Chapter 8: Solo Mission

Canary and Green Arrow look at Batman in surprise. "Are you sure about this?" asks Arrow.

"The government has given us permission to send one representative. He has the abilities to accomplish the mission," says Batman.

"No one is arguing his skills. The problem is that he doesn't have a way to communicate with others at the summit. That could be a liability," argues Canary.

Batman turns away from the monitor to face Canary and Arrow. "The lack of communication didn't stop him from taking command of the mission in Biayla. He was able to pull the team together to rescue Superboy and retrieve stolen alien technology. As a former mercenary he has revealed that most of his missions focused on bodyguard detail." The Dark Knight turns back around typing at the monitor. "Any member of the League that is sent will stand out too much. Aqualad and Robin are the next clear choices, but Naruto is more likely to stay hidden. Only acting when necessary."

Canary comes up beside Batman. "Those are excellent points, but what is the true reason? Is this a test to see if he is ready for the League?"

A tap of the button brings up an image of Japan's Prime Minister. The computer translate the speech into English so that Canary and Arrow can understand. "These past few months an unknown hero has been helping to save lives all over Japan. An honorable hero that doesn't seek glory and fame. Our country possesses a noble hero that fights each day to protect us. Whoever this hero may be, I declare him a citizen of Japan. He shall forever be welcome in our country!"

Arrow whistles, "the kid is getting some major recognition."

"Three days ago, he saved the Prime Minister's son from an assassination attempt. There are money offers from every news station for pictures of Japan's Hero." Batman closes the screen. "This will be a good opportunity to give him a chance to reveal his identity as more than a shadow. The League is already generating enough suspicion and press since most of our members are from a single country or aliens."

Understanding appears in Canary's eyes. "So you want to use him to show that heroes from other countries are aligned with the League as well," realizes Canary.

"I still think sending a fourteen year old isn't going to look all that great," says Arrow.

"I agree, but Batman does have a point. Naruto is the best option out of the rest on the team."

Arrow shrugs not having much interaction with the team. Batman sends a transmission for Naruto meet at the cave.

Mount Justice; September 7th

"Recognized Uzumaki Naruto, B06."

Naruto appears in the cave. He has on a black flak vest over a long sleeve dark orange shirt, fingerless iron clad black gloves, black pants that are wrapped up at the shins, and open toe black ninja sandals. Tied around his waist is an orange sash with a katana sheathed behind his back. The ninja walks towards Batman who is waiting. "There is a peace summit in Taipei between the leaders of North and South Rhelasia. Both sides are currently at an impasse and in a couple hours will be bringing in a neutral arbitrator to meditate between the two sides." Naruto remains silent waiting to hear the complete details of the mission before asking questions. "Your responsibility is to protect the leaders of the North and South Rhelasia, Singh Manh Li and Tseng." Two individuals appear on the screen. In an instant Naruto memorizes each individual.

"The arbitrator?"

"Is currently unknown and not your responsibility," states Batman.

"Understood."

This is one of the things that Batman likes most about Naruto. The kid doesn't waste around with pointless small talk. Straight to the point. Get the details and get on with the mission. "When you arrive stick to the shadows and don't reveal your presence unless absolutely necessary. The Zeta Tubes are programmed to transport you a half mile away from the peace summit building. Head out once you have the coordinates," orders Batman.

Naruto receives a beep from his watching letting him know that the coordinates have been received and downloaded. He heads over to the Zeta Tubes. In a flash of light the ninja is gone.

Cave

Megan is in the kitchen staring at a recipe. The ingredients are all around her, but she hasn't made a move to start cooking. All she has been doing the past two days is eating microwavable food. Batman's words still haunted her.

"Going to miss the big day."

Dinah enters into the kitchen. Megan doesn't even look up from the book. "Megan? Megan!"

The girl's head snaps up. "Canary? When did you get here?"

"That isn't important." Dinah places a hand on Megan's shoulder. "Today is supposed to be your first day of school. You have been talking about it for the past couple weeks. Why aren't you dressed or excited?"

Today was supposed to be the day that she started school with Superboy, but she really wasn't feeling up to it. Her mind kept going back to the last mission. "I guess I am not really in the mood," lies Megan.

Dinah takes a seat on a stool at the other side of the counter. "Still upset about the mission?" Megan refuses to meet Canary's eyes. Guilt fills her emerald eyes. "No one holds it against you. It was an honest mistake. We have all been there at one point where we let our emotions overrun our sense of rational and reason," says Dinah knowingly.

"Kaldur could have died because of me!" Dinah falls silent at the outburst. "I…I wanted to get to Superboy so bad. Kaldur was right there on the brink of death and…and…I abandoned him." Tears begin to stream down Megan's face.

A new voice speaks to her. "I forgive you." Megan's head snaps to the side. Kaldur walks towards her in civilian clothes. There is a friendly smile on his face. "I know what you did was not intentional. It was the heat of the moment. Canary is right, it was a mistake that is all. Everyone is entitled to make a couple mistakes," says Kaldur.

Fresh tears start to stream down Megan's face. These are ones of happiness. She lunges forward hugging Kaldur. Kaldur smiles hugging the girl. "I'm so sorry!" she cries. He holds her reassuring her that everything was fine. Dinah watched the scene with a warm smile.

Taipei

Cat Grant gives a smile as she begins to speak into the mike. "This is Cat Grant speaking from the peace summit in Taipei. The talks of peace between the leaders of North and South Rhelasia have broken down. In order to help get the process back on a track an unknown peace arbitrator has been called in. No one knows who it will be but speculation is all over the place with some even claiming that it is Superman." An amused smile is on her face as she cracks a small joke. "Though I suspect the Man of Steel will not be coming as I heard the arbitrator will be arriving by limo not flying."

Roy hides behind a pillar. He lifts up his arm opening communication with an old friend. "Red Arrow to Aqualad, can you read me?"

"This is Aqualad."

"I need you to give me Cheshire's height."

"One second…Cheshire is 1.76 meters tall." Roy hesitates not able to convert that to feet and inches. Amusement is in Aqualad's voice as he converts it. "She is five foot six inches and extremely dangerous. Do you acquire any assistance?"

A scowl forms on Roy's face. "Like I would need help from the Junior Justice League."

"No, just our computers. Good luck my friend."

Roy activates the sensors in his glasses. Immediately the glasses begin to scan the height of every woman within his peripheral vision. It locks onto a beautiful young woman acting as a merchant. She is of Asian descent and matches the Justice League database on Cheshire's civilian identity. He presses a button on his suitcase making it slide apart revealing a compact bow.

Cheshire changes quickly climbing on top of the stand. A limo pulls up in front of the peace summit. She crouches down picking up a rocket launcher. Taking aim, she prepares to squeeze the trigger when an arrow hits the rocket knocking it upward at the exact moment she takes her shot. The rocket sails harmlessly into the air. "Get back!" shouts Roy charging forward. He quickly notches another arrow firing a quick shot. Cheshire leaps over the air with grace and dexterity before drawing her sais. Another arrow is shot at her and it explodes releasing a net that she easily slices through. Roy tackles her in midair, but she twists them around. Hitting the ground, she straddles his waist aiming a sai at his throat. Soldiers and security personnel surround the two with weapons aimed at them both.

"Surrender!"

"Put down the weapons!"

"I surrender," smirks Cheshire. Her eyes dart to the side. Roy follows her line of sight. His eyes widen noticing a shadow darting straight towards the limo. The peace arbitrator.

"Copperhead!" shouts Roy pointing behind the men.

A scantily dressed woman that moves like a snake darts straight at the limo. Copperhead never gets the chance to hit her mark as her animal senses scream at her to move. She is unable to dodge in time as a kick strikes her across the face. Twisting around in midair, she glares at the one that dare to attack her. "You," hisses Copperhead. "Bad move. I told you next time we meet I would drink your blood!"

Naruto stands calmly not in the least bit intimidated. Copperhead is about to strike when guns are pointed at them as well. A scowl forms on her face. She stands down glaring at Naruto.

"The peace arbitrator is stepping out of the limo. It is…Lex Luthor!"

Lex Luthor steps out of the limo with a cocky smirk. He waves to the shocked crowd. The man turns around to see several individuals being arrested. "I see my arrival has drawn some attention," smirks Luthor. "You look familiar."

Roy's eyes narrow. "What are you doing here?"

"Please release him, this is Green Arrow's sidekick."

"Former sidekick," corrects Roy.

A soldier frowns, "but he is a foreigner."

"Lex Luthor vouches for him," smiles Luthor. The soldier salutes before releasing Roy.

"The last thing I want is to be helped by you."

"A simple thank you will suffice." Luthor turns to see the other young hero being released after revealing an identification card. The billionaire walks over to the unknown young hero. "I take it you are the representative sent by the Justice League to watch over the peace summit." Roy frowns narrowing his eyes upon the blonde. He recognizes the younger boy immediately. Uzumaki Naruto a member of the Junior Justice League. "I don't believe we have been introduced. Lex Luthor, a pleasure to meet you," smiles Luthor extending his hand.

Naruto doesn't even acknowledge Luthor's existence. He forms a hand seal and in a cloud of smoke vanishes into thin air. "Not very talkative," says Luthor.

Roy walks up to Luthor. "Stop trying to play the hero. I have information linking you to supplying both North and South with weapons. You are profiting from this war."

"True, but the profits from forming a united Rhelasia is far greater than two separate factions," smiles Luthor. "I don't pretend to be an angel. It just so happens that I am on the side of the angels." Roy scowls not believing a word. "Still, there is a matter of the assassination on my life. How about I hire you to investigate the matter?"

"Your money has blood on it. I want no part of it."

Luthor chuckles in amusement. "So you will do it for free? I do so love heroes." Fixing his tuxedo, he walks towards the leaders. "Gentlemen, gentlemen, let's put on some smiles for the camera!"

Taipei; Jail

Cheshire flows from one kata to the next. Cells are so boring. A girl has to find some way to have fun. She stretches out her leg lifting it into the air and reaching out to touch her toes. An annoyed hiss comes from the other side of the cell. "I am going to kill that boy next time I see him," hisses Copperhead.

"If you say so," taunts Cheshire. Copperhead narrows her eyes. She would rip out Cheshire's throat but her hands are cuffed. In her current state Cheshire would take her out without much trouble. Even an animal as dangerous as snake knows when it is cornered.

The doors open up and Red Arrow enters the cell in his gear. "Oh look, if it isn't my favorite little sidekick," smirks Cheshire. "Come to pay me a visit? That is so sweet. Keep this up and I might even let you take me out properly."

Red Arrow ignores her comments. "Who hired you?"

"Shadows."

"What did they want? Was your mission to kill Luthor or disrupt the peace summit?"

Cheshire makes a gun pointing it at Red Arrow. "One stone, two birds."

A new voice speaks up. "No point in questions." Red Arrow, Cheshire, and Copperhead turn to see Naruto sitting on the bench eating a piece of pocky. He is staring at the ceiling with a nonchalant expression. None of the highly trained three individuals even sensed or noticed Naruto's presence.

Red glares at Naruto. "What do you mean?"

"You didn't stop her, she let you," answers Naruto. Copperhead bursts out laughing. Cheshire smirks with an amused expression. Red clenches his hand into a fist. The former sidekick can tell from the reactions of both women that Naruto was deduced the truth. "Copperhead was the true assassin, question her."

Copperhead flicks her tongue with a smirk that reveals her fangs. "Go ahead hotshot. Come in here and question me if you got the guts."

Cheshire looks over at Naruto. "You are pretty good ever think about becoming an assassin? I am sure I can find you some good work."

"Already offered, no thanks."

Roy raises an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"

"It means that the Shadows already approached the kid to join," answers Copperhead. "I am glad you turned it down. Your head is mine."

Naruto glances at Copperhead. He looks away not in the least bit concerned. Copperhead hisses in anger at the dismissal. Cheshire makes a hidden signal with her hand. Immediately, Cheshire grabs the bars ducking down. Roy is confused but soon realizes. "Oh no…" The wall at the back of the cell explodes. Once the smoke clears it reveals a large hole. Copperhead stands up the cuffs falling from her wrists. She picked her way out. Her eyes narrow upon Naruto who stands outside the cell.

"Remember your head belongs to me," hisses Copperhead.

"Let's go ladies!"

Cheshire scowls turning around to see Sportsmaster. "No, not you."

"Beggars can't be chooses," states Sportsmaster climbing up the rope. Cheshire leaps through hole with Copperhead behind her.

"They are getting away!" shouts Red Arrow heading for the roof. Naruto doesn't make a move to chase. Following them is not part of the mission. In a swirl of leafs he vanishes into thin air.

Mount Justice

Canary spots Kaldur at the computer watching the peace summit at Taipei. Curiosity fills the woman at seeing his interest in the peace summit. She walks over to Aquaman's sidekick. "Keeping track of Naruto?" asks Canary knowingly.

Kaldur glances at Canary. "Yes." Canary stands silently. "There is no denying that Naruto is the strongest member on the team. I am not concerned on whether or not he can handle the danger. He has proved that countless times on every mission. Naruto has a wide variety of skills that make him adept at any given situation."

"What is the concern then?"

Typing into the computer, it brings up an image of Luthor trying to be friendly with Naruto. Naruto doesn't even acknowledge Luthor and vanishes in a cloud of smoke. "I am concerned that all this is a job to him. A chore to cure boredom." Kaldur stares at Naruto. "What happens when he gets bored of the job? Will he change sides?"

Canary has to admit that the thought has crossed her mind several times. When she first brought him to the cave he was cold and detached. As the weeks went on she watched him starting to open up. He started to interact with Megan. Showing up to eat her home cooked meals and spending hours listening to the girl through mental conversation. Naruto never knew it, but his openness to Megan's telepathy made her feel more relaxed and comfortable. Unlike the others that were uncomfortable with a voice in their heads, Naruto was the first to accept Megan's culture. Then Naruto started to train with Superboy. The two grew closer to the point that Superboy could communicate with Naruto through body language instead of words. Naruto started to give suggestions to Kaldur in order to increase the effectiveness of mission assignments. Artemis was next to fall to Naruto's silent charm. Mostly cause Naruto accepted Artemis right off the bat. He respected her abilities as an archer and didn't care about her past. Canary remembers Naruto telling her that he is able to tell when a person is lying due to being able to sense negative emotions. That means Naruto knew Batman and Arrow were lying about Artemis's identity but still trusted her.

The past couple days since Biayla, Naruto has reverted to a cold, detached personality. Megan admitted that she was afraid she lost Naruto as a friend because he missed lunch the past two days and hadn't spoken to her since the mission in Biayla. Naruto didn't even show up to training yesterday. Canary knew that Superboy was upset to lose his sparring partner. The mission didn't go that badly so why did Naruto revert to his old personality?

"All we can do is believe that he will see this team as more than a job. And see the individual members as friends," smiles Canary.

"Naruto is a friend," says Kaldur. Canary smirks.

Taipei

Naruto hides in the shadows. No one even knows that he is in the room. The room is empty at the moment, but guards keep checking on the room to make sure it will be ready for the peace summit. He waits patiently knowing that in a few minutes it will begin to fill up. As he is thinking, camera crews escorted by security personnel and soldiers start to enter into the room. Red Arrow soon enters the room still in his gear meaning that he failed to take down Cheshire and Copperhead. Naruto is not surprised by that. Cheshire and Copperhead are weak compared to the former ninja, but far above Red's league. The surprising part is that Red wasn't killed trying to take the two out. Moving, Naruto makes sure to stay out of Red's line of sight. Red's glasses have the ability to pick up heat signatures and Naruto doesn't want his cover blown.

Red Arrow is a well-trained individual. In terms of long range capabilities Red Arrow is more skilled than Artemis. However, in the short time that Naruto observed Red Arrow's close range combat it was lacking so to speak. Cheshire could have killed Red Arrow. Instead she choose to surrender letting Red Arrow think he foiled their plans. An assassin would never reveal themselves in such a manner. Naruto didn't even pay her any attention focusing on a secondary attack, which turned out to be Copperhead. The mission was to protect the peace summit specifically the leaders of North and South Rhelasia. He had no obligation to protect the peace arbitrator, Lex Luthor. But he had intervened anyway trusting h is instincts. His instincts told him there was something wrong about Copperhead's assault. Too straight forward. And it lacked…intent.

'A staged assassination?'

"Thinking too much brat. Just fight and leave the thinking to others."

Kurama's voice rings in his head. That was what the fox would say in a situation like this. Naruto gains a small smile. That is right, he is not here to think. Protect the summit and beat up anyone that tries to attack.

An hour later, everything is set up for the summit. Lex Luthor is mediating between the two groups. "Our countries will never agree with each other," glares Tseng.

Luthor gives a reassuring smile, "we may not agree on much, but I know you both enjoy the ancient Rhelasia tea ceremony."

A beautiful geisha in a red and gold decorated kimono. She is pushing a tray towards the head table. Kunai sail down from above piercing the ground. Naruto lands between the cart and the summit. Red immediately draws his bow notching an arrow. Luthor watches with a calm expression. "Plan will fail, should surrender," says Naruto.

Cheshire smirks, "getting a little better at speaking." Hitting a button, she shoves the cart forward. It doesn't move an inch much to her surprise. Naruto's hand is on the other side holding it still. With a powerful shove he sends the cart slamming into Cheshire's chest. She quickly disables the bomb to avoid being killed. Arrows sail at her forcing her to flip backwards. As she touches down she has a sai in each hand. "You are really starting to get on my nerves." The wall behind her explodes. A helicopter hovers in the air outside the hole. Copperhead and Sportsmaster land inside the building followed by a group of assassins from the League of Shadows.

Naruto reaches into his pouch and tosses a barrage of shuriken. Copperhead and Sportsmaster easily dodge the shuriken. "Need to work on that aim kid," smirks Sportsmaster drawing a javelin. An explosion from behind causes Sportsmaster to turn around. His eyes widen upon seeing the helicopter plummet towards the ground. Eyes burn with anger. The kid was never aiming for them, he was aiming for the helicopter to prevent any escape.

"He's mine!" Copperhead darts forward. Naruto avoids several slashes before getting behind Copperhead. Grabbing her arm, he tosses her at Sportsmaster who tried to sneak up behind him.

Sportsmaster avoids Copperhead tossing his javelin at Naruto. "I got a score to settle with the kid." Naruto catches the javelin tossing it at several Shadow assassins. The javelin explodes taking out three assassins. Sportsmaster draws a mace swinging it at Naruto, but Naruto cuts through it with his katana before moving at speeds Sportsmaster is unable to follow. A knee to the stomach followed by a spin kick sends Sportsmaster flying. Naruto ducks lower under a slash before spinning around with a leg sweep knocking down Copperhead. He spins around tossing two kunai that pierce the legs of two more assassins that tried to go for the Rhelasia leaders.

Red Arrow is battling it out with Cheshire. "How does it make you feel knowing that the one doing the most work to protect the peace summit is part of the Junior Justice League," smirks Cheshire. He responds by shooting several more arrows at her. Laughing, she dodges the arrow engaging him in close range.

Copperhead and Sportsmaster continue their dual assault on Naruto. Punches, kicks, claws, and teeth all try to land a blow on the ninja, but not a single one lands. Naruto stands on his hands spinning around to deliver a kick to Copperhead and Sportsmaster's chest. Both assassins are sent flying into pillars in opposite directions. 'My speed is getting better,' thinks Naruto. 'I am almost back to my former speed. I will work on my strength next.'

"I will kill you," Copperhead spits out blood. In anger she charges at Naruto. Her attacks are becoming wild and sloppy. He easily dodges a couple swipes before burying his fist in her gut. Grabbing the back of her head, he brings it down into his rising knee. A crunching sound fills the air as her nose is broken. Blood from the break splashes into her eyes. He spins around slamming her face first into the cement floor. Naruto stands up leaving the unconscious Copperhead on the floor. The ninja turns to face Sportsmaster.

"Next?" asks Naruto.

Sportsmaster takes a step back. "Getting better with each little mission your team does huh? Santa Prisca, Biayla, what next?" Naruto walks towards Sportsmaster. "Another time boy." Sportsmaster turns tail and runs leaping from the hole in the wall. Naruto watches as Sportsmaster spreads his arms revealing a strange garb that allows him to glide through the air. The ninja turns around flicking his wrist. Six shuriken sail through the air striking the remaining Shadow assassin in the knees disabling them and allowing security to take them out.

Red Arrow takes a kick to the face knocking him into the wall. Cheshire spins around tossing her sai at the leaders of North and South Rhelasia. A pair of kunai sail through the air knocking the weapons off target. "That is my cue to leave," Cheshire follows Sportsmaster's example. She leaps through the hole in the wall and disappears into the night.

"This…isn't over," wheezes Copperhead. Naruto walks away from the female assassin. Cameras starts to zoom in on him. Multiple flashes fill the air. Forming a hand seal, he vanishes in a swirl of leaves.

Cave

"Recognized B06, Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto enters into the cave. Batman and Canary are waiting for him. He walks towards the two with a blank expression. "Mission accomplished," reports Naruto.

"Well done," praises Canary. "A bit on the brutal side when dealing with Copperhead." Naruto looks at her curiously. She gives him a knowing look.

Batman stares down at Naruto. "You did well. The peace summit was a success even if most of the credit is going to Lex Luthor." Naruto gives a nod. He turns around heading not to the Zeta Tubes, but deeper into the cave.

Canary shouts out to him, "where are you going?"

"Hungry."

Unknown Location

Lex Luthor sits across from Raj al Ghul. "It would seem that child is far more skilled than we ever imagined. None of your assassins came close to matching him."

"Such skill would still be a great help to our plans. For now we let him live," states Raj al Ghul.

"I agree. He may have thwarted our original plans, but I was still able to sway the leaders to join together," Luthor smirks as he takes a sip from his wine.