A/N: EDIT: Well, that's not a lot of feedback...worse, there's trolls spamming stuff all over the comments. Don't know why I'm surprised anymore T_T
Minor continuity error last chapter, fixed that right up, don't mind me.
Someone asked for this to be updated next, so here we are.
Holidays and two jobs suuuuuuck. Feels like I'm being run ragged.
My mental state isn't the best at the moment, but I'm trying to hang in there.
As ever, the Embers rule still persists. If folks don't like this story? Well...I'll not continue it. I can't bear to write something no one likes. That's no joke. Holidays are here and they keep me horridly busy. So by all means, speak up! Raise your voice! Make yourself heard! Your reviews matter! Really, they do! I'm literally working every day now, so I have less and less time to write. Daily updates might...slow down in the interim, but I know that would upset a lot of people.
Now for your questions, comments, and concerns. We'll be brief:
Q: Ozpin, why?!
A: Simply put, immortality and eternity breed arrogance.
Lets see if this backfires on 'ol Oz.
You'll have to read and see~!
Q: Is Naruto going to get an official title?
A: At this point he's basically seen as the God-King of Menagerie.
Q: More RWBY!
A: As you wish. I've got some stories to finish. For instance, Caster is on its last chapter, as is Not My Lady, and All Things Must Die. Among others. A lot of stories are ending soon, with more soon to come~!
Alright, I think I've kept you long enough. Hopefully this chapter brings a smile to your face.
As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes. Not a wit or a one! Really, they're just tributes...
And once more, a reminder. Anna = Adam's Mother. Alesia = Illia's Mother. Sienna and Kali are obvious. Now then, away we go!
"Simply put...you've blundered."
~A Future Scene.
A Wary Monster
The scene played out once more.
"I'm terribly sorry for the mess," the Old Man planted both hands upon his cane, and straightened his back as Naruto looked on. "But it was most imperative that I meet with you as soon as possible." he cracked his neck side to side, producing an audible pop that echoed in the chamber. Rest assured, I didn't slay a single soul on my way here."
Naruto found himself quirking a brow down at the newcomer from his throne. "And you are...?"
The man merely smiled at him in return. "A friend."
"Really?" he didn't return it. "My friends don't wade in smacking innocent people about...
"From what I've heard, you are a reasonable man." Those words only exacerbated his anger. "I would very much like to speak with you...
"I'm sure you would." he didn't bite the bait dangled before him, juicy though it was. "Unfortunately I'm not interested in old men. Run along, now."
Behind him, Kali clapped a hand to her mouth to hide her smile. He didn't miss the spark of amusement gleaming through her golden gaze.
Unfortunately their "guest" wasn't so easily dissuaded.
He felt a flicker of power from him in that instant; worn perhaps, faded, a shell of its former self. His guard snapped into place. There was something decidedly off about this man. Not his words, but his presence; it felt as though he were looking into a cracked mirror, fractured into countless images by the passing of time. Each "reflection" was a life already lived. And there were many indeed. It reminded him of another "man" who had lived many lives.
Orochimaru.
A low growl built in the back of his throat.
'No. Calm down. Don't jump to conclusions. You know where that leads.
He forced his hammering heart to slow This wasn't him. He could sense that much. The shape of his soul was inherently different compared to that twisted snake. The slimy snake sanin would've slaughtered anyone in his way. And besides... he felt no ill intent or boundless curiosity. Only relentless, tireless duty. No, not him. It could never be him. Even so, he found himself bridling regardless.
"Be that as it may," The man before them firmed up his stance, eyes sparking with dim green light. "...I'm afraid I must insist. I am Ozpin, headmaster of Beacon Academy.
Kali swore.
Anna bridled.
Sienna absolutely hissed.
Amitola remained silent as the grave.
A muscle jumped in Naruto's jaw. The audacity of it all appalled him.
"You come into my home, hurt my people, and expect me to grant you an audience?" he didn't have to fake the anger this time or the act; his irritation was all too real. Really, how did he think this was going to end? "Are you out of your mind?!"
Kurama rumbled out a sigh. "Maybe he isn't. Thinking I mean."
...I won't deny that. You saying he seems pretty desperate?"
"Would a patient man barge in here like this?"
"Should we hear him out?"
"Listen to what he has to say, and if we don't like it, toss him out on his arse. Simple as."
"And if he resists?"
He could feel Kurama grinning now. "Resist harder."
...fine." The tiniest hint of a smile touched his face. "Amitola, would you mind checking in on the wounded? Let everyone else know we're alright, too."
His resident researcher absolutely sulked. "Awww, but I wanna waaaatch."
"We'll tell you about it when you get back." Kali reassured her.
Alesia huffed. "I won't be able to get any data from that!"
Ozpin looked her way. Frowned now, truly noticing her for the first time. "You have silver eyes."
Naruto tilted his head. Were they silver? He'd always assumed they were a bright grey.
The chameleon faunus glared at him. "What of it?"
"I...no, its nothing." the old man didn't waver in the least. "Please give them my regards."
She huffed. "I'd like to give you a boot up the ass-
Naruto blew out a sigh. "Amitola."
"Fine, fine, I'm going...
Naruto watched her slink away down the steps and dart out the door. Only then did he turn to meet their so-called friend.
"After what you just did, you better have a damn good reason for being here...
"I've come to warn you." Ozpin continued apace. "In the coming days, you will receive an emissary from a woman calling herself Salem."
Sienna and Kali exchanged a baffled look.
"You mustn't trust anything they say." Ozpin barreled on before either could think to protest. "Beware any promises they make. She is a foul and treacherous woman who will do anything, and I do mean anything to get what she wants. Beware of her."
Was that it? He'd come all this way, thrashed their people, just for a warning?
"Really, now?" he scoffed. "I already have a better opinion of her than you. At least she didn't attack my guards."
Kurama barked a laugh "Your people, eh?"
'Not now, fuzzball!'
"I shall apologize for that once more, but I couldn't take any chances." Ozpin stepped closer and he found himself tensing despite himself. "Please understand that it was not my intention to harm anyone."
"Seems to me that ship already sailed...
Ozpin shrugged. "What is life without risk?
...maybe he had him there, but the matter stood.
"I've been watching you for some time, now." the headmaster's cane tapped down. "Would you mind answering a few questions of mine...? I promise you'll be rewarded handsomely."
Kali perked up at the mention of a reward, but wisely held her tongue. Just as well. He could feel a headache coming on.
"You get three." yup, definitely the other of all migraines. "Don't waste them."
"Fascinating. Were you the one to destroy those mountains?"
Naruto buried his head in his hands.
"Why meeee...yes, fine. It was an accident. Happy now?"
"Quite." Ozpin preened, considering him for a long moment. He had an inkling of what the next question would be. "Are you from this world?"
No disappointment there. A vague answer would do. "...in a sense. Ask your third question and leave."
"I think I'll hold onto it for now. Allow me to give you another warning in its place. You're making too many waves." much to his chagrin the old geezer kept at it before he could mount a proper verbal defense. "Your actions have been noticed, not just by Atlas and Mistral, but the rest of the world at large. Humans have begun to fear you. Faunus whisper of you. I'm sure you've noticed the sudden influx of people on your shores. There is talk of another Faunus war, or worse...
"Let them come." Anna laid a hand on the hilt of her sword. "We shall reap a bloody toll."
Naruto pushed her arm down, and shot her a quelling look when she growled. "Said everything you wanted to say?
"Not quite. Atlas is rather cross with you at the moment."
"Awwww, are they?" Sienna scoffed at his side. "Well, they can swallow it. A bloody nose is the least of their worries...
A hand rose.
"Please hear me, I beg of you. The last thing the kingdoms need is another great war." he kept his hands up. "I want to help you. Truly, I do." blue eyes tracked that hand, watching unerringly until it settled down upon his cane once more. "If I had it my way, Menagerie would've been recognized as a fifth kingdom an age ago." Empty words. He didn't trust them. "I would be prepared to offer you my support, and through me, that of Vale. I have friends in Atlas and Mistral. It would go a long way to smoothing tensions between the kingdoms.
"Aaaand...?"
Ozpin steeled himself for a moment. Then he took the plunge. "What would you say to founding a Huntsman Academy here?"
It wasn't a question. Not really. Even so, Naruto's brow shot up into his hair. "Eh?"
...did he not know they had plans for that already? Probably not. They'd been discussing something similar, but Best keep that card up his sleeve.
"Sounds generous," he said instead, choosing his words with great care. "And what would we have to do to receive such...aid?"
Here at last, Ozpin's facade cracked and he glimpsed the pensive expression beneath. No doubt he knew they'd find this topic distasteful.
They did.
"You would have to return Atlas their battleship...
Kali clicked her tongue. "Which we already looted and used, in case you haven't noticed. Rather hard to return what we don't have."
...you'd also need to take down your CCT."
"Cutting us off from the rest of the world." Anna spat. "Doubtless that would please Atlas.
Ozpin tried to rally. "We would gladly give you one of our own to replace it-
"Bugged no doubt." she slashed a hand through the air. :Out of the question."
In desperation, Ozpin's gaze sought his. "How is it you expanded the landmass of the island and revitalized the desert? If you could at least share such a secret, then perhaps-
Naruto shot upright, eyes blazing at the notion. "Never!"
The world wasn't ready for chakra. If he ever -and that was a mighty big IF there!- did share it, such would be with Menagerie first. At least then, he could monitor those who gained the gift, keep them from leaving, even take it back if anyone proved unworthy. These kingdoms alreadyhad their Hunters, but what did the isles have? Nothing, no less than nothing before he came along.
"You asked us to undo what we've done and for what?" He heard Sienna hiss behind him. "Vague promises of aid. You come to us and offer nothing but hot air! Leave!'
Ozpin frowned at her. "Such an antagonistic stance will not sit well with the rest of the world."
"Piss on that! We're not bothering anyone. We just want to be left in peace."
"You destroyed two mountains in Mistral!"
Naruto clicked his tongue. "Want me to break another?"
His gaze swiveled. "Sarcasm and threats does not become you, Uzumaki.
He knew the words were bait, just like that least. He was too angry to care.
"Really?" his fist swung out, obliterating a nearby wall. I think I've gotten pretty good at it these last few months. Now its OUR turn to talk."
Ozpin's brow drew down. "I take it you don't mean the royal we."
"We do not. Anna stepped up besides him. "Headmaster Ozpin, was it? I believe you owe us reparations for your actions here today.
Ozpin balked. Blinked, now. Recovered. "Surely you jest."
"You did hurt our allies." Sienna's smile was sinister. "Lien will suffice."
"This is hardly the time or place...
"I disagree~!"
Oz looked like he'd sucked on a lemon. Naruto swore he'd remember it to his dying day.
"It seems I must apologize once more." His face closed down. "I've upset you." Naruto saw the gleam in his eye just then. He didn't like it. "Might I offer an alternative solution?"
...against my better judgement."
A better man would've said no. He was well aware of how it would look if he kicked him out here and now.
He would listen...for the time being.
"I admit," Ozpin's gaze turned to the floor with a chagrined look, "I'm used to taking the long view on things; living in the future, as it were. I often forget to think of the present moment. I have made many mistakes. This is clearly another." a heavy sigh left his shoulders slumping. "In my haste to see you, to be certain you were who I thought you were, I failed to consider the consequences of my actions."
Here it was. The other shoe, about to drop.
Sure enough, it did. "What say you do a duel?"
Silence fell over the chamber, stifling in its entirety.
Naruto was the one to break with a disbelieving, "Ha?" of a sound.
"If my side wins, you agree to the concessions we just stated." Ozpin remained unflappable in the face of his exclamation. "If you triumph, I shall gladly pay reparations for the damage done here. I won't darken your door again...unless you seek me out."
Naruto didn't miss the curious choice of words. Ozpin had all but implied that he would come to him, sooner or later. Was he missing something here? Did he dare consider it...? It didn't seem like a good idea to gamble on something like this, not when he could quite literally force Ozpin to leave.
"He accepts!"
Naruto rounded on Kali. "He does?!"
Sienna grabbed his right arm. Anna latched onto his left. Together the duo drew him aside into an impromptu huddle with Kali near the throne. Ozpin remained where he was, content to watch and wait. He was grateful for that; if he'd tried to follow them and eavesdrop, he wouldn't have been held responsible for what happened next.
Sienna spoke first. "You want to put us on the map? Beating someone like him in a fair fight would do wonders for our reputation! Take his offer!"
"But you mentioned money...
"Bah!" Kali chirped. "Lien is temporary, reputation is eternal!"
"Indeed." Ann nodded an agreement of her own. "It would certainly prove the strength of our warriors."
Naruto looked left. Naruto looked right. Not a volunteer in sight. "Its gonna be me, ain't it?
Sienna winced. "Don't look at me, I can't beat him."
"Nor can I." the admission almost seemed to pain Anna. "I would be no match for a Headmaster."
His gaze sought out Kali, considering. She frantically shook her head.
It went without saying Amitola was the scientific sort. She likely wasn't a fighter, either. Maybe he could get Ghira to...no. He couldn't fob this off on anyone. Maybe they had a point. Better a bad plan than no plan at all. Victory would give them legitimacy in the eyes of the people, if not the world at large.
They broke the huddle.
"...we accept."
"Excellent." Ozpin beamed and pulled forth a Scroll from his pocket and dialed a number. "Just a moment."
Naruto squinted at him, not quite comprehending...
"Perfect timing, miss Branwen." Ozpin spoke into the other end. "Would you mind sending them over?" a pause. "Yes, yes, you'll be excused from class. There's no need for such language...
...he did a moment later.
A dark red portal opened in the air. Four hunters in their late teens bounded out of it. He took them in at a glance, not much caring as their numbers grew. First he espied a dusty looking guy with a sword, a blond brawler wearing two gauntlets round his arms and-
Ozpin sketched a bow. "Allow me to introduce Team STRQ. If you're as powerful as you claim, surely you could face the four of them with ease-
Naruto noticed the two dark-haired women among them. Panic set in.
Sienna and Anna sensed it, closing ranks around him. Kali wasn't far behind.
"No, no, no!" A hand snapped up, cutting him short before the old wizard could introduce them. "Four is quite enough, thank-you-very much!"
Naruto absolutely choked on his spit.
The one with short hair and silver eyes squeaked. "Excuse me?!"
...four?" Ozpin blinked, not quite comprehending. "I'm afraid I don't understand."
"Trust me, you don't wanna!" Naruto flung a hand of his own up, silencing the quartet's protests. "I didn't agree to fight them, anyway."
...so you're chickening out, now?" One of the women, a girl with bloody red eyes and black hair, scoffed. "Coward."
Anna rolled her eyes. "Big talk from a girl who isn't even a proper huntress yet."
"Why you...?!"
The dark-haired swordswoman glared bloody red daggers at Anna, reminding him of a raven with ruffled feathers. Cheeky bitch. He would've enjoyed knocking her down a peg -or three!- but beating someone still in their academy days wouldn't win him any fans. Even so, he couldn't resist the urge to jab back at her.
"Now hold on." Naruto grinned back at her. "You might've misheard me. I said I won't fight the four of you."
His fellow blond frowned. "I don't get it. Who then, if not us? The only one left is...?"
His teammates-still didn't now their names-stiffened in understanding.
Ozpin stilled, perhaps realizing it as well. "Pardon?"
Naruto stabbed a finger at him. "...you, Ozpin. I'm gonna fight you."
The old sage blinked. "Are you certain of this? I am not so weak as I appear. I would have your word...
"You have it." he sealed his fate. "I don't go back on mine."
Ozpin smiled. "Very well, then. I've no issue."
So it went.
(.0.0.0.)
Menagerie gathered once more.
A heady afternoon sun beat down on their backs from a cloudless sky, promising a muggy afternoon. Despite that, it felt like the entire island had turned out to see them this time around; stands were erected, children waved their little flags as their parents held up their scrolls, a few enterprising souls even dared to place bets as their fellows drew near. Naruto saw money change hands more than once and heard more than a few figures besides.
By contrast, the arena wasn't much of one; little more than a circle drawn in the sand near the seashore.
Naruto stepped into it from the east. Ozpin chose the west.
"Are you prepared...?"
"..."
Ghira stepped into the ring between them and rattled of the rules to Ozpin. The duel would be to aura loss, or ring out. Whichever cam first. Naruto barely paid attention. His gaze was fixed firmly upon the old man. The ol' geezer looked inordinately pleased for some reason. He had an inkling as to why. He'd have to test it to be sure.
"Don't go in at full power," Kurama cautioned. "These people came for a spectacle. Give 'em one."
"Oi! I ain't gonna throw the fight!"
"Not telling you to. Just put on a bit of an act. The island will eat it right up.
Naruto grimaced as he settled into a stance. "That's what I'm afraid of...
He wasn't about to show his hand here; this "duel" had clearly been engineered to get a better grasp of his gifts. He wasn't going to play that way. It wasn't as though he could go throwing around any jutsu in such a tight space anyway. That narrowed his options considerably. Not quite a handicap, but a limiter all the same.
"Taijutsu, then?"
"Please. That'll be more than enough."
Amitola stepped up behind him and offered him a towel. "That wasn't very nice, sending me away like that."
Naruto took it and wiped a bead of sweat from his face. "Then watch to your hearts content.
Her silver eyes flashed. "I intend to. I'll be taking plenty of notes."
He didn't miss the curious note in her voice. "Just be careful."
"Hmm." She nudged him with her shoulder and took back the towel. "You too."
'Easier said than done...
His gaze strayed to Team STRQ, only to find them on their best behavior in the stands. Strange that they'd be so silent now after the ruckus the'd made in the throne room. Perhaps that had something to do with Ann and Sienna's presence. Kali was certainly watching them like a hawk.
Warm lips graced his cheek. He jolted back to the world. "Ha?"
Alesia pulled away, grinning impishly. He didn't miss the way her scales flushed. "For luck~!"
He swatted her flank and she sashayed away with a laugh.
Ozpin looked his way. "I trust you have aura?"
"Not as such. Sorry," he apologized, not meaning a word of it. "But I'm gonna trample you, now."
Ozpin planted both hands on his cane. He looked utterly at his ease. "You may try, my friend. You may certainly try."
Ghira's hand swept down.
"Begin!"
Ozpin was moving the moment he did. He lunged like a fencer, cane thrusting out in a singular leap to strike at his torso.
It was a good strategy. Close the distance in an instant. Force him on the defensive.
Naruto stepped back and let him pass by.
Time unfolded slowly. He saw the surprise in Ozpin's eyes as he hurtled by, his face turning to glance at him. Realization dawned behind his glasses. His gaze widened. He tried to come about midleap; to turn and present a smaller profile toward him, defend himself, to do something, anything-
Naruto didn't give him time. "ORAH!"
Clenched knuckles hammered hard into the side of Ozpin's face, shattering his spectacles and denting his cheek besides. Unprepared for such a sudden strike, the wizard went spinning down into the dirt. He lay there, sprawled out in in a heap.
Gasps went up from the crowed.
Naruto considered him with a baleful eye. Might've been a mercy had that blow knocked him out.
It didn't. Slowly but surely, Oz got an elbow out from under him and began to rise...
.
..
...good. He didn't want this to end too quickly.
Ozpin thumbed a line of blood from his nose and stood.
"A fine punch." The wizard grunted. "It seems I underestimated you...
Naruto turned and spread his arms wide, throwing his own words back at him with an impish smile and vengeful glee. "Care to try again?"
Ozpin most certainly did.
A/N: Battle continues next chapter.
Battle. Ha! Beatdown, more like. It'll be fun to write.
Thus begins the rise of Menagerie...or perhaps its fall. Who can say?
You'll just have to read to see where this goes; I promise you won't be disappointed~!
As ever, the Embers rule still persists. If folks don't like this story? Well...I'll not continue it. I can't bear to write something no one likes. That's no joke. So by all means, speak up! Raise your voice! Make yourself heard! Your reviews matter! Really, they do! I'm literally working every day now, so I have less and less time to write. Daily updates might...slow down in the interim, but I know that would upset a lot of people.
So, in the Immortal words of Atlas...
...review, would you kindly?
And of course, enjoy the previews! Rough though they are...
(Previews)
Ozpin spun with the blow pivoted, and snapped a kick into his ribs. Naruto trapped it against his body with an arm and swung, launching him towards the ring's edge.
There! Ring out-no, it wasn't to be.
Ozpin slammed his cane down, digging it against the sand, superheating it to glass. He stomped down, flinging sharpened shards his way.
Quick bastard. Clever, too. It wouldn't save him.
His cane flicked in at his eyes, seeking to blind him.
Naruto caught it.
Ozpin balked. "Errors have been made."
"Yes. They have." Blue eyes blazed red. "CLENCH YOUR TEETH!"
"You want me to train you?"
Kali clasped her hands.
"Please?"
"Didn't ask, don't need it, go f**k yourself!"
"Oi." he creaked an eye open. "What're you doing?""
She climbed atop him, the bed creaking beneath their shared weight. Her forehead touched his. "Something I should've done a long time ago...
He sniffed once. "You're drunk."
She hiccuped. "M'not!"
A dagger flicked his way in the dark. He caught it between two fingers.
Blue eyes slid to his right. He heard the crack of a sniper rifle.
The piercing round flattened against the back of his head.
Naruto blew out a short, sharp, angry breath.
...right, then. You asked for this."
"Stop. I don't wanna be the bad guy."
"Dear boy, did you truly think it would be so easy? This world is against you; it will always be against you...and so you must fight to claim what is yours."
"Daaaaaad, quit it! Ugh, you're embarassing me!"
R&R~!