Injustice: The Path to Hell.
Book 2: Darkness in the Light.
Chapter XXIV – Training Comes To An End.
"Normal Speech."
'Normal Thought.'
"Demon Speech."
'Demon Thought.'
"Other Speech Variants."
Location/Time.
Friday 1st January 2016, 17:00.
Massachusetts,
Salem,
Tower of Fate.
It was finally over.
Five years since the final clash against the Light after they had taken over the Justice League.
Five years since Naruto had begun his training under Doctor Fate.
Five years since he had last been a full part of the proper world.
For so long, he had simply been on the sidelines, listening to stories of what had happened in the world. Watching as people around him went through the motions, unable to properly interact with them because of that small divide that had formed. Yet despite that, Naruto knew it had to be done.
He had been growing strong, but not enough. It had been a slow process, one that was ultimately going to end up costing him later down the line. With the information he had courtesy of Slade, Naruto also knew that getting the answers he wanted would be impossible if he carried on as he had. Those five years had been necessary as to allow him to purely focus upon his training and improving himself.
Certainly, there had been instances where he had gotten involved in a crisis, both part of the supernatural world and others in the world of villains and heroes. But they were far and few in-between.
But now he was done, his five years were up and he was free to go out in the world once more.
Stepping out through the door onto the quiet street, Naruto looked over his shoulder to see the door close and disappear before his eyes. Part of him yearned to go back, insert the key into the lock and enter back into the safety of the Tower of Fate. Especially after the last few months, he spent there under the truly dedicated tutelage of Doctor Fate.
How can you help others when you can't even help yourself, Naruto?
That thought, the words Jason told him that day when he learnt the consequences of his actions rung in his mind. Daniel, Jason and Eddie were in Hell, working hard to retain control and ensure that the original plan still came to fruition. They were trapped within a prison, a life sentence that they had been forced to take due to his actions.
They were there because of him, because they sacrificed themselves for him. Naruto couldn't afford to avoid his trauma forever, not if it left him so exposed and vulnerable. Someday, in the future, it would come back to haunt him again.
He couldn't allow that to continue and while his training might be over, he was far from finished improving himself. It just so happened that this time it wasn't something he could just brute force his way through like he preferred. Not only that though, what was he going to do as well as that?
Return to the Young Justice? Unlikely, it had changed too much and he was a little too old for that now.
Go solo? Possible, but where would he go? Naruto couldn't gather the courage to return Gotham, possibly running into Barbara again. Their relationship had not ended on the best of terms and Naruto had every intention of keeping her away from this fight against Akatsuki. Once he had overcome what Lady Blaze had done to him, he'd begin hunting them down in earnest. Naruto couldn't get Barbara involved in that, she was skilled and she was stubborn, but these guys weren't like the common villains they fought on a day-to-day basis.
Those villains adapted and grew, actively going out of their way to fight the heroes who ran into their path, taking full advantage of the fact that the heroes wouldn't kill them. The Akatsuki on the other hand, they kept themselves in the shadows, the true scope of their skills and powers secret to him.
On top of that though, they were fully aware of how outmatched they were by the Justice League. They wouldn't get involved overtly, skulking in the shadows and waiting for that moment to strike.
Much like how the Light did the same.
That's what made the Akatsuki such a terrifying foe for him. Villains that came straight at him, Naruto liked those because there was no need to look over one's shoulder. But those like Akatsuki, there was no telling when they would come and if they would even come for him.
Distancing himself from Barbara right now might be too little too late, but it was still a little better. The target was still on her back, but it had diminished however slightly. For Naruto, that alone was more than enough to feel some measure of comfort.
But it was still not enough, he needed to take that target off her back completely. He needed to get over this trauma, eliminate this glaring weakness that the Akatsuki could possibly use against him and then hunt them down before they got a chance to target Barbara. Then, if she was willing, return to her.
If not, then much like he had when he first started out as Black Hood, before he knew she was Batgirl, he was content to simply see her safe. In the end, wasn't that love? Sacrificing oneself and their chance at happiness all for the sake of the one they loved?
'If it isn't, then I don't know what is?' Despite his thoughts though, Naruto couldn't stop the frown from forming upon his face. It pained him, the thought of her with someone else, the thought of her growing old and happy with someone other than him. 'But if that means she gets to live her life happily without the Akatsuki or anyone targeting her, then it's a small price to pay.'
Sighing, Naruto shifted the bag upon his back and began to walk down the streets, ridding the uncomfortable thoughts from his mind. He would rather not think upon that any longer than he had.
Instead, he would focus everything on ending this as quickly as possible. "Where there's a will there's a way." Naruto was a guy to brute force his way through things, trauma like this he knew wouldn't be such a simple thing to overcome. But Naruto was willing to try what he could to remove it as quickly as possible.
And well, he knew someone who might offer him that brute force option.
Friday 1st January 2016, 18:45.
New York,
New York City,
UN Building.
It really wasn't meant to be this difficult, certainly not from the initial brief Dick had given her before she was dispatched. The Teen Titans were out confronting Doctor Light and so would be unable to respond despite this being their 'city.' Considering the other missions, the Young Justice roster were dealing with, Barbara had been forced to leave with only Wonder Girl as her backup.
General Tseng's life was in danger, her mission was to get him to safety.
Why was his life in danger you might ask? Well, Barbara would love to know the answer to that question herself as she watched Lobo, the infamous, intergalactic bounty hunter who was well-known for having gone toe-to-toe with Superman beat Wonder Girl. How General Tseng got a bounty that reached the likes of Lobo before Deathstroke or Deadshot was beyond her.
As much as she hated to admit it, she was also helpless to do anything. The fact was, she and General Tseng had been on the run from Lobo within the UN Building for near thirty minutes, a monumental feat in of itself. Wonder Girl had done valiantly, coming and trying to slow Lobo as much as possible. But she was untrained in comparison to the likes of Donna Troy, nor did she possess the power of Wonder Woman.
It meant that after no more than a few blows, sometimes not even one, she'd be struck and knocked out of the fight for a few minutes.
But now their time was up, Barbara watching as Lobo landed in front of General Tseng who had been fleeing towards the door. Her head was pounding from having Wonder Girl thrown into her, but her body moved instinctively to try and reach out for the General before Lobo did. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Wonder Girl push-off, rocketing towards Lobo at far faster speeds than her own.
'It's too late.' Barbara realised in horror as she watched Lobo reach out with his hands. She could clearly see he was aiming for General Tseng's flailing hands as he stumbled back. As fast as Wonder Girl was, she wouldn't reach the two in time, Lobo would get his hands on General Tseng and Barbara knew that would be the end of it.
Except, the doors behind him burst open, Lobo rapidly turning around to face the new arrival. Perhaps he was confident, maybe arrogant or quite possibly both, but he didn't turn quick enough believing that he was in no danger. Why wouldn't he be, Lobo had all but admitted to having waited for the various heroes who could stop him were occupied before making his move.
Lobo loved a fight, but he was also a good bounty hunter.
And so, when the doors opened and a new arrival made their appearance, he simply looked over his shoulder slowly to see this new person. They didn't move quickly, certainly not enough to make Lobo react differently.
Except the bounty hunter's eyes widened as he was suddenly flung off his feet, a powerful gust of wind ripping through the area. Lobo was thrown through the air, smashing into and through the wall at the other end. Wonder Girl who had been flying to stop Lobo was suddenly met with such heavy resistance that her flight slowed so dramatically she appeared to be hovering in the air. General Tseng himself seemed to have been saved from the majority of the wind thanks in part due to Lobo who had once stood in his path. His clothes were rustled and he looked to have been caught in a particularly powerful gust of wind, but nothing worse than that.
The only thing that saved Barbara from anything worse than a gust of cold air was the numerous structures in her path. But she could clearly see who was behind this whole thing. "Naruto." She muttered in shock.
Friday 1st January 2016, 18:50.
New York,
New York City,
UN Building.
When he came to New York, Naruto hadn't had any intention of getting involved in a fight, especially not so soon after having left the Tower of Fate. He came to New York to seek help from one of the two people he knew had an idea of what he went through having experienced itself.
Only for him to pass through Manhattan and hear the rumbling of a fight coming from nearby. A sound of fighting that only really came from one type of person, a superpowered one.
There wasn't much he could do to stop himself at that point, without even a moment's thought Naruto leapt into action and followed the noise. It just so led him to the UN Building where he found Donna Troy's successor to the title of Wonder Girl, Cassandra Sandsmark and Batgirl facing off against a large, muscular white-skinned guy who looked into heavy metal. When Naruto said white-skinned, he meant really white, almost paper white, like someone had dumped a bucket of plain white paint over someone and called it a day.
That kind of white.
But again, much like he hadn't spared it a moment's thought before following the noise, he once again leapt straight into action. It was only after striking the figure that he realised there was a fourth person in the room, General Tseng, he having been hidden from sight by the large frame of the alien.
"Naruto do you read me." Dick's voice sounded in his ear; the hero having connected to the radio built into his suit.
"I got you," Naruto replied, watching as Batgirl rose from her position. She looked fine, a little scuffed here and there, but overall, in perfect health. 'That's a relief.' He could breathe easier now.
"I'll make this quick, don't say anything. The alien's name is Lobo, a guy with the physical capabilities on par with Superman as well as basically being immortal." Dick was straight to the point, Naruto listening attentively, he and Wonder Girl waiting within the room as Batgirl began to direct the General out of the main auditorium.
There was no instruction or order given, but there didn't need to be. The situation and what was required from all of them was clear, Batgirl was outmatched here, she knew that and getting General Tseng out of the danger zone was the best she could at this point. Meanwhile, it would be up to him and Wonder Girl to stall Lobo long enough for that to happen.
"He's an intergalactic bounty hunter, the reason for target is currently unknown. I've already called in for help. Starfire and Cyborg are ten minutes out, Captain Atom and Shazam thirty minutes." Naruto cracked his neck, rolling his shoulders as he heard the rumbling from the other room.
"Understood." Though Naruto may not have come to New York expecting a fight so soon, he definitely wasn't going to ignore one. He had a lot of pent up aggression and frustration he needed to work through, an immortal being sounded like the best punching bag a guy could find.
It was in that moment the wall before them exploded outwards, Lobo marching inside, Naruto walking to meet him.
"So, Lobo." He called, Wonder Girl remaining where she was, watching him move in bemusement. She had expected to start going gung-ho right from the start, not this. "What exactly brings a bounty hunter like you to Earth? You're not even here for one of our Supes, just a Secretary General. Pretty strange if you ask me, what's Tseng done to piss off someone up there?"
"No clue," Lobo replied, both he and Naruto coming to a stop in front of one another. The blonde was only slightly shorter than the bounty hunter, though he looked much skinner despite both men being incredibly muscular. "The main man wasn't given a reason, never asked, never do. Doesn't bother me what reason someone wants someone dead. I only accepted 'cos it represented a chance for some good fun."
Naruto smirked beneath his mask. "So that's what this is about, fun?"
Lobo returned the smirk. "Ya got a problem with that? Ain't like the main man is killing one of you..."
"Humans?" Naruto offered helpfully, Lobo nodding his head. "So, Tseng isn't even human, interesting. Say, this contract asks you to do anything at all, like say kill Tseng?"
"Nothing more than put on a show for the locals an' I was happy to oblige," Lobo answered.
"Say, how about this. We deal with Tseng and you wait," Naruto looked over Lobo's shoulder, the alien doing the same. "twenty-five minutes, when that big stick hits the three. At that time, Captain Atom and Shazam, two guys on par with Superman will be arriving. I'll even explain the situation."
"No can do," Lobo replied, Naruto frowning slightly. "My contract says to put on a show an' I'll do just that."
"Against who exactly? Her? Me?" Naruto questioned. "You do realise that we can't provide you with the fistfight and slugfest you're looking for, right? My skills aren't focused on strength and well, I think we know how a fight went with Wonder Girl, no offence."
Cassandra shook her head. "None taken." She was outmatched, plain and simple. Lobo had handed her, her ass easily without so much as breaking a sweat. If need be, she'd fight, but Cassandra would rather leave Lobo to more experienced and powerful hands. It would make her life that much easier.
"If you're worried about a show, then don't be. Just jump out that window and head east. I reckon if you cause a few people to have a fright when you jump or fly down the street, or whatever you use to move around. You'll catch people's attention; they'll follow you directly to the approaching Leaguers and they'll be watching every step of the way. Hell, me and Wonder Girl can even just stay here, make it seem like you beat us both up before moving on."
Lobo remained silent, considering the offer.
"Trust me, it'll save us all a great deal of trouble and allow you to fulfil your contract without having to get involved in a fight with me." The last bit was a cheekily slid in by Naruto, Lobo's smile widening.
"You, the main man likes ya," Lobo said. "Ye've got style."
"Well, it's something that can't be taught, as I'm sure you know." Naruto joked alongside him, Lobo letting out a barking laugh. "But trust me, fighting me won't get you the fight you want. I may be flashy, but it's not in the way I imagine a brawler like you would want. Captain Atom and Shazam though, those guys can you give you the straight-up fistfight you're looking for."
Lobo looked Naruto up and down. He could sense something within the guy, something hidden beneath the surface. It wasn't quite on the level of Superman, but there was definitely something growing there that caught his eyes. But Lobo knew that Naruto was telling the truth, he may look the part, however, he didn't quite have that air about him.
He was dangerous, but not in the physical department and as much as he interested Lobo, right now he was looking for a good old brawl just like Naruto had said. He had simply followed the instructions, right down to the time and date upon which to arrive, if he'd known it would only get him the attention from the heroes he had just fought, he!d have ignored it.
So, with a short nod, he called for his bike and climbed aboard, revving it slightly.
"What's yer name?" Lobo asked.
"Maelstrom, yours?" Naruto returned.
"The main man goes by Lobo." With that, the bounty hunter took off straight out of the building and into the city of New York.
Naruto and Wonder Girl watching him go, the latter turning to the former in wonderment. "How the fuck did you do that?" Naruto smiled at her question, pulling back his mask and laying down upon the floor, it would be best to wait a little while, just to make the illusion of them being beaten.
"The best way to negotiate with people is to know who they are. It just so happens that Lobo and I have some similarities." Naruto replied.
"Which are?"
"We're simple."
Friday 1st January 2016, 23:25.
Earth's Atmosphere
Watchtower.
Accepting the cup of coffee from Dick, Naruto leaned against the wall, looking towards the little, green-skinned creature currently sitting inside an interrogation room. Lobo had already left Earth after many hours of fighting against Captain Atom and Shazam, the two taking turns to fight against the intergalactic bounty hunter.
So far, the rest of the world were currently unaware as to what had really happened. All anyone did know was that the alien had attacked the UN Building and met with Batgirl and Wonder Girl. By that point though, Nightwing, who had been monitoring the situation had hacked into the security of the UN Building and shut down all cameras. Naruto's presence and what really happened within the building was unknown. But as the media was putting it, Wonder Girl and Batgirl had been beaten, Lobo then went on to fight against the two Leaguers.
Though there was mention of Starfire and Cyborg entering into the UN Building, they had been caught on camera. What the media didn't know was that it had all been planned, Dick overseeing and guiding the actions to make it appear as if that was the case.
"It was a good move you pulled there," Dick said, standing beside him as they watched Martian Manhunter try negotiating with the alien in its own tongue rather than reading its mind. "Negotiating with Lobo helped avoid a great deal of damage. Plus, a lot of injuries. Wonder Girl wouldn't have stood a chance, Starfire and Cyborg had a little more trouble than they expected with Doctor Light and so they would have struggled immensely with Lobo."
"Honestly, I would have liked a fight," Naruto replied. "My aim was to actually stall for time, let Starfire and Cyborg turn up then all of us take him on. But the more Lobo talked, the more I realised there was no need."
"Either way, it was the right choice to make," Dick answered, rubbing the bridge of his nose, something Naruto noted.
Even more so were the heavy bags beneath his eyes. "You haven't been sleeping much I see." Dick paused in his actions, before sighing tiredly, head shaking.
"No, I haven't." He admitted. "I'm running two teams while also doing work in Blüdhaven."
Naruto scoffed. "Ever heard of delegating?"
"Very funny." Dick snarked, frowning slightly as they watched a few more members of the Justice League enter. Already in the room was the two of them, plus Captain Atom and Shazam, Martian Manhunter being in the interrogation room with the alien. Now though Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Hal Jordan had entered the room. "Yes, I have, but to who and to what?"
Before Naruto could reply though, Superman came to a stop in front of them. The other three went straight past after a momentary nod of their heads in acknowledgement. Batman though as always didn't spare them a moment and went straight to the window, knocking upon it. No doubt he had already been informed on everything already.
"How are you both?" Superman asked, glancing over them both before frowning upon seeing Dick. "You looked tired, Dick." He placed one hand upon his shoulder. "You should get some rest; I admire you're work ethic but try not to become too much like Bruce. You'll have permanent bags under your eyes unless that is the look you're going for."
The teasing remark from Superman while surprising made Naruto chuckle lightly, the reproachful look Dick shot him out of the corner of his eyes only made his amusement grow. "I'll be fine, thank you, Superman," Dick replied, turning to the interrogation room. "Right now though, I would like to stay and watch. I'd rather know what's happening today rather than tomorrow."
Nodding his head, Superman gave Dick's shoulder a comforting squeeze before turning to Naruto who for some reason, stood up a little straighter. "I heard what you did, convincing Lobo to go actively seek out Captain Atom and Shazam."
"Yeah," Naruto replied awkwardly, not quite sure on how to respond to that.
His awkward reply made both Dick and Superman smile. "I hope you know that you avoided a great deal of destruction by doing so. It might not be said or well-known, but nonetheless, I want to thank you for what you did. Lobo is a... persistent man so you did well."
"...You're welcome?" Superman smiled and then turned, heading to join the rest of his fellow Leaguers, Dick then turned to him. "Not a word," Naruto started quickly, Dick's smile wide and threatening to split his face.
Being the bigger man, Dick didn't tease him, but his smile didn't dissipate in the slightest. Both of them instead looked upon the red cape that covered the back of the Symbol of Hope, the Man of Steel. "It's strange, isn't it? Just a few words from him and suddenly you feel the weight of the world lift off your shoulders like everything is going to be alright no matter how bad things get."
Naruto nodded his head. "I guess that's what it means to be in his position."
"A leader?"
"A symbol." Naruto corrected, Dick humming in agreement.
Superman was THE figure. THE Symbol of Hope that everyone looked to for help when everything got worse. When the world seemed to come crumbling down around you, the sight of that red cape flowing in the wind, the S-symbol on a backdrop of blue with the sun behind him. The sight of that alone filled one with hope, everything around you becoming meaningless. All of your pain, your fear giving away to awe and hope.
Even when watching from home, the news displaying the destruction a villain was bringing to a city or the planet. The fear you felt, that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, the cold sweat upon your brow, the rapid pounding of your heat. All of it would dissipate the moment the camera panned to the image of Superman.
In the eyes of many, he was more than a simple man, more than a simple hero. He was it. He was THE Hero. The one and only hero that every other aspired to be like and yet it was as useless as grasping for the moon, an impossible task. When heroes were a dying breed, when Batman was a myth that people only thought about, it was Superman who came and breathed new life into the embers and turned it into a roaring inferno.
There may be heroes stronger than him, smarter than him, better than him in many ways. But none had the presence, the impact that Superman had on people around him. Not only in the eyes of the people, but in the eyes of every hero, Superman was the impossible image they strived to recreate in their own way.
Even to the heroes of the world, he was the Symbol of Hope. When the chips were down and they were beaten, it was Superman who always rose up and said no. It was Superman who kept fighting until the very end and gave everything he had. In doing so, inspired them to do the same.
Just as Naruto and Dick were staring upon the back of Superman, unknowingly standing straighter and becoming more attentive. Everyone else copied them, a shift coming over the room upon Superman's entrance.
Because that back was the one guiding light that inspired them to believe that there was still hope in an otherwise bleak and dark world. That back was the one that always stood firm in the face of the most insurmountable odds, refusing to be bent or broken. Yet, Superman was completely unaware of this fact, unaware of the impact he had on the people around him.
That's what made Superman who he was.
He didn't do those things purposefully, but simply by being himself. That's what made Superman so inspiring because he wasn't trying to put on an image, he was only doing what he thought was right.
'I never thought someone could have such a presence.' Naruto thought to himself, a lump in his throat, a need to live up to some unknown ideal of what he should be like forming in his mind.
Saturday 2nd January 2016, 09:30.
New York,
New York City,
Titan Tower.
"Victor." Naruto greeted with a smile, one hand raised lazily in greeting. "How're things going?"
Turning away from the counter, the cyborg hero returned the smile. "Can't complain. Coffee?" Naruto shook his head, pulling out a chair and sitting down, leaning over to pick up an apple from the fruit basket on the table.
"Never liked the taste of it. The only reason I had it was to get me up on a morning, now I have no need for that. My body would just burn through it all faster than it could work." Cyborg rose a brow, pouring himself a cup.
"You could have just said no." He replied amusedly, Naruto chuckling lowly.
"Probably." He agreed easily. "But I've had limited social interaction for the last few months and Nabu isn't exactly a stellar example of a conversationalist. He usually doesn't say anything and when he does, it's short and simple. In his words, effective."
Cyborg didn't know how to respond to that. "Sounds...fun?"
"It wasn't." Naruto's dry response earned a small smile from Victor.
Honestly, the silence hadn't really bothered Naruto all that much, he had been too focused on training day in and day out to notice that he and Nabu had shared no more than a handful of conversations within the months they had spent together. All of it was purely feedback based as Naruto threw himself completely into his training.
It was different to his usual training.
That was combat based, forcing himself into difficult situations that required him to overcome great odds. He put himself into the position that forced him to break through his limits over and over again. Whether it be against a singular, powerful Demon or dozens of weaker ones. He threw himself headfirst into those situations as a means to truly push the limits of what he could do.
Life and death situations were what had forced Naruto to grow so rapidly in his tenure as Black Hood. From an amateur fighter in an underground fighting arena to a level in which he could pressure Barbara in a fight, even overwhelm her for a time. All without any instruction or guidance, simply the harsh realisation of his flaws and the desperate need to remove said weaknesses.
However, the training he had with Nabu under the last few months, was very similar to the training he under the Parliament of Vapors and Sam Zhao. Guided study under those with far more experience and knowledge than he, in an area just on the cusp of his ability to understand, but beyond his ability to learn on his own. According to Barbara, it was something called the Zone of Proximal Development but Naruto had paid little attention to that at the time.
Nabu, much like the Parliament of Vapors showed him how to do things with magic that had never quite crossed his mind. Except whereas the Parliament of Vapors focused on his control and manipulation of wind, Nabu focused on magic itself. He showed Naruto how to better control his flow of magic, how to do more with less in essence. Nabu even helped Naruto to expand his own horizons with the other elements.
Though if Naruto was being completely honest, his training under Nabu had more in common with his time spent with Slade rather than the Parliament of Vapors. They were kind and patient, understanding of his limits and while pushing him, were wary of his limits.
Neither Slade nor Nabu had such thoughts in mind though. They were strict and firm, constantly pushing him to his limits in their own ways and while as much as he liked the Parliament of Vapors and their style of teaching. Naruto knew that it was Slade and Nabu's style that suited him better.
"So, what did the Justice League want?" Victor asked before adding on. "What did Lobo want?"
Naruto sighed, stretching lightly. "Well, it turns out that we have this group of aliens on Earth, the Kroloteans. They've been infiltrating Earth for years now, luckily for us, Tseng is as high up as they've gotten so far. As for Lobo, well he was hired to come down to Earth and from what it sounds like, simply cause a scene and take Tseng as he was doing it."
"That's definitely not strange at all," Victor murmured, Naruto nodding in agreement. "We found a way to locate the Kroloteans?"
"Apparently, though I'm not sure how. Dick said he'd be sending down a map of New York in a few hours with locations of Kroloteans." Naruto explained briefly, Victor sighing as he understood what this meant.
They had just beaten Doctor Light, a consistent and very powerful foe of the Teen Titans yesterday and it had not been easy. He never was, but like always, Doctor Light seemed to come back stronger than ever. When Dick had radioed in that Batgirl and Wonder Girl would need back up at the UN Building to hold off Lobo of all people, Cyborg had not been looking forward to that encounter.
Lobo was a relatively new figure on the Justice League's radar, but he had exploded onto it in spectacular style by nearly beating Superman. That alone said all that was needed on Lobo's threat level and Cyborg had not been looking to holding off that guy long enough for the Justice League to arrive. He was overjoyed when he learned Naruto was on the scene, even more so when he learned that the blonde had convinced Lobo to leave.
However, it seems that work still had to be done and just when he thought he was going to get a momentary break to relax. 'I really should be used to this by now though.' A hero's work was never done.
"Just out of curiosity, where is everyone?" Naruto asked, looking around at the empty kitchen.
"Oh." Broken from his thoughts, Victor momentarily looked around the room. "Koriand'r, Jesse, Cissie and Lorena are out at a nearby spa. A little treat and relaxation after the fight with Doctor Light yesterday. Their pretty new but, they were able to contribute a lot in bringing him down. As for the others, Rose and Gnarrk are down in the gym. Raven is in her room meditating and Miquel is out with his boyfriend."
"It's very different from what I remember," Naruto said in surprise. "You've got a lot of new members, what happened to the others?"
"Well, after Dick went to take leadership of Young Justice, we still had a lot of people. But with Dick spending more time there, a lot of people started to go their separate ways. People like Amy and Isaiah went solo. Those like Hank, Dawn, Wally and Artemis retired. After that, a lot of people moved over to Young Justice." Cyborg admitted, a little saddened as he thought upon it. "I think a lot of people started to think the Teen Titans was over with I guess and wanted to...jump ship?"
Naruto nodded his head in understanding. "I get it. But you're still here, how come?"
"I'm a team player and the Teen Titans was the first place to accept me fully for what I was. It was the first place I was able to accept who I was also." Victor explained. "I've had offers to join the Justice League, but I'm going to stay a part of the Teen Titans until its end. Even if it ends up being just me alone."
Naruto smiled, chuckling lowly. "Stubborn, aren't you?"
Victor scoffed. "Like you're one to talk."
"Anyway, I'm putting you in charge while Dick's dealing with the Young Justice. The guy needs a break, I've never seen someone look more exhausted than him." Victor looked up, a little confused. "I forced Dick to transfer leadership over to me to take some of the burdens off his shoulders." Naruto clarified.
"And you're immediately handing it over to me?"
Naruto nodded his head. "I know right, shortest tenure as leader of the Teen Titans, a record I doubt will ever be broken." He even sounded proud of it which made Victor laugh lightly. "But in total honesty, Dick was waiting for you to ask. The guy was never going to hand over the position of leader until one of you was ready."
"Which would have only been the case if I asked him." Victor summarised, Naruto humming in agreement. "Well, I'm going to have to refuse the offer."
That caught Naruto a little off-guard, he had thought that Victor would have accepted the position, albeit reluctantly. In fact, the only reason he thought Victor hadn't asked for the position of leadership already was that he didn't want to feel like he was taking something from Dick. To Naruto, it was as if both were expecting the other to do something and not wanting to make the move first.
"Why not?" Naruto questioned curiously.
"I was a football player, it made me work well in a team. I can stand out as an individual, but I have no problem fitting into a crowd and helping others succeed. As a quarterback, I also was good at giving orders." Victory began. "But I was also receiving instructions and orders from others. When I joined the Teen Titans, it was much the same. I stood out as an individual, but I also was able to work seamlessly to help my teammates shine. I was just as happy to take the ball in, as I was to pass it to my teammates so to speak."
"But you like that comfort of having someone to give you orders as well." Victor nodded his head in agreement, Naruto sighing lowly. "I get it. Right now, you're an officer, not the general."
"Sorry."
Naruto waved it off. "Why are you apologising? You don't think you're ready and that's your decision, no one can force you to take the position if you don't want to. I just thought you were unwilling to ask for it."
The fact remained though that Nightwing couldn't lead both teams. Even over at Young Justice, he was relying on field officers like Miss Martian, Bumblebee and the newly reinstated Batgirl as well as the supervisor, Mal Duncam to help run the team considering the number of members there. To add on the Teen Titans as well, it was a lot to oversee and run, plus his own duties in Blüdhaven.
Dick had little time to do it all, let alone sleep and take care of himself. He was spending more and more time over at the Mount Justice because he could rely upon Cyborg and Starfire, who was taking an authoritative role according to him, to lead the Teen Titans in his absence.
But instead of making the easy decision of choosing the Young Justice who were in desperate need of a proper leader, the only ones willing able to step up to the plate were himself, Maelstrom and Aqualad. The Teen Titans on the other hand had capable leadership in Starfire and Cyborg. Dick despite knowing this though, was unable to relinquish command over either team.
Young Justice because of the lack of a proper leader to take the reigns should he refuse.
The Teen Titans because it was the first thing he ever did after leaving Young Justice and Batman.
He didn't want either team to feel like he was abandoning them, despite how stupid that feeling was. So, Naruto had removed that choice from him by forcing him to hand over leadership to him and focus all his efforts upon Young Justice. It wasn't like Naruto had any intentions to lead the Teen Titans either, he had far too much on his plate to then add the responsibilities of a leader on top of that.
Naruto was stubborn, but he wasn't a masochist.
"What about Starfire?" Naruto asked hopefully.
Victor smiled at the pitiful tone. "I think she'd agree, she practically leads the team now anyway." That caused a sigh of relief to escape the blonde, he shaking his fist triumphantly. "Guess your plan to force Dick to give over leadership hasn't backfired spectacularly after all."
"I know, thank god for that," Naruto replied, clutching his heart jokingly. "I was honestly worried that I would have to be a leader again. I am not in any way, shape or form prepared for that at this point in my life."
Saturday 2nd January 2016, 12:15.
New York,
New York City,
Queens.
Stepping to one side of the street, Naruto leaned against the side of the building and pulled out the map in his pocket. It was one of many on the numerous stalls throughout the city of New York that helped to guide tourists to destinations all across the city. More importantly for Naruto at this time of the day, it highlighted some very good restaurants for him to get something to eat.
He was starving.
"Hello again, Naruto." Lowering the map, Naruto looked to see Starfire standing before him, a smile upon her beautiful face. She had contact lenses in, her once pure green eyes now gone, replaced with normal human-like eyes that possessed very bright green irises. They stood out clearly, though Naruto doubted that for most people, that would be the first thing people took note of about her.
She was dressed comfortably, but still radiated beauty and grace unlike most women could. Her red hair was pulled back into a single ponytail, her orange skin appearing to simply be a dark tan shining as the rare January sun beatdown upon her. Her womanly form though, the thing that most men would have noticed first was clad in a comfortable set of jeans and a puffer jacket with a fur-lined hood, a handbag draped over one shoulder.
"Koriand'r." Naruto greeted back, his smile a little forced, trying to hide how uncomfortable he was. They were close, more so than he would like, but because of the busy pathway they were on, she had to come a little closer to avoid being nudged constantly by people trying to get by. "How are you?"
"I am very good, thank you for asking." She returned, extending one hand, Naruto reluctantly giving a brief handshake, taking some comfort in the knowledge that he was the one to initiate contact. "How are you? Victor told me you stopped by the Tower. I am sorry I was not able to meet you there. I and the girls were out at the spa, a treat for their performance yesterday."
"I heard." Naruto waved it off. "According to Victor, they seem to be getting much better. And you don't need to apologise for that, you didn't know I was coming." He paused, for a moment, considering his options before making his decision. "I'm trying to find a place to eat, do you want to join me. We can talk more comfortably then, rather than on the street?"
Looking at their surroundings, Starfire nodded her head with a smile. "I would be happy to join you, do you have a place in mind?"
Sheepishly, Naruto smiled. "I was kind of hoping you might know a good place to eat. I've only been to New York a few times and only once as a sort of vacation. Which actually ended up with our first meeting if I remember correctly."
"Really?" Starfire asked in bemusement. "Then what have you done for those other visits in New York?"
A flash of his time training under Slade briefly appeared in his mind. "Besides visiting the Teen Titans, it's a long story." He admitted, feeling his tense muscles beginning to relax a little.
Saturday 2nd January 2016, 12:30.
New York,
New York City,
Queens.
"...and I'll have a coke as well, thank you," Naruto said, closing the menu, the waitress taking his and Starfire's orders. Usually, in a diner like this, he would have had coffee to help him stay awake during the day. However, due to the serum, caffeine, like many drugs had no effect on him whatsoever.
As much coffee as Naruto used to drink back when he was younger and fighting crime as Black Hood, he had never liked the taste of it. He still drank it though, even after taking the serum, knowing full well that it would do nothing for him, but his body moved on instinct. It was the same with alcohol, Naruto had never liked the taste of it but still drank it anyway. Unfortunately for him though, he couldn't get drunk and so was simply left with the taste in his mouth.
One of the upsides to his time spent within Tartarus however though, was that all of his habits had kind of worn off.
"I did not expect your choice of a place to eat to be a diner of all places," Naruto admitted, looking across to Starfire who smiled happily, her coat laid on the seat beside her, revealing her Bardot top.
She smiled, tucking her hair behind one ear. "Why not?"
Naruto shrugged, leaning back into his chair. "I dunno, you just struck me as the type who would eat somewhere a little more upmarket."
"Is it because I was a princess?" She pressed further.
"You were a princess?" Naruto asked in surprise, Starfire seemingly a little caught off-guard his response to her tease.
"You did not know?" She returned, perplexed.
Naruto shook his head. "I didn't, no. I mean you always seemed a little...formal and posh, but I just assumed that was because of the fact you're an alien." He whistled shortly. "But a princess? That explains why Victor says you're a good choice as leader."
"Leader?"
"He didn't tell you?" Naruto questioned, Starfire shaking her head. "Oh, well, I forced Dick to hand over leadership of the Teen Titans to me and I'm giving it to you. I asked, Victor initially, but he refused and was adamant that you were a better fit than he was. Honestly, Dick needed a break, he looks exhausted."
Starfire smiled, she had seen Dick on numerous occasions. They may not be in a relationship anymore, but they were still friends and she had been worried for him. It didn't take a genius to see that he was exhausted and she, like many was concerned that he was doing too much.
Though none of them had been quite as forceful as Naruto had been in making Dick get some rest. But from the fact that he had succeeded whereas their pleas for him to rest had fallen on deaf ears, perhaps being more forceful had been the best way to go about it.
"I will gladly take the position as leader of the Teen Titans." Starfire accepted with a smile, something Naruto returned with his own. Though the relief he was displaying didn't escape her notice either. "Though I will admit to being disappointed that I will not be able to see the famous Maelstrom leading us."
"Famous? Me?" As far as Naruto was aware, his tenure as a hero was relatively unknown. His most famous persona was Black Hood, the only thing keeping the interest of the public in that was the group of copycats that called themselves, the Hoods that had been going around.
Other than that, the number of heroes who knew about that, was mostly confined to the original Young Justice roster and a few of the older heroes. Nearly all of the older heroes, even Zatanna didn't know about the connection between Black Hood and Maelstrom. It had been a decision many had made to treat the two as separate entities, mostly because of the problems that had occurred between Naruto and a few of the original Young Justice roster due to his past.
Even fewer knew about his time as Marauder, someone who was a complete unknown to the public. As for Maelstrom, well besides what he had done in Young Justice and his time in Gotham, culminating in the final clash with the mind-controlled Justice League, he had done nothing else. 'Well, except for that time in New York when Starfire first appeared. Huh, perhaps I might have done more than I realised. But it's been nearly five years since the incident with the Light that I was involved in and a few years since the minor incident with Starfire. Compared to what a few of the other heroes in my generation have done, it's not very recent.'
"You seem a little surprised."
"Honestly, I am," Naruto admitted with a light chuckle. "It's been a while since I did anything public so I'm surprised people still talk about me, let alone me apparently being famous. Unless you're joking with me?"
Starfire laughed but shook her head. "I am not joking with you, Naruto." She assured him. "In fact, you underestimate quite heavily the impact you have had on our generation of heroes. The Young Justice team that you led was the first hero team for young heroes like ourselves. Admittedly, a lot of the deeds you accomplished during that time are largely unknown to the public, but there is a clear record of it amongst heroes."
"Since then, a lot of the heroes that were part of your team or worked with you went on to have big impacts in the world." Starfire continued. "Dick formed the Teen Titans, Wally and Artemis being founding members alongside him. Kaldur led the Young Justice in your absence with Connor and M'gann at his side. Those two now stand as two of the premier superstars of our generation. Zatanna and Raquel have also become the first official members of our generation to join the Justice League."
Even though Roy Harper's clone, Red Arrow was the first young hero to join the Justice League, he was not the Roy Harper many remembered. Because of that, however wrong it may be, he existed in a space kind of separate from many. To those like Dick, Kaldur and Wally who knew Roy, they accepted his clone easily, trying to make him feel welcome.
But Roy had also been struggling with the revelation that he was a clone and had since spiralled.
"I am still quite interested to know what it would be like to be on a team led by you. Especially if the impact you have had on others is as profound as it seems." Naruto blushed lightly, trying not to show his uncomfortableness with the praise being heaped onto him.
He didn't do a very good job of it.
Luckily for him, the waitress appeared at that time, placing down their drinks in front of them. The distraction was a thankful break for Naruto who happily took this opportunity to calm his slightly flustered state of mind.
"But," Naruto began, overcoming his momentary embarrassment. "I didn't come to New York purely to transfer leadership of the Teen Titans, that was actually me just getting side-tracked a little. Which I am doing now." He laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head.
"Then why did you come?" Starfire asked with a small smile, amused by his antics.
Naruto hesitated for a moment, before sighing. "I, I wanted to ask you for your help." He finally admitted, Starfire looking somewhat surprised by his admission, but nonetheless, leaned forward in interest. This though made Naruto a little uncomfortable, not because of their closeness, but for the first time, openly admitting he needed help since everything that happened. "I know that you never actually offered, but you implied. At least I think you did I'm not sure. I'm sorry this is stupid. I shouldn't have asked. Just forget-"
"Naruto, I would be happy to help you in any way that I can." Starfire interrupted the blonde before he could shut himself out.
He didn't openly show any signs of relief, and in fact, just frowned, but Naruto was happy by this. It was of course known to him that trauma wasn't easy for anyone to overcome and that it often meant revisiting and reliving those old memories in order to come to terms with what happened.
He had done his research, some victims never got over what happened and they either killed themselves, or become haunted by it. Naruto couldn't afford to be like that, he had already messed up once.
As much as he wanted to overcome his trauma though, Naruto would not deny that he was scared of reliving what happened all over again. "Thank you." Naruto eventually muttered, his lips twisting into a strained smile, Starfire's being much more genuine and real. "And I'll even help Raven. I know that Jason hasn't been able to help her like he was doing. But unless you've got someone else to help her, I would be happy to do so."
Starfire paused. "I thought you said you could not help her?" She questioned, her smile turning into a frown. "If you think that you have to train Raven for me to help you, then do not worry. Even if you cannot help Raven, I will still help you."
Naruto shook his head. "It's not that I couldn't help her, it's that Jason would be better suited to do so than I was. He's been studying Demons and Demonology for centuries. Me, at that time, my only experience with Demons was learning to control my powers and well, killing them. Comparatively, Jason was just a better fit for her than I was, but that's no longer the case because Jason isn't here. I want to feel like I'm doing something and helping Raven is my way of doing that."
"You do not have to force yourself, Naruto." Starfire still wasn't completely convinced of the idea. It was not like she was against the idea of Naruto being a tutor for Raven, in fact, she was happy that Raven could have a mentor again.
When she had first met Raven, she was quiet, withdrawn and cold. Her emotions were always kept under a tight façade of control. But ever since training with Jason, she was able to express herself more without losing control of her powers. She was still reserved and withdrawn, but hints of happiness, frustration, joy and emotions of all kinds would seep through that once strong façade.
But Jason had disappeared six months ago, a simple explanation that he would be unable to return for many years. Raven had been sad, locking herself within her room, she having truly connected with someone for the first time in many years. Starfire had been unable to do anything and she was more than happy to have Naruto help Raven.
However, she didn't want Naruto to feel pressured to help Raven. Starfire wanted Naruto to help Raven because it's what he wanted to do and not because he thought she wouldn't help him if he didn't.
"I'm not forcing myself," Naruto responded firmly. "But I've made a big mistake by not being able to help myself. Something that's impacted not just me but others. Raven is one of those people. I'm going to help myself overcome what happened in any way that I can. But I'm also going to make amends for my actions. Picking up from where Jason left off is the first way to do that. So please, let me do this."
He needed this.
Naruto wanted to make amends for everything so badly, Jason, Daniel and Eddie were confined to Hell because he was too stubborn and afraid to get help. He couldn't get them out of there right now, but someday he would. First, though, he would try and make amends for his actions to those who he could help right now.
Raven was one of those people and if that meant taking on the role of a mentor-like figure, then so be it. He would make sure that when Jason returned, Raven would be there to greet him and show the progress she made.
Naruto wanted Jason to know that even though he had done everything he could to make up for his mistake.
So, another chapter done and with it, the Young Justice Season 2 begins. Expect something similar to the end of the Young Justice Season 1 arc with the actions of the Team taking place in the background. The main focus of this arc will be upon Naruto's interactions with the Teen Titans as well as a budding friendship between him and Starfire. That isn't to say that Naruto won't interact with the Team nor will he not be involved in the plot of YJ Season 2 because he will. For the most part though, it will be in the background except for a few moments.
Anyway, in this chapter we saw Naruto's first encounter with Lobo. Not a fight I know, but I didn't want to have Naruto resolve every fight with his fists. He actually managed to talk Lobo out of a fight with him this time, instead directing him towards the JL members on their way here. We also start to see Naruto beginning to interact with the Teen Titans, mainly with Cyborg and Starfire.
The latter is Naruto's main way of overcoming his trauma at the hands of Lady Blaze where we learn that she did some seriously fucked up things to him. Though, trauma is not something that's easy to overcome, even for Naruto, he is still Naruto and he will brute force his way through as much as he can. Other than that though, not much else from this chapter, I hope you all enjoyed it though.
Anyway, now that's done, let's get on with the questions:
Sly Dragneel: Possibly, who knows. I'm not going to spoil what happens.
Stonepotrice: So, what happens was after his fight Asmodel, Naruto was completely exhausted, as was Alan Scott. Their battle against Asmodel had effectively killed thousands of Demons who were simply caught in the crossfire. However, Lady Blaze was fresh, she had not gotten involved in any of the fighting at all. Sure, she isn't overly powerful, more so focused on telepathy and manipulation, but she's still a Demon and not weak. Naruto and Alan being exhausted as they were from their battle against Asmodel could put up little fight against her.
In that situation, it's hinted at that Belyllioth had met with Naruto and while not outright manipulated Naruto, omitted the truth a little bit. This led him to Hell where he met with Dalkriig-Hath who was trying to use that one little loophole in the contract. Naruto was taunted by what happened and snapped, losing controlling of his powers and going berserk, killing Dalkriig-Hath in the process.
Yes, Jason will be becoming back as Red Hood, one of my favourite characters of all time. Never liked him as Robin, but loved him as Red Hood. As for being nominated for a spot, it was something he turned down after the whole Bialya Battle in order to focus all his efforts on training and because he had no desire to join the JL.
Anisuculenticate: In the future, yes Superboy will develop the full totality of his Kryptonian powers. He will need them with the way this story progresses in the future. As for how strong he will ultimately become, well he will become top tier, a universal being eventually.
Sultan Asil Arslan-Hiatus: Not a huge amount, I like the inclusion of more depth to Martian society. That's something I'm going to use, as for everything else, not much. Because of the timeline of the YJ canon, with the arcs I've got planned, all that stuff will be impossible. So, for the most part, it will be bits of lore and concepts like lore.
Coleslawter14: Thank you very much and I'm glad that I've got someone hooked as much as you. Hope you stick around to see it's end and I will try my best to bring this story to a spectacular ending for you. It will be a long journey, with many twists and turns, but I hope we can both see it through to the end.
Ikeraam: I get what you're saying, and I know clearly how powerful both DC and Naruto universes are. Neither is weak, but there is a clear difference between them. To make a clear, concise power scaling for each character, I've taken each comic characters best and worst showings and gone for the more average, middling level. It's not too weak and not too OP, allowing them plenty of room to grow more powerful. And you're right, DC and Marvel have done a bad job with making consistent power levels, but they are getting much better at it.
Hope this clears up any questions you might have had and if not, please let me know and I'll try and answer them as best as I can.