Chapter 57

The golden light of dawn crept through the high windows of the Justice League Tower, casting long shadows over the meeting room. A quiet hum of activity filled the air as heroes gathered for what promised to be another grueling discussion about the state of the world.

At the center of it all, Naruto sat across from Batman, both nursing cups of steaming coffee. The blonde shinobi took a slow sip, relishing the warmth, while Batman methodically studied the reports on the table. They weren't alone—others had assembled as well, drawn by the urgency of the situation.

The room held an air of tension. The government was meddling again, desperate to maintain some semblance of control in a world where humans without powers were mere ants in comparison.

Dr. Fate had spoken about this before. Heroes existed above the law, their actions dictated by morality rather than bureaucracy. But that very freedom had drawn the ire of those in power. Now, whispers of a Superhero Regulation Act circulated, a law that would force them into compliance. Worse, the police had been given preliminary orders to act against vigilantes, shifting the landscape of justice into murky waters.

And then there were the demands—governments clamoring for access to their advanced technology. The reasoning was sound: self-reliance rather than dependence on super-powered individuals. But history had proven time and time again that power in the wrong hands led only to destruction. The United States, in particular, had a reputation for using such advancements to dominate rather than protect.

Naruto shook his head, exhaling slowly. "Are we supposed to forget how many times the government tried to get rid of us?" he muttered. "How many times they saw us as threats instead of allies?"

The situation was complicated. Public opinion had started to shift back in their favor as results of their heroism became undeniable. Yet, the government remained divided. Those in the highest seats of power feared the League's influence, dreading the possibility of being held accountable for their sins. The common people, however, saw the heroes as their greatest defenders. The middle ranks sought control, unwilling to relinquish their authority.

It was a mess.

Naruto wouldn't have bothered sitting through this discussion if not for his future aspirations. Politics wasn't his game, but leadership demanded understanding, and if he wanted to ensure a better future, he had to listen.

Batman, ever the strategist, finally spoke. "I've been thinking about this for some time. The Justice League has always been centralized here in the United States, but I believe it's time we expand—not just within the country, but worldwide."

Eyes turned toward him with interest.

"Listening to Naruto's description of his world's system, I believe we would benefit from something similar. We need to be approachable and communicative. We'll establish another base outside the U.S. where we can recruit heroes from different nations, making formal agreements with governments to operate legally within their borders.

"Furthermore, to avoid political entanglements, our role will remain purely for the protection of the people. We will not interfere in governance. We will accept requests for aid and maintain open channels for assistance."

A heavy silence followed his words, as the magnitude of the plan settled in. It was a massive shift—one that could change everything. Expanding their influence could do great good, but it also introduced new risks. More people meant more management issues.

"What about the corrupt leaders who are part of crime syndicates?" Flash asked, his tone sharp. As a police officer, he despised the idea of criminals in power being allowed to continue their atrocities unchecked.

Batman met his gaze evenly. "For that, we need a different approach. A team that operates from the shadows. One that doesn't answer to the Justice League."

The room tensed.

"They will be known as The Phantoms."

Hal Jordan folded his arms. "Who's on this team, and what exactly are they going to do?"

A holographic screen lit up, displaying the roster.

Golden DawnGreen BeetleArsenalGeo ForceVolcanaDonna Troy

Flash raised an eyebrow. "Did Naruto agree to this?"

Naruto leaned back, glancing at the list on his communicator. Some names were unfamiliar. "I'm fine with it, though I'm surprised by the roster. I haven't even met some of them."

His gaze stopped at one particular name. "Donna?"

Diana's eyes shifted toward her younger sister.

"I think we'll get more action this way," Donna said in a dull tone. "So I joined."

Diana sighed inwardly. Her sister still struggled to find a purpose outside of battle.

Clark scrutinized the list. "Are you sure about Volcana?" he asked, recalling the fiery redhead who had once tried to seduce him.

Batman remained unfazed. "Donna and the others will ensure her cooperation. She wears a collar that suppresses her powers and will incapacitate her if she acts out. If she proves herself, she'll be pardoned."

"The Phantoms will infiltrate criminal networks, gather intelligence, and expose the truth to the public. They will take down threats that are politically protected. The Justice League will maintain no official ties to them."

Cyborg furrowed his brow. "Are we really not overstepping? If we go too far, we might end up choosing the world's leaders instead of just helping people."

Batman's voice was firm. "We will never choose leaders. We will simply ensure that people make informed decisions with the truth in hand."

A heavy pause filled the room as everyone digested the plan.

Naruto stretched, checking the time. "Well, I need to go. I've got an appointment, so just send me the files, and I'll look through them later."

Flash smirked. "Why not just leave a clone in your place?"

Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "I promised not to use clones for three days. Still got two days left."

A knowing grin spread across Flash's face. "Hah. Whipped."

Naruto shot him a deadpan look before walking out. Behind him, the Justice League continued planning their next move.

A new era was beginning. One where the League would step beyond borders and into the world as a true force for justice.

As the doors to the meeting room shut behind Naruto, five figures remained behind.

Batman, Superman, Flash, Hal Jordan, and Diana stayed in silence for a moment, their expressions thoughtful.

"He's serious about this," Flash was the first to speak, arms crossed. "Naruto actually wants heroes to lead countries. I mean, I knew the kid had guts, but this… this is a whole new level."

"It's not just guts," Hal muttered. "It's ambition."

Batman's fingers tapped lightly against the table. "It was only a matter of time before he started thinking this way. He's not from our world, but he's seeing the same problems we do—corruption, incompetence, governments that only act when it benefits them. It was inevitable that someone like him would start asking why things are this way."

Superman let out a slow breath. "And asking is one thing. Acting on it is another."

They all knew Naruto wasn't power-hungry—that wasn't his nature. He wasn't trying to rule for personal gain. But that didn't mean his ideas weren't dangerous.

Naruto was still young.

He had just fought Pain. He had seen firsthand what unchecked power could do. He had felt the pain of his village being crushed in front of him. He had stood on the edge of darkness, almost giving in to hatred before turning away.

And now, in this new world—a world filled with injustice, corruption, and struggling civilians—he was seeing the same patterns again.

It wasn't hard to guess what was going through his head.

"He's still too inexperienced," Diana finally said, shaking her head. "He thinks leadership is just about strength and good intentions, but that's not enough. Ruling a country isn't the same as protecting one."

"And let's not forget the backlash," Superman added. "If heroes start taking over governments, we won't just be fighting criminals anymore. We'll be fighting nations."

Hal whistled. "Yeah. We'd become the enemy in a heartbeat."

Batman remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "We need to talk to him. Guide him. If we don't, someone else will—someone who doesn't have good intentions."

The others nodded. They didn't want to oppose Naruto, but they also couldn't ignore where his mindset was heading.

The room fell into silence for a moment after Flash spoke. He wasn't looking at any of them in particular, but his expression was thoughtful, serious—something rarely seen from the usually lighthearted speedster.

"I mean, really," Flash continued, leaning forward. "Is it so wrong?"

The others glanced at each other, but no one immediately answered.

"We talk about how dangerous it is, how it could lead to conflicts, how it could put us at odds with the governments of the world." Flash gestured with his hands. "But what if people want it? If Naruto runs for leadership and wins because the people actually vote for him, what's the issue?"

Superman exhaled through his nose, arms crossed. "Because it's not just about what's right or wrong, Barry. It's about perception, control, and consequences. If Naruto steps into politics, it won't matter if he wins fairly—governments will still see it as a power grab by heroes."

"And?" Flash shot back. "Does that mean we shouldn't do something just because the people in power don't like it? It's not like world governments are known for being honest or fair themselves. What do we always say? 'We're here to help people, not to serve governments.'"

Hal gave a low whistle. "That's a slippery slope, man. You start thinking like that, and next thing you know, you're overthrowing regimes 'for the good of the people.' Where do you draw the line?"

Flash shook his head. "I'm not talking about us. I'm talking about Naruto. He's different. We don't want to rule, sure. But he does. And that doesn't make him a villain."

Diana sighed. "It's not that simple. He's not from this world, Barry. His understanding of politics and leadership is based on his world, not ours. He grew up in a system where the strongest warriors were the ones leading the villages."

"Exactly," Flash pointed at her. "That means he's seen leadership firsthand. Hell, he's trained under some of his world's greatest leaders. Tsunade, Jiraiya, Kakashi—he's been surrounded by strong, responsible figures his whole life."

"That doesn't mean he knows how to govern a nation," Batman finally spoke, his voice low.

Flash turned to him. "Then why not teach him?"

Batman's fingers tapped against the table once more. "You're suggesting we guide him instead of stopping him."

Flash nodded. "Exactly. If we tell him not to do it, he'll do it anyway—because that's who he is. If we shut him out, someone else will step in, and it won't be someone we trust. So instead of treating this like a disaster waiting to happen, why don't we make sure it isn't?"

A heavy silence fell over the room.

It was Diana who finally spoke. "Guidance rather than opposition."

"Right," Flash nodded. "I mean, do any of us actually think Naruto would become some kind of dictator? No. He's one of the most stubbornly idealistic people we've ever met. He believes in helping people. He believes in fairness, in doing what's right. So if the people choose him, why fight it?"

Superman sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not that simple."

"Nothing ever is," Flash shot back. "But it's not wrong, either."

Batman remained quiet, deep in thought. The others were also considering Flash's words. It was a different perspective—one that challenged their instincts. They had always distanced themselves from politics, avoided the game of leadership. But Naruto… Naruto didn't think that way.

And maybe, just maybe… that wasn't such a bad thing.