Provoking the government, killing the mayor, city council members, and a large number of high-ranking officials—and the one who did it was a gang leader. If the American government doesn't respond, it doesn't deserve to be called the most powerful regime on this planet.
"You walk your broad road, I'll cross my single-plank bridge. You can keep wearing your tights and being your hero, but I hope you won't interfere with my business from now on."
Hardy gave Batman a deep look.
This guy had made too many preparations specifically targeting his abilities—he couldn't beat him, nor could he kill him.
Even though it seemed Batman's suit had two possible weaknesses: one, its endurance might not be sufficient; two, to counter Hardy's ability to manipulate airflow, the suit was extremely heavy, making it not very agile. But anyone could guess with their toes that this guy definitely had a plan B up his sleeve.
The outcome of this battle could only be a draw, or perhaps Hardy losing by a move.
Neither side could do anything to the other. Last time, Hardy snatched Falcone's life from Batman; this time, Batman snatched Hugo and Mayor Sharp's lives from Hardy.
Hardy wasn't willing to let these two people drag his painstakingly built Hogg Union into the crosshairs of the U.S. government. That would seriously affect his progress in collecting fortune.
Batman still had things to deal with, like the unresolved Joker situation.
As for Hardy, he left the aftermath to Aman and the accountant, and returned to his residence inside the Hogg Auto Shop.
Today had been a full day: in the morning, he made the White Warrior; at noon, he captured the Scarecrow; in the afternoon, he fought Penguin and Solomon Grundy at the Iceberg Club; in the evening, he stopped Dr. Hugo from destroying Gotham, and then went to fight Batman.
Even Hardy just wanted a good night's rest now, and would tally up his gains tomorrow.
In front of his bedroom door, Hardy suddenly stopped, a kunai sliding from his sleeve into his grip.
Looks like... rest isn't happening tonight.
"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
The door was slashed open, followed immediately by a dazzling, lightning-like thrust.
"Clang!~"
A metallic clash rang out.
An old man sitting in a chair drew the katana from his back, blocking Hardy's strike.
"Excellent alertness, exquisite swordsmanship, and great strength. You're impressive, Hardy."
Hardy was surprised this man could block his strike.
Although after blocking it, the man's hands were trembling.
"Ra's al Ghul?"
Hardy gripped his kunai, staring at the tall old man sitting in his chair.
"Yes, it's me."
The Demon's Head stood up from the chair, scrutinizing Hardy in return.
"Can you tell me, after you got out of Arkham, what all this has been for?"
Ra's al Ghul looked at Hardy and asked.
"What's it to you?"
Ra's al Ghul smiled, unfazed by Hardy's attitude.
"Your territory is far more orderly than any other gang's, especially the part you've taken over in the slums. The Gotham city government has tried to manage it many times, but still hasn't achieved what you have in less than a year."
"It's simple. The people in Gotham's government are all bloodsucking vampires, but at least they have to keep up appearances. I'm different. The disobedient, the troublemakers, the ones who try to stir things up—they're all sleeping at the bottom of Gotham Bridge now."
Hardy pulled up a chair, sat down, and crossed his legs.
"Looks like you and I are alike. We both believe that strength can change everything. Destroy what shouldn't exist with strength, and it becomes much easier to build something perfect in its place."
Ra's al Ghul spread his arms, like a devout preacher.
"What exactly are you trying to say? Or rather, why have you come to see me?"
"You've fought Bruce Wayne twice, and both times ended in a draw. I've rarely seen anyone able to defeat Bruce Wayne—like my disciple Bane. But to not be beaten by him in the second fight after the first... that's..."
Ra's al Ghul shook his head.
"So you want me to help you deal with Batman?"
"Seems you already know Bruce Wayne is Batman."
"Was that so hard to guess?"
Hardy retorted.
"I'm not here to ask you to deal with Batman."
"Then...?"
Ra's al Ghul extended a hand toward Hardy.
"He was once my chosen heir, and you've proven yourself no less than Bruce Wayne. So, I'd like to invite you to join the League of Assassins."
Hardy's eyes lit up.
If I became the head of the League of Assassins, wouldn't that mean a huge windfall of fortune?
"I'm already several centuries old. Maybe I can go on, maybe not. As time passes, the Lazarus Pit's influence on me grows deeper. By the way, do you know about the Lazarus Pit? It can slow aging, heal any injury, enhance strength, speed, and endurance, even grant immortality. But each use has a certain impact on the mind."
"So, I need an heir—a powerful one, with unwavering and absolute faith in justice, to inherit my will and ideals!"
Where would I get unwavering faith in justice?
I'm a ninja and a gang boss with blood on my hands. All I want is to collect fortune.
"May I ask, what exactly are your will and ideals...?"
Hardy probed.
"To use assassination, war, plague, and any means necessary to destroy all greed and corruption in human civilization, to purify this world, and then, like Adam and Eve, start over from zero and build a new, ideal, pure human civilization!"
If you really purify the whole world by war, where the hell am I supposed to collect fortune?
Although he was constantly grumbling inwardly, Hardy nevertheless mustered all his strength and put his full effort into displaying the spy acting skills he had learned back at the Ninja Academy.
First, he rested his chin on one hand, his eyes revealing confusion and deep thought. Then, he shifted his gaze to look out the window.
At that moment, Gotham was still in chaos from the day's events, perfectly showcasing the evil inherent in human nature.
Hardy put on a look of being moved, then closed his eyes, sinking into contemplation.
Even with his eyes closed, Hardy remained highly alert, keenly sensing every movement around him in case Ra's al Ghul launched a sudden attack.
Ra's made no move; he simply stood there, quietly watching Hardy.
After a few minutes, Hardy estimated that enough time had passed. He opened his eyes and looked at the Demon's Head, his gaze now carrying a hint of determination.