Diana was perturbed. When she tried to consult with her mother about the Gods' intention, she was dismissed almost immediately. It was as if her mother was desperately trying to conceal some illicit motives from her. It broke her heart to see her beloved mother so haggard and despondent, the bags under her eyes proved that she wasn't sleeping well for days.

Rubbing her hand, she glanced up to the sequin-silver stars scattered across the sky of midnight velvet, swirling her glass of vintage wine on her balcony. A pair of slender arms wrapped around her curvaceous waist and a warm body pressed gently against her back. Diana smiled, inhaling the fruity scent of Mala, her consort in Themyscira. "It has been a while, has it not Mala?"

Mala traced kisses on Diana's shoulders, crooning and giggling. "Yes, my princess. I've missed you so much. When I received news that you have returned to Themyscira, I have to come and see you. Thank the Gods."

Diana unwrapped Mala's hands and snivelled to her. Brushing her fingers along Mala's collarbone, Diana smiled. Mala was her rival, her comrade, her sister-in-arms, and her lover. They had been childhood sweetheart since young. "I missed you, Mala."

"And I missed you, my princess."

Diana's finger round the nape of Mala's neck, wound her ponytail around her wrist, and gently pulled so that she could look up at her. Diana gazed down at Mala, her voice husky. "Do you love me, Mala?"

"Yes, my princess."

Mala moaned as Diana voraciously shoved her lips against hers. The longing in Mala's eyes turned into that of bliss and pleasure. Diana's hands explored Mala's back before she reached for the hem of her shirt. Their lips broke contact, separated by a string of saliva, but only for a split second as Diana pulled the shirt over Mala's head, revealing her ample breasts. Their lips smashed again and they moved in unison, kissing and falling back onto the bed.

Diana was on top and Mala was on the bottom, writhing in ecstasy. Biting her lips, Mala curled her hands behind Diana's neck, stifling a giggle. Diana was surprisingly forceful, pinning Mala's hands over her head and crashing her lips against hers, her tongue gliding into her consort's mouth. Mala were letting out guttural moaning, unable to keep up with Diana's ferocity. They broke apart momentarily, Mala gasping for breaths as she studied Diana's hungry eyes. "My princess, what has driven you? You were never so passionate to me before."

Diana's eyes widened, her lips pursed. Naruto's smile flashed across her vision, startling her. Her yearn for Naruto's touch had made her sexually frustrated and she was trying to release her pent-up anger onto sweet, innocent Mala. "I-I'm sorry, Mala. I just…"

"I understand." Mala caressed her princess's face, admiring her goddess-like beauty. "You must have missed our time together. I should be by your side, tending to your every need."

Smiling weakly at Mala, Diana stifled her tears. Discerning uncertainty and hesitation in Diana's bloodshot eyes, Mala leaned in, her lips ravenous and wanting. She kissed her princess, her tongue begging for entrance. Diana hated herself for using Mala like this. Mala deserved better, but Diana would indulge in her own decadence just for this night and in the process, try to cast away the forbidden feelings she harboured for Naruto Uzumaki.

"Please princess." Mala whispered into Diana's mouth. "I want to be with you, forever and ever."

Diana's kisses moved from Mala's lips to her neck, pleased that her consort was shuddering. A ripple of pleasure hit Mala, throwing her into overdrive. She squabbled to unbutton Diana's shirt like a rabid beast in heat. She peeled off every article of clothing, eyeing lustfully at a naked and beautiful Diana. "You have been naughty, Mala."

Cupping Mala's breasts, Diana's tongue explored her consort's naval. It went lower and lower, until she looked up at Mala between her spread legs. Thank the Gods she wasn't wearing anything under her skirt. As an authoritarian princess, Diana cared not of giving affirmation. Her fingers went in, sending shockwaves that surge into Mala's body. Her back arched when her princess fondled the sodden heat between her thighs with her tongue.

Mala grabbed a fistful of Diana's hair, whimpering as she climaxed too quickly for her own liking, her love nectar soaking Diana's fingers. "I-I'm sorry, my princess. I shouldn't have dirty your hands."

Mala's heart skipped when she saw Diana licking her soaked fingers. "My princess…"

"You have defiled me." Diana's gaze was predatory, her grin irresistible. "You must pay the price."

"Yes, my princess." She replied breathlessly. Flipping her princess over, Mala climbed atop and teased a trail of kisses down Diana's body. Mala's curious hands would explore every curve of Diana's perfectly sculpted body, a body made by the Goddesses to defy perfection.

Their love-making went for an hour or two, none of them kept track of time. Mala was sleeping on top of her, a satisfied smile curved at her peaceful form. Their naked, sweaty bodies intertwined. After the adrenaline rushed had left Diana's body, she felt immensely guilty. She had exploited Mala's feelings and love for her just so she could release her frustration. She should have rejected Mala and sorted out her thoughts.

How could she do this to Mala? Diana shook her head and gently dropped Mala on her bed, careful not to wake her up. She gave Mala a peck on her cheek, hot tears were streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, my sweet."

Covering her modesty with a satin cloak, Diana wiped her cheeks and walked out of her chamber, her hands hugging her body. She couldn't bring herself to face Mala, not like this. Her aimless traipse led her to Donna's room. Hesitantly, she straightened herself and knocked on her sister's door. She wasn't expecting her sister to open the door, since it was already past midnight.

"What are you doing?"

Diana almost jolted and spun around, only to see Donna eyeing her dubiously. "D-Donna, I…"

"You look like you need a drink." Without hesitation, Donna opened her bedroom door and skipped to her pantry. Diana gingerly walked into her sister's room, surveying the plethora of vivid paintings done with a style of mosaic. Her sister had always been the artist in the family.

Donna beckoned Diana to join her in the balcony, a bottle of wine resting on the table. "Come, sister. Have a seat."

Diana obliged to the request, making herself comfortable on the cushioned chair.

"Spill." Donna took a sip from her red wine. "What is it you wish to talk about."

"I… I just…"

Sighing aloud, Donna interjected. "Before you wish to say anything, I think I need to say something to you."

Diana blinked.

"I'm sorry." Donna's eyes were downcast. "For what I did. Or what I said."

"You were controlled." Diana frowned. "It's not your fault."

"I…"

"I forgive you, my sister." Diana smiled. It was infectious. "We're family."

Donna nodded. "Thank you, Diana. Now…" Donna's smile went into a mischievous grin. "Is this about that Naruto guy?"

It would had been easier for Diana to lie if her cheeks didn't go vibrant red.

"Oh! It is about that Naruto guy."

Diana shook her head. "I don't know what to think anymore, Donna. I felt so… ashamed of myself when I made love with Mala."

Donna devoured her wine; this conversation could not possibly continue if she's sober. Scratched that, Donna downed half the bottle of wine, wiped her lips, and turned to her elder sister. "Right. So… you felt like you've betrayed Mala because your heart is now elsewhere."

"Yes."

As the Crown Princess of Themyscira, her sister was eulogised by many, which would make sense of her promiscuity. Prior to her relationship with Mala, she had polygamous flings, all because she was blessed with the alluring beauty of Aphrodite. It wasn't a secret that women amongst the Amazon lusted for Diana. "Do you love Mala?"

"I do." Diana confessed, her legs tucked close to her chest. "But…"

"But?" Donna raised a brow.

"I think… I have feelings for Naruto too. He made me happy. He made me feel… different. He doesn't see me as Princess Diana or the Queen's daughter or Professor Diana. He sees me as me." Diana bit her lower lip and hugged her hands. "This is wrong, Donna. What would mother think about this? What would aunt Antiope say about this? What would our fellow sisters think about this?"

"About what?" Donna probed. "That you're betraying the Amazon's traditions? Having a crush on a man? Breaking Mala's heart?"

Tapping her chin, Donna harrumphed. "Let me make this easy for you. Are you feeling guilty because of our traditions or Mala?"

"Both?"

"Then you have to confront Naruto. You have to make sure your feelings for Naruto is real and not some make-believe." Donna held her elder sister's hands. "Mala is a woman who is willing to die for you, Diana. She has lived her life trying to please you. To make you happy. She is not going to let somebody take that away from her, especially not a man. She will hunt Naruto down if she have to. You should know that more than anybody; Mala gets jealous too easily. On the other hand, Naruto is an unknown. A variable. A man."

Donna was holding back the contempt lacing her tone, but Diana could sense it. "And men can't be trusted, Diana. Have you not read the history of men? Of their wars and cultures? The French Revolution. The Conquest of the Mongol Empire. The Vietnam wars. The World Wars. The Afghanistan war. How many innocent people died because men waged wars? They are inherently corrupt, immoral, and self-centred. Men are evil, Diana. They can't be depended on. I can't trust Naruto. Mother wouldn't trust Naruto. He doesn't deserve a woman like you, Diana."

"Donna, I -"

"Look." Donna cleared her throat, her eyes sombre. "You have seen what he could do. He beat the both of us in combat. An ordinary human being can't beat an average Amazon. He is in every way an anomaly. An antithesis of Godhood. The further you get away from him, the better. For the sake of your family and friends, don't forsake us for your own impulsion."

Diana studied her toes, not willing to meet her sister's fierce gaze. "I understand."

The Phantom Stranger was seething. No, that would be the understatement of the century. After knowing that the Spectre had connived to make Naruto Uzumaki a doctor of Paragon Manhattan Hospital, the Phantom Stranger knew no good would ever come out of that. He stood before the Spectre in his office, his eyes burning with anger. "Last chance, Spectre. Walk off the chessboard."

"And if I don't?" Jim Corrigan, in his expensive black suit, chuckled. "What are you going to do? Tell big ol' daddy about me?"

Rubbing his hands in mock shiver, Jim grinned. "I'm scared."

"You have broken the rules, Spectre!" The Phantom Stranger spat.

"You accuse me of breaking the rules?" Jim raised a brow, a sinister grin crept up his lips. "I tell you this: I am playing by the rules. The very rules that we both agreed upon. The rules set by the boss! If what I did is the definition of breaking the rules, then so be it. I am guilty. But guess what, Judas. So are you."

Swirling his glass of Glenfiddich whiskey, he shrugged. "God wanted his wrath personified. He wants a guardian like me to protect this universe. Do you know why he chose me as the Spirit of Vengeance?"

Downing his alcohol, he let out a sigh of content and glanced up at a fuming Phantom Stranger. "Because I would do whatever it takes. My existence is a necessity. People wanted me to be what I am. Truth is, they don't even need me to stand for anything. I am God's wrath. All I need to do is to stand and be strong. People don't want me to be benevolent. They want me to be just. To be in action. To punish. To be wrathful."

Jim stood up from his seat. "It doesn't matter what I say. What matters is the things I do. As long as the wicked gets punished, I am given the will to do whatever I want. Isn't that what God preached? Free-will and all the grandeur! We are no exceptions. You know, deep down, you need me to be what I am. To do what I must. I don't blame you for not seeing the truth. With all your foolishness and weakness in your life, you will always choose me to be what I am."

He strolled towards the Phantom Stranger, peering down at the empty glass in his hand. "In the end, I don't care if you hate me or love me. I don't even care what you think of me. Let us agree on this. The rules set by God is rigged. I will take whatever I can. Just as long as I win."

"Using free will to justify your actions?" The Phantom Stranger said spitefully.

"You poor, delusional fool." Jim clicked his tongue and shook his head. "There is no right and wrong in this world. There is never… right or wrong. History is not written by the weak. It is written by the victors. Do you see it now? God has always been the victor!"

Jim spat and pointed a finger at the Phantom Stranger. "God made us all losers. You were the betrayer because God foresaw it! He knew you were born to be the betrayer and He let you. He guided you to be one. And what did He do? He made you His slave for eternity, doing His dirty work behind closed curtain. I will not be enslaved to anybody, not even to God."

It was then the Phantom Stranger understood the Spectre's motives. The Spirit of Vengeance had glanced upon his own future and was horrified about the outcome. He foresaw his own death. The only way to escape one's inevitable horror was to go against the destiny crafted by God, something that was virtually implausible. "You saw it, didn't you? Your death! Naruto is the cause of it, right? Is this why you are so desperate?"

"I will make his life bleak and dark." Jim grinned with bright cruelty. "And when he is in the darkness, hopeless and vulnerable, I will be the only beacon left. I will gently guide him to the guillotine and watch him die an epic death. That's right. His death is the key to my salvation."

"You cannot change fate, Spectre. Killing Naruto Uzumaki would not stop the inevitable!"

"There it is." Jim rolled his eyes. "How the righteous love to condemn those who will affect the world. I love our little talks, but I got far more important things to do. See you soon. And do me a favour."

With a snap of his fingers, Jim banished the Phantom Stranger into a barren planet twenty light-years away from earth. "Don't ever come back."

Naruto couldn't fathom his pain of seeing Maxima. His heart clenched, overwhelmed by sheer despair. The agony was akin to losing everything he held dear in his life and he had only experienced it once before; that moment when he was hurled to another galaxy, away from Hinata and his friends. He was so engrossed in his thought and the ring in his hand that he didn't notice he was in the hospital, more specifically, in the medical ward.

"Can I help you?"

Snapping out of his trance-like state, he turned to a woman in a white coat, glaring daggers at him. He gave her an appraising look and squint at her nametag: Dr. Kory Anders. She was one of those people who existed so that mankind could define 'beauty'. She had a body of a Victoria Secret's model and a face that could be immortalised in paintings, but her green eyes were what caught Naruto's attention.

"Whoa, another alien. I can smell her pheromones leaking out of those fabulous butt cheeks. She's from Tamaran."

"Tamaran?"

"Yeah, a race of pacifists who have a knack of giving great sex to those they deem worthy. If you ever hooked up with one, she will give you the most mind-blowing sex, ever."

"How did you know about that?"

Naruto was disturbed by Kurama's mad and perverse cackle.

He surveyed his environment, a hand on his hip. "Uhh, where are we?"

"This is ward twelve. You're in the neurology department. Are you here to see a patient?"

Scratching the back of his scalp, he chuckled sheepishly and pointed a finger over Kory's shoulder. "Hey, is he dying?"

Kory spun around, raised a brow to realise there was nobody behind her, and turned back to the blond, only to find no one there. "W-Where did he go?"

Meanwhile, a jovial Naruto let out a sigh of relief and continued his patrol, a can of orange paint in his hand. "Alright, let's brighten up this place."

"Uzumaki?"

He froze in his steps and snivelled to a man who was taller and bigger than him. This man looked like a man who did work out six hours a day, every day for a decade. The muscles on him could even put bodybuilders to shame. "James? James Bronson?"

"Naruto friggin' Uzumaki." James quirked a cheerful brow. "What in the ninth hell are you doing here? I hope you're not doing what I think you are about to do."

He pointed a finger at the bucket of paint in Naruto's hands.

"You read me like a book, bro."

James and Naruto went way back. They both went to Harvard Medical School and graduated with magna cum laude. They were both obsessed with motorbikes; Naruto was a Kawasaki-type of guy and James loved Harley-Davidson. They even joined the Navy SEALs together and became field surgeons. The reminiscence landed a smile on James's face. He shot a playful punch to Naruto's chest and grinned. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"What the hell are you doing here?" Naruto repeated with an arched brow. "You work here?"

"Yeah." James chuckled. "I've been working here for three years. I was appointed as the acting chief of this department a few months ago."

"Whoa, what a hot shot." Naruto teased.

James deadpanned. "Answer my question."

The blond shrugged and offered James a cheerful beam. "I'm your boss."

"Boss?"

"Call me daddy."

James blinked. "W-Wait! Hold up! You're the new chief?"

"Yup." Naruto smiled too proudly for James's liking.

"No…" James stared wide-eyes at Naruto, horror plastered on his face. "This can't be! Show me proof! I can't believe this! No, I refuse to believe this."

An impish and scheming grin played about Naruto's lips. Naruto had always been James's better. In Med School, Naruto would always score one mark above James's. Every. Frigging'. Time! During their time in Afghanistan, Naruto was James's superior officer, something that peeved him to no end. The blond dug out his iPhone from his jeans pocket and shoved it to his friend. "Call Jim."

Dropping his shoulders in defeat, James sighed. "Please try not to mess up the hospital too much. I don't want to tie your shoes every time you trip."

Naruto gave James a questioning look, his eyelid twitched. "Did you volunteer for the Majestic program?"

At that, James averted his gaze. If the Majestic program were to leak out to public, there would be media outrage. That was how much of a conspiracy the Majestic program was. In order to fight monsters, specifically Superman who was potentially an unstoppable threat, the U.S. government decided to create their own brand of monster.

"Bro." Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose. "You went through it, didn't you?"

"Doctor Bronson!"

James was saved by the bell, or in this case, a fuming Kory yelling from the hallway. He's off the hook… for now. However, Naruto was intrigued when he noticed James went rigid upon Kory's presence, consternation filming his eyes. He wouldn't blame him though; there were green fire literally blazing from her eyes. Probably that time of the month, Naruto mused. "I have been looking all over for you! Where have you been?"

"I -"

"I don't want to hear your excuses." Kory interjected, effectively silencing James. "You should be doing your rounds ten minutes ago! Why are you loitering around -"

Kory took a nonchalant glance at Naruto, turned to James, blinked twice, and snapped at the blond. "You!"

"Me." Naruto waved cheerily. "Hi."

"You two know each other?" James smiled uneasily.

"He's the weird guy who popped up in my ward from nowhere." Kory narrowed her eyes. "Who are you?"

"Kory, please show some respect to your new boss." James coughed.

"New boss?" Kory was bemused. When realisation dawned on her, she stared agape at the blond. "This fruitcake is our new boss?"

Naruto harrumphed. "I think we start off on the wrong foot. Let's have a nice chat over some ramen? What do you say?"

Rolling her eyes, Kory folded her arms. "That won't be necessary. I got more important things to do. Besides, I hate ramen."

At that, Naruto let out a mighty and uproarious guffaw, much to Kory's annoyance and chagrin. Kory didn't understand what happen, but she suddenly found herself in an authentic and boisterous Japanese restaurant. She glared heatedly at the menu in her hand, her temper had almost reached boiling point. She didn't know what happened. She declined Naruto's invitation, he started laughing, and the next thing she knew they were having lunch together.

Did he drug her?

"I heard the roasted chicken ramen here is fantastic." James grinned.

"No thanks." Kory stared at the menu in disgust. "I don't put junk food into my body."

Naruto let out another hearty laugh, which only served to ignite Kory's bottled rage. She was burning holes at Naruto when he ordered tempura ramen for her, much to her vociferous protest. Fried food and junk food were big no-no to Kory, but Naruto didn't care. Rubbing his hands, Naruto smiled at the puffing and fuming redhead. "Alright, let's get to know each other better. I'm Naruto Uzumaki and -"

"I don't care." Kory interrupted.

"Come on, Kory." James sighed. "Naruto is your new boss now. You gotta warm up to him one day."

"Maybe some other day, but not today." Kory glowered at the grinning Naruto.

Megan Morse sat quietly in her seat, sipping her lemon tea fervently. Kory's fiery temper had always been her Achilles' heels and Megan didn't want to be in her crosshair when she's mad. Megan was perfectly satisfied with being invisible, but that hope was squashed when Naruto turned to her. "So, what's your deal?"

"Morse. Graduated from Johns Hopkins. Third year resident," Megan said quietly.

"Yeah, I already knew about that when I read your files. You took a gap year after your second year residency to volunteer for Doctors without Borders in Sudan. You're also a part-time volunteer for a local dog shelter. That's very impressive. A doctor with a big heart. I like that." Naruto smiled suavely. "Tell me more. Hobbies, likes, dislikes. Which planet are you from?"

Megan stared wide-eyes at Naruto. "W-What are you -"

"I can see through you." Naruto's smile was dangerous, yet pleasant at the same time.

Consternation was overwhelming Megan as sweats were forming profusely on her forehead. "I don't know what -"

Naruto grinned and waved a dismissive hand. "I meant your face when you're not wearing make-up. Geez, do you need to be so tense about that? Girls."

James chuckled and playfully nudged at Naruto's shoulder. "Naruto likes to kid around. Don't take offense to that."

"Hey, James! Remember that time when we were deployed to be ship doctors for the Navy?"

Reminiscing got James to burst out laughing. "Oh yeah! I remembered that. We were slacking our asses off!"

"We spent most of our time fishing on the ship! It was like a vacation!" Naruto gave James a fist bump. "If ya can't avoid it, might as well enjoy it!"

Megan was wary, her eyes fixated intensely at Naruto. Amidst their chattering, Megan caught a glance of Naruto winking deviously at her. Her blood went cold, but she regained her composure. The fact that she couldn't read the man's mind was disturbing enough. It was then Megan realised her new boss knew more about her than he let on.

"Anyway, I think it's impolite if I don't introduce myself to the people I'm going to work with." Naruto grinned. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki. I'm older than I look. My hobby is bike racing. I was a soldier, just like James. After leaving the army, I went to volunteer all over the world as a freelance doctor. Any questions?"

Kory glowered at the blond. "The CEO used to be the chief of neurology. When he left, James and I took over and ran the show from there. It is going great and I don't see a reason why we should have you – a nobody – to lead us."

"Kory!" James chided, but backed down when Naruto raised a hand.

"It's fine. If I want to earn Kory's trust, I gotta earn her respect first." Naruto smiled. "She has every right to doubt me. But rest assure, I will prove myself to you all in due time."

Diana was feeling exceptionally elated today, something that spooked her peers. They had never seen the stick-up-the-bum Professor Diana humming to Adele when she was working. Some of the nurses actually went to the window to check if the sky was falling.

"Artemis?" She called out from her office.

A statuesque redhead bolted into her office and stood still. "Yes milady?"

Diana arched a brow, her expression went aloof. "What did I say, Artemis? Address me as 'doctor' when we're in the hospital."

Artemis smiled. "Yes, doctor."

"Do you have Miss Peterson's x-ray?"

At this, Artemis frowned. "I have it with me, but I believe the cardiac surgery you are about to do on Miss Peterson next week is going to be done together with Doctor Circe, right?"

It was no secret that Diana and Circe loathed each other's guts. Their rivalry was so intense that the doctors working in the cardiology department despised the doctors working in the obstetrics and gynaecology department. To make matters worse, Diana and Circe were competing to be the next Chief of Surgery in Paragon Manhattan Hospital.

Diana nursed her temples and skimmed through her patient's records in her computer. "She is going to replace her mitral valve with an aortic prosthesis reinforcement. Since she is at 34 weeks of gestation, I need a doctor of Circe's calibre to prevent foetal death."

Sadly to say, there was no better gynaecologist in the hospital beside Circe, who even won the prestigious Lasker Award a few years ago. Diana would swallow down her hatred for Circe if it was for the good of her patient.

"Then may I ask…" Artemis fidgeted. "Why the sudden good mood?"

"Oh? You mean I can't be in a good mood?"

"Of course not, doctor. It's just… not you. The nurses are talking."

"Let them." Diana smiled. "Anyway, I'm heading to the neurology department. Please process Miss Peterson's files. I will need to gather a team of doctors to discuss the surgery."

Artemis sighed. "Do you need me to inform Doctor Circe?"

"Unfortunately."

With that, Diana shut the lid of her laptop and ambled out of her office. The trip to the neurology department was a short one, since their buildings were practically neighbours. When she arrived into the grand lobby, she was not surprised to see the senior consultant Doctor Bronson chatting with the receptionist. She stood behind the giant of a man and cleared her throat. "Doctor Bronson."

James spun around, confused that Diana was in the neurology department. "Professor Diana? You got lost or something?"

"I'm here to speak with your new chief."

"Ah." James scratched the back of his scalp. "So you know Naruto, huh?"

Diana arched a brow. "Sounds like you know him too."

"Way back." James chuckled. "He left five minutes ago. I didn't know how popular that guy is. Even Doctor Circe knew him."

That alarmed Diana. "Circe?"

"Yeah. Apparently, they're going out together. Doctor Circe even dropped by to pick him up."

The temperature in the entire hospital seemed to drop dramatically, startling James in the process.

Diana turned around with her fists clenched and wordlessly stormed out of the lobby.

Cocking a brow, James folded his arms. "What's wrong with her?"

"So, the great place you mentioned that has jazz and great food is your house?" Naruto wasn't surprised. As a matter of fact, he expected to end up dining in Circe's penthouse. Circe wasn't much a party person, despite her glamorous exterior. When it came down to intimate events, she disliked anything that bothered her. "So, we got food, but where's the jazz?"

With a snap of her fingers, the melody of piano, trumpets, and saxophones were playing in the air.

A small smile tugged at Naruto's lips. "Kenny G's Forever in Love."

"I believe you learn this trick from me, no?"

"I learn many things from you, actually."

"Yeah? Why don't you try the food? I made it all by myself. No magic involved." Naruto grinned and took a bite at his venison steak. Yup, it tasted like charred flip-flops. He expected it though. Back in Cuba, he was the one making the sandwiches, not Circe. A woman of fire and passion she might be, but a woman in the kitchen she was not.

While Naruto was digging into his burnt meat, Circe actually thought she did well in her cooking and took a bite, only to spit it out. "T-This taste horrible! How are you still eating it?"

"It's your first time making food for me." Naruto smiled. "No matter how terrible it tastes, I'm gonna remember it."

Circe couldn't help but smile, her heart melted just by gazing into his captivating blue eyes. He had always been a man who was good with words. "Do you remember the first time you ask me out?"

He stifled a chuckle. "How could I have forgotten it?"

"You went to my apartment after fighting Trigon. Your body was covered with burnt marks and scars." She fiddled with her fork. "You were such an idiot. You were badly hurt, and yet all you care about was asking me out for a date."

"What can I say?" Naruto grinned. "All I thought about was you when I kicked Trigon's ass."

The reminiscence was tearing Circe up, so she looked away and clumsily changed the topic. "H-How's your first day at work?"

Naruto chuckled. "A lot of hostility. My new crew doesn't quite like me."

"Ah." Circe grinned. "Neurosurgeons tend to be haughty for their own good."

"Hey! I resent that!" Toying with his fork, Naruto pouted. "I'm a neurosurgeon too."

"That explains a lot."

They shared a light laugh, both of them were enjoying the moment.

"So, what's your next plan?"

Naruto chewed the poor excuse for a venison with delight. "Well, I intend on bringing a few of my pupils into the hospital to assist me. There is a lack of doctors in neurology and it's putting a toll on the existing doctors."

"More doesn't mean good."

"I'm bringing in doctors who are trained personally by me."

"You got a list?"

Naruto snorted. "Yeah. Do I look like a man without plan?"

Circe gave her a mocking look.

"Right, don't answer that."

He took a sip of his wine, smacking his lips and savouring the taste. It was then Circe dropped her utensils, stood up from her seat, and ambled sensually towards the confused blond. She sat on his lap, one hand behind his neck and the other resting on his toned chest. "Do you remember the first time you fall in love with me?"

Naruto tilted his head and looked thoughtful. "Can't remember."

Her eyes exploded in violet flames, a pout graced her lips. "I remembered though. 2nd of April, 2005. At a local orphanage house in Havana. You were consoling a boy on the swing-set after his third foster parents abandoned him. It was that moment I knew you were the one."

"Was that the reason why you said yes to me about the date thing after I had my run with Trigon?"

She tapped a finger on his nose playfully and broke into a giggle. "Nope. It was because you looked like Wile E. Coyote after he got messed up by the bird."

"You're an asshole."

Circe's giggle amplified into a loud guffaw.

Naruto's smile had always been some sort of a miracle to Circe. He was a humble man with a troubled past, yet he carried a strong smile that had a quality of eternal assurance to it. It shone on Circe's world for an instant and its magic focused on her with an irresistible prejudice in her favour. His smile made her felt like she was being understood as far as she wanted, believed as much as she desired, and loved as intense as she could fathom.

As a Goddess of Sorcery, she was worshiped, but not loved. Feared, but not venerated. Idolised, but not respected. She had never yearned for someone to understand her, because deep down she knew none could, until he came to her world like a shooting star. A lone tear fell from her crimson eye, but it was caught by a calloused hand. "Circe, I -"

"Say no more." She captured Naruto's lips with a passionate kiss, the muscle inside the deepest part of her clenched in sweet pain. She broke the kiss to catch her breath, but when she glanced up, she was hypnotised by his sky blue eyes. Staring at them was akin to gazing at heaven. He leaned down and placed feather-like kisses across her jaw and chin. Slowly, he peels off her dress, allowing it to fall to the floor.

"How long has it been since you do this to me?" Circe felt his hot breath lingering on her neck. Desire, thick and hot, pooled in her belly. "How did you capture the heart of a goddess, Naruto?"

Naruto caressed her chin, his eyes intense and domineering. "Do you still remember the first time we drank?"

Circe giggled. "I vomited all over your sweater. Oh! Oh! Your sweater has a teddy bear emblem on it! I remembered. You looked so goofy and silly. It looks good on you too!"

The blond sighed. "You shouldn't drink with others."

"Why?" Her fingers slid underneath Naruto's shirt, her fingers exploring every inch of his body. "Feeling protective of me?"

"Feeling sorry for those who have to put up with you when you're drunk." He gave her a wicked grin.

Circe pouted. "Do you have to go that far?"

Naruto rounded his hands around Circe's waist, pulling her against him. His hand travelled down her to her behind, squeezing it gently. She could feel his erection languidly pushed into her. Every part of Naruto's body exuded strength and nobility, her fingers found its way to the scars on his backs. She remembered fondly of the origin of each scar inflicted on his body and it made her want him more. Hoisting Circe by her hips, Naruto eased her towards her bed.

Circe gasped when he ran his tongue around her naval, nipping and kissing his way to her black lacy panties, never breaking eye contact with her while he was at it. She was flushed, her skin burning. She was clawing at the sheet beneath her, wiggling as Naruto kissed her inner thigh. He laid beside her, his hand dipped underneath her bra to cup her breast, fondling them affectionately. With dexterous speed, he undid her bra and tossed it over his shoulder.

"Naruto…" She groaned as she felt the heat in her chest. Her body sung with pleasure and agony as her nipples bore the sensual assault of his deft fingers and lips. Her head pulled back when his teeth bit the side of her breast, a loving gesture that shook her body. She convulsed and melted in his embrace when his lips found its way to hers.

Her breathing ragged as she messed with his golden, unruly hair. "Please…"

"Of course, milady." His fingers slipped through her lacy panties. "You ready?"

She didn't even have a time to respond as he thrust his fingers into her, earning him a satisfied cry. He pushed inside her harder and harder, his tongue dancing with hers. She could feel the untamed power swelling inside of Naruto, the power that made him a God amongst men. It was pure, untainted, yet destructive, and it was intoxicating her.

He tugged her panties off, admiring her womanhood. "Fuck me."

Naruto didn't say a word, but the whiskers adorning his chiselled cheeks had become prominent, his hair was even more unkempt than ever, a feral look that aroused Circe. She hastily undid his jeans, pulled off his boxer brief, and let his erection sprung free. She gasped at the sheer size, but he had pushed her back to the mattress, his luminous eyes burning a bright blue.

She almost let out a scream when he slammed into her sex, tidal waves of fire and electricity jarring her senses. It had been so long since she felt pleasure as intense as this. He was still, gazing at her, caressing her redden cheek, his finger wiping off the tears trailing down the corner of her bewitching red eye. He was letting her acclimatise to the overwhelming feeling of him inside her.

"Circe, I'm going to move." A grin played about his lips.

She nodded, her nails dug into his shoulder, her body was starting to remember what it like was to make love with him. He was exquisitely slow at first, moving in and out of her. As she was lost in ecstasy, his pace quickened, his rhythm merciless and relentless. He kissed her hard, savouring the taste of her tongue. Her body stiffened as he thrust on and on, pleasure skyrocketed and overwhelmed her nerves.

A sheen of sweat glazed over their bodies. Her mind was scattering as she kept moaning out Naruto's name. It seemed almost like an eternity before she reached her limit and she exploded around him, splintering into million pieces underneath him. He gave one final thrust, unloading himself into her. She was panting, her thumping heart almost gave out.

Naruto laid beside Circe, his hands wrapped over her hip, his eyes loving and filled with fire.

She was playing with his tousled hair, grinning cheerfully. "You know I can read minds, right?"

The blond raised a brow. "Yeah. What about it?"

She nestled her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. "It seems like you've other women in your life now."

"I do. My sisters."

"Sisters?" Circe's curiosity was piqued. "You adopted more?"

"What can I say? Kara's spaceship landed in my backyard."

"Kara, huh?" Circe closed her eyes. "Is she pretty?"

"Yes." Naruto smiled. "I hope to teach her more about this world. I know she wouldn't want to be a doctor like me."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"Call it a hunch."

"But I'm not talking about your sisters though." Circe's eyes flew open. "There are other women, right?"

Naruto raised a brow. "What makes you say that?"

"We have not been together for so long, Naruto. It's only natural you have other women in your lives."

"Friends." Naruto corrected, but Circe was sceptical. "And do you not have other men in your life."

A tense silence intruded. "Not really. Not after you left me, no."

Heaving out a sigh, Naruto peered at the ceiling. "What did you do after we broke up?"

"I nosedived into my studies. Went to Cambridge to get my medical license. Did some travelling on my own. I picked up a part time job as a singer in this bar downtown. I kept myself occupied, just so I wouldn't think about you." Circe's tone was poignant, something Naruto had caught on. He smelled her hair, the apple scent was pleasant. She always used the same Herbal Essences shampoo. "Why did you leave?"

Naruto's lips tightened. "I had my reasons."

"Because you're afraid of losing me? The same excuse you give yourself?" Circe rolled her eyes and sat up, straddling Naruto's hip. "Do I look that weak to you?"

Circe was the Sorceress Supreme, a wielder of unfathomable magic. She was anything but weak. Naruto climbed up to an upright position, his hands coiled around her waist as he met her fierce gaze. "There is more to that. Things that I can't say."

"Can't or won't?" Circe probed, frustrated about Naruto's ambivalence.

"Maybe I didn't love you as much as I thought." He lied.

The Goddess of Sorcery gritted her teeth. Naruto was never a good liar, especially not to her. "Do I look like I was born yesterday?"

She stared pleadingly at him, her lips trembled anxiously. She had always wanted to interrogate the blond, get to the bottom of this dilemma that had been eating her. Naruto was everything she had wanted. She leaned in, their forehead touching. "Look at me, my love. Please, tell me. Tell me why."

"Do you really want to know?" His expression was inscrutable.

"I want the truth."

Naruto was solemn, something that always scared and aroused Circe at the same time. "If you were to know the truth, then there is no going back. You may start to regain memory. The memory that I locked away from you."

Circe bit her lower lip. "What memory?"

Letting out a heavy breath, Naruto's lips thinned to a straight line.

"Tell me!" Tears were about to burst from her bloodshot eyes.

"You tried to destroy me and the rest of the world."

Circe's eyes widened in terror.

In an underground tunnel somewhere in Gotham, billionaire playboy by day, crime-fighting Boy Scout by night – Bruce Wayne – stood before several monitors, studying the data displayed before him.

Alfred Pennyworth descended the stairs and opened the glass door to the Batcave. "Master Bruce, Miss Gordon is here."

"Hey, Batman!" Barbara chirped and let out a tired yawn. "You called? What's the emergency?"

Bruce's attention remained fixated at the screen. "I heard you're transferring to the neurology department?"

At that, Barbara almost snorted. "Surely you didn't summon me here to talk about my work in the hospital, right?"

"Answer the question, Batgirl." His voice was solemn.

She arched a brow. "Ya? What's that got to do with you?"

"It's not your work that has anything to do with me. It's your new boss."

"The CEO of my hospital is Doctor Corrigan. Are you saying he's gonna get replaced?"

Bruce turned to his protégé and scowled. "Not him. Jim Corrigan is under my watch, but he is not as suspicious as the new neurology department chief in your hospital. I'm talking about Doctor Naruto Uzumaki."

Barbara looked confused. "I don't know who this Doctor Naruto Uzumaki is. Never seen him before."

"You've worked with him before though." That statement confused Barbara, but when Bruce clicked the 'play' button on the screen, she realised who the elephant in the room was. On the screen showed a CCTV video that captured Barbara, Zatanna, and the miracle doctor working on an ad-hoc patient in a dark surgery theatre. She let out a gasp and pointed a finger at the smudgy image of the blond on the screen. "He is my new boss?"

"That man is Doctor Naruto Uzumaki. He is a reserve in the U.S. Army's Medical Corps. He worked with the Navy SEALs as a Lieutenant Colonel, supervising field surgeons in Afghanistan. When he left, he went around the world as a freelance surgeon."

"Sounds like a good man to me." Barbara smiled.

"This man is an immortal." Bruce typed on his keyboard and vintage photos of soldiers during World War Two, footage of scientists experimenting on electricity, and texts dated all the way back to the 18th century had popped up all over the screen, illustrating evidence of Naruto's existence centuries ago. "And there is something more sinister about this."

"So he fought in the World War Two. What's the big deal? At least he wasn't siding with the Nazis, right?"

Bruce narrowed his eyes. "Naruto Uzumaki possessed powers that are beyond our understanding. This is a recent video captured in Brazil. It was uploaded in Youtube a few days ago, but was taken down shortly after. Apparently, even the CIA and MI6 knew about this."

Barbara inspected the video on the screen and was awestruck by what she had seen. The video showed a blond man fighting two women. What puzzled Barbara was that one of the women reminded her of… Professor Diana Prince.

"You recognised one of the women, right?" Bruce sighed. "That is Diana Prince… or should I say, the Princess of Themyscira. They called her Wonder Woman during World War One, when she fought alongside the British Army to break through No Man's Land. Quite a feat, actually."

"W-What?" All these bombardment of information was making Barbara nausea.

"All you need to know is that Naruto Uzumaki is highly dangerous. I will even put him as a potential threat on the same league as Superman. You will be working for him soon. I want you to know who and what he is before you go to the hospital tomorrow." Bruce gritted his teeth. "If he poses as a threat, I want you to report to me immediately. I am devising a countermeasure against this entity, but I need to collect more data about his weakness. Batgirl, you will be spearheading this mission."

Author Note: Can't wait for the upcoming Justice League movie. Anyway, hope you like the story.

Pairing:

1.) NarutoXDiana
2.) NarutoXGrail
3.) NarutoXKara
4.) NarutoXCirce
5.) NarutoXMaxima
6.) NarutoXHarem

Let me know if you have any suggestion and don't forget to write a review.