Matt's New Goal

Kingpin's explosive purge had far-reaching consequences.

Just as Harry had said, if Kingpin's plan had succeeded, his influence over New York's gang, and even across the country, would have grown further. But clearly, he had failed. The enemies he had made and the people he had coerced would become crucial forces in bringing down this gang Emperor.

As for Hell's Kitchen, Harry had done exactly as he said and wiped out every major force there without leaving a single one behind. Madam Gao had left New York, while most of the rest had been arrested. A small number were still on the run, but they would not remain free for long.

As for Kingpin, he had violated far too many laws and was sentenced to 690 years in prison.

"So this is how you do things? This is how you 'clear the pipes'?" At the scene of Kingpin's arrest, Kingpin seemed to have regained his vigor as he threw out a threat at Harry. "I'll be back."

"No, you won't." Harry no longer had any interest in trading barbs with him. Even if Kingpin had the ability to rebuild his power in prison, it would take considerable time and be extremely difficult.

And if he truly insisted on doing so, Harry could let his father rack up a few more political achievements through him by arresting some model criminals whenever the opportunity arose. Matt and some superheroes would be more than happy to do that.

Besides, just because New York did not have the death penalty now did not mean it never would. It seemed Mr. Kingpin had rested for a few days and started thinking he was invincible again.

"How does it feel, Matt?"

Harry patted Matt on the shoulder, nearly knocking him over. The kid had gone to save people during the explosion a few days ago and had suffered fairly serious injuries as a result.

Matt was naturally in better spirits than ever. As his investigation progressed, he discovered that Kingpin was inseparable from the reason Hell's Kitchen had become what it was. It could be said that 90 percent of its crimes were connected to that fat man.

During his nighttime meditation, he would wonder what Hell's Kitchen would have become if Harry Osborn had never intervened.

The scenes he imagined sent a chill down his spine.

Without Harry, he would first have needed to find the true mastermind behind Hell's Kitchen. Before that, he would have had to deal with the Russian gang, the yakuza, and people like Madam Gao, extracting Kingpin's name from them. Then, even if one of them had truly betrayed Kingpin, they would have been permanently silenced in the great explosion.

And Matt—or rather, Daredevil—would have taken the blame for it all.

Yet he still had confidence that he could bring Kingpin to justice. But what came after that? As long as Kingpin's criminal empire remained intact, he could get out whenever he wanted.

It would have been a struggle with no end in sight.

"Do you think my friend still needs to keep doing that?" Instead of answering Harry's question, Matt posed one of his own.

Harry was somewhat surprised. Matt was actually willing to talk to him about Daredevil.

"So, you believe I'm a wholesome businessman now, right?"

"A wholesome businessman who kicked Bullseye to death?" Matt shrugged. "But... Foggy and I really should get a new storefront."

Harry smiled. That was more like it.

"Have you read Batman comics?" Harry did not answer directly.

In this Marvel-dominated world, DC comics existed as well. Harry had confirmed that.

"I'm blind, Mr. Osborn. I don't read comics."

"..." Harry froze. "Uh... then you can read the novels."

"I have. What are you trying to say? They're just fictional works." To Harry's surprise, Matt had actually read them!

In Harry's view, the two of them had quite a few things in common: similarly iconic clothing, making enemies afraid, training by mysterious organizations, and the same no-killing principle.

Matt even came with his own sonar system. Compared to him, Batman seemed almost undeserving of the name.

"I think your friend can keep doing what he does, but I think you should work harder in your own field. Maybe you could set yourself a small goal, like becoming Chief Justice."

"I believe you've seen it this time as well. A superhero may give people hope, but if people are truly going to live better lives, an upright system matters far more."

Matt's expression turned strange at that. It was a path he had never considered before, since he had not had much goodwill toward government officials in the past.

But thinking it over carefully... it really was much better than being a lawyer. At the very least, he would not have to feel so stifled.

As for Harry, if Matt was willing to take that position, he would definitely support him. Someone like Matt, who worked on conviction alone, was simply the ideal employee—Harry would not even need to pay him, nor worry about him suddenly turning against him.

"I heard becoming a lawyer was what your father hoped for you. But if he knew you had become a judge or something similar, he'd probably be proud of you too."

"I'll think about it carefully."

It was obvious that Matt was genuinely tempted.

Harry was rather glad as well. Matt was still very green at the moment. If this had been a Daredevil a few years more mature, the two of them probably would have started fighting the moment Harry kicked Bullseye to death.

Then Harry took out a small box.

"A gift for your friend." Harry flipped the switch. "A portable sonar device. It can emit Sonic Waves at a fixed frequency and also filters out background noise."

Matt's senses surpassed those of ordinary people. When he was young, those superhuman senses often troubled him, and even now, noisy environments still affected his combat ability.

This device could greatly reduce the impact of noise on Matt. Simply put, it helped Matt enter a state specialized for detection.

"Thanks, though I'm not sure whether he'll have any use for it." Matt did not stand on ceremony and accepted Harry's gift.

After accepting the gift, Matt hesitated for a moment before taking out a stack of documents from his briefcase.

"One more thing. On the day of the explosion, a mysterious man was hunting down those gang members."

"Oh?" Harry paused.

"I investigated him. That guy doesn't belong to any faction." Matt then pulled out another stack of documents. "And this entire stack was provided by one person."

Harry immediately became extremely interested, because a figure instantly appeared in his mind.

A man whom the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. believed had reached the level of a Level 10 agent.

"Frank Castle, ******, received the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, three Silver Stars, four Purple Hearts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his outstanding service in the Marine Corps. He's a ruthless man."

And as far as Harry knew, he should also have another name—"The Punisher."

It was just that he did not know... which stage of his life Frank was currently in.

Judging by his actions, perhaps he had not truly become the Punisher yet.

"The two people you're talking about are the same person, right, Matt?"

Matt said nothing and silently nodded.

"Interesting. I'll get in contact with him."

Harry had long wanted to form an organization like the "Osborn Asset Protection and Recovery Squad," but he had never been able to find suitable candidates.

And Frank—fearless, fierce, experienced, and unaffiliated with any power—there was no one more suited to command this squad.