Intentions

Although talking about money might seem tacky, for a massive organization like S.H.I.E.L.D., funding is their lifeline.

Without funding, how can they equip their agents and motivate them to risk their lives? Patriotism?

Sorry! Money is the only true belief!

Even Spider-Man, because of his good relationship with Tony and the immense reputation he's built over the past ten years in New York City, has become someone S.H.I.E.L.D. cannot afford to provoke.

As a result, Nick Fury's Avengers Initiative hasn't made any progress in the past five years; they haven't recruited a single person.

Well, not completely no one—recently, Fury managed to recruit a soldier who had been asleep for seventy years.

By the way, this is the first time in five years that Tony has shown any willingness to cooperate with S.H.I.E.L.D.

So, Nick Fury couldn't help but feel delighted at Tony's words.

After all, with the first time, there will be countless times after that.

Having taken the most difficult first step, future communication and cooperation will be much easier.

"Tony, I know you have a good relationship with Zane. To prevent the situation from worsening, I need you to contact Zane and find out why he's returned to Earth."

"After all, you know that man's relationship with S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't exactly friendly," Nick Fury said somewhat awkwardly.

"If possible, it would be great if you could get any information from him about the universe," Fury added, then waited anxiously for Tony's reply.

After listening to Fury, Tony coldly replied, "I understand."

He then decisively hung up the phone. However, he couldn't help but find Fury's request laughable.

What difference would it make to know Zane's intentions?

Even if Zane wanted to destroy Earth, could they stop him with Earth's capabilities?

The answer is definitely no!

Even after the war five years ago, despite the efforts of nations and all superheroes to strengthen their powers, Zane remains like a god beyond reach.

They despairingly realized that even now, facing the Zane of five years ago, the outcome would still be the same, unchanged.

At most, they could prolong their struggle for a few more minutes.

It's a harsh reality, but it's undeniable!

Moreover, Tony doesn't believe that Zane's power has remained stagnant after spending five years in the universe.

Five years ago, that guy was only 21.

It was a period of explosive growth in power, and by now, his strength has likely surpassed everyone's wildest imaginations.

In the end, Nick Fury hasn't escaped his nature as an agent.

After decades, the rules of being an agent have become ingrained in his thinking.

Agents are always desperately trying to uncover all unknowns, regardless of whether the subject is friend or foe, or if they are beyond their control.

Nick Fury would stop at nothing to categorize anyone into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s files.

But does he realize how useless that might be?

For now, it might work on Earth to eliminate potential threats invisibly.

However, to Zane, even if Zane revealed all his information, it would only scare Fury without yielding any benefit.

Because no matter what Zane intends to do, they are powerless to stop him.

In front of Zane, S.H.I.E.L.D. can't and doesn't dare to intervene in any way.

This is the tragedy of the weak!

As for why Tony readily took on the task of contacting Zane:

On one hand, his sense of responsibility was no less than Nick Fury's, and even purer than that of the man in charge. What Tony yearned for was one word that only existed in his imagination—peace.

That's why he unhesitatingly shut down the weapons division, which was the backbone of Stark Industries. He spent countless amounts of money and resources continuously developing more advanced suits of armor. All of this was to protect the peace of Earth.

This was also why he could become best friends with Spider-Man, who believed that with great power comes great responsibility.

Thus, Tony needed to confirm Zane's attitude toward Earth upon his return, even if he knew he couldn't stop Zane. Tony just wanted peace of mind.

On the other hand, he genuinely wanted to see what Zane's attitude toward him would be. They were friends, after all, even though they had fought fiercely before. Zane had even unhesitatingly killed him in the end. But deep down, Tony still considered Zane that stingy friend, his best frenemy.

It might sound silly, but that's how Tony felt. He had very few friends, so few that he could count them on one hand.

The further one goes in life, the fewer people remain by their side. The more exceptional a person is, the lonelier they become. Tony didn't want to lose this rare frenemy in Zane.

With that, Tony spoke to the bracelet on his wrist:

"Jarvis, activate my latest suit of armor."

"Never mind, don't activate it."

However, before Jarvis could respond, Tony stopped him. With a bitter smile, Tony realized that Zane's sudden return had rattled him.

He was going to visit Zane, not to fight a war. Why would he need the suit?

Moreover, against Zane, what difference would it make whether he wore the suit or not?

With that thought, Tony silently stood up and reached for his car keys on the table.

But Pepper grabbed his arm.

"I'm going with you!" Pepper said firmly, looking at Tony.

But Tony refused without hesitation.

"No! Until we've confirmed Zane's attitude, you absolutely cannot go!"

"I said, I! Am! Going! With! You!"

Pepper tightly held onto Tony's arm, showing no sign of letting go, speaking each word emphatically.

Seeing the determination in Pepper's eyes, Tony finally sighed and nodded in agreement.

He then pulled Pepper into his embrace.

"Everything will be fine, right, Tony?" Pepper said worriedly, leaning against Tony.

"Yes, everything will be fine," Tony replied, his eyes glinting.

From an angle Pepper couldn't see, Tony removed the bracelets from his hands and quickly placed them on Pepper's wrists.

In Pepper's astonished gaze, he loudly commanded:

"Jarvis, activate the suit!"

"Yes, sir."

Instantly, a small flying device the size of a survival pack shot out from a hidden wall, quickly locking onto the bracelets on Pepper's wrists. Within two seconds, it rapidly assembled into a futuristic iron suit around her.

"Jarvis, lock Pepper's movements!"

"Yes, Sir."

"When would you like to release Miss Potts?"

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