C 71

"See you again, Peter Parker."

Anton waved to the young hero standing by the roadside. "Get in the car—I have something to discuss with you."

"Uh…"

Peter hesitated for a moment before climbing into the passenger seat.

The car started and merged into traffic.

For reasons he couldn't quite explain, Peter felt a bit nervous once he settled in.

The feeling wasn't unfamiliar; it was the same uneasy tension he'd felt when he first encountered Batman.

He glanced at Anton, who was calmly driving, and felt as though he were being scrutinized. It sent goosebumps rippling along his arms.

Peter replayed the earlier moment in his head—Anton lowering the window, inviting him into the car, and the peculiar glint in his eyes paired with a knowing smile.

A sudden realization struck him. His eyes widened as understanding dawned.

Peter turned his head and studied Anton's profile, but neither of them spoke. The silence lingered, thick and unbroken, as the car made its way toward Peter's neighborhood.

Outside Peter's Home

Anton pulled the car to a stop about two hundred meters from Peter's house, maintaining a safe distance to avoid being spotted by Uncle Ben or Aunt May. He wanted to steer clear of any unnecessary misunderstandings about Peter arriving in a flashy sports car.

"Peter, do you know why I came to see you today?"

Breaking the silence, Anton turned to face Peter.

"Mr. Jameson, I guess it's not for Spider-Man photos?"

Peter scratched his head nervously, unsure of where this conversation was heading.

"Just call me Anton," Anton said with a smile. "And for the record, you've already become pretty famous at our paper, lucky boy."

Peter blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Well, Spider-Man seems to have a habit of letting you take his pictures," Anton replied casually.

A chill ran down Peter's spine as realization hit—Anton knew his secret.

"I'm here today because of Batman," Anton added, noticing Peter tense up. He softened his tone. "Relax, Peter. This isn't a bad thing for you."

Hearing the name Batman instantly eased some of Peter's nerves. His eyes lit up, and his excitement bubbled to the surface.

"Does Batman need my help?" Peter asked eagerly, almost interrupting. "I can help—I mean, I'm here for whatever you need!"

Anton chuckled. "Batman doesn't have any problems he can't handle."

Peter blinked, momentarily deflated.

"The reason I'm here," Anton continued, "is that Batman is planning to form a superhero team—the Justice League—and is recruiting members. I think you'd be a great addition. What do you think, Spider-Man?"

"Of course!"

Peter's reply was instant and enthusiastic, but as he caught Anton's knowing gaze, he faltered.

It dawned on him—he'd just confirmed his identity without even trying to deny it.

With a sheepish smile, Peter slumped in his seat. "Okay… yeah, I'm Spider-Man. You figured it out a while ago, didn't you?"

"Since you're interested in joining the Justice League," Anton said with a nod, "the Daily Bugle will always have its doors open for you. It'll serve as a temporary base for the team."

He added, "And if you ever need help, you're welcome to stop by the Bugle anytime."

"Understood!"

Peter nodded eagerly. As Anton finished talking about leaving, Peter hesitated for a moment before asking, "Can I still go to the Daily Bugle to sell photos?"

Anton chuckled. "Of course. You're welcome at the Daily Bugle anytime."

"Thank you! I won't let you down!"

Peter's face lit up with happiness. He nodded once more and got out of the car, waving goodbye to Anton before heading toward his home.

Being invited by Batman himself was a huge honor for Peter—it meant he was recognized by his idol. This recognition fueled his passion for being a superhero, a role he saw as voluntary and non-mandatory but deeply fulfilling.

As Anton drove off, Peter remained standing at the curb, waving until the car disappeared at the end of the road.

Although Anton never explicitly revealed his true identity during their conversation, Peter had his suspicions. He wasn't a fool—far from it.

The connection between Anton and Batman had already been made public in subtle ways. And Peter, with his sharp intellect, was piecing things together.

Peter Parker's brilliance wasn't in question. After all, he had secured an internship at Oscorp during high school, participated in Curt Connors' limb regeneration experiment, and even uncovered the secrets of the lizard gene.

Among Marvel's brightest minds, Peter consistently earned his place.

Anton remembered a version of Peter Parker from the comics where Peter founded Parker Industries, a global corporation that rivaled the tycoons of the world. 

Although, in that storyline, Spider-Man's body was temporarily controlled by Doctor Octopus, the foundation of Parker Industries was undeniably Peter's achievement.

Even in that arc, when Green Goblin reemerged, Doctor Octopus willingly returned control of the body to Peter, ensuring that Parker Industries remained a legacy tied to Spider-Man.

This story highlighted Peter's cleverness, resilience, and inherent genius.

Reflecting on this, Anton had no doubts that Peter Parker had incredible potential. Despite his youth and inexperience as a fledgling superhero, Peter's trajectory as Spider-Man would lead to greatness.

For this reason, Anton refrained from revealing too much too soon. Instead, he opted for a gradual and supportive approach, akin to how Iron Man in the MCU mentored Peter.

When Spider-Man needed help, he would naturally think of Batman and the Daily Bugle. This slow-building trust would strengthen their connection, and as the Justice League formally took shape, Peter's sense of belonging to the team would solidify.

However, the person Anton was about to meet next was entirely different.

Daredevil didn't require a gentle approach or subtle persuasion.

With Daredevil, being direct and straightforward was the best way to build an alliance.

Daredevil had grown and matured over the years. Unlike Peter, whose heart still carried a sense of youthful naivety and romance, Matt Murdock was strong in every sense—especially mentally.

Moreover, during the Kingpin incident, Batman and Daredevil had worked well together. With the formation of a superhero team and the birth of the Justice League on the horizon, Daredevil would undoubtedly recognize the benefits of such an alliance.

Anton recalled that in the Marvel comics, Captain America had repeatedly invited Daredevil to join the Avengers, only to be turned down each time. However, after the Civil War, Daredevil eventually joined the New Avengers, led by Luke Cage.

From this, Anton surmised that Daredevil wasn't the type to refuse an invitation from a trusted friend or acquaintance.

Currently, in Hell's Kitchen, with Kingpin out of the picture and no rival of similar stature to contend with, Matt Murdock was facing fewer challenges. Joining the Justice League as it was being formed might even bring some renewed purpose to his work.

Boom!

The engine of a public sports car roared as Anton drove into the chaotic streets of Hell's Kitchen, instantly drawing countless suspicious and hostile gazes.

Anton parked and stepped out of the car.

A few men exchanged glances and began approaching him.

Three minutes later.

The same men stood around the sports car with swollen noses and bruised faces, now smiling nervously as they "guarded" the vehicle for Anton.

Unbothered, Anton walked into a nearby alley and knocked on Matt Murdock's door.

….

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