Long time no see everyone, Happy New Year and I wanted to kick it off with a fresh addition to BND. Sorry for taking FOREVER, but again, work, this virus, and my own procrastination are to blame. I've mostly been gaming and training, but this weekend was perfect. At first, I was going to make this chapter super long, but frankly, I decided to split it into two. The next chapter will be much more action-packed, but with all said and done, on with the show!

"This doesn't make any sense." a black-clad figure swung from building to building, his mind running too fast to process the gradual transition from pitch darkness to a dull sunrise. How long had he been awake, 24-25 hours now? He hadn't slept since meeting with the Defenders, yet his body didn't feel fatigued one bit. The white and black-suited vigilante dived over a building, free-falling to the ground before a web-line swung him towards the rising sun. Landing on the side of a nearby building, Naruto took a moment to pause. "Nope still doesn't make any sense."

"You swinging around isn't going to help either of us in figuring out what's going on, kit. Slow down and think." Kurama was right, and with that reminder, the blond took a deep breath and calmed down.

"Okay, so, the alien was more than alive, and I have my spider-powers back… but how? The gene cleanser got rid of everything."

"True, but this alien wouldn't know you had powers, to begin with, unless... something was still there." Naruto thought back to that night, remembering the feeling of hopelessness as the needle pierced his chest, the surprise he felt when Kurama 'woke up' and chakra seemed to return to his body.

"Are you saying the cleanser didn't work?"

"Maybe not completely, kit."

"Maybe… If anything, this can give me an edge on Negative and the crime wave. I didn't have you before, and together with my powers, we're stronger than ever. It's a double whammy, partner." Kurama remained silent, feeling that arguing would fall on deaf ears.

"... fine, but I'm going to stay cautious." with Kurama's figurative seal of approval, Naruto bounded off the wall with nervousness he hadn't felt in a long time. Was it truly time for Spider-Man to return?

Saint Vincent's Catholic Medical Center - Mid-Morning

"Castle and the others are okay, we made sure nothing was stolen on our end, what happened on yours?"

"Nothing good. Jess was hurt, but she's alive, I'm going to check on her now. When news gets out about Captain Jones being in the hospital I don't want any chances for Hammerhead to put the pieces together. We need to meet up and fast." hanging up, Naruto took a step over the edge and landed in an alleyway. "Now, I just need to change…" within seconds the blond felt his costume shift, leaving him wearing a black jacket, brown cargo pants, and a pair of black and brown boots. "... well, that's interesting."

"Seems we know for sure this alien is somewhat sentient, I don't feel any presence in your mind, yet." the blond could feel the pointed look Kuruma gave him.

'We'll figure it out when we can, Kurama, I need to focus on Jess.' walking into the lobby, the blond walked to the counter and asked about a Miss Jones.

"Are you a family member sir?" the vigilante hesitated, coming up with something on the fly. A ring materialized on his finger out of view.

"Husband. Please, ma'am, I heard Spider-Man brought her in?" the nurse stared at him, searching the blue orbs for any lie, but could see that he was genuinely concerned.

"Right this way, sir."

Walking through the halls of the hospital gave the vigilante a strange awareness. He wondered how many men he had sent here, the number of broken bones and torn muscles that the staff had to deal with because of his costumed escapades. The blond was broken out of his trance as the nurse opened Jess' room. If there was one word to describe Jessica it was resilient. She had taken the full force of a rocket to the back. The sheer act of being alive after that was a testament to the power she held.

Naruto could see the 1st-degree burns that covered her arms, watching as her skin was slowly stitching itself back together. She had various cuts across her face and chest, and the blond couldn't help but feel his grip tighten around the side of her bed. The vigilante closed his eyes and shook with anger, "I'm sorry Jessica, if only I had been faster, hadn't been so distracted, I could've done something." a soft chuckle took him out of his funk, revealing that Ms. Jones had regained consciousness.

"Crying over me already, webhead?" Naruto smiled with sad eyes.

"Well my eyes are still dry, but I'm getting there. You might have to save my life one more time before you get a tear out of me." they shared a laugh, but both of them knew that the past 24 hours had shaken them to the core. Their first debut working together, Jessica's first time using her powers in years, had ended with the alien gone and said woman out of commission.

"...where did the alien go, webhead? I know you were fighting someone else before I flew through that window." Naruto hesitated, contemplating telling her the truth, but something in his mind told him to stay silent for now.

"I don't know Jess. I was going up against the cat burglar known as the Black Cat, she said she was trying to grab the alien before Hammerhead could, sell it to the Big Man for as much as she could. The alien was gone by the time you came in." the injured officer sighed and laid her head back down onto her pillow.

"Uzumaki." Naruto could tell by her tone and use of his name she was serious, "Don't let this get to you. I know what I was signing up for. I'm down, but not out of this fight. Keep yourself focused, and finish what you brought us together to do." she grabbed his hand and held it, knowing from enough experience that the young man was beating himself up inside. Jessica looked Naruto in the eyes, and for a moment, she could see the true pain that he hid behind more than a cloth mask. He was tired, tired of loving and losing. The officer squeezed his hand in reassurance, however, they were interrupted by the knocking on the door. Naruto moved to open it but quickly took a step back as Chief of Police George Stacy walked into the room with two other Captains. Naruto had met the man on occasion, but it had been many months ago and usually not in uniform. He had a head of blond hair, though streaks of grey had become more prominent since the last time he had seen him. The four stars on his collar and pristine uniform somewhat intimidated the hero, especially the small look of annoyance that seemed ever-present on the older man's face. The chief gave Naruto a once over, a quick greeting following suit.

"Uzumaki. Shouldn't you be at school or with my daughter somewhere?"

"I had no classes, sir. Plus, Gwen was busy today." George only seemed to be more annoyed by the quick response.

"Hm, well maybe I should be blunter. Why is some ESU sophomore in the same hospital room as one of my Police Captains?" the vigilante seemed to understand the oddness of his position and was thankful he was good at lying on the fly.

"I've talked to Captain Jones on occasion whenever I'm taking pictures of Spider-Man in action. I've interviewed her a few times as well. When I heard she was hurt, I came as fast as I could." Jessica just smiled at the blond's quick thinking, though filed away the 'daughter' comment for later. She was a good decade older than him, but she would be lying to say that most men she had been interested in were usually intimidated by her. Suffice to say, she had a little crush. The blond was more of a man than most grown officers she met on the force, and he had trusted her above anyone else.

Stacy looked at his Captain and chuckled, "Your working relationships aside, Captain, can I ask how in the world I ended up getting word that one of my officers, a Captain nonetheless, ended up in the ICU at 3 a.m this morning?" Jessica did her best to weave in and out of the truth, telling George that she was on a walk before witnessing the break-in at ESU. The Captain told her superior that she made the rookie mistake of getting too close without calling for backup first, and was ultimately caught in the line of fire between Hammerhead, his goons, and the Oscorp Security Forces. She finished by saying that an exploding car was what led to her current condition, something that Chief Stacy was slowly taking in.

"You're telling me you had a positive ID on Hammerhead at ESU?" Jessica nodded which again left the room in silence as the man took another moment to think. "Jess, I believe you I really do, but because of your injuries, I can't put a warrant out on Joseph Martello."

"Chief! I saw him with my own two eyes, at least bring him in for questioning about the attack?!"

"I would believe me, but we have no proof other than the say-so from a highly injured and concussed police officer. Doesn't help that we already have a primary suspect for the disappearance of the alien, Spider-Man." both Naruto and Jessica looked at each other in confusion before the Chief continued to explain.

"The crime scene was called in at 0400, with multiple destroyed vehicles, dead security, a destroyed glass door, and a missing alien lifeform. The cameras were sabotaged before the break-in, we believe to conceal the robbery, and came back on 45 minutes later. When they turned back on, the only thing left at the scene was webbing."

Recovering from his shock as quickly as possible Naruto tried to think of the right question to ask. "Why do they think Spider-Man was the one who stole it? He's a superhero-"

"He's a vigilante, as well as the fact he's been seen around ESU during incidents on more than enough times to be a probable suspect. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if the guy worked there in his free time. The Big Man of Crime is reportedly willing to pay upwards of 10 million for this thing. Even a guy in a costume needs money." Jess gave Naruto a look to not argue and he complied. The blond had almost forgotten George Stacy's one flaw that made them not get along, the man had a hatred for vigilantes like himself.

Seeing the blond was starting to get heated, the Captain intervened, "We understand the situation, Chief. Has the department gone public about the incident?" she watched Stacy scoff and one of the other Captains tossed Naruto a newspaper.

"See for yourself."

"This is pure bullshit, Jonah!" Naruto threw the paper on his boss's desk, the headline reading 'SPIDER-MAN STEALS ALIEN', and didn't bother to hide his fury. Jonah, for all intents and purposes, took the verbal assault without blinking an eye, his cigar firmly planted between his lips.

"Uzumaki, I can understand your anger, but the truth is in the pudding. Your snapping pictures of Spider-Man days are over. He revealed himself for what he really is, a menace!" Naruto rolled his eyes but continued his rant.

"Jameson, Dr. Octavius was there last night during the attack, he saw Spider-Man fight off and try to stop the guys stealing the alien." Jonah laughed in his face, making Naruto raise an eyebrow.

"Hah! Where are you getting your facts kid?! Octavius didn't arrive at the scene until this morning!" the blond felt his jaw drop, shocked at the news he was hearing. "Plus, Brock was the one who got these pictures. He saw Dr. Octavius and Harry Osborn fresh on the scene. Might want to watch out, Uzumaki, the kid's a natural."

Naruto just turned around, leaving Jonah's office and slamming the door, before taking a seat right in front of Betty's desk. The blond looked at the older woman and she smiled sympathetically. "I'm sorry Naru, but Jonah's somewhat in the right on this one. Brock came in with the pictures and interview with Dr. Octavius. But, between you and me? I don't think Spidey stole anything, he's still a hero in my book." the vigilante shook his head, but smiled, shifting to his thoughts.

'Why would Otto lie about seeing Black Cat and me? He witnessed the whole thing…' Betty's quick gasp drew him out of his trance. "Hey what's the big-" she pointed at the TV mounted on the wall and the blond asked himself if his day could get any worse.

"As many of you may have seen, the alien lifeform that had encapsulated the city and the world, discovered by the brave men and women of Helios 9, had been stolen earlier this morning. Many have not seen the web-slinger since the Lizard incident, but this recent act proves that he has gone too far. This, along with Captain Jessica Jones recently being put out of commission, has led me to put a new mandate city-wide. Starting today, I'm issuing an arrest warrant for the masked vigilante known as Spider-Man. He, as well as any other self-proclaimed vigilantes, will be taken into custody and will answer for their crimes. New York City doesn't need freaks in costumes, it needs a stronger police force. Those who don't take the law into their own hands. No further questions." the crowd exploded into a fury, many calling for Chief Stacy to take back his mandate, with just as many cheering on his decision. Time seemed to stop in the newsroom, as Bugle employees began to process what they had just witnessed. All the while, Naruto couldn't help but feel a scowl across his face.

Hell's Kitchen - Rooftop of Nelson and Murdock

"Well, this doesn't make our job any easier." Matt was the first to speak, sitting around his fellow vigilantes with annoyance on his face. They were all in civilian attire and had agreed to meet up, especially given the circumstances.

"When has our job ever been easy, Red," Frank replied sardonically, leaning back in a folding chair with a cigarette. Luke and Danny were relatively quiet, though they both expressed their own discontent at the current situation. Naruto remained quiet as the other men talked, once again captured by his thoughts.

"Chief Stacy just took our war on two fronts and opened a third. I don't know what would be worse, going head to head with Negative's army, or trying to help cops that are willing to shoot us in the back." the blond said aloud. Frank nodded in agreement, Matt cursing under his breath at how shitty this was.

"What do you want us to do, Uzumaki? What's this word about you stealing the alien?" Luke finally brought up what had been on everyone's mind, causing the group to turn their attention to the blond in black. The silence was deafening, the vigilante not being able to find the right words.

"Trust us, as we trusted you, my friend." Danny's cool demeanor and sincere words allowed the former shinobi to take a breath of fresh air. Within seconds, the blond allowed his clothes to shift into his costume for Arashi, before allowing his head to be revealed. It wasn't comfortable enough to wear a spider on his chest just yet. The gasps and looks of shock were enough prompts for the blond to explain himself, even Matt stared at him confused at what he had just done.

"Listen, I didn't take the alien intentionally. While Jess was fighting Hammerhead, I was stopping a thief known as Black Cat from getting her hands on it. During our fight, the alien somehow, let's just say, bonded to me. Frankly, I don't even know how to get it off. My main point is, Otto Octavius, saw Jess and me last night, yet the report this morning says he didn't discover the break-in until a few hours ago. Either the Doc was on the take, or more people are after this thing than we first thought." Naruto paused, gauging their faces but hoping to see understanding.

"I think I should keep the alien. At least until we can figure out why the Big Man and so many others want this thing. But I think all of you should know, Jessica still doesn't know." Many looks of confusion were thrown his way. "I trust that woman with my life, but with how close Stacy will be keeping an eye on her, I don't want to risk anything." thankfully, Matt was the first to speak, knowing that only the truth had come from his friend's mouth.

"This situation has us all turned around, questioning motives, but all I know is that Naruto brought us together because innocent people were getting hurt. I'm going to keep fighting the good fight, regardless of whether you're with us or not." Frank stood up, putting out his cigarette and walking within inches of the blond's face.

"We're going up shit creek without a paddle, blondie," Frank then stuck his hand out, something Naruto reciprocated. "But I'll still fight with you until the end. These scumbags won't get a free pass just because the city's turning on you." Luke and Danny echoed a similar sentiment, making Naruto smile at the loyalty their little group of outcasts had. Men come together with a common interest in keeping people safe and hurting the bad guys who meant to hurt them.

"Thank you, gents, I really appreciate it." just then his phone went off, showing the 3 missed calls from Jess, and a current call coming from Gwen. "Shit. I'll try to keep everyone updated on the Big Man, until then, I need you guys to make sure fewer people die out here. With me being the prime suspect, I might have to lay low for a while." without another word, Naruto allowed his mask to form onto his face and shot a web line, swinging off into the sunset of the New York skyline.

Earlier that Morning - Unknown Location

"Yes sir, I understood the mission. I promise you my disguise was perfect." a man spun around in his chair, revealing Dr. Otto Octavius. "No sir, I wasn't able to secure the alien due to... unexpected interference." Octavius' voice had slipped, a thick Russian accent now leaving the man's lips. Behind the doctor, two men seemed to throw cards into a hat. The first was black-haired and of average build, the card he threw burning to a crisp before it touched the fedora on the ground. The other man was older than the first, with a head of grey hair and his card sprouting mechanical legs and walking into the hat. The black-haired man cursed before getting up to grab the unopened newspaper in front of the door. Octavius' look alike gestured for him to throw it to him, and the doctor couldn't help but laugh.

"Actually sir, I believe I've found a much more lucrative way to recoup your initial investment." the man reached and grabbed a hold of his face, pulling the skin away like a mask, revealing a smooth silver head. His head was featureless besides his eyes and mouth, with only a devious grin on his face as he read the headline.

"Beck," he threw the paper back to the raven-haired man and smiled. "Can I count on your theatrics and effects?" the man nodded.

"Sure thing, Chameleon. You really think you can pull this off?" said Chameleon just continued to smile before turning to the silver-haired man.

"Mason, I assume you'll be able to handle replicating his feats?"

"I'll get you as close as machinery allows, old friend." the Chameleon's smile grew wider, opening his briefcase to pull out a red and black mask.

"I think we just hit the jackpot boys."

"Put the money in the bag!" a red and black-suited individual held up a bag made of webbing, threatening the teller with a blank stare.

"Please, just don't hurt me…" just then the doors burst open, four policemen storming the room with pistols drawn. The lead officer was shocked at first but held his composure.

"Put your hands where I can see them, Spider-Man!" the costumed man stood still, only to turn quickly and shoot two balls of 'webbing' at two officers, knocking them out almost instantly. The remaining officers opened fire, causing Spider-Man to jump to a nearby wall before he pounced on top of one of them. With a quick punch, there was only one officer left to handle the situation. The man's hands shook at what he witnessed,

"C'mon Spidey, I know this isn't you. You saved my brother's life…" Spider-Man was quiet, managing to disarm the officer of his firearm before firing off a round right next to the man's head. The officer screamed in pain as the sound shook his skull, falling to the ground. Spider-Man then took the gun and pointed it at the crowd inside the bank.

"I'm not playing around anymore." the stunned civilians quickly threw as much money in the bag as possible and slid it in front of the masked man. The vigilante dropped the gun and ran outside, shooting a web line and seemingly swinging away. The crowd that had gathered outside the bank burst into conversation, with a blond man standing amongst them taking pictures.

"Jonah's gonna love these. Spider-Man, robbing a bank in broad daylight? Headline writes itself."

"Hey, Gwen, what's up?" the blond was almost home, doing his best to calm himself.

"What's up? You mean to tell me you haven't seen the whole warrant out for your arrest my father just proclaimed to the whole city?!" Naruto paused his train of thought, not seeming to find the right words.

"Okay you're right, that is pretty big."

"Look, I know you've probably been busy, but I also know you told me you stopped being Spider-Man because you lost your powers. You're not telling me something, but I can only imagine what you've been doing to even get into this mess. We still have classes tomorrow, and unless you feel like dropping out, I'll talk to you then. Just promise me you'll stay safe."

The blond smiled at his girlfriend's words and nodded into his phone. "I promise I'll stay safe Gwen. You're the best, you know that?"

"Heh, so I've been told blondie."

"I'll see you tomorrow." the costumed vigilante looked at the evening skyline and began to finally feel how tired he was. He had been up for damn near three whole days, and even with his stamina, that was draining.

"What're we going to do, Kurama?" the blond couldn't help but feel helpless and his tenant couldn't blame him. Watching a friend nearly die, lies, slander, and now a manhunt for him and his allies trying to do good. Not to mention a gang war, grabs for power, and a superpowered cult to deal with. Now he had an alien costume that could replicate his thought to be lost spider-powers bonded stuck to him.

"Kit, if there's one thing I know you for, it's your ability to push through any situation. Whatever happens, we'll figure it out together." Naruto cracked a small smile and sat down on top of his roof. But as luck would have it, his night wouldn't end so smoothly as a tuft of white hair darted across a nearby rooftop.

'Ugh, this day can't get any worse.' Naruto felt his costume shift, but paid no mind, leaping off the roof to focus on the biggest pain in his side lately.

"Hey, these rooftops have a clear, 'No Burglar' policy, Cat, I recommend you get out of here before I make you." Black Cat paused, turning to look at him, and Naruto watched her coo as she looked him up and down.

"I have to say Spider, I like the new look. Taking after your's truly?" the shinobi raised an eyebrow before looking down to see a familiar white spider across his chest.

'Guess I shifted into this subconsciously.'

"Doesn't matter, Cat, all that matters is why you would go against Hammerhead, I doubt the Big Man would be pleased." the sultry woman pursed her lips but felt that he deserved an explanation.

"Well, you're only half right. I expected Hammerhead to go after it, just didn't expect him to move so soon. I would've been in and out if someone hadn't gotten to it first." Black Cat walked up to him and looked him over a little closer.

"How many people are after this thing, Cat? I know you saw the paper this morning." she ignored him, seeming to be only interested in his suit.

"You have it, don't you? That's what this is... unless I'm wrong?" the woman placed her hand on his chest and the blond stayed silent. "Makes sense, especially with the recent warrant out for you and your friends."

"Cut to the chase Cat, tell me why I shouldn't turn you in?" the white-haired woman smiled, showing off her perfect smile.

"Because out of the two of us, I'm the only one who knows who the Big Man is. Besides, he sent his goons to one of my hideouts to 'teach me a lesson' for getting in his way. I want him gone as much as you do." Naruto grunted at the info but listened anyway. She was right, annoyingly so. If he turned her in now, he would be no better than when he started.

"What do you say Spider? Want to work with me on this one? I'm kinda tired of working for someone else and sharing my profits. I'm a free agent, which means a certain tall, dark, and handsome could help me get back at the Big Man." Naruto simply stared at her. It went against his every instinct, but once again, she had a point.

"If I work with you, we do it my way." Black Cat damn near jumped for joy and planted a kiss on his masked cheek.

"Anything for you Spider, as long as the Big Man goes down I'll be happy." she pulled him in and reached for his mask, but Naruto pulled back. "Aww, but mama wants a kiss." Yeah, he was really going to regret this. But, if he was going to clear his name, Spider-Man would have to come back in full force. For how long, was still to be decided. Spider-Man and the Black Cat, working side by side, what could go wrong?

And with that, the journey has only just begun. If I had finished this chapter as intended, this would've been 10,000 words long and come out 2 months later. I have the next chapter already outlined so it should come out "relatively" soon. I would love to hear your thoughts and I hope everyone continues to do their best with the situation in the world today. Read, review, and as always, I'll see you next time!