"Osborn Group Factory Attacked, Hundreds of High-Tech Equipment Stolen!"
"Exoskeleton Equipment Safety Questioned, Public Demands Restrictions on Individual and Corporate Ownership!"
Harry swirled his wine glass, feeling a bit irritable.
Are these guys out of their minds? I'm the one who got robbed, and instead of demanding the NYPD do their jobs, they're blaming us for making equipment that's too advanced?
"Father, has the business been affected?"
Norman was looking through some files; hearing this, he closed his laptop.
"Yes, civilian exoskeleton orders have dropped significantly, and some companies have canceled their orders, though military orders remain unaffected."
"What do the media and officials say?"
"They want more money; it seems someone has already tipped them off beforehand." Norman's expression was also somewhat grim. "It looks like it's a big shot."
Of course it's a big shot—the boss of all gangs in the U.S.
Ring ring—
Harry's phone rang. The father and son glanced at each other, and the phone was put on speaker.
"Mr. Osborn, I am very sorry for your company's ordeal and losses, and I am calling specifically to offer my regards."
The man's voice sounded warm and low, and he spoke with gentlemanly politeness.
"Thank you for your condolences. May I ask who you are?" Norman asked.
"Ah, yes, my apologies, I forgot to introduce myself in my haste." The person on the other end paused. "I am Wilson Fisk."
Hearing this, Harry frowned. What does this guy want?
"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Fisk. Is there anything else?"
"Actually, I noticed your company seems to have run into some trouble recently. I have friends in all walks of life; perhaps I can help you resolve these issues."
After a moment of silence, Norman replied:
"That sounds nice, so what can we do for you in return?"
"Haha, that's too formal. I've always helped friends without seeking anything in return. Additionally, I noticed your company seems to have some funding issues. If you encounter problems with the Municipal Power Grid Project, I can help you resolve some of those financial concerns."
So that's what he's after? The New York power grid?
"Also, I'd like to purchase a batch of exoskeleton equipment. It's time to provide my employees with some protective measures."
Hearing this, Harry understood. This fat man was playing them for fools!
If nothing unexpected happened, Kingpin would drive down the price of the exoskeletons, then demand that the Osborn Group illegally sell him military power armor, and then ask to join the Municipal Power Grid Project—this fat man has a huge appetite!
Harry was truly angry this time. He shook his head slightly at Norman.
"Well... your proposal is very tempting, but the company has been dealing with many things lately. I need some time to think about it."
"Oh, of course, such an important matter certainly deserves careful consideration! Then I won't disturb you further, Mr. Norman Osborn, and Mr. Harry Osborn."
Click.
"He wants to extort us." Norman shrugged. He had seen too many people like this; Fisk was just a guy with a slightly larger stature.
"No, Father, he really does have the ability to settle these things." Harry took out his laptop and started fiddling with something. "Father, do you know Kingpin?"
"A mob boss who controls all the gangs in the U.S.? But that's just a legend. You're not telling me it's true, are you?"
"He might not be as legendary as the stories say, but such a person does exist." Harry turned on the projector and continued, "Think about it, Father. A few hours before the attack, all the security cameras on the road to the factory were turned off. The NYPD arrived late, claiming a lack of manpower. Do you know that the newspapers yesterday even published a story about the NYPD helping an old lady find her pet cat on that very same day?"
"Sounds like a lot of trouble... so should we consider settling this with money? What's this?"
"No, we can't get involved with them."
The projection showed the route Kingpin's trucks took after stealing the goods. It was clear they had intentionally taken several detours.
"Is this a tracker? Are you going to solve the problem yourself? That sounds like something a gang would do."
"No, Father. I'm showing you this route map because the key isn't where the tracker stopped, but the route they took."
In fact, the tracker's signal eventually stopped on a road in the suburbs. It was unclear if the battery died or if the signal was jammed.
Harry specifically marked several sections of the route.
"These areas aren't in the outskirts. Some even have Police stations nearby. Moreover, I haven't heard of any major cases that night that urgently required Police presence, yet these Police officers simply didn't help."
"It sounds like this Kingpin has a lot of influence."
"Indeed, but he mostly uses underhanded methods: bribing high-level officials to create leverage, lending to the lower class, making personal threats, and kidnapping relatives as hostages. If we decide to cooperate with him, he will eventually get leverage on us too."
Norman was someone who almost became the Green Goblin; he could naturally understand these things. Besides, the Osborn Group had spent plenty of money on 'entertainment' before.
"Kingpin himself isn't much, but if we don't resolve the gang order he represents, there will always be another Kingpin coming to us for favors."
"So, you're not suggesting I should become this Kingpin, are you?" Norman joked.
"No, Father, I want you to become the President."
As the words fell, Norman's expression became very strange. President? Was that something you could just become whenever you wanted?
"This isn't a joke, Father. First, we need to get you elected as the Governor of New York. This shouldn't be too difficult; after all, you were already the CEO and Chairman of the renowned Osborn Group."
Seeing that his son wasn't joking, Norman gradually began to consider the role.
Considering the strength of the Osborn Group, any political party would need such a corporation as a backer.
Right now, the war in Afghanistan is in full swing. Logically, using the military industry as an entry point to participate in the ruling party's caucus activities would be a good start. However, Harry was a transmigrator, and he knew that another major opposition party would be more suitable for Norman in the long run.
Tony Stark has already gone missing in Afghanistan. When he returns, he will abandon most of Stark Industries' military business and promote anti-war sentiments as Iron Man. On the other hand, the war in Afghanistan has been going on for years, and domestic anti-war sentiment is high. The Afghanistan War will become a burden rather than a good target for winning votes.
Most importantly, Aliens are coming soon. In this World, internationalization is inevitable.
During the discussion, Norman Osborn, who was originally supposed to become the Green Goblin, decided on his future path—he wanted to become the President of the United States.
The next day, news that Norman Osborn had resigned as CEO of the Osborn Group to run for the New York State Senate this year exploded across all major media outlets.
Kingpin, huh? Emperor of the Underworld, huh? Just you wait.