The Earth is too small.
It simply cannot accommodate two masterminds behind the scenes.
Alexander Pierce was still smugly reveling in the masterpiece of leading Hydra into S.H.I.E.L.D. years ago, as a conspiracy against him was unfolding in the shadows.
New York.
The deep underground cavern of this bustling city.
Black Zetsu hid beneath the city, grinning faintly, and chuckled, "Heh heh heh heh... It's almost time... Let's release Ivan Vanko first!"
A space vortex appeared.
Ivan Vanko, lying like a dead dog, was thrown out.
A group of terrifying White Zetsu, akin to his guards, simultaneously emerged from the space vortex, completing their transformation with sinister grins upon landing.
This group of White Zetsu quickly transformed into a group of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, with one even taking on the appearance of Alexander Pierce, leaving Ivan Vanko a bit uneasy.
These monsters...
Are nothing short of legendary demons!
Forget it, this doesn't matter anymore.
Now Ivan Vanko had become a fugitive, and as long as he could avenge, he didn't care who he was joined with!
"I don't know what you want me to do..."
Ivan Vanko spat a bloody glob onto the ground, expressing dissatisfaction as he spoke: "As long as I can take revenge on the Stark Clan, even if it's with you demons..."
"Now, everything is beyond your control..."
Black Zetsu interrupted Ivan Vanko, extending his hand to grasp Ivan Vanko's face, displaying a sinister smile: "As long as we want to use someone, it doesn't matter if they're alive or dead..."
The face of Black Zetsu appeared terrifyingly grim as it lowered its somewhat hoarse voice and chuckled softly: "Actually, killing you would be fine too, since human emotions are always difficult to control. We only need your soul and corpse to enslave your will..."
"..."
Upon hearing Black Zetsu's words, Ivan Vanko's eyes suddenly narrowed tightly, as in their myths, demons excel at tormenting human souls!
Why did he end up in the hands of these demons!
Why were these demons targeting him, this Avenger?
"Actually, there's no need to kill him, right?"
The main body of White Zetsu stood beside Black Zetsu, chuckling as it spoke: "This way, it avoids wasting my clone as a sacrifice to resurrect him. After all, he's just an ordinary human; we can directly control him..."
"Heh heh heh heh... That's true."
Black Zetsu stood up, glanced at the group of White Zetsu who had transformed into agents and Alexander Pierce, then nodded: "Looking at it now, your clone is far more useful than an ordinary human in this world..."
Compared to other worlds, White Zetsu's function in the Marvel World is unparalleled, with the application of transformation alone disrupting half the world!
The only trouble lay in White Zetsu not being able to reveal their true form, as there were many devices in the world that could detect White Zetsu's clones, which was a troublesome issue.
The main body of White Zetsu created a spore and infiltrated Ivan Vanko's body, grinning sinisterly as it said, "Alright, this way, there's no need to kill him, and you don't have to worry about betrayal..."
"What did you do to me?"
"Heh heh heh heh, that's Spore Jutsu..."
The main body of White Zetsu crouched down slowly, smiling as it spoke: "If you dare to leak our secrets, it will drain all the life within your body; oh, it will turn your body into nourishment..."
"..."
A layer of cold sweat slowly appeared on Ivan Vanko's forehead.
Though he wasn't sure if what these demons said was true, for Ivan Vanko, he currently lacked any strength or room for resistance...
"Don't worry."
Black Zetsu looked down at Ivan Vanko, smiling darkly as he spoke: "As long as you obediently listen, what you can gain will far exceed your imagination..."
"Can you let me... take revenge on the Stark Clan?"
"Just revenge? "
Black Zetsu slowly shook his head, grinning as he continued: "For you, do you desire revenge in the physical sense or the psychological sense?"
"...I..."
Ivan Vanko hesitated.
At that moment, he initially wanted to say he wanted it all!
However, due to the caution towards these demons, he vaguely sensed that this might be a terrifying deal, causing him to hesitate.
"Little Vanko..."
The main body of White Zetsu crouched before him, giggling as it persuaded him: "It's better to obey us for now before you make up your mind... We'll leave everything to you soon."
"You need to find a way to win Justin Hammer's trust."
Black Zetsu looked down at Ivan Vanko, calmly issuing his command: "Let Hammer Industries produce a batch of steel armor in the shortest time possible, heh heh heh heh... His factory has a batch of prototype models that can be utilized."
"You..."
"Don't worry."
In Black Zetsu's eyes, a trace of murderous intent appeared, causing Ivan Vanko to automatically shut his mouth, and only then did Black Zetsu nod with satisfaction, gazing at the group of transformed White Zetsu: "Once Ivan Vanko completes the task, you pose as members of the World Security Council and take that batch of steel armor; I'll give you some secret base addresses of Hydra..."
"Wait a minute..."
White Zetsu interrupted Black Zetsu's words and posed a question: "Can't we just sneak him away?"
"Alexander Pierce must show his face!"
Black Zetsu shook his head, looked at White Zetsu, and continued in a deep voice: "At the very least, Justin Hammer needs to know that World Security Council Minister Alexander Pierce is supporting him and Ivan Vanko in counterfeiting Stark's Iron Man suits!"
After Black Zetsu conveyed all the orders to Ivan Vanko and the White Zetsus, White Zetsu's main body instantly transformed into a mass of white liquid, clinging to Ivan Vanko like a tight suit, using its power to support Ivan Vanko to stand up.
They were ready to carry out their mission.
Tonight would be the starting point of their manipulation of the world.
Hammer Industries.
Hammer Industries Group is a weapons dealer whose boss, Justin Hammer, lacks Tony Stark's scientific talent and can only monopolize the low-end weapons market through productivity.
Justin Hammer considers Tony Stark his nemesis because Tony Stark holds him in disdain as a low-end weapons merchant, often speaking scornfully of Hammer Industries in various public or private occasions.
This feud is inevitable, isn't it?
Especially since their families have been feuding for generations.
Justin Hammer actually has little scientific talent, yet desperately desires to capture the high-end weapon market once held by Tony Stark. Recently, he has set his sights on Tony Stark's Iron Man suit technology.
Unfortunately, Hammer Industries lacks outstanding engineers and cannot solve the energy issue of Iron Man suits. Initially, Justin Hammer discovered Ivan Vanko in Monaco, but when he planned to rescue Ivan Vanko, someone intercepted his plan ahead of him.
Justin Hammer felt a bit disappointed.
Just as Justin Hammer was lamenting that he might remain in the low-end weapons market for life, several S.H.I.E.L.D. agents walked in.
These S.H.I.E.L.D. agents quickly controlled Justin Hammer and his bodyguards using the Secret Technique, with the leading agent gazing arrogantly at the shocked Justin Hammer.
"Justin Hammer, Alexander Pierce, from the World Security Council, wants to see you. This meeting must remain entirely confidential..."
"Yes, yes, yes..."
Justin Hammer nodded quickly.
Over the years, Justin Hammer has had dealings with the U.S. military and has met Alexander Pierce through a few senators...
This is a real heavyweight!
Although he didn't know why Alexander Pierce wanted to see him, arguing or resisting at this moment was clearly unwise. Justin Hammer was quite timid!
More importantly...
Justin Hammer sensed that his opportunity was coming!
Indeed.
Justin Hammer's intuition was correct.
A group of people dressed as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and a man who appeared to be in a high position walked into Hans Industry, even bringing Ivan Vanko along!
"Control this place."
The man resembling Alexander Pierce scanned Hammer Industries and softly commanded, "During this period, no one is allowed to leak any secrets!"
"Yes!"
The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents quickly dispersed, directly controlling everyone who saw them appear!
Justin Hammer quickly approached, cautiously inquiring, "Minister Pierce, what's going on? You are..."
"Don't worry."
Alexander Pierce shook his head, signaling his subordinates to bring out Ivan Vanko, and spoke softly, "This is Ivan Vanko from Russia. Do you need me to introduce him to you, Mr. Hammer?"
"No, no need..."
A glimmer of hope flashed in Justin Hammer's mind.
As someone who had once seen Ivan Vanko fighting Tony Stark in a makeshift Iron Man suit in Monaco, he knew very well what Ivan Vanko's appearance meant!
This member of the World Security Council brought Ivan Vanko, who can manufacture Iron Man suits, to his enterprise. Does this mean his company still has the chance to touch the technology of the Iron Man suit?
"Mr. Ivan Vanko will stay in your company during this period to assist in the development of Hammer Industries' own Iron Man suit. He has mature technology..."
Alexander Pierce looked at the joyful Justin Hammer, and his eyes subtly carried a warning: "While Hammer Industries completes the Iron Man suit, this matter cannot be known to anyone, including your military friends, to avoid this secret inadvertently reaching Stark Industries..."
"I understand! I understand!"
Before Alexander Pierce finished speaking, Justin Hammer's face couldn't hide his happiness, nodding hurriedly: "Once our Iron Man suit is completed, Tony Stark will receive a huge surprise!"
What is this called?
Unexpected scientific technology and wealth!
Originally, Justin Hammer was lamenting his fate, regretting having no chance to stand up to Tony Stark, but now someone has presented this opportunity right in front of him!
"Remember, this is confidential."
Alexander Pierce coldly assessed Justin Hammer and continued in a low voice: "During the development of the Iron Man suit, all related personnel must be under control, including Mr. Justin Hammer..."
Alexander Pierce beckoned to the nodding Justin Hammer, signaling him to move closer, and whispered: "Whether it's the military or the World Security Council, they all hope Hammer Industries can replace that somewhat unruly Iron Man..."
"Mission guaranteed to be accomplished!"
Unable to wait to hear anything else, Justin Hammer's chest immediately puffed up, delivering a standard military salute to Alexander Pierce.