HYDRA had set its sights on Batman.
It was understandable, really.
After thinking it through carefully, Anton did not find this development sudden at all.
After all, several months ago, prompted by Batman's warning, the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.—the "black brined egg," Nick Fury—had discovered internal issues within S.H.I.E.L.D. ahead of time.
In other words, HYDRA had been at risk of exposure, perhaps already exposed.
Although the conversation between Fury and Batman had not reached the ears of anyone outside the Avengers, given HYDRA's intelligence-gathering capabilities, it would not be hard for them to discover that Fury only strengthened internal oversight of S.H.I.E.L.D. after Batman appeared and went to New York to speak with him.
From this, it was clear that Fury's actions were, in all likelihood, inseparable from Batman.
Better to kill the wrong one than let one go.
The difference between how villains and heroes act is that one side follows only logic, while the other is bound by rules.
Following only logic means being simple and brutal.
If there is suspicion, eliminate.
Kill everyone who might be involved—at least that guarantees results.
As long as there are results, it's worth it.
Moreover, as a superhero, Batman had established a superhero team. His stance was naturally opposed to HYDRA.
There was no possibility of recruitment.
Infiltration?
Even more impossible.
From the moment Batman first appeared, he had wrapped himself in mystery. The Justice League he founded afterward had no traceable trajectory.
After the current—or rather, first-generation—members of the Justice League were confirmed, there had been no word of anyone else joining. Even if HYDRA wanted to infiltrate the League, they had no way in.
"No recruitment, no infiltration—so they're preparing to confront us head-on?"
Anton pondered for a moment, then suddenly laughed, his eyes turning cold as he muttered to himself.
Batman himself was mysterious, but it was well known that Anton had a close relationship with him.
Because of Anton, the Jameson family and Batman seemed to have formed an unusual partnership.
Wayne Enterprises was proof.
Since HYDRA intended to make a move against Batman, the first step would naturally be to cut off Batman's "claws"—namely Anton and the Jameson family he belonged to.
From Anton and the others, they might obtain more information about Batman.
Anton's face remained calm, but his gaze was icy.
He instantly sorted out the current situation.
HYDRA was delivering experience points right to his door.
"I wonder if cutting off nine heads will still let them grow back," Anton sneered inwardly.
"Anton?"
His cheap old man, John, noticed the change in Anton's expression and grew concerned. "Did something happen?"
"There's a small situation," Anton said, looking at John. "Grandpa probably hasn't left yet. John, I suggest you start getting familiar with company affairs ahead of time and go with Grandpa to Washington tonight for the military banquet."
"Is it that serious? What exactly happened?"
John's face changed. He realized Anton was trying to send him away.
Washington. A military banquet.
The security level of such a place went without saying. Since it was organized by the military, protection would be tight.
With them inside a military-protected zone, Anton would have free hands to act.
"Will you be in danger?"
John frowned deeply.
"Don't worry about me. I'm much safer than you," Anton said with a smile. "As an official member of the Justice League, I have plenty of security measures. Besides, Grandpa seems not to have told you my biggest secret…"
"What secret?"
John was curious.
Since returning this time, he had indeed been holding back many questions.
His once willful and rebellious son had suddenly become a world-renowned director, was closely associated with extremely famous superheroes, was even an official member of the superhero team—the Justice League. His identity had undergone earth-shaking changes, transforming from a simple rich kid into a "big shot" in every sense.
What had caused Anton's transformation?
He vaguely felt that the truth lay in the "secret" Anton mentioned.
"Ask Grandpa. Maybe he'll tell you."
Seeing John's curiosity itching like a cat scratching, Anton—though not opposed to revealing his true identity to those closest to him—deliberately kept it from John out of mischievous amusement. He laughed, then took out his phone and called Phil.
"Hi, boss, Phil here. What's the order?"
Phil's spirits lifted on the other end of the line. He felt this call was significant.
Anton rarely called him.
If he did, something special was happening.
Since debuting as a superhero, Phil's entire temperament had changed.
He always felt he could do far more than this.
"I've got a task for you. Help me protect someone."
"Who?"
"My father, John Jameson."
Anton explained the current situation.
In short, a villainous force had targeted the Justice League and might make a move against him. Worried his family might get hurt, he wanted Phil to act as a bodyguard for a while.
Grandpa had John Wick, which provided a certain level of security. But John's side might have loopholes—no risks could be left unaddressed.
"No problem. Leave it to me."
Phil was thrilled and agreed without hesitation.
This was trust from Batman.
"Thanks. When you get back, I'll give you a bonus," Anton said with a smile. "Oh, and your gear should be upgraded. Wayne Enterprises has produced some new weapons recently—you can go pick whatever you want."
"That's great. Thanks, boss!"
Phil was overjoyed.
After finalizing plans with Anton, he immediately headed to Wayne Enterprises.
"John."
After hanging up, Anton turned to John. "I've arranged a bodyguard for you. Let's go—I'll take you to the company. Tonight, you and Grandpa will go to Washington together."
"Looks like you've arranged everything for me down to the last detail," John sighed, suppressing his curiosity, and followed Anton out of the house.
Soon after, a car drove out of the wealthy district.
…
New York.
Inside a safe house, there was only a strange man with blue skin.
[Don't move yet. He's come out of the house.]
At this moment, the bizarre man stared at the two monitors in front of him with intense hatred.
One monitor showed surveillance footage; the other was a chat window.
The chat window displayed a message:
[Anton just made several phone calls. He may have received some intel. He's relocating. His father, John Jameson, is in the car.]
"When can we act? I can't wait any longer!"
The strange man ground his teeth as he spoke, his hateful eyes shifting to the surveillance screen, which showed Anton driving out of the wealthy district.
[Soon.]
The hacker on the other end matched the route on the map and got a result.
[He seems to be heading to Wayne Enterprises.]
[Don't rush. The Wayne Enterprises grounds are more suitable for you to operate.]
-----------------------
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