NetOp of the Black Shadow

by windstorm16

No summary yet.

11. Chapter 11

Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Higsby and NumberMan making their move to get Yai's rare Battle Chips and, reluctantly, following through with World Three's plans, only for things to take a much different turn. So, without further ado.

I own nothing

The next day, Naruto and Lan had met up on their way to school with them soon meeting Mayl on the way there, before the three continued on their way.

"So, what do you guys think of Higsby?" Naruto asked, looking at the two, wondering what they thought of the new teacher.

"He seems alright, and does at least seem like he knows what he's talking about when it comes to NetBattling and Virus Busting. But…he does seem a little…obsessed when it comes to Battle Chips." Mayl said, remembering how Higsby kept going off about Battle Chips whenever he talked about them, even when he was forcing himself to stay on topic at times.

"Try crazy about them. He freaked out when I picked up one of his Battle Chips, saying I'd get fingerprints on it. How can you not get fingerprints on Battle Chips?!" Said Lan in annoyance.

"Yeah. He did seem pretty obsessed when it came to Battle Chips, especially rare ones. But at least we can say that he knows what he's talking about." Said Naruto with a shrug, figuring it's not so bad if Higsby knows about NetBattling too.

"That's true, he could've just been a collector that didn't know anything." Mayl said, nodding in agreement that it could've been worse.

"I guess. As long as he doesn't start freaking out from anyone looking at his Chips." Lan muttered before they soon arrived at school, finding Yai and Dex already waiting for them.

"Good morning Mayl! And you too I guess Lan, Naruto." Dex said, smiling happily at the sight of the redhead, while begrudgingly greeting Naruto and Lan.

"Hey Dex, Yai. How're you guys?" Mayl asked, smiling at the two, only for Yai to huff and cross her arms.

"I would be a lot better if we didn't have to see that weirdo Higsby, today." Said Yai, making the three look at her in confusion.

"Why? Did he walk past you without offering you the proper tribute for being in your presence?" Naruto asked with a teasing smirk, with the heiress glaring at him in annoyance.

"No! He's just creepy with how much he goes on about Battle Chips, even asking students to trade with him." Yai said with Naruto, Mayl and Lan being surprised at this.

"Wait really?" Questioned Lan, not expecting Higsby to ask students to trade Battle Chips.

"Yeah, we just heard about a while ago, before you guys showed up. Some students were talking about how Higsby's been going around, telling students if they wanted to trade Battle Chips to come see him. There's being obsessed, then there's being pretty creepy like that." Replied Dex, not expecting Higsby to actually offer to trade with students.

"That…is pretty weird." Naruto stated, willing admit it is pretty weird that Higsby would be asking the students to trade Battle Chips.

"No kidding. I think he needs to ease up on Battle Chips for a while." Added Lan, feeling Higsby might be going a little far in collecting Chips.

"Yeah… Let's just get to class before we're late." Said Mayl nodding in agreement, before shaking her head since they still needed to get to class.

Nodding in agreement, the group headed inside the Academy and up to their classroom, though all of them still wondered about Higsby's odd behavior.

While, outside of the Academy with a view of the classroom window, Sal was busy watering the plants, glancing up at the window a few times before looking back at the plants. Knowing it's almost time for her to Jack-In to the school's mainframe to help stop World Three's plan.

*Flashback*

"For the past couple of days, there's been a rise in student-related crimes and from what we've learned these crimes were committed by perfectly normal students. At least they were normal before someone messed with their minds, making them pawns of World Three." Commander Beef said as he, Sal and Miyu looked at a screen showing reports and pictures of all the students who committed the crimes.

"Yes Commander. Several of the students also come from different schools rather than all of them attending the same one, so someone's been going to these schools and getting into their systems to brainwash students into being loyal to World Three. It took some doing, and with Sal's confirmation, it's this man, Higsby." Said Miyu with a picture of Higsby appearing the screen.

It had been difficult for them to trace the source of the World Three propaganda filling schools that have been brainwashing students. Given Higsby made sure to always wipe any and all traces of him being hired and employed at the locations. But luckily, they were able to find a breadcrumb trail, allowing them to finally trace Higsby to find out who he is.

"And now his next target is DenTech Academy." Sal said in worry, having seen Higsby in the classroom the other day while watering the plants at the school, leading her to contact the others and inform them she might've found their targets.

Something that worried the Net Agents at learning Higsby was at DenTech Academy, where Naruto, Lan, Mayl and Dex were, that they could end up being brainwashed next.

"This fiend, infiltrating schools and brainwashing innocent children. We must stop him now before he strikes again and fast! We must save Ms. Mari!" Beef declared, refusing to let Higsby do anything to endanger Ms. Mari, making Sal and Miyu look at him dryly.

"Is now really the time, Commander?" Questioned Miyu, not surprised that's who Beef would focus on wanting to save.

"There are all the other students to save too. You know, like Naruto, Mayl, Lan and Dex. As well as their new friend, Yai, especially with the chaos that World Three could inflict if they manage to brainwash the AyanoTech Heiress, along with everyone else." Sal added, causing Commander Beef to stumble slightly.

"R-ri-ri-right! Yes, of course I also wish to save the students as well! But Naruto, Lan and Mayl have all helped in stopping World Three's plans before, showing they are more than capable of handling themselves! While Dex and GutsMan, I'm sure are just as capable should the time come for them to stand up to these villains! But Ms. Mari is a defenseless school teacher, not a NetBattler, and it's our duty to protect those who can't protect themselves!" Beef said, justifying his personal desire to save Ms. Mari, only for Sal and Miyu to still look at him dryly.

"…Of course. However, I learned something else while finding any information about Higsby, he doesn't seem to be an actual bad person, the only strange thing is he's very obsessed with Battle Chips. I'm guessing that's how World Three got him on their payroll, he does what they want and they give him rare Battle Chips." Miyu said, seeing Higsby isn't really a bad person, just working for bad people to fuel his obsession.

"How despicable. To think World Three would stoop so low as to use a man's obsession in such a way." Said Beef with a frown, angry and disgusted at World Three's actions to manipulate someone like that.

"You would know about obsessions, wouldn't you Commander. You'd probably be no different if fish and Ms. Mari were involved." Said Sal dryly, much to Beef's shock that she'd say that.

"Wh-wh-wh-what?! Th-th-that is completely d-d-di-diff…I-I w-wou-would never…N-n-n-n-no o-o-on-one c-c-c-cou-could ev-e-ever-" Beef stuttered, trying to come up with a defense, with Sal and Miyu only giggling at his expense.

*End Flashback*

'It's time.' Thought Sal, looking around to see she's alone, before setting down the watering can and went over to a port she could jack-in to.

"Alright. Jack-in! WoodMan, power up!" Sal said, plugging in her PET, sending WoodMan into the schools mainframe.

*CyberWorld*

Appearing in the mainframe, WoodMan spotted SharkMan and SkullMan were already waiting for him before going over to them.

"SkullMan, SharkMan. Sorry if I kept you waiting, Sal wanted to make sure no one was around before Jacking in." Said WoodMan, getting the Navis attention.

"Don't be WoodMan, you're just in time." SkullMan said, nodding at the wood-themed Navi.

"Commander, we're all here and ready to begin." Said SharkMan to Beef.

"Excellent work, SharkMan. Now we have two objectives, the first is to locate Higsby's NetNavi, from what we've gathered he goes by NumberMan. Find and detain him, once that's done we need to disable the World Three propaganda if it's been uploaded to the Academy's network. We can't have any more children being brainwashed." Beef explained, with the three NetNavis nodding in response.

"Understood. Let's go guys, first we find NumberMan then we-" SharkMan said before WoodMan quickly pushed him out of the way, raising his arm blocking a Cyber Sword.

With SharkMan and SkullMan immediately jumping back, seeing the Cyber Sword came from a completely black NetNavi with glowing red eyes. With WoodMan quickly smashing his fist into the Navis face, launching them back only for the NetNavi to backflip, skidding across the ground before two more joined it.

"Navi Shadows?!" SkullMan said in surprise, not expecting to see Heel Navis, also known as Navi Blacks and Navi Shadows.

"What?! Heel Navis are there?! But World Three has never used those before!" Said Beef, surprised that Heel Navis would be in the mainframe.

"Then they're either recent additions to their ranks, or someone else is in the mainframe with us." Miyu stated while SharkMan, WoodMan and SkullMan tensed as the Shadows hands turned into cannons.

"Either way, it looks like this'll take longer than we expected. Fin Cutter!" SharkMan said, firing a barrage of energy blades from his fin at the Shadows, with two jumping out of the way while the third fired at the blades stopping them.

While the remaining two Shadows jumped into the air and began firing at the NetNavis, with SkullMan jumping in front of them.

"Then let's get this done, quickly! Bone Crusher!" Said SkullMan, swinging his arms and sending them flying at the Shadows, crashing through their blasts and forcing them to switch to their swords to block the bones.

"You can't dodge this! Wood Tower!" WoodMan said, slamming his fist into the ground, forming multiple wooden spikes rushing towards the Heel Navis, with the two in the air knocking the bones aside as the one on the ground formed a sword rushing forward and began slicing through the spikes.

*Teacher's Lounge*

Meanwhile, in the teacher's lounge, Ms. Mari was finishing up the last of some grading before heading to class, knowing by now all the students should have arrived. Before she looked up when she saw Higsby coming towards her.

"Excuse me, Ms. Mari, I hope I'm not interrupting here. Could I ask you something?" Said Higsby, with Ms. Mari smiling politely at him.

"Sure. Please, ask away." Mari replied, wondering what he wanted to ask her.

"It's about a student of yours, I believe her name is Ms. Ayano." Higsby said, wanting to gather as much information about Yai as he could before making a move to get her rare Battle Chips.

"Oh you must mean Yai." Said Mari before her eyes widened at remembering something.

"Oh! Thanks for reminding me, Yai and her friends are supposed to help me edit the school newspaper this afternoon after school." Mari said, having forgotten about that with everything she'd been working on.

"That's great." Higsby said, knowing after school will be the perfect chance for him to get Yai's Battle Chips, he just needed to be careful about keeping his identity hidden.

"Thanks! I would've forgotten if you hadn't come by. You were very helpful, Mr. Higsby!" Mari said while smiling and grabbing his hand, much to Higsby's surprise and embarrassment.

"Uh…oh…no problem!" Higsby said while blushing slightly and smiling nervously, not used to being thanked for things, let alone by a beautiful woman.

"Speaking of, I should be getting to class now, it wouldn't do if the teacher ended up being the one late. See you Mr. Higsby!" Mari said, waving at Higsby as she left the teacher's lounge and headed for her classroom.

"Huh, oh…yeah! Bye Ms. Mari…" Said Higsby returning the wave hesitantly, sighing once Ms. Mari had left the room.

'What am I doing?' Higsby thought, wondering what he's doing right now by helping brainwash kids to follow World Three and now planning to steal Battle Chips from one of his newest students, even when Ms. Mari was so nice to him.

Only to be pulled from his thoughts when his PET began ringing from a call, making Higsby pull it out only to recognize its Wily. Making the Battle Chip Otaku look around quickly, before exiting the teacher's lounge and heading into a storage room once he saw no one was around before answering the call.

"Higsby!" Wily shouted, making Higsby stumble lightly from the volume but managed to catch himself.

"Uh hello, Mr. Wily, sir. Did you need something?" Higsby asked, only to see Wily glaring at him.

"What I need is to know is what's taking so long?! You've been at DenTech Academy for over a day now and yet you haven't begun the reeducation program! Either get to it or say goodbye to your Battle Chips and your life!" Wily said, causing Higsby to pale in fear.

"M-m-m-m-m-m-my-my l-l-l-l-li-l-l-li-life?" Stuttered Higsby, terrified of what Wily meant by that.

"Yes, your life of freedom that is. I'm sure the NetPolice will be very interested to know just who has been uploading World Three propaganda to schools and brainwashing the children of DenTech City." Said Wily, covering up what he really meant, much to Higsby's disbelief and fear.

"B-b-b-bu-bu-bu-bu-but…I've been doing what you tell me?! You can't turn me in without revealing yourself!" Higsby said, only for Wily to scoff.

"You're the one they can still find, I'm not. So unless you want to spend the rest of your life in a cell and never see another Battle Chip again, get to work!" Wily warned before ending the call, with Higsby sighing in resignation.

"Yes Mr. Wily." Higsby said as he left the room to follow his orders, knowing he really didn't have a choice anymore.

*Later-Ms. Mari's Classroom*

After arriving to her class, Ms. Mari began the days lesson with a lecture on Virus Busting, with Higsby soon entering to join the lesson when it was time for him to continue his lesson on NetBattles.

"Now class I'll turn things over to Mr. Hi-huh?" Mari said, about to let Higsby takeover the lesson, only to turn to the monitor in shock when it suddenly began flashing an error message.

"Uh Ms. Mari, is something wrong?" Naruto asked frowning at the sight of the board glitching out.

"I…I'm not sure, just give me a moment students and I'll see if we can't fi-" Said Ms. Mari, only for a shadowed figure to suddenly appear on the board with World Three's emblem flashing in front of them.

"We are World Three and we will now announce the real goal of our plan, to control the net!" Said Wily, with his voice being distorted.

"Guys! This is some World Three program! This must be what's being used to on students, they're being brainwashed!" MegaMan said, realizing what's happening and the reason behind the student crimes.

"World Three's true plan is to start a war, the EndGame! We will take control of the military net and all other nets! The only cure for this rotten world…deletion!" Wily said, while Ms. Mari worked to try turning the board off.

"All of you, turn off your terminals now!" Said Ms. Mari, not wanting her students to be controlled by World Three.

"We can't!" A student said as they all tried turning off their terminals.

"The reeducation program won't stop! Nothing we do is working!" Said Mayl while trying anything she could think of, short of just breaking the monitor, to turn it off.

"To reach our goals, World Three is hiring new staff members! We will begin a new instruction program, starting today! Children! Study well and become good slaves of World Three!" Wily said as the World Three emblem began flashing even more.

"Ms. Mari, we can't open the door!" Said a student as they tried pulling the door open but found it was locked.

"Okay, everyone just remain calm and don't look at the monitors or the board! We just need to avoid listening or watching this until we can think of something!" Ms. Mari said, not wanting everyone to begin panicking and risk being reeducated into serving World Three.

"I've got an idea! GutsMan, let's get in there and smash this World Three program! We'll show 'em no one messes with my head!" Dex said, getting up and running over to the board.

"Guts, Guts, Guts! GutsMan will smash World Three Viruses!" Said GutsMan, smashing his fists together.

"Dex had a good idea for once! Let's go too, MegaMan!" Lan said, refusing to sit and do nothing while World Three tries controlling them.

"Let's do it!" MegaMan said, ready to deal with whatever program and Viruses World Three put in the schools mainframe.

"We'll help too! If World Three's in the mainframe, then Roll can help find where the programs coming from!" Said Mayl, getting up as well.

"Just leave it to me, I'll crack it in no time!" Said Roll, determined to find the source of the program and stop it.

"Forte." Naruto said, looking at Bass who grunted in response.

"Just send me in already." Bass said, annoyed at having to deal with World Three again.

"Well we can't do nothing, Glide! Go in and help the others!" Said Yai as she got up, not wanting to be left out.

"Right away, Ms. Yai. I'll do my best to put a stop to this." Glide said with a nod.

"You guys are wasting your time; I'll have this solved in no time! Jack-in! GutsMan, power up!" Dex said jacking into the board

"We'll see about that! Jack-in! MegaMan, power up!" Said Lan jacking in as well.

"Why don't you both stay focused on getting us all out of here! Jack-in! Roll, power up!" Mayl said, sending Roll in next.

"Let's do this! Jack-in! Forte, power up!" Naruto said, sending Bass into the mainframe.

"Show them what you can do! Jack-in! Glide, power up!" Said Mayl, jacking in last as all their NetNavis entered CyberWorld.

*CyberWorld*

Appearing in the schools mainframe, the five NetNavis all looked at each other before they took off running.

"Okay guys, let's see where this programs coming from and who's taken control of the school!" MegaMan said, not doubting that there's another World Three Navi somewhere in the mainframe.

"Guts! GutsMan will find and smash World three NetNa-" GutsMan said running forward, only to end up slamming into a wall when it appeared in front of him.

"Perhaps it'd be best to not run off like that. And it would seem whoever is behind this has taken measures to keep us from leaving the classrooms system." Glide said, pressing against the wall only for it to not budge.

"It looks like a Virus Barrier; they must've also hacked the schools security system and turned it against us." Said Roll, seeing it wouldn't be as easy as they thought to stop the reeducation program.

"RAH! GutsMan will smash through barrier!" Said GutsMan, slamming his fist into the barrier only for it to not even budge, with the large NetNavi simply hitting it some more, intent to break through.

*Real World*

"Come on GutsMan, break down that puny barrier!" Dex said, refusing to believe GutsMan could be stopped by some barrier.

"Ms. Mari, if the barriers are part of the school security system, then there must be passwords to turn it off, right?" Mayl asked, looking at their teacher.

"Oh yes! All the Virus Barriers have a password that when entered will shut them down!" Mari said, much to their relief they can turn the barriers off.

"Well what's the password?" Questioned Lan, only for Ms. Mari to smile sheepishly.

"I'm…afraid I actually forgot them." Replied Ms. Mari, causing the students to face fault that she forgot the passwords.

"Got it! The doors should be open now!" Naruto said with the classroom door sliding open, much to everyone's surprise and relief as the students all began running out of the classroom.

"Wha…?! How did you do that?!" Yai said as they looked at the whiskered blonde in shock.

"I hacked the school security system." Replied Naruto, with them looking at him in disbelief.

'He can do that?!' Higsby thought, not believing Naruto was able to out hack him and open the door, before working on his PET to try and keep him from hacking any other systems.

"You can do that?! Since when did you know how to hack stuff?!" Lan asked, not knowing Naruto was a hacker.

"I learned a lot when I was working on Forte." Naruto said, having learned a lot about hacking over the years when he was searching for Bass.

"Well uh…that's good given the circumstances Naruto. But please refrain from hacking the school systems in the future, unless it's an emergency." Ms. Mari said, willing to let it slide this once.

"Yes, Ms. Mari. Keep going guys! I'll work on opening up the rest of the classrooms and the exits!" Naruto said to the others, with them nodding as they turned back to their NetNavis.

*CyberWorld*

"Naruto is certainly talented." Roll stated while smiling at the Uzumaki managing to open up the classrooms.

"Yes, yes, we know how much you like praising your crush. Do it once we've dealt with the current problem." Said Bass as they ran out of the classroom's system and into the rest of the Academy's mainframe,

"You shut up!" Retorted Roll, looking at him in annoyance.

Rushing through the schools system, the Navis ran into more firewalls along the way that Naruto either managed to hack and open, or Roll interfaced with them to find some clues about the password. With them continuing onward once the firewalls were brought down.

Though it wasn't long before they saw ice covering the floor and walls, until they saw a NetNavi freezing some Viruses which shattered once they hit the ground. Before the Navi turned towards them, looking ready to fight.

With the NetNavi being a boy, and was rather small and childlike in appearance, with fair skin, a young looking face, big brown eyes and pink swirly rosy cheeks. He wears a mint green snow suit with white fleecy cuffs and ankles, and a matching winter hat on his head. He also wears brown winter boots on his feet. While his Navi Mark is a light blue snowflake in a darker blue background.

"Who are you?!" The NetNavi demanded, with MegaMan raising his hands to show they weren't a threat.

"Easy, we're not with World Three. I'm MegaMan and these are Roll, Forte, GutsMan and Glide. Our Operators sent us in here to try and stop whoever's messing with the schools system." MegaMan said, getting the NetNavi to relax.

"Oh, then good to see I'm not doing everything myself. The name's IceMan, my Operator sent me in from his classroom, but I've been dealing with some Viruses that have been getting in my way." Said IceMan, before a screen appeared in beside him, showing a boy.

The boy has fair skin, brown hair and black eyes. With his attire consisting of a pale yellow jacket with a mint green hood and hems, dark red undershirt, dark cyan shorts, and brown shoes.

"IceMan, have you found anything yet?" The boy asked, with IceMan shaking his head.

"Not yet Tory, but I did find some help. Some of the other students sent in their NetNavis to find out what's going on too." IceMan replied, with the screen turning to let the now named Tory see the other NetNavis and their Operators.

*Real World*

"Oh hey! I'm glad to see some friendly faces. My name's Tory Fraud, this is my NetNavi IceMan. We've been trying to find where this World Three Program is coming from, but so far we've just found Viruses." Tory said as he appeared on the others PETs.

"Nice to meet you Tory. I'm Naruto, these are Lan, Mayl, Dex and Yai, along with out NetNavis Forte, MegaMan, Roll, GutsMan and Glide. We haven't been able to find anything either, but we have been taking down firewalls that have been blocking us, along with opening up the classrooms." Said Naruto, making Tory smile.

"That was you guys?! Thanks for that, everyone was really eager to get out of here when the World Three Program came on. Now how about we work together to stop it for good." Said Tory, getting nods from the others.

*CyberWorld*

"Welcome to the team, IceMan, now let's keep moving!" Roll said as they kept moving through the mainframe.

Continuing through the schools systems, the NetNavis opened up more firewalls scattered around, gradually opening up more of the school as well as they did so. Only for it to not be long when they reached an intersection splitting off in multiple directions.

"Which way do we go?!" GutsMan said looking down the different paths, having no idea which one would lead them to their destination

"Just pick a path go down it! They all have to lead somewhere! Maybe they'll even all go to where the program is!" Said Dex, figuring it didn't matter which path they used.

"You idiot! We can't just pick a random path! It could lead to a dead end or a trap!" Yai said, knowing they can't just pick randomly.

"Yai's right, we need to be careful of which way we go. But we need to do something and fast." Said Mayl, with the others frowning as they tried thinking of what to do.

"If I may, I believe the best course of action is to split up. There are six of us and even more paths to choose, we can't just try each of them. But if each of us take a different path, the odds of at least one of us choosing the correct path is much higher rather than if all of us going down the same path." Glide explained, making the others look at him.

"Well if no one else has any ideas." Said Bass before rushing down one of the paths, not wanting to waste time deciding on some other plan.

"Guess we're splitting up, then. Be careful guys and if any of you end up finding the one doing this, hold them off long enough for us to get there!" MegaMan said, going down his own path.

"Right! Let's find this creep!" Said Roll, choosing a path and heading down it.

"Guts! GutsMan will find World Three Navi!" GutsMan stated, charging his own path.

"Good luck Glide, hopefully one of us gets lucky." Said IceMan, picking a path and ran down it.

"Indeed, good luck to as well IceMan." Glide replied before looking at the remaining paths, trying to see which one seemed like the best option.

Once he picked a path, Glide began running down it while being on the lookout for any sign of the source of the World Three Program or the one keeping the school locked up.

Though Glide's eyes widened when a large dice dropped down in front of him landing on a three, before crying when it exploded throwing him back.

"Looks like you lucked out with a lower number. But we'll see how long that luck of yours lasts." Said NumberMan, with Glide grunting as he stood up.

"You, are you the one responsible for this?! Another one of World Three's NetNavis?!" Glide demanded.

"I might work with World Three, but I don't share their goals. I am NumberMan, and what I really want are those rare Battle Chips you have." NumberMan said, much to Glide's disbelief.

"What? You only want Battle Chips?" Questioned Glide, not believing that's what NumberMan is after.

*Real World*

"What?! Are you kidding me?! First this guy tries brainwashing us to follow World Three, now they want our Battle Chips too?! Are these guys that crazy?!" Said Dex, not sure what to even think of that.

"Crazy…or just obsessed." Naruto stated, turning towards Higsby with narrowed eyes, which the others soon noticed and looked at their substitute teacher, much to their shock at realizing what he meant.

"Hey Higsby!" Said Lan glaring at Higsby, making the man yelp and slowly turn towards them nervously.

"Uh…this isn't what it looks like?" Higsby said, smiling nervously at the glares and disappointed look from Ms. Mari.

"Mr. Higsby?! You're part of World Three! But why?! You were meant to help educate these children, instead you're helping take away their minds and freedom!" Said Ms. Mari in shock and disappointment, with Higsby wincing at her words.

"It's my choice, really! I…I just really love Battle Chips, okay! I want collect all the super, ultra-rare ones, adding them to my collection, treating them like they deserve rather than just tossing them around without a care! And…and World Three helped fund my collection, helping me collect so many of the rare Chips I've been searching for, and…and I had to do what they said to keep getting them. Now I…I can't just leave…I don't have a choice, anymore. If I do then my life's over, and I couldn't lose my chance to get the Ultra Rare Life Aura and Hero Sword Battle Chips either. I…I'm sorry, I didn't want to, but I didn't have a choice anymore." Said Higsby, making the students stop glaring at seeing he was genuinely remorseful for his actions.

"Well this is your chance; you can stop this now and let us go." Mayl said, only for Higsby to shake his head.

"I…I can't. Either I complete my orders or I'm done for. But that doesn't mean you all can't get away, if you beat me in a NetBattle, then I'll stop the program and turn myself in." Higsby offered, since while he couldn't just stop the program, that didn't mean they couldn't try stopping him.

"Ugh! Fine, I'll battle you! You want to see my rare Battle Chips so badly, then let him have it Glide! Hero Sword! Battle Chip in, download!" Yai said, inserting the Battle Chip.

*CyberWorld*

"It's time for me to subtract a few digits from you NumberMan. Hero Sword!" Glide said as his hand transformed into a sword, unleashing an energy wave at the math-themed NetNavi.

"Fool! Only an amateur would use his ultimate weapon, right away." Stated NumberMan while forming a barrier around himself, blocking the attack much to Glide's shock.

"What?! No!" Said Glide, not expecting NumberMan to have a defense strong enough to stand up to his Hero Sword.

"You must first analyze the opponents fighting power to calculate an effective counterattack." NumberMan said before shouting as he launched a dice at Glide with it landing on a two, making Glide cry out as he was blown back by the explosion.

"And that's not all! Let's see if you still have any luck left!" Said NumberMan, throwing another die at Glide, only for it to land on a one.

Being more prepared this time, Glide jumped out of the way of the much weaker explosion.

"I see, so the number the die lands on is equal to the strength of the explosion. That's good to know! Now once more, Hero Sword!" Glide said, swinging his blade, releasing multiple energy waves at NumberMan.

"Didn't you see that already failed?! Clearly you need a reminder!" NumberMan said, raising his barrier again blocking the slashes.

"And here's another reminder of what I can do!" Said NumberMan, throwing two dice this time, with each of them landing on three.

"I'm not scared of you! Life Aura! Battle Chip in, download!" Yai said while slotting the next Battle Chip with Glide being surrounded by a purple aura, grunting as the dice exploded around him.

"And there's the Life Aura Battle Chip. But let's see how long it lasts, shall we!" Said NumberMan, throwing two more dice at Glide with them landing on a two and four before exploding, with Glide grunting and shielding himself from the explosion.

"Glide! Come on just hang in there, please!" Yai exclaimed in worry for her NetNavi.

"Just hang on Glide, the others should be there soon!" Said Naruto, with them having already informed their NetNavis of what's happening so they could go help Glide.

"I'll try my best, just hurry!" Glide said, crying out as NumberMan's next two dice landed on two fives, with the explosion being strong enough to throw him back.

"No Glide!" Cried Yai at the sight of her NetNavi being blown back.

"Just a little more NumberMan, then those rare Chips will be ours!" Higsby said, eager at the chance to have Hero Sword and Life Aura.

"Higsby!" Said Ms. Mari while frowning at him, making the Battle Chip Otaku wince.

"I can't help it! I just want them so badly!" Said Higsby, unable to help how much he wants those Battle Chips.

"Don't worry, this'll be over soon!" NumberMan said throwing two more dice, only for them to land on two twos, with Glide grunting as he withstood the explosion but was having trouble standing.

"Come on, Glide please!" Yai said, not wanting to see her NetNavi lose or be deleted.

"I-I'm doing…my best…Ms. Yai. But I'm losing…energy fast." Said Glide before crying out as the next two dices were two fours, sending him flying back.

"Glide!"

Looking back, Glide felt relieved when he saw Bass, MegaMan, Roll, GutsMan and IceMan running towards him. Glad that they'll be able to help defeat NumberMan. Only for the Navis to be shocked when a barrier appeared around NumberMan and Glide.

"What?! Another firewall!" MegaMan said, grunting as he punched the barrier.

"Give me a moment and I'll get it down!" Said Naruto about to begin hacking through the barrier.

"I don't think so Mr. Uzumaki. You see the way through this firewall is determined by the rarity of the Battle Chips in your possession and unlike the rest, it's one of my own design rather than the schools. So I'm afraid you won't find it so easily hackable." Higsby revealed, much to their shock.

"Then at least one of us should be able to go through!" Said Roll, trying to pass through the barrier, only to grunt when she just hit it.

"GutsMan will get through puny barrier!" GutsMan said, charging at the barrier to crash through, grunting when he was thrown back by it.

"It's no use! None of our Battle Chips are rare enough to be able to get through!" Said Tory, seeing none of his Battle Chips worked, as IceMan tried freezing the firewall.

"NumberMan, finish it quickly! Use three dices this time!" Higsby said, not wanting to give them the chance to get through the barrier.

"Affirmative!" Said NumberMan, launching three dice at Glide.

"No stop! Glide!" Yai cried in horror the dice rushed towards Glide.

"Forte! Our Navi Chips!" Naruto said, believing their Navi Chips were rare enough to get through the barrier.

"Right! Darkness Flame Sword!" Said Bass, forming his Heat Blade as black and purple flames engulfed it, before lunging through the barrier, much to Higsby's and NumberMan's shock.

"What?! But you don't have any rare Battle Chips!" Said Higsby, having checked all the Battle Chips they had and knew none of their Chips were as rare as Yai's.

"Maybe not Battle Chips, but I'm sure you'll find Navi Chips are even rarer." Naruto said with a smirk, while Bass swung his sword slashing through the three dice before they could explode.

While also releasing a wave of flames at NumberMan, making the math-themed NetNavi yelp as he brought up his barrier. Only to cry out when the flames blasted through his shield, sending him skidding across the ground.

"Hey Butler Boy, I'll handle this now." Bass said, grabbing Glide and shoving him through the barrier to the others.

While NumberMan quickly got back up, only to cry out when Bass grabbed his head, feeling the Black Shadow beginning to absorb his data.

"You like math so much, then answer this. What's a hundred times zero?" Bass asked before slamming his foot into NumberMan's stomach, making him cry out as went flying back only to grunt when he crashed into the barrier.

"Th-th-that's j-ju-ju-ju-just z-ze-z-ze-zero." NumberMan said, trying to get up, only to freeze when Bass held his Darkness Flame Sword towards his face.

"And that's exactly what you are compared to me." Stated Bass, with NumberMan slowly raising his hands in surrender.

*Real World*

Higsby fell to his hands and knees, knowing he's lost and will never get his hands on the rare Battle Chips.

"How could you do this Higsby?" Lan asked, frowning at their teacher.

"I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself. Rare Battle Chips are my life, most people don't appreciate their true value like I do. I couldn't bear to see them wasted. I know it was wrong for me to accept World Three's help in building my collection, all I can do is beg you to forgive me!" Higsby cried, with Ms. Mari stepping forward.

"Mr. Higsby! You should be ashamed of yourself, you've frightened everyone in this school, sabotaged school property and were willing to let them become slaves to World Three! Do you have any idea how many crimes you've committed?! That I could have you put in jail for a very long time?!" Demanded Ms. Mari, making Higsby lower his head in shame and resignation.

"Yeah." Muttered Higsby, accepting what'll happen to him, only for Mari to crouch down and smile at him.

"Then tell me, do you remember the first rare Battle Chip you received as a young boy?" Mari asked, making Higsby look up at her in confusion.

"It was such a long time ago, I'm not sure." Higsby said, knowing even with his love of Battle Chips he couldn't remember the very first one he got.

"Now think back, did you even understand the true value of them then? I bet you didn't. Did it matter though? Was that Chip wasted on you?" Questioned Mari, with Higsby thinking for a moment before he felt a memory coming back to him, remembering the very first rare Battle Chip he had, the joy and excitement he felt, to gain something so valuable, so powerful to use.

"It wasn't a waste, I remember now. It was the happiest day of my life." Said Higsby, tears streaming down his face at remembering the joy he felt that day, only to realize he's been taking that joy from others who have their own rare Chips.

"I can't believe I've been so selfish! Can you…ever forgive me?!" Higsby asked, with Ms. Mari putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm will to give a chance, if you're willing to give these kids another chance to learn about rare Battle Chips. What do you say, Professor Higsby?" Said Ms. Mari, much to Higsby's disbelief before feeling joy when he saw the students didn't look angry anymore and didn't seem to mind still being taught by him.

"I will! Thank you!" Cried Higsby, swearing he'll do better and will leave World Three no matter what threats Wily makes.

"What a touching little moment. It's almost a shame I have to ruin it." Someone said, making everyone tense at the sudden voice coming from the board, making them look to see who spoke.

While Naruto's and Bass's eyes both widened when they recognized the voice, knowing exactly who it was, with the Uzumaki seeing someone appear behind NumberMan.

"Forte, NumberMan, behind you!" Naruto said, with Bass instantly looking to the figure that appeared behind NumberMan, his eyes widening further at seeing ShadowMan.

But before anyone could react, ShadowMan swung his sword slicing NumberMan in half at his waist, making the math-themed NetNavi cry out in agony as his body fell apart. Much to everyone's shock and horror at the sight as NumberMan's body began disintegrating.

"N-n-n-no…no…NO! NUMBERMAN!" Higsby cried out at the sight of his NetNavi being deleted.

"Such a shame it had to come to this, Higsby. But it seems my employer was right, you were unable to commit to World Three's goals, now you must suffer the consequences." Said ShadowMan before grabbing NumberMan's disintegrating upper half by his head.

H-H-Hi-Higs…by…" NumberMan said weakly reaching out to his NetOp, before going limp when ShadowMan's fingers pierced his head before his upper-half began glowing.

"NumberMan deleted."

Higsby didn't even have time to comprehend the loss of his NetNavi when NumberMan's upper body exploded, with the same happening to his PET. Making Higsby cry out in pain as he was thrown back from the explosion and into the wall.

"Mr. Higsby!" Ms. Mari said in horror, rushing over to him along with the others to make sure he's alright.

Seeing the damage the explosion did to his hands, covering them in burns and cuts from his PETs parts, along with some of the pieces poking out of his arms and chest, with even more cuts covering his body. Though they were relieved to see he was still alive, but knew he needed medical attention fast.

"Ms. Mari, get Mr. Higsby out of here and to the hospital quickly!" Lan said, knowing they needed to get Higsby help.

"What?! I can't just leave you kids here alone with a dangerous NetNavi, like that!" Mari said, not wanting what happened to Higsby to happen to them.

"We'll be fine, but Higsby won't be if he doesn't get help! Trust us, we'll be able to handle this." Said Naruto, with the others nodding in agreement.

"Yeah! We'll show that creep what happens when someone messes with our teacher!" Dex said, eager to smash ShadowMan into data.

"Ms. Mari, please! Right now Mr. Higsby needs help, get him out of here!" Said Mayl, making Ms. Mari sigh before gently lifting Higsby up.

"Alright, but you kids better stay safe and get out here fast if you get into trouble." Said Mari, before carrying Higsby out of the classroom to get him to the hospital.

"You're wasting your time. Even if he survives, I'm never one to leave a contract unfinished, I'll simply find him once I'm done here." ShadowMan stated, making the NetOps and their NetNavis glare at the Assassin NetNavi.

"You won't get the chance, cause you're the one who's getting deleted now!" Said Lan, angry at what ShadowMan's done.

"You're nothing but a big jerk! I'm going to have Glide erase every piece of your data!" Yai said, glaring at ShadowMan, which only seemed to amuse him.

"Adorable. You think you and your little Navis can stand up against me? I've faced and deleted far stronger opponents than the likes of you." ShadowMan said, with the Navis glaring at him like their Operators.

"Say that again after I turn you into a popsicle ninja boy!" IceMan said, eager to watch ShadowMan be shattered into pieces.

"RAAAHH! GutsMan will show he is strongest there is by smashing ninja!" Said GutsMan, slamming his fists into the ground while glaring at ShadowMan.

"Tsk. Such annoying bravado. Why don't you save yourselves and stay out of my way, as I finish my job. Higsby and NumberMan were only my first targets, but you…" Said ShadowMan, pointing his sword at Bass, making the former Solo NetNavi clench his fists.

"…It's been a while, Bass. I believe we have some unfinished business." ShadowMan said, confusing the NetNavis and NetOps, while Naruto and Bass both tensed.

"What're you talking about? His name's Forte." Said MegaMan as they looked between them in confusion, making ShadowMan look at Bass in amusement.

"They don't know, do they. What about your Operator, does he know who you are?" Questioned ShadowMan, while Bass only gave him a dark look.

"I'm going to take that sword and cut off your head!" Bass swore, stunning the others at his declaration.

"There he is, there's the Black Shadow feared by all." Said ShadowMan, sounding pleased rather than nervous.

"What're you talking about?! Why are you calling him Bass?!" Roll demanded, wanting to know what ShadowMan's going on about.

"Naruto? What's he talking about?" Mayl asked as she and the others looked at the whiskered blonde.

"Because that's his name, not Forte. Bass, the Black Shadow and a criminal wanted throughout the entire Net. If you think I'm bad, believe me, he's much worse. He was known as the second strongest NetNavi in the Undernet, with only the UnderKing being above him. Fighting and deleting any Virus or Navi unlucky enough to encounter him, while stealing their power for himself to add to his own. Merciless, cruel and an insatiable hunger for power, as well as his own vengeance against humanity. There's nothing he wouldn't do to grow stronger, no one he wouldn't utterly crush if they got in his way. That is who Bass is. I should know, I had been hired before to delete him along with several others, being joined by the NetPolice to ensure he was deleted. Only for someone to get in our way and save him." ShadowMan said, looking through the screen towards Naruto.

"It's nice to now know the identity of the one who interfered in my contract. You aren't a target, boy. But consider this payback for getting in my way." Said ShadowMan, while the others were all shocked at this revelation of who Bass really was.

"Hey! If you want to go after Naruto or Bass, then you'll have to go through me first, asshole!" Mayl said while glaring at ShadowMan, surprising Naruto at her words.

"That's right! Say whatever you want about him, but you don't know who Bass is! He's our friend!" Said Roll while standing beside Bass, with NumberMan's deletion the barrier had been brought down, shocking the Black Shadow.

"Yeah. Even if all that's true, Bass isn't like that anymore, he's a friend and ally to us, which makes you our enemy too." MegaMan added, standing at Bass's side as well.

"You hear that ninja boy?! If you think we'd just abandon our friends, then you've got another thing coming!" Said Lan, refusing to let Naruto or Bass fight alone.

"Guys." Naruto muttered in surprise, not expecting them to still stand with him and Bass after learning who he is.

"Bass, Forte, who cares what his name is?! If you helped him and wanted him as a NetNavi, then he can't be all bad! Besides, there's no way I'm letting some wannabe Ninja beat you before me!" Dex said with smirk, not intending to let anyone beat Naruto and Bass before him and GutsMan.

"Hmph, I shouldn't be surprised you're a liar too, along with being a troublemaker. But even if you annoy me, you had your reasons, so I'll forgive you this once." Said Yai, smirking at the whiskered blonde.

"GutsMan doesn't care what Bass is called! No one will beat him, but GutsMan!" GutsMan stated, moving to stand with the others.

"I must concur with the others. If you are so set on trying to delete Bass, then you'll have to go through us first." Added Glide standing alongside the other NetNavis, with IceMan soon joining them.

"I may not have known Bass as long as the others, but so far he's shown to be a good guy. I can't say the same about you." IceMan said, with Tory nodding in agreement.

"I'm with IceMan. Maybe Bass is a criminal, but all I've seen is him helping us, along with saving Glide. And if the others all are standing with him and Naruto, I'll do the same." Said Tory, having seen for himself what Bass is like and will trust that over anything ShadowMan's said.

*CyberWorld*

Bass looked at the NetNavis in shock and disbelief, not expecting them to actually stand with him after learning about his past, what he's like. Before he closed his eyes, opening them after a moment and stepped forward, forming his Heat Blade.

"You were right, ShadowMan, we do have unfinished business. And this time, there's no Virus to save you from me." Bass said, intending to make sure he deleted ShadowMan for good.

Looking at the former Solo NetNavi along with the others, seeing that they weren't going to take his generous offer to save themselves, ShadowMan sighed in annoyance.

"So be it. But do remember, I gave you a way out." Said ShadowMan before snapping his fingers causing ten Navi Shadows to appear as they all rushed towards MegaMan, Roll, GutsMan, Glide and IceMan.

"Bring it on! Mega Buster!" MegaMan said, creating his Mega Buster and firing at the HeelNavis, only for two to return fire blocking his shots and forcing MegaMan to jump out of the way.

"Roll, take this! Area Steal! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Mayl, inserting a Battle Chip, with Roll quickly teleporting away just in time to avoid the Cyber Swords of two other Shadows.

"Here's something for you! Roll Arrow!" Said Roll, forming her longbow and began firing multiple bolts at the Shadows, with them quickly deflecting them and lunged at the pink NetNavi.

"Smash those puny Navis to pieces, GutsMan!" Said Dex, with GutsMan slamming his hands together combining them into a hammer.

"It's hammer time! Guts Hammer!" Said GutsMan, slamming the hammer into the ground unleashing a tremor, knocking the Shadows off-balance before they jumped into the air and formed their blasters, firing a volley of blasts at the large NetNavi which he blocked with his arms and charged forward.

"Don't think I'll make this easy for you! Hero Sword!" Glide said, forming his blade and swung it at his own two Navi Blacks, releasing energy waves at them.

Only for the Shadows to jump out of the way, with one forming a blaster and began firing at Glide, with him jumping out of the way. Before being forced to quickly raise his sword, blocking the second Shadows Cyber Sword from striking him. Grunting when the first Shadow began firing at his back which his Life Aura helped weaken. With Glide quickly forming his own blaster on his other hand, shooting the Shadow with the sword, forcing them away, allowing him to return fire to the first.

While IceMan yelped as he quickly moved back, avoiding being slashed by one of the Shadows swords, before releasing a blast of cold air forming a large ice cube in front of him.

"IceMan Kick!" IceMan said, kicking the ice cube and sending it flying towards the Shadow, only for it to be slashed in half as the Shadow lunged at him.

"Freeze Tower!" IceMan said, slamming his hand on the ground, causing ice spikes to shoot up around him in a cross pattern, forcing the Shadow back to avoid being impaled.

Before the ice NetNavi cried out when the second Shadow jumped over the spikes with its blaster firing several shots at him, sending IceMan skidding across the ground. With IceMan quickly rolling out of the way to avoid being stabbed by the Shadows sword.

"Cyber Blizzard!" Said IceMan, releasing a breath of frozen air at the Shadow.

Meanwhile, Bass quickly raised his Heat Blade blocking ShadowMan's katana as the two stared each other down.

"I hope you don't mind, I've brought some of my own friends this time." ShadowMan said, while Bass glared at him.

"They can be deleted alongside you then! Darkness Flame Sword!" Said Bass while engulfing his blade in black and purple flames, forcing ShadowMan back to avoid being burned, only for the Black Shadow to release a wave of fire at him.

"I see you've also gotten some new tricks, still not enough though! Bakuen!" Said ShadowMan, releasing a fiery explosion at the flames with both attacks cancelling each other out.

"He's not the only one with tricks! Step Sword! Battle Chip in, download!" Naruto said, inserting the Battle Chip, as Bass gained a second sword and appeared behind ShadowMan.

"Dark Arm Blade!" Bass said, switching his Heat Blade to his Dark Arm Blade, swinging both swords down at ShadowMan with the Assassin NetNavi quickly holding his katana behind him blocking the strike.

"Shame, it seems you've gotten slower. Shuriken!" ShadowMan said, vanishing in a puff of smoke, before a hail of shuriken rained down on top of Bass.

"And you're still predictable! Electric Blaze!" Retorted Bass, firing bolts of crimson electricity, vaporizing the shuriken and headed straight for ShadowMan above him.

ShadowMan cried out as the lightning hit him, only for him to suddenly vanish in a burst of smoke, much to Bass's annoyance.

"Kawarimi Shuriken!" ShadowMan said, throwing another volley of shuriken at Bass's back, which the Black Shadow jumped out of the way of.

"Kage Bunshin!" Said ShadowMan, creating two blue-colored clones on either side of Bass, with the clones rushing him with their swords drawn.

"Aqua Tower! Battle Chip in, download!" Naruto said, putting in another Battle Chip, with Bass jumping back and slamming his hand on the ground.

"Aqua Tower!" Said Bass, creating a water pillar that moved towards the clones, with them rushing straight through it.

"Dash Elec Sword!" Bass said, creating a sword of red lightning before rushing forward and slashing straight through both the clones, with him then quickly turning and blocking a strike from ShadowMan.

"Was that little splash of water meant to do anything?" ShadowMan asked rhetorically, only for Bass to smirk wickedly.

"Yeah, this." Said Bass before pushing ShadowMan's sword aside and slamming his foot into his chest, sending the Assassin NetNavi skidding across the ground

Grunting as he sat, ShadowMan noticed the water covering the ground around him from the Aqua Tower, and now covered him as his eyes widening when he saw Bass stab his Elec Sword into the ground. With ShadowMan crying from the lightning traveling through the water and electrocuting him.

"Thunder Ball!" Bass said, firing a ball of lightning straight towards ShadowMan, only to scowl when he vanished in a puff of smoke again.

The former Solo NetNavi then turned again, as ShadowMan appeared him and tried slashing him with his blade, which Bass immediately blocked and formed his Shooting Buster from his other hand.

"Air Burst!" Bass said firing a single green shot, blasting straight through ShadowMan's chest making his eyes widen only to quickly vanish in a puff of smoke.

Only for Bass to grunt in pain as he felt something slash him across his back, jumping back and turning to see ShadowMan behind him.

"What was that about me being predictable? It seems to me you're not only predictable, you've grown soft and weak. Here I was hoping to face the Black Shadow once more, but you aren't even a shadow of your former self." Said ShadowMan, making Bass scowl in anger.

"Then try this! Cyclone! Blower! Battle Chips in, download!" Naruto said, slotting in two Battle Chips, as two large fans appeared on either side of Bass.

With one fan releasing a blast of wind and the other releasing fire, before they combined into a massive vortex of flames heading straight for ShadowMan. The sight surprising him before he quickly jumped out of the way, only for Bass to be on him in a moment.

"Fire Bomb!" Said Bass launching multiple fire bombs at ShadowMan

"Shuriken!" ShadowMan said, throwing a volley of shurikens at the bombs, triggering multiple fiery explosions on contact.

"Area Steal! Battle Chip in, download!" Naruto said using another Battle Chip, as Bass vanishing and reappeared above ShadowMan.

"Dark Arm Blade!" Bass said lunging towards ShadowMan as their blades collided.

Meanwhile, the others were still holding their own against the Navi Shadows, with MegaMan blocking one of their swords with his own Cyber Sword. Only for the second one to dive down towards him with their blaster charging up.

"MegaMan, above you! Barrier! Battle Chip on, download!" Lan said, inserting the Battle Chip, with MegaMan quickly kicking away the first Shadow as a barrier formed around him, just in time to block the charged shot from the second Shadow.

"Now for this! Shotgun! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Lan, using the next Battle Chip.

"Get a taste of this!" Said MegaMan, aiming upwards and firing multiple blasts up at the Heel Navi above him, with it raising its arms to block the shots.

"Alright MegaMan! Now here's this! Dash Attack! Battle Chip in, download!" Lan said, putting the Battle Chip in while a Fishy Virus appeared in front of MegaMan which he grabbed onto.

"Let's go!" MegaMan said, with the Fishy blitzing straight into the air above the Navi Shadow.

Before the blue NetNavi let go and dived down, slamming his fist onto the top of the Shadow's head, sending it crashing into the ground. With MegaMan then forming his Mega Blaster, firing several shots at the other Shadow which moved around to avoid the blasts. Switching to their own blaster and began returning fire.

"Roll Blast!" Said Roll, kissing her fingers and releasing a wave of hearts at her own Navi Shadows, with them jumping out of the way and rushing her with their swords.

"Take this Roll! Yo-Yo! Battle Chip in, download!" Mayl said, activating the Battle Chip as Roll gained a large, bladed Yo-Yo on her arm.

"Oh yeah, now we'll have some real fun!" Roll said, swinging the Yo-Yo at the Shadows, forcing them to jump out of the way to avoid being sliced, before switching to their blasters and firing at Roll.

"I don't think so!" Said Roll as she turned into a cloud of gold dust, avoiding the blasts, before reforming behind the Shadows.

"Got you now!" Roll said, swinging her Yo-Yo again, slamming it into one of the Navi Blacks, only for the second to block it with their sword.

"That won't help you with this! Air Shot! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Mayl, with Roll's hand turning into a cannon.

"Now try this on for size!" Said Roll, shooting blasts of air at the Navi, sending them skidding backwards.

Only to grunt when the Shadow she hit recovered, rushing her from behind and slamming their foot into the pink NetNavi's back, knocking her to the ground. With Roll quickly rolling out of the way, avoiding a barrage of blaster fire from the Shadows.

"You guys just don't quit, do you?! Roll Arrow!" Roll said, forming her bow before firing several bolts that dispersed the blaster fire coming at her.

GutsMan, meanwhile, let out a shout as he blocked the blaster fire coming from his own Shadows with his arms, before raising his fists up.

"Guts Quake!" GutsMan said, slamming his fists into the ground, releasing a tremor knocking the Shadows off-balance.

"Yeah, show 'em GutsMan! Get in close and give them a Guts Punch!" Said Dex said, with GutsMan rushing forward.

"You got it! Guts Punch!" Said GutsMan, thrusting his fist forward, smashing it right into one of the Shadows faces launching them back across the area.

Only for the second to jump over GutsMan's following punch, forming their sword and slashed the large NetNavi across his side, making GutsMan grunt at the hit

"You'll have to try harder than that, if you want to beat GutsMan! Guts Hammer!" GutsMan said, combining his hands together into a large hammer which he brought down on top of the Shadow, with it quickly jumping back and began blasting GutsMan.

Meanwhile, Glide was having some difficultly holding off his own Shadows, still tired and weak from his fight against NumberMan.

"Come on, Glide you can do it! Just keep holding on!" Yai said in worry for her NetNavi, seeing he's only able to hold them off for so long.

"I…am doing the…best I can…Ms. Yai! Hero Sword!" Glide said swinging his blade, releasing waves of energy at the Shadows which dodged and rushed forward at him.

Switching to his blaster, Glide unleashed a barrage of shots at them, only for one of the Shadows to leap into the air avoiding them and began firing back at the butler Navi. Gritting his teeth, Glide raised his arms to block the shots, while seeing the second Shadow lunging forward with a Cyber Sword.

"Glide, move now! Freeze Bomb!" IceMan said while throwing a Freeze Bomb towards Glide, with him quickly jumping back just as it hit ground, creating a cross formation of ice spikes throwing the Shadow back.

"Thank you IceMa-get down, quickly!" Said Glide, aiming his blaster at IceMan, who immediately dropped to the ground allowing Glide to shoot at his own two Heel Navis when they charged him from behind.

"Don't mention it, looks like we're even." Said IceMan before he and Glide stood back to back as all four of their Navi Shadows surrounded them.

"Thank me if we manage to survive this." Glide said, trying to think of a way to get them out of this, seeing IceMan wasn't fairing much better than he had been doubting they'll be able to stand against all four at once.

Before the two tensed when the Shadows rushed at them, ready to keep fighting for as long as they could.

"Bone Crush!"

Only to be surprised when two bones arms came rushing forward, slamming into the Shadows knocking them away from Glide and IceMan.

"Wood Tower!"

Their surprise only growing when multiple wooden spikes shot up from the ground impaling the Heel Navis and deleting them. Before Glide and IceMan saw SkullMan and WoodMan appear in front of them.

"Sorry for the interruption, but it looked like you could use some help." SkullMan said, with Glide and IceMan looking at them with wide eyes.

"Y-yes…thank you for your assistance. But…who are you two?" Glide asked, not minding the help but was confused at who they were.

"I am WoodMan, this is SkullMan. We were on our way here to deal with the World Three agent in the school, but were held back by some Heel Navis." Replied WoodMan, surprising them again.

"Well…he's not the problem anymore. That one over there is, ShadowMan. But we have to help the others!" IceMan said, pointing over to where Bass was fighting ShadowMan, but knew they had to help the others first.

"Don't worry, we didn't come alone. SharkMan!" Said SkullMan, with Glide and IceMan only being further surprised at seeing something moving through the floor like it was water.

"I'm already on it! Fin Cutter!" SharkMan said, jumping out of the floor, firing energy fins at the remaining Navi Blacks fighting MegaMan, Roll and GutsMan, crashing into them and knocking them back, surprising the other Navis.

"What the…who're you guys?!" MegaMan asked, looking at the trio.

"Call me SharkMan, these are WoodMan and SkullMan. We can explain more later, right now just know we're helping take these guys down." Said SharkMan, with MegaMan nodding in response before getting ready as the remaining Navi Shadows.

"No complaints here, let's get 'em!" Said Roll, not minding the assistance.

Only for the NetNavis to be shocked when the Navi Blacks' shadows all suddenly rose up, forming six more Shadows doubling their numbers.

"Okay…wasn't expecting that." SkullMan stated since the Shadows they fought couldn't duplicate themselves.

"GutsMan doesn't care how many there are! He'll smash them all! Guts Hammer!" Said GutsMan, slamming his hammer into the ground and unleashing a tremor, with the Navi Blacks all jumping up to avoid it.

"He's got the right idea! Take them down hard and fast! Fin Cutter!" SharkMan said, releasing energy fins at the Shadows.

Meanwhile, Bass was locked against ShadowMan as their blades pressed against each other, the Black Shadow gritting his teeth as ShadowMan began pushing him back.

"I came here hoping for a challenge. But it seems any fight you had in you is gone, replaced by weakness!" Said ShadowMan before backflipping, slamming his foot into Bass's jaw sending him stumbling back.

"Is this weak?! Hell's Rolling!" Bass said, creating two black discs in his hands before launching them at ShadowMan, creating even more discs which he threw.

"It's pathetic! Bunshin! Bakufu!" ShadowMan said, creating two clones at his sides, before all three raised their hands unleashing explosions that blasted past the discs and rushed towards Bass.

"Then try this, asshole! Reflector! Battle Chip in, download!" Naruto said, inserting the Battle Chip, causing a shield to form around Bass blocking the explosions and redirecting them back at ShadowMan.

"Buster Rake!" Said Bass, forming his Shooting Buster, firing rapid volley of dozens of shots at ShadowMan along with the reflected explosion.

"Shuriken!" Said ShadowMan, vanishing in a cloud of smoke as the attacks destroyed his clones, reappearing in the air above Bass throwing multiple shuriken down at him.

"Explosion!" Bass said, channeling his power into his arm as it glowed yellow before firing numerous high-speed blasts that ripped through the shuriken and ShadowMan's body before he could dodge, only for the former Solo NetNavi to scowl when he vanished again.

"Fuusha!" ShadowMan said, appearing off to the side and throwing a large shuriken at Bass.

"That won't work! Cyber Sword! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Naruto, using the Battle Chip, with Bass gaining a purple blade and sliced right through the shuriken once it was close enough.

"But this will! SmokeBomb!" ShadowMan said, throwing down a smoke bomb that flooded the area with smoke.

"You forgot I had this! Cyclone! Battle Chip in, download!" Naruto said, putting the Chip in, creating a large fan that released a cyclone of wind blowing the smoke away.

"No, I was counting on it! Bakuen!" Said ShadowMan, releasing a large fiery explosion at Bass, being empowered by the cyclone.

"You think you can use fire against me? Fire Arm!" Bass said, shooting jets of fire that were empowered by the wind, overpowering ShadowMan's explosion before consuming the Assassin NetNavi.

Only for Bass to grit his teeth, suppressing a cry of pain when he was stabbed through the back, managing to move just enough to avoid it being fatal.

"I counted on that too." ShadowMan stated before pulling his sword out, delivering a spin kick to Bass's head that sent him skidding across the ground.

"Bass! We're coming!" MegaMan said as they saw what happened, having just finished off the last of the Heel Navis before they rushed over to help the Black Shadow.

"You're too late, this ends now! Muramasa!" Said ShadowMan, gripping his sword tightly as it gleamed wickedly, before he rushed towards Bass at high-speed.

"Bass! Area Steal! Battle Chip in-" Naruto said moving fast to get Bass out of the way.

"Not this time boy!" ShadowMan said, bringing his sword down onto Bass only for someone to pull the former Solo NetNavi back blocking the strike, much to everyone's shock and horror at the sight.

*Real World*

"Glide!" Yai screamed in horror at the sight of her NetNavi being slashed by ShadowMan diagonally across his chest, going right through his Navi Emblem

With the Life Aura shattering around him, unable to remain up from all the damage it had already taken and the energy that Glide exerted. As he fell backwards, with the shocked Bass catching him in before he hit the ground.

"…Why…?" Bass said, stunned that Glide would take a hit meant for him, even knowing the chance it'd be fatal.

"…Because…you're my friend." Said Glide, smiling weakly at Bass and putting a hand on his shoulder, shocking the Black Shadow.

"I'm…sorry for how I judged you and…Naruto, when we first met. You both…possess more honor…and dignity than anyone could imagine. No matter what was done in the past, you are not a monster or a criminal. You…are a noble Navi…and it was an honor for me to meet and fight alongside you…no matter how briefly." Glide said as his body began disintegrating, with Bass quickly raising a hand and began trying to heal him with the power he gained from Roll.

"NO! No Glide, you can't go, you can't, I still need you to help me with everything! I…I'm ordering you not to leave, so you can't go, I'm forbidding you!" Shouted Yai with tears in her eyes, refusing to see her NetNavi be deleted.

"Forgive me…Ms. Yai…I'm afraid I…cannot follow…your command." Said Glide as he soon went limp as his body fully disintegrated.

"Glide deleted."

"No…no…NOOOOOOO! GLIDE! C-c-co-come back…come back! You can't be gone, you can't! I didn't say you could leave!" Yai said, falling to her knees and covering her face as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Yai, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Said Mayl, getting down and hugging the younger girl.

"Oh man." Dex muttered, not believing that really just happened.

"No…why…" Said Lan while gritting his teeth, not believing Glide is really gone, that they lost one of their friends.

"I…can't believe it." Tory said, stunned at what he just saw, not even wanting to imagine what someone would feel to lose their NetNavi in an instant like that.

Naruto could only remain silent, unable to think of anything to say, lowering his head as he clenched his fist around his PET handle.

*With Sal*

"No." Said Sal lowering her head in sadness and loathing, that they hadn't been fast enough to prevent an innocent Navi from being deleted.

*With Miyu and Commander Beef*

While in their headquarters, Commander Beef clenched his fists before slamming them down in the table.

"We…we were too late…if only…if only we got there faster!" Beef said, angry at himself that they didn't get there quicker, that maybe they could've prevented this from happening.

"Commander I…I feel something…something's happening." Said Miyu, looking at Beef sadly, only to freeze when she felt as if something suddenly shifted around her.

*CyberWorld*

While in CyberWorld, the NetNavis were just as stunned and horrified at the sudden loss of their friend.

"Glide is…gone?" GutsMan said, having trouble comprehending that Glide was really just deleted.

"Glide." Said Roll, covering her mouth in shock.

"No…this…this can't be true." Said MegaMan, clenching his fists and gritting his teeth.

"It was…so fast." IceMan muttered, not believing that one moment Glide was here and then…he's gone.

"If only…we were faster." Said SharkMan lowering his head along with SkullMan and WoodMan at their failure to arrive sooner

"This is the part I'll never get used to." SkullMan muttered, hating the timed when they arrive too late to save someone.

"Yeah, me too." Said WoodMan, nodding in agreement.

Bass, meanwhile, could only look at where Glide had been in stunned disbelief, his hands moved on their own as if trying to feel where Glide was, that he was still here. Only to grab nothing but air before his hands fell to the ground, realizing that Glide was…gone…saving him.

'Why…why him…? Why…fight for me…knowing who I am now…why…?' Bass thought, unable to comprehend just why they'd still fight for him, why they'd sacrifice themselves for him, even after knowing who he really is.

Before he remembered something, something from years ago back at SciLab, something that Dr. Cossak told him once.

"Bass, have you ever considered trying to make friends with the other NetNavis rather than constantly fighting with them?"

"Why would I seek companionship with those beneath me doctor? Even worse with Navis as incompetent as all of them."

"Well for starters, if they're beneath and incompetent then you could help them grow stronger, become better at helping safeguard the Net. And along the way, you'd be able to bond with them, learn what they're like, hangout and play games."

"I see no reason to do any of those things, let alone with a bunch of fools that'd think they could ever match me."

"Would you at least give it some thought, Bass? Who knows, you may even enjoy making friends, forming bonds with others can lead to many wonderous things. You'd be surprised the lengths one would go to protect someone they care for."

"I will…think about it Dr. Cossak. But I make no promises to try and make these so-called "friends"."

"That's all I ask, I just wish for you to experience all of life's joys Bass, there's so much you haven't yet seen and done. Like meeting my grandson."

"What? Your grandson?"

"That's right, he was born not too long ago, but he already seems to be an energetic little tyke from what Minato's told me. Perhaps when he's older you'll get to meet him, who knows, maybe he'll even be your NetOp one day."

"I don't require a NetOp doctor, that is how you designed me."

"Perhaps, but that doesn't mean you can't still have one. I'm sure you two would be an amazing team together."

Bass gritted his teeth as he punched the ground, while ShadowMan scoffed at the sight.

"Look at you, the feared Black Shadow, broken up over the deletion of such a lowly NetNavi. Before you wouldn't have hesitated to delete him yourself, now you actually mourn him? You truly have grown weak and soft, Bass. And what's more, this is all your fault to begin with." ShadowMan said, disappointed that someone so feared and powerful has been reduced to this.

"Shut up! That's not true!" Shouted MegaMan, glaring at ShadowMan.

"Oh, but it is. I did say I was hired to delete him before, but he survived and continued meddling in my employer's plans. So he hired me once again to dispose of Bass for good this time, he's the real reason I'm here. Higsby and NumberMan might've been my targets as well, but Bass was the one I was really after. If not for him, NumberMan might still be around, Higsby wouldn't be on his way to the hospital and that Navi, Glide was it, he wouldn't have been deleted. Everything that's happened here, it's all Bass's fault and deep down you know I'm right." Said ShadowMan, looking at Bass before raising his sword, not seeing the former Solo NetNavi's eyes beginning to glow with rage.

"If you truly feel so bad, then accept the end. Farewell, Black Shadow. Muramasa!" ShadowMan said, bringing his blade to delete Bass.

Only for the Assassin NetNavi's eyes to widen in shock when a white aura erupted off of Bass, with his Muramasa snapping in half on contact with it.

"Life Aura?!" Said ShadowMan in shock, recognizing what it was from the last time he fought Bass, before he immediately jumped back when Bass began standing up and lifted his head, an aura of power erupting off of him.

"What…what is this?!" ShadowMan said, looking at Bass in shock as he could swear he saw a silhouette of Naruto appear over him.

*Real World*

"What the hell?! What is that?!" Said Dex as they looked at Naruto in shock when a matching aura of power surrounded him just like Bass, even more shocking when a silhouette of Bass appeared over him.

"I…I don't know!" Lan said just as shocked and confused as the others.

*With Miyu and Commander Beef*

"Commander, that's…could it be…?" Miyu muttered in shock as they saw what was happening to Naruto and Bass.

"There's no doubt about it. That's…" Beef said in shock and amazement.

*CyberWorld*

"Full Synchro." SharkMan said in awe at the sight.

"What? Full Synchro?" Questioned Roll glancing at SharkMan before looking back at Bass in disbelief.

"You…will pay!" Naruto and Bass said at the same time, before Bass rushed ShadowMan moving much faster than before.

"Cyber Sword! Battle Chip in, download now!" Said Naruto, with the Black Shadow immediately swinging a sword at ShadowMan.

"Katana! MoonBlade!" ShadowMan said, quickly summoning a replacement katana and kunai, raising the katana just in time to block Bass's Cyber Sword before thrusting the kunai forward.

"Dark Arm Blade!" Said Bass creating a sword of darkness and deflected the kunai, knocking it out of ShadowMan's hand, before stabbing his sword through the Assassin Navis chest

Grunting in annoyance when ShadowMan vanished in a puff of smoke, while feeling a slash along his side as ShadowMan appeared behind him.

"I don't know what this new strength is, but it won't save you! Bakuen!" ShadowMan said releasing a fiery explosion at Bass

"Burning Body!" Said Bass releasing a blast of flames from his body, blowing ShadowMan away from him as the Assassin Navi skidded across the ground before Bass to quickly teleport right in front of ShadowMan, swinging his Cyber Sword to take his head off.

With ShadowMan quickly blocking the slash with his katana, grunting as the force behind it nearly shattered the blade. Before he summoned a second kunai, thrusting it forward at Bass's chest, only for the Black Shadow to grab his wrist before he could stab him.

"Lightning Blaze!" Bass said, creating storm clouds overhead, calling down a bolt of lightning right on top of him and ShadowMan, making the ninja cry out from the electricity coursing through him, before he burst into smoke with Bass vanishing from sight avoiding a slash from ShadowMan.

"Flame Tower!" Said Bass, slamming his fist into the ground, creating a pillar of flames that rushed at ShadowMan.

"Kage Bunshin! Shuriken!" Said ShadowMan creating two blue-colored clones on either side of Bass, while he vanished in a puff of smoke avoiding the flames.

"Hell's Rolling!" Bass said, jumping back when the clones charged him with their katana's, creating two black wheels he launched at them, slice through the clones.

Grunting in annoyance as ShadowMan appeared above him, launching a volley of shuriken at him as his Life Aura was down from his attack.

"Darkness Flame Sword!" Said Bass engulfing his Cyber Sword in black and purple flames before swinging it, unleashing a large wave of fire that incinerated the shuriken, with ShadowMan vanishing in a puff of smoke again.

"Fuusha!" ShadowMan said appearing back on the ground and throwing a large shuriken at Bass's back, only for the Black Shadow to incinerate it as well.

"Buster Rake!" Bass said, forming his Shooting Buster on his other hand, firing a barrage of shots at the Assassin Navi.

Meanwhile, off to the side the others watched the fight in stunned amazement at seeing how Bass was fighting, even with the hits he's taking he was still keeping up with ShadowMan.

"SharkMan, what did you say before? You said this was Full Synchro, but what does that mean?" MegaMan asked, looking at the shark NetNavi.

"Synchronization, it's the state when NetOps and NetNavis become one, improving their focus and NetBattling abilities. The more in sync an Operator and Navi are, the greater their abilities will be. But then there's the highest level of Synchronization one can achieve, Full Synchro, completing the circuit that transmits an Operator's very will into their NetNavi, removing the delay between commands like slotting in Battle Chips, while raising the Navi's fighting capabilities higher than they've ever been. To achieve Full Synchro, is for an Operator and NetNavi to become one being." SharkMan said in amazement to witness such a thing in person, while MegaMan, Roll and GutsMan were shocked and amazed as well.

"Woah. Then…Naruto and Bass are really fighting together now." Said Roll, looking back at the fight as Bass's and ShadowMan's swords clashed together.

"Wide Sword! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Naruto, with Bass gaining a second sword and swung it at ShadowMan.

With the Assassin NetNavis eyes widening at the sight before jumping back, only to grit his teeth when Bass blitzed him, slashing his Cyber Sword across his arm. Forcing ShadowMan to drop his katana, before catching it in his other hand and swung it upwards at Bass.

Only for ShadowMan to cry out in pain when Bass blocked it with his Cyber Sword, before then bringing his Wide Sword down on ShadowMan's elbow, slicing right through it as his arm hit the ground. Before ShadowMan gagged when Bass slashed him diagonally across the chest with both swords, leaving a large X-shaped wound. Followed by slammed his foot into ShadowMan's chest sending him crashing and skidding across the ground.

"Y-y-yo-yo-you…yo-you think…th-this…will…stop…me?" ShadowMan said while struggling to get back up despite the wounds he's suffered, summoning another katana as he refused to surrender or give up.

"This will! Long Sword! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Naruto, with Bass holding both swords out before bringing them up above his head.

The sight shocking everyone when the swords merged together into a much longer energy blade, the sight especially shocking Net Agents.

"It's over! Life Sword!" Bass said bringing the blade down right on top of ShadowMan, who quickly raised his katana in an attempt to block it.

His eyes widening in shock and horror when the sword effortlessly destroyed his katana, before crying out as the blade slashed him straight down the middle and right through him as a crescent energy blade erupted out of his back.

'T-to-to-to…too…strong…what…is he?!' ShadowMan thought as he was thrown back from the force of the blow, not believing anyone could wield such power, knowing if he didn't escape then he will be deleted.

"ShadowMan logging out."

*Real World*

"Bass logging out."

The moment Naruto saw ShadowMan vanish, he jacked Bass out of the system, with the others doing the same with their Navis before they ran over to the Uzumaki.

"Way to go to, Naruto! That was…just really great!" Lan said while smiling at the whiskered blonde, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Yeah! That…that was an awesome battle you did, you really beat that guy." Said Dex before looking down, knowing while they might have won in the end, Glide and NumberMan were still deleted and Higsby was hurt.

"I've never seen NetBattling like that, though…not sure if I'd want to see it again if it means seeing a Navi's deleted." Tory said, amazed at the power Naruto and Bass displayed, but wasn't sure he'd want to see it again given the circumstances.

"Th-thank-thank you…Naruto, Bass. Th-thank you…both for…for making sure Glide was avenged." Yai said while wiping her eyes, feeling a little better at knowing her NetNavi was avenged.

"Sure." Muttered Bass looking away, before they all looked at Naruto when they saw he didn't respond or even seem to acknowledge anyone.

"Uh, Naruto? Are…are you alright?" Mayl asked, looking at him in concern before touching his shoulder, only to gasp in shock and horror when the whiskered blonde suddenly collapsed.

"Naruto! Hey, what happened?! Are you alright?! Come on say something!" Said Mayl, getting down beside him along with the others, none of them knowing what happened.

"Why's he bleeding?!" Said Lan in horror when he saw blood slowly leaking through Naruto's clothes, only horrifying the others more.

"Th-those…those are the same places Bass was hit by ShadowMan!" MegaMan said, seeing where Naruto was injured and that they were the same injuries Bass got.

"How could he be injured if Bass was the one fighting?!" Said Roll, looking at Naruto in fear at how he could be injured.

"Hey! Wake up you idiot! You aren't funny!" Bass said, hoping the Uzumaki was just trying to make a joke or something, only for Naruto to not respond or move.

"Naruto, Naruto! Come on, please! Someone call an ambulance already!" Mayl said, desperately trying to wake him up before looking around at the others to call an ambulance, knowing they needed to get him to the hospital before things got even worse.

So, what did you think, good. Yep we see the group meeting up and discussing Higsby, finding that he is rather obsessive when it comes to Battle Chips, but does know his stuff. While also getting a look at Sal outside the school, before getting a flashback of her informing Miyu and Beef about Higsby and his connection to World Three and the rise in student crimes, but do learn he's not a bad person and is being used by World Three while funding his Battle Chip collection. With Sal then sending WoodMan into the Net where he meets up with SkullMan and SharkMan, only to be stopped by some Heel Navis sent by ShadowMan.

We then see the beginning of Higsby's crush on Ms. Mari developing, only to get a call from Wily pressuring him to fulfill his orders or risk losing his collection and freedom. Leading to Higsby activating the World Three Re-education Program, with Naruto and the others sending in their NetNavis to stop it.

With Tory and IceMan making an early appearance, having jacked-in from the formers classroom, teaming up with the others to stop the program. Only for them to split up once they reach a crossroad, with Glide finding NumberMan first, leading to the reveal of Higsby being behind this. Though he offers them a way out if they can beat him.

Only for Glide to have trouble against NumberMan even with his rare Battle Chips, luckily the others arrive but are stopped by a firewall that only those with rare Battle Chips can get through. With Naruto and Bass managing to pass thanks to their Navi Chips, saving Glide and defeating NumberMan. While Ms. Mari helps Higsby see the error of his ways, with him swearing to make it up to them.

But the moment is ruined when ShadowMan appears and deletes NumberMan and destroys Higsby's PET, forcing Ms. Mari to get him to the hospital quickly while the others stay to face ShadowMan. Only for the Assassin NetNavi to reveal Bass's past to them, only for the others to still stand with him, much to his and Naruto's shock.

Leading to ShadowMan summoning more Navi Blacks to deal with them while he faces Bass, with it being a tough battle, until SharkMan, SkullMan and WoodMan arrive to help. Unfortunately, ShadowMan soon gets an opening and moves to delete Bass, only for Glide to get him out of the way taking it, leading to his deletion much to everyone's horror and sadness.

However this leads to Naruto and Bass reaching Full Synchro, now pushing ShadowMan back much to everyone's, especially when SharkMan reveals what Full Synchro is.

Finally, Naruto and Bass use Program Advance Life Sword finishing ShadowMan off, with him logging out at the last moment before they could really delete him. With it being a solemn victory due to the loss of Glide and NumberMan, only for everyone to be horrified when Naruto collapses, seeing the drawback of Full Synchro as Bass's wounds transfer over to Naruto. 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