Occasionally returning to the lab, and dropping by the orphanage to visit Director Mary, Kurogai's schedule had become surprisingly full. The week passed swiftly, and the day of his arranged transaction with Tony Stark finally arrived.
"Jarvis, it's been a week," Stark said, standing in his sleek, high-tech villa. "Once the Eyed One shows up, start recording every bit of data."
He was cautious. Understandably so. Kurogai Alexander Blackwood was far from ordinary. While he hadn't shown any hostility, Stark knew better than to ignore a potential threat. Preparation was everything—especially when dealing with the unknown.
His living room had been converted into a lab, bristling with sensors and instruments calibrated specifically for Kurogai. It was the same place Kurogai had appeared each time before, and Stark intended to capture every possible detail today.
Thump.
A knock on the front door broke the tension.
Then, calmly, confidently, Kurogai stepped inside.
Stark's face dropped. "Why the front door?"
He glanced at the now-pointless setup in the living room. He had counted on Kurogai's usual method of sudden appearance, not a polite entrance.
"I'm a gentleman," Kurogai replied with a faint smirk. "Of course I used the door. Or… were you planning something sketchy, Stark?"
His smile was knowing. He had clearly seen through Stark's attempt to study him. So, naturally, he chose the most disruptive path—walking in like a guest.
Stark cleared his throat, trying to recover. "No, no… just… being cautious."
He shifted the topic quickly. "I gathered all the materials you requested. They're in my garage. I didn't know where to deliver them, so I figured I'd wait."
"Lead the way."
Without another word, the two moved toward the garage. Kurogai barely glanced at the fleet of luxury cars lining the walls. In his past world, they might have impressed him. But this was the Marvel universe. These toys didn't hold his attention.
"All here," Stark said, motioning toward several wooden crates.
Kurogai inspected them one by one. Inside were rare and carefully processed materials—exactly what he needed for constructing a brainwave amplifier. After confirming the quality, he activated his spatial ability and stored them all inside the Kamui Space. In an instant, the garage was clear.
Stark's eyes widened. Even though he had seen this power before, it still sent a ripple of awe through him. Entire crates vanishing into thin air wasn't something science could currently explain.
"That ability of yours… it's magic, isn't it?" Stark asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
"If that's how you want to see it," Kurogai replied with a short chuckle.
He turned to leave. Business was done.
"Wait," Stark called after him. "We could… work together again. Future deals. Maybe we should exchange contact info?"
Kurogai raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"You never know when we might need each other," Stark added. "Wouldn't it be smart to have a way to reach out?"
"Give me a good reason," Kurogai said, pausing at the doorway. "Something worthwhile. Otherwise, I have no interest."
Stark hesitated, then said, "I'm working on a project. It needs a compact, high-output energy source. I was hoping... maybe you had something that could help."
Kurogai narrowed his eyes. "You're building the Iron Man suit already?"
Stark flinched. "How did you—? Did you hack my systems?!"
"It wasn't hard to figure out," Kurogai said casually. "You just confirmed it."
He smiled as he walked back toward Stark.
"So here's my counteroffer," Kurogai said. "Once your suit is complete, I want one. Custom-made for me."
Stark blinked. "You want your own Iron Man suit?"
Kurogai nodded. "Exactly. That's the deal."
The Iron Man suit was iconic. Every Marvel fan dreamed of wearing one—even someone like Kurogai, who had long surpassed needing such things. It was a symbol of power, a romantic vision of technology and might.
And now, that suit would be his.
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