After sending Natasha away, Yuma felt something was off. Normally, S.H.I.E.L.D. had a rigorous vetting process for recruiting Avengers members. Nick Fury wouldn't have planned it for 13 years otherwise.
He'd been in this world for almost two years, but he'd only really shown his superhuman abilities recently. There was no reason for S.H.I.E.L.D. to be so quick to accept him.
Unless it wasn't Nick Fury who wanted to accept him, but someone else.
Could it be Alexander Pierce?
That was possible. As a Hydra sleeper agent in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s highest leadership, Alexander Pierce was determined to eliminate anyone who could threaten Hydra's existence and help Hydra rule the world. He should be starting to plan the Insight Project now.
Maybe he wanted to recruit Yuma and Banner as Hydra members to help him complete the Insight Project?
Then there was General Ross, the future Red Hulk.
He had never given up on capturing Banner, always trying to get Banner's serum to create more super soldiers. Maybe he wanted to change his approach, so he pushed this forward.
But no matter what, Yuma wasn't in a hurry. He didn't plan to join S.H.I.E.L.D. anyway. Besides, Captain America was still at the bottom of the ocean. Who knows when the Insight Project would be implemented.
The priority now was Tony Stark. Raza suddenly came to New York. He might have changed his plan and decided to kidnap Tony here.
It seems that maybe he was the one who attacked Tony last time.
"Banner, watch the shop for me. I'm going out for a bit."
Yuma thought for a moment and decided to remind Tony. Don't get assassinated in New York before you even get to the Middle East.
After going out, Yuma called Pepper and took a taxi to Stark Tower.
…
"Yuma, it's great to see you. Tony is in a meeting," Pepper was already waiting in the lobby. When she saw Yuma, she said happily. "It should be over in about half an hour. Do you want to rest or take a tour of Stark Tower?"
"You go ahead and do your thing. I'll wander around on my own," Yuma shrugged. "Besides, I think you need to be present at the meeting too."
"That's right. After all, I'm his assistant," Pepper smiled. "I'll have Happy take you around. We'll have lunch together."
Yuma found it quite interesting to tour Stark Tower with Happy.
One was Happy himself. In the movies, he was Tony's driver and bodyguard. But in reality, he was also the director of "Iron Man 1 and 2." He was a person who could really add a lot of drama to himself.
The other was Stark Tower, the future Avengers Tower.
Previously, Yuma had only seen it in movies. Now it was different. He could actually tour it freely. Besides, he would definitely have the opportunity to experience it being damaged and rebuilt. Maybe he could even add some of his own ideas when it was rebuilt after the Battle of New York.
"Happy, I remember Stark Industries uses the Arc Reactor to power their factories. Does Stark Tower use it too?" Yuma asked as he wandered around.
"No, not really," Happy replied. "The electricity consumption here in Stark Tower isn't as high as the factory, so it doesn't need the Arc Reactor to power it. Besides, it's not a good idea to keep that thing in the tower."
It seems that Tony doesn't have a plan to miniaturize the Arc Reactor yet. He probably won't make a desperate move until it's time for the Extremis.
"Has anyone strange appeared around Tony recently?"
Seeing Happy's confusion, Yuma changed his words. "You know, someone who stands out. Like someone who dresses strangely or likes to wear a mask?"
"No," Happy thought for a moment and shook his head. "After the last incident, Mr. Stark rarely goes out. He basically stays in the tower and at home, so he hasn't encountered anyone you described."
Alright, Yuma gave up. It seems that there's no useful information from Happy.
Should I try to contact Obadiah Stane later? Yuma stroked his chin and thought. Raza coming to New York definitely has something to do with this guy.
"Yuma, Mr. Stark's meeting is over. Let's go wait for him in the lobby," Happy said after hanging up the communicator.
Yuma nodded and followed Happy back to the lobby.
…
"Yuma, have you changed your mind and decided to be my bodyguard?" Tony's voice came from afar as soon as they sat down. "If so, I'll feel much more comfortable going to the Middle East this time."
"I'm not going to be your bodyguard. And I'm not going to the Middle East with you," Yuma rolled his eyes at Tony. "Forget about it."
"That's harsh, Yuma."
"Tony, why don't you introduce me to this gentleman?" Obadiah Stane, who had come with Tony, interrupted Tony and said with a smile.
Yuma glanced at him and noticed that although he was smiling at him, there was a flash of hatred in his eyes.
This guy is interesting. Is he angry that I saved Tony, or is he worried that I'll agree to go to the Middle East with Tony?
"Sorry," Tony patted Obadiah on the back and introduced him. "This is Yuma, the owner of Surprise Handicrafts. He's the one who saved me last time."
Then he turned to Yuma and said, "This is Obadiah Stane, a shareholder of Stark Industries and my close partner."
"Nice to meet you." Yuma extended his hand.
"I've heard Tony mention you," Obadiah shook Yuma's hand, with a hint of meaning. "Tony can't stop talking about you, which means you really can bring surprises, and they're not small."
"Tony, I still have some things to deal with. I won't be having lunch with you," Obadiah patted Tony on the shoulder. "When you come back from the Middle East, I'll throw you a big party. Yuma, you have to come too!"
…
"You're going to the Middle East?" Yuma asked when Obadiah was far away. "When are you leaving?"
"Leaving in three days," Tony looked at Yuma. "Did you come here for something?"
Yuma had given Tony a wink in front of Obadiah, so Tony didn't try to keep him. He didn't ask until Obadiah was far away.
"Let's talk while we walk." Yuma gestured for them to change locations and the group left the lobby and walked out.
…
Obadiah Stane stood at the corner and saw the four of them walk away. He dialed a number on his phone. "Call your people back. The person who helped him last time is also there. You won't succeed. Wait until he goes to the Middle East to act."
"Don't even think about it. Remember your mission. Don't cause trouble!"
Obadiah Stane hung up the phone angrily, glanced at Tony's back, then turned and left.
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