Chapter 702: Medals

As Killian's flames burned through the water stream, they reached the eye of the water tornado, causing it to lose its momentum and collapse into water.

Killian, using the mist to conceal himself, steadied his stance. His clothes were completely burned away, and his body glowed orange, healing the wounds caused by the water tornado.

Both Jiraiya and Killian couldn't see each other through the thick mist. Jiraiya quickly formed hand seals, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

"Poof!"

As the smoke cleared, Jiraiya's shadow clones appeared beside him. The three Jiraiyas exchanged glances and then simultaneously performed different hand seals:

"Wind Style: Vacuum Wave!"

"Water Style: Water Shockwave!"

"Lightning Style: Earth Flash!"

Jiraiya's main body used the Wind Style: Vacuum Wave to blow away the mist, revealing Killian's position.

One shadow clone then summoned a river-like water wave that surged towards Killian, while the other infused the water with lightning, creating an electrified torrent.

Given the proximity to the ocean and the moisture in the air, the water jutsu was significantly enhanced.

Killian, unable to escape the attack range, had to counter with his flames. However, the overwhelming water wave quickly engulfed him, and the lightning within the water nullified his flames.

As the water receded, Killian lay slumped against a container, with occasional electric arcs dancing over his body.

His body showed signs of cracking, with orange light flowing through the cracks like magma, healing his wounds despite the gruesome appearance.

Jiraiya marveled, "This regenerative capability is truly formidable."

"Since that's the case, I'll send you off with a more dignified end. After all, you did bring the Extremis virus to the world."

"Fire Style: Great Flame Rasengan!"

Jiraiya executed his ultimate jutsu, a combination technique of immense power. He first unleashed the Fire Style: Flame Bullet, creating a raging fire. Then, he leapt back, forming a massive Rasengan larger than a human head in his right hand, and thrust it forward.

"Boom!"

The Rasengan exploded, releasing a terrifying rotational shockwave combined with the fire's destructive force.

When the attack ended, everything in front of Jiraiya, including Killian, containers, and equipment, was obliterated, leaving a clear path to the sea.

Jiraiya retracted his hand, panting heavily. The combination jutsu had consumed a significant amount of chakra, but the result was highly satisfactory.

At this time, Tony flew over in the armor. All the Extremis virus soldiers in the port had been wiped out with the help of the Mark series armor though the armor suffered a lot of damage. Only 9 of the more than 40 sets of armor were left.

Tony landed next to Jiraiya and asked, "Is he dead?"

Jiraiya nodded, "Dead, not a trace left."

Tony surveyed the scene and sighed, "It's finally over."

Jiraiya nodded in agreement, "Yes, it's over."

Tony then contacted Kankuro. "Kankuro, the fight is over. Give the armor to Rhodey and let him escort the President back."

Kankuro glanced at the two men beside him and responded, "Understood. Where should we head next?"

Tony replied, "Head to Charles's place. I need to pick up Pepper Potts."

After ending the call, Kankuro turned to Rhodey. "The enemies have been eliminated. You can put on the armor and take the President away now."

Rhodey looked at Kankuro and said, "Thanks for your help."

The President, visibly moved, shook Kankuro's hand and exclaimed, "Thank you for the rescue! I'll make sure the government awards you a hero's medal to honor your deeds. You must attend the ceremony."

Kankuro was somewhat interested in the medal, seeing it as a recognition similar to receiving an award from the Wind Country's Daimyo. He nodded, "Alright, I'll be there."

Rhodey then donned the armor and left with the President, while Kankuro made his way to join Tony and Jiraiya.

Once Kankuro arrived, Tony suited them all up in armor, and they flew to Charles's base. During the flight, Tony informed Charles of their victory and their imminent arrival.

Soon, Tony, Jiraiya, Kankuro, and the remaining Iron Man suits landed on the lawn at Charles's base. Tony stepped out of his armor first and, seeing Pepper Potts standing nearby, rushed over to embrace her.

"Pepper, I'm sorry for making you worry," Tony said.

Pepper, choking back tears, hugged him tightly. "I'm just glad you're safe."

Jiraiya and Kankuro exited their suits and approached Charles, respectfully greeting him. "Lord Charles."

Charles nodded and asked, "Did everything go smoothly?"

Jiraiya shook his head, "No unexpected incidents."

Pepper, still holding onto Tony, added, "Killian sent a squad of Extremis soldiers to capture me, but thanks to Mr. Charles that nothing happened."

"If it weren't for him, I would have been in great danger."

"By the way, your ex-girlfriend was planning to use me to force you to help them."

Tony was surprised. "Maya?"

Pepper nodded. "Yes, her. But Mr. Charles took care of her."

Tony turned to Charles again. "Thank you!"

Tony then addressed everyone, "It's Christmas, and I didn't prepare any gifts, so how about a fireworks show?"

"Jarvis, initiate the clean slate protocol."

"Yes, sir."

With Tony's command, the remaining nine Iron Man suits ascended into the sky and began a self-destruction sequence, creating a spectacular fireworks display.

Watching Tony use his suits as fireworks, Charles couldn't help but marvel at Tony's extravagance. Billions of dollars were being blown away just like that.

…

The death of Killian marked the end of the Mandarin incident.

The actor portraying the Mandarin, Trevor Slattery, was arrested by the police, and the Vice President was also taken into custody.

With the public disclosure of the events, the terror caused by the Mandarin came to an end.

The President held a special ceremony, awarding hero medals to Tony Stark, Jiraiya, and Kankuro for their bravery and contributions.