DC: Rise of the Kryptonian Tyrant

Gotham.

An airline jointly operated by Wayne Enterprises and Ferris Aircraft was named Gotham Airlines. As the largest airline in the city, it bore Gotham's name proudly.

A private luxury airliner sat quietly on the tarmac, awaiting its owner.

Bardi boarded through a private terminal, Alfred following closely behind. Once Bardi sank into the plush sofa inside the cabin, the plane slowly lifted off and set course for Washington.

He did not bring along his five-million-dollar "bodyguard," Deathstroke.

Calling him a bodyguard was a joke. With Deathstroke's skills, he could dismantle the Justice League with a proper plan. His strategic intellect rivaled Batman's. Assigning him as a mere bodyguard would be a complete waste of his talents.

Instead, Bardi had sent him to eliminate Gotham's most dangerous criminals. Bane, Penguin, Black Mask, Scarecrow—each one identified and assigned to Deathstroke for execution according to Bardi's detailed plan.

The other mercenaries, in collaboration with the Court of Owls now under Nightwing's control, were ordered to arrest, detain, and neutralize all underground syndicates, traffickers, organ smugglers, drug dealers, and other criminal organizations operating in Gotham. Bardi would personally review the results afterward.

All the crimes and networks within Gotham had already been investigated by Bardi, and each operation had been assigned with precision. As long as the plans were followed, all darkness and sin in Gotham could be purged in a single day.

But that would only treat the symptoms, not the root cause. The evil in Gotham was like wild grass. It could be burned today, but it would regrow with the spring breeze.

Ultimately, it came down to environment and resources.

Bardi swirled the wine in his glass, reclining on the leather seat. Through the cabin window, he looked down at the ever-shrinking Gotham. A bleak feeling lingered in his chest. Above the clouds, his gaze shifted slightly, drifting into thought.

Gotham's high crime rate was difficult to explain, but the external environment was undeniably a major factor.

Gloomy clouds hung over the city year-round. The dark Gothic architecture, instead of adding charm, gave the city a haunting, oppressive aura. In this environment, even the mood of the average citizen could turn bleak and unstable.

"The next step is to rebuild Gotham's environment, its sky, and its skyline."

Bardi already had a comprehensive plan in mind.

Turning Gotham, the city of sin, into a city of light wasn't difficult. With funding from Wayne Enterprises and access to cutting-edge technology, he had more than a dozen methods available to transform the city.

Bardi chose the fastest route.

Cooperate with the government.

As Bardi reflected, the private jet landed quietly on a restricted tarmac near the White House.

Waiting to greet him was the U.S. Secretary of State, a refined, middle-aged white man in a sharp suit and mild demeanor.

"Mr. Wayne, the President, several congressmen, and four generals are waiting for you."

"An honor. Please, lead the way."

Bardi extended his hand. The Secretary of State guided him through the President's exclusive Rose Garden and into the Oval Office.

Inside were four Army generals, the President of the United States, members of his Cabinet, and over a dozen congressmen—some of whom had already received more than ten million dollars from Bardi. Over thirty people were packed into the modest-sized office, all turning to face Bardi.

"Everyone, thank you for waiting."

With a polite smile, Bardi gave a slight bow.

Alfred began handing out documents, distributing copies of the plan to everyone in the room.

"Mr. Wayne, the power gathered here today is enough to shake Gotham to its core," someone said coldly.

"I hope you're not here to make another Batman joke."

"If this is just about clearing up your Batman mess, then this meeting was a waste of time."

"Wayne Enterprises only guaranteed us a meeting. Make your words count."

Several members of Congress voiced their discontent with thinly veiled sarcasm. They had already dismissed the childish notion of a billionaire playing superhero. If Bardi had no real plan, they were ready to start carving up Wayne Enterprises on the spot.

"Mr. Wayne, please proceed. I hope this is truly as you've described," the President interjected, cutting off the noise and nodding toward Bardi.

Bardi glanced at the self-serving politicians, then exchanged a knowing look with the President. The two had already spoken by phone and established a mutual understanding.

With a crisp snap, Bardi flicked his fingers.

The lights dimmed. Alfred set up a projector on the desk, and in the darkness of the Oval Office, images began to appear.

"Everyone, I call this the 'Gotham Project.' It is designed to transform Gotham within six months."

"Of course, that is simply my personal vision for restoring my hometown."

"But for all of you, it should be seen as the 'Superhero Regulation Project.'"

On the screen, images of superheroes flashed by—The Flash, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Superman, Shazam, Green Arrow… So-called heroes, but just one wrong step and they could become criminals.

Even now, these costumed vigilantes were wanted by law enforcement and the FBI. But how could ordinary agents deal with someone who could fly, outrun bullets, or had unbreakable skin? They were practically untouchable.

"Can you provide us with information on them?" asked the head of the anti-terrorism task force.

"No. I don't have their information," Bardi replied calmly.

Of course he knew. But he had no intention of providing it. These godlike do-gooders were potential obstacles to his plans, so he was merely setting up a small insurance policy. This wasn't even the main focus of his proposal—just a convenient distraction.

"Then why are we having this meeting? This sounds like a local issue. I fail to see the federal concern."

"Get to the point, Mr. Wayne. We're busy people."

"Ridiculous waste of time."

"The FBI is still investigating you, Mr. Wayne. You'd do well to watch your words."

Bardi smiled faintly, scanning the room. The President remained calm. General Sam Lane's stern gaze didn't waver. Some of the congressmen who had accepted bribes were already shifting in their seats, uncertain.

The noise and clamor were merely part of the performance. The red-faced opposition was expected.

"I want the government to issue a formal statement."

"In the days to come, let Batman serve as the public symbol of Gotham. A hero who represents justice, law, and the eradication of crime."

"Declare Batman as the face of the national crime reform initiative, jointly undertaken by me and the United States government."

(To be continued.)