Chapter 4. Troublesome

Naruto was having a pretty good morning, he managed to sleep like a baby throughout the night and his morning workout left him feeling more rejuvenated than ever. Even while he sat on his couch eating his breakfast, the cereal just seemed to taste better than usual. Honestly, Naruto didn't know why, but he felt like today was going to be a special day for him.

In his mind he could picture everything now, he would keep his store open for a few hours and get no customers whatsoever. Then he would head down to Repairs of Idiots and retrieve the phone he left with Shikamaru. Which would ultimately lead the blond assassin to Mizuki. Finally placing Naruto on track to avenging his family and finding those responsible for the incident.

"Today is finally gonna go my way." Naruto announced to himself, with a large smile on his face.

The blond then reached over his coffee table and placed his cereal down for a moment. Next by extending his arm, Naruto reached out for the TV remote. Though as the remote was within his grasp, the cell phone sitting beside Naruto, starred to blast the loudest death metal music that Naruto had ever heard.

Startled by the sudden noise, Naruto freaked out and kicked the table. Causing his cereal to spill over its contents onto the floor.

"Shit." Naruto cursed as he sprung upward and stubbed his toe. Making him to wince in pain and jump up and down. "Damn, damn, damn!"

Looking down, Naruto noticed the phone on his coffee table. It was still blasting the ringtone loud and clear. While on the phone's screen, a picture of his mother giving a peace sign and a wink could be seen.

"And so ends my perfect day." Naruto sighed, as he bent over and grabbed the phone. Then by taking an even longer sigh, he slumped over and answered the phone. "Hey mom."

"PUDDIN!" Harley screamed happily through the phone. Though next, Naruto could hear her huff through the speaker. "Why haven't you called me yet?"

Naruto rolled his eyes and walked over to his kitchen, in order to retrieve some paper towels. "I've been a little busy these past few days." Naruto replied, as he walked back to his coffee table with towels in hand to clean his mess.

"That's no excuse buster!" Harley scolded through the phone, causing Naruto to roll his eyes. "Now apologize to your mother."

Naruto sighed as he started to sponge up the spilled milk. "Sorry mom."

"That's much better, now tell me. How goes things down in Jump City, meet any cute girls yet?" Harley asked, her voice hiding a small snicker.

"Well besides killing a small amount of thugs and having a run in with the Teen Titans. Things have been pretty boring." Naruto replied, tossing the towels away and placing his bowl in the sink. "Though I believe I have a solid lead on someone linked with Dad and Mito's deaths."

"That's great news puddin!" Harley quickly shouted in joy. "But I do have a reason for calling you."

Naruto strolled over to his couch and took a seat. "And that reason would be?"

"I need you to kill someone." The voice of his mother requested without skipping a beat.

Naruto clutched his phone as he heard his mother's voice. It wasn't the voice of his sweet loving mother, no this was the voice of the Crime Queen of Gotham. Honestly, Naruto was shocked and left speechless. He knew how drastically these past eleven years have affected him, but now he could hear how his mother had changed.

"Puddin you still there?"

"Yeah I am." Naruto spoke in a flat voice, as he was suddenly brought back into reality. "Who.." He took a hard swallow. "Who do you need me to kill?"

"Ahh just some D-bag, here I'll send a picture of him to your phone." Harley responded.

Naruto felt his phone vibrate, then moving his phone to his eyes. The assassin looked at the screen and saw the photo of a middle aged man. "That's great and all mom, but I need more information than this. You know a name, location and why exactly you want him dead."

Harley sighed through the phone. "His name is Garfield Sharp, he's a scum bag CEO from Gotham. Currently he is opening a new branch of his company in Jump City, so during the opening ceremony later today. I want you to kill him."

Naruto stood up and started to pace his apartment. "Today? Mom you have to give me more time to prepare than that. I have no knowledge on this guy and I can't just stroll up during a ceremony and kill him."

"But that's what I want you to do Puddin. It shouldn't be hard for you to pull some ninja moves and kill that bastard anyway. After all you did break me out of Arkham with ease." Harley pointed out, making Naruto groan.

"That's different mom, I planned for every scenario when I killed James King and broke you out. You asking me to gear up, walk up to some random guy and put an arrow in his chest."

"And what's the problem with that?" Harley asked in a confused voice. "Out of all my contacts I know my son is the best choice to get this job done."

Naruto started to massage his face in frustration. "Mom tell me why you want this guy dead."

There was a long pause between the two, but after a moment. Harley took a long sigh and collected her thoughts.

"This guy, he is planning on doing a merger with Lex Corp. Which, if successful will ruin our company. It will ruin your father's legacy." Harley explained in a sadden voice.

"Mom is the company doing that bad? I remember dad never worrying about other companies." Naruto noted, as he looked out his window.

"Yeah we are, see when your father died it held negative effects on the company. Investors lost interest and your father wasn't there to lead. Then with my criminal involvement it placed the company in another bad light. I fear even stopping this merger would only delay the inevitable." Harley explained as she began to sob. "I don't know what to do Naruto."

Naruto gripped the phone hard as he listened to his mother's tears. It hurt his heart to hear her cry. "Mom I'll promise you two things, first off I'm going to kill that man for you."

There was a pause as Naruto thought over his second promise.

"And what else." Harley asked in a weak voice.

"Naruto Namikaze will come back, and he will protect his father's legacy. Though now isn't the right time, Naruto Quinn still has some work to finish."

"Oh Puddin thank you, but I think you should keep Quinn. It suits you." Harley pointed out, as she started to dry her tears. "But we can talk about that later, for now I have a plan to explain."

"A plan?" Naruto mumbled in confusion.

"Yes, it's a little idea I have. One that I believe will solve all our problems. After all your mommy is one smart cookie."

Naruto smiled. "Yes she is, I'm all ears mom."

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(With Raven)

Raven walked slowly down the streets of Jump City, her body was slightly aching all over. She had just finished a grueling morning training session with her team. Apparently when Robin said they would prepare to handle the new threat of Naruto, he wasn't joking around.

Now thanks to the new rigorous training, which Robin informed will be daily until Naruto is brought to justice. Raven was not in the most pleasant of spirits. In fact she didn't get to have her early morning tea or meditate. So needless to say, Raven needed some personal time to calm down and collect her emotions.

So that is why she was currently headed to her new favorite bookstore. Raven didn't know why she decided to make the journey to Naruto's store. She did love books, but she had plenty to read back at the tower. So honestly, Raven wondered why she even made the choice to go out to Naruto's store.

Regardless of her reasons, she couldn't help to smile at the sight of the blond's store. As Raven came within a few feet of the store, she looked up to the name. Making a mental note to ask Naruto what his store name meant. Though as Raven touched the front door, she took a long drawn out sigh.

"Please have a shirt on this time." The superhero teenager whispered in a low voice, while finally summoning the courage to open the door and walk inside.

Once Raven entered the bookstore, she was instantly hit with the aroma of books, both old and new. She also noted that the store was completely empty again.

"Um is anyone here?" Raven spoke out, wondering where the blond was currently at.

For a movement there was silence, but eventually Raven heard footsteps.

"Raven?" The voice of Naruto called out in confusion. "What are you doing here?"

Raven smiled as she watched Naruto walk out of his office. "I told you I would come back another day, I just didn't say when."

Naruto nodded and walked over to the teen. "True, but I didn't expect to see you back so soon. I figured you would be busy with your team."

"I was, but I needed a break from being a hero for awhile. Robin is driving me crazy with all his team training." Raven began as she walked over to a wooden stool and took a seat. "Stupid Thaealab, Black Hood or whatever his name is."

"Pardon?" Naruto replied, trying to be as innocent as possible. "What are you talking about Raven?"

"Sorry, the guy on the news. You know the one killing all the drug dealers and other criminals. Well the media started calling him the Black Hood, but his name is Thaealab; which is Arabic for fox." Raven explained as she started to groan. "My leader, Robin has shifted all our focus towards training to defeat and stop Thaealab."

Naruto folded his arms, inwardly smirking as this conversation could be helpful to him. "You know, now that you mention it. I recall hearing a news story about this um however you say his name."

"Thaealab." Raven spoke the name, even though she didn't need to. After all Naruto was Thaealab, and he was quite fluent in multiple languages.

"So how is your team planning on taking him on? From what the news says, this guy is pretty dangerous." Naruto pointed out, hoping Raven slips up and gives more information out than she should.

"Well we haven't done much, just teamwork exercises and physical training. Robin also insisted on going over some possible battle scenarios, but the rest of the team was exhausted. So we all took a break for a little while, thus here I am." Raven explained, holding her arms out.

"I see, but I'm curious. If this guy is only killing criminals, why try to bring him down?" Naruto asked, making Raven narrow her gaze.

"Because killing is wrong." She answered without thinking, believing the answer should be obvious.

"Yes, but look at this from a different perspective." Naruto began as his tone shifted and he looked off into the distance. "Soldiers kill during times of war, but we do not judge them, nor should we. They are tasked with the impossible either for their own protection, or the protection of others. In a sense we see them as taking care of the bad guys, even though to the opposing side, the soldiers are the villains."

Raven folded her arms. "There is a difference between war and killing thugs on the street."

"But is there really a difference?" Naruto cut in as he looked into Raven's eyes. "War is caused by greedy individuals who want more wealth and power. While criminals commit crime for more money and power. So what's the difference in this Thaealab killing the bad guys? When in reality is he a solider waging war on crime."

"Like I said, killing is wrong." Raven retorted, sticking to her previous argument. "Crime can be solved without killing. That's why the Justice League and my team was founded."

Naruto smirked. "Ah yes, you defeat the bad guys and save the day!" The blond then frowned and his voice held some venom behind it. "Then the criminals break free and hurt, wound and completely destroy the lives of people who cannot protect themselves, but don't worry the heroes always lock them back up. After all the cycle has to continue, because killing monsters isn't the right thing to do."

"What's your issue?" Raven asked, as she stood to her feet and glared at the blond. "If it wasn't for the heroes countless lives would be lost."

Naruto stood his ground and towered over Raven. "My issue Raven, is that a boy lost his father, sister and his mother because convicted murders escaped prison. My issue, is that those men could have been put down and I would still have a family. So that's why when I see a man killing criminals, I don't bat an eye. Because I think of another littles boy's family he may have saved from becoming like mine."

Raven stepped back, she was shocked by the teens words. Raven remembered he mentioned life in an orphanage, but she never would have imagined the circumstances.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know." She replied in a honest tone. "I can understand why you feel the way you do, but you have to understand. I have my own hardships and I still believe my sense of justice is correct."

Naruto sighed and took a seat. "Don't apologize, you couldn't have known that my family was killed, or that I sat there and watched the people I love die before my eyes. Though I'm sorry I lost my temper, when I think about them. It, it brings back the memories of the night I lost so much."

Raven smiled and placed a hand on Naruto's chest. "It brings out an anger in you, but that's a front to hide your sadness. I can feel those emotions inside you." Raven explained, while she slowly inched closer to the sitting blond. "If you want, we can talk about those emotions."

Naruto smiled and grabbed Raven's hand, then as he slowly moved her touch away, he stood up. "That's sweet of you to offer, but I've spent years trying to forget that night and move on." The blond lied through his teeth. "I'd much rather move towards the future."

Raven moved her hand to her chest and looked down. "Oh, I see."

"Listen Raven." Naruto began as he moved to her side and placed an arm around her shoulder. "Let's forget this talk, if you really wanna help me. Just having someone to talk with is very helpful."

Raven blushed and poked her fingers together. "Well maybe I can be helpful sometime this weekend, maybe over tea. We could talk, get to know each other more. I'd like to have a normal friend in my life."

"Sure thing, it's a date." The blond replied with a wink. "Show up at my shop this Saturday around this time."

Raven looked away. "It's not a date, just spending time with a friend."

"Call it what you want Raven. Either way, I'm looking forward to our time together. And maybe next time, we can have a more pleasant conversation." Naruto pointed out, a small laugh escaping his lips.

Raven wasn't one to show many emotions, but she couldn't help but smile at the blond's infectious grin. Slowly, but surely, Naruto was having an effect on Raven. Though what neither teen knew, was that Raven was also slowly having an effect on Naruto, but the question remained. Would these changes be for the side of good? Or something much more darker?

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(A few hours later, with Naruto)

Naruto was currently in his League uniform and his persona of Thaealab was on the hunt. The prey was of course the man his mother gave him the contract to kill. The kill itself should be relatively easy, as there was no protection of any sort in the area. However, there was still a complication for Naruto. Which was the fact that the opening ceremony was being covered by dozens of news stations and hundreds of people were on sight to behold the opening of the new building.

So as Naruto over looked the crowd for his vantage point, he couldn't help himself from sighing in frustration. See on the positive side, Naruto would be helping his mother and their company. Though the bad side, was that Naruto would definitely be placed on camera for his kill, further placing him in the unwanted attention of others.

"I can't believe I agreed to do this." Naruto groaned as he slowly watched the crowd through a pair of binoculars.

So far there was no sign of his target, but that was expected. Considering the event didn't officially start for another fifteen minutes. So for now Naruto decided to wait and prepare to eliminate his target.

The blond thought about sneaking around finding his target and killing him before he took the stage. However, his mother was very clear on how she wanted him killed. She wanted his death to be a public display, showing what would happen to any other future competition.

Naruto was never one for public assassination contracts, but for his mother he would do anything. So as he placed his binoculars away, Naruto grabbed his bow and started to inspect his weapon.

"Most mothers give their teen sons normal jobs. Like mowing the lawn or picking milk up at the store." Naruto groaned as he pretended to draw his bow back. "But not my mom, no she wants me to kill someone."

"Family always complicates everything." A voice spoke from behind Naruto.

Acting on instinct, Naruto grabbed an arrow and quickly turned around. Firing a shot off at the person behind him without wasting a second.

Though as the arrow flew into the air, the unknown individual batted the projectile down with a sai. Causing the arrow to land harmlessly on the ground.

"Wait, what are you doing here?" Naruto spoke in confusion, as he relaxed his bow. "Did Ra's send you?"

Standing across Naruto, was a young woman with a slender, but fit build. The woman had long and think black hair and was wearing a mask to conceal her face. The mask itself was white and resembled a cat's head with red stripes and a wide grin. She was wearing dark green colored kimono which was tied around her waist, where its length reached just above her knees. Finally she had a pair of knee high black boots.

"Yes and no." The female relied in a casual voice.

Naruto placed his bow onto his back and folded his arms. "Then why are you here Cheshire?" The blond asked, while watching Cheshire remove her mask. Revealing her olive colored skin and green eyes to the blond.

"Ra's sent me on a mission a few towns over. Thought I'd swing back here and say hello." Cheshire explained in a matter of fact tone. "After all with you gone, the League has been pretty boring. Been thinking about skipping out and going solo for awhile."

"You know Ra's would have your head if you did." Naruto pointed out, knowing his master's rules about never leaving the League.

Cheshire waved the blond's warning off and smirked. "Please after how upset he is with you, I believe I could disappear and he wouldn't even bat an eye."

Naruto slumped over and sighed. "I take it he has been following all the news stories about my recent deeds?"

"Oh yeah." Cheshire replied with a laugh. "I believe he is quite disappointed that you've left so much evidence during your nightly outings."

"Well if he knew what else I've been up to, I'd say he'd probably try to have me killed." Naruto began as he started to think maybe he should shut up.

"Oh do tell." The black haired assassin practically begged. "It can't be that bad."

"You'd be surprised." Naruto mumbled as he looked away.

"What? It can't be like you have a date with one of those Teen Titan girls." Cheshire joked, but as she watched Naruto start to sway back and forth and whistle, she started to laugh. "Holy shit you do!"

Naruto turned around and faced Cheshire, he was lucky his face was hidden. Because currently the blond was sporting a large blush of embarrassment.

"Ok for starters it's not a date!" Naruto began, causing Cheshire to grab her stomach as she laughed. "What I'm being serious! We are just going to spend some time at a tea shop together!"

"Wow just listen to yourself, you're in denial! Knowing you, you probably talk a big game in front of this girl, but look at you now!" Cheshire laughed out, before she brought a hand to wipe the tears in her eye. "Which one is it? And how did this even happen?"

Naruto crossed his arms and started to pout. "I'm not telling you anything else." The blond protested.

"Oh come on!" Cheshire began as she punched Naruto in the arm. "You're the closest thing I have to a little brother, so I gotta tease you about girls. Besides, I gotta make sure this girl is could enough for you."

Naruto rolled his eyes under his hood. "Ok for starters lets get one thing straight. It's not a date!"

"Yeah sure whatever, just give me some details already." Cheshire replied quickly.

Naruto slumped over in defeat. "It's Raven."'the blond revealed. "During the day I have my secret identity of Naruto Quinn, and she has taken a liking to me. I really don't know what to do, if I let her get close, she could figure out who I am."

Cheshire shrugged her shoulders. "Honestly this could work in your favor, that's if you play your cards right. I mean you could earn her trust and completely destroy the Titans from within."

"I have no interest with the Titans, I'm only interested in finding justice for my family." Naruto spoke with conviction behind his words.

"Then why bother your time with this Raven girl?" Cheshire began as she started to walk away. "Either you like her or you're an idiot. Who knows maybe it's a combination of both. Though let me leave you with some sisterly advice, do what your heart thinks is right. And don't let who you are get in the way of that."

Naruto watched as Cheshire placed her mask on and jumped off the roof they were on.

"Did she just give me good advice?" The blond mumbled in shock.

Shaking his head, Naruto turned around and grabbed his bow. "Ah whatever, I need to shoot something now." The blond groaned, as he grabbed an arrow and took aim.

Naruto took a deep breath and released his bow string, which was followed moments later with loud shrieks and cries of panic. Then as many on lookers looked up to where Naruto was, the blond placed his bow over his head and walked away.

"Contract complete." The blond mumbled to himself, as he pulled a phone out and started to dial his mother's number.

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(Hour later, Naruto's HQ)

Naruto fiddled with an arrow in hand, while rocking back in forth on a chair. His eyes were placed onto a live news feed covering the murder he recently committed. Like he imagined, people were able to connect his persona to the murder. Since it was broad daylight and the whole event was being recorded. So a cameraman was able to spot him before he left the scene. So far everyone was in an uproar for the deed which Naruto committed.

Soon Naruto got sick of watching the current channel. So he flipped the channel and found another show talking about him. This show had a male news anchor angrily yelling towards the camera, Naruto recognized this as the G. Gordon Godfrey Show.

"Listen it's time you wake up Jump City! This Black Hood as you all call him is nothing besides a blood thirsty monster!" G. Gordon yelled into the camera, causing Naruto to slightly bend the arrow in his hand. "It hasn't even been a week since he showed up in your city, and look at the bodies he's already dropped! I'll say it one more time so it sinks in, a blood. Thirsty. Monster!"

Naruto snapped the arrow in half, then as he looked over to his clock. He noted that in an hour, he had to go meet Shikamaru. In order to pick up the phone he wanted fixed.

"And what has your heroes the Teen Titans been doing about this threat? Well don't worry G. Gordon has that covered for you! Just watch this and see how great your heroes are!"

Naruto watched as a clip started to play beside Gordon's body. It was a recording of his encounter with the Teen Titans.

"How in the hell!" Naruto shouted as he stood up. "I checked everywhere, there was no cameras to record me!"

"Just look at this folks!" Gordon began as he started to point to the fight. "These heroes stand no chance against this madman. I believe it's time the Justice League stop letting the rejects and side kicks do their work, and start helping people!"

Naruto balled his fists. "Just who's side is this asshole on?" The blond mumbled in confusion. "First he bashes me, then the Titans and now he is calling out the Justice League."

"Or maybe it's time these freaks in masks call it quits. After all, how many people do they really help? Think about that!" Godfrey yelled out, causing Naruto to growl and flip the channel.

This time he landed into another channel, who's news anchor was midway through her story. Of course the topic was the assassination of Garfield Sharp, making Naruto groan.

"Is there really nothing else important for news stations to cover?" The blond whined, before he decided to listen in.

"So even after Mr. Sharp's death, his legacy will live on. Thanks to Lex Luthor, who is now taking over Sharp Industries. By adding the million dollar company to his already thriving business." The news reporter began in a happy voice.

"This is not good." The blond mumbled, as he clutched his fists onto the chair he was on. "I should have seen this coming, why didn't mom see this coming?"

"We actually spoke with Mr. Luthor a little while ago. And here is what he had to say on the events that have transpired." The news anchor began, right as the TV transitioned to the face of Lex Luthor talking to a camera.

"It's always sad to see a friend leave this world in such, tragic circumstances. Though thanks to a prior agreement, since neither I or Mr. Sharp have any next of kin. We had an agreement on our unforeseen deaths, so we had papers signed to give control of our companies to one another. So now I would like to publicly welcome Sharp Industries to the Lex Corp family."

Naruto turned the TV off, his blood was boiling and he couldn't take much more. It seems like no matter what he did, nothing went his way. Something always had to go wrong and the blond was starting to grow sick of it.

"This cell phone better give me what I want." Naruto spoke to himself as he started to walk towards the elevator. "Or things will get ugly."

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(Repairs for Idiots)

Shikamaru was a simple individual, who enjoyed nothing more than to relax and not worry about anything. Though for the past week the black haired teenager has done nothing besides worry. Currently Shikamaru was at the shop he worked at, pacing back and fourth. Thinking to himself what he should do next.

As he walked, Shikamaru sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Showing just how troubled the normally calm individual was. "What am I gonna do?" The boy mumbled in desperation, placing his hands onto a counter and looking down. "I don't have much time left."

Shikamaru looked down to his shadow, which started to move around. Showing that something wasn't normal with the teen. "My pawns are gone, my king is in check and I only have one move left. And it's a stupid one at that."

Shikamaru walked over to the cash register and owned it. Showing a small amount of money placed inside. "I'm still four grand short and tonight is my deadline."

Shikamaru slammed the register shut and then leaned against the counter. "I could always steal the rest." Shikamaru then looked over to a wall, where a picture was hung.

The picture showed a tall man, with black hair that was tied back just like Shikamaru's hair. The man had two large scars on the side of his face and a large black goatee on his chin. The man was holding a smiling Shikamaru on his shoulders, while both smiled towards the camera. On the picture, the words Shikamaru's fourth birthday were written in black ink. This was a picture of Shikamaru and his father Shikaku.

"No you would be ashamed of me if I did, but what am I suppose to do?" Shikamaru asked the picture, waiting in silence, but of course he got no answer.

Eventually Shikamaru balled his fists and looked down. "If you were still alive, you would know what to do. You always knew what to do."

Shikamaru suddenly stood up straight, right as the door to the store opened. Revealing Naruto, who was dressed in his civilian clothes. As the blond entered the store, he gave Shikamaru a friendly salute and smile.

"I hope your managed to fix my phone." Naruto began as he stopped at the counter.

Shikamaru glanced over Naruto for a minute, then after a few seconds. The black haired repair man walked off to retrieve a phone from behind him. "Yeah I fixed it, I also found some interesting things when I turned it on."

Naruto tensed up. "Why would you do that?"

Shikamaru shrugged and placed the phone on the counter. "Needed to check if it worked properly. Imagine my surprise when I figure out this wasn't your phone. Everything from contacts, pictures and other personal information. It all belongs to someone else."

Naruto looked down at the phone and then to Shikamaru, who was carefully analyzing the blond.

"It was a used phone, so it still has things from the previous owner." Naruto quickly lied, while he reached for the phone.

Shikamaru grabbed the phone before Naruto could even touch it. Then by holding the phone high into the air, Shikamaru cocked a grin.

"See that's what I assumed at first, but some things about you threw me off. Like how you paid a large sum of money in cash like it was nothing. So why would you have a used cell phone, when you could afford a brand new one easy. Then there was the blood on your jacket yesterday. Which if you match up the time of your arrival, and the path you took here. It would link you to the murders yesterday."

"How would you know the path I took here, unless... That was you watching me the other night!" Naruto shouted in surprise, while discreetly reaching for a knife in his pocket.

Shikamaru nodded. "Yeah I followed my gut and I was right. You are him aren't you, the Black Hood."

Naruto stopped for a moment, somehow he had slipped up enough to be caught. Ra's would definitely be disappointed, but Naruto would fix his mistake. He would have to kill Shikamaru.

Grinning ear to ear Naruto started to laugh. "You're pretty smart for a electronic repair man." The blond noted. "By the way, call me Theaelab. Black Hood is so, cliché."

"Well I did graduate high school when I was twelve. So yeah I'm pretty cleaver for a sixteen year old. In fact I know who you really are, Naruto Namikaze." Shikamaru added in, causing Naruto to gasp in surprise.

"There is no way you could figure that out so quickly." Naruto began as he prepared to attack Shikamaru. "Just who are you!"

Shikamaru held his arms out and shrugged his shoulders. "I'm your everyday slacker slash genius. All it took was me to do a little research and hacking to figure out a few things. There was still a huge time gap, but I pieced together enough information to assume who you are."

Naruto was genuinely surprised, sure there was a few hints about Naruto that made who he was obvious. However, to link a completely stranger you talked to for five minutes to a boy that disappeared eleven years ago, and then as well figure out his secret identity. Well that wasn't just genius, it was a level of intelligence way above Naruto.

"You're talented, but." Naruto began as he moved quickly and pulled the knife out. Though before he could throw the object into Shikamaru's throat. The blond was stopped dead in his tracks.

Naruto didn't understand what was happening, his body just stopped completely. Like some force was holding him back. Then before the blond knew it, his body forced itself to mimic the stance Shikamaru was in.

"What are you?" Naruto asked, trying his hardest to fight what had a grasp on him.

Shikamaru pointed to the ground, which of course forced Naruto to do the same. While he did this, it allowed Naruto to see a dark line which connected their shadows.

"I have an ability to control my shadow, I can use said ability to link my shadow with others and take over their movements." Shikamaru explained, while taking his empty hand and holding it to his neck. Though this of course made Naruto hold his own knife to his neck. "As you can see, you are in a troublesome situation."

Naruto growled and glared at Shikamaru. "What do you want? You figured out who I really am and what I do in my free time. So what's your angle? You haven't alerted the authorities, but you did plan to confront me about something. However, I can tell you don't plan on killing me. Your eyes give you away, you are not a killer. So tell me, what do you want?"

Shikamaru sighed and released his hold on Naruto. "I'm desperate ok, I can't go to the cops and I need someone's help. Then when you came into my store yesterday, and I started to piece together who you were. I figured you would be my only shot of help." The young genius explained as he leaned over against a counter behind him. "So that's my angle, I need your help Naruto."

Naruto relaxed himself and looked Shikamaru over. All the signs Ra's taught him to spot deception were absent with the teen. Obviously he was telling the truth.

"Ok let's pretend for a moment that I would help you. Why come to me and not the cops? And why should I help you anyway? What could possibly be in it for me?" Naruto asked, causing Shikamaru to groan.

"You are a really troublesome guy you know that." Shikamaru pointed out, while holding three fingers up. "One I'm mixed up with the wrong kind of crowd. A crowd that has my sickly mother and if I don't pay them. They are going to kill her. Also if I call the cops."

"They will kill her." Naruto answered, making Shikamaru nod his head.

"Exactly, then there is the fact that you could just kill me and not care about my problems. Then there would be no one to stop the upload of who you are, meaning Naruto Namikaze and the Black Hood's cover would be blown." Shikamaru explained with a small smile. "But here is the reason you should help me. I figured there is information on this phone you want. Well it's all encrypted and I'm sure you don't know how to get past an encryption. So you help me save my mom and I'll help you. Simple as that."

Naruto folded his arms and looked down. "And you said I'm troublesome." The blond laughed as he shook his head. "Alright Shikamaru you have a deal, I'll help you save your mother. However, you best keep your end of the bargain."

Shikamaru held his arms up. "I have no reason not too." The teen replied. "Just help me save my mom."

"Alright, I'll help you." Naruto agreed, before walking to the door of the shop. "Come with me, we can head to my hideout and plan this rescue."

Shikamaru nodded and followed the blond, neither knowing of the friendship and partnership that would be born on this night.

Chapter End

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And here is chapter four and I hope you all enjoyed everything. And I'm sure some of you are wondering why I added characters from Young Justice into the story? Well this is just a little taste of something that will happen much much much later. After all, I did say I will be adding a lot more characters and I have plans to mix Naruto, Teen Titans and even some Young Justice into the story.

Though this may confuse people on how everything fits into the story so I'll explain this. The only elements from Naruto will be the Naruto characters and some of their abilities. While for teen titans the five main titans and Terra are the only ones I'm keeping. While the rest of heros I will be using their young Justice counter parts.

I'm doing this because I was torn between doing a Naruto and teen titans or Naruto and young Justice story. So I decided to do a blended of three with a more focus on Naruto and teen titans. Though I said in chapter one, I'm taking things from multiple DC source materials so there will be people and things that are not in either show. I hope that saves some future confusion. Until next time happy reading and have a good day!