[Tony stood up and walked to the podium. "I... I finally woke up from my dream! I've realized that I can do more for this world and for society—rather than just blowing it up!"]
["So, I plan to shut down Stark International's weapons manufacturing division as soon as possible!" Tony's words immediately caused an uproar, and the reporters present became excited.]
[Obadiah immediately tried to stop Tony from continuing, but no one could change what Tony had already decided. Anxiously, he hugged Tony, attempting to silence him, but Tony continued speaking.]
["Of course, that has to wait until I have enough power to decide the future of the company—to determine its development direction, ensure its growth remains healthy, and always keep it aligned with the highest interests of the country!"]
["Our main purpose today is to inform everyone that Tony is back, and he is in excellent health! We will hold an internal meeting to discuss this further and will inform everyone of our final decision in due time!"]
[Obadiah stepped onto the stage, trying to smooth things over. He knew that if Tony's words spread, the stock would plummet, and he could already foresee the financial disaster ahead.]
"Wow! He really means it! Obadiah looks like he's about to panic," First Gen Gwen said, glancing at Tony.
The First Generation Spider-Man nodded. Tony was aiming to take a chunk out of Stark Industries' most profitable business, so of course, Obadiah was anxious.
"That's the company's biggest moneymaker. The military even assigned a lieutenant colonel specifically to communicate with Tony," he added.
"After experiencing Yinsen's death and witnessing the destruction caused by his own weapons, Tony Stark awakened. Even though this decision could cost him greatly, he didn't hesitate," the First Gen Spider-Man continued.
"When Yinsen died, Tony Stark gradually transformed into Iron Man. Just like me—after Uncle Ben died, I changed from Peter Parker to Spider-Man."
He understood Tony's change better than anyone. Only those who had endured such pain could grasp the weight of it. Loss was the ultimate teacher—one that no lecture or book could replace.
[Outside the Stark Industries building, Happy stood by the car, smoking a cigarette. Obadiah arrived, riding a Segway, a cigar clamped between his teeth. "Where is he?" he asked.]
["He's inside," Happy replied, stepping forward to steady the Segway. Obadiah swiped his key card and strode into the building.]
[Inside, Tony stood by the railing, staring at the massive Ark Reactor before him. "Look at this—it's beautifully done," he murmured.]
[Obadiah entered, sighing as he placed his hands on his hips before walking up to Tony's side.]
["Should I paint a bull's-eye on my forehead?" Tony asked without looking up.]
["Your forehead? It's my head that's on the line! How much do you think our stock will drop tomorrow?" Obadiah countered.]
["Let's be optimistic—40 points?" Tony knew full well that his words would send stock prices tumbling.]
["At least 40 points! Tony, we are a weapons manufacturer!" Obadiah leaned against the railing, frustration clear in his voice.]
["Obadiah, I just... I don't want my profits to be measured in lives lost."]
["That's our job! We turn steel into weapons!"]
["My name is on the company building!" Tony exclaimed. In the past, he hadn't cared, but now, he didn't want his name to be synonymous with death.]
["Everything we do is to maintain world peace and stability!" Obadiah insisted, sounding as if he were some grand envoy of peace.]
["That's not what I've seen! What we're doing isn't noble! We can do better. We must find another way!" Tony had already made up his mind.]
["And what do you suggest? Producing baby bottles instead?" Obadiah sneered.]
["We should redefine the technological value of the reactor," Tony said seriously.]
["Oh, come on! That's just a gimmick! Tony, it's all smoke and mirrors to fool the ignorant," Obadiah scoffed.]
[The large reactor had existed for years, and now Tony wanted to use it as a breakthrough? Unfortunately, Obadiah wasn't a scientist—he didn't grasp the full potential of the technology. Even though he knew Tony had miniaturized it, he still didn't take it seriously.]
["It's not a gimmick," Tony said calmly, his gaze fixed on the reactor.]
["Sure, it's a research project, but it's not worth the effort! And you know it! Reactor technology has hit a dead end, hasn't it?" Obadiah circled Tony, testing his reaction.]
["Maybe," Tony replied nonchalantly. He wouldn't have brought it up if he weren't confident.]
["Am I wrong? We haven't made any breakthroughs in nearly 30 years!" There was an odd excitement in Obadiah's voice, and Tony picked up on it.]
[Tony turned to face him. "Just say it. Stop playing games. Who told you? Rhodey? It's either Rhodey or Pepper."]
[Obadiah narrowed his eyes. "Does it matter who told me? Just show me! I want to see!"]
["Fine. It was Rhodey," Tony relented, unbuttoning his shirt to reveal the miniature reactor embedded in his chest.]
["Well, well!" Seeing it in person was something else entirely. Obadiah helped Tony button his shirt back up and let out a small chuckle.]
["It works," Tony stated calmly. This device was the only thing keeping him alive, preventing the shrapnel in his chest from killing him.]
[Obadiah exhaled slowly, then draped an arm around Tony's shoulders, his voice filled with an odd enthusiasm. "Listen to me, Tony. We're in the same boat. If we work together, we'll be unstoppable—just like your father and me."]
["I'm sorry I didn't run this by you first," Tony began, but before he could finish, Obadiah cut him off.]
["Tony! Tony... stop acting on impulse! Do you understand?" At this moment, Obadiah played the role of the concerned uncle.]
["My dad used to say that to me all the time," Tony muttered, unable to resist complaining.]
["Leave this to me! We're going to play an entirely new game here! You'll be under a lot of pressure, but you have to promise me—this time, keep a low profile."]
[The two men continued walking and talking as they left the Stark Industries building…]
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