"Nice to see you again, Peter Parker."
Anton waved at the little spider on the roadside. "Hop in, I have something to discuss with you."
"Uh…"
Peter hesitated for a moment but eventually got into the passenger seat.
Zoom!
The car started, merging into traffic.
For some reason, Peter felt inexplicably tense once he was in the car.
The feeling wasn't unfamiliar; he'd felt the same when he'd come face-to-face with Batman before.
Looking into Batman eyes was like being seen through, and it gave him goosebumps.
Replaying the moment when Anton invited him into the car, rolling down the window and locking eyes with him with that faint smile…
A light bulb went off in Peter head. His eyes widened as he suddenly realized something.
He turned abruptly, staring at Anton profile. The more he looked, the more certain he became of his guess.
Neither of them spoke a word, the silence stretching between them.
Soon enough, Anton pulled the car over about 200 meters from where Peter lived.
He intentionally stopped at a distance, avoiding the risk of Peter Uncle Ben or Aunt May seeing him get out of a sports car and causing unnecessary misunderstandings.
"Peter, do you know why I came to find you today?"
Finally, Anton broke the silence, turning his head slightly to look at Peter.
"Mr. Jameson, I don't think it about Spider-Man photos, is it?"
Peter scratched his head nervously, clearly uneasy.
"Just call me Anton," Anton said with a smile. "Speaking of which, you've become quite famous in our newspaper. Lucky kid."
Peter was curious. "What do you mean?"
"Because Spider-Man only lets you take his photos!"
Anton casual remark sent chills down Peter spine, making him realize this man had seen right through him.
"I'm here today as a representative of Batman."
Seeing Peter instantly tense up again, Anton spoke softly, "Peter, there no need to be nervous. I think this is actually a good thing for you."
"Batman!"
That simple reassurance eased Peter nerves a bit. He spoke excitedly, unable to hold back, "Does Batman need my help? I'd be more than happy to assist!"
"Batman hasn't encountered any problems he can't handle—at least not yet," Anton said. "The reason I've come to find you is because Batman is planning to form a superhero team called the Justice League. He currently recruiting members. I think you'd be a great fit. What do you think, little spider?"
"Of course!"
Peter answered resolutely before freezing mid-sentence and looking at Anton with wide eyes.
Oh no, he let it slip!
Raising his head cautiously, he saw Anton looking at him with a faintly amused expression. Peter deflated instantly.
Lowering his head in defeat, he admitted, "Fine, I'm Spider-Man. You guys figured out my identity long ago, didn't you?"
"Since you're interested in joining the Justice League, the Daily Bugle will always be open to you. It'll serve as the temporary base for the Justice League," Anton nodded. "Or, if you ever need help, you can come to the Daily Bugle for support."
"Got it!"
Peter nodded and, seeing that Anton was about to leave, hesitated before speaking up. "Can I still sell my photos to the Daily Bugle?"
Anton chuckled. "Of course you can. The Daily Bugle is always happy to have you."
"Thank you! I won't let you down!" Peter said cheerfully, nodding enthusiastically before getting out of the car and heading off.
Receiving an invitation from Batman meant he had earned recognition from his idol.
This filled Peter with even greater enthusiasm for his superhero responsibilities—a voluntary job with no strings attached.
Even as Anton car disappeared down the road, Peter remained standing there, waving after him.
Although Anton never explicitly revealed his true identity, Peter had already reached his own conclusions.
After all, the connection between Anton and Batman was evident.
Peter wasn't dumb.
On the contrary, being a high schooler interning at Oscorp, working on Curt Connors' limb regeneration experiments, and even cracking the secret of the Lizard genetic mutation put Peter among the smartest individuals in the Marvel universe.
Anton recalled a version of Peter Parker in the comics who went on to found Parker Industries, turning his life from a struggling nerd to a global success.
Although, in that storyline, Spider-Man body was taken over by Doctor Octopus, it was Otto Octavius who founded Parker Industries. Still, Peter intellect played a part in laying the foundation. And in the end, when facing Norman Osborn (the Green Goblin), Doctor Octopus returned Peter body to him, allowing Peter Parker to reclaim his life—and inherit Parker Industries.
This story was a testament to Peter cleverness, even if Doctor Octopus overshadowed him in that arc.
Thankfully, in this iteration of the story, Peter Parker had already broken up with Mary Jane. Otherwise…
Anton thoughts shifted as he drove toward Hell Kitchen.
Peter was just a teenager who had only recently become a superhero. He was in his developmental phase, and Anton didn't want to push him too hard, instead to let him grow at his own pace.
Anton believed that no matter how Peter Parker developed, he wouldn't disappoint him.
This was why Anton didn't directly confront Peter with the truth about his identity. Instead, he chose a subtler, nurturing approach, akin to how Iron Man mentored Spider-Man in the MCU.
When Peter needed help, he would naturally think of Batman and the Daily Bugle.
At that point, deepening their connection would happen naturally.
Right now, Anton was merely establishing intentions. Once the Justice League officially formed, Peter would feel a stronger sense of belonging.
As for the person Anton was about to meet next, there was no need for such effort or subtlety.
Directness was the best way to deal with Daredevil.
Daredevil, unlike the young and relatively naive Peter, had grown through years of hardship. He was strong in every sense, especially in heart.
Moreover, Batman and Daredevil had already worked well together during the Kingpin incident.
Anton believed Daredevil would recognize the benefits of forming a superhero team like the Justice League.
Speaking of which, Anton recalled that in the Marvel comics, Captain America had invited Daredevil to join the Avengers multiple times, only to be refused. However, after Civil War, Daredevil eventually joined Luke Cage New Avengers.
This suggested that if a close friend extended the invitation, Daredevil wouldn't refuse.
Right now, Hell Kitchen, without its nemesis Kingpin and under the rule of the High Table, had lost much of its challenges. Joining the emerging Justice League wouldn't feel dull for Matt Murdock.
Vroom!
The roaring engine of Anton flashy sports car echoed through the chaotic streets of Hell Kitchen, attracting countless hostile stares.
Anton stepped out of the car, and a few men exchanged glances and approached him.
Three minutes later.
Those men, now bruised and battered, stood guard around the car with forced smiles on their faces.
Meanwhile, Anton disappeared into an alleyway and knocked on Matt Murdock door.
For 20 advance chapter : p@treon.com/DaggerTranslates