Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! And here we'll being going into the episode "Count to Three" with Higsby and NumberMan appearing, though there are going to be some differences in how the episode goes, using some elements from the games. So, without further ado.
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"Roll Arrow!" Roll said, forming her longbow and fired multiple bolts at Bass, with the former Solo NetNavi jumping out of the way of the bolts.
"Air Burst!" Said Bass, turning his hand into his Shooting Buster before firing a single green shot at high-speed towards Roll.
With Roll quickly using her Roll Dance, turning into gold dust as the shot passed through her, before the dust rushed behind Bass and reformed back into Roll.
"Nice try! Roll Flash!" Said Roll, swinging her antenna at Bass, which he ducked under while clenching his fist as it was engulfed in black and purple flames.
"Here's something new. Fire Fist!" Bass said, turning and slamming his fist into Roll's chest, making the pink-themed NetNavi cry out from the flames.
Only for her to then be launched back by a large column of flames that erupted from Bass's fist, sending Roll crashing back into a wall. Groaning as she fell to the ground, Roll shakily got back up while looking at Bass in surprise at the attack.
"Where did you learn to do that?!" Roll asked, not expecting Bass to do something like that.
"The same place I learned to do this. Firefly!" Bass while holding out his hands as he created numerous glowing purple fireballs that began flying through the air, surprising Roll again at the sight.
Before she quickly jumped back to avoid the fireballs, only to be confused when they kept floating in the air rather than chasing after her like she expected.
"That's just the first step! Cyclone! Battle Chip in, download!" Naruto said, inserting a Battle Chip, as Bass's hand turned into a large fan before he blew the fireballs towards Roll.
"We're using Battle Chips now?! Okay, then here's mine! Air Shot! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Mayl, putting in her own Battle Chip, with Roll's hand turning into a fan cannon.
"Let's see how you like this! Air Shot!" Said Roll, firing blasts of compressed air that dispersed the fireballs once they hit.
"Try doing that after this! Fiery Doll!" Bass said, causing all the remaining fireballs to explode into one massive inferno, much to Roll's shock at the sight, even more so as she saw the inferno come rushing straight at her.
"Roll! Area Steal! Battle Chip in, download!" Mayl said as she quickly used her Battle Chip, allowing Roll to teleport out of the inferno, with her reappearing behind Bass.
"Got you now! Roll Blast!" Roll said, kissing her fingers and swinging her arm at Bass, releasing a wave of hearts at him.
"You should know by now it wouldn't be that easy. Thunder Carnival!" Said Bass, holding his hands out, launching multiple electrical spheres that collided against the hearts triggering a large explosion.
"Lightning Spear!" Said Bass, firing a beam of crimson lightning straight through the explosion towards Roll.
"Barrier! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Mayl, inserting the Battle Chip just in time as it created a barrier around Roll, only for the pink-themed NetNavi to still be launched back by the Lightning Spear,
*Real World*
"Alright! Way to go, Forte!" Naruto said while grinning as Bass's Lightning Spear sent Roll flying back, even with the Barrier Battle Chip protecting her.
"What's with all those attacks?!" Questioned Mayl, wondering where the Black Shadow had learned all these new attacks.
"I've been showing Forte some anime, and it's been giving us a lot of ideas for how he can use his powers." Replied Naruto with his grin growing, having been showing Bass different anime's that could give him inspiration for his powers.
With the former Solo NetNavi having at first been dismissive of some human entertainment helping him develop new attacks. Only to soon find himself intrigued after seeing different lightning and fire-users, seeing how they used their powers. The power and destruction they were capable of, it soon made Bass eager to replicate the attacks, along with wanting to see more. Not to mention those with energy and darkness manipulation.
Naruto had also been amused when Bass demanded he download anime onto his PET so he could study it as his leisure to further develop his abilities. Though he could tell that Bass was starting to enjoy watching it, given he also asked for anime that wouldn't help in recreating attacks.
"Seriously?!" Mayl said in disbelief before shaking her head.
"Ugh, whatever! Roll, I'm sending in some reinforcements! Chess Pieces! Battle Chips in, download!" Said Mayl, inserting her Chess Piece Battle Chips, making Naruto smirk at this.
"Aren't you forgetting Mayl, you aren't the only one with reinforcements. TorchMan! ElecMan! Navi Chips in, download!" Naruto said, activating his Navi Chips with the Clone NetNavis appearing beside Bass against Roll and her Chess Pieces.
"Don't think having them will help you! Pawns advance! And here's something for you Roll! Yo-Yo! Battle Chip in, download!" Mayl said while inserting another Battle Chips giving Roll a large, bladed Yo-Yo.
"ElecMan, TorchMan take out those pawns! And Forte, here's this! Step Sword! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Naruto, putting in the Battle Chip, with Bass gaining a purple blade.
"Time for the real battle to begin! Dark Arm Blade!"Bass said, teleporting behind Roll and swinging both his swords at her.
"I couldn't agree more!" Retorted Roll, spinning and swinging her Yo-Yo at the black-themed NetNavi.
While off to the side, Lan, Dex and Yai were watching Naruto's and Mayl's NetBattle, with the former two being disappointed they weren't battling the Uzumaki.
"Oh man, I really want a rematch against Naruto, we still need to battle again after we had to stop before! Come on MegaMan, don't you wanna see which of us is stronger?!" Lan said, looking at his NetNavi hopefully, only for MegaMan to let an exaggerated yawn.
"Oh man, I'd really love to battle against Forte again Lan, but you know…I'm just really tired. Your mom wanted me to help check all the electronics back home, making sure they were all clean of Viruses, that they were all working properly, it was a lot of work. It really tired me out you know, since I had a lot of free time. What with her confiscating your PET, and all. So, sorry, but I don't think I'll be battling for a while until I'm rested." Said MegaMan, much to Lan's disbelief.
"Oh come on, I said sorry didn't I?!" Said Lan, not believing MegaMan is still holding that over his head.
"Come on, GutsMan! We have to battle Naruto, how else are we going to prove we're better if you don't crush that Forte!" Dex said, also trying to convince GutsMan to battle Naruto and Bass, only for the large NetNavi to not even turn to face his NetOp.
"GutsMan no hear Dex! GutsMan only hear lecture from Dex's mom about breaking into Yai's house!" Said GutsMan before covering his ears, still being upset as well for he and MegaMan were punished for the actions of their NetOps.
"Hmph! It serves you both right, trespassing on an innocent girl's property like that. You should be thankful I let you both off easy for such behavior!" Yai said with her hands on her hips, though smirked at remembering what happened when Lan and Dex broke into her home.
*Flashback*
"We walk all this way and it's a dead end." Dex said in annoyance at seeing he and Lan were stopped by a rose-covered hedge.
"Come on Dex, maybe we can…jump over it." Suggested Lan as he saw that the hedge wasn't that high, believing they could jump it with a good running start.
"Told you we shouldn't have come." Dex stated, much to Lan's annoyance that he's being blamed, only for them to tense when they heard a siren start going off.
"Intruders found! Intruders found! Intruders found!"
"Intruders?! No way, we're Lan and Dex, Yai's classmates!" Lan said as they both turned and smiled nervously, neither of them wanting to know what kind of security system Yai's home had.
Before the boys saw a lawnmower coming straight at them, much to their shock and panic at the sight as they took off running to avoid being mowed down.
"Even the lawn is booby trapped?! Who's even driving that crazy thing?!" Said Lan, not believing the lawn was booby trapped.
"That thing's gonna turn us into mulch!" Dex screamed as they ran from the lawnmower, with Lan looking to see if there's anywhere they could escape to, before spotting some fenced in tennis courts.
"Head for the tennis courts!" Lan said, turning towards the courts with Dex following after him, neither of them stopping until they got inside and closed the gate behind them.
"Finally, we're safe." Muttered Lan as he sighed in relief, only to hear the siren again.
"Intruders found! Intruders found! Intruders found!"
Looking around to see what trapped was sprung this time, Lan and Dex paled in fear when numerous cannons rose up from the ground and began firing tennis balls at them. The two crying out as they quickly ran to avoid being bombarded by the balls, climbing over the fence to escape.
Neither of them stopped running in fear of more traps attacking them if they did, until they arrived at an area filled with statues, with them hiding behind one of Athena.
"I think…we're safe…behind these statues." Dex said while panting heavily, not believing the crazy traps Yai had protecting her home, making him really regret coming here.
"Give up intruders, you are surrounded!"
Freaking out at hearing the alarm again, Lan and Dex looked up to see the statue now looking at them with glowing red eyes, before the front of it lowered to reveal two cannons. With the boys jumping out of the way when it shots jets of water at them. Only for the rest of the statues to reveal hidden water cannons in them as well, leaving them with nowhere to run as they were soon hit by water jets.
"Someone turn off the sprinkles!" Lan cried out, unable to see where he's going with all the water.
"We're getting soaked!" Shouted Dex as he ran in a random direction, hoping it'll get him away from the water cannons.
Thankfully they soon managed to escape the statues, collapsing to the ground while panting heavily at how much they've needed to run.
"I think…the worst is over…Dex." Said Lan before a cage sprung up around them with bars extending over the top leaving them trapped, making Dex glare at Lan for jinxing them.
"This is your fault, Lan! This is all your idea, now you get us out!" Dex said, annoying Lan at being blamed, even if he did suggest they sneak in through the fence.
"Alright already!" Lan retorted before looking around to see if there's any way for them to get through the bars, feeling relieved when he saw a control box he could jack into.
"My PET, I can jack-in from here! MegaMan, we need your help right away! Dex and I are in some kind of cage!" Lan said, only for MegaMan to give him an unamused look.
"Oooh, so now you listen to me?" Questioned MegaMan, having heard everything going and knew they should've listened to his and Naruto's warning.
"Aw come on, please!" Said Lan, seeing that MegaMan and Naruto were right, but now they really needed help getting out.
"At least you said please. Okay, I'll straighten things out with the security system." MegaMan replied, willing to help them, as long as it meant they learn their lesson about trespassing.
"You're the best! Jack-in! MegaMan, power up!" Lan said as he jacked into the control box.
*CyberWorld*
Appearing in the security systems mainframe, MegaMan looked around to see where the controls were or any Security Navis.
"Hey! Is anybody here!" MegaMan called out, only to be confused when he didn't anyone else or anything he could hack to free Lan and Dex, before he heard footsteps as Glide stepped out from a corner.
"Ah, Glide. I really need your help, I gotta spring Lan and Dex from a trap." Said MegaMan, thankful to see Yai's NetNavi was here, knowing he likely had access to the manor's entire network.
"Sorry, they entered Yai's property illegally. You should've warned them." Glide stated, as while he was willing to talk to Yai about toning down her attitude, he wouldn't tolerate someone breaking into her home.
"Aw come on, isn't there something you can do?" MegaMan asked, hoping he could do something since they didn't mean any harm breaking in.
In response Glide snapped his fingers, causing a hole to open up beneath the blue-themed NetNavi, making MegaMan scream as he fell in.
"Well, you told me to do something." Said Glide, ejecting MegaMan from the system.
*Real World*
Lan and Dex didn't have time to react when the ground under them suddenly opened up, dropping them into a narrow pit, groaning as they landed on top of each other.
"Thanks a lot, MegaMan." Dex said sarcastically, swearing to never trespass anywhere again if this is what happens.
"I can't breathe." Muttered Lan with Dex on top of him
"Uh guys…I think it just got worse." MegaMan said, doubting this is just a pit.
"Worse?! How could it get wor-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Lan said, only for him and Dex to scream when they were suddenly launched into the air.
*End Flashback*
Yai laughed loudly as she rolled on the floor at remembering Lan and Dex getting caught in her traps and then firing them out of a cannon. While Lan and Dex both looked at her in annoyance at the reminder of what happened.
"It's not funny, Yai!" Lan said, still annoyed at everything they went through.
"Yeah! Your crazy traps nearly killed us!" Added Dex, with Yai soon getting her laughter under control as she got up.
"Oh relax, it's not like you were in any real danger. Besides, everything's fine now, now that we're friends and you're always welcome to come over. As long as you're invited or inform me ahead of time that you're coming over. If you don't, well…I do have some other traps I'm sure you'd enjoy." Yai said while smiling deviously at the idea.
Making the boys shiver, having seen a similar smile on Naruto whenever he was planning something.
"Roll logging out."
"Alright! Way to go, Forte! See how much better we did when working together?" Naruto said, grinning that they were able to beat Mayl and Roll.
"Hmph, I have only seen that my near humiliation has been avenged at last. Correcting a mistake I won't be making again." Stated Bass, pleased at avenging his near loss against Roll.
"Don't get too confident, Forte. I was just surprised with the new attacks you have and having to fight those Navi Clones. But next time I'll be ready." Roll said with a smirk, refusing to give up that easily.
"Roll's right. And now we know where you've been getting ideas for attacks, so we can easily do the same. So, thanks for the help Naruto, it'll be really useful for when we beat you both for real." Said Mayl, smirking as well, planning to see what attacks Roll could replicate from anime and manga.
"We'll be ready whenever you both are. Just don't be too upset when we win again." Replied Naruto as he returned the smirk.
"And make no mistake, I never lose." Bass stated, narrowing his eyes.
"You will against me, for real next time." Replied Roll, intending to win the next time they battle.
"Yeah, yeah, real great! Can we go get some ice cream now?! If I'm not battling, then I want something!" Dex said, wanting to leave if he isn't going to do any battling.
With the others all nodding in agreement, liking the idea of going to get some ice cream before they exited the arcade.
"Hey guys, has anyone else heard about the sudden spike in net crimes recently?" Mayl asked, looking at the others getting their attention.
"A spike in net crimes?" Questioned Lan, this being the first he's heard about it.
"Oh yeah, I've heard about that. It's pretty strange since all the crimes are student-related, but no one knows why." Yai said, having heard about it on the NetNews.
"Student-related net crimes? That seems kind of weird. What are they all ditching school together, or something?" Dex said, confused at why it's specifically student-related net crimes.
"I doubt it'd get much attention if it's something like that. But it is strange for there to be a spike in net crimes involving students. But given everything else that's happened recently…I'd guess it has to do with World Three." Said Naruto with a frown.
"You think World Three has something to do with this?" Mayl asked while frowning at the idea of World Three being behind another problem.
"It does make the most sense. First it was TorchMan starting all those fires, then ElecMan messing with electronics and trying to crash the train and hijacking the power plant, then WackoMan messing with the traffic lights. It wouldn't be that farfetched to believe World Three is involved in this too." Said Roll, something none of them could deny.
"Don't remind me of that stupid clown! I'm still angry at it for what it did!" Yai said with a scowl, still angry at WackoMan getting her stuck in traffic when she needed to go.
"Well if World Three is involved, then I'd say we all need to be on guard. Especially at school, if that's where they're targeting students." Stated MegaMan, making Naruto, Lan and Dex groan.
"Oh great, like we needed another reason to not want to go to school." Lan said, hating that now they needed to be on guard at school.
"At this rate I'm going to start calling in sick every day." Muttered Dex, not wanting to have to watch out for World Three at school now too.
"So much for just sleeping through classes." Stated Naruto, knowing he won't be able to simply fall asleep now.
The sight made the girls sigh, as Bass facepalmed at having to deal with a NetOp like Naruto, while MegaMan and GutsMan were both chuckling at their NetOps.
"Now gentlemen, that's no way to act. Even if you don't like going to school, you shouldn't use this as an excuse to miss your classes. You would miss learning about history, science, mathematics, languages, Virus Busting, social activities, everything you could possibly learn and experience within school. Think of all the knowledge you would miss learning if you were to begin skipping classes, interacting with your peers on a daily basis. The wonders…" Glide said as he began lecturing them on the importance of school, only for the boys to begin tuning him out.
*CyberWorld*
Meanwhile, within CyberWorld a NetBattle was currently going on.
"Oh please, this isn't even a challenge!" Said the NetNavi while firing a blast at his opponent, chuckling as they were engulfed in the explosion.
"Poor little Poindexter's down for the count after one blow. He could've at least tried to fight" The NetNavi stated, having hoped for a better challenge but also wasn't surprised, not thinking his opponent was that strong just from his appearance.
Though before the NetNavi could leave, believing he'd won the battle, he was shocked when the smoke cleared revealing his opponent was perfectly fine.
They were a robotic NetNavi with yellow eyes. He has a lime green head shaped like a light bulb, slim black neck, a green cylindrical torso with a 3-digit LCD screen on the front, a black lower torso, white cream arm, green hands with three gray fingers and orange linings, cream white legs, orange lining between the legs and lower torso, and green feet. His Navi mark has blue surrounding and represents a dark green right triangle with a small yellow cube in the right-bottom corner of the triangle shown in a light green background.
"You underestimate me; however I've got your number!" The green NetNavi said before launching a dice at the NetNavi, with it landing on a six right in front of the Navi.
"Huh? What kind of goofing game are you playing?" Questioned the NetNavi, only to cry out when the dice engulfed him in a massive explosion.
*Real World*
"Aah, good work NumberMan. I'll take that rare Battle Chip now, thank you." Said NumberMan's NetOp, grinning eagerly as the new Battle Chip downloaded onto the blank one.
He was a tall, adult man with messy brown hair. With him wearing glasses, a white shirt with a red tie, blue pants held up by a brown belt, brown sandals and white socks.
"Ohohoho, it's a rarity level three Mega Cannon. With your talented dice, my Chip collection will soon be the best in the world. NumberMan, I think we're on a roll." The NetOp said while looking at the new Battle Chip.
"Higsby!"
The sudden shout caused the now named Higby to yelp and fall out of his chair, before quickly getting back in it to see Wily appear on his computer.
"Oh, Mr. Wily sir! Uh…what can I do for you?" Higsby asked upon seeing his benefactor.
"What you can do is fulfill your next assignment. You're going to DenTech Academy to help teach students about Virus Busting and NetBattling, thanks to the rise in crime. Where you'll be taking control of the Academy's system to setup the World Three Re-Education Program, turning the students there into loyal followers of World Three."Explained Wily, with Higsby gaining an uneasy expression.
"Uh, Mr. Wily, I'm not really sure if I want to continue doing that. While I'm grateful that you've been helping in financing my hobby in collecting rare Battle Chips, don't you think that brainwashing kids is going too far?" Said Higsby, since while he loves rare Battle Chips and would do anything to get them, he really didn't like how he's been having to set up those Re-Education Programs in schools.
"Don't forget who's funding your obsession, Higsby! If you wish to leave World Three so badly, then by all means, do so. However, before you leave I expect you to hand over every single Battle Chip you've purchased thanks to me."Wily retorted, causing Higsby to pale at the idea of losing any of his Battle Chips.
"No! I can't lose any of my Chips! I'll do it, I'll trap the kids and brainwash them to follow World Three, just don't take my Chips!" Higsby said, willing to follow Wily's orders if it meant not losing any of his Battle Chips.
"Good. See that it gets done."Said Wily before ending the communication.
*Timeskip-One Day*
*DenTech Academy*
"Welcome Lan. When I asked you to be more consistent, being late three days in a row isn't what I meant." Ms. Mari said in annoyance at Lan arriving late to class again, getting some laughs from the rest of the students, much to Lan's embarrassment.
"I'm gonna guess and say you stayed up NetBattling all night again, didn't you." Naruto stated with a smirk.
"Yeah, he did." Said MegaMan, turning Lan's embarrassment into annoyance.
"Who's side are you on?! And I would've gotten here on time, I actually did try to make it on time today and I would have if I hadn't run into that Chip guy." Lan said, knowing he would've actually arrived on time if it hadn't been for that weird Battle Chip guy.
"What're you talking about?" Mayl asked, wondering what he meant by that, only for everyone to look forward when Mari cleared her throat.
"Well class, now that we're all here, I would like to introduce you all to our guest speaker from Den University. Unfortunately, I can't…he's late too." Mari muttered while looking at her watch, before the door opened as Higsby entered the classroom.
"Hi Ms. Mari, I'm sorry I'm late! My name's Higsby!" Introduced Higsby, having been making sure he gathered up all his Battle Chips he dropped and inspect them for any damage.
"No way! Our speaker is that crazy Chip guy?!" Lan said in disbelief that the guest speaker is the same person he bumped into.
"Mr. Higsby will be teaching us all about Virus Busting, today. He's an expert in the field." Said Mari, with Bass scoffing in Naruto's PET.
"An expert? I doubt he could battle his way out of a crumbling system." Bass said, annoyed they were learning about NetBattling from someone who looked like he'd faint at the sight of a Virus.
"You never know, maybe he is a skilled NetBattler and just looks unassuming." Said Naruto, doubting Higsby would be here if he didn't know a thing or two about NetBattles.
"Yes, I am. Now good morning class, as you know we live in a highly networked society where computer viruses pose a constant threat. This is the security system that protects the central control program here at DenTech Academy. It's a splendid system and defensive power is its key; this is also true in NetBattling as some of you know!" Higsby said, surprising the students when he raised his fist.
"To have a strong defense you've got to have powerful Chips, like at least a rarity level three! Naturally, the higher the level the better the Chip, but then they become so rare they're really impossible to find! Now a premium Chip like Hero Sword-" Higsby said as he began thinking of all the different rare and impossible to find Battle Chips he wanted to get in his collection.
"Or…you know, he could be a Battle Chip fanatic." Naruto muttered with a sweatdrop as he looked at Higsby with a deadpan expression at how he's talking about Battle Chips.
"Clearly." Bass stated dryly.
"Uh, excuse me, Mr. Higsby." Said Mayl, snapping Higsby out of his rant.
"Yes, what is it?" Higsby asked, not expecting the sudden question.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but aren't you getting a little off the subject." Mayl said, making Higby blush in embarrassment.
"Uh, oops…sorry about that kids. Okay uh, back on the subject of NetBattling…" Said Higsby, knowing he can't really stop himself once he starts on about Battle Chips.
Getting back on topic, Higby went over all the aspects of NetBattles, making sure to try and stay on topic when going over Battle Chips. As he did that, Higsby had NumberMan going through the schools systems, setting up everything for when he'd upload the World Three program.
"Higsby! Higsby! I found something!" NumberMan said quietly so only Higsby heard him, with Higsby turning towards the board.
"What is it NumberMan?" Higsby asked quietly while making a show of bringing things up on the board for the lesson.
"The NetOps of Forte and those other NetNavis that have been interfering in World Three's plans, they're students here, right in this classroom!" Revealed NumberMan, much to Higsby's shock, not expecting the NetNavis and NetOps that have been a thorn in World Three's side recently would be here.
'Mr. Wily will want to know about this.' Higsby thought, knowing Wily wanted any information concerning those NetOps, especially Forte.
"Hey guys, after school I want all of you to come over to my house. I've got the best surprise you couldn't imagine waiting for you." Said Yai with a smirk, making the others look at her.
"What kind of surprise?" Dex asked, wanting to know what they would be seeing.
"It wouldn't be a surprise if I just told you. All I'll say is that all of you will think I'm even more amazing than I already am." Yai said proudly, only for Naruto to smirk teasingly at her.
"Did you finally get the new giant limo complete with a fridge full of strawberry milk?" Said Naruto.
"No, that's still being wor…I-I-I m-me-me-mean no! O-of course not! Sh-sh-sh-shut up!" Said Yai, blushing in embarrassment before glaring at Naruto when he started laughing.
"I assure you all that Ms. Yai's surprise will be well worth the wait, and one that all of you will greatly benefit from." Glide said, getting their interest at what kind of surprise Yai had.
'That girl, she's the Heiress of AyanoTech! Which means…rare Battle Chips~!' Higsby thought, knowing if anyone would have rare Battle Chips it would be Yai, and he's going to get them.
*Later*
"Yai, can we open our eyes yet?" Lan asked as they had to keep their eyes close since they arrived at Yai's house, while the heiress lead them around.
"Okay!" Said Yai, seeing they reached her surprise, allowing the others to open their eyes and saw they were standing in front of a large treehouse.
"What is it? A birdhouse for pterodactyls?" Dex asked, much to Yai's annoyance.
"You're so rude! Actually, it's a secret hideout my daddy had built for me." Yai said with a huff, much to their disbelief.
"A secret hideout?!" Questioned the others, only for Yai to motion them to follow her up the ladder inside.
"Wow, this place is beautiful Yai." Mayl stated in amazement once she saw the inside, seeing it looked more like an actual house than a treehouse.
"Yeah, but what's the secret?" Questioned Lan, having been expecting something a bit more surprising with the way Yai and Glide talked about it.
Smirking, Yai pressed a button on the wall. Causing the walls to suddenly flip around, revealing metal panels as a terminal rose up from the floor. The sight shocking and amazing the group at the sudden transformation.
"Yai, your dad so rocks! Uh…what is it?" Dex asked, only to be confused at what it was, exactly.
"Observe!" Said Yai as several lights came on, projecting a 3D image from CyberWorld, much to their amazement.
"Ta-da! You happen to be looking at the very latest in three-dimensional NetBattling technology." Revealed Yai with a please a smirk.
"That's awesome, Yai!" Lan and Dex said excitedly that they'd be able to see NetBattles even better than before.
"So, a secret hideout that's filled with tech, having the latest 3D NetBattling system and who knows what else. Are you secretly an Otaku, Yai?" Naruto asked with a teasing smile, making the heiress blush in indignation.
"Wh-wh-wh-wh-what?! Why would you think something so absurd?! As if I would ever debase myself with such childish rubbish!" Yai said while crossing her arms, only for the Uzumaki to still grin at her.
"Oh really? So you wanting a secret hideout that's more than it appears to be is just a big coincidence, with how Superheroes and Sentai Protagonists always have secret bases hidden away? Do you also have a secret hangar connected to your hideout, Yai?" Said Naruto, with Yai's blush intensifying.
"N-no! Of course I don't!" Yai exclaimed with a stutter, while Naruto started laughing.
"You do don't you?! Do you also have a secret identity picked out, or do you just call yourself Princess Pink?! Or maybe Strawberry Savior?!" Said Naruto laughing as he dodged Yai when she tried kicking.
"Idiot! Moron! Ingrate! Delinquent! Why am I friends with you?!" Yai said in embarrassment as she tried attacking the whiskered blonde, only for him to keep dodging.
"I think it's sweet, I'm sure you look adorable all dressed up in your costume, Yai!" Naruto said, which only annoyed Yai further.
"I, y-you… Just jack-in before I change my mind about letting you use my hideout!" Said Yai, deciding to take the compliment and salvage her pride rather than give Naruto any more ammunition.
"You won't be trying it before me! Jack-in! GutsMan, power up!" Dex said, jacking in GutsMan.
"I'm ready too! Jack-in! Roll, power up!" Said Mayl, sending Roll in as well.
"My turn now! Jack-in! MegaMan, power up!" Lan said, plugging in next.
"Let's go then Forte! Jack-in! Forte, power up!" Said Naruto, jacking in last.
With the group all watching in amazement as they saw their NetNavis appear on the 3D image the moment they jacked them in.
"Woah! Even your mega munchkin looks huge on this system!" Dex said in awe at the sight of their NetNavis.
"Haha! Whatever, this is way sweet!" Said Lan, knowing this'll make NetBattles even more fun with how they can really see the action.
*CyberWorld*
While in CyberWorld, the four NetNavis soon saw Glide appear along with them, making them look at the butler Navi.
"Greetings fellow warriors, I shall be your opponent today." Glide said, much to their surprise.
"But Glide…" Said Roll, not sure if Glide would be able to keep up with them.
"Wait a sec, you weren't programmed to be a Battle-Type NetNavi." MegaMan stated, knowing while Glide had some blasters, he wasn't programmed for battling.
"Yai has supplied me with Battle Chips, I assure you I'm quite ready for anything." Replied Glide, confident in the Battle Chips Yai has given him to handle anything they throw at him.
"Wow, he sure seems confident." Mayl stated, wondering what kind of Battle Chips Yai has for Glide to act like that.
"Maybe, but I'm sending MegaMan in!" Said Lan, eager for the chance to have a NetBattle.
"Yeah right, after GutsMan! And I doubt there'll be anything left to fight when he's done!" Dex said, stepping forward before Lan could.
"If this is your attempt to salvage whatever pride you have left, then you're doing a rather poor job at it. It'd honestly be less humiliating to fight Roll than going against an easier opponent, like Butler Boy." Bass said as he went and stood off to the side, wanting to watch and see if NetBattling Glide is worth his time first.
"Grrrr! Just wait shrimp, me and GutsMan will pay you back one day and show you who's the better NetBattlers!" Retorted Dex as he glared at Bass.
"GutsMan will crush Forte! GutsMan will show he is the strongest there is!" GutsMan added, slamming his fists together, only for the Black Shadow to look at them boredly.
"I'll be sure to close my eyes and keep my hands behind my back. Maybe then you might have the smallest chance…at making me try." Stated Bass, causing Dex and GutsMan to scream in anger.
"Forte doesn't…seem to like Dex and GutsMan, does he." Glide said, looking at MegaMan and Roll, with the two sighing and shaking their heads.
"No, no he doesn't." Said Roll, having gotten used to it by now.
"I think he enjoys the reaction he gets out of them, more than anything." MegaMan added, feeling that by now Bass is egging them on for his own amusement.
"Was there ever a time that Forte got along with Dex and GutsMan?" Questioned Yai as she looked at the others in confusion, not knowing everything but from what she's seen, Bass really didn't like them.
"Well…to be fair, Forte's only became my NetNavi recently." Naruto said in Bass's defense.
"Yeah, Naruto's been working on him a long time and only recently finished him. And he did say that Forte had a bit of an attitude when he first introduced him to us." Said Lan as Mayl nodded in agreement with a slightly annoyed expression.
"Though, if anything, he was underselling the attitude part." Mayl added, remembering how Bass acted when Naruto first introduced them, and sometimes still acted if he's feeling particularly annoyed or wants to get on someone's nerves.
"Enough talking! GutsMan, crush that snobby Navi!" Said Dex, wanting to take his anger out on Glide.
"Here snobby! Guts Stomp!" GutsMan said while thrusting his fist at Glide, releasing a blast at the butler NetNavi.
"Routine defense, no problem." Said Glide as a purple aura surrounded him, with him not even flinching as GutsMan's attack hit.
"What?! No way!" Dex said, not believing GutsMan's attack looked like it didn't even touch Glide.
"Hey, I've heard about that power! That's the Life Aura Battle Chip!" Lan said, causing Bass's eyes to snap open at the mention of Life Aura.
'Life Aura?!' Bass thought, looking at Glide and the purple aura around him.
"Yeppers! Wait until you see the next one! Download!" Yai said as she used her next Battle Chip, causing Glide's arm to turn into a long blue sword.
"Hero Sword?!" Lan said in disbelief and amazement at another rare Battle Chip.
Before Glide swung his blade, releasing a wave of energy that slammed into GutsMan, sending him flying back and crashing into the ground, groaning at the impact.
"Ooooh…he good." GutsMan muttered at the powerful attack and combo.
*Real World*
"Wow, that was really impressive." Mayl stated, with Naruto and Lan nodding in agreement.
"No kidding, having Life Aura and Hero Sword together, that's an unstoppable combo." Said Lan, knowing it'd be difficult to beat something like that.
"Yeah. Having the perfect defense and a powerful offense, something like that could end a NetBattle in an instant." Naruto said, impressed at the combo, knowing if Yai worked hard enough then she could make Glide a really powerful NetNavi.
"Hey Yai, that wasn't fair! You were using some of those rare Battle Chips!" Dex said, calling foul on that battle since he wasn't expecting rare Battle Chips like that.
"We all have to work with what we've got, mine just happens to cost more." Said Yai with a satisfied smile.
"I would say you should accept your humiliation with whatever dignity you have left, but it seems you prefer tossing that aside in favor of being a sore loser. It'd be surprising if it wasn't completely expected." Bass added with a smirk, making Dex turn and glare at him.
"You shut up, no one asked you!" Retorted Dex.
"Just like no one asked you to provide entertainment, yet here we are." Said Bass, with Dex only able to scream in frustration.
*CyberWorld*
While Bass enjoyed the chance to kick Dex and GutsMan while they were down, he narrowed his eyes slightly at Glide.
'The Life Aura Battle Chip, it looks like it has the same properties as my own. Though it seems to end once another Battle Chip is used, so if it's used again then it needs to be downloaded.' Bass thought, believing the natural Life Aura he got from the Life Virus is superior to the Battle Chip variant, given it's always active and only deactivated to attack.
Though thinking about it made the former Solo NetNavi clench his fists, remembering that he couldn't use his Life Aura yet. Only staying calm, knowing that he'll be able to get it back soon enough, he just needed more time and Bugs to heal his Ultimate Program.
'Then I'll be paying back those Navis, especially you ShadowMan.' Bass thought, knowing once he's fully repaired he's going to make ShadowMan pay for reducing him to his current state.
"MegaMan, you're up next! Show him what you can do!" Lan said, wanting to have his shot at Glide next.
"If you think the 3D NetBattling system is great, wait until you see what else my hideout has to offer." Said Yai, wanting to amaze them with her hideout's other features.
"Does that include your secret stash of strawberry milk?" Naruto asked teasingly before laughing as Yai tried attacking him again.
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Glide, beat up Forte as payback for his stupid NetOp!" Said Yai as she chased the Uzumaki.
"Of course Ms. Ya-" Glide said, turning towards Bass, only for the Black Shadow to form his Heat Blade.
"Still feeling confident, Butler Boy?" Bass asked, making Glide pause for a moment before quickly turning towards MegaMan.
"I believe you wished for the second match, MegaMan." Stated Glide, figuring it would be safer to wait before battling Bass.
"Oh yeah, let's see what else you've got Glide." Said MegaMan with an eager smirk.
Though when he stepped forward, he stopped when he felt something and heard what sounded like some laughing.
"Is something wrong, MegaMan?" Roll asked, seeing him stop and look behind them.
"I…don't know, it felt like someone else was here for a moment." Said MegaMan, making the pink-themed NetNavi frown and look to where he did.
"That's impossible. This NetBattle Arena is equipped with the most advanced and expensive security system the Ayano fortune could buy. The only ones here are those Ms. Yai allows to enter." Glide said, knowing it's impossible for any intruders to enter the arena without Yai's permission.
"Yeah, I doubt this place wouldn't have some serious security in place. But if you aren't going to battle, then I will! See if you can handle me Glide, Roll Blast!" Roll said before leaping at Glide, kissing her fingers and firing a wave of hearts at him.
"Of course! But don't think I'll hold back against a lady!" Said Glide, jumping back to avoid the hearts while forming his blaster.
Watching them battle, MegaMan frowned and looked back to where he felt the presence, knowing he felt and heard someone that shouldn't be here.
"There was someone there for a moment." Bass stated, making MegaMan look at him seeing Bass now standing beside him.
"You felt it too, huh." Said MegaMan, with Bass grunting in response.
"Yes. Whatever security system this arena has clearly wasn't enough to stop whoever was able to break through it." Bass replied as the blue-themed NetNavi nodded in agreement.
"Hey MegaMan! Don't just stand around while the others battle, show 'em what you can do!" Said Lan upon seeing his NetNavi wasn't doing anything and wanted him to get into the battle.
"You too, Forte! Don't you want to show who's the strongest?!" Naruto said, making Bass grunt at his words.
"I already know I'm the strongest, I have no need to prove it." Retorted Bass.
"Does that mean you don't want to fight against Glide's Life Aura and Hero Sword? Or try settling which of us is stronger?" MegaMan asked with a challenging smirk, causing Bass to narrow his eyes before suddenly swiping his Heat Blade at MegaMan, who quickly jumped back.
"That's what I thought! Mega Buster!" Said MegaMan, forming his Mega Buster and firing it at Bass.
*With Higsby*
"Hehehehehehe! Life Aura and Hero Sword, two high-grade rare Battle Chips and soon they'll be all mine!" Higsby said eagerly as he watched the NetNavis battle each other, though was focused only on Glide using Life Aura and Hero Sword.
Two Battle Chips he's been trying to find for years now and finally he's found them both, making him eager to be able to add them to his collection. Before Higsby remembered he still needed to contact Wily with the information he's got.
*World Three Headquarters*
"What is it Higsby?" Wily demanded when Higsby contacted him.
"Mr. Wily sir, I found information about Forte and the other NetNavis that have been interfering in World Three's plans. They all belong to students at DenTech Academy, here they are now." Higsby said before bringing up the recording of the NetNavis battling, freezing it on an image of Bass.
With Wily clenching his cane tightly at the sight of the Black Shadow, now seeing without a doubt that Bass is still alive.
"And his NetOp, who is Forte's NetOp?!" Said Wily, wanting to know who helped save Bass from the ambush and his Virus.
"His NetOp is Naruto Uzumaki." Replied Higsby, making Wily pause at the name.
'Ah, so that's how it is Cossak, even in death you made sure someone would find your creation. Entrusting Bass to the only person you could trust to find him.' Wily thought, finding it incredibly ironic to learn just who Bass's NetOp is, along with being pleased to now know their identity.
"Well done Higsby, you've delivered vital information to World Three. Once you have completed your objective, I'll see to it you are greatly rewarded for your service." Wily said before ending the communication.
Only for him to make another contact as a hologram of ShadowMan soon appeared in front of Wily.
"Dr. Wily, what a surprise. I take it you have another job for me." ShadowMan stated, not expecting to be contacted by Wily again after dealing with Bass.
"You could say that. Or rather I'm hiring you to finish the last job I gave you." Replied Wily, making ShadowMan's eyes widen for a moment before he narrowed them.
"Bass is still alive?" ShadowMan asked, having thought the Virus had finished him off.
"He is, the one who saved him is now his NetOp. So while the Virus didn't eliminate Bass, it's likely weakened him to the point he'll no longer be a challenge for to finish off. But he's not your only target, you'll be eliminating NumberMan and Higsby as well. They were useful followers, but have begun to lose their use, and I don't like leaving loose ends." Wily said, knowing that one can only be controlled through their obsession for so long until their morality begins winning out.
And with Higsby's hesitance to follow his latest orders, Wily knew his hold over him was weakening and wanted to deal with him and NumberMan before they fully rebelled against World Three.
"I'll see that the two are eliminated, and this time I will ensure that Bass has been deleted." ShadowMan swore, not liking when a target has escaped him or survived as it makes him look sloppy for not fulfilling his contract.
Refusing to make the same mistake again and will see to it with his own eyes that Bass is deleted, ShadowMan bowed before logging himself out to begin his hunt.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Bass and Roll having a NetBattle, with Bass showing some new attacks he's learned after Naruto introduced him to anime to gain inspiration for his attacks. While Lan, Dex and Yai are watching them battle, with MegaMan and GutsMan refuse to battle, still being upset over being confiscated due to their NetOps breaking into Yai's house. Leading to a flashback showing them being attacked by Yai's traps before being fired out of a cannon.
Before we see Bass avenge his near loss against Roll by defeating her, only for Roll and Mayl to be determined to even the score next time. With the group then heading out to get some ice cream, before discussing the rise in student-related net crimes that's been going on recently, making them wonder if World Three is involved given everything else that's happened.
We then see Higsby and NumberMan collecting another rare Battle Chip only to be contacts by Wily with new orders to upload the World Three Re-Education Program at DenTech Academy next. Only for Higsby to be growing unsure of brainwashing kids, thankful for Wily's help in funding his collection, but feels he's going too far. Only for his Chip obsession to win out over his conscious when Wily threatens to take away all the Chips he helped buy for him.
Next we go to the next day at the Academy with Lan arriving late after bumping into Higsby who arrives shortly afterwards, beginning the lesson on Virus Busting and NetBattling, only to begin going on about his Chip obsession. All while he has NumberMan entering the schools mainframe to begin setting things up for the Re-Education Program, discovering the NetOps of "Forte" and the other NetNavis that interfered in World Three's plans are here.
We the go to Yai's house where she shows them her new secret hideout equipped with the latest 3D NetBattling system leading to some teasing from Naruto much to her annoyance. Before they all jack-in to the system, with Glide showing his Life Aura and Hero Sword Battle Chips, taking out GutsMan with them as they all begin battling. Only for Bass and MegaMan to sense NumberMan's presence as he spies on them.
Finally we see Higsby eager to gain the Hero Sword and Life Aura Battle Chips, before contacting Wily with the information he's learned about Bass and the other NetNavis. With Wily finding it ironic when he learns just who Bass's NetNavi is, being aware Naruto is Cossak's grandson. Before he contacts ShadowMan with a contract to eliminate Bass, as well as Higsby and NumberMan, believing their use has finally run out. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out