Looking at Stark's serious expression, Senju Haruto didn't feel that Tony lacked the talent to learn magic.
On the contrary—Stark's potential in the field of magic was extremely high.
In another branch of the Marvel multiverse, a small twist of fate had led Stark to become the disciple of the Ancient One. In that world, Strange had been reduced to his assistant. That version of Stark not only mastered every magical discipline with his extraordinary talent, but also merged his "Iron Man" technology with sorcery to create enchanted armor.
Armor that could strike with technological force while unleashing destructive magical power.
Even Dormammu, the Lord of Darkness, had headaches dealing with Stark's hybrid craft.
That universe's Supreme Sorcerer Stark.
So when this Stark made such a request, Haruto couldn't help but think of his counterpart from that other world. He wondered—would this universe's Stark also awaken a similar magical gift?
"…Is it not possible?"
Seeing Haruto remain silent, Stark probed again.
These past few days had utterly convinced him of magic's existence. He had witnessed firsthand the terrifying might it could wield.
The Machine Plague.
Susanoo.
Portals.
Forcibly pulling out a soul.
Though not all of these were strictly magic, from Stark's perspective, they all counted.
And Stark was no ordinary man. He was one of the sharpest minds in all of Marvel's worlds. His thoughts never lingered in rigid patterns—he was open, expansive.
To him, magic was simply another form of science. A science that modern technology had yet to decipher.
Just as ancient men could never have imagined airplanes, so too was magic a phenomenon beyond current scientific explanation.
At least… that was how Stark saw it. And he intended to seize this opportunity.
The reason was simple.
The power Haruto wielded was far too great—so great that even the military couldn't contain him.
This world needed a force that could at least restrain him.
Originally, Stark had planned to design anti-Haruto armor. A suit that Haruto's Fire Seed Source could not override.
But now, Stark realized that alone wouldn't cut it.
When Haruto transformed into the Hulk, the raw power he revealed was terrifying. It shattered Stark's understanding of possibility.
After some serious thought, Stark had a revelation.
If you can't beat Haruto… then join him.
First, uncover the true nature of magic. Then, build armor designed to counter it.
"…It's not impossible," Haruto finally replied after a pause.
Letting Stark dabble in magic wasn't necessarily a bad thing. After all, Tony Stark was the kind of mortal who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with gods.
In Avengers: Endgame, he had even sacrificed his life to snap his fingers.
Haruto didn't exactly "like" Iron Man, but neither did he dislike him. If Stark grew stronger, that strength could be used against Thanos and other cosmic predators eyeing Earth.
As for Stark's hidden motives…
Haruto neither considered them nor cared.
He knew perfectly well where Stark's ceiling in the magical arts lay. Even at his best, Stark could only ever reach the level of a Sorcerer Supreme.
Haruto himself had already surpassed that realm long ago. His growth had no ceiling.
Every completed sign-in rewarded him with new power. And each reward made him stronger than before.
Would someone worry about being threatened by an ant? Of course not.
And if that ant ever somehow became a problem? Just crush it and move on to the next one.
So why would Haruto waste thought on Stark's schemes?
"…Really?"
Stark froze at Haruto's easy agreement. He had expected excuses, stalling, anything but straightforward consent.
"Yes," Haruto said calmly. "If you're interested in magic, you can study it. Though for most, the path of magic is like a steep, rocky trail. Many give up halfway."
He let his words hang for a beat.
"But you, Tony, are not 'most people.' I believe you could make some real progress in this field."
Then Haruto smiled faintly.
"…I know everything about you, Tony."
"What?"
Stark stiffened, stunned. He could never have imagined Haruto dropping such a line.
Hadn't they only just met?
Or was this some kind of magic? Could Haruto read his memories? Or was it psychological manipulation?
He couldn't tell. No matter how hard he tried, Stark could never see through Haruto.
And indeed—he never could.
Haruto was a traveler from another world. He didn't just know Stark. He knew every superhero across every cinematic universe. He knew all their stories.
Seeing Stark's shocked, half-skeptical expression, Haruto chuckled.
"How long do you think I've lived in this world?" he asked smoothly, bluffing as he spoke.
The effect was immediate. Both Stark and Banner's pupils widened.
Before his transmigration, Haruto had only been around twenty years old. His current body wasn't even in its late teens.
But raw, overwhelming power made people fill in the blanks with their imagination.
And now Stark and Banner were doing exactly that—guessing Haruto's age.
One hundred years. Two hundred. Three hundred. Their estimates kept climbing.
Within seconds, Stark was wondering if Haruto might be a two-thousand-year-old monster.
"To you, history is something that happened in the past," Haruto continued. "But to me… history is simply lived experience.
"I've watched human civilization advance with my own eyes. I've even shared drinks with the so-called Son of God.
"I know every pantheon of deities on Earth—there isn't one I don't."
He leaned in slightly.
"I even witnessed the birth of Captain America. And as for your father, Tony…"
Haruto's tone softened.
"He wasn't as bad as you think. He truly loved you."
Then, suddenly, Haruto shifted.
"One day, you'll understand."
And with that, he vanished without a trace.
Leaving behind a stunned Tony Stark and Bruce Banner.
Because of Haruto's sheer might, neither of them could bring themselves to dismiss his words.
"…He knew everything about me."
"Even about my father…"
Stark swallowed hard, his throat dry. For the first time, he began to understand why Haruto had struck the military so mercilessly.
He had lived far, far too long.
And now Stark even found himself wondering…
Was Haruto's true identity tied to one of those ancient divine myths?
Could he himself be… a god?