James Barnes, brainwashed into resuming the deadly persona of the Soviet assassin Winter Soldier by the villain Leo Novokov, is trying to kill Daredevil. Wolverine and Hawkeye are racing to Matt Murdock’s new home, hoping that Bucky doesn’t know that the lawyer no longer lives in Hell’s Kitchen. No such luck, as the two antagonists come crashing through a high window as the heroes arrive in a flying car. DD swings away but the Winter Soldier lands on their hood, disables the controls with several gunshots, sending the aircar plummeting to the ground, and leaps to a rooftop where he reengages Daredevil. DD is holding back since he knows Natasha (the Black Widow) loves him but no such restraint is on the assassin. Wolverine and Hawkeye appear as well to continue the melee. A chopper arrives, its presence masked by the gunfire and explosions; Daredevil alone is aware of it. He distracts Bucky long enough for Captain America to drop from the chopper and knock out Bucky. Leaving DD with no answers, Cap takes the unconscious Bucky back to SHIELD HQ where Novokov’s brainwashing is reversed. Cap takes Bucky to task for his stupid decision to follow the enemy’s orders but Bucky explains he was desperate….
Later, he tries to justify himself to Logan but the X-Man is unsympathetic and they come to blows. Cap steps in to stop the fight but Bucky is still consumed by guilt over his foolishness. Cap scolds both of them then raises Bucky’s hopes with the clue the distraught lover overlooked: the mission against Daredevil was designed to hurt Natasha—meaning Novokov is planning to give her back at the worst moment. Meaning there is still time to save her. The team heads out on the trail of the Black Widow once more….
Meanwhile, at Arlington National Cemetery, Leo Novokov shows Black Widow their target: the Captain America and Bucky memorial….