Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto; it is owned by Masashi Kishimoto. Supergirl is owned by CW, CBS, DC COMICS, and Warner Bros Discovery. All other DC Characters are owned by DC COMICS and Warner Bros Discovery. I do not own nothing. I am just a humble fan.

Author's Note: Hello everyone, here we are with another chapter. Please read and review generously. I hope you all enjoy it. I thank you all who have followed the story, who have listed the story among their favorites, and who have taken time to review; it all helps.

This pre-season 1 arc is to come to an end soon in three or so chapters. And then, we will start with a modified version of season 1 of Supergirl that combines elements of the first Aquaman movie. The battle with Naruto and Diana against Black Manta and his allies will take two chapters. Without further ado, let us begin.

Chapter Nine- A Date Unlike No Other

XXXXXX

"Hot… that was so hot."

"Hey, I did warn you… that Oni level on the ramen can end a person's life. Well, not me… I am special."

"You were right. I should have listened. The ramen was amazing. Yet, it was so spicy."

Naruto and Diana's date transformed from a one-day event into something much longer. From miso soup to the greatest cuts of fish, to Chicken Karrage to different types of Katsu and bowls; they had gone on a food tour of Japan. From Ramen and Udon to the greatest desserts Japan had to offer, Naruto and Diana had a blast.

The two of them were advanced superhumans with impeccable metabolisms. They could savor and enjoy every bite without having to worry about things such as calories and worse things like getting fat and disease.

Naruto had exposed Diana to the healthy parts of Japanese cuisine and to its comfort food. However, what Naruto was most interested in showing her was ramen. In Tokyo, there was a popular spicy ramen shop that had spread to Hong Kong, known as Kikanbo. All it took was one bowl and Naruto was hooked. That bowl of ramen from Kikanbo was homey, warming, comforting and full of umami and serious flavor; it was like coming home and being given a hug.

Though they cannot stay for too long at the store, Naruto enjoyed his experience and would return in future. As for Diana she felt bold, and decided to try the Oni level, even though Naruto warned her that it might be a step too far. Being the warrior she was, this particular bowl of ramen invoked a fire in her. She wanted to prove that this bowl of ramen was easy money.

Naruto had tried the Oni level himself. It had lived up to its name and then some. It was spicy but also seasoned well and very flavorful. However, for a person not used to spicy food, it would be too much. He had a strong stomach so he could tolerate a bowl or two.

Yet, Diana was intent on outdoing him. And so, she powered through her first bowl with difficulty. A bead of sweat had trailed down her forehead as Naruto gave her a shit-eating grin. Though Diana was the picture of calm on the outside, but on the inside, she felt she was biting off more than she could chew. However, she would not be defeated. She then ordered two more bowls. The staff as well as the people eating were flabbergasted, but Diana not only finished two more bowls; she then ordered three more.

Naruto, the staff, and the people inside had cheered her on. Diana had tapped out after completing five bowls and politely nodded. She drank down a couple liters of water as Naruto bought her some ice cream as a reward.

"That was amazing, Diana. I had no idea you could handle spicy food so well."

"Well, I aim to please. Now, as much as I have enjoyed this spree of eating the best food that Japan has to offer, I was hoping we could talk."

Naruto sighed. "Yeah, I know. Trust me, I didn't bring you to Japan to just eat. There is a place in the countryside I want to take you to. Over there, we can talk about whatever it is you wish within reason."

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The countryside was where man and woman went to find peace and tranquility and quiet. And Japan's was no exception. From the large, expansive mountains to the greenery, to the crystal clear rivers; it was something you had to experience. There was a joy, something special about getting away from the city and just taking in all the sights, sounds, and smell of nature. For Naruto, there was something special in connecting with nature. It was as if he could feel some kind of ancient power within the Earth and its atmosphere. It filled him with strength and calm and more importantly, peace.

He was interrupted from his musings when he heard Diana speak.

"I am glad you brought me to the countryside. There is something special in connecting with nature and just being outside. Somedays, the city life feels artificial, taxing, and just depressive. It is good to get away from all of that and take time to decompress."

"I feel the same way. Sometimes, getting lost on the beaten path is a good thing you never know what kind of hidden gems you may find."

Diana smirked. "Let me guess, another restaurant?"

"Trust me… this is something else. You thought you got to sample the finest food Japan had to offer in the city? Nah, I feel great food can be found anywhere in a country. And sometimes, it can be found off the beaten path in quaint little villages. I have eaten at this restaurant before that I am about to take you to. Trust me, it is some of the best food you will ever have."

Diana held Naruto's hand as she walked alongside him. This gesture did not go unnoticed.

"I will have to take your word for it."

XXXXXX

Naruto was indeed right. There was something special about the countryside, about taking in the pristine, clean scenery and taking the beaten path and getting lost. That kind of path would lead a man and a woman to a village where they would have one of the most delicious meals of their lives.

Inside this village, an elderly couple ran a restaurant that was quaint and did not look like much. The food inside however, that was the main attraction. It was another bowl of Udon, but it felt something more than that. The noodles were just right, the broth was this meaty, savory, umami-bomb of deliciousness and the toppings were fresh and delightful; all in all, it felt like he was being given a warm hug again.

He and Diana simply ate silently, enjoying the taste of food as conversation was the last thing they thought about. Naruto truly appreciated the cuisine of Japan and the abundance of mom and pop shops the most. From the handmade burgers and fries, the desserts, and all the Ramen and Udon he could get his hands on, there was not a single meal that missed.

While fast food was quick and easy and good for a sodium hit, the majority of it was garbage, unhealthy, and soulless. While some fast food shops were consistent in the quality of products they sold, this sentiment could not be said for the majority.

Food in Naruto's mind was not something that should leave you feeling like you had rocks in your stomach and that you needed to lie down or take a shower. Even though he had a steel-like stomach and a strong digestive system, he was not too fond of junk food.

There was a reason he enjoyed mom and pop shops. For the most part, these shops were around for generations and were looking to leave behind a legacy. These shops were started by people who were looking to sell food to customers like they were their own family members. They had a lot of pride in their work and delivered the best quality product day in and day out with a smile on their face.

Not to mention, most of this food was fresh and healthy and left you satisfied, not stuffed. It left you with a great feeling. All in all, Naruto was glad he brought Diana here. And this sentiment was confirmed as Diana had a smile on her face while she was eating.

The elderly couple that were in charge of this restaurant were happy to have customers. It just proved to Naruto that sometimes travelling the beaten path led to great rewards. He enjoyed chatting with the elderly couple; they were full of humor, life, and love.

As for Diana, he had no idea what she wanted. He was still working on himself, trying to be the best version of himself. He had been focused on training and developing his abilities from his mixed heritage. He had no time for woman in all honesty. There was still the matter of Samantha Arias. He had been left confused and hurt by her actions… and wondered where she disappeared too in all honesty. It was like she disappeared off the face of the planet.

And now, he was face to face with a woman; a half-Amazon, half-whatever that had some sort of weird interest in him. His father had told him whatever knowledge he had about Amazons. They were an all-female warrior race who in all honesty, were kind of messed up. He learned about their history with Hercules and while he was sympathetic, he still found these Amazons to be problematic people.

These Amazons had children by basically raping men. And then they treated their fellow Amazons like dirt by taking those kids away from them. He had no idea that these Amazons were this disgusting. And then there was that bloody Amazon-Atlantean war.

War was something Naruto disliked with a passion. Though there were some wars that were truly about good vs evil, not all wars were like that. Some were invasions, some were fought over resources, and some were just plain foolish. There was no way in his mind the Amazon-Atlantean conflicts were black and white. Then again, neither he or Diana were born during that time, so there was no true way of telling who was the aggressor and who was the victor.

Diana, however, seemed to be different from her people. She was the exception, the anomaly. While she was a brutal warrior at her core, she stood for love, justice, and compassion. Violence for her was a last resort and Diana preferred negotiations over shedding blood.

Still, Naruto was wary. Naruto never trusted anyone except his father, especially a person who seemed to show a deep interest in him. This could have been nothing but a trap. He would poke and prod to find out what this woman really wanted with him. He had the dreaded feeling it was more than a date. It was not that he had found Diana ugly, she had a good heart. However, at this time, he was not sure he was ready to be involved in a serious relationship.

"So, did you enjoy your meal?"

Naruto saw Diana's face. Her eyes reflected something that was interesting and scary. It was the look of post coital bliss and it freaked him the fuck out. He had no idea how this conversation was going to go.

Diana looked at him as she faked coughed. "Yes, I did enjoy the meal. In fact, I enjoyed everything you treated me too. I have to admit, I travelled the world and have sampled the finest cuisines, yet, in this quaint restaurant, I enjoyed some of the finest meals I ever had. I have to thank you for that."

Naruto smiled. "You are quite welcome. I am glad you had your fill."

And then, in that same moment, Naruto's expression changed into something befitting a warrior. Diana was quite impressed that he could go from gentle to business like very fast.

"Now, what do you want?"

Diana tilted her head. "Do I have to want something from you?"

Naruto chuckled. "Yes, that is the truth. I do not trust anyone, least of all a beautiful woman who has an interest in me for some reason. I have heard about you Amazons. You women used to be enslaved by humanity… and then there is your history with Hercules. Yet, I have heard the rumors of what you did with men, and how you have children. You Amazons have some serious issues."

"And then there is you, Diana. My father told me much about you. You did some pretty crazy things too, you know. You raped some random man, you almost doomed the world, turned your back on the innocent. I have no interest and desire to get involved with people like that. Well, its been nice knowing you… but I got to go."

"…please, wait."

Naruto looked at Diana as he narrowed his eyes. His goal was never to upset anyone. Diana looked defeated, distraught, and upset; she was not upset at him, but she was upset at herself regarding her own mistakes. She had regretted many of the things she did, and she hoped she could explain herself. She had a good feeling regarding Naruto. A long time ago, she knew what love felt like. She wanted to know that feeling and hold onto it this time. If dysfunctional people who had nothing in common could find love, then perhaps an Amazon and an Atlantean could make things work between them. The most important thing would be saying the truth and finding out if Naruto could give her a chance.

Naruto schooled his features into one of indifference and boredom. "What do you want?"

"Please here me out… after that, you will be able to make your decision."

Naruto sighed as he sat down. "Go ahead."

XXXXXX

"I was a child born in an island where things were kept secret. There was much I wished to learn, so many things that I had questions about but I was forbidden to do so. I never understood initially why we lived so isolated from the world. I later learned that some things happen for a reason."

"We Amazons are a cautious, judgmental bunch of individuals, bound by laws and traditions. And some of those traditions and practices, I am not fond of. I was treated initially with kid gloves, and then I was trained to be better than its greatest champion. However, I wanted more."

"My heart called out to do more. I felt compassion for others and wished to protect people through understanding and compassion. If it became necessary to protect people by being a warrior, I would do that as well. I felt like I could do more. We Amazons were supposed to be the last vanguard against a god named Ares, my brother. He was responsible for the destruction of the Greek Pantheon. He wanted to destroy humanity, and his fellow Olympians refused. Being the God of War, he started a war, in which Zeus was the only one who managed to halt his advance upon humanity and strip him of his power. However, he would one day return, and with the Olympians scattered and some dead, a plan was hatched."

Naruto did not like where any of this was going. He had a feeling he had heard this kind of story before.

"A prophecy was made. And in that prophecy, it was told that the Godkiller, a weapon commissioned by Zeus, a powerful sword, would be able to kill Ares."

Naruto gently interrupted Diana. "Prophecy is fickle, Princess."

Diana nodded. "Oh yes, Prophecy is fickle. Like I said, there was much that was kept from me. I… I am the Godkiller. My father… I cannot believe I am saying that… my father Zeus had a child with the Queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta. I am the result of said union. I was made to fulfill some purpose. I was not born out of love."

Naruto shook his head. "I am sorry to hear that. I cannot imagine what you must have felt."

Diana nodded. "Thank you. However, life does throw you curveballs. War came to our doorstep, and Ares was responsible. I made the decision to leave and to protect the world from Ares, fulfill the mission of the Amazons. I made friends, found love, and learned that while humanity is capable of good, it is also capable of evil. And evil wears many a mask.

Naruto knew he was not going to like this conversation. "It must have been liberating to find love."

Diana smile. "It was. The man I met, taught me much. I was a fish out of the water. He taught me much about life. It was terrible when he passed away. I never took his death easy. And my actions after… I look back at them with nothing but absolute disgust."

"I grew cold and distraught. For years, decades, I shut myself away. I ignored much of what was happening in the world. One day, I found a stone that could grant wishes. The man I loved; his spirit inhabited the body of another. I… I raped another man. I was happy that my love had returned and I had ignored that his spirit inhabited another body. I hated myself for what I had done."

"My selfishness and the selfishness of others almost resulted in the end of life on Earth. I learned that self-sacrifice was important… and that it was important to move on and come to accept things for what they were. It is hard for me to help people, even though I am part of a league. I hesitate to be a leader. I do not wish to have another Steve Trevor on my consciousness again."

XXXXXXX

Naruto heard Diana's tale and decided to speak.

"First of all, it seems you are nothing like your fellow Amazons. You made mistakes in your life, and you have tried to make amends for them. It is good that you realized your mistakes. At your core, you are a woman who simply wants to fight for others who cannot defend themselves. I appreciate the sentiment. It is a noble one."

"However, there is something you need to understand. The scars we carry, we are meant to have them. We cannot go back and change them. They make up our experiences and are part of our souls. We learn from our scars and use those experiences to grow stronger and be better. Do not be ashamed of your past any longer because you have done your best to make amends. That is all anyone can do."

"Diana… I cannot give you what you want."

Diana narrowed her eyes as she felt pain in her heart.

"What do you mean?"

"Let me clarify my statement. You want something from me. You desire a relationship. You desire to feel love again. I have had my heart broken."

Diana spoke again. "You must miss this woman. She had a great impact on you."

"She did, Princess. She was my first love. I wanted to marry her, grow old with her. And she left me, for reasons I do not know. It was as if she disappeared off the face of the Earth. I do not know if she is still alive or not. I want to know why she left me alone in the world with a broken heart."

Diana sighed. "I understand. You need time to heal. This loss of a relationship has left a void in your heart and you need answers… I understand."

Naruto could feel the hurt in Diana's tone. He sighed. Women… you could not live with them, nor could you live without them.

"This does not mean I am saying no. I would be happy to have a relationship with you, grow something genuine. Hell, maybe we might become an example for our races; an Amazon and an Atlantean coming together to make peace and love."

That last word made Diana blush as she looked at Naruto. The look she gave him was intense and smoldering. He shook his head as Diana smiled.

"Very well. For now, I will wait, patiently. However, if I see you with another woman, that will mean that I will be free to claim you as my love."

"Oh, that will be an interesting day."

The two of them laughed as they were being watched by the elderly couple with a gentle smile. Seeing this reminded the husband and wife of their own long love story.

XXXXXX

Before Naruto could speak, the restaurant wall exploded. A blast of shining, hot red energy hit Naruto square in the face as he was launched outside. Diana rushed towards the elderly couple and moved them outside the village, telling them to simply stay hidden.

Diana rushed towards Naruto as she fussed over him. Naruto gestured he was okay as he got up and looked around to see where that blast came from. From the ashes of the restaurant, a figure clad in black armor emerged, being flanked by armored commandos wielding red armor and red energy swords. Diana narrowed her eyes as she recognized that these were Atlanteans with the water in their helmets. She could not guess who the armored figure in black was.

The figure in black, known as the Black Manta then spoke, his voice seemingly garbled, yet they both could make it out that it was a figure capable of human speech.

"Heh, I am sorry for interrupting your date, fish-boy. However, loathsomeness waits and dreams in the deep, and decay spreads over the tottering cities of men!"

The figure in black then pulled something from his back. Naruto's eyes widened as it was a trident forged from an ancient metal known as Orichlcum. Naruto could sense that it was no ordinary weapon, it had some sentience to it, and it had negative intentions. Weird green energy was forming around the trident as the Black Manta powered up his main attack.

"Get back!

Another beam was fired, this time at full force. Naruto braced himself and held his ground, smirking at Manta.

"Is that it, monster?"

Manta was enraged as he fired a beam of compressed energy from his trident as Naruto was launched backward into the dirt quite a way away.

"Naruto!"

Diana was about to go and help, when the commandos surrounded her, brandishing their blades at their throat.

"You are going nowhere, Amazon. We are here to take your head!"

Diana clenched her fists, as blood was drawn from her hands. Lightning crackled around her hands as the clouds began to turn gray. She turned her head and saw Naruto recovering from the blow. She had lost one man before. She was powerless that day as she could do nothing to save Steve. She would not lose Naruto! The Warrior's Madness in her blood was calling out to her, to punish those who would dare harm her love. Today, she would protect the innocent and punish the guilty. And this Black Manta and his flunkies would pay for ruining her date.

She addressed the commandos as they looked at her and shivered at the rage in her eyes. "You have brought harm upon the innocent. You have dared to harm my love! You… have…ruined…my…date. You have one chance and once chance alone. Leave, or you will suffer! If anything happens to my love this day, I will bring war upon Atlantis!"

XXXXXX

Black Manta had appeared near Naruto as Naruto stood up, recovering from his skin that had slightly turned black. These red beams were capable of harming him but with his advanced Atlantean-Asgardian-Shinobi Physiology, his recovery was going very well. That trident was one that he had questions about. Well, he would get his answers soon.

"You are able to harm me, that is quite the accomplishment. Tell me, who are you?"

"Hmph! Maybe this will jog your memory."

Black Manta unleashed his grandfather's blade and rushed forward, the jets on his armor increasing his speed as he went for a powerful frontal assault. Naruto and Manta were locked in hand-to-hand combat. Naruto easily dodged Manta's blows as manta went for a headbutt. Naruto brought up his elbow in an upward, hard slicing motion as he countered the headbutt.

Channeling the essence of wind-release nature chakra, Naruto pushed it to his fits and feet as he blasted forward, punching Manta hard. Manta was pushed through a brick wall, as he slowly got up. Naruto appeared near him as the ground cracked.

"Good. It seems you are durable, quite durable. That trident… it seems to have awoken something in you. Perhaps… you have special DNA that allows you to take a few of my blows.

Manta was now confused. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Naruto shrugged as he looked at Manta coldly. "It does not matter. You are going to suffer. You are not as strong as I am. You are durable, but I will break you, David. Yes, I know who you are. Your father deserved to die the way he did; like a fucking dog.

David was shaking in rage, but Naruto did not care.

"Your father was scum. He took the lives of the innocent, and the apple does not fall far from the tree. You are a disgrace to your grandfather's deeds. You have involved the innocent in our conflict. After I am done, I will decide if you are worthy of mercy. Remember, I hold your life in my hands. Come, do your best to entertain me!"

As Naruto went into a fighting stance, wind release chakra flowed around his body. Naruto looked at David coldly. He ruined his date and tried to harm Diana and the innocent. He made a mistake in sparing his life. He was going to teach David a lesson and find out who his benefactors were. He did not get this armor and trident out of nowhere.

Manta welcomed the challenge. All he wanted to do was kill the Aquaman. "Bring it on, fish. You ow me blood, a life debt! I will show you the same mercy you showed my father and gut you like the fish you are!"

Naruto smirked. "Bring it, bitch. I want all the smoke. These hands of mine… are rated E for Everyone."

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Chapter End

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Please read and review generously. I hope you all enjoy it.

I need your help. Would you like the next chapter to be in two parts, or one long glorious chapter with some intense battles? Manta has been buffed to provide a challenge.

Naruto has an interesting style of fighting here. He has immense superhuman strength, speed, stamina, power, durability, agility, hearing, perception etc. He can fly and use lightning, wind, and water, with wind being his primary element. He does not use his mother's weapon right now, rather he is a jack of all trades with ninjutsu and taijutsu along with sealing capabilities. Right now, with Minato/Thor's blood within him, Naruto enjoys a good fight and he is going to give Manta a beating. You may suggest abilities and things he should use.

You will also see Diana mop the floor with these commandos as well.

I apologize for the short chapter. I am busy right now looking for another job. However, I will not give up on writing. With my personal issues, family and financial issues, writing is one of the things that gives me some peace and solace.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy. See you all in the next update. Stay safe and well wishes to you all. Please do suggest your ideas.