[Third Person Pov]
Tony's statement left the entire room buzzing, the air quickly filling with murmurs and hushed whispers as reporters leaned toward one another. No one seemed to have an effective retort or an immediate follow-up to what he had said. Instead, most could only nod, scribbling frantically in their notebooks as they tried to keep up.
Tony smirked, clearly enjoying the effect. One of his favorite pastimes had always been leaving people speechless.
"Come on, people," he said casually, spreading his hands. "We don't have all day. Any more questions?"
His words instantly riled the reporters back up, voices overlapping as they shouted desperately to be heard. Microphones were thrust forward once more, the orderly silence replaced by barely contained chaos.
"You—yellow suit, go ahead," Tony said, motioning toward a man who looked like he was being crushed from all sides as he raised his pen in a desperate attempt to catch Tony's attention.
"Do you have any information regarding the individual who attacked the Earth?" the reporter asked once the crowd eased slightly. "And what sort of relationship do the two of you possess for him to target you specifically?"
As the question was asked, the room quieted again. All eyes turned toward Tony, waiting for his response.
Tony's expression remained calm, almost casual, as he answered.
"The only thing I'm able to say is that he called himself Ultron. His motives were simple—rudimentary, even. He believed that by eliminating the humans inhabiting Earth, he would somehow be saving the world and humanity as a whole. His intent, while arguably noble in concept, was pushed far beyond reason and into extremism."
Despite everything that had happened, Tony felt no real hatred toward Ultron—unlike Melissa. If anything, he felt oddly indifferent.
"As for why I was targeted specifically," Tony continued, "I suppose you could say he saw me as his greatest obstacle. Can't say I blame him. Or perhaps his creator had a particular vendetta against me. After all, I understand how envious people can be of those better than themselves."
Tony smirked, placing a hand over his chest as he stared directly into the camera.
"Jealousy and envy are ugly emotions," he added smoothly, "and they tend to bring out the worst in everyone."
…
"I'm going to fucking murder that brat!" Saiki snarled venomously, slamming his whiskey glass down on the table. "How dare he paint me as nothing more than an immature, envious child!?"
…
After Tony finished answering, even more questions followed. Some were redirected toward Melissa and Momo standing beside him, both of whom answered honestly and professionally when addressed.
"Is the reason you decided to enroll in a school in America and leave U.A. in Japan related to the recent incident?" a female reporter with polka-dot skin asked, deliberately aiming her microphone at Momo instead of Tony. "Has U.A. failed to meet your expectations in its duty to protect you and your classmates during what many are now calling the Blackout Disaster?"
'Damn, finally,' Tony thought with mild annoyance. 'I was wondering how long it'd take for someone to ask that.'
Tony gently placed a hand on Momo's back and leaned forward, his tone polite and charming.
"Do you mind if I answer this one?" he asked
"Ah—go ahead," Momo replied, visibly relieved.
The reporter didn't hesitate to shift the microphone toward Tony, her eyes shining with renewed vigor.
"The reason I left Japan and U.A. has nothing to do with the disaster itself," Tony began. "Well… if I said it had nothing to do with it, that would be a lie. The truth is, it does relate to it—but not in the way people assume. It has nothing to do with U.A."
He continued without missing a beat.
"The teachers and faculty at U.A. did everything they could with the information and resources they had at the time. In fact, it was only thanks to them that my partner and I were able to survive long enough—and ultimately succeed in defeating Ultron."
"I see now," Howard muttered, resting a hand against his chin as a quiet chuckle nearly escaped him.
"See what?" Maria asked, turning toward him with a puzzled look.
"I was wondering why Tony would willingly call the press," Howard continued thoughtfully. "I assumed it was just another excuse to stroke his ego or enjoy the spotlight. But this—this is different. He's doing this to protect U.A.'s reputation."
"It is?" Maria blinked, then listened more intently.
"With not only him, but Momo and Melissa leaving," Howard explained, "and not just U.A., but Japan as a whole, the backlash would have been catastrophic. U.A. would've been torn apart in public opinion."
He exhaled softly.
"Tony is Japan's golden goose. Thanks to him, their economy's seen a steady and significant incline. If he suddenly left—and took the Yaoyorozu princess with him, no less—it would be logical for the public to assume everything was about to spiral downhill."
Howard's expression hardened slightly.
"And the blame wouldn't have fallen on Ultron. No, it would've landed squarely on U.A.—for 'allowing' Tony to be injured badly enough to pull him out. The scrutiny from nearly all of Japan would've crushed them beyond recovery."
Maria's eyes softened as understanding dawned on her.
"Ah… I see what you mean now," she said quietly, a small laugh slipping out. "Hehehe. He's surprisingly compassionate when he wants to be."
She watched Tony being interviewed with unmistakable pride.
Howard grinned faintly. "Brace yourself. You're about to be dragged into the spotlight."
"What?" Maria's face instantly fell.
"The school and teachers of U.A. should not be seen as incompetent," Tony stated calmly, his voice firm and unwavering. His playful demeanor had vanished, replaced with seriousness. "Far from it. It was only thanks to their experience and their ability to take control of the situation that we were able to defeat Ultron without any casualties."
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"U.A. deserves praise for that—not suspicion, and certainly not condemnation."
Both Momo and Melissa stared at Tony, brows raised slightly, silently wondering who this composed, mature version of him was—and where the real Tony Stark had gone.
"As for my reason for leaving," Tony continued, "if everyone would kindly turn their cameras and attention to the gorgeous woman standing beside that rather unfortunate-looking man, you'll see my beautiful mother," Tony finished smoothly, "who is very visibly expecting."
Howard's face twisted in immediate irritation.
"Who the hell is he calling unfortunate-looking?" he growled. "I'll show him unfortunate-looking when we get back home."
Maria covered her mouth, giggling despite herself, though she couldn't help feeling a bit self-conscious as dozens of cameras suddenly focused on her. Still, she couldn't deny how warm Tony's words made her feel—even if they came at Howard's expense.
"The recent attack made me realize something important. I should be closer to my family—now more than ever, especially as it continues to grow. I want to be present for my mother and support her the same way she has always supported me."
He shot her a playful wink. "She's taken care of me my entire life. Now it's my turn to take care of her."
Maria rolled her eyes, but a radiant smile
spread across her face nonetheless.
"Which is why I must—regrettably—part ways with U.A. and continue my education closer to home," Tony said sincerely. "If I want to fulfill my responsibilities as an older brother—and, more importantly, as a son—this is the choice I need to make."
He glanced at the two girls beside him.
"Melissa and Momo have been my companions—and so much more—since we were children. When I made my decision, they didn't hesitate to stand with me, and for that, I'm deeply grateful."
Momo and Melissa smiled warmly, leaning closer and holding onto his arm in quiet support.
Tony reached up and retrieved his glasses.
"And now, if you'll excuse me," he said, sliding them on, "that's all the questions I'm willing to answer at this time. After all, I do have another interview to get to."
With that, Tony turned and began walking away.
The reporters erupted into shouts once more, calling after him and begging for more answers, but Tony didn't spare them a glance. Security guards moved in quickly, struggling to hold the crowd back as Tony disappeared from view, utterly unbothered by the chaos left behind.
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