Chapter 19: This Task is Done

The warehouse was spacious, with the second floor converted by Dick to serve as both a resting and training area. He casually tossed Damian onto the sofa, then retrieved a first aid kit to treat his own wounds. While tending to his injuries, he glanced at Kaito Haruno, who was wandering aimlessly in his room. Dick removed his mask, revealing his true identity, and walked over slowly, extending his hand.

"Let's get to know each other again. I'm Dick Grayson, NCPD."

Kaito couldn't help but mutter to himself, Do all the heroes in the New 52 like to introduce themselves? In this universe, superheroes generally knew each other's real identities. For example, the eight prominent members of the Justice League were aware that Batman was the financial powerhouse of the DC world. Now, they spent his money without any hesitation, since they were all broke. However, after Aquaman Arthur joined the League, Batman's wealth status had been relegated to second place. After all, Aquaman was the king of the Seven Seas, and the treasures of the ocean far surpassed Batman's fortune.

Kaito hadn't expected this habit of revealing identities to extend beyond the eight prominent members; now even Dick was doing it. After this brief internal monologue, he realized he needed to drop the silence that could hinder their upcoming mission, so he removed the last layer of his disguise. His black armor and mask vanished, revealing his true self.

"Kaito Haruno, Mid-City High School." He introduced himself briefly, waiting for Dick to tell him what he wanted.

Dick nodded, acknowledging Kaito's name, and then moved to the sofa to address Damian. "I know what you want, and I'll help you because I'm involved in this case too. However, you need to follow my lead. If not, Batman will come to pick you up tonight. Understand? Nod if you do."

Damian, realizing his current situation, could only helplessly nod since his mouth had been taped shut. Dick then untied him, and free at last, Damian removed the rag from his mouth, glaring at Dick in annoyance.

Dick shrugged it off, pulling a file from the nearby bookshelf and handing it to both Damian and Kaito. "This is the information on the Hellfire gang. I sent that Middleman to the ICU, but the Hellfire gang hasn't stopped operating. People are still using their name to help others fence stolen goods and are even involved in human trafficking."

"So?"

"I want to track down their supply channels and take down those who provide them!" Dick said fiercely.

"Um… that doesn't seem like something that can be wrapped up in a few days. Plus, I think your boss, Batman, wouldn't just stand by and do nothing. After all, if they can provide so many people, they must have some capable subordinates backing them up. They couldn't still be in business otherwise," Kaito remarked, not foolish enough to ignore the signs of a large, multinational trafficking group. If they lacked support from the underworld or didn't have significant strength, they would have been shut down long ago. Given that the Justice League was now established, Kaito leaned towards the idea that they indeed had underworld backing. But from this perspective, the task seemed overly complicated for a mere 30,000 points from the system.

Dick clarified, "I know this is a complicated task, and the three of us can't handle it alone. I also know Batman plans to find leads from Cobblepot. I don't expect to uproot the entire interest group behind this, but at the very least, I don't want to see such things happening in New Gotham."

Alright, Kaito now understood why the system only gave him 30,000 points. He could handle the small fry in New Gotham with some effort. But with Dick, a big player, leading the way, Kaito was happy to let him take charge and save himself the trouble of thinking too much.

Dick wasn't worried about Kaito; he seemed easygoing and wouldn't overlook the issues in his city now that he was a superhero. However, he was more concerned about Damian. This kid was a real firecracker; he'd slice you with a knife if you crossed him. Who knew if he'd listen to orders?

"So, you want me to take your orders? Do you know why I left Gotham?" Damian said, crossing his arms and sitting on the sofa, clearly displeased.

"Hey, calm down, kid! You don't want to go back to Gotham so soon. Even though Nightwing is here, he still hasn't sent you back, right? Just think of it as a couple of days of fun while helping out. Nightwing shouldn't be as strict with you as Batman," Dick said, trying to ease the tension.

Seeing Dick's expression ready to explode, Kaito quickly spoke up, shifting from the combative attitude he had earlier with Damian. He figured he should say nice things to smooth things over. After all, kids were easier to deal with when you stroked their egos. As expected, after hearing Kaito's words, the previously irritated Damian calmed down. Considering the punishment waiting for him from Batman, Damian decided that staying in New Gotham a few more days was a better idea. After all, it would be the same punishment regardless of how long he stayed.

"How did you get him to quiet down?" Dick was surprised that Kaito had calmed Damian so quickly.

"Can't you tell? Everyone likes to hear nice things, you know," Kaito replied.

"Could you two please not whisper in front of me? I'm not deaf," Damian interjected.

Even though he knew Kaito was saying nice things, Damian couldn't help but appreciate it. He had no idea why, but it felt off for them to say it in front of him.

"Heh, I'll be more careful next time."

Damian had no response, and the following arrangements were much simpler. Since Damian didn't have a place to stay, he would temporarily reside with Dick, while Kaito awaited Dick's signal. Although Kaito hadn't told Dick about his contact information, given Dick's capabilities, if he couldn't manage this, his time with Batman would have been for nothing.

"So, what's our next step? If there's nothing to do, I'll be on my way."

"In such a hurry?"

"I have school."

A solid reason always found a way to excuse a little slacking off. Dick wouldn't stoop so low as to keep a student from attending school. He nodded, indicating that Kaito could leave.

Once Kaito departed, the previously decent atmosphere turned cold. Although Kaito had advised Dick to be easygoing, Dick truly struggled to say nice things to Damian, and he believed Batman wouldn't manage it either.

"Where am I sleeping?"

"On the sofa."

"A dog bed? No way!"

"My bed is too small for kids to sleep in."

"What, is it just filled with abstract art?"

Dick: …

Thanks to book friend guisk for the 100 Qidian coins. Appreciate the support!

(End of Chapter)