Chapter 58: War of Words
As the meeting host introduced Uchiha Akira, the newcomer offered a polite smile and greeted everyone.
Yet, for some reason, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that Akira kept staring at him.
"Alright, now that we've all welcomed our new shareholder, let's move on to the second item on the agenda," the host said.
"Members of the board, please pay close attention.
I propose we vote to remove Norman Osborn from his position as chairman of the board of Oscorp. The reason is simple: as you're all aware, Oscorp's stock price has taken a massive hit recently. I'm sure everyone's portfolio has suffered."
"Therefore, I propose we relieve Norman Osborn of his duties as chairman.
Additionally, I believe the strategic direction of Oscorp needs to change.
We must pursue new research avenues to unlock greater possibilities for the company."
The speaker was Billy Osborn, the initiator and chair of today's shareholder meeting.
His surname made it clear: he was related to Norman.
Indeed, Billy was a distant relative of Norman Osborn—a former member of the extended Osborn family.
Not that the Osborns were ever some great noble bloodline—they were simply an upper-middle-class bunch.
As Billy spoke confidently, Uchiha Akira watched him without the slightest emotional reaction.
In his past life, he'd never even heard of this man. Likely a complete nobody.
Then Harry spoke up, his voice young but steady, cutting through the murmurs in the room.
"Uncle—may I call you that?" Harry asked.
Billy smiled, the perfect image of a kind elder.
"Harry, I'm glad you still remember your uncle. It's a good thing Norman brought you here today.
Don't worry, Harry—uncle will always look out for you."
Harry didn't return the smile.
"Uncle Billy, I recall that Oscorp only became what it is today thanks to my father, Norman Osborn.
Had he not insisted on pursuing military R&D back then, would Oscorp have ever achieved the success it enjoys now?"
Norman didn't interrupt Harry.
Though today's events were more intense than he had expected, he recognized the value in this challenge—a test both for himself and for Harry.
Billy gave Harry a slow, theatrical round of applause.
"Well said, Harry. Your father was a driving force in Oscorp's rise, and it's good that you recognize that. You've grown up—I'm proud of you."
But in an instant, Billy's expression hardened.
"That said, even if Norman Osborn contributed greatly to Oscorp's past, the fact remains—Oscorp has been bleeding money for years, hasn't it?"
"No one's denying Norman's achievements, but Oscorp's future must take priority.
No one is immune to mistakes. As members of this company, we all want to see Oscorp rise again."
He looked around the room.
"Wouldn't you all agree?"
A wave of applause erupted.
It was clear to anyone paying attention: Billy Osborn had rallied allies well before this meeting ever began.
"You—!" Harry started.
"Sit down, Harry. That's no way to speak to your uncle," Norman said calmly.
He knew exactly what kind of man Billy was.
"Well then, Billy," Norman interjected, "since you believe a change in leadership and direction is needed—what business do you suggest Oscorp pursue instead?"
Norman's counterattack hung in the air. He waited for Billy to expose a weakness.
Billy straightened his tie and spoke with pride:
"Allow me to formally introduce Oscorp's new business initiative—the Patriot Missile Program."
A sudden wave of chatter rippled through the boardroom.
"Silence, please," Billy said, raising a hand.
"I understand some of you may have doubts. And you're right to question it—this is a boardroom, and all voices are welcome. I'm here to answer any and all concerns."
An elderly shareholder, his face speckled with age spots, raised his hand.
"Our company has always focused on biotech and engineering.
Isn't a move into weapons manufacturing a bit... far-fetched?"
Another murmured, "We don't have any unique tech in that field…"
"This is a huge leap from what we've been doing…"
"I understand your concerns," Billy replied smoothly. "But please, let me explain."
"First of all, Oscorp does have a weapons division. I believe most of you are aware of that, yes?"
The shareholders nodded.
"Now, I understand many of you are worried about our lack of expertise in this area.
But let me reassure you—you don't need to worry.
This Patriot Missile is a joint development between Oscorp and Hammer Industries.
Currently, Hammer has already completed 90% of the R&D work."
"Even one of its flagship weapons, the so-called 'Ex-Wife' missile, is 75% finished.
Hammer has promised that once development is complete, they'll share the technology with us."
"I believe that alone could pull Oscorp out of the mud it's stuck in."
He gestured toward the screen, where technical schematics were displayed.
"These are partial blueprints of the missile design. I wonder, does anyone here have expertise in this area?"
Then Harry raised his voice.
"Uncle, I have a question.
If the development of the Patriot and Ex-Wife missiles is already nearly complete,
why would Hammer Industries willingly share the tech with us?
Wouldn't it make more sense for them to monopolize the patents?"
"Uncle… don't you think Hammer Industries is being a little too generous?"
Harry's comment was a bucket of cold water over the heated room.
Everyone had been thinking it—but saying it out loud meant openly challenging Billy Osborn.
Still, Harry was young, brash—and he had voiced what they all secretly feared.
Billy chuckled, seemingly unbothered.
"I'm proud of you, Harry—for thinking that way.
You're right—business is war."
"But I'll tell you why: Hammer Industries has its own agenda."
"Let me ask you—who is Hammer's biggest competitor? Stark Industries.
And strictly speaking, there's no direct overlap between Hammer and Oscorp's current operations."
"In today's weapons market, Stark Industries is unmatched.
I think everyone here can agree with that."
Billy paused as the shareholders nodded.
"Justin Hammer, CEO of Hammer Industries, has felt immense pressure from Stark's dominance.
So he's decided to form an alliance with Oscorp—to strengthen both our companies against future risk.
That's why he's showing this goodwill."
"All we need to do is reallocate the funding currently going into our Super Soldier Serum project,
and shift it into the Patriot Missile Program.
That way, Oscorp and Hammer can form a mutual defense alliance."
"And let's not forget—Justin Hammer is very well-connected in the Department of Defense."
"If we can make the Patriot Missile a success—do you really think we'll have trouble finding buyers?"
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