Marvel Cybernetic Girl

After devouring three cheeseburgers at Burger King, satisfied and with the dizziness from hunger finally subsiding, Kagura Hitomi felt much better.

"You can really eat," Tony Stark commented, looking at the three cheeseburger wrappers on the table. "Aren't you worried about getting fat?"

"Umm...!" Hitomi blushed and pouted. "No... I won't get fat! It's just because they taste so good! Really!"

Come on, an android can't get fat, right?

"Haha, well, I'm glad you like it," Tony laughed. "I've always said, cheeseburgers are one of the best foods in the world."

"Even if you've tasted all the rare delicacies in the world, do you still think so, Mr. Stark?" Hitomi asked. "Cheeseburgers aren't exactly a gourmet meal."

"It's not about the price of food," Tony replied. "You know, personal taste is one of those... really mysterious things."

"I love cheeseburgers, but if you ask me why, I just have to say it's because they suit my taste, not because the ingredients are exotic or well-prepared. They're simple, but I like them, that's all."

"Mhm." Hitomi nodded, mumbling quietly, "As expected, Tony Stark is quite the smooth talker..."

"Did you say something? I thought I heard you complimenting me?"

"It's nothing, Mr. Stark," Hitomi smiled. "I'm done. Let's go."

Hitomi respected Iron Man, but that didn't mean she would become a die-hard fan, clinging to him as an appendage. Aside from Tony Stark, there were many other people she wanted to meet and interact with, and many things she still wanted to learn.

For Hitomi, the people who might "suit her tastes" in the future were far from just Tony Stark. She wasn't going to live for others—she would have to stand on her own in this world. After all, this was the Marvel Universe, not just Iron Man's world.

The world was vast, and there were many things Hitomi could do and wanted to do. She knew that sticking around Tony Stark forever wasn't a long-term plan.

Over time, she had been gathering various "resources" for her future, and had a general idea of her path forward. She needed her own organization to make her mark, and eventually, a superhero identity of her own to independently participate in the world's workings.

For that, there were many people and organizations she could make use of.

For example, a certain, currently long-named, mysterious department…

Hitomi and Tony Stark, along with others, arrived at the California Air Force Base for a press conference. The place was packed with reporters and various personnel.

Tony's business partner, Obadiah Stane—one of Stark Industries' largest shareholders—was already there, eagerly welcoming Tony's return.

As soon as Tony's car door opened, the bald man with a big beard embraced Tony, and they chatted warmly, like old friends reunited, a rather "touching" scene.

Wow, this guy really knows how to act. Just a while ago, he was the one secretly contacting the Ten Rings to eliminate Tony Stark in that attack and take over Stark Industries. If it weren't for the Ten Rings coveting Tony's abilities, Tony would have been in serious danger. Now, despite the plan failing, Obadiah seemed completely unbothered, with no sign of confusion or anxiety on his face. Truly impressive, an old pro at this.

Hitomi got out of the car and, avoiding the crowd's attention, followed Pepper Potts as they entered the venue with Tony and Obadiah.

The press conference mostly centered on how Tony, after the attack, had a moment of clarity and decided to shut down Stark Industries' military division for good and pursue new ventures.

This didn't really concern Hitomi at the moment, nor did she plan on interfering.

However, the military division of Stark Industries that was about to be shut down did catch her interest.

Didn't she want to start her own organization?

The soon-to-be-abandoned Stark military division could be a great opportunity.

And so, from this press conference onward, a small plan in Hitomi's mind began to take shape.

"Hello, Miss Potts."

As the press conference was about to begin, a well-dressed man with a somewhat receding hairline approached.

Hmm, right on time, Hitomi thought to herself as she stood next to Pepper.

"How can I help you?" Pepper responded politely.

"Could I have a word with you?"

"Well, the press conference doesn't require my participation, but it's about to start, so..."

"I'm not a reporter," the man continued. "I'm Agent Phil Coulson, from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division."

"Oh, that name's a bit of a mouthful."

Pfft…

Hitomi couldn't help but laugh. Memorizing such a tongue-twisting name was quite a skill.

"I know, we're working on simplifying it," Coulson smiled.

"You know, the Department of Defense, FBI, and CIA have contacted us, so..."

"We're an independent department, so our functions are more focused," Coulson cut in, his tone professional. "We'd like to understand the details of how Mr. Stark escaped."

"I'll make arrangements," Pepper responded politely.

"Thank you."

Coulson then turned to Hitomi. "Miss Kagura, could I have a few minutes of your time?"

"Sure."

Hitomi nodded and looked at Pepper, seemingly for approval.

"Go ahead," Pepper smiled. "I'll be fine here."

"Alright."

Coulson, from the mysterious long-named department—who was, in fact, part of S.H.I.E.L.D.—had clearly already gathered some information on Tony Stark's escape through their intelligence network. This organization, focused on handling special cases and with a strong interest in "superheroes," was clearly eyeing Tony as a potential member of the "Avengers Initiative."

For Hitomi, however, S.H.I.E.L.D. wasn't an organization she trusted or could rely on. Not to mention that S.H.I.E.L.D. had already been infiltrated by the evil organization HYDRA.

But S.H.I.E.L.D., with its extensive reach and influence, still held some utility for Hitomi.

She was planning to strike a small deal with them.

"According to our intel, Mr. Stark seems to have escaped using some sort of combat power armor?" Coulson got straight to the point as they reached a secluded corner. "Miss Kagura, can you provide more details?"

"Of course."

Hitomi smiled. "I can provide a lot of information, but it's not for free."

[TL Note]

Hey there! If you're enjoying this, be sure to check out

p-atreon.com/InsomniaTL

Please remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally Just a heads-up, there will be advanced chapters available there. Thanks so much for reading!