"Stark Industries' chairman being kidnapped under heavy military protection is not only a severe blow to the military's image…"
"It is also a disastrous piece of news for Stark Industries, a corporation comparable to a major financial empire. The company now faces the risk of large-scale leaks of sensitive technology. As you can see, after this news broke, Stark Industries' stock price has fluctuated violently."
"And here, let's take a look at Tony's many achievements."
"From this, we can clearly see how crucial Tony's military technologies are to Stark Industries. If these technologies fall into the hands of terrorists, the consequences would be catastrophic."
The news anchor continued passionately, almost like a king delivering a speech.
But Sora Yukihara had already walked out without looking back.
He had just been thinking about how to take advantage of Tony Stark—yet in the blink of an eye, Tony had been kidnapped.
Who else could he target now?
Without hesitation, Sora Yukihara pulled out Coulson's business card.
He dialed the number.
Coulson picked up immediately. "Mr. Qin, I didn't expect you'd need our help so soon."
"I need a plane," Sora Yukihara said bluntly. "One that can get me to Afghanistan."
Coulson asked cautiously, "What are you going there for?"
"To save Tony."
"…I see."
Coulson was momentarily stunned by Sora Yukihara's "noble" intention and immediately began making arrangements.
Sora Yukihara, a good person?
Willing to risk his life to venture into danger just to rescue Tony?
Impossible.
Without sufficient benefits, someone as calculating as Sora Yukihara would never act so proactively.
He had been struggling to find a way to take advantage of Tony Stark. But he soon realized that for someone who lacked nothing—money, women, excitement—there was little he could offer.
Until the news of Tony's kidnapping.
That spark of inspiration changed everything.
When was Tony at his weakest?
When he was kidnapped—when he was completely desperate.
At that moment, no matter how outrageous Sora Yukihara's demands were, as long as they meant freedom, Tony would likely agree.
Such a vulnerable Tony…
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
A remote valley in Afghanistan.
This place had been transformed into a military base by a terrorist organization known as the Ten Rings.
Weapons and firearms were everywhere. Inside the caves were treasures from across the world—gold, jewels, and ancient artifacts. It was a cradle of crime.
Deep within the mountain, in the most hidden cave—
Tony, who had just undergone surgery, stared in shock at everything around him.
He touched the metal device embedded in his chest, followed the wires to a car battery, and finally looked at Yinsen, who had also been kidnapped.
"I saved your life. Not even a thank you?"
Yinsen, as if he had already accepted his fate, seemed surprisingly calm—even joking.
"…Thank you."
Tony muttered stiffly, his eyes still unfocused.
"Face reality, Tony."
Yinsen said gently, "Right now, we have no choice but to obey them and work for them—unless you want to die."
Clutching his head, Tony said in pain, "No. I will never build that weapon for them. If they get it, more innocent people will die."
"Good. At least you still have a conscience."
The door opened without warning.
Sora Yukihara appeared at the entrance.
Two terrorists lay unconscious on either side.
Tony and Yinsen both stood up instantly.
But they were intelligent men. No shouting, no panic—just wary observation.
Yinsen reacted first, raising his hands in surrender.
"No need to be nervous, Yinsen."
Sora Yukihara smiled. "As long as our deal goes smoothly, I guarantee you'll return home safely."
"A deal?"
Yinsen was stunned.
Tony narrowed his eyes. "You came all the way here… just to make a deal with me?"
Sora Yukihara nodded with a smile.
Tony sneered. "Do you think I'm an idiot? Judging by your demeanor, you're definitely not from any government agency. More than ninety percent chance you're acting alone. And yet I don't even know you. Yinsen, don't you find that strange?"
Yinsen nodded repeatedly.
"What's strange about it?"
Sora Yukihara replied lazily. "First, the mission to rescue you is currently at the top of the mercenary world's priority list. The one who posted it is someone who cares deeply about you—Pepper Potts."
Tony said flatly, "You're not a mercenary. If you were, you wouldn't waste time talking."
"Smart."
Sora Yukihara admitted it without hesitation.
Tony continued analyzing, "You're either a mutant or some kind of enhanced human. Otherwise, there's no way you could get here unarmed."
"Feel free to keep wasting time."
Sora Yukihara took out his phone and showed him the time. "It's been nearly an hour since I arrived. Communication between inside and outside the cave is frequent, and shifts change every hour. You have about nine minutes left to waste."
He smiled coldly. "If we get discovered, I can leave. But I won't be dragging you two liabilities along with me."
"…You win."
Tony's intelligence and pride meant nothing in this situation.
"I didn't spend three days tracking you down just to chat."
Sora Yukihara finally got to the point. "Playboy, I want shares in Stark Industries… and a promise from you."
Tony clenched his teeth. He knew exactly what this was—extortion.
But he had no choice.
"…Fine. How many shares do you want?"