Hunting or Bust
Dust 73: Why This Happened
And thus we've hit the homestretch of Volume 3. Been waiting a long time to show you all this side of things.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
What does it mean to stand up against adversity?
It seems like a simple inquiry, but even a question like that has many different answers depending on who is asked.
For those who have never had to truly face adversity themselves, they may ignorantly state that it should be faced directly and defeated. Without experiencing that struggle they may suggest that such a concept can be overpowered and weathered through with simple conviction and willpower.
For those more used to adversity and the sheer crushing force it can have against someone, they may suggest a more pragmatic method. Perhaps one that suggests it better to avoid such despairing hopelessness and all those that would stomp on your hopes. Or even more depressingly, that you should simply ignore or accept that there are those that will always stand in your way and live the rest of your life accepting that you will never truly be free from a metaphorical boot over your neck.
For some, they have means and opportunity to face their adversity.
For others, it was an impossible chance they claimed by gritting their teeth and pushing forward to claim the right to fight.
Adversity was an idea that had many faces...and could be faced in just as many ways. But the truth is that despite a noble effort or sheer desire, sometimes adversity could not simply be dealt with.
How could you face an adversity - or an adversary - who came to you and offered you a hand to crush those that kept you down, while making those offers in the fires they started and the corpses they made?
That was the situation Adam Taurus found himself faced against.
"I can realize our goal with, or without you." The ebony-haired woman stated as her wards flanked her with cases of Dust and Lien. She was offering him a delicious carrot while flaunting the stick over it. Some kind of fire Dust he had never seen fluttered off her fingers before she quelled it and offered a hand, "So what do you say?"
"What do I say?" Adam slowly stepped forward, wary of the woman in front of him and hand firmly gripping Wilt and Brush in case he needed to make a move, "I'm apprehensive to take any deal with you while standing in a burning field filled with the corpses of my followers."
"They're not all dead. Only the ones that tried to attack me even after I made it clear they had no hope." She smiled wryly, "If they can't even understand a basic fact like that, perhaps I've done you a favor by thinning them out?" It was clear her jest was not well-received as Adam's gaze grew more hateful behind his mask. Cinder closed her eyes before opening them again, "I apologize for having to resort to methods such as this. I had to get my point across and only trying to reason with you through words didn't seem to be making much progress. So I resorted to more drastic methods. I'm sure you can understand that necessity."
"You dare compare our mission for equality to your request for an audience?"
"I compare our desires to be heard by those that choose to ignore us. Although yours is against a race that has denied you for its entire history, and mine is simply a discussion between two people on hopes of a mutually beneficial future. You may not yet understand how useful that future is but I promise we have great things planned."
Adam eyed the woman over carefully. He thought it strange that this woman and her lackeys would walk into their base of operations and risk their lives only to offer a partnership with them. The White Fang's purpose was clear and obvious, to force humanity to recognize the Faunus by any means necessary, but these fools wished to use them for whatever purpose they had in mind. Adam sent them away with their lives, and only just that because he was not in the mood to clean his tent of viscera.
But now this woman was standing here, demanding the same deal but disguising it as an offer. The air around her had also changed, becoming more confident and less patient. And it wasn't just her demeanor but the air around her physically felt...hotter? He glared at her through the slits of his mask, "You've changed."
"As have you." She responded, "You seem to have changed since we last met. You're less patient and more on edge. Something must have happened since we were last here." She looked him over carefully before a small smile tugged her mouth, "What happened to you?"
Black hair billowing in the wind as she turned her back on him.
Adam's patience snapped and he dashed forward, covering the distance between him and the woman in an instant. His sword glinted as it was pulled from its sheath, and the woman made no attempt to protect herself or run while he did so.
Was she...not even afraid of this?
Adam lurched back from the kick that would have dented his temple. The bull Faunus looked over and saw the young silver-haired boy had shifted over the ground in order to attack him. He twisted himself around and followed up with another kick that Adam avoided by jumping backwards.
The moment Adam was out of the kicker's range, the green-haired girl had drawn her weapons and started to fire. Adam moved aside and dodged the first shot, and drew the first few inches of his sword to deflect the following shots. When it was clear her firepower wasn't going to be enough, she scowled and swiped her revolvers down until their blades emerged.
Adam jumped to his feet and drew his sword, countering the girl's sickles with his blade and deflecting the boy's kicks with his sheath. He knocked them both back and started to engage them. These two were far more agile in their movement than he was, but he didn't need to jump around to match them.
Emerald dashed up with her sickles and swung for his neck, but Adam's fierce parry forced her back off her feet. The Faunus quickly turned around and met Mercury before the assassin could jump in to attack his flank. The sound of clashing metal rang out through the camp as Mercury's boots and legs bounced back from the red blade.
Adam kept knocking the boy's feet back with his sword but found himself stuck before he could make another swing. Looking back he saw Emerald had circled her chains around his blade to stop it moving. She gave a hard yank and nearly pulled the red blade out of his hand as Mercury spun around and landed an ax kick on the crown of his head.
Adam snarled and raised his foot high in the air. He brought it down sharply on the chains with such force and intensity that Emerald was pulled off her feet. She stumbled and quickly regained her balance, but in that short instance Adam dashed over to her and kicked her in the chest hard enough to send her flying back.
Adam yanked his sword free of the chains before turning on Mercury. The kicker quickly recoiled and tried to step back as the swordsman charged his way. Mercury met him with a flurry of sharp kicks, keeping the bull at bay as he deflected them with the flat of his sword.
Danzō had taught him through years of training the different ways and benefits of peoples' fighting styles. Snipers always had room to kill you from afar and if they were doing it right you'd be dead before you noticed. Swordsmen could shred you to pieces before you even realized it. Brawlers could break the bodies with precise, powerful punches. And kickers had greater range to their attacks than most, and the power behind them was staggering.
But for each strength, there was a weakness.
If you could hide from sight or force them to move, snipers could be left open for attack. Take a swordsman's blade from them and they were practically beaten already. A fist could break down the body, but an arm could be broken or skewered in ways that left it useless. And even though kicks could were more powerful, the proper form and stance to get that power was difficult if you were pressed.
Adam blocked the kicker's strikes with his sword while pushing forward and closing the distance. Mercury refused to let up in the hopes that one of his kicks would slip through and crack the cocky prick's mask. And while the assassin kept kicking, he kept twisting his legs and hips in order to get as much power in them as possible. When Mercury switched feet and raised his leg to attack again, Adam stepped into his guard.
He pressed the muzzle of his sheath's shotgun against the young man's chest.
"GAH!"
Mercury was sent flying and crashing into the dirt as he clutched his chest in pain. Adam slowly stood back up and walked over to the groaning young man, swishing his blade out to the side before spinning it in his hand so that he could stab the downed assassin.
Before Adam could make the killing blow, everything around him turned to darkness. The fires, campsite, orange sky, and red trees that surrounded him were suddenly gone and replaced with never ending black.
It left the red-haired Faunus cautious and looking around frantically. One moment he was about to making the finishing strike, and the next everything had vanished. Was it the boy's Semblance? Had it activated in a panic to avoid getting skewered? Or perhaps it was the work of that woman, or the girl?
Whatever the cause, Adam's instincts were screaming at him to escape and regain control. With a calming breath Adam raised his sword and sheathed it back into it's scabbard. Once he did that he slowly lowered his stance and let out a long exhale that drew all the air from his body.
Power welled up in every cell.
His senses were overflowing and his grip tightened around his sword.
A glow started to appear in his hair as he took his chance.
And just to be safe, he slashed at the ground and not just around him.
"WAAAAHHH!" The illusion faded and Emerald was knocked off her feet by the immensely powerful shockwave released by Adam's swing. She was sent tumbling over the dirt and ground before she stopped and groaned. With a pained hiss she lifted herself up and paused in shock at the sight of the deep crescent furrow his slash had left in the ground. Emerald looked up and stared at the man who's body slowly lost its glow as he sheathed his sword. The red-haired Faunus looked back as Mercury groaned and lifted himself up before hesitating when he noticed Adam's gaze. The swordsman slowly drew his sword back out-
"Enough."
A massive explosion of fire and wind blew up at Adam's side, sending his sword flying through the air and the Faunus sailing back through his camp. He bodily crashed into the ground and immediately picked himself up only to see his sword reach its apex and drop back down from the sky.
It landed in Cinder's hand and she let it rest on her shoulder as she stepped forward. Her servants quickly picked themselves up as the raven-haired woman lowered his sword and pointed its tip at his face, "I don't enjoy repeating myself. I find it a waste of time, and I believe it unnecessary because I'm sure you remember what I said. I can do this without your assistance, but it would be a much simpler affair if we had each other's backs."
Cinder flipped the sword and caught the blade with her fingers, offering him back the hilt of his weapon. Adam eyed the woman's hand cautiously and followed it up to her devilish smile, slowly reaching up and taking his sword back. He stood back up to his full height, Emerald and Mercury subtly reacting in case he made a move. Cinder raised her hand and stopped them from doing anything.
Her smile became more pronounced as he sheathed his sword and addressed her unarmed. She nodded, "And I promise...you and your kind will benefit greatly from our joined efforts."
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"You would actually make a move against the schools?"
"That's right," Cinder nodded across from Adam as they sat alone in the tent, smiling with unprecedented confidence for a topic that seemed so ludicrous, "What we are aiming for requires the schools to be systematically broken down from all sides. Figuratively, in the eyes of the masses and population, and literally...for more personal reasons."
Adam held no love for the academies that raised Huntsmen and Huntresses. He understood their purpose in the eyes of the general public as a shield; the barrier against the Grimm that produced Huntsmen and Huntresses every year in order to protect them. It sounded like a perfect plan but it was far from the ideal as many people found out the hard way. Those capable Huntsmen and Huntresses were never as altruistic as people hoped, since they were still people in the end. They would sell their skills and services at a profit and thus would only work in the most lucrative environments. There were countless accounts of settlements, towns, villages, and homes falling to ruin because they didn't have enough money to pay for help.
Which left most Faunus settlements and homes with no hope or alternative.
Even the Faunus who did make it into the schools and graduated in the end, surviving whatever prejudices and bigotry they met in those walls, came out with little desire to help their brothers and sisters.
The schools had been built to assure peace and save people around the world. But Grimm still attacked those unable to afford the help. Those that emerged had little desire to engage in heroics. And if it helped them prosper – like Atlas did with the help of the Schnee Dust Company – then they were willing to turn a blind eye to any injustice or evil that could occur right under their noses.
The schools promoted a wish to ensure peace and stability. But in truth they perpetuated a stagnant and unchanging status quo around the world.
"Do you really plan to bring them toppling down? You know what would happen if they were to fall, right?"
"I am very much aware of what happens if those schools disappear." Cinder looked up at Adam, tilting her head curiously as one of her silky locks fell in front of her eye, "Does that mean you believe we won't survive without the aid schools like Atlas and others offer us?"
"Not at all. I know we can survive without them."
The skills and education offered by the schools were top-notch but it was still possible to reach power like that outside of those walls. Many people around the world trained themselves, practiced with weapons, and honed their talents in order to fight. Maybe not to the same level as trained Huntsmen but at least strong enough to handle a wayward Grimm or a stray bandit that crossed their path.
Danzō had spent many years training himself in order to fight those he believed he needed to kill. And when he reached an age where his body could no longer keep up, he instead passed that training and skill onto Adam.
Adam shook his head decisively, "We don't need the schools in order to protect ourselves. The shock of them crashing down will leave people reeling, and the Grimm will take advantage of that panic to swarm in, but once that is done they'll learn to survive. The population survived long before the schools and Huntsmen took over – it can do so again." Cinder smiled, pleased to hear him support her stance that the schools disappearing wouldn't end the world, "But these are points and positions that have been brought up at countless meetings and on any Internet forum with 'free thinkers'."
"Yes and there have been attempts to attack the schools before or even make them redundant. They've all failed. I'm well aware of this." Cinder said softly as Adam stood out of his seat and walked around the tent, "I know it might just sound like a lofty goal when I say it here but I fully plan to tear the schools down. And were you to help me, the recognition the White Fang would get in bringing those schools down would be enormous."
"Or you could simply use the White Fang as a scapegoat to shirk all blame and attention."
"Yes I could just hire some people and have them wear masks if I was so inclined to blame someone for this. But I'm doing this with the intent of giving you and your people the credit for the work, not just to take the blame. In fact if I have my way, the fools will be pointing at each other and blaming themselves more than anyone."
Adam eyed the woman carefully as she smiled. He could tell with just a single look that she had the image of what she wanted playing in her head right now. To have already been able to visualize her desire so clearly meant she had a frightening imagination, "Hypothetically...and only hypothetically...how would you go about attacking the schools? Atlas is stronger and more fortified than any castle-"
"No, not Atlas." She firmly interrupted before he could continue, "We can't start attacking a titan. With all the Hunters, military, and students located in one place it would be impossible." Cinder crossed her legs and thought deeply, "If Shade were to fall there would be fear but ultimately it would be pointless. No one says it but it's a rather obvious truth that most people are just waiting for the day Vacuo collapses in on itself."
"Then what about Mistral?" Adam offered, "The main White Fang force resides there, with our High Leader to lead us when necessary."
"Mistral would be easy. Too easy." She spoke as if she knew something important she wasn't willing to indulge, "We could take it down the fastest but that would leave the other schools ready to act. No, if we make an attack it has to be devastating. It has to leave a scar and send the other schools into a panic. And that means..."
"The first target is Beacon."
Cinder's eyes smoldered and she smiled, "So what do you say?"
"I don't say anything. This whole matter has only been conjecture, and a wild one at that." Adam lifted the flap of his tent and looked outside. His surviving followers were picking up the pieces to move again, all while watching the two humans that sat just outside his tent, "Even if I were to agree to whatever plan you haven't properly cooked up yet, I'm not the one in charge of my people."
"Then who might I ask is?"
"Sienna Khan leads us as the High Leader of the White Fang. But in the Vale cell...we're led by my superior, Danzō Shimura." Adam looked back at the woman, "You've yet to fully convince me to your plan, which means he'll turn you down immediately. It'd be much simpler if you were a Faunus coming to him with this plan, but even then I doubt he'd be willing to hear you out."
"Mysterious, cautious, and someone to demand even your loyalty?" Cinder hummed, "I'm sure under any other circumstances we'd get along swimmingly."
Honestly, the idea that they could work so well under any circumstances sent a chill up Adam's spine.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
He wasn't surprised to hear dissent and arguments from his people when he told them they were going to guide a group of humans back to their base of operations. Especially after Cinder had reentered their camp unannounced and attacked several of them. When they tried to retaliate and attack her and her people, Adam had to step in and order them not to strike them down for any reason. After that there had been whispers that he had turned traitor for siding with a human like this but they just didn't understand what he had saved them from.
Cinder had made it clear that neither she nor her lackeys would hurt his people as long as he worked with them. But if they made a move to attack then she would have no choice but to protect herself. He knew this was a lie because with the power she wielded she could protect herself and her people with little effort. So the point was clear…
Make these discussions work…or she would kill them all.
The guards called out for them to stop and Adam gave them the clear to let them through. They hesitated when they saw the humans accompanying them but stepped aside to allow them entry. As they cut a line through the other members and tents towards the center, Adam's eye carefully panned to see those around him. They all looked confused or shocked by the people he was leading towards their leader.
But nowhere in those crowds did he see long black hair or feline ears. He wasn't actually expecting her to have come back here, but he'd be lying if he said there wasn't a part of him deep down that was disappointed that she didn't.
As they approached the largest tent in the center of the camp, Adam and the others spotted the man that led their group in Vale. The tall, wrinkled old man had taken off his Grimm mask to reveal the single tired eye he still possessed that had little color or life still in it. His right arm was covered in bandages to hide the myriad of scars and lacerations it had received over his many years of fighting humans. And all the White Fang members that were reporting to him were wary and careful not to cross him.
Adam also couldn't help but notice that he didn't have Kushina by his side like he usually did.
Danzō looked up and noticed their approach, only for his eye to narrow immediately on the humans. He stepped up to greet them, stopping as Adam and his subordinates came to a halt and saluted him, "I heard about the train job. It's all over the news and the SDC is furiously scrambling to save face." The old weasel nodded, "You did a good job out there."
"Thank you sir." Adam nodded.
"I expected nothing less from you. However," Danzō leaned and stared at the dark-haired woman watching him, the green-haired girl who hovered over her weapon, and the curious young man looking around at his new surroundings, "Who are these people you brought in? Employees of the train you captured? Huntsmen the SDC hired?"
"No sir, they are not SDC employees or Hunters." Adam dropped out of his salute as Danzō looked at him blankly, not letting any emotion come to his face even as the bull recognized the confusion at their guests, "These are humans who entered our camp before we started the train job and then after we returned."
"They approached your camp twice?" Danzō questioned. The surrounding White Fang members had gathered and were watching the group curiously as their leader asked the question they all had, "So why are they still alive and here in our base of operations instead of feeding a group of Grimm in the forest?"
"I brought them here to speak with you, sir. They have…a proposition they want you to hear."
The response wasn't explosive or animated like he expected, but instead just quiet whispers and alert gazes from all sides. Danzō's expression did not change at all, but his eye refused to move from the slits in Adam's mask. After a few minutes of the crowd speaking up and voicing their opposition, Danzō raised his hand and silenced them all. The weasel stared at his disciple silently before finally speaking, "And what would possess you to believe that bringing them here to this place was a good idea?"
"I told you they have an offer that could help our cause-"
"If they infiltrated your camp not once but twice, you should have killed them on the spot. No questions. No talking. No negotiations."
"They're stronger than they look. We wouldn't have been able to do anything. If we tried to fight we would have died-"
"Then you would die. And you wouldn't bring powerful outsiders to us."
Danzō's callous reply sent some of the other members in earshot in shock but not Adam. He didn't expect anything less of the cold, heartless bastard he had known for most of his life.
"I believe he did it for your benefit, and the benefit of Faunus around the world." Danzō and Adam looked back at Cinder as she stepped forward and spoke up to them. While those watching were wary about this woman, they didn't know whether to be impressed at her nerves of steel or horrified at her ignorance of the tension between the two men, "I can understand that you would be apprehensive of working together with someone strange – especially with humans – but this deal I'm offering really would be a boon for your cause, the White Fang, and Faunus around Remnant in general."
Danzō watched the woman carefully before he grabbed Adam's shoulder and dragged him away from everyone else. Once they had retreated to his tent, Danzō looked at his student critically, "Who is that woman?"
"Cinder Fall. I'm not sure if that's her real name or an alias but we haven't been able to scrounge anything up in our searches."
"Why did she come to your camp in the first place?"
"She came to propose a deal; she wishes for the White Fang to help her plan an attack on the schools."
"She understands what our goal is correct? And that we aren't here to serve some poor common criminal's grand desires of chaos?"
"I told her, and sent her away with her life as a warning."
"That was your first mistake. Show mercy to humans and they'll only ever consider it weakness. I've told you that."
Adam bit back the growl he wanted to release, "When she came back she insisted that I listen to her pitch and she was very...persuasive."
"I notice there are less of you returning than there were going out. Should I assume that was part of her persuasion?" He didn't answer, "That disappoints me even more. And what about your apprentice? Did she take her life as well?"
"No she..." The bull paused, hand tightening slightly around his weapon, "She abandoned us on the mission. We couldn't find her afterwards and she hasn't returned so it's to be assumed-"
"She's turned traitor."
And like that all hope that this would all be a some silly joke disappeared when he said those words.
"I should have expected nothing less from that girl. She always did voice her displeasure or opinions about how we conducted our missions. She was just like Hiruzen; weak in heart and unable to see anything through." Danzō spoke derisively, "It's a damn shame she left now which means we have little leeway against the Belladonnas in Menagerie."
There he went again. Treating his apprentice and friend like she was only ever a bargaining chip against the Chieftain of the island.
"I told you it would have been in our best interests if you had taken the time to program the girl and teach her how to act. Or better yet you could have left her to me and I would have made sure she could never disobey us again."
He wanted to use the methods and skills he had gained from a lifetime of training to twist her into a puppet that followed his every order.
He wanted to make Blake just like him and Kushina.
"So this apparent success with the train turns out to carry many unpleasant addendums." The weasel Faunus sighed and looked back at the group of humans casually standing in the camp, "We need to kill them."
"You can't. Not without risking serious retaliation against our followers."
"If our people die because of this woman you brought in Adam, that's on your shoulders, not mine." Danzō whispered, "All these years I've been training you and watching you grow and yet I still need to pick up after you when you make childish mistakes."
Adam pushed down his anger and implored his mentor, "Sir, I just need you to listen to what she says. Just for a little bit. It's a grand scheme but if it works...we could change the viewpoint of Faunus forever."
" I will not-"
"Please." He grabbed Danzō's arm and squeezed it, "As your loyal subject...as your servant and bodyguard...as your son...I beg you to at least listen to her. Have I not earned at least that from you after all these years?"
Danzō did not take much stock in sentimentality, considering things like using relationships or bonds to sway choices as emotional manipulation. And the only reason he didn't like that is because he preferred to be the one manipulating others instead of the other way around. Adam knew that and could see the quiet anger bubbling under the surface, but he was desperate not to enrage the woman who wielded such power and did not want his mentor to do anything reckless just yet.
After a few moments of pregnant silence Danzō pulled Adam's hand off his arm and nodded, "Very well. I shall give this woman the time to explain whatever wild fantasy she has you so convinced in. But while I'm listening to her, you will not be attending. I won't have you whispering in my ear that she should be trusted or followed."
"I understand. But please do not attack her or her people until you have finished listening to her." He wanted to explain to the old Faunus the strange power she wielded, but he doubted Danzō would hear him out properly in the mood he was in, "If any harm comes to them while they're here, she said we would pay."
"Another reason her presence here angers me." Adam closed his mouth and let Danzo walk to the entrance of the tent before he stopped, "Adam, while I'm dealing with your guests, can you go retrieve Kushina? It's been some time and I'd be late to end her training otherwise. Can I trust you to do that?"
He nodded dutifully and waited until Danzō left before he let any reaction show. He gripped his weapon a little tighter to alleviate his frustration before he let it wash over him like a breeze. The young Faunus leader reached over and grabbed a canteen of water – knowing that Kushina was going to need it – before he made his way out and to his next destination.
But the moment he wasn't flanked by his entourage and guests, was the opportunity his stalker took to approach him.
"Who are those people?"
"Humans. Ones we met while out on our mission. They wish to speak with us and barter a partnership."
"I'm guessing Danzō didn't take that very well."
"No, he did not."
"Do you think he's actually going to take a deal any humans offer us?"
"I doubt there's anyone in the world that could convince him to change his mind. Once he's done negotiating with her – and denies her offer – he'll come to me to reengage my conditioning." That is if Cinder didn't end up killing them all.
"W-What? I mean don't you think that's a little harsh? Sure you brought humans here but you must have had a reason."
"I did something he didn't think I would do. That's more than enough reason for him to do what he thinks is necessary."
"Adam I'm – I'm sorry." It was unsettling to think he would hear genuine sympathy and regret from her of all people, "I…I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything. I've survived most of my life. This won't be any different."
"If you say so." She whispered softly before she went quiet. He could feel her turn and look around before she spoke again, "Where's Blake?"
"She's gone."
The footsteps behind him stopped for a moment as the inevitable shock hit her like it had hit him, "W-What?" After a moment function had returned to her body and she ran up to his side, "W-What do you mean she's gone?! D-Did she-"
"She abandoned me on the train. I was left to fend for myself against the approaching robots and authorities. She has abandoned us."
Her hair billowing in the wind as she sadly looked over at him, her figure disappearing down the tracks.
"She wouldn't do that!"
"She did."
"T-There has to be a reason! D-Did you say something to her?! Do something to her?! I swear if you hurt her-"
"I did no such thing. She was there by my side and then she left me for dead. That's it."
"That can't be it!"
"It's over-"
"She wouldn't just leave us! Leave me!"
"She's gone now-"
"Why would she leave?!"
"I don't know-"
"THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH!"
"ILIA!"
His booming roar silenced her and everything else around them. Adam stared down at the chameleon girl as she looked up at him in shook. Her skin was a mulitutude of clashing colors and tones before they all faded away, leaving her a dull grey body. And tears had already started to run down the sides of her face as she lost control of herself.
His hand was squeezing his sword as tightly as possible, and his other hand had left imprints in the canteen he was holding.
He…he wished he could show it all as well as she did.
Shaking his head he walked by the stunned, silent young girl as she dropped to her knees, "She's gone. And she's left us here to toil by ourselves."
((((((((Hunting))))))))
After Ilia had finally left him alone he arrived at a tent on the edge of their camp. From out here he could see the multiple flashing colors on the top of the tent and the dull sounds emanating from inside. With a deep breath he walked over and pulled the flap open.
Doing so let spare light peek into the dark tent. The blinding, flashing lights flickering at random intensity and intervals were leaving him disorientated and nauseous. Along with the speakers positioned very closely for releasing booming tones and dull lows, it would be enough to leave anyone reeling and momentarily stunned.
To say nothing of the fox woman secured to a poll in the middle of the tent that had suffered the treatment for who knows how long.
Kushina's eyes were hollow and she didn't even respond when Adam entered the tent. The sensory deprivation and overload had taken its toll and had left the woman an empty husk. He remembered suffering this same treatment at Danzō's hands when he was younger. But when it happened to him it was part of his training to withstand interrogations and survive extreme conditions. This wasn't the case for Kushina though.
This was part of her punishment…for allowing her traitorous son to escape.
Adam turned off the flashing lights and disabled the speakers. Once they were off Kushina had stirred and started to recover from her treatment. As he walked over and started to undo her restraints, he heard her hoarse voice whisper, "How…how long was it this time?"
"I don't know. I've only just returned." Once she was freed he handed her the partially broken canteen of water. She snatched it out of his hands and upended it in her mouth, guzzling it down as quickly as she could, "Slowly. Don't drink it all at once. If you do-"
The result was immediate as the water came rushing back out her mouth. Kushina turned and gagged, throwing up water and bile as her nausea hadn't yet subsided enough for her to drink. She retched and coughed hard enough to tear her throat as she desperately tried to catch her breath. Once her gagging had come to an end she wiped the tears from her eyes and looked up.
In time to see the Grimm mask Adam offered her.
"Get that out of my face."
"You know he wants you to wear this when you're out with others."
"I don't care." She panted, "He won't make me his puppet right after he's done torturing me!"
"He wants you to convey an image of strength and solidarity. If you won't do that then he'll just keep sticking you in here...until you finally break."
Kushina caught her breath and looked between the mask and him. She harshly snatched it out of his hand, "Anything like when he broke you and made you his pet?"
"You can imagine it was much the same thing you're experiencing now." Defeated, Adam didn't even try to argue against her sharp barb. He reached down and took one of her arms to wrap around his shoulder as he stood up, "You think we'd show a little more compassion to each other considering we're practically siblings-"
Kushina pulled herself out of Adam's grip, stumbling to the ground but glaring through her mask, "Don't you dare say that! We are not family! We are not siblings! And that monster is in no way a father! We're not his children - we're his living tools! And if that's my life then I want it in no way associated with you!"
"Your tenacity is astonishing, but you're stuck with us and there's no reason to fight that." The two red-haired children of Danzō stared each other down before Kushina sat in the grass and caught her breath. Adam stepped aside, trying to regain some composure by walking around but making sure to stay close to Kushina in case she did anything, "You're determined to be this obstinate forever, aren't you?"
"Until the day I die." Kushina groaned, "As long as I know my son is away from this, I can withstand whatever Danzō thinks he can do to me."
"You shouldn't test him on that. We both know that man's imagination is limitless when it comes to matters like this."
"Listen to yourself." Kushina's words were soaked in spite and disgust towards the masked swordsman, "You speak like the bastard's some kind of boogeyman. Some untouchable shadow. He might be a monster but he's still a man. He can still be hurt...be killed..."
"That might be sooner than we think." With those words, Kushina looked up at Adam, "I brought a group of humans to the camp that wish to bargain with us. I doubt Danzō's actually going to agree to their terms but if he attacks them then they will fight. And if they do then we won't stand a chance."
"How many?"
"Three."
"No one person is strong enough to do that, and I doubt even a small group like that could pose a threat. They probably have allies outside that will attack-"
Adam shook his head, "No, it's her strength. I've seen it for myself."
"Then she's going to attack. Danzō will try and kill her. It's what he wants."
"She has an offer that could help us-"
"But she's human. And Danzō hates humans. He'll kill her for that reason alone. You know this. So why-" Kushina paused as something clicked, "Oh, you want that, don't you? You know she'll kill him, and I bet you're hoping for that."
"No, I'm hoping that he sees reason!"
"Then either you're deluding yourself, or you don't know the man who raised you for years."
"I just need him to understand what she's saying. I need him to consider how much this will help us." Adam paced around before looking down at the fox, "I need your help. If you and I can convince him to work alongside Cinder-"
"No."
He wasn't surprised by her answer, but by how quickly she gave it, "You don't understand. It won't just be Danzō - it'll be everyone she kills that gets in her way. We can't-"
"I won't help you."
How could she be so ignorant and inflexible at a time like this? Adam seethed through gritted teeth before he knelt down and grabbed her arm, "Do you understand what is going to happen? Our brothers and sisters are going to die. They're going to pay for a mistake I made and one Danzō will be to stubborn to defuse. And you would see that all happen even when you have a chance to fix it?!"
"Yes. Yes I would." She growled as she turned to him and grabbed the hand off her arm, "What about this do you not understand? I hate you. I hate Danzō. I hate everything you are and everything you're trying to do. If I could spend my life making yours and his more miserable than I would. And if my silence can hurt you both, then I don't care who else gets dragged into it." She pulled him down so they were face-to-face, their masks nearly touching, "I can die happy knowing you'll both die too."
It was just spite and hatred that drove her choices now. She would die and cast them all to the same fate just as revenge against Danzō and himself. There was nothing else in her life but what she had to go through now, so if it was between that or death to her tormentors as well?
What other choice did she have?
The one he could offer her.
"Don't you want to be reunited with your son and lover?"
She stayed silent before snarling at him, "Don't you bring them up. Don't you use them against me like that."
"I understand that if this is all your life is right now, then dragging everyone with you would be the most preferable option. But what if it wasn't the only option? What if you could go back to your home?" Adam inquired, "To your home; where your son has returned and your lover waits for you every day? Wouldn't that be something you would want to see?"
"Stop. Doing. That."
"Tell me I'm wrong! Tell me you don't yearn to see them again!"
Kushina's body flared as her body was wreathed in red Aura and her features disappeared. Adam did not waver and stared her down even as she stood over him ready to attack.
"You can go back to your family. You can leave and rejoin them."
"I can't." Kushina's voice filtered through her Aura, "Danzō would never let me leave."
"You can if he didn't have a choice in the matter."
((((((((Hunting))))))))
When Adam returned to the center of camp it was to see that Cinder and her cronies had made themselves more comfortable. They were still surrounded by White Fang members stationed to keep an eye on them, but now they were more laidback and accepting of the surveillance. As Adam approached and made his way over, Cinder greeted him, "Glad to see you're back. Is that a friend of yours?"
She was looking over his shoulder at the red-haired woman with the fox tail standing by, "Friend wouldn't be appropriate. We've...experienced similar horrors."
"Worse than the usual crap you guys use as dogma to stir things up?" The cold glare Mercury got in response had the boy sighing, "Damn, no life in this conversation."
"Speaking of conversations, how did yours go with Danzō?"
"I'm sure I don't need to tell you."
A failure without any compromise, "And what did he have to say about your plan?"
"He did show interest in the idea of the schools being attacked. But after that he continued to insist that that I explain every meticulous detail, my partnerships, how I came to this decision to attack, and why I wanted the White Fang's help. I can understand cautiousness but when there were questions I couldn't divulge the answers to he seemed to only stick to them. He also said that a plan only halfway complete is not a plan to risk your life for - which I can agree but when I'm not sure if I'll have a large fighting force to join us, it's hard to have any finality to a plan."
"So now we're here." Emerald said as she looked around, "And I think we can all agree we're just waiting for the shoe to drop."
"Now that would be unfortunate." Cinder said smugly with a light, joyful chuckle before looking up at Adam, "What do you think? Do you think we'll be able to settle things peacefully, or will we come to blows?"
"How did you change?" She tilted her head at his question, "When you first came to me you were patient, careful, and methodical with how you spoke. And now you just push through without hesitation or guard. It can't just be this power you've acquired, is it? What else changed?"
Cinder thought deeply about what he asked before she shrugged, "I finally felt complete." She could see even with the mask on he was confused by her answer, "My entire life I've strived power. Not just skills. Not just strength. Actual power that makes me feel like I'm something...more. I thought I would have to look for it forever but I found it. But just a part. It was taken from me before I could have it all. Now I only have half of it...but I have this power. And I know that I'll be taking the other half soon enough." She looked up at the masked swordsman with a coy smile, "I finally got what I wanted. Why would I let anything else stand in my way after that?"
"Adam."
The bull Faunus turned around as Danzō emerged from his tent. The man strode forward with purpose, a dark look in his eye and a scratched up metallic cane in his hand, "Speaking with your 'friends' again, are you?"
"Danzō-"
"Listen up all of you!" He exclaimed and demanded the attention of everyone. The old weasel stepped forward and passed by Adam to stare down at the humans squatting in his camp, "These humans approached our camp today with an offer! An offer to work alongside them to see their aspirations fulfilled. They said if we were to work together, the White Fang would see great triumphs and victory. A plan to attack humans in a way that turns and shifts their perceptions of us completely on its head."
A crowd had already gathered to hear Danzō's speech. In it Adam could see his lieutenant and Ilia watching in the group, with even Kushina coming over to listen.
"But we all know that's a lie." Danzō turned, "How many times have we been told by humans that this would be a chance for us? An opportunity to make things better for ourselves? And in the end it was all just lies to use us?" The crowd spoke up in agreement, "How many times has an olive branch been offered to us, and in the end we're met with a whip or a switch? Why would this be any different?"
The crowd started to yell and roar. Emerald and Mercury tried to remain cool but still looked tense. Only Cinder watched with amusement as the people turned on her.
"They think us expendable! They think of us as tools to be used for their benefit! Will we stand for that?!"
"NO!"
"Will we just let them walk away, so that they may return to whoever sent them here and bring retribution upon us?!"
"NO!"
The crowd grew restless, some reaching for weapons or anything to wield. Emerald and Mercury grew anxious as Cinder stood up to face Danzō.
"We will not let your lies and deceit twist us!" The old leader raised his cane and leveled it at Cinder, "Nothing will ever change like this!"
Danzō made his move, Cinder letting flames come to her hand-
"THAT'S A LIE!"
The crowd went silent. Cinder raised an elegant eyebrow. And Danzō stilled, waiting silently before turning around.
"Things have changed. We all know it. We can see how our work and efforts have effected the world." Adam turned to his subordinates and comrades, "Not long ago people sneered at us and turned their noses up in derision. Now they know better and shy away from us in the streets. They know what will happen if they don't respect the Faunus. That is progress, and if that's not what we have been driving towards I don't know what is!"
"We have come so far because of what we've done and what we were willing to sacrifice. Sometimes it was easy. Sometimes it was hard. Sometimes we lost the brothers and sisters that stood at our side. But we're still here trying to make a difference! That's what these humans are here to offer us - a difference! I'm not asking you to trust them. I don't, nor will I ever truly trust any human again. But they do offer us a chance to do something that will change how Faunus are looked at forever - a move against the schools."
The reaction across the crowd was mixed and hesitant. Danzō just stared at him in disappointment as Cinder listened.
"I know you're thinking that doing something like that would doom us. But we know that isn't true. We fight the Grimm without the help of Huntsmen and Huntresses. We've defended for ourselves countless times before. The Faunus are hardy and strong people - stronger and more capable than humans are! If those schools fall, we'll adapt and survive while the humans fall back and cower in their homes. They'll know, once and for all, that they can't just write us off as some sub-species! They'll see just what we are capable of when the chips are down! I know it will be scary but trust in me...I will do what I have to do to protect you."
The crowd was silent as they watched him. He wasn't sure if it was admiration or disbelief, but their attention was on him and him alone.
"I'm disappointed in you Adam." He clenched his teeth as Danzō stalked over towards him, his silence more than conveying his intent, "You've let your fear of humans and their words cloud your judgement. I raised you to be a warrior that could stand up for Faunus everywhere. And now you're here, cowering before three defenseless humans who offer us nothing. I expected more from you."
"You've only ever expected complacency."
Danzō's eye widened and many gathered gasped. The usually silent third leader of their group stepped forward, many hearing her speak for the first time, "Danzō doesn't want to take chances. He doesn't care for risk. He only cares about what he can control and how he can make things work for him. And doing that means he doesn't want things to change for the Faunus or for us to make any big plays." She looked around at the crowd, "He found more people like me! More Noble Guards who could join and fight for the cause! But he refuses to reach them because he doesn't have his grimy little mitts around their necks to control them like he does me."
"It's why we don't stay in regular contact with the other sections of the White Fang! Why the Vale chapter is considered almost separatist! Why he makes Adam his representative to keep regular contact with Sienna Khan! He doesn't want her coming in and taking his power away! This isn't his solemn duty for the sake of Faunus everywhere - we're his pawns and tools to stretch his influence as far as possible! At least Adam cares for the cause! He wants to see us succeed! This offer from the humans might be dangerous but it'll change things for us! But if we stay with Danzō, we'll just be meandering away for this old fool."
Danzō stared at his traitorous subordinates as the other members of the White Fang started to whisper between each other. He could hear every doubt and hesitation they tried to hide from him. And all because of the people he had spent his life grooming to follow his lead. He whispered, "Is this really what you want to do now?"
"..."
He sighed, "Very well."
Danzō lunged forward, his cane scrapping against the hilt of Adam's sword. The bull Faunus tried to draw his blade but the tip of his mentor's cane continued to flash forward at speeds he could only deal with on reflex. The crowd backed away and Kushina retreated as Danzō attacked with more speed and ferocity than anyone expected of a man his age. Adam had to protect himself from a man that had spent his life fighting against Huntsmen and Huntresses that had tried to stop him countless times before.
Adam couldn't even properly draw his sword, and he realized Danzō was taking advantage of that to make sure he couldn't use his Semblance. Whether this would end in a skirmish or something more final, he wasn't going to make any progress like this.
Danzō's cane came down and snapped Adam's head aside, but in that moment the bull drew his sword and forced the weasel back. The older Faunus leapt back and found his footing as Adam gripped his blade, glaring at Danzō directly now that his mask had been knocked to the ground.
"Look at you. You've had more reason and cause to hate humans than anyone. That's why I reached out to you. I could see we were kindred spirits and I wanted to let your potential grow. But now you're squandering your potential and future for nothing."
"You don't see a future in anyone." Adam spat, "You see objects you can exploit. I know this is the right decision! And if you know what's best you'll stand down now!"
The two men stood across from each other in heavy silence before Danzō sighed, "I can't believe this happened. I'm not sure if my reconditioning can even help you at this point." His eye hardened, "But I'm willing to try."
When Adam realized what he was going to do he dashed forward to stop him. But it was too late as Danzō's fingers hovered over his cane and started to blur. He grabbed the metal cane as the sounds of scrapping and cutting clashed against the metal. Everyone present covered their ears from the horrible sound. It was even worse for the Faunus with sensitive hearing.
But it hit two people harder than any others.
Adam's body stilled and tensed against his will as the familiar sound of Danzō's Semblance against metal creeped into his mind. The conditioned response from years of training had caused him to waver at such an important moment. In the corner of his eye he could see Kushina having a similar response as she hugged herself and cowered.
The sound stopped but Danzō's cane swung down on him, hitting him across the jaw and cheeks and crown mercilessly. Adam tried to retaliate but Danzō scratched his cane again and started the whole thing over. This cycle repeated for nearly ten minutes as everyone present witnessed the lynching of their superior officer at the hand of their leader.
"Have you learned your lesson?" Adam dropped to his knees and coughed as he spat up blood and saliva pooling in his mouth, "You were gifted Adam but you were always stubborn and unwilling to follow. I thought I had finally removed all that insubordination from you after all these years, but I suppose I was deluding myself. Don't worry. I'm always willing to try again...for my son."
Adam grabbed his sheath and turned it on Danzō and aimed the shotgun at the old man. The red-haired man was panting softly to try and catch his breath as the elderly man just looked unfazed by the threat. With a shake of his head he reached down to scratch his cane-
But paused when Adam turned the gun on himself.
The first shot next to his ear hurt like hell and left him screaming in pain. But he pushed through the pain, cocked the gun again, and fired next to his other ear. Once it was done he was deafened, the painful ring in his ears so sharp it felt like it was breaking his skull. The sensation was pure agony.
The look on Danzō's face when he realized he couldn't affect him anymore was worth it.
The old man panicked and swung his cane down to strike him again. But Adam slid aside, the ringing deafening him and leaving him with only the sound of his own beating heart. It hastened and beat louder and louder as he swung his sword up.
And everything went silent as his sword sliced through the cane and struck Danzō in the chest.
The elderly man was bodily knocked to the ground with a gasp as the pieces of his cane dropped to the ground. Once Danzō was floored and struggling for air, Adam caught his breath as he felt energy surge within him. He looked around and saw the crowd looking at them in shock. Now he had their attention, so he got what he wanted. Now he had to-
His eyes landed on Cinder as she looked down at the beaten old man and then back up at him.
He got what he wanted.
What he wanted.
Danzō coughed and gagged, clutching his chest after the powerful attack had knocked the wind out of him. He groaned and tried to lift himself up but paused when he felt something touch his neck. Everyone around him went deathly silent as the thing on his neck pushed down a little more before lifting up.
Slowly, Danzō turned his head and looked up at the glowing figure of his apprentice raising his sword over his head. His eyes stared at him lifelessly, one still a shining blue and the other a burned mess from the brand over it. Adam slowly raised his sword high until he stopped.
...
"Heh," Danzō could only let out a scoff and shake hit head, "You were right Hiruzen...I couldn't stop the next revolution that came my way." With a deep breath he looked up at his young apprentice once more and whispered, "If this is what you truly want...then make sure to take hold of it and never let go."
"..."
Adam's sword swung down ruthlessly and separated head from body. Both toppled to the ground lifelessly as the crowd was breathless at the brutal display. Everyone looked between the body of their former leader and the sword of their new one hoping that somehow someone would reveal this was all just for show.
"Aha!"
But only one person laughed a joyless, empty laugh. Kushina stared at Danzō's head as it settled on the ground and felt her body swell with emotion. She covered her mouth as a sob and laugh nearly slipped out as one while tears streamed down her face. She dropped to her knees and heaved as she tried to catch her breath.
Adam slashed his sword aside and cleaned it of blood. His ears were still ringing so he hadn't heard what Danzō said at the end.
It didn't matter...nothing he said ever truly mattered.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
It was a few hours until the ringing in his ears subsided enough that he could hear people again. It still gave him a splitting headache and he was sure he wasn't going to sleep properly tonight, but he had done what he needed to do and it was a relief to be done with it now.
With a new mask on his face, and his old mentor's body being carried away, Adam slipped into the tent in time to see his partner-in-crime packing her things, "I see you didn't waste any time."
Kushina looked jumpy, but the smile on her face was the first genuine one she had worn in years. While she would have never actually greeted the bull Faunus before, she couldn't contain her excitement as her tail wagged behind her, "Hey, how you feeling? Ears still killing you?"
"They hurt like hell, but I can hear again at least." Adam leaned against a desk and watched her move around the tent, "What about you?"
"I-I just can't believe it. He's gone. He's finally gone." For someone so substantial in her life she sounded giddy at the fact he was dead. Although he couldn't exactly blame her considering he also felt a sense of relief at finally being freed from his influence, "I honestly never thought I'd live to see the day. I honestly believed he would end up outliving us and just keeping ruining the world." She grabbed some of her clothes and started to collect them together, "He can't reach us anymore."
"Yes. I know." Adam nodded, "What do you think will happen now?"
"I don't know." Kushina paused, the adrenaline of the moment draining away for a second as she shook her head, "Now that Danzō's gone they'll be looking to you." Kushina turned and faced Adam, "You're going to be leading your people now. I hope you do better than he did."
"I hope so to."
"I never thought I would say this but thank you, Adam." She turned to the bull and grabbed his hand, squeezing it between both of hers as her gratitude was clear in her voice, "You did what no one else could do. You will always have my thanks."
"If that's true then I could use your help. Usurping control of an entire chapter of the White Fang through execution isn't going to look well for me."
"You can get help from the other Noble Guards Danzō found. That'll definitely bolster your standing." Kushina stated as she grabbed her bag, "Use those people to establish order and rally them together. They can be more effective then just some figure head like me-"
"I need you here Kushina."
The fox woman's tail stopped wagging and slowly lowered down by her legs. She dropped her bag and turned on Adam, staring at him quietly. No sound passed between them for several seconds as Kushina realized he was actually asking her, "You said if we took control from Danzō then you could handle everything. You could settle things more easily and you wouldn't need to use me as some puppet to drum up followers or a figure to put blame on for the public. You don't need me anymore."
"That's before things escalated. I planned for a change of power, not a duel that ended with one of us dead."
"That's on you! Don't drag me back into this because you couldn't help yourself from killing him!"
"I made a mistake but you stepped forward and convinced our people to take my side."
"I spoke my mind! I finally told Danzō off and how he shouldn't get what he wants anymore! I did it for my benefit, not for you or for any of them!"
"They trust you now that they've heard you. We need you for the sake of Faunus-"
"I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE FAUNUS ANYMORE!" Kushina's body became covered in Aura and she charged at the bull as he blocked her hands with his sword. The two struggled against each other as Kushina moved to kill him, "I JUST WANT TO GO HOOOMMMEEEEEE!"
"Then you can go home, but I can't promise you'll have it for long." Adam warned, "Danzō might still have supporters who will follow his orders to attack your family if you leave. I won't be able to control them if you do. If you leave, you'll risk that going back to them. But if you wait with me just a little bit longer, then I can promise your return."
"Fine! I don't care anymore! I'll risk whatever devastation comes! I'll see Minato and Naruto again if it's the last thing I'll do!"
"You'll ruin the life your lover has made in your absence? And you'll hope your missing son will just miraculously come back?"
Her body stilled, "W-What?"
"That man has created a prosperous life in your absence. Your return now before we can change things would only ruin it. And you son hasn't been seen since he fled. It's entirely possible that your escape attempt for him took his life in the process." The bull shook his head, "Without anything to show for your time here, what will you gain returning to a life in ruin?"
Kushina's hand tightened around his sword before her Aura faded away. It disappeared in time for her red eyes to brim with tears as she fell to her knees. Adam stumbled back and sheathed his sword before turning around, "Just give me some time. Then you will be reunited properly with your family-"
"You're not Danzō. At least he could make a shitty lie convincing."
"I'm not lying. I will affirm myself as a leader, gather our people, and make a difference. And when I do you and everyone else will see-"
"Is this what she saw? That girl you thought cared about you so much?"
Adam paused and looked down as Kushina stared ahead with a lifeless expression, "No wonder she escaped you when she did."
He paused at the entrance of her tent, squeezing the fabric of the flap before walking forward and dropping it behind him. With purpose in his steps he spotted Cinder and her crew waiting to speak with him.
Time to hash out their plan.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
He buried Danzō's body alone and far away from others. He had many clashing feelings towards the old man that had raised and tempered him. Despite the anger in his heart he would genuinely miss him.
But he got what he wanted.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Sienna shed no tears for the news of Danzō's passing. She had been at odds against him since joining the White Fang as she suspected he made plans to usurp control from her when he saw fit. The High Leader had accepted the story that he was killed by a group of enemies that hunted them down since the Uchiha were still prevalent.
Since he had proven himself in her eyes she promoted him to leader of the Vale chapter.
He got what he wanted.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Cinder introduced him to her partners in this endeavor. A skeeze by the name of Roman Torchwick that promised he had connections to other figures in the underworld that would prove useful in their plan.
He was one step closer to getting what he wanted.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Danzō's research had led them to a lone man in Vacuo who had lived an unremarkable life. He had quickly demanded them away and went back to his drink.
Adam offered him a new life. A chance to make up for the pain he had experienced. For the injustice his kind had lived. An offer to take charge and use the power he had been blessed with to make a difference.
He turned on him and his team with a giant body of milky white Aura. Everyone panicked and prepared for a fight.
Adam smiled as he knew he had reached him.
He got what he wanted.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
They had been followed by Uchiha. The fools probably believed they could get the drop on them and squeeze them for information.
It was actually a blessing in disguise, because Han saw him fight by his side and keep him safe.
Among the beaten Uchiha Adam offered Han a chance to take the first step towards reclaiming his life. The Noble Guard looked down at the beaten men and women who struggled for mercy.
He grabbed one by the head and his other hand settled in his mouth.
He got what he wanted
((((((((Hunting))))))))
He didn't think the next time he saw Blake would be in a photo report detailing the failure to claim the Dust on the docks. Apparently she had truly lost her way and was now impeding their path to justice.
Kushina had been pleased, although that might be because she finally saw a photo of her son after all these years and was brought to tears.
If that young upstart was getting in the way and Blake was doing the same.
He would get what he wanted.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
("My word!")
("L-Ladies and gentlemen we are trying to settle this matter! Please remain calm-")
("My leg! My leg! Aaahhh!")
("H-He tried to attack me! I-I swear I wasn't - I-I mean I didn't-")
From her name she could tell it was Tai's daughter. She had the same bright blonde hair he had and her sunny disposition was as warm as the sun. But she looked like an identical copy of Raven, except she was willing to smile and laugh.
Except now she was panicking, and hyperventilating as the crowd called her out and her opponent was taken out on a stretcher. This poor girl was being used as a pawn all because of them. Because of what she allowed to happen.
"You know our reports tell us this girl - Yang Xiao Long - is Blake's partner in Beacon." Her leader mentioned from her side as he watched the screen and looked down at his Scroll, "Funny how things work out, don't you think? I didn't even ask Cinder to target her. Although I look forward to how Blake will abandon her to suffer like she has so many others."
"You sound bitter."
"Oh I'm not. I'm going to be meeting her very soon, and when I do I'll give her a chance to explain herself. And I'll be ready to listen. I'm very forgiving." A notice came to his Scroll as he turned to walk away, "Make sure to watch the news and let me know how the people respond. I'm eager to see how their faith in their heroes wavers so quickly after just one show of terror."
"Adam..." Kushina whispered as she watched Yang get escorted away by soldiers off the stage. She couldn't help but feel her eyes water watching the girl's world crumble around her, "How much more of this? How much more until you get what you want?"
"I'm not sure. I'll tell you when I feel like I'm satisfied with the difference we've made."
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Done
What happens to a desperate man who finally gets what he wants? He wants more.
So I've been debating with myself while watching the recent Volume. I've been watching it and it occurred to me that there is still going to be maybe 3 to 5 more of these left. And I've only reached three so far. And this story is so long. So despite my polling earlier I've decided that I'm going to break this story up.
Probably not after Volume 3 though. I'll most likely do it after 4, because I have a scene I want to end it on and I feel like that would be perfect to cap it off. After that I'll start a continuation that carries on after that.
Anyway, talks of the future. Focus on now.
This is the second chapter I've done with a focus on villains and other charters, with the one about the White Fang and Uchiha being the first. I love these chapters cause it lets me stretch some new muscles.
I hope you all enjoyed Danzō's death as much as I did.
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Thank You and Bye