In a dark, foreboding room, Vandal Savage stood at the center, his scarred face impassively illuminated by the light of a projector. Around him, the members of the Light were displayed on screens: Lex Luthor, Ra's al Ghul, Queen Bee, Ocean Master, Brain, and Klarion the Witch Boy, who wore a particularly sour expression.
On the projector, footage of Tōneri's battle against Typhan played out, starting from the beach confrontation to Tōneri's decisive victory. Each member of the Light reacted in their own characteristic way.
Lex Luthor's face showed a calculated interest, his mind already working through the implications. Ra's al Ghul's expression was thoughtful, his eyes narrowing as he considered the potential threat and opportunity. Queen Bee watched with a mix of curiosity and annoyance, considering how this new player might affect her plans. Ocean Master seemed indifferent, though a hint of a frown indicated he recognized the power on display. Brain observed analytically, his mechanical features betraying no emotion. Klarion scowled, visibly unhappy with the loss of his creation, Typhan, while Teekl, his familiar, perched on his arm.
As the video concluded, the room fell silent. Lex Luthor broke the silence with his characteristic arrogance. "So, it seems we have a new player in the League."
Queen Bee's eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation. "His powers are unique. Manipulation of water and wind, some sort of powerful energy attacks... quite the arsenal."
Ra's al Ghul's voice was measured. "Indeed. Who might this be? Another Kryptonian? An Atlantean?"
Vandal Savage stepped forward, his voice calm and authoritative. "While Klarion's shenanigans were uncalled for and caused unnecessary damage, they did reveal a new development. A new variable in our equation."
Klarion, still pouting, finally spoke up, his voice tinged with frustration. "My precious creature was taken from me! I wasn't allowed to cause enough chaos!" Teekl meowed softly, looking up at him. "Don't tell me to calm down," Klarion snapped, glaring at his familiar. Teekl returned the glare, clearly unimpressed.
Ra's al Ghul interjected, "We need to find a way to deal with this suspected new Leaguer."
Klarion's eyes gleamed with malevolence as he recalled something. "The energy I felt from Him when he fought and defeated Typhan... it was almost the same as the one we sensed a month ago."
A heavy silence settled over the room as the members of the Light pondered this revelation. Ocean Master broke the silence. "Is there a connection?"
Vandal Savage's gaze remained fixed on the projector, which displayed an image of Tōneri standing before the Rashomon gate, his Byakugan activated. "Either way, he will either see the Light... or he will be destroyed."
The room was filled with a tense, anticipatory silence as each member considered their next move in this ever-complex game of power and control. Vandal Savage then turned his attention to Lex Luthor. "How is Cadmus coming along, Lex?"
Lex's face lit up with a self-satisfied smirk. "Our projects are developing nicely. Especially Project KR."
Ra's al Ghul raised an eyebrow. "Project KR?"
Lex leaned back, fingers steepled. "Let's just say it's an insurance policy. Should our plans require a more... direct approach."
Queen Bee's interest piqued. "And this Project KR, will it be ready to deploy soon?"
Lex's smirk widened. "Soon enough. Patience is a virtue, after all."
Vandal Savage nodded approvingly. "Good. We may need all the assets we can muster. This new player... his abilities could pose a significant threat to our plans."
Brain's robotic voice cut in. "His powers are unique and versatile. A thorough analysis is required to ascertain the full extent of his capabilities."
Ra's al Ghul added, "We must also consider the possibility that he is not alone. If there are others with similar powers, our strategies will need to adapt accordingly."
Klarion's frustration bubbled over again. "I still can't believe my Typhan was defeated so easily! That was supposed to be my masterpiece of chaos!" Teekl meowed again, this time more insistently.
Vandal Savage's gaze remained steady. "Klarion, focus. Your emotions cloud your judgment. We have more pressing concerns than your lost creature."
Klarion huffed but remained silent, his fingers drumming impatiently on Teekl's back.
Queen Bee leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "So, what is our next move? Do we confront this Variable directly or observe from the shadows?"
Vandal Savage's expression hardened. "We observe for now. Gather intelligence. We need to know his full capabilities and motivations before making a move. Lex, ensure Cadmus continues its work without interference. Ra's, I trust you will handle our operatives."
Ra's al Ghul nodded. "Of course. They will be ready when called upon."
Ocean Master, still frowning, spoke up. "And what of the Atlanteans? This incident will no doubt have them on high alert."
Vandal Savage considered this. "We will deal with Atlantis in due time. For now, our focus is on This new variable and the League."
Klarion finally spoke up, his tone petulant but resigned. "Fine. But when the time comes, I want another shot at him."
Vandal Savage's gaze returned to the image of Tōneri on the projector. "Very well. But remember, Klarion, this is not about revenge. It's about control. He will either join us... or be eliminated."
The meeting ended with a sense of dark purpose, each member of the Light returning to their own machinations, their plans subtly shifting to accommodate the new player in the game.
### Scene: The Batcave
The Batcave was a cavernous expanse, a hidden sanctuary beneath Wayne Manor. Shadows danced in the dim light cast by the massive computer screens that lined the walls. The air was cool, filled with the soft hum of advanced machinery. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, and the echo of dripping water could be heard in the background.
Batman, his cowl pulled down, stood in front of the largest screen, his eyes focused on the footage playing before him. The screen displayed various angles of Tōneri's battle against Typhan, each clip captured by the cameras embedded in Batman's suit.
Batman watched intently, analyzing every move, every technique Tōneri employed. He began to speak, his voice low and methodical, listing out the capabilities he observed.
"Byakugan: enhanced vision, likely 360-degree field, capable of seeing chakra or energy flow. High-level ocular power similar to meta-human abilities. Water manipulation: demonstrated with precise and powerful techniques, possibly elemental mastery. Wind techniques: effective for both offense and defense, seen in his 'Godly Winds from the Mountains' jutsu. Lightning kick: extraordinary speed and strength, capable of significant damage output. Physical capabilities: survival at extreme ocean depths, suggesting enhanced durability and strength. Speed: demonstrated Mach-level speeds when chasing Typhan and moving to summon the Rashomon gates."
He paused, his eyes narrowing as he replayed the footage of Tōneri summoning the Rashomon gates. The gates rose from the ground with a metallic clang, an impressive display of summoning prowess.
"Hand signs: used to activate techniques, indicating a structured approach to power use. Summoning: Quintuple Rashomon gates for defense, requiring vast reserves of energy. High energy manipulation: evident in his creation of the massive shuriken like energy projectile and And the massive energy ball used to restrain the beast, a likely restraining ability?. Sensing abilities: likely high due to his strategic deployment of techniques."
Batman continued to compile his observations, listing Tōneri's abilities one by one on the computer screen. He assigned a threat level equivalent to that of Superman, recognizing the potential danger and power Tōneri represented.
As he worked, the soft clinking of metal on a tray signaled Alfred's approach. Alfred carried a tray with food, setting it down beside Batman with a gentle smile. Robin entered the cave, his eyes drawn to the screen displaying Tōneri's dossier.
"Toneri, huh?" Robin said, his voice filled with curiosity. "He's actually impressive and has cool powers."
"Indeed," Alfred agreed, his tone polite but concerned.
Robin looked to Batman, seeking more information. "What do we know about him?"
Batman continued typing, not looking away from the screen. "Not much. He's from a different dimension. His abilities are advanced and varied, potentially on par with Superman."
Robin's eyes widened. "What will the League do with him? Will he join the League?"
"No," Batman replied, his voice firm. "But he will likely be a potential teammate for the young recruits."
Robin sighed, a knowing look crossing his face. "You want me to spy on him, don't you?"
Batman remained silent, his expression stoic. The lack of response was answer enough.
Robin turned to leave, understanding his task. Alfred placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder as they walked out of the cave together.
"Don't worry, Master Dick. Just do what you do best," Alfred said softly.
Robin nodded, determination in his eyes. "I will, Alfred."
Back in the cave, Batman's gaze remained fixed on the screen, his mind already planning the next steps. The emergence of Tōneri was a variable he had not anticipated, and in his world, variables were both dangerous and intriguing. The challenge now was to understand and, if necessary, control this new element.