章 79: Chapter 79 (edited)
In fact, Bruce's worry was well-founded. Joker wouldn't go to such lengths just to reveal the identities of Batman and Oracle.
It couldn't be that simple.
Even Kara herself understood this truth.
But Kara reminded Bruce, "Still, we're being held hostage."
"How?" Bruce and Jennifer looked at Kara together.
Kara took a sip of the milk in front of her and explained the situation. "Bruce, even if we know Joker's real goal isn't this, we can't afford to be careless.
"The reason is simple: our identities cannot be exposed. In fact, it's incredibly easy for Joker to kill us.
"He doesn't even need to do it himself. If our identities are revealed, countless people would naturally want us dead.
"You might say we can protect ourselves, that we don't fear the criminals we've fought. But what if the threat comes from the police department you've supported? If Gordon leads a team to arrest you, if Harvey or Rachel issue a subpoena, or if Jennifer brings you to trial?
"What if, by then, every citizen in Gotham wants to see you arrested? That would include me. Killing someone physically isn't always the worst attack; sometimes, breaking their spirit is more devastating.
"We've always existed above the law. As you said, we aren't bound by it. The only thing restraining us is the morality we choose to follow.
"That makes us sinners. No matter how much good we do, we're still sinners."
Kara's words made both Bruce and Jennifer pause, their expressions turning serious.
Kara continued, her tone even, "So yes, I see us as hostages. We have no choice but to cooperate with that lunatic. Do you think I came back empty-handed because I wanted to? No. This morning, I was ready to kill him, but Jennifer was threatened. I had to stop.
"And Bruce, let me ask you this—are you going to stop me from killing him again?"
"Absolutely," Bruce replied immediately, his gaze meeting Kara's without hesitation. "If we stoop to his level and take lives indiscriminately, then how are we any different from him?"
"Fine, fine," Kara waved her hand dismissively, clearly irritated. "Save the moral lectures; I've heard them all before. At worst, I'll just kill him when you're not looking."
Bruce opened his mouth to object, but Kara turned her attention to Jennifer, looking directly at her stomach. With exaggerated dramatics, she said, "Kid, I can't win against your dad, but I won't let you grow up to be as rigid and self-righteous as him. I'll make sure you're an executioner."
Jennifer quickly covered her stomach protectively, glaring at Kara. "Executioner" was not a word she wanted to hear.
Bruce interjected, his voice firm, "That's my child, Kara. He's destined to be the heir of the Wayne family and Wayne Enterprises. Don't even think about it."
Jennifer, watching the two of them, couldn't help but smile wryly. "You two are jumping the gun. I haven't even decided if I'm keeping this baby."
Her words wiped the smiles off their faces.
Bruce's expression darkened immediately. He understood the underlying issue. It was similar to how Joker had exploited his previous vulnerabilities to deduce his identity.
It all came down to Rachel.
Saving Rachel was one thing, but Bruce's feelings for her were unmistakable, evident in his demeanor and attitude toward her.
Jennifer, already dealing with the burden of knowing Bruce's dual identity, now had to contend with this emotional complication.
"This child was an accident," Jennifer said, her voice tinged with frustration. "But the biggest problem isn't the baby—it's the fact that I now know who you are."
"Give me some space," she added, standing up abruptly. "I need to think."
She left the restaurant without looking back.
Kara called out after her, "Jennifer, who's 'space'?"
Jennifer ignored the joke, her mind too occupied to deal with Kara's usual antics.
With Alfred looking after Jennifer, neither Kara nor Bruce was too concerned about her immediate well-being.
That left the two of them alone.
Kara looked around, grabbed a piece of untouched bread from the table, and handed it to Bruce.
Bruce, despite everything, accepted it without hesitation. He chewed silently.
Kara, meanwhile, picked up her unfinished plate and drank the milk Jennifer had barely touched.
Bruce raised an eyebrow.
"What?" Kara said, catching his look. "She's not your girlfriend right now. She's my best friend, and we've shared food since forever. It's no big deal."
Her tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Bruce, what exactly are you doing? If all you care about is that child, let Jennifer go.
"She's finally starting to move on. Don't drag her back into this mess."
Kara paused, her expression hardening. "And let's not even get started on Rachel. Isn't she supposed to be Harvey's girlfriend? Or did she promise you something?"
Bruce sighed and nodded. "Yes. Rachel promised that if I ever gave up being Batman, she'd be with me."
Kara's face twisted in anger. She slammed her fist on the table, then grabbed the nearest glass of milk and hurled it at Bruce.
Bruce didn't dodge.
"Disgusting," Kara spat, standing up. "While you're fantasizing about another man's girlfriend, you're still stringing Jennifer along? You're a scumbag, Bruce. A hypocrite."
She didn't stop there. "So what was that charity event for Harvey about? Raising funds so he can clean up Gotham while you retire and run off with your precious Rachel? I swear, I want to smack you with the sole of my shoe right now."
Bruce remained silent, his expression unreadable.
Kara's anger didn't subside. "You're not just being unfair to Jennifer; you're being immoral, Bruce. To everyone. You disgust me."
She stormed out, leaving Bruce alone with his thoughts and a growing sense of guilt.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット