As Superboy and Kid Flash watched over Naruto practicing his Rasengan on an unfortunate tree, the two were at a loss of what to do. They were no closer to finding their way home, and as far as they knew, they were wasting time. Plus, Jiraiya's pick for Hokage was clearly not interested, and they had no doubt he did not intend to leave until he convinced her otherwise. She seemed too stubborn to wait on that happening within their lifetimes.

"This sucks." Kid Flash sighed.

"Yeah."

"We should probably just take Sphere and head back. Go on our own from here. It's clear they've got too much going on to help otherwise."

"Well...that's one way of looking at it." Superboy reluctantly agreed. "But we still need that hermit to tell us where to go..."

"...assuming he can even find out."

"...right. But if he can, it would save us a bunch of time."

"All while at this moment he's conveniently wasting ours."

Superboy sighed. "Look, Wally. I get it. I want to go home too."

"Then what's holding you back?"

"I don't know, just-" Just then, he stared intently at where Naruto was practicing as the woman Shizune approached him. He held up his hand to shut his friend up. "Hold that thought, KF." They were pretty far away; he doubted they would think he could hear them from their spot.

("Naruto, I must beg you to reconsider your wager.") Shizune pleaded.

("No way!") Naruto yelled. ("I'm not going to give up until I show that old hag who's-")

("It's the necklace, Naruto! You need to understand the story behind it!")

Shizune began the tale...and Superboy was stunned silent by it. "Wow...she really has been through a lot..."

"What's she saying?" KF asked.

Superboy got up and walked away. "Come on. Let's get that arm of yours fixed. And maybe get her to reconsider."

Kid Flash only looked at him in confusion. "Wha-? What's going on!? I'm so confused!"

Tsunade sighed as she leaned against the tree looking down at her necklace. The memories of her brother and lover flooded her mind. How she gave them her necklace as a token appreciation and love for the dreams...and what ultimately lead to their deaths. "It seems no matter how much I try to forget you two...someone of your likeness comes back."

"Hey; down here."

Tsunade looked down to see Superboy staring up at her. "So, you do speak." she dryly commented, remembering him from the tavern. "Go away. I'm not in the mood to indulge in any young man's fantasy."

Superboy blushed. "Wha-?...NO! You're out of your mind!" Seeing that he was being ignored, Superboy got down to business. "Look, I know about your brother and boyfriend."

Tsunade suddenly shot up, and looked down on him. If looks could kill, Superboy believed he would have been obliterated, kryptonian or not. "So, Shizune told you, did she!?"

"I eavesdropped." Superboy exclaimed. "She had no way of knowing; I have excellent hearing."

Tsunade came down from the branch and stared at Superboy directly in the eye. "The brat, then?"

"Yes." Superboy answered truthfully. In all honesty, Tsunade staring him down intimidated him. Seeing her strength from before, Superboy had a feeling he was up against a combination of Superman and Black Canary. "She did it to protect him. Don't take it out on her."

Tsunade snorted. "Yes. I suppose it would be for his own good..."

"Look. I can't tell you to take the position...but I think your village needs you..."

"I'm sorry, but just who are you again, and where do you come from?" Tsunade questioned, sharply turning her head like a hawk inspecting a wounded animal out of curiosity.

"S-Superboy." he stuttered. "God, that really didn't come off convincing at all!"

"I'm sure." Tsunade replied sarcastically, clearly unimpressed.

"Anyway, if I told you where I was from...you wouldn't believe me."

Tsunade snorted. "Then, I don't see what your business is with me..." she said as she turned around to walk.

"We need your help getting home!" Superboy exclaimed. "That's why we need you to take the Hokage position!"

Tsunade turned around and laughed incredulously. "That's pretty ridiculous of you. Why don't you get Jiraiya to help you? Espionage and intelligence is his specialty, not mine!"

"An agreement to help him out, really, in exchange for his skills. Help him find you, and he would help us." "Assuming he can even come through on that part." he reminded himself.

"Well, I'm sure you saw what happened when people don't listen to me...and quite frankly, I doubt you're that stupid not to take the hint." As Tsunade began to walk away, Superboy clenched his fists.

"I really should just let her go, but-!" "Jiraiya really believes in you!" Superboy yelled suddenly.

Tsunade's eyes widened, and turned around to face Superboy. "I kind of got that!" she huffed.

"And you're not going to take his feelings into consideration!?"

"Jiraiya's always been a bit of a fool. I don't see why I should take it seriously!" Tsunade waved him dismissively.

Superboy then stepped forward. "Okay. How 'bout this? How about we make a wager? If I win, you go back with Jiraiya to Konoha, just to see your village. Whether or not you take that seat is up to you."

Tsunade stopped. She shouldn't bother, but the compulsive gambler in her couldn't resist. "So..." Tsunade turned and gave him a sinister grin, cracking her knuckles. "You really think you can beat me? You witnessed by strength in the alley just a few hours ago..."

"Not win. Just survive." Superboy took a deep breath before continuing. "I've a feeling I'm going to regret this..." "Here's the deal. If I can stand after 10 of your blows, you lose the wager. I won't fight back. You have my word."

"And if I win?" she asked.

"I'll take the others back with me and we'll leave you alone, even if it means forcing Jiraiya himself to come back with us." Superboy was hoping that Tsunade wasn't holding back much from her demonstration earlier; he was used to taking a pounding, but that didn't mean he enjoyed it, and he did have his limits.

Tsunade smirked. "Well, if it's a fool's wager you're playing, I'll go easy on you!"

Tsunade charged forward...and punched Superboy square in the face. The force would've knocked a pro-boxer out cold. "There. Now..."

Tsunade's eyes widened as Superboy didn't even fall over, he just looked and smirked at her. That was when the pain in her fist shot up her arm. "OW!" She jumped back and shook her hand. It felt like she punched an entire mountain of metal! "W-what in the world-?"

"Come on, that's the best you got?" Superboy creaked his neck. "That's strike one." he smirked, coaxing her. "Why don't you try again? A little harder this time?"

Tsunade growled, and charged. She punched Superboy again, this time sending him flying across the ground, about a hundred feet. Tsunade looked over to his red-haired companion; it seemed he wasn't even worried; just confused. "Uh, SB? Aren't you going to fight back?" he asked the Kryptonian

"No..." Superboy got up and brushed the dust off his pants. "That's probably not a good idea. Right now, I'm just surviving; we're settling a bet." Superboy then stared back at her. "That's strike two. You've 8 more shots; in most of my home's sports, that's a lot more chances then we normally offer."

Tsunade charged, and use all manner of strikes to knock him down, using what would normally be lethal force. He was tossed around, thrown into rocks and slammed several stories into the air. Though it seemed as though Tsunade was hurting him, beyond intense pain she was causing him no real lasting harm, and she was starting to bloody her knuckles and feet, something that hadn't happened since she was a teenager. After a spinning backknuckle sent Superboy flying right into a tree, Tsunade stood still as she panted heavily.

Though it seemed he had some trouble, Superboy got up. ("Well...") he panted, then stumbled. It seemed the beatings were taking a toll on him after all. ("...you've got a mean hook. I'll give you that.")

The two stared at each other for the longest time. ("What...what are you?") Tsunade asked in wonder.

("I'm not human.") Superboy answered truthfully. ("Though truth be told, you don't feel human either.") Superboy straightened his back. ("Okay. This is your last chance. Make it count.") Superboy only hoped he wouldn't have to eat those words.

Tsunade growled, gathering strength in her fist...and charged. She suddenly leaped into the air, and brought her foot up in an axe-kick. "Oh sh-" Superboy met Tsunade's heel with full force to the face, as a sudden crater exploded in the immediate area.

"Superboy!" Kid Flash ran in to check up on him.

Tsunade was now hunched over, panting rapidly and leaning on one knee, her attacking foot beginning to swell. ("That...was unexpected...") Superboy then lay prone on the ground, seemingly unconscious. ("It's too bad, really.") Tsunade said. ("You had potential.")

Superboy's eyes suddenly shot open, and he began to move his limbs. ("No...That's impossible!") Tsunade gasped.

Superboy, through sheer force of will managed to stand as he raised his arms, shouting as if he won a battle. Though he did take a beating and was in a lot of pain, it still wasn't enough to bring him down permanently. "I...win..." he finally panted out.

He was about to fall over, but Kid Flash supported him. "Whoa, easy there tough guy."

Tsunade turned around, and kicked the dirt. ("I really need to go to some kind of gambling therapy one of these days.") she muttered. ("I've got to accept my bad luck and find another hobby.")

("We made a deal.") Superboy reminded her.

("I know.") Tsunade shouted. ("I'll skip out on cash. But wagers of honor like this one...no. But I'm not promising to take the seat!")

("I get it.") Superboy growled. ("And that's still your call; I'll allow you that much. But you're coming.")

Tsunade sighed, and then found Kid Flash's cast arm. Kid Flash, noticing she was staring, backed away and held up his arms in fear. "Whoa. I didn't do anything!"

Tsunade stepped forward, and grabbed his arm. Kid Flash almost ran away in fear, but noticed Tsunade was inspecting it instead of hurting it. ("Looks like a nasty sprain you got there.") Tsunade noted, unaware of their language barrier. Suddenly, her hand glowed, the light almost taking the shape of a blade. She cut the cast open, and inspected Kid Flash's hand. ("I see...this should be an easy fix...") She emitted a green light from her palm, this time over the red swelling of his arm. Kid Flash's arm started to feel real good, and the red skin began to turn normal again. ("Fascinating.") Tsunade noted, unaware of his speedster physiology. ("That healed much quicker than expected.") She then let his arm go. ("You're good as new now. Take care of yourself in the future.")

Wally flexed his hand and arm; no difficulty in movement, no pain. "Wow! Thanks!" Tsunade was taken off guard by his language, but got the gist of it.

("Remember...") Superboy warned her.

Tsunade walked away, waving back at him. ("Yeah, yeah. Just wait. There's something I need to take care of tomorrow morning. Now go back to wherever Jiraiya's letting you stay. I do not want any interruptions.")

For some reason, Superboy did not like the sound of that...

Morning came again to the countryside. Konoha enjoyed the sunrise as the light greeted it. Many ninja were already up and about for their morning routine or their next mission. Many others, mostly the civilians, chose to stay indoors.

However, one was overlooking the entire village from outside it's borders in the treetops. "Fascinating." he growled. "Doesn't look anything like I would expect for the breeding ground of assassins. Way too cheerful."

Just then, he heard someone approaching. Looking down, he pinpointed the cause of the noise. Whoever it was, they were moving fast and strong. The person definitely had physical prowess on par with him...probably even greater. It didn't seem whoever it was was aware of his presence yet. He was ordered to stay incognito, but..."Hmph. Can't resist. This what happens when I'm bored out of my mind..."

Swiftly, he descended down below.

Might Guy swiftly leaped across the forest, trying to beat his personal best of making it back in record time after a mission. He was an odd looking fellow, sporting a ridiculous bowl cut, large eyebrows and large nose. He also usually had a smug smile, thinking it made him look cool. To most others, it made him look obnoxious. And then there was his green leotard suit, along with his orange leg weights around his ankles. To him it was fashionable, but others had stated they wouldn't be caught dead wearing that. Suddenly, he sensed something off. On instinct, he blocked an elbow to his head and kicked back, the attacker cross-blocking his strike as he was forced away.

In an instant, the two stood facing one another. "Ow!" the stranger growled as he shook his arms. "Not bad. Not bad at all..."

Guy observed the man; he was monstrously tall, and powerfully built to boot. He wore a strange mask; it seemed to be made of white plastic instead of cloth, and in addition to his eye holes, there were several other holes on the side for some reason. He would almost say it was a mask similar to what the black ops wore, but less stylized. The mask only covered his face, the thing tied behind his head. He sported blond hair as well. His outfit seemed practical, a blue tunic and dark pants. He also seemed to sport small pieces of armor on his knees and elbows. "And just who might you be?" Guy asked in a challenging tone.

The masked man just chuckled, throwing up his arms. "Ah, no one you ever heard of before. To be honest, I wasn't supposed to reveal myself to anyone. But I was bored, so I thought I'd get some exercise, hopefully have some fun. I've heard a lot about you guys; wanted to see if the tales were true." Noticing his answer didn't impress the green beast, he reiterated. "Sorry; didn't answer your question. You may call me Sportsmaster."

Guy's eyebrow twitched. "That's not your real name, isn't it? Why don't you tell me who you really are?"

"Can't do that; have a reputation to uphold. You see...I'm going to be the last thing you will ever see and the last name you will remember."

Sportsmaster suddenly charged and assaulted him with punches. Guy seemed to be on the defensive as he blocked them. "Good technique..." he admitted. "...but your strength is lacking!" Guy suddenly leaped and spun around. "Konoha Senpou (Leaf Hurricane Kick)!" Sportsmaster's masked face came in contact with the spinning foot, sending him flying across the ground.

"Not bad." he said as he rose from the dirt. "And I've a feeling that's only a fraction of what you can do." He got back up, facing him in a seemingly straightforward boxing stance. "I guess I'll have to get serious too."

Suddenly, he reached behind him and threw what seemed to be a discus. Guy prepared to catch it, but the discus suddenly sprouted spinning blades. "Uh-!" Guy bent to the side to dodge it, but then noticed an arrow land near his foot. The arrow exploded, throwing him into a tree.

Sportsmaster walked through the smoke, keeping his crossbow on him. "Not bad." he admitted. "You dodged my first weapon. And you managed to keep your limbs despite being in the blast radius of that second."

Guy got up, giving him a combative glare. "I assure you...you haven't seen everything I can do!" Guy suddenly hurled a kunai at him, knocking the crossbow out of his hand.

"Aw, come on-!" Sportsmaster barely blocked the kick from Guy, and was forced on the defensive. Finding an opening, he grabbed Guy's leg and forced them both to roll, trapping him in a knee bar. However, he underestimated Guy's leg strength; he couldn't quite get him to straighten his leg. "Damn it!" Guy bent forwards in an attempt to stab him with a kunai , but Sportmaster's shoulder plate proved to be sufficient armor. Quickly, Guy rolled again at a speed the assassin did not anticipate, throwing him off.

As Sportsmaster rose again, Guy punched him square in the face, sending him careening into a tree. However, Guy noted his hand was stinging. "Ow! Whatever this stranger's mask is made of, it's a lot harder than I thought!"

Sportsmaster apparently did not take the full force of the punch; he was back up, only a bit irritated and in less pain then he should have been in. Quickly, he scaled the tree behind him. "I'd say you hit harder than even Bane! Well, I've got something special for that!" He unzipped a duffel bag he brought for occasions like this in the branches, and procured a large but heavy ball. "You should feel honored. I'll have to bring out all the toys for you!"

Sticking his fingers in it, he landed back on the earth and he rolled the ball across the ground. Guy wasn't sure how to react, but suddenly the ball sped up, a rocket hurling it forward. Guy tried to catch it, but the ball caught him square in the stomach instead. Guy lurched forward, and despite the pain, he reacted in time to catch a javelin thrown at him. However, the said object exploded. "AHHH!" Guy clutched his hand in pain. Though it wasn't blown off, it was covered in burns; it would take his all his will power to continue fighting with it. Suddenly, Sportsmaster appeared before him, uppercutting him into the air. Though Guy tried to maintain balance, Sportsmaster grabbed his legs and threw him to the ground. Like a trained UFC champion, he began pummeling the Taijutsu master's face.

Despite the pain, Guy managed to kick him off. "I'm not through yet!" Guy yelled. He kiyupped back up, and reached for something in his vest. He brandished a nunchaku, twirling it with speed and precision that would make Bruce Lee back on Sportsmaster's world proud.

Sportsmaster looked at him curiously. "I see. I guess I'll have to duel you fair and square after all." Sportsmaster brandished a hilt, which then sprouted a small and narrow sectional blade, forming a rapier. The two eyed each other cautiously. Finally, they charged.

Sportsmaster's blade came forward, which Guy blocked. Sportsmaster was easily knocked away, nearly losing his balance. Guy charged, but Sportsmaster flipped over and avoided a strike to his knee. He managed to slash across Guy's side. It bled, but it was nothing serious. At the same time, Guy managed to nail Sportsmaster on the upper arm. Though his arm did not break, he could feel the massive bruise forming.

"Enough!" Sportsmaster activated a switch inside his boot, and cleats as sharp as razors popped out. Quickly, he kicked Guy across the cheek, causing him to stumble back. Guy took a moment to feel his face, and noticed the copious amount of blood on his hand. His face probably looked like he had just tried to kiss a mad cat. Guy glared back at him...then gave him a cocky smile, snickering. "What's so funny?" Sportsmaster asked.

"You are indeed a worthy opponent. No more holding back!" he announced proudly.

Suddenly, Guy seemed to get his second wind and charged. Though Sportsmaster parried his nunchaku strikes, he was truly on the defensive this time. "Shit! Where is this power coming from!?" Sportsmaster found an opening and made a stabbing motion to Guy's eye. The taijutsu master, however, caught it just before he lost it. His hand bled a little from catching the sword, but otherwise no mortal harm came to him. "WAHH!" Guy spun and nailed Sportsmaster across the ribs with his nunchaku, sending him flying and falling onto the ground in a heap once more.

Despite feeling like his chest was on fire, Sportsmaster rose. He was about to engage him with his rapier, but looked in disgust as he saw it was broken. Looking to Guy, he saw the green beast holding the broken blade in his hand, tossing it aside and getting ready with his weapon in a manner similar to Jeet Kune Do, staying light on his feet. "Okay. I lied." Sportsmaster announced. "I think I'm going to fight dirty after all."

Out of nowhere, Sportsmaster threw the strangest shaped ball Guy had ever seen. Guy used his nunchaku to knock it back...and the ball exploded, releasing a white gas. Guy, not anticipating it, breathed it in and choked. His eyes watered like crazy; it would have been the equivalent of using wasabi as eyedrops! His lungs felt like they were on fire, and Guy was convinced he was truly suffocating. Ninja had made similar chemical weapons like this, but this was on a completely different level. This was much more refined.

Guy tried to get his bearings straight, but Sportsmaster, his mask protecting him from the tear gas, launched his assault. He wailed on Guy with punches that would make Mike Tyson cry in shame, the green beast helpless before him. "Well, I must say I enjoyed this, but I'd imagine we have attracted some attention by now. So...I'm going to put an end to this." Flipping over, he wrapped his legs around Guy's neck and pulled on his arm, trapping him in a triangle choke. Guy, disoriented, was seemingly helpless before him...

Robin had always been an early riser. Then again, waking up in a strange world wouldn't allow one to sleep soundly. Seeing as Kid Flash was not here, and that his teammates were probably sleeping in, he decided to go for a walk around the town. He noticed some people watching him from the rooftops...other ninjas, he guessed...but he could see they were not about to attack him. Just keep an eye on him. They probably weren't using their stealth abilities to the fullest either. It was probably a subtle warning not to do anything funny. Still, Robin decided he had nothing to worry about.

Deciding to take it easy, he sat back onto a bench and stretched. Having nothing better to do, he took out his gauntlet from under his jacket, put it on and uploaded some pictures. While he wouldn't deny how fascinating it was to be in another world, he couldn't help but feel homesick when the prospect of returning was questionable. He figured seeing some familiar faces and events would help make him feel a bit better as he began browsing through them. Some of it was of his team...others were of the League. "Incredible!"

Robin turned around sharply, and found Sakura behind him on the street. "Oh, Sakura! Morning!" Robin waved cheerfully, leaning his elbow across the bench. The subtlety was not lost on Sakura. "What are you doing up so early?"

"Didn't sleep well." Sakura explained. "I needed to go out for a walk. You?"

"Something similar." Robin agreed. "Kid Flash is gone with Superboy and Naruto, and it just feels weird to sleep in someone else's apartment." Robin collected his thoughts. "Uh...what did you say earlier? About something being incredible?"

Sakura seemed to fumble for words. "W-well, there was this...thing. Something that was there, but wasn't. Like a picture in the air, but I could almost see right through it."

"Ah." Robin said. "You must mean this hologram."

"Hologram?"

Robin scooted down the bench and beckoned her to sit. "Come. I'll show you." Sakura hesitated for a moment, and took a seat next to him. "Would it help next time if I dressed up like Sasuke?" he teased.

Sakura's face flushed at the mention of him. "J-just show me what that thing was!"

Robin chuckled, and complied. "Okay. First, let me get our unofficial team photo up." He did so, as Sakura stared at awe up close. She tried to feel for the figures, or frame, but instead met with air. "It's a projection of light." Robin began to explain. "My glove has several circuits and sensors that generate electricity, send those signals and bounce them back, forming the coherent image before you."

"Amazing!" Sakura exclaimed. "Is this all it can form?"

"No." Robin said. "I was just checking out the photos it has. It's like a photo album, except they're all digital?"

"Digital?"

"Uh...does this world have computers?" Robin asked, realizing the village seemed to be a little bit behind technologically.

"Yeah...I heard of them!" Sakura exclaimed, snapping her fingers. "Though they're very expensive; I heard it's mostly the nobles who have them. There's even talk about them replacing typewriters..."

Robin chuckled. "Uh, yeah. We're way past that now in my world. Anyway, it stores the image of the object and is able to generate an accurate copy."

"I...I think I get it." Sakura said. "Though I don't understand how it could do that..."

"That is something I don't think I could explain well, so don't worry about it." Robin looked at the hologram he was showing her. "I was just feeling a little, well...homesick, I guess you could say."

Sakura gave him a sympathetic nod. "It must be scary...coming to a world like this. I'd hate to think of what would happen if the shoe was on the other foot."

"How 'bout we don't go down that road?" Robin chuckled. "...though if you guys could visit us, I wouldn't mind." Sakura stared at him incredulously, causing to look about awkwardly. He then got an idea. "Wanna see our mentors?"

Sakura nodded eagerly. She wondered about who these people were, to act as senseis to these incredible kids. "Okay. Show me!"

Robin typed a few commands on his wrist, and brought them up. "Some of these people have mentored us personally. Others are involved with us on some level. Others we don't know very well." He brought up a green archer. "This is Green Arrow. He's Artemis's mentor."

"I see. What..."

"If it's about how they came to be, most of them I can't tell you."

Sakura held her head down low in disappointment. "Of course. How foolish of me to expect you to actually tell me anything."

"It's just the rules we have to follow. Sorry." he said as he brought up the next one.

It was a red being covered in metal from head to toe. It had an arrow pointing down his forehead, and adorned a blue cape. "This is Red Tornado. He's...well, he's not human. Technically he's not even alive."

"YOU MEAN HE'S A ZOMBIE!?" she shouted.

Robin nearly fell over laughing at that. "No, no! It's more complicated than that. He's an android."

"I remember Artemis mentioning something about them when we first met." Sakura said as she thought back to their first meeting. "But I don't understand what that means."

"Well, remember what I said about our computers being more advanced? Well, we have our computers able to do mathematical formulas, store more memory that no human could hope to accurately maintain, and command machines to do things when given the appropriate stimuli. But some are even more advanced. They can communicate, act on their own, think...maybe even feel."

Sakura stared at Red's image in a combination of horror and awe. "You mean it's alive...and at the same time it's not..."

"Pretty much. In our world, we call it Artificial Intelligence. Red here was created by a mad man decades ago to infiltrate the Justice Society; the precursor to our Justice League. However, he was programmed too well. He wanted to BE human, and be a HERO, and thus was recognized as one. Right now he kind of serves as our babysitter, though he's kind of aloof."

Sakura nodded. "I still find it so wrong to create something artificial...maybe even cruel."

"Yeah, sometimes Red himself would agree with you." Robin agreed.

He began showing her various other members of the league. He started with 2 other people, a man and a woman. They were covered in armor, carried large maces and adorned wings on their back. Then two men in the strangest green suits she had ever seen; their powers and how they manifested were out of this world as well. Aqualad's king, noble and regal. The "real" Flash, and Sakura didn't think anyone could top KF's speed. Miss Martian's uncle, who looked even more alien than his niece. So many colorful people...

"Oh, this one's Captain Marvel." Robin explained as he brought up a buff man in a red suit and white cape.

"That's got to be the biggest chin I've ever seen." Sakura mumbled.

"Next to Jay Leno's, anyway." Robin quipped.

"Who?"

"Never mind." Robin said. "He's one of the league's most powerful members...though I noticed at times he acts like a child."

"Reminds me of someone I know." Sakura snickered.

Robin had to stifle a laugh. "Never thought about it that way before."

He then switched over to a gorgeous woman in a black jacket and leotard, causing Sakura to gasp in awe. "Who's that!?"

"Her name is Black Canary. She's probably the league's 2nd best martial artist, and has served as our combat instructor."

"But she doesn't have super strength?" Sakura asked.

"Doesn't need it most of the time. Not even Superboy has managed to take her down, and believe me, he's tried. And if she is outmatched, there's her Canary Cry."

"Her what now?"

"Basically she screams really, really loud. A shot of sonic waves from her mouth."

Sakura eyed him suspiciously. "That doesn't sound very useful at all. For a woman warrior...that sounds rather disgraceful."

"Well, in the unlikely event you do meet her, don't tell her that. You'll regret it." he warned her.

Robin, thinking of another member to show her, smiled. "Wait 'till you see...this one!" He then moved to a dark-haired woman who seemed to be wearing nothing but a highly stylized bathing suit, though they could see it was metallic and possibly armor. "This is Wonder Woman. She's kind of considered one of the three greats of the league."

"You mean like our sanin?"

"Now that one you'll have to explain to me." Robin said, taking a break from his lecture.

"Remember Jiraiya?" Sakura asked. Robin nodded affirmatively. "He's considered a great war hero and powerful ninja, as were his teammates. Tsunade, who they're trying to find, and there's...him."

"Ah, so we're going the 'he who must not be named' route?" Robin asked.

"I just had a very bad experience with him. That's all." Sakura said. "And Sasuke-kun..." "His other teammate was Orochimaru. And he turned evil. He's also responsible for the Sandaime's death."

"Yikes. Sorry I asked." Robin replied. "Anyway, none of our three greats are anything like that. Or...well, she was a bit of a problem when she first arrived." he cringed.

"How so?"

"She comes from a place called Themyscira, or roughly translated, Paradise Island." Robin said, explaining her origin. "It's home to a race of warriors called Amazons. They're much stronger than the average human, practically immortal...oh yeah, and they're all women."

Sakura's eyes widened. "A-are you serious?" Sakura couldn't decide if that was heaven or hell.

"Yes. Anyway, from what I've gathered, a soldier from my country stumbled upon the island. Realizing they could not stay in hiding any longer, the queen sent her only daughter to serve as their ambassador. Her." he explained, pointing to Wonder Woman. "Still, she was not used to our culture...or technology...or men in general. She came to one of our biggest cities to address the world. And she did it...wearing that."

"Yeah. At best, that's what you wear going to the beach." Sakura agreed. "Or..."

"ANYWAY!" Robin continued. "She got cat-called and one dumb ass touched her somewhere I don't think most would appreciated being touched by complete strangers."

Sakura face-palmed herself. "I see. Even in your world men are dumb asses. So, what happened next?"

"She threw him 3 stories up into a building. He's fortunate she didn't just kill him, since she was carrying a sword at the time too."

Sakura's skin seemed to turn a shade paler. "Anything else she's known for?"

"Oh, she has a lasso of truth. She snags you in it, asks you a question, and unless you know magic to counter it...you're forced to tell the truth."

Sakura stared at her, and looked away sporting a mischievous grin. "Oh, the things I could do with that!"

She imagined wrapping up Sasuke in it and hearing the words she always wanted to hear. "Sakura! I think you're the most gorgeous woman I've ever laid eyes on, and I secretly wish to marry you!"

Robin eyed her suspiciously. "I've a feeling you'd be too dangerous for your own good if you ever got hold of such a thing." "Anyway..." he began as he got her attention. "Here's the next of our heavy hitters."

A man in blue and red with a symbol similar to Superboy's appeared next. "This is Superman. If you remember, he's the one whom Superboy was cloned from."

"Why is he wearing his underwear on the outside?" Sakura asked as she quirked an eyebrow.

"What? You're complaining?" Robin snickered, still remembering what Miss Martian revealed when they first met.

"HEY!"

"Anyway, he has all of Superboy's abilities, but even stronger. Plus the flight and heat vision. We really don't know why that's the case. We're hypothesizing that he just hasn't spent as much time on our world as Superman has, but we never had a chance to verify it."

"You mean he hasn't taken the time to help him find out?" Sakura asked. "I figured he would want to look out for-"

"Superman and Superboy...don't talk much."

Sakura looked shocked...and kind of sad. "Why? I figured since they're so much alike-"

"It's complicated I guess." Robin said. "I mean, I guess one would feel violated if your genetic code was copied to make an entirely different person. Plus it would get kind of weird, you know? The whole 'He's you, but he's not you'."

Sakura nodded, getting the gist of what he was saying. "Hey..." she began. "You talked about all the mentors of your friends...but I haven't seen your mentor."

"Oh..." Robin said. "...well, you probably wouldn't believe me if I told you...still, this is for showing, not telling, so..."

Suddenly, an explosion out in the woods caught their attention. "That wasn't from the training grounds!" Sakura exclaimed as she and Robin ran towards the source.

"Come on. Give in." Sportsmaster hissed as he tightened his grip around Gai's neck.

Though Gai was stronger physically, Sportsmaster had the leverage in this fight, and he was about to pass out from the lack of bloodflow. If Sportsmaster wouldn't release him once that happened, it would only be a matter of seconds before he died. "Have...no...choice..."

Gai dug deep as he began to harness his chakra. Suddenly, his skin began to turn red. "What's this!?" Gai grabbed both of Sportsmaster's legs, and threw him off. Sportsmaster looked in horror as Gai looked like he was about to literally explode. "What in the world are you!?"

Gai said nothing as he leaped into the air. "Asakujaku!" Sportsmaster scrambled as he dodged fireballs that exploded from the man's fist. Though none hit him, they all gave him a run for his money and would have annihilated him had they connected. He ducked behind a ditch, waiting for the storm to end.

Finally, finally, once it seemed Gai cooled his jets, they stood facing one another, Gai panting furiously. Though he looked exhausted, Sportsmaster had a feeling he had more to give should they continue. "This is...this is unreal!"

Suddenly, a kunai and another familiar projectile whizzed past him. A girl with outrageous pink hair and a boy suddenly came to back the ninja up. Though Sportsmaster had no doubt he could take on the two kids, against Gai they could become a problem. "I guess I'll have to give you a 'To be continued!'" Sportsmaster shouted as he threw a flash bomb down on the ground. All involved looked away from the blinding light; when it was gone, so was he.

"Who...who was that man?" Gai asked.

"That...was Sportsmaster." Robin began to explain. "He's a master assassin from my world. And if he's here...then that means we may have a chance to return home!" he smiled enthusiastically before frowning. "And we chased him away..."

"But what is he doing here?" Sakura asked. "If he and your enemies can come and go as they please, that means they must be here for a reason!"

Robin nodded. "I know. And I wish I knew." Robin looked towards the forest. "And that's why we have to get back...soon..."

Meanwhile, Kid Flash stretched his arms and yawned. Sleeping by leaning against the wall sucked. "Well, that evening was quite eventful." he groaned. He looked at his heeled wrist, and smiled as he flexed it without any trouble. "Although it certainly had its perks." He then turned to Superboy, also stretching. "How you feelin'?"

"Still a bit sore." Superboy replied as he stood up and moved his hips. "I'm sure it will go away once I get some sunlight. "

Kid Flash nodded as he stood up and knocked on the adjacent door to Jiraiya and Naruto's room. "Hey!" he yelled forgetting again they couldn't understand him. "Time to get up! Are we bringing the, um...gorgeous woman home!?"

The only response was a groan from behind the door. (Hey! Ero-senin! What the heck is wrong with you!?") Naruto yelled from the other side.

Kid Flash opened the door, and saw Naruto struggling to support Jiraiya. He seemed really ill! "Great." Superboy growled upon witnessing the scene. ("You went and got yourself stupid drunk, didn't you!?") he yelled.

("No. A hangover I can handle.") Jiraiya replied. ("This is something different. I went to a sake stand with Tsunade. Talking about old times. She told me you somehow convinced her to come home; we parted ways, promising in the afternoon we would leave. I...I think she spiked my drink when I wasn't looking.")

Superboy's eyes widened. ("Why would she do that?")

("There's something she didn't want me to know...something she's not telling us. And it's something she does not want us interfering with.") Jiraiya warned them. ("It must be something really bad...")

Cheshire hated ramen; give her pho any other day. But it would have to do for now; there was nothing else for breakfast as she began her observation assignment from far away on a hilltop, her binoculars allowing her to see what was happening on the outskirts of town. She was waited patiently for Orochimaru's inevitable confrontation to begin. "The question is...just how will it begin?"

Finally, the one named Tsunade showed up. It looked like she was going to heal him, based on what she was told about this strange world. However, Kabuto interfered. "Guess not." Soon, Kabuto and Tsunade started fighting. For most of the fight, it seemed Tsunade had the advantage. However, Kabuto cut himself and spattered his blood all over Tsunade's person. The woman froze up and nearly fell to her knees in fear. "Interesting. Hemophobia. That' not exactly something fit for a ninja to be fearful for if anything."

Then, she took notice of something approaching them. One of them was moving faster than even the people of this world should have been able to. "That's one..." Another was leaping at incredible heights, a large steel ball bounding after him. "Bingo..."

("You!") Orochimaru hissed as he stared at Jiraiya.

("It's been a while, Orochimaru.") Jiraiya said, careful not to show he was drugged.

Orochimaru also saw he had the jinchuriki with him, and two unknowns. "Shouldn't be a problem..." ("Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got a schedule keep. Kabuto!")

Kabuto jumped to meet him, but one of the strangers jumped in front of him faster than he could react. "Oh no you don't!" Kid Flash held him down, but Kabuto easily flipped him off.

Quickly, he rejoined his master and cut his finger. Kabuto then preformed the hand signs for his master. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" Kabuto placed his hand on the grass, and a giant two-headed snake appeared before them.

"Great! Now you've got freaking Kaijus too!" Kid Flash ran away as the snake pursued him, but missed him by a long shot. Suddenly, a sinkhole of mud sunk it, while Jiraiya confronted Orochimaru atop an even larger snake.

"Come on!" Superboy said as he helped Tsunade to her feet. "Get up!" Shizune and Naruto engaged him, but Kabuto proved to be formidable; more so than he let on in the chunin exams. Naruto in particular was trying his rasengan, but it took to long to form and with one hit Naruto lost the focus. Kabuto then threw Shizune over him and into Naruto, knocking her out. The immediate threat out of the way, he set his sights on Superboy.

Kabuto lunged towards Superboy and attacked, but felt as if he was hitting a building. "Ow!"

"Back off!"

Superboy threw a punch towards him, which Kabuto dodged but stared in horror as he made a hole in the ground. It wasn't on the same level as Tsunade, but it was certainly enough to cave his face in. ("Yikes!") Kabuto threw his shuriken at Superboy, who just stood there and let the metal bounce off of him.

"KF! Get her out of here!" Superboy boy said as he gave the still trembling Tsunade to him.

Kid Flash carried her bridal style, but Orochimaru saw this. "No!" He knocked Jiraiya off the beast with a sweep kick and turned his attention to the speedster. His neck stretched an impossible length, and protruded a straight blade from his mouth.

"Whoa!" Kid Flash backed off, but the jump killed his momentum, and Orochimaru had him where he wanted him for another strike.

Or so he thought; Superboy pushed them both out of the way and took it. Orochimaru pushed him across the ground, but the only thing he managed to cut was his shirt. He pushed his sword into the boy harder than he had to with any other material, but all it did was cause Superboy to wince in pain. After Orochimaru stretched as far as he could, the boy grabbed the blade and forced himself to rise; though his shirt sported a gaping hole, not an ounce of blood adorned his chest. "Impossible!-" Superboy pushed the sword aside, grabbing the man's neck and pulling him back down to the earth. Orochimaru quickly got back up on his feet and attacked with kicks, feeling the bruises on his shins. ("Curse you!") Orochimaru reached over to bite him on the neck, only to chip his teeth. "What the-!?" Superboy punched once again, launching him into the air and tumbling across the grass. He then remembered Chesire's words. He got up quickly, despite the lack of functioning arms, and yelled ("It's him! He's the one!") Superboy lunged at him, and Orochimaru ran. "Kabuto!" Orochimaru yelled as he tried to avoid Superboy's pounces. ("The device! Use it! NOW!")

Kabuto, who had engaged Kid Flash while keeping Tsunade in a panicked stupor, saw what was happening. ("Hold on, Orochimaru-sama!") Kabuto threw down a smoke bomb, and leaped out, taking out the gun and aimed at Superboy. He pulled the trigger, just as Cheshire instructed him...and Superboy felt the mineral pierce his skin.

"What the-?" Superboy then felt deathly ill, a feeling he had never known before. He collapsed on his knees and fell face first into the dirt.

Chesire smiled as she saw the results. "About time they figured it out...now, what will the sidekicks do?" Even without the use of his arms, Orochimaru was practically a top-tier super villain; it wouldn't be long before the speedster fell as well.

("Hey! What's going on with Superboy!?") Naruto shouted.

Kid Flash pulled out his goggles and got a look. The sensors quickly zoomed in on Superboy, and spotted something very green. "Oh no...KRYPTONITE!" Kid Flash ran towards Superboy, but Kabuto intercepted him, to which Kid Flash flipped away. "Whoops!" He then turned his attention to Naruto, hoping he would have a few tricks up his sleeve. "Hey, Naruto! Get the green rock away from Superboy! It's hurting him!"

("Huh!? What'd you say!?) The blonde jinchuriki asked, not understanding a word he said.

Kid Flash groaned, realizing his only line of communication to everyone outside of Superboy was via telepathy. "Babe, where are ya when I need ya!" he groaned as he thought of the martian.

Kid Flash dodged another slash from Kabuto, and ran around him, ramming into him suddenly. "Oof!" Kabuto sprawled across the grass, taken off guard from his speed.

Naruto ran to aid him, but several snakes suddenly intercepted him. ("Hah! I'm not about to let you turn the tables on me!") Orochimaru said as he surrounded the ninjas with his dark summons.

Sphere transformed into cycle mode and took to the air. She unleashed plasma rifles, shooting down the snakes. Some managed to grab hold of her and constrict her. She didn't break, but she was definitely incapacitated as she continued firing and revved up in reverse. Though she managed to shake a few off, more would ambush her and restrain her. Suddenly, a couple fell as poison senbon were embedded into their scales. Shizune got up and attacked them with a kunai. Naruto quickly joined in with his Kage Bushin to pry them off Sphere.

While Naruto and Shizune fought off the snakes, Jiraiya helped Tsunade up to find cover. ("How are you feeling?") Tsunade asked, regretting drugging her friend.

Jiraiya groaned. ("Lousy. No thanks to you.")

Tsunade sighed. ("I didn't ask you to come.")

("Doesn't matter. For you, I'd come back for anything!") he smiled.

Tsunade gave him a grim smile in return. ("You haven't changed a bit. Still playing the stupid hero as usual.")

Jiraiya's hair extended to ensnare another snake. ("Well, I'd say I can hold them off, but I can't beat them just yet!") As another sneaked behind him, Tsunade intercepted it and uppercutted it, knocking it out. ("Don't worry! If my calculations are correct, the drug should wear off in a few minutes! Then, you should be in peak fighting condition! So just hang on!")

Meanwhile, Naruto escaped the barrier of snakes and observed the situation. ("Damn it!") Naruto cursed, as he saw Orochimaru right in his sights. ("I won't let you get away with this!") Naruto charged, forming his rasengan. However, it was not holding together, and Orochimaru knocked his hands away with a kick before it could take form.

("Foolish little boy!") Orochimaru kicked him, sending him sprawling into the ground.

"Hang on! I gotcha!" Kid Flash caught him, running back towards Superboy. Judging by the cuts on his clothes, it seemed he had gotten a fair thrashing from Kabuto. But that didn't stop him from charging right back at him

("Heh. They can have that creature. I'll finish off my two 'friends'!") Orochimaru said as he went to kill off the other two sanin.

Kabuto, who was about to put Superboy out of his misery with a chakra scalpel, saw them coming back. ("I can't do my job like this.") Kabuto sighed. He hurled his shuriken, Kid Flash frantically dodging it each time.

("K-k-kid Flash!? Can you slow down!?") Naruto stammered, the g-forces of the speed getting to him.

"Hn." Kabuto said. "He's too fast to attack directly. But that's all he's got..." Kabuto quickly tossed an explosive tag on Superboy's chest, hoping he wouldn't notice. Though Superboy reached for it, Kabuto kicked his face and knocked him out. "Ah!" Kabuto had to fight the sharp pain that assaulted his nerves. "Hmph. It seems even on the verge of death, he remains as solid as steel." Kabuto then charged for Kid Flash and Naruto, activating his chakra scalpels.

Kid Flash moved to the side, thinking Kabuto missed him clean until a hot, searing pain assaulted his muscles and caused him to nearly lose his grip on Naruto. "AHHH!"

Kabuto tried attacking again, but Kid Flash held Naruto up like a shield, who managed to block his attacks if only barely. ("Sorry, Naruto-kun! But I'm going to have to ask you to stay out of my way!") Kabuto suddenly roundhouse-kicked him out of Kid Flash's arms, and followed through with kicking Kid Flash down before he could react.

"Oof!" Kid Flash saw Kabuto pouncing for him, his kunai cocked back. KF quickly scrambled and escaped his stabbing range, running towards Superboy.

Kabuto smirked as he held two fingers up. "Kai!" As Kid Flash reached Superboy, the explosion sent both hurdling up into the air, knocking the speedster out upon impact with the ground. ("I better finish you off now!") Kabuto said as he raced towards him.

("I won't let you!") Naruto's clones attacked, which Kabuto dispelled with ease. ("I should have known you were nothing but a one-trick pony, Naruto!") Kabuto spun and grabbed what he assumed was the real Naruto's wrist, who seemed to be aiming for where the sun didn't shine with that kunai of his. ("What were you trying to do!?") Kabuto then dropped kick him, dispelling that one to.

Kabuto momentarily relaxed, before Naruto burst out of the ground, trying to hit him with that blue chakra ball. At first, it seemed he wouldn't avoid it, but the ball dispersed at the worst time for Naruto, and Kabuto only received a light tap to the chin. He stumbled, but he wasn't terribly hurt either. ("Aw, come on!") the blonde cried.

Kabuto smirked, and smacked him into Kid Flash, who was just recovering. "Oh man...stop the spinning..." the speedster groaned.

("Sorry about this, Naruto-kun.") Kabuto said, flipping his kunai into a killing position. ("You had potential, but your destiny ends here! It's a shame...you and Sasuke-kun could have stood by Orochimaru's side...)

Naruto looked at his hand. "Damn it! The chakra is coming together, but it's too much for my two hands to contain! There has to be another-" Naruto stopped himself. "There is!" Quickly, Naruto formed another Kage Bushin. Naruto held out his palm, while the other Naruto got to work forming the rasengan.

Kabuto hissed in irritation. ("I see what you're trying to do, Naruto! I won't let you!") Quickly, Kid Flash grabbed both Narutos and charged forward. "Shit! Fast! But I can still kill them both before-!" Suddenly, something from behind grabbed him, locking him in place. Superboy managed to rise up! He was clearly in pain, but he had just enough strength to keep Kabuto from escaping. "What!? The woman said this would put him down for the count!" Kabuto turned around too late to see Naruto form the complete rasengan, a perfect sphere, which impacted his stomach. Superboy released him, and the medic nin sent him flying.

("Yeah!") Naruto shouted, jumping in the air with his arms raised. ("I did it!")

Kid Flash, meanwhile, pulled the kryptonite off of Superboy. "Hang on, SB! I'll be right back!" Kid Flash ran off into the forest, making sure to bury the radioactive material deep.

("What was that stuff?") Naruto asked.

("The genomorphs who molded me informed me about it. Kryptonite.") Superboy slowly rose to his feet, Naruto surprised that green substance was all it took to bring him down after all the punishment he had seen him take. ("It's a radioactive material from Krypton whose radiation is especially harmful to Kryptonians. Strange, though...I was told if I got hit by it, I'd be completely out of it. It hurt...but it wasn't the paralyzing pain I was told it would be.") Superboy then smiled at Naruto. ("You got that move down. Great job!") Naruto stared at him in surprise, then smiled, scratching his head.

"Aw, come on." Cheshire sighed as she put her binoculars down. "Why is it the sure-fire way to beat a Kryptonian HAS NEVER ACTUALLY WORKED!?" she shouted in frustration

"Guess today's not our day, huh?"

Cheshire turned back to see Sportsmaster approach her, and quickly pulled down her mask. Even when he covered up most of his body, Cheshire could see from his labored breathing that he had taken a beating. "Rough morning?" she asked sarcastically. Personally she would have rather preferred to find him dead in a ditch.

"More or less." Sportsmaster said as he creaked his neck. "Anyway, it's probably for the best. The master wants to meet with this Orochimaru character when he's done."

Cheshire looked back as she saw the three summon 3 giant animals. "He's dangerous, even if he's missing both arms. You sure this is a good idea?"

"The master is many things...but if there's anything Ra's Al Ghul is not, it's stupid." Sportsmaster corrected her.

The sanin had resumed their battle on Orochimaru's new summon, when seeing Kabuto careen into a rock caught their attention. ("Impossible! He mastered the Rasengan!?") Orochimaru yelled.

("He sure is something.") Jiraiya agreed smugly.

"I thought he was a nuisance...but if I let him live, he could become dangerous!"

Orochimaru suddenly ran past Jiraiya and Tsunade. ("Hold on!") Jiraiya chased after him. However, Orochimaru shot out his elongated tongue, wrapped Jiraiya's ankle and slammed him back down to earth.

Naruto turned around, unable to react. "Don't you dare!" Superboy yelled as he cocked his fist back, ready to pound the crippled ninja.

However, Orochimaru saw the attack coming, and jumped over his shoulder. Naruto was now dead in his sights and nothing would stop the snake sanin. ("DIE!")

Orochimaru's Kusunagi sword shot out from his mouth...and impaled Tsunade, who leaped in front of him. "Tsunade!" Superboy yelled.

"Ba-chan!" Naruto screamed. He thought of how Iruka took a blow for him; he survived, the giant shuriken only got his back. But a stab to the heart? With a sword like that? Even the naively optimistic Naruto lost hope.

Orochimaru seemed to struggle, as Tsunade forced the sword out. ("You really are a fool, Tsunade...")

("I'm not out yet! I am Senju Tsunade! And I am the Fifth Hokage!") she suddenly declared with certainty. Tsunade made her hand signs, and the diamond on her forehead expanded into a strange x-pattern and Superboy could see the hole in her chest heal. "Sozo Seisei!" she yelled. ("This will use the chakra I have stored to hasten mitotic cell division, and make it impossible for me to die while this technique is active!)"

Superboy sighed in relief. "Hey!" Kid Flash said as he returned in a flash (so to speak). "Found a safe place for the Kryptonite! What'd I miss?"

"I think we should be more concerned about what's coming!" Superboy warned him.

"Kabuto!" Orochimaru yelled.

("Yes, Orochimaru-sama.") Kabuto got up, though still shaky; the spiral-like scar tissue in his chest was healing rapidly. Without another word, Kabuto used a kunai to slice Orochimaru's finger, and made the signs for another animal summon. Jiraiya and Tsunade followed suit. Suddenly, large animals which were normally able to be held in your hand appeared: a giant toad in a robe and short sword (short for him), a slug, and a purple snake, all of which must have been the size of King Kong.

("How dare you summon me, Orochimaru!") the snake yelled, shocking KF and SB. ("You know the price for my summon is a hundred human sacrifices!")

("We'll discuss the terms later, Manda-sama!") Kabuto hastily explained ("Now do your job!")

Suddenly, a kaiju-like battle exploded. The toad and snake battled with their sheer strength. The snake bit the toad, but while the toad recoiled in shock, he seemed to be fine. The slug shot acid onto the snake, causing it to hiss in pain.

Manda then constricted the mollusk, which exploded into a million pieces. The mini-slugs latched onto the snake, eating away on it. ("Good work, Katsuya!") Tsunade commended her summon.

"This...is...AWESOME!" Kid Flash shouted, clenching his fists in excitement.

("Yeah.") Naruto agreed, understanding him despite their current language barrier. ("It is.")

The toad slashed at Manda with his sword, scoring a good-sized cut. "Gamabunta!" Jiraiya called to his summon. ("Give me some oil!") Gamabunta sprayed his oil while Jiraiya spat fire into it. The snake was then engulfed in a fiery inferno; Superboy imagined even he would be writhing in pain were he caught in such a situation. When it cleared, all that was left was the snake's skin.

"Wow." Kid Flash commented in horror. "That...that was NOT a good way to go."

Superboy was skeptical though; he didn't buy that would be all it took to take out such a large creature, and even if it could, there was no way flames could vaporize a beast of that size so quickly. Superboy looked into the ground...and picked up a large heat signature underground. "Jiraiya!" he called. ("Behind you!").

Jiraiya looked behind him to see Manda erupt from the earth. ("This is it, old friend!") Orochimaru yelled as it seemed the snake would swallow him whole. Just when it seemed Jiraiya was about to be eaten, Superboy suddenly leaped into Manda, punching it's snout. Kid Flash, in turn, ran up the snake's back and knocked Orochimaru off the summon at full speed. Sphere flew up, knocking Kabuto off the snake. Manda collapsed in a heap and vanished in a poof of smoke, and Orochimaru landed into the dirt in the most awkward position, looking like a broken rag-doll.

"Please don't tell me I killed him." Kid Flash said worryingly; that was a big taboo for most superheroes, especially for the Flash.

"Don't worry." Superboy assured him. "I can still hear his heartbeat."

Kabuto quickly approached Orochimaru, and both suddenly sunk into the dirt as if it was quicksand. ("Enjoy your victory, Tsunade! Go, become Hokage! I will return, and force you to watch our home BURN!") Finally, they were both gone.

("Good riddance.") Naruto muttered.

"Well, it's done!" Kid Flash said, smacking his hands together. "The bad guys are beaten, we got your hokage, and BOY, is she a sexyHOLYSHIT!"

Everyone turned to see Tsunade begin to age and wither from looking 30 years younger than her actual age to 30 years OLDER than her real age, as her hair turned white, her muscles shrunk and wrinkled, and her full breasts deflated. ("The price of using the sozo seisei.") she explained as if she was caught in an embarrassing situation. ("I use all my chakra to keep my body alive. However, it's limited. Once all damage is repaired and my chakra is used up, the effects temporarily accelerate my aging.")

Jiraiya, strangely not repulsed by the sight and showing genuine concern, walked over to her. ("Tsunade...") he held his hand out to her.

("Don't worry; once my chakra recovers and and I store it back up, I will be back to my old self.") she assured them.

Hours later, Tsunade was back to normal, like she said she would be. The two adults convened at a bar, with Shizune, Naruto and the two young heroes joining them as they discussed her ultimate decision. ("It seems I can't ignore him anymore.") Tsunade sighed. ("Orochimaru is out of control. And no one seems to be able to stop him. And this Akatsuki...")

("We need you, Tsunade.") Jiraiya insisted. ("I can protect Konoha from beyond it's borders and intercept threats before they happen. But the village needs leadership. You're the only one who qualifies.")

Tsunade sighed. ("I don't know. I'm still...I'm not sure...")

("Then understand this, at least.") Jiraiya said. ("If you don't take up the seat...Danzo will.")

That caught Tsunade's attention. ("Danzo? So, he's moved up the ladder, huh?")

("I'm afraid so.") Jiraiya nodded. ("And his beliefs have not changed. Given recent events, I would not be surprised if the council is more inclined to agree with him. And if he does become Hokage, I'm worried he will undo everything the old man's fought tooth and nail to build...")

("Who's Danzo?") Naruto asked.

("You don't need to concern yourself with politics just yet, brat.") Jiraiya admonished him. ("Don't think you would get it anyway.")

("You have other problems as well.") Superboy interrupted. ("The weapon the guy with the glasses used against me...that was material from my world, specifically to harm someone of my kind. The only way he could have gotten it was from enemies from our world. I don't know the why or how, but they're working together. And what's going on with us will affect you as well.")

Tsunade nodded. ("Then it's decided. I will become the Fifth Hokage!") she declared, slamming her sake cup on the table.

Naruto chuckled. ("Glad to know you're not a total loss, Ba-chan! Just remember I'm after the seat too!") he declared without fear.

Tsunade just chuckled. ("Hmph. I suppose you are right. And, I think I just lost another bet. Strangely enough...I don't think I mind for once...") She then unhooked her necklace, and placed it around Naruto's neck. ("It's yours. Two others have shared this dream before you. They're gone; but you're different. I can sense it. Live, and become a great hokage. Make their passing mean something.") She then leaned over, kissing his forehead, causing Naruto to blush in surprise. ("Then we'll see whose best.") she said, giving him a coy smile.

Jiraiya sighed, smiling dreamily. "Tsunade...that's a side you should show to others more often."

("Alright then!") Tsunade said as she once more slammed the table. ("It's long past due I returned home! Shizune, pack the luggage! It could be a day or two before we reach the village...")

("Actually, we can get you there in hours.") Superboy volunteered.

("W-wait!") Jiraiya said. ("We're not going to screw around! We can take the ground-!")

("Sorry.") Superboy sighed. ("But we really are in a hurry. Just endure it for one more time, please.")

("Jiraiya...what is he talking about?") Tsunade asked curiously.

Naruto chuckled. ("I hope you have a cure for airsickness, Ba-chan! Ero-senin's going to need it!")

As Sakura taught Artemis and Miss Martian how to play shogi, they heard a knock on the door. "Sakura!" Mebuki said. "There's a boy here to see you!" she giggled.

Well, Naruto was away. Sasuke being here was wishful thinking. That could only mean... "Robin."

She got up, and ran down the stairs to see Robin and Kid Flash in the living room. "Hey." he said. "KF ran ahead of the others. They found the woman they were looking for!"

"Great!" Sakura exclaimed. "What's she like!?" She heard tall tales of Tsunade, but didn't know what was reality and fiction.

Kid Flash, being allowed into the mental link, chuckled. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you." he said. "Why don't you come with us? Superboy's going to land right on the Hokage's office near the mountain!"

Everyone awaited the Supercycle's arrival, Kakashi allowing them access to the Hokage mansion. "Here she comes!" Kid Flash exclaimed as he looked through his goggles. Suddenly, he began snickering.

"What?" Artemis asked.

"Oh man, you wouldn't believe me if I told you! You'll just have to wait and see!" he exclaimed as he began to hunch over.

When the Supercycle came into view, they saw it was towing some luggage. The cable was realeased, and other ninja quickly gathered it. The cycle finally touched down. Naruto, Shizune and Jiraiya were in the side car, the genin hopping off as if nothing was wrong. "Kakashi-sensei! Sakura-chan!" he exclaimed. "You wouldn't believe the trip we had!"

Shizune slowly got out of the sidecar, her knuckles white from gripping the edge, and Jiraiya breathing deeply into a paper bag, looking like he was going to need a few minutes.

However, all attention was centered on Superboy. As usual, he was driving the Sphere. However, Tsunade rode behind him, her massive breasts sandwiching his head. As Miss Martian gave him a dirty look, Superboy addressed her telepathically. "This is SO not what it looks like." he told her as his face turned red in embarrassment.

"Nngghhh!" Orochimaru hissed as he waited for Kabuto to prepare his medicine.

Suddenly, he wrapped his tongue across the entire bottle and swallowed it whole. "Orochimaru-sama!" Kabuto cried. "That high a dose-!"

"It doesn't matter!" Orochimaru hissed. "My arms are still not back to normal! I must have Sasuke-kun NOW!" he screamed.

"If you do it now, you'll stunt his growth, and even if you somehow recover all your ninjutsu, you'll never be able to use any of it to your full potential! Is that what you want!?" Kabuto yelled. "At least with a grown-up body, you'll be able to recover most of your strength!"

Orochimaru sighed. "What now..." Suddenly, explosions rattled the halls. "What's going on!?"

Kabuto pulled out his kunai, inching down the hall. Suddenly, a mace-like object struck him in the back, knocking him to the ground. Before he could recover, someone strong got him in a lock and lifted him off the ground. He was then thrown back into the room, and both he and Orochimaru got a good look at the intruders. Cheshire, and a man in a mask. "So, this is the infamous Orochimaru." Sportsmaster said, crossing his arms. "Heh. Not much of a legendary ninja with those arms."

"What is the meaning of this!? You said that green substance would bring that monster of a boy down!" Orochimaru yelled again.

"A slight miscalculation on our part. Sorry." Cheshire said, shrugging her shoulders.

"How did you find this place!?" he demanded.

"The entrance was a pain in the ass to find." Cheshire walked over and pulled a small object out of Kabuto's sleeve. "The general location was not."

Orochimaru gave them a dangerous look, desperately trying to downplay his current frailty. "That was some kind of tracker!?" He didn't understand their technology, but he was picking up their purposes quite quickly. "Just tell me what you want!"

"Fine." Sportsmaster said. "First, we want to reunite you with your former boss. And introduce you to ours."

The man in the orange mask entered. "M-Madara!" Orochimaru squeaked.

"It's been a while, Orochimaru." Madara looked over to a dried hand, carrying an ornate ring. One that belonged to Akatsuki and had the kanji for "Virgin" in the center. "Normally, I would have you executed by Itachi himself." he said as he picked up the hand, and removed the ring. "But I've recently formed a new partnership. And, as much as I hate to admit it...I may need your help."

Orochimaru's eye brow twitched. "A partner?"

"He can't be here at the moment." Madara explained. "But I've brought with him an associate. And what he has to offer may intrigue you."

Cheshire and Sportsmaster stepped away from the door, allowing another inside. He was an old man, fit for his age. His hair, though balding, combed back into cat like ears...or horns, like a demon. He had a rather elaborate fuman-chu, and his dark clothes were surrounded by a green cape. Underneath Orochimaru noted the ornate sword with the pommel of a dragon underneath. "Orochimaru?" he asked, not showing the least bit of fear. "My name is Ra's Al Ghul. And I have a proposition for you."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. At his peak, he felt he could easily take this man. But even then, he could sense something dangerous from this man. He felt like a child looking upon a wise man. "I'm listening."

Didn't have to wait so long this time around, did ya!? The next is coming soon, so don't worry.

Sakura's exclamation is also stolen from Death Battle's Gaara vs Toph, when Boomstick exclaims about Rasa (Gaara's dad) being a zombie.

Next chapter: Team 7 meets the Justice League!