Wakanda's mastery over Vibranium technology had stretched for centuries—perhaps even a millennium. Even within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, their history with the metal was ancient.
Over the years, countless powers had tried to seize this resource and the immense wealth and cutting-edge science it promised.
Especially during the great age of exploration, when Africa first drew the attention of colonial powers, armies marched across the continent in droves.
And yet, the outcome was plain: to this day, no one truly understood how advanced Wakanda's technology really was. All people knew was that Vibranium was exceedingly rare and unimaginably valuable. Few had any idea where it truly came from.
That included General Ross, and the military machine he served, and the government that stood behind it.
So when Senju Haruto revealed this information, Ross's eyes widened in disbelief.
Even though Kotoamatsukami had bound his will to Haruto's, his knowledge and experience had not been altered. In his understanding, Vibranium was one of the scarcest resources on Earth. Whoever obtained a vast supply of it could shift the balance of global power overnight.
To hear that Wakanda—an isolated agricultural nation—possessed vast reserves, and that every piece of Vibranium on the black market originated there, was a revelation so shocking that Ross was left speechless.
Were it not for Kotoamatsukami, he would already have barked out accusations of nonsense.
How could an agricultural backwater hold so much Vibranium and remain unscathed? Surely generations of explorers, conquerors, and his own predecessors would have stumbled upon such a treasure.
But now, under Haruto's control, Ross accepted every word as truth.
It took him quite some time to calm himself down.
"In any case," Haruto said evenly, "your job is to spread this intelligence. Deliver it to the military. And to those who stand behind the military. Make sure they develop an interest in Wakanda. Convince them that no matter what, they must seize its Vibranium mines."
Haruto himself knew persuasion was hardly necessary.
Once the men behind Ross learned Wakanda possessed Vibranium mountains, they would not need convincing. They would descend upon the nation like starving wolves. They would use every trick, every weapon, every ounce of influence they had to seize it.
And as for Wakanda's people? They would not spare them a thought.
It would be just like the tragedies of the Middle East: the so-called guardians of peace were, in truth, the very engines of war.
"I understand," Ross said with a nod. His eyes glimmered with a light Kotoamatsukami could not erase—an insatiable greed.
Even with his will bound, the ambition in his heart had not been extinguished.
But words alone would not be enough. If the higher powers were to commit themselves, they would need proof—real proof—that Vibranium mines existed in Wakanda. Only then would they risk everything, sending troops to occupy the land.
The law of the jungle. Survival of the strongest.
Ross's mind was already sketching out a vision of the future—a blueprint for global dominance.
Haruto found his response satisfying.
Even though his system allowed him to grow stronger without effort, resources like a Vibranium mountain were too valuable to ignore.
And with Orochimaru's genius added to the mix, there was potential to merge Vibranium with shinobi arts and craft devastating new weapons. That could vastly amplify the power of the Land of Fire.
As its Hokage, Haruto could not only think of his own growth—he had to strengthen the nation itself.
In the beginning, he had considered a more direct path: build up the Land of Fire's strength, then personally lead an invasion of Wakanda. Their land was fertile, their technology advanced, their defenses capable of holding back even Thanos's armies. In Haruto's eyes, Wakanda was the perfect embodiment of geography as destiny.
But after the Broadway incident, his perspective shifted.
He still wanted Vibranium. He still wanted Wakanda. But why waste his own resources?
It was far more efficient to let Ross do the work.
Manipulate him. Deceive the U.S. military. Let them lead the charge against Wakanda.
That way:
First, the casualties would all be theirs, not his.
Second, the conflict would force Wakanda to reveal more of its hidden strength.
From Haruto's research, Vibranium wasn't their only weapon. Wakanda possessed both science and mysticism. A country that advanced in technology while also cultivating magic.
"Once the U.S. launches a large-scale invasion," Haruto thought, "they'll throw everything they have at it—tanks, armored divisions, experimental weapons. And when their so-called black-tech shows up… all I need to do is overlay my AllSpark. Instantly, they'll become my Mechanical Scourge."
No shipping. No logistics. No problem.
The plan was perfect. Three birds with one stone.
There was no reason not to carry it out.
After thoroughly seeding the idea in Ross's mind, Haruto opened another portal and returned the general to his command.
Now a Sorcerer Supreme, Haruto had little to fear. The only one who might have broken Kotoamatsukami was the Ancient One, but she had already departed to the Vishanti's dimension. No one else could even perceive the jutsu, much less counter it.
A dimensional strike like this? Practically unbeatable.
"For now… back to the Sanctum."
Murmuring to himself, Haruto considered the Ross affair wrapped up.
Even as the Sorcerer Supreme, he had no intention of living like the Ancient One—endlessly watching over Kamar-Taj and training new sorcerers.
He preferred the Sanctum Sanctorum in New York, where he could continue weaving his own designs.
Meanwhile, Ross had grown accustomed to Haruto's teleportation magic. He climbed to his feet without a word. But before he could take more than a few steps, a squad of soldiers swarmed him.
Even battered and half-dressed, Ross carried himself with authority, sweeping his gaze across them like the hardened Thunderbolt General he was.
Once his identity was confirmed, the soldiers lowered their weapons, snapped salutes, and rushed to provide him with a fresh uniform.
"General Ross," a lieutenant ventured, "what exactly just happened back there?"
The man's brow furrowed. Like the rest, he had no idea what disaster had just struck. Desperate for answers, he could only swallow his fear and ask his commanding officer.