Chapter 24 24: Set Up
"So you just… killed Obadiah like that?"
After listening to Frank's account, Qin Xiao finally understood what had happened.
"That's right. Leaving him alive would only cause more trouble. It was cleaner to just kill him."
Frank showed no hesitation or guilt when it came to killing.
"Then what happened afterward? Why did you say you were set up?"
At this, Frank's expression darkened with anger.
"The truth is, I only realized later—those people weren't the only ones involved. There were more hiding in the shadows, waiting to benefit.
Killing was the easy part. What came after—that's where things got messy.
Too many people died, so of course there'd be an investigation. I couldn't stick around, so after informing Tony, I left.
With Obadiah gone and everything that happened, Tony would definitely be under heavier protection for a while. His safety shouldn't be an issue.
But that same night, Tony called me.
I was wanted.
Being wanted wasn't surprising. Killing people and not being hunted would be strange.
But what was strange… was who issued the warrant.
It was another faction within the military.
Qin—do you know how many factions there are in the military?"
Frank asked the question pointedly.
He already knew how fractured things were—he'd seen it during his service, and learned even more from the captured officers.
He just wanted Qin Xiao to understand how dangerous this situation really was.
Qin Xiao's expression turned serious.
The military factions in the Marvel world were a tangled mess.
"Stark Industries represents the modern weapons faction—probably the most widespread one.
Then there's the Super Soldier Program faction, led by General Ross.
And the mutant research faction—Stryker's people.
Beyond that, there are countless smaller groups.
It's far more chaotic than most people realize."
Qin Xiao listed them casually.
Hearing this, Frank let out a small breath of relief.
"Exactly. There are too many power blocs.
I was worried you didn't know—looks like I underestimated you.
This time, because of my Devil Fruit ability, they've classified me as a mutant.
Stryker's faction has always wanted an excuse to target mutants.
Now they've got one delivered right to their doorstep.
They're the main force behind the warrant.
But here's the real issue—
In the past two days, barely anyone has actually been chasing me.
Instead, there's been a massive crackdown on mutants.
It's escalating into a conflict between humans and mutants.
And mutants aren't just sitting around waiting to be slaughtered.
They're resisting—and at the same time, trying to capture me.
They think if they hand me over, it might calm things down.
…Naive, as always.
Both the military and the mutants are making moves.
Meanwhile, the people behind Obadiah?
They've gone completely quiet.
That's why I said—I've been set up."
Qin Xiao frowned slightly.
This had become far more complicated than he expected.
Originally, he thought Obadiah's death wouldn't cause much of a ripple.
After all, when Tony killed Obadiah in the original timeline, S.H.I.E.L.D. even helped clean it up.
But now, things had blown up far beyond control.
There was no easy way to settle this anymore.
Frank was now a wanted man.
Stryker's anti-mutant faction had taken action.
At the same time, mutants who still hoped for coexistence were also moving.
Qin Xiao narrowed his eyes.
Those mutants—
very likely included Professor Charles and his group.
So soon… and already facing the mutants?
Maybe this was the perfect opportunity to test everyone's strength.
"Good. This is the perfect moment to make the name of Devil Fruit users known.
If they want a fight, then don't hold back.
Also, your contract is officially over.
Go handle your own business.
You've built a connection with Tony—don't hesitate to make use of his resources."
Qin Xiao made his decision.
The contract—terminated.
Frank was free again.
Frank's expression turned serious.
"Understood. If you need me again, just call."
Despite being wanted, he showed no concern.
If anything, he felt grateful.
He knew exactly how much he had gained.
Besides, he'd always lived as a hunted man—
this was nothing new, just on a larger scale.
The Swamp-Swamp Fruit had elevated him far beyond his previous limits.
And the weapons he acquired during the rescue mission ensured overwhelming firepower.
Now—
he had only one goal.
Find the people who murdered his family.
And kill them.
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