Hunting or Bust
Dust 85: Doomed to Repeat
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"Hey. It's me again. I just wanted to come by and see you before I leave. I'll be gone for awhile on a mission. I shouldn't be gone as long as I was at Beacon, but I still wanted to say goodbye."
Tenten knelt down, placed one bouquet of flowers down at her side, and then gently laid the batch of white flowers she had bought by the headstone. She stayed on her knees, fondly looking at the stone marker, and wiping the surface of it clean with her finger.
Lily Tamura
A pillar of strength, to community and family
Fondly remembered and dearly missed
"This feels weird." Tenten admitted sheepishly, "I think the last time I talked with you was during the break when I came back from Beacon. Since then every time I've come to visit I've just been, well, silent." The ponytailed girl shook her head, "I guess I was giving both my parents the cold shoulder, huh?"
Her mother didn't respond. Tenten imagined that if sat across from her right now, she'd flick her forehead and tell her how silly she had been acting lately. And Tenten would just grumble and rub her head before having to agree with her.
"Dad has a date." She broke the ice with a hammer and followed up with a cheeky smile, "First time I've seen him nervous and awkward in years. I think he's gotten out of practice of how to talk to women since you left. I was going to offer to give him some pointers but," Tenten grimaced, "There's only so much discomfort I can stomach." She laughed, shaking her head at the ridiculous conversation she was having with her mother. Smiling fondly, she stared up at the clouds, "You'd be happy seeing him trying to put himself back out there. After all this time he's ready to trust and love someone again. I'm not sure if you guys had a talk about that before you left but I think you'd be glad knowing he's trying to be happy too."
Tenten continued to stare up at the clouds and watch as they streaked across the sky. After a few minutes of aimless watching she lowered her gaze and looked around the graveyard instead. It was a vast space freed up for people to bury and give their condolences to family and friends that passed. There were some people that had come here alone while others were visiting as couples or groups. What they must have been feeling was probably a range of emotions Tenten had certainly felt over the years visiting her mother's headstone.
She looked down at Lily's marker once more and sat a little more comfortable before speaking, "So I'm sure you could already guess but the reason I was so quiet during my others visits was because of what happened at Beacon. I just wasn't - I-I don't even know how to describe it." Tenten hugged her knees, "I never asked you what it was like for you to be a Huntress. I was just so in awe of how strong and cool it was, and admired how you helped people, that I never even bothered to ask you what it was like. Did you ever fail on a mission? Did you doubt the choices you made while you were fighting? Did you regret what you did and wish things were different? Did you ever feel like..." She sighed, "Like this?"
Reaching out and gently taking a white petal between her fingers, she rubbed it softly, "I don't know why I'm suddenly talking about it. Weeks of counseling and working with people and I never said more than a few sentences. Now one conversation with Dad and I'm suddenly ready yap an ear off. I don't think anything's changed. I'm not ready to-" The image of red hair in her hand, "I don't have any right to move on from it. But maybe I'm ready to tell someone what it was like. Don't worry it won't be you. I'm not ready to bore you with my talking or make you realize how awful I am. But maybe when I come back I'll have gotten it out."
Tenten stood up and cleaned the grass off her pants before reaching down for her other bouquet. She picked it up and smiled at the headstone one more time, "Love you, Mom. Be back soon and wish Dad luck."
Tenten made her way further into the graveyard with her flowers in hand. Her second stop was one she had gotten used to visiting recently. She walked up and found that her next stop already had a visitor. She walked up as he stared silently at the marker by his feet.
"Hey."
Minato was drawn out of his thoughts and looked to her. He didn't show any surprise on his tired face before he nodded. He looked down at the orange flowers, "For him?"
"Don't know if he preferred a type." Tenten shrugged, "But I do know his favorite color so I thought he'd like it." She walked up to Minato's side and placed the flowers down by the headstone before joining him.
Naruto Uzumaki
A flame that burnt bright, and whose shine will never be forgotten
Let his example inspire others to match his love of life
They stood together and looked down at the headstone in comfortable silence for several minutes. Fondly remembering their times with the bright whiskered sun of their lives, and thinking back to the last time they each saw him.
Tenten took a deep breath, "We have that meeting to get to at 12 before we leave for the mission."
"I know but it's 8. We have four hours to take our time."
"It's 10."
"Oh."
"But you're right. We have time."
So they stood together and watched his headstone.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"Oh man, this is such a long road~. You could travel down it for hours or days or even weeks and not find anything~!" Oscar drawled as they walked along, "If only we had an easier, more streamlined method of travel available to us at any time~." He feigned exhaustion and put his hand to his head before subtly looking forward.
The blond Faunus ahead of him continued to walk without even sparing him a glance. The only reason Oscar knew he wasn't being totally ignored was the little twitches the fox ears on his head gave every time he talked.
Oscar narrowed his eyes before nonchalantly shrugging, "Oh well, I guess we'll just have to get lost out here in the wilderness, never knowing if there was a better way to travel to our shared destination. If our skeletons were to be found lost out here by the road, the people that find us may never truly understand why we were taking such a dangerous alternative when the safer, easier, not dumb method would be-"
"Oh man! You know what really helps pass the time while traveling such a long distance? Passive aggression and whining!" Naruto matched Oscar's flippant tone but with an annoyed glare sent back at the young farmhand tagging along with him, "Man there's nothing in the world that beats listening to some annoying kid complain in my ears about a problem that really isn't my fault. I mean if he wanted to get there faster and without complaint you'd think he'd just - I don't know - fuck off and do it himself!"
Naruto and Oscar stopped walking and took a moment to glare at each other balefully, hoping the other would fold and submit under their scrutinizing stare. After a few minutes of complete silence and twitching eyes both boys turned away and continued down the road.
This was their routine. They'd march together in uncomfortable silence, the tension each one let off clarifying that they weren't happy with the other. Then one of them would speak up with a thinly veiled comment or suggestion that the other should follow their plan of action instead of the one they'd chosen. Then they'd argue, glare, stomp ahead, and repeat all over again.
"You know as entertaining as this little comedy routine is, I can't help but notice that we haven't gotten any further along, metaphorically speaking."
"He's just so bullheaded." Oscar whispered under his voice, staring up at the back of the whiskered man he followed, "He won't listen to a word I say."
"You know you could just take his advice and leave. Take a train down to Mistral and be done with the travel bit entirely."
Yeah...he was right. He could take a turn, go back a few miles, find a train station, and be on his way to his destination. No one was making him take the long road but himself. And he had no obligation or duty to stick with Naruto on his trek through the wilderness!
But...he couldn't just walk away. All the time he spent with Naruto on the farm and Ozpin's memories of him had given Oscar a vetted interest in the whiskered man. Plus with how he presented himself on the farm compared to how he acted now, he understood that Naruto had just been wearing a mask around him and his aunt while he stayed with them.
He wanted Naruto to come with them to Mistral. He didn't want to just abandon him on the road and leave him to wander the wilderness. It wasn't right.
"I understand. I'd like it if Mr. Uzumaki joined us on our trek as well. Question is; how can we convince him?"
"I don't know-"
"Hey can you stop muttering to yourself? I'd be worried you were plotting how to kill me if I didn't hear every word you were saying." Naruto groused over his shoulder, startling Oscar out of his thoughts, "Seriously one second you're whining aloud to get on my nerves and the next you're mumbling. Pick a volume and stick with it."
Oscar frowned and glared down at the dirt road by his feet. He fixed his backpack further up his shoulder before speaking up, "So what exactly is our plan?"
"Well that depends," Naruto rolled his head side to side, "I'm debating whether I should tie you up and drop you back off at the farm, or just ditch you while you're asleep so you'll leave me alone."
"Pfft," Oscar scoffed, "You won't do that."
"Oh I won't? Do I have to remind you about our little talk about trusting people you don't know?"
"Oh that 'talk' you gave me sandwiched between instances of you being a good person and helping us? Yes please give me a refresher."
Naruto growled at the sarcasm laced through Oscar's voice, the little brat obviously not taking his warning seriously. The blond Faunus took a deep breath and exhaled, "Doesn't matter. Just have to wait. You'll break soon enough."
"I'll break?" Oscar repeated, "What do you mean I'll break?"
"You'll realize you can't handle it out here and head back on your own." Naruto looked back with a mocking smile, "Y'know, if you're smart about this."
Oscar's frown deepened before he ran up to Naruto's side, "So you think I'll break that easily?" Naruto blew a raspberry, "Well don't count on it. I'm stubborn."
"You're stubborn?! Hahahaha!" Naruto stopped and nearly doubled over with laughter as Oscar silently fumed. The fox caught his breath, wiped his eyes, and chuckled, "Listen Oscar, no one in the world is more stubborn than me. I'm pretty sure I'm the most bull-headed guy I know."
"Wanna bet?" Oscar puffed out his chest, "I'm a teenager. I'm getting into my rebellious phase. You won't stand a chance."
"Uh-huh," Naruto let out an uninterested groan, "Rebel all you want. I can just ignore you."
"Can someone with four ears ignore me IF I TALK LIKE THIS!"
"OW!" Naruto balked and covered his ears after Oscar suddenly screamed into them. Blue eyes turned with anger on the young teenager and Oscar deflated in horror as he realized who he'd just pissed off, "Come here!"
"Eep!" Oscar turned and ran down the road as he heard Naruto chase behind him, "Just so we're clear, this means I'm holding out way better than you are! You know that, right?" Oscar was waiting for the insulting, furious yell to follow but got nothing. He slid to a stop and looked back, "Naruto?"
Naruto had stopped in the middle of the road and was staring deeply into the forest around them. His eyes narrowed as his hands lowered to his side.
"Oscar! Move! It's-"
"GRRROOOAAAWWWW!"
Oscar let out a shriek of horror as a Beowolf pounced out of the forest and rushed at him. He stumbled back and fell to the ground as the monster leapt towards him-
Naruto sprinted in from the side and tackled the monster to the ground. It let out a dying wail of pain before it went limp the moment they hit the ground. Through his dulled hearing and shaky breath Oscar noticed that Naruto already covered his arms with Aura and had buried his machete into the monster's chest. It was over in an instant-
But more growls echoed around them. Oscar looked around in shock as several more Grimm emerged and started to approach them.
A backpack fell between his legs and the young farmhand was startled out of his fright to see Naruto standing beside him. The blond looked down at him with a deadly serious expression, "Stay still and don't come near them. If they approach you get out of the way or tell me and I'll come."
Before Oscar could even make a sound of agreement Naruto thrusted his hand out and stretched his Aura out towards a Grimm. It moved aside and seemed to dodge but Naruto's claw coiled around a tree instead. The blond man was yanked off his feet and flew forward, slicing through the monster's neck before it could react and died as it hit the ground.
As Oscar sat that, shocked and terrified from nearly getting mauled by a Grimm, he watched Naruto carve his way through the beasts around them.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"He's a hero!"
"He's so kind and charming!"
"He's been a great benefit to the island."
"The soldiers he's trained are stronger and more disciplined than ever."
"After those horrible pirates came and Captain Yagura was put into position, the island has never felt safer!"
It was the same with every person she struck a conversation with when she brought up the new captain in the guard. All they had were words of praise and adoration for the turtle Faunus that protected them.
Blake had spent the last few days on Menagerie trying to gather information on the youthful-looking Huntsman. Asking her parents some general questions. Walking around Kuo Kuana and inquiring what she could from the locals.
He had come to Menagerie over a year ago and joined the guard. His profession as a Huntsman had ingratiated him into the services easily and he earned himself a high rank. Then after some recent incident he had been promoted to captain and was in charge of training the guards.
According to the civilians, despite his position he was incredibly approachable and kind. Every time he made his rounds he greeted the people he came across with a smile. He even frequently stopped by shops to eat on his breaks and had become something of a regular. His presence was already a staple in everyday life here.
And his abilities were just the cherry on top.
For the older folks who trusted the ancient fairy tale they believed the man cloaked in blue Aura was a blessing from the Animal God themselves. For the younger folks they didn't believe he was related to some mythical story, but they did believe he was strong and someone they could rely on. The world of Remnant was a scary and uncertain place even at the best of times, and now with the world quartered off like this things could only get worse.
But at least Menagerie had a guardian to protect it.
It just felt...too good.
It's why she and Sun had been asking around on information for him. Some background. Some info. He came here before the Fall of Beacon but was that a coincidence or by design?
There was just so much of it leaving her on edge. She couldn't...she had to...
The black-haired girl let out a weary sigh and trudged ahead through the bustling and crowded streets. Despite how tired she felt she forced herself onwards until she found a crate she could sit on without disturbing the flow of people. All this intel gathering and asking around reminded her of her search for the White Fang during the second semester...
And now she couldn't get the worried looks of her friends at her obsession and declining health out of her head..
...
"You look like you could use a pickup."
Blake flinched and looked up in shock to see Yagura had approached without her realizing. He let his hook lean lazily on his shoulder, with a drink in each hand. While taking a swig from one, he offered the other to Blake without a care in the world. The cat Faunus was hesitant but took the offered can as the guard captain lounged against a crate by her side.
"I hope you're enjoying your time back." Yagura said between sips, "How long have you been away from home?"
Blake looked down at the ground, wondering if she should just keep quiet before finally answering, "Years."
"Well I'm sure your parents are glad to have you back. And if the Belladonnas are happy then a lot of people here will be happy too." He smiled, "The civilians all really love your parents."
"Not surprised. They're kind, understanding, and want the best for the people. They're everything a person could be looking for in leaders."
"You're right. The chieftain and your mother have a kind of warmth and charm that puts people at ease." Yagura agreed, Blake sending the man beside her a cautious sideways glance as he continued to sip on his drink, "Anyone would be lucky to have their guidance. Unfortunately...doesn't seem like the White Fang outside this island wanted it anymore."
Blake's eyes narrowed and her expression undoubtedly tensed in response.
"Hold on." Yagura immediately raised his hands harmlessly, "I don't mean anything by it, just stating a fact. Before I came to this island I knew what the White Fang were doing. You had to live in a cave to not hear about it. And when I came to this island I was shocked to see the White Fang were such a prominent and open part of the city's culture. Then I learned about this sect's methods, and your father's past as the High Leader, and Menagerie's style of doing things. I love this place..." Yagura admitted, "And I think the White Fang should have given life like this another chance before they went too far."
Blake watched the older man quietly as he swirled his drink around and looked at the filled city roads. She raised an eyebrow, "Why are you talking to me about this?"
"I thought we could get to know each other a little better." He answered with a smile, "After all you're asking around about me so much." He chuckled, "I should warn you now that I'm flattered but I prefer women closer to my age."
"..."
"Joke didn't land? Okay my bad." The turtle Faunus quickly apologized, "I understand why you're so cautious about being around me. But don't worry, I'm used to it. When you suddenly appear like a glow stick without warning you tend to draw attention and confusion. I was just kinda born weird that way. Some older Faunus think I might be related to some old kid's story but I think that's just their delusions or something."
She didn't believe him. She didn't believe he didn't know what lineage he was part of and what it meant to some Faunus. There could have been a chance that what he said was genuine, but in the back of Blake's mind she-
"Although I guess I could always try and do it more subtly." He held up his can and raised his other hand over it. In an instant it was covered with blue Aura halfway up his forearm and he drew the water out of it effortlessly. It hovered over his palm and formed into the shape of a rippling ball as he laughed, "How about this?"
Her eyes were wide in shock. There it was. The technique she had seen friends and foes use multiple times since Beacon. One she knew had popularized after one of the Noble Guards introduced it and the current generation started to utilize it.
"Pretty cool, right?" Yagura said jovially, "I saw some guy do this and I thought it was cool." He noticed her intense expression and lowered his drink back into its can, "Not impressed? Geez, kids these days."
"I don't know what you're doing, or what you're planning." Blake whispered, her gaze hard and eyes narrowed up at the grey-haired man standing by her, "But I'm not going to let it happen so easily. You can't fool me with whatever this is supposed to be." She turned in her seat, facing him more directly as she spoke with steel in her voice, "This island will be protected and these people will be safe. And you can bet on that."
...
"Yeah, definitely still a Huntress."
Yagura response was...soft, and filled with either pity or sympathy. He knocked back the last of his drink and tossed the can away as it bounced into the disposal. He stepped away for a moment before turning back to Blake, "I'm sure Beacon must have been awful."
Her eyes widened, "W-What?"
"The Chieftain was celebrating so hard that his daughter was in the tournament that everyone heard about it. And when we watched Vale collapse to the ground...we all thought you might have fallen with it. Then you came here and I'm sure they were overjoyed, but I can see that you're still partly there, aren't you?"
Blake's hands tensed around her drink and they started to shake without her realizing.
"I've seen it with a lot of people over the years. People that come back from the battlefield thinking they didn't do enough, or maybe it was too much or...well just about everything in between." Yagura shifted his hook around so it hung over his shoulder and he gave her a solemn nod, "You need to finish this fight at your own pace so I won't tell you what to do. But from one Huntsman to another...you made it home."
And with that Yagura turned and made his way back into the streets to continue his patrol, leaving her seated and staring ahead in confusion.
That - that had to be something. The unease and suspicion she had around him didn't waver for a moment and she still had it even now. S-So all that he said was just another...
...
She looked down into her drink and saw her shaking had stopped. Instead she was greeted with her own reflection upon the drink's surface. Her eyes looked heavy - so heavy she felt like she could take a nap right then and there.
Why was she doing this again? Didn't she already go through this before?
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Naruto swiped his blade down and let out a breath of relief as he relaxed. He looked around, watching the bodies of Grimm disintegrate while realizing that no more were going to pop out and attack them. He sheathed his machete at his side, "Oscar?" The short farm boy had disappeared from the roadside, "Oscar?"
"I'm here." Oscar stepped out from foliage with both bags in hand. He stood there silently and looked around at the decaying bodies of the Grimm before lifting up the pack in his arms, "I-I know you told me not to move but when their numbers started to clear out I thought I should get out of your way to..." He stopped and held out the bag, "Here you go."
Naruto took his bag with a nod and slipped it over his shoulder before starting down the road again. Just like that. Like he hadn't just fought an intense battle with his life on the line. He just killed Grimm and soldiered on like it was nothing.
Oscar...couldn't fathom being able to do that.
"Thank you!" Oscar spoke up as he fell in line behind Naruto, walking along the path as the sky started to burn orange and red with the setting sun, "A-And sorry about that. You did us a big favor stopping those Grimm. If you hadn't done that, I might-"
"You'd be dead."
Oscar went silent at the sharp, blunt answer Naruto gave. The Faunus stopped and looked back at him, but instead of anger or annoyance he looked genuinely concerned while facing him, "This, Oscar. This is why you shouldn't be out here with me. We can fight and argue and stew in our stubbornness as much as we like but they'll always find us. And they always come. When you sleep. When you eat. Taking a piss or shit. Sometimes you'll have the advantage of a weapon by your side, and sometimes you'll be so exhausted you can't even stand. But they'll always come for you. Which is why I wanted you to go back!"
Oscar wanted to voice his dispute about them heading to Mistral together, but after failing to help fight the Grimm and watching from the sidelines as Naruto fought he realized he didn't have a right to argue right now. He just lowered his head in shame as the blond took a calming breath.
"Have you ever fought a Grimm before?"
Oscar tentatively looked up at Naruto after he asked the question. He nodded, "Yeah. Once or twice. But they were young with barely any armor, and I got the jump on them when they came to the farm. I've never faced them like...well like you did."
"And you shouldn't. Without training or some experience fighting you'd just get yourself killed." He looked down at Oscar critically, "Do you even have your Aura unlocked?"
"I-I don't know. I'm not-"
"You don't."
"No. No I don't."
...
They stood together silently until Naruto's arm was suddenly coated in his Semblance. He reached out and Oscar instinctively shied away to avoid being grabbed. But Naruto moved faster and grabbed Oscar by the shoulder before putting his other hand on his head. Oscar noticed that being touched with a hand covered in Aura like Naruto's was strange. Like a layer of warm padding between their touch-
"It is through resilience and perseverance that we achieve something akin to immortality. A drive to struggle and push on, in order to see our dreams and goals completed. I release your soul, and by my hand appoint you."
Oscar felt something. Like Naruto's energy was slipping and evading into his very being. Welling up and imbuing him with a strength and vigor. And suddenly Naruto pulled his hands away, yet the power lingered behind.
Oscar looked down at his hands, seeing the faint green line of energy that outlined his body now, "W-What-"
"He used his Aura to unlock yours."
Oscar looked up to Naruto, "You unlocked my Aura?"
"I've never really done that before. Only seen others do it a long time ago. Didn't even know it'd work." Naruto turned and continued walking, "At least this way if you cross any more Grimm, you have some defense first."
Oscar barely paid Naruto any attention as he continued to marvel at the new sensation he was feeling. As the light receded completely, he closed his hands and tried to will it back, "Is it gone?"
"It's receded back inside of you. Your Aura is your soul projecting its power out to protect you. It is always with you, but it isn't being projected constantly without control. You have to practice and train with it to be able to summon its power by will."
"It's just gone back inside." Naruto said, matching what Ozpin had just answered in Oscar's head, "You have to train and get a handle of your Aura if you want to summon it whenever you want. From my understanding it's a lot easier for people whose Aura and Semblances aren't tied as one."
"So how do I train it?"
"Focus. Think. I don't know." Naruto waved off his question and focused on walking. Oscar sped up and walked by his side, staring at him deeply until Naruto finally cracked, "What?"
"Well I just feel bad thinking about how I just froze up and couldn't help you with fighting off those Grimm earlier. And it'd be a real shame if that happened again. So I was just thinking, since you unlocked my Aura," Oscar smiled and held out his arms, "Why don't you teach me how to fight too?"
...
...
Naruto stared down at him silently until Oscar caved and looked away. The fox Faunus shook his head, "We should look for a place to camp." He turned away and walked into the forest as Oscar was left standing there feeling like a fool.
"Smooth."
"Shut up."
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Minato fixed his desk once more so that it would be clean while he was gone. After making sure all his projects were either finished or entrusted with his partners then there would be nothing left for him to worry about while he was gone. Now all he had to focus on was the mission's success and getting better.
They all wanted him to get better. And he should have been trying his best to while he recovered. But he wouldn't.
He knew his friends and colleagues cared for him deeply...but it was just too late at this point.
There was nothing to be done to fix it.
The quiet blond man walked by the display case that housed his son's former weapon, Squall. The blade they forged together when his combat training had begun. That he hadn't properly named until his time at Beacon. After all the years apart Minato couldn't describe the joy he felt seeing his son still wield this blade. He was determined to make his path as a Huntsman with it at his side...
Naruto had wanted to do a job alongside his father when he became a certified Huntsman. Minato had never felt so much joy as when he realized his son looked up to him so much. And they almost did work together to try and do some good. But then Minato had gotten hurt and Naruto had taken it upon himself to fight the Wyvern instead. And because Minato had been injured and useless his son had thrown himself to the wolves and-
...
Yeah...it was too late to fix anything.
In the silence of his office Minato unhooked the top of the display and lifted it open. He reached in and grabbed the kodachi before fastening it to his hip. It was pointless and didn't help anything...but it was the closest they would get to working together now.
Making his way back down to the lobby, Minato found many of Skyggen's members gathered around to see them off. Kakashi was saying his goodbyes and promising to bring back souvenirs. Anko was receiving some farewell snacks from Chōji and Ino for the trip.
Tenten was saying goodbye to Shikamaru and Sakura. Shikamaru was telling her to take care as Sakura told her to be careful. The poor medic had been greatly affected by her experience at Beacon. She had devoted herself almost completely to her medical studies, and any time she wasn't studying medicine she was taking survival training. She wanted to be prepared in case she was ever caught in something like Beacon again.
It was a good resolve, but when you get caught in horror like that you can never be prepared for it. After a few times losing everything in his life he was starting to understand that.
Tsunade spotted him and made her way over. The older woman smiled, "You aren't going to work yourself to the bone, are you?"
"I don't think you have to worry about me." Her eyes lowered and she spotted the blade tied to his hip. When he saw her brow raise in confusion he answered, "I need it. I just do."
She looked doubtful but gave an approving nod. After a moment of silence she knocked his shoulder with a faint smile, "We'll keep things together while you're off. And if that idiot Jiraiya finally shows his ugly mug I swear I'll leave half of him for you to kill."
Tsunade said that the last time she saw Jiraiya was before they left Vale for Mistral. His former guardian pulled her aside, told her he had some things he needed to take care of, and that he would come back when they were finished.
There had been no contact with him since.
Minato wasn't holding out hope that it would change by the time he came back.
"Sir," He turned and found his new team looking to him, "We ready?"
With a deep breath he nodded, "Yep, let's go save the day."
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"Man, you can't turn around without knocking three people over on their butts." Sun bemused as he slipped through a particularly congested part of the street and made it out the other side. He patted himself down and sighed, "Okay, I'm pretty sure I felt someone rub my chest but we're just gonna have to move on."
He had to get as much information on that little guy that still sent Sun's brain rattling at the fact he was a Huntsman and an apparently divorced father.
Him or the White Fang group that called Menagerie their home. And if there was anything he learnt during his time as a junior detective it was that gathering intel was the most essential part of the job. Granted he had only gotten less than a day of actual experience before the Breach sent Grimm crawling through the streets of Vale but he was sure he still learned enough.
"Are you gonna buy anything or not?"
"No loitering kid."
"Huh? D-Did you ask something? Sorry, all we sell is absananas - bananas! B-Bananas! What's your name again?"
So even on an island filled with fellow Faunus, that didn't stop merchants and vendors from being crabby and short. Except for that last lady who didn't even bother looking him in the eyes.
It was in that moment when he paused that Sun realized his stomach was rumbling. The breakfast he had with Blake's family was delicious but hadn't quite filled him as much as he'd like. He could go with something to tide him over until lunch or dinner.
"Excuse me! Young man!" Sun looked over as an elderly woman waved to him from her market stall. He blinked a few times before pointing at himself, the older woman nodding and ushering in him over, "You look hungry. A growing boy like you shouldn't be skipping meals. Here!"
She slid a coconut sliced open with a straw sticking out and filled with brightly-colored liquid. Sun inspected the drink curiously, "What is it?"
"A smoothie I made from all the fruits on Menagerie. It's good for you and delicious!"
Sun leaned in a took a whiff and quickly realized he might start salivating if he did it again. It smelled so good he wanted to have it right now. Reaching for his wallet he pulled it out and...
Oh yeah, that's why he stole everything. A survival instinct told him to just grab it and run but the lady had been nice enough to call him over for it. Sun chewed on the inside of his cheek-
"It's on the house."
"Huh?" Sun mindlessly blubbered after he heard the old woman, "Seriously? T-Thank you!" He grabbed the coconut and was about to take a sip before he paused, "Wait why are you giving this to me?"
"Consider it a token of gratitude." She said with a smile, "You helped Captain Yagura and the Belladonna girl stop the Grimm and got people to safety, right? My granddaughter was the girl you carried out of the water before she could get bitten. My, I've never seen her talk about someone so much with that cute little blush on her face. So it's on the house. But just this once."
Sun beamed a smile and took the offered drink before he stopped, "O-Oh man, I feel bad taking advantage of just helping someone. Hey, I'll really pay for this. You don't-"
"Don't turn gifts from your elders away." She chided him with a smile, "This is pretty much my only opportunity to be charitable so don't turn it down." Sun gave her a faint smile and started sipping on the straw, melting with joy at how delicious it was at it filled his stomach. She laughed, "Good?"
"This might be the best thing I've ever tasted."
"Aww, aren't you sweet." The grandmother cooed as Sun smiled around his straw and slurped away, "So now that you're joining our little community what do you think you'll do? You're a young man so you could join the White Fang in keeping relations around the island, or seeing as you're quite strong you could join the guard?"
"Actually I'm just staying here temporarily to help Blake with some stuff. Even if I was staying here," He grimaced, "Heh, I-I kinda don't think I'd stick with the White Fang. But the guards seem cool though, even if their uniform looks a little stuffy."
"Oh I'm pretty sure that's your personal opinion." She joked and he conceded the point, "But if you did join the guard you might end up in the White Fang anyway."
Sun stopped drinking the smoothie and raised an eyebrow, "What'd mean?"
"Well a lot of our aspiring youngsters look forward to joining the guard when they're old enough. The best of the bunch end up joining the guards while those that couldn't pass usually end up working with the White Fang instead."
"The guard applicants that don't pass work for the White Fang instead?"
"It's a program that's been implemented for about a year now. If some of the trainees can't cut it as guards, they are offered positions helping in the White Fang instead. It's a good way to get them to help around while keeping them out of trouble."
So the applicants that join the guards but are to rowdy and uncontrollable...join the White Fang instead?
Sun's face twisted with doubt as he turned towards the rest of the market and looked around. He saw a group of patrolling guards walking alongside another group of young White Fang members, the armored guardians talking amicably with the robed community workers. Now that Sun knew they most likely trained together before they reached their new positions then that explained why the groups worked so closely.
They passed a merchant rolling his product through the street before a wheel suddenly broke. It twisted around and spilled all his produce and vegetables into the street. The White Fang members reflexively caught what was in their reach as the guard picked up what fell and helped the cart back up.
Well wasn't that interesting?
"Hey!" A taller, older man in a White Fang robe walked over and barked at the other members, startling them. One of his sleeves waved empty in the air as he turned and pointed back, "You all are supposed to be getting ready for our meeting! Stop dawdling and hurry up!"
The younger members looked hesitant but hurried along before they agitated him any further. The man turned around to reveal a stern face with white hair going down to his shoulders. Sun turned to the elderly vendor and she nodded towards him, "That's Mr. Mizuki and he's one of the more senior members of the White Fang sect here. He came here recently and has been guiding the new members that join."
The monkey Faunus looked at the one-armed man with intrigue. He placed his coconut down and jogged over, helping pick up the cart so the wheel could be fixed. As he did he noticed he had garnered the older White Fang member's attention and smiled, "Hey, nice to meet you!" He greeted, "Your guys were a real help back there. Too bad they had to go. So, you have a meeting right now?"
"None of your business." Mizuki curtly said as he walked off.
Sun had to pick up the pace to catch him, "Sorry I don't mean to intrude or anything. I was really just curious."
"Be curious somewhere else then."
"Hey are you guys taking new members?" Mizuki finally stopped, "Because I might be interest - hey!"
Mizuki grabbed Sun's collar with his one hand and pulled the young man in, snarling as he bared his teeth, "Look you little shit, I don't know what you're doing or who you think you are but let me make this clear. I saw you at the beach with the Grimm. You're her friend," He seethed that pronoun through his teeth in a way that startled Sun, "And as far as I'm concerned that means you have no place on this island. So if you're staying, keep away from us. And if you're leaving fucking do it already."
He roughly pushed Sun away and made his way down the street. The monkey boy fixed his shirt and frowned at the tiger's retreating back.
"Sun?" He heard Blake call his name and turned to find her walking his way, "Who was that?"
"Some White Fang member with a serious anger problem. His name is Mizuki or something-"
"Mizuki?"
The surprise in her voice caught his attention, "Do you know him?"
"Y-Yeah," She nodded, "Back when I was in the White Fang he was one of Adam's subordinates. I didn't really know him that well but he admired Adam and followed him closely. Until he lost his arm." Her arms closed around her chest as her eyes lowered, "After he was maimed he was relieved of duty and left. I don't know what happened to him after that."
Sun asked, "How'd he lose his arm?"
"I had heard at first that another member had turned traitor and cut his arm in an attack. But after Beacon I found out the truth." Blake looked down sadly, "Naruto had cut through his arm to stop him from killing a family during a raid. It's the reason he escaped from the White Fang afterwards."
Talking about his friend left a pain in Sun's gullet. He felt a piercing regret about not helping Naruto when he had the chance before his fox friend ran off. Or even the shame of not knocking him out and carrying him out of Beacon against his will. Either one of those options might have led to him standing here with them today.
Or possibly leading them all to die. Because like it or not, Naruto's sacrifice had saved the survivors escaping Beacon.
Sun took a deep breath and focused, "Okay so one of the White Fang's more crazy members are here, plus that weird turtle dude. Oh, and I heard this thing about the White Fang and the guards earlier. And when this cart fell over, the White Fang responded faster than they did too. I think we..." He stopped when he saw her face pinched and unfocused, "Blake? What's wrong?"
The black-haired Huntress shook her head, "I don't know." She shrugged, "What if we're wrong, Sun? What if there's nothing happening here?"
"What?" He looked shocked by her question, "What are you talking about? Something sketchy is going on here! You said it yourself!l
"Well I could be wrong! I-I've been wrong before!" She countered, stepping around with a look of uncertainty, "I-I could just be paranoid. Jumping at shadows. Trying to make up a reason to fight-"
"Blake, you're not wrong!" Sun stepped forward and motioned around, "What about what those creepy brothers did? They kept it secret about the White Fang's part in Beacon! They have members who you know are violent criminals!"
"But what if they were just lying to keep the panic and fear down? The day we got here we brought Grimm with us who attacked the beach!" The cat Faunus argued, "And who knows if Mizuki isn't just here because he had nowhere else to go?! I came here to try and fix things! And the moment I arrive I'm already trying to pick a fight?"
Her shoulder sagged and the brunette deflated. Sun was reminded of the time she was so obsessed with catching the White Fang that she wasn't eating or sleeping properly. Except this time she was realizing that a pattern could be repeating, and she despaired at the thought.
"I shouldn't have come here."
((((((((Hunting))))))))
It was dark and the two young travelers found themselves seated around a fire. The gently crackling flames illuminated the space between them and the countryside's clear sky allowed the moon and stars to be visible.
Oscar looked back down at the can of beans he was eating, "Are you sure we can sleep out here?"
"Yeah, compared to that spot we were at earlier the Grimm activity seems less concentrated here. We should be safe to sleep for the night. And if any do show up then I'll wake up fast. I'm a light sleeper now."
Oscar rubbed his neck, "I remember."
...
"Why do you talk to yourself?" Naruto asked a question to break the silence, getting the young freckled boy's attention as he spoke, "I mean sometimes you talk at me and sometimes you grumble to yourself. But sometimes it sounds like you're having a conversation - a genuine conversation with someone else."
In response Oscar looked down fearfully and rubbed his hands together, "Is...is that weird?"
"I guess not." Naruto shrugged, "I get sometimes that you just need to talk, whether anyone is around to listen or not. I just thought I'd warn you that if you do it too much, you'll get unaccustomed to talking with people when you do have to talk with them again."
Oscar looked at him quizzically, "You sound like you're speaking from experience?"
"Heh, I guess I do." Naruto looked down at the fire, "I might have gotten a little too accustomed to my voice some time ago while I was alone. Thankfully I was able to work out of it with some help."
"How?"
...
"Do you have a pillow or anything?" Naruto pointedly ignored Oscar's question, "Some clothes you can bundle up? Because if you do you should use them or your empty backpack to sleep on tonight."
After a moment Oscar frowned, realizing Naruto wasn't going to answer him or continue their talk. With a sigh the young man pulled his bag around and started sifting through it to see what he could take out and what he should sleep on.
Some clothes would be comfortable.
Books would probably hurt.
His snacks should stay in so not to attract animals.
As he kept looking, Naruto walked around the fire and stood over him, "You brought books?"
"Huh?"
"You were going to take a trip to Mistral to try and become a Huntsman and you brought books with you?"
"O-Oh, well I was going to read them on the train. I-I know it's not exactly useful for camping outside but I wasn't - I-I mean even if I was in Mistral I probably shouldn't-" Oscar groaned, "Oh please be kind."
He closed his eyes and was preparing for the ribbing Naruto was about to give him about taking things too lightly or bringing books when supplies would have been better.
"What'd you bring?"
Oscar opened his eyes and saw Naruto was looking over the books. He was turning each one over and reading its summary before looking at Oscar.
"Um...just some new books I got as presents that I never got around to starting."
Naruto held up a creased book, "This one doesn't look new."
"That one isn't. It's my favorite book." Oscar lightly smiled, "It's my favorite story about heroes and wizards and adventure. I brought it along because...well as a memento."
"A bunch of new books and one you've probably read a few times already?" Naruto smiled, "Sounds like a good book."
"Do you read?"
"I didn't used to but I have this friend - had." Naruto corrected himself, his expression stilling and his ears dropping slightly before shaking his head, "Anyway, I haven't read a good book in awhile."
Oscar saw Naruto's expression soften more than he had seen in weeks. He looked down at the books in his hand and was ready to hand them over before-
"Well they're mine." Oscar said curtly, holding out his hand and waiting for Naruto to hand them over, "You can't have them."
The whiskered blond nodded and handed them over-
"But," Oscar took the other end of the book and forced it back into Naruto's hand, "I'll let you borrow them."
"Real-"
"If you train me."
Naruto stopped talking and Oscar gave a devilish smirk as he saw the look of surprise on the whiskered Faunus' face. Refusal was the first thing to come to his tongue before he looked down at the book. A few more uncommitted sounds of denial and indignation slipped out...
"Ugh," Naruto yanked the book out of his hand and stood up with a scowl, "Once - and only once - do I concede the title of stubbornest bastard on Remnant to you."
"Yes!"
"Congratulations, Oscar. That was quite an interesting move to play."
"It'll be great, Naruto!" The excited freckled teen sat up and spoke to his companion over the fire, "If you teach me how to fight then I won't just hide back or be a nuisance if we run into Grimm or bandits or anything! This is perfect!"
"Don't be so sure." Opening the book, Naruto showed a wicked smirk, "I've never taught anyone how to fight or train before. I might go too hard. Push you too far. You'll ache and bruise and cry in pain, but with your Aura now you'll be able to recover and I can start it all over again. You. Are going. To regret this."
Naruto silently flipped the page as sweat ran down Oscar's cheek, "U-Um-"
"You made your bed, now it's time to sleep on the ground."
((((((((Extra: New Blood))))))))
Oscar covered his belly, "I'm so hungry."
Naruto shushed him from his spot in the bush, "I know. Shut up. You'll scare them away."
The two boys watched the pack of deer graze and eat peacefully in the meadow. They were starving and needed something to eat, and when Naruto caught sight of the deer he decided they'd go hunting for food.
"Hey," Oscar whispered, "So do you have practice hunting like this? Did they give you training on setting traps and catching animals in school?"
"Something like that."
Naruto pulled out his machete, raised it over his head, and tossed it through the air.
The dying wail the deer made as it lodged in its skull before dropping dead was horrific.
"Oh dear gods!"
"Grubs on!" Naruto casually walked out to the deer as Oscar stared at the bloody scene in shock. The fox Faunus easily yanked the machete out and held it up, "Oscar, help me out over here."
"Help you out?!"
"Yeah, carve off the pelt and skin so we can get to the meat. I'll hold it down while you do that."
"I-I can't-"
"You said you wanted me to teach you." Naruto forced the machete into his hand, "Get to it."
Oscar shook his head. He couldn't! He couldn't do it!
1 hour later
"Mmmmm! Nothing beats venison!" Naruto happily chomped into his meat as he cooked over the fire, "Oscar, get in on this! You did great getting it off the bone!"
"HER EYES!" A bloodstained Oscar screeched, "THEY SAID WHYYYYYYYYYY?!"
"Yeah, you can still see the look of horror on her face. Can't grill that off!"
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Done
So as I wrote more for Volume 4 I realize I didn't clear something up before I started. Just like the real show, not all of the storylines are happening at the same time. Even if they happen in the same chapter, some plots happen before and others afterwards. I know it's not totally clear right now, but the timeline should clear up a little more when they start to converge.
That'll become a lot clearer in the next chapter.
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Thank You and Bye