"This person is very powerful, without a doubt. Knowing oneself and knowing the other ensures victory. When I learned of this matter, I had Shuri infiltrate the intelligence networks of various nations to uncover his background. As expected, we discovered information about this man within the United States' intelligence files. Shuri, bring up his profile and let the elders see."
The queen sat calmly upon her high seat, her voice steady as she issued her command. From her laboratory, Princess Shuri immediately linked into the council chamber's systems, pulling up the files she had gathered. A moment later, a holographic projection shimmered above the desk, displaying the profile of the mysterious intruder.
Kurogai Alexander Blackwood.
Mutant. Nicknamed The Eyes One. Possesses formidable psychic abilities. As a child, he stood against Hydra and single-handedly eradicated the organization.
One line after another scrolled before the Wakandan council—his abilities, his temperament, his history of extraordinary deeds.
The elders sat in silence as the data concluded with the assessment written by American intelligence:
"Unrestrained. Extremely dangerous. Avoid provocation unless absolutely necessary."
Whispers broke the quiet.
"Why would such a man turn his attention to Wakanda?"
"He is more dangerous than any enhanced individual we have encountered."
"Our armies would be useless against him. He is beyond conventional warfare."
"There is no need to provoke such power carelessly."
The weight of the words lingered. The elders understood the truth—this was not an opponent they could simply crush with weapons or numbers. Even Wakanda's most advanced technology might prove ineffective.
"I do not recommend direct confrontation," one elder finally declared. "This situation calls for diplomacy. Negotiation must be attempted."
"I agree."
"No objection."
One by one, the elders voiced their support. The queen allowed her posture to ease slightly. This was what she had hoped for—an avoidance of reckless armed conflict. She knew well how quickly desperation could drive the elders to demand vibranium be reclaimed by force. But she also knew that unleashing Wakanda's most devastating weapons would bring catastrophic consequences. The king and the warriors stationed at the vibranium mine would be at risk as well.
That was a possibility the queen would never allow. By presenting Kurogai's profile, she had sown caution into the hearts of the council, ensuring the safety of her people and her king.
"For this matter, I will go myself," the queen declared, her voice firm. "I will speak with this man, this bearer of strange eyes, and attempt to resolve this without bloodshed."
Before the elders could respond, the doors of the chamber swung open with force. A tall figure strode inside, bowing briefly before addressing the throne.
"Mother," he said solemnly, "allow me to handle this. I am the heir of Wakanda. If our nation faces such a threat, it is my duty to act."
It was T'Challa. Though not yet the Black Panther, he had already returned to Wakanda's capital upon hearing troubling news. Without hesitation, he volunteered himself for the task.
The queen's eyes flickered with unease. The intelligence made clear how dangerous Kurogai was. She did not wish to endanger her son. But the elders saw things differently.
"The prince shows courage," one said.
"This is a chance to test his worthiness," another added.
"T'Challa is the best candidate to face him."
The council quickly reached agreement.
"Mother," T'Challa said softly, reading her doubt, "I know the risks. But I also know my responsibility."
After a long pause, the queen finally relented. "Very well. But you must be cautious."
T'Challa nodded. With his mother's blessing, he assembled a company of warriors and moved toward the vibranium mine, prepared to confront—or perhaps negotiate with—the intruder.
Meanwhile, deep within the mine, Kurogai Blackwood was oblivious to the storm brewing outside. Immersed in his task, he continued to harvest raw vibranium, his attention consumed by the resonance of its energy. Time slipped away unnoticed until a voice echoed within his mind, born from the strange power of his eyes.
[The conditions to awaken the Sixth Pupil Ring have been met. Do you wish to proceed?]
Kurogai froze, a spark of anticipation igniting in his chest. It had been some time since he last unlocked a new stage of his ocular ability. The promise of evolution sent a thrill coursing through him.
"Proceed" he commanded without hesitation.
Warmth surged through his body as energy radiated from the newly forming ring. It spread from his pupils into his consciousness, reshaping him, deepening his power. His eyes closed as he embraced the transformation, feeling the shift within his very essence.
Moments later, Kurogai's eyes opened again—transformed, gleaming with the power of the Sixth Pupil Ring.
____
Updates might come a bit slower for a while.School resumed, My final year has started, and I'm currently focused on my project work and defense preparations. I'll still be posting whenever I can, just at a steadier pace for now (ㆁωㆁ)