As Hobgoblin prepares for his next battle with Spider-Man, Peter and May bring Nathan home from the hospital to a surprise party. There, Peter tells MJ he’s decided to give up being Spidey. While Hobby interferes in Kingpin’s business on Rose’s behalf, Flash strikes Sha Shan after she mentions his affair with Betty. Peter and MJ talk about his past and the tragedies that led him to the decision. At the Bugle, Betty mentions Ned’s “undercover assignments” but Robbie knows nothing about them. Ned confronts Flash on the street. Flash knocks him down with a punch, returning home to find Sha Shan has left him. Hobby decides to get Spidey’s attention by wreaking havoc at the bus depot, choosing Sha Shan as a hostage. Hearing about it, Peter almost decides not to go until MJ reminds him of his responsibility. Peter relents and Spidey swings into action. Hampered by carrying Sha Shan, Hobby drops her. Spidey catches her, but hurts his arm in the process, slowing him down enough for Hobby to hit him with his computerized barrage. As Spidey lies apparently unconscious, Hobby comes in for the kill.