Chapter 4: Chapter 4: A Storm from the Stars
The midday news droned in the background as Naruto and Sasuke enjoyed their brief break at the ramen shop. Naruto, halfway through slurping his bowl, paused when the broadcast shifted to a live scene in Metropolis.
"This just in: a meteor has struck the heart of Metropolis," the anchor announced, her voice laced with urgency. The screen displayed shaky footage of a massive crater, smoke billowing as emergency responders scrambled to secure the area.
From the crater's depths, a metallic alien vehicle emerged, its sharp, angular design unlike anything seen on Earth. Without warning, it unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, targeting police cars and fire trucks. Chaos erupted as civilians ran for their lives.
Naruto's chopsticks clattered into his bowl as he shot to his feet. "Sasuke, we've gotta go!"
Sasuke's eyes were already locked on the screen, his Sharingan faintly glowing. "Tch. Those things aren't human." He stood, his hawk-like mask appearing in his hand as if summoned.
As they raced toward the scene, Metropolis fell deeper into turmoil. The first meteor was only the beginning; more streaked across the sky like fiery comets, slamming into the city and giving rise to additional alien constructs. Each one was equipped with weaponry far beyond Earth's technology, systematically dismantling resistance.
In the skies above, Superman fought valiantly, deflecting energy blasts and saving civilians trapped under debris. But even the Man of Steel struggled against the overwhelming force.
Batman, meanwhile, coordinated from the shadows, using his arsenal of gadgets and tactics to neutralize alien units. He moved swiftly, rescuing trapped civilians and analyzing the invaders' patterns.
"Clark," Batman growled into his communicator, his voice calm despite the chaos, "we need to—"
Before he could finish, Superman staggered midair, clutching his head in pain. Another psychic migraine hit him like a thunderbolt, forcing him to land on a nearby rooftop.
"Not again…" Superman muttered, his vision swimming with fragmented images. Among them, he saw someone trapped in a containment field—a figure with green skin, red eyes, and a solemn expression.
"It's him," Superman whispered, realization dawning. Without a word to Batman, he launched into the sky, disappearing into the distance.
Naruto and Sasuke arrived moments later, their hero uniforms firmly in place. Naruto's fox mask glinted in the sunlight, while Sasuke's hawk mask cast an ominous shadow. The pair leapt into action without hesitation.
Naruto created a dozen shadow clones, each one darting into the fray to evacuate civilians trapped under rubble or pinned by alien debris. His clones worked in perfect harmony, forming defensive barriers with their chakra to shield innocents from incoming fire.
"Don't worry! I've got you!" Naruto shouted, picking up a child and rushing her to safety before vanishing in a blur of speed.
Meanwhile, Sasuke moved with calculated precision, his Sharingan tracking every movement of the alien constructs. In a flash, he unsheathed his blade, which crackled with Chidori's lightning.
"Stay focused, Naruto," Sasuke barked, slicing through an alien mech's leg with one clean strike. As it toppled, he activated his Rinnegan, summoning a massive force to crush the enemy under its own weight.
"Yeah, yeah, teme!" Naruto called back, launching a Rasengan at an advancing alien vehicle. The sphere of spiralling energy slammed into the construct, tearing through its outer shell and causing it to explode in a brilliant flash.
The battle raged on, but their progress was slow. Just as Naruto prepared a massive Rasenshuriken to clear a path, Sasuke reached out, stopping him. "Wait. Something's wrong."
Naruto blinked. "Huh?"
Before Sasuke could explain, a voice echoed in their minds—calm, commanding, and unfamiliar.
"Naruto Uzumaki. Sasuke Uchiha. Meet us at the military base to the north. We need your help."
Naruto looked around in confusion. "What the—did you hear that too?"
Sasuke nodded, his Rinnegan glowing faintly. "It's telepathy. Let's go."
Arriving at the military base, they found Superman and Batman waiting for them. Beside them stood another figure—tall, imposing, and otherworldly. His green skin and red eyes marked him as clearly alien, but his demeanor exuded wisdom and strength.
"This is J'onn J'onzz," Superman explained, his voice steady despite the urgency. "He's from Mars. The invaders are part of an ancient enemy of his people. They've been tracking him for years, and now they've come to Earth."
J'onn inclined his head in greeting. "The threat we face is unlike anything this world has encountered. Their leader, a warlord named Mal'Korr, seeks to enslave your planet."
Naruto clenched his fists. "Well, he's got another thing coming if he thinks he can mess with Earth!"
Sasuke remained stoic, his gaze locked on the Martian. "What's the plan?"
Batman stepped forward. "We hit their command ship. It's broadcasting a signal that's keeping their forces operational. J'onn and Superman will lead the assault. We'll need you two to create a distraction and keep the ground forces occupied."
"Got it!" Naruto said with a grin.
Sasuke smirked. "Just don't get in our way."
As the heroes prepared for the next stage of the battle, the weight of the impending fight settled over them. The alien forces were relentless, but with their combined strength and determination, they would defend their new home. Together.