Matt's New Goal

Kingpin's explosive purge had far-reaching and profound consequences.

As Harry had said, if Kingpin's plan had succeeded, his influence in New York's underworld—and even nationwide—would have grown further. But clearly, he failed. The enemies he had amassed and the people he had coerced would now become the key forces to toppling this crime lord.

For Hell's Kitchen, Harry kept his word: he wiped out all the major powers, leaving none standing. Aside from Madam Gao, who left New York, most of the others ended up behind bars. A few were still on the run, but they wouldn't last long.

As for Kingpin, due to the sheer number of laws he had broken, he was sentenced to 690 years in prison.

"So this is your way of doing things? Your way of 'clearing the pipes'?" At the scene of Kingpin's arrest, the crime lord seemed to have regained some of his vigor, taunting Harry. "I'll be back."

"No, you won't." Harry had no interest in trading barbs with him. Even if Kingpin could rebuild his power base in prison, it would take considerable time and effort. And if he insisted on trying, Harry could have his father pile on more political achievements by making an example of him—arresting a few high-profile criminals now and then. Matt and some superheroes would be more than happy to help.

Besides, just because New York had no death penalty now didn't mean it never would. After a few days of rest, this Mr. Kingpin seemed to think he was back in form.

"How are you feeling, Matt?"

Harry patted Matt on the shoulder, nearly knocking him over—the kid had taken a beating rescuing people during the explosion a few days ago.

Matt's mood couldn't have been better. Through his investigation, he had discovered that Hell's Kitchen's current state was inextricably linked to Kingpin. Ninety percent of the crime could be traced back to that fat man.

During his nightly meditations, he would wonder: what if Harry Osborn had never intervened in Hell's Kitchen?

The imagined scenes sent a chill down his spine.

Without Harry, he would have had to find the mastermind behind Hell's Kitchen first. Before that, he'd have to deal with the Russian mob, the Yakuza, and Madam Gao, extracting Kingpin's name from them. And even if someone among them betrayed Kingpin, they'd be silenced forever in the big explosion.

And Matt—or rather, Daredevil—would take the fall.

Still, he had confidence he could bring Kingpin to justice. But after that? As long as Kingpin's criminal empire remained intact, he could walk free whenever he wanted.

It would be an endless struggle.

"Do you think my friend should keep doing what he does?" Matt didn't answer Harry's question; instead, he posed one of his own.

Harry was surprised that Matt was willing to talk about Daredevil with him.

"So, do you finally believe I'm an honest businessman now?"

"An honest businessman who kicked Bullseye to death?" Matt shrugged. "But... Foggy and I probably should get a new storefront."

Harry smiled. That was more like it.

"Have you ever read Batman comics?" Harry didn't answer directly.

In this world, which was primarily Marvel, DC comics existed—Harry had confirmed that.

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

"..." Harry paused. "Uh... you could try the novels."

"I have. What are you getting at? That's just fiction." To Harry's surprise, Matt had actually read them!

In Harry's view, the two had a lot in common: the same symbolic costume to instill fear in enemies, the same training from mysterious organizations, the same no-kill rule.

Matt even had a built-in sonar system. Compared to him, Batman almost seemed overrated.

"I think your friend should keep going. But I also think you should work harder in your own field. Maybe set a small goal for yourself—like becoming Chief Justice."

"After what you've seen this time, I'm sure you realize: a superhero can inspire hope, but for people to truly live well, an upright system matters a lot more."

Hearing this, Matt's expression turned strange. This was a path he had never considered, especially since he had never had much faith in official figures.

But thinking it over... it was definitely better than being a lawyer. At least he wouldn't feel so stifled.

As for Harry, if Matt was willing to take that seat, he would support him all the way. Someone like Matt, who worked on conviction alone, was the ideal employee—he wouldn't even need a salary, and there was no risk of him suddenly turning traitor.

"I heard becoming a lawyer was your father's wish for you. But if he knew you became a judge or something, I'm sure he'd be proud."

"I'll think about it."

It was clear Matt was genuinely tempted.

Harry was also glad that Matt was still green. If this had been a few years older, more seasoned Daredevil, they might have come to blows the moment Harry kicked Bullseye to death.

Then, Harry took out a small box.

"A gift for your friend." Harry flipped a switch. "A portable sonar device. It emits a fixed-frequency sonic wave and has clutter-filtering capabilities."

Matt's senses were superhuman. As a child, he had often been troubled by this hyper-awareness, and even now, noisy environments still affected his combat ability.

This device could greatly reduce the impact of background noise on Matt—essentially helping him enter a detection-focused state.

"Thanks, but I'm not sure he'll find it useful." Matt didn't refuse; he accepted Harry's gift.

After taking it, Matt hesitated for a moment, then pulled a stack of documents from his briefcase.

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

"Oh?" Harry was taken aback.

"I looked into it. He doesn't belong to any faction." Matt then held out the stack of papers. "And all of this information was provided by a single person."

Harry's interest was immediately piqued, because a certain figure instantly came to mind.

Someone the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. had rated as Level 10 agent material.

"Frank Castle. ******. Awarded the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, three Silver Stars, four Purple Hearts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for exceptional service in the Marine Corps. A real hardcase."

And from what Harry knew, he should also have another name—"The Punisher."

He just didn't know... which stage of his life this Frank was currently in.

Judging by his actions, perhaps he hadn't truly become the Punisher yet.

"These two people you mentioned are the same person, right, Matt?"

Matt didn't speak, just silently nodded.

"Interesting. I'll make contact with him."

Harry had long wanted to form an organization like the "Osborn Asset Protection and Recovery Squad," but had never found the right candidate.

And Frank—fearless, fierce, experienced, and unaffiliated with any faction—there was no one more suitable to be the commander of this squad.