Izumi Quan Sun's eyes never left the redhead from across the ring, as she and Happy were helping up Tony. "Just an FYI L, I would've had a shot if it were a serious competition," Tony says to Izumi as he's helped to his feet. Happy kept him at a steady pace as both he and Izumi noticed he was still in spaghetti legs mode.
Note: L is short for Legs. A pet name that Tony gives Izumi. Whenever he has a close bond with someone they're awarded a pet name from him.

"I've noticed, Sir." Izumi commented, she lets Happy take care of Boss Man and placed her hands in the pockets of her workout pants. "Not bad, Comrade. How about an opponent that's inside your weight class?"

A thought crept into Tony's mind. Some may call what he's attempting to do random but given the circumstances, it's not quite as random as one would assume. He signaled for Jarvis to summon a holographic clock high above the ring. "Say, ladies, what do you say we make things interesting? Whoever wins in 60 seconds, I'll buy them dinner this evening"

"60 Seconds?" Izumi grinned. "Didn't expect you as a Bruce Lee buff"

"What can I say? I'm complex like that, plus I grew up on his movies" Tony said.

She turned to face the lovely Russian and got into her fighting stance.

https://entertainmentmaven.files.wordpr … .jpg?w=300

"Does that suit you?" Izumi asked

Izumi and Natasha circled each other warily, both of them taking in the other's stances, movements, and breathing patterns. The clock hanging above them counted down from sixty seconds, its digits glowing bright blue against the dimly lit gym.

Izumi was the first to make a move, darting in with a quick jab that Natasha dodged with ease. The redhead responded with a series of quick kicks that Izumi blocked, but only just barely. The force of the impacts staggered her, and she found herself backed up against the ropes. Pepper winced slightly, while she was in no way part of the bout even she felt that kick.

"Come on, Tornado," Natasha taunted, grinning wickedly. "I thought you said you could back up your big talk."

"I'm not that easy to knock down Crimson, and I'm just warming up" Izumi replied with a wink, and the two ladies charged toward each other, fists flying. Izumi's Wing Chun style met Natasha's balletic combat with equal ferocity, and the two women engaged in a frenzied exchange of blows.

For the first few seconds, it was anyone's fight. The two were evenly matched, each one blocking the other's attacks and striking back with lightning-fast jabs and kicks. It was clear that both were highly skilled, and Tony and Happy watched with rapt attention. While Pepper couldn't keep her eyes off Izumi, even though she's intrigued by the mysterious redhead, you don't need to be a psychic to read who she's pulling for

As the seconds ticked by, it became clear that Izumi was holding her own. Natasha, who was used to quickly dispatching most opponents, found herself having to work harder than she anticipated. Her respect for Izumi grew with each passing moment.

"Okay, okay, not bad," Natasha grunted as she spun to avoid one of Izumi's punches. "You're keeping up better than most."

"I aim to please," Izumi replied with a grin, before landing a solid kick to Natasha's side.

The two women continued to spar, their movements becoming more fluid and graceful as they got into the rhythm of the fight. Even Tony and Happy, who were both impressed by Izumi's skill, couldn't help but chuckle when they saw how evenly matched the two fighters were while Pepper was smiling from ear to ear.

"I can't believe it," Happy muttered. "She lasted longer than you, Mr.Stark. No offense"

"She's Silver Hawk, Happy, was there any doubt" Pepper noted

Tony, who was downing a green smoothie, snorted. "She's a fighter, what can I say? And she's got style."

The fight continued, and the clock ticked down. With only a few seconds left, Natasha landed a solid punch to Izumi's stomach, and the two women stumbled back, panting heavily.

"Times up!" Tony shouted, grinning from ear to ear. "Well, well, well, looks like we've got a draw. You both win!"

Izumi and Natasha looked at each other, both panting and sweaty, before bursting into laughter. The two ladies faced each other and bowed.

"Well, I have to admit, you're good," Natasha said, grinning. "I haven't had that much fun in a long time."

"Likewise," Izumi replied, bowing. "I'm glad to have found someone who can keep up with me."

Tony and Happy approached the two women, both beaming. But not before Pepper was instantly there, providing a cold bottle of water for both women.

"Thanks, Pepperann" Izumi complimented while Pepper hugs Izumi.

"That was awesome," Tony said, clapping Izumi on the back. "I knew you had it in you."

"I have to say, I'm impressed," Happy added, nodding at Natasha. "Not everyone can keep up with Izumi."

The five of them shared a laugh, and Tony clapped his hands.

"Alright, let's go get some dinner. I'm starving."

As they walked out of the gym, Izumi and Natasha fell into step with each other.

"You know, if we ever find ourselves on the same side, we could be a pretty formidable team," Natasha said, smirking.

"Agreed," Izumi, with her arm around Pepper's shoulder, replied with a grin. "But until then, I'll just have to keep training."