Connecting the Dots--A Naruto/DCAU crossover

Complications

Complications

"Hm," mused Kakashi as he re-entered the Hokage chambers. "That didn't go so well."

Yamato was only a step behind him. "It could be worse, Hokage-sama. At least we didn't waste many men on it."

"Not in comparison to the other villages, no. But that's not what's bothering me." Sighing, Kakashi took a seat at the desk, propping his feet up on it. "What's bothering me is how Madara apparently knew we were coming and was able to not only vacate the base but construct an elaborate trap like that. And then there's Kabuto..." Shaking his head, the Rokudaime cast a longing look at a certain drawer in the desk. "It's disturbing, to say the least."

"He can't always know what we're doing. We'll stop him yet."

"Perhaps. But it's an unsettling trend." A final shrug announced Kakashi's intention to drop the subject. "Still, as you say, we didn't lose nearly as many nins as the other villages did. Scarcely ten ninjas, really. Though of course, between Pain's attack and the Sasuke fiasco, we can't really afford to lose even THAT many."

Yamato gave a nod of assent and for a moment the two fell silent. Unbidden, Kakashi's single eye sought out a familiar picture on the wall. Noticing, Yamato followed his commander's gaze and found the same picture.

"Are you sure they're alright?" He asked after a moment.

Kakashi's eye crinkled in a smile. "Oh yes. If Sasuke was dead I'm fairly certain Madara would know somehow. After all, he's not about to lose track of such a valuable part of his plan. And if Naruto was dead... I'm pretty certain I'd know."

"And they'll come back?"

A shrug. "They always do. To be honest, the only one I'm really worried about is Kiba. With his dog stuck here, he won't be able to perform most of his jutsus."

#

"So what's this 'patrol' thing we're doing for?" Kiba asked as the four sped across the rooftops. "Are we expecting an attack or just guarding against intruders?"

Frowning, Cyborg considered how to answer. "Eh... both, kinda. On the one hand, we did hear of a disturbance downtown, but on the other, that might turn out to be nothing, so if something bigger comes up we take that."

"We're not really guarding against... intruders, though." Beast boy offered, switching from gorilla to bird momentarily. "We're just looking to put down criminals. Nothing so military as what you're thinking."

Neji gave a quick nod to show his understanding. "A form of specialized police. The Justice League explained to us their standard protocol, I assume yours is similar?"

Cyborg and Beast Boy exchanged glances. "We don't really... bother with a protocol." Cyborg admitted. "We just basically find the nasties and start bashing."

"I like you guys already," grinned Kiba.

"Well, that's maybe a bit exaggerated. We kinda play it by ear, I guess. Go with what works." Cyborg shrugged.

"Don't worry about it too much." Beast Boy offered a wink to their followers. "Sure, you're new at this, but you'll pick it up in no time. Just follow our lead and you should be good. You guys can handle yourselves, right?"

Another short nod from Neji. "I am capable of defending myself. Kiba, how are you without Akamaru?"

"Decent," growled Kiba. "I mean, I can probably only do half my jutsus, but half of totally awesome is still awesome, right? Besides, I've already fought some of the lowlifes here. They're total pushovers. No strategy to it at all."