Chapter 10. Red X
(Nine years ago, Naruto age 7)
Dressed in his League of Assassins uniform, Naruto stood motionless on a small pier. To his right side Jade was standing still, while Talia was positioned with her back turned to the young children. Her arms were folded behind her back and a relaxed aura was surrounding her. Talia had not spoken once since they had regrouped and explained the details of their mission. Which placed Naruto and Jade both on edge, as they did not know how the women would react to their mission. Would they be praised and return back home? Or did they make just one mistake to earn themselves a lecture and punishment?
Naruto didn't know the answer himself, but at the moment he didn't care what happened. Currently the young child felt hollow, like any innocence he had was ripped out of his body. He was no longer the just Naruto Namikaze, the son of a billionaire. Now he was a killer who has taken the life of someone who had trusted him.
"You did well." The aged assassin finally complemented. "Father will be most pleased with your accomplishments. Tonight you're full fledged assassins!"
Balling his fists Naruto placed his focus on the ground. At first he wanted to become an assassin, he wanted to avenge his father and sister. However, at this moment in time Naruto didn't know what he wanted anymore.
"Thank you lady Talia." Jade spoke up, before bowing a knee in respect to the woman.
Copying Jade's stance Naruto bent down, but the boy remained silent. However, Naruto's silence was replaced by the slow approach of a vehicle. This caused Naruto to glance up and watch an expensive black car with tinted windows pull over in front of Talia.
"Our client." Talia informed her two underlings, as she figured they were both curious about the random vehicle.
Being queued to stand by Talia, Naruto and Jade rose up and watched a door open. Revealing the last person Naruto expected to see within the car; Lex Luthor. Who leaned out of the vehicle carrying a large metal briefcase.
"Marvelous job as always." Lex complimented, as he approached Talia with the briefcase in hand. "You'll find the usual amount along with a little bonus for well execution."
Taking the briefcase in hand, Talia gave it a quick peek before nodding and closing it shut. "It was a pleasure doing business with you."
"Likewise." Lex replied casually, while slowly walking around Talia and stopping at Naruto and Jade. "But tell me, which one of you was responsible for ending that miserable bitch and her child."
Gripping his fists Naruto took a hard swallow. "That would be me." The child revealed in a cold and dead tone. One that Lex merely smirked at, as he recognized the weakness in Naruto's voice.
"Hmmm so it was the boy's first kill." Lex mused, as he glanced back to Talia. The latter of whom only nodded in response.
"Yes, but regardless he is still one of our finest assassins. My father has high aspirations for the boy." The daughter of the Demon declared.
Lex lifted his eyebrow and chuckled. "Someone who has caught Ra's attention. You must be something special indeed boy!" The crooked businessman complemented in a perky tone, but his facial features quickly shifted into a frown. While a dark heavy aura surrounded the man, followed by Lex grasping two hands on the boy's shoulders. "But all that praise means nothing when you can hardly stomach your first kill. You're nothing besides a child trying to play assassin. You're in way over your head kid."
Naruto glared at the man through his mask, this was his first meeting with Lex Luthor. Though by no means would it be his last.
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(Present Day)
Fully suited up and prepared for anything, Naruto was perched on a barren rooftop. To his left Artemis was slouched over with her bow already drawn. Her eyes carefully watching the surrounding landscape for anything that was out of the ordinary.
"Any movement?" Naruto asked in a low whisper.
Shaking her head Artemis relaxed her bow. "Nothing, I don't like this Naruto. It feels like a trap."
"That wouldn't make sense." The voice of Shikamaru pointed out from behind.
Turning around both Naruto and Artemis looked back to Shikamaru. The teenager was currently in his own personally designed suit, which was similar to the ones Naruto and Artemis wear. However, Shikamaru sported a high tech armband and a black helmet, while also having a black utility belt around his hip. See unlike Naruto and Artemis he wasn't a hand to hand fighter, he relied on his powers, intelligence and technology. So his suit and equipment obviously reflected that.
"What do you mean?" Artemis quickly asked.
Sighing to himself Shikamaru approached his two friends. "Slade has us right where he wants us. It wouldn't make sense for him to set a trap because he obviously wants to use us for something."
Naruto nodded. "Shika is right, but don't forget having our guard down got us to this point. So that should be a lesson for us to avoid unnecessary mistakes."
"I couldn't have said it better myself." The calm and collected voice of Slade agreed.
Instantly being placed on alert, Naruto and Artemis turned towards the voice and took aim with their bows. Shikamaru joined his friends, except a small black shadow slowly extended away from his feet. This action earned a small chuckle from Slade, who was slowly emerging out of the darkness and into the view of the young teenagers.
"Now honestly, there is no need for all this hostility." Slade began as he came within ten or so steps away from the Outlaws and stopped. "So why don't we put the weapons away and have a nice chat."
Lowering his bow, Naruto signaled his team to stand down. "What do you want?" The masked assassin asked, his voice holding a strong amount of anger.
Slade laughed and held his hands out. "Some capable pawns. Nothing more nothing less."
Naruto frowned under his mask. "I am no ones pawn."
Slade shook his head. "Please ever since your father's demise you've been moved up and down the chess board."
Naruto stepped forward, his anger was slightly getting the better of him. However, the calm and collected voice of his mother spoke through his earpiece.
"Puddin relax, don't do anything rash. Play your cards right and we can squeeze more information from Slade."
Herring his mother's instructions Naruto gripped his fists and stood upright. "Fine you want pawns, but what for?"
Slade placed his hands behind his back and sighed. "I have my own goals and ambitions, but to accomplish what I desire I need a capable group of young followers. I experimented with using the H.I.V.E Children, Robin and even your sister. However, none of those I mentioned were fully suitable for what I have planned."
Shikamaru folded his arms. "And you believe the three of us are suitable for your plans?"
Slade merely nodded in response. "Like you already know, I've been watching you three." The man began before pointing to each teenager. "A genius rivaled by none of his peers. A young girl raised by criminals and trained by someone whose skill may surpass the likes of even Batman. The three of you are an impressive combination of young individuals, but you're missing two key components."
Naruto narrowed his eyes at the man. "And what exactly are we missing?"
Slade couldn't help but to grin behind his mask. "Two people that will round you out to the perfect team. A team that will be more than capable to succeed with any task I give."
Artemis folded her arms and huffed in response to Slade's declaration.
"Do you really think we will work with whatever criminals you send our way?" Artemis asked in an annoyed voice.
"You will work with whoever I tell you to, unless you want all your secrets revealed to the world." Slade replied in a quick and hostile tone.
Naruto rolled his eyes and took a slight step forward. "Save the petty threats Slade and cut to the chase of what you want. We don't need a five member team, the three of us are perfectly able to accomplish whatever you have planned."
Ignoring Naruto, Slade held a finger up. "First you will locate and recruit a man named Red X into your team. You have heard of him haven't you?"
Naruto balled his fists at Slade's reply, but instead of doing anything rash the assassin nodded. "Yes, he's an old acquaintance of mine." The young teenager explained, surprising his team. "We haven't spoken in a year or so, but I can reach out to him."
Slade started to chuckle. "Good you'll need his skill set to obtain your fifth member."
"And who is the person you have in mind?" Shikamaru asked, his brain already thinking of hundreds of different candidates.
"Why none other than my previous apprentice and Naruto's sister Tera Namikaze. Or should I say Mito?" Slade revealed causing Naruto to almost lose his cool. "Ah like it matters at this point, her mind is so twisted she probably doesn't know who she is anymore."
"Where is she?" The blond demanded to know, his right hand gripping firmly on his bow. "What did you do with my sister?!"
Slade tossed his head back in laughter and started to back away. "That's not how this works Naruto. You do what I say exactly how I say it and then you'll learn about your sister and father. So go recruit your new teammate and then I'll contact you for your next order."
Watching Slade walk away Naruto turned around and kicked at the ground. "Damnit!" The blond yelled loudly. "This is not what we needed to happen!"
Shikamaru sighed. "Well we've unfortunately been placed in a situation where we must follow Slade without question. The bright side is he only wants us to recruit more people into our team at the moment."
"One of which is your sister Naruto." Artemis added in.
"Exactly." Shikamaru began before getting in close with his two friends. "At the moment Slade is giving us the opportunity to grow stronger. If we play our cards right from here on out we can get intel from Slade and in turn use him for our own gain."
Naruto folded his arms and nodded at what his friend was saying. "We can play along for now, but prepare ourselves to take Slade out the moment he becomes a serious issue or runs out of uses."
"That's what I was thinking, we might have been sloppy up until now. However, now we are aware of Slade and that gives us the chance to prepare ourselves." Shikamaru declared.
"So this Red X guy." Artemis began in a confused voice. "Who is he and how do you know him?"
Naruto sighed and shook his head. "It's a long story that I'll save for when we get in contact with Red X."
"That's acceptable." Shikamaru replied as he walked away. "Let's head back and discuss our next move."
"Sounds good to me, but let's hurry so I can call Red X." Naruto declared as he and his team left the rooftop.
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(One day later)
Hidden behind a large stage, Naruto was dressed in a sharp black suit, which was by no means a normal attire for the teenager. In fact the last occasion Naruto had gotten this dressed for was his father and sister's funeral. A fact he was very aware of as he started to feel his necktie slowly squeezing his throat. So to remedy the problem Naruto began to tug and adjust the fabric around his neck in nervous desperation.
"Here let me help you." A calm and caring voice spoke up, while two gentle hands found their way over his own. Then by carefully adjusting the tie and making it more loose Naruto smiled.
"Thank you Rachel." Naruto began softly, while he gazed at the hero by his side. Who was dressed in her signature hooded cloak. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Raven blushed and finished her adjustments. "And I don't know what I'd do without you either." The hero admitted in a soft and vulnerable voice. "That's why I have to ask you something."
Naruto raised his eyebrow and placed both hands onto Raven's shoulders. "Don't hesitate to ask me anything."
Raven nodded and took a hard swallow. "Are you positive you're ready to come out with your identity? I mean your family owns a wealthy business, your mom has a lot of enemies and if people find out we-. . ."
The young hero was stopped by Naruto's lips against her own. Then for a moment that felt like a blissful eternity the two stood still before breaking away.
"I'm not hiding anymore." Naruto declared before pressing his forehead against Raven's. "I've been hiding for eleven years and I'm done. I'm ready for whatever comes my way both good and bad. So will you stand by me?"
Raven took her hands and interlocked her fingers with Naruto's own. "I won't be able to always protect you."
Naruto laughed and kissed Raven's cheek. "Who said you had to? I'm a Gotham kid, we're pretty tough."
Raven joined in on the laughter and shook her head. "And stubborn." She added in, thinking of her leader as well.
"You might be right, but don't worry about me Rachel. I'm not leaving your side." Naruto declared with nothing besides confidence.
Raven blushed at her boyfriend and smiled. She was about to speak, but another voice beat her to the punch.
"Greetings, you're probably wondering why I am holding a press conference in Jump City of all places!" The voice of Bruce Wayne boomed through a speaker.
"Sounds like your Uncle is starting." Raven pointed out.
Naruto nodded and continued to listen.
"Eleven years ago I lost a friend, no a brother and a precious goddaughter to the crime of Gotham City. However, they were not the only people I lost. I had lost the woman who I treated as a sister to her own insanity and as a result lost my godson as well. For years I tried to regain the family I had lost, but I failed." Bruce declared in a bold yet soft tone. "That is in the past however, as now I have reclaimed some of that family I had lost. So now I stand here before you all damn proud to welcome Naruto Namikaze onto the stage."
"That's my cue." Naruto declared, while holding onto Raven. "Will you stand by me?"
Tightening her hold Raven thought over the consequences of her and Naruto being seen together when all the spotlight was just in them. However, people discovering their relationship was bound to happen eventually. So she figured it was best to rip the bandage off now.
"Yes I will." Raven declared, as she and Naruto walked hand and hand around the stage and into the view of everyone present.
This action instantly earned a sea of murmurs and shouts, while the sound of camera snaps could be heard in the background.
Bruce seeing the young couple smiled. "And let me introduce Jump City's own hero Raven of the Teen Titans!"
Naruto broke away from Raven and approached Bruce at the podium. Then by hugging the man the two shared a moment for everyone to see. After this display Naruto hovered over the podium, while Raven and Bruce flanked each of his sides. Naruto was then quickly bombarded with an uproar of questions, which forced the young teenager to hold a hand up to silence the crowd.
"My name is Naruto Namikaze, son of deceased billionaire Minato Namikaze and Crime Queen of Gotham Harley Quinn. For the last eleven years I've been placed in hiding by my mother. Who had wished for my protection against the world that had taken my dear father and sister." Naruto declared in a strong and commanding voice. "In that time I have studied and trained my mind and body. Preparing myself to one day emerge and take my rightful place as head of my father's company. As testament to that declaration behind me will be the new location for Jump Cities branch of Namikaze Enterprise. My aim for the future is to reestablish the empire my father had built and continue his legacy of helping the world."
Taking a slight pause Naruto allowed for everyone to digest the information he had given. Though after a brief moment he leaned into the microphone. "So any questions?"
"Are you a criminal along with your mother?" A reporter shouted out.
Naruto laughed in response. "I love my mother, but her actions do not reflect my own. I am my own man, next question."
"Why is Raven of the Teen Titan with you?" Another reporter asked.
Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "She's my girlfriend." The blond declared in a casual tone, one that earned even more noise and uproar than before.
"Then what is your stance on the vigilante operating against the Teen Titans?" A female reported shouted out, earning a grin from Naruto.
"Ehh no comment." The teenager replied.
Bruce leaned into the microphone and smiled before Naruto could make another remark. "I believe that's all we have for today. Thank you for coming out." The billionaire began before leading Naruto and Raven off of the stage.
"That went well." Naruto chuckled as he was escorted towards a vehicle to leave the area.
Raven rolled her eyes. "Yeah something like that." The female hero mumbled, while she entered the vehicle with Naruto.
Naruto chuckled, but was quickly left with confusion as he noticed Bruce. Who was standing at the door to the vehicle with a smirk.
"What's with the hold up Uncle Bruce?" Naruto asked, causing Raven to glance at the man.
Bruce grinned and adjusted his suit. "I'm headed off back to Gotham. I've been away for too long and there is some things that require my attention." The man explained, while trying not to reveal that Batman had been absent in Gotham for too long and needed to return home.
However, Bruce didn't need to do so as unknown to Bruce, Naruto knew who his Uncle truly was and pieced together his reason for wanting to return to Gotham.
"Well don't be a stranger Uncle Bruce!" Naruto replied in a carefree tone.
"Oh don't worry I'll stop by and check on you plenty. Besides next time I stop by I think me and you will have a little talk about relationships!" Bruce then winked and slowly closed the door. "By the way check your pocket Naruto." The billionaire added in before the door closed.
Naruto titled his eyebrow and reached into his pockets. Then to his surprise he did feel something inside his right pocket, which made the blond smile.
"All these years later and he can still pull one over me." Naruto mumbled, thinking just like when he was younger Bruce managed to slip something by him.
"What did he leave you?" Raven asked in a curious tone, while she watched her boyfriend slowly pull his hand from his pocket.
"Well let's see." Naruto began, before pulling out something neither teen imanged Bruce leaving. In fact both teens were left with steam pouring out of their ears at the sight of a single condom in Naruto's hand with a little note, which simply read 'always use protection, with love UB.'
"Well." Raven began in a nervous voice. "I guess that explains the relationship talk he wants to have with you later."
'He's one to give lectures on protection.' Naruto thought inside of his head, his mind thinking of the son that Bruce didn't even know existed. "Yeah I guess you're right."
Raven nodded and thanks to the condom incident the couple were both rather silent on their car ride back to Naruto's place. However, the ride didn't take long and before the duo knew it they were at the door to Naruto's shop. Though once they entered the store they were surprised to find Naruto's mother and roommates waiting for them. While also having the store step up for a mini party.
"What's going on?" Naruto mumbled in confusion, while he noticed a couple boxes of pizzas and drinks by Harley.
"Well Puddin since today is the day that you have come back into the world officially. I thought it would be nice if we have a little party!" Harley explained in a giddy tone.
Naruto sighed and figured his mother would pull a stunt like this. "I'm surprised you're still here, I figured Uncle Bruce would have had you leave with him."
Harley waved her son off. "Nah, he tried believe me, but I wanna hang around my little Puddin and his friends some more. Maybe even get into some trouble and have the Teen Titans come after me."
Raven lifted her eyebrow in response and quickly felt her boyfriend place a hand on her shoulder.
"She's not joking." Naruto explained in an exhausted voice. "Mom loves seeking attention in some pretty messed up ways. I apologize for whatever she may do."
Raven sighed. "I really don't wanna arrest my boyfriend's mom. So could you please behave while in my city?"
Harley giggled and winked. "I'll be on my best behavior!"
"Yeah you might as well take her in now." Naruto deadpanned, much to the annoyance of his mother.
"I'm not that bad!"
"You're a wanted criminal."
"So?"
"You've killed people."
"Only dickheads who deserved it!"
Raven, Artemis and Shikamaru listened to the mother and son argue with sweat drops on the side of their heads. Though instead of joining in on their conversation, Artemis walked over to Raven and held her hand out.
"I don't think we have formally met. I'm Naruto's roommate Artemis and that lazy sack of shit behind me is Shikamaru." Artemis greeted, while Raven shook her hand.
"It's nice to finally meet you." The young hero began. "But I'm curious, Naruto said he had roommates to pay the bills. However, considering who he is I'm starting to think that isn't the case."
Artemis smirked. "Me and Naruto are childhood friends from his days back in Gotham." Artemis lied, as she and Naruto prepared a story in cause Raven got too curious. "I wanted to move out of my mom's place in Gotham. So since me and Naruto have stayed somewhat in touch over the years thanks to Harley, I asked to move down here with him.
Raven nodded in response and looked towards Shikamaru. "And you?"
Shikamaru shrugged his shoulders. "Me and Naruto met not too long ago. I was in a really tight spot and he helped me out. I've been living with him ever since and because of who he was, Naruto revealed his identity to me. Since unlike you I can't protect myself, so Naruto wanted to explain the dangers of being around him."
"That's a lot of trust to place into someone on Naruto's part." Raven pointed out.
Shikamaru smirked, as the stories he and Artemis were telling seemed to be working. "Well your boyfriend is a pretty nice guy, just don't let him know I said that. It would be troublesome if you did."
Raven smiled and looked to the young boy who had captured her heart. He was currently still having a not so serious argument with his mother. An action that caused Raven to crack a smile, especially when Naruto momentarily halted his argument to glance her way.
"Yeah he's really great." The hero mumbled in a soft and embarrassed voice.
Artemis giggled and latched onto Raven. "You've got it bad for that idiot!" The young vigilante declared before slowly leaning into Raven's ear. "But if you hurt him I hurt you." Artemis whispered in a low and soft voice.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes as he heard Artemis threaten Raven. "Oh please you're all talk, besides if anyone would want to hurt Naruto it would be you. I swear you two fight or argue at least twice a day. It's beyond troublesome to deal with."
"Like you're any better!" Artemis yelled, while she was still holding onto Raven.
The young hero just stood by and watched her boyfriend's friends exchange insults, while glancing over to Naruto and Harley. Noticing the mother and son were both still arguing, which left Raven wondering just what kind of mess she had gotten herself involved with. Though regardless she was still beyond happy that she was involved in the confusing life of Naruto Namikaze.
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(A few hours later)
The celebration of Naruto making his identity public lasted for a few hours before slowly dying down. In that time Raven had managed to grow rather close to Artemis, as she realized the girl was very similar to her boyfriend. So the two took to each and became fast friends, much to the annoyance of Naruto.
Speaking of annoyance, like expected Harley took every chance she could get to embarrass her son and Raven. Though to Naruto's surprise Raven actually enjoyed his mother's company. Which was important for their relationship to grow, but also made the blond worry what kind of influence his mother would have on Raven. After all Naruto was a testament of Harley's bad influences.
Finally there was Shikamaru who made a few conversations with Raven, but didn't try too hard. As getting to know people was just too troublesome for him. Though eventually Raven had departed and left the Outlaws and Harley at Naruto's store. Because of this their conversation had changed from pleasantries to more serious topics.
"So." Artemis began, while the girl balanced herself on the back legs of a chair she was sitting on. "What's our end game with Slade?"
Naruto snorted. "Find out everything he knows then kill him."
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "You make it sound so easy." The black haired teen began. "You do realize he knows everything about us. I'm sure he has plenty of plans made for us in case we don't cooperate well."
"We have a few surprises for him!" Naruto argued, while his fingers sparked to life with electricity. "I doubt he knows about my powers! Speaking of which I've got a good grasp on my lightning based powers. So we should start on my wind soon."
Shikamaru nodded. "I'll plan a training regimen for you like last time. And yes your powers are a surprise, but not a victory decider. Our best bet is to recruit Red X recover your sister and then make plans for Slade."
"I agree." Harley added in, speaking in a rare form of seriousness. "Slade might be a serious roadblock, but he has all the information that leads to the finish line."
Naruto opened his mouth to speak, but the sound of the front door opening grabbed his attention along with everyone else. Then with a careful gaze Naruto and company watched a black haired teenager enter the store.
Said teenager was around the same age as Naruto and had a very similar athletic build. He was dressed in dirty blue jeans, brown boots and a red shirt with a dusty brown leather jacket overtop. His face was partially concealed with a pair of black sunglasses and he held two large duffle bags in each hand.
"The Outlaws I presume?" The young teenager asked, his voice fighting back a chuckle.
"Who are you?" Artemis asked in a defensive tone.
The teenager dropped his bags and reached up to his glasses. Then by slowly pulling them down he winked at Artemis. "No need to be hostile beautiful, I'm a friend."
"Red X I'm guessing?" Shikamaru spoke up, causing Artemis to be struck with realization as the boy nodded in response.
"Did you really not tell them who I was or that I was coming?" Red X asked, his question directed towards Naruto.
"You're a complicated case." The blond admitted with a shrug. "I figured I'd save the introduction and explanation as who you are till now."
Red X snorted. "Typical, you haven't changed at all Naruto."
Naruto smirked and folded his arms. "What can I say J. You know I'm a creature of habit."
Red X laughed and shook his head. "Well since you've explained to me just about everything that has been going on. I'm pretty well caught up, but I never imagined Deathstroke would be involved with your families incident or that he revived your sister all those years ago."
"Yeah you're telling me." Naruto mumbled in frustration, before his eyes drifted to the bags by Red X. "But I take it from the bags you're taking my offer?"
Red X nodded. "Yeah I'll join you and in return you'll help me get my revenge on the Joker."
Naruto nodded, but before he could say anything Artemis jumped forward. "Okay what is going on, just who is this guy Naruto? And why does he want revenge on the Joker?"
Red X shook his head. "Man you said this chick was hot headed Naruto, but I didn't expect this." The teenager explained before taking a slight bow. "The names Jason, Jason Todd ex Robin and current criminal extraordinar."
"Wait Robin? As in the Teen Titans Robin? Our enemy!" Artemis shouted in surprise.
"No I'm not Dick." Jason explained in an annoyed tone. "Three years ago Dick Grayson the first Robin left Gotham and started the Teen Titans. Shortly after I became the second Robin, I didn't want the mantle. However, everyone referred to me as Robin so it stuck. Meaning at one point there was two Robin's in the world."
Naruto nodded and stood by Jason's side. "He was Robin for some time until Ra's set some events in motion. See Ra's was busy overtaking all of Europe's economy and Uncle Bruce aka Batman caught on."
"Bruce Wayne is Batman!" Artemis shouted.
"Ehh it was obvious" Shikamaru mumbled.
Ignoring his friends Naruto continued. "Because of Uncle Bruce, Ra's hired a distraction. That distraction was the Joker, but unfortunately things got dark."
"He beat me near death and left me inside a building which he rigged to explode." Jason explained in an angry and blunt tone. "Dark is a nice way of putting it."
Naruto nodded. "As you can assume Jason died that day, but Ra's felt guilty and revived him. However, Jason was confused and disoriented from the Lazarus Pit and ran away. Luckily I found Jason and helped him. Since then the two of us have been friends."
Harley who was mostly quite placed a hand to her chin. "So you were an ex Bat-brat that died. Then Ra's brought you back from the dead and you befriend my Puddin. My only question is what have you been up to since then? Why have you not came back to Bruce?"
Jason tightened his fists. "Because he let that monster live. The Joker killed me and Bruce didn't do a damn thing about it! You wanna know what I've been up to?" Jason ripped open his bag and pulled out the Red X suit and tossed it onto the ground for everyone to see. "I've been preparing to kill that evil son of a bitch. I stole this suit from Dick and planned to use it for my revenge. What I didn't know is that this suit runs on Xenothium. A particularly rare power source that drains fairly quickly. So since then I've been stealing what I can to make money. Money I can then use to kill the Joker and show Bruce the mistake he made!"
Naruto stepped forward and held his hand out to Jason. "Like I told you over the phone I've got your back. Me, you and our team will change this world for the better. Plus with the Outlaws backing you the Joker won't be long for this world."
Jason quickly took Naruto's hand. "I believe you and I'm with you one hundred percent. . . Leader."
Naruto smiled and looked down at the Red X suit. "You mentioned to me that you wanted to ditch the suit and the Red X name. Are you still sure about that?"
Jason nodded. "I've followed in Dick's footsteps for too long. It's time I became my own man, with my own identity."
Naruto grinned. "Well Shika can make you a new suit. Got any ideas for a code name?"
Jason smiled from ear to ear. "Yeah, call me Red Hood."
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(With Raven)
Walking through a fiery mess of rubble and broken concrete. Raven stubbled her way through downtown Jump City. She was slightly disoriented and in a trance like state, as he body was moving forward and she didn't feel in control of her actions. Eventually as she walked her nostrils were filled with the aroma of smoke, blood and death.
"H-help me." A familiar voice called out.
Recognizing the voice Raven increased her pace and moved towards the voice. As she walked she noticed the remains of a half man half cyborg spread out across the street. However, this sight didn't halt her as she continued and passed the bottom half of a green T-Rex, which was missing its complete upper half.
"R-ra- . . ." The voice called out again, but this time it was much weaker than before.
Continuing her walk, Raven passed an orange skinned teenager laying motionless in a pool of blood. In her hands a tattered cape was firmly grasped onto, while the cape seemed to cut off at a giant footprint in the road. Where a mangled and unrecognizable corpse laid at the bottom.
However, unfazed by the sight Raven kept moving in a straight direction. Where she eventually caught a glimpse of an individual staggering in her direction. Instantly recognizing the individual as the one who called for her, Raven took off in a sprint towards the person.
Though Raven made it just in time to catch the person, who had collapsed forward. "Naruto!" The young hero cried, while she turned the boy to face her. "Speak to me!"
Coughing in response some blood flew out of Naruto's mouth. "There was nothing you could do." The blond mumbled in a weak voice. "He couldn't be stopped."
Tears pouring down her eyes Raven shook her head. "Who couldn't be stopped?" The hero asked, her voice low and weak. "Naruto stay with me! Who couldn't be stopped?"
Smiling wide, Naruto raised his shaking hand and caressed the side of Raven's cheek. "Thank you for saving me from my darkness. I lo-. . . " Naruto's eyes rolled back and his body went limp, as he never finished his sentence.
"Naruto!" Raven shouted in fear, as she clutched onto the boy and leaned her head into his long messy blond locks. "Please. . . Please don't leave me."
The earth shaking and a loud crashing noise coming from behind Raven. The teenager noticed a giant horned shadow overcast her and Naruto. Which was followed by an all too familiar vile laugh.
"Daughter, you did well." A loud and deep demonic voice boomed.
"No." Raven cried and she tightly closed her eyes and started to rock back and forth. "Stop this!"
Screaming loudly Raven shot up out of her bed and began to pant. She then placed a hand to her sweat covered brow and sighed. Noticing everything was perfectly fine and she was safe within her room.
"It was just a dream." The young hero sighed in relief. "It was all just a dream." She recited, unaware of the red glow on parts of her body that flickered for just a brief moment.
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Chapter end.
Well here is next chapter, I hope it was a good one! Anyways some important things I wanna address.
For now I won't be doing the whole flashback thing for awhile (or maybe ever) that was to show Naruto's past and first kill that's it.
I hope you like the inclusion of Jason Todd, I used tweaked version of the Under the Red Hood movie explanation for him.
I recently adopted a story and I'm working on the next update. Check it out! Lol
Also this story is now M. So I can get away with more things than I'd be able to do in T.
Finally leave a review and tell me what you thought of the chapter and have a good day!