Chapter 266: Ankle Monitor
Last night's abnormal reptile landing phenomenon on Bat Island hadn't escaped Batman's notice.
Because partial sensors connected to North Brother Island's network, even Dr. Banner and others knew about this incident.
Perhaps due to discarding those tattered black clothes, replacing them with stylish black-exterior red-interior trench coat—Professor Morbius took particular interest in this matter.
Currently on North Brother Island, Professor Morbius led research analyzing transformations occurring with Professor Connors.
"According to sensor displays, last night total 1,400 snakes, over 300 aquatic lizards, plus under 100 turtles climbed onto Bat Island."
"Temporarily haven't detected crocodile-type creatures landing traces. But from these three animal types, I believe transformations occurring with Lizard Professor are already obvious."
Professor Morbius—as biological expert—like Banner using science explaining Moon God Khonshu's moonlight, similarly chose using science explaining Bat Island's abnormalities:
"Connors's transformed lizard form represents reptiles. Currently he's maintaining lizard state long-term on Bat Island. Perhaps he's unconsciously releasing certain pheromones, attracting reptiles approaching him."
Professor Morbius's own restoration to normal humanity plus blood substitute problems remained unresolved. But perhaps North Brother Island's research atmosphere infected him, or perhaps he hoped accomplishing more before becoming hopeless.
Current Professor Morbius didn't even require Batman's instructions. He proactively conducted deeper analysis on sensor-transmitted data:
"Currently appears Lizard Professor's pheromones only possess reptile-attracting characteristics. Additionally, earthworm-represented invertebrates plus island insects and birds show zero attraction traces."
"Moreover, all pheromone-attracted reptiles haven't experienced any mutation forms. Lizard Professor himself seemingly hasn't noticed his own pheromone emissions."
"I suggest while observing Norman Osborn, simultaneously conducting continuous observations on Lizard Professor. Batman, what's your view?"
Batman nodded slightly:
"Do as you suggest."
As professional biological expert, Professor Morbius's analysis and suggestions possessed zero problems. Batman naturally wouldn't pick bones finding fault refuting Morbius's views.
Batman even proactively proposed another question:
"How do you assess Norman Osborn's condition?"
Batman's heart already possessed clear views regarding Norman Osborn. But he wanted hearing what other scientists thought.
"This question obviously targets me." Dr. Banner smiled. "Miniature sensors show Norman has never employed any Green Goblin capabilities."
"From psychological perspective analysis, I lean toward believing Norman has completely lost Green Goblin personality—not pretending."
Dr. Banner researched psychology quite deeply. At minimum, he couldn't determine problems from Norman Osborn's behaviors.
"Norman Osborn genuinely isn't pretending." Batman spoke, confirming Banner's thinking. But then immediately overturned it. "But Green Goblin personality hasn't disappeared—rather hiding based on self-preservation mechanisms."
Dr. Banner scratched his head, contemplating briefly while speaking somewhat uncertainly:
"Hulk and I theoretically also represent two personalities. When I encounter danger, Hulk will proactively appear protecting me."
"If you want hundred-percent confirming Norman's safety, perhaps you could make him experience danger. But that way, what if he himself has no problems? Encountering danger stress response, Green Goblin personality reappears?"
Dr. Octavius also nodded:
"Similarly making Norman experience danger—one scenario: Green Goblin proactively appearing confronting danger. Another scenario: Norman's body birthing new personality... These two situations' results are identical. We also cannot distinguish between them."
The situation seemingly entered dilemma territory. Releasing Norman back to human society—not just Batman, even Dr. Banner felt uneasy.
But continuously controlling him, including currently leaving Norman on Bat Island for testing—his behaviors showed zero Green Goblin traces.
Professor Morbius looked down at his body's clothing. He hadn't participated in Norman Osborn-targeted discussions.
But after hearing Octavius's words, Professor Morbius raised his head somewhat bewilderedly:
"But precisely because this dilemma situation will occur, that's why Batman needs our help creating that gamma radiation fluctuation-detecting ankle monitor, right?"
Though several scientists had continuously worked on this matter, because recent consecutive excessive events, they'd subconsciously overlooked Batman's original purpose requiring that ankle monitor.
Dr. Banner scratched his head embarrassedly:
"I thought that ankle monitor was for me."
Dr. Octavius gently poked Banner with mechanical tentacle.
Can't blame Banner thinking this way. Because the created ankle monitor both detected gamma radiation, possessed hidden injector, plus fixed-interval blood sampling.
Dr. Banner had already connected it with himself—treating that device as Batman's promised post-alliance-formation restraint allowing Banner returning to human society independently.
Batman observed Banner's honest, unassuming face. He didn't smile. But his jaw line softened slightly:
"Dr. Banner, you yourself are Hulk's best restraint."
Always maintaining calmness. Supremely intelligent. Successfully communicating and reconciling with internal Hulk. Plus genuinely wanting helping Lizard Professor, Morbius, Venom Robin mastering internal powers.
Dr. Banner had already earned Batman's recognition—even earlier than Octavius and Connors.
"Hehe." Dr. Banner chuckled foolishly without speaking.
---
Late night. Empire State Building rooftop. Batman handed one package to Hawkeye waiting here.
Inside the package: one Batman-personally-crafted samurai outfit, one alloy katana, plus one new identity.
Hawkeye had already hidden his longbow and quiver somewhere unknown. He accepted Batman's package. After bare-handedly testing the samurai outfit's toughness and hardness, he finally extracted that katana.
WHOOSH!
Katana in hand—Hawkeye's entire aura immediately transformed. He casually twirled the blade. Next instant, blade light already flashed toward Batman.
Batman seemingly anticipated this. Both hands clenched fists. Using Arkham suit forearm-deployed arm blades, he clashed with Hawkeye's katana dozens of times—CLANG CLANG CLANG.
"Where'd this blade come from?" Hawkeye's offensive momentum stopped. He scrutinized the blade while asking.
"I made it." Batman's voice remained low.
"One simple, brutal blade. Seemingly crafted from modern industrial materials rather than traditional forging methods." The katana moved slightly in Hawkeye's hand. He'd already become completely familiar with this newly-possessed weapon.
"Time was tight. Used spring steel and high-carbon steel." Batman said.
"I'm guessing you used large belt grinder sharpening the edge." Hawkeye—SHINK—sheathed the blade. "Weight distribution reasonable. Excellent feel. I'm accepting this blade."
The blade itself appeared unremarkable. Batman wouldn't specifically investing effort on blade body decorations for Hawkeye. Hadn't employed any special forging techniques. Only carved one bat symbol on the handle.
"Half a month. Remember." Hawkeye addressed Batman.
Words barely finished—he leaped from rooftop edge one step ahead of Batman, disappearing from view.