Ding! Please proceed to the USS Stennis to check in.
Upon successful check-in, you will receive your reward.
"The USS Stennis?"
Senju Haruto was in the New York Sanctum, instructing Dr. Bruce Banner on better controlling the Hulk's power, when the system suddenly announced a new check-in location.
But this time, the destination left him confused.
He had assumed the next site would be where Thor's hammer had fallen. Instead, it was a name completely unfamiliar to him.
Even the very first check-in at Kamar-Taj had at least appeared in Doctor Strange's movie—an important mystical location. But this?
No matter how hard Haruto racked his brain for details from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he couldn't recall any mention of the USS Stennis. He was certain it had never appeared on-screen.
Fortunately, he didn't need to dwell on the mystery for long.
Now that he had White Zetsu perfectly disguised as S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Fury, Haruto had full access to the agency's formidable intelligence network.
When he tossed the question to "White Fury," the answer came back within minutes.
The USS Stennis wasn't some hidden artifact or mystical site. It was just an aircraft carrier currently in service with the U.S. Navy.
The reason for the system selecting it remained unclear, but Haruto had no intention of passing up the chance.
After confirming its location, he left the Sanctum and headed directly for the carrier. Thanks to White Fury's precise intelligence feed, finding it took no effort at all.
Once aboard, Haruto swept the vessel with his spiritual sense, searching for anything out of the ordinary. But simply standing on the ship wasn't enough—the system's check-in didn't trigger. Clearly, there was another condition.
That was when he saw a familiar face.
None other than General Thaddeus Ross.
A man Haruto had already placed firmly under his control using the Illusion of the Celestial God.
"…I see."
Haruto immediately understood.
The very first task he had given General Ross, once he became a puppet, was to lead a military assault against Wakanda.
Combine that with the fact the USS Stennis was a warship, and it wasn't hard to guess—the ship was en route to Wakanda.
Since he was already here, Haruto saw no reason to avoid Ross.
With a flicker of teleportation magic, he appeared in the command center where Ross stood.
Besides Ross, several other officers were present. Haruto casually cast a simple illusion, rendering himself invisible to them. Only Ross could see him.
The general froze the moment their eyes met.
"You—!"
Shock flickered across his face, but it vanished quickly. Once Ross realized none of his men could perceive Haruto, his nerves eased and his composure returned.
"Follow me."
For safety—and to better explain his plans—Ross gestured for Haruto to come with him into a private conference room.
Haruto didn't refuse.
Within minutes, they were alone. Ross dismissed his guards, ordering them to allow no interruptions, then shut the door firmly.
Turning back, he faced Haruto.
"All right. Tell me—what exactly is going on here?"
Haruto calmly took a seat, waiting.
Ross cleared his throat and began to explain.
Though he believed in Haruto's words, acquiring vibranium from Wakanda was no simple matter.
First, the U.S. and Wakanda were separated by an ocean. And with the current international climate leaning heavily toward peace, America couldn't just launch a military operation against what was officially considered a weak, agrarian nation.
Such a move would trigger an international outcry and place America in an awkward position.
Unless…
They had a legitimate pretext.
Such as evidence that Wakanda possessed dangerous weapons—something on the level of nuclear arms—that could threaten global security.
That was why Ross intended to conduct reconnaissance first. With proof, he could justify any action both to his superiors and the wider world.
Listening, Haruto nodded. Ross's reasoning was sound.
"To ensure success, I partnered with Maverick," Ross continued. "After all, I'm just an army general. Deploying special forces into Wakanda requires cooperation."
He wasn't planning to send a token squad. Not dozens. Not even a hundred.
But hundreds—thousands, if necessary. A large-scale operation.
Ross leaned in slightly, his tone sharpening.
In his preliminary research, he had noticed several strange anomalies about Wakanda.
Officially, it was backward: an agricultural nation with little technology or industry. Yet its king carried himself on the international stage with unusual confidence—too confident for the leader of such a supposedly weak country. His political acumen was sharp, his diplomacy formidable.
He didn't resemble the ruler of a poor state. He acted more like the leader of a great power.
And there was more.
Wakanda was closed off to the outside world. No foreign aid, no visitors.
For centuries, even millennia, it had remained shrouded in secrecy. If not for the sudden focus now placed on it, Ross would have suspected Wakanda was some newly founded nation.
But the truth?
It had stood in East Africa for over a thousand years.
"You've done well," Haruto said, satisfied with Ross's thoroughness.
Ross didn't have the luxury of a system assistant, nor did he command ninjutsu or sorcery capable of overwhelming force. For a man like him, cautious preparation was the only correct path.
At the same time, a flicker of recognition stirred in Haruto's mind. The name "Maverick" sounded familiar, though he couldn't immediately place where he had heard it before.
But more importantly—
He finally understood why the system had designated the USS Stennis as a check-in point.
Its destination was none other than Wakanda, hidden deep within East Africa.
Ross's eyes gleamed with ambition. "To ensure this mission's success, I've even prepared some secret weapons. This time, I guarantee everyone will be satisfied."
Haruto gave him a slight smile.
"In that case, I'll accompany you to Wakanda."