CHAP 1: Operation Blackmail
Evening: Beacon Library
"Good evening Mister Ozpin", the library receptionist greeted with a warm smile.
"Hello again ma'am," Ozpin kindly responded, "I am here to return this book and possibly check out a new one."
"Ok no problem." she said as she took the book from Ozpin who nodded in thanks. "Just come back when you find another book and I'll check it out for you." Ozpin nodded and went off to search for a book. After several minutes of searching Ozpin came across a book series he overheard several of his students talk about. He took the the next book of the series and began to walk back the receptionist's desk when something caught his eye.
Jaune Arc was sitting by a computer desk with sheets of paper littered about and a backpack hanging from the back of his chair. Ozpin could have swore that Jaune was mumbling to himself as he was studying what was on the pages. Ozpin decided to investigate and see what the boy was so focused on.
"Jaune Arc?" The person in question nearly jumped out of his seat in panic and tried to grab and hide the many of the papers on the desk.
"Oh, it's just you headmaster." Jaune said as he calmed down. "What's up?"
"Please, call me Ozpin." The headmaster happily relied. "And I can ask you the same thing. If I remember correctly, none of the first year classes have and exams for the next few weeks or homework assignments for the next few days. So if you don't mind me asking, what has got your attention?" Ozpin asked as he picked up a piece of paper Jaune dropped on the floor.
He was surprised to see a picture perfect drawing of Ruby Rose from team RWBY with information written down about her fighting style, strengths, semblance, and a little bit of her history. Putting the paper down, Ozpin saw that the rest of the papers were similar, but were on many other of the first year students.
"Did you know that I haven't been able to beat anyone in a one-on-one duel in Miss Goodwitch's class?" Jaune asked, gaining Ozpin's attention. "I've been called many things, both in front of my face and behind my back, and bullied because of it. And well, I've just decided that I've had enough."
"So, you are studying and doing research on all of the first year students to figure out how so effectively combat them?" Ozpin asked with growing curiosity.
"Well, sort of." Jaune replied as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "I learned that no matter how hard I practice and train, I won't be anywhere near the physical level to go toe-to-toe with anyone anytime soon." At this Ozpin looked back at the paper in his hand and noticed what was written at the bottom : Ruby is experimenting with electric rounds for Crescent Rose. If she hits my shield when it's coated with electric dust powder, the shock will set of her dust rounds prematurely and incapacitate her. -on a side note, Pyrrha has taught me how to deflect incoming rounds and deflect them at an angle -maybe an unfortunate member could get electrocuted by a ricochet…? "So, I'm-"
"Learning how fight and counter your enemy without using brute force." Ozpin interrupted with the sudden revelation.
"Exactly!" Jaune replied cheerfully. "I can't fight fire with fire, so I'm going to fight fire with water." Jaune paused and cringed a little at how that sounded.
"Outsmart and outmaneuver your enemy. A bold strategy Mister Arc." Ozpin congratulated. "How soon will you put this into play?"
"Tomorrow during Glynda's class." Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "I've been planning for this for a while now, and I believe I'm ready for this."
"Well I wish the best of luck to you Mr. Arc. Enjoy the rest of your evening." Ozpin said as he began to walk away. He could have sworn he heard the sound of a scroll go off, but ignored it.
"Wait!" Jaune called out, prompting the headmaster to pause and turn around. "Actually, since you're here, can I ask you something?"
"Certainly," Ozpin responded as he took a couple steps back toward Jaune.
"Can you do me a small favor. Actually, two small favors?" Ozpin nodded. "Can you make it so that in Goodwitch's class tomorrow I'm in the first match of the class and I'm fighting Yang Xiao Long? I know Miss Goodwich is have a 'winner stays in' type of tournament and I want to start off." Ozpin started at Jaune in silence for several seconds in stunned silence.
"I can understand your enthusiasm to prove yourself and I look forward to it, but are you sure you want to start with one of the best among your class as well as fight multiple people in such short time? And what makes you think politely asking the headmaster of the academy to rig the system for one's favor would work?" Ozpin asked with skepticism and curiosity.
"As I've said before, I've been preparing for a while now and I believe I'm ready. And if you don't," Jaune said with a grin growing on his face, "well… imaging what your students and fellow faculty will think when they find out that their headmaster is a fan of… literature of erotic nature." Jaune replied while gesturing towards the Ninjas of Love book in Ozpin's hand.
"Oh come now Mister Arc." Ozpin replied with a smug grin. "You honestly believe such talk won't be passed on as just mere rum-...rumors." Ozpin dropped his grin and his face paled as Jaune showed him a picture on his scroll of himself walking away from the camera with the book in question in his hands, the title in clear view. No, I can't let that get out.
"Pictures don't lie." Jaune replied, wearing the grin Ozpin had moments before. Ozpin quickly recomposed himself. "And I have cloud back ups of it."
"Well played Mister Arc, well played. I will do your request, if you delete that after you matches."
"Deal. Arc's word." Jaune replied as they shook hands. Jaune then looked at his scroll. "Oh crap I'm late. Gotta go! See you later." Jaune quickly gathered his belongings and took off.
"Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day." Ozpin said to himself as he walked back to the receptionist's desk while thinking of how to get back at his student for blackmailing him.
A/N: What do you guys think? Like it, hate it? Leave a review, all criticism is welcomed.
Big special thanks to Qopster for beta reading while this was being writen and for some of the ideas, and a thanks ExoRipper for giving it a final view over.
Next chapter will be uploaded tomorrow.