T'was late afternoon, the school surrounded with prosperous, young students, sun set high in the air and beaming below to illuminate the grounds and windows shining through. A sole male walked through the corridor. A blonde huntsmen in training troubled in some matters. Jaune is still quite upset after his recent battle with Cardin and failing to spar at an equal level. A struggle to not feel incompetent. He forged his records, forged his abilities to fulfill the role placed upon for generations. A hand rest between his blond hair and a heavy sigh. He's a leader, but not the one that should be leading his team. Pyrrha is far more capable, Nora has far more energy to the task and Ren only speaks when needed, thus leaving him little chances to speak and look like a fool. A negative spiral hit him. Though, the final class of the day arrived and it brought him relief. He can go back to his dorm and fall asleep.

However, he receives a message as he nears the room, from Pyrrha. The subject on his scroll says Class Cancellations. A confused expression rests on his face. The new teacher taking a day off or getting sick? He didn't look sick the day before. He looks up from his scroll to the door leading to the dark, unused classroom. A note resting on the wood stated personal matters needed to be attended to. He further reads the message, holding an apology for her actions last night. He just closes the scroll and doesn't bother sending a reply.

P.S.

A paper is due when he returns after the weekend. Jaune slumped over after the news. For the teacher's optimism, it's shocking how tough he can be when given the right to exercise assignments.

"Cardin's going to work me overtime" he muttered, knowing how the secrets escaped through his frustration. He pushed away everyone in order to fulfill his pride and heritage. It's one thing to know you are not skilled but to be told repeatedly on the lack of success is damaging on the psyche. Placing his scroll back into his pockets, he walks back, away from the classroom. Off in the distance, he spots the missing professor, closing the door to his office.

"Hm?" The man in question turns and looks over with a smile.

"Oh, pleased to see you" Greeted Himura. "Come on, how about we walk and talk?" He waved the student over, to which he obliged.

"I just caught your notice on the door."

"Sorry about that, I had short notice regarding this matter, and lacked the time to give an update for class, that I did." He turned to face him. "I watched your match between Cardin the day before."

"Oh, you saw huh..." He looked away when recalling the one sided duel.

"Fighting is to understand the enemy's intention and learn to succeed by exploiting their weakness or finding their weak spots."

"I don't have much battle experience prior to getting here" he says, followed by a depressed sigh and the inability to see his peer in the eyes. "And it shows." The redheaded adult tried to relate.

"I didn't have battle experience when I started either. You must take help in any shape or form. I was arrogant as a young child, and it only derailed my development, that it did." He reminisced about his hectic training and gaining some experience along the way. "If not for the help, I might have died."

"What if I don't have anyone to practice with?"

"No one in your team is willing to help you?"

"..." He stayed quiet at this question. Pyrrha offered this exact solution and he made a big show about it, finding it a big blow to his pride. He wanted to do this on his own, feel it is necessary to finish on his own. Soon enough, a fork forms in their path and the two must part ways.

"Well, I must leave but please, know that your starting point is a reference to what is to come, a journey to be a huntsmen to save the people. You must have the power to protect others who lack it. And personally, I see a lot of potential inside you compared to others in your class." Jaune glances up at the praise, a first since he enrolled here.

"...Thank you."

"Consider this an opening statement for your paper." Jaune chuckled softly, forgetting about his paper already. "I'm quite interested to see your viewpoint when I return. Good luck on the field trip." A warm farewell was made to Jaune before he walked away, leaving his thoughts to more...serious matters.

Early morning

The gentle winds rustled the trees as a freight train zoomed by on its local path. Leaves scattered in the air, swaying in multiple directions, changing momentum, a man weaving in and out of the thick forest to keep up with the locomotive. His intel is correct, a train supplied with Dust crafted by the Schnee company. Again, he'll extract it for personal gains, killing any worker who accepts their beliefs. Scum who doesn't support his vision needs to be eradicated.

Clutching Wilt and Blush in his hands, he leaps from the cliff side and lands onto the train, dusting off his black uniform. Strangely, there's no one on board like the last raid. Did they give up? Stopped trying to guard the shipments? His eyes squint through the mask as he opens the door leading to the inner chambers, only to find a man standing in toe. Hakama pants, a reddish kimono and sandals for feet. The trademark scar rest across his face as he stares into the intruder.

"I'm guessing you are the one making all the ruckus lately." Most would run at this foe, but Adam? He sees opportunities

"Well, look what fate has in store for me! A hypocrite standing in my way? The man who slaughtered Faunus and turned to a good guy to dictate what a race should do when he has no business dictating such affairs. And here you are, to defend a company littered with a bad reputation!"

"My morals align in saving the lives of unnecessary bloodshed. Besides, the only negative thing I see is a man who's misleading a group of impressionable civilians. Faunus shouldn't be discriminated and forced to fight it with violence." Adam walked to the side, waving his finger to such a claim.

"Ah, but violence is the answer Himura. Only when you left did we started making a change." The veteran narrowed his eyes at this false claim.

"A change for the worse."

"Oh be quiet, you trying to preach to me your worthless philosophy? It didn't work back then and it won't work here. You didn't came to disarm me with words. So..." He flashes his blade to his opponent. "You know how this is going to end." Adam smirks, twirling his sheath in his hands. "I can't imagine the headlines, the famous killer during the revolution slain by the white fang leader. Such irony."

"I'm sorry, but dying isn't on my objective today." Himura draws his katana out of its sheath, wielding with his right hand as he stares down his opponent. It's been ages since he drew the weapon for a reason. A sudden gust of wind blasts through Adam, an immense force. Yeah, this unusual feeling that Adam's being watched lingered ever since he hopped on the train. Don't matter, his blade hungered for blood of a human and he found a great specimen to feed it.

Adam first shot his rifle, shooting several bullets at Kenshin. Without panicking, his eyes followed the path and used the blade to deflect and parry the incoming shots. Unlike others skilled fighters where they react when it's coming near the last millisecond, Himura had began to react around the moment he pulled the trigger. Adam scrutinized this, changing his game plan. The professor stared him down.

"Is something the matter?"

"Heh, not at all." The faunus unleashes wilt, knowing rifles and long range shots will prove worthless in this fight. The two locked eye contact as time slowed to a still. Neither one wanted to step forward and make the first move. Both swordsman moved at the same moment, lunging forward as their swords collided for the first time. The two tried to fight for power, to come out on top. One fueled by hatred and the other fueled for peace. Adam's attempt at attacking his blindside or feinting to appear behind for a killing move failed every time. Kenshin parried each hit seamlessly, almost predicting the placements. Strangely, he didn't use his weapon but the sheath. After another unsuccessful strike, Adam leaped back and charged and sliced horizontally outside of the range needed to hit his opponent. Regardless, Kenshin placed his sword up but winced as he feels a harsh attack strike his chest, forcing him to retreat back in the limited space. Blood dripped onto the ground, a flesh wound.

'Optical illusion? I measured the blade with my own, he shouldn't have got me...' He dictated a way to safely guard himself and stay outside the opponent's range. Yet, it failed here.

"You've grown soft. You're not the same man I remember. I didn't think your new vows would cripple you so."

"My objective isn't to win." The professor grasped his wound, ignoring the pain throbbing from the attack.

"What is it then? To buy time for a checkpoint to ambush me then?" Kenshin didn't falter at his correct assumption.

"Perceptive, expected nothing less from the newest dictator in power."

"Normally I'd run from the military, but fighting you, with the chance of killing you myself? I'll make an exception." Kenshin only remained to think of the exact range of Adam's blush. The distance shouldn't have hit, except for the last second resulting in his perceptions to fail. If he doesn't end this, he'll be receiving a lot more wounds. He made a deal to not fight here, but unfortunately, this is an emergency.

"Fine, at least I'll give you a worthy fight now that you know my true goal. If I don't, you'll kill me." He crouched, lowering his center of gravity and a hand resting near the hilt of his weapon. Adam matches his stance and then a masterful performance. Two veterans danced in this small room, their blades vying for a hit but only deflected by one another's attempts. The agility of the two rivaled one another, never managing to reach behind and finish the match. The metal room housing the combatants grew to be battered and tattered by miss slashes, the weight withstanding them using the room as a spring board to duel. The walls caved from the force of their jumps, the floor denting from their strength and the sheet of metal tearing away. Brief bouts of sparks showed their positions only briefly if one was to witness. The two fought with two different ideals and only one can win.

The two clashed one last time but Himura implemented more strength than usual to leave Adam open, pretending he'll attack again in the front, but he maxed up his speed to disappear behind him. A quick, painful slash across the back was all that he needed. He's done this multiple times but here's the first where it wouldn't end in death, only in a serious injury. Thus the execution wasn't as deadly nor the damage. Adam knelt to the floor, trying to coup from the unusual sensation of underestimating his opponent.

"You'll be fine. If this had been the war, it'd have slice you in half. But I've readjusted my practice to not kill."

"Taking pity on your opponent? You're the absolute worst! I'd rather die from a battle then be shown mercy from someone like you!"

"That may be, but it's not up to me who decides your fate, that's for the General of the Atlesian Military to contemplate. This whole battle is being recorded via a scroll I planted in the corner to ensure if you had managed to escape, you couldn't roam freely. And acting as a live feed for them." Ozpin and the swordsman debated on the proper action to take and to help cover all cylinders. The headmaster watched from his office, hands crossed together and breathing a sigh of relief. Maybe now will things change for the better. However, none of them expected what came next, laughter.

The professor turned to face the man, who's facing downward and finally finishes his little fit. Because, he still has a trump card to play. "Tell me, Mr. Himura. How is Tomoe?" A sudden comment regarding his deceased fiance. He never disclosed her name to the public and kept it a secret and in this little surprise, Kenshin dropped his guard for a moment.

Adam's goal was banking on that surprise to strikeand it worked, at the start Kenshin was a little slow to draw his katana to defend himself but this required more effort and energy as the two clashed with their strength being equal. For the first time, frustration and a hint of anger is visible on the professor.

"Oh, did I struck a nerve? I feel you are not holding back as much too, just what I like to see."

"Who told you?" All he got was a shit-eating grin back at him underneath that Grimm mask.

However, stamina favors the youth. Kenshin grimaced as he felt his entire body weakened and aching, something he hasn't felt in years. understanding the potential drawbacks, the professor pushed with more energy than normal to get Adam off and provide distance as he drew in more air. It would make one wonder if the younger faunus had struck Kenshin somehow as he was clutching his abdomen.

"Oh? What's wrong? Winded already?"

"..." The red-head human knew this would happen but surely not this quick as he draws in more air.

"To think you were a fearsome opponent, just a old man who thinks he still got it." Adam crouched down with his right hand resting above the hilt, planning to finish the former leader off. Himura was not going to lose without a fight as he mimics the same stance, his right hand shaking slightly before he regains control and composure. This was for the win, but unexpected between them, a loud metal clash could be heard above the train as both of them look upward, followed by footsteps.

"Heh, reinforcements." Adam slowly walked towards the exit with his body facing his opponent.

"We'll see each other again, and will be the last. I hope you can last longer than our small skirmish, I don't want my future victory to be so hollow against you old man."

Adam turned around and ran off. The sounds of troops leaping onto the train could be heard but his vision is blurring already. Slowly the man crouches down and uses his katana to stabilize himself. He's frustrated at himself that he would have regressed so much, and knowing his time is ticking away. It's unacceptable.

"Your skills must have wavered since your last fight I presume?" Kenshin looks up to see a feminine figure making sure he was okay, and all he could do was smile at her.

Writing an essay's one thing. Helping performing duties not pertaining to yours is another, but there's a line to be drawn. And Cardin drew it when he thought getting revenge on a certain red head woman is acceptable. His own teammate getting injured over something he caused, unacceptable.

The end result? Jaune came out a bigger man. At first, he got pummeled from team CRDN for not following their instructions. But due to their little flied trip out in the woods, Grimm roamed freely. Not just any Grimm, but an Ursa Major. A tough foe to defeat unless one is proficient. The tall brunette wasn't prepared and didn't have his weapon nearby. Despite the hell he faced ever since he stepped onto the premises, he turned the other cheek to save him after this whole time. All the frustration and justification to have him get a taste wasn't worth it. No one deserves a serious injury. He channeled that fury into his strike to behead the tall, bear like Grimm until it dissipated in the air. He could've died, but his semblance saved him. Hell, he has no clue what it is but after the fight, he almost collapsed from the aura drain.

For precautionary measures, the two stepped into the infirmary to ensure no serious injuries were inflicted. Weiss left the group after they checked in, stating she has some school work to focus on, not quote unquote, worry about some freak field trip fiasco. Her destination originally is for the dorms, but her path took a whole different route when she notices a familiar individual.

"Winter?" Yes, her older sister who works with the Atlesian military is on the premises of Beacon Academy and leaving Ozpin's office after discussing some details. Winter turned to the source and smiled, a complete shift from the behaviour exhibited earlier.

"My younger sister, Weiss, good to see you." She walked up, hugging her young sibling closely after not seeing one another in a while.

"Why are you here?"

Her smile turned to a frown. The question can't be dodged. "It regards your professor Himura," Weiss narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms.

"I knew he couldn't be trusted."

"No, that's not it. He volunteered for the Schnee company as a bodyguard. He helped our father from losing a whole lot of money, and defeated the leader of the white fang." The young girl couldn't exactly believe these words.

"Oh really? Did father pay for his services again after what happened during the faunus revolution?" At this moment, Winter glared at her younger sibling.

"You know you can't say that openly. The Schnee name already has enough dirt on it. More will result in outcry." After the little stern remark, she returned to the question at hand. "After a long, strenuous chat between the headmaster, Himura, Ironwood and our father, they all agreed stopping the white fang is the best outcome by any means. But the leader escaped."

"You just said he was defeated, what, did that professor had a change of heart?!"

"Your professor has a very specific semblance. It's a double edge sword. He gains impressive strength, speed and reactions but due to his frame and time between his last fight, it eats away his aura and health. I wouldn't be surprised if he can't wield a sword for a while. His opponent didn't get any shots in though, and I don't expect him to interfere for weeks to come. Himura helped our dad not lose business and faith with his respective clients. Thus, he can finally breathe for a while. A first if I recall. And your professor asked for nothing in return."

"..." The distasteful expression resting on Weiss lightened up but she's not easily accepting this.

"Look, I understand the frustration boiling inside you, and what we were forced to endure during our childhood, but if we become blinded by our past, we won't be able to look in the present with a clear lens." A soft hand rests on her younger sister's shoulders and all Weiss can do is close her eyes. "If not for that, Himura would have killed everyone during the war. If not for that lesson, I wouldn't be here trying to change the infamy the Schnee name has adopted by going a different route. And I know you are fighting for the same reason in your own way. You'll need that when you become a huntress. People change, but some stay stuck in their ways. Use your judgement." Her scroll rang, an urgent alert from Ironwood. She checked and returned the metallic device in her back pocket. "I must go, don't tarnish the family name." Despite their relationships, class and honor reign supreme to the Schnee family.

"As if!" If there's one thing Weiss can't stand, is to make a mockery of her background. Winter only smirked at her sister's dedication as she walks away, needed for other assignments. Yet, Weiss wondered if there was something more to her new homeroom teacher or could his actions be taken as face-value and nothing else? It would be a first in her life when everyone owned a ulterior motive. Perhaps she can learn to be a little forgiving and not be quick to write somebody off, or else she'll be no better than her father.

"... Should head back to my dorm, my team's probably messing around or trying to get this paper done by coping answers together." With a little smile, she walked towards her respective dorm to see what her team are up to.

Everything's white. Clear, pristine, perfect. Took a moment to realize the setting. He tried to move and a piercing pain shot through his body and forced the man to return to a prone position. Damn, the injury left him at a loss to move or react.

"Ah, you're awake." A gentle turn and there sat Ozpin, his cane grasped by both hands as he examined the recuperating fighter. "For all your strength and abilities, you are still human. Your hiten-mitsurugi style isn't built for your size and is catching up to you after all these years. If not for Winter and her team interfering, we might have lost you.."

"I apologize for failing the mission. I didn't expect him to say her name, or my health to deteriorate so soon." A frown lingers on him, and confusion boils within. "I'm still concerned to how Adam knew her identity." Ozpin leaned in, recalling that instance.

"Tomoe was it?" Himura nodded.

"Yes, my fiance who has since passed during the war, and it is my fault for her death..." Ozpin didn't change expressions and only nod to his comment.

"I have done many wrongs in my lifetime, the most that anyone can encountered in their journey. But everyone has that one moment they regret the most and the weight is almost unbearable. But for our sake, we can push forward and hopefully, we encounter something where the burden becomes non-existent. Beacon is my chance to help make the world become right again, sharing the vision other headmasters own."

"I've yet to find mine unfortunately. But, she helped changed my philosophy so that all life's precious. Maybe I'm waiting until I do find my vision." The professor only stared up into the ceiling, thinking endlessly on what he must do. He thought he gotten over it, but it's a sour point in his history.

"How long do you think you can keep fighting?"

"A year or two maximum. I can gain strength and stamina back to offset the drawbacks of the Hiten Mitsurugi style but I know deep down I will not be able to wield a sword anymore. After making amends and changing for the better, I will eventually lose the ability to cause harm to anyone with my weapon. It's ironic how fate works, that it is." A little smile forms on his face and Ozpin feels one forming on his own. "Don't worry, I can train back to be at my top form, but I didn't believe turning old would add such a strain on my body, let alone my fighting style working against me."

"As an old man myself, I can whole heartedly agree with your sentiment on age." Both of them shared a chuckle together as they can find something good in the negative, they had to for their own sake. "You've also demonstrated your semblance to Ironwood, and me. I must say, I'm a little envious. Such strength and speed in one package, but halved thanks to your reversed sword so a fatality is near impossible. It also helped eased the general's concern and keep Jacques from causing a scene about Beacon's intentions. I must thank you and please, if you need anything from me, never be worried to contact me. " He reaches for the door but the professor wasn't quite done with the headmaster yet.

"I do need to mention one thing."

"Hm?" Ozpin turned around with eyebrows raised at what else Kenshin may have up his sleeve.

"The white fang, they are going to need help."

Late Evening

The moon shone overhead to anyone outside at the present time. Jaune had a small white gauze on his cheek to cover the little scrapes he received. He felt better, a weight off his shoulder and feeling far more complete than when he entered. Yet, he wanted a little alone time for himself. And he was tired. A sudden knock on the open door is audible and he turns to find Pyrrha smiling and waving a hand.

"Hey."

"Hey Pyrrha." He sighed but not from her presence. Today drained him and so this somber atmosphere soothed him.

"Are you alright? The doctor says you are fine. Consider me worried."

"Yeah, I'm fine..." He looked to the side, his arms resting on the guard rails of the roof. "I'm sorry about the other night, snapping at you. I had a lot of my mind and-"

"No, don't be. I didn't know how much becoming a huntsmen mattered to you. Will cookies cheer you up?" Pyrrha offered a half a dozen cookies on a plate. Jaune raised a brow at this. "Ren made them, I salvaged what Nora didn't devour." This brought a chuckle from the young man and took the sample.

"Thank you." The two ate their little snack together, connecting as a team for once rather than part ways. Their leader feels connected and competent. "Pyrrha..."

"Yeah?"

"I'd love to spar with you to improve myself."

"What's with the sudden change?"

"I was ruled by pride and nothing else. But, I learned today that attempting to do everything yourself results in failure. We need a shoulder to lean on sometimes. I don't want to feel overwhelmed when compared to my team, and I want to be the best leader possible for my team."

"Jaune..." She spoke, resting her hand on his shoulder "on behalf of our team, we don't see you a burden and you are a center piece for us. We all have our skills and we need you to help direct us to a victory. You're the most important member in our team." The gentle mood helped ease his troubles and he reacts by resting his head on her shoulder.

"Jaune?" But not from choice. Surprisingly, his little skirmish drained his aura. As a novice, he has some ways to recover. But his companion only smiled and gave him a chance to rest under the moonlight before returning to the dorm for their classes tomorrow.

"I really need some better men." A man spoke to himself, taping his cane onto the floor every few seconds. his feet laid back onto the table. Yes, a crook and a thief. Steal so much dust that the resell value triples and get a killing. It's simple economics. When product is high demand, supply is limited, the price fluctuates. Still, his pawns aren't quite up to par to his skills. An upgrade is in order. The creaks of metal and support beams on the verge of failing did disappoint him. Leaving this abandoned warehouse is the first step however.

The door slams open, which startles the suit n tie mobster. "Who goes there?" A crowd of soldiers in mask accompanied by Adam walked in, taking out the goons outside guarding the place. The hit from the battle earlier still remains and he's making it a mission to ensure he appears strong as ever to give off an illusion. "Oh, just the white fang, what do you want?" He seemed annoyed at their intrusion.

"I'm a man who has other business and like to get straight to the point. So I'm going to make this quick Roman. You and I have similar interest. We both need dust, and we both have a distaste to how this world runs. So, I'm willing to make a deal. You steal dust for me, you have unlimited access to my men and they'll follow your orders. Surely, you can't be making any type of success or money thanks to those third rate bodyguards do you?" The orange haired thief looked a little stunned at this claim but he took a moment to think it over. His hand rests underneath his chin while giving the remark some serious thought.

"Hm, you see, this sounds good and all, but I don't think I'd want to be associated with the White Fang. I'd be a bigger target and all my close clients will part ways. You understand right? It's just business, no hard feelings." He stretched his hands out to the sides, trying to be sociable.

"I know all about business and this is one where you shouldn't walk away."

"And why's that?" After his remark, he snapped his fingers, and through the small group came a girl, hair split between pink and brown, heterochromia eyes and a look of distaste. His hands stretched out, surprised to find her captured. "Neo..."

"She tried to put up a fight, it was cute to say the least." He unsheathed his sword, letting it rest on her throat. "I'm not here to bargain, either work for me, or have one less fighter on your team." Roman clenched his teeth at the turn of the events. With a painful sigh, he raised his hand.

"On one condition." He looked into the leader's eyes, awaiting for what this condition is. "I have close friends who save me time and time again. I'll work with your men, but I still need my team. Of course, they'll report to you if you need answers out of them." The swordsman released his hold on Neo and walked forward to Roman. He stops when nearly face to face with his new partner and smiles. He pats his cheek mockingly.

"It's just business, no hard feelings. I'll see you tomorrow." He walked away, sheathing his weapon as his group left the abandoned warehouse. The doors closed and after several minutes passed and they're completely gone, Roman began to chuckle, with Neo smirking.

"I must say, you are the most perceptive person I ever met Cinder." He turned around, looking into the shadows as he heard the sounds of heels clicking against the floor.

"You need to know your opponent. I've done my homework. Giving a tip to the military to blindside and injure Adam was one thing, but to have Himura himself fight and bring him down smoothly? I didn't foresee that." A cunning grin rests on her face as she brushes a few strands away of raven hair away from her eyes. "The injury to Himura is a plus. Anyways, this was step one. With the backing of the white fang, we can start working on step two." She extends a hand out, allowing a ball of fire to form, her eyes glowing.

Author's Notes

Thank you all for reaching the end. I had fun writing this piece. I'm taking a little break because I want to work on the other rwby fics which are separated one shots or an actual story. This story should be updated in a month from now at least. But you never know, might take two weeks or six weeks. I try to work at a daily rate of five hundred words a day. Some good, some bad. I thank everyone who reviewed or gave criticism. It helps me and I try to put my best effort that I can for you all.

As for Kaoru, shishio and the Kenshin/Blake pairings. I'm leaving them in the air. I have no actual plans but I've been brainstorming and some ideas rushed in mere minutes before finishing this chapter so while I like to keep my promises, you might get your wish if it fits in the story. There's only one definite Rurouni Kenshin character to be added down the road. Keep a look out, might arrive soon.

Later everyone!