Superman in Marvel: Multiverse Ascendant

"That's not entirely true."

Leon pointed to his ears. "From what I've gathered over the past few days, the leadership of S.H.I.E.L.D. is mostly intact, but Hydra's influence runs deep. Their operatives are embedded at key levels."

"Just the backbone and elites?" Tony scoffed. "That's practically the whole damn organization! My father built S.H.I.E.L.D., and now those idiots have handed it over to the enemy!"

He paced beside the workbench, frustration evident. "No, Leon. This is on us. We have to clean up the mess they left behind. Hydra has to go."

"I agree." Leon nodded. "This so-called organization believes it's the world's savior, but all they do is manipulate and oppress. I can't stand it."

"And this fits perfectly with my revenge plan."

Leon gestured at a holographic display, projecting an image of Nick Fury.

"Nick Fury, the current director of S.H.I.E.L.D.—a man with an obsession for control. He wants to be the world's security system."

"Sounds like Hydra. Why isn't he one of them?" Tony asked.

"Beats me. Maybe his predecessor feared he'd be too ambitious within their ranks."

With another flick of his fingers, Leon pulled up a classified file.

"This is a compiled list of Hydra agents within S.H.I.E.L.D. It contains identities, evidence, the whole package."

He looked at Tony. "Your job is to get this file to Fury. Let them start tearing each other apart from the inside."

"Make sure it can't be traced back to you—or Jarvis. They'll track it if we're not careful."

Leon continued, "Once the chaos begins, we leak these documents publicly. With the whole world against them, Hydra won't stand a chance."

"That will also be our chance to uncover the truth about my parents' deaths. We need solid evidence and a confirmed perpetrator."

A dangerous glint appeared in Leon's eyes. "And in the process, I'll show the world what I'm capable of."

Tony narrowed his eyes. "How exactly do you plan to do that?"

"Force their hand. Make them desperate enough to deploy their deadliest weapons—ICBMs, hydrogen bombs... anything."

Tony looked alarmed. "You can't be serious!"

Leon smirked. "And when they do, I'll take the hit, tank a missile head-on, and then flatten one of their military bases with a single punch."

He took a sip of water. "That'll prove my durability, my offensive capabilities, and most importantly—send a message."

Tony imagined the scenario—Leon standing amidst nuclear flames, unscathed, before obliterating an enemy stronghold. He hesitated. "Isn't that a little reckless?"

"I'm not suicidal, Tony. I won't do it unless I'm sure I can survive. Besides, worst-case scenario, I dodge."

Leon pulled a box from behind him and set it on the table. "Speaking of preparation... Take a look at this."

Opening the box, he revealed a new Superman suit—gold, blue, and red intertwined in a sleek design.

Gone was the traditional underwear-over-tights look. Instead, the bodysuit was deep navy, accented by a golden, inverted pentagon with an 'S' emblem on the chest. A crimson cape was affixed at the shoulders.

"The suit is made of Kevlar fiber. It's bulletproof, flexible, and, most importantly, stylish."

Despite the weight of their conversation, Tony smirked. "Gotta admit, it looks good. I'm just relieved you skipped the underwear-on-the-outside look. And the 'S'—doesn't that mean hope?"

Leon flicked the emblem. "Not anymore. Now it stands for Stark."

He straightened. "Tomorrow, I put this on and head to Afghanistan. The Ten Rings end now. From this day forward, I am Superman."

Tony grabbed Leon's arm. "Hold on—did you forget about me? I'm coming with you."

Leon sighed. "Tony, you have your own mission. You need to execute our plan, and I know you're dying to find out the truth."

Tony shook his head. "That doesn't mean I can't fly ten thousand kilometers to deal with some warlords while digging for answers."

He had been tracking the Ten Rings, watching their stronghold in the Middle East. These men ruled through terror, crushing entire villages under their control.

Even if Leon hadn't suggested it, Tony had already made up his mind—he was going to take them down.

Tony smirked. "I'm not worried about that... But tell me, why dress up as Superman? I mean, no offense, but you do realize it looks like—well—a pajama onesie? Are you seriously trying to be a superhero?"

Leon shook his head. "No, I just like Superman. But I'm not going to be some noble hero like him."

Carrying the box, he turned to leave. "Maybe I'll help the weak when I see injustice, but saving the world and doing good for the sake of it? Yeah, no thanks."

Tony sighed dramatically. "That's a shame. I already came up with a name for our hero team—Super Iron Brothers! What do you think?"

Leon's voice echoed down the corridor. "I think it sounds ridiculous! Like something out of a kindergarten cartoon!"

...

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