Brb thinking about Duke Thomas, showing up in the manor and having to cope with the fact that Bruce Wayne 100% doesn't see how right Hood is for Gotham and having to stfu about it
Because Telling Batman that hes wrong? He's not at that level yet. But every time he hears about Hoods "reckless" behavior he has to bite his tounge from saying anything-
Hood shot up a new gang terrritory "on a whim"?
He heard from his cousin they were stalking her and friends at the school yard, they didnt feel safe walking home, until Hood stepped in
Hood takes "protection fees" from buisnesses in the alley?
His moms friend owns a salon there- its the only way to ensure money donated actually goes BACK to Gotham instead of embezzled away, Hood tries to refuse, no one lets him.
Hood insists on prowling "smoking spots" to "harass" teenagers should he find them with anything?
Dukes teacher once got stabbed for trying the same thing, he's pretty sure half those kids ended up in rehab then. Now no one dares smoke anywhere in public not knowing when Hood could drop in, no longer a social event, few kept it up.
Hood becoming a crime boss that "makes the rules"?
His neighbors son finally managed to get out of a bad crowd and graduate after he got fired from drug running when Hood said no kids.
Hood got involved with sex work?
Duke sees the people on the street corners now, all of them older, standing taller, less bruises, and brighter smiles than what hes used to before.
Hood kills?
No one he knows doesn't have a story, a scar, a look in their eyes. Only half of them get the peace that comes with knowing someone who hurt you can never again. Hood gives that.
Everyone Duke knows has a friend, or a friend of a friend who owes Hood so much. Even their lives.
And to sit there, all the while Bruce drones about Hoods affairs and keeping an eye for the supposed inevitability he "steps out of line." Preaching about the revolving door of Arkham, how "everyone is worth saving" despite the list of casualties growing
People Duke knew, people he knew were loved, and who would remain unavenged because Hoods method was wrong for wanting to do more than save himself the burden of protecting the city of the dammed-
Duke Thomas? Bites his tounge.