Chapter 52: Seeds of Trouble"Tony, you're late."
Obadiah Stane, who just moments ago had been scowling, immediately switched to a broad, hearty smile as he walked forward and gave his beloved nephew a warm hug.
"Well, the main character always arrives last, doesn't he?"
Tony didn't feel the slightest bit guilty about his tardiness and effortlessly became the center of the banquet, pushing Obadiah Stane into the background without even trying.
Whether it was public figures or the media—who didn't love Tony Stark?
After all, he was rich beyond imagination, absurdly talented, and scandalously charming. The billionaire genius playboy, the controller of Stark Industries.
Even his handsome looks made him all the more irresistible—what woman wouldn't fall for a man like that?
And journalists? They could always count on Tony to provide the next juicy headline.
Tony was the guarantee of media heat.
Norman Osborn watched as Obadiah, who had been confidently holding court moments before, was now completely overshadowed by Tony Stark.
"You have a very remarkable successor, don't you?
If my heir had even half of Tony's talent, I believe Oscorp would be thriving in no time," Norman said with a faintly mocking smile as he patted Obadiah on the shoulder.
Obadiah's face turned red in an instant.
Norman's "casual" praise stung more than a direct insult.
Everyone knew Tony was Howard's son; the title of "successor" had nothing to do with Obadiah.
Every word from Norman seemed unintentional, but each landed squarely on Obadiah's most sensitive spots.
Yet, while the two old schemers exchanged subtle jabs, Tony continued to shine—until he ran into Uchiha Akira.
"You? What are you doing here?"
Tony frowned—he could recognize this kid even if he were reduced to ashes.
After all, he had just been humiliated by him earlier that morning, and now here he was again.
"I'm a newly appointed shareholder of Oscorp. This is a collaborative event between Stark Industries and Oscorp. Isn't my presence here perfectly reasonable?"
"You? A punk kid? Where are your parents?"
"Does being a smug middle-aged man make you feel superior?"
Tony narrowed his eyes. "What's your relationship with Mikoto?"
"Tony Stark, I'll warn you once—harass Uchiha Mikoto again, and I won't go easy on you next time."
If Tony Stark weren't fundamentally a decent guy, Akira might've already taught him a painful lesson on the spot.
"You're both named Uchiha. So what, are you relatives?" Tony added. "And just so you know, I brought my bodyguard with me tonight. If it comes to a fight, you're the one who's going to get hurt, kid."
Akira turned and walked away.
But thanks to Tony's public confrontation, the attention of the crowd had now shifted to him—exactly what he had been trying to avoid.
"Don't leave yet! You still haven't answered me. Happy, come over here!"
The women who had been hovering nearby saw that Tony was done chatting and prepared to move in—only to be waved off as Tony rushed after Akira.
"Sorry, ladies, I've got some personal business to take care of."
"Is the playboy into guys now? Did his tastes change?"
"Shh! Keep your voice down! That's Tony Stark and Oscorp's new shareholder—you don't want to offend either."
"I was just joking…"
The wealthy and beautiful guests weren't stupid. They might joke behind someone's back, but crossing Stark publicly? That was a death sentence.
"Hey, you haven't answered my question yet—"
Tony didn't get to finish his sentence.
Akira had grabbed him with one hand and lifted him clean off the ground.
"Do I need to repeat myself? Tony Stark—don't you realize your behavior is disturbing others?"
Tony realized he'd seriously underestimated the boy.
That slim-looking frame had just effortlessly lifted a full-grown adult.
This was no ordinary teenager.
"Okay! Can we talk this through like civilized people? My bodyguard's right behind me, just so you know."
Tony raised both hands midair, signaling he meant no harm.
"Hey, kid, put Tony down or I'll shoot!"
Happy had already drawn his pistol and taken a half-kneeling stance, safety off, ready to fire.
"You don't want to find out what bullets feel like!"
"Happy, put the gun down. Put it down!"
Tony quickly barked out the order.
"Boss, I'm trying to save you—"
"Happy, trust me—put the gun down. It's fine."
Reluctantly, Happy lowered his Glock.
"Now can we talk like adults?"
Tony still had both hands raised as he tried to de-escalate.
Akira let go.
Tony could finally breathe again.
"Alright, kid, now you owe me. Don't be so reckless next time. Happy's been with me for years—he knows my personality. But if you try that on someone else, their bodyguards might not hesitate to kill you on the spot."
"Don't try to defy the rules of this world. Always think about the consequences."
After lecturing Akira, Tony's tone suddenly shifted:
"So, since I just saved your life… how about we talk about your relative, Uchiha Mikoto, huh?"
Tony collapsed onto the ground with a sigh, his suit and tie crumpled. He searched his pockets for a cigar but came up empty.
Happy, understanding his boss perfectly, wordlessly handed over one.
Of course, knowing Tony's quirks, he placed it directly in Tony's breast pocket.
Tony lit up and began puffing smoke into the air.
"Tony Stark," Akira said coldly, "you know nothing about this world.
Come back and ask me about Mikoto Uchiha once you've learned the truth about it.
As you are now, you and I… are not from the same world."
A red gleam flashed in Akira's eyes.
"I command you both to walk home tonight. No vehicles. If you're thirsty, buy water. If you're hungry, find food. But you are not allowed to rest until you reach your doorstep."
"Hey—what the hell are you talking about—"
Before Tony could finish, he realized his body had started moving on its own toward the exit.
"Happy! Help me—I can't control myself!"
"Boss, I can't control myself either!"
Crap.
That's when Tony Stark finally understood what Akira meant earlier.
He could still speak and think normally—but he could not stop his body from walking home.
"Damn it—kid, are you a wizard?! What kind of dark sorcery is this?!"
"No, Tony Stark," Akira replied calmly, "I am justice incarnate. And this was just a small lesson.
Enjoy your walk home. I hope your house isn't too far."
With a smirk, Akira waved them off, watching the two of them slowly disappear into the distance
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