Meanwhile-
In the northwestern port of Florida, Killian's true stronghold, the entire harbor was under their control.
The Iron Patriot flew onto a large ship in the harbor, bringing the President before Killian.
Seeing the approaching Iron Patriot, Killian smiled and said, "Good evening, sir."
In the next second, the Iron Patriot suit automatically opened, revealing the President inside. The sudden opening caused the President to stumble and fall to his knees before Killian.
Seeing his target successfully captured, Killian smiled and said, "Welcome aboard, Mr. President."
A bound Rhodey, seeing the President captured, showed a look of surprise. He hadn't expected them to actually kidnap the President.
"Look at the stage I've prepared for you. What do you think?"
Killian led the President to the observation deck and said:
"Do you know about the elephant graveyard?"
"Two years ago, this ship was that elephant."
The President looked at the ship in front of him and said, "This is a Roxxon Norco company ship."
Killian replied, "Of course, you must remember this ship."
"It leaked a million gallons of crude oil into Pensacola Bay. Thanks to you, none of the company's executives faced any consequences."
Hearing this, the President asked, "What do you want from me?"
Obviously, the President believed the other party must have some political or other demands.
However, Killian shook his head and said, "I want nothing, sir."
"I just need a reason to kill you, a reason that can be broadcasted on television."
"As for Rhodey, as a watchdog protecting evildoers, he needs no reason to be burned as kindling. It's easy to handle."
"And I've already looked ahead. I've found a new political backer."
"By this time tomorrow, he'll be taking your place."
Having said this, Killian no longer wasted words on the President and instructed his men, "Tie him up."
Hearing Killian's words, the President's face turned ashen, knowing that without a miracle, today might be his last day.
Rhodey, bound nearby, tried to offer comfort, "Mr. President, don't give up."
"Until the last moment, there's still hope."
Hearing Rhodey's words, the President felt a glimmer of hope. After all, they still had Iron Man, the Avengers, and the ninja superheroes; it might not be a hopeless situation.
A nearby guard, annoyed by Rhodey's words, delivered a knee strike to silence him.
Soon, the President was placed inside the Iron Patriot suit and hoisted up with steel cables. Below, a massive Christmas tree structure made of wood surrounded an oil tank, with Rhodey bound to one of the wooden beams.
From a distance, it looked like a giant Christmas tree, with the President as the star at the top.
…
Meanwhile-
Jiraiya, Kankuro, and Tony Stark had quietly arrived at the harbor.
Jiraiya looked at Tony, who only had a handgun, and asked, "Buddy, is your suit not here yet?"
"Should I handle this instead?"
Tony loaded his gun and calmly replied, "The suit is on its way. It will be here soon."
Kankuro took out a ninja sword and handed it to Tony. "Mr. Stark, you can use this for now."
"Unfortunately, I don't have a portable puppet for combat; otherwise, I could lend it to you."
Tony, taking the sword and skillfully twirling it, said, "Nice weapon. Maybe I should learn some combat and sword techniques from the ninjas."
Jiraiya quietly said, "I know a pair of master and disciple who are good at taijutsu. I can introduce you."
He was referring to Might Guy and Rock Lee. As for sword techniques, there were many ninjas who could teach Tony.
Tony nodded and whispered, "Once this is over, I'll pay them a visit."
Kankuro didn't interject, knowing that although some Sand ninjas knew taijutsu, they were not specialized in it. With one of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya, handling introductions, he had no need to recommend anyone.
Tony looked at the harbor ahead and said, "Let's go and take them down."
The three quietly infiltrated the harbor, hiding behind a shipping container.
Kankuro used his puppets to silently scout the area, spotting the President suspended over an oil tank.
"Oh my god!"
"They're planning to burn him, Mr. Stark."
To Kankuro, the President was like the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, and the thought of him being burned alive was shocking.
Tony said, "That's a Viking style funeral, a public execution."
Kankuro, puzzled, asked, "Burned to death with oil?"
Tony nodded and then asked, "Did you see Rhodey, a colonel and my friend?"
Kankuro responded, "Is he a black guy?"
"I saw a black guy tied to a piece of wood wrapped around the oil tank."
"It looks like they plan to use him as firewood."
"Kankuro, I'll need you to help rescue both Rhodey and the President. Jiraiya, you handle the patrolling guards."
"Got it."
At that moment, the harbor's loudspeakers announced, "The live broadcast is about to begin. Everyone, take your positions."
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