Stark took a bite of the burger and smiled at Obadiah, who sat beside him.
"It's good to see you," he said, his voice deep with introspection.
Obadiah smiled back, patting Tony on the shoulder. "Likewise, Tony."
"I haven't been able to see my father for the last time, nor say goodbye," Tony said, first addressing Obadiah, then turning to the assembled reporters.
Tony looked serious, lost in thought, setting aside his hamburger.
"I have a question that I want to ask myself," he began, his tone grave. "What do I think about manufacturing weapons? Have I ever wavered, or am I as tough as the media portrays?"
The flashing camera lights illuminated Tony's contemplative expression as he faced the reporters.
"All of you," he continued, looking directly at them, "I've seen young Americans die because of the weapons I once made to protect them." He recalled the soldiers on the Jeep.
"I've also realized how this system fosters irresponsibility, and I've become part of that."
Obadiah's expression shifted, seemingly pondering Tony's words.
"Sir, Mr. Stark?" A reporter raised a hand.
"Yes?" Tony nodded.
"What happened to you out there?"
Tony paused, making a decision. Standing up, he declared, "I'm awake now. My purpose in this world is to contribute positively, not just create weapons that cause destruction."
"So, I've decided to shut down Stark Industries' weapons manufacturing division," he announced firmly, "until I chart a new course for the company."
Obadiah, taken aback, hurriedly rose to intervene, gently pushing Tony aside.
But Tony pressed on. "I'll find a direction that aligns with..."
Obadiah seized the microphone, attempting to redirect the conversation and regain control.
"...and one that serves the country's best interests!" Tony finished, speaking to the reporters without the microphone.
Ignoring the clamor of questions, Tony walked away.
Obadiah attempted to steer the discussion back with a forced smile. "The main news here is Tony's return and recovery, isn't it?"
Seeing the reporters' noisy response, anger and regret flashed in Obadiah's eyes. "We'll continue this discussion later and update you soon."
Under Harpy's protection, Tony returned to the car, with Pepper and John following suit.
As Tony pondered his next steps, he suddenly noticed John, sitting beside him, blinking his large, shining eyes, which instantly sparked Tony's curiosity.
"What's going on?" Tony asked, looking at John.
"Mr. Stark, it's great to see you again. Miss Potts said you might be looking for me, so here I am! Exciting, isn't it?" John replied enthusiastically.
Pepper glanced curiously at John, wondering what had drawn Tony's attention—perhaps the metal model?
Tony had a question burning in his mind but remained silent, feeling the cold metal against his chest. "Harpy, take me to the power center!"
"Sure thing, sir!" Harpy responded, steering towards the power center adjacent to the Stark factory.
John observed Tony, noticing the five small metal fragments adhered to Tony's chest reactor, and recalled the flashing arcs of energy from the Arc Reactor, which had captivated his gaze.
Pepper caught John's gaze fixed on Tony's chest, prompting Tony to jest, "What's with the interest in my chest?"
Within ten minutes, they passed through the vast factory area and arrived at the power generation center.
"I need some alone time," Tony declared, then turned to John. "John, I have some questions for you."
Harpy wisely escorted Pepper away, leaving Tony and John alone at the entrance.
Tony entered first, John following silently.
Passing through the gates, they beheld the massive Arc Reactor, its arcs of energy swirling and pulsating.
Tony gazed at the reactor deeply, sensing a connection akin to looking into his own heart.
John, awestruck by the technological marvel before him, admired the device's intricate beauty, which supplied boundless energy.
"What do you know? What does that model signify?" Tony inquired, turning to face John.
"Well, sir, you should consider upgrading to a new Arc Reactor. The current one on your chest isn't generating enough power," John explained, his eyes seemingly seeing through Tony's attire.
"You know this?" Tony shook his head in amused disbelief. "Can you tell me why? What else do you know about me, about my experiences?"
"Yes, sir, I can see and understand a lot, both past and future," John replied with a hint of mystery.
"Oh, then tell me what you see now," Tony demanded, his curiosity piqued, though tinged with a hint of threat.
"Tony, remember what Yinsen said? Cherish your life, don't waste it," John replied meaningfully.
Tony's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Ethan. "Impossible, how could you know Ethan? There was no one around at that time!"
"Did you bug me? Or were you involved in my kidnapping?" Tony asked, studying John intently, his left hand tightening on the lever.
"No, Mr. Stark," John met Tony's gaze, a golden gleam in his eyes. "I know a lot simply because of my abilities."
John blinked, the golden light fading. "And about the person who kidnapped you—I think you'll find out soon."
"Mr. Stark, I'll be waiting outside," John said, turning to leave just as Obadiah entered.
Smiling, John politely stepped aside.