Chapter 72 72: The Price of Power
Hearing Qin Xiao's words, Natasha's expression grew increasingly awkward.
She had tried to probe him, only to be countered instead.
What could she offer?
Beauty seemed like the simplest option.
After all, during her training in the Red Room, she had undergone extensive instruction on how to use her gender to her advantage.
But ever since joining S.H.I.E.L.D., she had largely abandoned that approach.
And clearly, even though he mentioned beauty, he showed no sign of being tempted by her at all.
Become his subordinate?
That was out of the question.
She was, after all, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, currently tasked with looking after Tony.
As for money, that was more feasible.
S.H.I.E.L.D. had ample funding.
"Money. I can provide you with money."
Natasha made her choice.
"But can you come up with the equivalent of 5% of Stark Industries' shares?"
"Five percent?"
Natasha's lips twitched.
Stark Industries' stock price had skyrocketed.
Even 1% was worth tens of billions.
There was no way S.H.I.E.L.D. could produce that much.
She had assumed Tony only gave Qin Xiao a token amount of shares.
But unexpectedly, Tony had handed over a full 5%!
That was like recklessly selling off the family fortune without a second thought.
More importantly, if you played this big, how were others supposed to follow?
Natasha felt exasperated.
She almost wanted to give Tony a good beating.
Even Logan, standing to the side, felt a bit shaken upon hearing Qin Xiao's words.
Were Devil Fruits really worth this much?
He had always been somewhat unwilling about serving as Qin Xiao's apostle for a period of time.
But now it seemed he had clearly struck a huge bargain.
Five percent of Stark Industries—that was worth tens of billions.
With that kind of money, how many mutants like him could be hired?
He had obviously gotten the better end of the deal.
What reason did he still have to feel dissatisfied?
The sense of resistance in Logan's heart began to fade.
"That's right—5%. So, can your S.H.I.E.L.D. provide that much funding?"
Qin Xiao directly shattered Black Widow's idea of "buying" a Devil Fruit with money.
"Then what exactly do you want?"
This time, Natasha kicked the ball back to him.
"Identity, intelligence, information. Give me a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent identity—whatever level you like.
In return, I can give you a fruit suited to you right now, so you can experience its power.
I believe that once you truly understand how powerful Devil Fruit users are, you'll naturally raise my clearance level."
Qin Xiao was clearly setting up a long-term play.
Give him any level of identity, and he would hand over a fruit.
Afterward, S.H.I.E.L.D. would gradually come to understand just how formidable Devil Fruit users were.
It might not matter now, but when S.H.I.E.L.D. turned into Hydra, Nick Fury might regret not eating a Devil Fruit sooner.
But there was no rush.
Qin Xiao could take his time playing this game.
Right now, the key was getting their first person to actually eat a Devil Fruit.
Despite how eager Black Widow seemed, Qin Xiao was certain that if he really gave her one, she wouldn't eat it.
It would most likely end up in a S.H.I.E.L.D. laboratory.
"Yeah! Success!"
At that moment, an excited shout came from the basement.
Tony's sudden outburst completely interrupted Qin Xiao and Black Widow's negotiation.
The three exchanged glances and headed straight for the basement entrance.
On the projection screen, a spherical model enveloped Tony.
A theoretical model of a new element!
"Excellent, Tony. Looks like you've found a way to solve your condition."
"Yeah! Next, I just need to figure out how to create this new element!
You guys talk all you want, just don't bother me—I'm going to renovate this basement."
Tony had no intention of stopping for even a moment.
With the model of the new element in hand, he was brimming with excitement.
He wouldn't rest until he had successfully created it.
"No problem. Logan, maybe you can give him a hand."
Qin Xiao gestured for Logan to help Tony.
Logan had the kind of personality where he might look unwilling, but would still step in to help.
Being Qin Xiao's apostle was already troublesome enough.
Now it seemed he'd also have to play demolition worker and builder.
"Fine. If you're remodeling, just tell me what needs tearing down."
"Shing—"
As Logan spoke, the Adamantium claws slid out from between his fingers.
Seeing those cold, gleaming claws, Tony suddenly felt a bit of pressure.
None of the people around Qin Xiao were simple.
"Then let's start tearing down from here."