The Roxxon-Stark war had begun.
Consequently, the citizens of the United States were having the time of their lives.
Tony Stark was a rather conceited man—or rather, Iron Man was a rather conceited man—and his method of fighting a business war was entirely unique. Stark Industries did not acquire shares of Roxxon Energy Corporation, nor did they look for other trusted companies to secure their own controlling interest.
Instead, he chose to slash the electricity prices for the entire city of New York by a full half. Tony even went so far as to boldly declare to the public that, if necessary, he could cause electricity prices across the United States to drop by half; he would just wait to see if anyone else still dared to maliciously attempt a hostile takeover of Stark Industries' shares.
"But in the end, it was never explained what exactly that hostile takeover was referring to. My guess is that Roxxon Energy tried to force its way into Stark Industries' board of directors."
While eating lunch at school, Harry disclosed the relevant information to Peter. Needless to say, this was definitely second-hand news acquired from Norman. After Peter grasped the situation, he nodded thoughtfully, and then curiously continued to ask, "Did your dad say anything else?"
"Oscorp Technologies has already obtained the paperwork to go to that whatever-heim place. Although Oscorp isn't involved in the energy sector, that place seems to be gradually expanding its cooperation with all American enterprises. Who knows, maybe those fantasy creatures could be useful for our scientific research too."
In other words, Roxxon and Malekith's side intended to strengthen their cooperation with the United States. If things went poorly, it might really turn into the Avengers having to fight against the entire United States government in the end. Tsk, could this situation actually pave the way for the Superhuman Registration Act?
Peter had once seriously investigated whether a person named Speedball existed in the 616 Universe, but the result was that he couldn't find him. Furthermore, Wanda currently looked even less likely to lose control. He had originally thought a civil war was nowhere in sight, but now it appeared the United States government was highly dissatisfied with the Avengers being beyond their control.
The good news was that no matter how one looked at it, it was impossible for Tony to stand on the side of the registration faction.
Peter pondered a bit more on the true nature of mythical creatures in the Marvel Universe, feeling there was a high probability that pharmaceutical developments would find it difficult to achieve any breakthroughs through mythical creatures. Therefore, he did not pursue this topic any further. On the other side, Harry was curious about another matter from before.
"Hey, by the way, many people said a black wall of light rose over Manhattan last weekend night. What was that about?"
"It wasn't Manhattan; it was Hell's Kitchen."
"Hell's Kitchen? That place constantly mentioned in Fisk's commercials?" Harry became even more interested, so he hurriedly asked, "What happened?"
Since the Hand had already been pulled out by its roots, there was no longer any need for Peter to keep it a secret. He recounted the entire story of Matt working undercover, obtaining the Norn Stone, and wiping out the Hand in one fell swoop. Of course, he left out the details regarding Set. Firstly, it didn't affect the outcome, and secondly, it prevented Harry from overthinking things.
In reality, after the incident concluded, although Matt did not blacken, his mood was visibly not very great either. On another front, General Ross's situation wasn't very good either. Regarding the relationship between Hellcat and the CIA, General Ross hadn't managed to interrogate anything out of her—or rather, even if he did, there was a high probability he wouldn't share it with Peter and the others.
This effectively meant Peter hadn't repaid Felicia's favor at all. Her previous desperate efforts to gather information on the drug lords—even if it wasn't of much use—and her favor of stealing the Norn Stone would be very difficult to repay within a short period of time.
In response to this, Harry, having listened to the general summary, had only one reaction.
"That is too cool! You guys dismantled a ninja organization with thousands of years of history in a single night? My goodness!"
"In reality, we only destroyed their high leadership. There should still be a bit left over in Japan... right?"
Peter wasn't entirely certain either. Regarding the intelligence on the Japanese branch of the Hand, he still had to wait for news from Matt's end—or more accurately, news relayed by Matt from his master, Stick.
However, he suddenly realized the other aspect of what Harry had just mentioned.
"Wait, you said commercials just now? Fisk put out commercials for Hell's Kitchen? What on earth?"
——
Hell's Kitchen, NYPD Precinct.
"The reason I love a place like Hell's Kitchen so much is that even though this place is thoroughly rotten and has become a tumor in the city, its police station is still open."
Lady Bullseye looked at the broad man sitting before her, listening to him say things she completely failed to comprehend, as she sat expressionless inside the detention room. Yet, the opponent continued to speak.
"You must understand that if a neighborhood doesn't have any government departments—no buses, no police station, no subways, with urban construction excluding this place entirely—then that neighborhood is finished. Fortunately, Hell's Kitchen has me, which is why the subways still stop here, there are still dilapidated old bus stations, and there is still this police station."
After Wilson Fisk finished speaking, he raised his head to look at the wall. He kept his fingers interlaced on the table, his entire posture remarkably relaxed. Lady Bullseye was certain that she wouldn't need to expend much effort to kill the man before her.
"Very well, let us talk business. First of all, I must inform you that the Hand has been completely annihilated. Perhaps you people still possess some assets I am unaware of, but from what I know, the Chaste crossed the sea and charged into Japan, wiping out the remaining high leadership of the Hand in one fell swoop. There are only a few of you left."
Lady Bullseye still didn't say a word. Fisk continued to talk smoothly, "Fortunately, you have me. I can guarantee your safety."
"We will be going to court very soon."
"Yes, but that doesn't matter," Fisk continued. "Because you lack criminal responsibility. You were controlled and brainwashed by the Hand. Of course, others might argue, but do not forget that Daredevil's friend, that female ninja in red, is in the exact same position."
"If Elektra is innocent, then you should be innocent as well, milady."
Hearing up to this point, Lady Bullseye finally looked Fisk directly in the eye. The latter revealed a satisfied smile, but the female ninja was still not satisfied: "You are a man who abandons and betrays his own subordinates. I have no reason to follow you."
"Abandon? Ah, you are speaking of Lester, correct? Lester, she is calling for you."
Thus, Lady Bullseye witnessed Bullseye walking over. She was so astonished that she was left speechless, and then she turned her gaze back toward Fisk.
Fisk was still smiling.
"You must understand that I never abandon any of my people. No matter how terrifying the enemy may be, I will not abandon anyone who belongs to me."
Lady Bullseye looked at Bullseye, and then looked at Fisk, subsequently asking the question she cared about the most.
"Why me?"
Kingpin provided a straightforward answer: "Because humanity loves the story of a prodigal son returning home."