With two of Gotham's top three gangs going to all-out war, the other gangs certainly won't be able to stay out of this mess.
The Penguin is probably worried right now that his own turf will get dragged into the conflict.
When the top two bosses fight, it's usually the third who dies first.
But if the top two end up destroying each other, the third could swoop in and take everything—though sometimes, that means everyone ends up falling to the third party in the end.
So, before we die, we have to take you down with us.
The Penguin's power is no less than the other two, but the logic remains the same.
And now, Hardy is also thinking about becoming that third party.
"What's the situation exactly?"
Hardy tapped his fingers on the table, speaking calmly and unhurriedly.
"Chick Street, Morrell Alley, and the docks in the Sutter District have all become battlegrounds!"
Hardy's head snapped up.
"Weren't they fighting over the docks? Why are so many of our territories getting dragged in?"
Morrell Alley was acquired in the last deal with Two-Face.
Chick Street borders the Scepter's territory, so that's understandable, but Morrell Alley doesn't make sense.
Unless this war isn't just a clash between the two sides—it's aimed at us as well!
The blond-haired man said awkwardly:
"The Two-Face Gang got pushed back for some reason, all the way to Morrell Alley, and then the fighting broke out there. Our people got caught up in it too."
Hardy's expression visibly darkened.
So, it's just as I expected?
Is this all a show put on by Harvey Dent and Carmine Falcone together?
No, people have died, and things have escalated too far—it can't just be an act. Even if it started that way, it's definitely real now.
But neither side minds dragging us into their conflict.
Harvey Dent knows Hardy's strength and wouldn't target him directly.
Given his personality, he's definitely looking for ways to use him.
He wants to use Hardy's superhuman combat ability to eliminate Falcone, the biggest obstacle to the Two-Face Gang's growth.
Falcone, unable to gauge Hardy's full strength, has been cautious so far, but their relationship is clearly antagonistic.
After all, things between Hardy and Falcone have been tense ever since the Maroni incident. All Harvey Dent needs to do is fan the flames a little, and a fight between the two is inevitable.
But Harvey Dent's approach is to start the fire himself, then direct it toward the Hog United side.
He's using his own Two-Face Gang as fuel, ensuring the blaze spreads to everyone. Even if Hardy realizes it, he'll have no choice but to jump in.
Of course, Hardy could choose not to get involved, but that would mean suffering huge losses to his own power.
An open conspiracy!
And a bold one at that.
But obviously, Two-Face is very confident in his gang's strength after obtaining the Titan serum, and in Hardy's abilities as well. He believes they can definitely defeat Falcone this time.
"Harvey Dent, what a schemer. Too bad I don't like being used."
Hardy clenched his fist and stood up from his chair.
This time, Harvey Dent can't expect to buy him off with a bit of turf and a few million dollars like last time!
"Frans, get the car ready!"
"Yes, boss!"
The blond-haired man swallowed nervously, casting a fearful yet fervent glance at the imposing Black Gold by the wall before turning to leave.
…
…
Gotham Police Department.
"Commissioner! Another one of Falcone's affiliate gangs has entered the firefight!"
"Frontline officers have spotted heavy weapons! Requesting confirmation—should we move in immediately?"
"The Two-Face Gang has sent out ten more Titan-enhanced thugs!"
"Hog United has joined the battle! What's that? Some kind of black high-tech robot?"
Sweating profusely, Gordon watched the two warring gangs on the surveillance monitors.
"These sons of bitches—how do they always stir up this much trouble? Have the riot squad set up a perimeter and contain the battlefield! Everyone else, get ready. I'll lead the team out myself in a minute!"
The land of freedom and harmony, America—where gunfights happen every day in Gotham.
Back when he was a detective, Gordon often led teams to break up gang wars. Even as commissioner, he still frequently goes to the front lines.
Gotham's citizens are used to facing gunfights every few days, and Gordon has plenty of experience dealing with gangs.
But this time, with enhanced thugs and puppeteers on the scene, things are far from simple.
While the officers were gearing up, Gordon stepped onto the police department's balcony and switched on the Bat-Signal.
At times like this, with police resources stretched thin, plenty of criminals would take the opportunity to act.
In the darkness, the silent, godlike Batman might deter some who have come to fear him.
Maybe it's useless, but it's better than doing nothing.
"Hope you show up quickly this time. In a few more minutes, I'll have to head out myself."
Gordon sighed, watching the seconds tick by on his wristwatch.
"I'm already here."
A deep, hoarse voice came from the water tower behind him.
"Well, I'm getting used to your sudden appearances. Good thing I don't have a heart condition."
Gordon turned around helplessly.
"I need your people to lock down the battlefield."
"I'm already on it."
"Good. I want you to focus on these positions, and here—watch out for other gangs joining the fight. Don't get directly involved. Harvey Dent's enhanced thugs and Clear Water's mech suits aren't something ordinary cops can handle."
Batman said in a low voice.
"All right, all right, I get it. But I don't know if we have enough manpower. And what about the other dangerous types, like the Penguin? Should we send someone to keep an eye on him too—"
What if they join in too? If that happens, there's no way we'll be able to contain it. It'll turn into a mob war that sweeps across half of Gotham…"
"I'll take care of it. Put this on. I'll contact you with it if necessary."
Batman took out a compact Bat-earpiece.
"No need. I still have the one you left me before," Gordon said, waving his hand.
"I've changed the encryption code for the channel. All you'll hear now is static."
"…Alright."
Gordon had no choice but to take the earpiece and put it on, tilting his head.
"Batman, I think it's time for us to… uh… head out."
Gordon lowered his head for just a moment, only to find that Batman had already vanished from sight.
…
…
Morel Alley.
After retreating here, the Two-Face Gang had turned this alley and the neighboring community into a battlefield.
The narrow alley offered a defensive advantage, but there was more than one way through it.
Eventually, the fighting spread to the crucial community held by the Hog Union—the plaza in front of the Belding Community.