A little AN before we start. I just wanted to now point out that chapter nine's events have changed. For those who don't feel like re-reading it I changed it so Kobra is now spending time in a cozy little cell in Belle Reve.
The reason I changed this is because the is was a huge oversight on my part of how Naruto has developed. For that I sincerely apologize.
With that said on with the next chapter.
Chapter 11:
(Ajnin, Konoha, Fourth Great Ninja War Memorial Building)
The Gokage of the Shinobi Alliance, now known as the Shinobi Union, had decided soon after Naruto left, that graveyards for the dead would not be enough for the heroes of those days of war. Though it was short as it was it was bloody, it had changed Ajnin forever. And so it was that each village would have a structure built to memorialize those that had fallen.
Naruto was currently in the building with the memorial wall for those who had died in the conflict with Madara and the Akatsuki. In the center of that wall was the pictures of the six Jinchuuriki that didn't live to see the end of the war.
"Naruto." a familiar voice called out. He turned to see his old friend Gaara walking towards him. "I thought I'd find you here."
"It was either here or the graveyard." said Naruto. Looking at him, he could see that peace suited Gaara well. His hair was still the same though he now wore a long sleeve buttoned up shirt with pants to match with a brown belt and a smaller sand gourd on his waist.
"The others are waiting at the Gokage office." he said.
"Best not to keep them waiting then." said Naruto as they walked out.
"Why did you come here?" Gaara asked.
"I never got to see it before. I wanted to see it for once. Especially when I found out that they put up one for the Jinchuuriki that died" said Naruto.
"Yes. We thought that putting their images here would help people to see that they weren't demons or monsters. That they had families of their own." said Gaara. "You met them, or images of them during your battle with Tobi. Do you think they would approve?"
"Yeah. I think they would." said Naruto with a smile. "But I didn't come and skip my game with Shikamaru to reminisce. I need to speak to you and the others."
He formed a bubble construct around Gaara and himself and flew them toward the Hokage's Tower that stood up from the Konoha Ninja Academy.
(Administration, Gokage Office)
Naruto and Gaara arrived the Hokage office and soon move to the newly from Gokage office. It was here that all the Kage of the Elemental Nations would meet once a month or for an emergency.
The information Naruto had would prove to be such an emergency.
As he entered the office he saw all the current Kage that were still present.
Lady Tsunade was sitting down with Kakashi next to her since he was the chosen successor for her. A stood next to here with a now fully re-grown left arm thanks to Tsunade's research with the White Zetsu. Mei Terumi was standing with Onoki. All seemed unchanged since the two years he had left.
What surprised him were the other two guests sitting on the desk.
"Fukasaku. Shima." said Naruto looking at the two toads that stood on the desk. "What are you guys doing here?"
"That's the first question that pops in your mind?" Shima asked. "You leave the whole planet without saying goodbye to us, decided to inform us after the first month you were gone and now you may have brought news on an old enemy and think to keep us in the dark again? Not going to happen!" the elderly toad matron screamed.
Naruto could only sigh as he remembered too well how he had to ask forgiveness for forgetting to tell the toads. Especially Gamakichi. Though in his defense between him getting the ring with Sakura's death still hanging on him at the time he wasn't much in thinking mode. Though back then that was kind'a the norm.
"Well it's a good thing you are here then." said Naruto.
"With that out of the way can we please get to the reason we are here?" Mei asked to the agreement of the other Kage.
Naruto held up his ring hand and projected a view screen just large enough for everyone to see.
"This was a live stream of an attack Taleron III. It's one planet in Khundian Empire space that managed to resist being annexed up until now by using a combination of advanced weaponry and guerilla warfare. Unfortunately the Khundians decided to call the Sinestro Corps to send someone to deal with the problem." said Naruto as the video began playing.
What they saw was a city under siege as it was set ablaze with laser and gun fire. The city's advanced defender tanks being blown apart or cut to shreds. After that the ground troops were being slaughtered by the Corps member wielding a sword.
What stood out him was that he wasn't using a construct. It was in fact, the legendary Kusanagi sword that the person wielded along with construct versions of other ninja weapons.
And the identity of the person using it was unmistakable as they saw the pale skin, yellow snake like eyes and long black hair of a man that had vanished after the Fourth Great Ninja War.
"Orochimaru." Tsunade hissed.
"He was probably sent there to appease the Khundians after I stopped the attack on
Betrassus." said Naruto deactivating the image of their old enemy.
"And he did so in a manner that everyone would notice, including us." said Tsunade.
"Has there been any activity from the remnants of the Sound village he had created or from the bases we have found over the years?" asked Gaara.
"None from anywhere wither it was his old hideout where Sasuke joined with him, to his base in the Kusagakure, the Land of Iron base, not even his lab on Demon Island. It's like they vanished." said Kakashi.
"If you want we can provide additional scouts to look into these areas see if we can help in case you missed something." said A.
"Us as well." said Onoki with nods from Mei.
"We will also be double checking Ryuchi Cave to see if any of the snakes are being summoned. Though I doubt the White Snake Sage will be forthcoming." said Fukasaku.
"That's all well and good but I don't think it matters aside from snake summons." said Naruto. "He made sure that we all see this but to make sure that I knew where he was and which Corps found him as a candidate. I doubt he will be returning to Ajnin anytime soon but its best to be prepared."
"Which then leads to another topic I want to discuss." said Mei. "So far we haven't had any sort of response from another alien species since Naruto started being a Green Lantern for this sector. Which is well and good but sooner or later they are going to find out about the origin of the man who has given so much to the sector if what Lady Tsunade had told us is true when you saved that planet."
"You told them about Betrassus?" said Naruto.
"As a member of the Gokage that we formed soon after you left we hold no secrets from each other when it comes to our villages citizens." said Tsunade with a smirk.
"The fact is then that we need to start getting ready for the day that the galaxy starts to notice our planet in the grand scheme of things. And we were thinking of maybe being more proactive on that front." said Onoki.
"You mean like going out into space? As in build a ship?" Naruto asked. They all nodded in response. Naruto then put his hand to his chin and paced for a few moments. He then turned and answered.
"I know someone who could help. And a friend in Corps who has been itching to come here for awhile to learn more or our medical techniques for two years. But it has to be without the Guardians finding out anything about our techniques or jutsus. And when I mean Guardians I mean anyone who is short, blue and not named Ganthet or Sayd. In fact if need be ask if either one can come with. Is that clear?" Naruto explained.
Kakashi and the Gokage looked to each other for a moment before consenting.
"Then I think it's a great idea. You're right. The time for Ajnin getting in noticed by the galactic community is coming and we do need to be ahead of that when it comes." said Naruto.
"We will start looking for volunteers. See who is willing to go up to the stars." said A. "Personally, I'm not going. I need to stay here."
"And the old man here isn't for obvious reasons." said Mei.
"Hey! I can if I say-" Onoki began before his back gave out on him again and was groaning in pain.
They laughed seeing that.
"Well if that's all guys I need to get back to Earth. Gott'a get to training the others. I will send you the designs for a ship on my next visit." said Naruto turning to leave.
"Naruto why don't want the council to know anything about our jutsu or anything about yourself for that matter?" Gaara asked.
"Because I don't want them trying to replicate anything from us. I want us to stay as exclusive when it comes to that as we can." said Naruto.
"You make it sound like there are other species that can have a chakra network besides us." said Kakashi. This made Naruto silent for a moment. "Are there?"
"I don't yet. But since our chakra is made up of physical and spiritual energy then who's to say. It's a big universe." said Naruto. "One more thing. Granny did you get what I asked for?"
"Yes I did." said Tsunade pulling scrolls. "The scrolls for rest of the elemental affinities including, thanks to the fellow Kage, techniques for Lava, Magnet, and Boil Releases as per your request. Though I thought you were just sticking with Wind and Lightning?"
"Those will still be my primaries. But thanks to being exposed to the Tailed Beast Chakra I have now have more to work with. Best to know the jutsu in case the situation in a battlefield changes." Naruto stated using his ring to put them into a scroll construct. "Since I'm training the Team its best I also train myself to be better as well. In all aspects."
"Training the team to better themselves and also bettering yourself." said Mei. "An admirable way of thinking. Some might say a good one for a leader."
"Anyway I gott'a go. Tell Shikamaru our game is postponed but I will be playing him again when I get back." said Naruto quickly changing the subject while putting the construct on his back.
"I will let him know." said Tsunade as Naruto ran out the door. Then Naruto rushed back and pop his head in.
"And tell him to take Temari out more. Don't let him lose that girl." said Naruto.
"Aren't you worried about Hinata with Kiba?" Kakashi asked.
"Nah she can take care of herself. Plus I hear they hit it off and moving in so they're okay in my book." said Naruto.
"Get going Naruto!" called out Tsunade to which Naruto smiled and headed her orders and left.
"Do you think that what he said may be possible?" asked Mei
"Like he said it's a big universe out there. In any case Kakashi and I have a list of volunteers to write. I suggest we all do the same." said Tsunade.
"Great, more paperwork." said Kakashi in a the missing the old days tone. The rest walked out of the office as well though he could see that looks of dismay at doing their jobs as well.
"There are days where sometimes I wish it was the old days. More action and less paperwork." said Onoki. "Now I have to find someone else to take this job faster. I hate it!"
"Tsunade at least has someone to fill her shoes and do the paperwork." said A.
"I'm standing right here!" said Kakashi.
"C'mon." said Tsunade as they followed the others out and they headed back to her office.
"I get the feeling Naruto made the right call not to be Hokage. I'll bet he said just to avoid the paperwork." said Tsunade.
"We both know that whatever he's doing with this Team on Earth is probably more work than we do any day." said Kakashi.
Tsunade had a sinking feeling that he was right.
(Mount Justice)
Wally sped across the room for a few seconds before once again landing on his back from slipping.
"Damn it why the hell are we forced to wear these thin sole shoes every time we warm up?" he asked as Dinah over and helped him up.
"To help you with your footwork." said Dinah.
"As we have stated to you three times now." said Naruto getting a little annoyed with the complaints from him. Which thankfully, were only from him.
Days after the fight with Amazo, Naruto and Dinah got together to figure out the route on how to train them in combat. They then both agreed that getting the team these thin leather shoes would help them improve their footwork. The shoes caused the wearer to slip when distributing ones weight poorly so they were good at highlighting any flaws in a person's footwork.
They took the warm up routine rather well. M'gann asked why she needed to learn since she mostly flies but Naruto explained that sometimes you have to face your enemy face to face and will be forced to the ground at times. The one who had the most complaints was Wally as every time he tried to use his super speed he slipped and fell on his ass.
"Alright everyone warm up is over. We're going to be doing sparing today. Robin and Kid Flash with me. M'gann, Kaldur and Superboy with Naruto." ordered Black Canary.
They moved to their respective places and began.
"Alright. Kaldur I want you and M'gann to go against each other. And make sure to try and use your shape shifting like we practiced M'gann. Try to envision your body as a weapon construct. Kaldur try to keep your water constructs varied from weapon to weapon." Naruto instructed.
"Understood." said Kaldur with M'gann nodding in return. Since becoming assistant instructor to Dinah, Naruto focused on these three while she handled Robin and Wally. They decided on this mainly because of Naruto being a Green Lantern with a ring that could project whatever shape he needed. The same could be said for those two.
With Kaldur it was simple. Water was formless and his water bearers with his magical training in them allowed him to change them into any form that he needed much like Naruto's ring. However, Kaldur mostly preferred swords, whips, and maces. So his job was to get Kaldur to be less predictable and less traditional. Expand his possibilities.
For the young Martian, Naruto knew it was going to be more tricky given that her shape shifting, along with her other powers, were still raw in terms of skills with them and just by whatever age or experience difference between her and her uncle. But given time he was training her to shape her body into a weapon, whether trying to form her hands into blades to even moving her organs around to avoid fatal blows. Though she stated that her mental powers would still be her first thing to work on.
And Superboy was there mainly because Naruto could handle whatever bruising that the boy might, key word might, manage on him. Strong though he was he still wasn't at Superman's level. Which was a concern for them.
"Superboy. Let's go." Naruto said gesturing to him while removing his red hooded jacket.
The Boy of Steel smiled and took his place in the center of the computerized mat beneath them. He started with jabs aimed at the face, which Naruto managed to deflect easily. He switched to right and left crosses which Naruto also dodged, blocked, and deflected to teach Superboy to counter attack by redirecting blows. It continued for a few minutes in which Naruto not only deflected punches but also watched the boy move.
He had improved but his boxing technique was still wild and had holes. Then came the inevitable frustration which led Superboy to rush and overextend his right straight. Naruto pressed his own attack feinting a right cross before low kicking across his knee, which gave out from the sudden pain. Naruto pulled a spinning back fist and a spinning roundhouse kick combo that sent the young man to the ground with a hard thud.
"You're still rushing in like a charging boar absent any thought of your attacks. And therefore no plan." said Naruto walking to him as Superboy stood up albeit a bit slow wiping his mouth of blood from the cut on his lip which healed quickly.
"When faced with a more powerful opponent, draw him to you, then counter." said Naruto placing his fist on the boy's chest to further emphasize the point. "Again." Naruto ordered.
Naruto pressed the attack first and Superboy managed to block the first two jabs before getting side kicked in the stomach. Naruto moved for a right cross which the boy ducked under. Naruto then flew in with a straight which Superboy countered and threw a right hand again. Naruto dodged it but didn't see the Superboy twist and use a spinning back fist. A rare mistake on his part and he felt the attack land, forcing him back.
Everyone stopped for a moment as Naruto held his jaw from the attack. He looked at Superboy with a smile on his face.
"Finally! My words have pierced your thick skull." Naruto said. Superboy smiled back at that.
"Superboy." Dinah called out. "Practice your grappling with Kaldur."
The boy of steel looked to Naruto who confirmed the order. He left to join up with Kaldur. Robin went on to train with Wally, the young speedster having to move at normal speed.
Naruto then walked over to Dinah.
"You've done well with him so far." she said.
"Superboy is still undisciplined but he is not without promise. Which sums up the whole team." Naruto said.
"Very true. Except everyone else has a mentor they have. His is still absent. That is something that must be addressed and soon. Lack of someone who is supposed to be your mentor can be debilitating." Dinah said.
"You sound like someone who has done counseling sessions." Naruto said.
"Well along with being trained by some of the best fighters on the planet I also have a degree in psychology. I figured I could help some of my friends and other heroes when the need arose." Dinah said.
"A wise idea." Naruto said with approval. "And you're right. Superboy's situation with Superman must be addressed, and sooner rather than later. Though I don't think he is the major problem."
"Then who is?" she asked. Naruto gestured to Wally who was once again on the ground. "Oh."
"Wally isn't getting the training done with his footwork. Mainly because he finds it boring. He relies too much on his speed and not enough on proper technique. He also has a serious ego issue. In short he's a good guy but needs some refinement. More than even Superboy." Naruto explained.
"Then we will have to just get him interested. I have an idea to help him with his footwork that might work." said Dinah
"Good. Though you might have to wait a bit. School for him is about to start." Naruto said.
"I'm a patient woman. At least when it comes to this." Dinah said with a smile.
It was then that Dinah called time and the session was over after that.
"Still don't see why improving my foot work has anything to do with my speed." Kid Flash mumbled to himself.
Naruto just shook his head as he watched him pass.
"In any case I better get going." said Naruto quickly transforming into his uniform.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"To talk with a certain someone about a favor." he said with a tone that indicated that he didn't want to talk with this person.
"The person wouldn't happen to dress like a bat would he?" she inquired though she got the feeling she already knew the answer. "Fair warning. He doesn't like it very much when someone enters his city without permission."
"I understand." said Naruto as he walked to the Zeta Tube.
"And he will want something in return whatever your favor is." she warned.
"I know." said Naruto as he put in his key code at the Zeta Tube. "That's what I'm afraid of." And then he vanished in the tube.
(Gotham City)
Despite what he thought of him, Naruto had enough respect for Batman to not openly interfere with any major cases he may have been working on in what he deemed his city. So Naruto took out some smaller crimes. From a mugging attempt on someone to even an attempted sexual assault Naruto flashed his ring around town. The last one he left the four men that attacked the young lady more than a little beaten up while at the same time using his ring to call the police and console the young lady.
Then Naruto just stood on a roof and waited.
"Took you long enough." said Naruto. He then turned around and saw Batman standing behind him. He could already tell he was not happy.
"I take it Black Canary told you how I feel about others coming to my city?" The Dark Knight asked.
"Yeah. So can we skip the lecture." said Naruto beating him to the punch "Oh and you're welcome. For the minor crimes I stopped while you were on the case finding the Scarecrow."
"How did you know about that?" Batman asked.
"After I stopped the gang rape attempt I overheard one the police officer talk about how he was targeting the mayor tonight. And that he was glad someone was keeping the peace while you were after him." Naruto explained.
Batman grumbled at that. "I take you didn't come here just to give me some help." he said. "What do you want?"
"As hard as this is I need a favor." said Naruto.
"A favor from me? After what you said to me? You're joking." Batman responded.
"Not from Batman. From Bruce Wayne." said Naruto.
Batman raised his eyebrow under his mask. "I'm listening."
"Wayne Enterprises is one of the biggest companies when it comes to technological advancements. The other of course being Lexcorp." Naruto pointed out to begin with. "I suppose one of those advancements would happen to be space travel?"
"It would." Batman admitted getting the feeling that lying to the young lantern would be a futile gesture. "You looking to build a space ship?"
"Just designs for one." said Naruto.
"It can't be for you. You don't need a ship with your ring. So it would be for your people then." Batman deduced.
'Careful.' Kurama advised in Naruto's head. 'Don't give him too much.'
Naruto made sure to take that advice going forward.
"Yes. My people have been aware of the universe at large for a little while. Since I got my ring and joined the Corps. So far we haven't had any issues with any other races yet but that will change. My world's government knows this and want to get ahead of this. It would start with the construction of one ship. Just to explore my sector of the galaxy. Maybe cross over into others. But we have no basis to get started on building one. That's why I need your help." Naruto explained.
"And the name of your world's government would be?" he questioned.
"The Shinobi Union lead by the Gokage of my planet." said Naruto. "And before you get any ideas this government is subservient to its nation's civilian governments and are allowed to run their own lives. It's a lot like your United Nations. We are not a dictatorship. Each of the five Kage are democratically elected and work for the interests of the people. Which is more than can be said for the governments of this planet last I checked."
Batman had to concede on that one.
"What you're asking for isn't impossible. But before I consider saying yes I want something in return." said Batman.
"And let me guess it isn't money." said Naruto to which the Dark Knight nodded. "I just told you that my government isn't a military dictatorship. What else could you want?"
"You're powers. The way you were able to control the elements. How are you able to do that?" Batman questioned.
Naruto dreaded this. He knew as soon as he went to the Dark Knight he would want info on his abilities. He had somewhat hoped that info on his home world would suffice but at the same time he knew it wasn't
'Time to bite the bullet kid.' said Kurama.
'Doesn't mean I have to like it.' Naruto responded.
"Fine." Naruto sighed. "I might as well tell you since a criminal from our world has joined the Sinestro Corps. The reason I have these abilities is because I have a secondary circulatory system. My whole race has it. It's called the Chakra Network. The reason it's called that is because instead of blood it pumps the power of our techniques use, called Chakra, a mix of physical energy of the body and spiritual energy that comes from the mind." said Naruto
Batman took a moment to think on what he said pacing on the rooftop before turning back to the young shinobi.
"So it's basically like the Chinese Meridian System, only weaponized with your Chakra in place of chi." he stated.
Naruto paused, looking up the term in his Galactic Encyclopedia before answering. "Pretty much." said Naruto. "That's all you're getting from me. Do we have a deal?"
Batman took another few moments before making his decision.
"Alright. I have a design in mind that I think would be exactly what you need. Provided that you inform me of any upgrades that you're people have done to it along with information on this criminal you referred to." he said.
"Deal." said Naruto "When can expect the ship design?"
"You will get it before the next Team mission." said Batman.
Naruto nodded and turned to leave. But he did want to make something clear.
"This will be a one time thing Batman. I'm not telling you anything else." he said.
"Still don't trust me then?" Batman questioned though he knew the answer already.
"No I don't." said Naruto as he flew off.
Batman just shrugged. "Can't blame him for that." He fired his grappling hook and swung off.
'Naruto.' Kurama called out as they flew back to Mount Justice.
'What is it?' Naruto responded.
'I know you said it would be the last time but I was thinking of someway that the other Tailed Beasts might be able to help with space travel as well. Or at least something for when in fighting in space. I know you don't like it, hell I don't like it either, but we may to turn for Bat's help again.' said Kurama.
'Don't worry Partner. When that time comes we should be able to build ships on our own. From there we'll figure out how to get the other Beasts in on the space battles as well. You have my word. At the moment though I think I've said enough to him.' said Naruto. Kurama nodded. From then it was silence on the way back.
(Mount Justice Day Time)
"Hello Megan! We should go to the beach more often!" stated the very excited M'gann as she and the rest of the Team, including Naruto, arrived on the beach near Mount Justice.
Naruto and the rest could not help but share in it. After the tense meeting with Batman, he decided that he could uses some R&R. That is of course after a lengthy training session he had by himself in a empty area on a mountain side in the Himalayas late that night. Suffice it to say there were more than a few craters from that.
He looked to the others who were in their bathing suits. When M'gann said that today they were going on the beach to have the day to themselves Naruto and Kurama figured why not join them. He was part of the Team. So he managed to find a pair of orange swim trunks from the clothes that Hal had procured for him and joined them.
"First a moment of silence for our poor absent comrade." said Robin who bowed his head.
"Poor Wally." said M'gann sad fully.
"Yeah Wally has to go to school while we go out and play." said Naruto as they had their silence. "We done guys?"
The others then perked up and went about their play. First of course was basically playing in the water like anyone would. Which then gave Naruto an idea.
"Hey Kaldur." Naruto called out. "You up for a little light training exercise?"
"Naruto the point of being on the beach is to avoid stressful activity. Such as training." Robin who was splashing against M'gann before Superboy came in with a cannonball from high altitude. M'gann laughing at the joy of it all.
"It won't take long and it's not strenuous." Naruto explained.
"Very well." said Kaldur. Naruto then activated his ring's energy field and went deep underwater as Kaldur followed.
"Kaldur you're main weapon is water. Hence why you need those bearers of yours to channel it through those tattoos on your arms." said Naruto.
"Yes. As I gained and learned them from Queen Mera at the Conservatory of Sorcery in Atlantis before I became the protégé of King Orin. The man you know as Aquaman." said the young Atlantean.
"And you use them to create weapons mostly. Even while in your home element." said Naruto to which Kaldur nodded. Naruto then formed a number of hand signs confusing the Team leader.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!" he declared suddenly. From the water itself a dragon had formed before them. Then it rushed towards a rock face in the water and crushed it on impact.
Kaldur watched eyes wide and mouth wide open at the sight before him.
"That is one of the techniques at from my home world. Techniques that allow my race, to varying degrees, control the elements. Point is here I can do whatever kind of water technique I want. And though not the same, with your magic you can do the same thing." Naruto explained.
"I never thought about that." said Kaldur looking at the water with a new perspective. "What you did was something I've only seen Queen Mera or the more advanced students at the Conservatory be able to do."
"And you can do the same. Water manipulation is something you already have down. All you need to do is expand your mind to the possibilities and use your imagination. Cause here, underwater, you can be near unstoppable." said Naruto.
'Guys if you are done with the lesson we are cooking some hot dogs for lunch.' M'gann said telepathically.
'On our way.' Naruto responded. "Think about what I said Kaldur. And remember use your imagination." said Naruto.
"I will." said Kaldur. Naruto nodded and they floated back to the surface for the meal. From then on the day proceeded to a game of volley ball to burying Superboy in sand while he laid there.
Naruto on the other hand went back to the water and swam some more since swimming helped him relax. It helped when he was thinking about the Meridian system Batman mentioned.
'You're still worried about the possibility that maybe our race isn't the only ones who can have a chakra network aren't you?' Kurama asked.
'Aren't you?' Naruto asked.
'Yeah a little bit. Not as much as you though apparently.' said Kurama.
'That's because you are not the one who has to make the decision on whether or not, if humans have a chakra network, should I awaken it like Hagoromo did for the Ajnians. Besides, Orochimaru has probably researched the possibility that other races can use chakra already or he will eventually, and I can't afford to be caught off guard' Naruto said as he floated in the sea back side up looking at his right hand.
The hand that once bore the sun symbol that he inherited to match Sasuke's moon symbol before they had sealed Kaguya.
'Look Naruto. As someone who knew Hagoromo I gotta tell you he made a lot of bad calls before his time was over. The biggest you already know with his sons. Now giving the Ajnians chakra and trying to teach them the religion of Ninshu was all good on paper and it did give people Ninjutsu.' Kurama explained.
'Which is the weaponized version of what he taught. And Ajnian was at war at one time or another for Kami knows how long.' Naruto stated.
'Until you stopped it. Granted you suffered tragedy from the end result, killing you're former best friend who killed the girl you loved at the time, but you stopped it. Point is if anyone is more qualified to decide how humans, who may or may not have potential chakra networks, how they should they be taught and who among them can handle that responsibility that's you.' said Kurama.
Naruto floated in silence as he clinched his hand into a fist.
'I hope you're right.' said Naruto.
'I am. Though if you do give chakra to people please be selective.' said his partner. That put a smile on his face.
"Naruto this is Kaldur. Batman has reported with a mission for the Team. You are needed." said the Atlantean via his earpiece.
"Roger that on my way." said Naruto picking himself up on the water and started walking back to Mount Justice. "Anything else I should know?"
"Green Arrow is also in the Cave with his new protégé and she wants to join the Team." said Kaldur.
"Well our ranks just keep growing." said Naruto as he approached the Team who saw him walking on the water. "What you guys never seen someone walk on water before?"
Kaldur was the first to shake it off and ordered the Team to get back. Once there they changed into their uniforms and waited in the main chamber waiting for Wally to appear. Along with Batman and Red Tornado there was Green Arrow and a young teenage girl with them.
Said girl appeared to be of mixed descent. Half-Caucasian and Half-Vietnamese with blond hair tied in a pony tail. She had a slender yet athletic build which made Naruto believe that she had been trained before meeting Green Arrow.
Her uniform consisted of a sleeveless top which showed off her midriff and was in shades of green. Obviously to coincide with her mentor's look. Her mask covered her hairline and her cheek bones leaving her eyes and mouth open. She also fingerless gloves, combat boots, and a utility belt.
And like her supposed mentor she had a bow and quiver which Naruto assumed held multi-purpose arrows within.
Before anyone could ask who she was the Zeta Tube activated and reveal Wally. However, he was in full beach mode with a radio and everything strapped to his back.
"The Wall man is here! Let's get this party start-" he began before tripping over his sandals and falling on his face dropping a beach ball sending it bouncing right over Batman's stoic stature.
Naruto face palmed seeing this.
"Did you give him the message saying that we had a mission briefing?" he whispered to Aqualad.
"I did. Apparently he didn't receive it." Kaldur grumbled.
"Wow Wall Man. Cool code name." said what they all assumed was their new teammate sarcastically. "Just what are your powers?"
"Uh who are you?" Wally asked while still on the ground.
"Artemis. You're new team mate." she said with pride.
"Kid Flash. Never heard of you." Wally said mockingly.
Before things could escalate, Green Arrow stepped in.
"She's my new protégé." he said.
'Kinda obvious given how her outfit resembles his.' Naruto thought to himself.
"What happened to your old one?" Wally asked. It was then the Zeta-Tube activated once again.
"Recognized: Speedy. B06." said the computer as a tall auburn young man arrived. He sported gear similar to Artemis and their mentor only he was decked out in red and wore a domino mask.
"Well for starters he doesn't go by Speedy anymore." he declared. "Call me Red Arrow."
'How original.' quipped Kurama.
"Roy you look-"
"Replaceable it seems." said Roy interrupting Green Arrow.
"It isn't like that you told me you were going solo." said his mentor.
"So why waste time looking for a sub? Can she even use that bow?" he asked as if not noticing she was standing right in front of them.
To say that Artemis was getting frustrated was an understatement. Before she could call him out someone else stepped in.
"I'm pretty sure that she can given that she's here." said Naruto as he stood in front of the pair.
The newly christened Red Arrow sized up the newcomer in the conversation. "Didn't know Green Lanterns took protégé's. Guess they have a junior league there too." said Roy.
"Actually I'm fully trained as I'm sure Artemis is. And for the record I spared you're mentor from further harm at the hands of a killer android a few days ago." Naruto stated.
"And he saved Dinah's life. So a little respect would be in order." Green Arrow said. Anyone who saved his girlfriend was okay in his book. As long as they never hit on her that is.
This gave Roy time to pause when Wally decided to jump into it was well.
"Who are you?" he asked directing the question to the young girl in question.
"She's/I'm his/my niece." they both said at the same time.
'Well that's a lie straight up. And not even a coordinated one at that.' thought Naruto.
'Yeah and you can bet that Bats is in on it and Robin saw the same thing you did.' Kurama pointed out given the smile and the fact that he pointed out on Ollie having a niece in a questioning tone.
"But you are not being replaced." said Kaldur trying to reason with his old friend. "We have always wanted you on the Team and we have no quota on archers."
"Beside if we did you know who we would pick." said Wally in a gesture of good will.
"Though not all of us would agree with that." Naruto said already not liking the entitled attitude of the third archer in the room. Having heard of how he walked out on his friends before their unofficial first mission into Cadmus.
"Like he said." said Artemis. "So get used to it Baywatch. I'm here to stay."
It was then that Roy began to walk off before Kaldur walked up to him.
"You came to us for a reason." said Kaldur.
"Yeah a reason by the name of Doctor Serling Roquette." Roy stated.
Robin pulled up the doctor's information on the screens in the room.
"Nanorobotics genius and claytronics expert at the Royal University at Star City. Vanished two weeks ago." Robin stated.
"Abducted two weeks ago. By the League of Shadows." said Roy.
"Wow. You want us to rescue her from the Shadows?" Robin questioned with excitement.
"Hardcore." said Wally fist bumping with his friend.
"Sorry to kill the enthusiasm guys but I'm guessing he rescued the doctor from them already." said Naruto. "Though I'm guessing there's something else involved in this case."
"You're right. There is one other problem." said Roy bringing up designs on a weapon that looked like an advanced canister.
"The Shadows had already coerced her into making a weapon. Doc calls it the Fog. Millions of microscopic robots and fly out into a fog to the naked eye." said Roy.
"Hence the name." said Robin.
"Yeah. Nanoscopic infiltrators that disintegrate anything in their path. Concrete, steel, flesh and bone." said Roy. "But it isn't just destruction. Their real goal is theft. They infiltrate computer systems then eat and store the raw data inside them and deliver it right to the Shadows. Providing weapon designs, strategic defense, classified assignments, advanced science and tech. You name it they take it."
"Perfect for extortion, manipulation, and power broking. Sounds like the Shadows." said Artemis.
"Like you know anything about the Shadows." said Wally with a smirk.
"She might know more than some people." said Naruto which earned a glared from Wally but a smile from Artemis.
"Why are you taking her side?" he asked.
"I'm not. But it would be stupid to just assume she doesn't know anything Wally." said Naruto.
"Anyway," said Roy. "Roquette is working on a virus that will make the Fog inert."
"But if the Shadows know she can do that..." said Robin.
"Like any assassin group they will target her before she can finish." said Naruto. "Where did you put her?"
"I stashed her in the local schools computer lab." the young archer stated pulling up the image of the school.
"You left her alone?" his mentor questioned.
"She's safe enough for now." said Red Arrow.
"In that school where there are enough windows for someone to crash through if they wanted to be obvious. Or better yet a rookie sniper could take her out from like several meters away if not miles. And don't even get me started on the numerous vents in the school where someone could crawl through and again kill her." Naruto listed. "Other than those she's perfectly safe."
"You got a problem with how I do things?" Roy challenged.
"When you're being an ignorant asshole with someone's life yeah I do." said Naruto glaring down. "My first mission as a Lantern involved getting into a fortress to save a fellow Green Lantern and the best way I found was through the strongholds vents. And it was still more secure than a high school. If I can do that, then the League of Shadows, who I assume have more than a handful of capable assassins, can do the same in a less than secure building."
Roy looked to the other and they, even Wally, seemed to agree. Though Green Arrow decided to try and play peacekeeper.
"Okay guys let's take a breather alright." he said making sure that Naruto and Roy were away from each other. "He has a point though. So lets you and I keep it that way.
"You and I?" Roy questioned. "Don't you want to take your new protégé?"
This time it was Batman who put a hand on his colleague's shoulder. Green Arrow then calmed himself.
"You brought this to the Team. It's their mission. Which means its hers now too." he responded.
"Then my job is done." Roy scoffed before pushing his way past Naruto and back to the Zeta Tube.
"Recognized: Speedy." said the computer.
"That's Red Arrow. B06 Update." said Roy as he disappeared. Naruto then couldn't help but notice how Wally still glared at Artemis which she returned in kind.
'Oh this is going to be fun.' he thought to himself. Before he left he saw Batman with a datapad and walked over to him.
"Is that it?" he asked. Batman gave him the pad and Naruto looked at the design for a new spacecraft. The code name on the file was "Javelin".
"Everything you need is on the pad. I'm sure it will be satisfactory for your people." said Batman.
Naruto nodded before using his ring to scan the contents of the pad. After he was done he handed it back to the Dark Knight.
"My ring has copied the information. I will send it to my people's computers so they can study it and get to work." he said.
"And you will keep me informed of any changes that are made when the ship is built?" Batman asked.
"As per our agreement." Naruto grumbled. "If we are through my Team needs me."
Batman nodded and Naruto flew to the Docking Bay to join the others.
(Happy Harbor)
The Team arrived at the school where Roquette was working on the virus. M'gann was outside on look out duty while the rest of the Team including Naruto stay inside with the Doctor.
"Miss Martian link us up. We do not want the Shadows intercepting our comm." order Aqualad telepathically. A moment later Naruto felt the connection with Kurama once again preventing anyone from finding out about him.
"Everyone online?" M'gann asked to which everyone confirmed.
"Wow this is weird." Artemis mentioned getting used to hearing everyone in her head.
"And distracting." Serling responded while typing on her keyboard as she configured the virus. "Bad enough that I have to create an algorithm in a computer with less RAM then a wrist watch. Now I have to hear teens speak in my skull!?"
"Lady you sure do complain a lot when people are trying to help you." said Wally who was in stealth mode along with Aqualad eating a snack bar.
"Pot. Kettle." said Artemis stating that Kid Flash was the same way.
"Hey I don't need lip from the newbie. Especially when she made sure that Red Arrow was driven off the Team." said Wally.
"Do not pin that on me." said Artemis.
"Enough both of you. We have bigger issues then the two of you arguing over this." said Naruto putting his foot down. "And before you say it I don't care who started it. It's over now."
They both stood in silence after that with Wally taking another bite of his snack.
"I think I will help Miss Martian and Superboy patrol the perimeter." she said walking off.
"You might want to consider giving her some slack. It was her arrow that saved you from Amazo." said Robin.
"No that was Speedy's, I mean Red Arrow's, arrow...right?" Kid Flash questioned.
"Not so much." Robin affirmed.
"Well I'm not going to give her the satisfaction." said Kid Flash.
"You know I can still hear you." said Artemis. The speedster groaned in frustration.
"I just couldn't get the Justice League." Serling said pinching her nose. Aqualad decided to pose a query.
"The computer virus won't be much use if we cannot find the Fog. Can you track it?" he asked.
"First my Utility Fog isn't a weapon. Its science. Brilliant science. And of course I can track it but I have would have to go online. Might as well put up a neon sign that says assassinate me." Serling explained. Naruto then moved in and place a hand on her shoulder.
"You have our word. We will protect you from anyone that even thinks of trying to kill you." he said.
Serling hesitated for a moment before pressing the enter key on the computer.
"Tracking the Fog now. Should not take too long." she said.
"Superboy, Robin head to the Bioship. Miss Martian, prep it for manual control. As soon as the Fog is located head to the location and stop it." Aqualad instructed. "I will patrol the hall ways and make certain they are secure."
"Make sure to check the vents. Trust me on this they are easy to get into." said Naruto. Aqualad nodded in response with Kid Flash leaving to guard the door.
Outside Superboy finished patrolling his side of the school and leaped over to the other side to join Miss Martian and Artemis as he prepared to leave on a moment's notice. To which the female archer started to check him out.
"Mmm that boy." she said which had the Boy of Steel turn around.
"He can hear you. We all can hear you." said Miss Martian with a disapproving tone.
"Oh I know." said Artemis as if stating the obvious.
Soon enough Aqualad told them that Serling had located the Fog and Robin and Superboy quickly left on the Bioship to find it before it reached its next target. Which then left Miss Martian and Artemis alone once again.
"You embarrassed Superboy." said the Martian in a tone that suggested a little jealousy perhaps.
"Didn't hear him say that." the archer responded.
"Must you challenge everything?" Miss Martian asked.
"Where I grew up that is how you survive." Artemis responded.
Unknown to them they did not see a woman dressed in a green kimono with a Cheshire cat mask sneak past them as the assailant sneaked into the school. From there she moved into the school.
Kid Flash moped in front of the door until he noticed a shadow on the ground to which he quickly followed. The shadow lead him into the school pool where he rushed in a slipped from a large pile of balls that had been laid out and landed hard on the ground. His last sight was seeing the bottom of a boot before he fell to unconsciousness.
The assassin then pushed him into the water where he might drown. She then sneaked into hallway and cracked the door open a crack. However, instead of seeing Aqualad guarding Serling she instead saw a Green Lantern in the room. Shocked at first at possibly facing the powers of a Lantern she still had a mission to complete from the Shadows. She could only hope to catch him off guard.
So she threw a poisoned shrunken at the Doctor. Which Naruto immediately saw and plucked out of mid air with a tendril from his ring.
"Doctor get down and behind something." said Naruto while mentally telling his teammates that he was under attack. The assassin then burst in and threw three more shrunken at him. This time though Naruto caught them in between the fingers of his gloved right hand while avoiding any contact with his skin and tossing them aside easily.
"Impressive." said the assassin as she pulled out two sais from her back. Naruto answered by creating two kunai constructs.
"Kinda figured you poisoned those shuriken for greater effect in taking out the security of your target." said Naruto as he rushed forward. The two began clashing with their weapons matching strike for strike feeling each other out.
"Well aren't you the smart one of the bunch." she said as she blocked two swipes and a stab by him. These proved to be a feint however as she did not see him forgo one kunai construct which left his left hand free to deliver a palm strike that landed on her face at blinding speed. The force of it sending her backwards to the wall behind her.
Naruto then pressed on sending a front right kick to her. She dodged it but saw the kick leave a crater behind as the foot landed on the wall. She then threw one of her sais at the doctor but Naruto raised his hand.
"Wind Style: Air Blade Jutsu!" he said sending his hand down. From there a blade of wind came down and destroyed the Sai before it was a centimeter to Serling. Cheshire, being the professional she was, kept any surprise she may have on hold as she tried to press her attack hoping to catch the young shinobi of guard.
Which proved for naught as he dodged and deflected her strikes easily. Naruto noted that while she was highly skilled she was not the best kunoichi he ever fought. He fired back with side kick which she blocked but it was another feint as he slid down to kick her legs from under her. He then jumped up to punch her but she avoided it and his punch cratered the ground beneath it.
While in the air however, he jumped up and hit her with a knee to her chin and a spinning roundhouse kick to her stomach sending to the ground again.
The assassin recovered. Before she could do anything else she was disarmed of her remaining Sai by an arrow from behind. She looked to see Artemis there.
"Don't move." said the archer. Cheshire looked between the two of them as she had trouble catching her breath from her brief fight with the Green Lantern.
'Who just kicked my ass better then Dad did.' she thought to herself.
"This is maybe too interesting." Cheshire said. From there she threw a smoke bomb right when Kid Flash rushed in as she disappeared in a puff of smoke almost into Artemis to which he quickly backed away from.
'Kurama can you track her through her emotions?' Naruto asked.
'No. Strangely enough, other than a few jolts of surprise, she did not seem to experience any negative emotions during the fight. And her scent seems to be gone as well.' his partner told him.
"She's getting away! You're letting her get away!" Serling yelled.
"This is all your fault! How that Shadow sneak in here!?" Kid Flash accused to which Artemis glared at him.
"That's not exactly fair. I was outside too." said Miss Martian.
"Outside being distracted by her." said Kid Flash "Besides I can't be mad at you." 'You gave me mouth to mouth'
"We heard that!" Naruto and the rest said mentally.
"Dang it!" yelled Kid Flash again. Miss Martian then walked up to Artemis.
"I didn't do half as well in my first battle. And I know you haven't been Green Arrow's sidekick for very long." said Miss Martian.
"Yeah. But Green Lantern had the situation under control. All I did was give her an easy way out." said Artemis.
"She was going to do it anyway whether you came in or not." said Naruto with reassurance. "If anything you added to the pressure on her and helped save Doctor Roquette's life."
Artemis smiled at that.
"Focus everyone. The Shadows will be back." said Aqualad.
"Robin to Aqualad. We are over Philadelphia and have found the Fog's next target. Star Labs. But we're too late the building is destroyed. The Fog decimated it. This is really bad. Star Labs is cutting edge science and now their secrets are in the hands of the enemy." Robin reported.
"What's our next move?" Naruto asked. Aqualad turned to Serling.
"Re scan for that Fog. Find it. In the meantime we are moving the doctor. But I do suspect that the Shadows will expect this and after their first failure the assassin will bring in reinforcements." said Aqualad who turned to Naruto. "Any ideas on how to counter it?"
"As a matter of fact I think I do." said Naruto smiling under his mask.
(Gotham City)
Professor Ojo drove the van that was carrying the container of the Fog as he parked it right in front of WayneTech building. So far the mission had gone well and it had reached the final phase. He got up from the car seat and moved towards the canister and programmed the micro-bots for their mission. He then opened the van side door and unleashed the Fog onto the building.
He satisfaction however was short lived as he saw a green energy bubble surround the gas cloud of robots which stopped them from going anywhere. He looked to see the Green Lantern from the young heroes who was emitting the bubble from his blasted power ring.
Ojo powered up the eye beam on his helmet preparing to fire when he heard the sound of something heavy landing near him. He turned to see Superboy walking towards him. Self preservation kicked in and he fired at the Boy of Steel instead. Superboy blocked the beam with his arm and grunted from the effort as Ojo tried to destroy him.
He had already lost however as Robin got behind him and knocked him out.
"How long can you keep that up?" the Boy Wonder asked.
"More than long enough." said Naruto "Is the virus uploading yet?"
Robin checked his holo-computer. "Yep. Just need to wait now and the infiltrators will be out-filtrated." he said with a smile. Naruto just shook his head with that phrase.
"What about the others and the Doctor?" Superboy asked.
"Don't worry they got the situation under control." said Naruto.
(Happy Harbor)
To say that Cheshire was not having a good night would be an understatement. On her first attempt on Roquette she encounters a Green Lantern. She assumed it was risky facing that kind of caliber but she figured like the rest of the kids she thought he was a rookie at it.
The cracked ribs and the aches and pains she felt said otherwise. She thought that the ring would be her biggest obstacle. But then that Lantern turned out to be a master hand-to-hand combatant.
Then to add to her issues she had to call in Black Spider and Hook for help. They manage to subdue Aqualad, or so she thought, and moved to attack Serling. From there Black Spider and Hook fought Kid Flash and Artemis while she finally managed to get close enough to the doctor to finish the job.
That is until the "doctor" turned her head completely around while she was face first on the ground and turned green. She knew she'd been duped and ran out to find her location while the others fought.
Using the infrared in her mask she managed to trace where Aqualad had gone after not seeing his body where they left him. She soon followed the trail. But not before knocking out Artemis after she went after and tricked her into thinking her knock out gas arrow had subdued her. Though thanks to her mask's air filters that was not a problem.
She found them in the Sandbar Internet Cafe and got to the roof. She threw a gas bomb on the floor past the back door. It went off distracting the Atlantean. By the time he turned around she fired three darts with poison. He managed to resist it at first before striking wildly with punches which she dodged easily and hit him in the head with a side kick to the head knocking him out.
"Finally something easy." she said out loud. "Now Doctor. I'm here for my appointment."
But as she gripped her Sais on her holster she realized something. Aqualad always had water bearers and fought with them. Usually using sword constructs. She then turned to the unconsciousness boy only to see him disappear in a puff of smoke. Her instincts saved her as she flipped from her spot on the ground just as it exploded below her. When she landed she was face to face with the Green Lantern once again.
"Sorry the Doctor is busy at the moment. But if you would like to make an appointment I can take a message." he joked. He held up his right hand and silently beckoned her to bring it.
She shook off her surprise and moved in swiping at him. He dodged her attacks again before getting behind her and grabbing her collapsible ninjato from her back as she tried to kick him to which he ducked. He then unfolded the sword and held it reversed grip behind him.
"Why take my weapons when you have that ring of yours?" she asked. Then she noticed that he didn't seem to have his ring on him which only made her further confused. She shook it off when he didn't answer as he moved forward an attacked.
As it turned out he was just as good with a sword as with a kunai and hand-to-hand as she could barely keep up with him defensively never mind attack. As they clashed blades Naruto feinted a sword strike and hit her with a two kick combo to the stomach and face to which she recovered and kept fighting.
"It's done!" Serling said mentioning the virus is uploaded causing a pause in the fight.
"Virus is uploaded. Which mean the Fog is done. And the reason for going after her is gone too." said Naruto.
"Though not the entertainment value." said Cheshire though Naruto could see that she was bluffing. Like Kurama said there was no negative emotions coming from her even while they fought. Unless you count her frustration into it.
"As you wish." said Naruto who then threw her Ninjato into the window crashing it. Cheshire turned for a second but it was too late as she felt a gust of wind suddenly force her through the window with a loud thud as he heard her land on the concrete.
"Stay here I will be right back." he said turning his head to Serling. He then jumped out of the window and looked to find her only to have her gone. All that was there was her mask.
"Crap. She's better than I thought." Naruto said to himself. He then went back inside the cafe to check on Roquette.
Meanwhile, Cheshire managed to hide in an alleyway nearby. She had trouble controlling her breathing at the moment since getting her ass beat not once but twice and she was really feeling it now.
"Hold it!" she heard a familiar voice behind her which made her smile even with a bleeding lip.
"Wow. I'm completely at you're mercy." she said turning to see her little sister bow with arrow in hand.
Artemis's eyes widened at who the assassin was. "You." she said.
"I suppose you will take me in. Bring me to justice. You can now easily since you're green friend handled me so easily. Though I wonder if you're position is strong enough for them to find out all the secrets that you hide from them?" she questioned. This made Artemis pause before lowering her bow.
"Didn't think so." she said as she walked back and threw another smoke bomb. "So like the Cheshire cat. I will just disappear." and then she was gone.
Aqualad and the others caught up to Naruto who was talking with Roquette.
"I thought you were going to stop the Fog." he said.
"Boss did, which means he should be coming back with Robin and Superboy." said Naruto as he held up Cheshire's mask. "I stopped our assassin from getting Serling but she managed to escape. This was all I found. And no I didn't see her face." he said changing the subject.
"Cool! Souvenir!" said Kid Flash. It was then that Artemis appeared from the ally.
"Hey did you manage to get her?" asked the speedster.
"No. She's long gone." said Artemis.
"Well that's super. As you can see we got ours." said Kid Flash pointing at Black Spider and Bone tied up.
"It is fine. Doctor Roquette is safe and the Fog neutralized. The mission is a success thanks in no small part to you." said Aqualad. "Welcome to the Team."
Artemis smiled at that.
"Indeed. We have been needing a long range combatant for some time and you fit the bill very well." said Naruto who offered her his hand for her to shake.
"I always wanted a sister. Here on Earth of course I have twelve back on Mars but trust me it's not the same." said Miss Martian
"I...wouldn't know. But thanks" said Artemis. M'gann then elbow Kid Flash to get him to respond.
"Yeah welcome." he said as he and Artemis shook hands. Though it seemed to be an uneasy affair.
"Well if that's all then the Boss will see you guys later." said Naruto which had them all confused. Until Naruto disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Okay...what is the deal with him?" asked Artemis.
"Suffice it to say that our Green Lantern has a varied skill set it appears." said Aqualad as he put a hand to his to relay the information to the others.
"Yeah I know I just told Robin and Superboy. We are on our way back to the Cave. Batman will have someone take the Doctor home." said Naruto.
"How did you already know what happened here?" asked Aqualad.
"My clone's relayed the information to me. I will explain when you get back." said Naruto.
"Please do so. Cause between this and walking on water I am having difficulty keeping up." said Aqualad.
(Gotham City)
Artemis Zeta Tube back to Gotham. The delivery being inside a telephone booth. As soon as she stepped out however she heard someone was behind her and drew her bow and arrow.
"Step out into the light! Now!" she ordered.
The person in question was Red Arrow.
"Nice move. Almost made me think you are Green Arrow's niece." said Roy as Artemis hoisted her bow. "But we both know you're not."
Artemis looked away and said nothing.
"Still I'm sure GA and Bats have a good reason for lying so you're cover's safe. But I warn you now. Do not hurt my friends." he threatened.
"Same goes for you boy." said a voice from behind both of them. They looked to see Naruto appear before them shimmering into existence.
"Look I understand you wanting to protect your friends. Believe me I do. But how bout giving her the benefit of the doubt before threatening her?" he asked. "Because she's one of my comrades now and you really don't want to threatening one of my teammates with me around."
The two of them stared for a moment before Roy walked past him and away from them.
"Jerk." said Naruto.
"Thanks." said Artemis.
"Don't mention it. As far as I'm concerned whatever you're keeping from the others is your business. But Robin is going to figure it out. So you might want to at least think about telling them whatever you think you need to hide." Naruto advised.
Artemis took a moment to think on that.
"I will think on it alright." she said. "I need to go get some sleep. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah you will. Cause I happen to be the assistant trainer as well as a member of the Team. So get some sleep. We have a session tomorrow morning." said Naruto. Artemis nodded and walked home as Naruto used the Zeta Tube in the phone booth to return to the Cave.
(Infinity Island)
"You're report?" said the voice of L-2.
"Masters." addressed Sensei. "Before Ojo's capture he transmitted the Star Labs data you require. But the WayneTech intel still alludes us."
"Once again the young "heroes" intervene. So it is fortunate that we have an operative on the inside." said L-2. To which Sensei smiled at this.
End Chapter
Apologies again for the delay in the chapter. I have had circumstances in RL that have had my attention. That and my editor, qtar1984, work on what will be the season three for this fanfiction. Suffice it to say it is a lot and hopefully you will get to see it sooner rather the later.
See you all next chapter.