When Hayashi had finished devouring the food before him, he looked up to find Tony and Pepper both watching him intently.
Not understanding why, Hayashi gave them a puzzled, innocent expression."Why are you staring at me like that? Do I have something on my face?"
He quickly touched his cheeks, just to be sure. Looking up again, he saw them still smiling at him.
Pepper and Tony chuckled again at the sight of Hayashi's panicked face—it was utterly adorable.
"Hey, why are you laughing at me? Do I look funny? I'm angry!" Hayashi scowled, cheeks puffing out like a little hamster.
"Hayashi, you're just too cute. Stop being angry—we won't laugh anymore."
Pepper reached out and gently pinched his flushed cheeks, trying to squeeze the anger away.
Tony, standing nearby, was moved by the moment and reached out as if to join in. But before he could touch him, Hayashi pushed Pepper's hand away firmly.
"If you keep laughing at me, I'm going to ignore you," he warned.
With that, he stood up, walked over to the sofa, sat down, and called out,"Jarvis, find me something good to watch."
"As you wish, Master Hayashi."
As the program began playing, Pepper withdrew her hand with a hint of lingering affection.
She took a document from her briefcase and handed it to Tony."Tony, this is the file I compiled. It details Obadiah's activities during the three months you were missing. But with my authority, there's only so much I could uncover."
Tony took the file and studied it carefully. After a long pause, he set it down and sighed deeply."Thank you, Pepper. I never expected Obadiah to be so busy while I was away. After all he's done, I'll handle this. I, Tony Stark, am not someone who can be pushed around."
"I fully support your decision. If nothing else, I'll be going now."
"Why don't you stay a little longer?"
"No, there are other company matters I must attend to. I'll leave first."
Pepper nodded, satisfied, and left. Before stepping out, she bent down to Hayashi, who was still engrossed in the show, and ruffled his hair affectionately.
"Take care, Hayashi. Sister Pepper will miss you."
"Goodbye, Sister Pepper!" Hayashi waved cheerfully.
..............
After Pepper left, Hayashi bounced over to Tony."See? I was right—there's something off about that old man Obadiah."
Tony smiled proudly."Alright, you're right. Now, want to see the Mark II I designed? It's going to be revolutionary."
He strode toward the lab.
"Please, show me your masterpiece. After all, mech suits are every man's dream."
Hayashi eagerly followed him inside.
As for Obadiah, it was just a minor annoyance to Tony compared to building armor.
.................
After days of hard work, Mark II was complete. A 3D projection floated in the center of the lab—a sleek, powerful design that made Tony beam with pride.
Pepper had visited several times during this period, asking about Obadiah's situation. Tony deflected all inquiries, claiming he was focused on research. The trade-off: Pepper took Hayashi under her wing, knowing Tony would forget everything else once he started tinkering.
Hayashi didn't mind—though he had no idea what awaited him.
So for days, Pepper dragged Hayashi around town.
Poor Hayashi.
He was forced into daily shopping trips, no excuses allowed. Pepper insisted it was because she worried he'd be lonely at home.
Then came the worst part: Pepper dressed Hayashi in women's clothes. Hayashi dared not resist, fearing to upset her. Yet in those outfits, he looked striking—almost dangerously alluring.
Pepper took countless photos and refused to delete a single one, much to Hayashi's despair.
When he asked the Great Sage for help, the reply was bleak: unless Hayashi persuaded Pepper, there was nothing to be done.
On the morning of the nth day, Pepper received word that Tony's research was complete. She instructed Happy to bring Hayashi back to Tony's house.
As Hayashi entered, Jarvis's voice greeted him warmly:"Welcome home, Master Hayashi.""Master Hayashi, Mr. Stark requests your presence in the lab to see his masterpiece."
Hayashi's heart leapt—Mark II was finally ready. He hurried to the laboratory.
Inside, the blueprint floated in midair. Hayashi instantly recognized it as the Mark II design and was thrilled at the chance to see Iron Man's armor up close.
"Hey, Hayashi! How've you been at Pepper's? Comfortable? Your sister Pepper took you shopping again, right?" Tony greeted him.
"Not really, Tony. You wouldn't believe what Pepper put me through these past days. Why am I the one suffering for your research?" Hayashi's face darkened.
"When I get a chance, I'm going to make you wear women's clothes too," he thought bitterly.
Tony sensed the chill in the air and quickly changed the subject with a laugh."Alright, come see my Mark II."
Seeing the design up close, Hayashi was blown away. It was stunning—truly a man's dream.
"Jarvis, begin assembling Mark II."
"And order another pizza for me—I'm starving. By the way, Hayashi, have you eaten yet? Let's have a meal together later."
"Thanks, but no need. Sister Pepper already took me out to eat," Hayashi replied.
Glancing at Tony, Hayashi took the opportunity to bring up a concern about the armor.
In the movie, Jarvis had saved Tony by restarting the system just in time—but this was real life. If Jarvis failed, Tony would die.
Hayashi didn't want that. Tony was the family he'd been given. Though Tony never said it outright, Hayashi already considered him family.
"Tony, have you considered the problem of ice forming at high altitudes?" Hayashi asked.
"Oh, why didn't I think of that? Thanks, Hayashi—you really are a genius."
"Jarvis, redesign the armor's outer shell using aerospace-grade alloys to prevent icing at altitude."
"Yes, sir."
Finishing his instructions, Tony turned to Hayashi."I'm going to grab a bite, then get started on assembly. Stay here but don't touch anything, understood?"
"Got it—I won't touch a thing."
Satisfied, Tony left, ready to bring Mark II to life.