34 Sweet Dreams Are Made of This (2/2)

Wesley nodded, ”And how will I know it's a gem or not?”

”What do you think?” Naruto asked while pocketing the phone.

”…Just assume everything is a gem?”

”You learn fast, kohai.” The blonde complimented sagely.

”So, can I call you sensei or-”

”No.” Naruto said immediately, ”Don't be lame, kid.”

Wesley rolled his eyes as they walked up to the bus stop, ”Oh, so it's cool to call me kohai, but I'm lame for calling you sensei? Makes total sense.”

One bus ride later, Naruto and Wesley stood in front of Midtown, Naruto's hand still on the kid's shoulder. Walking inside, Naruto waved to a few gawking students, the kids whispering to each other while pointing at the blonde not so discreetly.

Stepping into the office, Naruto drummed his fingers on the counter of the desk while the secretary finished typing into her computer.

”What can I do for you?” She asked, not bothering to look up from her screen.

”I'm here to drop off one of your students.” Naruto replied, continuing to drum his fingers as he leaned into the counter.

The secretary looked up, her eyes widening when she saw who was standing at the other side of the desk. Blinking rapidly, she stammered, ”I'm sorry…what?”

Naruto pointed his thumb at Wesley, ”I'm here to drop off a student.”

”Uh-huh.” She said, gathering herself as she noticed Wesley, ”Ah, Mr. Parker.”

”Mr. Parker huh?” Naruto pondered, raising an eyebrow at the younger boy who dipped his head sheepishly.

”Parker!”

Naruto and Parker turned to see a well-dressed man of Asian descent walking out of an office at the back of the room. As he reached the two, he folded his arms across his chest sternly, ”It's ten o'clock, Parker. Mind telling me why you're late, again?”

”Um…well-” Parker began to stutter.

”I can answer that, I think.” Naruto interrupted brightly, getting the other man's attention.

A look of recognition came from the man, though he shook it off as he asked, ”And how is that, Mr. Maelstrom?”

The blonde blinked at the formality, but never the less kept his winning smile, ”Naruto's fine, Mister…?”

”Morita, Principal Morita.” The school's principal answered, ”Now, how is it that you know Mr. Parker, exactly?” He asked suspiciously.

”Well, I wouldn't really say I know the kid, I just happened upon him when he was in trouble.” Naruto said.

”Trouble?” Morita questioned, concern managing to seep into his voice as his eyes drifted to Parker.

”Mh'mm, I was making my rounds through Queens when I saw Mr. Parker over here getting mugged by what looked to be middle school girls.” Naruto lied, fighting the grin that wanted to come up at Peter's mortified expression.

Morita raised an eyebrow at Parker, wordless asking for confirmation.

Parker swallowed his pride as he muttered, ”Yeah, that's what happened.”

The principal soaked that in, resting his hands on his hips sternly, ”Well, I suppose we should call the police-”

”Oh, I took care of that. Gave the girls a talkin' to myself. Very inspiring, incredibly heartfelt. The kid isn't gonna have a problem with them again.” Naruto turned to Peter, the teen avoiding eye contact with Morita, ”Right, Parker?”

Morita looked like he wanted to argue, but seemed satisfied that Naruto had handled the situation, ”Alright Parker, go ahead and get to class. I'll talk with you later.” He said firmly.

Parker nodded, stepping past the principal to give Naruto a handshake as he said, ”Thanks again for helping me out.”

”Anytime, Parker.” Naruto teased, watching as the kid flinched sheepishly before walking out of the office.

Naruto turned when the man next to him coughed gently into his hand. Raising an eyebrow as Morita stared him down, his arms folded over his chest stiffly, the blonde waited for the stern man to speak.

And as a bubble of nerves built up into Naruto's chest, the principal finally spoke.

”Mind if I get an autograph?”

-x-

After an autograph or two and several pictures taken, Naruto was finally able to walk out of school. Passing the track and field, the blonde paused as his phone began to vibrate.

Tapping the screen to answer the call, Naruto muttered into the mic, ”Hello?”

He pauses as a muffled voice comes through before speaking, ”Uh, yeah sure, I can be there. Are you sure you want-”

He's cut off as the voice comes through again. Naruto nods to no one, ”Yeah, no, I get it. Okay, yeah I'll be there.”

As he walks along the track and field's ticket booth, he waves to a flock of students sitting in the stands as he says to himself, ”You can come out now.”

Landing deftly behind him, Jessica straightened as she asked, ”How long did you know?”

”Oh, come on, Jess.” Naruto drawled lightly, not bothering to stop walking as he continued, ”You never left. You've been tailing me since I asked you to scram.”

Jessica follows after him, not phased that he'd been aware the entire time, ”How was the hotdog?”

”Is that really what you want to ask, or are you trying to lower my guard with bullshit questions?” Naruto demanded plainly, stuffing his hands in his pockets, ”I'm not as dumb as my file says.”

”I wouldn't know anything about that-”

”Official SHIELD file of one Uzumaki, Naruto,” The man began to recite in a bored tone, ”Extremely powerful on a level that is, as of now, unseen in its scope and measure. Should be considered a threat at all times, keep up a constant guard and vigilance as a precaution. Only notable weakness is a lack of Earthly knowledge and overall intelligence. Easily distracted by small talk and accusations against his home planet-”

”And what does my file say about me?” Jessica interrupted.

Naruto paused, allowing the woman to catch up, ”What did you want to ask, really?”

As they walked side by side, Jessica sighed, ”Can we at least get out of here? People are staring.”

Looking around, students out and about were indeed staring at the uniform clad Spider-Woman, several phones taking video and pictures that would likely spread like wildfire.

Grabbing her shoulder, the two vanished.

-x-

Illyana huffed as she set down another box on the kitchen table. Thanks to some clones who'd stayed behind, the main floor of the mansion was furbished save for a random box here or there. Opening the box, she began to pull out a stack of plates-

DING DONG!

Illyana looked up, a Naruto Shadow Clone peaking his head out from behind the kitchen doorway, ”Who is it?” He wondered.

The sorceress shook her head as she walked past him, ”How the hell should I know?”

”Magic? Sorcery? Gobbledygook?” The clone guessed as he set down a box in the living room, two other clones setting up the television stand.

She ignores them as she reached the door. Cracking it open, she takes a peek to outside.

On the other side of the door, Owen Reece waited awkwardly, ”Hey, uhm, you're Illyssa, right?”

”Illyana.” The blonde corrected, swinging the door open welcomingly, ”Welcome to home base.”

”Right.” Owen muttered, taking in the large building.

While Owen was distracted, Illyana noticed the suitcase by his side, ”Is the rest of your luggage coming later or…?”

”This is it.” Owen answered, withdrawn.

”Right.” She said slowly. Shaking it off, she put on a welcoming smile, ”Well at least you don't have a lot to unpack. Come on in!”

Stepping inside, Owen looked around in wonder at the vast interior. While dozens of Naruto clones meandered about with their individual tasks, the two took a tour of the mansion.

”And there's the living room. Our…benefactor, bought all of the furniture and appliances for us. Haven't really gotten the chance to test them out yet honestly.” Illyana informed, heading towards the stairs, ”The kitchen and dining room is just down the hall. Naruto's got some clones doing some grocery shopping, so we might not have the best selection for a little while. But if you've got any requests just let us know the next time any of us go out. Do you have a drink that you like?”

”Uh, Kool-Aid I guess.” Owen answered. When Illyana gave him an amused look he muttered, ”Prison doesn't exactly have a whole lot of options other than water and Kool-Aid. At least I think it was Kool-Aid. A kid a cell over thought it was Flavor-Aid, but he was a bit of a nihilist.”

”You gotta flavor you like?” Illyana asked, wanting to shift the subject.

Owen shrugged, ”Anything but grape. I hate grape.”

”Why?” She asked, expecting a simple, 'I just do-'

”Jonestown.”

Illyana paused as they reached the second level, ”Alright.” She said slowly.

Owen walked passed her, ”So, uhm, which is my room?”

The wide hallway was decorated with doors on either side, eight on this floor alone. The floor above held two additional guest bedrooms, but it mainly acted as a decently large hanger bay. Apparently, Howard Stark was an avid helicopter pilot.

”Well, Naruto called the room closest to us on the left, I've taken the first room to the right, and Jessica's is next to Naruto's so-”

”Got it, I think I got it from here.” As he headed towards the room on the far-left side of the hallway, ”Gotta unpack and stuff.”

”Are you sure-”

DING DONG!

Illyana stops. Groaning in agitation as Owen disappeared into his new room, ”Coming!” She calls out.

As she hurries down the steps, the doorbell is rung for a second time.

As she reaches the final step, a third ring is delivered.

And as Illyana grips the door, a fourth is rung.

”I said I'm coming!” Illyana insisted harshly before swinging the door open, only to blink at who's on the other side.

Okoye raised a delicate eyebrow. Her posture straight and expression apathetic, the general nodded, ”Witch.” She greeted.

The woman had forgone her Dora Milaje uniform; instead wearing a red and black checkered jacket, black dress pants, and maroon flats.

”Baldy.” Illyana fired back. As the two got nose to nose, a familiar voice broke their stare-off.

”Ms. Magik!”

Said blonde blinked as a cheerful girl popped up from behind Okoye. The girl was oddly dressed, with most of her head covered in a head wrap and her eyes covered by an overly large pair of Adventure Time sunglasses.

After taking her in, Illyana finally recognized the younger girl, ”Shuri, right?”

”Mm'hm!” She answered with an animated nod.

”Well, it's nice to meet you.” The woman greeted, extending her hand to shake the girl's.

Only to be stopped by Okoye, who gently stepped in her way, ”Please do not touch the princess.” She requested bluntly.

”Uh-” Before Illyana could fully respond, Okoye stepped past her into the house.

”So, this is the house the princess bought for you.” The general observed, looking around deftly, ”I see she went a little overboard. Again.”

”Overboard? This is even better than I thought!” Shuri exclaimed, trailing after the general, only to stop as she passed Illyana, ”And she can shake my hand, General. Lighten up.”

Illyana took the girls out stretched hand, smiling as she shook it, ”Thank you, by the way. For all of this.” She says, motioning around the house.

”The princess has a rule about working in style.” Okoye muttered, watching the Shadow Clones move around as they did their tasks, ”And I must admit, it is stylish. For an American design.”

Shuri looked around excitedly, ”So, where's my lab?”

”Downstairs.” Illyana answered, motioning for the two to follow her, ”Come on, I'll take you.”

-x-

Naruto and Jessica stood on the rooftop he and Parker had been on not an hour before thanks to a Hiraishin tag planted on the rooftop door.

Jessica waited patiently as Naruto watched the city move around them. Horns blared, sirens whistled, people murmured, and tires whirred. While Jessica easily tuned it out, she watched as Naruto seemed to struggle with the incessant scream of the city.

But just as he seemed overwhelmed, he pushed it aside to ask, ”You had a question?”

”He's a little young, don't you think?” She asked, getting straight to the point.

Naruto tilted his head, ”How old were you when you started?”

”Eighteen.” She answered.

”Well, I was twelve. Fifteen splits the difference.” Naruto said.

Jessica narrowed her eyes, ”And because of that, you think he's ready for what you expect of us? Do you honestly think he could've handled what happened on Knowhere? Or Seoul for that matter? He's a boy.”

”I never said I was going to make him a part of the team.” Naruto shot back.

”What then?” Jessica demanded.

Naruto sighed, slouching forward as he set his elbows on his knees. Looking up at her, he said, ”I don't know how long you've been involved with this kind of thing, but I've seen more than enough kids like him to know his story. He's not gonna stop, Jess. Me, you, the Avengers, the government, it doesn't matter who tells him to stop. Because he won't. He's gonna keep going until he makes it or breaks it. And almost every time, kids like him break. He needs someone to show him the way. To keep him from making the same stupid mistakes we all make. 'Cause if not, one of these days he's just gonna be some dead kid on the pavement.”

”And what if you getting involved is what gets him hurt? Or worse?” Jessica challenged, ”Because then it isn't on him, it's on you.”

”I'd rather give the kid what he needs than let him fend for himself.” Was Naruto's retort, ”Don't worry, I'm well aware that he's my responsibility.”

Jessica shifted on her feet, momentarily thinking over the man's words. Finally, she folded her arms under her chest, ”Alright, Uzumaki. So long as you understand that the boy is in your hands.”

Getting up with a sigh, Naruto ran his hand over his hair, ”I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell Ross or your superiors about the kid.”

”You're joking.” Jessica stated sternly.

Naruto began to walk towards her, ”Do I look like I'm joking?”

The woman met him halfway, ”You can't expect me-”

”I expect you to do what you're told!” Naruto shouted, nose to nose with her as he glowered down at the unflinching woman. Blinking, Naruto realized he'd lost his cool. Taking a deep breath, he forced his tone to be calm, ”You go on and on about him being a kid. Well, guess what? If you tell Ross, or the CIA, you're feeding him to the wolves. He's under their radar, they don't care about some kid swinging around Queens when they've got a Norse god tearing up London, robots blowing up cities, secret teams and organizations out the wazoo, and super soldiers making Washington DC a warzone. They won't notice him if he doesn't make a lot of noise. But if you put that bullseye on his back, if you force him down that path, what happens to him is on you just as much as it's on me. Can you handle that? Can you turn that kid into a soldier? Speaking from personal experience, it doesn't end well.”

Jessica glared up at the man, only faltering slightly, ”I can't say nothing. It would look suspicious.”

”Tell them I handled it, leave it as unspecific as possible.” Naruto offered, though from his tone it came off as a command.

”Telling the truth with as little of the truth as possible.” The woman considered, seemingly impressed, ”I didn't think you had it in you.”

Leaning back, Naruto turned away, ”You're not the only one who's gotta thing for being sneaky. I thought you were better than me at it, though. Isn't being a spy your whole, you know…thing? What with being an international woman of mystery and all.”

”I may be a…whatever it is you just called me, but espionage wasn't what I was sent for. If they had a mission, information wasn't the objective.” Jessica admitted offhandedly, staring into the man's back.

Rubbing out the crick in his neck, Naruto muttered, ”Right, that leaves plan B.”

”I wasn't aware that plan B was synonymous with assassination.”

”And I didn't know you didn't know when someone was trying to be subtle out of curtesy.” Naruto shot back, pulling his phone out of his pocket, ”Come on, we're late.”

Confused, Jessica asked, ”Late for what?”

”The press conference.”

”What?”

-x-

Owen sighed as he placed the final set of folded socks into the dresser of his new room. It was…bigger, than he was used to. It was about three times the size of his entire apartment back in Winchester, though admittedly that wasn't anything to brag about.

It was a step up from the cells he'd occupied for years, so he couldn't complain.

Pulling out a pack of cigarettes from his jacket pocket, Owen pried a lone stick out before bringing it to his lips. The tip was suddenly wrapped in a flash of energy. As soon as it popped up, it was gone, the cigarette lit.

As he took a drag, a voice came from behind him, ”Think you could take that outside?”

Owen jumped, coughing on the smoke he swallowed. Turning around, he saw a Naruto clone standing in the corner of his room, ”What the hell, man?” He exclaimed harshly between coughs.

”Just popped in to see how you were doin'.” The clone answered without a care in the world, ”So, how you doin'?”

Walking towards a window, Owen slid it open. Leaning into the windowsill, the man took another drag from his cigarette. Releasing his breath, a cloud of smoke blew from his mouth. To Naruto's surprise, the cloud began to take form, shifting to crudely resemble Owen.

”So, how're you gonna train me, exactly?”

The Naruto clone shrugged, ”We'll get to that later, right now the boss just wants to make sure you're comfortable.”

”You ever thought about rebelling against the boss?” Owen asked, blowing another plumb of smoke. This time, it shifted into the form of a dragon. The smokie-Owen, now riding a smokie-dragon, gave a silent battle cry before charging up higher into the air.

”Well, technically, I…we, are each other. I can't really rebel against myself.” The clone offered awkwardly, not quite knowing how to answer the question.

As the smokie-Owen and its dragon dispersed into the air, Owen flicked his half eaten away cigarette into the Manhattan streets, ”Sure you can.”

Before the clone could answer, Illyana's voice could be heard.

”Okay, so I press this button?”

Owen looked around the room, ”Is that a PA system?”

The clone smiles proudly, ”Yeah, we just finished installing it a few minutes ago. Pretty neat huh?”

”Yeah, neat is the exact word I'd call it.” Owen said distractedly as Shuri's voice could be heard in the background, telling Illyana that the PA was on.

”Hey, uh, Owen, could you head down to the basement, please?” Illyana asked over the intercom system.

Owen sighs, rubbing his scalp, ”I don't really-”

He wasn't able to finish the thought, as the Naruto clone grabbed onto his shoulder before disappearing in a flash. Owen stumbled as he and the clone appeared in the basement.

”-feel like it.” Owen finished, feeling the room spin as he caught himself from falling on his ass, ”What the hell was that?”

The clone shrugs, ”Hiraishin. You'll get used to it, promise.”

”Right.” The other man breathed, finally steadying himself. Looking over at Illyana, who was sitting next to Shuri at a large computer setup. Walking over, he asked, ”Whatcha need?”

Illyana points over to another Naruto clone, ”Him.”

Owen eyed the second for a moment before turning to the one who brought him down, ”You couldn't have told me?”

”You think we have some kinda psychic connection?” The two clones asked at the same time. Blinking, they looked at each other, ”Woah, weird.” They said together again.

The first clone popped after that, clearly weirded out.

Illyana rubbed her temple with her finger as she looked at the screen Shuri was typing into, ”His clones are a pain in the ass already, God forbid they start having an interconnected web of psychic thought.”

Okoye, who was standing directly behind Shuri, lifted a curious eyebrow at Owen, ”This is him?”

”What do you need?” Owen asked, trying to get to the point.

”Just figured you should come down and meet the rest of the crew.” The clone answered lightly with a lopsided smile, ”General Okoye over here thinks I'm full of it when I tell her what you can do.”

”I never said anything about you being full of whatever it is you're supposedly full of.” Okoye argued, ”And excuse me for being skeptical of a man who can make anything out of nothing.”

Owen began to rub at his elbow, ”I wouldn't call it that-”

”Ah, don't listen to him.” Naruto interrupted happily, ”He's just being modest.”

Okoye hummed to herself, ”Alright then, let's test his talent.”

Everyone turned to Owen, all awaiting him to show off his skills. The man finally accepted his situation, rolling his shoulders before muttering, ”All right, hit me.”

”Make a chair.” Naruto offered, wanting to start off simple.

Nodding, Owen extended his hands out in front of him. His face creased in concentration; he quickly began to will his powers to the surface. Yellow energy enveloped his hands, humming aggressively.

Across from Owen, a bundle of similar energy appeared, it too humming like an engine. And, with one final heft of effort, it happened. A chair appeared. It was a simple wooden chair. But all the same, it came from nothing.

”That is so cool.” Shuri breathed, her eyes never leaving the chair.

Okoye hummed to herself, ”Could you make a kimoyo beads charging pad? A certain someone forgot hers back home.”

”I don't know what that is.” Owen admitted, taking a seat on the brand-new chair, ”Even if I did, I'm not that great at making electronics. There's so many working parts, its hard to make 'em so they work. It's like making a watch, you know?”

Clearly not impressed, Okoye scoffed as she folded her arms across her chest, ”What's the saying… 'premium steak?' This isn't one of those, Uzumaki.”

”What're you talkin' about?” Naruto demanded, clapping his hand on the other man's shoulder, ”This guy's awesome.”

Okoye shrugged, ”If you say so, Uzumaki.”

”So, what else can you do?” Shuri asked, clearly curious as she turned fully away from her work on the computer.

Not happy with the attention, Owen shrugged, ”I can turn stuff into other things, make 'em disappear, animate objects-”

”Woah, woah, woah.” Shuri waved her hands to stop him, ”So, you could make that chair you just made run around and stuff?”

”Sure.” Owen shrugs again.

”Well, go on!” Shuri challenged gleefully, eyes sparkling with wonder.

The smallest of smiles reaches Owen's face, ”Well, sure, I guess.”

Getting up, his left hand was enveloped in the yellow energy. Grabbing the back of the chair, Owen enveloped his energy around it. As the energy disappeared, the chair began to creak.

And with a jump, it was off. Its four legs carried it like it was on fire. It didn't make it far before running into a support beam, knocking itself over to the ground. On its side, the chair continued to try and run, the legs kicking wildly.

Shuri and Illyana giggled as the chair began to rotate in a circle along the ground. The Naruto clone chuckled along, and Okoye's stoic façade began to bleed into slight amusement.

Owen smiled, stuffing his hands in his pockets as the group watched the chair try and pick itself up.

-x-

Naruto sighs as he and Jessica are dragged into the backstage of the Avengers Tower press briefing room, folding his arms over his chest dejectedly as he waits for whatever it is Tony was announcing.

Feeling a tap on his shoulder, he turns around to find Wanda standing behind him.

”Hey,” Naruto greets with a toothy grin, ”What're you doing here.”

Wanda, her arms folded abrasively, answers, ”Stark told me to come. Something about a rebranding.”

”Rebranding?” Jessica asks, butting into the conversation, ”As in the Avengers?”

The Maximoff stares her down, ”Who are you?” She asks bluntly.

”Jessica Dre-”

”Spider-Woman,” Naruto interrupts merrily, ”This is Spider-Woman.”

Blinking, Wanda mutters, ”Spider…woman? What is a spider woman, and why is he calling you that?”

Jessica opens and closes her mouth, turning away when she realized she doesn't have a response.

”Naruto Uzumaki.”

Naruto turns, a man dressed in an Air Force officer's uniform walking towards. The man reaches his hand out, offering a handshake. Naruto takes the offer, sharing a firm handshake with the man.

”James Rhodes,” Naruto states, ”It's good to finally meet you.”

”Honestly a little surprised you know who I am,” James admits, ”Considering the stories I've heard, I didn't think I was on your radar.”

The blonde laughs, ”You kidding? Anyone called War Machine is immediately put on my radar. It's probably the second most badass codename I've ever heard.”

”What's the first?” Jessica asks, off to the side.

”Spider-Woman, of course.”

She groans, ”Jesus Christ, will you ever drop that?”

”Not 'til it sticks,” Naruto states lightly.

”Oh, it has,” James joins in, much to Jessica's dismay.

Murmurs break out from within the briefing room. Looking out onto the stage, Naruto sees Tony walking out from the other side of the backstage. The clicking of cameras and the stilled chatter of the gathered journalists reaches the stage, as the Iron Man reaches the center podium.

Running his hands over the edge of the podium, Tony gives a smile to the crowd, ”Good morning, everybody.”

The room goes quiet.

Tony clears his throat, ”I think we can skip the decorum and cut right to the chase.”

He stops, working up his courage, ”Seven years ago, I stood…sat, in front of a lot of the same people that are here today and told you about an epiphany I had out in that desert. About the realization that I had become a part of a system that was comfortable with zero accountability. I claimed that I had more to offer than just making things that blow up. I promised change. Not just from Stark Industries. But from myself as well. And I thought I had. I became a hero. Saved some lives. Stopped some really bad people from doing some really bad things. I joined a team dedicated to protecting Earth. But, as time went on, as I became more and more comfortable with the 'new me,' I started to slip back into old habits. Once again, I became a part of a system that not only was comfortable with zero accountability but scoffed at the very notion that we could do anything wrong. We're the Avengers, after all.”

Tony pauses, shaking his head with a lost look in his eye, ”I watched thousands of people die, with a weapon I created to defend them, and protect them.”

The room somehow grows even quieter, with a stillness so sharp it cut deep.

”I was given a second chance, and I wasted it. I don't deserve a third. I don't, no matter how badly I want to make it up to you, I don't deserve it. Despite that, I've been given that chance. Graced with it by the United Nations and the United States Government. A chance to show you that we the Avengers are capable of change, capable of accountability. And so, it is here that I officially announce the registration of the Avengers under the United Nations. We are officially sponsored and monitored under their jurisdiction, and now operate under the supervision of an as of yet unelected panel. We are only to be deployed when and if this panel deems it necessary.”

The silence breaks, as the journalists and reporters begin whispering among each other.

Tony speaks over the crowd, his arms gesturing out widely as he says, ”If you all wouldn't mind welcoming the team's newest iteration, the Mighty Avengers. This new roster includes James Rhodes, Natasha Romanoff, Wanda Maximoff, and Dane Whitman.”

From the side of the stage Tony had walked out on, Natasha, sporting a new Black Widow uniform, steps out from behind the curtain. Following close behind her is a slick haired man in his early thirties. The man, forgoing any kind of uniform, is wearing a basic leather jacket and brown pants. Held in his left arm, a black medieval style helmet with yellow trimming along the eyes and mouth. Strapped to his side, an impressive broadsword.

James and Wanda walk past Naruto, joining their teammates on stage, James waving to the crowd while Wanda does her best to get it over with.

Natasha, Dane, James, and Wanda now stand behind Tony, the man bracing himself for the media onslaught.

But it doesn't come. The audience remains quiet for several moments. Eventually, a lone journalist in the back of the crowd raises his hand. From the back, he shouts, ”Where's Captain America?”

Tony pauses at the question before answering, ”I'm sorry to say that Captain Rogers refused to sign-”

The crowd breaks out in a frenzy of discombobulated questions and concerns. Tony, unable to make out a word, looks over to the side of the stage, he and Naruto making eye contact.

The blonde can only give a shrug before Tony looks away, finally able to hear a coherent question.

”What about the Maelstrom? What about Naruto Uzumaki?”

Seeing that as his que, Naruto takes a deep breath in before walking out onto the stage, a wave of flashing lights greeting him.