Bruce wiped some of the blood off the face of the man he had dragged out before snapping a picture and sending it to Jessica.
"Look into this guy."
"Understood, boss," Jessica replied with a hint of resignation.
Even though she was a frontline operative, she was now stuck handling logistics.
It was frustrating, but she knew her role was to stay behind and protect Aunt May, ensuring nothing happened to her.
"Joseph Harrow, a Far Eastern American, formerly one of Wilson Fisk's men. Since Fisk's imprisonment, he's been working on his own."
"The chaos in New York is primarily orchestrated by the gang he formed."
"But there's no trace of his arms supply."
"It's as if those weapons just appeared out of nowhere."
Staring at the data displayed on the large screen, Jessica found it hard to believe that a single gang leader could reduce New York to such a state.
The only logical explanation was that someone was aiding them from the shadows.
"Any issues with the prison?"
Bruce's first thought was whether Wilson Fisk had somehow gotten out and was deliberately stirring up chaos.
"None. This unrest doesn't seem to have affected the prison. Maybe even they don't want Fisk back on the streets."
Jessica had a good guess as to why these gangs hadn't caused trouble at the prison holding Wilson Fisk.
They didn't want to see him back in New York.
While Jessica explained the situation, Bruce was already searching Joseph's belongings.
When he pulled out a phone from the man's inner jacket lining, he wasted no time.
Flipping it over, he retrieved a data extractor from his belt.
Placing the phone on the extractor, every trace of its usage was copied.
After storing the device away, Bruce got back into the Batmobile.
"Give me intel on other streets in New York," he said, starting the engine.
Jessica sighed. "Looks like we're in for a sleepless night. Though I'd rather be out there too."
"You know why."
For once, Bruce didn't have to cut her off. Jessica preempted his response.
"My job is to stay in the Batcave and protect Aunt May. Yeah, yeah, I know, boss."
"I've sent you details on the city's chaos. Pick a street and begin your hunt."
Bruce didn't respond. The moment he received the intel, he slammed on the gas, propelling the Batmobile toward another riot-stricken street.
That night, the roaring engine echoed across New York.
No one knew who was saving the city from complete madness.
But whenever they heard that engine, they knew the streets nearby would soon be restored to order.
At dawn, people searched for the source of that unmistakable sound.
But they found nothing.
However, those in Manhattan who stumbled upon the wreckage of infantry fighting vehicles couldn't help but shudder.
What exactly had happened in Manhattan last night?
After a long night of relentless action, the Dark Knight returned to where he belonged.
"Vroom—"
Hearing that signature engine growl, Jessica and Aunt May knew exactly who had come back.
The Batmobile roared into the Batcave, coming to a precise stop.
If the car had left the cave in pristine condition, it certainly wasn't returning that way.
It wasn't completely wrecked, but it bore the marks of battle—proof of a long, hard-fought night.
Bruce emerged from the Batmobile, looking weary and travel-worn.
At this moment, Aunt May had already prepared breakfast for him.
Seeing Bruce in his current state, covered in dust and exhaustion, Aunt May couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.
It was as if she saw the shadow of Peter Parker in him.
"The National Guard—have they begun their operations?" The first thing Bruce did upon returning was approach Jessica, wanting to know what exactly the National Guard was doing around New York City.
Given what had happened the night before, the National Guard should have arrived right after Bruce had.
But even now, after Bruce had spent the whole night dealing with the chaos in the city, there was still no sign of them.
"I don't know, but the unrest has escalated almost everywhere. Even the National Guard can't possibly handle so many hotspots at once," Jessica responded as she pulled up a map of the entire United States.
The screen was covered in red zones, marking areas of turmoil.
In comparison, New York City was already an outlier.
If it weren't for Bruce's relentless efforts last night, the city would have been just another part of that sea of red.
And no one could predict what New York would become next.
Being one of America's three great crime capitals was no mere exaggeration.
Bruce stared at the blood-red screen in silence.
"So, what can we do now?" Jessica asked, feeling a headache coming on from the grim situation.
If S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't been forcefully taken over by the U.S. government, they might still have had ways to execute some operations.
But now, trying to go back to S.H.I.E.L.D. would be walking straight into a trap.
"Find out who this guy has been in contact with and what kind of intel he has," Bruce said as he pulled a data extractor from his utility belt.
Jessica was about to take the device from him when Aunt May suddenly intervened.
"What you two need to do right now is not this," Aunt May said firmly, gripping the data extractor tightly as she looked at both Bruce and Jessica with unwavering determination.
She had gone to sleep last night, but she was certain these two hadn't closed their eyes even once.
"I'll sleep after I finish this," Bruce said in a calm tone, but his hands had already started moving.
He reached out, trying to take the data extractor from Aunt May.
But she was prepared for this. She held onto it tightly, refusing to let go.
Seeing Aunt May's resolute stance, Bruce had no choice but to remove his mask.
"I understand," he said.
Holding his mask, Bruce turned and walked toward the changing room.
"Make sure you eat breakfast before you sleep! I don't want you going to bed on an empty stomach!" Aunt May called after him.
Then she turned her gaze toward Jessica.
Jessica, obedient as ever, got up from her chair, raising her hands in surrender.
"I know, I know! I'll go wash up and sleep right now."
"And breakfast."
"Got it," Jessica replied, waving a hand as she made her way toward her meal.
Only then did Aunt May nod in satisfaction.
(End of Chapter)
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