Chapter 246: Battling the Snake (Conclusion)
In Shibuya, Tokyo, in front of the intersection said to have over 2.5 million people passing through daily, with a peak of over 3,000 people crossing during a single green light cycle, known as the world's busiest intersection.
Hundreds of fully armed Japanese soldiers were using firearms to violently drive the crowded, fleeing civilians into the nearby alleys and buildings.
The once bustling Intersection had become empty.
Over a dozen engineers wearing protective isolation suits and badges with the Yashida Corporation nameplate were nervously inspecting rows of circular metal devices and connecting thick cables laid on the Ground.
Several thick black cables were connected to the Arc Reactors in the bodies of four disc-shaped fighter jets not far away.
Tony Stark, unshaven and with bloodshot eyes, was hunched inside one of the fighter jets, debugging the Arc Reactor within to prevent energy supply issues.
"Ivan Vanko's design for this Arc Reactor is too simple, and the internal circuitry is crude, but it's fine for carrying this kind of high-frequency current!"
Tony Stark, whose suit was now wrinkled, finished checking two Arc Reactors and walked up to Tang Song, nodding at him.
On the other side, Ivan Vanko, wearing blue work clothes and chewing on a cheese stick, had also finished checking the two Arc Reactors he was responsible for. He walked over, and upon hearing Tony Stark's sharp tongue, he disdainfully extended his hand and flipped Tony Stark off.
Tony Stark, however, was not in the mood to entertain Ivan Vanko's provocation. More than half an hour had passed since the Yamata no Orochi entered the Tokyo urban area.
This world's super first-tier City had suffered severe damage. Due to stampedes, collapsing Tall buildings, attacks by the Giant Beast, and various other reasons, the number of casualties had reached tens of thousands.
"Tang, how is it? Are you confident?" Tony Stark looked at Tang Song anxiously.
Tang Song had changed his clothes into a White Suit, and his ever-present Cane was back in his hand. Mariko Yashida held a silver Briefcase and carefully followed behind him.
Hearing Tony Stark's words, Tang Song beckoned. Mariko Yashida opened the Briefcase. The silver Briefcase was clearly a modified multifunctional Laptop.
After Mariko Yashida unlocked the Computer, she summoned the Artificial Intelligence Red Queen. Soon, complex operating Software appeared on the Computer Screen.
After the Software finished detecting, Red Queen's voice reported that everything was normal.
"Boss! No problem!" Mariko Yashida nodded towards Tang Song.
Hearing Mariko Yashida's words, Tony Stark eagerly notified the Crowd blocking the front lines, telling them to lift the blockade and find a Method to prevent the Yamata no Orochi from changing its route.
In Shibuya District, the enormous eight-headed Giant Snake rampaged among the Tall buildings. From time to time, several Tall buildings would collapse with a roar. Amidst the Smoke and Dust, hundreds of Attack Helicopters desperately fired Rockets and Air-to-Ground Missiles at the Yamata no Orochi.
At this moment, prosperous Tokyo was like the most severely war-torn City in the Middle East, filled with the Sound of Artillery Fire, Bombing, and the mournful cries and wails of the Japanese people.
At the Federal White House, Prime Minister Abe immediately learned of the Plan proposed by the Tang Group. Upon learning that Tang Song intended to send the Yamata no Orochi to an Other World using an unstable Space Gate, Anbei was so excited he almost performed a Dogeza on the spot. Tokyo was saved, and he wouldn't have to commit Seppuku.
"Mr. Prime Minister! Boss Tang means that while the Yamata no Orochi's rampage in Tokyo was a terrible thing, its resolution was also thanks to your leadership and our Yashida's efforts. Since that's the case, why don't we let the Media conduct a detailed report on the banishment of the Yamata no Orochi to boost the confidence of our Countrymen!"
At the White House, Anbei listened to Mariko Yashida's Plan coming from the other end of the Phone, and a glimmer of hope suddenly rekindled in his heart.
If things went as Mariko Yashida said, and the Operation was handled properly, it seemed he might, just might, be able to keep his current Position.
A Prime Minister who expelled a legendary Great Demon sounded quite good.
"Chairman Yashida, what is the success rate of Mr. Tang's Plan?" As a qualified Politician, although Anbei desperately wanted to expel the Yamata no Orochi immediately, he needed to consider the consequences of failure. If it was a Live Broadcast, a failure would cause Panic with no chance of recovery.
"Don't worry, Excellency Anbei, I have confidence in Mr. Tang!" Mariko Yashida gave a sweet Smile towards Boss Tang, who was chatting with Tony Stark not far away.
"Sumimasen, I will notify the Media and the commanding personnel on Scene, and tell them to cooperate fully with Mr. Tang!"
There was only one path before Anbei, and no other choice. He readily agreed to Mariko Yashida's Requirement.
"There is one more thing, Excellency. Japan is currently severely affected by the disaster. Our Yashida hopes to assist Tokyo and the surrounding affected prefectures and cities with post-disaster reconstruction work after the disaster ends..."
Listening to Mariko Yashida's words, Anbei understood, realizing Mariko Yashida's intention.
Post-disaster reconstruction, especially in a city like Tokyo where every inch of land is precious, was undoubtedly a large piece of fat meat.
But for him now, any distribution of benefits was a Matter for the future. The most important thing now was to overcome the current difficulty.
"Post-disaster reconstruction, no problem. I can represent the Government and decide that the reconstruction work in Tokyo will be handled by your Yashida later!"
Mariko Yashida saw Tang Song and Tony Stark chatting nearby but did not go forward to disturb them. Instead, she called over the Reporters from several Media outlets who were waiting on the side.
NHK, NTV, Fuji TV, TBS, TV Asahi, and TV Tokyo, these six Television Stations monopolized the entire Japanese Media.
Even before notifying Anbei, the Reporters from these Television Stations had been "invited" by Yashida's people. As for Anbei's Opinion, whether he agreed or not, it didn't Matter.
For Mariko Yashida, this was an opportunity arranged by Boss Tang specifically for her and Yashida Corporation to boost their reputation.
"I remember saying she was very beautiful!"
Tony Stark stood side by side with Tang Song, shrugging at him. His fatigue was evident, but he still teased Tang Song.
"What do you say, how about I make her the Japanese Prime Minister? Holding a female Prime Minister at night would be much more exciting than holding those celebrity Models!"
Tang Song leaned on his Cane, watching Mariko Yashida talk eloquently in front of a group of Reporters, and gave Tony Stark a look that only Men would understand.
Tony Stark was shocked by Tang Song's idea and silently gave Tang Song a thumbs up.
"I haven't touched those Models in a long time, you know, I have Pepper Potts now!"
"I understand. At your age, that little bit of savings is only enough for paying the public grain! My Laboratory recently produced some Agent products that can enhance a certain Ability. Do you need me to send you some—"
Tang Song looked at Tony Stark with a look that said, "I understand."
"Come on! Would I use that stuff? My Body is great, I'm full of Energy every day—" Tony Stark argued stubbornly.
The two laughed, and then fell silent.
"So, you caused such a huge commotion, released this Ancient Giant Beast, and killed so many people, just so your lover could become the Japanese Prime Minister!"
Tang Song turned around and looked at Tony Stark, who had put away his Smile and had bloodshot eyes. He frowned.
"Tony, we are barely Friends, but you've gone too far with that joke. Do you think I'm controlling this Giant Beast!"
"Aren't you?!" Tony Stark looked directly into Tang Song's eyes.
"If you say that, I can completely sue you for defamation. I don't like to lie. This Giant Beast appearing in Tokyo really has nothing to do with me!" Tang Song's Cane rubbed against the Beast Head on the Cane Head.
"Tang, with the Strength you showed at Heimdall, you could have completely killed that Giant Beast. So many people wouldn't have had to die!"
Tony Stark stared into Tang Song's eyes. After confirming that he wasn't lying, he said somewhat angrily.
"Why?" Tang Song looked at Tony Stark indifferently. "Why should I save them? Is this my responsibility? I didn't take a single cent from them!"
"But, Tang, the greater the ability, the greater the responsibility. Since you have this Strength, why aren't you willing to do some Justice?" Tony Stark didn't continue some of his words.
During this time, Captain and the others had been conducting a Secret Investigation into Tang Song. Tony Stark had also read many files about Tang Song.
Tang clearly had great Strength, but he never deliberately showed it. As a Gang Leader, his Influence was like dark Tentacles spread throughout the entire Federation and half of Eurasia.
Smuggling, illegal activities, Firearms, various Crime Organizations, his Invisible Shadow could often be seen behind them.
Tony Stark knew that their Philosophy were incompatible and that a confrontation would happen sooner or later. He still refused to give up trying to persuade Tang Song to walk the path of Justice. "Heh heh, Tony, you're not Ben. The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility. I am pushing Humanity towards interstellar civilization and promoting the development of the Aviation Industry. Compared to you Superheroes who only know Fighting and Killing, I think I've contributed enough!"
"By the way, you said I completely have the Ability to kill this Ancient Titan. That's true, but do you know that there are seventeen such Ancient Titans on Earth? Are you sure you want to wake them all up!"
Tang Song and Tony Stark faced off...
Rumble—
Just then, the Sound of collapsing buildings came. The two looked in the Direction of the Sound, and the figure of the huge Yamata no Orochi in the distance was getting closer and closer.
"Target is approaching!"
All Japanese Television Stations were currently broadcasting the Scene of Shibuya, Tokyo. Even TV Tokyo, which usually broadcasts animation, was Live Broadcasting this Scene.
The footage was a bit shaky. Facing the Yamata Giant Snake close at hand, even experienced Photographers couldn't stand steady. Compared to them, Mariko Yashida, wearing a black women's Suit, a white inner shirt, and light makeup, had a serious expression and appeared calm and composed. Her hands were placed in front of a specially made Notebook, ready to press the button at any moment.
Millions of Japanese people were watching in front of their Television sets, looking at the figure of the approaching Yamata no Orochi, all silently offering Prayer.
They prayed that Mariko Yashida, this "Onmyoji," could successfully exorcise the Demon.
Compared to them, Tony Stark had put his Iron Suit back on. The Detection Equipment under his Faceplate had been scanning those circular unknown devices.
Controlling a Space Gate clearly wasn't done by those Arc Reactors; those were for energy supply.
But the difficulty of controlling the Cosmic Cube to open a second Space Gate was clearly something Technology couldn't achieve. Tony Stark was very arrogant; he hadn't researched it, so he didn't believe Tang Song had a Method. Could it be relying on Ivan Vanko? Manufacturing some big, crude Arc Reactors was possible, but researching the Cosmic Cube? It wasn't that he looked down on him, but even if he, Doctor Reed Richards, and Dr. Banner teamed up, it would take at least several hundred years to thoroughly research the Cosmic Cube.
He hadn't even mastered the Method of utilizing the Cosmic Cube, and Ivan Vanko was clearly even less capable.
As for the Method Tang mentioned about controlling the Cosmic Cube learned in Asgard, Tony Stark was Suspicious. He had always suspected that Loki's Scepter had fallen into Tang Song's hands.
Among all known Things, only this Scepter could open the Cosmic Cube's Space Gate.
So, while Tony Stark monitored those circular unknown devices, he also monitored the Energy reaction on Tang Song's Body.
Tang Song naturally noticed Tony Stark's small Action, but he didn't take it to heart. Several Infinity Stones could combine and be utilized together.
This was the Reason Loki could open the Cosmic Cube's Space Gate with the Mind Scepter back then, and it was also the Reason Tang Song hadn't directly taken the Cosmic Cube for himself.
After all, he currently only held the Mind Stone and the Reality Stone. If a certain Thanos obtained the Power Stone and directly opened the Cosmic Cube's Space Gate next to him, that would be a huge mess.
It was better this way. Earth's most elite soldiers and armed forces would guard the Space Gate, and he could directly utilize the power of the Cosmic Cube with the power of the Mind Stone and Reality Stone.
As for Tony Stark's Detection, just as the Yamata no Orochi's swimming figure crashed into two Tall buildings, amidst the roaring sound of collapsing Rebar, Cement, and Soil, the Yamata no Orochi swam faster and faster. Just as it was about to cross the Intersection, under the gaze of the Crowd, as Mariko Yashida struck the Keyboard, blue light beams emerged from the rows of circular devices on the Ground.
Then, these light beams merged together and spread outwards. Finally, a giant blue light door appeared before the Yamata no Orochi. The swimming Yamata no Orochi didn't react at all and directly stuck half of its Body into it.
Then, this Big Guy seemed to sense something delicious on the other side and eagerly drilled its entire Body inside.
"Sir, detection shows that the interior of these circular devices has Gamma Ray fluctuations similar to the Cosmic Cube—"
J.A.R.V.I.S.'s Voice sounded in Tony Stark's ear at the right Time.
After the Yamata no Orochi swam into the light door, the rows of circular devices seemed unable to bear it any longer and exploded with sparks, exploding on the spot one by one.
The blue Space Gate immediately dissipated on the spot.
At this moment, the Soldiers, Reporters on Scene, the entire Japan, and the civilians waiting in front of their Television sets, seeing this Scene, cheered in unison.
In the Federation, at the White House, Anbei, who saw this Scene through Satellite Monitoring, let out a sigh of relief and slumped onto the Sofa.
...
Heimdall, on the Pitch black, muddy Swampland, a giant Crystal Ball descending from the Sky illuminated the entire dark Swampland.
Inside the Swampland, huge Eyeless Fish nourished a group of Two-clawed Pterosaurs. These Two-clawed Pterosaurs, also without eyes, were over ten meters in size. After eating their fill, they could fly hundreds of miles in the Sky.
This Swampland could be said to be their cafeteria. At the same Time, some large crocodile-like Reptiles also lived here.
The light of the Artificial Sun attracted the attention of many Native Creatures of Heimdall. Just as this group of Pterodactyls adapted to the Sunlight emitted by the Artificial Sun and were flying around it, a flash of a huge blue light door suddenly appeared on the Swampland. A giant Snake Head emerged, biting an Eyeless Fish into its mouth.
Then, this black-scaled Snake Head flicked its tongue, and its Snake Head turned towards the Direction of the Artificial Sun. It seemed to have detected the smell of Food.
Just as the Yamata no Orochi's massive Body completely emerged from the Space Gate and sank into the muddy Swampland, hidden Skeleton Claws emerged from the muddy ground, tightly gripping the Yamata no Orochi's Snake Belly and Scales.
Then, the size of these Skeleton Demons rapidly shrank to the size of marbles and entered the Yamata no Orochi's body through its Wound, frantically Devouring its Flesh and Blood.
"Right! That Agent from your Laboratory, hmm..."
"I'll have someone send it to your Villa later!"
With things concluded, the Japanese Government began organizing post-disaster relief. The Armed Forces of S.H.I.E.L.D. who had come to provide Reinforcements and Tony Stark and his group were also leaving.
Tang Song watched Tony Stark, Dr. Banner, and other Superheroes board the Quinjet.
He turned back and glanced at Mariko Yashida, who was surrounded by Reporters.
After nodding at her, he walked towards the Rolls-Royce parked nearby. Storm Shadow, wearing a Suit, opened the Car Door for Tang Song.
"You stay here for now, take a few people, and guard Mariko!" Tang Song instructed Storm Shadow before getting into the extended Car.
"Yes, Boss!" Storm Shadow agreed and carefully closed the Car Door for Tang Song.
Tokyo Airport, Japan
The Prime Minister's Private Jet, which had flown back in a hurry from Washington, had just landed at the Airport.
Prime Minister Abe, escorted by a group of Bodyguards, hurried towards the Car parked nearby, wanting to return to the Prime Minister's official residence as quickly as possible.
"Baka yarō! You cowardly Bastard! While the Yamata no Orochi was rampaging and the people were suffering, you ran off to the Federation! You Bastard who should go commit Seppuku to Amaterasu Ōmikami, go die!"
Anbei heard the angry curses behind him and subconsciously turned his head. A young Man pushed away the obstructing Airport Guards, rushed to a spot not far in front of Anbei, pulled out a shotgun from his ill-fitting Suit, aimed it at Anbei, and pulled the Trigger.
According to official Japanese statistics released afterwards, this snake disaster caused a total of 43,736 deaths, over 2,000 missing persons, tens of thousands displaced, and countless people Bankrupt and losing their homes.
Direct and indirect economic Loss amounted to trillions of Japanese Yen...
While the Prime Minister was assassinated and Japan was in Chaos, the Chairman of Yashida Corporation, the young Mariko Yashida, stepped forward.
Yashida Corporation provided free housing for a large number of Refugees, numerous employment positions, and financial assistance...
For a while, the reputation of Yashida Corporation and Mariko Yashida was unmatched in Japan.
(Thank you to Great Lord Enlil and Great Lord 4013 for the rewards! Thank you to Great Lord Wind Sound for your support. I don't dare to look at the comments much now, I'm afraid of being flamed. I'm a bit introverted and get depressed for a long Time after being scolded!)
(end of chapter)