The abnormal landing of reptiles on North Brother Island late last night did not escape Batman's notice.
Because some sensors were linked to the South Brother Island network, even Dr. Banner and the others became aware of the incident.
Perhaps it was because he had discarded his tattered black clothes and changed into a dashing trench coat—black on the outside, red on the inside—but Professor Morbius was particularly attentive to this matter.
At this moment on South Brother Island, led by Professor Morbius, a study and analysis of the changes occurring in Professor Connors was underway.
"According to sensor readings, a total of one thousand four hundred snakes, over three hundred water-loving lizards, and fewer than one hundred turtles climbed onto North Brother Island last night."
"We haven't detected any traces of creatures like crocodiles landing yet, but judging from these three types of animals, I think the changes in the Lizard are already quite obvious."
As a biology expert, Professor Morbius—just as he and Dr. Banner used science to explain the Moon God Khonshu's moonlight—chose to use science to explain the anomalies on North Brother Island:
"The Lizard that Connors transforms into is a reptile. Now that he has maintained his lizard form on North Brother Island for an extended period, perhaps he is unintentionally emitting some kind of pheromone that attracts reptiles to him."
The issue of Professor Morbius returning to a normal human state and finding a blood substitute hadn't been resolved yet. However, perhaps he was infected by the scientific research atmosphere of South Brother Island, or perhaps he wanted to do a little more before he became incurable.
At this point, Professor Morbius didn't even need Batman's instructions; he took the initiative to further analyze the data transmitted by the sensors:
"Currently, it appears the Lizard's pheromones only attract reptiles. There are no signs that invertebrates, represented by earthworms, or the insects and birds on the island are being attracted."
"Additionally, none of the reptiles attracted by the pheromones have undergone any form of mutation. The Lizard himself seems unaware of the pheromones he is emitting."
"I suggest that while we observe Norman Osborn, we simultaneously continue our observation of the Lizard. What do you think, Batman?"
Batman nodded slightly.
"Do as you say."
As a professional biology expert, there was nothing wrong with Professor Morbius's analysis and suggestions, so Batman wouldn't nitpick just to contradict him.
In fact, Batman raised another question on his own initiative:
"What is your assessment of Norman Osborn's condition?"
Batman already had a clear view on Norman Osborn, but he wanted to hear what the other scientists had to say.
"This question is obviously directed at me," Dr. Banner smiled. "The micro-sensors show that Norman hasn't used any of the Green Goblin's abilities at any point."
"From a psychological perspective, I'm inclined to believe that Norman has completely lost the Green Goblin persona, rather than pretending."
Dr. Banner had studied psychology quite deeply; at the very least, judging by Norman Osborn's behavior, he couldn't detect anything wrong with him.
"Norman Osborn indeed isn't pretending," Batman said, affirming Dr. Banner's thought, but then immediately overturned it. "But the Green Goblin persona hasn't disappeared. It's hidden away based on a self-protection mechanism."
Dr. Banner scratched his head and thought for a moment, speaking somewhat uncertainly:
"Theoretically, Hulk and I are also two personalities. When I encounter danger, Hulk actively appears to protect me."
"If you want to be one hundred percent sure of Norman's safety, maybe we could put him in danger... But then, if he's actually fine, but the stress of danger causes the Green Goblin persona to re-emerge, what then?"
Dr. Otto also nodded.
"Putting Norman in danger leads to two possibilities: one is the Green Goblin revealing himself to deal with the threat, and the other is a persona being born again within Norman... The results of these two scenarios are the same, and we have no way to distinguish between them."
The situation seemed to have fallen into a dilemma. Letting Norman return to human society was something not even Dr. Banner was comfortable with, let alone Batman.
But keeping him under control—including leaving Norman on North Brother Island for testing as they were doing now—showed no traces of the Green Goblin in his behavior.
Professor Morbius looked down at his clothes; he hadn't participated in the discussion about Norman Osborn.
But after hearing Dr. Otto's words, Professor Morbius looked up in some confusion:
"But isn't it precisely because of this dilemma that Batman needed our help to build that ankle monitor capable of detecting Gamma radiation fluctuations?"
Although the scientists had been working on this, there had been so many events one after another recently that they had subconsciously ignored what Batman's original purpose for the ankle monitor was.
Dr. Banner scratched his head awkwardly.
"I thought that ankle monitor was for me."
Dr. Otto gently poked Dr. Banner with a mechanical tentacle.
Dr. Banner couldn't be blamed for thinking that way. Since the ankle monitor they were making detected Gamma radiation, acted as an invisible injector, and took blood samples at fixed times...
Dr. Banner had long associated it with himself, treating the device as the constraint Batman had promised would allow him to return to human society after forming the alliance.
Batman looked at Dr. Banner's honest and simple face. He didn't smile, but the lines of his jaw softened slightly.
"Dr. Banner, you are the Hulk's best restraint."
Keeping calm at all times, possessing supreme intelligence, successfully communicating and reconciling with the Hulk inside him, and genuinely wanting to help the Lizard, Morbius, and Venom Robin master their inner powers.
Dr. Banner had earned Batman's approval long ago, even a step earlier than Dr. Otto and Professor Connors.
"Hehe." Dr. Banner chuckled happily and said nothing.
Late at night, at the top of the Empire State Building, Batman handed a package to Hawkeye, who was waiting there.
Inside the package was a set of samurai robes handmade by Batman, an alloy katana, and a new identity.
Hawkeye had already hidden his longbow and quiver somewhere unknown. He took the package from Batman, tested the toughness and hardness of the samurai uniform with his bare hands, and only then took out the katana.
Shing!
With the katana in hand, Hawkeye's entire aura changed instantly. He casually twirled the blade, and in the next instant, the glint of the sword flashed toward Batman.
Batman seemed to have expected this. Clenching his fists, he used the arm blades popped out from the forearms of the Arkham suit to clash ding-dang with Hawkeye's katana dozens of times.
"Where did this sword come from?" Hawkeye ceased his offensive, examining the blade.
"I made it." Batman's voice was low.
"A simple and crude blade. It seems to be made of modern industrial materials rather than using traditional forging methods." Hawkeye waved the katana slightly; he already knew this new weapon like the back of his hand.
"Time was tight. It uses spring steel and high-carbon steel," Batman said.
"I'm guessing you used a large belt sander to sharpen the edge." Hawkeye sheathed the sword with a clank. "The weight distribution is reasonable, the feel is excellent. I'll take this sword."
The appearance of the sword itself was unremarkable. Batman wouldn't spend effort on the blade's aesthetics specifically for Hawkeye, nor did he use any special forging techniques. He simply carved a Bat-symbol on the hilt.
"Half a month. Remember that," Hawkeye said to Batman.
Before his voice had even faded, he jumped off the edge of the roof one step ahead of Batman, disappearing from sight.
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