Chapter Nine
The Bitter Soul VIII
"Well fuck," Naruto thought as Glynda fixed the Doc with a glare so withering he expected the green-haired academic to be enveloped in black flames. He had really wanted to avoid this kind of situation but now saw no choice as he and the rest of the clones assumed a fighting stance. He opted to have three clones stay with the computer while the rest would back him up. Glynda readied her wand and spoke in a glacial tone Winter would find impressive.
"Surrender and you won't be harmed." They should have just attacked him but probably didn't due the sense of honor Huntsmen and Huntresses were supposed to have. Watching them through the lenses of his nightvision goggles he channeled chakra to the water-type dust embedded in the fabric of his full body outfit. All he needed to do was buy time for the download to finish.
"I can't do that," He said hoping the built in modulator altered his voice enough. He made the sign for the transformation jutsu to mold the water into the shape of Zabuza's blade. Glynda's eyes seemed to widen slighty for a heartbeat. Grabbing the hilt of the "sword" he channeled wind chakra into freezing it instantaneously, "if either of you were in my position would you surrender?"
"I suppose not." Oobleck replied, with that Naruto appeared behind them and swung the massive blade. The Doc dodged while Glynda halted the blow with her telekinesis. Hearing the unmistakable sound of fire being loosed his way he jumped onto the suspended weapon and launched himself in to the air.
Twisting around he got a good view of the Doc making quick work of two more clones thanks to his speed and damn flamethrower. He once more formed the hand sign associated with the henge jutsu. Conjuring two large ice shuriken he sent to his opponents at high speed. Glynda managed to halt both and still kept his blade afloat. As he landed in a crouched position Naruto realized he didn't quite realize the extent of her abilities. As if to emphasize this point she sent weapons hurtling to him.
The sound of one of his clone being incinerated drew his attention at the critical moment. One of the shuriken embedded itself in his chest, the other just above his left knee. Luckily he stopped the massive ice butcher's blade in between his hands. Another flash of fire from the corner of his eye follow by a poof sound confirmed the Doc was going after the other clones, presumably to stop the download.
"You're injured, dispel your duplicates and surrender." Professor Goodwytch's tone was still cool but Naruto could hear a hint of concern in her voice, "For your own sake." Considering the ruthlessness of foes he had faced over the years he appreciated the merciful gesture. He pulled out the ice shuriken from his wounds and readied his blade. Glynda's emerald orbs glance at his rapidly closing wounds and then back to him.
Letting himself get injured and regenerating the way he did seemed to unnerve some of the rogue Huntsmen he had hunted down for Atlas. If she was unnerved by this she sure as hell didn't show it even as he charged the huntress. Naruto brought the massive blade down only for it to be blocked. He marveled at the glowing array of arcane symbols being remind both of Winter's glyphs and fuinjutsu somewhat.
"Rasengan!" One of his clones shouted and the room was bathed brilliant blue light. The Doc went flying past them both propelled with the sphere of brilliant energy propelling him along.
"Barthalomew!" Glynda cried in horror as he was slammed into the wall, a feeling he couldn't help but share. Naruto felt relieved when the Doc pulled himself up despite being very bad news for him. They were good people, people of conviction. These people weren't his enemies; the Queen, the Grimm, and the misanthropes who served her were the enemy. Hell the Doc seemed to consider him a friend but this just couldn't be helped.
"It's like the boss said: keep focused on the bigger picture." He thought to himself, repeating the phrase over and over in his head like a mantra, "The bigger picture." Channeling chakra to arms he swung the ice blade with enough force to shatter Glynda's barrier sending the woman flying into Ozpin's desk, "Shinobi rule 25" Two of his clones came to his side assuming fighting stances.
"(The download's almost done boss.)" The whispered in the native language of the Elemental countries, "(We just need to hold them off for a little longer.)" Naruto nodded and all three went on the offensive against the two teachers. They moved fast enough to keep their opponents off balance trying to find an opening. Glynda's TK and Oobleck's flamethrower on top of his formidable speed made it difficult.
Winter had impressed upon him the importance of keeping the full extent of his skills and abilities hidden. That was part of what kept him from conjuring more doppelgangers and start lobbing explosives if he could help it. Another was that Oobleck's aura had to be in the red after taking a Rasengan to the chest. He really didn't want to hurt either of these people if could help it.
Then a sound from the computer brought the battle to a brief halt. All three looked the monitor that now had the words Download Complete flashing across it. The clone standing guard by the computer made to grab the scroll. A bit motion from Glynda on the edge of his vision was all the warning he had regarding what was about to happen. Ozpin's desk smashed into the clone dispelling it and then crashing into the computer wrecking it.
The scroll, hopefully containing the intel the boss wanted, hit the ground appearing to be undamaged. Leaping back Naruto flashed through a series of hand signs self destructing the two Kage Bunshin. The concussive force of the blast sent both Hunters back. Oobleck's aura shattered just before he hit the ground none to gently. Glynda managed a mid air recovery and landed on her feet.
"Shinobi rule 25, shinobi rule 25." He told himself as ran for the scroll, hoping the doc wasn't too badly hurt. Naruto felt some relief when Oobleck shouted:
"Don't worry about me Glynda!" There was flash of violet light above him followed the sound of thunder. Just as he grabbed the scroll ice shards rained down from on high. Half a dozen of them embedded themselves into his back as continued for the window since the elevator meant trying to get through Goodwytch. Three more embedded themselves into his forearms and one went through his left hand thanks to an effort to shield himself.
In a burst of speed he went out the window and for moment he looked out at Vale's skyline before took full effect. For a moment he wondered how a simple data retrieval mission could go so wrong so fast. Then his gaze went downward as he plummeted to the ground. He clutched the scroll to his chest and twist around so that his back was facing to the rapidly approaching ground. With that shard through his hand jutsu were useless leaving him with only one option
"Alright fox, time to pay some rent." A heartbeat before he hit concrete driving the ice shards even deeper into him and shattering almost every bone in his body.
The Specialist I
Winter Schnee was awakened by a bombastic, orchestral ringtone she reserved for one person. Bolting upright she hit the light switch in her room. Seeing it was indeed her subordinate Winter answered her scroll, "Naruto?"
"Ma'am," He sounded drained, which considering his inhuman stamina was a very bad sign. He was either physically injured to degree beyond what his healing factor could regenerate or was upset about something, "I'm in the CCT in Vale, I need to send you a large amount of data." Despite all the questions on her mind she went to her personal computer and synced her scroll up. Winter hit then a few keys to connect to a private digital storage facility. It would give the General some measure of deniability if Naruto's cover was blown. He could claim it was a rogue operation on her part and continue his efforts against the enemy.
"I'm ready to initiate the data transfer." Upon seeing the amount of information being sent Winter's jaw dropped. It was fortuitous that his scroll had been upgraded with the bleeding edge in memory storage. Composing herself she asked but one of many questions on the tip of her tongue, "What exactly am I looking at Naruto."
"I helped myself to Ozpin's personal files, if there's any dirt on him or intel on the Queen it's got to be in there." For the second time her mouth hung open of it's own accord. The Specialist at first wondered why, by all the Gods of all the faiths, did he take such a fool hardy risk? Then she remembered her conversation from the other day.
Winter had told him the job he had been assigned to do and he did exactly that. The Huntress-turned-spec-ops soldier realized she needed to take greater care in how she worded her orders in the future. Presently she needed to assess Naruto's well being and then asses any potential fallout from this high risk venture, "Naruto, I'd like to know your status?"
"My cover's secure, I left a bunshi- I mean clone with Jaune so that I'd have an alibi." Winter pinched the bridge of her nose, torn between concern and frustration. She decided to rephrase her question in less formal manner.
"Naruto are you alright? Are you injured? Are you upset? Perhaps about something that happened during the mission?" Winter was painfully aware that she was lacking in "people skills". The result of her upbringing and years of rigid military training. It made less formal interactions...difficult at times.
"I'm fine, nothing Faust couldn't fix." Winter was surprised upon hearing their code for that thing sealed inside of him, "It's well, just before the download finished Goodwytch and the Doc came in, I had to hold them off."
"The Doc?", she supposed he meant Doctor Oobleck? Winter for a horrifying moment wondered if had killed one of them?
"I succeeded but ended up shattering his Aura while trying to escape. I won't know if he was hurt or how badly until I get back to the school. I...I had waited till after Ozpin left, no one was supposed to be there. No one was supposed to get hurt!"
"No plan survives contact with the enemy." Winter said in a comforting tone she normally reserved for Wiess. Naruto tended to be very critical of himself when it came to failure, to an unhealthy degree.
"They're not the enemy ma'am," Naruto responded flatly, "that's what you and the boss told me before I left. They're good people."
"A poor choice of metaphor in this situation." Winter brushing a few strands of platinum hair out of her face, "In every encounter there are any number of variables that can radically alter a situation. It's an unfortunate fact in our line of work." Naruto seemed to be silently reflected on her words, hopefully finding some measure of peace in them. When seconds turned to minutes another possibility occurred to her: "He didn't understand a word of it." How would Qrow put it? She suppressed her distaste for the crudeness of her next words, "Naruto, occasionally shit transpires."
"Ma'am I think you mean "sometimes shit happens" with all due respect."
"Is that how the saying goes in the Elemental Countries?"
"It's how the saying goes everywhere ma'am but thanks." Naruto sounded a little less morose to her immense relief. The shinobi was under her command, her responsibility. As she watched the data stream continue Winter had to admit despite the missteps her subordinate had done well, "Naruto I'd like to say I'm proud of you."
"Really?" He said in disbelief, outright praise throwing Naruto for a loop as it always.
"Indeed, you may have just succeeded in your mission and this intel will help us save countless lives." Winter assured him leaning back in her seat. The young woman meant every word of it. The security of the world couldn't be trusted to Ozpin's cryptic schemes. Against the hordes of Grimm and this "Queen" victory could only come through strength. And these files would be the key.
The Wonderful Wizard II
The Headmaster of Beacon supposed the whole mess could have been worse. Doctor Oobleck had sustain only a few fractured bones. Thanks to Glynda along with his dedicated janitorial and maintenance staff the worst of the damage would be repaired before the students were out of bed. No one would know the school was breached beyond those who needed to know. Small comforts in the midst a disaster in the making.
The theft of such information wasn't the only disturbing thing about this whole affair. Ozpin replayed the footage of the battle that had left his office in ruins. Each time he hit the replay button on his scroll he hoped for some sign that he was wrong. He watched the intruder form use what most people would assume was some form of sign language. He recognized them from reports he had received years ago. The implications were as clear as they were unsettling.
"It would seem there is a shinobi in Vale," He said grimly turning to Glynda, "and in the service of the enemy." Looking out the window down at the courtyard where the intruder had impacted with the force of a comet. According to security feeds seconds later he got up and sped away as if nothing had happened. If nothing else the shinobi's devotion to completing their missions was almost admirable.
"When I saw him make those hand signs..." The Deputy Headmistress trailed off seeming unsettled before steeling herself, "How do we handle this?"
"We try to find out what we can about this ninja, clearly he's been here for a while." He commented while reviewing the footage, "Their kind tend to leave a trail of bodies in their wake. We should have someone investigate any unusual murders over the past few years. Preferably cases whose victims had wealthy enemies."
"What makes you certain that this ninja has been in the Kingdoms for sometime?" Glynda inquired curiously,
"Firstly he spoke our language fairly well, secondly he seemed to have a basic grasp our technology, and lastly he seemed to be adept at dust manipulation." Ozpin looked out at the city as the first rays of the sun began to illuminate the darkness, "This implies that not only has he been here for sometime but somebody, most likely one of the Queen's agents, provided him training."
"The shinobi don't use Dust?"
"I'm given to understand it's virtually non existent in their lands." He explained, "I'll provide you with all the information I have on them." Which may not have amounted to much but it was better then nothing. Glynda glanced at the wreak heap that had been his computer and then back at him.
"I'm assuming you have back up of some sort?"
"Naturally," The headmaster replied as he pick up the remains of what had been his coffee maker, "something I picked up from James actually. I had remote data facility constructed some time back. Apparently it's standard procedure in Atlas regarding critical information." The coffee maker was unsalvageable tragically, yet further proof of the Shinobi's amorality "Even more fortuitously I had made the decision to keep some of my most sensitive files exclusively there."
"That is quite fortunate...though I fail to understand where you acquired funding for such a facility."
"A question for another time Glynda." He said and began make his way to the elevator. The answer would displease her to no end. Without his coffee he was in no shape to endure one of her lectures. Fortunately he knew where he could acquire some coffee and a potential solution to this problem to boot, "Let us focus on the present and make use of a potentially valuable piece on the board. Once more courtesy of James, unwittingly or not."
"I suppose we can discuss where the money for this side project came from later." On that unpleasant note they stepped into the elevator together. The ride down proceeded in silence, Glynda knew him well enough to understand that he preferred to reveal information at his own pace. Something he wished more people would be understanding about. They stepped out and proceeded to the medical wing of the school. According to security feeds this is where James's little spy could be found.
The Bitter Soul IX
The sun hung in the cloudless sky overhead mercilessly barring down on those gathered to lay the dead to rest. He tried to fight back the tears as they lowered the coffin into the ground. Naruto promised himself he wouldn't disgrace his friend's memory by making a scene. The other managed to conduct themselves with varying degrees of composure. They were Gaara's own people for the Sage's sake! He felt a hand on his shoulder and caught the scent of desert flowers in the air.
"It's okay Naruto-kun," Turning around his eyes made contact with Temari's teal ones, "let it out. I think sometimes a shinobi should be allowed to show tears."
"You haven't cri-" Naruto stopped when noticed her eyes were somewhat swollen. She donned the triangular hat of the Kazekage.
"I have already shed my tears and once my brothers are buried I will devote all my strength to burying the Akatsuki for what they've done." The new Kazekage said with steel in her voice, "I'm given to understand you dealt the killing blow to that bomber ninja, thank you. Gaara can rest easier knowing you avenged him, take comfort in that Naruto." He simply nodded not trusting his voice at the moment. He couldn't find any comfort in killing Deidara. It didn't change the fact Gaara was gone making his act of vengeance seem hollow. He wondered briefly if Sasuke feel would be left feeling just as unfulfilled if he managed to kill Itachi?
"Well Mr Uzumaki it would appear that you have quite the history failing your friends." Naruto whirled around to find a pale, wounded Doctor Oobleck glaring at him. He stepped back in shock trying to process what was happening, "You've come rather far haven't you Mr Uzumaki? You went from letting harm befall your friends and comrades to outright hurting them."
"I tried to save Gaara," Naruto said, "And you were...you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Do you hear yourself?" Another voice said in disbelief and disgust. It was Jaune, his face wrapped in bandages. He stood next Kakashi who seemed too engrossed in the eulogy to notice the Arc heir, "Is that the excuse you tell yourself about me!? Was I just in the wrong place at the wrong time too!? The bullshit level with you is unbelievable!" Naruto took another step back only to bump into someone else. Someone who smelled of sunflowers, turning around he came face to face Yang. Her lavender eyes watched as dirt was shoveled onto Gaara's coffin. She then looked to him in horror,
"Is that how you protect your friends!?" She poked him in the chest, "Answer me Naruto!" His voice failed him, "Naruto!" She poked him again, "Naruto!" Once more she poked him but this time the voice that came out of her mouth was that of Ozpin:
"Naruto wake up!" He awoke to see the Headmaster poking him in chest with his cane, "Good of you to awake..." The silver haired school master's voice trailed off, he then saw Professor Goodwytch regarding with concern. In his confusion he blinked and felt tears run down his face. Naruto looked around trying to get his bearings,
"Recovery wing, with Jaune." He remembered, "Left a clone here to shoot the shit with Jaune to give myself an alibi. After I was done with the data transfer I came here and discretely took the clone's place."
"Mr Uzumaki are you okay?" Jaune asked from his bed looking fairly worried. Glynda and Ozpin while less overt seemed concerned. Naruto wiped his eyes and took a deep breath, this day was not off to a good start. He recited the twenty fifth rule of the shinobi and pulled himself together.
"Sorry about that, bad dream." He stood up finding his movements a little stiff from that little fall he took. The Fox's chakra had healed his wounds but newly healed flesh, organs, and bones always felt strange.
"Perhaps sleeping in that chair wasn't the best idea." Glynda admonished gently as he stretched his arms. He supposed sleeping the chair hadn't help either.
"So I'm guessing something's up if you're both here to see me." Naruto tried to keep his voice calm but the emotional self control he had picked in Atlas seemed to be failing him. He wasn't much of a morning person anyways and he was trying to shake off that fucking nightmare on top of it.
"Very observant of you Mr Uzumaki." Ozpin commented in a very neutral tone.
"Yes I'm afraid Doctor Oobleck...is unwell and won't be able to teach class, most likely for a few days at least." Oh right assistant teacher, they probably wanted him to fill in for the Doc. A few days, that probably meant his injuries were fairly minor. He let out a breath he didn't even know he had been holding.
"I can fill in for the Doc...even if history isn't exactly my strong point." That was an understatement, even regarding the history of his native lands.
"Bartholomew tends to leave highly detailed notes regarding his lesson plans." Ozpin added and then went over to the coffee pot. Didn't he have one in his office? Oh right it was one the desk Glynda hurled at his bunshin, "I would like to further discuss this matter with you?" Naruto's stomach growled like something that would send the Grimm running, "perhaps over breakfast?"
The Wonderful Wizard III
Ozpin had seen his share of horrors over the years but even he couldn't help but be taken aback at the sight of Naruto eating. His mouth was agape as bits of egg and sausage hit his face. Huntsmen and Huntresses tended to eat more then most people. But this was something else, it reminded of when he had seen a Beowulf feasting upon it's still living victim. He had the distinct impression Naruto did not have a particularly pleasant upbringing. Perhaps malnutrition
"Naruto," Glyda said in a very controlled tone as she removed her glasses and cleaned them. Sympathy for the young man no doubt kept her vocalizing her obvious disapproval of her atrocious table manners, "I believe Professor Ozpin would like to discuss with you the event that lead to Doctor Oobleck's temporary leave of absence."
"Yes, I'm afraid the good doctor was injured battling an intruder." Naruto's reaction was not what he expected. There was anger but not surprise on the young man's face,
"I thought it was weird that both of you came to me personally." He said looking down at his food, "Is the Doc really going to be okay?"
"He truly sounds despondent."
"It's nothing a few days rest won't fix." Glynda told him with certainty "Bartholomew will be back to his old self in no time."
"Indeed," He added before getting to the point, "this incident though has left me rather concerned about safety. I'm hoping when you have some free time if you wouldn't mind providing us with some suggestions on how we might improve security." The look of utter shock on the young man's focus was perhaps the most amusing thing he had seen in years. He looked as if his brain had short-circuited completely.
"Seriously?"
"Atlas is much more security conscious then Vale and so why not make the most of that expertise?"
"I guess that makes sense professor." Naruto responded in a stunned tone indicating he was still surprised by this turn of events.
"Indeed, I think Miss Goodwytch and I will leave you to your meal for now." Ozpin said as he got up to leave, "Oh and I have a special announcement I'll making to the school around noon. Make certain you watch it."
"Sure thing Professor." The young responded uncertainly, not at all suspecting what awaited him. He left with Glynda who reminded silent until they were alone in the elevator.
"Sir could you please tell what that was about?" When the elevator closed he explained his little hunch. He was thankful no one was on the top floor when it open.
"He sent a spy to our school!?" Her anger and hurt were barely contained, "One of his Specialists I presume?"
"Or Altesian Military Intelligence," Ozpin replied while stepping out, "James has been wanting to bring military assets to bare against the enemy for years. He's also been advocating for other schools to adopt their more involved approach to teaching. You know how is "better to beg forgiveness then to ask permission" and what not. Hence why I will be endeavoring to keep Mr Uzumaki occupied and he may offer some valuable insight into improving security measures. The young man is just following orders but I none the less want to keep him from "helping" anywhere he's not needed or wanted."
"Very well," Glynda responded and left, no doubt still processing this revelation. Hopefully these efforts would prove far less disastrous then his previous attempt to subvert Naruto's agenda. Mr Arc was not supposed to have been hurt. Ozpin supposed it wasn't the worst of his sins but he needed to atone for it at some point in the future. For now he could only hope for a miracle, that somehow those files wouldn't benefit the one who had stolen them.
The Bitter Soul X
"Boss you're not supposed to call me like this!" Naruto exclaimed nearly dropping both the scroll and the stack of notes he'd needed to go through for today's history class, "This could throw off the whole deniability thing."
"I am aware of the risks," Ironwood assured him, somehow he sounded off,"but I wanted to speak to you directly. What you did is exactly the kind of bold action we need to win this fight. You handled the situation as well as could be reasonably be expected."
"Boss what's going on?" Naruto asked as he sat the notes down on Oobleck's desk. Something was very wrong, the General wouldn't take a risk just to pat him on the back. Ironwood sighed audibly before replying.
"Vale's cyber-security leaves a lot to be desired, we were able to access the files fairly quickly." That should be good news right? "We've combed through ninety-five percent of the data and so far we haven't found anything I didn't already know about."
"What?" Ironwood responded but the shinobi didn't hear any of it. He sat in the Doc's chair as he felt himself go numb. "All that was for nothing."
AN: I did want this arc to be a little lighthearted, I did say that one point didn't I? Well next chap we get to spend some time with Ruby! Yes Gaara and Kankuro both bought the farm due to Sakura not being around. This is me acknowledging that she has done some good in canon. Hell if she had been that useful in most of Part II Sakura would probably have gone down as one of the better characters in the series.
Regarding Naruto's age and abilities; Naruto is sixteen but is passing himself off as eighteen. The Naruto aspect of this is AU, among other things Naruto never trained with the toads or mastered the fox's chakra. Further more I'm not really fond of the Naruto god modes all opposition crossover cliché it's boring to me. Now I will soon have Naruto go all out against opponents that he doesn't hold back on soon. Well as please read and review as always readers!