After receiving the information from Shuri, T’Challa was eager to intercept the SHIELD team immediately, with hopes of regaining control of N’Jadaka. However, less than ten minutes had passed since SHIELD departed, and they were already on a Quinjet headed directly to their American headquarters.
In this situation, T’Challa couldn’t risk openly using Wakanda’s advanced technology to intercept them. Doing so would be tantamount to revealing Wakanda’s technological capabilities, even though SHIELD already seemed to be aware.
Moreover, with N’Jadaka in SHIELD’s custody, Ulysses, who should have been executed by T’Challa, was spared temporarily. Since N’Jadaka’s identity was so unique, Ulysses might possess valuable information.
“Ross, Ulysses must be handed over to us. This is non-negotiable,” T’Challa asserted firmly upon returning to Ross.
Having unexpectedly lost a member of the Wakandan royal family, T’Challa was no longer inclined to grant Ross any favors. Mishandling this situation could potentially thrust Wakanda into its most significant crisis in centuries.
“T’Challa, Ulysses is not merely a criminal within your Wakanda; he’s an international fugitive. I cannot allow him to be taken to Wakanda for a separate trial,” Ross responded. Despite T’Challa’s determination, Ross was unwavering in his refusal to hand over Ulysses.
As an advanced officer of the CIA, Ross had the backing of the United States. With SHIELD now involved in this quest, he couldn’t afford to lose the most crucial target.
“I’ve told you… there’s no room for negotiation!”
*Hum!*
In the next moment, T’Challa’s vibranium necklace emitted a purple glow, and the Black Panther suit instantly equipped itself onto him. Nakia and the female general standing beside him also transitioned into combat mode. If the CIA insisted on taking Ulysses away, T’Challa had no choice but to engage in a confrontation right here.
“You all…,” Ross hesitated, unsure of how to proceed when he saw T’Challa and his companions entering combat mode.
However, the CIA combat team, which had already been on high alert, quickly encircled them. During the pursuit of Ulysses moments ago, they had maintained a significant level of vigilance toward the three individuals from Wakanda. Now, they could openly aim their weapons at them.
“Bucky, can you take action to help us secure Ulysses?” Surrounded by dozens of armed personnel, T’Challa began contacting Bucky, who had remained unseen.
Although Shuri had already revealed Bucky’s “true identity” to T’Challa, he still considered Bucky a friend. Furthermore, if everything Jackson Lin had said was true, then they had come to Wakanda to help in their own way, albeit not the most straightforward way.
“…Alright, I’ll take him away. You all be careful,” came Bucky’s response after a moment of silence on the communication link. He agreed to help.
“In that case, let us clear a path for you!” T’Challa’s eyes flashed, and the next moment, he charged forward. Behind him, Nakia and the female general also brandished their spears and joined the fray.
—
One minute earlier, while Shuri and T’Challa were engaged in their urgent communication, Lin Rui was also communicating with Bucky using his own communication system.
Since Lin Rui had already exposed his true identity as Jackson Lin, there was no need to hide it from Bucky any longer. After all, according to the stories Lin Rui had just told Shuri, he and Bucky had met under unexpected circumstances during battles involving SHIELD and Hydra.
“So, this Jackson Lin is your true identity?” After hearing some of the information Lin Rui had just shared, Bucky was most concerned about this.
From the moment he first saw Lin Rui emerge from an unstable Spatial Teleportation gate, Lin Rui had appeared as a high school student. However, as they spent more time together, Bucky began to suspect that Lin Rui had significant secrets.
In Bucky’s eyes, Lin Rui’s abilities far surpassed those of the supposed scientific genius Jackson Lin.
“Well, my real name is Jackson Lin, and that’s my true identity. Why, don’t you believe me?” Lin Rui responded with a hint of amusement upon hearing Bucky’s question.
“No, it’s just that you seem more like a mysterious powerhouse than a scholarly genius. Or perhaps, you’re both.”
“Haha, so are you concerned about my affiliation with SHIELD now? After all, I know there’s a complex history between you and SHIELD.”
“Why should I be concerned? I’ve already spent peaceful days here with your help, and I’ve experienced some extraordinary events I never would have before. To be honest, even if SHIELD discovers me now, it’s probably time for me to return and make amends.”
In truth, while Lin Rui’s “true identity” differed somewhat from Bucky’s initial speculation, it was still acceptable. Moreover, Bucky knew that Lin Rui had concealed something about Wakanda.
Lin Rui’s abilities, which included not only the mysterious energy within him but also the ability to perform Spatial Teleportation, were not something an ordinary scientific scholar could possess.
Even in Bucky’s previous speculations, Lin Rui didn’t seem to belong to any Earth-based faction, whether SHIELD or other major powers. Lin Rui was a warrior who could contend with demons, something that neither a genius scholar nor an ordinary organization could possess.
“Cough, well, don’t think too much about it! I helped you conceal your identity and allowed you to live a normal life in Wakanda because I consider you a friend. Besides, if you want to make amends, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future.”
“It seems you have something you want my help with! Well, I don’t have anything else to do, so just tell me what you need,” Bucky responded nonchalantly, catching onto the implications in Lin Rui’s words.
Upon hearing Bucky’s response, Lin Rui blinked nervously for a moment. “No worries, you can continue doing what you want in Wakanda. In truth, my plan doesn’t have much to do with you.”
After Lin Rui finished speaking, T’Challa’s call for assistance came through.
“Alright, I’ll take him away…”
…
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