"You're insane, Tony!"
"Do you have any idea what this means?"
Colonel Rhodes was dumbfounded. This news hit like a bombshell.
Currently, at least half of the U.S. military's most advanced weaponry came from Stark Industries—especially certain core technologies that only Stark Industries possessed.
To put it bluntly, shutting down Stark's weapons division would set U.S. military technology back by at least a decade—and that was a conservative estimate.
"Tony, have you been drinking?"
Pepper Potts was also stunned. A weapons manufacturer saying it wouldn't sell arms anymore… it was like a basketball player suddenly deciding to quit basketball and open a barbecue stand.
"No. I'm perfectly sober—more than ever. I used to think my weapons maintained peace. Now… maybe it's time to try a different approach."
"Tony, it's just us here. If something's bothering you, say it. Or take a vacation. But this joke isn't funny," Rhodes said.
"Saitama, Yinsen—what do you think?" Tony ignored both Rhodes and Pepper, wanting to hear from his two brothers-in-arms.
"I support you, Tony," Yinsen nodded. He understood Tony was likely shifting focus to mechanical suits—something more suited to protecting peace.
"What about you, Saitama?"
"Doesn't matter. But not making weapons sounds fine—less trouble that way," Saitama said casually.
Shutting down the weapons division would probably complete his main mission anyway, but Saitama wasn't interested in chasing some "SSS Rank" reward. He preferred to take things as they came.
"Tony! You can't just do this—it's not only your decision!"
Both Rhodes and Pepper were anxious.
If Stark Industries announced an end to arms sales, stock prices would plummet. It would also shake the U.S. military's global presence.
"OK!"
With a snap of his fingers, Tony smiled. "I've decided. Tomorrow, we hold a press conference to announce the shutdown of the weapons division."
"Tony… really, we can talk this through…"
Rhodes's expression was bitter. His rapid rise in the ranks was largely thanks to his close relationship with Tony and the cooperation between the military and the world's top arms manufacturer.
"Oh, and one more thing."
Tony paused, looking strangely at Saitama.
"Hm?!"
Rhodes, Pepper, and Yinsen all turned to look.
Yinsen had already agreed with Tony on the way back not to say anything about Saitama. Rhodes knew some things but wouldn't spill for political reasons. Pepper… had no idea.
"Saitama."
Tony's expression turned serious as he looked directly at the bald man munching on a burger.
"Hm? You're talking to… Stark?"
Saitama answered vaguely, still chewing. Might as well hear the guy out—it was only polite.
"I need a favor."
"What kind of favor?"
"I want to hire you as Stark Industries' spokesperson. All you'd have to do is show up at my product launches. In return, I'll give you 10% of the company's shares." Tony spoke earnestly.
Pffft—
Pffft—
Pffft—
Rhodes and Yinsen both spat out their drinks.
Pepper thought she'd misheard. Was Tony suffering from some kind of post-kidnapping mental breakdown?
What kind of international joke was this?
Stark Industries was the most profitable company in the world. Tony Stark's personal wealth could buy entire mid-sized countries. The combined fortunes of other top-ranked billionaires couldn't match his.
Even 1% of Stark's shares would catapult a nobody into the global billionaire elite.
10%?!
That would make Saitama the company's third-largest shareholder overnight!
"Tony! You're not feeling well. I'm taking you to the hospital right now."
Pepper grabbed Tony's hand to pull him away, but the boss never played by anyone's rules. Tony kept his eyes fixed on Saitama.
"Damn! I get it now! That bastard Tony… he must have figured out who Saitama really is!"
Rhodes suddenly understood.
If Tony was willing to gamble like this, then Saitama had to be exactly as Captain Steve had described—a man whose presence could decide the fate of the entire world.
Tony Stark planned to trade 10% of Stark Industries for the power to influence the world's future!
The scheming bastard!
"Ahem, Tony, this is really not a good idea."
Rhodes stepped forward, face dark, no longer hiding his intentions. "Saitama, on behalf of the U.S. military, I'm inviting you to form an alliance with us. If you agree, I guarantee you'll get at least a colonel's rank—maybe higher."
(End of Chapter)
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