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This difference set the Batman template apart from the others, and it brought with it two unique attributes that were intrinsic to the persona.

One of Batman's abilities was called "identity hiding."

The second, with a much longer name, was "indestructible, immune to all attacks, and impossible to recognize—even by the chin."

While the name of the second feature might sound exaggerated, it perfectly summarized the essence of Batman's basic attributes.

However, Venom's alien nature posed an unavoidable quirk. After all, Venom's ability to recognize people boiled down to a single factor: whether someone looked "delicious" or not.

Even Anton, standing before his Batman clone, couldn't help but notice how the clone's demeanor, actions, and even the subtle quirks around its masked mouth were distinct from his own. 

If Fury and Natasha failed to recognize the clone as anything but Batman, it was only natural.

"Clean the house… and entertain again?" Fury repeated, his expression odd.

He wasn't someone unfamiliar with literature, and he vaguely recalled encountering such phrase during his studies. 

The meaning of the phrase in context referred to: "Eliminating foreign aggressive forces from within the house, and then establishing diplomatic relations with countries willing to abide by the principles of peace, democracy, and equality."

Fury suddenly realized the sentence was a perfect metaphor for the current state of S.H.I.E.L.D.

This isn't a hint—it's a direct statement!

Despite the revelation, Fury quickly composed himself. He considered the broader implication: Batman and his allies were not hostile toward S.H.I.E.L.D. Instead, they seemed open to cooperation—on one condition: clean the house.

"If that's your stance, I'm willing to accept it," Fury said, his expression softening. After a pause, he added, "Batman, I'll speak with the World Security Council about this. But first, I want to know: where exactly are the infiltrators inside S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

It was a question born of genuine frustration.

S.H.I.E.L.D. was a relatively independent organization with law enforcement authority across multiple nations. That such an organization could harbor infiltrators wasn't entirely shocking. 

What Fury couldn't accept, however, was the realization that even he—the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.—had been unknowingly manipulated by these hidden forces.

He hadn't noticed at first. But once he began observing more carefully, the truth became undeniable.

The surface might appear smooth and clean, but underneath, it's pitch black—completely hollowed out.

Batman's tone was calm as he responded, "The internal troubles of S.H.I.E.L.D. have existed for a long time. It's your organization's responsibility to resolve them. Outsiders cannot intervene."

His voice carried no malice, but his firm stance still gave Fury the respect he deserved.

"The internal corruption of S.H.I.E.L.D. is an issue inherited from its past," Batman continued, his words slow and deliberate.

Then, without speaking aloud, he silently formed the word with his lips: Hydra.

Hydra!

Nick Fury's eyes widened as the unspoken name hit him like a hammer. His face betrayed his shock, even as he struggled to contain his emotions.

Beside him, Natasha froze in stunned silence. She, too, caught the significance of the mouthed word.

"Well then," Anton said, breaking the tension. "We won't keep you any longer."

He rose from his chair, his tone casual but firm. It was clearly time to see the guests out.

Batman, standing by the office door, stepped aside, silently signaling their exit.

Fury, though visibly frustrated, nodded to both Anton and Batman before turning to leave. Natasha followed closely behind, still processing everything that had transpired.

At this moment, Coulson and Hawkeye noticed movement and glanced inside.

The first thing they saw wasn't their chief or their female colleague but a tall figure exuding a commanding presence—cold and impossible to ignore.

Batman!

"When?"

Coulson froze in shock, while Hawkeye's eyes widened, his scalp tingling with unease.

Neither had any idea when Batman had entered the DC company.

One thing was certain: Batman hadn't been here when they first arrived. He must have shown up after their team entered the building.

And then they noticed Anton standing beside Batman.

The sight confused them momentarily, but it also seemed to answer a long-standing question:

Anton is not Batman!

This realization resolved a number of puzzling incidents from before, bringing clarity to what had once seemed inexplicable.

"Let's go."

Fury's face was grim as he gave the order to leave the DC company.

"Barton, you and Coulson ride together," Fury instructed.

At the gate downstairs, Coulson and Hawkeye exchanged a glance before climbing into the same car.

Fury and Natasha headed for a different vehicle.

"Nick!"

Inside the car, Natasha reverted to her Black Widow persona, her beautiful face serious and solemn.

"What Batman just said…"

"Don't tell Barton or Coulson," Fury interrupted her curtly.

"You know what I mean, Natasha. Right now, we can't be sure anyone is trustworthy."

Natasha didn't respond immediately. Instead, she gave Fury a long, searching look.

She couldn't deny his point. Trust was a rare commodity these days. Still, she was painfully aware that if the Hydra revelation hadn't come from Batman, but from her alone, Fury wouldn't have believed her—or trusted her—either.

That was Nick Fury for you. He trusted no one but himself.

Anton watched as the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents left the building.

He exchanged a glance with the Batman clone, which promptly disappeared into thin air.

"Ugh."

Anton sighed, but it wasn't out of concern for S.H.I.E.L.D. or the situation. Instead, he lamented the loss of his "glamorous assistant," Natasha, who had just walked out.

Unfortunately, the Catwoman suit he'd specially prepared at home would have to wait for someone else to wear it.

Still, there would be other chances in the future. Plenty of chances.

Turning his thoughts elsewhere, Anton considered the larger picture. Building the Justice League couldn't be done recklessly or on his strength alone. Sometimes, he needed a shield—and S.H.I.E.L.D. was perfect for the job.

Establishing contact with them was necessary, not just as a cover but also to guide them into solving their own issues first. Only then would meaningful cooperation be possible.

And, of course, Anton's identity was flourishing.

Thanks to his adoptive father, J. Jonah Jameson, who had cultivated significant political connections in New York over the years, Anton had influence. His ties ensured that no one would openly oppose him.

As for secret opposition?

Anton wasn't afraid of anyone.

From his public persona, Anton presented himself as the spokesperson of the Justice League—an identity that allowed him to occupy a position of "righteous rhetoric."

In his current role, he was a man of many titles: wealthy heir, entrepreneur, screenwriter, talented Hollywood director, and now the official spokesperson for the Justice League. It was a series of accolades that painted the picture of a true winner in life.

However, behind the scenes, his accomplishments didn't stop there. He wasn't just Anton; he was also Batman, Cyborg, Arrow, and potentially Superman, Flash, Aquaman, and—well—Wonder Woman.

Anton mused to himself, "How long before I can take the Avengers head-on with just a avatar?"

He couldn't help but smile at the thought.

Meanwhile, upstairs at the Daily Bugle, Eddie was hard at work. The events of the day, coupled with the footage captured on his camera, were more than enough to propel his already flourishing career to new heights.

Yet, everyone—Anton and Eddie included—had overlooked one crucial individual: Phil Urich.

Unknown to either of them, Phil had already infiltrated the enemy's ranks. Now, he was aboard a plane heading to Brazil, accompanied by the remnants of the Foot Clan and Dr. Stockman.

….

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