Since the night of the party, a week had quickly passed. During this time, Charles Doyle had been focusing on chakra control training and mastering his rapidly increasing strength.
Over the past week, through system sign-ins, Charles had acquired 30,000 copper coins, 2 ninja recruitment scrolls (VIP level 2 or above receive double rewards), 300 prestige points, 50 bowls of delicious ramen, 200 ninja souls, 200 reincarnation stones, and 300 more prestige points.
…
Meanwhile-
In Wakanda-
Since T'Challa purchased three physical enhancement serums and a sealing scroll from the Sand Puppet Shop, some time had passed.
T'Challa, T'Chaka, and Shuri had each used one of the physical enhancement serums.
With the enhancement provided by the serums, the father and son, who had previously consumed the heart-shaped herb, experienced even greater benefits than Shuri, surpassing both Barton and Natasha in sheer physical strength.
In the palace-
T'Challa said, "Father, New York was attacked by aliens. During this attack, so many superheroes gathered in New York."
T'Chaka, watching the video of the New York battle, was silent for a few seconds before speaking, "It seems the outside world is even more dangerous than we imagined."
"Although we are the most technologically advanced nation on the planet, they have progressed further than us in other areas."
"T'Challa, what have you found out about the Sand Puppet Shop and the people who attacked you last time?"
T'Challa tapped a few times on the virtual screen, and images of the Sand Puppet Shop and four Hidden Sand ninjas appeared.
"Based on the information Shuri gathered from the internet and the reports from our spies in New York, a new group of superheroes called ninjas has emerged in New York."
"Unlike the officially announced Avengers, the ninjas are mainly divided into four factions: Charles Agency, the Sand Puppet Shop, the Sound Ninja New York Base, and the Mist Ninja New York Base."
"Currently, only Charles Agency and the Sand Puppet Shop are fully open to the public. The Sound Ninja and Mist Ninja have not engaged in commercial activities."
"The main force in the New York battle was the Leaf Ninjas from Charles Agency."
"The physical enhancement serum is one of their main products, contrary to our initial assumptions. The serum hasn't been widely distributed outside, but it seems to be common among the ninjas."
"However, the ninjas' strength doesn't solely come from the physical enhancement serum. There are other factors we don't yet understand, perhaps a training system or other unknown elements."
T'Chaka frowned slightly, then said, "T'Challa, Wakanda's strength lies primarily in Vibranium and the technology developed from it."
"Although every king takes the heart-shaped herb, the Black Panther suit is our greatest asset."
T'Chaka then shifted his tone, "But only with a strong body can the Black Panther suit's full potential be realized."
"Next, take the Royal Guard and go to the Sand Puppet Shop to purchase a batch of physical enhancement serums. If possible, buy as many as you can."
"Have Shuri study them to see if she can reverse-engineer them. Even if she can't, ensure that all members of the Royal Guard receive the serum."
T'Challa asked, "Father, what about our military minister W'Kabi and his soldiers? Shouldn't they also receive the serum?"
T'Chaka looked at his son, considering it for a few seconds before saying, "If Shuri can develop it, we can then distribute it widely."
"If she can't, then it will only be used on a smaller scale."
T'Challa argued, "Father, even if Shuri can't develop it right away, it isn't expensive. One serum only costs fifteen kilograms of Vibranium. With our reserves, we can afford to give every citizen a dose."
"T'Challa, do you think they will provide an unlimited supply?"
"When you start buying with large quantities of Vibranium, do you think the price won't rise or that they won't refuse to trade?"
"You only purchased three serums and already attracted unwanted attention. What do you think will happen when large amounts of Vibranium flow into the market?"
Hearing his father's points, T'Challa realized his mistake. He had only been thinking about enhancing the physical capabilities of all Wakandans.
Now, he understood the complexities and potential issues of such a move, unless Shuri could develop the serum herself or even improve it. Otherwise, it was impractical to provide it to everyone, even for elite soldiers.
"Father, I see now that I was oversimplifying the situation."
T'Chaka nodded, then asked, "Have you identified who attacked you last time?"
T'Challa tapped the computer again, revealing the unique eagle emblem of S.H.I.E.L.D.
"The attackers have been confirmed as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents."
T'Chaka murmured, "S.H.I.E.L.D. ... The organization that oversees the Avengers?"
"Yes, Father."
"According to our information, the Avengers have left New York. Thor has returned to Asgard, Bruce Banner and Steve Rogers have left New York, and only Stark remains in the city, along with several S.H.I.E.L.D. agents."
"But I don't understand why they would attack me. Is it just because I visited the Sand Puppet Shop?"
T'Chaka replied, "That reason alone might be enough."
"You aren't the first to learn about the physical enhancement serum. Perhaps S.H.I.E.L.D. has long known about its benefits, and maybe their agents in the Avengers are strong because of it."
"They wouldn't dare attack the powerful Hidden Sand ninjas, so they targeted someone who had been there. When you left with a box of the serum, they saw an opportunity."
T'Challa, frustrated, said, "Isn't America a place that values free trade? How can they act this way?"
"As expected, backward nations are indeed barbaric."
T'Chaka nodded in agreement, then said, "This time, I want you to take a squadron of stealth jets for your protection. Okoye will lead a full Royal Guard team to ensure your safety."
"With such a large escort and your increased strength, even if S.H.I.E.L.D. attacks again, with careful planning, there should be no risk."
"Even if they send the remaining Avengers, we don't need to fear them."
T'Challa questioned, "Father, isn't this too much? Won't it draw too much attention?"
T'Chaka shook his head, "It won't draw attention. As soon as you complete the transaction, board the jet and return to Wakanda. Even if they notice, they won't be able to catch an invisible jet."
"Do as I say."
"Yes, Father!"
With the king's orders, Okoye's Royal Guard began to mobilize. A 29-member guard team was assembled, with 9 members assigned to pilot Wakanda's stealth jets.
Unlike other nations' guards, Wakanda's were composed entirely of female warriors, all capable of using Vibranium-based laser weapons and piloting Vibranium-made jets.
For this transaction, T'Challa prepared 450 kilograms of Vibranium, enough to trade for doses of the physical enhancement serum for thirty people.
Before leaving, T'Challa visited Shuri's lab.
"Shuri, have you figured out anything from the sealing scroll that can store items?"
"I'm heading to the Sand Puppet Shop for another transaction. Do you want me to bring back more sealing scrolls for research?"
Shuri paused her experiment and looked at her brother, "No need. This thing doesn't seem to belong to the tech side; I can't decipher it at all."
"But it has given me some new ideas. In the future, I might develop portable equipment so you don't have to carry the Black Panther helmet all the time."
Pleased with his sister's progress, T'Challa praised, "Haha, I knew you'd be the best in tech, just as good as that Tony Stark."
"Since you don't need anything else, I'll get going."
Happy with the praise, Shuri smiled, "Go ahead, brother."
T'Challa waved and left the lab.
As he was leaving, he recalled the female ninja's words during the transaction: "Only ninjas can use the sealing scrolls."
It seemed she was right; even his genius sister couldn't make any progress with it.
Worried that the physical enhancement serum might also be uncrackable, T'Challa boarded the stealth jet piloted by Okoye, heading towards New York.
As T'Challa's jet took off, eight other escort jets followed, flying towards New York.
The Wakandan flight squadron flew undetected, safely reaching New York.
Upon arriving in Brooklyn, T'Challa landed at Wakanda's secret base, where five bulletproof Maybach cars awaited them.
With 450 kilograms of Vibranium and 20 Royal Guard members, including Okoye, T'Challa headed towards the Sand Puppet Shop near the Brooklyn Bridge, while the nine jets continued to guard the convoy from above.
After about an hour, T'Challa and his team arrived at the Sand Puppet Shop's entrance.
As soon as the five Maybachs stopped in front of the Sand Puppet Shop, they immediately attracted the attention of passersby, who began to speculate about which important figure might be visiting this time.
Due to the protection provided by the Sand Puppet Shop during the alien invasion, the surrounding neighborhood had remained largely unscathed, and the residents' lives and properties were protected.
This led the locals to consider the shop's owner a superhero, resulting in a steady stream of wealthy and influential visitors.
People were accustomed to such car convoys by now but were still curious about which notable person was visiting today.
Two agents monitoring from a distance watched the convoy on their surveillance feed.
One of them sipped his coffee and said, "Eli, there have been so many visitors to the Sand Puppet Shop lately. I wonder which rich businessman it is this time."
"Raina, HQ wants us to keep a close watch here."
"Doesn't matter if they're businessmen or politicians; we need to keep records of everyone who goes in. Other agents will follow up with them..."
At that moment, the car doors opened, and T'Challa, fully clad in his Black Panther suit, stepped out. He then retrieved a large box from the trunk.
As T'Challa exited the vehicle, fifteen female Royal Guard warriors armed with spears also disembarked.
T'Challa, accompanied by Okoye, entered the Sand Puppet Shop, while the remaining fourteen guards took positions outside, securing the entrance and keeping an eye on passersby.
From another street, Agent Raina, watching through surveillance, stood up in surprise and exclaimed, "084 target sighted."
Eli asked in shock, "Who?"
"The Panther. He's back at the Sand Puppet Shop for another transaction, and this time he brought a squad of spear-wielding women."
Eli quickly responded, "Report to headquarters."
Raina immediately picked up the radio and said, "Calling base, calling base, this is Wind Watch post."
"084 target sighted."
"Repeat, 084 target Panther sighted, entering Sand Puppet Shop with a large box, likely for a second transaction."
"Target arrived in five Maybachs, accompanied by a squad of 15-20 guards."
"Base received!"
"Dispatching personnel immediately."
While Raina reported, Eli discreetly slipped his hand into his pocket and sent a pre-written short message.
In an instant, both S.H.I.E.L.D. and the embedded Hydra agents were aware of Black Panther's arrival and his impending transaction at the Sand Puppet Shop.
As T'Challa and Okoye pushed open the door and entered the Sand Puppet Shop, they were greeted by a voice.
"Welcome!"
T'Challa glanced at the welcoming puppet at the entrance and then proceeded towards the service counter.
Today, Pakura was on duty, as Temari was out shopping with Gaara and Kankuro.