Injustice Book 2: Darkness in the Light (Naruto + Young Justice Crossover)

Chapter CIII - Puppet Master and Explosive Artist

"Normal Speech."

'Normal Thought.'

"Demon Speech."

'Demon Thought.'

"Other Speech variants."

Location/Time.

-X- Line Break -X-

Friday 27th January, 14:00.

Tartarus,

Location Unknown.

Falling back into the rhythm of things wasn't all that difficult for him. Certainly, his time back on Earth, surrounded by friends and Barbara was good and provided a much-needed break from the harsh environment of Tartarus. But upon his return, Naruto didn't have much struggle falling back into his usual routine.

In fact, it was more concerning as to how easy he acclimatised to the brutality of Tartarus than it was not.

But in a way, Naruto needed that break.

Tartarus whether one was conscious of this or not would wear a person down. Everything about it was tailored made to kill the weak. The burning environment of Tartarus could melt flesh from bone and the copious amounts of smoke would make breathing incredibly difficult for anyone. On top of that, the constant battles with Demons and the need to be on high alert at all times would wear one down mentally and physically. Especially when you had to sleep in small intervals, rarely getting a full nights sleep.

All of it led to a very unwelcoming and dangerous atmosphere that would make a lesser man go insane. However, Naruto's time away from Tartarus like always focused his mind even further.

Being around his friends, being around those he cared for and loved, it reminded him why he came to Tartarus in the first place. He needed to get stronger and his time on Earth had led to him eventually reaching a plateau that he couldn't find a way around or through.

In terms of skill, Naruto was perhaps one of the best fighters in the world. Up their way with the likes of Batman, Deathstroke, Talon, Wildcat and others. But one thing that separates him from them was an experience. He didn't have the necessary understanding or knowledge of fighting against superpowered foes which made them so dangerous. It was that lack of experience that led to him being so far below them despite on paper, being their equal.

He had reached the heights of martial skill, his techniques were refined to a fine art. No movement was wasted, his form was fluid and perfect, there was literally no way for him to improve his skills by training. The only way for him to get better was combat experience, to fight constantly against foes far stronger or against numerous foes at once. Only by putting himself in dangerous situations and risking his life could he get stronger.

It was similar for his powers, he had reached a limit after acquiring his third tail.

When losing control he could go beyond, at least according to Jason but Naruto had no conscious memory of it. So there was still more and Naruto could feel it there beyond a wall he just couldn't get past.

Yet his time in Tartarus, he could feel it.

Little by little, he was clawing his way up the mountain that separates him from the likes of Batman and Deathstroke. The same went for his powers, that impassable barrier between him and the next stage of his powers was slowly growing weaker and weaker.

It wasn't easy nor simple, each time he strove higher was fraught with pain and near death. Yet nothing ever truly worth it was easy and for Naruto, there was nothing more worth it than having the power to protect those he cared for.