"Tony Stark, Dr. Banner is here to track the Tesseract," Nick Fury announced as he walked into the room. "I hope you can cooperate with him."
"Don't you feel embarrassed saying that?" Tony replied, rolling his eyes. "You're only interested in him for tracking the Tesseract, aren't you? You want to use him as a backup weapon in case of danger. Even if he's not under your control, you still want to try to wield that power, potentially causing chaos."
"Everyone knows what everyone wants; there's no need for this charade," Tony said, taking a seat at the head of the long table without giving Fury an ounce of respect.
"Tony Stark, is your summoning just meant to stir up chaos?" Fury's expression darkened slightly as he replied sternly.
"Don't use that kind of garbage to intimidate me, Nick," Tony retorted. "I responded to the call because I know Earth is facing imminent danger and I want to help. This is a personal choice, not a duty or obligation. If you're unhappy with me being here, just say the word, and I'll leave right now."
"Look at your team: an outdated relic just thawed from ice, a genetically modified woman who's only slightly above average, and a Hulk you can't control. Can they even help you face the impending war and protect Earth?"
Tony's words hung in the air as he surveyed the room.
"…"
Fury's face darkened further at Tony's lack of respect. The atmosphere shifted as it became clear that Fury was in a foul mood.
"Doctor, while this black egg can't help you calm down when you're losing control, I can," Tony said, turning to Banner. "So go ahead and be angry, even lose your temper."
Thor and Loki stood by, aware of Tony's confrontational nature, too afraid to speak up for fear of being insulted or ridiculed.
"Tony Stark, my power is more complicated than you think," Banner said, hesitating before continuing.
"What's so complicated?" Tony shot back. "Do you have any idea how many people envy the power within you but can't have it? Your strength gives you the chance to change dire situations when ordinary people are helpless. You could be a powerhouse, but what have you done? You fear your power and want to eliminate it to be a 'normal' person."
"Do you realize how many people on Earth long for that strength to change their lives and circumstances? You have that opportunity and instead choose to tell me how afraid you are of it?"
Tony's voice rose as he stepped closer to Banner, challenging him.
"You don't understand my feelings at all," Banner replied, trembling slightly as he struggled to contain his anger.
"I can't grasp the mindset of someone powerful who considers themselves weak. But I know more about what it means to be strong than you do. And with the coming war, I need you to correct that mindset."
Seeing Banner's resolve, Tony spoke coldly, then suddenly punched Banner in the face.
"Bam!" Banner crashed into the wall, stunned.
The rest of the group tensed, realizing they hadn't expected Tony to resort to violence. They knew all too well the consequences of pushing Banner too hard; it could trigger the Hulk.
Pain surged through Banner, making him wince.
"Are you crazy?" he yelled, a flash of green in his eyes that he struggled to suppress as he looked at the armored Tony Stark.
"Banner, your power is immense, but don't think you're the strongest. Once you recognize that fact and engage with the world of true power, you'll see just how critical your strength is—something countless ordinary people long for but can't attain. It's vital for your survival in a world of the strong, not merely depending on others' kindness to scrape by."
"Stop looking at the sky from inside your well. Break free from your closed-off mindset and evolve into a true powerhouse. Learn to control your power and coexist with it," Tony said, stepping closer, towering over Banner.
However, rather than a gentle nudge, Tony kicked Banner hard in the gut.
If time weren't of the essence, Tony would have been more considerate about convincing Banner.
But with the Chitauri army fast approaching, he didn't have the luxury to ease Banner into acceptance. He needed to demonstrate the importance of power quickly and effectively.
The kick sent Banner sprawling, blood spattering from his mouth, his eyes flickering between blue and green.
"Wow, I didn't expect you to endure so well," Tony remarked. "But I bet you're furious, thinking that your patience has just encouraged me."
"Yet, Banner, do you understand what the mindset of true weakness is when faced with strength?"
"Weakness comes with anger and hatred, but it also carries the acceptance that one's circumstances can't be changed, hoping only for mercy to survive."
"You believe that if you unleash the Hulk, you can solve this problem, right? Do you see now how you differ from the truly weak?"
Tony watched as Banner's anger grew, laughing as he met his gaze.