Renzo left for Berlin alone, choosing not to bring Wanda to avoid unnecessary trouble. Those politicians were experts at exploiting any opportunity.
As for whether Wanda wanted to go out—that depended on her. But one outing might result in an even longer period of confinement.
He had also arranged to meet in Berlin, making it easier to deal with the conflict between Tony and Bucky. Listening to the faint voice echoing in his mind, Renzo pressed a hand to his forehead helplessly.
He had tapped into Steve's phone, keeping the recording function active at all times so he could stay updated on their situation.
"No argument… Looks like Tony really held back."
The line was quiet. If not for the occasional rustle of fabric against the microphone, Renzo might have thought his hack had failed.
...
Renzo scanned his surroundings. Berlin's largest hotel wasn't particularly luxurious, but it was bustling with activity.
"Sorry I'm late—the flight was delayed," Renzo said to T'Challa, who sat calmly waiting. "I won't be able to stay long. They already know I've left the U.S., and Tony should be arriving soon."
T'Challa smiled politely. "Do you need anything? The food here is quite good."
"No, I can't eat." Renzo took a seat across from him. He had summoned T'Challa here for one reason—the vast reserves of vibranium Wakanda possessed.
Renzo intended to obtain more from Wakanda—to forge a weapon capable of housing the Infinity Stones. He had preserved Ultron's body before, but it had still been destroyed when facing Infinity Ultron. He needed something stronger.
"I want Wakanda's help," Renzo said directly. "Build me armor—something like Ultron's."
T'Challa had already anticipated this. Aside from vibranium, Wakanda had little that would interest an Avenger. Even Stark Industries matched Wakandan technology in certain areas.
"You saved my father," T'Challa replied. "To us, vibranium is not scarce—it exists throughout our land."
He agreed without hesitation. Renzo hadn't asked for raw vibranium, only for Wakanda to craft armor, which eliminated the risk of the material being exposed.
Renzo couldn't help but admire the prince's decisiveness. Wakanda truly had resources to spare.
"I'll pass your request along," T'Challa added. "But I have other matters to attend to—thieves and black market dealers."
With that, he rose to leave.
"Wait!" Renzo called out.
T'Challa paused.
"You have a brother—his name is Eric. He's dangerous."
Renzo knew exactly what Erik Killmonger was capable of. Cunning, ruthless—far more dangerous than he appeared. A man like that, loose in the world, would inevitably pose a threat.
"Thank you," T'Challa said, waving lightly without turning back as he walked out.
Renzo sighed. It seemed T'Challa didn't see his hidden brother as a real threat. Still, Wakanda's internal struggles weren't his concern. Interfering in a royal succession could easily backfire.
"Well… fine." Renzo exhaled slowly. He still had time to grow stronger. This body hadn't reached its limits yet—and he had no intention of being caught off guard again.
The Black Lantern Ring on his finger flickered faintly, as if reminding him of its presence. Renzo ignored it. Though he possessed both the Space Stone and the Soul Stone, the latter refused to respond because of the ring's influence.
It was a constant headache. He wanted to remove the ring, but he couldn't destroy it. He had already tried—its durability exceeded even the Mind Stone's output. It would require something on the level of a divine weapon.
"Looks like I'll have to ask Thor for help eventually…"
...
Steve sat on the sofa, hands clasped, his expression heavy. On the screen in front of him, Bucky was undergoing interrogation—reliving everything he had done over the past seventy years. Under hypnosis, the psychiatrist was drawing out each buried memory from his fractured mind.
"Your good friend, Steve—see this?" Tony's voice dripped with mockery. "How many innocent people did he kill?"
Steve said nothing. He knew Tony was right. The guilt weighed on him—but he couldn't stand by and let Tony kill Bucky either. Prison might be the only path left.
"Hey, Captain. Why so grim?"
Renzo phased through the wall, appearing like a ghost, a smile on his face.
"Sam, Rhodey—you're here too. Tony, I might need a favor later." Renzo clapped Sam on the shoulder. "Come on, don't look so gloomy. Everyone's still alive, right?"
"How did you get here?" Rhodey asked, surprised. Renzo should have been back at the compound with Wanda.
"I got bored. Tracked your phone signal and found you." Renzo tapped his head. "Wow—the legendary Winter Soldier. Bucky Barnes. Almost as famous as Captain America."
He leaned closer to the screen, smile still in place.
"But… he doesn't look so good."
"Vision!" Tony snapped.
"My name is Renzo. I've told you that."
"'Renzo'? That name sounds ridiculous," Tony shot back.
"Still better than Tony 'Trash,'" Renzo retorted instantly.
"Is sarcasm contagious? You two aren't even related," Rhodey muttered to Sam.
Sam nodded seriously. "Who knows? Tony having a robot girlfriend wasn't exactly expected either."
They exchanged a glance, barely suppressing their laughter.
"Tony…" Renzo's tone shifted. He didn't push further—too much provocation now would only ignite things.
"You hate Bucky?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Tony said flatly, pressing ice to his injured arm. The earlier fight had made it worse.
"Then why not kill him?" Renzo gestured at the screen, his words landing like a shockwave.
"Renzo!"
Steve shot to his feet.
He knew Bucky's crimes were unforgivable—but—
He couldn't accept Bucky's death. Not like this. Not when he was the last piece of his past.
"You can go into that room right now and kill him," Renzo continued calmly. "I can shut down all surveillance. One minute would be enough."
He ignored Steve entirely.
If Bucky died, the conflict ended. It was the simplest solution—the only certain one. Renzo refused to gamble everything on hesitation and sentiment.
"Enough!" Steve stepped forward, gripping Renzo's shoulder. "This isn't right. Bucky—"
"Is guilty of crimes punishable by death," Renzo cut in, shrugging off Steve's hand. "And you think your argument holds weight?"
He met Steve's gaze directly.
"The conflict is Bucky. Remove him, and it's over."
For a brief moment, Renzo noticed something strange—Steve's blue eyes seemed to carry a hint of green.
"I'm sorry, Captain."
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