Provoking the government, killing the mayor and a large number of high-ranking officials and council members—and by a gang leader, no less—if the American government didn't react, it wouldn't deserve to be the most powerful regime on this planet.
"You go your way, and I'll go mine. You can keep wearing your tights and being a hero, but I also hope you won't interfere with my affairs in the future."
Qingshui gave Batman a deep look.
This guy had set up too many countermeasures against his abilities; he couldn't be defeated, nor could he be killed.
Even though Batman's suit seemed to have two potential flaws—one being possibly insufficient power, and the other being its immense weight and lack of agility to counter Qingshui's air manipulation—anyone could tell this guy definitely had a Plan B ready as a backup.
The outcome of this battle could only be a draw, or perhaps Qingshui losing by a single move.
Neither side could truly defeat the other. Last time, Qingshui took Falcone's life from Batman, and this time, Batman took Hugo's and Mayor Sharp's lives from Qingshui.
Qingshui was unwilling to let Hogg United, which he had worked so hard to develop, suffer a major crackdown from the American government because of these two individuals. That would undoubtedly have a huge impact on the progress of acquiring Fortune.
Batman still had things to do, like the Joker's ongoing trouble.
As for Qingshui, he handed the cleanup work over to Aman and Accountant, then returned to his residence inside Hogg's Auto Shop.
The entire day had been packed: making White Knight in the morning, catching Scarecrow at noon, fighting Penguin and Solomon Grundy at the Iceberg Lounge in the afternoon, stopping Dr. Hugo from destroying Gotham in the evening, and then fighting Batman.
Even Qingshui now wanted a good night's rest, planning to tally his gains tomorrow.
At the bedroom door, Qingshui suddenly stopped, a Kunai sliding from his sleeve into his hand.
Looks like... I still can't rest.
*"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"*
The door was split, followed immediately by a dazzling, lightning-fast thrusting slash.
*"Clang!~"*
The sound of metal clashing rang out.
An old man sitting in a chair drew a Katana from his back and blocked Qingshui's strike.
"Excellent alertness, exquisite swordsmanship, powerful strength. You are very good, Clearwater."
Qingshui was surprised that this person could block his strike.
Though, after blocking the strike, the other party's hands were trembling.
"Ra's al Ghul?"
Qingshui held the Kunai, looking at the tall old man sitting in his chair.
"Yes, it is I."
The Ninja Master stood up from the chair, also observing Qingshui.
"Can you tell me, what was all this for, everything you've done since leaving Arkham Asylum?"
The Ninja Master asked Qingshui.
"Does it concern you?"
The Ninja Master smiled, unconcerned by Qingshui's attitude.
"Your territory is far more orderly than other gangs' territories, especially the part of the slums you've occupied. The Gotham City government's many attempts at governance haven't achieved results as good as yours in less than a year."
"It's simple. Although the Gotham City government officials are all bloodsuckers, they still have to follow some rules on the surface. I'm different. Those who don't listen, those who cause trouble and want to stir things up, they've all been sunk beneath the Gotham Bridge by now."
Qingshui pulled a chair back, sat down, and crossed his legs.
"It seems you, like me, believe that power can change everything. By using power to destroy things that shouldn't exist, it becomes easier to build something more perfect."
The Ninja Master spread his arms, like a devout missionary.
"What exactly are you trying to say? Or rather, why have you come to find me?"
"You've had two encounters with Bruce Wayne, and each time was a draw. I rarely see anyone who can defeat Bruce Wayne—for example, my disciple Bane. But in your second encounter after the first, you weren't defeated by him, which is..."
The Ninja Master shook his head.
"So you've come to find me to deal with Batman?"
"It seems you already know Bruce Wayne is Batman."
"Is that hard to guess?"
Qingshui retorted.
"I didn't come to find you to deal with Batman."
"Then..."
The Ninja Master extended a hand to Qingshui.
"He was once my chosen successor, and you have proven that you are in no way inferior to Bruce Wayne. So I would like to invite you to join the League of Assassins."
Qingshui's eyes lit up.
If I became the leader of the League of Assassins, wouldn't I gain a huge amount of Fortune?
"I am several hundred years old. Perhaps I can continue, or perhaps not. As time accumulates, the deeper I am affected by the Lazarus Pit. By the way, do you know about the Lazarus Pit? It can slow aging, heal all injuries, enhance a person's strength, speed, and endurance, and even grant immortality. However, each use has a certain impact on one's mind."
"Therefore, I need a successor, a powerful successor, one with a firm and absolute belief in justice, to inherit my will and ideals!"
Where would I get a steadfast belief in justice?
I'm just a ninja and a gang boss with blood on my hands, and all I want is to gain Fortune.
"And what are your will and ideals, if I may ask?" Clearwater probed.
"To use assassination, to spark wars, to create plagues, and every other means to destroy all greed and corruption within human civilization, to purify this world, and then, like Adam and Eve, to start from scratch and rebuild an ideal, pure human civilization!"
If you really purify this whole world through war, where the hell am I going to collect Fortune?!
Although he was grumbling internally, Clearwater put his full effort into performing the spy acting techniques he had learned at the Ninja Academy.
First, he rested a hand on his chin, his gaze showing confusion and deep thought, then shifted his view to look out the window.
At that moment, Gotham was still in chaos from the day's events, perfectly showcasing the evil of humanity.
Clearwater put on a touched expression, then closed his eyes and fell into contemplation.
Even with his eyes closed, Clearwater was fully focused on sensing every rustle around him, guarding against a sudden attack from Ra's.
Ra's made no move, simply standing still and quietly watching Clearwater.
A few minutes later, Clearwater estimated enough time had passed, so he opened his eyes and looked at Ninja Master, a hint of determination in his gaze.
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