Notes: Batman and Hugo Strange were created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane and are owned by DC Comics. This story is part of the Batman College series, which starts with "College At Arkham Asylum".

One morning, Batman arrived at Arkham Asylum. He looked more confident, thanks to Ra's al Ghul's positive influence. However, his fellow classmates didn't have confidence, because they still believed in Professor Crane's lies. Most walked, some even ran, away from him.

Poison Ivy walked up to Batman and asked, "How are you doing?"

Batman answered, "Not bad. I think Talia's dad's lessons are going to help me. I've been getting a few weird vibes from him, but he seems like a great teacher, who will teach me what I need to stop Professor Strange."

Poison Ivy replied, "That's great, but you still need to be careful. Don't push your limits."

Batman responded, "In order for me to defeat Hugo Strange, a man of limitless insanity, I'll have to have limitless power. I've spent years sharpening my mind. Now, I need to start working on my physical strength."

Poison Ivy had concerns that Batman's life would be at risk, due to his obsessive-training. However, she tried to be a supportive best-friend. She said, "You do what you feel is best. I believe in you."

Batman smiled and replied, "Thank you, Rose. No matter what kind of mood I'm in, you always raise my spirits." Ivy smiled, while holding back a blush.

Batman and Ivy's moment was ruined by Professor Hugo Strange. He pushed Ivy out of his way. Batman angrily stared at him and asked, "How can I help you, Principal Strange?"

Hugo Strange said, "You're a very persistent menace, aren't you?"

Batman replied, "You're the menace, not me."

Hugo responded, "Batman, where did you go, after school? I tried to follow you, but you left the school too quickly. You knew what I was trying to do. To be honest, I admire your success, but I'm also annoyed by you interfering with my plans."

Batman sternly said, "You need to stay out of trouble. You think I'm interfering with your plans, you serve as your own arch-enemy."

Hugo was fascinated by what Batman had said. Instead of trying to listen to Batman's advice, he wanted Batman to analyze him. He asked, "How I could be my own enemy?"

Batman answered, "If you weren't up to your sneaky, occasionally illegal, schemes, you wouldn't have to deal with me. By being a honest, responsible principal you can still do your silly analysis stuff, without having to put up with me. Isn't that what you want." Batman looked at Hugo Strange and saw that he had an amused look on his face. Batman looked surprised, while asking, "What's on your devious mind?"

Hugo answered, "You are truly gullible, Mr. Batman. You actually think I don't want to deal with you."

Batman glared at him and replied, "I'm trying to put an end to your operation. Why would you like that?"

Hugo looked overjoyed, while saying, "Throughout my career, I've had many opponents, but they couldn't keep my interest. You're the first one who regularly keeps me engaged. You may be my most intrusive student, but you're the one who makes my life exciting. I don't plan on getting rid of you, until I've lost interest in you. Considering how many secrets you've been keeping from me, I'm going to keep you around for a long time."

Batman punched a hole in Hugo Strange's office and replied, "You won't be my enemy, for much longer. I'm going to put an end to all of this." He started walking away.

Hugo responded, "That's not how my rivalries end, Mr. Batman. I'm always the one who ends them. There's been an exception. I'm the mastermind of Arkham Asylum."

Batman turned around and replied, "And I'm Arkham Asylum's dark knight."

After school, Batman walked to Ra's al Ghul ninja-training place. He used his intelligence and stealth, to sense that something was wrong. Before going inside, he peeked around and saw several ninjas. Batman knew Ra's al Ghul was trying to surprise him, in order to test his reflexes. Batman smirked, went inside, and started fighting the ninjas. The ninjas were surprised by how quickly Batman started fighting them.

Ra's al Ghul looked around and saw Batman fighting his ninjas. He smiled and whispered, "Excellent work, my best student."

One of the ninjas grabbed Batman and was about to punch him to the ground. However, Batman got out his grappling-hook and used it to stop the ninja. Ra's al Ghul was surprised that Batman carried that around. He eyed Batman's utility-belt and figured that Batman used it, to carry dozens of gadgets. Batman beat two-dozen ninjas.

Batman started catching his breath, while facing Ra's al Ghul, and saying, "Nice attempt at surprising me."

Ra's al Ghul walked closer to him and replied, "That was more than just me trying to surprise. I'm trying to test you."

Batman asked, "What are you trying to test me for?"

Ra's al Ghul answered, "You'll find out, if you can pass my last test."

Batman asked, "What is it?"

Deathstroke popped out of the shadows. Ra's al Ghul pointed to him and said, "This is Slade Wilson, my most powerful student. Well, I used to think that. Deathstroke is stubborn to retain his reputation as my most useful ally. However, if you can beat him, Slade can forget about his reputation."

Deathstroke started getting his swords ready. He had an intimidating look on his face, while shaking his fist at Batman, and saying, "You should be ashamed of yourself."

Batman asked, "Why?"

Deathstroke answered, "You've been trying to challenge the reputation of Deathstroke, the future leader of the League of Assassins."

Ra's al Ghul replied, "Don't count your assassins, before they hatch."

Batman started getting his gadgets ready. He was a little scared about going up against Deathstroke, since he looked like a very confident and terrifying opponent. However, he tried to remain confident and determined. He glared at Deathstroke and asked, "Are you ready to bring it on?"

Deathstroke confidently answered, "Indeed I am." He and Batman started running to each other. Deathstroke grabbed Batman and started strangling him. He said, "Allow me to live up to my name, by giving you a stroke."

Batman had been studying on how to kick the toughest opponents. He used what he learned, to kick Deathstroke off of him. Deathstroke needed a few seconds to recover, but Batman didn't give him a break. He started punching and kicking, while asking, "Am I a better opponent than you thought I'd be?"

Deathstroke answered, "Indeed you are. It'll make my impending victory feel more rewarding."

Batman replied, "Actually, that's how I'll feel, after I defeat you."

Deathstroke punched Batman in the face and responded, "Don't count your batarangs, before they come out of our utility belt."

Batman smirked and replied, "Thankfully, they're already out." He threw some batarangs at Deathstroke. Deathstroke grabbed his sword and started using it to break the batarangs.

Deathstroke looked smug, while saying, "My weapons are stronger than yours, so how do you expect to win?"

Batman answered, "Your weapons may be stronger, but my physical-strength is better than yours."

Deathstroke replied, "Yeah right, you over-confident punk." He started pointing his sword at Batman. Ra's al Ghul had instructed him to not destroy Batman, but he was willing to break that rule.

Batman started grabbing the sword. Deathstroke tried to make Batman lose his grip, but Batman's grip was superior. Batman was so strong, he was able to break the sword. Deathstroke looked shocked, while Batman threw away the broken pieces of his sword.

Deathstroke said, "That isn't impossible. You can't be stronger than me."

Batman replied, "If that's the case, I'm willing to change the rules of reality."

Ra's al Ghul put his hand on Deathstroke's shoulder and said, "It's time to admit that Batman's the superior fighter. It's nothing to be ashamed of. After all, you were my greatest student and most dangerous opponent, for over a decade. You're getting older, so it's understandable for you to lost your touch."

Deathstroke was paranoid about his potential and reputation. He punched Ra's al Ghul in the stomach and said, "I'm the League of Assassins' greatest member. If I have to break your moral-code to prove my self-worth, then I will. I'd kill for that, literally." He grabbed a grenade and tried to throw it at Batman, but Batman deactivated it. Deathstroke grabbed it and tried to make it work again, which led it to it exploding.

Everybody survived, but Deathstroke fell to the ground, while whining about his pain. Ra's al Ghul's ninjas came by and started carrying him to the hospital.

Batman looked at Ra's al Ghul and asked, "Is he going to be okay?"

Ra's al Ghul calmly answered, "He's survived dozens of explosions, so it's hardly worth worrying about. Anyways, you have passed, Batman. You are my greatest student."

Batman shook hands with him, while saying, "I'm honored to hear that."

Ra's al Ghul replied, "Now that you've accomplished the impossible, it's time for the next mission."

Batman asked, "What's the mission?"

Ra's al Ghul explained, "My purpose, for creating this place, is about more than just making people ninjas. My true goal was to find the greatest ninja and have him defeat Gotham's most corrupt and greediest citizens. With my help, you can make Gotham safer than ever before."

Batman thought about it and replied, "That sounds like a wonderful plan. Who do you want me to stop?"

Ra's al Ghul responded, "I have several targets, but your opponent is Gotham's richest citizen, Bruce Wayne." Batman was shocked and scared.

Batman tried to hide his nervousness, while asking, "Why do you want to go after Bruce Wayne?"

Ra's al Ghul answered, "Bruce Wayne represents Gotham's worst type of person. He has more money than any citizen, but he doesn't put it to good use. Instead of benefitting Gotham's poor people and raising money for charity, he does nothing of value."

Batman thought about his money and had a hard time arguing with Ra's al Ghul's point. He had been so busy with school and being Batman, that he hadn't been thinking about charity and donations. Although being a superhero was helpful, there was so much he could do as a millionaire.

After a long pause, Batman said, "I agree that Bruce Wayne is a flawed person and he could use his money better. However, he hasn't do anything shady or evil."

Ra's al Ghul replied, "While that may be true, he hasn't been helping Gotham's citizens, despite having the resources to. Do you really think Mr. Wayne deserves his money?"

Batman answered, "I'm not sure."

Ra's al Ghul replied, "He doesn't. You're a detective, Batman. Find evidence of Mr. Wayne's past crimes. If he's even stolen a book from Bookworm's collection, we could have him locked-up and have his money be put to good use."

Batman asked, "What if Bruce Wayne hasn't done any crimes?"

Ra's al Ghul answered, "Everybody has, including me and you. You and Bruce Wayne are polar-opposites. Because of that, I believe it's your destiny to bring him down. Start doing some investigating and get some dirt on Mr. Wayne." Batman could hardly believe that Bruce Wayne, his alter-ego, was the person he was hired to defeat.

The next morning, Batman looked unsure of himself, as he walked into Arkham Asylum. His mopey look scared the students even more. They started running to their classroom.

Professor Crane and Man-Bat watched the students be terrified. Crane had a smug smile on his face. He gave Man-Bat some bat-cookies and milk, which made him smile.

Batman saw Crane and said, "You're a sick person."

Professor Crane continued his smug appearance, while asking, "Sick? I'm perfectly healthy. Seeing my students cower in fear motivates me and keeps my health going."

Batman sarcastically replied, "How admirable."

Professor Crane patted Batman on the shoulder said, "Despite you constantly getting in my way, I must admit what a help you serve to me. I had been running out of ways to terrify my students, until you came along. You hold a special place in the world of fear."

Batman replied, "That's not something I'm proud of."

Professor Crane responded, "Like it or not, it's something you have. Embrace how you are. You are vengeance, you are the night, you are Batman."

Batman gently pushed Crane out of his way. He put his hand over his face and said, "Please, leave me alone."

Professor Crane looked at the Clock King and asked, "When does our first class start?"

The Clock King carefully examined his clock and answered, "Ten minutes and thirty-three seconds."

Professor Crane said, "I'll stay out of your cowl, until then. I'll see you soon, Batman." He did an evil laugh.

The Clock King looked at Batman and shook his head in disapproval. He asked, "Are you aware of how many times you've been late? I remember the exact number of times. In addition, I've counted every minute you've wasted." Batman angrily stared at him. Batman had such an intimidating image around the school, that even Clock King was starting to be afraid of him. Clock King nervously said, "I recommend working on your timing. It's just something to think about." He nervously walked away.

Batman walked to his locker and started getting out his textbooks. Poison Ivy walked to him. She could tell he was in a rough mood and she hoped she could help him. She gently put his hand on his shoulder and asked, "Are you okay?"

Batman answered, "To be honest, I'm not doing so great. I'm in a real problem."

Poison Ivy asked, "What is it?"

Batman looked around the hallway and saw several students nearby. He didn't want them to hear, so he said, "Rose, can you follow me?"

Poison Ivy replied, "Sure."

Batman and Ivy went into the janitor's closet. Poison Ivy jokingly said, "Charming place."

Batman lightly smiled and replied, "It's a corny place for a conversation, but I'm having a secret problem and you're the only one I trust."

Poison Ivy was honored to hear that, but she had more important things to focus on. She asked, "What's going on?"

Batman answered, "My trainer, Ra's al Ghul, wants me to stop Gotham's most corrupt and greediest people. It was a cause I admired, but he wants me to go after Bruce Wayne. He wants me to do research on him and find some dirt."

Poison Ivy shrugged her shoulders and replied, "I don't see what's wrong with that. Bruce Wayne has never been considered a good role-model, so I don't see the harm in investigating him."

Poison Ivy didn't know Batman's secret identity, so she didn't understand the seriousness and danger of the situation. Batman was still reluctant about telling people who he was, especially since he knew Hugo Strange often followed him and listened to his hallway-conversations. Batman said, "I can't describe how, but I've met Bruce Wayne before. He's not a perfect person or anything, but he's not a bad guy and he doesn't deserve to get beaten up."

Poison Ivy asked, "Can't you explain that to Ra's al Ghul?"

Batman answered, "That would be hard. Ra's al Ghul is determined to have Bruce Wayne locked-up, so he can have his money donated to better causes."

Poison Ivy said, "If you know Bruce Wayne, can't you contact him and ask him to start donating money? That might make Ra's al Ghul change his mind."

Batman smiled and replied, "That's a great idea. Thank you, Rose." He hugged her. She smiled, while blushing.

Harley Quinn opened the door and saw Batman and Ivy hugging. She had an amused look on her face, while saying, "So, you're late for class, because you were sneaking off and making-out in the janitor's closet? That's cool. Me and Joker have done that, dozens of times."

Batma calmly replied, "That's not what's going. Ivy and I are were just having a conversation."

Harley asked, "A conversation in the janitor's closet. Sheesh, you guys are weirdos."

A few minutes later, Batman and Ivy walked into class. Man-Bat growled at them. Professor Crane glared at them and said, "You're late for class. That seems to be a regular event for Arkham Asylum, particularly for you two. Because of that, you're getting an extra-long detention."

Batman had training at Ra's al Ghul's place, so he wanted to not have the detention. He looked at Crane and said, "I can't show up for detention. I have something important to take care of."

Professor Crane replied, "I don't care about that. I'm expecting you to come to detention and if you don't, you'll be in a fearful amount of trouble."

Meanwhile, Professor Hugo Strange was looking at his various security cameras. He tapped his hand on his desk, while saying, "For ten minutes, Batman wasn't in the hallway or in any of the classrooms. He must of found a secret hiding spot and used it to tell personal info to his precious Rose. Thankfully, I have cameras put in every area of the school." He spent several minutes searching for the right security camera.

Eventually, Hugo Strange found the tape of Batman and Ivy in the janitor's closet. He had an excited look on his face, while watching the tape. He listened closely, to what Batman said in the tape. He heard Batman mention Ra's al Ghul, so he said, "Batman's seeking advice from Talia's dad. This is very useful information. I believe I'll prove who the superior mastermind is."