Chapter 71: Stark Industries Expo
Sometimes, it's incredibly difficult for people to break free from their existing perceptions.
Just like how Peter initially couldn't accept that he had suddenly become a post-human.
But those perceptions were shattered right in front of him.
Uchiha Akira had performed standing on water, teleportation (Shunshin no Jutsu), and even breathing fire — all right before Peter's eyes. Finally, Peter realized this wasn't a joke.
"So... I really lifted a one-ton dumbbell earlier?"
"You really did. That's a custom dumbbell I had made by Stark Industries. I usually use it myself when I train."
"So... Mr. Uchiha, you realized I'd developed superpowers too, which is why you told me all this?"
Peter finally understood why Akira had gone out of his way to bring him here.
"What did you think? That we were best friends or something?"
I'll be patient with you for now, since you activated a system quest for me.
After all, Spider-Man is pretty tough — I can throw all the hard work his way later.
Uchiha Akira had already begun planning Peter's future.
"Thank you so much, sir. Without you, I'd probably be panicking. I feel like... my life is about to completely change."
"It definitely won't be the same as before. But right now, the most important thing is for you to master your abilities.
You don't want to accidentally break Aunt May's ribs just by hugging her, right?"
"I get it!"
When Peter returned to the medical center, he had calmed down a bit.
Maybe at first, it was hard for him to adjust to all of this — but having someone like him to guide him brought a lot of peace of mind.
Humans naturally seek out those like themselves — spiritually or physically.
Akira's identity as a "post-human" gave Peter a strong sense of security, especially now that he was no longer an ordinary human himself.
"Have Aunt May get you a few more days off. Once you've figured out how your abilities work and can control them, then you can go back to school. That's my advice."
And just like that, the newly born Spider had Akira's mark imprinted on him.
To be honest, Akira wasn't planning on completely reshaping Peter — this was more about sowing good karma.
Of course, if he could bring Peter into his own camp in the future, that wouldn't be a bad outcome either.
After Peter expressed that he wanted to stay under "observation" for a few more days, Aunt May agreed happily.
As long as Peter was safe, that was all that mattered to her.
Over the next few days, Peter Parker gradually became familiar with his abilities.
The basics included enhanced strength — he could lift several tons with ease — the ability to stick to and climb walls, extreme agility and flexibility, and a danger-sensing instinct.
Akira believed Peter still had room to grow. For example, in terms of raw strength — a few tons definitely wasn't Spider-Man's limit.
He figured it was just because Peter had just awakened his powers.
Surely, as Peter matured, his strength would increase even more.
"The way you crawl on walls… you really do look like a nimble little spider. I think your abilities are probably related to the spider that bit you.
You're lucky you didn't turn into a giant spider monster — or worse, get bitten by a fly and turn into some kind of Fly-Man. I mean, Spider-Man sounds way cooler than Fly-Man, right?"
Akira laughed while teasing him.
Over the past few days, Peter had grown comfortable around him. Although shy and introverted on the surface, Peter was gradually reverting to his chatty self.
"Turning into Spider-Man is still terrifying!"
Peter could only be grateful that his mutation turned out well.
Aside from some tiny bristles visible under a microscope on his fingers and toes, he still looked like the same healthy young guy.
"What if one day you get married and end up having a kid that's a spider mutant?" Akira teased again.
Peter's face immediately fell.
"That can't happen, right? People can't give birth to spiders..."
"Oh, good point. But what if your mutated genes cause reproductive isolation?" Akira kept pushing.
"Okay, okay, enough! Please stop! I'm still just a teenager, I can't even think about stuff that far ahead!"
"Alright, fine. I'll stop messing with you. You're officially a capable superhuman now. Just make sure you protect your identity — unless you're ready to face the spotlight of the entire world."
"I thought mutants weren't a big deal? Superpowers and mutants are kinda the same, aren't they?"
"What are you thinking? Mutants are a group — they have leaders who protect them. And lots of them still live miserable lives.
Even Black people still face discrimination — grow up!"
Akira smacked Peter lightly, making him wince in pain.
"Alright, alright, I get it. I'm going back to school tomorrow."
"Study hard. Maybe you can use your knowledge to help me someday."
"I will."
Peter stepped forward and held out his fist.
"This is a brother's fist bump. I know it's kinda random — you're a major shareholder in Osborn Group, and I'm just a high school kid — but still, thank you."
"Alright, enough with the sentimental stuff. Peter, you talk way too much — I've been sick of it the past two days. Now scram!"
And with that, Peter and Aunt May left — the little spider's chapter closed for now.
"Min, you really seem to care about Peter Parker," Izumi remarked.
She had been watching Akira patiently teach Peter how to control his powers these past few days.
"Just trying to build some goodwill. Who knows? Maybe he'll be a great ally in the future."
"Oh, right — Min, you got an invitation from Stark Industries. It was delivered by some slightly chubby guy who called himself Happy, if I'm not mistaken."
"Yep. That's Tony Stark's bodyguard — a middle-aged fat guy."
Akira opened the envelope. Inside was a simple handwritten letter.
Looks like Tony had put in a little effort.
What Akira didn't know was that his was the only handwritten invitation.
"Stark Industries Expo?"
Looks like I'll have to make an appearance.
He still remembered how straightforward Tony had been when Akira once asked for Pepper Potts' help.
He owed Tony a small favor — it wouldn't feel right not to go.
Not to mention… Akira still had his eye on Norman.
The Green Goblin hadn't made a move — was he waiting for the right time? Or planning something decisive?
Since the St. Patrick's Day incident, Norman had only gone deeper into hiding.
Three days later, in early May, the Stark Industries Expo officially opened.
Thanks to solid operations and Tony Stark's flamboyant lifestyle (which doubled as unintentional PR), the event was absolutely packed.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Stark Industries Expo!
I may be the last one to arrive… but I believe the main character should always be the last to enter!"
Tony's arrival sent the atmosphere into a frenzy.
Cameras flashed so brightly that people nearby could barely keep their eyes open.
Of course, showman Tony was used to it — the sunglasses on his nose were the perfect defense against flashbulbs.
"Today's star attraction — besides yours truly — is the Jericho Missile, the latest in Stark Industries' cutting-edge weapons.
Massive coverage range, devastating firepower, but with the size of a small missile.
Pricey? Sure. But that's its only downside... maybe."
Tony was rarely this proactive in promoting his own products, so enthusiasm was sky-high.
The U.S. Department of Defense had already taken a strong interest in the Jericho — it met all military standards perfectly.
As for the price? In the grand scheme of the U.S. military budget, it was barely a drop in the bucket.
This kind of event wasn't just for Stark Industries to show off — it was also a prime networking opportunity.
"Uchiha Akira, you came to check out the expo too?"
Norman appeared, pretending to bump into him casually.
"Mr. Osborn. You're looking well," Akira replied, shaking the invitation in his hand.
"I only came because I was invited. You know I'm not really one for crowds."
Of course Norman knew. He had been tracking Akira's movements for some time — always either at Osborn Group or Uchiha Medical Center.
Even trying to catch him alone was difficult.
Damn it! Norman cursed inwardly.
I'm the rightful leader of Osborn Group.
You, Uchiha Akira… you're dead. Just wait.