Chapter 115: Returning to the Marvel Universe
After returning to Konoha from the Rain Country, George discovered that Konoha had just completed its investigation of Shimura Danzo's base.
The revelations uncovered during the investigation were shocking, prompting Hiruzen Sarutobi to curse upon viewing the on-site photos.
The subsequent purge was inevitable; Shimura Danzo ultimately met his end at the hands of Orochimaru. As for Danzo's fate, one could only hope that Orochimaru wouldn't disappoint George.
After staying a few more days in Konoha, George handed over the general plan for the Land of Fire for the upcoming years to Tsunade and the accompanying minister. He instructed them to implement it accordingly.
After spending two additional days with Tsunade and Princess Miyu, George returned directly to the Marvel Universe.
Before leaving, George created a magic circle with Tsunade. If anything critical occurred in the Land of Fire or Konoha that required his attention, he would know immediately as long as they shattered the magic circle.
He explained his departure by saying he needed to seclude himself to practice the Ninjutsu he had collected, a statement that didn't raise any suspicions.
Upon returning to the Marvel Universe, George first retrieved his clones and absorbed the information from his time away.
Finding nothing of major concern, he opened a bottle of bourbon and relaxed on a lounge chair on the balcony.
The late afternoon sun stretched out across the floor-to-ceiling windows. Alice walked into the room barefoot, tying her robe lazily as she crossed the polished floor.
"My dear, are your experiments finished?" she asked, leaning in the doorway.
George held up his glass. "For now. Nothing exploded, so I'm calling it a win."
She stepped out onto the balcony and joined him. He reached into his storage and pulled out a diamond necklace with pale pink stones.
"It's not the diamonds that matter," he said, slipping it around her neck. "I wove a protective seal into the band."
She brushed her fingers over the pendant. "You always bring something strange and thoughtful. I missed you."
Before George could reply, a quiet voice chimed in from inside.
"Glad he finally came back," Yui said, stepping through the sliding door. She wore one of George's old shirts and looked like she hadn't been sleeping much.
Alice raised an eyebrow. "Thought you were going to ignore him for another hour."
Yui shrugged. "I was. But then I saw him pull out that bourbon."
George smiled faintly. "Didn't expect a welcome committee."
"Don't flatter yourself," Yui replied. "You were late."
He poured her a glass and passed it over. She took it without thanks, sitting down on the armrest of his chair.
Alice looked at the two of them and chuckled. "You know, if someone walked in right now, they'd assume we were running some kind of quiet cult."
Yui leaned back. "Well, if we are, he's the idiot running it, and we're the ones keeping it from burning down."
George raised his glass. "To loyal subordinates."
Alice smirked. "To stubborn women."
Yui hummed, "To your safe return."
The sun dipped lower, painting the sea gold.
They sat there for a while. No plans. Just three people, finally in the same room again.
The outside world, however, hadn't slowed. Over the past two years, Germany has grown increasingly aggressive.
Other nations noted the clear signs of impending war, prompting European countries, including the United States, to prepare for conflict.
During this period, Howard Stark, having taken over his father's business, utilized his exceptional intelligence to produce numerous advanced weapon designs. He quickly gained recognition as a highly sought-after genius.
In contrast to George's low profile, Howard Stark was remarkably high-profile, with his designs frequently featured in various magazines and newspapers.
As expected, World War II broke out. During this tumultuous year, Howard Stark founded Stark Industries, receiving deliberate support from the military, which allowed the company to capture a significant portion of the high-end market.
"Sir, Paul called to report that Howard Stark's military orders, obtained through advanced technology, have reached one-third of our output. He's asking if we should release some new products to capture the market," said young Fred.
George, who was painting a portrait of Alice, replied without looking up, "No need, just tell them to follow the previous plan."
Thus, at the U.S. Military Industry Expo in Los Angeles in 1940, following the outbreak of World War II, the expo became one of the most significant events of the era.
Various military-industrial companies showcased their newly developed weapons and equipment, while the former industry giant, PL Industries, including its major subsidiaries like Lockheed, failed to present any particularly innovative weaponry.
Instead, the rising star Stark Industries garnered more attention with its groundbreaking designs.
Like a climber who always seeks to reach the peak before him, Howard Stark was determined to surpass George's PL Industries in the military industry to prove his capabilities.
His mindset was matched by his actions.
Over the past two years, at every exhibition, Howard made a point to position himself next to George's PL Industries, showcasing his new products with a victorious attitude while seizing the opportunity to undermine George's company.
Even though Howard understood that the weaponry he presented was not yet ready for mass production and remained in the experimental stage, this did not quell his competitive desire to outshine his opponent, even if he was unsure of George's true strengths.
Despite Howard Stark's innovative equipment, the majority of orders from various countries still favored conventional weapons, which reassured George about the sales of his products.
"Hi, Colonel Phillips, are you here to visit the weapons expo as well?" Paul inquired.
"Long time no see, Paul. I'm here for something else," Colonel Chester Phillips replied, glancing in Howard's direction.
"Haha, what is it, Colonel Phillips? Are you also optimistic about him?" Paul asked while looking at Howard Stark.
"Yes, he's certainly as talented in weapon research and development as your boss, George," Phillips remarked.
"That's true; from a conventional standpoint, he is indeed impressive," Paul agreed.
"By the way, did you inform George about what I asked you to relay?" the Colonel turned to Paul and inquired.
"Oh, I'm sorry. My boss has been busy with research and hasn't had time to join your Strategic Scientific Reserve. But don't worry, the experimental equipment you need has been specially prepared for you and will be delivered alongside the weaponry," Paul explained.
"Alright, please let George know I hope he can visit my department when he gets a chance," Phillips said, refocusing on Howard. "Well, I still have things to do. Let's talk another day."
"Okay, goodbye, Colonel," Paul said.
"Goodbye, sir," Phillips replied.
After their conversation, Phillips led his aide towards Howard, who was preparing to step down from the stage. Watching Phillips approach Howard, Paul couldn't help but smirk, silently lamenting George's low profile.
As the company representative for George, Paul was well aware of the strength of their military-industrial enterprise.
However, besides civilian products, George regarded many new weapons as technological reserves, delaying their upgrades. Otherwise, how could Howard Stark Industries have gained any traction?
The most ironic aspect was that PL Company, through its strategy of layered overseas acquisitions, owned 35% of Howard Stark Industries' shares.
This move wasn't accidental. It stemmed from George's long-term observation of Howard, beginning with their very first meeting during a high-profile gala, when Howard was only 17 and accompanied his father.
George had through his previous life knowledge, knew about the boy's potential, keeping tabs on him over the years.
Later, their paths crossed again aboard his "Golden Ship," where Howard, then in his twenties, attended a diplomatic and industrial summit seeking investment opportunities.
George noticed Howard's sharp evolution since the gala: more confident, focused, and already plotting out his technological empire.
When Howard formally approached PL Empire's finance wing in search of backing to start his own company, George didn't dismiss him.
Instead, he instructed the finance division to take their time, weeks, not days, to evaluate every detail: technical feasibility, personnel, long-term viability, and even the potential ripple effects across the global geopolitical landscape.
Only after this thorough assessment did George greenlight the investment.
But he deliberately instructed them not to secure a controlling stake, only enough to maintain leverage without drawing attention.
From that point onward, PL Industries, including key subsidiaries like Lockheed, spared no effort in embedding itself into the heart of Stark Industries.
It was a slow, deliberate tightening of influence through layered partnerships, tech cross-licensing, and quiet shareholder realignments.
Even as Howard sought to outpace them in public, George was already two steps ahead, quietly watching him rise through channels he had helped shape.
"Hi, hello, Mr. Howard Stark. Your laser weapon is impressive, but it would be even better if the power were greater," Colonel Phillips greeted Stark, familiar with him.
"Haha, Colonel Phillips, is there no product from PL that satisfies you?" Howard Stark replied proudly, twirling his mustache.
"Come on, let me show you something good. I suggest you set your pride aside. As for PL Company, it has nothing to do with you," Phillips said.
After finishing his statement, Phillips ignored Howard and walked straight to the backstage private room. At the door, he retrieved a shield from the guard and stepped inside, prompting the guard to close the door once Howard Stark followed him.
"Hey, being alone in a room with a soldier will hurt my reputation!" Howard Stark exclaimed with a look of disdain.
"Shut up, Howard. Look at this," Colonel Phillips replied, handing him the shield.
"What is this, a shield? Does the military want me to produce this kind of medieval weapon? Do I need to equip it with a hammer?" Howard Stark contemptuously tossed the shield onto a nearby table, ready to use the laser weapon in his hand to destroy it, seeking revenge for Phillips' mocking the inadequacy of his weapon earlier.
However, even though the laser weapon in his hand was on the verge of burning out, the shield remained completely undamaged.
"What is this, Colonel? I can assure you, this is no metal I've ever encountered!" Howard Stark said as he picked up the shield and examined it closely.
__________________________________________________________________________________
SPIN OFF: The People's Daimyo - Part 2: Whispers in the Court
The palace was quieter than usual. Not with peace, but with caution. Servants walked briskly yet silently through the halls, avoiding eye contact.
Lanterns burned earlier than normal. And within the high chamber of the inner court, tension bloomed like smoke.
George stood at the center of the long chamber, a dark, unadorned robe thrown over his usual wear. He didn't care for formality, but this place demanded a kind of performance.
Across from him sat the remaining court ministers of the Fire Daimyo, men who had survived the palace shake-up and who now lived in subtle fear of the man who sat at the top.
The Princess was seated beside him, but one step lower. Her presence was ceremonial, not functional. And that, too, was its kind of power play.
Minister Kagemura, a narrow-eyed man with a receding hairline, bowed lightly and cleared his throat. "Your Excellency, we've received several petitions regarding land tax adjustments following the monsoon season. The rice yield projections have dropped by fourteen percent, "
"Make it ten," George interrupted. "Ten, and push the difference into the emergency fund. Farmers will riot if we don't give them some breathing room."
There was a murmur among the older men. One of them scribbled a note. Another leaned forward, eyebrows raised.
"Your Excellency," a younger noble cut in, his tone polished and polite. "May I ask whether this... generosity is sustainable? The state coffers, "
", have been stabilized by offshore holdings and wartime arms agreements," George said. "The details are not your concern. The outcome is."
Silence followed.
It wasn't how rulers usually spoke. But George wasn't a usual ruler. Everyone in the room knew it.
The Princess glanced at him sideways but said nothing. She was watching the way the nobles deferred to him, not with respect, but with calculation.
Another man stood. His voice was measured, formal. "Forgive me, Daimyo-sama. I believe the late Lord would have... consulted the full council before such a sweeping change."
George looked at him. "And where was that full council when his temple was struck by lightning?"
A quiet snapped through the room. The nobles fell still. Even the scribes paused their writing.
The Princess exhaled slowly.
George's voice didn't rise. "Let me be clear. I'm not here to mirror your old traditions. I'm here to ensure the Land of Fire doesn't collapse under the weight of outdated protocol."
He stepped down from the dais. His boots echoed on the polished wood.
"You're not loyal to me. Not yet. And I don't need that. But you will work with me. Or you'll step aside. Quietly."
No one answered. There was nothing to say.
Outside the chamber, as the meeting concluded, the Princess walked behind him.
"They're going to hate you for that," she murmured.
"They already do," George replied.
She glanced back. One of the nobles was still watching them from the door. "You didn't deny the lightning."
George didn't look at her. "Would you have preferred I lie?"
"No." She folded her arms. "But they'll use it against you. Whisper it in the streets."
"Let them," George said. "Their whispers don't concern me. Only their moves."
"And if they use me?" she asked.
He paused, then looked her in the eye. "Then they'll learn what it means to lose everything they've ever built."
She didn't flinch. But for the first time, he saw it clearly in her gaze,
She did suspect him.
And she hadn't decided what to do with that yet.
That night, the Princess found herself standing alone in the west corridor, looking out toward the darkening skyline. The palace guard had tripled. There were new faces among the sentries. Quieter footsteps. Different uniforms.
George had said little after dinner. He'd gone to review border reports, or so he claimed.
She touched the pendant around her neck, gold, simple, set with a crimson stone. A wedding gift. Nothing grand, but precise. Like him.
Behind her, one of the handmaidens approached.
"My lady, the tea is ready in your chamber."
"Thank you, Rika. You may go ahead."
The handmaiden hesitated. "There's word among the others. That Lord George... That he may not have come to power through righteous means."
The Princess turned. "And do they say what they would have done, in his place?"
Rika looked down. "No, my lady."
The Princess nodded. "Then they should keep their prayers to themselves."
Rika bowed and left.
When the Princess finally returned to her chamber, George was already there. A map lay open on the table, covered in handwritten marks. He looked up.
"You're quiet," he said.
"So are you."
He studied her for a moment. "They'll come after you before they come for me."
"I know."
"If they touch you, I'll dismantle them. One family at a time."
She sat down across from him. "You think I need protecting?"
He didn't smile. "No. But I promised I would."
They sat together in the candlelight, the weight of court politics and quiet war settling between them.
It was going to be a long reign.