The shadow of a bat illuminated in the sky overlooks Japan the same as the rooftop from which the symbol radiates. How one light can shine brighter than an entire cityscape is a riddle more puzzling than the ones that came from an actual riddler. And yet, it's a question that goes unanswered for the sake of accepting what merely is. Batman merely is. A man. A vigilante. A legend. A detective. A hero. Commissioner Tsukauchi and Lemillion stand by the modified floodlight they keep stationed on the police precinct, unsuspecting of the arrival of who they intend to contact with it.
A living shadow stands behind the commissioner and pro hero. "You can turn it off now.", Midoriya emerges from the darkness as Batman only after he's announced his presence.
Tsukauchi jumps in place, "Jesus! Nearly gave me a heart attack!", placing a hand over his chest.
"Not even I can be that stealthy!", Lemillion brushes off his initial shock with awe and praise of the vigilante's abilities. He also notices the upgrade in fashion, "Whoa. New suit? Looking good!", flashing a thumbs up of approval.
Batman ignores both of their remarks, getting straight to business by asking, "Why the signal?"
Remembering the vigilante isn't one for small talk, Tsukauchi is quick with his last comment, "Didn't know if you were alive according to Mindjack and your leave of absence." Then provides a rough recap from his end, "Quite a lot happened lately. We had a lead on Penguin that we were hoping could finally help us nail him to a cross, but it just so happened to fall flat, unless we arrest Izuku Midoriya too."
Batman furrows his brows behind his mask at that. He had thought his alter ego had already been cleared, so he says, "Midoriya is innocent."
Tsukauchi nods along in agreement, "I know, I saw to figuring that out for myself." But soon after realizes what the vigilante said and asks, "Wait a minute, how do you know that?"
Batman refrains from cursing under his breath. After the whole fiasco with his arrest, The Iceberg Lounge, and his identity being outed to two chaotic women, not mentioning the scandal with Kurogiri and his parents.. He's too tired to carry on into the night. It's a struggle to come up with an excuse, his mind too strained, "He.. Supplies me.", so lands on one that he immediately regrets.
"Hence the new suit.", Lemillion nods as he eyes the upgraded outfit a second time.
"That explains the gadgets.", Tsukauchi also nods in understanding as he connects a few dots. It's him who Midoriya worries about the most considering the commissioner was a detective before his promotion and has the qualified mind to make a deduction of identity.
"Is he working on Batman Inc now?", Lemillion's quip earns a glare from the already aggravated vigilante. Togata holds up his hands in mock surrender, "Joking. Joking.", a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead as he tries to apologize.
Returning to the task at hand, Batman digs into his utility belt to hand over the thumbdrive he had acquired from The Iceberg Lounge. "I have new dirt on Penguin that may be able to help you make an arrest.", he has no problem forfeiting the intel now that he no longer has any use for it.
"Does it have to do with our mysterious riddler?", Tsukauchi takes the USB from Batman's gloved hand to have a closer look.
While the aged law enforcer is inspecting the small plug-in, "For better or worse, it does.", Batman confirms the commissioner's question.
Tsukauchi grumbles, "Figured.", while shoving the device into his coat pocket.
"It'll take time to get a warrant. I suggest also assembling a team of some sort. Penguin has a peculiar bodyguard.", Batman recalls his encounter with Killer Croc due to the phantom pains that run throughout his body in that moment.
Lemillion laughs like the vigilante just told a joke. "I doubt they'll be any match against me.", his bicep bulges when he flexes for emphasis.
"Perhaps. But don't get too arrogant.", Batman doesn't doubt All Might's successor's power output but warns him of being too cocky. Being overconfident never ends well.
"So this is all we have on our enigma, huh?", Tsukauchi switches the bat signal off as he winds down the conversation, "Mindjack's trail went cold too. He wanted me to thank you for saving him, by the way."
Recalling the underground hero and the danger he had been in when getting involved, Batman replies, "Tell him to stop following it then." Then he adds, "I've got another potential lead anyways."
"You do?!", Togata's cape whirls the same way Tsukauchi's overcoat does when they each pivot to face the vigilante.
"Potentially.", Batman emphasizes his word usage before committing to the so-called lead, "I need to ask you for a favor."