman's rise to power, some people remained skeptical.
They simply wanted to see how this newcomer would handle America's mess.
This wasn't just about fighting crime.
At that moment, Carol stood anxiously at the inauguration venue, worried that Batman might leave them hanging again.
Even though she knew Batman wasn't the type to do such a thing, she couldn't help but worry.
With her political experience, Carol was all too aware of the despicable tactics those in power were capable of.
The fact that they hadn't interfered with Batman's inauguration was already a miracle.
However, given Batman's overwhelming public support, they likely wouldn't dare pull any tricks here.
All they wanted was to see Bruce struggle in the face of America's crisis.
That was what they were waiting for.
"VROOOOM!!!"
A thunderous engine roar echoed in Carol's ears.
After spending time in New York, she had become very familiar with this sound.
It belonged to Batman.
The first-ever superhero president of the United States was arriving.
The Batmobile came to a smooth, stylish stop in front of Carol.
The cockpit hatch slowly opened, revealing Batman's stern face.
If not for her strong self-control, Carol would have lost her composure at that moment.
"Here is your speech. Also, these are the orders and pardons signed by the previous president."
Carol stepped up to Bruce, presenting the documents to him so he could understand the situation.
Bruce nodded but immediately took only the speech from her hands.
"I don't need these."
He placed the documents onto a nearby S.H.I.E.L.D. agent's desk without a second glance.
Carol had already expected this.
She had previously consulted the NYPD commissioner—the person most experienced in dealing with Batman—to understand his methods.
So, she wasn't surprised by his actions.
Batman proceeded directly to the S.H.I.E.L.D.-prepared stage.
By now, the venue was packed with journalists eager to get the first scoop.
They pushed forward, hoping to get closer to the new president.
Unfortunately, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents kept them firmly in check.
Standing at the podium, Bruce scanned the faces before him.
His helmet instantly transmitted all facial data to the Batcave's processing system.
Within moments, the analyzed data was sent back to him.
"I am not a politician. I am not a soldier. You don't even know what I look like, yet you chose me."
Bruce stood there, offering no words of thanks to the press, nor any pleasantries.
The politicians watching the inauguration were delighted.
"Just as we thought—an absolute rookie in politics. A naïve fledgling!"
"America's crisis is clear for all to see—division, tension, fear, and a lack of trust."
Bruce stood emotionlessly as he addressed the press.
"You want me to lead America? Fine."
He glanced at the U.S. Constitution beside him.
Then, he raised his head and stared directly into the cameras.
"I believe what you need is not a politician—not someone bound by bureaucracy. But sometimes, even I must follow the most basic rules."
Bruce placed his left hand on the Constitution of the United States.
"I, Batman, solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
As soon as Bruce finished speaking, the entire nation erupted in excitement.
Batman had become the new President of the United States.
Just when everyone thought the inauguration was over, Batman suddenly spoke again.
Captain America lowered his head. He had no idea what orders Batman would issue next.
Wasn't the presidency so coveted precisely because of the immense power it bestowed, capable of driving people mad?
The corruption of power was often more terrifying than the corruption of wealth.
"My first order as President," Batman declared.
"Reinstate Captain America. Restore the operational authority of the Ultimate Alliance. Reinstate S.H.I.E.L.D.'s functions. Dissolve the Senate Emergency Committee."
"Carol Danvers will serve as Vice President."
The moment these words were broadcasted on live television, Captain America immediately lifted his head, staring at the determined man on the screen. At that moment, for the first time in a long while, he felt a renewed sense of hope for his country.
Batman fixed his gaze on the camera as if he were staring directly at Captain America.
"Steve Rogers, begin your work. Lead the Ultimate Alliance. Reunite this broken nation."
Upon hearing Batman's words, Captain America wasted no time lingering in front of the television. He turned to the Ultimate Alliance members who had followed him here.
"You heard our President. Let's move out. We're heading to Carolina."
"Of course!"
"Let's get started!"
The members of the Ultimate Alliance didn't say much. They simply followed Captain America, setting out toward their destinations.
Now, they were truly the Ultimate Alliance.
"I know some people are deeply dissatisfied with me becoming President of the United States. You are free to be unhappy. I am only here to see this nation reunified and restored to peace."
"Once it's over, you can elect someone else."
With those words, Bruce turned and walked away in the direction he had come, completely unconcerned with the frantic reporters clamoring for his attention.
To Bruce, dealing with the media was far less important than returning to the Batcave to assess the true state of New York.
"Wait! Wait! You can't just leave now!" Carol called out urgently as she watched Batman heading toward his Batmobile.
"This country is falling apart. You are the President. You have a responsibility to stay here and oversee everything."
Bruce turned his head slightly and said to Carol, "You are the Vice President. In my absence, you will act on my behalf. You've done this job before, and you're more than capable. That is precisely why I chose you as my Vice President."
"Batman, this isn't what I signed up for! And your presidency is fragile at best. Washington will intervene. Senator Underwood and his Emergency Powers Committee have unprecedented oversight over the Executive Office."
"Which is exactly why I ordered the dissolution of the Senate Emergency Committee," Bruce replied, unfazed by Carol's concerns as he continued walking toward the Batmobile.
Carol had no other options left. She stepped in front of Batman, trying to physically block him from leaving.
She needed to force him to stay and ensure the nation's stability.
"We are still locked in a standoff on the West Coast. The war in Detroit is completely out of control. Carolina is being torn apart by internal conflicts. Wyoming has lost all communications, and we've lost contact with Pegasus Base."
"These are all matters that require a President to make decisions!"
Carol listed one national crisis after another, but none of it deterred Bruce.
"Carol, I trust you to handle it." Bruce placed a firm hand on her shoulder, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers.
In that moment, Carol felt an unparalleled sense of trust and strength.
"Make sure to send a few Quinjet fighters to Captain America. He'll need them." Bruce patted Carol on the shoulder before swiftly slipping into the Batmobile's cockpit.
Before Carol could even react, the Batmobile shot forward like an arrow, disappearing from her sight.
Meanwhile, in Washington, Senator Underwood was fuming. An expensive carpet was stained with spilled coffee, and shards of a shattered coffee cup lay scattered across the floor.
Clearly, Bruce's first official order as President had infuriated the senator.
"Dissolve the Senate Emergency Committee?! Who gave you that authority?!"
Underwood roared inside his office, but he quickly calmed himself.
He needed to have a serious conversation with the new President.
This man didn't understand the rules of politics. He didn't understand how to properly run a nation.
As long as they had a proper discussion, they would surely be able to rein him in.
America didn't need a John Wayne-type figure running the country.
John Wayne (May 26, 1907 – June 11, 1979) was an American film actor born in Iowa, known for playing tough guys in Westerns and war movies.
(End of Chapter)
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