CHAPTER 236: MEETING JOKER

"Yes, I have something important to discuss with Batman. Vought’s intelligence department told me that all I need to do is use the Bat-Signal at GCPD."

Seeing that Harvey had noticed him, Steve stepped forward and explained his reason for coming.

"I see. If it’s you. He shouldn’t have a problem with it."

While speaking, Harvey looked toward the brightly lit city in the distance.

"At this hour, Batman should be out patrolling the streets. He’ll be here soon."

Steve had arrived in Gotham at dusk, and now the sky was completely dark. It was time for the bat to come out.

Sure enough, almost as soon as Harvey finished speaking, the sound of a glider slicing through the air came from above, followed by a shadow blotting out the moonlight. Gordon and Harvey both knew Batman had arrived, and once again, he appeared behind them without anyone noticing.

"Batman, seriously, when are you going to stop sneaking up on people like that? It’s really terrifying."

In this world, Harvey hadn’t become Two-Face. He lived a happy life with his former fiancée, now his wife. And over the years, working closely with Batman had built a strong bond between them.

Everyone turned around, and there he was; standing beneath the night sky, Batman’s eyes locked onto Steve with a pressure that weighed heavily in the air.

At this time, Steve felt like he was completely exposed, as if he were standing naked in front of a predator, just like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

And that feeling wasn’t wrong.

Once the role-playing degree had reached one hundred percent and his persona was fully separated, Batman had developed his own habits. For instance, the moment he met Captain America, he instinctively imagined at least ten different ways to take down him in seconds.

Steve, having a keen sixth sense, naturally felt a chill run down his spine. It was no surprise he was on edge.

"No major incidents tonight. That means you came to see me. What is it, Captain America?"

Steve breathed a little easier once Batman spoke. Even though the man wasn’t showing any hostility, the danger he exuded was overwhelming. It was deeply unsettling.

"I want to meet the Joker."

It wasn’t Steve’s imagination. The instant he said the Joker’s name, the air around him seemed to freeze. Gordon and Harvey both looked like they were afraid to even breathe.

Batman’s entire presence had grown darker, heavier, and more ominous.

"What... what’s wrong?"

A trace of unease crept into Steve’s heart. Was ’Joker’ some kind of forbidden word?

In fact, even Gordon and Harvey didn’t know how to react.

The Wayne family and Wayne Enterprises had taken full control of Gotham from behind the scenes. But on the surface, the connection between Batman and Bruce Wayne remained deliberately separated. No one had ever seriously linked the two together.

That was why Gordon and Harvey were also confused. Ever since the Gotham Mutant Incident, when Alfred had completely transformed into the Joker, just hearing the name ’Joker’ would trigger a strange shift in Batman’s demeanor. Although he remained calm during operations, his methods when facing criminals had visibly become much more brutal.

From Reid’s point of view, however, this all made sense.

Now that Batman had fully split, he followed only Reid’s guidance and acted completely as the real Batman. For someone like him, Alfred turning into the Joker would cause this kind of response without question.

"Hoo..." Batman let out a deep breath, and the tension finally eased.

"You should already know how dangerous the Joker is. So why are you looking for him?"

With the mood returning to normal, Steve explained, "I want to ask him about some details from the Howard incident. I’m investigating who attacked Howard Stark back then."

"That case was closed long ago. Even if you meet the Joker, you won’t find anything new."

Clearly, Batman didn’t want Steve having any dealings with the Joker.

"But I need to make my own judgment. I can’t just rely on records that were made while I was still frozen."

Batman stayed silent for a second. Then he gave a slight nod.

"Fine. Follow me."

* * *

After saying goodbye to Gordon and Harvey, the two left GCPD. Because Steve was with him, Batman didn’t get a chance to pull one of his usual disappearing acts.

Once they got into the Batmobile, he entered a destination and let the Batcomputer take over autopilot. Then he closed his eyes and leaned back to rest.

"We’re just going straight to Joker’s place like this? I’ve heard he’s insane. Aren’t we supposed to make some sort of preparations?"

Sitting in the rear seat, Steve voiced the question on his mind. Batman’s response was short.

"The Joker is a madman, yes. But if you treat him as just a dangerous lunatic, even just looking at his face becomes a risk."

* * *

A while later, when they finally arrived at the base of the Joker Gang, Steve was genuinely stunned.

"You know where his base is? Then why not send him to a psychiatric hospital?"

Batman gave him a look like he was an idiot.

"You wouldn’t want to raid Joker’s base unless he makes the first move. Trust me."

Only when Joker acted first would he expose weaknesses. But if he was just holed up inside, even Batman would have a hard time spotting any vulnerabilities. A direct attack would be no different from suicide.

"I see."

Although the Joker Gang members were surprised by the arrival of the two, they didn’t attack. Contrary to what the outside world believed, not everyone in the gang was an uncontrollable lunatic. Their madness erupted in sudden flashes, but the organization itself was well-structured and tightly managed.

"You’re going in alone."

As someone walked over to greet them, Batman stepped back and said to Steve.

"If I see his face, I might not be able to hold back. That could put us all in danger. As long as you don’t push things, just ask your questions, and he won’t hurt you."

"Is that so... I understand."

Without Batman accompanying him, Steve felt uneasy. Still, he agreed to the arrangement and followed one of the Joker Gang members deep into the base alone.

"This is it."

Eventually, the gang member led him to the door of a laboratory, handed him a gas mask, then turned and left.

"If I were you, I wouldn’t take that mask off while talking to the Joker."

The moment the man left, before Steve had time to react, the laboratory doors swung open and a thick cloud of green gas rushed toward him.

"Damn it!!"

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