Jump City Assassin

by Shinobi of Greed

My name is Naruto Namikaze. Eleven years ago my father and sister were killed before my very eyes. Since then I've trained with an elite group, honing my skills in hopes of finding justice for my sister and father. But to avenge my family I have to become something else, someone else. I am the Black Fox!

9. Chapter 9 Family

Chapter 9. Family

(Nine years ago, Naruto age 7)

Looking out wistfully of a large penthouse window, Naruto looked down at the night life of Metropolis with a somber expression. His hands were shaking and his body felt incredibly ill. Behind him the faint sound of muffled screams and struggling could be heard.

Turning his head Naruto saw his only true friend Sakura and her mother bound and tied to chairs. The looks of fear and betrayal was enough to cause the young boy to look down in shame.

"I'm sorry." Naruto mumbled in a low and sad voice. While he slowly drew a small knife and tightened his hold on the blade's handle. "Please forgive me."

Approaching Sakura's mother first, Naruto slightly stopped in front of the woman and took a hard swallow. As he tried his best to gain his composure, though as Sakura's mother freed her mouth any composure he had was about to flee his body.

"You filthy monster! I allowed you into my home and this is what you do! You're a demon!" The older woman yelled in an angered tone, before she started to shake and try to pull herself free. "Let me and my daughter go!"

Dropping the knife Naruto clutched his head, as he truly didn't know what to do. He was in a situation where there was no way out and the young boy was starting to panic.

"I can't, I can't do this!" Naruto declared as he started to have a nervous breakdown. "I can't be a killer!"

Tears flowing down his eyes Naruto started to take deep breaths to calm himself, but nothing seemed to work. However, a gentle hand on his shoulder was enough to cause the blond to freeze.

"What are you doing!" The voice of Jade asked in a displeased tone. "If Talia were to see you she would have you punished!"

Turning around Naruto noticed Jade had entered the building from an open window. Though he didn't care about that, as he simply wrapped his arms around the older assassin.

"I can't do it Jade! I can't be a killer!" Naruto whined in a low voice.

Feeling slightly bad for the younger boy Jade bent down and grabbed the knife Naruto had dropped.

"You want to avenge your family?" Jade asked.

Naruto nodded his head. "Yes."

Opening Naruto's hand Jade placed the knife in Naruto's palm and closed his fingers herself. "Then you must be strong Naruto." Jade declared as she turned the boy back towards Sakura and her mother. "The first step is always the hardest, but sometimes all you need is a little push."

With that said Jade shoved Naruto into Sakura, causing the blond to stab the young girl in the heart.

"You monster!" Sakura's mother yelled.

Naruto ignored the older woman and instead he watched the betrayed look leave Sakura's lifeless eyes as the girl slowly died. An experience that shattered Naruto Namikaze into pieces and created the assassin known as Theaelab.

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(Present day)

Handcuffed to an interrogation table Naruto gave the leader of the Teen Titans a blank stare.

"So why am I here again?" Naruto asked in a carefree tone.

Glaring Naruto down through his mask, Robin slammed his hands onto the interrogation table. "We are here because you're a cold hearted killer!"

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Yeah you've said that about thirty times Boy Blunder. Probably because you have no proof to hold me here. I wanna call a lawyer!"

"Oh we have proof." Robin declared before glancing to his side. "Right Cyborg?"

"Absolutely Rob. Besides you already wasted your one phone call ordering a pizza." Cyborg informed in an annoyed voice.

Looking at the only other individual in the room Naruto titled his eyebrow. "Well wanna fill me in?"

Typing on his arm, Cyborg motioned to a small screen where a picture of Naruto and his fake information appeared on screen. "Everything about you is fishy and all official information on you is obviously faked." The half man half machine declared. "But that's not the biggest problem. The biggest problem is your connection to Harley Quinn!"

Naruto scoffed. "And that connection is?"

Robin grabbed Naruto by his shirt and pulled him forward. "You tell us!"

Naruto gave Robin an empty stare, but the sound of a small scuffle grabbed his attention. This caused Naruto to grin and look around the two heroes in the room and towards the exit.

"Looks like she found out!" Naruto declared in a singsong tone.

Robin glared at Naruto and hoisted the teen up some more. "What did you do!"

Naruto chuckled. "It's what you did dumbass."

With that being said the door to the room was covered in darkness before being flung open. Then before anyone could even react Robin and Cyborg were flung into opposite walls of the interrogation room.

"What are you idiots doing?" The voice of Raven asked, while she angrily stomped into the room.

Tossing his hands up causing the handcuffs to rattle Naruto raised his voice. "That's what I'm trying to figure out."

Raven shifted a glare to Robin and looked for answers. "He's the killer we've been chasing!" The Boy Wonder declared while he was still pinned to the wall. "So leave and let me finish my interrogation!"

"No." Was Raven's firm reply. "You two idiots have done enough. I'm taking over this investigation."

"Absolutely-..." Robin didn't have any time to argue before Raven tossed him and Cyborg out of the room and sealed the room with her magic.

Naruto smirked and folded his arms. "So if they were stupid cop and cocky cop, does that make you beautiful cop?"

Raven narrowed her eyes in annoyance and took a seat across Naruto. "We are going to talk now."

Naruto sighed and held his hands out. "Can you at least take these off?"

Raven rolled her eyes and moved a finger in a downward motion, causing Naruto's cuffs to glow black and fall off.

"Thanks!" Naruto cheered in a happy voice before blowing Raven a kiss.

Blushing and turning to the side Raven cleared her throat. "Enough flirting, tell me why Robin and my team arrested you."

"Because he is connected and obviously works for Harley Quinn!" Was the voice of Robin, who came through an intercom in the room.

Raven turned around and glared at a one way glass window. Where her team was watching her and Naruto talk. "You four are on thin ice, so I would shut up if I were you!"

Reaching over the table and grabbing Raven's hand Naruto sighed. "Listen Raven." The blond began in a soft voice. "I think it's time I stop lying to you."

Facing Naruto and feeling his emotions, Raven looked at the boy with wide eyes. As she could feel the regret he was holding inside.

"What are you talking about?" Raven began, her voice sounding hurt. As she slightly feared what the boy might say.

"I'm not who I say I am, my name is Naruto Namikaze. I am sixteen years old and eleven years ago my mother Harley Quinn placed me in hiding to keep me safe." Naruto declared to a surprised audience of young heroes. "She wanted to keep me safe and alive."

Outside the interrogation room Robin was absolutely floored. "How did I not pick up on that! We thought he just worked for Harley, but now we also have the confirmed connection that he is her son!"

Cyborg nodded. "She's a big time criminal, so by default that means Naruto could be one as well."

"Either that or we made a huge mistake." Beast Boy declared.

Starfire silently nodded, but shifted her gaze to Robin. "Did this Naruto really use his one call to order the pizza?"

Cyborg nodded. "I watched him do it, he said my name is Naruto Quinn. I've been wrongly imprisoned at Jump City police department and I'd like one large Hawaiian pizza."

"Strange." Beast Boy mumbled.

Back inside the room with Raven and Naruto the two shared a moment of silence. As Raven was trying to process all the new information she was now given.

"I've heard about Harley Quinn." The female hero revealed in a low voice. "Her husband and daughter were killed, while her son disappeared."

"I never disappeared, my mom just hid me away. I didn't know it when I was younger, but now I know why she did it. She wanted to make sure I could live a semi normal life without her enemies going after me."

Raven folded her hands and sighed. "According to Robin your mother has connections with the killer we are chasing."

"Wouldn't surprise me." Naruto replied without skipping a beat.

Lifting her eyebrow Raven reclined back. "And why do you say that?"

Naruto rubbed his head and sighed. "She might be a criminal, but she is still my mother. We talk from time to time and she lets a few things slip by."

Placing her arms across her chest Raven waited for Naruto to continue.

"Last time we spoke she mentioned paying some assassin to find and kill the people responsible for killing my father and sister." Naruto explained to a shocked Raven. "I never knew it until now, but I'm guessing this Theaelab you're after is the person mom paid."

"Or you're Theaelab!" The voice of Robin yelled through the intercom.

Tightening her fists in anger, Raven's power subconscious triggered and the intercom exploded. An action which caused Naruto to grin.

"Thanks for shutting him up." Naruto began in a chipper voice. "But what do I have to do in order to prove I am innocent?"

Leaning over the table Raven sighed. "Well your story is you're the long lost son of a billionaire and a crime lord. Who has no criminal involvement whatsoever and is wrongly accused of all chargers. Am I hitting the nail on the head?"

Naruto shrugged. "Pretty much, if you need proof I could always call mom and prove my story."

Raven shook her head. "I believe you so there is no need. Besides I'd rather meet my boyfriend's mother in person, not over a phone call. Even if I would have to visit her in a prison cell."

Naruto smiled at Raven's trust. "She would like you, but I gotta warn you ahead of time. My mom is way more crazy than what you might imagine."

Raven laughed and stood up. "Let's get out of here. My team has no solid proof to hold you on besides suspension. So I'm not gonna entertain the idea of holding you here."

Standing up Naruto moved forward and wrapped his arms around Raven. "You're the best Raven, I love you!"

Raven felt a swarm of affection and other loving emotions pouring out of Naruto. Displaying to the girl that the blond did have honest love in his heart for her.

"I love you too and I'm sorry my team thought you were a criminal. I'm glad you're not Theaelab." Raven replied back in a small moment of affection.

"I'm just glad you believe me when I say I am not Theaelab." Naruto began as he leaned over and kissed Raven on the lips.

Raven was engulfed in a wave of emotions like joy, happiness and love. Though while she blissfully held her kiss with Naruto, the young hero felt something else. It was faint and hard to sense, but the feeling was there. Regret, sorrow and deceit were all emotions flowing deep within her boyfriend. These feelings peeked Raven's interest and she forced herself to dig deeper into Naruto something she normally avoids doing to respect others privacy.

However, once Raven reached the bottom of Naruto's emotions she found a whole new sensation. It was like the joyous light was gone and a dark cloud of hatred and confusion swept over her. This caused Raven's eyes to grow wide and for the first time ask herself one question, could her boyfriend be lying? Could Naruto really be Theaelab?

Grinning ear to ear Naruto backed away and looked at Raven with confusion. "Is something the matter Raven? Should I have not kissed you?"

Shaking her head to gather her thoughts Raven was slightly confused. "No it was fine it's just-..."

Ravens thoughts were interrupted as a green bug crawled into the room under the door and Beast Boy quickly emerged in his human form. "Dudes you need to see this!"

Titling his eyebrow Naruto watched Beast Boy open the door and motioned for the couple to follow him.

"Well let's see what your team wants." Naruto mumbled as he started to walk out of the room.

"Yeah." Raven mumbled in a soft voice, as her mind was currently racing through the possibility of Naruto really being a criminal vigilante.

Though once she spotted her boyfriend, she noticed the boy motion to a TV with a shit eating grin. So turning her head Raven saw her team standing around watching a news broadcast.

"If you're just now joining us we are currently showing the aftermath of a battle between a local gang and the Black Hood. A fight which ended the tyrannical rule of this local street gang." The news correspondent explained. "Though many are asking where was the Teen Titans during all this?"

Raven was wide eyed and looked to her boyfriend and then to her leader. The latter of whom was angrily clutching his fists.

"So." Naruto began in a slightly superior tone. "Since you morons can now understand I'm not your guy. While you were busy holding me here you allowed your target to escape you once more."

"Just leave." Robin mumbled in a low voice.

Naruto folded his arms and shook his head. "Yeah not so fast Boy Blunder. I'd like an apology."

Raven who was now beyond relieved to have a confirmation that her boyfriend was innocent looked at Robin. The later of whom was obviously not happy in the slightest.

"I'm sorry." Robin mumbled in a slightly and not so sincere tone. As the young hero had made a big mistake and wasn't pleased at all.

Naruto raised an eyebrow at the poor attempt at an apology. Though to his surprise Beast Boy walked forward and held his hand out.

"Hehe I'm really sorry about this misunderstanding. I hope you can forgive us and we can be friends." The green skinned boy declared honestly.

Reaching out Naruto accepted Beast Boy's gesture. "Yeah sure I'm fine with that. As long as you don't go arresting me for being my mother's son."

Beast boy laughed and nodded in response.

Starfire took a small bow. "It won't happen again! And I too would like to be your friend! You make friend Raven happy so you must be a good person."

Cyborg nodded and stepped forward. "Yeah I'm with BB and Star. You make our girl happy and we definitely messed up. So I'm sorry as well and I hope you can forgive me man!"

Naruto smiled and reached out and grabbed Raven's hand. "It's fine, but I've been here for about three hours now. So I believe my pizza should be arriving now. Come on Raven lets go!"

With that being said Naruto started to walk off with Raven in tow. So their curiosity getting the best of them each Titan followed as well. Eventually each teen was standing outside the Jump City police department. Where Naruto was standing and waving down a limousine in the distance.

"Wait a limousine?" Beast Boy mumbled in surprise as he watched the vehicle pull up on the curb. "I thought you ordered a pizza."

Naruto laughed and watched the driver exit the vehicle and tip his hat at him.

"Master Naruto." The man greeted in an overjoyed tone, while Robin looked at the man with wide eyes.

"It's good to see you as well Alfred. You haven't aged a day in eleven years." Naruto declared in a happy tone before turning to Beast Boy. "And I did order a pizza, I just took my order in a more unconventional way."

Each member of the Titans were confused as to who Naruto truly called except for Robin. As the young hero had already pieced together who was in the vehicle. So as Alfred opened the door everyone besides Naruto and Robin were floored to see Bruce Wayne exit the vehicle. Who was casually holding a large pizza box in his hands.

"Naruto." Bruce mumbled in a low and happy tone, before handing the box to Alfred. "It really is you."

Naruto smiled and walked over to the man and gave him a strong hug. "Yeah Uncle Bruce, it's really me."

Bruce laughed and shook his head, while a small tear trailed down the normally reserved man. "I shouldn't have had a doubt, calling my private number just to order a pizza. That's something only you and your mother would do."

Naruto joined the man's laughter and backed away. "I am my mother's son!"

Bruce nodded and leaned into his surrogate nephew's ear. "Speaking of your mother, she is in the car. Told her best to hide out until we leave." Bruce whispered in a low and silent voice, while motioning to the Teen Titans. "She is a criminal after all."

Naruto nodded with a wide grin. "Well I'm bringing someone with me. Don't worry she won't arrest mom." The boy declared before glancing to Raven and waving the girl down. "Come on Raven let's go for a ride!"

Looking forward Bruce watched the dark haired girl walk forward with a smile. Though for a split second he met the gaze of his adopted son Robin. In that brief moment Bruce sent the boy a look that screamed disappointment and caused Robin to look down in shame. As he knew if he wasn't keeping his identity a secret Robin would be getting an earful by now.

Though as Raven walked by Naruto's side the billionaire held a friendly hand out to Raven. "Raven of the Teen Titans, it's a pleasure!" Bruce began in a happy tone before flashing Naruto a wink. "And why would Naruto want a beautiful girl like yourself to tag along. To my understanding your team was the ones who arrested him."

Raven who was slightly nervous before the intimating figure didn't respond. Though Naruto spoke up for her.

"Oh she wasn't involved in my arrest! And besides she's my girlfriend and I think she should meet my family!" Naruto declared in a happy voice.

Bruce nodded and held his hands towards the limousine. "Well after you two then."

Watching from afar Beast Boy titled his head. "That's Bruce Wayne. Raven's boyfriend knows Bruce Wayne."

"How does he know Bruce Wayne?" Cyborg added in.

Robin sighed. "You do realize Naruto's father was Bruce Wayne's was business partner. In fact Naruto might be more rich than Bruce Wayne."

"Wait you mean Harley Quinn used to be filthy rich!" Beast Boy shouted in a low voice.

"She still is." Robin answered as he watched Naruto enter the limousine. "But losing her husband and daughter made her go insane. Who knows what the experience has done to Naruto."

"That's sad." Starfire mumbled before smiling. "We should try extra hard to be good friends to Naruto then."

Beast Boy and Cyborg both nodded and watched Alfred close the door to the limousine and walk to the driver's seat. On the inside the of the vehicle Bruce and Naruto easily found a comfortable spot inside the large limousine, but Raven was having a small difficulty. As she wasn't used to the high life one bit, in fact she was a little taken back by the luxury of the vehicle.

"Looks like it's your first time kicking it with the high rollers doll." A bubbly female voice pointed out, instantly grabbing Raven's attention. Since she did not know there was someone else inside. In fact Raven's eyes went wide in surprise as she noticed Harley Quinn casually sipping wine out of a glass. "I'm Harley by the way, nice to meet ya!"

Naruto rolled his eyes at his ratter energetic mother. "She knows who you are mom." The blond declared before opening his pizza box. "You're a wanted criminal and she's a hero."

Harley childishly blew a raspberry at her son. "It's called introducing yourself puddin. It's something high societal ladies such as myself do." Harley explained while speaking in a voice she use to speak in when she would mock other wealthy women at her and Minato's charity events.

Naruto once again rolled his eyes and placed his attention to his pizza. Raven on the other hand held her hand out to the women. She didn't know how else to handle the situation, as Harley was a wanted criminal. Though she was also her boyfriend's mother and Raven oddly enough yearned for the women to like her.

"I'm Raven and I'm uh. . . Dating your son." Raven introduced in a low embraced voice.

Harley gave Raven a hard stare that only the most overprotective mothers could give. This caused Raven to bite her bottom lip and look down. Though the hero wasn't prepared for what was about to happen next.

"Ahhh welcome to the family doll!" Harley declared happily as she lunged forward and wrapped herself around Raven.

Naruto gave his mother an annoyed stare, while Raven blushed a deep shade of red. "We are not getting married mom." The young teen explained in an exhausted voice. "We are just dating, so don't scare her off."

"I won't scare her off." Harley declared as she started to rock Raven back in fourth and smother the hero in her embrace. "Besides I got a feeling you two will last! I like this one puddin!"

Naruto sighed and glanced to Bruce. "Can you help me here?"

Clearing his throat Bruce spoke up. "Harley, perhaps you should give Raven some space. She just met you and you're a little overbearing at times. Let the poor girl warm up to you first."

Harley rolled her eyes and moved away from Raven, giving the girl some breathing room. "Fine I'll give her some space!" The criminal mother mumbled before looking at her son. "But tell me puddin how have you been? It feels like ages since we've talked!"

"I've been good mom." Naruto began as he glanced over to Bruce. "Though I think someone else has a few more questions for me than you. After all it's been eleven years hasn't it?"

Bruce nodded his head. "You've grown so much Naruto, but why stay hidden for so long?"

Naruto casually jerked a finger to his mother. "It was mom's idea to keep me safe from her enemies." The blond explained as he stretched his arms a little bit forward. "But I think it's time I make myself known to the public and take over the family business. After all I got a superhero girlfriend to keep me out of danger now!"

Raven slightly looked away and frowned, she would do anything to keep Naruto safe. However, she was only one person and feared she wasn't enough to keep Naruto safe. So coming out as his true identity was something Raven decided is something she should try to talk Naruto out of doing at a later point.

Bruce on the other hand nodded and placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "You have the full support of me and my company to back you."

Naruto smiled. "Thanks Uncle Bruce! Later we can iron out the details of my return to society as Naruto Namikaze, but I may keep my last name as Quinn. I've grown accustomed to it now."

While the men talked Harley noticed the rather long stare Raven was giving her, causing the mother to lift an eyebrow.

"Got somethin on ya mind doll?" Harley asked in a carefree tone.

Raven nodded and tightened her fists, she didn't want to bring up her thoughts about Naruto coming out as a Namikaze. So thinking of something else she quickly came to an easy diversion. "What can you tell me about the assassin you hired?"

Harley smiled at the question and shook her head before laughing. "I wondered when you would ask about old fox boy. He's someone I hired to track down the one responsible for Mito and Minato's deaths. He's a secretive guy and only contacts me for payment and news on his assignment. I have no way to contact and or find him if that's what you want to know."

Raven looked down and frowned. "I see."

Harley reached over and patted the girl's back. "I like you doll, but here is a warning." The mother began causing Raven to look up. "Don't get consumed in hunting fox boy. It won't end well for you, but enough of that talk! I came here to see my puddin and now I want to get to know you more doll. So let's have a more pleasant conversation!"

Raven nodded. "Okay I understand."

Harley giggled and pinched Raven's cheek. "Good now why don't you tell me how you met my little puddin cup!"

Raven blushed as she recalled when her and Naruto first met. "We met in his book store."

Gasping in excitement Harley pointed at her son. "And you said owning a bookstore would be a dumb idea! Just shows mom knows best!"

Naruto rolled his eyes, while Raven coughed awkwardly into her hand. "He was also shirtless when we met." The hero explained while glancing to her boyfriend. "I think he was trying to show off in front of me."

Harley glared at her son. "Is that true puddin?"

"Yes." Naruto replied simply, earning a smirk from Raven. Since she believed that Harley would scold him and Raven would have payback for Naruto teasing her with his body.

"That's my boy!" Harley shouted loudly making Raven stumble a little bit in her seat. "Like I always said strut what I gave you!"

Bruce laughed and shook his head as he noticed Raven's reaction to the mother and son duo. "You poor girl, you've got know idea what kind of family you stumbled into."

Raven sighed. "I'm starting to get an idea." The girl mumbled in a low voice.

"Oh doll." Harley began as she wrapped herself around the hero once more. "You really don't, but you're stuck with us now!"

Raven smiled and looked to Naruto. "I think I'm okay with that."

Naruto shared Raven's smile and nodded in response. "Yeah me too."

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(Later Titans Tower)

After enjoying a nice time getting to know Naruto's mother and surrogate Uncle, Raven decided it was time she returned to the tower and called it a night. However, as the young hero entered the main living space of the Titans Tower she was instantly greeted by a group of awkwardly smiling friends and an upset team leader.

"Friend Raven!" Starfire shouted loudly, while rushing over to her female friend. "How was your time with the boyfriend?"

"Good." Raven mumbled short and simply as she walked past the alien princess and towards her room.

Beast Boy held his arms out and chuckled awkwardly. "You wanna tell us what meeting Bruce Wayne was like?"

"Not really." Raven replied quickly, as she was almost nearing the hallway that lead to her bedroom.

Cyborg scratched his head at Raven's blunt tone. "Is everything okay Rae? You seem upset, did Naruto do something to you?"

Like the last string had been snapped Raven turned to her team and gave every member a death glare. "Can you idiots not tell I'm mad at you?" The teen shouted loudly. "I warned you to keep Naruto alone and what did you do? You four had him arrested!"

"But Raven it was a misunderstanding!" Beast Boy pointed out in his and the other's defense. "Besides we apologized and he forgave us!"

"Yeah Rae all is good now! We wanna be friends with Naruto and start over." Cyborg added in.

Raven narrowed her eyes. "You went behind my back." The girl declared causing everyone present to look down. "We are supposed to be a team and trust each other. But instead you arrested MY boyfriend without asking me anything about him! Now the damage is done and he is coming out as Naruto Namikaze!"

Starfire tilted her head. "But isn't that good? He won't have to lie about who he is."

Raven tightened her knuckles. "It was bad enough if people discovered I was involved with him. Though now he is going to come out as a billionaire with a criminal mother. Do you understand how big of a target that puts on his back?"

"You're worried about his safety." Robin said softly, as he finally spoke up for the first time since Raven had arrived.

"Yeah I'm worried! He's can't protect himself like you guys or I could!" Raven declared loudly. "And he's been through enough as is!"

"I didn't think of it like that." Beast Boy mumbled sadly. "I'm sorry."

Raven nodded. "Yeah you should be, but from now on just leave me alone. Naruto may have forgave you, but I'm not so generous." The young hero declared in an angered tone. "As far as I'm concerned we are a team that protects the city. . . Besides that all relationships are cut."

Each member of the team watched Raven walk to her room with wide eyes. None fully believing what she has just said.

"Guys." Beast Boy began in a low voice. "We really messed up this time."

Cyborg placed a hand onto his friends shoulder. "Yeah we did BB, but we will get our girl back. We just gotta give her some time."

Starfire brought a hand to her mouth in sadness. "Maybe by getting to know Naruto better would help."

Cyborg and Beast Boy both nodded, meanwhile Robin just looked down. He was ashamed and didn't know what to do. However, a vibration on his communicator caused him to look at the device. Allowing the boy to see a message that simply read "call me now."

Sighing to himself Robin walked to his room. "I gotta make a call." The leader declared as he walked past his friends and into his own room.

Then by shutting and locking the door from behind he removed his mask and staggered over to a monitor. Next Robin plopped down into his chair and called the one person he dreaded a conversation with, Bruce Wayne.

The call didn't even ring once before Bruce picked up and met Robin's face with a blank glare.

"Disappointed doesn't even begin to describe what I'm feeling right now." Bruce began in a hostile voice.

"Br-. . ."

Bruce immediately held his hand up. "No you don't speak, just listen." The powerful man instructed firmly. "You arrested someone based off a loose connection without doing any further investigation. Which only resulted in your real target escaping you once again and making your team look like a bunch of foolish children. However that might be an honest description for your team except Raven."

Bruce took a long sigh and massaged his forehead. "Honestly Robin you're letting this assassin get the best of you. I raised and trained you to be better!"

Robin balled his fists. "Then what should I do? Just let this killer run free!"

Bruce folded his arms and shook his head. "No, but you should pretend for just a day that I gave you all the training and experience you need to catch Theaelab. You just need to reel in your emotions and use the tools you have. You're an amazing young hero Robin with plenty of potential. So here is some fatherly advice, stop squandering the potential you have and catch this assassin the right way."

Robin looked down and gritted his teeth. "Well what's the right way then?"

"Dick." Bruce spoke softly. "At times I don't have all the answers, but that's why I love being a member of the Justice League. It reminds me that I have others to lean on for ideas and support. Don't forget you have a team as well. Try asking them for help instead of blindly leading them in the wrong direction. Because if you continue to lead the Titans like you're now you won't have a team to lead much longer."

Robin remained silent and soaked in everything Bruce was telling him. As of now he had lost Raven's friendship and who is to say how long she would stay a Titan? Then how long before more members of his team left?

"You're right." Robin mumbled softly.

Bruce grinned. "Of course I am, but we can talk later Robin. You clearly need some time to think things over. . . I'm currently staying at a hotel in town and I'll be in touch."

With that being said the video feed of Bruce cut off and Robin was left alone with nothing besides his own thoughts.

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(With Naruto)

Walking into his bookstore Naruto was accompanied by his mother Harley Quinn. As the two entered the empty store Naruto leaned against the store counter and turned his gaze to the backside staircase.

"Yo sidekick you and Shika here?" Naruto called out loudly.

"I'm not your damn sidekick!" An angry Artemis yelled as she quickly descended the staircase from their living space into the store.

"You totally are." Naruto replied with laughter in his voice.

Artemis rolled her eyes. "Whatever." The blond grumbled before her eyes caught a glimpse of Harley. "Wait is that your mother!"

Naruto huffed and folded his arms. "No just some lady that looks like her." The teen replied sarcastically.

Harley laughed and waved her son off. "Don't be an ass puddin and introduce me to your friend."

Naruto turned his head and pouted. "She can introduce herself."

Artemis snickered at her friend's expense and held a hand out. "I'm your son's friend Artemis Crock."

Harley accepted the girl's hand. "It's a pleasure darling."

A loud yawn coming from the staircase Shikamaru made himself known to the group. "How can a guy get some rest with all this noise?"

Giggling to herself Artemis pointing a finger to Shikamaru. "That lazy ass over there is Shikamaru Nara."

"Hey." Shikamaru greeted with little enthusiasm while lazily waving at Harley.

Harley ginned ear to ear. "So this your team that you told me about puddin. You look like a capable bunch!"

Naruto grinned and pointed to himself and each member of his team. "Black Fox, Vixen and Shadow Man." The boy explained, sharing each of their code names with Harley.

"Not bad." Harley complimented before placing a hand to her chin. "But what's your team name?"

"Hmm we don't have one." Naruto mumbled sadly.

"We totally should though!" Artemis added in.

"Seems like a lot of troublesome work to me. Shikamaru grumbled.

Thinking to herself Harley snapped her fingers and smiled. "How about Outlaws!"

Each member of the team shared a glance and either shrugged their shoulders or nodded.

"It's not bad." Artemis pointed out.

"Yeah I like it too." Naruto admitted.

"It's a fitting name." Shikamaru yawned out.

Naruto grinned at his team. "So I guess we are the Outlaws now!" The boy declared happily, earning two nods from his team. "Also Shika thanks for remembering the plan. You played a convincing me while I was in custody. Everyone believed you were me without any question."

Shikamaru nodded in response. "It wasn't me, just Artemis in your suit with some extra padding to help match your body type. Her fighting style practically mirrors your own so it made sense to have her be the decoy."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Really? Nice work sidekick."

Artemis glared at Naruto. "One we are partners. Two thanks for not letting me in on your little plan."

Naruto waved the girl off. "It never came up, but that's besides the point. Now I'm free to do as I please since I've officially been placed off the Teen Titans radar."

Harley grinned as this was technically her plan that had been used to fool the Teen Titans. "Next Naruto Namikaze can come out to the world and the Outlaws can start their chase after Slade Wilson." The mother declared in a pleased voice.

Naruto opened his mouth to speak, but the sound of glass breaking placed him on high alert. Then displaying expert reaction time he caught a dagger which was aimed for his torso.

"Mom down." Naruto instructed, causing the woman to take cover behind a bookshelf.

"Are we under attack?" Artemis asked as she and Naruto took point towards the door of the shop.

Shikamaru who was standing back by Harley observed the two blond's with a critical eye. "What do you two see?"

Leaning slightly outside Naruto scanned the streets and rooftops. However, whoever attacked him just now was long gone.

"Nothing." Naruto answered back.

"Hey let me see that dagger." Artemis spoke up as she grabbed the blade in Naruto's hand. "There is something hanging off the handle."

Curious Shikamaru walked over to the group and along with Naruto watched Artemis grab something wrapped in a piece of paper.

"What is it?" Naruto asked.

Taking the paper Artemis slowly unfolded the wrapping and revealed a black flash drive.

"A flash drive? This is more Shika's area." Artemis mumbled softly.

"There is something written on the paper." Shikamaru pointed out to the group.

Looking to where Shikamaru pointed Artemis brought the paper closer for inspection. "To Naruto Namikaze." Artemis mumbled in a surprised voice, while glancing up to Naruto with a stunned expression.

"Let's go downstairs now. I want fingerprints on the dagger, cameras checked and." Naruto snatched the flash drive from Artemis and handed it to Shikamaru. "We are going to find everything that is on this!"

"don't have to tell me twice." Shikamaru declared as he was the first to head to their underground HQ.

Artemis followed with the dagger in hand. "I'll scan security footage."

Naruto motioned to Harley. "Come on mom, it might not be safe alone. Stick with us."

Harley nodded and the four went into the elevator and traveled down into their HQ. Once they arrived Shikamaru and Artemis both took seats beside one another, as they each went to their own task. While Naruto watched over their shoulders with a scowl on his face.

"Let's see what we have here." Shikamaru mumbled as he inserted the device and began to type.

Walking in front of a giant monitor linked with Shikamaru's computer, Harley watched information quickly appear on screen. However, what happened next was something no one present was ready for. As a video feed burst to life grabbing the attention of everyone present.

The feed itself showed nothing besides an empty chair in a location that was impossible to identify. Considering it was just an empty blank room.

"Greetings Naruto Namikaze or is it Quinn? Perhaps you prefer I call you Black Hood or maybe Black Fox? All these name changes are hard to keep up with I must admit." A calm and relaxed voice spoke up through the feed. "Maybe I should call you the name your master gave you; Theaelab."

The blood in Naruto's veins went cold, as this person knew too much for Naruto's liking.

"I bet you're going slightly mad wondering who I am? You're probably also at a loss for how I know who you truly are. Maybe you can get your little genius friend to figure it out. I'm sure Shikamaru is watching this recording with you. Hmm knowing you and your predictable nature I'm sure Sports Master's daughter Artemis is with you as well."

Shikamaru and Artemis were both absolutely shocked to hear someone call them out. To their knowledge they were a smooth and secret operation, but appears they weren't as secretive as they believed.

"You see Naruto I've been watching you ever since you arrived in Jump City. Remember the first group of thugs you took out and the incident made the news? I bet you believed there was no cameras around to catch your actions. Well you were right to believe so, except I was trailing and observing you. I was the one who recorded you and leaked the footage."

Naruto balled his fists, as he didn't like anything this unknown individual was telling him. Just the thought of someone being onto him for so long infuriated the blond.

"I've seen every criminal you've killed Naruto. I've watched your scuffles with the Teen Titans, which is something that greatly interests me. Though not as much as your little affection for Raven. . . Oh how distort she would be if she learned the truth. Maybe I'll fill her in on my findings."

Naruto slammed his hands onto the table an action that startled Artemis. "Who are YOU!"

"I would assume you're wondering, why after watching you for so long would I reveal myself now?" The voice began with a slight chuckle, while a person walked onto the screen. "Well since that idiot Mizuki gave me up I guess it's time for my next move. So listen well Naruto, because I have a proposal for you."

"SLADE!" Naruto roared in absolute anger, while he watched the masked man take a seat in front of the camera.

"What I purpose is simple, you do as I say when I say. In exchange I will slowly share with you any information your heart desires. For example I can name every person responsible for your father's death and why he was a target to be killed. That's right Naruto in good faith I'll will reveal that the massacre that took your father's life wasn't random. It was all staged from an elaborate plan to have your father killed and the conspirators be blame free."

Staggering backwards Naruto was rocked to his very core. Everything he knew for the past eleven years was slowly turning and twisting.

"You have nothing to lose Naruto and I'm sure we can both benefit from this little arrangement. Though I'm sure you're still untrusting of me, after all Ra's trained you better to believe just anything you hear." Slade pointed out as he intertwined his fingers and leaned forward. "So in that flash drive you will find three things that I'm sure will sway you my way."

Naruto glanced down to the flash drive sticking into the computer.

"First you will find a copy of every piece of information that I've gathered that reveals who you truly are. Proof that if you're not cooperative I can make things much more interesting for you. Second you'll find coordinates that will lead to a meeting point, where we can properly speak in person. And finally, well I'm sure once you find it you'll be more than happy to join me."

With that being said the video ended and Naruto quickly glanced down to Shikamaru. "Is he telling the truth?"

Clicking on a few folders, pictures of Naruto in his suit with his face revealed appeared on screen. Along with pictures of Artemis and clips of the duo in action. There was even pictures of Naruto and Raven's dates, showing just how much Slade had went into following Naruto.

"Yeah he's got a lot on us." Shikamaru declared in an unhappy voice.

Artemis raised her eyebrow and pointed to one of two unopened folders. One read meeting point, which was obviously the coordinates Slade mentioned. While the other simply read there is more than one pit.

"There is more than one pit? Is that the folder that Slade said would win you over?" The blond female asked in a confused voice. "What does that even mean?"

Naruto frowned and rubbed his chin, his mind trying to think of what the folded could mean. However, the blond didn't have to think long. "Open it now!" The young assassin shouted.

Doing as he was told, Shikamaru opened the folder and a single picture came on screen. It was a picture of a young female teenager with long blond hair and blue eyes. She was smiling in the picture and was wearing a black cropped top shirt with a yellow Titans insignia, T, in a tiny yellow circle on the front, and yellow shorts with a brown belt around her waist.

"Who the hell is that?" Artemis asked as she tilted her head. "And why does she look so familiar?"

"There is more than one pit." Naruto mumbled softly, as his chest grew tight. "Shikamaru run a facial scan on that girl."

Nodding his head Shikamaru took the picture and some articles came up. So doing some quick reading he nodded. "Okay I remember her, she was a member of the Teen Titans a little while back. Her name was Terra and she disappeared out of nowhere. So far no one as been able to find where she is and the Teen Titans have been tight lipped about her."

"Okay." Artemis began in a confused voice. "So she use to be teammates with your girlfriend. But why would Slade say the picture of this girl would make you want to work for him!?"

"Shikamaru." Naruto spoke up in a lifeless voice. "Use software to compare Terra's photo to one of me and my mother."

Hearing her son's request Harley was riddled with confusion. However, as she watched Shikamaru compare the three she was left speechless.

"All three pictures are an identical match." Shikamaru declared, his voice sounding just as confused as Artemis. "Naruto why are they an identical match?"

"Slade only spoke of my father as the one who died. He never mentioned Mito. . . But the phrase more than one pit. He's referring to the Lazarus Pit that the League of Assassins use to revive the dead." Naruto's voice slightly hitched and the blond balled his fists. "She's been alive all these years that bastard used a Lazarus Pit to resurrect Mito!"

Harley brought a hand to her mouth and looked to Terra's picture with a new perspective. Questioning herself as to why she didn't see it earlier? As Terra like any twin looked just like a female version of her brother Naruto.

"She's alive? Is my baby alive?" Harley asked, as the women collapsed onto the floor crying.

Running over and comforting his mother, Naruto gave the woman a strong hug. "I don't know mom, but I promise I will find out just what is going on."

Artemis folded her arms and gazed at the picture. "So Slade has got all the cards and we are forced to play along."

Shikamaru nodded. "Yesh, but the real question is just what is he after? This kind of planning and preparation. . . He's got something big up his sleeve."

"Well we better prepare ourselves for anything." Naruto declared, causing his team to glance over to him. "We've played right into his hands and that stops now."

"But what are we gonna do?" Artemis asked.

"It's like you said darling." Harley began, as she started to recompose herself. "That bastard has all the cards, but we will play along for now."

"We?" Naruto asked in surprise.

Harley nodded. "If my baby is involved so am I. I'm gonna have a contact of mine dig up Mito's grave and identity if it's empty. Meanwhile I'm gonna help your team figure out this Slade issue you have going on. Shikamaru where is the meeting location?"

Standing to their feet Naruto and Harley walked over to Shikamaru. Who already opened the last remaining folder.

"let me type in the coordinates and we will have an answer." The black haired teen informed before the computer displayed a map for everyone. "Hmmm It's not far."

Taking a seat by Shikamaru, Harley pointed to a line of suits on display stands. "Well don't just sit around you three suit up."

Naruto and Artemis went to their gear without question and began to prepare themselves. Shikamaru on the other hand stayed back and didn't move.

"Yeah my suit is more for show. I'm more useful here anyway." The lazy teen tried to explain.

Harley shook her head. "Not tonight sweetie, I'll be running overwatch. Your ass is hittin the field."

Shikamaru seemed baffled and didn't want to do any kind of field work. "But this equipment is very high tech and I'm smart enough to handle it all!"

Harley snorted. "You think I'm just a pretty face sweetie? I'm the one who set this place together." The criminal mother revealed in an annoyed tone. "I swear it's like people forget I have three freaking PhD's!"

Naruto who was now fully dressed tossed an outfit onto Shikamaru. "Get dressed Shikamaru. Tonight the Outlaws are going out as a team. We've been sloppy and that ends tonight."

Standing up and walking over to change, Shikamaru grumbled to himself. "Yeah whatever. . . I'm surrounded by troublesome blond's."

Walking over to Naruto Artemis handed the blond his mask. "I got your back Naruto. Whatever you decide to do I'll back your play."

Placing his mask on Naruto nodded. "Thanks. . . Teammate."

Artemis nodded with a smile and placed her own mask on. Things were quickly changing, but slowly a team that would change the future was in the making.

(Chapter end)

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Hey another update and it hasn't been over a year? Man something must be wrong with me! Anyways I hope you guys enjoyed chapter 9 and just wanna ask how many enjoyed my plot twist? I'm sure you have a whole list of questions but everything will make sense in the future when the truth comes forward.

Anyways thanks for reading and leave a review, you don't know how much your guys great feedback influences my writing!