"Huh? Frank's been put on a wanted list?"
Qin Xiao almost thought he misheard.
He had spent several weeks in Kamar-Taj.
During that time, Frank hadn't contacted him once.
He assumed everything at Stark Industries was proceeding normally.
If he hadn't just mastered the Mirror Dimension and portals—
he would've stayed longer to continue training.
Qin Xiao had always followed a careful plan.
When he first arrived in this world, he was just an ordinary man.
Back then, he moved cautiously.
It took him a long time—and some luck—to finally give out his first Devil Fruit.
He navigated New York as a normal person, nearly getting into trouble multiple times.
It wasn't until he met an injured, revenge-driven Frank—
that he convinced him to eat the Swamp-Swamp Fruit.
Only then did Qin Xiao gain a basic level of self-protection.
After that, he began connecting with Kingpin and laying groundwork around Stark Industries.
He even made an early appearance in front of Tony.
Everything—
was part of his plan.
In fact, he had prepared even more contingencies, waiting for the right moment.
And only after obtaining the power of three Devil Fruits—
did he finally head to Kamar-Taj.
In his plan, learning portals and the Mirror Dimension came first.
Everything else—
even deals worth tens or hundreds of billions—
came second.
That was why he hadn't contacted anyone during this time.
As for Frank—
his only task had been to protect Tony.
Even if Obadiah was destined to die,
Tony wasn't stupid.
And Frank would've found the right opportunity to act.
But now—
Frank was wanted?
Things had clearly gone off track.
Daniel noticed Qin Xiao's confusion.
"Stark Industries has been in chaos lately.
Shutting down the weapons division.
Stock prices crashing.
Media backlash everywhere.
Those are minor issues.
But two days ago—
something major happened.
Obadiah, one of Stark Industries' founding members—
was assassinated by Tony's bodyguard.
Now the entire city is hunting the killer."
Daniel picked up a newspaper and handed it over.
Qin Xiao took it, frowning.
The front page headline—
was exactly about Obadiah's assassination.
And the killer—
was Frank.
Worse—
the report emphasized that several Stark board members had also been killed.
Even military personnel present at the scene hadn't survived.
Which meant—
Frank had struck during a gathering.
Killing multiple targets at once.
At the bottom, one line stood out:
"Suspected Mutant."
Qin Xiao's eyes narrowed.
That meant Frank had used his powers.
"But why were so many people there?
What exactly happened?"
Questions flooded his mind.
More importantly—
if Frank had acted, why hadn't he informed him?
This had happened two days ago.
Unless…
there was more to the story.
"Looks like you have something to deal with," the Ancient One said calmly.
"I do."
"Remember—
the Mirror Dimension is useful for observation.
And portals can take you anywhere."
Her words were a reminder.
Investigate first.
Act later.
"I understand."
Qin Xiao sighed slightly.
So much for quietly developing in Kamar-Taj.
But perhaps—
it was time to see what was really happening in New York.
He said a brief farewell to both the Ancient One and Daniel—
then left.
Inside his car, Qin Xiao immediately called Frank.
"Qin? You're back in New York?"
Frank answered quickly.
His voice was calm.
That alone reassured Qin Xiao slightly.
"I just saw the news.
What the hell happened?
According to the plan, even if you made a move, it should've been justified.
You were supposed to act as Tony's protector.
So why are you being labeled an assassin?
And how did the military and Stark's board get involved?"
Question after question came out rapidly.
He needed answers.
Frank was silent for a moment.
Then—
"Qin… I got set up."
His voice carried a trace of suppressed fury.
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