Naruto:Suna Shinobi

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"But if anyone here feels like quitting and doesn't want to play anymore, that's fine," the Joker said with a mischievous grin. "Just know, Arkham is now completely sealed off. If you want to escape, it's all on you. But for the rest of us, there are only two possible outcomes tonight."

He held up two fingers theatrically.

"One: We crown a new leading actor. Or two: Our dear Batman defeats every single one of you and locks you all back up again."

The prisoners erupted into cheers.

"Of course," the Joker added, his grin widening, "I doubt anyone here would turn down the chance to play a little game with the Bat, right?"

In Arkham, it was an unspoken rule—settling scores with Batman was always the top priority.

And everyone loved it.

"Where is he? I can't wait to break his spine again," Bane growled, smashing through a thick iron door with a single hand.

"Patience, my friend," the Joker said, practically dancing with excitement. "I have a gift for all of you—a little something to make breaking Batman's spine a whole lot easier."

"What are we waiting for?" Black Mask spat into his hands, rubbing them together. "Let's get started!"

"Not so fast," the Joker said, wagging a finger. "I need a few strong volunteers to stay behind and keep the Bat busy. And if you can get rid of him entirely, well, that would be even better."

Several criminals eagerly stepped forward, particularly the overconfident ones—Bane, Killer Croc, and others who believed they could take on the Dark Knight.

Black Mask followed them, clutching a rifle he had grabbed from one of the guards, completely forgetting Hiriito's earlier warning.

Meanwhile, the Joker led the remaining villains to the next phase of his plan.

The Titan Serum.

Or rather, Titan II, a modified version of the original serum.

Developed by Bane's attending physician, Dr. Penny, the new formula was far more potent. Unlike the original, users didn't need massive containers strapped to their backs. A single injection would transform them into monstrous, hulking forms with immense strength.

But the serum had its downsides. The mental effects were more severe, driving users into uncontrollable fits of rage. Physically, it left them even more monstrous than Bane.

"Now, dear Dr. Penny, where have you hidden my precious little concoction?" the Joker asked sweetly, crouching in front of the bound doctor. He snapped his fingers theatrically, and a rose seemed to appear from nowhere.

"I destroyed it," Dr. Penny spat, glaring at him.

"Oh, really?" The Joker's grin widened. "You worked so hard to create it—surely you didn't throw it all away. Let me guess, you hid it somewhere close, somewhere hard to find…"

His eyes scanned the room.

"Allow me to help, Mr. J!" A burly man stepped forward with a confident smile. "I used to be a forensic investigator. I can sniff out a hiding spot like a bloodhound."

"Be my guest," the Joker said, gesturing grandly.

The man approached Dr. Penny, asking her a few probing questions. She remained silent, but he didn't seem to care. Instead, he carefully observed her expressions and reactions before ordering the others to begin a thorough search of the office.

The search was systematic and efficient. Even a hidden pink vibrator in one of the doctor's cabinets was discovered, much to her embarrassment.

Finally, they found it—a painting on the wall concealed a safe behind it.

"I flushed the key down the drain," Dr. Penny said smugly, her defiance returning.

"Not a problem!" another thug chimed in. He grabbed a paperclip from the desk and began to work on the lock.

Hiriito, standing quietly by the door like a lowly henchman, sighed inwardly. Arkham truly is a place filled with talent.

The thug twisted and turned the makeshift lockpick with precision, and within moments, the safe clicked open.

A rush of cold air spilled out.

Inside, rows of test tubes filled with green liquid glowed ominously—Titan II Venom.

"Ahaha! I knew it!" the Joker cackled, clapping his hands. "But… why are there only these? You know what I really want."

He tilted Dr. Penny chin upward, his eyes narrowing.

"I told you," she replied, her voice trembling but resolute. "I threw it away. Flushed the formula down the drain. It's gone."

Fear flickered in her eyes, but she refused to back down.

"Oh, you're such a tease," the Joker said, pulling a knife from his pocket and letting it glint in the light.

"Mr. J," came a cheerful, singsong voice from the radio on his chest. Harley Quinn's unmistakable jealousy crackled through the speaker. "What are you up to? Should I be worried?"

"Don't worry, Harley," the Joker replied, not looking away from Dr. Penny. "I'm just telling the good doctor a little story. For example… do you know how my mouth got like this?"

Hiriito, still at the door, rolled his eyes. Here we go again. The Joker had as many origin stories for his scars as there were stars in the sky.

"When I was a kid, my father came home drunk one night. He smashed a bottle and… well, the rest is history."

"Poor Mr. J!" Harley's voice cooed through the radio. "You're so tragic!"

The Joker ignored her, pressing the knife against Dr. Penny's lips.

"Why so serious, Doc? Wouldn't you like to smile more? Give me the formula, and I promise you'll never stop smiling."

"You're dreaming," she muttered, barely able to speak through gritted teeth.

"Mr. J! You've gotta hurry!" Harley's voice suddenly sharpened with urgency. "That muscle-brain Bane is back in his cage, and the Bat's on his way!"

"Looks like the plan needs to change," the Joker said, his smile vanishing.

He turned back to Dr. Penny.

"Are you sure you're the only one who knows the formula?"

"Of course," she replied coldly. "As long as I stay quiet, you'll never get it."

"Bang!"

The Joker's pistol went off, and Dr. Penny slumped forward, lifeless.

"Perfect," he said with a grin. "Now Batman won't have a chance to create an antidote."

(End of Chapter 11)