When Dragon Balls Descend Upon Marvel

Hearing Smith Dole's explanation, Tony was left speechless.

"What kind of mess is this? Look, I don't know anything about grudges from the older generation."

"But I can check the records. If his tech really came from his father, and his father was one of the original developers, I should be able to dig something up."

Tony pulled out his phone and searched the database for Anton Vanko. Sure enough, he found that the co-developer of the original arc reactor was indeed Ivan Vanko, and that he even held patents in that field. Now, his son had created a miniaturized arc reactor of his own.

"Well… you're right. There was a co-developer named Ivan Vanko."

"So tell me, buddy — what's his angle? Planning to go head-to-head with Stark Industries?"

Smith smiled.

"I hear the Antitrust Bureau is planning to squeeze you for some money?"

Tony nodded with a sigh.

"Didn't expect you to know about that too. But I'm not giving them a dime. I'd rather spend the money on lawyers."

"Wait… you're thinking…?"

Smith nodded.

"Exactly. Just like you're imagining."

"He's built a suit of armor too. The weapons are basic — no missiles — but he wants to spar with you."

Tony's interest was instantly piqued.

"No missiles? That's it?"

Smith shook his head.

"He's broke. The money for the suit came from the $100,000 John paid for a Dragon Ball."

Tony's mouth twitched. He'd fought tooth and nail for a Dragon Ball and lost in the end, while John Wick had bought one for $100,000. Ridiculous.

"In that case, I've been working on a portable suit. I can use it against him — not exactly bullying if we keep it fair."

"Anyway, tell me your plans for him… and for Vanko Industries."

Smith explained the company's focus: clean energy, household robots, and companion robots. Hearing that they weren't selling Iron Man suits, Tony approved.

As for Ivan Vanko himself, Smith planned to have him take over the Iron Patriot's role — fighting crime and upholding justice as the third superhero, and eventually joining their Avengers.

Tony nodded in satisfaction.

"OK, sounds good. I'm in. After the race, set up our sparring match. Oh, and tell him to come up with a nickname. We could make it public — build his reputation and promote Vanko Industries at the same time."

Smith grinned.

"You're a real brother for helping me like this."

Tony waved it off.

"You've saved my life enough times. This is nothing."

Hearing that, Smith decided to prepare another gift for Tony's birthday.

…

With mounted police leading the way, Tony and Smith's car pulled up to the 'Hotel de Paris' in Monaco.

As soon as they stepped out, cheers erupted from the crowd.

Walking into the hotel first, Tony told Pepper,

"This is Europe. Whatever happens, just go with the flow."

Pepper frowned.

"Go with the flow? What's that supposed to mean, Mr. Stark? And what did you and Smith talk about that you couldn't say in front of me?"

Tony snapped his fingers and called out to a woman in a red dress.

"Hey!"

Natasha smiled.

"Smooth trip, Mr. Stark?"

"Perfect," Tony replied.

"Really good to see you."

While they talked, Smith entered with Bulma, Ivan, and John.

The moment they stepped in, Sofia — one of the Monaco Assassin Brotherhood leaders — approached Smith with a respectful bow.

"Welcome, Lord Smith!"

Smith nodded.

"You here for the race too?"

Sofia shook her head.

"I'm not interested in racing. I came to follow your orders. Whatever you need, just say the word."

Smith thought for a moment.

"Find me a private space where I won't be disturbed. Just a few minutes — I have something to discuss."

Meanwhile, Pepper whispered to Tony,

"When did you hire her?"

"You forced me into it," Tony replied.

"I forced you to do what?"

Before the argument could escalate, Smith walked over and clapped Tony on the shoulder.

"Hey, what are you two talking about?"

Pepper turned with a smile.

"Mr. Smith."

Smith said,

"Tony, I've got us a room. You and Natalie come — we need to talk."

Tony nodded.

"Natalie, Smith Dole wants to see us."

Natasha, in her red dress, nodded and followed behind.

Pepper saw that it was Smith calling them away and let it go.

In the private room Sofia had arranged, Smith asked,

"Natasha, is S.H.I.E.L.D. having you spy on Tony Stark because of his palladium poisoning?"

Natasha wasn't surprised he knew the mission.

"Director Nick Fury sent me to check his condition and assess whether he's fit to join the Avengers."

Tony was incredulous.

"I'm already a consultant, and now he's testing me for full membership?"

"Any other missions?"

Natasha glanced at Smith, who nodded for her to answer.

"No. Just those two. But from what I've seen, Tony Stark doesn't seem bothered by the poisoning at all."

Tony shrugged.

"You'll have to ask your boss here."

Smith shrugged back.

"Not a cure, but a better fix than S.H.I.E.L.D.'s methods."

Natasha nodded, realizing Fury's plan had failed.

Tony muttered,

"Knew it. S.H.I.E.L.D. aren't the good guys if they're planting a spy on me."

Smith checked the time.

"Alright, that's enough. Let's head out."

Tony agreed, and the three of them left. Soon after, the area filled up again as other guests were directed in.

(End of Chapter)

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