Iron Man was undoubtedly powerful.
But not yet. If he wanted to truly become formidable, he still had a long road of research and development ahead of him.
This wasn't the right time. Tony Stark hadn't created the advanced versions of the Iron Man suit yet—right now, he was still tinkering with the first or second generation models. The enemy lurked in the shadows, while they stood exposed. In situations like this, it wasn't unusual to fall into a trap.
"I'll be there soon," Zenkichi said, then vanished after relaying the message to Tony Stark. Tony Stark was a key figure in the Marvel universe—he couldn't be allowed to fall here.
But more than duty, Zenkichi was curious… What would the future genius billionaire look like now? Seeing the once-mighty master in such a miserable state would surely be an entertaining sight.
As for Whiplash and Obadiah Stane? Zenkichi barely considered them a threat. Their strength was laughable. He could crush both of them with a single hand. Their power was a joke.
Using Tony's signal, Zenkichi quickly tracked him down. The armor Stark wore was in pieces—it had been completely torn apart. He was clearly in no shape to defend himself.
"Your condition's not looking great," Zenkichi remarked casually, glancing down at him.
"That's why I need you to save me," Tony replied with a strained grin.
"Where are those guys?" Zenkichi asked, referring to Whiplash, Obadiah, and possibly some Hydra agents lurking around.
"I don't know. They escaped, but I doubt they'll stay hidden for long. They probably know where I am already," Tony admitted, a furrow of concern forming between his brows.
Even he couldn't fully understand it—why did it seem like these people always knew his exact location? It didn't make sense.
Zenkichi didn't need him to explain. He could already guess. He studied Tony for a moment, eyes narrowing slightly.
"You've probably been tagged," Zenkichi said. "There's likely a tracking device on you."
"What? I have a tracker on me?" Tony blinked in disbelief. He had suspected something, but hearing it confirmed out loud still left him stunned. He couldn't fathom it. He hadn't had any direct contact with Hydra operatives… So how?
"I feel like now isn't the right time to talk about that," Zenkichi interrupted, his gaze shifting beyond the immediate area.
There—figures were rapidly approaching.
Tony followed his line of sight and immediately tensed. He recognized them. The same people who had nearly killed him.
Zenkichi's expression darkened slightly. If not for these guys, Stark wouldn't be in this situation. His eyes gleamed as he locked onto the oncoming figures, a flicker of disdain crossing his face.
Tony's breath hitched. His injuries throbbed as he remembered the pain they'd inflicted. There was no mistaking it—these were the same attackers.
"Retreat."
The moment they caught sight of Zenkichi, many of them turned and ran. They knew who he was. They knew they couldn't afford to fight him. If he locked onto a target, it meant certain death.
Still, not all of them fled. Greed rooted some to the ground. Tony Stark—wounded, vulnerable, within arm's reach.
The temptation was too great. They gambled on a miracle, hoping to snatch him from Zenkichi's grasp and earn fame, wealth… and whatever twisted glory they imagined.
Zenkichi chuckled softly, his smile tainted with mockery. He welcomed their stupidity.
Let them come.
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Throw in some power stones.
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