Chapter 8: Arrivals and confrontations.

The three days had passed quickly, and Naruto had taken the time to get to know his weapons far more personally, and had managed to get some work done on figuring out his new toys. He was even figuring out a way to use the recoil on the noisy cricket to his advantage, thought it had lead to some seriously hilarious prat falls that he was pretty sure Merlin had recorded.

In any case, three days had passed, and they were currently arriving at Earth. Naruto saw the planet and was feeling a bit nostalgic as he was reminded of his home planet. The only thing that seemed different was that instead of a single super continent there were several.

"This is Earth," Merlin said, "described as the cesspool of the galaxy, and the universal melting pot."

Naruto asked, "Why is that?"

Merlin said, "Well, the first one is because it is a refugee planet, in some ways. Aliens come to Earth, usually seeking to start a business of their own. Unfortunately, from what I've heard, not all the businesses are of the legal sort. The second one, is because of the humans, believe it or not."

Naruto raised an eyebrow and confusion and asked, "Um…how so? I thought you told me some humans are considered delicacies."

Merlin smiled and said, "So you have been listening. Anyway, according to geneticists, Earthling DNA is highly resilient and adaptable. From what I've been told through the grapevine, several human/alien hybrids have been found on this planet, and currently work with the Plumbers."

Naruto said, "The intergalactic ANBU."

Merlin snapped his fingers and said, "Correct. This is the reason human DNA is sometimes coveted by alien races. Some species believe that human DNA could be used to revive dying races, however, such experiments would be frowned upon in modern times, so nobody has been able to figure that out."

Naruto nodded his head, the time he spent with the alien genius had allowed him to understand his genius talk. Naruto then realized something and turned towards the diminutive alien.

"Wait…if that's true about humans…what if there was a hybrid between aliens and my species?" Naruto asked.

Merlin rubbed his chin in thought.

"To be honest, I'm not sure," the Galvan answered, "Given how similar, yet similar, Gaian and Earthen humans are, I'm not sure. If possible, I would like to compare the two side-by-side if I get the chance."

Merlin then said, "Now, I'm going to bring us down outside of Bellwood. You should know that we may run into some trouble."

Naruto said, "So what do we do? Just sneak into the city?"

Merlin said, "No, most likely, we will be approached by the Plumbers. Just act peacefully, and don't do anything rash…okay?"

Naruto nodded and said, "Okay…I mean, I have improved, haven't I?"

Merlin gained a deadpan expression and said, "For the sake of my food being unspoiled by laxatives or hot sauce, I'll have to say yes."

"Hey!"

Merlin cackled slightly and said, "Now, we better strap in. These kinds of entrances can be a little rough."

Naruto and Merlin then sat down in chairs perfect for their sizes, and strapped themselves down. It was a good thing too, because as soon as they hit the atmosphere the factory began to shake and rumble. Outside, the hull heated up as a cone formed the friction of the air hitting the metal hull.

With that the ship descended, aiming for a forested area just a few miles outside of Bellwood. As they did, secret satellites that orbited the planet picked up their entrance of the Earth's atmosphere. The device took a picture of the fire covered object, filtered through the flames, and, once obtaining the unobstructed image of the hijacked Techadon factory, sent it to the Plumber base.

Earth, Bellwood Plumber base control room…

One of the many computers beeped, as the image of the Techadon factory came up on the image. The computer then went through some numbers, and predicted a trajectory, and a potential landing area.

The technician, a brown-haired human, said, "Uh, Magister Tennyson, we may have a problem."

He was approached by another human. He was tall for his age, and a little on the heavy side, but not too much. His hair was gray with some hints of white, some wrinkles to indicate his age, and green eyes, that had the spark of a war veteran/hero. He wore a pair of long white pants, black shoes, and a black shirt under a red button-up, floral design Hawaiian shirt.

This was Maxwell "Max" Tennyson, legendary Magister rank plumber, war hero, and grandfather to intergalactic hero, Ben Tennyson.

"What is it?" Max asked, using a serious tone.

The plumber answered, "One of our satellites picked up something entering our atmosphere."

Max asked, "Are we expecting any arrivals today? Or are there any aerial tests this week?"

The plumber brought up a link on his screen and said, "The arrival isn't planned, sir, and there aren't any tests, practices, or anything involving our ships until next week."

Max rubbed his chin and thought, "Bring up what the image was."

The plumber did so, pressing buttons at a fast pace, until the image of the Techandon factory appeared on the screen.

Max's eyes widened as he said, "A Techadon factory. Great."

The plumber asked, "Should I send a team in to intercept, sir?"

Max rubbed his chin and said, "No. I'll call Ben. Him and his team can take care of this one."

The old man then mentally added, 'Besides, some fighting might get his mind off his recent break up.'

Max reached into his pocket, pulling out a phone. He dialed a number and waited for Ben to pick up.

Meanwhile at Mr. Smoothie…

Ben slurped down his smoothie with a bored expression on his face. So far, he had to say, it had been a good time. He was getting over Julie, which was a good thing, but what was getting annoying was the constant badgering from his fangirls. Apparently, word that the hero of the world was single had spread quickly, and now several girls were hoping to make their mark by being the hero's girl.

Now, under normal circumstances, Ben would have jumped at the chance, but after being a real, meaningful relationship he was not so quick to jump at a fangirl's adoration.

"Back off you vultures," an annoyed Kevin said as he and Gwen sat down with smoothies of their own.

"How do you deal with this?" Ben asked, "I've seen those girls at the garage who come to check out Team Tennyson's bad boy."

Kevin said, "What can I say, the ladies can't resist the bad boy. Plus, I helps that I have a girlfriend who can blow stuff up with her mind. You, unfortunately, have no such protection."

Ben sighed and said, "Honestly, when I thought about having fangirls, it seemed like a good thing, but now it just seems like I'm being followed by girls who just want me for the fame. Does anyone else have to deal with this?"

Back on Gaia, in the blood prison, Sasuke Uchiha sneezed, which drew the ire of his cellmate.

Gwen began counting on her fingers while listing, "Heirs, heiresses, movie stars, actors, male models…"

Ben said, "Okay, I get it."

Kevin said, "I'm surprised your upset. I thought you wanted to move on from Ju…you know who."

Ben said, "I do, and I am. It's just getting kind of annoying."

It was at that moment that Ben's cellphone went off. He recognized the ring tone, as it was one he used when Grandpa Max called. Knowing that this must be important. Pulling it out of his jacket pocket, Ben proceeded answer.

"Hey, Grandpa Max," Ben greeted, "What's up?"

Max said, "Ben, we have a situation. A few minutes ago, our satellites detected what resembles a Techadon factory landing a few miles outside of Bellwood."

Ben looked surprised and asked, "A Techadon factory? You don't think it is another one of those investigators do you?"

Kevin and Gwen immediately became alert at the thought of that. The investigator had been one of their toughest fights, in their opinion. With his knowledge of technology, use of them, and the capability to create an entire army of Techadon soldiers, he had been tough. Add in the fact that Ben's omnitrix had shorted out, and they were having some serious difficulties.

Max answered, "We don't know. Since you and your team are close to the sight, we're sending you out to investigate. We'll send in some back up if you need it."

Ben answered, "You got it, Grandpa."

Ben hug up, sucked down the remains of his smoothie, and said, "Hey, Fred, we're going to have to get some to go bags."

After Gwen and Kevin got their orders wrapped up, Ben got into his car, and Kevin and Gwen got into Kevin's car, and they drove off, following a map that had been projected up by their plumber badges.

Meanwhile a half a mile outside of Bellwood…

Naruto unstrapped himself as he got up. He rolled his shoulders as he cracked his neck.

Naruto said, "Well that was a little different."

Merlin said, "If you think that was a little rocky, you should try it in a one-man ship. Believe me that shakes you up a lot more."

Naruto then said, "So, what happens now?"

Merlin said, "Well, first, we need to get our bearings. We know we are about a half to three quarters of a mile outside of Bellwood. However, finding Ben is going to be a bit of a problem. We need to be careful, or we are going to attract some unwanted attention."

As soon as the Galvan said that, the proximity alarm sounded. The diminutive genius ran for a nearby console, and started typing away at the keyboard. An image from an outside camera appeared, and showed them the outside. Outside the familiar black and green cars used by Kevin and Ben showed up, respectively in that order.

"…or they could just come to us," Merlin said.

Naruto said, "Huh…when the stars align right?"

Outside the factory…

The trio of earthlings got out of their cars and approached the factory very carefully. They noticed a large camera on a long metal limb staring at them as they approached.

"So, does anyone else feel like we got her a bit too easy?" Ben asked, remembering the last time they approached a Techadon factory.

Gwen said, "Yeah. Normally, these things start shooting when we get too close."

Ben said, "Yeah, but the last time we fought, each Techadon became immune to everything we threw at it. What comes out might be just as strong."

There was the sound of metal moving and everyone turned towards the sight of the factory door opening. The trio got ready for battle.

Ben slid the omnimatrix selection circle until it went over Four Arm's logo. He was prepared to transform at a moment's notice.

Gwen got into her normal stance with orbs of pink energy forming around her hands.

Kevin placed his hand on his car, and absorbed the metal, a layer of green colored metal covering his skin like armor.

After a few moments, the door finally opened fully, smoke pouring out the opening. The trio tensed as they heard metallic footfalls that grew louder with each step. Then, out of the smoke appeared Naruto in full armor. He walked forward out of the smoke, and continued to walk until he was in front of them.

Naruto looked at them, taking in their appearances, and formed his thoughts on them.

Ben was skinny, and didn't seem like much a fighter, but then again, not everyone who could fight looked like they were built for combat. He saw the omnimatrix on his wrist and realized that this was the Ben that he heard so much about. He was glad that he managed to find who he was looking for so easy. After seeing the omnimatrix, Naruto figured Ben used whatever alien form would best suit a situation, and with a lot of forms, there was no doubt he could adapt to situations, which made him dangerous.

He turned his attention towards Kevin. He was slightly surprised to see that Kevin had metal skin, but after a scan realized that the man was only covered in it, and not completely made of metal. He also noted Kevin's physique and thought that me might be more suited as a brawler, and was, most likely the teams muscle.

He turned to Gwen, and was surprised at how pretty she was. Nice red hair, pretty, sparkling eyes, and a pretty nice figure. He also noted the energy forming around her hands. It felt somewhat like charka, but…incomplete? Either way, she seemed like she was more built for mid to long range combat.

There was a silence, tense, as the trio expected this to be a new Techadon. Though a par tof them had their doubts as they didn't know a Techadon to actually carry guns. Naruto, realizing that no one was going to break the tension, decided to speak. As Merlin told him, it woud be best to treat them as friends, until the fighting started.

Realizing the tense silence had been going on for a few minutes, due to his observations, Naruto took it upon himself to end the silence.

"…So…come here often?" he asked, his voice sounding slightly mechanical due to the helmet.

The trio was shocked by the fact that this guy could talk.

"Um…since when could Techadons talk?" Ben asked.

Naruto answered, "Oh, I'm not a Techadon. A hundred percent human, thank you. Don't believe me?"

Naruto sent a thought to his suit, and the helmet retracted from his face, revealing it to the trio.

The group was shocked at this action, seeing that he was apparently very trusting. That and the fact that this guy looked completely human, save for his whisker marks.

"Huh…" Kevin said, slightly shocked, "You seem a lot more human than we thought."

Naruto raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you mean?"

Ben said, "No offense, it's just that all the aliens we've dealt with don't look as human as you."

Naruto was quiet as he considered their words, and remembering his meeting with Merlin and Developer 5.

Naruto said, "Fair enough."

Gwen then stepped forward and asked, "If you aren't a Techadon, and you don't look like the Inspector…what are you doing riding around in a Techadon factory…while we are at that, who are you?"

Naruto smiled and answered, "My name is Naruto Uzumaki of the planet Gaia. As for why I'm riding around in this thing, well the damn thing crashed into my moon, found it, got attacked by some enhanced Techadon, beat it, and used it to come here."

Kevin blinked and said, "Gaia? Never heard of that planet, before?"

Naruto answered, "We aren't a very well-known one."

Ben then asked, "What do you mean enhanced Techadon?"

Naruto sighed and answered, "Well apparently, some guy named Vulkanus ordered some while back, and after that failed one of the guys in their organization, called a Developer, was tasked with creating a newer, stronger, and smarter Techadon."

Ben said, "Let me guess, it went the way of Terminator?"

Naruto cocked his head to the side and asked, "Huh?"

Ben slapped himself mentally and said, "Sorry, I thought I was talking to an earthling for a moment, sorry. I mean that it turned on him."

Naruto nodded and said, "Yeah, that's essentially what happened."

Ben then asked, "So…what brings you to our corner of the galaxy?"

Naruto, deciding it would be a good idea to be direct, and said, "I came here to fight you."

There was a moment of silence before Naruto's words sank in. The trio immediately jumped back with shocked looks.

"Hold on kid," Kevin said, "You aren't taking anyone on."

Naruto said, "Hold on. I said I was here to fight him, not kill him."

Gwen raised her arms, her hands still alight with glowing energy, and asked, "Why do you want to fight Ben? What do you get out of it?"

Naruto answered, "You see my boss wants to test out what I've got against the famous Ben 10. Nothing more, nothing less."

The trio looked surprised as Ben approached.

"No evil overlords? No giant armies? No fighting for the planet?" Ben asked, looking surprised, "You just want to fight me?"

Naruto answered, "Yeah, though there are going to be a few rules to the fight. If you want to accept of course."

Ben looked surprised at the challenge, and that it seemed like this guy was only looking for a fight. Ben thougth about it for a moment, and asked, "What kind of rules?"

Naruto answered, "First off, it is only until the opponent gives up, or if they are knocked unconscious. No killing is allowed, and all techniques are allowed."

Ben looked surprised at the rules and asked, "So…what do you get out of this?"

Naruto crossed his arms and simply answered, "Bragging rights."

The rest of the trio looked surprised by the answer.

Gwen asked, "No claiming the planet?"

Kevin asked, "No crazy marriage law?"

The others looked surprised at Kevin's statement.

Naruto answered, "First off, big guy, I don't swing that way. And why would I want the planet? I happen to like my own just fin, thank you very much."

Ben looked surprised as it seems this guy just wanted to fight him for the fun of it. I twas a great change form fighting criminals who wanted money, or those who wanted the glory fo being the ones to defeat the great Ben Tennyson.

After thinking for a few minutes Ben answered, "Fine. I'll fight you."

Naruto smirked and said, "Thanks…this ought to be fun. You two can proctor the match. Sound good?"

Gwen asked, "Wait, you want to fight here now?"

Naruto shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't see why not. We're both here, and we are both ready. I don't see why we can't fight."

Ben was silent before he shrugged.

"Eh, I don't see the problem," the hero said, as he brought up the omnimatrix, which had gone back into it's dormant state after being left alone for so long.

He found the right icon and pressed the button. There was a bright green flash, and while it only took a couple of seconds, there was a lot that happened. Ben's body was warped as his DNA was altered. His muscles grew thicker, and stronger. His skeleton grew to accommodate the large weight change, becoming stronger in the process. His skin became thicker, rougher, and turned red as his body expanded. His skull extended slightly, as new orbital sockets formed in his head, as new eyes grew in them, making a total of four, and Ben's eyes turned yellow, as he lost the hair on his head. Then new bones, grew on Ben's sides as they burst through the skin, were quickly covered in muscles, and then thick, rough, red skin. Ben's attire changed. His jacket faded out of existence, replaced with a dark green X-shaped harness, over a black short-sleeve shirt, which was tight against Ben's muscles. His lower half was clothed with black tight pants that left his feet bare, and his toes merging into two digits. To finish the look, two fingerless gloves had formed on his hands. Finally, a black stripe formed on the back of his head that went over his now bald head, and ended just above his top pair of eyes. Finally, the omnimatrix symbol formed on the crossing in the harness.

Ben threw back his head and let out a battle cry as he punched both of his left palms with his right hands.

Ben examined himself and said, his voice now significantly deeper, and said, "Sweet. I actually go the alien I wanted this time."

Naruto cocked his head to the side and thought, "Huh…so that's what that looks like…I thought it would be more…graphic…you know…body horror kind of thing."

Ben said, "Nope, quick and painless."

Naruto nodded and jumped back. He pulled out the APPs and twirled them gunslinger style, before he aimed them at Four Arms. His helmet formed back on his face.

"On your cue, bright eyes," Naruto said.

Gwen smiled slightly at the compliment, while Kevin growled in annoyance.

Gwen said, "Oh…uh…Begin!"

Naruto started off, firing bullets at a fast pace. However, Four Arms' armored skin tanked the bullets with ease as he charged forward, with both of his arms drawn back and ready to slam into the young man. Naruto dodged to the right, getting in Ben's guard, and performing a powerful uppercut that caught the Tetramand in the chin. The strike to the jaw, jarred him slightly, and caused him to stumble.

Naruto noticed this and thought, 'Looks like you still maintain some human weaknesses, such as certain body parts being attacked. Better remember that.'

Naruto unleashed a barrage of punches to Four Arm's stomach, but it did almost nothing to make the transformed human stop. Both o Four Arms' bottom arms, shot up in a double uppercut that caught Naruto in the stomach. Naruto skidded back a bit, before stopping himself by driving his legs into the ground, and gripping the earth with chakra.

Naruto winced slightly. The strength behind this form was not to be underestimated, and if his skin was any indication, he was just as durable.

Meanwhile, Ben was just as surprised by Naruto's strength. It made him wonder if it was all him, or if a portion of it, was his armor. However, he was also fast, and he knew how to use those guns. He wondered what else he had under his belt.

Kevin whistled and said, "Dang. This guy hits hard."

Gwen said, "Yeah, but there's something else. When Ben punched him, I sense something around Naruto. Some…weird energy."

Kevin raised an eyebrow and asked, "Mana?"

Gwen shook her head and said, "No something different."

Back in the fight, Naruto sheathed the APPs and reached for his belt pulling out a the Hek, which he cocked.

Four Arms asked, "What, you got an armory in that belt?"

Naruto said, "Believe me, this is going to be full of surprises."

Four Arms cracked his neck and said, "Yeah…here's one of them."

The Tetramand slammed his hands together unleashing a sonic wave. Naruto was shocked and quickly performed a substitution just in time of the blast to reduce the log he was using to splinters.

Four Arms looked shocked at the sudden disappearance. Before he could respond, however, Naruto shot out the trees at a fast pace. He slammed into Four Arms' body, launching a shot to the throat, then clapping him over the ears, stunning him further, and then unleashing a shot from the Hek point blank.

Thankfully, Four Arms managed to dodge to the left, just to avoid the vital organs, but it hit his shoulder hard. The alien stumbled backwards, a wound forming in his shoulder, and the loud sound of the gun shot making his already ringing head, ring louder. It was only thanks to the Tetramand's natural durability and armor like skin that kept it from being. However, four Arms had to bite back a scream of pain as blood dripped down to the grass below.

Naruto looked surprised at the wound and realized that this form had a lot of durability, if the damage it had done was any indication.

"Whoa…is that Hek model shotgun?" Kevin asked.

Gwen looked at her boyfriend and asked, "A what?"

Kevin asked, "That gun is regarded as an incredible power house. It is normally used by Sotoraggian death squards…at least that's what I heard. They say if you hear one, then someone is guaranteed to be dead. How did this guy have one?"

Gwen asked, "I don't know, but it looks like it did some serious damage. I've seen Four Arms take blasts from lasers and run through flames with no effect. It makes you wonder what else he has in his arsenal."

Back in the fight, Four Arms, finally got his head back on straight, wincing at the pain of his wound, something that completely shocked him.

"Damn," the Tetramand said, "you're a lot tougher than you look."

Naruto said, "I'll take that as a compliment."

Naruto then put his hands together in a familiar cross and four clones formed around him. The group charged forward at the shell-shocked alien. The Tetramand steeled his nerves as he threw out all four hands, but they dodged the attacks. The original launched a fist into the larger being's jaw, enhancing his strength with his nanites to increase the damage.

Clone 1 threw a shot to the aliens' wound, causing him to scream in pain.

Clones 2 and 3 shot duel punches into the alien's gut, while clone 4 used the original as a spring board and launched into the air. The clone aimed carefully with his HUD and dropped down, using the kinetic tether to pull himself down hard, slamming a brutal axe kick to the Tetramand's neck. At the same time, clones 1 through 3, and the original all drew back and slammed their fists into his head, one on the bottom of his jaw, two to the sides of his face, and a final one to the forehead.

Four Arms clenched his teeth as he felt pain course through his head and being launched backwards by the combined assault.

Naruto cracked his knuckles and said, "Wow…to be honest, I thought this would last longer."

Gwen and Kevin were shocked. This guy was this guy loaded with weapons, but he was powerful and very skilled. This guy was like a Sotoraggian on steroids.

Naruto was about to walk away, and ask Gwen to call the fight, but before he could. Four Arms, started to stand up.

"Huh…I have to say this alien fo yorus is far more durable than I thought," Naruto said, "I thought for sure that would knock you out."

The alien didn't answer, but he did raise one of his hands and pressed it against the omnimatrix symbol on his harness. There was another green flash. The transformation, reversed as muscle and bones shrank, though his form was still taller than his normal body. His clothes vanished as muscles, bones, and skin were replaced with dark green plants-like substance, with roots forming on his feet, elongated buds on his arms, and red buds sprouting on his shoulders. His head turned into an oval shape as oval-shaped eyes formed on his face in place of his eyes, now reduced to two, and red petals bloomed on the sides of his head, and one yellow one on top of his head.

The newly transformed Swampfire stood up with a growl. He could already feel the headache receding and the wound on his shoulder regenerating.

Naruto whistled and said, "And people say I heal fast."

Swampfire said, "Really? Let's test that."

The methanosian ignited the methane in his hands, launching fire at the boy. Naruto jumped up and started performing flips through the flames. Naruto jumped up and prepared to fire the Hek again, only for Swampfire to ignite his hands ire and grapple with him over the gun.

Naruto's sensors picked up on the heat, and the two stared at each other. Under his helmet, Naruto winced as he got a whiff of the methane coming off of the alien's body.

"Clones…that log," Swampfire said, "What are you, a ninja?"

Naruto answered, "Yes, and a damn good one."

Swampfire nodded and said, "Really? Space ninja? Cool."

As the methanosian said this, Naruto's danger sense went off and he jumped back, leaving the Hek, just as a small wave of thorny vines shot out of the ground. After seven vines shot out the ground, they shot towards the boy.

Thinking quickly, Naruto drew and arm back and focused his wind chakra, before swinging his arm horizontally. A wave of sharpened wind shot out and sliced through the vines, reducing them to mulch.

"Timber," Naruto quipped.

Swampfire snarled as he threw away the Hek, and using his powers, wrapped it up in thorny vines.

Swampfire smirked and then got into a stance, one that Naruto mimicked.

Meanwhile, Kevin and Gwen were just watching in shock as they saw the fight continue. Apparently, this was going to go one for a while. However, Gwen felt that odd energy again. It felt like mana, but different.

Kevin had to admit this guy had some serious fighting skills. It made him wonder what his life was like, and who trained him.

At that moment, Gwen's phone rang. She pulled it out and saw that it was Grandpa Max.

"Hey, Grandpa," Gwen said as she answered.

"Gwen," Max said, "I've tried calling Ben, but he won't answer. Did you figure out what the Techadon factory?"

Gwen stumbled, wondering what to say, and answered, "Um…Ben can't come to a phone right now, he's fighting a ninja Sotoraggian on steroids…and magic."

"Oh…" Max said, before Gwen's answer registered in his mind, then said, "Wait…what?!"

Cut! Okay, that was fun to write. To be honest, I decided to have Naruto simply act as he was just fighting Ben for fun. However, the whole thing with the Techadon factory is going to freak people out, after what happened with Vulkanus and the Inspector. If you feel that I could improve in my fighting scene feel free to tell me…just no trolling.

As for my alien descriptions, I gave Four Arms a mix of his look from the original series Ben 10, and Alien Force/Ultimate Alien. No reboot here. Next time, the fight ends, and Merlin is introduced to the Earthlings, and probably reunite with his brother.