Chapter 152: Joy and Happiness

"It's all about who stands in the rain with you, when they could be dry if they wanted to."

- Unknown

...

It had to be said that when Robin learned the truth about the Phantom Thief's technique, he was somewhat disappointed.

This technique was simply too simple, even to the point of being old-fashioned.

But at the same time, he couldn't help but be amazed by Phantom Thief's thinking because, at least at that moment, he had tricked everyone, including Bruce!

Bruce knew deep down that the Bat-signal couldn't just vanish into thin air. He didn't immediately understand the truth behind the Phantom Thief's entire technique.

Despite his already impressive thinking speed, it took him some time to realize this. Many people might not have figured it out even after thinking for several days.

Even Robin himself had been puzzled for a whole day and night until Bruce's hint woke him up.

'I have now torn the Phantom Thief's white cloth. It can no longer perfectly cover all the Bat-Signal, and he cannot freely change to another white cloth.'

'In addition, the Bat-signal is still lit; as long as there is a gap between the lenses, the light will get through and expose the truth that the Bat-signal hasn't disappeared.'

Robin thought happily.

'I'm confident that even if the connection between Phantom Thief's custom lenses is tight enough to cover the light from Bat-signal if he changes to another white cloth later, this truth will be exposed.'

If Phantom Thief hadn't changed the white cloth, he wouldn't have been able to show that the Bat-signal had disappeared by placing a white cloth over it in the same place, which would have left him standing there doing nothing.

In other words, Phantom Thief had changed from the technique he demonstrated during the rehearsal!

Phantom Thief's secrets were out, so he couldn't possibly steal the Bat-Signal, let alone the ocean gem that was hidden inside it.

By then, it would be easy for Robin to win!

Also, this victory wouldn't be won by catching the Phantom Thief or fighting.

Instead, it would be won by beating him at the thing he was best at and was most proud of, the art of magic.

This kind of victory is like a riddle that even the Riddler couldn't solve, as it turns Scarecrow's fear toxin into a courage gas.

Defeating the opponent on their own field will be a real blow, and Robin can use this chance to change Phantom Thief's mind and help him stop being a criminal artist and get back on the right path.

Isn't that a great achievement?

For now, all that mattered was to see what the Phantom Thief planned to do.

"The material used for this white cloth isn't cheap, and it's been cut like this. Oh, what a pity."

Phantom Thief sighed as he looked at the clear and narrow slits on the fabric.

"Robin, do you realize you're damaging someone else's private property?"

"Do you think you have the right to say that?"

Robin's mouth twitched, and he didn't look happy. He sometimes wondered if the Phantom Thief even knew he was committing a crime.

"At least I've never caused any real property damage to anyone, and I haven't hurt people. Oh, I forgot about the Penguin. His money laundering company was busted because of me, and they most likely lost a lot of money."

The Phantom Thief waved his hand.

"I'm not making excuses for my actions, Robin. I'm well aware that I'm breaking the law. But what I want to say is that the things you superheroes do are not much different from what I do. Do you think I've broken more laws than you?"

Robin's expression slightly froze. He hadn't expected the Phantom Thief to suddenly start talking about these things.

"You don't need to rush to argue with me. I know that if you really want to do something good in this hellhole place called Gotham, you can't always follow the law. Those illegal actions you all take are necessary to fight criminals."

The Phantom Thief continued speaking without waiting for Robin to respond.

"Perhaps you believe that you are violations of the law for noble reasons, while I'm just someone who wastes a lot of social resources to fulfill my performance art and might even influence ordinary citizens to imitate thieves."

Robin listened to the Phantom Thief's words in a daze, as he didn't know what he was trying to say.

'Is it because he predicted his own failure and lost hope of winning that he confessed his guilt?'

"Robin."

The Phantom Thief suddenly spoke.

"Look at the people in the audience around you."

Robin looked at Phantom Thief skeptically, and Phantom Thief just glanced back at him casually. He looked around the audience.

"What expressions do you see on their faces?"

The Phantom Thief asked.

"Are they worried about their own safety? Are they terrified of what might happen next? No."

The Phantom Thief answered his own question.

"These people are just looking forward to my performance because the Phantom Thief's performance brings them genuine joy and happiness from the bottom of their hearts."

"Robin, don't you think it's a good thing to see such expressions on people's faces in a city like Gotham?"

The Phantom Thief continued.

"Are darkness and despair the only things in this city? Don't the people living here deserve a moment to catch their breath? What did those ordinary people do wrong?"

"I've given the people of Gotham a little time to breathe during their days of fear in a place that's not so terrifying. So tell me, what's the real difference between you and me?"

"Well..."

Robin was about to say something, but suddenly it felt like something was stuck in his throat, and he couldn't say anything.

Indeed, fighting crime might be for a noble cause, but is bringing joy to others really so bad? Both of them involve breaking the law.

When he thought about it, there didn't seem to be much difference between him and the Phantom Thief.

However, Robin couldn't help feeling that something was off. The Phantom Thief might be twisting the concept.

"Robin, do you know? The things thieves like me want to steal are never precious treasures, but people with a smile."

Suddenly, the Phantom Thief showed a cunning smile.

Seeing this sly smile, Robin immediately felt something was wrong. The Phantom Thief had just completely distracted him.

Focusing his gaze, he noticed that the white cloth covering the Bat-Signal had somehow disappeared, and the several holes in it had vanished!

It had turned into a perfectly new white cloth again!

"When did this happen!"

Robin's eyes widened as he recalled the Phantom Thief's movements while he was talking. He shouldn't have had the time to touch the white cloth!

...

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