"As sharp as Tony is, he can't detect anything wrong with Yinsen right now. It's probably because you've been too idle and let him see through the cracks," Zod commented dryly.
The main job of these animalized soldiers had been to keep Tony Stark under strict watch, presenting themselves as stereotypical terrorists with a lack of finesse that made things obvious. Their lazy attitude toward handling weapons—often even loading empty magazines—was bound to eventually draw suspicion. But the second iteration of Yinsen had relied on a new language, thinking Tony couldn't possibly learn it fast enough. However, he underestimated Tony's keen mind and determination to decode every interaction, piecing together the truth even from minimal words.
Zod sighed. "Let him go if he's already figured it out. It's not a loss."
Relieved, the animalized soldiers heard Zod's next command with growing dread.
"However, your incompetence doesn't go unpunished. You're all headed to Africa to find Antarctic bears. Don't come back if you can't find them!"
Zod disconnected, and the soldiers stood around, dumbfounded. "Is the Boss really mad?" one muttered.
Another soldier cursed, "Do you have any brains left after fusing with insects? He's absolutely furious!"
The absurd task left them confused. Should they go to the North Pole first, capture a polar bear, then roam around Antarctica before somehow heading to Africa? Despite the absurdity, they couldn't disobey the mental leash Zod held over them.
In truth, Zod wasn't angry. The punishment was an excuse to send them into Wakanda, hoping to draw out the Black Panther. It was time for Wakanda to end its isolation, and these expendable animalized soldiers would do just fine. The World Snake organization was evolving, and outdated soldiers were easily discarded as Zod's hierarchical structure solidified. He stood at the top, followed by the Black and White Queens, then the three generals, seven warriors, sixteen lieutenants, and so on down the ranks.
Meanwhile, Tony Stark had made his escape, navigating Afghanistan's rough terrain with his makeshift suit and eventually reaching a U.S. military base. The base commander was stunned to see him—after all, Stark had been missing for over a year and declared dead.
"Get Colonel Rhodes," Tony managed before he collapsed.
When he awoke in a hospital, he found himself surrounded by familiar faces. James "Rhodey" Rhodes, his childhood friend and a high-ranking Air Force officer, sat at his side, eyes filled with relief and worry.
"Tony! You've been missing over a year. Where have you been?" Rhodey's voice carried both relief and concern.
Tony shook his head, overwhelmed by the time lost. After speaking with Rhodey and learning how Obadiah had filled the leadership void at Stark Industries, he felt a faint gratitude. To him, Obadiah was still the family figure who'd kept things afloat.
But when Obadiah heard Tony was alive and recovering, his initial shock quickly turned to calculation. He ordered his secretary to prepare a visit, intent on seeing Tony before he regained full control.
"Tony!" Obadiah entered, feigning joy. But the practiced expression faltered as he saw Stark's appearance. Muscled and fit, Tony's frame looked nothing like a man who'd endured prolonged captivity.
Zod had ensured Tony endured a disciplined daily routine of steel forging, exercise, and a diet rich in plant-based nutrition. Coffee and alcohol had been strictly replaced with juice, which had visibly improved Tony's health. Zod's strategy was one of total control, stripping Tony of his usual indulgences while pushing him to his physical limits. As a result, Stark was now alert, fit, and physically transformed.
"Obadiah!" Tony leaped from the bed with surprising agility, startling Rhodey. A year of dodging animalized soldiers for food had honed his reflexes to the point where Tony could clear any obstacle in his path.
Obadiah, seated in a wheelchair, had no choice but to accept Tony's eager handshake. "It's good to see you back, Tony," he said, feigning warmth as he patted Tony's muscular shoulder, wincing at the force.
Quick to explain, Obadiah began, "With the world assuming you were dead, I took steps to keep Stark Industries afloat. I just wanted to—"
"It's fine, Obie," Tony said with a casual wave. "The company doesn't matter as much right now. Besides, I've got some big plans to work on. Oh, and could someone get me a cheeseburger? Happy should be around here somewhere."
Obadiah's face tightened as he replied awkwardly, "Actually, Happy resigned after you'd been missing for so long."
Tony paused, unbothered by the change, but curious. "What about Pepper?"