"If it weren't for Karl's warning, I think my father would be lying there with them right now."
T'Challa looked toward T'Chaka, who was undergoing examination not far away. He felt both relieved that they had prepared in advance and grateful for Karl's reminder.
"In Wakanda, people believe death isn't the end. They return to the embrace of the Panther God and run there forever."
Erik spoke up, then suddenly let out a short laugh.
"But I'm not my uncle, and I'm not a typical Wakandan either. That car bomb was clearly aimed at my uncle—which means it was aimed at Wakanda. I'll make whoever's behind this pay."
Erik was no saint. He was a ruthless killer, and an attack so blatantly targeting his people was something he wouldn't tolerate.
"Erik, a task force will be sent to track down and apprehend Bucky Barnes."
Natasha quickly interjected—she knew exactly what kind of man Erik was.
"No need. I'll rip his guts out myself."
Erik and T'Challa stood up at the same time. Their goal was the same—if someone dared target Wakanda, then Wakanda would strike back.
At this moment, the Black Panther and the Golden Jaguar truly joined forces.
Just as Natasha was about to get up, her phone rang.
"Are you okay?"
It was Steve. Though he hadn't been at the scene, he was also in Vienna.
"I'm fine. The blast didn't reach me. Guess I got lucky."
Natasha replied, glancing around cautiously before moving to a secluded corner.
"I know you've seen the news. I also know you're worried about Bucky, but right now, stay somewhere safe and don't show yourself. If you appear, it'll only make things worse. Everyone knows your connection to him—don't make this harder for us. Please."
Natasha did her best to persuade him. She knew that the moment Steve showed up, he'd become a prime suspect and be hunted by everyone.
"So, Natasha… are you going to arrest me?"
Steve's voice came from the other end.
"If you show yourself, someone will. That's just how things are now."
Natasha answered helplessly.
"If he really has become like this, then I should be the one to bring him in. I'm the safest person to face him."
With that, Steve hung up and lowered his binoculars. Though he wasn't inside, he had been observing the temporary shelter from a distance—and had seen Natasha cautiously standing in the corner.
---
In a restaurant, Sam sat eating, wearing a cap and sunglasses. Steve appeared beside him without a sound.
"You've decided? You're really going to get involved in this?"
Before Steve could speak, a blonde woman sat down beside him—it was Peggy's niece, Sharon Carter.
"Since the footage was released, we've received a lot of intel. Most of it's useless—except for one."
Sharon slid a document over to Steve.
"My supervisor is waiting for a briefing, so this is all I can give you."
"Thanks."
Steve pressed his hand over the file.
"You'd better hurry. Our orders are to shoot on sight."
With that, Sharon stood up and left.
---
Meanwhile, in a hotel room, Zemo sat quietly reading a book. On the TV not far away, news about the United Nations bombing was playing.
But Zemo paid it no attention. He remained focused on his book.
In the corner of the room, however, stood a strange-looking machine.
---
At the same time, in a secure location, Nick Fury, Coulson, and Maria Hill sat at a desk, surrounded by five large screens.
"I'm afraid, Fury—the Accords have already come into effect the moment the Vienna building was bombed. All Avengers are now required to sign. There's nothing we can do to stop it."
A white-haired elder on one of the screens spoke first. The five figures were Fury's superiors—the Security Council.
"This Accords is complete nonsense. It'll concentrate the Avengers' power into the hands of a few individuals—that goes completely against our original purpose!"
Fury's tone was sharp. The Avengers were meant to protect the world from disaster—but now that power would be controlled by a handful of people. That was a disaster waiting to happen.
"We're powerless to stop it. We can only try to secure some degree of control—but it won't change much."
Another council member added.
"Fury, we know this goes against our original intent. But this time, the Avengers made too big a mistake—more importantly, someone exploited it. Right now, the only way forward is to help yourselves. Find the one behind the bombing. That's your only chance."
The white-haired elder spoke again, clearly hinting at their only option.
Of course, his motives weren't entirely altruistic. Previously, the Avengers had been under the Security Council's influence. Now, a new oversight committee was about to take control—effectively stripping them of power.
They had no intention of letting that happen.
"Fury, we'll grant you full Security Council access. You'll be able to review global intelligence resources. Find the one behind this. Only then can public trust in the Avengers be restored—and those driven by greed be undermined."
Fury raised an eyebrow. He wasn't fooled—this wasn't generosity. The Council was panicking over losing power.
But that didn't matter to him.
What mattered was the Avengers. That power couldn't fall into anyone's hands—not even the Council's.
"Don't worry. I'll find the one responsible."
With that, Fury cut the connection. Hill immediately confirmed that Security Council-level access had been granted.
"Sir, what do we do now?"
Coulson asked. It was clear—they were isolated. The Avengers had split into factions, and their agents had either been put on leave or reassigned.
"No choice. We go find him. Motherf—"
Fury's face darkened. At this point, there was only one person completely outside the situation—and also the strongest.
Karl.
"Understood. I'll leave immediately."
Coulson stood at once, ready to head to New York. Since all this began, Karl hadn't shown his face even once, completely removing himself from the situation. Even the U.S. government hadn't mentioned him—as if they'd deliberately avoided it.
That gave Fury an opportunity.
Still, Karl wouldn't come cheap.
"I'll go with you. You alone won't convince that kid."
Fury sighed and stood up. If they wanted Karl's cooperation, he had to go in person.
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