Chapter 73 NYPD Task Force

Leaving Hell Kitchen, Anton retrieved his car from a group of bruised and battered thugs, revved the engine, and headed toward the Daily Bugle.

Every action requires careful planning.

The Ninja Turtles, originally from a different universe, had somehow crossed into the Marvel world. The Foot Clan, now linked to Hell Kitchen, had tangled with Daredevil, who was a permanent fixture there. Who knew what other connections might be lurking beneath the surface?

First, gather information. Understand what this world version of The Foot Clan was about.

If the butterfly effect caused by Anton actions flapped a little too wildly, erasing the familiar threads of the future he knew, it would only come back to bite him.

Thus, Anton returned to the Daily Bugle and sought out Eddie, who was hard at work.

"Hey, man, any recent news from Hell Kitchen?"

After a pause, he added, "Do you know anything about The Foot Clan or someone named Shredder?"

Anton was aware that Eddie had been a reporter in New York for years. His information channels were abundant and reliable.

Last time, it was thanks to Eddie contacting Ben Urich that they'd managed to track down Kingpin mother and uncover the truth about the young Kingpin patricide.

This time, Anton target was clearly The Foot Clan.

While Anton knew from memory that the gang shadowy leader was named Shredder, he still needed to confirm key details. Shredder public identity, his actual abilities, his territory, and the number of his subordinates—all needed to be verified. It was critical to know whether the gang in this universe matched the information Anton had.

"Why are you suddenly investigating The Foot Clan?"

Eddie looked utterly incredulous, shocked. "Anton, you're not spying on me, are you?"

"What are you talking about?"

Anton was even more surprised, crossing his arms over his chest defensively. "Eddie, I need to make something clear—I'm not into guys!"

"Shit! That my line!"

Eddie cursed with a laugh, then collected himself and said seriously, "How did you know I've been looking into The Foot Clan recently?"

"You've been investigating them too?"

Anton was even more astonished.

"Uh, it because of a girl."

Eddie didn't hide it, adding with a smug grin, "She a reporter for Channel 6 News. She wants to expose criminal activities and happened to focus on The Foot Clan, which has been extremely active lately. You know how it is—I'm a veteran in this business, and I'm pretty famous in New York. Lots of rookie reporters look up to me as an idol."

"So you're using this as an opportunity to hit on her…" Anton said, suddenly understanding. "What her name?"

"April O'Neil!"

Eddie replied. "She a hottie and very capable. I'm thinking of recruiting her to our paper. What do you think?"

"You think I'd allow an office romance between you two?"

Anton shot Eddie a disdainful glance, then righteously declared, "Forget it. Not going to happen. At the Daily Bugle, the only person who can have an office romance and not get fired is me! Because I'm the boss—nobody can fire me."

…

After work.

The two of them headed to their usual bar for drinks.

Before long, a stunning blonde woman walked into the bar, drawing plenty of greedy stares even as she lingered at the entrance.

Eventually, the beauty made her way to their table.

"April O'Neil."

Eddie introduced her to Anton, then turned to April and said, "This is my boss, Anton Jameson. You've probably heard of him."

"Of course. Hollywood genius director. Anton, nice to meet you."

April smiled as she sat down, greeting Anton.

After some small talk, Anton got straight to the point. "April, I hear you've been investigating The Foot Clan. Found anything?"

The question made April glance instinctively at Eddie, who responded with an encouraging look.

"Well…"

April hesitated. "All I know so far is that The Foot Clan recently stole some classified chemical supplies from a warehouse at the Brooklyn docks. Things like deaminating agents and benzyl cyanide. I've spoken to experts—those chemicals are used in genetic research."

"Wait, are you talking about the batch of chemicals stolen from Oscorp shipment at the Brooklyn docks?" Eddie suddenly interjected, as if he'd just pieced something together.

Oscorp?

How was this connected to Oscorp again?

Listening to their conversation, Anton felt like he might've missed something.

"Yes, that the one from Oscorp."

April nodded. "Apparently, the higher-ups at Oscorp were furious about it. They ordered the NYPD to crack the case within a week, but so far, nothing come of it."

She shrugged. "Obviously, the NYPD is pretty stumped right now. They know The Foot Clan is the culprit, and they even set up a task force to deal with them, but all they've managed are token hits that don't even scratch the surface. They can't get to The Foot Clan mastermind at all."

"So, you know who behind The Foot Clan?" Anton asked.

"No."

April sighed. "I don't know. But…"

She glanced at Eddie and Anton, then bit her lip, her voice tinged with excitement. "I discovered a secret yesterday—there an vigilante targeting The Foot Clan crimes."

"An vigilante? Who? Daredevil?" Eddie asked.

"A new one!"

April thought for a moment and, to prove her point, pulled out her phone and opened her photo gallery.

"Look, this is the symbol left by that new vigilante. I'm not lying!" She gritted her teeth, her tone frustrated. "My colleagues don't believe me. They think this story isn't worth reporting because all I have is a photo of a container and nothing else… Damn it! Everyone at Channel 6 is a bunch of hopeless idiots!"

April was furious.

Eddie quickly comforted her, taking the opportunity to slide his hand to her waist, his face gradually revealing a look of satisfaction.

April blushed but didn't stop him.

Anton glanced at the photo, then at the two of them. He silently cursed, "Damn adulterous pair," before standing up, bidding them farewell, and leaving the bar for the Brooklyn docks.

From April words, Anton realized that the four little turtles had officially made their debut. They had set their sights on The Foot Clan and begun their crime-fighting journey.

As for April O'Neil identity, Anton also gained clarity.

She was the original storyline heroine. But in this Marvel world, before she had a chance to pair up with her colleagues, Eddie had already swooped in and charmed her.

As a seasoned journalist and now the editor-in-chief of the rapidly rising Daily Bugle, Eddie had indeed achieved success, making him quite the eligible bachelor.

While pondering these developments, Anton arrived at the Brooklyn docks.

He was just about to enter the area and inspect the Oscorp containers for any clues left behind when a group of officers wearing NYPD Task Force uniforms appeared at the dock entrance, stopping his car.

The officers were polite but firm. "Sir, this is an NYPD task force operation. The area ahead is dangerous. Please turn around immediately."

"Dangerous?"

Anton narrowed his eyes, then asked, "Bigfoot Gang?"

"That none of your concern, sir."

The officer expression shifted slightly at the mention of the gang.

"Sir, if you don't turn around, I'll have grounds to arrest you for obstructing police work!"

His gaze turned cold, and his tone grew less cordial.

Anton chuckled, not the least bit offended. He didn't take the young officer words to heart; the man was just doing his job.

So, with a smile, Anton replied, "Don't worry. I have no intention of interfering with your work."

With that, he obediently turned his car around and drove away.

Watching the luxury car disappear down the road, the officer breathed a sigh of relief, his demeanor far less composed than he had appeared.

The car was clearly expensive. Though he didn't recognize Anton, it was obvious that the man was either wealthy or influential. Such individuals weren't to be trifled with lightly—one wrong move could cost him his job.

What the officer didn't know was…

Minutes later, a shadowy figure cloaked in a flowing cape leapt from the rooftops of Brooklyn buildings, heading straight for the docks.