Naruto: Son of the Demon

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Batman or Teen Titans

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

People have been asking for an update schedule for my stories. There isn't one. I work 60 hours a week now and have little time to write. Here is Chapter 5. Enjoy!

[ ] designates hand signs.

{ } designates a foreign language.

Last Time….

Gotham City Clock Tower

Batgirl, Black Canary, Katana and the Huntress met up in their central base of operations for the first time. Barbara and Dinah obviously knew each other's secret identities but no one else knew anything but their vigilante names. Batgirl said, "Welcome to the Gotham City Clock Tower; the base of operations of the little vigilante corporation that we have formed. I guess we need a name for our group but for the time being we'll all consider ourselves field agents. I'm Batgirl and I specialize in information gathering and high crimes of supervillains. I'll be doing my best to keep our group organized and informed."

Dinah introduced herself next. "I am the Black Canary. My specialty is street fighting and hand to hand combat. I deal with violent criminals."

"I'm the Huntress." stated Helena. "If it has to do with the Mafia I take them down."

Unlike the others; Tetsu bowed formally and said "I am known as Katana and my skills were honed against the Yakuza. I hope we all work well together and are successful."

"As do I." replied Batgirl. "Now that we are all gathered together; let's get down to our real business: crimefighting…"

Chapter 5

Wayne Manor, Gotham City, United States

Naruto stood the looking out one of the massive windows of Wayne Manor giving him a panoramic view of Gotham City's nighttime skyline. He'd been brought here by his Mother Talia al Ghul at the request of his Father Bruce Wayne -Batman- who had yet to make an appearance.

Talia was worried for her son and put him under the friendly but watchful eye of Bruce Wayne's Butler, Alfred Pennyworth. "Enjoying the view young Master Naruto?" asked the older man.

The blonde shook his head and said, "For every light we see there is a dark place hiding crime and corruption, I suppose if I didn't know that the view would be breathtaking… and just call me Naruto. This whole young Master business makes me sound like a fop."

Alfred chuckled. "You are Master Bruce and Lady Talia's son. That practically makes you royalty by Gotham standards."

"I'll be back on the streets soon enough." said Naruto. "I don't need handouts from my Father, Mother or anyone."

The butler replied, "As I understand it your home was totally destroyed. You should take advantage of the hospitality here at least for a little while. Besides, you are injured."

Naruto's eyes crackled with chakra. "You probably already know this but I'm a metahuman with a healing factor. My body will be completely mended by morning."

About that time Talia came in and said, "How are you feeling Naruto? Almost losing you made me realize just how precious you are to me. Your Father will be home soon. He is eager to meet you. I want you to form a bond with him."

"I'd think you would discourage such things Mother. We are assassins after all." said the blonde. "Besides, I already met him -in a way."

The beautiful brunette said, "I've had a change of heart."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "A change of heart? That's unlike you."

Talia gently placed her hand on Naruto's shoulder and she explained, "The League of Assassins is no longer under tight control. The infighting between factions is causing it to splinter. It's imploding. I want out and I want you safe my handsome boy."

"Ra's al Ghul would never allow it." said the blonde. "You of all people are well aware of this."

"Your Grandfather wouldn't attack us here." said Talia. "He has a respect for your Father believe it or not."

Naruto frowned. "I can't just hide behind Bruce Wayne, Mother. I have work to do. Detective work."

She smiled. "You sound just like your Father, Naruto. I'm so very proud of you."

'Just what are you up to Mother?' wondered the blonde ninja. 'Your recent actions are erratic and out of character. I need to get to the bottom of this.'

Bruce Wayne made it back to the manor two hours later. He found himself a bit nervous about meeting his son face to face. 'I don't know a thing about being a Father. I never dreamed I had a son. Talia kept him hidden all these years. I have to wonder what changed…'

When he walked in, Talia was talking to their son Naruto. They noted his presence before he had a chance to utter a word. 'Well, they are assassins.' Bruce thought ruefully.

The Master of Wayne Manor noted that Naruto had a slimmer build like his mother Talia but had his blue eyes. Those eyes had a hard, intimidating look about them that he saw in the mirror every morning when he got up. It was obvious that Naruto oozed power and athleticism. 'So this is my son. He seems to have inherited a nice mix of Talia's and my own qualities.'

Talia said in a kind way, "You are here Bruce." She turned to Naruto. "Greet your Father properly Naruto. You could learn a great deal from him."

Naruto bowed properly to Bruce and said, "I bid you greetings Mister Wayne. I am Naruto Uzumaki."

Talia sighed. "At least address him as Father. You are so regimented."

Now it was the blonde's turn to sigh. "That would imply familiarity."

Talia's eyes narrowed irritably but Bruce said, "It's all right Talia, let me introduce myself. Naruto Uzumaki, I'm your Father Bruce Wayne. You may address me as Father or Bruce if you wish. It is a pleasure to meet you, my son. I hope we can get to know each other. You've had a bit of a rough night with your home and office destroyed. Consider yourself at home here in Wayne Manor."

Naruto replied, "Thank you but I need to get back to my place and figure out what there is to salvage. Staying here really isn't an option. I also need to fabricate a cover story regarding those two thugs of Fabian Falcone. I was a bit heavy handed with my interrogation of the two."

Bruce had a gleam in his eye. "They were very eager to talk after you left. Actually, they were singing like birds about what they did."

"I'm sure Fabian Falcone will have a middleman take the fall so he can walk away scot-free." replied Naruto cynically. "That's how he's always operated."

"It seems you've studied the Falcone family's methods." said Bruce with approval. "You also blew the lid off that human trafficking ring that the Gotham City Police Department has been trying to crack for years. Commissioner Gordan told me he's been trying to recruit you."

The blonde nodded. "I don't intend to join. I can get things done far more effectively by operating outside of the Police Department's legal parameters."

Talia smirked. "You use the same methods as your Father does, Naruto."

"I'm not some kind of superhero." replied Naruto. "I'm just a detective."

"Judging by that Desert Patrol Vehicle you had tucked away; I'd say you are closer to a vigilante than a detective." commented Bruce.

Naruto's blue eyes narrowed. He was getting riled when Alfred interjected, "Master Bruce, Lady Talia; I believe young Master Naruto has had a very long and difficult night. His home was destroyed after all. Perhaps I should show him to his room where he can rest."

Naruto relaxed his tense muscles and said, "I think a night's sleep would be good idea Mister Pennyworth."

"Please call me Alfred." said the kindly butler.

Talia gently hugged her son. "Get some sleep my handsome boy."

"We'll talk in the morning." said Bruce.

…As he led Naruto down the hallway to his guest room, Alfred said, "I believe your parents mean well but they are pushing things a bit too quickly. Is there anything you need before you retire?"

Naruto asked, "You wouldn't happen to have some hot sake in this huge old mansion would you…?"

Alfred replied. "As a matter of fact, we do…"

Bruce was speaking with Talia in his bedroom. "Are you serious about Naruto following in my footsteps Talia?"

The beautiful brunette replied, "He already is don't you think? Naruto has many abilities but his mind is his greatest weapon. He is far too brilliant to be a mere assassin… and he is your heir."

Barbara Gordan and Dinah Drake's Apartment

By the next morning Naruto slipped out of Wayne Manor and took a taxi to see his girlfriend Barbara at her new apartment. "So, your place was totally destroyed? Where are you going to stay Naruto? I don't mind if you crash here but Dinah might not be too keen on it." said the redhead.

"I'm going to get a hotel room or something so that's not an issue." said Naruto. "I need to start hunting for a new location to set up a base in. I mainly wanted to tell you I'm alright." He kissed her hotly. "I love you, Barbara."

She reciprocated and the two came up for air a few minutes later. "I love you too Naruto. Stay in touch and stay safe for me."

Carmine Falcone's Mansion

Later that day, Carmine 'The Roman' Falcone was talking to his younger cousin Fabian about how sloppily the hit on Detective Naruto Uzumaki had been. "Those two thugs got caught by the Batman and admitted to everything Fabian, everything! We can cover your tracks well enough but you can bet Bats will be watching you. Keep your head low Fabian. That's an order, not a suggestion!"

Fabian said flippantly, "I'm not afraid of the Batman!"

"You will be if he catches you." snarled Carmine. "You will be."

Wayne Manor

Naruto was having dinner with his parents that evening. The blonde felt awkward. "Just sit back and enjoy the cuisine Naruto." said Talia. "You are safe here. I understand you want an office as a front but there is no reason you can't live at Wayne Manor with your Father and I."

"You mean to move in here Mother?" asked Naruto dumbfounded.

She smiled and said, "That's correct my handsome boy, I'm moving in with your Father."

'What is with her being so affectionate?' wondered the blonde. Then a thought hit him. Taking in a gentle whiff of his Mother's scent confirmed Naruto's suspicions. "You are pregnant aren't you Mother?"

Talia and Bruce's eyes widened. "Pregnant?" asked Talia in shock.

Naruto nodded, "Your scent is different. It's unmistakable Mother. You are with child."

Bruce was goggle eyed. "Talia…?"

She sighed. "Yes, Naruto's nose is that good. I suppose a pregnancy test is in order."

After dinner, Naruto's suspicions were confirmed. Talia al Ghul was once again pregnant with Bruce Wayne's child. "I guess that explains the emotional roller coaster I've been on." confessed Talia. "But this time will be different. I want to raise this child. I won't let Father swoop in and take my baby like he did with you Naruto. He or she will have a Mother and a Father." She was practically glowing with happiness.

For his part, Bruce Wayne was both happy and shocked as Alfred congratulated them both.

…And Naruto was wondering what the future held…

East End

Two weeks later, Naruto had his new office. On the door it read:

NARUTO UZUMAKI

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

The blonde was pleased that his new abode was still in the East End but was better protected because it was on the third floor. Then he shook his head. The building was owned by none other than Wayne Enterprises and had a hidden garage being built for his Desert Patrol Vehicle at his Father's insistence. It had all been carefully masked as foundation repairs. The top floor was being remodeled into an apartment for Naruto as well.

'It's difficult.' thought Naruto. 'I am grateful, but I have enough money to stand on my own two feet. Bruce Wayne isn't even charging me rent.' Sighing at the thought of being under his Father's aegis, Naruto answered his phone. It was Commissioner James Gordon. "Hello Jim." answered the blonde.

The Commissioner was ecstatic. He said, "Congratulations on your new setup Naruto. Bruce Wayne told me that he'd rented a new place to you because of work you did for him. I'm going to have to drop in and visit you at your new office."

"Just make sure to call ahead first Jim." said the blonde in good humor. "I have a huge backlog of cases that need to be caught up since my old place was wrecked."

"Just do Barbara and I a favor and stay away from the Falcone family." said the Police Commissioner.

"I'll do my best." replied Naruto.

Fabian Falcone's Residence

Fabian Falcone wasn't done with Naruto, not by a longshot. The detective had embarrassed him and needed to be made into an example. Batman saved Uzumaki once but wasn't going to be there a second time. To this end he hired some outside muscle, a huge thug named Dregz*① that had tangled with the likes of Green Arrow and Black Canary before.

Dregz was a mountain of a man that carried a machete. He was more in it for the thrills than the money but agreed to crush the blonde detective since he couldn't find his real target in Gotham, Black Canary. "Alright mister Falcone, consider the detective dead." Dregz said earlier that day. It took the brown-haired man a bit of time, but he discovered Naruto exiting the new office building late that night and pounced upon the unsuspecting blonde…

…Naruto dodged the hulking man with ease.

Dregz growled, "You're dead meat Uzumaki!" as he drew his machete.

Naruto placed a hand on his forehead as if he was warding off the world's worst migraine. He said to Dregz "Who the hell are you? My life has been a real tangle lately and I really have no time for this."

The big man laughed and said, "I'm Dregz and you're going to make the time." He brandished his weapon and asked, "How do you want to be sliced up? Thick or thin? It's your choice little man."

The blonde detective said, "Put the knife away and walk away from this. You're a hundred years too young to fight me."

Predictably, Dregz got enraged at being dismissed so lightly and growled, "Fucker, you won't get out of this alive!" Slashing his machete he charged the detective only to get kicked in the left kidney as Naruto appeared behind him.

Naruto said in a bored tone, "There are dozens of openings in your form." He cracked his knuckles and said, "Get ready you lummox; the pain's only started."

Dregz was howling in agony as Naruto unleashed the Gama Style Taijutsu and rained hell on the thug. Every time Dregz slashed with his machete; Naruto would simply redirect the direction of the slice by pushing it aside with an index finger against the flat end of the blade.

All the while the blonde was landing crushing blows against the thug's joints, knees, groin and throat. Within minutes, Dregz was whimpering and in a world of pain. When he fell down for the last time and curled up on a ball, half of his bones were shattered and several organs were bruised. He was bleeding internally and had a terrible concussion. Dregz shivered as Naruto towered over him with chakra burning in his eyes. Naruto asked, "Who sent you?"

"F-fabian Falcone…" answered the terrified Dregz.

"That's what I figured." growled Naruto. Then the detective added conversationally, "If I was a kind man, I'd kill you or at least knock you unconscious. Or I might call you an ambulance. Unfortunately for you I'm not a kind man. Enjoy the suffering Dregz. Sayonara." The blonde walked off in silence and disappeared…

Up above perched on a roof was Black Canary. She watched Naruto vanish into the darkness like Batman was known to do. She'd seen the whole confrontation from the get-go and was going to intervene and save Barbara's boyfriend at the beginning only to see Naruto completely dismantle Dregz.

Trembling slightly with excitement, Dinah Drake hopped down into the alley where the broken bruise that was once Dregz was lying in a pool of his own blood. The thug looked up at Black Canary and said fearfully, "…Glowing eyes…" before he passed out.

"Tough luck Dregz. I guess you were out of your league" Then Dinah thought to herself, 'Barbara never said Naruto could fight like that! What kind of a combat style was he using? I think I'm in love…'

The demolished Dregz was lucky on one count; he was found by the Gotham City Police and taken to the hospital for emergency treatment.

Wayne Manor

As for Naruto, he'd dusted off his long coat and slipped into his (temporary) home at Wayne Manor. While his office was complete; his new apartment at the top of the office building was not. He wondered how Barbara was doing but also knew that it was nighttime and she was probably fighting crime as Batgirl. 'Gods I miss her…' he thought forlornly.

He heard a soft knock on his door and said, "Come in Mother."

Talia walked in and said, "Welcome home Naruto. Why don't you come down and have some dinner with your Father and I? I-" She frowned, "I smell blood on you. What happened?"

"It's not my blood you're smelling." said Naruto. "Some thug with a machete called Dregz attacked me. He was on Fabian Falcone's payroll."

"Is he still alive?" asked Talia.

The blonde nodded. "I was being observed so I just broke most of the bones in his body."

She questioned, "Who was watching you?"

"The one called the Black Canary." he replied. "I didn't feel like fighting her too, so I left Dregz's head attached to his shoulders."

"We'll ask Bruce to look up this Dregz character after dinner." said Talia. "Did he give you any trouble?"

"The fool wasn't worth the time I took to destroy him." answered the blonde. "He'll need a year to heal up."

"Only a year?" she asked.

"That's assuming he heals fast." he answered.

"That's my boy." she said with pride in her voice.

After dinner, Bruce Wayne looked up Dregz and said, "He fought against Green Arrow and Black Canary. He could be a serious threat if your guard was down. According to my data he's at Gotham Central Hospital undergoing emergency surgery… The list of injuries is a mile long. What happened exactly?"

"He irritated me with that machete of his." stated Naruto.

Bruce sweat dropped at his son's antics…

Barbara Gordan and Dinah Drake's Apartment

Dinah Drake was excitedly giving her roommate the play by play of Naruto's fight with Dregz. "I couldn't believe it Barb! Naruto was moving around Dregz like a wraith. I haven't seen fighting like that since I battled Lady Shiva! Can you tell me what style of combat he uses?"

Barbara sighed and held her index finger up to her lips. "Ancient ninja secret." said the redhead.

"Oh, come on Barb!" said Dinah. "I've got to know!"

James Gordon's daughter smiled and said, "Honestly, that's all he's ever told me."

"You think he'd show me a few moves?" asked the blonde.

The redhead smiled and said, "You told me you thought he was too weak for me a few days ago and now you want to learn from him? That's a bit ironic."

"Ironic or not, I saw him totally demolish Dregz without even breaking a sweat." replied Dinah. "I want to learn."

"Good luck with that." quipped Barbara. "He's only taught me one move and it's one hundred percent crippling, so I don't use it."

Dinah had stars it her eyes. "What does it do? Can you teach it to me?"

"It shatters the spine and no, I can't teach it to you." said the redhead. "I know it well enough to use it but not enough to teach it."

"Did he say what the move was called?" asked the blonde.

"No, he just said it was a modified form of Juken." explained Barbara.

"Gentle Fist?" asked Dinah. "I've never even heard of it."

"Like I said, ancient ninja secret." said he redhead with a smile…

Carmine Falcone's Mansion

The very next night, Carmine Falcone was once again talking to Fabian about his reckless actions regarding the Detective Uzumaki. 'The Roman' slapped Fabian across the face and growled, "I told you to leave him alone and what do you do? You hire some idiot super thug that promptly gets his ass kicked by the Black Canary!"

Carmine reined in his anger and said, "You've had two strikes against you. Don't expect me to cover for you a third time. Covering your trail cost me a fortune Fabian. It won't happen again."

Leaving his older cousin's mansion in a huff, Fabian got in his stretch limo and said, "Drive! I want to see the Gotham Fountains."

The Gotham Fountains were a splendid bit of architecture made to beautify Gotham City some twenty years before. They sprayed about thirty feet high and were lit up with various colors, so they looked like a fireworks display, particularly at night.

Naruto Uzumaki was hidden in the darkness among the fountains watching Fabian as the mobster relaxed on a bench as the water shimmered around him. The blonde was watching the crook very carefully as he intended to deal with Fabian later when the time was right… For now, he would watch and wait…

Commissioner James Gordan's Office

The next morning, Jim Gordon was talking with Naruto about the super criminal Dregz. Naruto said smoothly, "I wasn't there when the Black Canary showed up. I can only assume this Dregz character got hit in the head too hard by her after I left my office saying it was me that laid him up in the hospital. You said he was busted up badly by the Black Canary. If he admitted Fabian Falcone had him targeting me then it could be a real problem though. To think getting Mario Falcone put on trial for drug trafficking and possession led to this…" The blonde frowned. "I guess I'll have to keep a lower profile."

James nodded and said, "As long as you understand the gravity of the situation Naruto. The Falcone Family is dangerous and I'm prepared to give you witness protection until the trial if you think it's necessary. I want you safe my boy."

"I can't go into hiding Jim." Said Naruto. "I know you mean well but there are cases to solve."

"If things get too hot you call me Naruto, okay?" asked the Commissioner.

Naruto grinned, "I will Jim."

Little Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse

That evening, Naruto invited his girlfriend Barbara out for sushi. Alas, their mood was less than romantic because a very enthused Dinah Drake had invited herself along. The blonde woman said, "Barbara told me you know some fighting techniques, I thought maybe we could spar and swap a few moves."

Naruto glanced at his girlfriend who rolled her eyes. He smiled and said, "I'm just a detective who knows a little self-defense. I'm sure there's nothing I could teach you Miss Drake. Besides, you seem very skilled as it is."

"Just call me Dinah." said the bleach blonde. "I'll bet you could whip these Yakuza types." She said it loud enough that the two Japanese gangsters eating in the restaurant would hear her declaration.

Naruto saw the two Yakuza tense up and replied, "Japanese mobsters are scary strong with their martial arts. It's best to avoid them." 'She's trying to draw those two into a fight in public. What is wrong with this girl?'

"I still say you're stronger." said Dinah in the Yakuza's direction.

Seeing a challenge had been made, one of the two Yakuza came over and said, "Your girlfriend is pretty loud blondie. I think I'll show her just how weak you really are."

Naruto smiled weakly and said, "Now there's no need for violence sir. Let me buy you a drink."

The Yakuza said, "Too late for that man. Prepare to taste my Tiger Fist!" He made a straight punch at Naruto.

The blonde detective twirled his chopsticks in one hand and reinforced them with chakra. The Yakuza's brutal punch was stopped cold by the flimsy chopsticks. Dinah was thrilled. Barbara was irritated and the Yakuza was in shock. "Y-you blocked my punch with chopsticks?!" he said in disbelief.

Naruto's eyes flashed with chakra and he said in a bone chilling voice, "Walk away while you still can or you'll end up in a body bag."

The Yakuza said, "Sorry man, no offense. I'll just go back over to my table." The blonde ninja nodded and went back to eating his meal.

Barbara scolded her friend and said in a whisper, "What are you trying to do Dinah? Get us banned from this restaurant?"

"I just wanted to see if Naruto is as strong as you say he is." the bleach blonde whispered back.

Naruto was more focused on the two Yakuza. 'His version of Tiger fist was so weak and poor in form that he'd be slaughtered in a real fight.'

Finishing their meal and leaving before the Yakuza gathered up the courage to attack or call in some help, Naruto and Barbara shared a kiss goodnight before heading their separate ways.

Barbara Gordan and Dinah Drake's Apartment

The redhead hissed, "Well Dinah, you ruined what would have been a nice date for Naruto and I."

Dinah said, "Sorry but I had to test him."

"Test him for what?" asked Barbara puzzled.

"To see if he's good enough to help the Birds of Prey." answered the blonde woman.

"And what did you decide in your infinite wisdom?" asked the Commissioner's daughter.

Dinah replied, "Oh, he's more than good enough Barb."

East End

Naruto walked back to his office in silence. He was in a bad mood because he'd had to show his hand. He also puzzled out that Dinah Drake was the Black Canary. He'd had his suspicions but had no doubts now. 'I wonder about her purpose though. What was the point in that display? It was some kind of test but to what end?'

The blonde sensed a familiar presence and pivoted to face it in the shadows. He said quietly, "Lady Shiva, the rumors you are in Gotham are true. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

Lady Shiva smiled and said, "You detected me, good. You've grown stronger since we last met Naruto. I am pleased. Most of my other former students stagnate without constant supervision." She looked around and said, "Is there a place we can talk?"

Naruto nodded and said, "Follow me. We'll speak in my office."

The blonde detective made it to his office building and punched the key codes to get in. Going up to his third-floor office, Naruto turned to his guest and said, "Welcome to my humble abode. I'll get us some hot tea."

Shiva said, "Always the considerate host. Aren't you concerned I might attack you?"

Naruto handed her a cup of green tea and replied. "It's not like you to waste time, Master. If you were going to attack me, you would have."

She nodded. "You are correct of course. I came by to see you and pass some information to you. You are one of those few that I deem worthy of giving it to."

"What's the price?" asked the blonde.

"Keep growing and learning." Shiva answered. "Prove that you are worthy of being my disciple in the arts."

"I'll do my best." said Naruto earnestly.

"Good." replied the Master approvingly. "The League of Assassins is in a state of civil war. Your Mother Talia al Ghul's defection caused a massive schism on Infinity Island. Ra's al Ghul has placed a mandate on her life."

"I suppose there is a price on my head as well then?" asked the blonde detective.

"Ordinarily one would think so but no." answered Shiva. "Ra's al Ghul's faction views you as the heir to the throne still." That doesn't mean other groups aren't targeting you though."

"Mara." Hissed the ninja.

She nodded. "Mara al Ghul has formed her own splinter group centered around the Demon's Fist and they plan to rule the League of Assassins by eliminating prime targets such as you. She even tried to recruit me to the cause, but I told her I wasn't interested in the Assassin War.

"The Assassin War?" asked Naruto. "Is that what they are calling it?"

Shiva smiled. "It sounds a bit grandiose, but they are all competing for Ra's al Ghul's crown after all. A lot of superheroes and supervillains are going to be involved. That you can be sure of…unfortunately for you; due to your lineage you will be stuck right in the middle of it. I'll be interested in seeing how you fare in this little game."

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Dregz is a machete wielding street thug and supervillain wannabe. He's massive and muscular and has long brown hair. He is an enemy of Black Canary.

So, Naruto has crossed swords with some of the enemies of the Birds of Prey and the League of Assassins is at war with themselves. What will happen next? See you next time. Blue out 10/14/22