Chapter 182: Shuri Joins the Team

"Shuri?"

When T'Challa suggested Shuri, Clark was utterly baffled.

Seeing his reaction, Shuri immediately protested, "What, do you still doubt my abilities?"

"It's not about abilities."

Clark shook his head, previously thinking Shuri's offer was a childish whim.

He had considered the possibility of Wakanda sending a direct royal scientist to assist, even if T'Challa himself offered help, it wouldn't surprise him. But Shuri... isn't she a bit too young?

Never did he expect that such a seemingly whimsical proposal would become Wakanda's final decision! Even Clark had to verify again, "T'Challa, are you sure you're not joking?"

T'Challa's response was serious, "This is a unanimous decision by my father, my mother, myself, and Shuri."

You all unanimously decided to send a ten-year-old girl with me to the US?

Wakandans sure are bold! But after some thought, Clark realized their decision must have been carefully considered.

First, they were willing to trade, showing high regard for Clark's claw technique. It was most reassuring for them to have Shuri learn directly from Clark.

Also, after showing his value, they naturally wanted to strengthen their relationship. T'Challa had already won Clark's friendship, so furthering this relationship by having another royal member build a close bond with him was the best strategy.

Considering all this, their decision, while unexpected, made perfect sense.

After some hesitation, under Shuri's eager gaze, Clark finally nodded, "That might be for the best. The claw technique I created is still in its early stages and has many imperfections, especially in the method of circulating energy, which needs refinement. It's a good opportunity to systematically teach her this technique."

Shuri's face lit up with triumph.

T'Challa affectionately ruffled his sister's hair and said to Clark, "I'm starting to envy this little girl now."

"Actually, that claw technique isn't suitable for you. Your current martial arts have already developed your unique style. Even if you want to improve, it should be in that direction..."

As he spoke, Clark suddenly unleashed a claw strike, using a force similar to T'Challa's physique. The air whistled sharply as if an ancient beast was lunging for its prey, unstoppable! "This!" T'Challa was shocked by Clark's casual demonstration, eagerly asking, "Is there more to this move?"

"There's no more!" Clark spread his hands, "I was just observing your fighting style and felt that if your claw technique were to evolve to a higher level, it should look something like this. As for a complete set of techniques, I'm not a deity. How could I create one so easily?"

The previous claw technique was a failed experiment, inspired by a wrong intuition and not suitable for him. How could it be considered successful?

Repeating that process, deliberately creating a set of techniques unsuitable for him, was impossible for Clark, at least for now.

After confirming Shuri as the chosen scientist, Clark demonstrated some magic, summoning the Cosmic Cube and opening a portal to Pym's lab, disappearing from the Wakandan palace with Shuri.

Clark had a preliminary understanding of Shuri's scientific acumen and had no doubts about her ability to assist in Pym's experiment.

Overall, this was a beneficial deal for both parties.

However, in the following days, Clark frustratingly realized it wasn't as simple as he thought.

Understanding vibranium science was sufficient for Shuri, as Pym's core research was quantum mechanics, with vibranium playing a supporting role. Shuri's knowledge was more than enough for Pym's assistant role.

The problem wasn't with technology but teaching her martial arts.

Shuri was a genius, learning much faster than others in combat. But as a genius, she lacked the perseverance for rigorous physical training.

And the foundation of martial arts is a strong physique, without which, even the most advanced techniques can't be effectively utilized.

Seeing Shuri's tearful, pitiful look, Clark's heart melted.

It seemed impossible to train her as rigorously as Captain America or Yi Long. Without a strong foundation, no matter how valuable the benefits received from Wakanda, he couldn't half-heartedly teach Shuri.

Stuck in a dilemma, Clark shared his problem with Pym, who promptly offered a clear solution.

The next day, Clark handed the task of supervising Shuri's physical training to Mindy.

As for the outcome, Clark trusted Pym's judgment and Mindy's capabilities, as he couldn't spare much attention for this issue.

With the superhero election approaching, New York's streets were filled with superheroes and those claiming to be, creating a mixed situation.

Apart from established superheroes, many ordinary people driven by a sense of justice and opportunists were also active.

This led to a pressing issue before the election: defining the identity of a superhero.

It couldn't be that anyone wearing a mask and a symbol on their clothing, with a catchy nickname, could claim to be a superhero, right?

In response, Secretary of State Ross convened a meeting with Tony, Clark, and Captain America, the three most popular superheroes, to discuss a solution.

"I believe we should prioritize morality. To become a superhero, one must be a partner of justice." Captain America's viewpoint focused on the hero aspect.

Tony's view was the opposite: "I think ability is most important. If someone is just a regular person with basic fighting skills, I'd advise them to become a police officer, at least that way they won't easily lose their lives."

With Tony and Captain America having different opinions, Ross turned to Clark, "What do you think, Clark?"

Clark responded with a pragmatic approach, "Why not handle it like any other profession? Implement a superhero qualification certification. Both Steve and Tony made valid points. Superhero encompasses two meanings: hero, as Steve emphasizes, and super, as Tony demands. Our assessment should start from these two aspects."

Having planned for this scenario, Clark was prepared, "Regarding the 'super' aspect, I'll have someone create a simulation combat system. Those who fail the assessment will be disqualified."

"Steve, I understand your concern, but we're in peacetime, and the police maintain law and order. Unless someone can handle criminals beyond the reach of the law, we don't need too many ordinary people sacrificing themselves for justice."

"I have an objection!" Tony immediately retorted upon hearing Clark's decision to take charge of the simulation system, "Are you sure your computer skills are up to the task?"

Clark smiled lightly, "I've just hired a computer genius, a really talented one."

Tony received an impression boost of +66666 from Clark!

He didn't doubt Clark's ability to fulfill this task. Given Clark's foresight, achieving this wasn't difficult.

Tony was starting to regret his constant teasing of Clark. He felt his mockery might have motivated Clark to find a computer genius.

"If you're worried, you can have Eris visit Pym's lab. We can work on it together." Clark then shifted the focus back to the main issue, "What we really need to discuss today is defining 'hero.' Many people have abilities, but not all deserve to be called heroes. We need a practical way to define this, preventing unscrupulous individuals from tarnishing the superhero profession."

Clark's statement resonated with Captain America, Ross, and even Tony, who all nodded in agreement.

Just as they were eager to hear more, Clark's brow furrowed, and he glanced at his wrist where one of the Kimoyo Beads was flashing blue.

Excusing himself, he stepped into the restroom and answered the call.

Shuri's image appeared on the bead, teasingly saying, "Big brother Clark, you're amazing. While I was practicing horse stance, a beautiful lady came looking for you."

Pausing, she added in not-so-fluent Chinese, "She said she's your wife!"

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