Chapter 13: Downtime
The Team lay on the ground defeated and overpowered by their latest enemy, Clayface. They were covered in muck from his attacks and all but Aqualad were unconscious though himself just barely.
He looked up and saw the monster known as Clayface about to finish them off when Naruto suddenly appeared in front of him almost instantly, his hand shining with lightning, striking at Clayface, dissolving him onto the ground before them in a puddle of goo.
Kaldur would have worried if not for the fact that the criminal had been known to be extremely if not impossible to kill. Naruto then had Clayface contained in a bubble and awaited Batman as he arrived on the scene.
No words were said as he, the Team, and Batman dropped off Clayface in a specialized cell in Arkham Asylum. It was only after arriving back at Mount Justice that Batman spoke.
"Team hit the showers. Everyone else head home." said Batman.
"Home? I am home." said Superboy as he walked off.
"Me and M'gann too." said Naruto.
"I need to speak with Aqualad." said the Dark Knight. Both he and Robin stood at attention.
"Just Aqualad." said Batman getting a strange look from Robin but did as he was asked. Naruto however stayed behind.
"I said just Aqualad." said Batman.
"I don't follow your orders and I would also like to hear what happened." said the young shinobi.
"Very well." said Batman.
"I owe you thanks for your assistance Naruto." said Kaldur.
"I just want to know why you didn't have us coordinate the attack against Clayface. In fact your head wasn't even in the game tonight." said Naruto.
"The Green Lantern is correct." agreed the Dark Knight. "The Team was on point. You, their leader, was distracted and not focused."
"No you are-" Kaldur began before taking a deep breath. "Correct."
"Why is the question?" said Naruto knowing that in this line of work a moment's distraction could get you killed.
"As of late I am not convinced I belong on the surface world. For years it had filled my every thought. But now that I am here my dreams are of my home, of Atlantis."
"Is it the place or someone you left behind?" Naruto asked.
Kaldur was shocked. "How did you know?"
"I've been there." said Naruto.
"Regardless," Batman intervened. "You can make time in between the surface world and the sea. Your mind cannot. You are either here one hundred percent or you need to walk away. Make a decision Kaldur and make it soon."
Kaldur knew that he was right. Naruto time was split between going to his homeworld, being on the Team, and assisting Black Canary in training them. He had no such excuse.
"Kaldur." the Lantern called out. "I don't think we are due for another mission for a while. Take the time off and consider what you want. And know that no matter what your decision we got your back."
"Thank you." said the Atlantean as he moved to the Zeta-Tube and disappeared into it.
"For his sake I hope he makes the right choice." said Batman.
"For the Team, or for himself?" Naruto asked.
"Both." he responded before turning to Naruto. "It may mean that the Team will need new leadership if Kaldur decides to stay in the sea."
"You think Robin is ready now? Both he and Kaldur agreed that he wasn't ready for the responsibility." said Naruto.
"Perhaps." said Batman. Noticing how fast Naruto mentioned Robin as the new leader told the detective that Naruto was not looking to take the lead, at least not now. Despite reports from Red Tornado that everyone, including Aqualad, have been looking to him for advice, tips, or someone to talk to.
"I'm guessing your chakra network allows you to control elements. Hence the lightning attack that you used on Clayface." he said changing the subject.
"Among other things yes." said Naruto.
"I saw the report from when you fought Prince John. That technique you used was the same." he stated.
"Correct. Though, obviously I couldn't kill him with that attack since it's seemingly impossible to actually find his heart." Naruto explained.
"And if it wasn't?" Batman asked suspiciously.
"Then I would use something that didn't kill him." Naruto stated. "I don't look to kill my enemies at all times Batman. John needed an honorable death to go to Valhalla."
The two glared at each other before Batman seemed to relent.
"Alright then. Be sure to inform the Team that they have some downtime. That includes you as well." he said. Turned to the Zeta-Tube programmed the computer to take him to the watch tower to which he left in.
'You know one of these days I get the feeling you two are going to come to blows. At least this time he actually saw your point.' said Kurama.
'Yeah for now. He doesn't trust me and I'm not sure I trust him all that much either.'said Naruto as he changed from his uniform to his civilian attire.'At any rate I better give the news to the others then get some sleep.'
Naruto went to do just that when Artemis appeared.
"Hey. Anything happen while I was out?" she asked.
"Yeah. I will tell you about it on the way to the others." said Naruto.
(The next day)
Kaldur stood in front of the Zeta-Tube about to enter his code for it to activate.
"Kaldur just a minute." called out the voice of Naruto. Kaldur did so and saw that he had the rest of the Team behind him
"I haven't made my decision to leave the Team. There is no need for a farewell sendoff yet." said the Atlantean.
"And as much relief as that gives us that's not what he wanted us for Kaldur." said M'gann.
Kaldur looked to Naruto and noticed that he had a device in his hand.
"I'm assuming that this has something to do with what we talked about earlier about the possibility of some of us possessing a chakra network or the potential to have one?"
"You would assume correctly." said Naruto. "Do not worry though this will not take long. The way this works that you put it on. I then put some of my chakra to scan your system. This device will show me an image of any chakra in a person's body. Depending on whether the chakra flows into a pattern will determine if any one of you has meridian system and if it can be developed into a chakra network."
"Won't any alien origins play a part to this?" asked M'gann. "Or even those who possess magical abilities like Kaldur does?"
"More than likely yes though I am not sure." said Naruto. "Chakra is a mixture of physical and spiritual energy so in effect all life forms should have those. But this is all theory until we test it."
"I say let's try it and see what comes of it." said Wally eager to see if he could acquire new powers along with the new skills that Dinah and Naruto had been pounding into his skull.
"I'm in." said Superboy simply. This acknowledgment was compounded by nods and yes's from the rest of the Team.
"On that note let's begin." said Naruto. "Basically what this will this device will do is that it will show me whether or not you have a meridian system. The way it works is that I will channel a small bit of my chakra into you so that the device can get a reading. Do you all understand?"
Everyone nodded.
"Now I will use it first to demonstrate how it works." Naruto attached the device to his wrist. The indicator on it showed his a part of his chakra network much like what he was told by Hinata when she used the Byakugan. It showed a section of his chakra network and showed how it flowed throughout his network as he moved the device up and down his arm.
"As you can see it works like an x-ray or a stethoscope. My chakra will seek out and flow into your meridian system if you have one, making it a chakra network, if my idea is right anyways. Does anyone know about the Meridian system?" he asked.
"Batman explained it to me when I trained with him." said Robin.
"The concept was a part of it with the Genomes taught me along with other facts." said Superboy. "Essentially it's a philosophy that the energy known as 'Qi' exists in all forms of life and this system is the means that it travels through the body."
"Yep. Though I'm not sure that Qi and chakra are the same thing. In that sense we will just stick to chakra for now." said Naruto. "Now who wants to be first?"
Each member was more than a little curious on what the machine would say and if they did have something in common with their friend. Superboy was first as Naruto attached the device to his arm and channeled the chakra into the boy of steel.
"You feel anything yet?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah. I'm feeling warm. Not a bad kind. Like something rising. Like the sun almost." said the clone.
Naruto looked at the device and saw that the chakra he sent in had done something. There was no chakra network but he could see energy spiking in his body.
"Alright. That's something to explore later. In the mean time best I get this off." said Naruto. Superboy nodded in agreement but was a tad reluctant as Naruto took the device off.
"M'gann you're turn." he said. She stepped up to him and placed the device on her arm and did the same thing to her.
'As much I would like to have more powers I would prefer to master the ones I have first. Hope I don't mess up the machine!' Naruto suddenly heard in his mind.
"M'gann did you link us up?" he asked.
"No why?" she answered.
'"Because I just heard your voice in my head, are you hearing mine?'" Naruto asked.
"Yes. Naruto, I ask to link up before I start, I swear." said M'gann.
"It's alright. Looks like the device has created some psychic link between us as soon as I sent chakra into your system.'"he explained. "It should be off once the device is off you. How are you feeling?"
'"Fine for the most part. Better than fine actually. It's like my powers are augmented almost."
"Well aside from that I don't see anything resembling a chakra network. We're done here." he thought taking the device off. She shook her head as the effects wore off and they could both feel the link being broken.
'Kurama did she detect you at all?' he asked his partner.
'No I managed to keep myself shielded. Be more careful though next time.' said the tailed beast. 'How do you think that happened?'
'Must be because of her being a Martian. Her mind and body are essentially one and the same.' he responded. 'The device didn't see a chakra network but it still created a Ninshu like empathic bond between us when my chakra flowed into her.'
'Makes sense. Better move it along though.' said Kurama.
"Alright Kaldur you're next." said Naruto. The leader of the Team stood up and Naruto put the device on. As he sent his chakra into the device he looked inside it and saw that his chakra flowed more like bubble on water. Almost like it was rejecting the chakra instead of melding.
"Looks like it's not mixing. Almost as if something in your system already has something in it to begin with. You're magic maybe." said Naruto as he took the device off.
"Makes sense. My powers are derived from what I learned of magic from Atlantis." said Aqualad. From his tone the shinobi could tell that he was eager to get back to his home.
"We're almost done Kaldur." said Naruto. "Wally you're next."
Naruto put the device on and flowed his chakra into the young speedster.
"Huh. Feels like I drank an espresso." he said feeling buzzed on energy. Naruto looked at the read out and didn't see anything.
"Strange. Almost at the same moment I sent it the chakra that was supposed to be in your system it just disappeared." said Naruto.
"Huh. Must have something to do with me being a speedster or something." said Wally.
"You feel anything weird?" Naruto asked.
"Aside from being buzzed from a caffeine binge no. I'm fine." he said.
"Guess that's that." said Naruto
That left the ones he was most certain had a meridian system. Robin and Artemis. Sure enough as he put the device on them he found that as he put a little of his chakra in their systems he could begin to see their chakra networks activate.
"Whoa." said Artemis as she felt the warmth in her body.
"Yeah. Feels kinda weird. Kinda nice but weird. Like something awakening." said Robin.
"Don't get too excited guys." said Naruto looking at the device. "You both have a chakra network but it's not nearly as well developed as the non fighters of my world never mind a fully active pure bred ninja."
"So what does that mean?" said Artemis with her hands on her hips.
"It means for you two at least that while you might not be able to use jutsu given how underdeveloped your networks are we can still have you develop new tricks to add to your arsenals." said Naruto
"Such as?" Robin asked.
"Being able to walk on walls and possibly water." said Naruto then turning to Artemis. "Or maybe adding elemental changes to your projectile weapons such as your arrows." he then turned to Robin. "Or your batarangs."
Robin and Artemis gave him a look that looked between caution and perhaps curiosity.
"It's up to you guys. I'm not going to force this so just talk to me if and when you are ready." said Naruto. "As for the rest of you please let me know if there are any side effect to the chakra I just used. Though it was small and you don't seem to have been effected I want to know."
"Understood." said Kaldur. "Well I must be off now."
"Kaldur whatever happens know that we got your back dude." said Wally to which Robin nodded in agreement.
"Same for the rest of us." said Superboy.
"Thank you. All of you." said Kaldur as he turned to the Zeta-Tube and entered his authorization. He then disappeared.
Red Tornado entered the room shortly after.
"Hey Red." said Naruto noticing him there. "Are there any missions that have been made available?"
"Not at this time. But as I have stated in the past that is for Batman to decide and he has already determined that for not you are all off duty." said the android remembering the last time he told the Team and the mission they went on to find Kent Nelson which lead to his death and the retrieval of the Helmet of Fate.
"Okay looks like we got some free time guys." said Naruto.
"In that case I need to head home and prep my arrows. See ya guys later." said Artemis as she left.
"Yeah I got a birthday party to attend with my family." said Wally with a wave.
"Yeah I gotta get home too." said Robin. They all left via Zeta-Tube.
"So I guess that's that." said Superboy as he and M'gann walked away to their rooms or wherever else in the cave. Red Tornado also flew back up to his quarters above.
'Guess it's just us huh kid.' said Kurama
'Yeah. Might as well get some sword practice in.' said Naruto taking his coat off and making himself a sword construct. Though not a katana or a ninja-to. It was in fact a long sword. Typical design with it being double bladed, oval hilt, and a cross guard.
Since his fight with Prince John the shinobi had decided to expand his knowledge when it came to sword technique. Though he still preferred what he had been taught weapon wise through Laira and through his own training with ninja weapons he had to admit that this particular model of sword had its advantages. The point of the blade had slightly more penetrating power in his opinion and he learned that the cross guard could be used to catch an enemy's weapon if needed.
He went with a hand and a half variant of the sword. As he swung around the one thing he was trying to do was get used to the weight of the weapon. When he trained with weapon constructs with Laira she had told him to make sure to make the weapons weight and feel be as close to the actual thing as possible. She told him that being from a warrior culture herself and being trained in multiple weapons she found during her first years as being a Green Lantern she found that the constructs were too light and had done her best to change that.
Naruto took that lesson to heart. Though they both agreed that there was nothing wrong with others in the Corps keeping their constructs lighter since not all came from fighting backgrounds as they did. It was just their personal perspective on things.
After testing the weight he moved and spun around using the sword as he would if he were in battle. Slicing, stabbing and twirling in the air as if moving through enemy troops. Naruto thought about summoning some clones but decided that could wait for another time.
After practicing his sword technique for what seemed like a couple hours Naruto had stopped. For some reason he seemed fluster about something. Evidence when he threw his sword away which thankfully just disappeared.
'Something up?' asked the tailed beast.
'Nothing, just having a little issue with where I fit on this Team, or even this planet for that matter,' Naruto said in his mind.
Lately since his exile from his sector he wasn't really sure what to do with himself aside from missions with the rest of his teammates which he had to admit while could be interesting they were fewer than what he did previously. On top of the fact that he wasn't sure where on the Team he fit since everyone had their designated roles more or less.
He shook it aside and decided to do one of the things that helped relax besides fighting evil. After picking his jacket and putting it on he created a piano in the center of the room. From there he created a seat for himself and started playing the piano improvisation of the jazz song "Body and Soul". While Ganthet always preferred more classical music Naruto found himself more into Earth's jazz, since that music allowed more emotion to be expressed. Especially with the blues.
As he played he closed his eyes and just let himself flow through the keys as he played the song on his keys moving through them as if his hands already knew what they were going to do before he did. He listened to the echo of the cave as the music played and found the place he was in was the best place acoustically and it pleased him to hear his playing echo throughout it.
What felt like hours when in fact it was only a few minutes Naruto finished the song and felt more relaxed than he did earlier. That is until he started to hear clapping from behind him.
He turned to see Dinah standing there clapping her hands.
"Don't stop on my account." said Dinah with a smile on her face.
"Dinah!" Naruto exclaimed standing up from his seat at the piano blushing in embarrassment that someone was in the room while he was playing.
"I didn't know there was a lesson today. Sorry I will just put this away." said Naruto already starting to make the piano disappear.
"No please. I didn't mean to disturb you. I just heard what happened with the mission with Clayface and I wanted to see how you all were doing." said Dinah.
"We're okay. The Team suffered some bruises but nothing serious. Though wither or not Kaldur will return remains in question." Naruto explained hoping to change the subject.
"Hope he does." said Dinah. "I didn't know you played the piano." she said getting back to the subject matter and walking up to him.
"Uh yeah." he said scratching the back of his head and looking at the piano construct. "It's a hobby I picked up. A friend of mine, Ganthet, said I needed something to help me relax."
"I figured. You're quite good by the way." she complemented.
"Thanks." said Naruto.
"That song you were playing that was "Body and Soul" wasn't it. 1930's I think." she said placing the song.
"Yeah. He prefers more classical music. I like Earth's jazz though. Jazz you can play with just about any emotion. Whether you are angry or sad or happy, and it's just fun to play." said Naruto.
"One of my favorite songs "Fever", I like to sing it whenever I get the chance." said Dinah.
"You sing?" said Naruto.
"Yes. Surprised?" said Dinah. "I know my power is a scream that can level at least a building but I've trained to use it properly. I happen to have a very good voice."
"I don't doubt it." said Naruto in an apologetic tone. It was then that he was reminded of something.
"It's a good thing you came." he said suddenly as he summoned a clone and told him to go to his room and get the device he had used earlier from the others.
"That's a handy trick making clones of yourself. Not the first kind of replication I have seen though."
"I figured." said Naruto as the clone came back with the device.
"I'm assuming that thing is used for what you were talking about before? Seeing if anyone has this chakra network that you have I mean." she guessed
"Yep. This is the thing. And if you want I can use it to see if you got one." Naruto offered to Dinah's surprise.
"Really? I didn't think I qualify since I already have powers." said the heroine.
"Actually I think that makes you more viable." said Naruto. "I've already tested the rest of the Team and found only Robin and Artemis have one though not nearly as developed as those on my world. You on the other hand might have more potential than they do since you already have powers. Wally got his power from an experiment, but you were born with the potential to develop your power."
"How does that affect the outcome of whether or not that I have a chakra network or not?" she asked.
"Because your powers are natural. You were born with them. And since chakra is a mixture of physical and spiritual energy it stands to reason that having been born with superpowers would make a person like yourself more viable." Naruto explained
The thought had intrigued Dinah she had to admit. After all as a martial artist who studied under numerous masters, most became her friend and others more like father or mother figures, she knew just as much as anyone how important it was to have multiple options. And she knew that also came to having more than one superpower. Superman being a prime example of having multiple abilities was an advantage.
So being offered the chance to extend her arsenal was something she would be a fool to pass up. However, that didn't mean she should just go easily. First she wanted to see for herself what Naruto was made of. And perhaps get the chance to sate some of her curiosity in the process.
"You make a good case Naruto but you have to do something first before I let you scan me with that thing." she said
"And what's that?" Naruto asked. Dinah smiled and walked to the center of the chamber.
"You spar a lot right?" she asked.
"Yeah with my clones when I need to." said Naruto with an eyebrow raised.
"How about going a few rounds with me?" she asked. "You win we get to see if I have a chakra network or not."
"And if you win?" Naruto questioned though behind the suspicion she could tell there was a bit of interest in his words as well.
"You get to tell me something about yourself." she said taking off her jacket and setting it aside. "C'mon you have to admit you are kinda a mystery to everyone here. Nothing too extensive just something. Family, friends from home, all up to you."
Naruto took a moment to think on that before turning dropping his own jacket and taking off his ring and putting it on top of it having his eyes go back to their clear blue.
"Deal." he said with a smile and getting into his Frog Kata stance. Dinah in turn took her fighting stance which he guessed may be kickboxing though given how extensive her knowledge of fighting styles he didn't know for certain.
For the first few minutes but what seemed longer they just stood there switching their postures to cover any blind spots in their respective stances while also looking for any in each others. She tried to fake a punch to get him off guard but it was clear that he was too disciplined to fall for the trick. Naruto didn't even try to repeat it which meant he felt the same about her.
Since neither could find an opening Dinah decided to force the issue with striking first with a fast jab that Naruto blocked. He returned fire with a jab of his own to which she blocked. Two back and forth jabs later Naruto decided to move and tried a right cross. She dodged it and responded with a left cross to which Naruto moved out of the way of which then lead to her using a leg kick which again he blocked but she twisted to a spinning roundhouse kick that landed on his stomach.
Dinah moved to press but Naruto recovered intercepting her punch by punching the inside of her arm. He then managed to hit her torso with a palm strike and landed a right cross to her face sending her spinning. She used that momentum however and used it for a spinning heel kick. Naruto caught the foot and pulled her in grabbing her arms behind her but staying in front of her getting them closed enough to feel their breath.
"You're holding back." Naruto noted.
"Yes." she said.
"Don't." said Naruto with a smile. Dinah returned the smile, ecstatic to hear that.
'Uh oh.' said Kurama. A sentiment Naruto shared as she used her feet to push herself off him and out of his grip while at the same time hitting him with a flip kick. While still dazed she managed hit him with a jumping spinning back kick which nearly sent him to the floor but he managed to recover.
Dinah moved to press the attack before getting hit with two front kicks and and an elbow to her face. From there he hit with a side kick which she managed to block and the combination of punches which had her staggering as she blocked the spinning back fist. Naruto then jumped and tried to hit with a flying elbow which she grabbed and had them both on the floor with her trying for an armbar.
Naruto for his part was surprised at how strong she was but managed to break the hold and they both flipped to their feet. Both stood appraising each other once again with Naruto rubbing his face and Dinah favoring her side.
'This girl could give some of the best in taijutsu a run for the money. Hell she appears to be just as skilled as Gai or Lee without their Inner Gates.' said Kurama.
'Whose side are you on?' said Naruto as dodged another offensive by Dinah.
'I'm just saying she's a really good fighter. So are you obviously but gotta give credit where credit is due.' said Kurama.
'Yeah she is.' Naruto responded. He then concentrated back on the fight and with a flurry that she managed to block. He then threw a spinning back kick which she dodged but he used the momentum to make another which caught in the face almost knocking her down but she maintained her stance though was still shaky from the hit.
Dinah was starting to breath heavy from the fight. Naruto was breathing as well though she could see that he was not feeling nearly as fatigued as she was.
'I've got to end this now.' she thought to herself. 'Almost don't want to though. Haven't had this much fun in a spar except with Ted.' Putting the thoughts aside she braced herself as Naruto moved a punch, elbow combo which she managed to block along the kick that came with it wincing as she did. She countered with a kick to which he blocked but managed a right cross to which he answered with his own.
Then it was an exchange of blocking, dodging or managing to get one hit off before she tried finishing him off with a low leg sweep as she did with Wally. Naruto managed to jump out of the way and before she could get up from her position found herself on the ground with his arm on her neck, needs on his arms sitting on her stomach pressing his weight on her with his fist raised back into a fist for a final blow.
"Do you yield?" he asked with a sweating face. Dinah wanted to try and use her legs but Naruto was pressing too much weight on her to try that. She then just breathed a sigh and nodded. He smiled at that, got off her, and gave her a hand up.
"Good fight." said Naruto in earnest. "Honestly I can say none of my clones can give me a Taijutsu fight they way you did."
"I figured as such. You're skill in taijutsu is also considerable." she answered breathing heavy and sweating. She noticed the confusion on Naruto's face.
"You know what that means?" he asked.
"Yeah. Jutsu is what we call our techniques just like you and I'm assuming you're people call what you use as well. Whether its kenjutsu or taijutsu." she explained.
"Really? Huh didn't know that. Maybe your people and mine have more in common than even I thought." said Naruto.
"Probably." she responded while thinking about what he had offered.
"You're actually one of the people I can count on one hand that I know of that actually beat me in hand to hand." she continued with a smile.
"I do my best." said Naruto.
"No seriously. The only people I have seen who fight like you can are the likes of Wonder Woman and Batman. Maybe Superman too but I've never been able to see him fight because of his speed." said Dinah
"I'm honored." said Naruto in humility of being in such esteemed company. "Though I would put you in the same company as well."
"Thank you." she said.
"Well we made a bet." she said pointing at the device.
"Yeah I guess we did. You don't have to you know." said Naruto walking over and picking up the device.
"It's okay. I'm actually kinda curious to see if I have this chakra network you are talking about." she said. Naruto nodded and placed the device on her arm.
Like before he put some of his chakra into the device and thus into her to find it. He heard her take a breath.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Fine. It just felt good. Warm. Like something had awakened. Something that makes me feel safe." she said looking up at him. They stared at each other for a moment when the machine finished. Naruto immediately shook it off and took the device off her arm and looked at the scanner.
"Well?" she asked.
"Good news. You do have a chakra network just like Artemis and Robin. Unlike them however, yours is far more developed then theirs. Not quite up to a pure blooded ninja but it is pretty close." he explained.
"How close?" she asked with some excitement.
"From what I can see from the device your network is very healthy. Enough that I can get chakra flowing into it which would kick start your own chakra flow. From there I could start teaching you jutsu." he said taking the device off her. "That's the name of the techniques my race uses." he added.
"I know what it means. It's the same thing here on Earth. Jutsu implies using tricks, skills or abilities in just about any form whether it's kenjutsu or martial arts." said Dinah.
Dinah thought for a moment. She had seen some of the jutsu that he had used from his fight with Amazo and she had to admit they were impressive. But also dangerous and she would have to give up some time in order to train to use whatever new powers she would have from the transfer she would undergo.
But she also realized the good that she could do. The crimes and battles she could more easily stop and be better able to keep Ollie and Roy out of danger as well as be a better asset to the league.
"Can I take some time to think about this? As great as it all sounds I don't want to just rush into this." she said.
"Take all the time you need. There's rush order on this I just wanted you to know that the option is on the table." Naruto answered with a reassuring smile that she could not help be put at ease by.
'We can take pushy off the list of potential bad traits.' she thought to herself.
"In any case I could use some water." she said wiping her head of sweat from their sparring match.
"We got some bottled water in the fridge in the kitchen. Come on." said Naruto as he grabbed his ring and put it back on and used it to pick up their jackets. Naruto offered to hers to which she accepted but both just held them since they were too hot and sweaty from their spar.
As they walked to the kitchen they saw Red Tornado leaving from that direction.
"Hey Red what's up?" Naruto asked.
"I believe that I stumbled on something awkward between Superboy and Miss Martian." said the android. The two walked in to the living area and saw the reason why the android had left.
Superboy was looking at the TV but the cable was clearly off since there was just static on the screen. The other thing was he appeared to be covered in cream, tomatoes and whatever else that seemed to have been thrown at him. M'gann was cutting up vegetables in the kitchen. Both of them seemed to be in an awkward silence.
"Okay what happened?" Dinah asked as Naruto went to the fridge and got a bottle of water and tossed another to Naruto to which she caught after putting her jacket back on.
M'gann jumped a bit hearing his voice and turned to see them.
"Oh hi Black Canary." she greeted. "I was just making dinner and Superboy offered to help but I got caught up in my own thoughts and had a little accident." she explained. "I mean 'Hello Megan' I was thinking too much at once."
'She says that a lot have you noticed?' Kurama asked as Naruto took a swig of his water bottle.
'That quote she uses yeah. Where do you think she got it from?' Naruto questioned.
'Sounds like from one of those old sitcoms from this planet. Probably canceled my guess.' said Kurama
Naruto smiled and shook his head at his partner.
"Something amusing Naruto?" asked Dinah.
"Nothing in particular." said the young shinobi. He then saw both M'gann and Superboy. He had a thought about something.
'Now that I think about it neither of them have been out of this mountain except for missions right?'
'You're right. They've been cooped up in here for as long as we've been here.' Kurama commented. 'Oh you want to something about it don't you?'
'Yep.' Naruto responded. "M'gann, stop what you are doing. Superboy, get cleaned up. We're going out tonight."
The young man turned around at this.
"Seriously?" he asked.
"Yes seriously." Naruto responded. "If that's alright with you Dinah?"
"I'm all for you guys going out." she said with a small smile. "So will Red. The only problem is identities."
"Already got mine." said M'gann excitedly as she put the vegetables she'd cut into the trash. She was obviously referring to her brown dress and skirt.
"Um yeah except for well." Naruto began trying figure out the polite way to say that her skin was still green.
"Just kidding." she said relieving him of that uncomfortable situation by chaining her skin to Caucasian. "Meet Megan Morse." she bowed.
"I'm guessing identities were already made up for her?" he asked Dinah to which she nodding with a smile.
"I guess I will go to." said Superboy as he moved to his room get a quick shower.
"So any ideas on where we should go?" asked M'gann. "Here in Happy Harbor or somewhere else?"
Naruto hadn't thought that far ahead yet. Dinah spoke up thankfully.
"There's a Chinese restaurant in Star City that me and Oliver frequent." said the veteran hero. "Give you guys a chance to explore your tastes buds."
'That sound good to me.' said Kurama. Naruto just smiled at the thought
"Excellent idea." said Naruto.
The Boy of Steel returned to the living area cleaned up and in his now clean, usual attire.
"If we are going out you're going to need to change your shirt dude." said the Ajnian.
"He's right you don't want to risk your identity." said M'gann. The young man shrugged and pulled of his shirt to which M'gann immediately blushed at. He turned it upside down and showed it to the group.
"Will this due?" he asked.
"Works for me." the Martian sighed.
"You are also going to need a name besides Superboy." said Dinah.
"Well I don't have any ideas for one." said Superboy.
"Conner has been a favorite of mine." M'gann suggested. Superboy shrugged accepted.
"A last name will also be needed in case they want a full name. And for the records that Red will make for you eventually." said Naruto.
"How about Kent?" said Dinah with a knowing smile the shinobi shared.
"Like a tribute to Kent Nelson!" exclaimed M'gann.
Naruto and Dinah looked at each other. Naruto just shrugged.
"Yeah that would work."
"I suppose it would be an honor and all that." said the now christened Connor Kent. "In any case do you have any idea where we are going?"
"Dinah mentioned a place where she and Oliver frequent. Sounds as good a place as any and best part for you guys is I'm buying." said Naruto.
Connor smiled and nodded.
"Would you like to come along Dinah?" asked Naruto.
"I suppose. I will need to go back home and change before going anywhere. Won't take me too long via Zeta-Tube though. I will meet you guys there." she said.
"See you there." said Naruto as she walked away. "Come on guys I'm hungry." said Naruto as he lead them to the tube which just finished sending Dinah off. He keyed in the machine that three were leaving for Metropolis and there they disappeared.
(Atlantis, Posidenous)
This was not what Kaldur was expecting when he decided to head back to Atlantis. He had been considering returning here to his home to finish his magical training. Or more specifically to be with Tula the girl he loved.
Only to find that he was too late and she had found love in his best friend here in Atlantis, Garth, the other person that his king had thought to take the title of Aqualad.
And in the midst of this rejection and the thoughts of what could have been if he had stayed his home was under attack. The enemy's armor suggested that Black Manta was behind this. He reasoned that sector four of the city, the only place that had not been attacked, was their target. More specifically, the Science Center and the creature in ice that Prince Orm and the scientist Vulko had uncovered.
Knowing their goal Aqualad moved ahead leaving Tula, wounded from protecting Garth, in Garth's care despite his protests.
As he keyed in the code to enter via a secret entrance Kaldur sensed someone approach him from behind. He turned and grabbed the hilt of one of his water-bearers only to find Garth to be the one behind him.
"You should be with Tula." he admonished.
"The queen looks after Tula and sent me to help you." said Garth.
Aqualad decided not to voice his objections and they moved into the tunnel swimming steadily through the halls of the center watching for enemy patrols.
"You have a plan don't you?" asked Garth. He turned only to see his friend not beside him. "Aqualad?"
He then turned to see two of Manta's soldiers upon. An instant later Aqualad was behind them and kicked on while using one of the water maces he made with his bearers to knock out the other. He then turned to a gaping Garth who was amazed at how fast he managed to do that.
"I too have my studies." said Aqualad. He shoved one of the unconscious me towards Garth and started to take off the others armor.
"We can sneak in a hopefully make sure that Manta does not get the creature." he said. Garth understood. They put on the armor and swam towards the hole that the soldiers made. They found Manta and the rest of his men waiting as his sub melted the glass dome above.
They moved in and saw one of the cables surrounding the creature. Before they could do anything though they heard the voice of the leader of this heist.
"Impressive is it not? Aqualad." he stated after he asked the question. Kaldur admonished himself in his head for keeping his water-bearers in such an obvious position as his hip. He shook it off and using the stolen soldier's rifle started firing on Black Manta.
The villain swam away easily from the shots fired and shot his own from the eye beams in his helmet destroy their weapons and knocking them to the other side of the room. Aqualad took off his helmet and used the bearers to create sword blocking shots from Manta and his troops. As Manta fired again he used a water whip, grabbed one of his men by the leg and pulled shielding himself from the attack.
"Such a waste." said Black Manta clearly impressed with the young Atlantean. "Do you truly have no ambition other than to serve Aquaman? Does he not have scores of fools who would follow him blindly?"
The villain turned to Garth who was still removing the cracked helmet from his armor.
"This fool for example." Then he fired at Garth just as he took off his helmet, Aqualad barely managing to get him out of the line of fire and finding covering behind a pillar.
"Garth, get your head in the game." said the young Atlantean. He moved back into battle using his bearers to create a shield and moved in on Black Manta. Garth decided to thin the heard to give Aqualad a better chance.
"I summon the power of the Tempest!" he called out swirling his hands and firing the spell at their foes sending them all over the place.
Aqualad engaged Black Manta but with little success as the villains experience showed. When the young Atlantean tried to strike out with his swords Manta dodged and countered. Forced back he had to block Manta's eye beams again with his bearers. It was then that he remembered something that Naruto had told him.
"All you need to do is expand your mind to the possibilities and use your imagination." Aqualad decided to take his words to heart.
And none too soon as the dome had finally melted and the cable from the sub approached the creature. He closed his eyes and channeled the magic within him difficult though it was with Black Manta still blasting away at him.
And that's when he felt it. A strange feeling not unlike when Naruto had tried to awaken a chakra network within him before. Only now that feeling was growing and growing. And just when he felt like he was going to exploded, he opened his eyes and unleashed what he was feeling on his opponent.
The blast had taken the form of an energy spear. Not what he envisioned in his head but it worked. Black Manta managed to dodge if just barely as the attack scratched at his arm severely. But it did hit the creature's ice prison. The force did not destroy it but it hit with enough force to that the cable pulling it up snapped and it dropped back into the holding chamber.
After firing the blast, Kaldur felt as if he had completely spent the energy Naruto had given him.
Some of the ice around the star fishing looking creature was shattered. Enough that one tentacle was now free.
And it was moving.
Aqualad had no time to process this as a now enraged Black Manta cried out.
"If I can't have it no one can!" at that instant a miniature rocket launcher appeared on his shoulder and fired at the creature.
"Kaldur!" called the voice of Garth as he stood in front of Aqualad and casted a shield in front of them as the missile exploded on contact. The explosion was massive and when the dust settled there were pieces of the creature still in ice all around the facility.
They looked up to see Black Manta enter the sub and leave.
It was over.
After reestablishing communications King Orrin, also known as Arthur Curry on the surface to his friends and known to the world as Aquaman, immediately returned home. His wife, Kaldur, Garth, Tula and his brother Orm met him at the Zeta-Tube.
"The city was heavily damaged." said King Orrin. "And many of our people have been injured from the attack. But it could have been much worse."
The last part of that sentence had him caressing his wife's stomach with her hand on top of his. For the life that was now growing in her womb.
"This was all that was left of the creature." said Orm presenting the small piece of tentacle that was left over from the destroyed star fish. "It has already begun to regenerate. But with the Science Center destroyed and the city in need of repairs we do not have time or the resources to study it further." He then looked to Vulko who nodded to him.
"Perhaps the surface world can do better." said Orm
"I'm sure they are eager to try." said Orrin trying to help alleviate the pain his brother was feeling. "Kaldur?" he called looking to his protégé.
Kaldur stepped forward and saluted.
"Call me Aqualad. My king." he said. Orrin smiled at hearing the resolve in his voice.
They soon left leaving Kaldur, Tula, and Garth at the Zeta-Tube.
"Kaldur." Tula began. "I-We just-"
"I wish you both nothing but the best." said Kaldur. In his voice he knew now where he was meant to be. He then keyed in his code for the Zeta-Tube to return him to Mount Justice.
Before he disappeared the young Atlantean turned to his friends.
"Have you ever wondered if I had stayed behind and you became Aqualad?" he asked Garth.
"Never." Garth said without hesitation.
"Neither have I." said Kaldur. And with that he left one home to go back to another.
(Star City. Toros Restaurant. Minutes Earlier)
Both M'gann and now the newly named Conner Kent both laughed along with Dinah as Naruto dried his eyes from the spicy Chinese food he had eaten.
"Too spicy for you Naruto?" said Dinah jokingly.
"It would seem that way yeah." he gasped taking a large sip of water to cool his tongue and throat. "Although to be fair it was also delicious. So it balances it out. A bit."
Dinah smiled at that comment.
'Honesty. Good quality to have.' she thought to herself. The fun however was interrupted when she got a familiar binging in her earpiece.
"Dinah go." she said. This got everyone's attention hearing her tone.
"Batman here. Is the rest of the Team with you?" asked her colleague.
"Yeah they are here." she said trying to be discrete.
"Bring them back to the cave. I have a new mission for them." he said.
"On their way." she said turning her earpiece off. "Sorry guys. Looks like downtime is over."
"Had to end some time." said Conner putting his napkin down.
"You guys go on ahead I got the bill." said Naruto.
"You sure?" asked M'gann
"Yes now go. I will join you shortly." said the young man.
The two youngsters left as Naruto got his wallet out and asked the waiter for the check.
Dinah then noticed he had a debit card.
"You sure you got it covered?" she asked.
"Yep. I've had accounts made here with all the currency of this entire country. Thankfully though your planet has gotten to digital currency so all I need is my card." said Naruto looking at the check and handing the waiter the card. It was only a minute later when he came back with the receipt to which Naruto signed.
"This was a good idea." said Dinah. "Getting them out of the Cave for a little while. We are having them attend high school in Happy Harbor but it's not quite the same as a night out."
"Glad to be useful for something outside the team I guess." said Naruto as he finished his drink and they headed out.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Dinah asked as they left.
"It's just well..." Naruto started rubbing the back of his head. "I've been wondering where I fit on this Team to be honest. I get being your assistant training them and what not but honestly I could do all the roles that everyone fits on my own. Have done it for two years now. I'm not sure where I fit."
"Well you remember how we have used football to help with Wally with his speed and maneuvering right" Naruto nodded. "So think of yourself the line backer to his running back. Essentially being able to cover all the positions needed but not overtaking someone else." she explained.
Naruto gave this a thought as he signed the check.
"That fits. Thanks Dinah." said Naruto.
"No problem." she said getting up. "I better see what trouble Ollie has gotten into. Good luck and be safe. To all of you."
"We will." said Naruto also getting up and watched as she walked away.
'Smart woman that one.' said Kurama. 'Knows what to tell someone when they need it. Hope her boyfriend sees that too.'
'Yeah.' said Naruto as he walked out of the restaurant to join the others.
(Mount Justice)
It had not taken them long thanks to the Zeta-Tube to arrive back to the cave. M'gann had already shifted back to her normal form, Conner quickly changed his shirt outside in to show off his shield again and Naruto had changed into his uniform. The others were already with Batman waiting in their uniforms as well.
It was at this moment that the Zeta-Tube activated again.
"Recognized Aqualad B02" said the computer to which the young Atlantean appeared before them.
"Have you decided?" asked the Dark Knight.
"Yes. I am here. One hundred percent." said Aqualad much to the relief of the rest of the Team.
"Good." said Batman. He then addressed the holo map and told them of their next mission.
(Black Manta's Submarine)
Black Manta stood in his room using video monitors to confer with members of the Light. As before in his other meetings their images were covered with spectral images to hide their faces.
"I was unable to capture the creature. I was forced to use Plan B." he reported.
"You did well." said the voice of L-5. "All goes according to plan."
End Chapter
Well this has been way too long in the making. Apologies again for the terrible long wait on this. I wish I could say I've had a reason for why these chapters don't come out sooner. Wish I could say that my job currently takes more than it gives which is partially the reason. But truth is I am being very lazy as of late and my own doubts about my abilities as a writer. Something that I hope that I can get past those issues and bring the next chapter out much sooner.
Also since there are some fears that giving chakra to the Team would ruin the story let met try to set your minds at ease. For one thing even though Naruto flowed some of his chakra into the them most of the Team will not actually have chakra or use jutsu. In fact the only person would is most likely to use jutsu is Black Canary for reasons that this chapter hopefully has explained. Now what will happen is that the Team and their abilities will be changed or augmented. For example like the chapter pointed out the most Robin and Artemis will be able to do is maybe walk on walls or water and be able to use elemental changes in their weapons. And that is it. The rest with powers will have their powers augmented only. And this will most likely happen near the end of season one if you guys are willing to stick with my laziness.
Once again thanks goes to qtar1984 for his superb editing. Seriously without him these later chapters would not be nearly as good as they are. I also want to thank raven18. His birthday was a couple months ago and I wished I had gotten done then. As well are the words from RoninCav.
I hope that this chapter was worth the wait Thank you all for your support.