Ultimate Iron Man

The fire crackled in the fireplace as Howard Stark relaxed in his leather chair, staring at his son. The room went through some changes in the past few years. Now, there was a big polished mahogany desk with a Lego city structure built on it. The book selves looked new, not to mention the big globe near the window with pins on certain locations. Tony sat across from him, legs crossed, with the relaxed confidence that only a seventeen-year-old prodigy could muster.

"So, Tony," Howard began, his voice calm but firm. "What's the plan? You're not going to lounge around the lab all day tinkering with hot rods, are you?"

Tony raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Tinkering is how I relax, Dad. Some people play golf, I build things. You should try it sometime, it might loosen you up. I guess it's been a while since you fixed something..."

Howard chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm serious. You've got a mind that could change the world. Stark Industries is waiting for you. The board's already chomping at the bit to see when you'll start learning the ropes."

Tony leaned back, his expression contemplative. "Yeah, about that. Do I have to follow the script? Take over the company, become the face of Stark Industries, shake hands with senators, and attend boring galas? Because, honestly, that sounds like a snoozefest."

Howard folded his arms, his tone sharpening slightly. "It's not just about running a company, son. Stark Industries is more than a business—it's a legacy. Your grandfather built it, and I've spent my life making sure it stays on the top. The work we do has a real-world impact. Defense contracts keep this country safe. Our innovations drive progress. That's not something to shrug off."

Tony already knew about all that. However, he has a goal. So far everything went according to his plan. He saved Janet, annihilated 90% of Hydra, killed Reed before he could become the Maker, messed up Mandarin International, and even managed to put it all on Victor. And he managed to save his parents, atleast for now. He bought time. However, the tumor in his brain still remains.

He planned to somehow get rid of that tumor or future Infinity Gem out of his head. Although he got rid of Reed, there's still a chance that someone might come after him in the future like another Maker from an alternate timeline. And the pain... Well, it sometimes gets too much, and he blacks out. It's like a ticking timebomb inside his head, waiting for the right trigger to activate it. He needs to be ready for anything that could happen in the future. So, if the present technology and knowledge can't get rid of it, then he's going to have to invent it. To do that, he needed time, money, materials, and a place where he could work without getting interrupted.

So, he planned to talk his dad into giving him what he wanted, in a bit roundabout way,

He sighed, "I know, Dad. I know the company matters. But... I don't want to just inherit your legacy. I want to build my own. Something bigger, something... different."

Howard's expression softened. He leaned forward, "Then tell me. What is it you want, Tony? What drives you?"

Tony hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "Honestly? I'm still figuring that out. But I know this much: I love creating things. Not for a board of directors or a government contract, but for the sake of creation itself. There's so much potential out there... clean energy, advanced AI, medical tech... And I want to explore it. Not because I have to, but because I can."

Howard regarded his son thoughtfully. "So, you're saying you want freedom. Freedom to innovate without the weight of expectations."

He nodded. "Exactly. I want to make things that matter—not because they're profitable, but because they're necessary. And yeah, maybe I'll make a few mistakes along the way, but at least they'll be my mistakes. Besides, you are there to help me out when I need direction, right?"

Howard leaned back in his chair, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You remind me of someone."

Tony tilted his head, intrigued. "Who? Grandpa?"

Howard chuckled. "No. Me. When I took over Stark Industries, everyone told me what I should do, and how I should run the business. But I ignored them and built something on my own terms. You've got that same spark, Tony. And as much as the board would hate me for saying this... you don't have to follow their playbook. You just have to follow your instincts."

Tony looked up, surprised. "So, you're saying I don't have to take over Stark Industries?"

Howard shook his head. "I'm saying it's your choice. But whatever you decide, don't take it lightly. If you walk away, the company will survive. But if you step in, you have the chance to transform it into something the world's never seen before."

For a moment, silence filled the room, broken only by the crackle of the fire.

Tony met his father's gaze, a new sense of respect flickering in his eyes, 'Gotta ya.'

He took a deep breath before speaking. "Okay, Dad, how about this: I don't take over Stark Industries right now. Instead, you give me a shot—my own shot—under the Stark Industries banner. A new sector. Let me run it my way, focus on the future I see, and prove to you what I can do."

Howard raised an eyebrow, curiosity mingling with skepticism. "A new sector? And what exactly would this sector be focused on?"

Tony's eyes lit up, the passion behind them unmistakable. "Innovation. No defense contracts, no politicians breathing down my neck... just pure, unfiltered progress. Clean energy, AI, advanced materials, medical tech, the stuff that's going to matter fifty years from now, not just next quarter's earnings."

Howard leaned back, considering his son's words. "And you think you can pull that off? You're asking me to hand over resources, staff, and capital for something that might not see a return for decades."

Tony shrugged, his confidence back in full force. "Risk is part of innovation, right? You took risks when you took over Stark Industries. I'm asking for the same chance. Give me three years, Dad. That's it. Three years to show you what I can build. If I don't deliver, we'll go back to the original plan—handshakes, galas, the whole deal. But if I succeed..." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "If I succeed, you'll have a company that's not just leading—it's redefining the game."

Howard tapped his fingers on the armrest, the crackling fire casting flickering shadows across his face. "Three years. Isn't that too short to achieve much?"

Tony shook his head, his voice firm. "No, it isn't. Three years is enough to get something started. To create a foundation. I know I can do it. All you have to do is trust me."

Howard regarded his son thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. Then his lips twitched in a reluctant smile. "You've always been persuasive, I'll give you that. Alright, I'll give you everything you need, no question asked. Capital, manpower, materials... You will have everything. But you have to prove me wrong. Not just with your talk, but with results. I need to see the world-changing, paradigm-shifting, history-making innovation you claim you can deliver. Otherwise, we do things my way."

Tony nodded, standing up. "I will. And you won't be sorry."

Howard stood as well, a faint gleam of pride in his eyes.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Tony turned. "You made any progress on the Arc Reactor?"

Howard let out a sigh. "Not yet. Although your calculations back then helped with the design I was able to shrink the giant size of it by a lot. The energy fluctuation also stabilized. But it's still a long way from being a clean energy source for everyone though."

"Wanna make a bet?" He asked, with a grin.

Howard looked at him. "You want to build the Arc Reactor?"

"Yep!"

"And what are the stakes?"

Tony thought for a moment. "An island. The best one. And out of the records and grids."

Howard looked at him in surprise. "You know how many islands are out there?"

"I am sure I can narrow it down."

Howard raised an eyebrow. "Okay. If you do it, you get your island. And if you lose..."

Tony took out a little drive and handed it to his father. "Access to Pentagon. They are using Mandarin International technology. I'm pretty sure what that means, right? You get to prove that their technology is flawed and weak. That will give you a chance to make a big deal with the officials. And a deal of such scale means money. Plus, with the mess going on with Mandarin International, I'm pretty sure you won't let this chance go. So..." He smirked.

"Pentagon? You are kidding, right?" Howard looked at him with concern.

"Am I?" Tony said as he placed the drive on the table. "Well, now that I think of it. It'd be a waste to wait for them to recover. Forget the bet, you can have it, and don't forget my island."

With that, he left.

As Tony left, Howard couldn't help but laugh. His son is one step ahead of him again. He smiled, shaking his head in amusement. It was hard to believe that Tony was still so young. He already had a clear vision of what he wanted to do with his life and wasn't afraid to speak his mind. It reminded Howard of himself when he was younger—a little less mature, maybe, but just as driven and ambitious.

And it seemed like those qualities would serve Tony well as he took on his next challenge: building a new division for Stark Industries. A division dedicated to research and development of cutting-edge technologies with the potential to revolutionize the world. A division that could change the future...

'So, you aren't after profits... But want to make the world a better place. Haha... Count on me, son,' He chuckled.

And if Howard knew anything, it was that when Tony set his sights on something, he didn't stop until he achieved it. Whether it was mastering quantum mechanics, inventing a new kind of robotics and car engine, or winning the science fair competition, he always found a way to make his dreams a reality. And this time would be no different.

The future was waiting, and Howard knew that the world wouldn't be ready for what his son had in store...

The Future is Now.

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AN: Next chapter will begin after 1 year time skip. And if you are wondering what he did with Reed's research, well, he'll learn from them and modify them.

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[Read over 15 advance chapters] [No double billing]

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