Naruto Multiverse

Himawari perched on the edge of a towering skyscraper, the city sprawling beneath her in glittering lights and restless motion. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts as the wind tousled her dark hair.

'Do I just ask Daddy to save Kara? Or should I handle this myself and force him to intervene?' she mused, her heart heavy with indecision. She knew how protective her father was—how even the smallest scratch on her would send him into a storm of rage and guilt.

The idea of drawing Naruto out into the spotlight was tempting. He was a force to be reckoned with, a figure who had once dominated battles with sheer power and unyielding resolve. But she also knew the toll it would take on him. Naruto was already burdened with enough pain, enough shadows from his past.

Hima sighed, her shoulders sagging as her resolve settled. 'I can't hurt him like that. I'll just tell him. It's the only way.'

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and murmured, "Daddy, I need help."

The response was instant, his voice soft yet filled with a warmth that melted her doubts. "Anything for my Princess," Naruto whispered, his words brushing against her consciousness like a gentle caress.

The sound of his voice brought a smile to her face, and she giggled, feeling a sense of security she hadn't felt in a while. With newfound determination, Hima pushed herself off the ledge and soared through the sky, heading home. As she flew, her sharp senses picked up on the faint, sinister auras of Trigon's cultists scattered throughout the city.

Her playful demeanor shifted into one of grim focus as her fists crackled with energy. "Out of my way," she muttered, diving toward them with precision. Each strike was decisive, obliterating the corrupted beings in flashes of light as she cut a path through the night.

By the time she landed at their home, the cultists were nothing more than fading memories. Hima touched down gently, her heart light but her resolve firm. She had made her choice—not to manipulate or hurt her father, but to trust him as she always had.

Naruto would come through. He always did.

The dojo was serene, its tranquil atmosphere amplified by the soft rustle of the wind and the occasional creak of the wooden floor. Naruto sat cross-legged at the center, his golden energy faintly shimmering around him as he meditated. Beside him was Raven, transformed under his touch. Her new look masked her identity perfectly, her usual dark aura replaced with a calming presence that allowed her to focus without fear of detection.

Naruto's eyes opened as he felt the approach of two familiar presences. The sound of footsteps grew closer, breaking the stillness. Raven tensed slightly, but Naruto placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Relax," he said softly. "They won't know."

Standing, Naruto walked to the entrance just as Bruce Wayne, impeccably dressed even in casual wear, stepped inside, followed by Diana Prince. Bruce removed his shoes at the door, a small sign of respect for the dojo's customs, and gave Naruto a small smile.

"Good morning, Naruto. I hope you're doing well," Bruce greeted warmly, his sharp gaze taking in the simplicity of the space.

"I'm doing fine, and you? Feeling less stressed? Did my advice help?" Naruto replied, his tone casual yet inviting. He had always found Bruce intriguing—an admirable man weighed down by his past, though frustratingly stubborn at times.

Bruce chuckled, a rare sound from the brooding billionaire. "It did. You've got an annoying way of being right, but I'll give you credit. I brought someone along today." He gestured toward Diana.

Diana stepped forward, her movements graceful and confident. "Hello, I'm Diana. It's an honor to meet you, Naruto. Bruce has told me much about you." Her voice was warm, yet there was a hint of formality as she analyzed the man before her.

Naruto met her gaze with a smile, noting her subtle observation. "It's nice to meet you too, Diana. Don't believe everything Bruce says, though. He likes to exaggerate."

Diana's lips twitched in amusement, but she couldn't deny the strange connection she felt. Her mother's words echoed in her mind: The Chosen of Gaia. Her instincts told her she stood before someone far more extraordinary than he appeared.

Bruce, however, wasn't ready to let Naruto off easily. "You're being modest again. Diana's a fan of martial arts and one of the best I know. Why don't you show her what you can do? She might even teach you a thing or two."

Naruto smirked, sensing Bruce's subtle probing. The man was cautious, always searching for answers, always calculating. His suspicions were plain as day.

Diana, aware of Bruce's intentions, glanced between the two men. She wasn't one to shy away from a challenge, especially when it came to combat. "I would be interested in sparring if you're willing," she offered, her tone measured but eager.

Naruto nodded. "Why not? It's been a while since I've had an interesting opponent."

As they moved to the center of the dojo, Bruce leaned against the wall, his sharp mind piecing together the fragments of his observations. He had noticed the subtle connections surrounding Naruto—Pamela Isley's strange devotion, the unnaturally tame demeanor of the Suicide Squad, and the way people seemed drawn to him.

If he's the Guardian, this spar will confirm it. If not... I'll need to dig deeper.

The dojo buzzed with quiet activity as Cassandra took her place in the training ring, her calm demeanor contrasting with Diana's focused anticipation. Meanwhile, Naruto stood near Bruce, observing both the sparring preparations and his guest's reaction to his subtle questions.

"Father, how about I test her first?" Cassandra had suggested, her tone confident but respectful. "It isn't wise for someone to fight you directly; they should pass my test first."

Naruto agreed with a slight nod. "That's fine. Diana, will that be acceptable?"

Diana had smiled and replied before Bruce could interject. "I'll be happy to face your disciple. A test of skill is always welcome."

Bruce, ever cautious, allowed it. He reasoned that Cassandra's involvement added an extra layer of subtlety to their inquiry about Naruto's abilities. Cassandra was an elite fighter, and if Diana struggled, it would give him insight into the dojo's depth.

As Diana stepped into the ring, dressed in a martial arts gi provided by the dojo, Naruto stood beside Bruce, speaking in a relaxed tone.

"Will your friend be alright? My child is quite skilled and has more experience than her age might suggest."

Bruce smirked, watching Diana ready herself. "Diana will be fine. She thrives on challenges and enjoys learning new techniques. This will be interesting for both of them."

Naruto nodded, his tone shifting slightly as he posed a thoughtful question. "Bruce, what's your take on Gotham now? I've heard a lot about the Guardian's impact, but I wasn't around to see the city before. What's your honest opinion?"

Bruce's gaze flicked toward Naruto, wary of the sudden shift in topic. Still, he answered with characteristic candor.

"Gotham is better now—safer, more peaceful. The Guardian achieved what no one else could. But there's a cost. The Guardian operates above the law, taking lives without trials or evidence in a system that doesn't have the death penalty. That kind of unchecked power... it's concerning.

If the Guardian were visible, working alongside law enforcement, perhaps it'd be easier to trust. But as it stands, there's no accountability, no oversight."

Naruto listened intently, nodding along as Bruce laid out his concerns. "So, you're okay with the killing, as long as it's done openly and with cooperation from the authorities? After all, the police do kill when a situation demands it."

The words hit Bruce harder than expected. He remained silent for a moment, grappling with the implications. Memories of his own moral code clashed with the realities he had witnessed.

Would killing them have been better? Bruce's mind spiraled as he recalled every escape, every life lost because he had refused to cross the line. The police would have killed them without hesitation. And yet I risked everything to keep them alive.

His thoughts turned darker, revisiting the tragedies of his life. If my father had hired guards, my parents would still be alive. If that thug hadn't existed, my life wouldn't have become this endless crusade. Are villains even human if they've abandoned their humanity?

The weight of these thoughts bore down on Bruce, his head growing light. Naruto noticed immediately.

"Bruce, take a seat. You look pale," Naruto said, guiding him to a chair near the back of the room. Bruce muttered weakly, "Thanks. Could I get some water?"

Naruto didn't step away. Instead, he placed a hand on Bruce's head and began massaging his temples with practiced ease, applying subtle chakra to ease the tension. Raven appeared moments later, carrying a glass of water, her expression calm but observant.

"Drink this," Naruto urged gently as Bruce took the glass and drank, his trembling hands betraying his inner turmoil.

"Just relax," Naruto murmured in a soothing tone. "There's no need to carry the weight of the world right now. Everything is alright."

As Bruce leaned back, his mind still heavy but his body feeling lighter, Naruto reflected inwardly. Sometimes, the bitter medicine is what's needed most. You're not ready to hear the truth just yet, Bruce, but you're getting closer.

In the ring, Cassandra and Diana faced off, their movements fluid and deliberate. The bout had begun, but Naruto's thoughts remained with the man beside him, knowing this moment would leave its mark.