Disclaimer: I don't own anything pertaining to Naruto, The Justice League, Young Justice, or Teen Titans in the work. None mentioned in this story belong to me and no OCs shall be present.
Enjoy! XD
Naruto & Kurama: Sage of the Nine Paths!
The city was like any other with towering skyscrapers, bustling intersections, and the overflowing activities of human life. Ranging from the everyday office job to the no-so-legal crime lords and drug dealers. For every good there was an evil side which was regulated and controlled by today's heroes of both human and alien races. They band together under the name Justice League along with their many sub-divisions like the Young Justice League of inspiring sidekicks and Teen Titans of the same nature.
The former of the three, the Justice League, were the defenders of their outer atmosphere or solar system while the other two geared more towards the ground forces of Earth. It was only on certain, specific occasions were the two must work together for 'the greater good' as most would have deemed fit. This included galactic invasions too close for comfort and objects that crashed landed that were unknown to all space and ground protectors.
Which, in this case, was a little bit of both seeing as a small planet-sized object was on a crash course with Earth along with a handful of debris. The Headquarters of the Justice League—the Watch Tower—caught sight of it first as it was their job to always be on the watch for threats. Heroes who could survive the vacuum of space were sent out to investigate while the brains and minds of intelligence stayed on the space station to monitor the process with analytical eyes.
One such mind belonged to a Martian Man Hunter, his red eyes focused on the large screen in front of him while his companion, known simply as Batman, worked the video feed and communications. One had their brow pitched together in a state of vague curiosity and the other had eyes narrowed with the thoughts of a giant threat on their hands.
"Superman, do you have a clear visual on the object yet?" calmly questioned the Martian as all they could see was the massive golden light of the object and nothing identifiable.
"Give me a second" came the voice of Superman from a speaker located somewhere above them. His stature could be seen on the monitor as a tan, black-haired, well-muscled man in a blue bodysuit attached to a red cape and boots. The most notable thing of his attire being the gold and crimson emblem on his chest fashioned in a serpentine-like 'S'.
" Whatever it is, it has weird feeling about it" commented Wonder Woman, an Amazonian princess from Themyscira. Her blue eyes honed on the swiftly approaching object while she destroyed the surrounding debris.
" How so?" Inquired Hawkgirl as she crashed through a couple of the asteroids with her mace much like others and their weapons. She didn't like the feeling either, it was off-putting.
" It has the same feel as my lasso that compels you into submission, revealing the truth" replied Wonder Woman as the aura it gave off was subtle in trying to make her relax and lay her soul bare for judgement.
" Which is bad if you consider letting your guard down around something this massive" said Green Lantern, blasting away the car-sized rocks, as warmth was seeping into his chocolate-brown skin, making for an almost lax atmosphere.
" Okay, I got a visual" spoke Superman as he used his x-ray vision to bypass the strange aura, drawing the point of the investigate back to the forefront of their minds.
Back at the Watch Tower, Batman and Martian Man Hunter waited for Superman's report while the object drew closer to their outer sensors. A more detailed image could be seen from itself previous one sited three hours prior. The unidentified object became something familiar, a figure that could be animalistic in nature. Judging by the way it was curled in of itself, it could be an animal known for burrowing underground. Any further speculations were left up to what Superman and the others could see.
" It looks like a rabbit- no, more like a fox with... nine tails? " says Superman puzzled over the fact as he swooped around the massive object, identifying the muzzle, ears, and general body structure of a giant golden fox.
" Is it not one of the mythical beasts spoken in human texts?" Inquired Hawkgirl as foxes were known for their trickery in fables, legends, and myths. But the aura it was giving off made it seem almost pure with no evil intentions.
" A spiritual being, which is more common than not" confirmed Wonder Woman which brought up multiple questions from the second Green Lantern at present.
" Why is here? Where did it come from? And most importantly, is it dangerous?" Questioned the light-skinned Green Lantern known among friends as Hal Jordan.
" Only analyzing it further could hold the answers" Said Hawkgirl as she drew closer along with Wonder Woman and the first Green Lantern, John Stewart.
" How do you suggest we do that? It's much too big for the Watch Tower" inquired Hal Jordan as he flew in beside his green comrade.
" We'll either find a way or have to get the government involved to land it on earth without worldwide panic" answered Wonder Woman causing the others to make a face, softly snort, or scoff at the idea.
" That sounds like a hassle" says Hal Jordan as they regrouped with Superman where one could say was the head of the spiritual-looking fox.
" I believe it is safer to first see if its conscious or not" said Wonder Woman as her eyes scanned over the now identified creature, searching for any tensing muscles or subtle movements of false sleep.
" It looks unconscious as it would have moved by now if it wasn't " stated Superman as he reached out a hand to touch the fox, noting that any motion from it could be sensed or seen by him and the others.
Before his hand was even an inch away from the massive fox, its mouth cracked open wide enough to let out what could only be an earth-shaking yawn. It then proceeded to stretch before them, paying no heed of their threat to its own safety. Some could say it looked kind of cute if not for the razor-sharp teeth as big as a house and its wicked looking claws that could easily cut through flesh.
Besides these obvious observations, Hal Jordan likened it to cat waking up from a nap until it quickly stilled in mid-stretch, its crimson-slit eyes snapped open, and the peaceful aura turned malicious intent flooded his senses.
Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl took three staggering steps back while John Stewart shouted for Superman to withdraw from the fox immediately. Even Martian Man Hunter could feel the impact of the intent as he instantly hunched over with his hands pressed to his head in silent agony. Batman himself was reminded of the dread that entered his soul at the scene of his parents' deaths. Basically, it was an awful feeling to all that met the expanding intent which caused a momentary, but significant, drop in their defenses. An opportunity the fox did not waste as it suddenly vanished from their view and the Watch Tower's sensors.
Everyone had only a moment of recovery before the giant golden fox with nine tails reappeared right next to the Watch Tower itself, the sensors being too slow to track its rapid movement until it was already upon the space station. Its massive paws were surprisingly gentle on the metal as not to rip the Watch Tower asunder.
Batman, Martian Man Hunter, and every other individual that was on the space station came back to their senses just as the gigantic fox's crimson-slit eye obscured the view of the Earth beyond the large pane of glass. Everything was silent except for static of lost communication. Its sound was almost grating on their ears as there was a collective intake of breath.
" DO YOU KNOW WHERE WE ARE?" came a booming voice so outrageously young that it shocked everyone speechless and helped release the breath of anticipation. Batman was about to launch an interrogation right then and there if not for the speedster known as Flash.
" As far as I know, kid, you're on a space station known as the Watch Tower, HQ of the Justice League" answered the red and yellow-clad Flash as his shock wore off quickly which earned a glare from Batman at revealing such information to a being they knew nothing about beside what was speculated and interrupting him.
The fox withdrew from the pane of glass, their arms folding in front of its somewhat humanoid stature. Expression pitch in a sense of thought as their brow knitted together much like Martian Man Hunter's moments prior. A sneer appeared on their muzzle after three seconds and a growl around five as it roared in outrage.
" NOT AGAIN- DATTEBAYO!" The fox roared as the malicious intent flared with their agitated mood because it never heard of a place called Earth or a space station. Which could only mean that it was sent into another world like before except the means were a mystery this time around.
" Hey, hey, hey, take a deep breath and calm down" Said the Flash as he waved his hands in a calming manner to the seething fox, not wanting teeth, claws, and nine tails of fury to rip the Watch Tower apart.
To his amazement, and everyone else's as well, the fox took a deep breath and calmed down. The Flash didn't except the fox to listen but he chalked it up to his outstanding charisma while the glare of the bat, that had been burning holes into his head, had decreased in intensity. If the fox could be reasoned with them maybe this whole exchange could be handled peacefully for once.
" Okay, so how about you tell us more and we will tell you as such as we can?" asked the fox in a lower, more deeper tone that didn't match the child-like one moments before.
" Okay" agreed the Flash without the consent of the most major and main heroes but it was better this way than anything else that could end with the Head Quarters in shambles.
" GOOD!" shouted the fox as their voice shifted back to a young, 12-year-old brimming with excitement before an earthquake rocked the space station. The fox's expression instantly turned sheepish as their massive paw, that looked more like a hand, lifted to scratch behind their head.
" I HOPE YOU HAVE FOOD BECAUSE WE'RE STARVING" said the massive fox which caused the Flash to guffaw, many to shake their heads, and others to just stare at fox with an unreadable expression.
" Sure kid, we have all kinds" replied Flash as he wiped a tear from his eye. He could really see himself taking a liking to this kid even if an animal or all-powerful spiritual being.
" ALRIGHT- DATTEBAYO!"
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...
The massive, near five-hundred-meter-tall, golden fox instantly realized a problem when it came to getting food because they were too big to fit inside the Watch Tower. So, when asked if they could shrink, or change into a smaller form, the fox decided it was turn time to shock them again by decreasing into the size and shape befitting their youthful voice. A simple metamorphosis from fox and child in a matter of a second as the visage of the fox seemed to vanish into wisp of golden light revealing a 12-year-old boy.
A human being with sun-kissed skin, blight blonde hair, and the bluest eyes of mankind that bordered on unnatural. His defining features included three whisker marks on each cheek, slit pupils, and the shimmering gold and black material that made up his spiritual attire. He carried a black rod or a staff that most monks would be in possession of and nine dark spheres of matter that orbited behind him in a halo. All in all, he looked like a divine spirit despite the sickening intent he initially released upon awakening which reverted to a warm, peaceful aura.
" So is this what you really look like or..." Flash trailed as he wasn't sure what exactly the kid was and Batman decided to let him handle the situation since the kid seemed the most comfortable around him. But, that doesn't mean he wasn't seeing or hearing everything they said because the Bat, that strikes fear into his enemies, was too paranoid.
" We're not really sure anymore, but does it matter?" Replied the kid as his voice was back to the deeper, more intimidating tone.
" Not really" answered Flash before a sudden thought occurred to him during their chat. " Hey, question: why do you keep saying ' we' and ' us'?" He inquired as he remembered the words of the fox in their last conversation at the Center.
" Because we speak for both myself and my friend" explained the kid while twirling his staff around to keep his hands busy as he was just as hyperactive as Flash or at least his protégé Kid Flash." Though we tend to take turns speaking at random times" the kid added as a bit of an afterthought.
" So, that's why your voice changes" said Flash as he wondered about the change vocals and wasn't all to surprised seeing as a lot of heroes have two sides to their psychic or just regular nutty people.
" YEP!" Boomed the more excitable young voice as the kid caught his staff behind his back before thumping the end of it on the metal floor causing cracks to appear on the panel and a sound that was close to a gun shoot vibrating down the hall.
Flash laughed as many were startled by the sound before continuing their conversation, paying no attention the glances they collected over time.
" So… do you have a name, kid?" Asked Flash as he was sure Batman would want to know and not have to use his nickname for the kid during the interrogation session that was bound to spring up in the future.
" THE MOST UNPREDICTABLE NINJA, NARUTO UZUMAKI!" billowed the newly introduced Naruto with a flare of their cape-like trench coat and raised their staff to look epic but came off as childish.
" Ah, so your Japanese" said Flash as the name sounded of eastern origin and he had the adorable little accent to boot. He was colored surprised that the women populace wasn't swarming them yet. Then again, evil is always doing something and someone must be there to stop it.
" And before you get any ideas, it stands for Maelstrom and NOTHING else" said Naruto as their voice once again grew deep for the intimidation than the other persona as his eyes narrowed at the speedster, daring him to speak otherwise. The intensity of the gaze made the Flash remember all those times Batman gave him his famous ' bat glare' and wisely didn't pursue the response of calling the kid 'Fishcake'.
" Okay Batman Jr., what's your other name?" questioned the Flash as he got away with the name-calling because the kid didn't know who exactly Batman was or how he acted.
" What people call us or our actually name? Because there is a bit of history attached to the former" responded Naruto, his tone calmed as the other persona took over. And Flash had stop and think before answering with 'both' because hearing anything that must do with history is usually long and boring. Plus, Batman would probably like to hear about the kid's history in person so he could do his detective thing. So, he chose the latter of the two because it was quick, simple, and Batman won't glare him into oblivion.
" I would like to take the blue pill because red would undoubtedly be boring" said the Flash, even if the reference was lost to the kid whom wore the most confused expression he'd ever seen.
" Okay..." said Naruto while they shook their head and stopped twirling the staff that had been in motion since their chat had started. " The name is Kurama" they said with power in their voice that demanded respect.
" AND TOGETHER WE ARE THE SAGE OF THE NINE PATHS- DATTEBAYO!" Shouted the younger voice of Naruto whom Flash had taken the liking to.
" And why do you call yourselves that?" Inquired the Flash as he absentmindedly rubbed his ear from the near deafening shout. The kid had a set of powerful lungs which makes him briefly wonder if Black Canary might have some competition.
" No reason..." replied Kurama in a deeper tone and shrug of their shoulder though Flash could tell there were several reasons but left the digging to Batman.
" Okay, I can respect the secrecy, but what is with the verbal tic?" Questioned the Flash as it appeared more in Naruto's speech than Karuma's calm tones and causing a bit of a rosy tint to cross the bridge of their nose.
" O-OUR, no... MY- his MOther" came the dual response that surprised the Flash as it was the first time he heard the two voices overlap with each other and the first time both personas sounded genuinely embarrassed and flustered. But the kid was quick to recover their composure as the smell of food began to drift down another intersecting hall that ended with double doors.
" ALRIGHT, FOOD!" Yelled Naruto as he bolted down the hall tossing a challenge over their shoulder. "WE'LL RACE YOU!" they challenged before disappearing in an impressive show of speed down the hall that led to their salvation.
" It's on, Fishcake!" Exclaimed Flash as he zoomed down the hall and passed a surprised 12-year-old boy whom because quite annoyed with the misconception of his name.
" IT'S MAELSTORM- DATTEBAYO!"
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...
It was rare sight to see in the food court or cafeteria of the Watch Tower as Flash and the kid named Naruto were having a food-eating contest. Rare, in the fact that Naruto was managing to keep up and eventually surpass Flash on his fifteenth bowl of miso ramen that they claimed ' food of the gods'.
The speedster himself wondered where the kid was putting it all, because they ate more than half their weight in noodles by the time it hit the thirty-minute mark. People began to place bets, favoring the kid who was still going strong and because the female population found them too adorable not to place their bets on them. Flash, on the other hand, was getting full despite his outrageous metabolism and the speed in which he ate was a blur.
Surprisingly, their contest was clean as no food was sent flying across the room like one would except from such rapid movement. It did help that Naruto's dark spheres handled the steady, but effectively swift, flow of food by balancing plates and bowel safely atop their rounded surface.
They were like miniature servants that waited on Naruto's beck and call, probably subconsciously controlled by his mind due their flawless and synchronized movements. Some heroes wondered what they were made from, if they could be destroyed or more could be made. Others thought them to be ominous due the dark intent similar the malicious one a few hours prior.
Ironic that it was disclosed by Naruto as ' Truth-Seeking Balls' that only they could wield as the black weapons of the previous sage. Another tidbit of information Batman surely wanted to know as it implied there were more people like them or possibly a whole other race to see a potential threat or ally. But, at present time, it didn't concern most as Flash was actually full before his opponent.
" Okay, I give up" says Flash as he waves his napkin like a white flag of surrender and defeat. Never had he thought he would be out-eaten by a 12-year-old. Kid Flash took until he was in his teens and even then, he was sick with all the food he shoved down.
" FAST WITH HIS FEET BUT NOT WITH HIS MOUTH!" taunted Naruto as he had no control over his overly loud, but not obnoxiously annoying, voice as it carried across the room. They struck a victory pose for good measure while people collected their winnings.
"Yeah, yeah, enjoy it while you can, Fishcake" replied the Flash which earned he punch on the head that made his face well acquainted with the metal table and possibly broke his nose in the process of meeting the harsh flooring underneath. Not mention that the table broke in half and a car-sized hole now decorated the floor in a nice display of strength that got a few low whistles and barely contained laughter for Flash's expense.
" I TOLD YOU, IT'S MALESTORM- DATTEBAYO!" shouted Naruto with twitching veins popping from his temple as the Flash cradled his bleeding nose that was miraculously not broken.
" Sorry" the Flash muttered just as Superman, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Batman and the two Green Lanterns entered the room. Basically, all the founders of the Justice League were present as Martian Man Hunter brought up the rear.
" Just the person we wanted to talk to" said John Stewart as his eyes landed on the young boy surrounded by shards of empty bowls, plates of food, and metal shrapnel.
" If you don't mind that is" spoke Superman while Batman was already glaring at the boy who looked as dangerous as any godly being with massively unknown powers.
" SURE!" Shouted Naruto as they got up to move to a different table since the one they sat at was now unusable. " AND SORRY ABOUT THE TABLE AND FLOOR!" they apologized which Wonder Woman just waved it off as a daily occurrence.
" Do you always have to shout at the top of your lungs? Because at first I thought it was intimidation and now it seems deliberate" says Hal Jordan as he was sure one of his eardrum might just burst at the young boy's volume.
" WHAT DO YOU MEAN?" Shouted Naruto as they were sure that they sounded normal and that no one had a problem with it until now or probably thought that it was their own exuberance as a pubescent youth. Either way, they could lay it low if the Leaguers asked nicely.
" Could you possible not deafen us with your 'wondrous' voice?" stated Hal Jordan with all the levels of sarcasm that flew right over the blonde child's head whom nodded in agreement.
" Okay" said Naruto whom was a lot more obedient than most kids their age and even some of their protégés as the Leaguers come to observe. Their voice quiet, meek, and serene like the prime qualities of a sage or a benevolent god they appear.
" So, what do we owe the pleasure of meeting such powerful individuals?" Questioned the young unknown whose tone was now a mixture of the two entities, a modulated, silvery sound that was pleasant to listen to and light on the ears. Not to mention the near complete turnaround from their loud and reclusive personas as Superman was vaguely reminded of Lex Luther and his ever-plotting mind except less corrupted and evil.
" You were on a collision course with Earth in which we dispatched a select few to investigate if the unknown object was a threat" answered Batman, his voice gruff and to-the-point. A type of person who the young unknown knew wouldn't want him to beat around the bush.
" And it wasn't just our size you were worried about because there had been much bigger things you have seen judging by the lack of surprise on your face after the initial startle" responded the young unknown who could become just as analytical as the Batman.
" Correct, it was the energy you were, and still are, giving off that is the cause for concern seeing as you appeared virtually out of nowhere with no known information about what you actually are" continued Batman as the young unknown was immune to his narrowed eyes that most would break under.
" And that you looked like an earthly fox yet the sensors have difficulties identifying what you really are" commented Martian Man Hunter while he tried to probe the young sage's mind for answers.
" You believe that attempting to pry open my mind is a good method for us reveal our secrets to you" stated the young sage who locked eyes with Martian Man Hunter and stared at him until he relented in his invasive endeavor.
" My apologies" said Martian Man Hunter respectful to which the young sage bowed his head in forgiveness.
" Think nothing of it" dismissed the young sage before elaborating. " We see it as a test to fortify our mental defenses" they say as the small invasion was an opportunity to gauge the mental powers of individuals they never encountered before. It was exciting and curious to say the least.
" So, are you threat or do you come in peace?" Asked Hal Jordan as he leaned back into his chair with his arms crossed, studying the tyke.
" We have been taught that violence only leads to more hatred" responded the tyke, their blue-slit eyes cutting to the light-skinned Green Lantern for a moment before addressing everyone at the table.
" Because of those teachings, we are of no threat to you because we wish not to spread pain" concluded the Sage of Nine Paths to the main members of the League of Justice.
" We'll see about that" said Batman as he got up to leave, no doubt thinking over the information gathered and any other methods to uncover the mysteries of the young unknown. Meanwhile, Hawkgirl and Wonder Woman silently thought over the young oracle's words as they both went to retrieve the food they came for. Martian Man Hunter and Superman left soon after Batman leaving the Green Lanterns to also politely excuse themselves. And the Flash left minutes before the whole discussion was underway to get help for his bleeding nose.
Knowing that they wouldn't have company for a few hours as the Leaguers needed time to think and meditate over their vague words, the young 12-year-old jumped from the metal chair to go explore the rest of the Watch Tower unsupervised.
If their unbelievable luck was still with them, they must just find something interesting.
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...
Let it later become known that Naruto and Kurama did not know what an escape pod was or how it worked. For in three seconds of investigating the metal pod, they activated the launch sequence and were jetted out into space towards the giant Earth below. The monitor in the Center of the Watch Tower reflected the heated glare of Batman as a notification read:
' Escape Pod #237 ejected'
" Looks like the kid went on a field trip to Earth and I bet the media will have a field day"
The comment from the Flash didn't help in matter whatsoever.
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…
Being launched out into space in a metal pod was a terrifyingly new experience. Their body immediately shifted gears from the stunned silence to full-on flight and fight mode. Transforming into the giant golden fox, Naruto and Kurama made such that they hit the ocean instead of solid earth. Miraculously, they landed gracefully atop the ocean's surface by cushioning their fall with chakra. It was only a small ripple in a pond to them but a tsunami to the ships that were cruising the oceans around them.
Steam rose from their body from when they had broken through the stratosphere and troposphere. A strange smell greeted their wet nose as they took in their immediate surroundings, noting the multitude of steel towers in the distance where the smell trailed. They shifted their gaze back to the ships that surrounded them as many onlookers stormed the decks of their vessels to get a good look at the giant, crimson-eyed, golden fox. Some were shouting and pointing while others contacted the media.
"Oh good, humans" sarcastically noted Kurama with a snort, surprising the humans even more when the giant golden fox spoke and in a language they could understand.
"YOU WOULDN'T HAPPEN TO KNOW HOW TO GET INTO CONTACT WITH THE JUSTICE LEAGUE, WOULD YOU?" boomed Naruto with a smile that came off as blood-thirsty and startled everyone from the sudden volume.
Many cleared their throats nervously in the face of the giant golden fox and some doubted the mountainous vulpine wouldn't devour them for answering the question. But there was one nondescript person that stepped forward on shaken nerves with a megaphone whom was likely the tour guide of the water vessel.
"W-We have already c-contacted the Justice League!" said the tour guide through the megaphone. The man was scared out of his wits but his bravado mounted as people encouraged him to keep talking. "A-And they should be sending someone over to help you!" he added with less of a nervous stutter.
The giant golden fox bowed their gigantic head in thanks before settling down on the ocean's surface. If they were to wait, then they might as well spend it basking in the sun's pleasant, warm light. Maybe they might stay to explore the world in the future, probably find a place to rest like the forests of Konoha.
"Wake us up when they get here, human" stated Kurama as they closed their crimson-slit eyes with a lazy yawn that displayed rows of gleaming, sharp teeth.
"Sure" replied the tour guide but was at a loss on how to rouse the giant golden fox when the Justice League arrived. Or, maybe the League themselves will wake the fox as it seemed to know about the band of superheroes.
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…
Naruto and Kurama were roused from their nap by the insistent probing of their mind. It felt familiar as it had the touch of Martian Man Hunter except more gentle and hesitant. It was also weaker but it was enough to alert them of an intruder trying to invade their mind. They briefly forgot where they fell asleep until they heard ocean waves, felt water lap at their pelt, and their nose was assaulted with the sting of saltwater and aquatic life. Not to mention that they become quickly annoyed by the clamor of human activity in the background. This caused their relaxed expression to pitch into irritation and their nine tails to wave about in agitation.
"Silence, humans" grumbled Kurama, sending large waves across the ocean's surface that violently rocked the ships and the probing cease at their tone. Then, they proceeded to roll into a sitting position while open their crimson-slit eyes to view the new situation before them.
"Sorry" apologized a female version of the Martian Man Hunter except with long ginger hair whom appeared to be 16-years-old. "We were dispatched here to take you back to base and await further instructions" she explained as her form hovered effortlessly in front of fox's massive muzzle.
"Who is this 'we'?" asked Kurama as they didn't see anyone beside the female floating in front of them and the humans on the deck of the surrounding ships.
"Us" came a timbre voice from above, causing the giant golden fox to look up and spot a red, flying vessel that appeared from thin air. A hatch on the back of the ship opened to reveal four more individuals that were undoubtedly connected to colorfully clad superheroes.
"And your names are…?" trailed Kurama as they hoped to get the identities of the Young Justice group. The female Martian Man Hunter bumped her hand against her forehead with a 'Hello, Megan' before launching into an introduction.
"My name is Miss Martian" said the newly introduced Miss Martian gesturing to herself before pointing a teenage boy that reminded them a younger version of Superman, another boy that looked like a miniature Flash, a dark-skinned male with gills, and the smallest member who had the same analytical eyes as Batman. "And my teammates are Superboy, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Robin" she introduced in respective order.
"If you follow our ship, we can guide you to our base" spoke the timbre voice that was revealed to belong to Aqualad.
"Okay, fish human, lead the way" responded Kurama as they stood on all fours with a stretch. Shaking their massive body to dislodge the water that had settled on their pelt, they soaked the surrounding ships in a sheen of water while simultaneously creating a rainbow. It made for a beautiful sight as many brought out their cameras to capture the image.
Then, they watched as Superboy suddenly jumped from the ship to land on the fox's head. Probably to insure an extra measure of security as many humans relaxed at his actions and to steer them clear of any more ship that cruised around them. They were soon accompanied by Kid Flash running on the water alongside them to 'stretch his legs'. And it wasn't long until the speedster drew them into a friendly conversation to pass the time like the Flash had done.
Meanwhile, Robin linked up the communications back to the base. Once that was done, he and Auqulad were greeted by Batman's gruff voice and cowl-covered face.
"Where there any problems?" questioned Batman as he had doubts that the exchange went without opposition.
"Except for startled civilians and a few cancelled shipments—nothing too major" reported Aqualad as it was to be excepted when a giant golden fox the hundreds of meters tall suddenly fell into the ocean.
"Yeah, it was aster" commented Robin as it was the opposite of the disaster. Truly not excepting the giant golden fox to come with them peacefully after the spectacle it caused. Not to mention that the fox could have easily wiped them out if provoked in the wrong way. Situations like this just never seemed to work out this smoothly.
"That aside" said Aqualad with a side glance at Robin. " It will be following us back to base with Superboy and Kid Flash keeping it clear of any more civilians" he spoke, to which Batman nodded his head before cutting the communications.
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…
Upon arriving at the base, Naruto and Kurama were impressed by the size of the cave it was hidden within. However, they were too large to fit inside as one tail could fill the entire hangar. The group of super teens remedied this by situating them outside along the coast, next to the hanger and ocean shore.
"So, how were you able to stay on top of the water?" asked Kid Flash as he watched Superboy leap down from the fox's head to land beside him, kicking up a good amount of sand in the process.
"MAGIC!" hollered Naruto as they didn't want to go into explaining what chakra was and how it worked. This, of course, earned them a groan of exaggeration from Kid Flash.
"Why does everyone use 'magic' as an explanation for everything?" bemoaned Kid Flash which caused a good-natured chuckle from Robin.
"You'd think he'd be more open-minded after meeting " said Robin and got nods of agreement from Miss Martian and Aqualad.
"Are you going to be okay staying out here?" inquired Miss Martian as she wanted to make sure that their guest would be comfortable during their stay.
"You're talking to a giant fox" replied Kurama as if it was the most obvious thing in the world – because it was. Foxes, or any animal for that matter, where at home in nature and not the steel jungles they called cities. "We will be fine, Martian" they confirmed with a nonchalant shrug that looked particularly human to the teenagers.
"R-Right" said Miss Martian as her face heated up in embarrassment due to asking such a question with an obvious answer. The female virtually felt stupid and decided not to ask any more questions. Besides, Kid Flash seemed to take a liking to the fox and picked up on the conversation they were having before they arrived at the base.
"So, can you do anything else?" asked Kid Flash as being outrageously huge couldn't be the only thing the fox had to go on if it could get the Justice League involved and wary of its presence. Then again, that's like every situation when dealing with things from outer space—drifting unconscious or not.
"WE SURE CAN!" shouted Naruto with a sudden burst of enthusiasm that had the team of teenagers taking a few steps back out of reflex.
Miss Martian felt a shift in the air as the golden fox said those words. Robin narrowed his eyes in suspicion with Aqualad. Superboy looked every part curious at what the fox could do. And, as for Kid Flash, he was probably just as excited to see what the fox meant as the fox itself.
The giant golden fox then proceeded to sit down much like any vulpine, looking like it wasn't going to do anything despite the anticipation it was building from team of teenagers. Every one of them had that moment of confusion on their faces as the fox continued to remain seated. Then, abruptly, the giant golden fox shrank to a single point, revealing the 12-year-old sage that glowed with an aura beyond the human plane of existence.
"BUT HOW!?" yelled Kid Flash as he summed up the thoughts of the other teenagers that remained silent due to shock, awe, and surprise.
One would think that the protégés of super heroes would be unaffected by almost anything considering their line of work. But there were few instances where their minds couldn't process what they felt at that very moment. They were looking at a seemingly innocent child with a power level well within individuals like the founders of the Justice League. Or, in the teenagers' honest opinion, beyond the founders' legendary strength—something unfathomable and downright ludicrous for a 12-year-old boy.
"We seem to do that a lot" said Kurama, looking blankly at the dumbfounded look they invoked from the team of teenagers. "Doing the impossible and the unpredictable, that is" they elaborated as it was in their nature. One could almost hear the nonchalant shrug in their voice.
"It shouldn't be that surprising" spoke a gruff voice from behind the group of teenage heroes that pulled them away from their shock and awe. Turning in one swift motion, the team of teenagers came to face the dark detective and crime fighter of Gotham—Batman.
"Y-Yes, it's just simple shape-shifting" said Miss Martain. She was shocked in the fact that a boy, spiritual being or not, could perform something, that took most of her life to master, in a single moment of effortless concentration.
"Well, it was whelming" commented Robin as he coughed into his gloved hand with a side glance to the young boy, whom stood off to the side twirling his black staff absent-mindedly, before returning his attention to his mentor.
"Indeed, but now we must know what to do with him" said Aqualad while Superboy remained vigilant to the giant golden fox turned little child. As the self-appointed guard riding on the head of such a powerful being, Superboy must be sure that something that strong doesn't decided to disappear or escape.
"He goes back to the Watch Tower" spoke Batman as they had the intention of figuring out where the young unknown came from and if the danger to Earth was in the list of intentions.
"What will happen then?" questioned Miss Martian though she was sure the information wouldn't be revealed to her because it never was when it came to Batman. The man was kind of intimidating with his ever-present scowl and near growling undertone. But, the young Martian could hope. And who knew that this was the day Batman complied.
"Questioning and further observations" answered Batman and that was all he said as he turned and beckoned them to follow with a grunt and the motion of his head. The team of teenagers looked at each other before following, Superboy and Kid Flash flanking the 12-year-old as they went inside the base.
…
…
…
There was a whistle of awe as the 12-year-old boy took in the base interior and all its technology. Nothing was this advanced back at his home, they were just reaching the technology age as it was. The most they had was telegraphs, telephones, televisions, and a few electric appliances. They had no clue what a hologram was, the internet that allowed information to be spread over by search engines, or anything first world for that matter.
Seeing as the 12-year-old was awe-stricken, Kid Flash snickered and lent down to the boy to speak. "What, never seen a toaster before?" he asked as the team of teenagers settled in the kitchen while Batman went off to report back to the Watch Tower visa their monitor in the main room.
"Toaster? No, we just blew fire for anything that needed heat" answered Kurama as they had set down their staff to inspect the 'toaster' that caught their attention among other things scattered about the nicely-sized kitchen. Their comment caused Miss Martian to take a step away from them as she had a weakness against fire as Superman against kryptonite.
"I would ask that you refrain from demonstrating if possible" said Aqualad as he too was weak against fire and didn't wish to know how much heat the young child could release if prompted by Kid Flash whom looked ready to ask the boy to show them if he hadn't said anything.
Kid Flash looked quite disappointed when the boy complied and kept his flames to himself. But that didn't stop him for poking fun at the boy continued to analyze the toaster before moving on to the coffee maker on the counter. If the boy was aware of being made fun of, he didn't show it or it went right over his head.
With nothing to do other than observe the 12-year-old, the team of teenagers in kitchen lapsed into a comfortable silence except for Kid Flash and the muffled voices of Batman and the Justice League in the main room.
Meanwhile, Batman was having a conversation with the Justice League about what to do with the young unknown once they got their answers. Questioning and observations can only go so far before they must think of having the young unknown stay with them for an indefinite amount of time. The teams, Young Justice and Teen Titans, were already filled with enough strong individuals. So, placing the young unknown with them was a little overkill says Flash as he pointed out 'the kid could go toe-to-toe with Supes'.
Which was true as all of them could sense the power radiating of the young unknown at a level equal to Superman. However, that is what they felt when he was docile and not when provoked into a fight. There was no telling how much his power would rise when he fought seriously as Superman was as strong as he needs to be but the young unknown could be stronger—there will always be someone better.
Nevertheless, it was a concerning matter that was brought up and needed to be dealt with before it could escalade into something even more dangerous.
"How bout we let the kid go?" asked Flash which earned him an instant glare from Batman and several other looks. "Well, it was worth a shot" he conceded with a shrug.
"Actually, he may have a point" said John Stewart which surprised many and caused Batman to raise an eyebrow. "We cannot control the child right now and it's not like we can't keep an eye on him" he explained with the simplest of logic.
"Still, it doesn't make him less of a danger if we put surveillance on him" said Hal Jordan as he got a grunt from Batman. The little tyke was just too powerful for his taste. There was no doubt that their enemies won't sit idle while a walking powerhouse, on par with the Justice League, is roaming the world.
"That is what the questioning and observations are for" said Batman as he reinforced the fact that they needed to know as much of the young unknown as possible and determine if he was a serious threat. "And if he turns out to be even the slightest mortal, he will have a weakness" he stated which got some winces and a flinch from the heroes in the Watch Tower.
"Well, he gets hungry and that's as mortal as a kid could get in my book" says Flash as he lived for food considering his high metabolism and the need for nutrients to keep him from passing out when it comes to his super speed.
"He could be faking it, many can be self-sustaining and only eat to keep up appearances" rebutted Batman as several technology-enhanced individuals came to their assembled minds.
"Point" agreed Hawkgirl, "However, they may have to eat to keep the power source of their functioning" she said to which Wonder Woman made a comment that countered what Batman had stated.
"And eating doesn't necessarily mean they only eat meats, vegetables, and grains" Wonder Woman added as many of the Justice League eat just about anything as a source of power.
"So, does that mean I am right?" asked Flash as he was the one to bring it upon in the first place and the others had elaborated on it.
"Only partially, we must find and analyze his power source, if that is the case, which means questioning and observations" replied Batman as he basically won the debate because it all boiled down to figuring the young unknown out. And the only way to do that is by investigating by subtle or direct means.
"Okay, okay, you win" conceded Flash with his hands raised in defeat. Really, he didn't have a chance against someone who was a detective and an infamous one among villainous masterminds that are on par with Lex Luther.
"Is he fit for transport, then?" inquired Martian Man Hunter as he had been quite until just then, wondering if the young child will go as peacefully with them as he did with the team of young heroes.
"Yes" responded Batman before he backed away from the monitor to retrieve the young unknown from the kitchen where he had heard light conversation.
His walk was very short as the kitchen wasn't far away but his steps were quiet and hadn't attracted attention to himself yet. His brow rose as he came close enough to hear the words floating from Kid Flash and the responses of the young unknown.
"Do you know where you came from?" asked Kid Flash as falling out of the sky wasn't much of as place as it was a happenstance.
"We doubt you would know if we told you" replied Kurama in a deeper tone of voice that made to atmosphere feel weighted in some way.
"And what if we did?" continued Kid Flash and there was a brief pause as Batman could only assume with the protégés were nodding their heads in agreement. "The world is a big place" he reasoned.
"Fine" said Kurama with another pause to breathe in, "We come from the Elemental Nations" they breathed out; unable to elaborate any further as Miss Martian interrupted with a gasp of recognition.
"I know of place called that" she exclaimed with a bit of excitement. "The planet was unknown but the lands were called the Elemental Nations" she explained earning looks of confusion from all around.
"And how do you know that?" questioned Kurama with an edge of aggression, that put the team and Batman on edge, but it quickly evaporated into confusion as she spoke further.
"Our archives descried the inhabitants as shadow people since they kept their homes and villages hidden in the shade of the environment" she continued as Earth wasn't the only planet to go into space exploration and they kept records of such ventures. Martian Man Hunter would have never guessed and either would Batman or the team of teenagers.
"We are pretty sure we would remember green humans floating around" said Kurama which was immediately reproached by Aqualad.
"Maybe you weren't born then?" inquired Aqualad as the young child was 12-years-old and there was only so much they could remember despite green humans being unusual. Nevertheless, he received a growl for his troubles.
"That is impossible! we were there in the beginning of its creation" growled Kurama which made the kitchen plummet into silence. No one breathed for several seconds as they processed the information. Though it was more like a revelation that they had a difficult time believing. Or more accurately, they didn't want to think of what the young unknown's words implied.
"BUT YOU'RE TWELVE!" shouted Kid Flash as his outburst could have rattled the hanging pots and pans if he had been any louder. But all he did was shatter the silence that fell over the group of teenagers who gasped upon regaining their sense of reality.
"A-And the planet has been inhabited well over some t-thousand years" said Miss Martian as her mind felt like it had been drenched in cold water and was numb. A child that looked way younger than Robin was older than she was by leaps and bounds.
"Do you imply that you are spiritual being of divine powers?" asked Aqualad as he was out of his depth like Robin and Superboy as the only thing that could come close to that line of thought was Superman and he was leagues below that line. After all, he was still a mortal despite coming from a different planet.
"Of course, not" snorted Kurama as their blue-slit eyes glanced off to the side, spotting Batman in their peripheral vision. They gave him a little smile that looked innocent but their eyes sparked with deceit, giving Batman the incentive to be ready for anything that could happen next.
"Then, what are you?" questioned Robin as his senses were acting just like Batman's, readying himself for anything. It was as subtle as the young unknown picking up the black staff whom began twirling it once again. The other teenagers caught on soon enough was the atmosphere grew incredibly tense.
A pause in all motion came from Kurama before a wide, face-splitting smile spread across their face. It was the only warning they had before the event to unraveled before their eyes.
"WE ARE THE SAGE OF THE NINE PATHS- DATTEBAYO!" shouted Naruto as their tone grew higher pitched while their hands flew up into a strange sign.
Moments after the hands came together, a massive burst of golden aura spread out and consumed Naruto, transforming back into the enormous golden fox. They proceeded to tear through the cave in a show of magnificent strength and destruction. Debris was falling by the ton from all angles causing swearing from Batman and yells of alarms from the team of teenagers. They had underestimated what the giant golden fox was capable of and how far they were willing to go for their unknown goals.
Though, if they were expecting them to have bad intentions, the Justice League and Young Justice were wrong in that regard. They didn't want to be affiliated with no one of this world and only wanted to explore. Plus, this world already had a mean of defense and they had their fill on saving the world countless times where they had come from. If anything, they were rather impulsive when it came to meeting the Justice League.
But they digress, it was the time for leaving the cave. Their act was up and they were bored with Young Justice and were not bound to the rules the Justice League followed.
"CATCH YOU GUYS NEVER!" yelled Naruto as they propelled themselves from the top of the mountain to land on the ocean below with a deafening, bone-rattling impact. Miraculously, none were killed in their departure from the cave or the people who lived in the town nearby. They, the giant golden fox, were just that ridiculously lucky.
However, knowing that the team of teenagers would recover and come after them with reinforcements, the giant golden fox sprinted across the ocean quickly and gracefully. Their nine tails swooshed in the wind as their paws only contacted the surface of the water; never sinking below an inch or giving up speed.
Meanwhile, Miss Martian had saved her teammates and Batman from serious injury by using her telekinesis. The rubble was moved out of the way swiftly as the Robin and Kid Flash groan from minor aches and pains. Aqualad and Superboy had coughing fit as the dust settled.
"Well, that became a total disaster" said Kid Flash as he made sure nothing on his person was broken which thankfully wasn't the case.
"Yep, definitely didn't feel the aster in that moment" commented Robin as he cracked his back with a relieved sigh.
Before anyone else could speak or otherwise, Batman let out a very agitated growl and tapped into his communications to the Watch Tower than were hidden within his cowl and suit.
" We have a situation"
"That was fun while it lasted" said Naruto as he opened his blue eyes and stood from the stone gargoyle he was perched on. Four other people mimicked his action from different stone creatures, looking down on the dark city below them.
Originally, he and the other four were in another time and another world fighting in the Fourth Shinobi War. Everything was going well and good until the Gedo Statue showed up and ruined everything. Things exceled quite quickly after that, a lot went down and the true mastermind was revealed. Kaguya Otsutsuki, the cause of all their strife, was a tough woman to beat. Luckily, they weren't dead after he launched a super-charged tailed-beast bomb as a counterattack. Instead, they were sent through a rift in space.
Being deemed the leader by default, Naruto had to make sure they survive in the world they found themselves in by doing some recon. Floating through the vacuum of spaces was how they were sent here, crashing into a space station was lucky break. The Justice League were off put by his arrival and didn't think he had any passengers.
They stayed well-hidden while he gathered information, disguising themselves as inanimate objects and sticking to the darkest shadows. When it came to the escape pod, they henged into scrolls that was kept safely in his weapon holsters. He created a shadow clone shortly after he landed on the ocean, allowing Kurama to take over and employ the clone as he saw fit while he himself headed toward the nearest land mass. With his luck, they made it to a city named Gotham.
Kurama had done a good job portraying him as a split persona in one body. Though he could have gone without all the shouting, they managed to learn a lot more about the Justice League and their faucets. Nothing to worry about as they were jounin level in power and intelligence but genin in experience.
" Kurama should be back in half an hour" said Naruto as he surveyed the city along with the other four. Really, they were his family and his precious people.
" Will we ever return?" asked Gaara as his pale teal eyes shifting from the city below to the night sky. The stars could barely be seen due to the lights given off by the city. But, the ones he could see were still nice to look at.
"I don't know" answered Naruto as summoning the toads didn't work and they didn't have a certain eye to transport them back. "But I'll find a way back, and if not, we'll make do with what we have" he said with a determined look entering his eyes.
"What a drag…" spoke Shikamaru as he lit a cigarette and puffed out a cloud of smoke. " You need to learn how to relax, Naruto" he added with another puff of smoke and a lazy gaze.
" Yosh! you have done much for us through your flames of youth" exclaimed Rock Lee, posing as dramatic as his mentor. " But, you need rest to keep your flames bright" he agreed with Shikamaru. Naruto looked dead on his feet and had expanded a lot of chakra sustaining Kurama's form beyond his limits.
" I'll be fine" responded Naruto with a dismissive wave of his hand. But, Yamato was having none of it as he got extremely close to Naruto and had his eyes straining open to their fullest.
" You need sleep" said Yamato which startled Naruto who then nodded his head rapidly causing him to back off of their de facto leader with a sigh. " You can't keep going in your condition" he continued as the price for their survival was a combination of luck, natural chakra, and the mysterious abilities of Naruto's sage of six paths mode he had yet to fully understand.
" Meh, being a kid again isn't all that bad" replied Naruto with a one-shouldered shrug as he kept his senses peeled for Kurama and any other danger that may present itself.
" You won't be able to reach the counter of any ramen shop" stated Shikamaru with a hint of amusement when a look of absolute horror crossed Naruto's whiskered face.
" OH, KAMI!" Naruto shouted as the realization struck him like a lightning jutsu. " My life is over" he moaned soon after which lightened the mood due to his over exaggeration when it comes to ramen.
" Calm yourself, Naruto" spoke Gaara as he put a calming hand on Naruto's shoulder, bringing the young shinobi out of his sulking. " They have stools for a reason" he reasoned and a rather odd sentence coming from the quite Kazekage.
" You're right" said Naruto with a smile to his friend and brother for successfully cheering his spirits. " So you can stuff it, Shikamaru" he says as he throws a weak glare at the smirking Nara.
" Hai, Fishcake-sama" said Shikamaru which earned him a good thump on his head that sent him crashing into the stone gargoyle he was standing on. The stone cracked and chipped in several places as Naruto looked mighty upset with his fist still raised for another strike.
" It's Hokage-sama to you, you jerk!" shouted Naruto as he thumped Shikamaru on the head again for good measure, making the poor shinobi break the gargoyle into pieces by the harsh impart. Lucky for them, the sidewalks were clear at that very moment and the falling stone didn't hit anyone.
Shaking his head at the antics before him, Yamato turned his attention to the streets below. He spotted a tall, six-story inn [Hotel] a few blocks away that looked decent enough for a few nights rest.
" That looks suitable" said Gaara as he had left Naruto's side to survey the tall inn that Tenzo was staring at. It was a lot more furbished and refined than the inns within Suna and Konoha.
" Then it is where we will rest" responded Yamato with a resolute nod while Rock Lee was lecturing Naruto and Shikamaru on the flames of youth being used more productive than arguing amongst each other. Naruto looked ashamed of his actions while Shikamaru looked only vaguely so or was too lazy to show his shame.
A poof of smoke appeared around Naruto after Rock Lee was done reprimanding him and Shikamaru. A heavy object settle across his body as Kurama decided to arrive atop Naruto , crashing him with his unbearable weight.
" GET OFF ME, STUPID FOX!" shouted Naruto. Though happy that his friend and partner was unharmed, Naruto was about to lose a lung to the pressure and would greatly appreciate it if the fox would move off him.
" I don't hear a 'please'" growled Kurama as Naruto was quite comfortable and he had half a mind to stay right where he was just to annoy the kit. But, after a few futile attempts and a quite plead, Kurama let the kit get up with a snort.
" Now" spoke Naruto with a sigh of relief, " I could use some sleep…" he trailed as his body collapsed since he had been running on fumes until that point. His friends, brother, and tenant shook their heads at the stubbornness of their orange hokage.
" It's a wonder how you still live with that head of yours" said Shikamaru as he stomped out his cigarette that had miraculously survived his tussle with Naruto. Then he proceeded to hoist the knucklehead ninja onto his back with the help of Rock Lee.
" Kit got himself really messed up" commented Kurama as he stretched while eyeballing the unconscious blonde that used to be a 17-year-old teenager. They still couldn't figure out how he managed to de-age himself. Or, if it was a side effect using natural chakra, yin-yang chakra, and the energies present in this world together for extended periods of time. Only time will tell if it was temporary or permanent.
" I agree" stated Rock Lee as he copied Kurama with stretching out his muscles, having sat and stood idle for a time caused muscle cramps and popping joints. " And I worry about his mental health" he added.
" Believe in Naruto like he believed in us" said Gaara as many had placed their hopes and dreams on his fellow kage's shoulders and he has yet to disappoint anyone.
" Yosh! You're right" exclaimed Rock Lee as the flames of youth were about to enter his eyes and a tirade of youthful proportions on his tongue yet was interrupted by Yamato .
" I think its best that you save your energy for tomorrow" says Yamato with Shikamaru nodding in agreement.
" Let's go" said Shikamaru before vanishing an a swirl of leaves which was followed by more leaves and a swirl of sand in the direction of the tall inn.
End of Chapter 1