Naruto: Son of the Demon
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Batman or Teen Titans
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This time the Penguin enters the picture! Here is Chapter 10. Enjoy!
[ ] designates hand signs.
{ } designates a foreign language.
Last Time….
The young couple finally managed to get out of bed that evening in time for dinner. Dinah was sitting in the front room on the couch watching TV while wearing headsets. She said, "Oh, are you two done? I was getting all hot and bothered listening to you to get it on, so I finally put on some headsets to drown out all the growling, hissing, and moaning. By the way, is that bed totaled?"
Naruto was pale as a ghost and Barbara was blushing red as her hair from embarrassment. "I thought you were going to be out today!" squeaked Batgirl.
Dinah smiled and said, "I was out -this morning. I was here in the afternoon and the evening though. You could be the Red Canary the way you were screaming girl."
Barbara hid her face in Naruto's chest and said, "Room." In a muffled tone.
Naruto said, "We're going to go die of mortification now."
Waving, Dinah said. "Okay! I love you both! Bye!"
'…I never should have asked what else could go wrong…' thought Naruto.
…
Chapter 10
Gotham City, United States
It had been two months since Naruto had seen Bloodlust and the Assassins War was raging on Infinity Island. Naruto was kept in the loop by messages from Leviathan but was mainly back to his real job of being a private detective. All in all, things had been business as usual, and Naruto was working on a case of several high-profile citizens in Gotham being murdered. He was working in concert with the Gotham City Police Department.
It was late in the evening when his newsfeed played some shocking news to the blond. "Billionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne was badly wounded in a shooting today and has been rushed to the Gotham Wayne Foundation Hospital for emergency surgery. No suspect was positively identified but the Gotham City Police and the-Wayne Foundation have put a one-million-dollar award to anyone who can lead Police to the shooter…"
Naruto started getting a flood of phone calls from his Mother Talia, his girlfriend Barbara and various members of the Bat Family that knew that he was Bruce Wayne's son. A limo was sent to collect him at his apartment and much to Naruto's surprise it was none other than Alfred Pennyworth who came to pick him up. Once Naruto was in the limousine Alfred wasted no time describing the situation.
"Young Master Naruto, your Father wishes to see you immediately." Alfred was nearly in tears. "Master Bruce is barely hanging on but says it is a vital importance that he talks to you before his emergency surgery."
The blonde wasn't sure what to say as they pulled up to the Wayne Foundation Emergency Surgical Hospital. He had never truly grown close to Bruce Wayne or his alter ego, Batman. The doctors and nurses rushed him in to see Bruce who looked more dead than alive to Naruto's young eyes.
Once the two were in total privacy, Bruce rasped out, "I'm going to get through this Naruto. No one believes it but I know it. I'll come back stronger. While I'm in the hospital I need you to grant me a favor."
Worrying this might be his Father's dying wish, Naruto said, "Name it."
Bruce smiled weakly. "You have to take up the cape and cowl while I recover."
Batman's son whispered, "What? I can't-"
"You can." assured Bruce. "Tell Alfred to take you to the handprint device in the Batcave. Gotham can keep going with Bruce Wayne in the hospital but not without Batman…" Then the head of Wayne Enterprises fell unconscious…
…
The Batcave
The next day Naruto arrived at the Batcave where Alfred Pennyworth was waiting for him. Everything was shut down and no one else was there. Alfred gave a weak smile and said, "Master Bruce told me to wait here for his successor…In retrospect I should have known it was you."
"What about the other members of the Bat Family?" asked the spiky haired blonde. "Surely one of them could have-"
Alfred smiled. "You are different from the others Young Master Naruto. Of all the possible candidates you alone have little connection the Bruce Wayne or Batman. You also are much like Master Bruce…you play by your own rules. That's why he chose you to fill in for a little while so he can recover."
Naruto sighed. "Bruce said something about a handprint machine…"
The elderly butler chuckled. "The handprint machine is a DNA scanner. Master Bruce must have left instructions for you in the device. Come, I'll take you to it Young Master Naruto."
As the odd pair walked across the Batcave, the blonde asked, "How long will it be till Bruce Wayne is out of the hospital?"
"He will be out of the hospital sooner than you think." said Alfred. "The real question is how long it will take for him to resume his identity as Batman."
"The sooner, the better." replied Bruce Wayne's son.
As they walked up a set of stairs, a green shaft of light came on at the top which illuminated the area in an eerie green twilight. Alfred said, "This is as far as I go Young Master. Climb up the stairs and put your hand on the pedestal in the green pillar of light. A message for you and only you will be there."
Naruto slowly climbed the stairs and saw a simple pedestal with a hand shaped indention in it. After a few moments' hesitation, the blonde gently placed his hand on the device. Then the device lit up the area with a green light. He saw a holographic image of his Father standing in front of him.
The hologram said, "Naruto, I'm glad you are here. Obviously, something has happened to me, and you are taking up the mantle of Batman. I have a lot to tell you and there will be a lot of training involved. I only have one condition: Batman doesn't kill. Though I disagree with it, I realize Naruto Uzumaki does kill. When you are acting as Batman you can't. Do you accept this condition?"
Naruto wanted to growl. "Alright, no killing as Batman. When I take the cape off there are no guarantees though."
"That's all I can ask." said the smiling hologram. "I calculated a 76% chance you would say no. I'm proud of you son."
The blonde was nursing a migraine. "Just get well so I don't have to pretend I'm a superhero…"
The hologram chuckled. "When you made your Shadowhawk armor I took the liberty of copying it and creating a new Batsuit that would fit you perfectly. Feel free to modify it and improve it as you see fit. Along with it you'll have to learn to use the Utility Belt, Batarangs and cape proficiently to pass off as Batman."
…It was the beginning of a long, torturous training session for Naruto that lasted nearly a month before the hologram pronounced the blonde was ready. When Naruto deactivated the hand scanner, he saw Alfred at the base of the steps waiting for him.
"Have you been here waiting the entire time?" asked the bug eyed blonde.
Alfred looked puzzled. "You were only inside the light for five minutes young Master."
Naruto face palmed. "I trained for a month in there."
The butler chuckled, "No doubt some time altering device from the Justice League was involved Young Master Naruto. What did you learn in a month's time?"
"I had a crash course on the basics of how to be Batman." grouched the blonde. "I don't think I'm ready, but he said I was, so I suppose that now is as good a time as any to try it out."
"Know that you have the full support of the Bat Family." said Alfred proudly.
Naruto marched down the stairs to a hidden alcove the even Alfred didn't know about. When it opened, the butler saw Naruto's Batsuit. The blonde sighed and said, "I'd better try this on."
Twenty minutes later, Naruto was fully outfitted and said, "I feel ridiculous. My suit and trench coat suit me much better."
"What about Shadowhawk?" asked Alfred humorously.
The blonde said, "At least that doesn't have a bat motif."
The butler said kindly, "I think you carry off the look splendidly Young Master Naruto-or should I say, Batman?"
…
That was when a lithe woman came out of the shadows. She was obviously pregnant and said, "Alfred, who is this in Batman's suit?! I can't believe that-"
Alfred looked a bit wide eyed and asked "Miss Selina, you are with child?!"
The woman looked slightly abashed. "Six months ago, Bruce and I…"
The butler gathered his frayed nerves and said, "Allow me to introduce Miss Selina Kyle, otherwise known as Catwoman."
Selina frowned at Naruto as she marched up to him. "And just who the hell are you wearing Bruce's suit?"
The blonde wanted to groan. "Bruce Wayne asked me to fill in for him while he recovers from his injuries. Believe me when I say it's only temporary that I am Batman."
Selina gasped when she saw the cold ferocity in Naruto's blue eyes and heard the phrase, I am Batman. "The timbre of your voice and your eyes… They are just like Bruce! Your voice has a higher pitch but- just who are you?"
She turned to Alfred and said, "I flew in from Paris when I heard Bruce was hurt but I never expected anything like this!" she said while motioning towards Naruto.
The elderly butler was nursing a migraine. "Master Bruce's recovery is our main concern right now. He said that Gotham needed Batman and wisely chose someone to be his successor for a while. I assure you this was entirely Master Bruce's idea. More importantly, you are carrying his child?! We need to get you to safety."
Naruto sighed. "Bruce Wayne knocked up Selina Kyle six months ago and then turned around and did the same with Talia al Ghul a month later… Great, just great. I guess he really is a playboy. I thought that was all just an act."
"Bruce really isn't like that!" defended Selina. "I wish you would talk in your normal voice instead of sounding like a younger Bruce."
"That is his normal voice." said Alfred. The butler turned to Naruto. "Miss Selina and Lady Talia are going to clash if we don't do something to prevent it. Each of them carries Bruce Wayne's child! You're probably the only one who can talk to Lady Talia without getting attacked. You should go to her now."
"In this outfit?" asked Naruto. "I need to change and-"
Alfred said calmly, "Go as Batman. She will listen to you. I've seen how you two interact. Please."
Naruto frowned under his mask, "Very well." he growled.
…
Wayne Manor, Talia's Room
Talia was pacing the floor worrying about Bruce when Naruto entered the room in his new Batsuit. The blonde said, "Mother, we need to talk."
She whipped around and saw Naruto standing there looking just like Batman. Talia teared up. "Naruto, my handsome boy. You look so much like Bruce right now, it's frightening. I'm so very proud of you."
Naruto sat down on the sofa and motioned for Talia to sit beside him. He said, "Mother, there is much to discuss, and you are not going to like what I have to say."
She smiled, "You've taken up your Father's role so he can heal without worry. You are a good son. What's not to like?"
The blonde replied, "Bruce Wayne has another child… Selina Kyle is pregnant as well."
"Then I'll simply kill her and her unborn child." said Talia in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Bruce wouldn't want that." stated Naruto reasonably. "By the time he's recovered, you both will have given birth. Until then I can't allow you to harm one another or the unborn children…"
…
The Batcave
Selina was sitting with Alfred. "After our failed wedding caused by the Joker, Bruce and I tried to rekindle our relationship in Paris, but we were both distraught. …Then I found out I was pregnant. I wasn't sure what to do Alfred. When I heard Bruce had been shot, I knew I had to come see him, consequences be damned!"
"…I had no idea he'd run off with Talia." hissed Selina. "I should have known!"
Ever the peacemaker, Alfred said kindly, "There were extenuating circumstances with Lady Talia al Ghul. Neither of them planned the situation. It was originally a plot to derail Batman at Ra's al Ghul's orders. She came clean about it all to me when Master Bruce was so badly wounded. The League of Assassins began to splinter as a result. If you and Talia could come to an understanding it would be to the benefit of all concerned, especially your unborn children."
"I don't know what to do Alfred." said Selina sadly. "I still love Bruce!" she choked out before she started to cry…
…
Wayne Manor, Talia's Room
Meanwhile, Talia al Ghul was also crying. "…Your Grandfather wanted you to be a distraction to Batman so the League of Assassins could further their goals! I was never supposed to fall in love, get pregnant or even be involved with Bruce again… And now Selina Kyle is pregnant too and wants to take your Father away from me!"
Naruto took a deep breath. "You and Selina Kyle need to put your heads together and set your differences aside Mother. She came here because she heard Bruce Wayne was badly injured. Miss Kyle didn't even know about you being here."
"What do you think Bruce will do?" asked Talia through her tears.
The blonde replied, "I think that will depend on what you and Miss Kyle do. If you fight one another, it could tear him apart. You don't want that do you Mother?"
She shook her head. "Of course, I don't! I love him."
"Then be patient and help him heal once he's out of the hospital." he stated. "Only the two of you can restore him. That should be your top priority."
"And what about your top priority Naruto?" Talia asked.
"My top priority is to learn to crack skulls without killing anybody." grouched the blonde. "I promised to play the part of Batman so Bruce Wayne can heal properly."
She chuckled. "My handsome boy, you act so much like your Father at times."
…
Wayne Manor, Dining Room
Cassandra Cain-Wayne came home from her patrol and found a very unlikely duo sitting at the dinner table across from one another. She saw Talia al Ghul and Selina Kyle both pregnant and obviously having a standoff. 'This… can't be good.' thought the martial artist.
…
East End, Naruto's Private Investigator's Office
The next morning, Naruto was outside his office going in when he heard a bullet coming and drew his sword in a flash from under his trench coat. The two halves of the bullet clattered to the ground, and he heard a gasp behind him. The blonde turned around and saw an expensively dressed young man with black hair. Another bullet whizzed towards the young man which the detective also cut down.
"Quickly, let's get inside my office!" exclaimed Naruto. The black-haired man nodded fearfully and entered. "Are you alright?" asked the blonde once they were inside.
The gentleman said, "You just saved my life sir!" He was perspiring heavily and bordering on hyperventilation.
The blue-eyed blonde said, "Come in. Slow down and breathe. It's safe in here."
After calming down a bit, the black-haired young man said, "I'm Aiden Cobblepot, son of Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot, owner of the Iceberg Lounge."
'This is the Penguin's son?' thought Naruto. 'He looks so…normal.'
Aiden pulled out his business card and handed it to Naruto. Then he said, "I don't know your name sir, but you saved my life."
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, Private Investigator." said the blonde.
"You are the Detective that saved Jaqueline Cortez!" said Aiden. "That was all over the news! Do you have a business card?"
Naruto nodded slowly and handed Aiden a card from the holder on his desk. He said, "The Cortez case was a tough one."
"Do you do bodyguard work?" asked Cobblepot.
Bruce Wayne's son shook his head. "I'm afraid not; I'm strictly a detective."
Aiden stated, "Still, I owe you my life. I won't forget this Mister Uzumaki!"
The Penguin's son left in an armored limousine about an hour later…
…
The Iceberg Lounge
That afternoon, Oswald Cobblepot was sitting with his son Aiden and daughter Addison. "You say he cut the bullets in half using a sword?" asked the Penguin in disbelief. "The young man must be incredibly skilled to do that. Did you hire him?"
"I got one of his business cards." replied Aiden. "He's rather famous in detective circles."
Addison said, "I've heard of him. My friend Jackie Cortez is quite smitten with him."
"That's where I've heard of him from." said the head of the Cobblepot family. "You don't forget a name like Uzumaki. I'll have to call upon him to express my gratitude."
…
East End, Naruto's Private Investigator's Office
Naruto was less than thrilled to receive a telephone call from the Penguin of all people. "…And if you ever need a favor Mister Uzumaki, just drop in the Iceberg Lounge and ask for me. My door will always be open to you." said Oswald.
"That's very generous of you Mister Cobblepot." replied the blonde.
The criminal mastermind added, "On that note, would you be willing to take on the investigation on who tried to murder my son Aiden?"
Naruto knew he had to tread carefully with this one. "I may already be on the case." said the blonde. "Several people of high stature such as your son have been targeted recently. While I can't guarantee it, my gut feeling is Aiden's case is connected. The Gotham City Police Department has me working around the clock on that case. I'll be happy to keep you informed if I find any evidence that connects the attempt on Mister Aiden to the others."
Oswald replied, "I'd appreciate it if you'd do that. We are both busy men Mister Uzumaki, so I won't keep you any longer. Good luck with your case."
"Thank you, Mister Cobblepot. You stay safe." With that, the blonde detective ended the call.
…
The Batcave
That night, the blonde donned his Batsuit to go out and patrol as Batman for the first time, the word on the street he'd gathered as a detective was a group called Hunters Unlimited was responsible for the recent rash of high-profile shootings and that it was run by a crime lord with green skin. The only person he could think of with green skin was Beast Boy, but Naruto knew that Garfield Logan was good to a fault.
Getting into his Father's database, Naruto found a likely suspect, a woman named Apex Ava*①. She was a big game hunter turned serial killer that had powers like Beast Boy and could turn into any animal she has killed.
Pondering, Naruto thought, 'Let's see… green eyes, green skin, green hair, covered in animal tattoos, no particular weaknesses, a skilled hunter… She escaped Superman once…hmmm…' "Looks like I have some hunting to do of my own."
…
Gotham City
Naruto went out as Batman along with Black Bat and started prowling around the city like a wraith. Other than adding his katana Yokaze to the Batsuit he left it unmodified so he could adapt to Bruce Wayne's fighting techniques. It wouldn't be easy, but the blonde was determined to pull this off for a little while.
Naruto saw a glint on a rooftop near the Iceberg Lounge and decided to check it out. The blonde gambled that whoever went after Aiden Cobblepot in broad daylight would be stupid enough to try again. Running with chakra up a building side and awkwardly gliding across the darkened street to where his target was, Batman spotted a man in urban camouflage with just the instrument the blonde had been looking for: a sniper's rifle.
The (temporary) Caped Crusader slipped up behind the sniper in total silence before asking, "See anything interesting down there?" Then he hit the man with a terrific groin shot that made the gunman go cross-eyed in pain. To keep him quiet, Naruto stomped his head to knock the sniper unconscious.
The sniper woke up to the scent of smelling salts upside down hanging from a rooftop construction crane by his ankles. He didn't know where he was but knew he was up very high in the air. That's when he saw Batman as well as Black Bat perched there glaring at him. Naruto's refined killing intent made the man's teeth chatter in fear.
"Robbie Braun, ex-Special Forces, U.S. Army. Dishonorably discharged from the service after multiple counts of drug addiction. Why are you after Cobblepot?" asked Batman.
"I'm not telling you anything." said Robbie with false bravado. That's when the cable holding Braun suddenly slid about a foot and Braun screamed in terror.
Batman growled, "Fear of heights? It's a long way down Robbie. They won't even be able to identify you from dental records when you hit the ground. Tell me who you're working for."
Robbie felt the cable jolt again and squealed out, "Don't kill me! I'll tell you everything!" Batman nodded. Braun said, "Hunters Unlimited is a group of professional hunters that are competing to kill the richest members of Gotham Society. It's a contest set up by Ava Apex and whoever kills the most people with the biggest net worth wins."
"So, the Cobblepots and the head of Wayne Enterprises were just targeted because they have money?" asked Naruto.
"Yes." said Braun. "The prize is a billion dollars."
Batman queried, "What's to stop you hunters from turning on one another?"
"We have a code of ethics in Hunters Unlimited." replied the sniper.
It took all of Naruto's willpower not to laugh at Braun's stupidity, but the blonde managed to control himself somehow. "Among the forty-seven people killed or wounded recently, sixteen were big game hunters. They wouldn't happen to be top scorers in this little game of yours, would they?"
Robbie looked terrified, "Ummm…maybe?"
…It was a very long, horrible night for Robbie Braun. He was picked up by the Gotham City Police Department the next morning after Commissioner Gordon received a note about Braun hanging up in the industrial district…
…
The Iceberg Lounge
Naruto was tired from being out all night and wanted to sleep in. He got up around noon and decided to pay a visit to the Penguin. Oswald Cobblepot was surprised that the young detective was calling on him so soon. Nevertheless, the crime lord let him in. Smiling, Oswald said, "Welcome the Iceberg Lounge Mister Uzumaki, how can I help you?"
The blonde knew he was in the proverbial lion's den and said, "I was able to interview a sniper named Robbie Braun that was apprehended by the Gotham City Police this morning and found out that he was part of a group called Hunters Unlimited. I believe he was after your son Aiden."
"Is that so?" asked Cobblepot. "Did he confess to the crime?"
Bruce Wayne's son nodded. "Oh yes, he was so battered by the Batman last night that he admitted to it freely."
The Penguin ground his teeth at the mention of Batman but said, "I have to say I'm impressed Mister Uzumaki. You work quickly. I trust there is a finder's fee involved?"
"Not at all." replied the blonde waving his hands. "Hunters Unlimited is a group interested in hunting the wealthy for sport. The reason I came over so quickly to see you is he listed several names of other hunters in his group including a bodyguard of yours that goes by the name Kingfisher*②. I was hoping to interview the man and find out more information."
The Penguin was furious, but he plastered on a very fake Fatherly smile. "Kingfisher…it sounds like there might be a fox in the henhouse. I'll have him retrieved so you can talk with him."
Cobblepot buzzed his secretary and said, "Have Kingfisher come to my office. I need to speak with him."
Five minutes later a very tall, thin man in an expensive suit arrived and asked, "You called for me Mister Cobblepot?"
The Penguin snapped his fingers and two guards stepped into the room. "Hold onto Kingfisher's weapons for him. I don't want my young guest to come to harm."
The disgruntled Kingfisher was relieved of his weaponry and Oswald said, "Kingfisher, I want you to speak truthfully to young Mister Uzumaki here. He's a private investigator and managed to piece together who was after my son Aiden and has some questions he's hoping you can answer."
Naruto said, "Hello Mister Kingfisher, I'm hoping you can shed some light on Hunters Unlimited and why the Cobblepots are being targeted."
Kingfisher's eyes widened and he immediately went for a hidden derringer in his sleeve. Naruto's sword cut through the gun like paper and the blonde said, "Never bring a pistol to a swordfight."
"YOU LITTLE BASTARD!" roared Kingfisher. "I'LL KILL Y-"
That's when he felt Naruto's sword tickling his Adam's apple and drawing a speck of blood. "Inside voice Mister Kingfisher. Mister Cobblepot and I can hear you just fine without all the yelling."
The Penguin said, "Whether you live, or die depends on what you have to say next Kingfisher."
Kingfisher was several things, but he wasn't stupid. He spilled every bit of information he had on Hunters Unlimited, Ava Apex and all the other members he knew of. Most importantly, the gunman knew where and when the next meeting would take place…
"…So, the next meeting for scorekeeping and prizes is midnight next Tuesday at the unused basement under Gotham Central Heights Hotel?" asked Naruto.
The man known as Kingfisher was broken. "Yes, that's all I know. Are you going to take me to jail now?"
Naruto drummed his fingers and said, "I can't prove you did anything wrong Mister Kingfisher. I'll have to leave you in Mister Cobblepot's capable hands. No doubt he'll want to discuss other topics with you. I'll simply put you down as an anonymous informant."
The Penguin smiled wickedly and said, "You see? Mister Uzumaki understands the rules of proper etiquette, Kingfisher." He turned to Naruto and said, "I'll have one of my maids show you out Mister Uzumaki; unless you have further questions…?"
The blonde shook his head. "I'm afraid I have other places to be Mister Cobblepot. Thank you for sharing your time."
"Anytime." replied Oswald. "As I stated before, my door is always open to you Mister Uzumaki."
As Naruto was escorted out, he heard Kingfisher begging for mercy before the soundproofed doors closed behind him. 'You'd think the man would have at least waited until I was gone…' thought the detective.
…
Addison and Aiden had observed the entire interview with Kingfisher via a hidden camera. Oswald permitted this of course. Addison smiled at her brother, "It seems that Naruto Uzumaki knows how to get things done. I like him. He's quite fetching. No wonder Jackie Cortez is so hung up on him."
Aiden nodded. "It seems that Father likes him as well. He didn't even give Uzumaki a warning before he left."
She nodded. "I think he realizes that we Cobblepots are to be respected. Naruto seems to be cut from a different cloth than most private investigators…"
…
East End, Naruto's Private Investigator's Office
Barbara Gordon was waiting for Naruto when he got back to his office. He'd told her he was going to the Iceberg Lounge to meet up with Oswald Cobblepot and the redhead had been worried. The pair exchanged kisses before Naruto said, "We've got six days to hunt down fifty professional serial killers and the supervillain Apex Ava. It's going to be a rough week…"
Barbara's green eyes turned hard as steel. "You have a list…?"
"Kingfisher had an excellent memory even if his loyalties were questionable." said Naruto.
"You speak of him in past tense." she said. "You didn't-"
"I didn't kill anybody." he stated. "I couldn't arrest him, and I couldn't let him go so I left him to Cobblepot's tender mercies."
"Now I see why you were using past tense." said Batgirl. "He's probably at the bottom of the Atlantic by now."
"Either way, he can be marked off the list." replied the blonde.
Barbara said, "You look exhausted. Take a shower and clean up while I start on this list of suspects. The Birds of Prey are going to be in on this action."
Naruto nodded tiredly and went to wash up…
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Apex Ava -See the DC Database for her background.
*②: Kingfisher -This is an OC henchman of the Penguin who specializes in rifles and hunting.
A lot of territory is covered in this chapter. I'm not so sure that I depicted the Penguin correctly. I know he puts on the image that he's a nobleman so that was the angle I went for. Anyway, Naruto has another sibling on the way and at least temporarily is Batman. Next installment will be a lot more action oriented. See you next time. Blue out. 2/4/24