Initial Cooperation

Although Tony had some connections with the military, his arrogance and disdain for others in the past had strained these relationships.

Being the chairman of Stark Industries had previously shielded him from any difficulties, as the military leaders wouldn't dare trouble him.

But now, no one cared about him.

After contacting several generals he knew, Tony was met with the same response: "Wait!"

And so, the six of them stood in silence in an empty hallway.

They hadn't expected the U.S. military to be so indifferent.

On further thought, though, it seemed understandable. After all, Japan was still a sovereign nation, and they were just a handful of people with no real authority. They couldn't simply issue orders to an entire country.

At that moment, Tony clearly realized, perhaps for the first time, just how crucial power was.

"Maybe we can reach out to someone," Natasha suggested, turning her gaze towards Tony.

"Obadiah surely knows some generals..."

Before she could finish, Tony shook his head firmly.

"Absolutely not! I won't ask him for help!"

The last time Tony had attended Obadiah's party was merely to give him a warning and ensure Stark Industries didn't fall into Umbrella's hands. That didn't mean Tony had forgotten or forgiven Obadiah's attempt on his life.

Seeing Tony's resolute expression, Natasha said no more. She knew his personality well—once he made up his mind, no one could change it.

"Director Fury, I request permission to go after Shingen Yashida."

Nick Fury wasn't the type to hesitate. He nodded immediately.

"This mission comes with no support. If you fail or are killed, we won't be able to avenge you. Good luck."

"Who says she'll be without support? I'm going with her."

A man wearing a short-sleeved combat outfit approached from the distance. He carried a bow and arrows on his back, his expression cold, though there was a hint of warmth when he looked at Natasha.

It was Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye.

Natasha had once been a Black Widow agent from the Red Room, one of the program's enhanced operatives, but was later recruited by Barton to join S.H.I.E.L.D. Their bond had always been strong.

"I'm in too."

"Count me in as well," Tony and Jean added one after the other.

As for Charles, knowing his condition as a paraplegic, he wisely kept silent, understanding that he wouldn't be of much help in the field.

Nick Fury glanced at the four volunteers and nodded in satisfaction.

"Good. This mission will be code-named Operation Clear Sky. The ultimate goal is to capture Shingen Yashida, find the cure for the zombie virus, and save millions of lives."

The four of them nodded with determination.

............

Tokyo~

At the top floor of the Yashida Corporation tower, an elderly man named Ichirō Yashida gazed into a mirror, staring at his white hair and deeply wrinkled face, filled with the terror of approaching death.

He had survived World War II and was now over ninety years old. Modern medicine and machinery had kept him alive, but each day, he felt his vitality slipping away. His body weakened more with every passing moment, and the fear gnawed at him.

A few months ago, he had learned from Masanobu Tanigawa that Umbrella Corporation had methods to extend life. Since then, Yashida had begun reaching out to them, probing for information.

Eventually, he learned about Umbrella's latest T-3 enhancement serum, which could restore a person's physical capabilities to their peak—essentially rejuvenating them and extending their lifespan.

But the T-3 serum was an internal product of Umbrella, strictly not for sale. It was tightly controlled, and not even the branch offices had access to it.

Moreover, Umbrella didn't accept outside funding and wasn't publicly traded, making it impossible for Yashida to approach them directly.

Thus, he chose to work through Masanobu Tanigawa, establishing frequent contact and providing funds and resources to help Tanigawa bribe Umbrella's Tokyo branch executives. If bribery failed, they resorted to assassination—anything to fully control the Tokyo branch.

Naturally, Yashida Corporation, being primarily a medical and mechanical company, wasn't skilled in assassinations. That's where The Hand came in.

With the help of The Hand, Yashida Corporation had gradually taken control of Umbrella's Tokyo branch. All that remained was for Masanobu Tanigawa to request the T-3 serum from Umbrella's main headquarters.

If they refused, getting their hands on the T-2 serum and researching a way to develop the T-3 would suffice.

Though Yashida's time was running out, he believed he could afford to wait a few more years.

"Knock, knock..."

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in."

The door opened, revealing a man and a woman.

"Father."

"Grandfather."

They were Shingen Yashida and Mariko Yashida.

"What is it?"

Ichirō's expression remained cold as he addressed his son and granddaughter. To him, nothing was more important than his own life.

"Father, the Japanese government just confronted me, demanding that we hand over the zombie virus cure."

"Ignore them. We don't have any cure, and this zombie virus has nothing to do with us!"

"Understood, Father."

"Grandfather, we've also lost contact with Masanobu Tanigawa recently."

"What?! You can't reach Masanobu? Have you checked with Umbrella?"

Yashida was more concerned with Tanigawa's whereabouts than the Japanese government's inquiries.

"I sent people to Umbrella, but it seems their security personnel have changed, and our people weren't allowed in."

Upon hearing this, Ichirō Yashida immediately sensed a conspiracy. The outbreak of the zombie virus, Tanigawa's disappearance, and Umbrella's sudden shift—it all felt like an invisible hand was orchestrating events behind the scenes.

Yet despite his suspicions, the lure of immortality was too strong, "Go there personally and investigate. Find Masanobu Tanigawa and ensure everything at Umbrella is running smoothly."

"Yes."

After watching his son and granddaughter leave, Ichirō was just about to contemplate the possible hidden forces at play when the sound of explosions echoed from outside.

His brow furrowed in displeasure.

"What's going on out there?"

He wheeled himself out of his office, only to see his son and granddaughter running back in a panic.

"Father, it's bad! The Iron Man has arrived with his team!"

"Grandfather, we need to escape!"

A massive hole had been blasted into the top floor of the building, and Iron Man, in his red and gold armor, flew through, followed closely by Jean, Black Widow, and Hawkeye.

Yashida Corporation had security, of course, but the guards armed with mere handguns stood no chance against these four super-powered heroes. They were quickly overwhelmed.

Ichirō Yashida, now visibly shaken, ordered, "Quick, to my office!"

Tony and the others spotted their target and immediately closed in.

"Yashida, we're here on behalf of the Security Council to arrest you!"

"Shingen Yashida, you can't run!"

"Hand over the cure for the zombie virus!"

_________________________

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