Chapter 23: 23 Time for Spoils
The press conference didn't last long, but the impact it made was like a nuclear bomb. When Tony Stark announced, "I'm shutting down Stark Industries' military division immediately," it was like throwing a torch into an oil field.
The raging fire, filled with consecutive explosions, turned into a storm of flames that swept across the entire news world. Everyone was shocked, but Kagura Hitomi remained calm.
Ah, such a small scene. If Tony Stark hadn't said that, I wouldn't have known how to proceed with my little plan.
Heh, if the military division is no longer needed, I suppose it can be handed over to someone else who needs it. Like me.
To be honest, Kagura Hitomi didn't quite understand Tony's decision. Shutting down the military division was questionable.
It wasn't so much a renouncement of the past as it was an escape from responsibility. If Stark gives up on military production, someone else will step in.
The result will be the same, and with a monopoly, it could attract even more unscrupulous competitors.
But that's fine. If you don't want to deal with the arms trade, I'll take over.
It's better than letting someone else occupy that space and keep making the world worse.
Meanwhile, the reporters at the conference didn't manage to press Tony for answers. After Tony left, Obadiah took over the event, using his smooth business negotiation skills to clean up after Tony's mess.
"Wow, this is really explosive news."
After her conversation with Coulson, Kagura Hitomi returned to Pepper Potts' side.
"Yeah, Tony… Well, I'm not that surprised. He often pulls off shocking moves."
Pepper said, "This isn't the first time he's blown up a press conference."
"Are you worried?"
Kagura Hitomi asked, "This will definitely cause some losses for the company, right?"
"No, I trust Tony. He has his reasons for doing things like this."
Pepper smiled. "He's someone I can trust, so I'm not worried."
"Mm-hmm, I can tell. Looks like Miss Pepper is really in love with Mr. Stark."
Kagura Hitomi teasingly nodded.
"Ah, stop it! What are you saying?"
Pepper Potts blushed. "Forget that. I need to brief you on your next arrangements."
"Mm-hmm."
Kagura Hitomi nodded. "Please go ahead, Pepper."
"There are still many details to investigate about your escape from the terrorist group in Afghanistan. Also, the company will likely be busy soon."
Pepper said, "Hitomi, we might stay in Los Angeles for a while. Your apartment in New York should be company-issued, right?"
"Yeah, that's right."
Kagura Hitomi nodded. "I live alone, so it's no big deal."
"Good, then you can stay here for now."
Pepper said, "Once things calm down, I'll send you back to New York."
"Alright, no problem. Thanks, Pepper."
Kagura Hitomi readily agreed.
She had been recruited by Stark Industries' financial and administrative department in New York. Stark Industries was a massive company with departments all around the world. As Pepper's assistant, Kagura Hitomi often traveled between cities, with her accommodations taken care of by hotels.
But this was the first time she would be away from New York for such a long time due to special circumstances.
"Oh, right, about your new place."
Pepper said, "For your safety, you'll stay next door to me for now."
"Next door to you?"
Kagura Hitomi tilted her head. "Isn't 'Little Pepper' living at Tony Stark's place?"
"Yep, you've been there, haven't you? It's by the beach in Malibu."
Pepper smiled. "Don't worry, Hitomi, Tony won't do anything."
Wow, so now I'm suddenly moving into Tony Stark's house?
Kagura Hitomi was surprised.
Well, it's not like it's a bad idea…
"Alright… fine."
Kagura Hitomi nodded obediently. "I'll go along with it."
"We'll send you over to settle in. Do you have any personal belongings at the company? You can bring them over. If anything needs to be mailed from New York, just let me know."
"Mm, thank you, Pepper."
"No problem."
Pepper Potts led Kagura Hitomi out of the conference hall and into a car headed to Tony's house.
"This must be difficult for you, right? I'm sorry you got caught up in all of this. If you have any trouble, just let me know. I'll help as much as I can."
"Mm."
Kagura Hitomi nodded.
Hmm… Should I act a little more touched?
...
Once they arrived at Tony Stark's mansion, Pepper helped Kagura Hitomi get settled in and notified the AI assistant, "J.A.R.V.I.S.," to set up the necessary home systems for her.
After quickly preparing the guest room, Kagura Hitomi moved into Tony Stark's luxurious mansion.
"I still have to go to the company. You rest here for now."
Pepper said, "You've worked hard these past few days. Take a shower and get some sleep."
"Mm, I will. Thank you, Pepper."
Kagura Hitomi smiled and watched Pepper Potts leave.
Wow, this development was quite unexpected.
Now alone, Kagura Hitomi lay down on the spacious, comfortable bed. "Whew, my first time staying in a mansion. I'm kind of excited."
Well, I guess I'll take this time to review my rewards and skills. It's been a while since I last organized them.
Kagura Hitomi focused her mind and opened the holographic menu and windows before her.
Now, after completing two extra tasks, Kagura Hitomi had 20 QP, which could be used to unlock four skills, or exchange them for the blueprints for the Arc Reactor, and unlock two more skills.
There was no need to think about it!
Skills can be unlocked gradually, but the Arc Reactor blueprint is crucial.
Kagura Hitomi didn't intend to spread the Arc Reactor technology for profit, but its application in other areas was worth exploring.
She focused her mind.
[Negative Space Quantum Energy Device Blueprint/10 QP]
Confirm purchase.
As her consciousness passed through the holographic UI system, the items in the shop turned into a stream of data, flooding into Kagura Hitomi's mind.
In an instant, every technical detail, design structure, and parameter of the Arc Reactor was deeply embedded in her brain.
Once the item was activated, Kagura Hitomi obtained the corresponding technical knowledge.
Ah, this is fun!
This system is awesome!
Kagura Hitomi grinned and nodded.
[New items added to the shop]
...
Huh?
The girl blinked in surprise, focusing her gaze.
[Negative Space Quantum Energy Device Improvement Blueprint/10 QP]
[Negative Space Quantum Energy Advanced Core Prototype Blueprint/20 QP]
...Turns out, you're a money-grabber!!!
[TL Note]
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