Chapter 143: Chapter 143: Setting Up Whiplash and Hammer, Clear and Simple!
Ivan Vanko's recent days were frustrating.
After Iron Man declared his identity, Vanko learned about some past events from his dying father.
Ivan's father, Anton Vanko, was also a remarkable scientist who had collaborated with Howard Stark on the Arc Reactor.
His contributions were significant.
But degrees don't equate to morals. Anton Vanko, driven by greed, got involved in criminal activities, similar to Obadiah Stane.
The difference was Stane managed to keep his deeds hidden due to Tony's negligence, almost killing Tony in the process.
Anton Vanko was less fortunate; his crimes were discovered, and Howard Stark promptly expelled him from the company and had him deported.
However, when one party tells the story, it inevitably carries a lot of subjectivity.
To Ivan Vanko, the story became Howard Stark being a greedy villain who expelled his father to monopolize the research results.
The truth didn't matter to Ivan. If he truly had the ability to discern right from wrong, he wouldn't have transferred the grudge onto Tony.
What mattered to him was his father's death.
He sought revenge!
Thus, Ivan, armed with his father's blueprints, created his Arc Reactor and a makeshift armor equipped with electric whips, and stormed into the US to seek vengeance on Tony.
But reality was harsh.
Upon arriving in the US, he found Tony Stark to be an elusive figure, not someone he could easily confront.
As for revenge? How can you seek revenge without even seeing the person?
In the original timeline, Ivan found an opportunity because Tony, feeling close to death, recklessly went racing alone.
Now, with Clark's intervention, Tony learned early how to solve the palladium poisoning issue and spent all his time researching the new element, leaving no chance for Ivan to act.
Ivan was tragic, spending over a month in the US without finding any opportunity for revenge.
Running out of money, he considered using his technology to take over a local gang, only to discover Los Angeles was dominated by a single gang, the Hand, which had deep connections with Tony Stark, making Ivan hesitant to act rashly.
Resorting to patience, he even started washing dishes at a restaurant.
But fate intervened. On his way home from the restaurant, he witnessed the celestial battle between Tony and Clark.
Seeing the aerial combat, Ivan realized he needed to upgrade his equipment before seeking revenge.
However, he also learned something useful from the bystanders.
The man flying without any external devices was Clark Li, a billionaire and head of the Nirvana Group, holding vast media resources. Adhering to the enemy of my enemy is my friend principle, Ivan sought Clark's cooperation to eliminate Tony!
Confidently arriving at Nirvana Group and risking his job to wait for over an hour, Clark finally appeared before Ivan.
But Ivan hadn't anticipated the outcome.
Seeing the Arc Reactor on his chest, Clark barely glanced at it: "I'm not interested in that thing, take care."
Ivan stood up, agitated: "Do you realize what you're refusing? This is the core of Iron Man's technology. With this, I can build as many Iron Man suits as you want."
"Iron Man suits? I'm equally uninterested," Clark dismissed. "If you don't leave now, I'll have security throw you out."
"You're insulting science!" Ivan's body suddenly emitted intense electric currents, burning his clothes and revealing his makeshift armor and electric whips.
Though furious, Ivan didn't act immediately, not due to his temper, but because...
He felt a palpable killing intent locking onto him, suffocating him with the imminent threat of death.
Recalling the previous day's battle between Clark and Tony, Ivan realized he stood no chance against Clark with his current equipment.
Clark withdrew his killing intent, then coldly warned Ivan: "Leave my company now, or I'll end you right here!"
Ivan left silently, while Clark scoffed: "What garbage! Who would partner with you besides Justin Hammer, a rich tech idiot?"
Hearing Justin Hammer's name, Ivan's eyes lit up, hastening his departure.
His visit to Nirvana Group wasn't in vain.
Wait and see, Ivan Vanko vowed to make Clark pay for today's disrespect!
Ivan sought partnership with Hammer Industries, a move Clark intentionally hinted at.
Tony's obsession with revenge troubled Clark.
If a suitable antagonist emerged to divert Tony's wrath, it would be perfect.
Ivan Vanko, the villain of the original timeline, was an ideal candidate. His alliance with Hammer Industries would force Tony to intervene, distracting him and buying time.
As time passed, Clark believed Tony's rationality would prevail over his impulses, making mediation easier.
Whiplash needed to appear, but without any ties to Clark. Among the candidates, Justin Hammer was the perfect choice.
Following the principle of not dying alone, Clark effortlessly betrayed him.
Poor Hammer, unwittingly set up by Clark, deserved a moment of silence...
Three seconds later, Clark's phone rang, displaying Nick Fury's number.
"Hello!" Clark answered: "Isn't this Director Fury? What's up, have you found the obelisk I mentioned?"
Receiving impression points from Nick Fury, Clark's attention made it clear he wouldn't easily hand over the obelisk unless Clark explained its purpose and plans.
After a pause, Fury proposed a meeting about Sharon and Natasha, suggesting lunch to discuss matters related to them.
Clark demanded lunch at Los Angeles' most expensive restaurant.
Receiving more impression points from Fury, who wondered if Clark was that short on cash.
At noon, the four met at a renowned French restaurant in Los Angeles.
Fury directly stated his purpose.
"You want Black Widow to play Wonder Woman?" Clark was almost incredulous: "She's your top agent, is such high exposure really wise?"
Fury simply smiled, explaining the advantages of a celebrity in intelligence gathering.
Clark insisted the role was meant for Sharon, having promised her already.
Sharon expressed her preference for playing Lois Lane, looking forward to acting alongside Captain America.
With Sharon's consent, Clark no longer objected, acknowledging Black Widow's suitability for Wonder Woman.
They discussed details, like reshooting scenes for the Superman movie, which S.H.I.E.L.D. would fund, and compensating the original actress for Lois Lane by clearing her brother's criminal record.
Fury then brought up Tony's situation, revealing a bombshell: Tony, blinded by revenge, was seeking military cooperation, posing a problem for Clark.
Fury leaned back, waiting for Clark's response.
Initially approaching Fury, Tony turned to the military only after failing to secure S.H.I.E.L.D.'s support for his revenge plans.
Fury hoped Clark would prepare for Tony's actions and possibly propose a cooperative solution without forcing sides.
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