Chapter 3

Mount Justice – Young Justice Headquarters

Arriving at Mount Justice, Naruto took in his surroundings with a curious but calm gaze. The high-tech facility was unlike anything he had ever seen—sleek metallic walls, glowing computer panels, and even a jet stationed in the hangar. Compared to the shinobi villages, this place felt almost alien to him. He couldn't even begin to understand the functions of the advanced computers, security cameras, or other cutting-edge technology, but he had expected as much.

Despite his usual enthusiasm for new things, he didn't overreact. His personality had changed ever since the battle with Pain—he was no longer the loud, reckless boy who rushed into everything. Instead, he had become more composed, his experiences making him more thoughtful and deliberate. And now, with everything happening so fast in this world, he felt that weight pressing on him even more.

Looking around, he noticed that the base was relatively empty. Most of the team seemed to be off on different missions or handling personal matters, leaving only a handful of members present.

The ones inside were Miss Martian (M'gann), Batgirl (Barbara Gordon), Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark), and Bumblebee (Karen Beecher).

"This is a rare scene," Clark commented as they watched the girls heading towards the hangar.

Kara smiled and immediately flew ahead to greet them. "Hey guys! How have you been?" she called out, excitement in her voice.

Barbara's eyes widened as Kara wrapped her in a hug before she could even respond. "Supergirl, where have you been?!" she asked, clearly surprised.

Kara pulled back with an apologetic smile. "Sorry I didn't tell you. I… went back to where Krypton used to exist." Her voice softened as she said it, and the other girls immediately understood the weight behind those words.

Miss Martian extended a hand toward Kara, smiling warmly. "It's good to see you again."

"Same here. Are you still following the team closely?" Kara asked.

M'gann nodded. "Yes, I think senior members should stay involved to help the team grow."

As they talked, Wonder Girl's gaze fell on Naruto, her sharp eyes analyzing him. There was something about him—his stance, his presence—it radiated the aura of a warrior. Given her divine heritage as the daughter of Zeus and a disciple of Ares, she had a strong intuition for sensing fighters, and this newcomer was definitely someone skilled in battle.

"Who is he?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Clark stepped forward. "He's Naruto Uzumaki. He's from a different universe and, unfortunately, stranded in our world. He'll be staying at the base for now, at least until he figures out his next steps."

Naruto gave them his signature grin, rubbing the back of his head. "Nice to meet you all! I hope we can get along while I'm here. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask—I'm more than happy to lend a hand!"

Cassie eyed him curiously. "What can you do?"

She wasn't the type to judge by appearances alone, but she wanted to understand his capabilities.

Before Naruto could answer, Kara spoke up. "He's stronger than most of the team and has some insane ranged abilities."

Naruto, however, raised a hand to stop her. "I think the best way to understand each other is through combat. How about I spar against the team?"

The girls blinked, surprised by his suggestion.

Naruto continued, "That way, we won't have to waste time explaining powers. Experience is the best teacher, and fighting is the best way to know if we can work together effectively."

Kara frowned slightly. "Naruto, I don't think that's a good idea. Some of the team members are really strong."

Naruto simply shrugged. "No problem. It's just sparring—no danger of death, right?"

Clark thought for a moment before nodding. "Okay, I'll allow it."

Barbara, however, interjected, "Can we do this later? The boys aren't here, and we have a mission from Nightwing."

Naruto sighed but nodded in understanding. "Alright, another time then."

He was eager to test himself against this world's warriors, but he understood priorities. For now, he would simply observe and learn.

"Wait a second—what is Nightwing doing here?" she asked, tilting her head. "Wasn't he leading his own team, the Titans?"

Barbara sighed, crossing her arms. "Ah… they broke up not long after you left."

Kara's expression hardened in surprise. "What? Why?"

Barbara hesitated for a moment before answering. "Relationship problems."

Kara raised an eyebrow, already suspecting something messy. "Go on."

"Starfire cheated on Nightwing," Barbara said bluntly. "And Beast Boy broke up with Raven, which… well, led to her disappearing."

Kara's lips pressed into a thin line. "Really sad to see friends get separated," she murmured, shaking her head. No matter how strong a team was, personal conflicts could tear them apart. She had seen it before, and it never got any easier.

While the others were processing the information in their own way, Naruto's focus latched onto a particular detail. His expression turned serious.

"Wait… what happened to Raven?" he asked.

Barbara turned her gaze toward him. "Nobody really knows. She can travel between dimensions, so she just… disappeared."

Naruto frowned. "And you just let her go?" His voice carried disbelief. "Heartbreak can mess someone up badly. She might act strong, but that kind of pain can lead to serious problems. She needed emotional support, and you guys just let her vanish?"

Kara sighed, knowing Naruto wasn't wrong but also aware of the complexity of the situation. "Naruto, Raven is incredibly powerful. When she loses control, she can take down the entire League. She did it once before when she went berserk."

Naruto's frown deepened. "And that doesn't make you more concerned?" He gestured with his hands, frustrated. "If anything, that makes it worse! If she's already struggling with emotions and she has that kind of power, she needs help now more than ever. Someone should be trying to contact her, at least to see if she's okay."

Barbara sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Look, I get what you're saying. And you're not wrong, but… most of us never really knew Raven personally. She was part of the Titans, not the League or Young Justice. It's not that we don't care, but it's complicated."

Naruto scoffed, shaking his head. "Complicated or not, you don't just leave someone to suffer alone. It doesn't matter if you were close or not—you reach out, you check on them. That's what being on a team should mean." His voice was firm, his belief unwavering.

Superman, who had been silently observing, found himself nodding in agreement. He had already been forming a good impression of Naruto, but this sealed it. 'He's incredibly compassionate, even toward people he's never met. He genuinely cares… and that kind of empathy is rare.'

Clark gave a decisive nod. "You're right, Naruto. I'll have someone look into her location."

Naruto blinked, surprised that the Man of Steel had agreed so quickly. But seeing Superman's serious expression, he realized he meant it.

A small smile tugged at the corner of Naruto's lips. "Thanks. I know I'm new here, but I just think no one should be left alone when they're hurting."

Clark smiled back. "That's a good way to think."

Kara clapped Naruto on the shoulder with a grin. "Well, we won't hold you girls back any longer. Have a safe mission."

Barbara checked the time before nodding. "Yeah, we need to get going. See you all later."

As the group exchanged farewells, Wonder Girl gave Naruto one last glance before heading off. There was something about him—a mix of strength and kindness that felt… different. She made a mental note to keep an eye on him.

As they left, Naruto exhaled and turned to Clark and Kara. "So… what now?"

Clark chuckled. "Now? You get settled in. But something tells me you'll fit in just fine."

Naruto grinned. Maybe this world wasn't so bad after all.

As the group of girls departed on their mission, Kara turned to Naruto with a bright smile. "Come on, let me show you around."

Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Guess I'll need to get used to this place if I'm staying here for a while."

Kara led him through the expansive halls of Mount Justice, pointing out different areas of interest—the training rooms, the command center, the high-tech labs, and even the massive hangar where the team's jet was stationed. Naruto listened attentively, taking in all the futuristic technology around him. The sheer advancement of this world's technology was leagues beyond anything he had encountered before.

"This place is insane," he muttered, his eyes scanning the sleek metal walls and glowing control panels. "I've never seen anything like it."

Kara smirked. "Yeah, I figured as much. You come from a world with more… magic than tech, right?"

Naruto nodded. "Yeah, chakra is what we use for most things. We don't have any of this fancy stuff—just raw power and ancient techniques." He turned toward her, curious. "What about you? You seem human, but I get the feeling you're not exactly from around here either."

Kara's expression softened slightly. "You're right. I'm not human—I'm Kryptonian."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Kryptonian?"

Kara nodded. "I come from a planet called Krypton. Or… I guess I should say, I came from it. It was destroyed long before I ever got here. I was sent to Earth as a baby, but my pod got knocked off course, and I only arrived here years later, after my cousin, Superman, had already grown up."

Naruto blinked, processing the weight of her words. "So… you're an orphan too?"

Kara gave a small nod. "Yeah."

For a moment, they walked in silence. Naruto understood that kind of pain all too well. Being alone, growing up without parents—it left a hole that could never fully be filled. He hesitated for a second before deciding to open up in return.

"I know what that's like," he admitted. "I lost my parents the day I was born. They died protecting me and my village from a monster."

Kara glanced at him, her expression shifting to one of sympathy. "I'm sorry, Naruto."

He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "It's okay. I've had people who cared about me—friends, mentors. And I found out later that my parents loved me more than anything. That knowledge helped me push forward."

Kara studied him for a moment. His words carried strength, but she could tell he had endured a lot. And yet, despite everything, he remained kind.

"You're different from most warriors I've met," she said. "You've been through so much, yet you still care about others. Most people who suffer loss like that… they become bitter."

Naruto shrugged. "I had my moments. But I realized a long time ago that carrying hatred just leads to more pain. I don't want to walk that path."

Kara's admiration for him grew in that moment. He wasn't just strong—he had a good heart. "That's… really amazing, Naruto."

He laughed, rubbing his head. "I wouldn't say amazing. Just how I am."

Kara smirked. "No, it is amazing. Not everyone has that strength."

They continued their tour, but something had shifted between them. A silent understanding. Kara found herself intrigued by Naruto—not just because he was powerful, but because of his resilience and kindness.

After the tour, Kara brought him to his new room—a spacious, minimalist space with a comfortable bed, a desk, and a closet for clothes.

"Well, this is your place now. Make yourself at home." Kara said, leaning against the doorway.

Naruto grinned. "Thanks, Kara. I appreciate you showing me around."

"No problem," she replied. She hesitated for a moment, then added, "If you ever need anything, just ask, okay?"

Naruto felt warmth at her words. He might have been stranded in an unfamiliar world, but at least he wasn't alone. "I will. And same to you—if you ever need anything, I'm here too."

Kara smiled. "Deal."

With that, she left, and Naruto flopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.

The events of the day ran through his mind. This world was strange, powerful, and full of unknowns. He had no idea how long he'd be here or if he'd ever find a way home.

"I need to get stronger," he murmured to himself. "If I want to stay safe… if I want to find a way back, I have to push myself further than ever before."

A small smirk formed on his lips.

"Relying on someone else has never been my style. But how do I get that strong?"

The challenge excited him.

Whatever it took, he would find a way.