06 The Beginning of the Dream

The interview didn't take long, and the questions weren't too difficult—just some basic economic management stuff. Thanks to the networked holographic UI system, Kagura Hitomi could answer everything perfectly. After all, she was already a seasoned "corporate drone" in her "previous life," so interviews were nothing new.

However, Kagura couldn't shake the feeling that the interview wasn't so much about testing her, but rather, killing time. But who's time was being wasted?

The moment Happy Hogan hung up the phone, things became clear.

Happy gave the interviewer a nod. "We've verified it. The information she provided checks out."

"Good," the interviewer nodded back. "Then, Miss Kagura Hitomi, you're hired. You'll start tomorrow."

...Huh???

Kagura blinked, momentarily stunned. "Ah! Okay... okay, thank you!"

"Don't get too excited yet," the interviewer warned. "Getting a position at Stark Industries isn't easy. The work is intense, and your role is quite important. If you don't perform, you'll be out."

The interviewer looked at her with a serious expression. "Your direct supervisor will be Miss Pepper Potts. You should be familiar with her name. I expect you to live up to your impressive qualifications and do well in your role."

Pepper Potts, also known as "Pepper," was Tony Stark's personal assistant.

Wow!

Kagura's excitement only grew. She had initially planned to bide her time, slowly working her way up before trying to get close to Tony Stark. But now, she was already just one step away from him! She couldn't believe how lucky she was.

And so, Kagura finally found her footing in this world, ready to begin her new life…

34 Days Later at Stark Industries

It was a peaceful morning in the office, and Kagura Hitomi was busy organizing the files she was responsible for.

A month had passed since she started—one week of internship and three weeks of full-time work. Kagura's work ethic and flawless abilities had already won her favor with her supervisor, Pepper Potts.

Over the past month, she'd also slowly adapted to life in this new world. Marvel's universe, when nothing strange was happening, felt very "real." Kagura's own memories were a bit fragmented, but everything else seemed to fit. As it was so similar to her previous life, settling in wasn't too difficult.

But of course, her real focus was Tony Stark. She worked as "Pepper Potts' personal assistant," meaning she was very close to the action.

It seemed like Pepper, always so busy as Tony's number-one caretaker, was feeling the pressure. Kagura's arrival had been a relief for her. Their relationship quickly evolved from that of a boss and employee to that of friends.

Even so, Pepper rarely let Kagura have direct contact with Tony. According to her, it was for Kagura's safety. In Pepper's eyes, Kagura was young, beautiful, obedient, and a bit naive. If she were left around Tony, who knew what might happen? He was a notorious ladies' man, after all.

Though Kagura sometimes rolled her eyes at this, she knew it was for her own good. She couldn't exactly complain—no need to be seen as someone trying to flirt with Tony either.

As Kagura finished organizing the files with the help of her holographic UI system, her golden eyes flickered as she glanced at the computer's clock.

Wait a minute. Today was Pepper's birthday!

So today was the beginning of everything—the day it all started…

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Kagura replied.

The door opened, and in walked Pepper, dressed in a sharp suit, her long blonde hair tied up, looking both elegant and efficient.

"Good morning, Pepper!" Kagura greeted with a bright smile.

"Good morning, Hitomi," Pepper replied, holding a tablet as she looked over the schedule for the day, a tired expression on her face.

"Did Tony stay up all night again?" Kagura asked casually.

"No, not exactly," Pepper sighed. "But he did bring a reporter home from the awards show last night… you know how it is."

"I guess now the military's supplier award is just a good excuse to take home pretty girls, huh?" Kagura joked.

"I'd love to know what's going through his head." Pepper chuckled softly. "He wasn't even at the award show last night, and we have no idea what happened to the trophy. He came back with just a girl instead."

"Sounds like Tony Stark in a nutshell—always keeping us guessing."

"Yep, that's him," Pepper agreed. "But anyway, I'm not here to chat. I've got something important for you, and the schedule's tight."

"What's up?" Kagura asked, intrigued. "Anything I can do?"

"Well, Tony's heading to the US military base in Afghanistan today to showcase a new missile system," Pepper said. "I need you to go with him as his personal assistant."

Kagura felt her heart race. This was the perfect opportunity!

"Of course, I'll be with him," she said. "Just leave it to me."

"Great. But remember, Tony's not great at taking care of himself. Happy's there to watch his safety, but I'll need you to take over his day-to-day stuff," Pepper continued. "And remember—stay away from him if he drinks. Protect yourself, okay?"

"Got it," Kagura nodded, feeling confident. "My job is just to assist him, right?"

"Exactly. Tony's all yours for the day."

"Don't worry, Pepper!" Kagura smiled. "I've got this."

"I'm so relieved to hear that," Pepper said, typing something into her tablet. "Time's tight, so I'll get you to Tony's place now, and we'll get you both ready to go."

"No problem!" Kagura replied with a nod. "Oh, and before you go, Pepper…"

"Hm?"

"Happy Birthday!"

Pepper's face lit up with surprise, then a wide smile spread across her face. "Wow, thank you!"