The tension in Stark Tower had become suffocating. Tony, Pepper, and Alexander were all acutely aware of the stakes as they prepared for the inevitable confrontation with Obadiah Stane. The revelation that Stane had not only betrayed Tony but was actively building a weaponized suit—a massive, hulking armor dubbed the Iron Monger—had left them scrambling for a plan.
Pepper had taken the lead in uncovering Stane's secrets, relying on her newfound skills in Observation Haki and Tekkai. Alexander had guided her, emphasizing the need for focus and readiness, but no amount of training could truly prepare her for what was about to happen.
Pepper Confronts Stane
Pepper stood outside the elevator leading to Stane's private office. She clutched her tablet tightly, the incriminating files she'd uncovered glowing on its screen. Her heart pounded in her chest, but her breathing remained steady as she activated her Observation Haki. Every sound, every subtle shift in the air, became part of her awareness.
When the elevator doors slid open, Stane was already standing in his office, waiting. His polished smile greeted her, though the tension beneath it was unmistakable.
"Pepper," Stane said warmly, gesturing her inside. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit? Is Tony too busy in his workshop to handle his own company's business now?"
Pepper stepped forward, keeping her expression neutral. "I've been reviewing some files and projects. There are a few things that caught my attention, and I thought it best to bring them to you directly."
Stane chuckled, but the laugh didn't reach his eyes. "Well, I'm glad to see someone around here is taking initiative. What seems to be the problem?"
Pepper placed the tablet on his desk, her heart steady as her Observation Haki picked up the faint shift in his demeanor. He didn't like surprises, and this was no exception.
"These emails," she said, gesturing to the screen. "They show communications between you and some... questionable clients. Weapons sales, Obadiah. Unauthorized ones."
Stane's smile faltered, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the screen. "Where did you get this?"
"That's not important," Pepper replied, her voice firm. "What matters is what you've been doing. Selling weapons to insurgents, using Stark Industries' resources for your own private projects. You've betrayed Tony, the company, and everything we stand for."
Stane leaned back in his chair, his polished facade cracking slightly. "Pepper, you don't understand the bigger picture. These deals—these projects—are what keep this company alive. Without them, Stark Industries would collapse. Tony's little crusade against weapons is a pipe dream, and you're smart enough to know it."
Pepper folded her arms, her voice unwavering. "Tony is already rebuilding the company. We don't need deals like this, and we don't need you dragging us down."
Stane stood, his imposing frame towering over her. "You've overstepped, Pepper. You're just an assistant. You don't have the authority to make these kinds of accusations."
Her Observation Haki flared, and she could feel the growing anger behind his words. He wasn't just trying to intimidate her—he was trying to gauge how far she would go.
"I'm more than an assistant, Obadiah," she said calmly. "And I'm not afraid of you."
Stane's eyes narrowed, his tone turning icy. "You should be."
Without another word, Pepper turned and walked out of the office, her heart pounding but her resolve unshaken. She didn't need to win this confrontation—she just needed to stay ahead of him.
The Iron Monger Revealed
Later that evening, Pepper returned to the workshop, where Tony and Alexander were waiting.
"He knows," Pepper said, setting the tablet down on the table. "He tried to intimidate me, but I could feel it—he's hiding something bigger. And it's not just the weapons deals."
Tony glanced at the tablet, his expression darkening. "What did you find?"
"Schematics for something massive," Pepper explained. "He's building a weapon—a suit like yours, but bigger. He's calling it the Iron Monger."
Alexander frowned, his sharp eyes scanning the schematics. "If he's built something like this, he's not planning to negotiate. He's preparing for a fight."
Tony slammed his fist on the table, the sound echoing through the workshop. "He was like family. How could he do this?"
Alexander placed a hand on Tony's shoulder. "Betrayal cuts deep, but anger won't help us now. We need a plan."
Tony nodded, taking a deep breath. "We'll stop him. Jarvis, find his lab and get me everything we have on his projects."
"Yes, sir," Jarvis replied.
Tony Goes to Rhodey
Later that night, Tony made his way to Edwards Air Force Base, his Mark III armor gleaming under the moonlight as he touched down just outside Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes' office.
Rhodey stepped outside, his expression a mix of confusion and irritation. "Tony, what the hell are you doing here? And in that thing?"
Tony lifted the helmet's faceplate, offering a faint smirk. "Rhodey, buddy, we need to talk."
Inside the office, Tony explained everything—Stane's betrayal, the Iron Monger suit, and the danger it posed.
"This isn't just about me," Tony said. "If Stane finishes this thing, he'll be unstoppable. I need your help."
Rhodey frowned, leaning back in his chair. "This is insane, Tony. Do you realize what you're saying? If this gets out, it'll destroy the company."
"Good," Tony replied. "If the company's dirty, it deserves to burn. But I can't let him get away with this. He's going to hurt people, Rhodey. Innocent people."
Rhodey studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright. I'm in. But Tony—don't do anything reckless."
Tony smirked. "Me? Reckless? Never."
The Iron Monger's Unleashing
As the night wore on, Stane activated his monstrous suit in a hidden lab beneath Stark Industries. The Iron Monger roared to life, its massive frame shaking the ground as Stane prepared for his first strike.
Tony, now fully suited in the Mark III, stood in the workshop alongside Alexander and Pepper.
"It's time," Tony said, his voice steady. "Jarvis, locate the Iron Monger."
"Tracking now, sir," Jarvis replied. "Stane has exited the lab and is heading toward the main facility."
Alexander stepped forward. "Remember what you've learned. Observation Haki will give you the edge, but stay focused. Stane's armor is built for brute force. You'll need to be faster, smarter, and precise."
Tony nodded. "Got it. Let's finish this."
As the thrusters roared to life, Tony launched into the night, ready to face the first true test of Iron Man.