A/N: This is shorter than I'd like, but alas, work calls.

As ever, the Embers rule Remains, sad as that may sound, its the truth.

If folks don't like this story, poof! Gone! Deleted! That's no joke. I haven't the time to write something folks don't like. The holidays are approaching, and working two jobs in sodding RETAIL keeps me absurdly busy, as such that I have barely any time to write.

And still, I try my best to persist with the daily updates.

I really can't write without feedback, sad as it sounds. Sorry to bother you...T_T

Genshin Impact is CONSUMING my free time, but I managed to beat it back with a stick for the time being.

Now to answer a few quick questions. I'll keep it short this time so we can get to the chapter quickly.

Q: Why is your update schedule so sporadic these day? You're getting lazy, old man.

A: Excuse me? Sporadic? Lazy? No, no, no. You did not just say that.

I'm sorry, did I say something that you found funny? You just touched a raw nerve there.

If I update one genre for too long, folks get angry. So I'm trying to spread the love around, even as it tears me apart. I put in the time and the work for these, bust my butt to write every damn day by myself, AND keep food on the table for my family. While working two jobs! Hell, some days I even update two stories at once!

Think about that before you accuse me of laziness!

Alright, calm, Neon. Caaaaalm...

Q: He ever gonna let Blake's family go?

A: As stated, Naruto's keeping the Belladona's in Mountain Glenn so they can see his work...and not disown Sienna. Time will tell if things work out in his favor. Fate is rarely so kind.

Q: Are you updating your Genshin and RWBY stuff in tandem?

A: More or less, yes. Archon may or may not be next. I need to update my RWBY stuff, Die Another Day, and other things, too...so...very...busy...!

Q: Can we get a detailed list on Naruto's powers?

A: Everything Sasuke can do with that fancy eye of his, so can he. Including portals and realm hopping, though he's still struggling with the later. After all, he's got Sasuke's specter haunting him, to his everlasting chagrin. Throw in that chakra saber -lightsaber!- Roman stole for him, and you've got a walking powerhouse.

As to where Kurama went...well. Have you been reading the story?

Q: Show us the kids interacting with one another!

A: Demanding, aren't you?

Q: Do you know Neo's past now? Roman Holiday was a killer. Literally!

A: I have the book, yes. Suffice to say I am rather...cross with her parents. Very cross indeed!

Q: Romance! We needs it!

A: For the precious! *Laughs*

Q: So what's Naruto's overarching plan here?

A: If you haven't realized it by now, you've not been paying attention. His "network" if you will, is focused solely on Vale at present. Time will tell if it expands to the other kingdoms. Though I think that would be a bit much even for him to handle.

Q: What're you plotting? I see a story arc coming...

A: Can't answer that! Read and see for yourself!

Alright, I've kept you long enough.

You came here for a story, didn't you? Don't mind the rambling of sickly man.

As ever, I own no quotes, references, themes or memes. Not a wit or a one! Hope you enjoy!

And YES the first scene here is meant to evoke the opening one seen in Volume Eight, albeit with a less ominous tone

"Passions? Desires? Humanity's all about that. Faunus too.

That's the problem. Sometimes, those desires...

...well, maybe they burn a little to hot."

~Roman.

Partners in Childcare

In the ruins of Mountain Glenn, a little cat cornered a rabbit. Or perhaps it was the other way around.

In hindsight, Blake Belladnona hadn't thought this through. She thought so. When faced with the less-than-flawless reasoning of a child, some errors were to be expected. She'd thought it simple; find someone her age-or near to it at the very least!- corner them, then interrogate them about this "Naruto" person. Surely he had a weakness. She just needed to find it. And if she could find it then she could leverage it against him, use to free her parents from their imprisonment. Simple, no?

What a fool she was.

All her schemes came unraveled with three little words.

Now she glowered up at Velvet Scarlatina, fists balled at her sides. "Take it back!"

"No." The older girl didn't flinch in the face of her fury; on the contrary, she crossed both arms before her chest and shook her head. "Our papa's better."

Little Blake made angry Blake noises. "Nuh-uh!"

"He totally is." her companion agreed. "Our dad has superpowers." Those wild red eyes raked her up and down, searching for something and finding nothing. "He saves people every day. What can yours do?"

Blake grit her teeth. "They don't need superpowers! They're the best parents in the world!"

...to you, maybe." Velvet sniffed in a rare moment of maturity." Not us. They came here and insulted our daddy. That makes them the worst in our eyes."

Flanked by that strange girl with dark skin, red eyes and green hair -Emerald!- Velvet remained utterly uncowed by her ire. Together they stood united before her, while she was alone. Passerby threaded by and paid them no head, idly bemused by their bickering. A few cast amused looks their way. That only made it even worse. They were looking down on her. She just knew it. Sienna's soldiers and criminals alike, each paying her no more mind than a tumbleweed in the street.

And yet they nodded and bowed -bowed!- their heads at Emerald and Velvet, treating them like royalty! Why?!

What had they done to deserve this?!

"Look," Emerald was the one to break the silence first. "If you're looking for dirt on dad...don't." her voice rose in warning. "Just don't." Those eerie red eyes held hers in warning. "Trust me when I say you're barking up the wrong tree." Velvet sniggered a little at the poor joke, but her foster-sibling barreled on. "He's a good guy, but if you try to mess with him, you won't like what happens."

Blake bit her tongue to stifle a hiss.

Then that made him a bad guy! Why couldn't they see that? Some of her anger must've shown through on her face; because Velvet's ears drooped.

"You don't get it, do you?" She stomped a foot down, the first sign of anger she'd shown all week. "This is our home. Your parents came in an' tried to make a mess of things. And now you're being a...a...!" she grappled with the word for a moment before she found it. Her long ears stood ramrod straight as a finger stabbed forth at her. "A meanie!"

Te younger faunus recoiled. "Me?!"

Emerald scoffed. "Don't see anyone else here...

"What's all the commotion, girls? You shouldn't be fighting like this..."

Someone intervened before things could escalate further. Blake rounded on the noise, hoping for backup. She didn't find it. A young woman loped their way, stifling a yawn with the back of her hand. Blake's eyes locked onto her ears, so much like Velvet's own. Golden eyes took in a lively face not unlike her adversary. No. Surely not. The gods wouldn't be that cruel to her.

Velvet perked up. "Mama!"

Yes, yes they absolutely would.

Satin Scarlatina stopped down, caught her daughter with ease, swung her around to bleed off momentum, and pulled her surly offspring into her chest. Emerald trotted her way as well; to which the young mother reached out to tussle her mint-colored hair. The little thief leaned into her caress with a pleased hum. Scarlet slits flitted back to Blake. Too late, she glimpsed the spiteful smirk the swindler wore.

"Blake's being a bitch again." the older girl tattled ruthlessly.

Satin gasped. "Emerald! Language!"

"But she is!"

Blake swore. "Nuh-uh!"

"Yeah-huh!"

Velvet blinked, utterly oblivious to it all. "What's a bitch-ow!"

Her words piqued into a yelp as firm fingers pinched her and Emerald's cheeks.

"My, my," Satin's smile was all teeth. "It seems I need to have a word with Naruto, he's clearly letting you say all sort of naughty words."

Blake could feel the situation slipping away from her with each passing second. But she daren't speak up. No, she absolutely did not dare. Instead she took a step forward. Then another. Followed by another. Scary! This woman was scary! Scarier than mama and papa! Maybe if she scooted past her while she was distracted she could slip away-

"Oh." One of Satin's ears twitched in her direction. "You're still here." she looked back her way, even as she disciplined her children. "Did you need something? I'm afraid I have a city to help run, so I don't have much time to answer questions."

"W-What?" Anger overpowered commons sense. "You're alright with this?!" she flung a hand out, gesturing wildly at the recovering city. "This place is run by criminals!"

Emerald and Velvet slumped as Satin finally released them.

"Of course I'm alright with it dear." Their guardian said it as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."

"You're a Faunus, too! How can you agree with this?!"

"Sweetie, you're not even six." Satin patted her head, ruffling her ears. "You'll understand someday."

Everyone kept saying that; kept treating her like the child she was. She hated it.

Blake wriggled free. "I do understand! You're all traitors!"

"That's enough, Blake."

Her head snapped to the side as yet another voice called out to her. Even as a young boy Adam's voice carried weight. He'd always been older, but she'd never really thought about it. Until now. Now, as she turned to find him stalking her way, all the fight drained right out of her. She tried to cling onto it, even as it fell through her fingers. By the time he reached her side, she was all but sulking.

"But why?" She whispered. "I haven't done anything wrong."

"Yes, you have." He took hold of her wrist gently-yet-firmly. "We are guests in the Glenn." his lips pursed into a thin line. "Act as such."

"We're not!" she burst out! "Mommy and daddy are locked up! They're imprisoned!"

"Is that what's got your ears in a twist?" Satin quirked an eyebrow. "I saw their room. Its quite comfortable. They aren't confined to it and neither are you."

Blake wilted. "Yes, well...

Adam tried to tugged her away. "Just calm down. This is all a misunderstanding. I'll get you some snacks and explain...

It wasn't fair. Adam was her friend. She'd found him first. He was supposed to be on her side. So why was he defending them? Not fair.

Blake reacted as only a little girl could. "You...you're just like them! You're blind! You can't see! I...I hate you!"

Adam flinched. He looked so startled, so...hurt. Something broke deep inside her.

Dread dawned within Blake; a terrible gaping pit to swallow her whole.

Faltering footsteps carried her back. "No, I didn't mean...

Panic took flight in her heart, smothering sense.

She warbled once and fled.

(.0.0.0.)

"Fight me."

As far as greetings went, it wasn't the sort Naruto expected to receive upon Sienna's return. He walked straight into a lamp post. Said pole bent around him, leaving a decidedly human shaped impression as he all but rode it down. Neo bounced off his side, followed by little Klee soon thereafter as she nearly ran her down. The little girl took one look at his thunderous expression and scurried behind the former. Naruto's unsealed eye flicked down to them.

"You alright?" he asked.

Neo flicked a lazy thumbs up his way, while her ward dared a tentative nod.

"M'fine...

Someone snickered.

His eyes trailed past them to find Kali and Ghira only a few paces behind, chatting amiably with Roman. It was the later who was grinning, practically savoring his discomfort. Of course they'd leave their rooms now, of all times. Still, Roman had accomplished what he hadn't, the cheeky bastard. He'd have to give him a raise.

...or tan his hide.' Sasuke's specter swept past. 'Just a thought. Speaking of which, your cat's getting surly...

Only then did Naruto turn his head to look at Sienna. She didn't budge; on the contrary, she stood her ground grinning from ear to ear, one finger thrust firmly toward his chest. Men and women flowed around her in a river of progress, each carrying crates laden with hard-won supplies. More than a few looked their way and whispered among themselves. No doubt word of this would spread through the Glenn like wildfire. Trying to suppress it would only make it worse.

"I told you to fight me." She said it plain, sending a ripple through the crowd once more.

"Called it." Sasuke all but smirked. "Saw that coming a mile away."

Naruto certainly hadn't! Blond brows shot into his hairline.

"Wanna run that be me again?"

"What's wrong?" She reached out stroked his arm with intent. "Cat got your tongue?"

"Sienna, no. Bad kitty." he spoke slowly, choosing his words with care lest he set her off. "You don't want that. And what brought this about?! I thought we were good!"

"Yes, I do, and we are." she grabbed at his sleeve, tugged him close, and kissed his cheek. "I just had an idea." This close, he could see the intent swimming in her golden eyes. "A wonderful idea." her hand stroked his chest, dark digits trailing across his vest. "Everyone's getting restless, thinking you've gone soft without all this action." her head dipped up as she laid another smoldering kiss upon his chin. "I want everyone here to see what you're capable of. And what better way to dispel their doubts than a duel?"

Neo stomped a foot and held up her scroll. Naruto didn't get a good look at it, but the message had her bridling all the same.

"You?" Sienna pivoted to frown at her with thinly veiled scorn. "You're joking. You couldn't fight your way out of a wet paper bag. I'd thrash you."

How little she knew.

Neo stomped a foot anew and flipped her off.

The tiger faunus butted heads with her. "Is that a challenge?"

"For the love of...!" Naruto flung up his arms. "Just fight me altogether! You clearly need to work on your teamwork!"

Two pairs of eyes snapped towards them They closed in around him. Hands clapped him on the back and he took a moment to revel in it...

"On your left."

...until Sasuke growled a warning in his ear.

Something was wrong. Naruto felt in his bones as he turned his gaze back at the Belladonas. Even then, he didn't quite comprehend it. Roman was still chatting up Kali while an irate Ghira looked on. People bustled about in ignorant bliss. So where...?

There! He saw movement in his peripherals. Two cloaked figures.

Indeed, he sensed the attack coming long before weapons were drawn and blades fell.

Even then it was well within his power to stop it. He could have moved. Could've dodged. Instead, he allowed it, if only to prove his point.

He threw himself forward and hardly felt the sword slide into the mean of his back; which is to say it barely hurt. At all. Whomever they were, they certainly weren't Summer. A huntress had more flare than this pitiful attempt to shank him ever could. He was only just pivoting when he saw another body hurtled past. Roman grunted, hit the ground, wrestling with another would-be cloaked. killer. There was a knife lodged in the muscle of his right arm, piercing it clean through. Despite that, he didn't falter.

"I've got 'em! Get the other one!"

Naruto saw red. He casually reached back and snapped his foe's arm like a twig.

A shrill scream pierced the open air of Mountain Glenn as brittle bones shattered to pieces.

(.0.0.0)

Glynda continued to watch from the shadows.

And as she did, so too did she continue to learn.

Distrust for Beacon was at an all time high; to say nothing of other huntsmen.

Most Hunters and Huntresses were good. But for every reliable warrior, there were those that abused their power. Now those cases were coming to light. She'd spent days now watching. Learning. Observing at a distance, ever alert for the slightest sign of trouble.

As such she saw the assassins first.

Even with her disguise in place, it was impossible to miss the interlopers.

Who the devil wore black cloaks like that in broad daylight? Where they trying to be noticed?!

She was just reaching for her weapon, preparing to shout a warning, when all hell broke loose. Naruto slammed between the Belladonas, taking the blade without so u much as a second thought. It sank deep into his shoulder. They hesitated. Judging by their stiff movements, he hadn't been the target. It cost them dear. By the time they recovered Roman dove on the other. He took a knife to the arm for it, the brave fool, but his intervention saved lives.

"I've got 'em!" he bellowed! "Get the other one!"

It also left Naruto to deal with his own prey. To snarl at them. "Really? Why did you think this would work? How stupid are you?"

His arm cracked backward, sending them sprawling.

Glynda glimpsed a face beneath the cowl.

"Mercy...!"

Fire flashed. Glynda looked away as all the world world burned black.

Something was wrong. Only an amateur would make a mistake like this. No, not even a rank amateur. This felt staged. Who would do such a thing? What would they stand to gain from it? Atlas? No, even James wasn't so foolish as to assassinate the leaders of the White Fang. Ozpin certainly wouldn't. She could only think of one party that stood to gain fro this. Unless...?

Realization dawned.

She threw back her cowl. "Wait!"

Naruto most assuredly did not wait for anything.

"Mercy. Such a small word. I used to have so much mercy." His hand tightened around their throat." Every time I negotiated with someone, anyone, I tried to understand." Clawed fingers bit into the madman's flesh, drawing blood. "Well not today." he wrenched them around, slamming their spine into a wall. "No." it crumbled behind them. "Today I honor the victims first. His, hers, YOURS! All the people who ever died because of MY mercy!"

Sasuke's eye flashed in his skull, burning white hot.

"No," His hold on their throat tightened. "Today you burn!"

And burn they did. Their screams would haunt her dreams forevermore. As their ashes crumbled from his grasp, Naruto turned to face her. His face was curiously blank for a moment, as though he didn't see her. Then he blinked and that dark specter of vengeance vanished fro his face.

"Hello, Glynda." he smiled at her. "Nice to see you again. I'll be just a minute."

Goodwitch gulped, faltering in the face of his fury.

"Y-Yes...well...as you were...

"Now then," Naruto walked through the ashes of the assassin corpse aside and turned to his surviving comrade, the one Roman was even now restraining with a limpid smile. "I have questions..."

His smile was all teeth.

"You have answers."

A/N: And there we go.

Next time: Partners in Passion.

As ever, the Embers rule Remains. If folks don't like this story, poof! Gone! Deleted! That's no joke.

Strange as it might sound, live for reviews and feedback; without them, I simply can't write a single word. So by all means! Speak up! Really, that's no joke. Your feedback is the reason this story continues. Ever bit helps. It keeps me going in these crazy times. So by all means! Speak up! No review is too short or too small!

As ever, read the previews before you review, please.

So In the Immortal Words of Atlas...

...Review, Would You Kindly?

And enjoy the previews.

SUR~PRI~SE~!

(Preview)

"So you followed me all the way here?"

"Don't read into it."

I'm doing all the reading.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of Mountain Gleen!" Roman threw his uninjured arm into the air as the crowd howled. "We are tonight's entertainment! Let the show begin! In the red corner, we have none other than...!

"Its nothing personal. This has to be done."

"Feels pretty damn personal to me...

"That's our next target?" Roman offered a low whistle. "You've got balls, boss. I'll give ya that...

"Awwww, aren't you just the cutest little thing?"

Klee ducked behind Neo. "Scary cat lady!"

Sienna recoiled. "Why me?!"

"Its alright." Adam tucked her head into his chest. "You're alright. I could never hate you."

"I'm sorry." she sniffled against his dark shirt. "I just...I wanna go home..

"And you will. Everything's going to be alright. Naruto and Sienna will make sure of it.

"Will they let us go?"

He nodded. "Of course they will."

She crooked out her littlest finger. "Pinky promise?"

The older boy hooked his in hers without hesitation. "I swear it."

She slumped a little, and he caught her.

"Lets get you some food. Would you like that?"

"Do...do they have any tuna?"

"You're in luck." he smiled. "Rex and Fives caught some just this morning...

"Oh! What fun! What fun!"

"Roman."

...yeah, boss?"

Naruto uncovered his eye. It shone in the dim light. "RUN."

"Running~!"

Satin startled a little as a black portal opened behind her, dark as the void itself. Roman snatched up Neo, who in turn grabbed Klee. Together they dove through. Sienna limped after them with a grimace. And yet she couldn't bring herself to the same. Perhaps she was worried for him. Maybe she was afraid. Who could say. He gave her a nudge and winked.

"Go on." he smiled for her sake. "I'll be along in a minute."

Reluctantly she did as she asked. Naruto kept smiling until he was certain she was safe.

"Now, then." The very moment the last one was through, he stopped smiling, reached to his belt and drew his blade. A quick squeeze ignited it. Crimson plasma bathed his visage in scarlet glow, casting dancing shadows in the dark. "You have my attention...and my anger." his smile was all teeth. "Congratulations. I hope its everything you wanted...

With his free hand he reached up and made a sign. Sparks surged through the clouds above.

Someone looked up and gasped. Another did the same. A third whimpered.

Naruto's grin grew as the sky began to darken from on high.

...because its the last thing you'll ever see."

R&R~!