Obadiah's Regret

"Hahahaha, this is amazing! One hundred million dollars, one hundred million! That's more money than I could ever dream of! I can't believe a hundred million dollars has actually landed in my bank account. And Stark Industries even paid the taxes for us before giving us the money. This is a hundred million dollars after taxes! Oh my God, this is incredible!" Skye clutched her phone, staring at the text confirming the deposit, and was so happy she looked like a madwoman.

"Skye, sure, it's a lot of money. But you don't have to act like this." Saitama shook his head at her, though he was happy too. Money! Before he came to this world, he'd always worried about it. Otherwise, why would he have gone without air conditioning even in the scorching summer?

"But it's a lot of money, isn't it? We can do so many things with it. All right, next we're going to the bank," Skye said cheerfully.

"The bank?"

"Yeah, we should get you a bank card, too. After all, you earned this hundred million dollars. If you had a bank account, the money would've gone into your account. But Saitama, I went on this mission with you, so even though you were the one who found Tony Stark, you should at least give me a share. Hmm, ten million—no, a million dollars is enough. A million dollars... Okay, that still seems like a bit much, since I feel like I didn't do anything. Then..." Skye furrowed her brow, looking a little troubled.

"Eh, forget the bank account. You can keep the money. Just give me some whenever I need to spend it. Getting a bank account sounds like a lot of trouble," Saitama said, waving his hand dismissively.

"That won't do. Even if I'd definitely give you money whenever you needed it, it'd still be inconvenient. You can't ask me for money every time you go grocery shopping. Besides, everyone needs a bank account. Lots of things are a hassle if you don't have one. Come on, let's go!" Skye shook her head, firm in her decision. Although she disagreed with Saitama, she was happy he trusted her enough to say that.

Being trusted by someone you trusted was undoubtedly a wonderful feeling.

They arrived at the bank.

There were quite a few people inside, and customers normally had to wait in line. But Skye and Saitama were very rich now, so as soon as they arrived, the bank manager ushered them into a VIP room.

They sipped piping-hot, high-end cat-poop coffee and ate fresh fruit while waiting for the bank staff to handle their business.

It took only a few minutes for a brand-new bank card to be placed in front of Saitama. It had ninety million dollars in it. The remaining ten million had been forced into Skye's account by Saitama.

"Mr. Saitama, have you considered investing? Our bank works with many companies, even on Wall Street..." The bank manager went on and on, trying to get Saitama to invest his money. Whether he could get it back or make a profit? Well, according to the manager, there was absolutely no doubt about it.

But Saitama didn't understand or care about this sort of thing, and Skye flat-out turned down every offer the manager made.

In the end, under the manager's regretful gaze, Saitama and Skye left the bank.

(I'll split the money after all. Writing it this way just makes me feel like I'm sullying Teacher Saitama, even though he's really not like that.)

Saitama and Skye happily divided the money, then discussed how to spend it. Well, most of the time Skye talked while Saitama listened. Saitama's concept of money amounted to rent, utilities, groceries for discounted ingredients, and, once in a while, enough for a McDonald's meal with those extra-long fries.

One hundred million dollars—well, ninety million now—and Saitama honestly had no idea how to spend it.

"I think we should start by buying a house in Manhattan. Manhattan is the busiest district in New York, and even Stark Industries is there. The transport, healthcare, and everything else are top-notch. Living there would be the best way to enjoy life," Skye said, eyes shining. (Poor Skye had no idea what they'd be facing if they really moved there.)

"Mm-hmm." All Saitama could do was nod.

"You agree? Great! Next, we need a car. I think I should replace the RV I bought earlier, too. By the way, Saitama, what kind of car do you like?"

"A car? But cars are too slow. I can run faster than they can." Saitama scratched his head.

"..." Skye stared at Saitama, speechless.

While Skye and Saitama were discussing how to spend the money, Tony finally managed to get rid of everyone and return home.

Once he was back, Tony flopped onto the sofa. Its soft, springy cushions made him let out a satisfied groan. It was a feeling he definitely hadn't been able to enjoy during his time in the Middle East.

"Jarvis!"

"Yes, sir."

"Find me some information on Saitama and Skye—the two people who rescued me from the Middle East. Especially Saitama." Tony remembered that punch from Saitama.

"Sir, there isn't much information about Mr. Saitama. Only a small amount is available." As Jarvis spoke, he projected Saitama's information. There really wasn't much: his name, age, and other basic details.

Tony couldn't help frowning. "Then who found them? I mean, who invited them to rescue me?"

"Mr. Obadiah Stane."

"Obadiah? Well, I knew it had to be him. Contact Obadiah. I want to ask him about Saitama."

"Yes, sir."

Soon, Obadiah's projection appeared in front of Tony.

"Tony, how are you feeling? How's your body? Do you need to go to the hospital?" Obadiah asked with a kindly smile.

"Uncle Obadiah, I'm fine. I don't need to go to the hospital. I just wanted to ask how you found Saitama and Skye. Who are they? And what else do you know about them?"

When Obadiah Stane heard the names Saitama and Skye, his kindly smile stiffened. If there was anything he'd regretted lately, it was probably letting Saitama and Skye join Stark Industries and take on the mission to find Tony.

"Heh, them... Well..." Obadiah chuckled awkwardly. "I don't know much about them either. I'd just heard they were very capable, so I specifically sought them out. But in the end, they certainly didn't disappoint." Obadiah Stane nearly ground his teeth as he finished speaking.

"Then I really have to thank you, Uncle Obadiah. You've no idea how dangerous it was back there. I think they might be the only people in the world who could've gotten me out of that hellhole completely unharmed." Even Tony, for all his pride, couldn't help speaking from the heart.

"Crack!"

"Uh, what happened, Uncle Obadiah?"

"N-nothing. I guess I'm getting old. Even my teeth are starting to fall out." Obadiah spat a bloodied tooth from his mouth.

"Oh. Then be careful, Uncle Obadiah. Take good care of yourself."

"I will."