Arc 15Chapters 351–375

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Chapters 351–375 Vol. 4 Read

Ch. 351Battle Armor Brouhaha

Tony told Peter that he was developing custom battle armor for him, then promised to make Miaomiao her own suit after she complained that Peter was getting one. Miaomiao asked for armor that could fly, revealing that flight was what she wanted most.

  • Peter tearfully thanked Tony for believing in him, and Tony warned that Peter's armor was still in development and depended on his performance.
  • Tony explained that Peter would help with the armor's development and undergo a physical assessment, while promising he could take the armor back if Peter became reckless.
  • Miaomiao complained that Peter was getting custom armor while she had none, leaving Tony unable to answer without revealing Bruce's secret identity.
  • Tony promised to make Miaomiao a custom suit, and she asked for one that could fly.

Ch. 352Let's go to the amusement park

Tony promised Miaomiao a flying suit of Battle Armor, then proposed taking everyone to an amusement park so the children could enjoy a real day off. Bruce hesitated, and Tony challenged him over how little time he made for his children before recalling his own distant father.

  • Tony agreed to make Miaomiao a flying suit of Battle Armor, and she thanked him.
  • Tony suggested that the group visit an amusement park, and Clint and Doctor Banner said they had been before.
  • Tony urged Bruce to take Miaomiao to the amusement park, pointing out that he had never taken her there.
  • Miaomiao said she would do whatever Bruce wanted, prompting Tony to criticize Bruce's parenting.
  • Tony recalled how Howard Stark had been absent and emotionally distant throughout his childhood.

Ch. 353Getting ready to go

Tony persuaded Bruce to take Miaomiao and the others to an amusement park, reminding him not to let work consume the children’s childhoods. The group prepared to leave, and Tony included Peter in the outing as a new Stark Industries intern while arranging to contact Peter’s former employer.

  • Tony recalled how loneliness at an amusement park had shaped his childhood and urged Bruce to make time for the children.
  • Bruce reconsidered his priorities after remembering the painful conflicts and losses involving Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian, then agreed to go with Miaomiao and the others.
  • Miaomiao excitedly praised Bruce, and Tony told everyone to get ready for the outing.
  • Tony told Peter that he was now a Stark Industries intern and invited him on the company team-building trip.
  • Peter worried about leaving his delivery job, so Tony asked J.A.R.V.I.S. to email Peter’s boss and ask whether Tony could invest in the restaurant.
  • Peter and the others changed into casual clothes and prepared to leave for the amusement park.

Ch. 354Cotton candy

Bruce and the others took Miaomiao to an amusement park, where Tony arranged VIP entry to bypass the crowds. Miaomiao delighted in her first cotton candy and Natasha dressed her in cat ears, while Bruce began considering how to connect with her more.

  • Bruce, Tony, Natasha, and the others changed into casual clothes before taking Miaomiao to the amusement park.
  • Tony bought the group exclusive VIP access so they could enter without waiting in the long line.
  • Miaomiao compared the bright, lively park with the gloomy abandoned amusement park in Gotham and grew excited by her surroundings.
  • Bruce bought Miaomiao cotton candy, and she tried it for the first time, delighting in its sweetness.
  • Natasha put a black cat-ear headband on Miaomiao, and Tony admired how adorable she looked.

Ch. 355Buy, buy, buy

Tony Stark bought Miaomiao, Peter, and Clint’s family treats and souvenirs at the amusement park, while Natasha dressed Miaomiao in accessories that drew attention from the crowds. The group left the shops to choose a ride, but their different preferences—and Clint’s absence—left the next stop undecided.

  • Tony bought Miaomiao and Peter food and toys, then told the group he would pay for everyone’s purchases.
  • Clint used Tony’s offer to buy his children expensive plush toys, while Natasha dressed Miaomiao in coordinated accessories.
  • Miaomiao’s appearance attracted attention from children and adults, and Bruce warned that the growing crowd could disrupt their outing.
  • Tony suggested they leave the shops and use his map to pick an attraction; Peter chose the roller coaster, while Banner cautioned them not to provoke Hulk.
  • Steve and Bucky favored nostalgic rides and newer sightseeing attractions, and Tony noticed Clint was missing.

Ch. 356Bucky, Smacky

Bucky was separated from Steve in a crowded amusement park and, while searching for him, met a lost little boy who mistook him for his father. The boy asked Bucky to win him a Howling Commandos doll, leaving Bucky unsure how to respond.

  • Tony suggested that everyone split into smaller groups and meet at the amusement park's central restaurant in four hours.
  • Bucky and Steve were swept apart by a crowd watching a float parade, and Bucky was left feeling lonely as he searched for Steve.
  • Bucky found a crying little boy, who mistook him for his father and took his hand while Bucky offered to find a staff member.
  • The boy stopped at a shooting-game booth featuring Howling Commandos dolls and pleaded with Bucky to win him one.
  • Bucky hesitated when the boy said his father could not hit anything and asked for the doll.

Ch. 357Prison rescue

Bucky played a Captain America game scenario based on the rescue of the 107th Infantry Regiment and discovered that its mission was to save him. He excelled at fighting through the fortress, then learned that James Barnes had been taken to an isolation ward in the factory.

  • Bucky agreed to play the shooting game after a child cried, and the attendant introduced a scenario based on Captain America's battles.
  • The game began with Steve Rogers jumping from a plane into enemy territory to rescue captured Allied soldiers, including Bucky Barnes.
  • Bucky recognized the mission as the historical rescue of his own regiment and took control of Captain America in the game.
  • Bucky rapidly defeated enemy forces, breached the fortress, and freed the prisoners in the dungeon.
  • A freed soldier told Steve that James Barnes had been sent to an isolation ward in the factory, and Steve went to find him.

Ch. 358A Perfect Clear

Bucky completed a game that reenacted Steve Rogers rescuing him and more than four hundred Allied soldiers, forcing him to relive the past he had forgotten. After giving the perfect-clear prize to a lost boy, Bucky tried to leave, but other children crowded around him.

  • Bucky relived Hydra's experiments and Steve's rescue through the game, remembering that he had survived by holding on to the hope of seeing Steve again.
  • The game showed Steve rescuing Bucky and the other prisoners, then celebrating the victory that made Captain America famous.
  • Bucky earned a perfect clear and accepted a Captain America plush as his prize.
  • Bucky gave the plush to the boy he had been looking after, and the boy's father returned and thanked him.
  • Bucky refused the father's offer to pay and tried to leave the arcade, but nearby children swarmed around him.

Ch. 359Plush heroes

At the amusement park, Bucky repeatedly cleared game levels to win plush toys for the children, finding unexpected peace in their happiness. When the next level required two players and no adult volunteered, someone announced they would join him.

  • Bucky agreed to win plush toys for the children and had them line up one at a time.
  • Bucky cleared the game repeatedly, giving the children plush toys and growing more comfortable with the shield.
  • More children joined the line after seeing Bucky's skill and the Howling Commandos toys.
  • Bucky reached a level that required two players and realized he could not start it alone.
  • The girl at the front of the line nearly cried when she thought she would miss her turn, while the adults hesitated to join Bucky.
  • An unseen person offered to step in as Bucky's second player.

Ch. 360The Body Remembered Those Years

Steve found Bucky at an amusement-park game recreating a Howling Commandos battle and saw him instinctively fight as Captain America despite having lost his memories. Bucky continued winning rounds and giving the prizes to children while Steve watched silently, unable to approach him.

  • Steve panicked when Bucky disappeared in the amusement-park crowd and searched for him.
  • Steve overheard a boy describe a man with a metal arm who had won him a toy, and realized the man might be Bucky.
  • Steve pushed through a crowd and found Bucky playing a Howling Commandos battle game as Captain America.
  • Steve watched Bucky use combat moves that mirrored his own, despite Bucky having lost his memories.
  • Bucky earned a Perfect Clear, gave a Howling Commandos plush toy to a child, and started another round while Steve held back his words.

Ch. 361Snow Mountain Raid

Steve found Bucky playing a game recreating the Howling Commandos’ battles and joined him for a two-player snow mountain raid. As the game recreated their old squad and mission, Steve understood how deeply Bucky cherished their lost years together.

  • Bucky won a Sergeant Barnes plush for a child while playing a game based on his old battles.
  • The game required two players, so Steve stepped forward and joined Bucky, taking the Captain America character.
  • The game assigned Steve to lead the breakthrough while Bucky served as an assault marksman against Hydra’s defenses.
  • The opening scene recreated the Howling Commandos and their plan to attack Hydra’s garrison in a snowy gorge.
  • Steve recognized the squad members and realized the game was bringing Bucky back to the time they had lost.

Ch. 362Together at dusk

Steve and Bucky cleared a difficult snowy game stage together, and the battle brought Bucky back memories of their shared past. They joined the others for dinner at the Amusement Park, where Bucky quietly appreciated the warmth of being together.

  • Steve advanced behind his shield while Bucky covered their flanks and picked off enemies, and they repeatedly cleared the stage without mistakes.
  • The snowy battlefield reminded Steve of serving beside Bucky, while Bucky recalled fragments of their past and the promise, "I'm with you till the end of the line."
  • The children celebrated the heroes' plush prizes as Steve and Bucky finished playing and headed to the restaurant to meet the others.
  • Bucky told Steve that he had remembered a few things, and Steve said that was wonderful.
  • Steve and Bucky joined Tony, Bruce, Miaomiao, Clint, Natasha, and Doctor Banner for a meal, while Tony teased Clint and Doctor Banner reported that Hulk was hungry.

Ch. 363Parting gifts

At the fireworks show, Miaomiao realized how happy she was with her new home and friends, and her tears became blue-violet pearls. Back at Avengers Tower, she gave her friends parting gifts and revealed that the music player was for Hulk.

  • Miaomiao watched the fireworks with Bruce and shed pearls of happiness, which Bruce collected discreetly.
  • After Peter returned to Queens, Miaomiao and the others went back to Avengers Tower, where Natasha said goodbye to her.
  • Miaomiao gave Natasha Pearl Powder to remove her scars and gave Tony powder for his injured arm and some for Pepper.
  • Miaomiao gave Steve and Bucky advice along with their gifts, then handed Clint his share of Pearl Powder.
  • Miaomiao gave Doctor Banner Pearl Powder and explained that the music player she had brought was a gift for Hulk.

Ch. 364Baby Hulk

Miaomiao urged Doctor Banner and the others to see Hulk as a child who had never been taught, rather than only as a threat to suppress. Doctor Banner recognized his responsibility toward Hulk, and the group turned to the immediate challenge of calming the angry Hulk.

  • Miaomiao gave Doctor Banner the music player and explained that Hulk needed guidance and care, not just restraint.
  • Steve and Natasha admitted they had focused on controlling Hulk, while Bucky understood his anger from his own experience of being used as a weapon.
  • Doctor Banner realized Hulk might see his attempts to cure or destroy him as attempts to kill him, and regretted never teaching him.
  • Tony joked about whether Doctor Banner was Hulk's brother, father, or mother, easing the tension before stressing that they first needed to calm Hulk.

Ch. 365Return to Gotham

Miaomiao persuaded the Avengers to approach Hulk with patience, comfort, and gentle lessons instead of confrontation. Bruce drove her back to Gotham, put her to bed, and then headed for the Batcave.

  • Miaomiao played calming music and explained that Hulk was frightened, lonely, and still developing, so the Avengers should earn his trust before teaching him.
  • Tony and Doctor Banner agreed with Miaomiao’s plan to offer Hulk treats and cartoons, and Banner privately apologized to Hulk.
  • Bruce drove the tired Miaomiao from Avengers Tower toward Gotham while Batman patrolled the city.
  • Miaomiao fell asleep in the car, and Bruce carried her to bed at Wayne Manor and tucked her in.
  • Bruce left Miaomiao’s room and headed to the Batcave.

Ch. 366New dining room rules

At breakfast, Dick's brothers teased him for being exhausted after filling in as Batman, and he revealed he had barely slept while investigating disappearances in Blüdhaven. Miaomiao entered and, seeing his condition, asked whether he was hurt.

  • Damian argued that he should take over as Batman, while Tim mocked his height and Bruce stopped their bickering.
  • Alfred reminded the family to follow the new rule against bonding in the dining room and served caramel pudding.
  • Jason questioned Dick about his exhaustion, and Dick explained he had been tracking a case in Blüdhaven and sleeping very little for a week.
  • Tim said the disappearances had no clear connection or evidence linking them, while Dick insisted he could not stop searching for leads.
  • Miaomiao arrived at breakfast, saw Dick's exhausted appearance, and asked what had happened to him.

Ch. 367Mermaid Silk Bag

Miaomiao helped Dick recognize how badly he needed rest, then enjoyed Alfred’s breakfast before sharing the gifts she had brought back from New York. She gave Damian the rare vintage game cartridge he had long searched for.

  • Miaomiao used her spiritual power to temporarily revive Dick and warned him that he needed to rest.
  • Bruce urged Dick to rest, prompting his sons to silently point out Bruce’s own habit of overworking.
  • Dick agreed to take twenty-four hours off and went to his room to sleep.
  • Miaomiao ate Alfred’s breakfast and asked where the large bag she had left in the car was.
  • Miaomiao brought out her mermaid-silk bag of New York gifts and gave Damian the missing cartridge for his collection.

Ch. 368Handing out gifts

Miaomiao handed out gifts to the Bat Family, delighting them with thoughtful presents and treats. She then presented Bruce with his gift, leaving its contents unrevealed.

  • Damian accepted a game cartridge from Miaomiao and admitted that the gift was not bad.
  • Jason received a set of out-of-print first-edition Austen books and asked how Miaomiao had found them.
  • Miaomiao gave Tim a tin of fragrant coffee beans, which he thanked her for.
  • Alfred received a household robot from Stark, tried it out, and found that it could fetch a tea canister.
  • Miaomiao gave Titus a bag of carefully chosen pet treats, and he happily ate one.
  • Bruce waited for his gift, and Miaomiao handed it to him.

Ch. 369Bruce's gift

Miaomiao gave Bruce a handmade album documenting his public appearances, but its extensive collection of tabloid stories and photos about his playboy persona turned the gift into a source of family-wide laughter. Bruce reclaimed the album after Jason photographed it, while Miaomiao remained unaware of why everyone found it so embarrassing.

  • Miaomiao handed Bruce a handmade, gilt-covered album she had created for him.
  • Bruce opened the album and Jason laughed when he saw that it documented Bruce Wayne's public image as Gotham's playboy.
  • Miaomiao explained that she had collected Bruce's appearances, outfits, social events, and media coverage from the previous year.
  • Jason read aloud the tabloid headlines and laughed as Bruce's romantic scandals and Miaomiao's handwritten notes filled the album.
  • Jason finished browsing and took photos, and Bruce snatched the album back while Tim, Damian, and Alfred reacted to the embarrassing gift.

Ch. 370Romance education?

Bruce realized Tony Stark had arranged for Miaomiao to learn about romance and objected that she was too innocent. After Tony argued that Bruce needed to prepare her for relationships, Bruce reconsidered as he remembered the Robins’ early romances and worried about Miaomiao being pursued.

  • Bruce asked whether Tony Stark had put Miaomiao up to the romantic lesson, and Tony revealed himself through the little robot.
  • Bruce told Tony not to expose Miaomiao to the subject, but Tony said she needed guidance before a boy could take advantage of her.
  • Tony asked when Bruce’s boys had their first romances, leaving Bruce speechless as Jason and Tim guiltily avoided his gaze.
  • Bruce recalled Tim’s relationship with Stephanie, Jason’s romance with Rosie, and Dick’s many romantic interests.
  • Bruce decided Tony might be right about teaching Miaomiao early, while Tony enjoyed watching his reaction through the robot.

Ch. 371A proposal?

Tony teased Bruce about Miaomiao growing up and marrying, prompting Bruce to consider teaching her about romance and relationships. The chapter ended with Bruce deciding to discuss the matter with Tony after the party.

  • Tony told Bruce that Miaomiao made him imagine having a daughter and that the thought of her being courted made him want to attack the boy.
  • Bruce pointed out that Tony had never proposed to Pepper, and Tony reflected on his fears about marrying while living as Iron Man.
  • Tony mocked Bruce about his bride running away at their wedding, and Bruce threatened to disconnect the robot and erase the records.
  • Miaomiao worried that her present had upset Bruce, but Bruce reassured her that he was only surprised.
  • Bruce decided Miaomiao needed to learn about romantic relationships and resolved to have a long talk with Tony.

Ch. 372I want to go too

Miaomiao planned to deliver gifts to her friends after returning to Wayne Manor, where her story about visiting an amusement park with Bruce stirred jealousy among his sons. As the family discussed turning Gotham’s abandoned amusement park into a safe place, Barbara called Miaomiao in a distressed voice.

  • Miaomiao planned her gift deliveries and listed the friends and family she still needed to visit or mail presents to.
  • Damian learned that Bruce had taken Miaomiao to an amusement park and demanded that Bruce take him there too.
  • Bruce explained that Gotham’s amusement parks were unsafe, and Damian reluctantly accepted while insisting on a future trip.
  • Miaomiao asked about the abandoned amusement park, and Jason and Tim said the cleanup and plans to make it safe were underway.
  • Barbara called Miaomiao, her voice choked and trembling.

Ch. 373Batgirl took flight again

Barbara Gordon regained the ability to stand after the Pearl and Miaomiao’s spiritual power repaired the damage to her spine. She called Bruce and the others to share the miracle and thank Miaomiao.

  • Barbara called Bruce and said she was standing again, stunning everyone at Wayne Manor.
  • The chapter recalled how the Joker’s attack had shattered Barbara’s spine and ended her career as Batgirl, leading her to become Oracle.
  • Barbara described how she first felt warmth in her leg, then gradually stood and moved her legs with difficulty.
  • Commissioner Gordon thanked Miaomiao through the phone, overcome with emotion.
  • Barbara explained that the Pearl and Miaomiao’s spiritual power had repaired her nerves and bones, surprising Bruce and the others.

Ch. 374I was afraid our hopes would come to nothing

Miaomiao explained that she had secretly used her pearls and spiritual power to help Barbara recover because she feared raising the family's hopes if the treatment failed. After Dick learned Barbara could stand again, he promised to do anything Miaomiao asked, and she said she had a request.

  • Bruce asked Miaomiao whether she had been using pearls and spiritual power to help Barbara, and she admitted that she had.
  • Miaomiao explained that she had quietly treated Barbara because she could not promise the effort would work and did not want the family to be disappointed.
  • Miaomiao revealed that she began preparing the healing pearls on Christmas, when the family's love and company caused them to form naturally.
  • Miaomiao said she had given the family pearls to ease their old injuries and had secretly channeled spiritual power to help Barbara's more severe injury.
  • Bruce and Alfred thanked Miaomiao for her care, and she said helping her family become healthy made her happy.
  • Dick woke up, learned that Barbara could stand again, hugged Miaomiao, and promised to do anything she asked; Miaomiao said she had a request.

Ch. 375The Blüdhaven mystery

Miaomiao learned about the mysterious disappearances Dick was investigating in Blüdhaven and offered to help. Tim revealed that seven people had been officially recorded as missing, while the true number could reach several dozen, leaving the case without a pattern, motive, or usable evidence.

  • Miaomiao asked Tim and Jason about Dick’s investigation after Dick rushed off to see Barbara.
  • Tim showed Miaomiao and Jason the files on seven missing people whose backgrounds had nothing in common and whose disappearance sites left no evidence.
  • Tim explained that Blüdhaven officials had suppressed reports and that dozens of unexplained disappearances might have occurred over the past three months.
  • Tim said he had followed the case because Blüdhaven was only twenty miles from Gotham and the perpetrator could strike there next.
  • Jason warned that the apparently random abductions and lack of clues made the perpetrator especially difficult to stop.
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