Chapter 81 Collision! The Turtle Squad Officially Debuts!

"Batman, this is all yours!"

George Stacy didn't hesitate. He had unwavering trust in Batman.

Over the past few months, Batman repeated interventions had not only made headlines but also inadvertently outshone the NYPD. Yet, George had to admit that it was Batman deterrence that had caused New York crime rate to plummet.

Most importantly, Batman always left the cleanup and arrests to the NYPD, boosting their reputation.

In fact, the NYPD had gained so much goodwill from their "cooperation" with Batman that they were frequently commended by City Hall, especially following the Lizard incident. This newfound partnership had even improved the public perception of the police.

Of course, the public remained blissfully unaware that the Lizard had been abducted by unknown assailants the very next night.

After leaving the scene to Batman, George activated his communicator, ordered the snipers to retreat, and directed the task force to pull back, leaving enough space for Batman and the Green Goblin to fight.

Moments later, Spider-Man arrived, a bit late.

Seeing George Stacy commands and recalling the NYPD supportive efforts during his battle with the Green Goblin, Peter couldn't help but feel conflicted.

Part of him saw their assistance as "humiliating," a sign of mistrust in his abilities.

But another part of him couldn't help but admire how much faith the police placed in Batman.

"That what I aspire to someday," he thought.

Whoosh!

While Peter was lost in thought, a throwing knife cut through the air toward Batman.

Anton tilted his head slightly, letting the knife pass just inches from his ear before it exploded behind him.

BOOM!

Dust and debris surged in a cloud as the green-clad figure of the Green Goblin emerged from the chaos, walking toward them.

"Batman. Spider-Man."

The Green Goblin voice was low and complex, laced with hate and barely suppressed rage.

"Why stop me?"

He suddenly spread his arms wide, his tone growing manic. "Why not join me? Together, we could conquer New York! We are extraordinary beings with extraordinary abilities. Let build a New York that suits us! Isn't that what you want too?"

"You've truly lost your mind, Norman," Anton sighed, his gaze filled with regret as he looked at the Green Goblin.

No one else was around, and Anton knew the Goblin true identity. From the Goblin behavior, it was clear that he too had a sense of Batman true identity.

Beside them, Spider-Man masked eyes widened in disbelief.

Norman?! Norman Osborn?!

Could it be? Was this terrifying Green Goblin the same kind and personable "Uncle Norman" he had known since childhood?

Spider-Man didn't doubt Batman words for a second.

Batman wouldn't slander anyone!

Peter thought back to the moment in Oscorp weapons display room when he had stood defenseless before the Goblin without concealing his identity. The Goblin had shown no hesitation in attacking him.

The realization stung.

Meanwhile, in the sewers, inside the ninja dojo.

Eddie was deep in conversation with Splinter, a highly skilled martial arts master who also happened to be a 5-foot-tall talking rat.

Initially, Eddie had been astonished by Splinter and the talking turtles, but as the conversation went on, he began to see them as people.

Through Splinter, Eddie learned many answers to his questions about Shredder and Sykes Corporation.

The investigation into The Foot Clan operations was nearly complete.

Meanwhile.

April was enthusiastically chatting with the four lively turtles, their excitement matching hers.

"You're the little girl who saved us?"

Michelangelo, the most playful of the group, also known as Mikey, looked April up and down with his characteristic cheeky grin. The turtle in the orange bandana chuckled. "You've grown into a total knockout! Ever thought about dating someone strong like me?"

"I can't believe it… After all these years, you've all… grown up!"

April, ignoring Mikey flirtations, was too swept up in her emotions to process his words.

She gazed at the four muscular, full-grown turtles before her, her excitement reaching a fever pitch.

These weren't just her father experimental results—they were also the pets she'd adored as a child.

Suddenly, a news broadcast snapped everyone back to reality:

"Breaking News: A terror attack has occurred at Oscorp Tower! Spider-Man is currently engaged in battle with a terrorist who has identified himself as the 'Green Goblin.'"

"Spider-Man is struggling, and the NYPD is working to evacuate civilians. Residents are advised to avoid the area to prevent harm from the battle between the Green Goblin and Batman."

The urgent and tense announcement drew everyone attention to a second-hand television set in the dojo.

"News!"

Eddie and April reacted immediately, their focus shifting.

For Eddie especially, this was huge.

As the editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle and one of New York top reporters, there was no way he'd miss this story.

More importantly, he realized this incident was no coincidence.

Tonight chaos must be tied to Anton actions.

The Green Goblin sudden attack on New York aligned too perfectly with Anton plans.

"I need to check this out!"

Eddie stood up decisively and turned to Master Splinter. "Master Splinter, I need to head to Oscorp Tower immediately. The Foot Clan can wait until I return, but rest assured, I'll dig up everything there is to know about them and Sykes Corporation on behalf of the Daily Bugle."

Splinter, the wise and dignified humanoid rat, had certainly heard of Batman, whose reputation was practically synonymous with the Daily Bugle. Eddie trusted Splinter would understand the underlying meaning of his words.

"Eddie!"

April looked worried but quickly made up her mind. She bit her lip and said firmly, "I'm coming with you."

Eddie glanced at her.

Though they hadn't known each other long, April reminded him of his younger self.

He knew he couldn't dissuade her, so he nodded. "Alright, you can come, but you have to follow my lead."

The two began heading for the exit of the underground dojo.

"Wait," Splinter interjected after a moment hesitation. "I'll send the kids to assist you."

"Sensei!"

The four turtles gathered around eagerly, their expressions brimming with excitement.

"Really?!"

"Does this mean we can finally go on a real mission?"

The turtles were so thrilled they nearly started jumping up and down. To them, this moment signified Master Splinter approval.

"You think I don't know you've already snuck out before?"

Splinter voice was stern, but his expression betrayed a mix of exasperation and pride as he looked at the four young turtles.

To be honest, he hadn't known until Eddie arrival that the turtles had already clashed with The Foot Clan, repeatedly thwarting their operations.

It seemed… the time had come.

Splinter felt a blend of tension and anticipation.

On the one hand, he hoped his years of training would finally bear fruit, allowing him to witness the rise of the heroic "Turtle Squad."

On the other hand, he prayed for their safety, hoping they'd return victorious and unscathed.