C 81

"Batman, I leave it to you!"

George Stacy didn't hesitate—he trusted Batman completely.

Though Batman's repeated appearances over the past few months had often stolen the spotlight and overshadowed the New York Police Department, there was no denying his positive impact. 

Thanks to Batman's deterrence, the crime rate in New York was steadily declining.

Most importantly, Batman always left the aftermath of his operations to the police, ensuring they received credit for closing cases. In the big picture, the NYPD's collaboration with Batman had led to incredible results.

This was especially true after the Lizard incident. Batman's intervention had left a strong impression, and his cooperative approach ushered in a virtuous cycle. 

The NYPD received multiple commendations from city hall, and public perception of the department improved dramatically.

Of course, citizens were unaware that the Lizard had been secretly taken away by unidentified operatives the very next night.

George gave his orders, trusting Batman to handle the scene. He pressed his communicator, instructing the snipers to retreat, and ordered the task force to pull back, giving Batman and the Green Goblin enough room to fight.

Soon after, Spider-Man arrived, albeit late.

Watching George Stacy coordinate the retreat, Spider-Man couldn't help but think about how the NYPD had provided backup during his fight with the Green Goblin. 

Rather than feeling supported, he felt a pang of what could only be described as humiliation. It was as if they didn't trust him.

'Still, my idol is my idol,' Spider-Man thought, glancing at Batman. 'Even the police trust him this much.'

The realization struck him: he was witnessing the sheer power of Batman's influence.

'This is my goal for the future,' he resolved.

As Spider-Man contemplated, a throwing knife suddenly sliced through the air toward Batman. The blade churned the wind with deadly precision.

Anton tilted his head slightly, letting the knife whiz past his ear. It detonated behind him.

Boom!

Dust and air currents surged around them.

Before Anton and Spider-Man, a green figure emerged from the haze, walking toward them with slow, deliberate steps.

"Batman. Spider-Man," the Green Goblin said, his tone low and laced with conflicting emotions: bitterness, hatred, and uncontrollable frustration.

"Why are you stopping me?"

He suddenly opened his arms, his voice rising with madness.

"Why not join me? Let's conquer New York together! We are all extraordinary beings with extraordinary abilities. Together, we can create a city that is more fitting for people like us! Isn't that what we all want?"

"You're insane, Norman," Anton sighed, his voice filled with regret as he looked into the Goblin's eyes.

The street was empty now, and Anton, knowing Norman's identity, spoke freely. He suspected Norman had some inkling of his identity as well.

Spider-Man, standing nearby, froze. His eyes widened under his mask as if he'd seen a ghost.

Norman?

Norman Osborn?

Could this truly be the kind, friendly uncle he had known since childhood?

Spider-Man didn't question the truth of Batman's words.

'Batman doesn't lie,' he thought. 'He wouldn't slander someone without reason.'

Memories of the confrontation earlier flashed through Spider-Man's mind. He recalled standing in the Oscorp Building's weapon showroom, face-to-face with the Green Goblin. 

At the time, he'd been unguarded, his identity almost exposed. And yet, the Goblin had attacked him without hesitation.

Realizing this, Spider-Man felt a deep ache in his chest.

...

Sewer, Ninja Dojo

Eddie was discussing Shredder and Sacks with Splinter—a rat about 1.5 meters tall, capable of speaking, carrying himself with remarkable dignity, and demonstrating exceptional martial arts skills.

When Eddie had first encountered the rat and the turtles, he had been thoroughly shocked. But after some conversation, he quickly came to see them as more than animals—they felt human.

From Splinter's explanations, Eddie learned the answers to many of his questions, essentially gaining a deep understanding of the Foot Clan.

Meanwhile, April was chatting with the four Ninja Turtles.

Their excitement was palpable.

"Are you the little girl who saved us?" Michelangelo—the free-spirited one with the orange mask, known as Mikey—asked with a laugh. 

He grinned at her and added, "You're so beautiful now. Are you planning to find a strong boyfriend like me?"

April, however, ignored his comment entirely.

"I really can't believe it. After all these years, you've all... grown up!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she studied the four muscular turtles.

To April, they weren't just old pets or part of her father's research; they were a living piece of her past. She was overwhelmed with excitement.

Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted by the voice of a news reporter coming from the second-hand TV in the dojo.

"The terrorist attack on the Oscorp Building is unfolding! Spider-Man is currently battling the terrorists! Reports indicate that the perpetrator of this attack calls himself the Green Goblin."

"Spider-Man's situation doesn't look good. The NYPD has arrived to evacuate civilians. If you are near the Oscorp Building, please stay away to avoid being caught in the conflict between the Green Goblin and Batman."

The rapid, tense broadcast snapped everyone back to reality. All eyes turned toward the TV.

"News!"

Eddie and April reacted instantly, especially Eddie.

For Eddie, this was big news. As the editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle and New York's top reporter, there was no way he would miss such a major story.

But more importantly, Eddie immediately realized that Anton had a hand in tonight's events.

There was no way this was a coincidence.

Eddie suspected Anton's operation tonight was aimed at this very terrorist—someone who had suddenly attacked New York and called himself the "Green Goblin."

"I have to go see what's happening!"

Eddie stood quickly, turning to Splinter. "Master Splinter, I have to leave for the Oscorp Building now. I'll continue our discussion about the Foot Clan when I return. But don't worry—on behalf of the Daily Bugle, I promise to pursue the Foot Clan and Sacks to the very end."

The Daily Bugle was practically synonymous with Batman at this point. Splinter, as a wise and astute being, surely understood the weight of Eddie's words.

"Eddie!"

April looked concerned. After a brief moment of hesitation, she gritted her teeth and said, "I'm coming with you."

Eddie glanced at her.

Even though they hadn't known each other for long, he saw in April a version of himself—someone determined, someone who wouldn't back down. He knew he couldn't convince her otherwise.

"Fine," Eddie relented. "You can come, but you have to do exactly as I say."

With that, the two headed for the exit of the sewer dojo, leaving the Turtles and Splinter behind.

Splinter hesitated for a moment before saying, "I will ask the children to assist you."

"Sensei!"

The four turtles immediately gathered around, their excitement palpable.

"Is it really happening?"

"Are we finally allowed to go out on a mission?"

The turtles were so thrilled that they were nearly jumping with joy, feeling for the first time that Splinter had truly acknowledged them.

"Do you think I don't know you've been sneaking out?"

Splinter sneered, giving the four a look that was equal parts exasperation and amusement.

To be honest, if Eddie hadn't come knocking, Splinter might not have realized the extent of the turtles' involvement with the Foot Clan—and how the Foot Clan had repeatedly suffered setbacks because of them.

It seems... the time has come.

Splinter felt a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

On one hand, he hoped that his more than ten years of effort had truly prepared the turtles for this moment, that they could show the strength and unity he had always envisioned.

On the other hand, he silently prayed they would return safely—victorious, yes, but more importantly, unharmed.

….

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