Batman #616 by Jeph Loeb

Hush Chapter Nine The Assassins

Seeking the source of a sweeping conspiracy, the Dark Knight journeys with Catwoman to the desert to confront Ra’s al Ghul. Observing ancient custom, he engages in a ritual duel while Catwoman tangles with Talia and the League of Assassins, escalating tensions and forcing a precarious standoff. Ra’s disavows any role yet hints that a new mastermind has been manipulating resources and rogues to strike at Gotham’s protector. With few concrete answers and their fragile partnership tested, the pair depart with the mystery deepened.