Chapter 22: Batman—Robin!

Tonight was destined to be extraordinary.

As smoke arrows rose into the sky across Queens, criminals began to understand what was happening. They quickly abandoned their disguises, blending in with ordinary citizens.

"My God, you won't believe what you're seeing!"

"Smoke arrows have sprung up all over Queens, each marking a bound criminal!"

"I swear I've never seen anything like this before; it's spectacular!" Martin gushed excitedly to the camera in front of him, as if he'd been injected with adrenaline.

Since his coverage of the popularization of Asian martial arts, Martin had become an important figure at the TV station.

Today, luck was on his side. He happened to be in Queens when he spotted the magical smoke arrows in the sky. His keen professional instincts drove him to rush over with his assistant without hesitation.

He immediately requested a live broadcast, arguing it was a career-making moment.

Martin was more decisive and enthusiastic than most reporters!

He had always believed in the existence of extraordinary humans. His interest in shooting 'UFOs' and water monsters showed he was a loyal 'mystery enthusiast'!

In the past, the government would often cover up such events to keep the public in the dark.

But now!

No one could stop it!

"Although we don't know his name, God, he must be a superhero sent by the heavens to save us!"

"Tremble, criminals! Your end has come!"

Daily Bugle Building.

As New York's most authoritative news publisher, the Daily Bugle's president, Jameson, was not pleased.

"Damn it! Did you all grow up eating garbage?! Such a groundbreaking story was scooped by a hack like Martin!!" Jameson raged.

As the leading news outlet in New York, they had more reporters than all other publishers combined, which fueled his frustration!

What infuriated him even more was that Martin had broken the news!

That elementary school classmate he had always underestimated!

Damn it!

Jameson stormed into the TV station's live broadcast room, tightened the tie on his suit, and prepared to comment on the night's events.

Of course, unlike Martin's enthusiasm,

Jameson was nitpicking, presenting mostly negative reports.

However, for the general public, all the TV coverage tonight was brimming with excitement.

With more reporters and the public getting involved, Leo Bright was accidentally caught on camera running in the sky, and the footage was sent to the TV station.

Dressed in black with a hood, the blurry image still revealed that the man running in the sky carried two swords on his back and a flowing cloak, looking incredibly cool.

The Daily Bugle, with its deep pockets, offered a handsome reward for the photos. After some strategic maneuvers, they captured the spotlight instantly.

At midnight, Leo looked at his newly refreshed ability, baffled. Though it enhanced his eyesight, improving dynamic and distance vision, Leo sensed it was more trouble than it was worth.

Because this ability involved something related to the Seventh Hokage.

MMP!

Though he didn't know much about the Seventh Hokage, "Seventh Hokage Uzumaki Naruto's prank painting skills as a child" had left a lasting impression on him.

And now?

"The Single Sharingan of Naruto's Good Friend from the Seventh Hokage"???

It sounded like nonsense!

Leo brushed it off, removed his clothes, and headed for a shower. He'd worked up a sweat today.

In the room, Skye watched the evening news, still buzzing with excitement, as almost every channel covered the night's events.

But who would guess that the 'hero' they spoke of was just a sixteen-year-old high school student?

When Leo returned from his shower, Skye was still engrossed in the news.

She enjoyed watching Martin and Jameson spar on air.

Snapping his fingers, Leo instantly dried his hair. He looked at Skye, exasperated. "The real person is right here. What's so great about the news?"

"Who's looking at you?"

"I'm interested in Batman," Skye teased.

"Batman?" Leo questioned: "Who's that guy?"

Skye's eyes danced with mischief: "Guess."

Leo's face was covered in exasperation. This woman had a strong sense of revenge; she hadn't forgotten his antics at noon.

Leo walked over to the computer for a closer look.

"Isn't that my news?"

"What Batman?"

Suddenly, he froze, glancing at the news headline.

"The Superhero Born in Queens—Batman!"

"Uh..." Leo was taken aback.

"They think your open trench coat looks like a black bat when you run, and with the smoke, it's like a bat flying out of the mist, so they named you that. What else could they call you, Mysterio?" Skye giggled, covering her mouth.

"Batman..."

"Batman it is...sounds better than 'Mute Man,'" Leo muttered.

"Mute Man? What's that? Sounds powerful," Skye inquired, curious.

"Do you want to know?" Leo asked with a mischievous grin.

Skye opened her mouth to speak but suddenly found she couldn't utter a word, staring at Leo in shock.

"Mmmph!" She tried to vocalize.

"That's the silencer," Leo said coolly, waving his hand and heading to bed.

The ten seconds passed quickly.

"Argh!"

"How many super abilities does this guy have?!"

Skye stomped her foot, feeling frustrated.

Over in Queens, in a modest apartment,

"Peter! Get to bed. I see light in your room!" A middle-aged woman's voice called from outside.

"Ah...okay, Aunt May, I'm already asleep." Peter Parker replied, hastily closing his laptop after one last glance at the screen.

"Batman!"

"That's so cool!"

Peter admired Batman, thinking he embodied the superhero persona he aspired to. Then, he placed his hands on the floor and began doing push-ups, remembering the 100 push-ups a day challenge from Leo Bright.