Haruka and Robin stare at each other, the mood tense after their intense battle. Neither makes a move, both evaluating the other warily. The air crackles with unspoken tension as they size each other up, waiting to see who will make the next play.
Haruka takes a cautious step forward, his eyes narrowed behind the Kamen Rider helmet. "Why did you attack me?" he asks, his voice laced with suspicion.
Robin regards him coolly. "It was a test," he replies simply. "To see if you were worthy of my attention."
Haruka's brow furrows at the cryptic response. "A test? What are you playing at?"
Robin was testing Haruka because Batman had instructed him to team up with Kamen Rider and assess Haruka's skills, strengths, and weaknesses. It seemed Batman wanted Robin to get a better understanding of Haruka's capabilities so they could work together effectively. Robin was following Batman's orders, using this intense battle as an opportunity to evaluate Haruka and determine if he was worthy of the Dark Knight's attention and trust.
Robin's eyes narrowed behind his domino mask. "I got to say. I'm quite disappointed." he scoffed. "I expected more from the legendary Kamen Rider." His tone dripped with disdain.
Haruka felt a spark of annoyance at the young vigilante's rude tone. "I was holding back," he retorted. "Didn't want to hurt a kid too much."
Robin's jaw tightened, his fists clenching. "Don't call me a kid!" he snapped, his voice laced with anger. "I'm more than capable of handling myself against the likes of you."
The tension in the air thickened as the two heroes glared at each other, neither willing to back down. Haruka could feel the challenge in Robin's stance, the desire to prove his worth. But Haruka wasn't about to let this arrogant young man get the better of him.
Haruka crossed his arms, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Aren't you supposed to be Batman's sidekick? Did you perhaps get lost?"
Robin bristled, his cheeks flushing with indignation. "I'm not Batman's sidekick, and I'm not lost! I'll have you know I'm a highly trained warrior, not some kid in a costume!"
"Could've fooled me," Haruka quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I seem to recall a certain domino mask-wearing hero getting a faceful of ink not too long ago."
Robin's eyes narrowed dangerously. "That was a cheap shot and you know it. I was just getting warmed up."
Haruka let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh, I'm sorry, did I interrupt your nap time?" He patted Robin's head condescendingly. "There, there, little bird. Maybe next time you'll be able to keep up."
Robin swatted Haruka's hand away, his face contorted in a comical scowl. "I'll show you who can't keep up, you overgrown lizard!" He puffed out his chest, trying to appear more imposing.
Haruka chuckled, amused by Robin's indignant reaction. "Aw, did I hurt the little birdy's feelings?" he teased, his tone dripping with mock concern.
Robin let out an angry growl and launched himself at Haruka, tackling the Kamen Rider to the ground. The two heroes tumbled in a comical wrestling match, limbs flailing as they each tried to gain the upper hand.
"Get off me, you overgrown pigeon!" Haruka grunted, trying to push Robin away.
Robin refused to relent, his small but nimble frame proving surprisingly difficult to dislodge. "Not until you take it back!" he shouted, his voice cracking with the effort.
Haruka let out an exasperated sigh and resorted to tickling Robin's sides, causing the young vigilante to erupt in a fit of giggles. "Take what back?" Haruka asked innocently, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"That I'm a - a kid!" Robin managed to choke out between laughs, squirming to get away from Haruka's relentless tickling.
Haruka and Robin kept grappling and trading barbs until they'd both had their fill. Haruka didn't feel like dragging out the argument with this young upstart any longer. The two heroes finally disengaged, eyeing each other with petty annoyance.
"Alright, alright, I think we've had enough of this little... tussle."
Robin straightened his cape, trying to regain his composure. "Hmph. I was just getting started," he grumbled, though the effect was somewhat diminished by the faint blush on his cheeks.
The two heroes stood there, sizing each other up in a moment of awkward silence. Haruka couldn't help but notice how young and... petulant the boy before him seemed, despite his obvious skills and training.
Haruka eyed the young vigilante, his curiosity piqued. "Alright, Robin, why don't you tell me what brings you to my city?"
Robin glared at Haruka, his arms crossed over his chest. "I'm here to investigate a new gang that's been causing trouble. Rumor has it they're moving in on Gotham's territory."
Haruka nodded, unsurprised. "Yeah, I've heard about them too. They've been making a mess of things around here."
Haruka questioned Robin, "Do you know the gangs you're investigating?"
Robin's expression hardened. "They're working under Bane. I'm sure of it."
Haruka's brow furrowed. "Bane? I've heard of him, but he usually operates in Gotham. What's he doing all the way out here?"
Robin shook his head. "That's what I'm trying to figure out. Bane's a dangerous enemy, and if he's expanding his territory, it could spell trouble for both our cities."
"All we know is that Bane is smuggling Venom outside of Gotham, and Batman and I don't like it one bit. We need to put a stop to his operation before it spreads any further."
Haruka called out to Robin as the young vigilante turned to leave. "Hey, wait up. You're not going to tackle this Bane operation on your own, are you?"
Robin paused, his shoulders tensing slightly. "I don't need your help," he replied curtly. "This is my mission."
Haruka stepped forward, placing a hand on Robin's shoulder. "Look, I get it. You're trying to prove yourself, but this is my city too. I can't just ignore a gang running around selling drugs, especially if Bane is involved."
Robin shrugged off Haruka's hand, his eyes narrowing. "I work alone. I don't need some overgrown lizard slowing me down."
Haruka let out an exasperated sigh. "Come on, man. Working together would be a lot more productive. We could cover more ground, share intel, and take these guys down faster."
Robin regarded Haruka with a scrutinizing gaze, his brow furrowed in thought. After a moment of tense silence, he finally spoke. "Fine. But don't slow me down."
Haruka couldn't help but crack a small smile. "Wouldn't dream of it, birdbrain."
Even though Batman had instructed Robin to collaborate with Kamen Rider, the young vigilante didn't want to openly admit it. He was concerned that it would make him appear as if he was being forced to work with the Rider, and if Kamen Rider himself found out, Robin knew he would be mercilessly teased about it.
Haruka watched as Robin turned to leave, his cape billowing behind him. "Hey, wait!" he called out. "How are we supposed to get in touch?"
Robin paused, glancing over his shoulder. "I'll contact you," he said simply. Then, with a slight smirk, he added, "Haruka Kojima."
Haruka's eyes widened in shock as Robin disappeared into the shadows, leaving him standing alone on the rooftop. How did Robin know his real name? Haruka had been so careful to keep his identity as Kamen Rider a secret.
Haruka then thought about how it was not shocking that Batman's protégé, Robin, had discovered his identity. If Lena Luthor could find out he was Kamen Rider, the world's greatest detective would have no trouble uncovering his secret. Accepting this, Haruka decided to return home.
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