A reporter near the middle of the room stood. "Mr. Smith, it's well established that rescuers shouldn't bear liability for damages. Otherwise, no one would help. The cost becomes too prohibitive."
Smith nodded. "That's correct. The rescuer bears no responsibility. But as I mentioned, this is limited to battles involving me specifically."
Another reporter raised her hand. "Mr. Smith, isn't this placing enormous financial pressure on you? Can the foundation sustain itself?"
A smile crossed Smith's face. "To ensure smooth operation, I'll coordinate with relevant authorities and adopt the principle of subrogation. The actual perpetrators will bear responsibility for damages. Anyone causing destruction that requires my intervention typically possesses some assets we can recover."
He shrugged. "Of course, if someone is genuinely penniless, the foundation will absorb the loss. The purpose of establishing this fund is helping as many people as possible avoid financial devastation."
In the corner of the room, Agent Coulson observed quietly, recording every word Smith spoke and analyzing his psychology and behavioral patterns.
The reporters burst into applause, appreciating Smith's initiative.
Tony suddenly bounded onto the stage, grabbing a microphone. "Stark Industries will donate one million dollars to the charitable foundation Mr. Smith Doyle has established as support for his work."
Smith's fund was indeed structured as a charitable foundation, perfect for legitimate tax advantages.
Tony continued, his showman instincts in full force. "At the same time, I, Tony Stark, will establish an identical fund to compensate for losses caused by battles involving me."
Smith smiled at Tony's announcement. This arrangement benefited ordinary people substantially while offering significant advantages to himself. Recovered assets could be sold legitimately, and with tax deductions, the foundation might actually turn a profit.
For example, all that Chitauri technology and weaponry that would be scattered everywhere after the invasion.
Tony didn't know Smith's inner thoughts. He threw an arm around Smith's shoulders. "Man, am I a good friend or what?"
Smith returned the enthusiasm with a grin. "You're a real brother."
Camera flashes exploded like fireworks as reporters captured the moment.
"Mr. Smith, we've heard that at today's shareholders' meeting, you became the largest individual shareholder besides Tony. Judging by your relationship, you two must be close friends."
Tony seized the microphone before Smith could respond. "Smith is one of Tony's closest friends. We have a life-and-death bond. He's helped me more times than I can count."
As the shareholders' meeting and press conference concluded, Smith and his team departed Stark Industries.
Three days passed quickly.
In the training room, Smith pushed through high-intensity exercises, weighted chains wrapped around his torso and limbs. Puar floated nearby, offering enthusiastic encouragement.
"One hundred laps completed! That's amazing, Master Smith!"
Puar drifted over with a towel and bottled water.
Smith unfastened the chains, letting them clatter to the floor. He wiped sweat from his face and downed half the water bottle in long gulps.
"Without a gravity room, this training is still inefficient." Frustration edged his voice. He knew what real training looked like from Goku's template. This was child's play in comparison.
Puar's ears drooped slightly. "Once the base is complete, Miss Bulma will construct the gravity room."
Just yesterday, Smith had attended the groundbreaking ceremony. With adequate funding and government support, construction would progress rapidly. But how long until the facility was operational remained uncertain.
"I'll make do with what's available for now."
The training room door swung open. Bulma strode in, her expression bright with accomplishment. "Brother Smith, I've solved Yelena's problem."
Smith paused mid-stretch, genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected results this quickly. Only a few days had passed.
"You created the antidote?"
"Created and administered it. Yelena has regained consciousness."
Smith turned to Puar. "Notify Natasha and her family to come over immediately."
In the laboratory, Natasha, Melina, and Alexei gathered around the medical pod Bulma had constructed. Yelena lay inside, still unconscious but with healthier color in her face than she'd had in years.
"Yelena has regained consciousness. I'm waking her now." Bulma pressed a button on the control panel.
White vapor hissed from vents in the medical pod. As it dissipated, Yelena's eyes fluttered open. She blinked slowly, taking in her surroundings with confusion before her gaze settled on her family.
"Mom? Dad? Sis?"
Bulma opened the glass door. Yelena stepped out on slightly unsteady legs, looking around the laboratory with bewilderment. She didn't understand where she was, but she recognized the sensation flooding through her body. Control. Her own thoughts, her own will, her own memories, all restored.
Yelena threw herself into Melina's arms. The four family members embraced tightly, tears streaming down their faces.
Smith watched the reunion with quiet satisfaction.
After several moments, Yelena separated from her family and approached Smith. Her eyes were red but clear, more lucid than they'd been in years.
"Thank you for saving me."
Her voice cracked with emotion. "From childhood until now, apart from those three years with my family, you're the only person who helped me. You saved me from that suffering."
She stood straighter, her posture shifting to something more formal. "You didn't just save me. You saved my entire family. You are the light of my life, and I would give everything for you."
Smith studied her carefully. Yelena's reputation and character were solid. She was someone who sacrificed for family without hesitation. In the original timeline, she'd gone after Hawkeye believing he'd caused Natasha's death, driven purely by grief and loyalty.
"I accept your loyalty," Smith said. "For now, spend time with your family. Once you've thoroughly learned the Fraternity's principles and operations, we'll discuss your role."
Yelena nodded firmly, understanding.
As Melina and Alexei guided Yelena from the laboratory, Natasha remained behind.
"Boss, S.H.I.E.L.D. has initiated my recall procedure."
Her tone was professional, detached. "I'll resign from the company and return to S.H.I.E.L.D. to accept a new assignment."
Smith wasn't surprised by Natasha's report. Since he'd agreed to join the Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D. would naturally recall their embedded agent. Natasha's value to the organization extended far beyond corporate espionage.
"Natasha, S.H.I.E.L.D. invited me to participate in a program called the Avengers Initiative. Are you familiar with it?"
Smith knew S.H.I.E.L.D. had used this program to evaluate Tony's qualifications as an Avenger candidate. He wasn't certain whether Natasha already knew about the initiative, though in the future both she and Hawkeye would join the team.