Judge, Jury, Execution Arc: III
Chapter 4: Yellow Fever, but this time, less deadly.
Jaune poked at his mashed potatoes. Or at least, what he assumed was mashed potatoes. It could be cauliflower. He had to be cautious after all because Beacon, for some reason, served whole watermelons. He never saw anyone eat them, but he assumed someone did. Right?
He shook his head, his thoughts were drifting again. His time here at Beacon had been both fantastic and awful. On the one hand, he looked at his team and couldn't help but to smile. Nora was ever upbeat and energetic. Ren was stoic as always, nodding along and correcting Nora in her stories when needed. Pyrrha… Pyrrha was… his brow furrowed as he frowned. He didn't want to say something mean, like implying his partner was awful, but…
He sighed, his own partner rarely had time for him. Ren noticed his sigh but chose not to comment on it. He appreciated that about Ren, he knew the time and place and when to say what. Probably something he had to learn to deal with Nora, he thought ruefully.
But he was getting sidetracked again. His partner was a good person no doubt, his time being a brother to the Arc sisters taught him how to pick his friends. Who acted friendly and who was being genuine. Pyrrha Nikos was one-hundred percent authentic... when she wasn't plastering that fake smile on her face, that is. He frowned and poked at his school-fresh White Blob Mash™. That was the problem, he supposed, she never talked to them. Never had time for him…
Speaking of his redheaded companion, he glanced up at his partner sitting across from him. Yep, still shoveling food… If he really wanted to, he could blame everything on one person. Naruto. Ever since she started training with that monster, she barely had time for the team anymore. If she wasn't going to class or doing homework, she was training by herself or with Naruto. Or shoveling food into her apparently now-endless stomach. Unknowingly, she even out ate Nora once. Sure, he could talk in the hallways to class, but he sorely lacked in confidence these days. Getting a question rejected by his own partner in the hallways with all his peers around him?
He shook his head, This may not be high school anymore, but it may as well be High School 2: Hunter Boogaloo. The jocks can bench press people, the nerds can bench press me… Hell, if Ruby ever lost her scythe, I might end up as an improvised weapon…
Boisterous laughter broke his musing. Turning his head towards it, he watched as Naruto finish his laugh. By the looks on his and Team RWBY's faces, Yang had just finished telling an embarrassing story about Ruby, if her burying her face in her hands was any indication.
Generally, during lunch, he could at least talk to Team RWBY. Occasionally, Naruto found time to sit with them and spin stories to the amusement of the whole team, or to the embarrassment of Ruby or Yang…
He could glower, but he didn't have it in him. He was an older brother himself, and if he had the opportunity, he would absolutely sit with his adorable little sisters. And Naruto wasn't the one that fudged his way, green, into a premier huntsman school with fake papers.
He settled for a dull stare at the obnoxious blondes. Sure, he may not have put himself in an excellent position to start with, but Naruto had only made it worse.
A shriek of pain cut through the general chatter of the cafeteria. Naruto's head… well everyone's really, snapped over to the source. Cardin was there pulling on a bunny Fanus's ear.
He should feel sorry about it, but a spark of hope was kindled. Maybe this was his chance. Perhaps he could...march...up to Cardin… whose mace weighed probably as much as he did…
His eyes darted back to Naruto's face, and his intense suddenly Yang-red eyes. Or he could let the Vytal Champion who could probably deadlift a Bullhead handle it.
Wait, when did Naruto get red eyes?
As soon as Naruto cleared his seat, he was over by the two students in a blur, green leaves trailing in his wake.
Next thing everyone knew, Cardin's face was eating the table.
"Alright shitstain, I'm going to say this very slowly to get it through your thick skull." Naruto leaned in close and practically growled at Cardin, "Are. You. A. Huntsman?"
From Jaune's admittedly poor view, Cardin's face looked like an interesting combination of pants-shitting terror and indignation. "W-Whu?" Jaune had to school his face, while RWBY giggled and Nora laughed, Cardin certainly sounded like it too.
Naruto let out aggravated growl and lifted Cardin back to his feet, the rest of Team CRDL watching the going ons warily. "Are you, or are you not, a Huntsman-In-Training?"
The situation had begun to sink in for Cardin. "Y-yes?"
"Really?" He snarled, "Is that an answer or a question, Winchester?"
Cardin, apparently thinking he caught on barked out, "Sir, I'm a proud Huntsman-in-Training, Sir!"
Naruto released Winchester and crossed his arms, "Really Winchester? Is that what you think you are?
The confusion was plain to see on Cardin's face. "Uh, S-sir?"
Naruto continued, "Because all I see right now is some jumped up teenager on his way to washing out and joining a bandit gang."
That silenced everyone if they weren't quiet already. A teacher, regardless of his age, just accused a student of going bandit, in the middle of the cafeteria, surrounded by said students peers.
Cardin was clearly not expecting that to come out of Naruto mouth. "W-wha? I'm no bandit!" His surprise gave way to rage, "My family has served as hunters for generations, and I will be no different!"
"Oh?" Jaune strained his neck and saw that Naruto's eyes had turned back to blue. Note to self, ask Yang about that. "You do know that we take an oath when we graduate to protect any and all people regardless of individual differences against threats domestic and foreign, right?"
"Uh…"
The cold stare Naruto was throwing about at Cardin, and the rest of his team could probably freeze water. "Huntsmen are the first, middle, and last lines of defense against any threats to our civilization's survival. If you can't perform that duty because you are too busy spreading misery to Faunus just because they look different from you? Then you are no better than a common bandit."
He raised a hand to calm the likely outburst building in Cardin. "I'm not saying you have to have Ruby-levels of optimism and hand out free hugs or whatever." Ruby blushed deeply at that while Yang shot her a fond smile. "I'm saying stow your shit opinions up your ass where they belong and do your fucking job before a Hunter like me does it for you. Permanently. Are we clear?"
"Ye-" Cardin cleared his throat, "Yes, Sir."
Naruto nodded, "Good, go take your team on a long walk through the courtyard and give it a good think. You'll be serving detentions shared between Glynda and Oobleck for the next month."
Aware of the eyes of the entire cafeteria on them, Team CRDL silently filed out, their peers clearing a path for them as they walked.
After a beat, Naruto himself turned towards the exit and barked, "Velvet Scarlatina, fall in!"
An 'eep!' echoed through the silent room before the student Cardin had been picking on followed Naruto.
After a good minute, it seemed like nothing else would happen, and everyone slowly drifted back to the small talk they had been making beforehand.
All except Team RWBY, they didn't seem much in the mood for it at the moment.
He looked across to his partner to ask her what she thought, and she was still eating. And by the looks of it, she didn't even notice what happened...
He sighed and finally took a bit of the blob he'd been poking at forever now. And immediate spit it out. Ugh, cold mashed cauliflower.
Yang let out a yell as her fist crashed against Pyrrha's shield.
It wasn't till she'd faced Pyrrha did Yang realize just why Naruto had chosen her exclusively for his little 'project.'
Yang ducked awkwardly under the retaliatory swipe from Pyrrha as her fist was still stuck to the shield.
She was a monster in training. Her entire life had built her up to fight human opponents. Sure, she could kill Grimm like anyone's business, but she had particular advantages against human opponents. She had the mental fortitude to never let her guard down against even the strongest of hits, and she had the tactical prowess to turn even the most disadvantageous of situations into her favor.
Most importantly, though, was the fact that her semblance was borderline broken.
Yang activated the inbuilt trigger causing the Ember Celica to spew out its explosion, jarring Pyrrha's concentration and freeing her hand from the shield.
Every huntsman used metal weaponry to some extent or the other. Even pugilists like herself and Naruto used weaponry so the moment Pyrrha blocked a Huntsman's first hit, it was pretty much over for them.
A one-touch disable for non-ranged opponents, a perfect guard against long ranged ones.
Of course, it was all for naught if she couldn't touch her opponent's weapon, either directly or indirectly. She was the perfect foil for Yang, but that matchup went both ways.
The two recovered and warily squared up against each other again.
Pugilists like herself depended on hit-and-run tactics. Her gauntlets employed fire dust exclusively because it allowed her to create distance and break concentration. If not for it, she'd never be able to enter Pyrrha's semblance-range. Hence, their matches came down to whether Yang ran out of shells first or Pyrrha's concentration was sapped.
It was a match made in hell, cause heaven didn't want anything to do with it.
"You don't make this easy, I'll give ya that." Yang cursed as she readied herself for another excursion into Pyrrha's guard. Her opponent just smiled.
Sadly, her excursion would have to wait, as the boy of her dreams literally waltzed through the open door. Pyrrha noticed him too, and her reaction was quite similar.
He was what some of her… magazines… would call 'bishonen,' with princely features adorning his dusky skin-tone. He had slicked-back purple hair that stood at-odds slightly with his chestnut three-piece suit. His dressing sense was impeccable, and everything he wore was probably from a designer label.
Wonder how someone their age got the money to buy such expensive-looking stuff.
"Wow, they still haven't patched up the old stomping grounds, have they?" He spoke, in a slightly effeminate but well-modulated voice, taking in the sight of the old training arena. "Always knew that Ozpin spent more on his coffee budget than he did on renovations."
Yang took this chance to rush in, with Pyrrha not far behind. "Hello there! What brings you to our humble abode?" Yang began. The hunk finally noticed her, and his confused expression quickly gave way to a pleasant smile.
"Well, I was just wondering who this arena was relegated to." He then eyed up Pyrrha and Yang, "Seems like it's in good hands."
"Our teacher uses this place to give us private lessons," Pyrrha answered. Yang saw the opportunity, and she fucking took it.
"I'd let you give us lessons here if you want." She leaned in, giving the man a free view of her 'assets.' To his credit, he didn't even blush. Instead, his smile just widened.
"My, got a name I can associate with those puppies or nah?" He asked, and Yang smiled.
"Name's Yang." The guy's face darkened just a little, but Yang was already doing the damage that needed to be done. "Yang Xiao Long."
The boy physically recoiled, he moved back, one step at a time. "Oh no no no! No can do sir-ee! I like my spine exactly where it is." The voice that came out of his mouth was much too squeaky, having lost any and all modulation. Suddenly, Yang had doubts.
Yang cocked an eyebrow at the sudden one-eighty this person's personality had taken. "And exactly why would you fear for your spine, of all things?"
The bishounen's eyes widened. "There are only three things in this world I'm scared of...Responsibility, grenade launchers, and-"
"And me," Naruto spoke, stepping into the arena with another student by his side. The bishonen turned slowly, fear etched into his features. Suddenly, he didn't feel so 'dreamy.'
"Sup, Jaz, still binding those A-cup breasts of yours?"
The bishonen girl literally almost jumped out of her skin when Naruto tapped her shoulder. "I swear I was not trying to hit up your sister, Naruto. It was all her, I swear!"
Naruto regarded 'Jaz' with silence. He then cleared his throat and - in an uncannily close copy of Jaz's original tone, spoke.
"My, got a name I can associate with those puppies or nah?"
Jaz was positively sweating at this point. "H-hey! I didn't even know she was your sister. She looks nothing like that photo of her that you've got in your wallet!"
Naruto grunted, "She was eight years old back then. Your point?"
Yang perked up at this. "Ooh! You have a photo of me in your wallet?"
Jaz nodded, realizing that she'd successfully deflected the topic. "Yup! You, Ruby, and your father!"
"You're not helping your case here, Jaz." Naruto commented, "Also, what are you doing here?"
Jaz shrugged, "Well, I was called in for a mission, gotta take the kids out to Forever Fall. Security duty and all that jazz." She then glared at Naruto. "And what about you? Mister 'I need to take mission over the summer so I can't come to the Vacuo road trip'?"
Naruto grunted, "Well, I already had enough missions, so I'm getting some teaching experience in."
Jaz cocked an eyebrow. "You? A teacher? Don't joke around. You are practically an anarchist." She looked around, her eyes resting momentarily on the items Naruto had set-up in the room. The target range was new, so was the training dummy. He'd even patched up the heavy bags they'd destroyed back in Second Year. Plus, there were the two students.
"...holy shit, you aren't kidding." She spoke, unable to believe it.
"Wait, so you're Jasmine, Naruto's team leader?" Yang asked. Jasmine gave her one of her trademark 'lady-killer' smiles.
"Yes indeed, I'm the ever-handsome Jasmine Amir, leader of Team ORNJ… or Team ORJ, whenever Naruto wasn't around." She winked, and Naruto's glare grew more intense.
"So you're the person who kept Naruto away from other women in the three years he spent in Beacon, am I correct?" Yang asked.
"Partly, yes. My other gals were definitely helpful in that regard too." Jasmine spoke, noticing Yang's smirk grow.
"You've done my work for me for three years, Jaz, thank you!" Yang spoke, giving the girl a bear hug. She then leaned in. "Also, don't tell Naruto, but I play for both teams." She whispered into Jasmine's ear.
"For my personal safety, I'm going to act like I didn't hear that," Jasmine concluded, breaking apart from the hug. She then walked over to Naruto and clutched his arm, pulling him away.
"As for you, you're coming with me. We have matters to discuss." Jasmine spoke, trying her hardest to get Naruto to move.
"Fine, let's go." Naruto finally acquiesced, leaving the training room with Jasmine, leaving the two stunned first-years behind. Also revealing Velvet, who had been standing behind Naruto all this while, who looked utterly lost.
"Hey Yang, I didn't understand one thing," Pyrrha asked.
"What was it, Pyrrha?" Yang asked, walking over to Velvet. Apparently, Naruto's 'project' had grown again.
"Why did Jasmine say 'ORJ' like 'ORJ-EE'?"
Yang gave her a side-long smirk and pat her on the head. "You are just as precious as Ruby sometimes, you know?"
Yang grabbed Velvet's hand and pulled her into the training arena. "Right! Person I don't know, time for a battle royale!" And before anyone could contest it, she spun around and shot-putted the poor Fanus into an unprepared Pyrrha.
Jasmine didn't really have a location in mind when she dragged away Naruto. In the end, she ended up letting him lead her to a Bullhead which they took to Vale, a stilted silence between them. After a short rooftop dash, the had dropped down and entered a bar.
A bar with what looked to be blast-proof steel doors.
Her question of "Since when did you go to bars?" was met with stony silence.
She received the same answer when she asked what he was doing when he gave a hand signal to a sizeable scruffy-looking man.
Or when some hot possibly underaged girl broke off from her red counterpart and guided them through a hallway of backrooms.
They were guided into a high class looking room with comfy looking seats and a quality coffee table. She was broken from her observations with the click KA-CHUNK of the door closing and locking.
Naruto took a seat and motioned for her to do the same. When she did so a slight static crackled in the air.
Finally, Naruto opened his mouth, "Sorry Jaz, can't be too careful these days." He gave her a warm smile, "But really, it's good to see you again."
She frowned, "And what exactly is going on? Where have you been? Can't be too careful? You, a professor? Since when did you frequent bars? Or more specifically, how do you know a guy who owns a bar with an EMP, Faraday Cage room with blast doors?"
He leaned back and ran his hands through his hair, "It's kinda a long story…"
She motioned with her hand, "Well? Go on, you pulled me down here, and I'm not going anywhere 'till I get it."
Naruto's face scrunched like he had bitten a lemon, he only got like that when he knew she wasn't going to like what he was going to say or do. "I've been taking on some janitorial jobs."
And he is right, I don't like it. "Naruto you fucking moron! You said you wouldn't!" She was righteously pissed and for a good reason. "Those missions are illegal for Fourth Years, and you know it!"
Her response was a weary aged look, one she saw on Huntsman twice his age. "I said I would try not to. And I didn't...until…" He looked away.
"Until what? What could have been so important?" She demanded.
His mouth thinned, "Until Ozpin asked me to. Uncle Qrow had been doing it for the past decade on Oz's orders. Oz wanted Qrow to take the sorts of missions that get you a Wanted poster. He needed someone to take over the lighter missions. Me."
"And you just said yes?" She felt like crying, the path of a Hunter had a high-casualty/defection rate, and they both knew it. It was her job to look after the team, but they always made it so hard for her.
Naruto didn't say anything. He took out his wallet and slipped something from it. She knew what it was, he often did it before missions. He just stared at the well-worn photograph. "You know why."
She looked away, Yeah. I do. When it came to his younger siblings, she knew there was a minimal amount of things he would not do.
"So that's what you been doing, eh?" Before he could respond, she continued, "You dropped out of contact, and likely avoided us for…" She gestured to the room in general, "getting caught up in this?"
He blushed in embarrassment, "It seemed like a good idea at the time, I knew you would get mad."
She shot out of her seat, "Dammit Naruto! Of fucking course, I would get mad! I'm your team leader! I care about you... we all do." She collapsed back into her seat, energy drained. "You always do this…"
"...sorry." He put away the picture and tucked his wallet away.
She looked away, "You always say that."
"...sorry."
They sat in silence for a while. She appreciated it, it gave her time to settle herself down, and probably let Naruto gather his thoughts.
Finally, he spoke, "Junior, the owner, has been helping me Hunt Roman Torchwick. I'm doing that because something has Ozpin spooked and he recalled me because of it."
That has her worried, "Something spooked Ozpin?"
He didn't respond beyond just a nod. They lapsed into silence again. She let it be, she could always ask her questions later. She had the time.
So Naruto is a Prof now huh? ...and so the rebel becomes a leader.
"You take your time Naruto, I'll be here all week." She got up, straightened out her clothes. Checked her hair for imperfections. She felt her looks were satisfactory she clicked the button to unlock the door.
Leaving Naruto to his thoughts, she walked out and began her Hunt for those twins. I saw the look you two gave him, let's see if I still have it.
If she had looked at him one last time, she would have seen him there, holding that picture once again. Staring at it with a determined glint in his eyes.
"So yeah, basically, that was the first time I scored with twins," Jasmine spoke unto her enraptured audience of eight kids, one being too young to hear this. Thankfully for Jaz's sake, Ruby had a headset on and was blasting music.
"This makes me slightly nauseous, and I'm pretty sure the airship has nothing to do with it," Jaune spoke, gaining a glare in return from Yang.
"Sure, Jaune. Stories of sexual conquest are what make life worth living." She spoke, giving Jasmine a knowing grin. The grin was returned almost instantly.
"Sure, sure," Jaune reasoned, settling down into his seat. "It's just that I never thought I'd be hearing intimate details about my sister's sex-life from a relative stranger."
"... I'm not really a stranger, considering I've been with your sisters." Jasmine said, wrapping an arm around Jaune's shoulders. "Hell, at this point, I'm practically family!"
"Please, just… stop talking." Jaune moaned, burying his face in his hands. The rest of the group tried their hardest to hold in their laughter, but it was a losing battle.
"Still, hard to believe that an Arc showed up at Beacon. Isn't failing to get into Vale-based academies part of the great 'Arc-curse'?" Jasmine questioned. She noticed the beads of sweat that started to form on Jaune's forehead. His slight change of tone was not missed either.
She was a team leader, dealing with others is what she did for a living.
"Y-yeah, Dad was pretty happy when he learned I got into Beacon. Only sibling that actually did." Jaune replied. Jasmine was pretty sure he was lying, but about what? He was in Beacon, and he was a team leader. Her family was one made entirely of career huntsmen too. She knew the kind of prestige that came from being a leader.
So why was Jaune so shifty about all this?
"So, does the fact that I slept with your sisters make you angry, Jaune?" Jasmine taunted, trying to get a rise out of Jaune. It was a small test, from one leader to another. A check whether Jaune would be able to keep his cool when taunted.
"Nope. They got their own lives." Jaune shrugged. "Plus, I'm one of the youngest of the bunch. While I do take care of the house, and my sisters, they're their own people. They get to decide what's best for them, you know?"
Jasmine was expecting many things. This was not one of them. Sure, the kid was embarrassed by her recount, but that was it. There was no protectiveness, just a very logical, calm-headed rationale. She was convinced that had her story been malicious, the response she'd get from him would have been very much more physical.
The kid had the traits to make a good leader. His lack of ability was a shame, though.
Reminded her of herself, just a few years ago.
"If it makes you feel better, I had a genuinely good time with your sisters. Shame that distance keeps us apart." Jasmine patted his back and gave him a genuine smile.
"Plus, if it weren't me taking them for a spin, it would have been Naruto."
Jaune's face instantly whitened. He turned and put his hands on Jasmine's shoulders, looking her straight in the eyes.
"Jasmine, if you need to go as far as to marry my sisters, you have my blessing. Take all seven of them if you want. Just promise you'll keep them away from Naruto." He begged, taking Jasmine by surprise. What kind of fear had Naruto instilled in these kids to make them fear him so much?
It was then that she was reminded of those early morning training sessions Naruto did, which the rest of team ORNJ decided to follow one beautiful day. Naruto was now their teacher, and while that little detail might have changed, she doubted what he thought of as an 'acceptable training schedule' would. Suddenly, it became a lot clearer.
"You have my solemn promise, Jaune."
Velvet had an… odd week. It started with some racist bullying from one of the first-years. Coco always told her she had to stand up for herself, but it still was so hard to do that when surrounded by indifferent people. Then the new student-professor showed up to put an end to it right in front of everyone, giving Winchester a dressing down in front of everyone. She frowned at that, Naruto, in her opinion, went too far accusing the first year of 'going bandit'...
She glanced over at the broad back of the person she was following. Speaking of Naruto… he had ordered her to follow him, and when they had reached a secluded point in Beacon he gave her a Coco Lecture™ about standing up for herself and the precedent she sets for others as a second year… and she had to admit it was more impactful than the speeches Coco gave her. Not that the speeches Coco gives me are bad! It was just different, being told that by someone as unintentionally intimidating as Naruto.
That weird day eventually ended with Naruto dragging her off to a training room, him being accosted by apparently his old cross-dressing teammate, learning Yang, Naruto's little sister, swung that way - everyone forgets her bunny ears aren't for decoration - and eventually being left behind as Naruto forgot about her.
Left behind to deal with the Untouchable Champion of Mistral and Naruto's younger sister. What followed would never be spoken of, especially not to Coco. Yang declared a 'Battle Royale' and proceeded to use her as an improvised weapon against Pyrrha.
Thoroughly dazed at that point, she didn't have much inhibition left in her. Her Semblance allowed her to take them both by surprise and put a - according to them - quick end to the fight.
She doubted it would work a second time. She shivered, she really didn't want there to be a second time either. There was no way she could match their blows if they were both fresh and not taken by surprise.
But… Naruto hadn't been mad when he came to get her today. Actually apologized to her for the whole incident.
Offered the possibility of some training to pay her back. She accepted, he looked so embarrassed by the whole thing it reminded her of herself.
She looked around and realized they were approaching the training room.
Aaaand now she was blushing. Her face burned remembering what Coco had said to her after Naruto came around to pick her up. She wished her team leader would stop teasing her sometimes, putting emphasis on the words training and personal like that!
Naruto finally spoke as he walked into the training room with her following shortly behind. "Alright Velvet, you are going to tell me exactly what your hangup is."
She didn't know what to say. She had been expecting a speech or some instructions to begin warming up…
"Or," he continued seeing her hesitance, "We can go with option two: Hardcore training every day until the problem solves itself."
That...she also wasn't expecting that. She got the feeling that maybe she should take her expectations out back and have them shot because they were clearly failing her. But, it had it be asked, "How would hardcore training solve a problem you don't know?"
He snorted and waved to the semi-destroyed training grounds, "There is very little that hardcore training can't solve, I have found."
Well, he's not wrong. Hardcore training helped her get to where she was, but she had a distinct feeling a nearly A-Grade Huntress like herself had a significantly different definition of what 'Hardcore' entails, compared to a Dark Horse Vytal Champion.
"So…" She didn't exactly know how to talk with him. Does she treat him like a peer? A professor? Geh, why couldn't he have taken Coco instead?
Naruto seemed to sense her indecision and saved her from just standing there awkwardly. "Right, so like I said, we can do this one of two ways. You tell me now what's up or I grind it out of you with training. Either way, problem solved, right?"
If Velvet could sweatdrop like in the cartoons, at this moment she would. It sounded very much like both options would end with her being trained by him. Not that she had anything against it. But… It wouldn't be with her team. It wouldn't be with Coco.
But Coco seemed to know what was going on… She wants me to take on his training?
She could imagine it now, going back to the dorm only to have Coco sending her running back to Naruto to accept his training. Oh, gods, that would be embarrassing.
She was brought out of her thoughts by Naruto snapping his fingers in her face. "You okay there Vel?"
She blushed and stammered, "Y-yes! Sorry! I'll talk!" She paused and in a more subdued voice said, "…and can we train too?" She knew Coco was going to tease her about this no matter what happened. When a Vytal Festival Champion offers you no-strings-attached free training, you take it. …At least I'm pretty sure that's what Coco would say…
Naruto gave her a bright grin, one that made her imagine Coco just waggling her eyebrows at. "Alright, we can do both no problem." He walked to the center of the pockmarked room and spread his hands wide. "Let's start it off with a spar! Give me your best shot!"
"I… okay." Velvet spoke, taking out her camera. It wasn't till she was ready to take a picture that she realized a simple fact. Naruto wasn't using his weapon.
"Well, if you don't plan to start, I will," Naruto spoke as he stepped forward, completely unarmed. Making a split-second decision, Velvet summoned Yang's gauntlets, which she had photographed last time. Considering she is Naruto's sister, there must be some similarities in their fighting styles, right?
It was anything but. Naruto's angle of attack, his footwork, even his basic movements were rubble alien to her. It was nothing like Yang's style, nothing like any style she'd ever seen in her life.
Still, she could see weaknesses in it. She punched forward as Naruto did the same. With the added range from Yang's shotgun gauntlets, she'd hit first no matter what. Did she overestimate his abilities?
She didn't realize she'd been hit till she hit the ground.
"That was a flawless execution on your part, Vel. I'm not sure whether Yang could have done it better." Naruto spoke, hopping in place, beckoning for her to stand up. "It lacked something though. Had you been Yang, that would have landed before my hit."
Velvet got up with much ease. It had been a jab. Naruto had come in with a heavy punch but replaced it with a quick jab at the last second. The attack was so fast that it was impossible to see but had left next-to-no damage either. It was a guard-breaker.
"You see, Velvet, there are two fields where both Yang and Pyrrha are far ahead of you." With those words, Naruto disappeared from her view. Before she could blink, he was right in front of her, and his fist was buried in her stomach.
"Speed," he spoke, drawing back his right fist. She could swear there was a coating of blue energy surrounding it, but she couldn't be sure. Her concentration was utterly eradicated by Naruto's opening punch, and anyone who'd ever seen Naruto in action knew what would follow.
"And strength." Naruto finished, using his empowered fist to finger-flick Velvet's forehead. The power behind the flick was enough to knock the bunny Faunus back a few steps and back to the ground.
"I know you've spent your first year as a 'support' cast of sorts, and I know that support huntsmen are extremely important in our field of work," Naruto spoke, helping Velvet get back to her feet as she nursed her aching face. "Your skill set, Vel, isn't made for support. If trained right, you could be one of the world's greatest anti-human operatives."
"I… don't like hurting people." Velvet answered, giving Naruto a conflicted look. He'd basically got her dead-to-rights, and all while using only his left fist and one finger from his right. There it was, the 'difference' between a second year and a fourth year.
Naruto sighed and sat on the ground, motioning for Velvet to do the same. "Let me let you in on a little secret. I didn't either originally."
She looked up, startled by that. Hunters were somewhat frowned upon in the Huntsman community, often considered a sadly necessary evil. Most civilians were kept in the dark about it as much as possible. "Then why did you?"
Naruto looked contemplative at that, eventually nodding to himself and taking out a picture from his wallet. Smiling fondly at her he passed over the down at it she could tell it was an often held photo, clear lines of wear and tear visible on it. It's a picture of his family.
On a level she definitely understood. She was the same way with Team CVFY…well almost, I haven't killed for them… yet. Handing the picture, she told him so, "Yeah, I get that. Ruby already has a bit of a reputation…" She coughed into her hand and blushed, "Yang, too."
Naruto snorted and took the picture back, "Yeah, that's Yang for you. As for Ruby…" He trailed off staring at nothing, "Ruby is too good for the world. She's an ideal manifest some would say." His shoulders' hunched, " She believes in the good of all people." Looking right into Velvet's eyes he said, "And I think we are both fairly aware that isn't quite true."
She was only confused for a moment, "Those whiskers… they aren't tattoos or scars are they?"
He gave her a wide grin; thumb pointed at his face, "Nope! You are looking at a 100% gen-u-ine article right here!"
She couldn't help but giggle at that.
"So, that's why I did it. I don't want Ruby to ever really see how low Humans and Faunus sink. If that meant staining my hands to keep hers clean… It was a sacrifice I happily made."
That struck something in Velvet, she only ever wanted to help… Naruto stared at his hands lost in thought, she did too. "Staining my hands so the ones I care about don't have to." But it's not like any of us are all that innocent.
"I know what you're probably thinking right now: 'It's not like my team is innocent,' right?"
She looked up, shocked again. "H-how?"
Naruto chuckled, "Because it's a fairly obvious line of thought? I'm not claiming Ruby or anyone else is 'Innocent' either, she's sixteen and has access to the Rem-net after all. But can you really say someone like Coco would be the same if they told her to go take out a bandit camp? Permanently?"
Velvet didn't have a reply, he wasn't wrong. Coco was a strong-willed team leader but…
Naruto continued, "Fox… I don't see him doing it. Yatsuhashi, maybe… but he is far more effective against Grimm hordes. Coco… she wouldn't come out the same and besides I'd want her against the Grimm regardless with the overcompensating gun of hers."
Velvet snorted at that, the looks on peoples faces when Coco whipped that out was always amusing.
"And then there is you. Your semblance does a lot more than just copy the fighting styles. It copies the mindset needed for the style too doesn't it?"
She sucked in a breath, eyes wide.
"That's why Coco doesn't like you fighting with it."
How…? "Y-yes, there is… side-effects to using one style for too long. The longer I use a copied style, the better adapted for my body it becomes but…"
Naruto nodded in understanding, "But the rest of the 'package' becomes more ingrained in you as well."
Velvet nodded sadly, she wasn't quiet by choice. Not really. It just took so much energy to stay Velvet Scarlatina. Coco was always good about reminding her through.
"I'm sorry for asking this of you, but we need more Hunters. There is something big coming and it's not going to be Grimm that are the main threat." Worry crept into his eyes, "I need to get the most out of the time I have, and that means picking out the students who have particularly strong anti-human semblances and training them as best I can."
"So please Velvet, I ask you. Stain your hands. For your team, for Beacon, for Vale, For Remnant...For a Better Future…"
She almost couldn't hide the pity she had for him. Here was someone so much stronger than her, who sacrificed so much, despising himself for asking her to do the same.
Before she could voice her thoughts to him however he had one last thing to say. "I'll burn for my sins no doubt, but I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I hadn't done everything in my power and someone ended up hurt or killed because of it."
She… she couldn't back out now. The training she would have taken, but when he started talking about killing people… she would put up with a disappointed Coco. But now he shared his fear with her, and if she backed out now… and if Coco or anyone else got hurt because she had refused…
This is how people end up as Hunters isn't it.
"A-alright Naruto." Those two words brought so much visible relief to his face. "I'll do it. Coco knows right?" He nodded.
He breathed out a breath he apparently didn't know he had been holding. "Thank you, Velvet. Come on down in two days after 2100 hours. You should head back to Coco now, got another student coming in." He gave her a wan smile.
She nodded and made her way out.
It wasn't what she had been expecting, but if it helped keep her adopted family safe… Well, the extra training could only help her.
"Are you really sure this is a good idea, Nora?"
Jasmine watched from the tree she was hiding in as Jaune's team decided - in their infinite wisdom - to wander deep into the heart of the forest. Apparently, the Nora girl wanted to find a big tree they could use to fill up all their jars in one fell swoop. It was a smart idea, but an idea that was conceived at the wrong time.
Forever fall forest was a relatively safe area, considering it was nestled between a mountain and a well-defended railroad track. Grimm populations were thinned out thrice every year. She knew this because she'd personally been on one of these 'quellings.' Generally, this time of the year came between a little after a quelling, so the forest was quiet.
Not this time, though.
She'd been called in for a sanctioned mission because they couldn't cancel the field class for the first years. Glynda accompanied them, sure, but considering there was an abnormal rise in the number of Grimm showing up in Forever Fall, Ozpin thought it best to send additional protection. Naruto's words plagued her thoughts, and she had to agree. Ozpin is worried about something.
The students are smart enough to stay safe. Your presence is a mere formality, Jasmine. Think of it as a day off and another mission added to your ledger. Ozpin had told her. She knew Ozpin only saw the best in his students because she knew from the moment they landed that at least one team would try to do something stupid.
Lo and behold, there was now a team in the forest depths. Had she not already been keeping an eye on Jaune, they'd be too far out for her to protect.
She was brought out of reverie by the sound of an explosive going off. She would have fallen right out of the tree had she not gotten lessons in tree-centric espionage from Naruto. Once she regained her position, she had to actively fight the urge to facepalm.
"Nora! You destroyed my sword!" Jaune yelled, holding the hilt of what was once his weapon. It took Jasmine a second to put two and two together. The team was covered in red sap, Nora's ballistic hammer was smoking, and the tree they were standing in front of was now leaning against other trees behind it.
It was the only way it could stay standing when it was missing a large chunk of its trunk.
She'd chastise the kids, but being ready for any combat scenarios was part of their training. It was part of why they were brought out to the field, to begin with. Her orders were to stay out of sight unless it was a matter of life or death. The Grimm started to flock to the team, brought in by the combination of the explosive noise and the sweet smell of the sap.
Probably Jaune's panic, too.
She jumped to a lower branch and then to the next tree. She prepared to drop down the moment the kids were in mortal peril. She wouldn't let these kids die on her watch. Naruto would never forgive her. I wouldn't forgive myself.
For now, though, she'd observe.
Pyrrha Nikos was an artist these days. The way she moved between the surrounding Beowolves, her spear splitting open any that dared pounce. It was like watching a dance of death, beautiful and terrifying in equal measure.
Lie Ren was much the same. Dodging and ducking his way around an Ursa Major. He didn't possess the raw strength of Pyrrha, so he made up for it with incredible speed, skill, and spatial awareness. His weapon in its comfort zone here, where he could use it to pepper every swing of his opponent with gunfire.
Nora… was different. Her style could be easily summed up with the word 'Brutality.' She was a flurry of activity, bashing a beowolf into the ground and quickly launching a grenade into a lunging King Taijitu's open mouth.
And there he was, cowering behind his shield against a single Beowolf. Pathetic, weaponless, alone.
But if he were honest with himself, even with a sword he would be a little better than useless at best or liability at worst.
He rarely trained on his own. He did just enough to scrape by on his grades. At the time it didn't seem relevant. He had time, a whole four years, so what if he spent more time reading comics and playing games?
And now here he is, dragging his team down. Surrounded by what seems to be an endless flood of Grimm.
An explosion of pink fire indicated Nora started dipping into her more custom - and destructive - grenades… which was not a good sign.
Nor was it when Ren collided with him, having been battered by an unusually large Ursa Major. Pyrrha and Nora, bless their souls, noticed and had fallen back to a tighter formation. While it had given time for Ren and him to recover, it also let the Grimm box them in further.
And I'm still standing here doing nothing!
I'm the Team Leader! I need to help!
I need to help them!
And then Pyrrha got blindsided in the side of her head by that same Heavily Armored Ursa Major, knocking her off balance. Jaune saw her lose her concentration, watched her Aura flicker.
It was at that moment that something clicked.
He didn't know what it was, but he knew that it would help. He raised his arm without knowing what to expect, and he felt his own aura ebb. In front of him, Pyrrha started to glow. Her spear shot out with speed and strength that would baffle even the strongest of huntsmen. The tip went through the Ursa's bone-armor with such speed that it looked like it had somehow bypassed the armor entirely.
There was only one way to explain it, Jaune had found his semblance.
"Alright kiddos, time to clean up here," Jasmine shouted as she literally jumped out of a tree, and on to a Beowolf. Somehow, her light frame was enough to completely eviscerate the Grimm's armored head and leave a small crater in the earth.
"Jaune, empower me." She spoke, and Jaune followed, mimicking the same actions he'd used to empower Pyrrha. Jasmine began to glow, and a wicked smile appeared on her face.
"What a thrill!" She yelled as he slammed her foot into the ground hard. The area around her foot exploded with force, sending debris rocketing upwards. With the skill and deftness expected from a pro hunter, she lashed out at the rubble with a rapid flurry of kicks and punches, launching chunks of rocks and earth at the Grimm around her at the speed of bullets.
Unlike normal bullets, this debris ripped through the armored Grimm. It was physically impossible, but it still happened. Within a matter of seconds, the crowded clearing was now almost empty as the smaller Grimm started to retreat - Jasmine having shredded their alphas.
"That's one hell of a semblance, Jaune. Might have to request you for some of my missions." Jasmine smiled. "For now, though, I'd recommend you get back to the ship. Leave your jars at the entrance, let Glynda know that I personally sent you back."
As she passed Jaune, she leaned in close. "As for you, young man, we'll be having a little talk on the way back to Beacon."
As they walked away, Jaune tried his best to come to terms with what just happened. He had always expected to have the semblance of a warrior. This was anything but that. Still, it was powerful. Overwhelmingly so, as a matter of fact. Just… not for him.
For once, as they walked back to the airship, Jaune noticed that it was his team following him, not the other way around. Deep inside, he liked this feeling.
He really did.
"So, let's get this straight. You can directly inject your Aura into someone else's?" Jasmine asked, and Jaune nodded.
"And your Aura's potency allows the recipient to go beyond their physical capabilities." another question, another nod.
"Do you realize how powerful an ability like that is?" Jasmine asked. Support Semblances were rare, to begin with, and so were semblances that directly affected Aura. A Semblance that could do both was beyond extraordinary.
Yet, Jaune's noncommittal shrug told her that he was not a happy camper.
"So, mind telling me why you're unhappy with a semblance like that?" Jasmine asked, even though she already knew the answer. Again, she was surprised by the similarities between herself and Jaune.
The black sheep of prestigious families.
"Well, it's just that I was expecting my semblance to be a little more useful to myself… you know?" Jaune spoke, causing Jasmine to giggle. Confused, he stared at her till she stopped.
"Sorry about that, Jaune. I just realized that you're in the same sort of situation I was in three years back." She answered. Jaune huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Totally. You're trying to tell me that you were like me three years ago? Try harder, Vytal champ." He countered, his petulance made Jasmine laugh harder, much to his confusion.
"I'm not lying, Jaune." She spoke as her laughter subsided. "My own semblance is making things heavier or lighter. It's what I used when I fought those Grimm." She leaned back in her seat.
"It's not as offensive an ability as you'd expect it to be, neither is it easy to control. Back when I joined Beacon, I couldn't control it enough to use it on myself, so I used to on my teammates." She spoke. "Mind you, all I can increase is weight, unlike you."
"I don't understand where you're going with this, Jasmine," Jaune grumbled. Jasmine just shook her head.
"Using my ability to boost Naruto's strength and speed was what helped us qualify for the Vytal festival, you know?" She spoke. "It's why Naruto's the poster-boy of our team. Ozpin just threw the three of us in with him because he knew that Naruto's maniacal pursuit of strength would bring out the best in the three of us."
"In short, Ozpin and Naruto taught me that as a team leader, you don't have to be the center of the team. A leader who supports is often more valuable than a leader who charges into battle without a second thought." She finished, driving the point home.
Jaune stayed silent in contemplation, so Jasmine continued. "Of course, just because you are good at support doesn't mean you can't be good at combat too! Hell, I took out a couple of people back in the day. Just because I can't beat Naruto doesn't mean I can't at least try."
Jaune nodded. The boy was trying to absorb it all. He finally came to an answer when he gave Jasmine a cheery smile.
"Thanks for that, Jasmine. Guess I can understand what my sisters saw in you." He answered. "I'll become the perfect support!" he finished, pumping his fist into the air.
"That's good to hear, Jaune." Jasmine finished. She debated whether or not she should tell Jaune that the only reason she ended up with his sisters was because Naruto was too dense to pick up on their advances on him. After much mental debate, she decided against it.
It was Jaune's day, might as well let him have it.
FREEDOM!... was what the sign Neo was holding above her head said.
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at her antics. "Yes, yes Neo. That is what I'm going to try and convince Ozpin of today." She made sure to make her eyes extra hopeful-looking and got another smile in response.
At first, she had been disgruntled, but accepting of her imprisonment. She knew Naruto was fully capable and willing, to end her life the second she stepped out of his line. One might ask 'how' she knew such… Well, the answer would be quite simple. No matter how well he hid it, occasionally it slipped out. That look of his.
It takes one to know one, as the proverb goes. It was one Neo certainly agreed with.
She sorta bonded with the monster as the weeks had passed. Both out of a need for social interaction and self-preservation, after all, he held the key to her freedom… and the path to paying off her debt to Roman.
The supplies he brought every few days certainly helped. It didn't hurt that her cell was less a cell and more an improvised dorm room.
After she had accepted that it was her life now, and if she wanted to keep having one some things would need to change. And as time passed, things did.
They became more friendly to each other. They were able to air grievances about people they had otherwise needed to bottle up. Their camaraderie had ended up with them sharing secrets they normally wouldn't tell.
No, they didn't spill life stories to each other with some heartfelt moment where they realized their friendship for each other… No, they both knew that if it benefited them, they would kill the other. Fortunately, for Neo's sake, she held value to him.
Eventually, she felt sturdy enough in her position to ask for Naruto's help. And he gave it.
But, it had taken time. Time they really didn't have. The ship was coming soon, and this would be likely their only chance.
"Say, Neo," She looked up at him, "You ever notice how elevators take exactly as long as needed to have a conversation? When it's not an awkward one at least." She gave him a flat look, that is utter bullsh-Ding.
Naruto gave her a smug look. She gave him a thoroughly unamused one.
Ozpin looked up in surprise, having not expected anyone. "Oh? Hello Naruto… and… " He trailed off and furrowed his brow.
She smiled and held up a sign, 'Hi! I'm Neo!'
Ozpin smiled and nodded at that, "Alright, hello Neo." He turned his head to Naruto, "And what can I do for you and Neo today, Naruto?"
They grinned at each other. This was going to be easier than they thought.
Naruto began, "So you see Old Man, I was lamenting to Neo how there weren't enough quality Huntsmen available that I could square off against…to show the class different concepts and whatnot."
Ozpin hummed, "And how does young Miss Neo factor into this?"
Neo took that as her cue and proceed to show off her acrobatics and skill with a rapier against imaginary opponents as she bounced on her toes, showing off some pinpoint-perfect thrusts. A pirouette led into another flurry of thrusts as she maneuvered against another imaginary opponent. It was clear to see that she was as good as any mid-tier huntsman, and her past showed that she had the experience to back up her skills.
She finished it all with a bow, Naruto picked up from there. "She's from Vacuo. Only made it two years before she dropped out and self-taught from there. Also, she's pretty good at drawing as has quite a few stories to tell."
Ozpin sipped his coffee and nodded. "I can't offer her any sort of permanent position, Glynda will have my head, but I can certainly direct some of the budget towards a low-tier, no offense, Guest Lecturer. Does she already have lodgings?"
The two shared a look and laughed, well, Naruto laughed, and she mimed laughing. "Yeah, something like that, but not for much longer."
Ozpin raised a brow, "Oh?"
Naruto nodded, "Landlord is a creepy old coot and is kicking her out. Found out she was Vacuian, apparently has something against them."
Ozpin frowned at that, "I see, that is unfortunate. Sadly, I can't offer her lodgings here, but she is welcome to stay with you if that's alright with her."
Neo nodded. Happily, she really wanted to see the sun again.
"Alright then, welcome to Beacon, Miss Neo. I hope you enjoy your stay here." The two high-fived at that as Ozpin chuckled.
"Thanks, Old Man! See yah!" Naruto and Neo waved goodbye and turned back towards the elevator.
Ozpin raised his cup of coffee to them and with a look of great reluctance, got back to work.
She looked at Naruto, and he looked at her. He said what was on both their minds. "That was easier than I thought."
Neo nodded, bouncing from heel to toe. She was finally out, finally free, and soon her debts would be paid back to everyone but Naruto.
But now?
She looked at Naruto again, who had been watching her in amusement. They shared another, more… malicious… grin.
Time to mess with people.
And with a blur, the amount of Neos in the elevator doubled.
"I knew I'd find you here."
Naruto finished his stretch and got back up, sparing a glance at Jasmine as he did so. He bounced on his feet, rebalancing himself. "Well, Jaz, you know me. A healthy mind resides in a healthy body, and I have the healthiest body, period."
"Still waiting on that healthy mind, I see." She spoke. Naruto noticed that she was carrying her weapon. A cinder block with a steel pole sticking through it was hard to miss either way. It was her choice of weapon, and Naruto knew how stupidly effective it could be, in conjunction with her semblance.
Jasmine still found it better than that sword her parents had gotten her when she qualified for Beacon. Contrary to popular belief, not every weapon needed an attached gun to be effective, especially with her semblance.
She remembered when she'd sparred against Naruto in the first year. The prestigious child of a poplar huntsman family against a relatively unknown prankster. Safe to say, he'd shat on her. Hell, over three years of semi-regular spars, the fact that she couldn't beat him had been cemented in her mind.
He was a prodigy of hard work, and he was damn proud of it.
"You know it." He answered, retrieving his own weapons from the side. "So, what brings you here? Damn sure you didn't show up to talk." He answered, launching a few lightning-fast punches, even with those heavy gauntlets of his.
"You could always see right through me, couldn't you?" Jasmine answered, moving into a combat pose. "I'm here to see just how much you've slacked off without the three of us around."
That was only partly the reason, of course. She hadn't seen Naruto for the better part of a year. He'd been her yardstick of measurement when it came to combat. He was motivation for all three of his teammates.
If they hadn't decided one random morning to follow him on his training routine, they would have never come as far as they had. They'd also miss out on the body pain and abundance of bruises, but that was a fair trade for strength and skill.
"Well, I hope you're ready to be disappointed, Jaz," Naruto spoke as he lowered his stance. This was the style of combat he was most used to, fast, smooth, and lacking any openings. It was the fighting style he fell back on if his trademark technique failed in its purpose of 'shock and awe.'
The fact that she could force him to start off with it just proved how far she'd come from the cocky yet powerless girl she was only a few years ago. He moved in for a strike but was forced to dodge as Jasmine swung her now weightless hammer, moving faster than he could with his weapons.
It had taken his help and years of practice to master using her Semblance unconsciously. If not for him, she'd still be looking for practical ways to use her Semblance.
As their dance of dodges and whiffs continued, and Jasmine's thoughts drifted back to the Vytal tournament. They'd been training for less than a year at that point, and according to the teachers, they had no chance. Naruto told them they'd win, and they made a bet. They told Naruto that they'd do something 'good' for him if they won.
And they did. More so, Naruto did, absolutely styling all over the tournament favorites. So they did exactly as they promised. They bought the candles, set up the room, and when Naruto returned from the champions after-party, he found three women ready and waiting to be taken.
He opened the door, took one look at them, blushed, apologized, and fucking ran. In hindsight, they really should have seen that coming.
They learned two things that day. One, Naruto was utterly dense, and two, incredibly precious. He must be protected from females that only wanted him for his roguish charm and good looks. She dedicated two years of sexual conquest to make sure Naruto was never approached by anyone they disapproved of. No one could have him until he noticed her.
Which led to the second thing they learned. The rumor of Team ORJ of Beacon was born.
With her mind so distracted by nostalgia it eventually happened, Jasmine slipped up, and Naruto got past her guard. He was gentle enough to only punch her jaw with the power of a dying sun, knocking her flying. Her Aura instantly dropped low enough to render her unconscious, but she got her fight. She got to reminisce, to see the first man she loved in his element.
It was a feeling she'd trade a few bruises for.
CHAPTER END
OMAKE: I forgot about that
The terrible duo made their way to Naruto room.
After talking with Ozpin Neo had been bouncing to see it.
The entire walk there, Naruto had been giving her a rundown of where everything is and anything else she needed to know. As well as where exactly they would keep any of her things.
He unlocked the door, and before Naruto could say another word, she rushed in.
And was promptly blown back through the door smoking and soot-covered.
The shake and rumble clued him into what happened.
He totally forgot about that explosive seal floating above the coffee table.