Clark's journey at Kairi Tanaga's dojo continues. After months of dedication, Clark is about to level up again. He was currently a yellow belt, but today he was to receive his orange belt.
"You have shown much dedication to your craft." Kairi says.
"Thank you, sensei." Clark says with a bow.
"The color orange symbolizes the intensifying rays of the sun. They are making you stronger." Kairi says.
"It is all thanks to your teaching." Clark says.
Kairi goes to grab a board.
"Break this." Kairi says as she holds it up.
Clark focuses. He swings forward with his fist at breaks the board.
Kairi inspects the damage. The break is much cleaner than Clark's attempts earlier in his training.
"Look at how much better you've gotten." Kairi says.
"Yes sensei." Clark says.
"You have always had raw power, but now your focus is becoming much better." Kairi says.
"All thanks to you." Clark says.
"Go now, I will see you next Tuesday." Kairi says.
Clark bows and grabs his new belt. He then departs from Kairi's dojo.
Clark was getting ready to leave Gotham and head home to Metropolis. The city was packed tonight. Bruce Wayne was giving his pitch for revitalizing the downtown district.
Clark had never met Bruce Wayne, but had heard all the stories. He was some rich playboy living off his family money, as far as Clark knew. But he did seem to help the city a lot. Of course, Lex Luthor seemed to help Metropolis a lot, but Clark knew there was another side to Lex. He doesn't do anything without personal gain for himself. Perhaps Bruce was the same way. Was there another side to Bruce Wayne? Clark began to ponder.
Clark decided to head to Bruce's speech. If nothing else he could at least get a story for the Planet out of it.
Clark makes his way to Gotham town hall where Bruce is set to speak. He eagerly awaits to get his first real look at the so-called prince of Gotham.
A man takes the stage as the proceedings begin.
"Good evening everybody. My name is Lucius Fox. I regret to inform you that Bruce Wayne is unable to be here tonight." He says.
Chatter begins to pick up in the room. Clark listens in and hears commotion outside. He can hear tires screeching outside. He then hears gun shots. Clark quickly slips out the back.
Above the city Superman can see an armored truck making a getaway. It's being followed by some sort of black sleek car. There are gun shots coming out the back of the truck.
Superman flies down and picks the truck up. He then sits it gently on its side. Out of the back two men in suits appear. They look identical, like twins. They point theirs guns at Superman, but he crushes them before they can get a shot off.
"What's going on?" A gravely voice calls out from the driver's seat.
"Wha- you?!" It says.
Superman turns around to see a man behind him. In the dark he can barely make him out. But as he approaches, Superman can see half of his face is scarred. It's Two-face. Superman was familiar with some of the high-profile villains that Gotham was infamous for.
"You aren't taking me." Two-face says, with a gun pointed at Superman.
Just then, the gun is knocked out of Two-face's hands by some sort of boomerang. As the weapon hits the ground, Superman can see it's in the shape of a bat. From the other direction a blast of wire is sent in Two-face's direction, tying him up.
Superman looks into the shadows. He can see a dark figure. As it approaches, he can see pointed ears atop its head. It's him, it's The Batman.
"YOU?!" Superman says.
"Me." Batman says, his face remaining emotionless.
"Whoo-hoo, did you see that? We totally got 'em." A voice says from behind Superman.
Superman turns around and sees Robin, the boy wonder as he has been called.
"Jason!" Batman says.
"Dude, come on, codenames." Robin says.
"Take the truck to the bank on fifty-second street. I'll have an anonymous tip called into the GCPD." Batman says.
"Think you could flip that truck back upright?" Batman asks looking at Superman.
"Um, okay." Superman says, still a little uncertain of the whole situation.
Superman flips the truck back upright and Batman and Robin load Two-face and his henchmen inside.
"You don't understand Batman. This money in laundered by the mob. It's dirty money and I'm helping to liberate it." Two-face says as he is loaded into the truck.
Robin then drives off.
"Is he even old enough to drive?" Superman asks.
"Yes." Batman says.
Batman turns around and heads towards his car.
"Hey wait." Superman yells out chasing after him.
"I appreciate the help, but this is my city. Stay out of it." Batman says.
"Hm, you're welcome." Superman says sarcastically.
"I mean it." Batman says.
"What about what Two-face said?" Superman asks.
"I'm already working on it." Batman says.
"I can help." Superman says.
"NO!" Batman says forcefully.
"Look I don't know what kind of game you're playing-
"Game? This isn't a game. I've dedicated my life to this city. To keeping it clean of scum like Two-face." Batman says.
"Public perception says you rely on fear and trampling of civil liberties to operate." Superman says.
"What are you, a reporter?" Batman asks.
"What are you?" Superman asks, as he uses his x-ray vision to peak beneath Batman's cowl.
"Bruce Wayne?" Superman says in shock.
Batman's eyes widen for a moment. But then he goes back to his emotionless stare.
"Leave my city now." Batman says as he gets into the Batmobile and drives off.
Superman stands there. Trying to decide if he should head after Batman or head home. He decides to head home.