As Lin Rui mentioned that certain external forces already knew the true nature of Wakanda, Shuri’s expression had begun to change. However, when she heard about N’Jadaka’s true identity and his original intentions, her expression turned even grimmer.
Nevertheless, Shuri felt some relief knowing that N’Jadaka had been seriously injured by Bucky earlier and was now in CIA custody.
“When I helped Bucky find refuge in Wakanda, I had no knowledge of what Wakanda truly was. His acquaintance with your brother, T’Challa, was also an unexpected occurrence. It just so happened that we got involved in this situation. Truth be told, if it weren’t for Bucky, I wouldn’t have come here to help you deal with N’Jadaka and Ulysses,” Lin Rui explained, concluding the various stories he had recounted.
After narrating these stories, Lin Rui emphasized that he and Bucky had come to Wakanda with the sincere intention of helping. He also mentioned that, as a student and assistant to Tony Stark, he held certain privileges within SHIELD, which allowed him access to significant information.
In reality, both SHIELD, Tony, and Bucky were in the dark regarding Lin Rui’s true intentions and plans. Although Lin Rui had sent a message to SHIELD, they might glean some information from N’Jadaka, but that was no longer Lin Rui’s concern.
Even though Shuri had believed much of what Lin Rui had said, she remained cautious about the existence of a potential heir to the Wakandan throne who was unaccounted for.
“I understand your concerns, especially regarding Bucky’s identity. However, how can I trust that the subordinate of Ulysses is indeed my uncle’s son? You have no concrete evidence, and my uncle disappeared long ago, possibly without leaving any offspring,” Shuri voiced her reservations.
“I’m not entirely sure about the details of what transpired between your father and uncle, and perhaps individuals at a higher level within SHIELD might have more information. But it is certain that N’Jadaka is your uncle’s son. He carries this with him…” Lin Rui said, waving his hand as a holographic projection materialized in front of them.
Shuri had already revoked Lin Rui’s access to this laboratory, so this projection was generated using his own equipment. While Shuri was mildly surprised, she considered it insignificant compared to what Lin Rui had revealed.
“This is it… I believe you should recognize it,” Lin Rui pointed at the ring displayed on the holographic screen, watching Shuri’s eyes widen in amazement.
The ring was the same one that had been hanging around N’Jadaka’s neck and was taken by Bucky after he and Lin Rui had incapacitated him. Lin Rui had displayed it as a reminder, as he feared the consequences when T’Challa saw N’Jadaka wearing this ring.
“This ring… it’s identical to the one my brother wears!” Shuri exclaimed, scrutinizing the ring on Lin Rui’s holographic display.
The ring N’Jadaka had around his neck had been given to him by his father when he was a child, and T’Challa’s ring was given to him by their father. These two rings symbolized the heirs of the Wakandan throne, and if N’Jadaka brought this ring to Wakanda, he could challenge T’Challa’s claim to the throne.
“According to the information I saw at SHIELD, these rings should be exclusive to the royal heirs of Wakanda,” Lin Rui calmly remarked, observing Shuri’s expression and her astonished words.
“You’re right! These rings are only meant for the Wakandan royal heirs!”
“Now, do you have any more doubts about my explanation? To be honest, coming to Wakanda this time was a significant risk for me. After all, discussions about Wakanda have been ongoing within SHIELD and even at the highest levels of the Earth Federation.”
“I understand. I will inform my brother about all of this. As for what Wakanda should do next, I believe we will make the right decision ourselves,” Shuri said, realizing the gravity of the situation. She then initiated communication with T’Challa.
Meanwhile, Lin Rui, after finishing his narrative, continued to explore the laboratory. Shuri was unlikely to grant him any more access at the moment, and he couldn’t risk attempting to hack the system again; that would be too obvious.
As for Lin Rui’s claim that SHIELD and the Earth Federation’s highest council were aware of Wakanda’s secrets, Shuri, although surprised, had come to terms with the fact that Wakanda would eventually be discovered by them.
—
In South Korea, at the CIA’s special investigative division, a special team from SHIELD arrived ten minutes ago. After a brief exchange with Specialist Ross, they took N’Jadaka into custody. While Ross was reluctant to have SHIELD intervene in CIA matters, he ultimately had to agree to let them take N’Jadaka.
With no knowledge of N’Jadaka’s true identity, and given that Ulysses was detained by Ross, T’Challa had not stopped them from taking the individual who looked somewhat familiar. However, his feelings changed when Shuri contacted him again and revealed some surprising information.
“Are you sure?” T’Challa inquired in Wakandan, avoiding Specialist Ross’s curious gaze as he moved to a corner.
“Jackson’s identity has been verified. There’s no doubt about it. As for N’Jadaka, there’s a high likelihood that he’s genuine. But to be certain, we need to bring him back to Wakanda for further confirmation,” Shuri replied.
“Damn it! They’ve just taken him away to SHIELD! It seems they’ve genuinely discovered our Wakandan secrets!”
“What should we do, brother?”
“Don’t worry for now. I’ll handle this matter.”
After finishing the conversation with Shuri, T’Challa disconnected the communication, his face wearing a grim expression. Beside him, the General and Nakia wore equally concerned expressions. They had also been part of the conversation through the communication link.
To T’Challa, while Jackson and Bucky seemed to be well-intentioned in assisting with the N’Jadaka situation, they had unwittingly brought another significant threat to Wakanda.
Sending another heir to Wakanda to SHIELD could be a dangerous move, as N’Jadaka would undoubtedly be a valuable pawn if SHIELD sought to manipulate or control Wakanda.
…
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