Chapter 219: Tony – Buddy, This Should’ve Been My Treatment
On stage, the senator quickly called out to Justin Hammer in the audience.
"Turn it off. Quickly, turn it off."
Justin Hammer, realizing things were going south, hurriedly stood up and rushed toward the electronic display.
But Tony, never one to miss a chance to embarrass him, immediately switched to another video.
"This is Iran."
"Still an immature product — no threat to us."
A third video began to play.
"Wait… is that Justin Hammer?"
"He's making knockoffs too?"
"Justin, you're on TV — look!"
In the footage, Justin was inspecting an anti–Iron Man armor prototype. The robot turned… and promptly twisted its own waist out of place.
The hearing room erupted in laughter, while Justin scrambled to the screen, clutching the video cable.
"Where's the plug? Where's the plug?"
After a moment, he found it and yanked it out, shutting the screen off completely.
The audience was in an uproar, and the hearing had lost all semblance of seriousness.
Tony took the opportunity to mock him.
"Most countries will need five to ten years. Hammer Industries? At least twenty."
Justin quickly retreated to his seat.
"Let me point out — that pilot didn't die."
The senator, trying to salvage the situation, said,
"I think we've seen enough. He's made his point."
"I don't think this proves—"
Tony cut him off,
"I guess I'll just say… you're welcome."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm the deterrent that prevents nuclear war. Iron Man is useful. We're safe. America is safe."
"You want my product? Forget it."
"But I've done you a huge favor. Smith and I alone can maintain world peace."
As he spoke, Tony rose from his seat, turning toward the hearing audience.
The people stood and applauded him.
"What more do you want from me? That's it."
He then turned back to the senator.
"I've tried working with these clowns."
The senator, clearly irritated at being called a clown, cursed at him in public.
"F*** you, Mr. Stark."
Tony put on his sunglasses with a grin.
"Well, you're a real joker."
"Listen up — everything I do is for the people. I serve the country for my own enjoyment."
"If I've proven anything to the world, it's that you can absolutely trust me… and I'll make you feel good about it."
"Now, if there's nothing else, I declare this hearing adjourned."
Watching Tony's show, both Smith and Rhodes smiled, though Justin Hammer's expression was far from pleasant.
At that moment, the senator banged his gavel hard against the desk.
Bang, bang, bang!
The loud sound quieted the room.
"Alright. Regarding the matter of whether Iron Man qualifies as a weapon, this session is temporarily concluded."
"But today, there is a second hearing."
"Please remain quiet."
Hearing there would be a second hearing, Tony realized he was in the clear. The next one was for Smith Dole. He had been about to leave, but instead sat back down — he wanted to see what tricks these clowns would pull.
The doors to the military committee hearing room opened, and a group of armed soldiers entered, taking positions on both sides. The sudden change made the crowd curious about what would happen next.
Then General Ross of the Army, a Navy admiral, and an Air Force major general entered together.
The crowd was momentarily stunned.
"Now we begin the second hearing, concerning Mr. Smith Dole."
Seeing Ross, Smith wondered what scheme he was up to this time.
Tony was also surprised — with top brass from the Army, Navy, and Air Force here, this was clearly no small matter.
The senator spoke.
"Mr. Smith Dole, according to the analysis reports of the Army, Navy, and Air Force…"
"The second-generation power level detectors sold by Capsule Corporation, as well as the newly released hovercars, have in several ways impacted national security."
"Now, we'll hear the military's report."
Hearing that products he had just announced yesterday already had a full analysis report today, Smith found the whole thing absurd.
A colonel accompanying the three generals stepped forward and began.
"According to our research, the second-generation power level detector's video recording and upload functions, as well as the 500 power level detection limit, are not suitable for civilian use and raise privacy concerns. We recommend restricting it to military-use versions only."
"As for the hovercars, legal frameworks are needed for low-altitude traffic rights, accident liability, and related issues."
"…Additionally, in terms of modifications, these products have enormous potential for military applications. We unanimously recommend including Capsule Corporation in the national defense procurement list."
As he listened, Smith realized something was off — this wasn't punishment. They wanted to elevate him into a defense contractor.
Tony noticed too, whispering,
"This doesn't make sense. This isn't punishment — we got each other's treatment reversed."
Smith nodded.
"Feels off to me too. They're being way too nice."
When Smith glanced at Ross, the general smiled at him.
It was clear Ross was behind this, repaying past favors and also showing off his influence — that he could bring the Army, Navy, and Air Force together for him.
Meanwhile, Justin Hammer's expression darkened. With Stark Industries stepping back, was Capsule Corporation about to step in?
The senator then asked,
"Mr. Smith, what do you think about Capsule Corporation becoming a military contractor?"
Thinking of Bulma's development skills and the tech of the Dragon Ball universe, Smith replied,
"Regarding defense contracts, I thank the military for recognizing Capsule Corporation's products."
"I will establish a subsidiary to handle orders for the military and other government agencies. The mission of Capsule Corporation will still be to change the way people live in their homes."
"As for the second-generation power level detector, it will still be sold to the public. For ordinary needs, the first-generation detector is sufficient, and Capsule Corporation will not stop producing or selling it."
(End of Chapter)
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