"After company deliberation, Stark Industries has decided to sell its already closed weapons division. The buyer is Future Biopharmaceuticals."
After announcing this to the reporters, Tony Stark ignored the uproar below and left through the back door under Happy's escort.
Pepper Potts followed soon after. Her expression was very displeased as she walked up to Tony Stark and said, "If something like this happens again, I hope you'll at least discuss it with me instead of making a decision on your own."
"Didn't I tell you? I must've been too busy yesterday. Probably my fault," Tony Stark said, deliberately trying to change the subject. He had intentionally not told her; otherwise, convincing Pepper would have taken far too much effort. It was easier to just decide first.
"Probably your fault? Because of your carelessness, I still have to go persuade the board!"
Pepper raised her voice. "Tony, why did you make this decision? Does it have something to do with the company you went to yesterday?"
"Honestly, it has a lot to do with it."
Tony Stark spoke as he stepped into the elevator. Once the doors closed, he lifted his shirt and showed Pepper his intact chest.
"Because of this. He cured my injury in exchange for acquiring the weapons division. Otherwise, I'd still be searching everywhere for a cure for palladium poisoning."
After hearing Tony's explanation, Pepper touched his chest in disbelief. Such a large wound disappearing within a single day—if Tony hadn't told her himself and she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she would never have believed it.
"Alright, alright, I understand. I'll handle things with that company. But the board—"
"I'll persuade them. Stark Industries is already transitioning anyway. They all know that."
It was precisely because he had developed the arc reactor that Tony Stark had the confidence to shut down the weapons division. Most of the board already knew of his decision. Transforming into an energy conglomerate would allow Stark Industries to monopolize an enormous market.
As for the weapons division, it wasn't sold at a loss. At the very least, the directors' profits weren't harmed.
However, the press conference Tony held today shocked the entire United States and even drew worldwide attention. This time, it wasn't because of Future Biopharmaceuticals' special drugs. People were curious why a pharmaceutical company would acquire Stark Industries' weapons division.
When Stark announced the closure of the weapons division, many arms companies had set their sights on this lucrative asset. Without exception, all were rejected by Tony Stark. It wasn't that he lacked money—he simply didn't want to sell.
Yet now it had been bought by a biopharmaceutical company. It was utterly absurd.
Many reporters rushed to Future Biopharmaceuticals, but aside from the special drugs, they couldn't get any information at all.
As for the four special drugs for terminal illnesses, there was little interest in further coverage. With success seemingly imminent, the news hype was nearing its end. They would only refocus once the drugs officially hit the market.
Although they received no response, many reporters chose to wait outside. This was breaking news. If they could get even a bit of information, promotions and raises would surely follow.
A day later, Peter Parker was picked up by No. 18 and brought to Future Biopharmaceuticals, where he met Hyuga Mirai again.
After entering, Peter Parker saw Hyuga Mirai watching television. After greeting him, Hyuga Mirai called him over. "Peter, come watch together. They're talking about you on TV."
Peter sat down on the sofa and saw that the TV was broadcasting a press conference held by the New York Police Department.
"We hereby announce an extremely important matter. The masked individual Spider-Man, who has appeared repeatedly at night recently, is an externally contracted hero of the New York Police Department. Thanks to him, our criminal apprehension efficiency has increased by 34%."
Seeing this news, Peter Parker felt a slight surge of excitement. From today on, he was no longer a 'dangerous individual' targeted by the NYPD, but a 'vigilante' officially backed by them.
Seeing such a dramatic increase in arrest efficiency also filled Peter with pride. This was all his contribution.
"Don't be in such a hurry to celebrate, Peter. In fact, you did cause some impact on the NYPD. Because of your unfamiliarity with them, three undercover officers embedded in gangs and Hell's Kitchen were exposed and pulled out, wasting three years of effort."
Hyuga Mirai said with a light chuckle, then projected some information to Peter using the terminal on his wrist.
"Virtual projection? Sir, do you have this technology too?" Peter asked in surprise, then looked at the projected files. He recognized those people well. Not long ago, he had caught them conducting illegal dealings and delivered them directly to the NYPD.
Only now did Peter realize he had arrested the wrong people. If he had investigated more carefully, this mistake wouldn't have happened.
Seeing the guilt on Peter's face, Hyuga Mirai smiled reassuringly. "Don't blame yourself too much. At least there were no casualties. For the NYPD, they only lost time and effort, and I've already compensated them fully."
Future Biopharmaceuticals donated 100 million dollars to the NYPD, prompting the commissioner to change his stance and hold today's press conference. Another 200 million dollars was donated to New York State and New York City officials to lobby for the bill establishing a superhero team.
Money plus pressure—within two months, New York State would pass the bill. As for the U.S. Congress, Hyuga Mirai would naturally find a way.
"One person's energy is limited. Even I can't do everything alone. You're being a superhero, going to school, and working part-time as a photographer. For an eighteen-year-old, that's already impressive. That's why I invited you to join my company. There won't be any intelligence mistakes in the future, and the company will handle all your worries."
After hearing this, Peter deeply agreed with Hyuga Mirai. Mr. Future understood him. To help others, Peter could only listen for news on the radio each day, sometimes wandering the streets with no results.
He still had to attend school and work part-time as a photographer. Without his mutated body, Peter felt he wouldn't have lasted this long.
"You're a kind person who works hard to be a superhero saving civilians. It's just that individual energy can't cover everything."
"Now you have backing, Peter. Future Biopharmaceuticals is your backing." Hyuga Mirai's words were deeply compelling and struck directly at Peter Parker's softest spot.
"From now on, you won't need to worry about those trivial troubles. Studying is Peter Parker's main job, photography is a hobby, and saving people is Spider-Man's."
Hearing this, Peter couldn't help nodding. More importantly, there was the contract he had signed. He would receive a monthly superhero subsidy of 30,000 dollars, plus activity bonuses, rescue bonuses, and a share of the Spider-Man IP. Future Biopharmaceuticals would also upgrade his equipment, though Peter didn't know what kind yet.
Those earnings were already more than enough to excite him. Once his fame grew, Peter Parker could be making over a million dollars a month. The three of them would never have to worry again about choosing which used car to buy.
"Let's go, Peter. We'll first take a look at the equipment you'll be switching to. For now, there's only the basic version. The most suitable one will come later with further development."
After saying this, Hyuga Mirai stood up and prepared to take Peter out. Just as they moved, someone walked in.
"Mirai, I'm here to help out at your company. Isn't that the Spider boy from last time?"
Peter Parker smiled awkwardly and replied, "Spider-Man, ma'am. I'm Peter Parker."
"This is my wife, Kurenai. She's also a superpowered individual."
After introducing Kurenai Yuhi, Hyuga Mirai looked at her. Just a few days ago, he had asked her to come work at the company, and she had firmly refused. Why the sudden change of heart today?
"Then be my secretary for now. I'll take Peter to change his equipment."
After he finished speaking, Kurenai Yuhi made an OK gesture. Hyuga Mirai then took Peter Parker down to the next level. This floor was a laboratory set up with space capsules, the kind that could be carried around at any time.
Hyuga Mirai planned to first test Peter Parker's physical data. He remembered that this Parker was strength-oriented, so the equipment prepared for him could fully leverage Peter's natural advantages.
To satisfy a bit of his old personal taste, Hyuga Mirai prepared new equipment for Peter Parker: the "Diga-Type Spider Suit," with three modes—Enhanced Strength Type, Lightning Agility Type, and Intelligent Technology Type.
This equipment was composed of biological nanotech. Every one million nanites formed a small supercomputer, attaching to Peter Parker like a symbiote, constantly calculating his external environment and providing feedback.
"Mr. Future, this suit feels incredibly powerful. Even an ordinary person would become a superhero wearing it, right?"
After some interaction, Peter Parker had learned more about Hyuga Mirai. Although he looked very young, he already had three children and was much older than Peter. Perhaps this was simply how the rich maintained themselves—especially someone who ran a biopharmaceutical company.
"An ordinary person wearing it would at best reach your level. Only you can become even stronger with it, Peter."
After saying this, Hyuga Mirai handed Peter a communication device and continued, "Your ID card, salary card, and everything else are ready. If you pass your driver's test, you can even apply for a sports car. Remember to take your things when you leave. You can test the equipment here or take it home."
After giving a few more instructions, Hyuga Mirai left the floor. Peter Parker decided to stay and test the equipment further. Home was too small; he couldn't fully move around.
This new equipment far exceeded Peter's expectations. Nanotechnology, biological symbiosis—Peter felt that wearing this suit, even missile bombardment wouldn't harm him. It could withstand impacts at Mach 10 and explosions equivalent to 600 kilograms of TNT. Peter Parker couldn't imagine what could still hurt him while wearing it.
Peter excitedly tested the equipment in the Future Biopharmaceuticals building until eight o'clock. Only when Ben Parker called to urge him did Peter restrain his excitement, pack up, and leave. Even then, he rode back in a company car.
Back in the office, Hyuga Mirai saw that Kurenai Yuhi had changed into secretary attire. But her outfit didn't look like something meant for work.
The fitted suit top accentuated her slim waist and full curves, the slightly open collar revealing a hint of pale cleavage. The hip-hugging skirt and the sheer black stockings on her legs—having someone like this constantly around, how could Hyuga Mirai focus entirely on work?
"Is this appropriate? Isn't it a bit strange?" Kurenai Yuhi asked with a smile, turning around in front of him.
Before she could finish turning, Hyuga Mirai lifted her up and seated her on the office chair.
"Kurenai, this doesn't look like you're here to help me. Are you trying to distract me like Yuto?"
Hearing their child's name, Kurenai Yuhi sighed and admitted, "When we were together every day, I didn't feel much. But after being apart for so long, I think about him every night before falling asleep."
"Don't worry. With the methods you taught Yuto , even without us, he'll definitely thrive. He's probably already pushing all the blame onto Mio, letting Kiyo discipline Mio, and then getting praised himself."
Thinking about Yuto's tactics gave Hyuga Mirai a headache. Kurenai had practically trained him into another 'anti-Kiyo weapon.' Especially when Yuto caused trouble he couldn't hide, he would just shout 'Mom Kiyo.' In this regard, he was even more skilled than Kurenai.
"Then let's give Yuto a little sister."
As she said this, Kurenai Yuhi exhaled softly. Her arms wrapped around Hyuga Mirai's shoulders, and her black-stockinged thighs slowly climbed around his waist.
"In this world?"
"What's wrong? Is that not allowed?"
"Of course not."
Feeling Kurenai Yuhi's movements, Hyuga Mirai knew she had already made up her mind. He stopped holding back and reached out directly.
---
"Natasha, what do you think after reading this intelligence?"
At SHIELD headquarters, Fury waited half an hour before asking his ace spy.
Natasha set down the documents and looked up. "Do you want me to infiltrate the company to gather intelligence? We don't have much penetration there. Why not investigate through Tony Stark instead?"
"Because Tony Stark didn't lobby all New York State legislators for this proposal. According to my information, the proposal will pass in New York State next month. The company's next step will likely be lobbying Congress. That makes them a competitor to SHIELD's plans."
As he spoke, Fury took out another document obtained from the New York State Assembly, listing most legislators' positions.
Proposal on Establishing a Government–Private Cooperative Superhero Program
"Another Avengers?"
Natasha murmured. She knew her superior's intention to form the Avengers. But now, this Future Biopharmaceuticals company already posed a threat to the Avengers. If Congress also approved the proposal, the Avengers would become an empty shell.
At the very least, Tony Stark would definitely have other ideas.
"When do I go?"
"As soon as possible. Ideally, apply for a job tomorrow. SHIELD can't provide you with much information. As of now, the only person who likely knows their boss is Stark."
Fury shook his head. The other party was so mysterious that even SHIELD couldn't uncover anything. That was why he planned to send Natasha to gather intelligence.
"Contact me again in half a month. I need to make some preparations first. If things get dangerous, you'd better be ready to extract me at any time."
Natasha naturally ignored Fury's suggestion to go tomorrow. Without proper preparation, going in recklessly would only get her exposed.
(End of Chapter)
=========================================================
DROP THEM POWER STONES PLEASE
SUPPORT ME ON P@TREON IF YOU'D LIKE ACCESS ON ADVANCED CHAPTERS, I HAVE FINISHED ALL THE CHAPTERS AND UPLOADED THEM THERE.
PAT REON . COM / TurdTranslations (Just remove the space).