Pepper Potts stepped forward and shook hands with Smith Doyle.
"Hello, Mr. Smith."
"Hello, Ms. Potts."
After sitting down, Pepper spoke directly:
"Mr. Smith, I've come here today to ask for your help. I may need to mobilize all the forces at your disposal."
Smith looked calmly at the woman before him and said,
"Sounds serious, if it would require everything we have."
Pepper's expression turned a little sorrowful and anxious, though she kept her voice steady:
"Over two months ago, Tony Stark went to Afghanistan to deliver weapons to the U.S. military stationed there. After completing the transaction, he was attacked by an unknown armed force on his way back to base. No body was found, so we believe he was kidnapped. His whereabouts are still unknown."
"Both the military and our own teams have been conducting massive searches, but so far we've found nothing."
"I've heard that you wield considerable influence in the underground world. I hope you can mobilize your network and intelligence resources to help us locate Tony Stark."
"Maybe you'll be able to uncover something we couldn't."
Pepper believed that approaching things from a different angle might lead to new information—perhaps even contact with the group responsible for Tony's abduction.
Hearing all this, Smith Doyle realized it was exactly as he had guessed. As for finding Tony? That would be easy. Honestly, even without his help, Tony Stark would likely manage to escape on his own. But lending a hand would still earn him a huge favor.
And considering the lab construction costs Boomer had mentioned, this was a perfect opportunity for some extra funding.
"Ms. Potts, I understand your needs," Smith said.
"You also mentioned that Mr. Stark was abducted in Afghanistan, meaning that locating him, rescuing him, and protecting him would come at a very high cost."
"So the real question is, what are you willing to offer in return?"
Hearing that Smith hadn't immediately refused, but instead was willing to discuss terms, Pepper felt a surge of relief. From her research, she knew this organization never usually took outside contracts. Since they were willing to talk, she was ready to name her price.
"If you can find Tony Stark and bring him back alive, we're prepared to pay a substantial rescue fee."
"Moreover, knowing the nature of your organization, Stark Industries is willing to supply you with a shipment of weapons and equipment, and even open a sales channel for you."
Pepper was offering serious terms. A hefty rescue fee and a batch of weapons were already tempting, but the real prize was the sales channel. Stark Industries publicly only dealt with the military in massive contracts—granting access to that channel would be a huge boon to any underground force.
If this were just any mercenary group, they would be overjoyed. But Smith Doyle, with Boomer's support, didn't see that as a big deal anymore.
Still, since Tony would likely get himself out anyway, Smith figured it was basically free money. He stated directly:
"In terms of payment, I need $100 million worth of equipment."
"There are certain items that are difficult for us to purchase through normal channels. We'll need Stark Industries' help acquiring them."
Smith knew that buying advanced research equipment and special materials through his League's front companies was complicated—and sometimes outright impossible without proper licenses.
Pepper didn't hesitate over Smith's high price. She replied,
"As long as you bring Tony Stark back alive, the $100 million worth of equipment won't be a problem. Just send me the list."
"As for the other two terms, I agree as well."
"And even if, despite your best efforts, you fail to find him, we will still pay you $10 million as a guarantee."
Pepper was making it clear: she wanted them to commit everything to the mission and wasn't afraid to put her money where her mouth was.
To her, this was a worthwhile investment. Tony Stark's genius could easily earn billions; sourcing rare equipment was a small price to pay.
After all, this was Tony Stark—the CEO and Chief Scientist of Stark Industries.
Seeing that Pepper didn't haggle at all, Smith Doyle was very satisfied. Especially with the final offer of $10 million even if they failed—it showed real sincerity.
Smith smiled, extended his hand, and said,
"Deal."
Pepper rose and shook his hand firmly.
"I'll be counting on you. I'll have the $10 million transferred to you immediately as a deposit."
Seeing how decisive she was, Smith added,
"As long as Tony Stark is still alive, we'll bring him back from that land."
Hearing Smith's confident promise, Pepper finally allowed herself a small smile.
Throughout the meeting, Happy had stayed silent. Once the deal was sealed, he escorted Pepper out of the League's base.
Meanwhile, John Wick, unaware of the details discussed in the conference room, watched them leave and asked curiously:
"What was that about? Did they find out about the Dragon Ball?"
Smith shook his head.
"No."
"Tony Stark has gone missing. They want our help finding him—and they're paying $100 million in resources."
John let out a breath of relief. A massive arms corporation knowing about the Dragon Ball would have been a nightmare.
Then he raised an eyebrow and asked,
"The playboy's gone missing?"
"I guess I haven't been following the news lately."
"Boss, is there anything you need me to do?"
Smith clapped John on the shoulder and said,
"Right now, you need to focus on your training. At your current level, flying's still a dream."
John scratched his head, a bit embarrassed.
"Boss, I'm not exactly young anymore. Plus, with all the old injuries I picked up over the years, hitting peak human condition on my own isn't very realistic."
Smith thought for a moment, then said,
"For now, focus on overseeing the Continental Hotel's transition. We can't have assassins showing up thinking it's still the old Continental."
"As for those injuries—soon, I'll let you try out the healing pod."
With the technology from Frieza's forces, the healing pod could easily restore John Wick to his prime.
John had heard rumors about the new recovery chamber, and he immediately grinned in gratitude.
"Thank you, Boss!"
—End of chapter—
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