Summary: He used to live life on the run. Given a second chance in a new world, Naruto learns what it means to work with a team and be a hero.
Dinah lifted the chopsticks to her mouth and took a bite from her smoke salmon. It was absolutely delicious. This was her first time visiting Japan. She always meant to come visit the country but rarely ever has the free time to have a personal life since joining the Justice League. In fact the reason that she is in the country at the moment is because she is on official Justice League business.
The past three days she has been trying to find a certain child hero that sprung up in Tokyo recently. First mention of this new underage hero was about three months ago. It was one of several topics that Batman brought up in a meeting. She didn't think it was that big of a deal as long as the kid is helping others, but Batman is the type of person who doesn't trust a single person in the world especially ones that display any sorts of super human powers. If a person in the world shows up with super human powers whether villain, hero, or civilian, Batman will create a massive profile on the person in case that person ever becomes a threat. The Dark Knight doesn't take any chances when it comes to global safety. As much as she hates to admit it, Batman tends to save many lives with his paranoia even those of his fellow heroes. Getting back on track, this new child hero popped up around three months ago during a terrorist bombing. Over fifty lives were saved that day by the child hero who revealed the power to manipulate and control the elements of water and wind. Amateur video of the incident showed a large tidal wave of water appearing out of thin air creating a protective sphere around survivors. This wall of swirling water knocked away falling debris and doused flames in an instant. What was more impressive was when the wall of water exploded outward in a massive tidal wave putting out the majority of the flames followed by strong gusts of wind put out the rest. There was no video footage on the hero, but many survivors caught sight of a child in a black and silver outfit with golden blonde hair. A couple weeks later more sightings of the child hero started to pop up. Soon enough Tokyo had its own hero protecting it.
A small chuckle comes from the gorgeous woman as she recalls some of the ridiculous names that are floating around the internet. Some people have too much free time on their hands. She reaches into her jacket pulling out a photo of the young hero. He looks to be from eleven to fourteen though it is hard to tell with the black face mask covering his face from the nose down. Definitely a blonde and wears a grey vest over a long sleeve black shirt. The image is blurry making any other distinguishing physical characteristics near impossible to make out even with the advanced technology at the fingertips of the League. If she had to harbor a guess she would say that he is between five and five foot five inches at the tallest. Putting the picture away, she finishes her meal and leaves the small restaurant.
The past three days she has been trying to spot any signs of the young hero but was not having any luck. She was sent on this mission by Batman due to her ability to speak Japanese. Plus, she knew on some level he was counting on her physical appearance to be appealing to the child. It was extremely sexist, but if the kid truly is a teenager than chances are like most boys his age he will give her a chance to talk mostly to enjoy her presence. Boys and men of all ages tend to make time to listen to a pretty woman. Unfortunately, there hasn't been much criminal activity and the small crimes that were committed didn't draw out her prey. If she couldn't make contact within the next twenty four hours she was going to head back home. No offense, but she was missing the action of doing real work to help others. She didn't get in the hero business to hunt down children.
Tokyo, 2:00 pm
Naruto sat on the edge of a thirty story building with a steaming bowl of noodles in hand. Ocean blue eyes are staring out over the city drinking in the sights that few ever have the pleasure of enjoying. Being able to use chakra to run up sides of buildings helps to give him such perfect views. Slurping down some more noodles, he thinks on the past few months like usual. To think that a half year ago he was in a completely different dimension and constantly on the run. He never would have had time to enjoy a nice bowl of noodles in the Elemental Nations. When one is a missing ninja, one has to keep on the move or risk being killed or worse, captured.
Konoha labeled him as a missing ninja after he ran away at the age of six. Normally, a child wouldn't be declared a missing ninja since he wasn't technically a ninja. In his case he carried the most powerful of the tailed demons inside of him and Konoha couldn't risk him falling into the hands of another village. As much as the citizens of his beloved village hated him, having the power of the nine-tailed demon was a military deterrent to other hidden villages. Plus, he snuck into the Hokage's private chambers and stole the Forbidden Scroll of Seals. Pretty impressive for a six year old with a year of training at the Academy. Though at the same time it was extremely sad that a six year old can get past ANBU.
It wasn't hard for him to survive on his own. After spending six years of having to fend on his own in a village where everyone wanted to kill him, he developed incredible survival instincts. He had the ability to sense negative emotions and used that to stay away from those that wished him harm. Extremely handy in avoiding hunter ninja. The main problem he had was learning to use jutsu due to his limited understanding of chakra. By limited he meant nonexistent. All he knew about chakra was to make a leaf stick to his forehead and the three basic jutsu taught at the Academy. He sucked at the clone jutsu and barely could perform the Replacement Jutsu. However, he was a master at the Transformation Jutsu which he used frequently to get out of trouble. It may be an Academy level jutsu but it was one of his favorites. Once he turned ten, he gained a new ability that made understanding chakra and learning new jutsu much easier. A rare bloodline ability. With it, he managed to learn a great deal of jutsu and gain strength he needed to survive against new powerful enemies. By the time he turned fourteen, he was pretty strong able to fight on even grounds with Chuunin level ninja. Jounin level ninja and higher required him to tap into the demon's chakra which was never a good thing as Kurama's chakra had the tendency to be felt for miles. It usually revealed his location in a heartbeat and made it hard for him to escape. He grew tired of fighting against Konoha hunter ninja. He even fought against several members of an organization called Akatsuki that wanted to steal Kurama's power for their own desires. There was never a moment of rest. Until Kurama suggested tampering with a time-space seal created in the scroll. Kurama had the crazy idea that if he poured enough chakra into the seal, the demon could rip open a hole to a new dimension. Apparently the ability to travel to separate dimension was a power that the Sage of Six Path possessed. The idea of living in a new world where he would be able to move around freely without looking over his shoulder ever second was too good an opportunity to pass up. Kurama did demand one thing in return should it work. The demon wanted to be set free. Naruto had no problem with that at all. The two worked on the seal for two weeks while constantly avoiding Akatsuki and Leaf hunter ninja.
Six months later, Naruto is in a city called Tokyo enjoying a bowl of ramen without any worries in the world. This is a strange new world. None of the people have any chakra at all. In this world life exists without chakra. He is the only person in the world with chakra, well at least in Tokyo that has chakra and can use it. Surprisingly enough, that doesn't make him a god or a god-like figure. People may not possess chakra, but there are those with powers that dwarf his own. There is a whole league of people that have individuals with incredible powers that could go head to head with him. One name that is worldwide and is considered the strongest in the world is Superman. A man with the power to fly, shoot heat beams from his eyes, move at speeds that are faster than a speeding bullet, strength of a god, and a body that is stronger than steel. Naruto knows from experience that even the strongest of individuals can be beat, but he highly doubts anything short of a Kage level ninja could hope to take on Superman. Then again, ninja don't fight head on instead using deception and various tricks to take down an opponent. Judging from the several videos he watched of Superman fighting, the superhero is a bit straight forward in his fighting style. That alone might be enough for an elite ninja to capitalize on. Naruto would love the chance to fight against Superman to test his own strength against the strongest in the world. Though his chakra reserves are much smaller now without Kurama. He is working on getting back to full strength.
Speaking of superheroes, he is becoming something of a hero lately. Three months ago he helped put out a large fire. He wasn't going to help at first. One thing one learns as a missing ninja is to keep hidden at all times so as not to leave a trail for hunter ninja to follow. However, he spotted a crying little girl that was wailing for her parents. Usually, he would have ignored such a seen. But he is in a new world far away from the Elemental Nations. There would be no point in Konoha or Akatsuki to come to this world since Kurama is the sole reason that he was being hunted and the demon is not with him any longer. So against all his instincts, he saved the girl and in the process saved dozens of other people. Naruto quickly fled the scene not wanting to risk his luck. Later on, while eating some dumplings, he watched the news and was surprised that he was being hailed a hero. People that he saved or family and friends of those he saved were thanking him. He was being thanked by others. No one had ever thanked him for anything. Heck, no one ever wanted him around. These people that he didn't even know were happy he was around. Some even went on to say that they hoped he stayed to continue to protect Tokyo. It felt really nice. For the first time he didn't feel like an outcast. Ironic, it took him coming to a new world where he literally is an outcast in order to find acceptance. So over the next three months he helped take down a few criminals just to test the waters. The people in Tokyo loved him. They wanted to know more about him. Journalists were desperately trying to find information on him. Naruto had to admit that he loved being shown so much respect. It is the reason he decided to stay in Tokyo instead of traveling the world. Why leave a place where he is wanted?
'I could go without the nicknames though,' thinks Naruto. Man, some of those hero names that people are trying to give to him are horrible. Kid Hero, Water Boy, and Masked Blonde are just a few that make him want to come forth and reveal his true name. Though if he did that his superhero name might turn out to be Fishcake. Naruto is an awesome name but people tend to think it is fishcake instead of maelstrom. Oh well, maybe a name that he likes will pop up. Stranger things have happened.
Placing the bowl in the pouch on the back of his waist, he stands up. He forms a hand seal and disappears in a swirl of leaves.
Tokyo, 7:00 pm
"Hey pretty lady."
"Why don't you come with us?"
"Yeah, we can have some fun."
Dinah smiles at the Yakuza thugs. "Thanks, but I have other plans." She goes to walk past the gangster, but the five gangster surround her preventing her from leaving. Her eyes bored into the one blocking her path. He is a couple inches shorter than her with slanted black shades and a cocky smirk.
"I think you better take our offer," smirks the leader. "I wouldn't want to hurt that pretty face." Laughter comes from the other members. All of them are leering at her with perverted gleams or licking their lips. No doubt the ideas running through their heads are degrading to all women.
"I was thinking the same thing," replies Dinah. A frown forms on the man's face. He gives a small nudge with his head. The tallest member of the group steps forward reaching out to grab her. In a quick movement, she grabs the offending hand and breaks the wrist with a vicious twist. A scream of pain erupts from the man. The others back away in fear as their fellow gang member falls to his knees clutching his broken wrist in pain.
"Bitch! Kill her!"
The fight doesn't last more than a minute. Dinah easily takes down all five thugs. Calculated punches and kicks soon leave all five Yakuza members lying on the ground unconscious. A sigh escapes the woman as she leaves the alley and continues to walk down the sidewalk. That wasn't any fun at all. She had hoped to relieve her boredom a bit, but idiots like that tend to be all talk no substance. The world would be so much better without such people.
Dinah sees a shadow move out of the corner of her eye. Curiously, she keeps on walking keeping an eye on the shadows. She spots another alley up ahead. Turning into it, her eyes try to track any strange movement. Her instincts are telling that someone is following her. "Whoever you are, I suggest you come out," says Dinah. The woman stands confidently. A sudden idea fills her head. "You wouldn't happen to be the child hero that everyone is talking about? If you are, I have come to meet with you. I am the Black Canary, a member of the Justice League."
In the shadows, Naruto stares upon the woman. She is definitely one of the most beautiful woman that he ever laid eyes upon. The woman has curves in all the right places with the black leather pants and top accentuating those curves. It gives him a great view of her impressive cleavage as well. He watched her fight against those Yakuza. Her movements were precise, elegant. This is a woman that was trained deeply in taijutsu.
He was traveling in these parts of the city due to a recent rise in gang activity in these parts. Watching the news helped him find the spots where criminal activity was more common. He never expected to see a woman trained like him. Unfortunately, his interest in her caused him to accidentally reveal his presence. Now here they were in alley with her trying to speak to him. She is using a language that is foreign to him. His eyes widen when he understands a couple words. 'Black Canary,' thinks Naruto. Ocean blue eyes narrow upon the woman. Yes, he recognizes her. What is she doing here?
Canary almost slaps her forehead realizing the reason she was sent here. "Sorry, I forgot that you might not understand English." She starts to speak in Naruto's native tongue. "I have come here as a representative of the Justice League. We have heard about your talents and wish to offer you a chance to join the League."
Naruto gains a suspicious gaze. Why would a league of heroes want him to join? They don't know anything about him. Something is not right. Perhaps he needs to make this woman disappear in order to show the League that he is not going to be controlled by anyone. "Well, you won't be joining the League as an official member. The truth is that a team of young heroes is being created to help train future young heroes like you into one day being full-fledged members of the Justice League," explains Canary. "I promise I am only here to talk."
The former missing ninja can sense no negative emotions which means that she is speaking the truth. Lying is a negative emotion due to its deceptive nature. It is impossible to lie to him or speak in half truths. He can sense such negative emotions without fail. That means that this is Black Canary of the Justice League and she truly desires to recruit him to join a team of young heroes.
He does like being a hero. The respect and gratitude he gets is like a dream come true. It was one of his dreams growing up to be a great hero like the Fourth Hokage. A dream he was forced to give up once he realized that there was a demon sealed inside of him and that the people would never be able to see past that. Now he was being given the chance to join the greatest heroes in the world.
Canary waits patiently for a reply. She is starting to think that maybe she was talking to thin air. Sighing, she turns around to leave. Her eyes widen in surprise to see a kid blocking her path. He stands at average height with a slim build. The boy wears a white hoodie with the hoodie back to reveal spikey golden blonde hair being held up by a black hi-ate. On the metal plate of his hi-ate is a nine with a scratch through it. The rest of the outfit consisted of a white long sleeved hoodie, baggy black pants, and blue Nike sneakers. Though she is unable to see his face, judging from the amazing ocean blue eyes and golden blonde hair, she knows that under that mask is a face that can break any woman's heart.
"So, are you interested?" smiles Canary.
"I work better on my own," replies Naruto.
"Sorry, but the Justice League is a team. No matter how strong an individual is, there are some problems that can't be solved by alone."
Naruto can't argue with that. There are many fights that he would have ended up dead if not for Kurama's help. He reaches up scratching the back of his head. Canary finds his scratching to be endearing. "Ok, I will give it a try. But if I don't like it I am leaving," says Naruto.
"You are free to leave whenever you desire." She walks over to him. Her eyes notice the way his body tenses preparing to take her down should she prove to be a threat. Giving a reassuring smile, she stops in front of him. "Do you have a name?"
"Uzumaki Naruto."
"Fishcake?" smirks Canary.
Naruto gives her a deadpan expression. "Maelstrom." Canary laughs in amusement before walking out the alley. He pulls up his hoodie and follows the woman.
Break
Batman is doing one last check on the computer. Four ice villains attacking on the same day was too much of a coincidence for him to overlook. There is something going on in secret, but he has been unable to discover that secret. It is something that he will have to work on at a later time, at the moment he needs to prepare a new team. A team of young heroes that will operate in the shadows. He has high hopes for this team of young heroes. The Justice League needs a team that can operate outside the law. Criminals are proving to be more elusive and organized than in the past. This team will be able to take down those criminal organizations while the Justice League can maintain its public image. He had been hoping to create a similar team with more experienced heroes, but this is even better than his original plans. These young heroes can be trained from scratch making them much more cohesive in the long run. An incoming message interrupts Batman's thoughts. Canary's image appears on the screen. "I found the boy. He agreed to join the team, but there might be an issue."
"What is it?"
"He speaks Japanese. It is going to make communication between him and the other members very difficult," says Canary.
"We knew that could be an obstacle from the beginning." Batman stares at Canary. "Any information at all on him?"
Canary frowns, "there is no existing record on him at all. I am at the mountain and ran his name through every database in the world that we have access to." The information appears on a screen opposite her image. Batman's eyes narrow upon the name. Uzumaki Naruto, now that is an interesting name. He is not familiar with the last name Uzumaki. Several years he spent in Japan training under various martial arts masters so he knows the culture very well. "He even agreed to give me a blood sample and nothing. Naruto says that he is an orphan that grew up on the streets and I believe him. I can tell that he is not giving me the full story, but we all have our secrets."
Batman runs the blood sample through several illegal databases. "How is he adjusting to the new surroundings?"
"In the same manner that you would," smirks Canary. "I swear it feels like he is a spitting image of you." Batman doesn't find humor in that statement. In fact that comment worries him a great deal. Still, it is better to have this unknown child working under the command of the Justice League than out there on his own. A child with the power to manipulate the elements is a weapon that many like Luthor or Rahj will desire as a pawn. Men like that are even able to sway experienced warriors like Batman to their side.
"I am on my way."
The screens vanish. Batman stays a second before heading toward the Zeta Tubes. There is much on the Dark Knight's mind.
Mount Justice
In a flash of light, Naruto and Canary appear inside the mountain. "I need to contact a friend. I will be back shortly. Feel free to explore the cave." She walks towards the main computer terminal. Naruto spins around to see the point where he came into the cave. It doesn't make any sense. A second ago he was in a phone booth and the next second he is inside this carved out mountain. Never did he encounter such technology or a jutsu like that. No, there was that one individual in Akatsuki that had the power to become intangible and teleport to any location. But to be able to teleport to any location at will is a power that any ninja would kill to have. He never thought that it could be replicated through technology. Then again, the technology in the Elemental Nations pales in comparison to the technology in this world. He learned that within a few days of arriving in Tokyo. The Justice League's technology is even more advanced than anything he used in Tokyo, but that is not saying much as he lived on rooftops and kept out of touch with society. Only technology he used since arriving was a vending machine. Though he shouldn't be surprised too much that the Justice League has such technology at its fingertips. It explains how certain members like Canary without the ability to fly or run at super speeds is able to get around the world so fast.
Naruto begins to examine the carved out mountain. Much better than the places he used to stay at. A wave of negative emotions hits his senses making him turn to face that direction. There is an older boy walking towards him. 'Superman?' Ocean blue eyes narrow upon the boy that is almost an identical copy to Superman. No, that is not Superman. Superman is a grown man not a teenager. This must be the son of Superman.
Superboy stares at the unknown boy that is eyeing him critically. There is no information at all on the short blonde. Cadmus made sure to telepathically download information on every single hero in the world even the ones not in the Justice League. He has information on sidekicks as well. Who is this new kid?
"Recognized Aqualad, B02."
"Recognized Robin, B01."
"Recognized Kid Flash, B03."
In a large flash of light, three sidekicks appear. "Oh yeah, time to go on some real missions. I am so psyched!" smirks Kid.
"This place reminds me of the Batcave," smirks Robin.
Aqualad's notices an unknown individual across from Superboy. "It is good to see you again Superboy." Superboy gives a small nod. The protégé of Aquaman turns to face the newcomer. "I am Aqualad, it is nice to meet you." He offers his hand. Naruto stares at the hand making new move to shake it.
Kid raises an eyebrow. "Talk about friendly, who is this kid?" Aqualad and Kid look at Robin.
"I got nothing," frowns Robin.
Batman steps forward drawing the attention of all the sidekicks. A small screen opens up behind Batman that begins to translate his words into Japanese text. "Welcome to the original headquarters of the Justice League. Since you are so determined to fight the good fight, you will do it under League terms. Red Tornado has volunteered to supervise the team, Canary will be the team trainer, and I will deploy you on missions."
"Real missions?" Robin notices that his words was translated as well. Why is there a screen translating all the words into kanji?
"Covert missions," states Batman. "The Justice League will still handle the big images."
Flash smirks, "there is a reason we have the symbols on our chest."
"But the bad guys are proving to be more resourceful," finishes Aquaman.
"The six of you will be a team." Batman gestures at Naruto. "His name is Uzumaki Naruto and he will joining the team as the six member. He speaks Japanese, but will be taking English lessons from Canary and Red Tornado."
Robin glances around, "wait who is the fifth member?" Batman looks behind the team. The team turns around to see Martian Manhunter and a pretty girl wearing a similar outfit standing next to the Justice League member. She is very pretty with long red hair falling down past her shoulders, green skin, and developing curves. The girl wears a white top, blue cape, blue skirt, and matching blue boots.
"Hi," greets the girl. "It is an honor to be on the team."
Wally nudges Robin. "I am liking this gig more and more." Giving a charming smile, he starts to talk to the girl. "Hey, I am Kid Flash. That is Robin, Aqualad, and Superboy but feel free to forget their names." Robin and Aqualad follow Kid Flash over to the new girl.
"Hey Superboy, Naruto, come meet Miss M," waves Robin.
Superboy walks over to the group. Naruto turns away instead facing Batman. There is something about the Dark Knight that commands respect and power. It is like being in the presence of a Hokage. Batman may not have any super powers like other members on the Justice League, but Naruto can see that Batman is a true warrior. A true warrior doesn't need super powers to be great. No, all that is needed for a true warrior is training and discipline. Batman has that in spades. "I will be staying in Tokyo when not on missions or training," says Naruto.
Batman shows no emotion. "The mountain has plenty of rooms."
"I am more comfortable living on my own."
"Very well," Batman reaches onto his utility belt drawing a watch. He tosses it at Naruto. Naruto places the watch around his wrist with a small click. "That watch will issue an alert when there is a training or mission. However, due to the need for you to learn English you will have separate training from the rest of the team."
"Understood."
Naruto turns around walking over to the Zeta Tubes. The computer activates as a bright light fills the cavern. "Recognize Uzumaki Naruto, B06." The ninja vanishes from the cavern.
Aqualad frowns. This is supposed to be a team yet one of their teammates doesn't seem interested in getting to know them at all. He never heard of an Uzumaki Naruto. That doesn't mean much as his interaction with other sidekicks was limited to Robin, Kid Flash, and Speedy. He knows that the world is filled with heroes of all ages, but he never met a sidekick that acted like Batman and that is saying something considering that Robin is Batman's sidekick. For the first time, he is starting to worry that this team might not work.