MARVEL'S MONSTER HUNTER WORLD

After the funeral, Tony turned to Polk and said, "Mr. Polk, can you wait for me a little bit? I need to make an announcement to the press, but after that, I'd love to come over as a guest."

"Of course," Polk replied with a nod.

Tony had barely stepped out of the cemetery gates before he was swarmed by a sea of cameras and reporters, their microphones and flashing lights practically suffocating him.

Obadiah was about to say something, but then he noticed Tony walking off to the side, slumping against a tree, and sitting down on the ground.

"Alright, everyone, you can see me just fine from here," Tony said, spreading his arms in a dramatic gesture. "So, feel free to fire away."

Obadiah sighed and had no choice but to sit down beside Tony on the grass.

Rhodey stood next to Watson, watching the spectacle unfold. "What the hell is he up to now?"

Watson crossed his arms. "Who knows? When it comes to Tony, you just gotta sit back and enjoy the show."

Rhodey shook his head and then turned to Uncle Polk and Aunt Liya. "I just realized I never properly introduced myself. I'm—"

"I know who you are," Polk interrupted with a knowing smirk. "You're Colonel James Rhodes—the guy in charge of overseeing Tony Stark's weapons research and development."

Rhodey blinked in surprise. "Wait… sir? You sound like you've got military experience yourself."

Polk chuckled. "Lieutenant, Delta Force. But that was a long time ago—I'm retired now."

Rhodey's jaw nearly dropped. "Oh man… you were Delta Force? No way! Wait, does that mean… the other gentleman we just buried was also—? Damn, Polk! You should've told me earlier—I would've saluted!"

Watson, feeling lost in the conversation, raised a hand. "Okay, hold up. What are you guys talking about? D-Boy? Delta Force?"

Rhodey turned to him, still looking amazed. "You seriously don't know? 'D-Boy' is the nickname for the Delta Force operators—they're the most elite counter-terrorism unit in the U.S. military."

Watson's eyes widened. "Uncle Polk?! You never told me you were Delta Force! And wait—Uncle Rocco too?! Aunt Liya, did you know about this?"

Aunt Liya simply smiled and nodded.

Watson groaned, rubbing his forehead. "No wonder you two had no problem running a store in Hell's Kitchen. You were never scared of anything to begin with."

Meanwhile, Tony had finally begun speaking to the press. His expression was serious, uncharacteristically so.

"I've always wondered what my father thought about manufacturing weapons," Tony said, his voice clear and steady. "Did he ever struggle with the idea? Did he ever have doubts? I've seen young American soldiers die using the very weapons we created to protect them. And I realized… I was becoming part of this irresponsible cycle."

He pushed himself to his feet, brushing dust off his suit. "When I opened my eyes, I knew—I could do more for this world than just make things that explode. And that's why, starting today, I am shutting down Stark Industries' weapons manufacturing division! Until I can find a new path—one that truly helps America and the world—I refuse to build another weapon."

The reporters went wild.

Back with the group, Rhodey stood frozen, processing Tony's words.

Tony strode back over. "Rhodey, we're heading to Polk's place for dinner. You coming?"

Rhodey exhaled and shook his head. "I was planning on going, but after that speech, I need to head back to base. There's gonna be a hell of a meeting."

"Figures," Tony smirked. "Next time, then." He turned to his driver. "Hogan, where's my burger?"

"Right here, boss—"

Before Happy could hand it over, Obadiah swooped in and snatched it. "Oh no, Tony, you just dropped a massive bombshell on me. This burger is mine. You go eat with Watson." With that, Obadiah turned and disappeared into the chaos of reporters.

With Obadiah gone, Tony, Pepper, and Watson joined the Kanes and headed toward their homes.

As they arrived, Tony glanced at the signs on the two adjacent buildings. "So, this is Uncle Polk's house… and that one's yours?" He pointed to the large sign above Watson's home. "'Boom House'? That's some real 'man cave' energy. I like it. But tell me, Watson—how noisy does it get in there at night?"

Watson shot him an unimpressed look before glancing at his newly renovated home. "It used to be the loudest place on the block," he admitted. "But it looks like S.H.I.E.L.D. took care of that real quick."

As soon as they stepped inside, Little Braised Egg leaped onto the counter, eyeing the array of weapons displayed on the walls.

Polk chuckled. "Alright, come on in. And you—" He picked up Little Braised Egg and held him up. "See anything you like? Uncle Polk will get it for you, hahahaha!"

Aunt Liya shook her head and ushered Pepper inside. "Men and their toys," she muttered.

Tony, meanwhile, wandered around the store, his expression darkening as he examined the weapons on display. His mind was elsewhere now. This was a world he was leaving behind.

And it was time to figure out what came next.