CH. 4

Just assume that they revealed the broad strokes during the Q&A period. Just know that not everything was revealed during that period and you'll see personal conversations between characters to build more of their induvial relationships.

At breakfast that morning Qrow comes in complaining about being woken up so early only for no one to care. "Guys how did you get up so early you where out drinking all night?"

Zoro "Easy, we didn't sleep we went into the weight room and began our pre training workout."

Qrow's face pales at this "You as well Yang?"

Yang "well yeah weight training has done wonders for my fighting ability and besides the only one who was drunk last night was you"

Ruby "Will you stop complaining uncle Qrow and just eat your food. I guarantee it's the best you will have ever eaten."

Blake "I know we are going to win the tournament running away but I think we should go down to the docks and see what the other teams look like, never hurts to be prepared." Clearly trying to change the subject

Whitebeard "That is a wonderful idea though I don't think we should all go perhaps 2 members from each team the rest of us can keep an eye out for what Atlas has coming"

Blake "that is a really good idea, after classes then?

And so the morning goes, Qrow mostly trying to simply observe and learn who these people are. After the "training" this morning he thinks they are clinically insane and can you blame him they where fighting without aura or semblance. Classes progress as normal until they get to combat class. Everyone was expecting to go to the emerald forest for a few great matches but they all got a message on their scroll saying to report to combat room. Glynda tells them that all sparring is being put on hold until after the festival to avoid accidents. They talk about how the tournament will be different and how they will have different terrain to fight on especially during the opening rounds.

Qrow went to talk to Ozpin during class as that was his free time to do it without anyone noticing. "these people are insane Ozpin I trained with them this morning, you know they have their own training rooms on that ship? You know they train without aura or semblance with real weapons?"

Ozpin sips his coffee trying to hold back how astounded he is. "I assumed they did and that would make sense given what I have seen of their spars."

Qrow "and why didn't you tell me they where certifiably insane and alcoholics. They where talking about having lost their faces yesterday and they drank a whole bar dry and where still sober!"

Ozpin "I didn't know they could drink like that I have never seen them actually drink. As far as the lost faces thing are you sure you heard that right?"

Qrow "I don't know I might have misheard but what would they be talking about that that would be something I would mishear. Also you know they have a real skeleton on board right? And that he is better than any swordsman I have ever came across in remnant."

Ozpin "I am aware of the man in the skeleton mask why he insists on wearing it is beyond me but every student has their security devices. I know and he is the worst one amongst them did you catch that this morning?"

Qrow "yeah it's insane to think they are going to be in the tournament."

Ozpin "Yeah but I need them to be I have a feeling Salem is going to try something at this tournament and if they occupy the final spots then at least it might not be one of her people."

Qrow "You think Salem may have sent them?"

Ozpin "I have no idea, I don't even know how they got in to the academy in the first place."

Qrow "I'll keep watching them"

After classes they figure out who is going where and its decided that one of both pairs will go to the docks. It will be Chopper, Blake, Mihawk, Pyrrah, Shanks, Nora, Luffy, Weiss, Jimbei, Franky, Robin, Velvet, Sanji, and Usopp. The others will stay and keep an eye on when Atlas shows up. When they get to the docks they watch all these teams come off the boats and begin their journey towards Beacon not really seeing anyone who looks like a real threat. That said there is a reason Robin was brought along, she manifests an ear into each of the vehicles just to hear what she can hear when she hears something she doesn't quite believe. She over hears Cinder and her group talking about their mission for someone called Salem and how the mission had to work. She also hears about working with someone named Torchwick and something about white fangs. Having heard enough she pulls her ear and relays to the group what she has heard.

Weiss "Torchwick he is the guy behind all those dust robberies what does he have to do with Haven academy?"

Blake "The white Fang why would they be working with Torchwick? It just doesn't make sense."

Luffy "Robin your sure you heard the name Salem?"

Robin "Yes I am sure trust me I was worried when I heard that name as well"

Nora "who is salem?

Luffy "She is the evil bitch behind the grimm"

Weiss "that can't be true no one controls the grimm they are wild beasts bent on destruction."

Shanks "We will go together to ask Ozpin when we get back. Speaking of we should likely head back seeing as we did what we came to do."

They head back and on their way back they request a meeting with Ozpin which is granted.

Ozpins office

Shanks "We where at the docks earlier to see how much we would have to exert to win the tournament when we over heard one of the teams talking about Torchwick the white fang and Salem working together. As headmaster here we thought you would be interested in this information."

Ozpin trying to hide his emotions "Well I don't know who this Salem person is but if these students are working with Torchwick and the White Fang that is concerning. Did they say anything about their plan?"

Shanks sends out just a bit of conquers haki "Don't lie to us! You know exactly who Salem is!"

Ozpin is now terrified but trying to hide it "Alright I do know who Salem is but how do you know who she is? Salem is the queen of the Grimm, an immortal I am not sure if she can be killed."

Shanks "see how much easier that was Ozpin. Just assume we know all the secrets in remnant."

Ozpin "could I perhaps interest you in a trade of tales? Mine for yours?"
Luffy "You tell us yours and we will consider telling you some of ours. But everyone gets to be here"

Ozpin not seeing a better way to get information at the moment accepts. When everyone gets there he tells his story or at least parts of it still keeping his relationship with salem and the maidens to himself. The straw hats don't question this even though they know he is hiding information. The others they can't stop asking questions eventually they do and Ozpin turns to the pirates motioning for them to begin.

They look at each other and decide to tell their story. They give the same story they told their teammates to Ozpin. Ozpin can't help but be amazed at their story it explains so much. At the end he tells them he can't have them participate in any mission outside of the city until after everyone leaves just to be safe that Salem does not find out about them.

In Cinders Room

Cinder "Is everything set up for the tournament? We get to avoid anyone good until we get to the finals?"

Mercury "Of course we can't very well do our job getting bounced early and we can't really show off until later anyway."

Cinder "good now hopefully nothing happens to mess up our plans. Emerald I need you and Mercury to do some scouting and see if anyone is worthy of joining us."

Emerald "Yes Mistress"

That next morning after training

Weiss "My sister is coming today I'll be spending the morning talking to her, hopefully."

Hancock "If you need anything know I am always here for you as are the rest of us."

Weiss "Thanks, I am hoping my sister backs my decision to come join here I know she wasn't thrilled when I elected to not join the atlas military."

Luffy "She is your sister she should support you regardless of your decision that's what family is supposed to do."

Weiss "You would hope…"

Blake "I am going to go into town and try to drum up any information about the white fang movements meetings things like that."

Jimbei "Can me Velvet and chopper tag along? I know I have some stuff I have to pick up in town and it might be nice to have some support."

Blake "I would love for you guys to come with me"

Chopper "it's settled then. I have some medical supplies I'll need to pick up while I am in town."

Shanks "I'll be going into town to grab booze for the party we are going to be having, with the captains permission of course." He says with a smirk

Luffy "Of course we are throwing a party we got a bunch of new crew members it's something to celebrate."

Sanji "Can I go with you I'll want to make sure we have food that pairs with the drink?"

Shanks "Of course, you should come as well Yang and Whitebeard and Zoro we will be needing more hands to carry everything."

Nami "I want to go shopping I'll be needing new clothes for this dance coming up, why don't I take the rest of the girls with me we will make it a whole day."

Ruby not sure what all that entails is hesitant but reluctantly agrees at the urging of her sister. The rest of the girls think it's a great idea and decide to go as well. Mihawk suggests some of the guys go to get their clothes as well on a separate journey, you hear Juane and Bartolomeo grumble about not needing new clothes. Luffy declares he will be wearing his usual outfit and no one is going to talk out of it. Ace decides it would be nice to see and elects to go as does Brook. Ren decides to go get his clothes as well knowing he would be disappointing Nora if he didn't get something nice.

Luffy "I think I am just going to hang out around campus today perhaps discuss the tournament with Glynda and Ozpin see what I can't learn to give us even more of an advantage and get us to not be paired off."

With Weiss

Weiss is waiting for the atlas military transport to arrive with her sister and the general. When it finally arrives she see's Winter depart and as soon as she can she waves and gets her sister's attention. "Winter it has been so long since we have actually seen each other I am glad you where able to come and watch the tournament. I am hoping to have some time where it is just us."

Winter "I would like that. While I didn't agree with your decision to come to beacon it seems you are the happiest I have seen you in a long time. Are you making friends? How is your team? Lets get coffee and catch up."

Weiss "I have made so many friends it wonderful my team is amazing and coffee sounds wonderful. Why don't I take you to the place with the best coffee in the world."

Winter "really the best in the world, I'll trust you lead on."

So Weiss takes her back to the Sunny and makes them coffee. While they are sitting at the table in the tangerine field Winter remarks "I didn't know you where talking about such a wonderful place, and you learned to make coffee, what is this place anyway?"

Weiss "This is the Sunny it's where me and my friends stay instead of the dorms and yeah it took my awhile but I have a great teacher here to show me all kinds of things in the kitchen."

Winter "Ozpin allows you to stay on a heavily modified bullhead? That seems strange and very much not like Ozpin."

Weiss "Yeah it is strange I was dead set against it at first but it's my teammates home and I guess it has been for awhile. It's certainly unlike anything I have seen before as are my friends."

Winter "They certainly must be something special if they have you to call as a friend, I know how picky you have been over the years. I don't blame you when you have money like we do people often just see someone they can use."

Weiss "Yeah I had to be picky with my friends growing up but I don't have to anymore I gave dad an ultimatum either he lets me live life and stops trying to marry me off or I disown him and he suffers the shame of having both his daughters reject him."

Winter "Are you sure that was wise? I mean I don't want to see you married off and be miserable like mother but how will you pay for beacon much less food and clothes and dust. I know once you graduate youll be fine but until then…I am proud of you though standing up for yourself I know it's hard especially to him, your wanting to come to beacon makes more sense now dad may have been able to strong arm the general into getting rid of you but he can't Ozpin. This coffee is the best I have ever had your right."

Weiss "Thank you I was worried about how you would react. I am glad you enjoy it youll have to ask Sanji where he gets the beans from when he gets back. I have the financial support to continue through my time here I made sure of that before I gave the ultimatum."

Winter "Glad to hear it. I'm your sister and even though our relationship has been strained at times I will always support you. Sanji? Who is that?"
Weiss "Sanji is the cook here he is also one of the best hand to hand combatants I have ever seen."

Winter "Really? I take he is the one who is teaching you to cook then? Are there any sparks there? Tell me about your friends and teammates."

Weiss "He is the one yeah and no nothing romantic though he is a wonderful friend." She proceeds to talk all about her friends and how awesome they are.

Winter "Hang on you have been training with no aura or semblance? They sound truly amazing I hope to meet them soon."

Weiss "Yeah I mean a grim isn't going to care if I have no aura so why should training. Well you should come to the party we are throwing it will be lots of fun and I guarantee you will have never eaten as well as you will at this party."

Winter "Really better than those fancy dinners we used to go to? I would love to come to your party what are you celebrating? That is a good point that doesn't mean I can't worry about you little sister."

Weiss "Much better if his every day food is anything to go by. New friends joining Luffy's family. I know and I appreciate it. Hey you should join us tomorrow for early morning training and breakfast."

Winter "Is that allowed I am not a student"

Weiss "Not beacons training that's after breakfast I am talking straw hat training and of course your allowed we had Qrow Branwen here the other day."

Winter "I am assuming its at sunrise? I just might come and join you it would be nice to do something not atlas."

Weiss "yeah before sunrise and I have the day off tomorrow perhaps we could duel its been awhile since we have done."

Winter "Yeah that would be nice I'll see how far you have advanced and I can show you what I have learned at atlas."

With Luffy

Luffy decided that today was going to just be a relaxing day watching the world go by, a pass time he enjoys more now that he is older and has learned to slow down. He is sitting on a park bench just taking in the day when Emerald approaches and sits next to him.

Emerald "Beautiful day isn't it?"

Luffy "Certainly is. Hey your one of the people from Haven right? How do you like beacon?"

Emerald "I am it's certainly different I don't know what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't this. I am Emerald by the way."

Luffy "Pleasure to meet you Emerald, I am Luffy. Glad you are not disappointed I know I was when I first got here."

Emerald "Really why where you disappointed?"

Luffy "I Don't know I guess I made it out to be so much bigger in my mind"

Emerald "That makes sense. Are you excited for the tournament?"

Luffy "No not really I hate fighting my friends and there is no worry about how we finish in the tournament I already know who is going to win and it won't be me."

Emerald "How are you so certain of the results you haven't even seen the other teams yet? If you won't win then who will?"

Luffy "It's a gift. The final four teams will be MZPJ, SBNL, LAWR, and JHFI. And they are all my friends so see I hate fighting friends and unlike the last tournament I was in I don't care about the prize."

Emerald "That's a wonderful gift. Must be hard sometimes though, to know the future like that."

Luffy "It can be but its far from the worst burden I bear. See I lead people and my decisions can be the difference in life and death that is the burden I wish I could remove at least some days."

Emerald not expecting that answer at all "What do you mean?"

Luffy "Well as captain it's my job to lead the way but I have to ensure that those who follow me are able to walk with me on the path I have chosen for us otherwise I loose those closest to me and I refuse to have that happen again."

Emerald "I am sorry you have to bear that burden, I have never heard someone talk about leadership in that way I have always heard it talked about in pawns and sacrifices honestly I never wanted leadership if that is what it is"

Luffy "Those people are not leaders, they are cowards or worse they are monsters. I have met many of them and I have defeated all of them who stood before me. It wasn't always me who won at the end but that's what family is for and as long as we stand tall and together at the end that's all that matters."

Emerald "You talk of those under you as family whats it like having a family you choose for yourself?"

Luffy "It's hard but its worth every bit of pain and ache you go through because to have those who would fight the monsters of hell with you and call you brother there is no stronger force on the planet. You have to be careful though when that family is taken from you it can destroy you if you let it. I am sorry you have yet to find that in this world."

Emerald "That sounds amazing, how big is your family now?"

Luffy "over 30 people and I am sure more will be coming soon. If you don't mind my asking what is your team like?"

Emerald "I don't mind you asking it's fragmented I guess you could say, our leader is controlling but she has saved us more than once Neo is super cute though she is a mute so that's hard and then there is Mercury I don't like him but I do fear him I worry what would happen if he where to ever loose it."

Luffy "Sounds like a bad mix of people, if you and Neo ever need a place to stay please come stay on the sunny we have more than enough room and food for you guys."

Emerald "we may have to do that. Well I have to get going it was a pleasure talking to you Luffy."

Luffy "Have a nice day it was nice talking to you as well."

In town with the girls

Coco "This is supposed to be one of the better dress shops in the city, lets start here"

Nami "Sounds good"

They proceed into the store and are met at the door by a wonderful sales associate. This sales associate shows them to a private screening area (Think say yes to the dress). They are given drinks and snacks while they have various dresses brought to them to try on. Coco is the first to go.

Hancock "So who are you guys wanting to take you to the dance? I know for me it's Luffy."

Nami "I was hoping for Luffy as well but Zoro would be nice that or Chopper"

Hancock "Oh Chopper would be fun I might have to change mine to him."

Coco as she is coming out of the dressing room in a black and gold floor length dress with a slit up the side all the way up mid thigh it leaves the shoulders bare while flowing into sleeves that flair to open at the elbow "I know in where your from he is old but I like Edward, I hope he ends up asking me or perhaps I should just ask him"

Yang "Wow that is just stunning"

Everyone forgets what they where going to say and looks at Coco and they all agree. Coco looks at the price "Thank you guys for saying that but this is simply out of my price range I'll find something else."

Nami "Nonsense, consider it a gift. In fact all of you consider this trip a gift get the dress that looks the best I'll be paying for it. It's the least I can do for my friends."

Coco not sure of what to feel "Alright if you insist Nami. Thank you, thank all of you I never really had lady friends to this with back home."

Hancock in a light hearted manner "Well go changed out that dress and let someone else have a turn so we can keep talking"

Yang "I'll go next"

And with that they go back to talking about who they want to go dancing with. Pyrrah "You can't tell anyone this unless it actually happens alright but I kind of want Juanne to go with me. I know he is a bit awkward at times but he seems to be a genuinely good soul."

Ruby "I see that in him as well I'm not sure how often he see's it in himself though. I think you guys would be a cool couple. If I have to pick someone I pick Ace how awesome is that fire thing he does."

This draws a laugh from everyone including Yang who is coming out in a dress similar to what she wore in the show only with subtle gold lining weaving its way through the dress so it would catch the light as she twirls. "For me I don't know that Bartolomeo guy seems like a fun guy to party with"

This gets a few snickers from the straw hats.

Ruby "Yang you look amazing. You still look like you could kick my ass but you will catch someones eye in that"

Yang "I guess its decided then this is what I am getting."

Nami "I guess I'll go next" as she gets up and makes her way over to the changing room

Nora "Well in case it wasn't obvious I want to go with Ren." Everyone laughs at this. "that obvious huh o well"

And so they continue to talk and try on different dresses. Nami end up with a strapless blue number, Hancock in a floral print, Robin gets a red version of Coco's dress, Ruby gets a simple black dress, Nora gets a rose pink dress, Baby 5 gets a gun metal form fitting mid length ball gown. Nami goes and makes their purchases telling them that they can add jewelry when they get back to the sunny and seeing as it is getting to be close to dinner time they begin heading their way back home.

With Blake and company

They have been wandering around the city talking to Blakes previous White Fang contacts and striking out with most mentioning how Adam has driven them away from the cause. They have one more place to visit before they go get all the medical supplies and it's a book store they come in and find it empty after walking around a bit they find the shop owner dead on the floor while she has Velvet call the authorities Blake makes her way into the back room looking for the Fang notes she finds out they have meeting tonight and where said meeting is and takes the paper with the information. They leave after talking to the police and being let go.

Chopper "The medical supplies can wait it looks like you have something on your mind why don't we go back to the sunny have dinner and discuss."

Blake "Are you sure they can wait? I mean I do have some things to talk about when we get back but they can wait if you really need those supplies."

Jimbei "The main reason we came was so you wouldn't be alone everything else can wait"

So they head back to the Sunny for dinner

Back on the Sunny

Everyone is back for dinner and they discuss their plans. Blake "There is White Fang meeting tonight at midnight and I think I should go and check it out."

Robin "Not alone the people who went with you today with you I'll have eye's and ears in the building in case anything happens."

Luffy "I am going to stay here on a hunch"

Ace "A hunch huh, Emerald I assume"

Luffy "Yeah"

Whitebeard "I have been itching for a fight and I am sure you have as well Ace lets tag along with Robin as backup"

Ace "Sounds good"

Ruby "I have history with torchwick if he even could be there I want to be there as well."

Weiss "He has been robbing my family I am going"

Yang "If you are going Ruby then I am as well can't have sister get hurt on my watch"

Coco "If velvet is going then so am I as my partner I should be there for her."

Franky "There are some things I want to start doing to the Sunny to upgrade her with new weapons, I hate to add weapons but if we are going to go to war we will need them."

Iceberg "Yeah we will I'll help, I helped you build this thing I'll help you upgrade it as well."

Sanji "I have to prep the food for the party"

Everyone else decided to hang out around the ship do their own thing.

Ozpins Office

Qrow "You asked to see me?"

Ozpin "yes I did I have some information for you. The straw hat guys came and saw me. We traded stories. You wont believe what I have to tell you." So Ozpin begins to tell Qrow everything he had been told by Luffy and company.

Qrow "That explains so much"

Ozpin "I still want you to keep an eye on them"

Qrow "I planned on it they are with my nieces after all"

At the white fang meeting

Adam is standing on stage talking about the future of the White Fang and how they have to adapt if they want to make meaningful change and in the spirit of change he has invited someone who wants the same things we do. With that up comes Torchwick to talk about things coming and how soon they will be told of the next steps towards achieving equality. Blake is stunned by what she is hearing from Adam she always knew this was who Adam was never expected so many others to go along with it. She wants to do something but doesn't dare to anything that would draw the attention of Adam as strong as she had gotten and as strong as her friends are she is still terrified of him.

After the meeting they return to the ship and process what they just found out knowing they have to have a plan for when the attack comes.