"Mr. Stark, can we continue with the previous topic? And Mr. Saitama, please…"
"Can you all focus on what I'm saying?"
Sitting in the front row, Senator Studd, who was presiding over the meeting, slammed the table.
This middle-aged fat man, whose face was always red and smile awkward, was clearly upset. The other senators beside him also looked displeased.
This was supposed to be a national military meeting, yet Stark kept whispering to his secretary, Pepper.
What angered him even more—was that second shareholder of Stark Industries, the bald man, Saitama.
Aside from listening carefully for one minute when he first entered, he quickly began eating hamburgers, drinking cola, and watching a movie on his tactical watch.
He was treating the Senate like a damn movie theater!
"Mr. Stark, Mr. Saitama, I ask you—especially you, Mr. Stark—have you invented a weapon? Your Iron Man armor."
The red-faced senator asked coldly.
"No, I haven't invented any kind of weapon. But if I had to say something…"
"I'd say it's more like a high-tech prosthetic limb. Yes, that's the best explanation."
High-tech prosthetic limbs?!
Stark's reply made the entire room burst into laughter.
The senator's face instantly stiffened. Scowling, he directly stated his demand: "The Iron Man suit must be handed over for priority use by the American people!"
"Absolutely not!"
Stark flatly refused. What followed was a heated back-and-forth.
Saitama was already dozing off, bored to death.
"Next, let Colonel Rhodes give his statement. Please read line 1 of section 57."
Senator Studd ordered.
Colonel Rhodes walked to the front under the gaze of the crowd, holding a prepared document.
"I must declare, one section alone isn't representative. Iron Man belongs to Stark Industries. Although it has caused some instability, its benefits clearly outweigh that. Moreover—"
Rhodes didn't follow the red-faced senator's script, nor Hammer Industries' wishes. Instead, he strongly supported Stark!
And just as Rhodes finished reading, intending to greet Stark—
He suddenly froze, eyes widening in shock, his voice almost a scream.
"Saitama?!"
"You bastard, why didn't you tell me you were coming?!"
Rhodes was so excited he stumbled over his words, even leaving his post. With great respect, he sat next to Saitama, glanced at the cheesy drama he was watching, and praised it enthusiastically—saying he'd been following that show recently.
He was clearly making conversation just to please Saitama!
Damn it!
Senator Studd's face turned darker than coal.
It was bad enough Stark and Saitama ignored Senate protocol, but now Colonel Rhodes—leader of the military research division—was also acting out of line?
Was the Senate a marketplace now?
"Colonel Rhodes! Mind yourself! Colonel Rhodes!"
Senator Studd pounded the table.
Nearby, Hammer Industries' boss was seething.
If Stark Industries lost favor with the government, all those contracts would flow to him. Yet this damned Rhodes wasn't striking Stark while he was down!
Rhodes didn't care about the politicians glaring at him. In his eyes, nothing mattered compared to Saitama. Iron Man might be impressive, but compared to Saitama? Forget it!
"Saitama, why don't we step out for a walk? These meetings are boring. There are some good restaurants nearby!"
At the mention of food, Saitama perked up.
Yawning, under everyone's stunned gaze, he stood, gathered his snacks, and glanced at Stark. "Shitty Stark, I'm heading out first. Take your time with the meeting."
"Damn it, Rhodes! Pulling this stunt? Fine, leave this to me. Saitama!"
Stark glared at Rhodes, then forced a smile at Saitama.
The conclusion was obvious—
"Now's not the time to scold me. This is my most successful investment yet!"
Pepper rolled her eyes. She was furious.
Not only had Stark been neglecting the company, drowning in booze and pleasure, but yesterday he suddenly raised Saitama's shares to 40%! Just 1% less than Stark himself!
Insane. Completely insane!
And now he had the nerve to call it his "most successful investment"?
"I have an important task for you. Stay with Saitama. Don't let that bastard Rhodes pull anything. Don't ask why—this is an order. Fine, fine… consider it me doing you a favor. Hurry!"
Stark urged, and finally Pepper, gritting her teeth, followed along.
Leaving this tedious squabble to Stark was fine.
Rhodes personally drove over in an extended Lincoln, acting with extreme courtesy as their chauffeur.
Pepper was stunned. Why was Rhodes being so polite?
She remembered Saitama, sure, and held a good impression—he had saved her, after all, showing incredible power.
But was that really worth this level of treatment?
She wasn't Rhodes.
If she knew Saitama had been around before she was even born, she might have understood better.
A top-class three-star restaurant.
Rhodes' enthusiasm was almost frightening. In Pepper's bewildered eyes, he served dish after dish like a waiter, laying out a feast for Saitama.
"Saitama, isn't this good? The best, right?"
Rubbing his hands awkwardly, Rhodes gave a sheepish smile, making Pepper glare in disdain.
"Enough. If I can't finish, can I get this packed to go?"
Saitama mumbled. At the word "packed," Pepper nearly fainted.
A man worth trillions, actually asking for takeout… cough, cough.
"Um… Saitama, can I…"
Rhodes tried to make his smile look even friendlier.
(End of Chapter)
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