Half an hour later.
"Create Mark II database."
Now in clean clothes, Tony Stark tapped away on a virtual keyboard.
"Sir, should the data be uploaded to the Stark Industries main server?" Jarvis asked.
"Not for now. I don't even know who I can trust anymore."
Tony rubbed his forehead. The weapons in the Middle East hadn't been signed off by him at all. It seemed the company his father left him had far deeper internal problems than he thought.
"Then this will be filed under a secret project."
The virtual interface was created and quickly categorized under a separate section.
"Sir, you're in no condition to be working right now. The takeout you ordered has arrived, but it seems to be delivered by someone you know."
Jarvis's voice was followed by the whirring of helicopter blades.
Colonel James Rhodes, in uniform, jumped down from the chopper with two large bags in hand, swiping his access card like a regular visitor as he stepped into the hall.
"Hey, Tony. Ten giant burgers—you sure you can finish them? And next time, stay off my damn Humvee."
"Colonel Rhodes, your military nose is sharper than a bloodhound's. Now hurry up with my burgers. Saitama, Yinsen, try them—this place makes a good burger!"
Tony patted Rhodes on the shoulder, handing out burgers to Saitama and Yinsen. "I'm curious though—how'd you know I was back? My devastating good looks?"
Rhodey's expression shifted slightly when he noticed the bald man lounging on the sofa, burger in hand, watching soap operas. After a brief pause, his solid military composure let him manage an awkward smile.
"Next time you send a repair payment, don't sign it 'Tony Stark.' Also, a million dollars won't buy back an armed Apache helicopter."
He shot Tony a glare, then glanced at Saitama and Yinsen before shuffling toward the bald man.
"Hey, buddy. I'm James Rhodes, Tony's friend. Here's my card. I work at the National Military Science and Technology Department."
His tone was unusually formal and friendly—strange, since Rhodes was normally aloof, even toward high-ranking officers.
Still… why was his hand trembling?
"Oh? I'm Saitama, a professional hero just for fun. Tony, these burgers are pretty good. Where'd you get them?"
Still chewing his burger and holding the remote, Saitama took the card and pocketed it.
"Hahaha! You like it? I knew we were alike! Jarvis, buy that burger place."
Tony laughed heartily.
"Yes, sir."
A robotic arm extended, offering a black card. "Mr. Saitama, this is a small gift from Mr. Stark. Please accept it."
Saitama didn't hold back—these burgers really were good, and if he remembered right, he had a Burger King-related mission to take care of.
"Hey, Rhodes, don't get any funny ideas. Saitama's my friend—he's not joining your Air Force or whatever. Right, Saitama?"
Before Rhodes could speak, Tony shamelessly cut in.
"I already work for the Hero Association. Not planning to switch jobs right now." Saitama nodded.
Rhodey: "…"
Damn you, Tony!
Still, "Hero Association" went straight into Rhodes's mental priority list.
The four of them shared Tony's burgers. After the kidnapping crisis, Stark now considered Saitama and Yinsen as his true brothers-in-arms.
"Tony, I'm curious—how'd you get out of those terrorists' hands? Luck?" Rhodes asked.
"Ahem, Rhodes, I don't have the energy to answer that right now. But there's something I need your input on."
"Tony! Now's not the time for work!"
Suddenly—
A woman's voice came from the doorway. Wearing a hip-hugging skirt and a sharp business suit, with a curvy figure, golden shoulder-length hair, and freckles across her face—it was Pepper Potts.
"Why didn't you tell me you were back? You need to get to the hospital immediately for a full checkup!"
The click of her heels was rapid as she strode to Tony's side, worry and anger on her face.
"I don't need to."
"You do. You're going to the hospital now!"
"I'm fine! I'm your boss, Potts! I said I don't need to!"
The two were on the verge of an argument, but as always, Pepper eventually relented.
"Alright! I'm fine—no question about it. Now, what I was saying earlier: I plan to shut down Stark Industries' weapons division. From now on, no more arms sales."
Tony's voice was firm and resolute.
(End of Chapter)
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