Hey everyone! Sorry for the wait; I originally planned to get this out by Christmas...but admittedly I'm not too far off. So, I hope this chapter proves to be enjoyable; it's pretty much what you've seen before at this point with Naruto, but I'll be adding stuff as we go along.
Enjoy!
Superboy sighed as he finally cleaned off the last of Jiraiya's accident from Sphere. "There girl." Superboy said, petting her. "Better?" Sphere chirped happily in response. "Good. Take a break, girl. Don't let anyone see you." Sphere rolled back into her normal form, and rolled away in the bushes. The two heroes then Naruto and Jiraiya. ("Okay. So, you're going to look for this...Tsunade?)
("Yes.") Jiraiya nodded. ("I doubt we'll get lucky enough to find her here. But this place has a bunch of popular bars and casinos in the region; she just loves those kinds of places.")
Superboy gave him another one of his glares. He did not have a good feeling about putting a drunk and a gambler in charge, but that was not his decision to make. ("Fine. If we don't see each other in town, we'll meet back here later tonight.")
("Deal.") Jiraiya replied. He then nudged Naruto his direction. ("Come with me kid. We've got a lot to do.") Naruto nodded, as the two groups parted ways.
("So, have you seen anything strange?") Superboy asked a random person.
("Like what, kid?") the man asked, clearly feeling the effects of his drink.
Superboy began his investigations around the local taverns; he felt he was mature-looking enough to pass as 18. Unfortunately, he was clearly no detective. Plus most of the people he questioned were obvious drunks. ("I don't know...just...things...") Superboy said awkwardly.
("Get lost, kid!")
Superboy sighed and took his leave. "Anything?" Kid Flash asked as they met outside.
"No." Superboy sighed. "Detective work is not my specialty. Even if she was here, I doubt she'd be very noticeable..."
Superboy's hearing just then picked up on some pedestrian having a chat. ("I'm telling you, her rack was enormous!") one said, extending his arms out to an implausible distance.
("And you didn't talk to her?") his friend asked.
("Couldn't. She was running from the casino at break-neck speed. I think she was a ninja!")
Now that got Superboy's attention. "Hold on. I'll be right back." Superboy tapped Wally's shoulder, then approached the two men. ("Excuse me? You said something about a woman running away?")
The two looked at him oddly. ("Well, yeah...")
("Can you show me which direction she went? And what she looked like?")
After Superboy took notes, he returned to Wally. "So, what'd ya find?" he asked excitedly.
"It could be nothing." Superboy replied. "But she's a lousy gambler apparently. Fits Jiraiya's description of her. She also has blond hair tied in two pony tails, wears a green vest with the kanji of 'gamble' on the back, looks to be in her mid-twenties, and..."
Superboy seemed to have trouble forming the words. "Well? What?" Kid Flash asked impatiently.
"...apparently, she has very large breasts." he finished, his cheeks turning red.
Kid Flash looked at him oddly. "Uh...we talking Black Canary big?"
"Maybe. Didn't ask."
Kid Flash quirked his brow at him. "Uh...I think that would have been fairly important!"
"You wanna ask for approximate measurements!?"
Kid Flash sighed. "Fine. Fine. I guess you have other important details to go off on. Shall we go look for the old man and ask if this is what we're looking for?"
"Guess so." Superboy agreed as they went to meet up with their ninja companions.
"Hnnn!" Naruto concentrated his chakra as he poured them into his hands. "Come on, come on!" he shouted to himself. He kept going, until he felt exhausted from screaming his lungs out. He opened up his hands,and looked at the leaf inside.
"Here. I want to focus your chakra until you tear this leaf in half." he remembered Jiraiya telling him.
Naruto plopped down on his butt in a huff, upset with his failure. "Damn. It's no use."
"What are you up to now?"
Naruto looked behind him to see Superboy and Kid Flash approach him. "Hey." he waved. "Ero-senin promised to teach me this jutsu that he said was better than the Chidori."
"He told me something along those lines before he left." Superboy remembered. "What does that have to do with you now?"
Naruto sighed as he held up the leaf to Superboy. "Ero-senin wanted me to break this leaf using nothing but my chakra. As you can see...I'm not making much progress." Naruto looked visibly depressed.
Superboy looked to Kid Flash, who shrugged, clueless about what to do. Superboy sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. He wished Black Canary was here; she was always a good counselor, even when Superboy himself wasn't the easiest to work with. "Look." He told Naruto placing his hand on his shoulder. "I admit, I've seen people in your world do all these amazing things...and quite frankly, I still don't understand how. But whatever this new technique is, I'm sure it's within your ability. I don't think he would tell you to be practicing these things if he didn't think you could do it. " Seeing his words had little effect on Naruto, Superboy sighed. "Uh...did he show you the technique?" Naruto nodded no. "Well, let's go ask him to show you. Besides, I might have a lead on his lady; we need to see him anyhow to confirm it."
Naruto snorted. "I bet it's just some 20 year old he saw in a magazine with a big rack."
"That..." Superboy began. "...may not be far off from the truth actually." he sighed.
Soon, they began looking all over the town. ("Uh, where do you think he could be?") Superboy asked Naruto.
("Who knows? He just told me to do my own thing while he got down to business.")
Superboy snorted. ("Great.")
"Uh...guys?" Kid Flash pointed to a very pearly white building. "I think I may have found him."
The three stared ahead as they heard a familiar laughter from within. ("That's him.") Naruto confirmed as he ran inside, the two super humans not far behind. And they did not like what they saw.
"THIS IS WHAT HE'S BEEN UP TO THIS ENTIRE TIME!?" They all yelled.
Indeed, Jiraiya was seated in the middle of big, expensive looking couch, surrounded by many young women in skin-tight dresses that looked like they would tear if they moved wrong. He had the stupidest smile on his face as he wrapped his arms around a couple of the women, holding a bottle of sake in another. "Is this...A BROTHEL!?" Kid Flash exclaimed in surprise.
"Whatever it is, he's just been fooling around." Superboy growled in disgust.
Naruto himself was fuming. "He left me...for this!?" ("ERO-SENIN, YOU BASTARD!") Naruto shouted as he ran towards him.
(N-Naruto!? What are you doing here!?") Jiraiya exclaimed as he tried to hold the energetic genin at bay.
("YOU LEAVE ME TO MASTER A DUMB JUTSU THAT I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT IT DOES AND YOU GO FOOLING AROUND HERE!?") Naruto yelled as he grabbed his collar, shaking him violently.
("W-wait, Naruto...! Let me...")
"Should we interrupt?" Kid Flash asked.
"No. I think this is a just punishment for him." Superboy said.
Suddenly, a cup of sake on Jiraiya's plate went flying, into a strange man's face (probably a customer). ("You there!") his compatriot, a short man in a business suit shouted. ("Do you have any idea what you have just done!?")
("SHUT UP!") Naruto and Jiraiya shouted, involved in their argument and not caring about much else.
("My master here is a former chunin of the Rock! You've made a big mistake coming here and angering him!") he continued to warn them.
As the ex-ninja got into a battle stance, Kid Flash and Superboy prepared to intervene. Jiraiya, however, held his hand up. There was not a trace of doubt on his face. The two decided to step to the side, and hope for the best. ("Naruto.") he suddenly ordered the genin. ("I wanted you to figure out that jutsu on your own, but I'll treat you and show it to you instead.") He held out his hand, and blue chakra began to swirl around in it until it took the form of a sphere. As the other ninja charged, Jiraiya retaliated and hit him square in the center, the sphere sending him spinning through the door and onto the street. His business jacket had a new torn hole in it, his exposed belly having the marking of a spiral.
Superboy, concerned he just let a murder happen, rushed over to check on him. "Good. He still has a heartbeat." Superboy said. "I'd imagine he'll still be in quite some pain for a while now though."
Naruto looked in awe. "He...he wasn't lying. That jutsu...it has to be on par with Chidori!"
("That was the Rasengan.") Jiraiya explained to Naruto. ("It was one of the Yodaime's signature moves; and now I'm teaching it to you.)
Naruto blinked, wondering if he heard that right. ("Huh? Why?")
Jiraiya shrugged. ("You remind me a bit of the Yodaime. That's really the only reason I've got.")
Before Naruto could ask anything more, Superboy interrupted. ("Before things get any more complicated, we need you to stop fooling around. RIGHT. NOW.")
("Oh, relax.") Jiraiya shushed him, waving his hand. ("Nothing wrong with having a little bit of fun...")
("You don't get to work right now, I'll tear this place down, and I'll put the tab on you.") Superboy warned him.
Jiraiya looked at him...then snorted. ("Go ahead and try kid. Do your worst. It's no more damage than the average ninja can...")
Superboy went to a pillar and leaned against it. Then, he seemingly lost his footing and broke the pillar like it was made of paper. "Whoops!" Superboy exclaimed. While Jiraiya looked on in horror, Kid Flash and Naruto smirked. ("Serves him right.") Naruto chuckled.
Jiraiya still couldn't believe what he just saw. "I-impossible! He may be just as strong as Tsunade-hime..."
("Oh man, I'm so tired...) Superboy stretched. (I've at least 3 more pillars I could lean on before the whole place comes down...hopefully at least one of them will stay up...")
("W-wait! Stop!") Jiraiya then pulled out what seemed to be a check book and ran inside, probably to give the manager compensation.
("There! Happy!?") Jiraiya exclaimed, throwing his arms out as he expressed his frustration outside.
("I will be when we can get this stupid errand of yours over with.") Superboy replied. ("Anyway, I found a description of an unusual woman. Wanted to know if she matched your person of interest.")
Jiraiya looked at him seriously now. ("Okay. Go on.")
Superboy quickly pulled out his notes. ("Blond, pigtails, looked to be in her 20s, a diamond on her forehead, green vest with the kanji of gamble on the back...")
That grabbed Jiraiya's attention. ("And her chest? Was it large?") he asked eagerly, extending his arms out to a length Superboy still didn't believe was possible.
Superboy hesitated to answer for a moment. Eventually, though, he relented. ("...yes...")
("Yes!") Jiraiya exclaimed, slamming his fist into his palm. ("That's her! Grat job kid! Where was she headed?")
("East of here.") Superboy pointed. ("Though that doesn't mean she will heading that way the entire time...")
("I've got a couple of ideas of where to stop; if she's on the run from paying off her debts, she'll stop by somewhere else to try her luck.")
Superboy just stared at him. He couldn't hold it in anymore; he had to get his opinion out. ("It's really none of my business, but from what you described to me, her character does not sound like leadership material. Why are you so desperate to find her?")
("Because she's the best person for the job!") Jiraiya shouted. Superboy noted that he seemed...angry. ("She is a master of over a thousand healing jutsus and was my teammate back in our heyday.") he explained. ("On top of that, she's monstrously strong.")
("So you say.") Superboy replied skeptically.
("She's also the granddaughter of the First Hokage.")
("In my home country, we've had elected officials who were the sons of previous leaders. And it's never a guarantee. Heck, we got rid of kings so that leadership would not be determined by blood in the first place.")
("We can discuss your politics another time.") Jiraiya finally silenced him. ("The village needs someone of her caliber, and even if she does not realize it, she needs this!")
The way he said it struck Superboy somehow. It seemed like he knew her well, believed in her..."Perhaps...he...loved her?"
"Uh, Superboy?" Wally asked him, tugging on his short sleeve. "I've no doubt you two are having an interesting discussion, but we really should get going."
Superboy turned to him, and nodded. "Okay then. Let's go." They then looked to Naruto, who was once again doing the leaf thing. "Naruto!" Superboy called. ("We're about to leave!")
("I know! Just give me a minute!") He concentrated more. "That technique...whatever it was, he didn't even use any hand signs. Just poured all of his chakra into it!" His face began to sweat as he put more effort into it. "I've got more chakra than anyone at the academy! I know I can do it!"
Finally, with one last push...he felt something snap. Hesitantly, he opened his hands...and smiled. The leaf, with no use of the muscles in his hands, had broken via his chakra alone. ("I did it...I really did it! Dattebayo!") he shouted, jumping around.
Jiraiya smiled too. "About time, kid..." He came over to pat him on the back. ("Congratulations. You passed the first step.")
("So, what's next!?") Naruto asked excitedly.
Jiraiya chuckled. (" Let's just wait until we get where we're going!") Jiraiya quelled him. ("It...it's going to be a ride.") he said with dread as Sphere came rolling out of the bushes.
("Here.") Superboy tossed him a paper bag. ("When you get queasy, barf into this. I really don't feel like cleaning up Sphere again.")
Jiraiya sighed as he looked at the bag, stuffing it in his tunic. "(Sure thing, kid.")
Meanwhile, the woman in question was on her way down a road in one of the many small towns in Fire Country. She wasn't alone though. Walking beside her was another woman in her mid-twenties. She had a rather average figure covered in a traditional blue robe, fishnet sleeves underneath. She also had black hair and eyes, another common feature, and carried a small pig with her. This was Shizune, a medical ninja who accompanied her master everywhere she went. "Tsunade-sama!" Shizune protested. "We're really running dry! Don't you think we should put a stop to this and actually save our money!?"
"Nonsense!" Tsunade replied, waving her off. "As long as I can charge a rich lord for my services in order to compensate for our losses, all shall be well!"
As they walked down the corridor, the wall to their side suddenly exploded. A massive snake burst through, eying the two women like they were prey, but while Shizune was on guard, Tsunade stood firm, realizing right away who it was, and what to expect. "You..." she said, her voice filled with venom.
"It's been a long time...Tsunade-hime..." The snake lowered it's head to reveal Orochimaru and Kabuto riding atop it's head.
Before anymore could be said, Tsunade eyed Orochimaru's arms, noticing the purple tinge of their skin. "It seems a piece of you has been sealed away."
"How observant of you." Orochimaru replied sarcastically. "A final gift from Sarutobi-sensei."
Tsunade's eyes widened. "No..."
"...yes..." Orochimaru hissed. "...but I didn't come here to brag about getting the drop on our teacher.."
Kabuto came forward, adjusting his glasses. "Tsunade-sama, all we ask is for you to heal Orochimaru-sama's arms. And he is willing to pay you anything you want."
"No amount of money can make me help you; not after all you've done to betray us!" Tsunade shouted defiantly. "Besides, I think I'm a bit out of your price range anyway." she smirked.
"Then how about I return your little brother and lover to you?" Orochimaru offered. Tsunade's eyes widened at the proposal.
"Before you say anything, yes, it can be done." Kabuto informed her. "It will take preparation, but you have our word that it is possible."
"I don't expect an answer now." Orochimaru explained as the snake rose and crawled away from the two women. "But we'll be in touch very soon. Think about it!" As soon as they came, the dark sanin and his servant were gone.
The night had passed, and it was the beginning of a new day. The last place Sasuke expected to experience a new morning was in a hospital with a cast over his arm. "I can't even remember the last time I got sick..."
Truthfully, he tried to sleep. But he couldn't. As soon as he closed his eyes, that horrible nightmare would begin. "Strangest thing...I haven't even thought about it since...since..." He thought back to when Kakashi gathered up Team 7 to have everyone introduce each other. Sasuke was at first indifferent to the whole thing. But, as time went on, he thought less about the family he had lost...and more about the family he had gained. " I should just let it go for now..." Sasuke sighed as he leaned back against his pillow.
But then the memories came back. His clan's residence, suddenly empty. The bodies of his mother and father, slumped over the floor. All while Itachi stood over them in his ANBU gear. And using those eyes...the other sharingan...showing him that he killed him. And why. "To test my abilities. That is why I am sparring you for now. If you want vengeance, come for me. I look forward to our confrontation. But listen well; Sasuke. As you are now, you are not worth my time. The only way you have a chance to beat me is to obtain the Magenkyo Sharingan. And the only way to obtain them...is to kill your dearest friend..."
Sasuke sat back up, breaking into a cold sweat and hyperventilating. "Damn!"
Sasuke then heard footsteps coming towards him. He gripped the covers in apprehension. And as the curtain was pulled back, Sakura revealed herself. "Oh! Good morning, Sasuke-kun." Sakura said. "I didn't expect you to be up so early." Sasuke sighed, and looked away. Sakura took a seat, and took out a few apples from the paper bag she was carrying. "There was a lot going on, and the doctors told us that you wouldn't be allowed any visitors until they set the bone." she said as she began peeling them. "Are you feeling any better?" Sasuke said nothing as he continued to stare at the wall.
Sakura sighed as she sliced the apples into pieces. "Sasuke-kun, why do you ignore me? Did what I say back then offend you so much?" "That was him, wasn't it?" she asked him. "The one...you're after?" Sakura didn't know why, but back then, when Sasuke announced his plans to take vengeance upon someone, she thought it was kind of cool, just like in the anime she used to watch as a kid. But now...after seeing how he was when the other Uchiha got involved...it frightened her. Just like the time the curse mark took hold of him. "Sasuke-kun...I...I know there are things about your past you don't like talking about. I think I'm beginning to realize what it was like for you and Naruto, to have no family. But I'm here for you, Sasuke-kun. I'm your friend. You can trust me." She handed him the plate of apples.
Sasuke only stared at the plate, and turned away. "And tell me, will this bring my family back?"
Sakura blinked in surprise. "Well, no, but..."
"Exactly!" Sasuke shouted, throwing up his good arm. "Why do you even bother!? It's not going to change what happened to me, and it's not going to change the fact that my parents' killer is still out there!"
He suddenly smacked the plate off the bed and into the wall, Sakura throwing her arms up to shield her from the debris. "S-Sasuke-kun, I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do-"
"Useless as usual." Sasuke growled. "Why don't you go and take your pity elsewhere? Maybe if that does work miracles, you can come and let me know." Sasuke finally lay on his side, away from Sakura. Sakura was on the verge of tears, but refused to let them fall. Not in front of him. She bottled it up the best she could, picked up the mess he made, and left.
When she left Sasuke sighed as he eyed his reflection in the window. "What's happening to me?"
Sakura walked down the hall, depressed as she thought about Sasuke's behavior towards her. She then remembered their time in the forest of death. How terrifying Orochimaru was and how after he planted the curse mark on Sasuke, announced proudly that he would come seek him for power. And that was when Sakura began to see the dark side inside Sasuke. "Is that the influence of the mark...?" she thought back when Sasuke transformed and fought the three Oto-nin. Then she remembered his behavior towards Itachi, the power of the curse mark not coming into play yet his presence still so dark. "...or was that the real him?"
Sakura then thought back to before they were introduced to Kakashi. When she sat on the park bench by herself, wondering what it would take for Sasuke to notice her. Then he just appeared in front of her, complimenting the part of her body she hated the most. "You have a cute and charming forehead. Makes me want to kiss it." He said exactly what she had hoped he would the instant she thought it. He downplayed that comment later, but he acted shy and cute around her. After some small talk, she confessed her feelings for him and her desire to be acknowledged by him. They were about to kiss...and suddenly, he had to leave. Sakura just chalked it up to nerves; truthfully, she was feeling nervous about the whole thing too. Maybe it was for the best they didn't get serious just yet then.
Then Sasuke came walking back, asking about Naruto for some reason, seemingly forgetting the moment they shared. Sakura mentioned how he was a brat who was lucky not to have parents to bother him, figuring it would make her seem cool in Sasuke's eyes. He then berated her about knowing nothing about what it felt like to be alone, without parents. Then he gave her the coldest look she had ever seen, saying "You're annoying."
In time, Sakura realized she was being unfair to both Naruto and Sasuke. She only hoped he could see that she had changed...She then felt a familiar tingling in her head. "Oh, Sakura! Didn't expect to see you here!" Sakura looked up to see M'gann approach her in her human form. "Me and the others came here for Kakashi. I think I'm ready to try to heal his mind now!"
Sakura smiled faintly, trying to look as thrilled as possible. "Oh! That's great!"
M'gann's smile, however, turned into a frown. "Sakura...what's wrong?"
Sakura blinked, and realized the side of her face was wet. Wiping it away, she realized it was a tear. "N-nothing's wrong!" she protested.
M'gann approached her, kneeling slightly. "Sakura, whatever is bothering you, you can tell me..."
"Well why don't you read my mind and find out for yourself then!?" Sakura suddenly shouted, throwing her arms up in the air.
M'gann was stunned silent by her outburst. "I don't want to." M'gann said softly, looking down sadly. "Listen, I know we haven't known each other for very long, but you're a sweet girl, Sakura. I just don't want to see you hurt." Sakura said nothing as she looked away. "Tell you what, I'll let this go for now. But I want you to keep in mind if there's something you ever want to tell us, we're here for you. Okay?"
Sakura gave a slight but sad smile, nodding. "Yeah. Thank you."
"Okay then." M'gann stood straight and both walked towards Kakashi's room. "By the way, how's Sasuke doing?"
Sakura seemed hesitant to answer. "H-he's doing great, all things considered! He just needs some rest!" she smiled, hoping she would buy it.
"Of course." M'gann sighed as she began to look straight ahead. "So, it DOES have something to do with Sasuke..."
After negotiating with the nurses...and by negotiating, that meant M'gann using her telepathy to manipulate them...the Team took Kakashi to the roof; they figured that way M'gann's psychic powers wouldn't endanger any patients and shatter window panes.
"You ready, Miss Martian?" Aqualad asked.
"As I'll ever be." M'gann placed her palm on the jonin's forehead, and concentrated. Just like before, M'gann's eyes opened with their green hew, and a small dust tornado formed around the spectators. Thankfully, the tension wasn't so high this time around; everyone had faith in Miss Martian this time, and it seemed she had learned from her previous experience with Superboy.
Finally, the spectacle wore off, and Kakashi moaned. "Ohh..." Kakashi slowly sat up, and rubbed his head. "What...what happened?"
"Hold on..." Miss Martian quickly linked up everyone. "There." she replied verbally. "Anyway, that man...well, from what I could gather, he trapped you in some sort of illusion and tortured you."
"Yes..." Kakashi breathed deeply. "I don't remember it too well...I suppose I have you to thank for that..." Kakashi's relaxed posture than turned rigid. "Naruto!" he shouted as he tried to stand. "Where-!?"
"Relax." Aqualad assured him, setting him down. "Your contact saved the day just when it seemed all hope was lost. While you were out, he took Naruto with him. Superboy and Kid Flash went with him as well."
I see." Kakashi relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief. "How long was I out?"
"About a day." Miss Martian replied. "I would have revived you sooner, but Superboy was trapped in a similar illusion. This was my first time healing such mental exhaustion, and it took a toll on me as well." She wiped her forehead. "Quite frankly, this was exhausting too."
"You did well. Thank you." Kakashi bowed. Slowly, he stood up. "Now, tell me something. I trust Jiraiya with Naruto. But why is he taking him? And where is he going?"
"Apparently, he's looking for your next Hokage." Robin answered. "And from what I gathered, he wanted Naruto to learn a new technique."
"He agreed to take SB and KF with him so they could investigate a way home on their own." Artemis continued to explain. "I think as long as no more crazy illusions are involved, they'll be fine with those two around."
"I see." Kakashi nodded, rubbing his chin in thought. "I think I know who Jiraiya's looking for. I'm not sure if he'll be able to find her...but if he does, we'll definitely be in good hands. Also, where is Sasuke?"
"I'm sorry." Aqualad sighed. "During the fight, he came to and tried to fight those two. He's alive, but hurt."
Kakashi hung his head low. "Shit."
"Kakashi..." Aqualad began. "...I know this is not our place to ask, but what exactly happened to Sasuke's clan? And if this Itachi was responsible, why? "
"I'm sorry." Kakashi said. "I cannot answer. Besides, we have to get you all home as soon as possible, don't we? Even if you could help, I don't think we have that kind of time. Besides, I know what's egging him; just leave him to me, okay?" Kakashi closed his visible eye, and the Team could see he was smiling underneath his mask.
Aqualad sighed. "Okay."
"Good." Kakashi then turned to Sakura. "Sakura, are you alright?"
"Y-yes, Kakashi-sensei." Sakura answered. "But, I wasn't any help..." she groaned sadly.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of." Kakashi rubbed her head. "There was nothing any of you could have done against those two. And I know you did your best to look after him. So, don't let it get to you, okay? When this whole mess is over, we're going to train harder than before to face these dangers head on; all of us." Sakura smiled slightly. "I'm going to go see Sasuke now. Wanna come with?"
Sakura's smile turned to a frown. "Uh...it's alright. I already saw Sasuke-kun. Besides, I've got some chores at home I need to take care of."
Kakashi frowned underneath his mask. "Something's wrong. She would never turn down a chance to spend time with Sasuke." "Okay, Sakura. I'll let him know you wish him well." Sakura nodded, and took her leave.
"I'm going to go speak with the elders." Kakashi informed the rest of the team. "I'll see if I can get some friends to look into matters further for you."
"That would be much appreciated." Aqualad agreed.
The search continued the rest of the day. Superboy and Jiraiya followed some leads, but as of yet, no luck in finding her. In the meantime, Naruto continued to learn that special technique. This time, he was told to use his chakra to burst open a water balloon. He managed to get the water to swirl, but it was too weak to actually burst the balloon. ("Aw, come on!") he shouted on what must have been his tenth try.
Kid Flash was forced to watch over Naruto, and quite frankly he was getting fed up with it. He wanted to tell the kid to give up for now, but the current language barrier wasn't helping much. All he could do was lean against a tree and groan in boredom. "Hey."
Kid Flash turned around to see Superboy approach him. "Finally." Kid Flash said. "Please tell me you have good news."
"More of the same." Superboy said. "Woman matches description, ran out of town. This time though, we may be close. They say she left earlier this morning."
"Couldn't you use your super senses to...I don't know...sniff her out?" KF suggested.
"And why would I do that?" Superboy asked, quirking his brow in suspicion
"Cause you can."
"Only if she leaves something behind that his hers."
Kid Flash just stared at him...then began to snicker. "Aw, SB. I knew there was a closet pervert inside of you." he said as he elbowed him.
Superboy only glared at him. "Don't make things worse for your wrist." he threatened. Wally backed off, hands held up.
Superboy then turned to Naruto. ("Any luck on that?)"
"(The balloon's still here, take a freaking guess!)" Naruto shouted in frustration. ("He told me to swirl my chakra, but it's not doing any good!")
Superboy thought about this for a moment. ("Naruto. Can you do that leaf thing again?")
("Yeah, what of it?")
("Let me see it, one more time.")
Naruto put the balloon down and picked up a leaf. ("Okay.") Naruto did so...and broke the leaf in half; now that he knew WHAT to do, he had an easier time doing it.
("I see...") Superboy rubbed his chin
("See what?")
("...your energy, I guess. I can see it just pour out of your hands. Like magic.")
("Anyone can do it.") Naruto shrugged.
("Not where I'm from. Not like you.") Superboy corrected him. ("Now do the balloon thing.") Naruto picked up the balloon, and began his exercise. He still got the same result. ("Did he tell you which way to turn it?")
("Well, he did tell me that based on the way my hair parts, I should rotate it clockwise.") Naruto answered.
Superboy inspected the balloon as he continued. ("Why don't you try swirling your ener...I'm sorry, CHAKRA, all over. I think the rubber will be able to resist as long the pressure comes from only one direction.")
Naruto looked at the balloon astounded. ("How can you see these things?")
("I can see into different light spectra.") Superboy answered.
("Light spectra?")
("Don't concern yourself; just give this a try.")
Naruto did so, concentrating his chakra to swirl all over like Superboy told him...and he felt the balloon began to give way. ("Wow. I think...I think you may be right.")
("Give it more, Naruto.")
Naruto did so, concentrating as hard as he could...and suddenly the water balloon burst. ("Yeah!") Naruto shouted, pumping his fists into the air.
"Finally!" Kid Flash exclaimed, throwing up his arms and plopping into the grass.
("Interesting.") Jiraiya approached from the path, walking towards them with his smug look. ("I didn't think you'd get it so soon. If I knew your friends here would be able to help you out, I'd have told them to stay out of it. But, you got the job done. Congrats.") Jiraiya then held up a blue double popsicle, which he broke in half and gave one to Naruto. ("Here. It's my treat.") Naruto looked at him shocked...then he gave the biggest grin he could as he took it from him. Superboy and Kid Flash could see it was not just the treat that was making him smile.
"This kid...it seems like no one has given him or rewarded him anything." Kid Flash thought in pity.
("I found news of your friend.") Superboy informed him.
("So have I.") Jiraiya responded. ("She headed north of here. And I think I know a good place where to find her. We sometimes used to hang out there as kids.")
("Hey, what's the next phase!?") Naruto interrupted excitedly, not caring about their conversation.
Jiraiya rolled his eyes. ("You are an idiot in social behavior as well.") Jiraiya sighed. ("Anyway, now that you burst the balloon, I'll tell you. Swirl your chakra like you did before, then condense it.")
Naruto blinked. ("That's it?")
("The final step is to actually do the technique. Be careful though; if you don't concentrate, the chakra will leak and you will have nothing solid to attack with. Now let's get moving.") Jiraiya sighed, waving his arm towards the Kryptonian and Speedster. (" And let's get that horrendous thing you call a ride over with.")
Superboy and Kid Flash followed, hoping this debacle would end soon; Wally in particular imagined the League was going mad looking for them...
GOTHAM CITY
UTC 0:800
Oct 30
A car burst into an abandoned warehouse like a scene from the Fast and Furious, with no regard for the walls. Immediately, a group of criminals bolted out of the car, desperate to hide and gather their weapons. "Oh man, did you see that!?" one shouted.
"I've run into Batman before...but not like this!" He shuddered to think how many fractures the friend they left behind had on his face alone.
They rushed to the end of the room, one of them limping. Batman had a penchant for beating up criminals, but his methods had changed. Before, he was somewhat...restrained. Now though, he was as unpredictable as the Joker. Before, he would only cause enough pain to stop criminals. Now it looked like they would be lucky to walk again...or even wake up again. One thug took a sledge hammer, smashed open a crate to reveal several machine guns. The crooks loaded them, preparing for the worst. Just then, the bulbs above them shattered, causing the whole place to go dark. "CRAP! I HATE IT WHEN HE DOES THIS!" The crooks fired at random, hoping one stray bullet would hit The Dark Knight. When nothing happened, they stopped shooting.
"Did we get him?" Just then, the lamp above fell on top of his head, knocking him out. Another felt a wire wrap around his ankle and drag him up towards the ceiling, causing him to drop his weapon and hang helplessly above. Before the remaining two could pinpoint his location, Batman came out of nowhere, grabbed one of them and slammed his head into a fuse box; his partner would have shot, but was paralyzed with fear at the sight of his partner convulsing in electric shock.
Batman threw him down away from the box before the electrocution would kill him, and approached the remaining gunman. Instead of shooting, he trembled. Just when it looked like he worked up the nerve to pull the trigger, Batman snatched it out of his hand like it was nothing, and broke the weapon over his knee as if it were made of wood. "You and I need to talk." Batman then grabbed him by the throat, and fired his grappling gun onto a hole in the roof, taking the crook with him.
As soon as they were back on their feet, Batman then grabbed his arm, and smashed his elbow the wrong way, causing him to scream in pain. He then threw him down, and smashed his knee, eliciting an ear-piercing wail of agony. Now, Batman dragged him along the roof. "I hear the water is especially chilly tonight. Hard to swim out of...especially with half your limbs broken."
He grabbed his collar and lifted him as if he was a mere toddler, and dangled him off the edge with the bay waiting below. "W-What do you want!?" the crook shouted in panic.
"I know you worked for Luthor as a security guard for a temporary assignment; you needed the work ever since I put Thorne in prison. And I know your assignment was in Okinawa. You're going to tell me what happened."
"I...I don't know..." he whimpered.
Batman quickly let go, and before gravity took him, grabbed his damaged leg, causing him more pain as he now flailed upside down. "Try again."
"I don't know exactly what!" the crook screamed. "But, it looked like they were building a gate! You know, like those oriental gates!"
"Keep talking." Batman ordered.
"Mr. Luthor built a whole dome around it! It was like he wanted no one to see it! I didn't know why, in this business you just don't ask questions and take the money!"
"And what exactly happened that day? Keep talking...while I still allow it!"
"Luthor had a visitor! A weird looking one! He wore a cloak with red clouds!" the thug screamed as he began to fear the worst.
"Did you see his face?" Batman questioned further.
"Not exactly. He wore a weird looking mask. It was shaped like a spiral, and had only one eye hole, on the right side."
"Did you catch his name?"
"I don't know! I don't speak Chinese!" he pleaded.
"And what else happened?" Batman demanded, doing his utmost not to punch the man...not yet anyway.
"A couple days ago, before the job was over, some intruders attacked! And...they were taken care of."
"By that, do you mean..." Batman gritted his teeth and squeezed his ankle hard.
"I don't know! I don't know! I swear to God!" the man begged him.
"SWEAR TO ME!"
"Batman! Enough!"
Batman stopped his interrogation and looked behind him to see Superman flying above them. "I'm busy!" Batman replied gruffly as he turned back to his prey.
"He's telling the truth. He knows nothing else!" Superman insisted as he floated closer to Batman. "Stop it now...Bruce."
Thank goodness for Batman's sake the criminal was too scared out of his mind to hear him. "Catch." Batman then callously tossed him overboard. Superman swooped down and caught him almost instantly. The poor man fainted from the fall, but Superman's senses could see that he would be alright with time.
Superman turned back to where Batman was, only to see that he had grappled and glided away by now. Still, it was no trouble finding him as he made his way to the closest skyscraper. As Batman stood atop a gargoyle, Superman hovered next to him. "Bruce; I know you're worried. I know you're upset. I am too..."
"Funny; you don't show it often. Especially when it comes to your own...son." Batman replied callously.
Superman's relationship with Superboy was a subject that was difficult to approach. It wasn't that Superman hated the clone. He was just...uncertain what to do with him.
Superman also took note that Batman's chin was scraggly and unshaven; he heard that he hadn't shown up to his day job as CEO of Wayne Enterprises for days now. He doubted the Batman slept since the team went missing. Not to mention his methods; while Batman was by far the scariest member of the league, there was a line he wouldn't cross. But since Robin went missing, his methods had become borderline psychopath. "I heard the whole thing. Do you think Deathstroke is involved?" That was the closest in the League's records Superman could think of that matched the description; a masked assassin with one eye showing.
"No. It doesn't match the MO of an assassin." Batman replied reluctantly. "I fear it's someone else."
Superman nodded. "I was afraid of that." The Kryptonian gently gripped the Batman's shoulder. "Bruce, you found out as much as you could for one night. You need rest; not to mention you have a day job you've been neglecting too."
"I still have this night job."
"After seeing your behavior tonight, I don't think anyone is in the mood to cause trouble. If anything...I should be the one to bring YOU in." Batman only scowled more as he fired his grappling gun and swung into the night. Superman sighed, and flew the opposite direction. "I did what I could."
"Okay." Superboy said as the Supercycle touched down on the forest floor, just outside the town border where no one would notice them. "We're here."
As Kid Flash and Naruto disembarked from the Supercycle with grace, Jiraiya simply plopped over onto the ground like an idiot, hyperventilating into his bag. "Jeez!" Kid Flash exclaimed in frustration, forgetting they couldn't communicate verbally. "Won't you ever get used to this!?"
Superboy sighed as he helped the legendary sanin up. ("Come on.") he said. ("Why don't we get you some water before we start?")
"You're not seriously going to do it, are you!?" Shizune shouted as she and her sat at the table of a local bar and grill.
Tsunade only sighed as she swirled her sake cup. "Of course not."
Shizune wasn't convinced; not even saints could easily turn down such a too-good-to-be-true deal. "Even if he does live up to his end of the bargain, they won't truly be back! Nawaki won't be able to grow up and have the experience every boy should have. And Dan...! You won't be able to love him like you used to-"
Tsunade suddenly slammed her cup onto the table, causing Shizune to jump. "Shizune. NOT. ANOTHER. WORD." she growled like a bear.
Shizune only gulped and nodded; it was a miracle the table was still standing. "But he'll come after us for an answer. Even if he's missing both his arms, we'll need help." Tsunade nodded silently. "We should get in contact with him for help." Shizune continued to insist.
"No. We won't be able to find him in time. Besides...it would be too awkward." Tsunade answered.
"Why!?" Shizune questioned her incredulously.
"Because it just is!" Her master yelled. It wasn't that she didn't care for the idiot. It was just...complicated. Besides, she couldn't drag her old friend into this.
Just then, she heard a few people come in. At first, she paid them no heed. One spoke in a language she never heard before. Then another, this time in the native tongue. "Feeling better?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. I'll just have something light, and then we'll go looking for-"
Tsunade knew that voice! "It can't be..." Tsunade turned toward the entrance, and saw her former teammate, the man Shizune had suggested, staring straight back at her. "JIRAIYA!?"
"TSUNADE!?"
"THIS IS THE ONE YOU'RE LOOKING FOR!?" the two teens with him said.
Soon, they were seated alongside with her. Naruto himself seemed rather skeptical about her abilities and qualifications. While Superboy and Kid Flash just went with it, hoping this would be over with soon. Figuring she didn't speak English, as Jiraiya and Tsunade reminisced on old times, Superboy and Kid Flash spoke to each other privately. "SB?"
"Yeah?" Superboy
"She's supposed to be the old man's teammate, right?"
"Yeah."
"So, what's her secret?"
"What secret?"
"How she looks so young!" KF exclaimed.
Superboy shrugged his shoulders. "Some people just look good, even at 50."
The two looked at her, making sure all her attention was on Jiraiya, and being teenage boys, there was one significant feature they could not get over. "Next question? You think she's Kryptonian?" Kid Flash suddenly asked.
"What makes you think she's the same species as me!?"
"How else can she walk with those gigantic udders without screaming bloody murder?" Superboy didn't comment on that...but he saw where Wally was coming from. "Not that I'm complaining." He emphasized next.
"Whatever." Superboy said, rolling his eyes.
Superboy, despite some of the...distractions...was listening closely in on the conversation. Apparently she had some useful medical skills, but her attitude confirmed Superboy's doubts of her being a capable leader. When she finally said she was not interested in the job, Naruto slammed his fists on the table. ("That's it!") he yelled. ("The pervy sage spent all this time looking for you, and you're not even going to consider it!? You're the worst ever!") he declared.
Tsunade only looked at him annoyed, with a hint of amusement. "So, this is Kushina''s little brat..." she thought. ("And who are you to talk?")
(" I am Uzumaki Naruto! Soon to be Konoha's number 1 Hokage!")
Tsunade smirked. ("You sure talk a big game. Let's see you prove it.") Tsunade got up to walk outside, Naruto following after her.
("Naruto.") Superboy said, gripping the genin's shoulder. ("Let it go.")
("No!") Naruto protested. ("Ero-senin believed in her, and this is how she repays him!? She doesn't care, and I'm going to show her what I'm made of!")
Superboy let him go and sighed. "Stubborn little idiot."
Outside, Tsunade and Naruto stood facing off. As Naruto got ready, Tsunade smirked and held up her index finger. ("Huh? What's that supposed to mean?")
("One finger.") she announced. ("That is all I need to defeat you!")
Superboy looked on in mild skepticism. "One finger? Then again, Black Canary is able to beat me in sparring. I guess anything is possible."
Naruto charged...and Tsunade slammed the finger into the ground, causing a tremor that knocked Naruto down. Even the ground beneath them cracked. "Shit!" Kid Flash exclaimed. "These aren't ninja! This is a parallel universe of DragonBall!"
Superboy ignored him as he looked on. "The old man wasn't kidding. This woman sure is something. Not even I can do that."
Tsunade stood straight, smirking triumphantly. ("There you have it. No one can force me to do what I don't want to.")
Naruto, shaken by the blow, struggled up, even as he trembled. ("I'm not done yet!") He brought his hands together, forming his chakra into a loose sphere, while Superboy and Kid Flash looked on in awe.
"Hn." Jiraiya chuckled. ("He's getting it.")
Naruto charged, struggling to keep it together. Though it seemed Tsunade was stunned, she stepped back as the chakra dissipated and knocked him away with a kick. "Jiraiya!" she yelled. ("What were you thinking, teaching this kid the Rasengan!?")
Jiraiya shrugged. ("What can I say? The kid just has that affect on me.")
Tsunade growled. ("Idiot.")
With that, she leaped away across the buildings and out of their sight. ("Well, that didn't go as planned.") Superboy commented.
("Not as I hoped.") Jiraiya agreed. ("But it's to be expected. She's been through a lot.") Jiraiya sighed and walked down the street.
("Hey!") Superboy exclaimed. ("Where are you going!?")
("Just lounge about. I'm giving her the time she needs to make a decision.") Jiraiya then threw Superboy some keys. ("I already booked a room for all of us. Go and relax.")
Superboy ran his hand through his hair. ("Great, we've come this far for nothing.") He then noticed Naruto leaving in a direction different from the other two ninjas. ("Where do you think you're going?")
("To practice!") Naruto shouted frustrated. ("What else!?")
Superboy decided he would be fine...but then noticed Shizune staring at him worried. "I wonder what's got her upset?"
Orochimaru waited as their game cooked over an open fire. Kabuto was to take half, while Orochimaru would swallow the other whole. Of course, like any normal man he still needed to get it fully cooked.
"Patience, Orochimaru-sama." Kabuto assured him as he put his hands towards the fire. "It will be done soon."
"It's not the meat that concerns me, Kabuto." Orochimaru hissed impatiently. "It's Tsunade."
"If she refuses, we can just as easily kill her."
"No, Kabuto. Not easily. Especially in my state. And even if we do...what then?"
Kabuto didn't have an easy answer for that. Just then, he heard something rustle in the bushes. "Stay there, master." Kabuto said as he pulled a kunai. "I'll go check it out."
Kabuto made his way towards the bush, and thrust his kunai inside. Immediately, he felt and heard it strike against metal as their stalker leaped out of the bushes and engaged him. The attacker was female judging by her body shape, but other than her mane-like hair, Kabuto could make nothing out of her face; it was covered in a cat-like mask that sported a wide, toothy grin. She wore what seemed to be a short green kimono, and sported thigh-high boots. And her weapons were twin sai. "Interesting. And who might you be?"
"You may call me...Cheshire."
Cheshire broke one sai off and attempted to take Kabuto's left eye, but he bent his head away and broke of the engagement. The two dueled with their metal, and soon it became apparent that Kabuto had a slight advantage in speed and strength. Though Cheshire managed to land a slight cut on his arm, Kabuto elbowed her in the cut and knocked her sai away. Cheshire flipped away, and threw a smoke bomb in front of Kabuto, who looked away from the explosion. That was all the distraction Cheshire needed as she came down with a hidden sectional sword from her back, landing a nice cut on Kabuto's shoulder and kicking his kunai away. Kabuto retreated backwards as now Cheshire had the upper hand. As she made her slashes, Kabuto dodged each by a hair's breadth, while Orochimaru only watched passively. Suddenly, Kabuto emitted light from his hand and managed to touch Cheshire's shoulder. "AHHH!"
Cheshire felt her muscle being cut like a hot knife through butter. She reached into her dress with her good arm and threw a shuriken at Kabuto. He dodged, but it still managed to cut his nose. Quickly, he felt himself getting a bit dizzy. "Great. It's poisoned." Living with Orochimaru and having access to all sorts of strange drugs and medicine, he had built up an immunity to most poisons and couldn't be killed by them alone. However, he was still mildly affected, making him drowsy. Still, he was coherent enough to continue fighting.
Kabuto flipped up in the air, circling with his chakra scalpel while Cheshire retreated, grabbing her sword and fighting him one-handed. They dodged each others blows by a hair's width, but Kabuto managed to kick the sword out of her hand. Cheshire retaliated with a kick to his stomach, sending him tumbling over. Cheshire grabbed one of her discarded sai on the ground and pounced on top of him. Her strike stopped just short of his throat, while Kabuto revealed a hidden kunai from his wrist guard and stopped short of her heart.
"Enough, Kabuto." Orochimaru ordered. "You, stand down. What do you want?"
Cheshire got off of Kabuto and bowed. "I came to offer you an invitation...and a warning."
"Oh?"
"First, the invitation. Your old boss has made contact with mine. They're teaming up...and they would like you to return to the fold."
"I'm no longer a part of Akatsuki." Orochimaru said. "And even if I wanted to go back, Itachi would kill me as soon as I came back."
"Pein-sama promises your protection from Itachi, and will respect your wishes with respect to his little brother."
Orochimaru looked away and snorted. "And just what is it your group wants to do?"
"My masters want to guide our world, just like Akatsuki wants to guide this one. They simply figured they could help each other."
That got Orochimaru's attention. He just wasn't sure if he believed it. "Talk sense, woman."
"I'm doing the best I can; I suppose you will just have to see it for yourself if you accept." she bowed.
"Well, as much as I hate to admit it, you'll have to wait." Orochimaru flapped his now useless arms. "As you can see, I'm in a bit of a conundrum. And the solution I have in mind may take time."
"My master has another, if you're willing to give it a try."
Orochimaru was certainly curious. But he was not foolish. He wouldn't take the bait; not yet. Best to make sure his first choice was still viable. "And your warning?" he asked, trying to hurry the conversation along.
"I know you're seeking the help of Tsunade. The one called Jiraiya has found her. And he brought along enemies of my organization."
"Should I be worried?"
"One of them is gifted with super speed; he's not much of a threat, but could prove troublesome if you let your guard down. The other, however...is virtually invincible."
"I've heard it all before." Orochimaru snorted. "Many have made those claims. And they have ALL fallen before my blade."
"There is a first time for everything, my lord." Cheshire said. "You are welcome to try through your normal methods. Though I've no doubt you will humiliate him for a good 30 minutes, he'll only get back up and fight. And once you're tired, he will finish you. But, there is one thing that will most certainly kill him."
She reached into her kimono, and pulled out a strange contraption neither ninja had ever seen. "I was told none of these exist here. So, I'll make it simple for you. You simply aim...and pull the trigger here." She then turned it on Kabuto and fired. Kabuto jerked, but all that came was an empty click. "It wasn't loaded." Kabuto growled, getting a feeling that she was smirking underneath that stupid mask of hers.
"I see." Orochimaru said. "There must be a mechanism inside to fire the projectiles at high speed. Faster than even an arrow, I'd imagine, given the size of that thing."
"How astute of you. I'm honestly quite impressed." Cheshire jeered. "But it's not the weapon itself that's the important part. It's the ammunition."
Next, she pulled out a small box, her injured arm regaining some of it's strength. Flipping it open, she revealed a small, green glowing material. "This is the only compound known to hurt people like the one I speak of. If he's exposed to it long enough, it will kill him." She opened the weapon, and placed it in a cylinder-like part. She then closed it back to it's normal shape. "Be careful; this compound is very rare. We can't provide on the fly, so you'll only have one shot. Make it count."
She placed it on the ground, and walked back into the forest. "I will let you decide on our proposal, after you've had your little exchange with your ex-girlfriend." Orochimaru's brow quivered at this. "But rest assured, ready or not, we will find you again for an answer. And hero or villain, we don't take too kindly to 'no' for an answer." With that, she disappeared into the woods.
Kabuto picked the gun up, inspecting it. "Well, Orochimaru-sama?"
"Keep it. Just in case." he ordered. He sat down, staring at the meat. He wanted to shake off her proposal. "She claims to be from another world. What on earth could she be talking about?" Orochimaru didn't know how, but he had a sinking feeling they would meet up again. And when they did...it would change everything.
"Kabuto. I think the meat is overcooked." he said, trying to get his mind off the subject.
Slow chapter, but necessary. What happens next time when Superboy and Kid Flash are thrown into the Sanin showdown? You're going to find out...and this time, sooner rather than later. A LOT SOONER. Probably within the week.
The joke about Tsunade being Kryptonian comes from a popular fan theory regarding Power Gir's bust; some fans think because she is Kryptonian (from another dimension), her body can support any type of weight and it allowed her breasts to grow without serious repercussions. Of course, fans don't take into account artists' interpretation.