Tony's eyes scanned the holograms projected by the file, each displaying key individuals tied to SHIELD's history and its ongoing initiatives. Among them were images of Howard Stark, Captain America, Peggy Carter, and even Nick Fury. Tony's expression shifted from mild curiosity to deep intrigue.
"Quite the roster," Tony muttered, his tone laced with both sarcasm and genuine interest. "So, my dad wasn't just a brilliant inventor—he was also moonlighting as a secret agent? Great. Another thing he never told me about."
Phil Coulson smiled faintly. "Your father's contributions were pivotal in shaping SHIELD. Without his technology and vision, we wouldn't have been able to prepare for threats like the one we're facing now."
Tony leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink. "So, let me guess: you're here to recruit me for this 'Avengers' initiative of yours?"
Coulson nodded. "That's part of it. We're assembling a team of extraordinary individuals—people with unique abilities or resources—who can tackle threats no single organization or army can handle alone. And let's face it, Mr. Stark, you're already one of the best candidates."
Tony smirked, the usual Stark confidence shining through. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Coulson, but I don't play well with others."
"We're not asking you to," Coulson replied calmly. "We just need your expertise, your suit, and your ability to think three steps ahead of everyone else."
Tony set his glass down and tapped a finger on the armrest of his chair. "Fine. I'll bite. What's the plan? And who else is on this 'dream team' of yours?"
Coulson pressed a button on his own device, bringing up a larger hologram that displayed the current candidates: Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, and Thor. Each profile included a brief dossier, complete with abilities, affiliations, and recent activities.
Tony raised an eyebrow at the sight of Steve Rogers. "So, you've got the popsicle unfrozen. That's... interesting. And you're bringing in a guy who turns into a giant rage monster? Bold move."
Coulson chuckled lightly. "Dr. Banner has been working on controlling his condition. He's a brilliant scientist, and his knowledge is just as valuable as his other... abilities."
Tony pointed at Natasha and Clint's profiles. "And these two? Spies? Assassins?"
"They're some of the best in the world," Coulson said. "Agent Romanoff and Agent Barton have been instrumental in handling high-level threats for years."
"And then there's Thor," Tony said, narrowing his eyes at the Asgardian's image. "You're seriously bringing him too? what if he is with Loki?"
"Thor's knowledge of extraterrestrial threats and his combat prowess are unmatched," Coulson explained. "And given that his brother Loki is the one leading the invasion, we need him on our side."
" and they are not on same side that much we know" he further added.
Tony laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, Coulson. I'll play along—for now. But if this thing goes south, don't say I didn't warn you."
Coulson nodded, standing up. "Fair enough. We appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Stark. You'll be briefed on the next steps soon."
As Coulson turned to leave, Tony called out, "Hey, Coulson."
The agent paused, looking back.
"Why don't I see Dave on the list?" Tony asked.
Phil replied, "He's already recruited. Don't worry—he'll be there." saying so he continued to leave.
Tony nodded, a small smirk on his face. "Well, I guess it's time to see how I fare against the gods of myth," he mumbled, as black Haki began to cover his arms.
"It'll be fun to find out," he added, leaning back in his chair.
"Why was he here?" Happy entered, looking curious.
"Just some mumbo jumbo, nothing big," Tony replied casually, waving it off.
Happy nodded but hesitated. "There's nothing serious, right?"
Tony nodded again, feigning nonchalance. "Yep, nothing serious."
But in his mind, Tony couldn't help but think back to the powers Dave had shown in the One Piece world.
'If he ever decides to go against Earth, then maybe it would be serious,' Tony mused silently, shaking his head.
He stood up and walked to his vast collection of Iron Man armors, each one glowing faintly in its display. These suits were even better than the ones he'd used to fight Thanos in an alternate timeline. His new Turbo Force-enhanced powers, combined with his Mark-series technology, had pushed their capabilities to a whole new level.
"So, which one should I choose this time?" Tony muttered to himself.
The Max Steel Turbo Power modes he'd incorporated offered versatility, but now, with his own custom designs and upgrades, the suits had become unparalleled weapons of power. Each mode was tailored for a specific type of combat or environment, and Tony relished the idea of testing them against the challenges ahead.
As Phil exited Stark Tower, he pulled out his communicator and contacted SHIELD. "Tony's in," he reported.
"Good," Maria Hill's voice replied from the other side. "Hawkeye has gone to find Bruce, and as for Thor, we're still working on locating him."
Phil frowned slightly. "Maybe that's where Natasha could've helped us, but she's been abducted. We could ask Dave, though. He might have some insight."
Maria paused briefly before nodding, though Phil couldn't see her. "Alright. Keep me updated."
"Will do," Phil replied, cutting the call.
Maria Hill sighed, placing her communicator down before turning to the dimly lit room where Nick Fury lay on a medical bed. The once indomitable director of SHIELD looked pale but stable, recovering from injuries sustained in a recent confrontation. Maria approached quietly, the weight of the ongoing crises evident on her face.
"Wake up, Fury," she said softly but firmly, her voice laced with both urgency and care.
"We've got an alien invasion on our hands, and I can't keep playing nursemaid forever," she muttered, folding her arms as she looked down at him.
" we need you" She said as she left.
***
Dave sat in his private room, his eyes scanning the footage SHIELD had provided. The moment Loki appeared on Earth was as chaotic as it was unsettling. His mind raced, trying to piece together what was going wrong. Natasha had faced off against him before, and yet she didn't seem to have lost to him.
"Natasha... shouldn't have lost to him," Dave murmured to himself, his gaze intense as he paused the footage on Loki's smug, victorious expression.
He leaned back in his chair, thinking carefully. "She's powerful enough to defeat him, so how...?"
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