The two biggest gangs in Gotham, both ranking in the top three, have gone to full-scale war. Other gangs certainly won't escape getting drawn into this mess.
Penguin is probably worried right now that his own forces will get dragged in too.
When the top two fight, the third one usually dies first.
But if the top two end up both heavily injured, then the third one profits as the fisherman, and might even be the one to finish them off.
So before we die, we have to drag you down with us.
Penguin's power might not be inferior to the other two, but the principle is the same.
And right now, Qingshui actually wants to be that third party.
"What's the specific situation?" Qingshui tapped the table with his fingers, speaking unhurriedly.
"Chic Street, Morel Alley, and the docks in the Suter District have all become battle zones!"
Qingshui's head shot up.
"Aren't they fighting over the docks? Why are so many of our territories being dragged into this?"
Morel Alley was acquired in the last deal with Two-Face.
Chic Street borders the Sons of the Scepter's territory, so its involvement is understandable. But Morel Alley being drawn in makes no sense.
Unless this major conflict isn't just a clash between two sides, but also targets him directly!
Blondie said awkwardly, "For some reason, the Two-Face Gang was beaten back all the way to Morel Alley, and then the two sides started fighting there. Our people got caught in the crossfire."
Qingshui's expression visibly darkened.
So it didn't defy his expectations after all?
Was this whole thing an act put on by Harvey Dent and Carmine Falcone?
No, people died, and things escalated. It couldn't be an act. Even if it started as one, it's definitely real now.
But the two sides didn't mind dragging him in.
Harvey Dent knows Qingshui's strength and wouldn't actively target him.
Given his personality, he'd definitely be thinking of how to exploit the situation.
Exploiting Qingshui's superhuman combat power to get rid of Falcone, the biggest obstacle to the Two-Face Gang's development.
Falcone doesn't know Qingshui's true capabilities, so he's been restrained until now, but their relationship is definitely adversarial.
After all, Qingshui and Falcone are already on very bad terms because of the Marconi incident. Harvey Dent just needs to subtly fan the flames and make them burn a little brighter, and the two sides are bound to fight.
However, Harvey Dent's method was to light the fire himself, then lead it towards Hogg United.
Using his own Two-Face Gang as fuel, it's enough to make this fire spread to everyone, burning so fiercely that even if Qingshui sees through it, he'll choose to jump in.
Of course, Qingshui could also choose not to jump in, and willingly let his forces suffer massive losses.
A blatant scheme!
And an incredibly audacious one.
But clearly, Two-Face is very confident in his gang's strength after getting the Titan Formula, and also very confident in Qingshui's strength, believing his side can definitely defeat Falcone this time.
"Harvey Dent, what a clever scheme, but unfortunately, I don't like being used." Qingshui clenched his fists and stood up from his chair.
This time, Harvey Dent won't be able to get Qingshui to let him off with just a bit of territory and a few tens of millions, like last time!
"Frons, prepare the car!"
"Yes, boss!" Blondie swallowed, giving a fearful yet fervent glance at Black Gold standing by the wall, then turned and left.
...
...
Gotham Police Department.
"Commissioner! Another one of Falcone's affiliated gangs has entered the firefight!"
"Frontline personnel have discovered heavy weapons! Requesting confirmation to enter immediately!"
"The Two-Face Gang has sent out ten more Titan-enhanced individuals!"
"Hogg United has joined the battle! What is that? A high-tech black robot?"
Gordon was sweating, watching the two warring gang factions on the monitor.
"These sons of bitches, how did they cause such a commotion again! Have the riot teams set up a cordon to limit the battle zone! Everyone else, get ready. I'll lead the team personally later!"
Free and harmonious America, gunfights in Gotham every day.
Even when he was a detective, Gordon often led teams to break up gang fights. Even as commissioner, he frequently went to the front lines himself.
Gothamites were used to the occasional gunfight, and Gordon had plenty of experience dealing with gangs.
But this time, with the addition of super-powered individuals and the Puppeteer's supernatural abilities, things were far from simple.
While the police were busy getting their gear ready, Gordon went up to the balcony of the Gotham Police Department and flipped the switch for the Bat-Signal.
Many criminals would take advantage of the police force being stretched thin to commit crimes.
In the dead of night, the silent Batman, perched high above like a god, might instill a degree of fear in those who already dreaded him.
It might be a futile gesture, but it was better than doing nothing at all.
"I hope you show up quickly this time. In a few more minutes, I'll have to leave."
Gordon sighed, watching the seconds tick by on his wristwatch.
"I'm already here."
A deep, hoarse voice came from the water tower behind Gordon.
"Alright, I've gotten used to your disappearing acts. Good thing I don't have a heart condition."
Gordon turned around helplessly.
"I need your people to seal off the battlefield."
"I'm already having them do that."
"Good. I need you to focus on sealing off these specific locations, and also here. Be wary of other gangs joining the fight. Don't intervene easily. Harvey Dent's enhanced individuals and Clearwater's mechanical armor are not something ordinary police can handle."
Batman said in a low voice.
"Alright, alright, I understand. But I'm not sure if we have enough manpower. And what about those other dangerous individuals, like Penguin? Should we send people to keep an eye on them? If they join in, there's no way we can contain it. This could turn into a gang war that sweeps through half of Gotham..."
"I'll handle them. Take this. I'll use it to notify you if needed."
Batman pulled out a miniature Bat-earpiece.
"No need, I still have the one you gave me before."
Gordon waved his hand.
"I've changed the encryption key for the channel. All you'll hear is static."
"Alright."
Gordon had no choice but to take the earpiece, tilting his head to put it on.
"Batman, I think it's time for us to... uh... go."
Gordon just lowered his head for a moment and found that Batman had already vanished from his sight.
...
...
Morel Alley.
After retreating here, the Two-Face Gang turned this area, along with an adjacent community, into their battlefield.
The narrow alley offered a tactical advantage, being easy to defend, but there was more than one way to get through it.
The fighting eventually spread to the community square of the Belding Community, a vital area occupied by Hogg United.
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