C 96(1)

After returning to the Marvel world, Kain took stock of everything he had gained from his time in the Hokage world.

The biggest benefit was undoubtedly Sage Mode and the ability to manipulate natural energy. Testing it out, Kain found that the Marvel world also contained natural energy, and he could absorb it continuously. 

This discovery opened up immense possibilities.

Another major gain was its ability to amplify magical power, a resource that could significantly enhance his abilities. 

Along with that, he had acquired a fire dragon embryo's. However, Kain realized that raising the embryo would attract significant attention from various factions. 

Despite his cooperative relationship with General Ross, dealing with greedy forces eager to control a fire dragon would be a considerable challenge—especially since Kain frequently traveled between worlds.

He decided it was better to delay bringing the fire dragon into play until he grew stronger or developed a group of loyal subordinates. To achieve that, mastering sealing techniques would be essential.

Kain also gained the formulas for three specific medicines while in the Ninja World. The ingredients were fairly common, but he would need to re-test the ratios to ensure their efficacy.

"It's been a while since I left," Kain thought, planning his next steps. "I'll visit the Biological Research Center first, then check on the company and my house. I wonder how Betty is doing."

Kain's thoughts then turned to another opportunity: recruiting the Vankos. At this point in time, Anton Vanko and his son Ivan were likely facing their most difficult circumstances.

 Anton had tried to profit from their joint invention of the Arc Reactor, but Howard Stark had refused to comply. 

Instead, Howard reported Anton to the U.S. government, resulting in Anton's deportation and financial ruin. This situation had left Anton impoverished and in poor health.

If Kain's memory was accurate, Anton Vanko would die around 2009. Anton's death was likely a driving force behind Ivan Vanko's vendetta against Tony Stark. 

Saving the elder Vanko could provide Kain with an opportunity to recruit two top-tier physicists and mechanical engineers.

Beyond that, obtaining the Arc Reactor technology ahead of Stark could give Kain a significant edge in the energy sector. 

While its applications in clean energy were notable, Kain saw its true value in military technology. With his own military security group, the potential uses of the Arc Reactor in advanced weaponry would be unparalleled.

As Kain formulated his plan, he picked up his phone to contact Betty, who was still serving as his personal assistant. 

At that moment, Betty was out for lunch with Bruce Banner—a rare chance for her to relax amid her busy schedule.

Betty had often accepted Kain's dinner invitations in the past, but now, as she thought about it, she felt a twinge of guilt toward Bruce. 

Resolving to make a change, she decided to end the improper relationship with Kain and limit their interactions to a strictly professional, colleague-like dynamic in the future.

"Bruce, sorry about this lately..." Betty began, but her words were cut off as her phone suddenly rang from inside her bag.

Pulling it out, she glanced at the caller ID. Her heart skipped a beat. After a brief apology to Bruce, she hesitated but ultimately answered the call.

"Now? Today's my day off," she said, trying to sound firm. "Do you know how busy I've been this month? I don't—" She paused, listening to the voice on the other end, then sighed. "Fine. Okay, I'll come."

Bruce had been watching her expression during the call, and a sinking feeling crept over him. He already knew what was coming.

As soon as Betty hung up, she tucked the phone back into her bag and turned to Bruce with an apologetic look. "Bruce, I'm really sorry. Something unexpected came up. I have to go."

Bruce's face fell, and he tried to persuade her, albeit reluctantly. "Betty, we haven't had a real conversation in almost three months. We didn't even see each other last month."

"I know," Betty said, her tone filled with regret. "It's all my fault, Bruce. I'm sorry. But my bastard boss hasn't contacted me for over a month, and this issue needs to be dealt with right away."

She grabbed her purse, stood up, and added, "I'm sorry, Bruce. Let's reschedule."

Before leaving, Betty paid the bill, then rushed to her car and drove off to meet Kain. 

Meanwhile, Bruce sat alone in the upscale restaurant, staring at his untouched meal. He downed his glass of red wine in one gulp, pushed the plate aside, and left.

When Betty arrived at the location Kain had given her, he seemed surprised to see her behind the wheel.

"Betty, why are you driving? Where's Paul?" Kain asked, raising an eyebrow. The sleek sports car pulling up was certainly unexpected.

Betty shot him an annoyed glance as Kain got into the passenger seat. "I gave Paul some time off to spend with his daughter. And do you have any idea how hard it is for me to take a single day off? The office building, recruitment, production expansion, your biopharmaceutical company, new home—all of it is being handled by me. Alone. And for the record, my college major is cell biology, not corporate management!"

Kain sat back and listened to Betty's string of complaints, his expression unchanging. As she continued her tirade, he suddenly leaned over and stuffed a piece of chocolate into her mouth.

The unexpected gesture caught Betty off guard, and she stopped mid-sentence. Despite her initial frustration, she didn't feel entirely annoyed by the move. 

After all, they had been more than professional in the past. Though she had resolved to end things between them, seeing Kain in person made that decision much harder.

….

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