"Current population of Nova Atlas is at four thousand, three hundred and eighty-six. Thirty percent of this is young children under the age of thirteen. Our resident pregnant population is two hundred, the elderly consists of a pie share of ten percent of the population." Weiss stated as she stared at the table in front of her.

A blonde teen nodded, "All of them are going to the shelter, correct?"

"Yes," Weiss answered as she clicked on a button on her scroll, "We've got a fighting force of a little over twenty-five hundred."

"Fighting force is heavily loose in the term," a redhead teen said as she looked at Weiss. "We've got maybe four hundred trained Huntsmen at best. Half of those haven't faced a live Grimm."

"And you have Ms. Nikos?" Weiss inquired.

"My mother and I tried escaping as The Hot Gates fell. She died protecting me, and in doing so I took up her sword in revenge for the monster that took her life. I barely made on board during Exodus Day." Ms. Nikos stated with arms behind her back.

Weiss nods in approval, "Then I suppose you're the only one that has faced real life Grimm in this room."

"Which is why we're the absolute last line of defense,' the blonde replied.

"Jaune Arc, Pyrrha Nikos, and I are in charge of guarding children with a group of militia conscripts." Weiss said to everyone else in the room.

Qrow nods as he looked at his security sergeants, "My men and I will engage any contacts that make it aboard Nova."

"Yes sir!" The two sergeants stated in unison.

"Manta Cruisers, Spear of Atlas, Shield of Mantle, and James' Glory will be launched today as a counter measure." Winter Schnee commented as she entered the room. "All, but one, of Pietro's probes returned."

"Fuck…" Qrow hissed under his breath.

Weiss looked down, sighing, "Sis why didn't it return?"

"We don't know, we got some interesting readings off of it before it went dark. We're heading toward that gateway, but we don't know if we'll make it time before contact." Winter told her, and then smiled. "You know the plan, and in case everything fails."

"I am to get everyone I'm protecting off Nova Atlas in the fleet of remaining Bulwarks below deck. Ambrosius's staff is awaiting us, and we're to use it create a barrier and then open the gate." Weiss told her sister, recounting what they had discussed at length a day ago.

She nods, "And none of you look back."

"We've selected all of Proving Ground students that may be effective in helping us hold. Lie Ren, Nora Valkyrie, Sun Wukong, Blake Belladonna, Yang Xiao-Long, Velvet Scarlatina, Coco Adel, and Yatsuhashi Daichi." Weiss listed the people as assistants brought out files. "We're the last line of the defense if all else fails..."

"A good mix," Winter complimented as she looked at them, "You shall be known by the callsign Red Wall Squad."

"Yes, sister," Weiss acknowledged.

The meeting ended, with everyone separating. Jaune Arc walked over toward Weiss, with Pyrrha Nikos. They both awaited her instructions, the teenage officer in training took a deep breath. She noted they were both worried, even if they didn't appear to be so. Jaune's goofy attitude wasn't anywhere present, and Pyrrha was one hundred percent awaiting her orders. Weiss found her words and spoke clearly.

"As you just heard the only probe to not return sent interesting, as you've been read in, you all know that could mean a number of things. Contact is expected to happen in one week's time, if not sooner, I'm going to take the time and train. You can come with me, you can spend time amongst each other, or with family. The Safe Zone, known as callsign Goldilocks, is located under the school district. If, and I do mean if Salem's forces breach Nova Atlas's shielding, we are to fall back here immediately." Weiss told them as she summarized their outlook in the coming battle.

Jaune smiled, showing a little of that goofball personality, "Any chance of us not dealing with them?"

"About as much of a chance as you and me going out," Weiss lightly shot back with a smirk.

"Ooh," Jaune faked pain as held his stomach, "That was a shot below the belt, Weiss."

Pyrrha chuckled, patting Jaune's back, "Thought you two were going to be nicer to each other. Do I have separate you two like back in the days on the playground?"

"Pfft," Weiss snorted as she looked her friend, "Jaune can stand to eat dirt some more, he's skin and bones."

Jaune grumbles, blushing a little bit, "At least I don't stink at dancing."

"I resent you," Weiss playfully chided as she laughed.

"Bite me," Jaune grumbled as walked with a huge blush on his face.

Weiss saw her kill shot, and took it, "I won't but Yang just might!"

Jaune turned an entirely new shade of red as he stumped off, making Pyrrha even laugh at his misery just a little bit. She turned Weiss, smiling. The two teenage girls walked from the conference room together. Both getting ready to gossip among each other when they Jaune talking to Sun and Neptune. Sun Wukong had been assigned, but Weiss knew that Sun wouldn't go anywhere without his best friend to back him up. It would probably be for the best, although they all were trained marksmen, Neptune wasn't a crack shot, but he primarily used a gauss assault rifle. Perhaps that firepower down range, if things boiled to a head, would make all the difference.


Pietro was looking at the data, hearing the door open to his room, "I was wondering when you'd show up."

A young boy, with a freckled face stood in the entrance way. He entered, closing the door, and locking it. The tan skin of the young boy was quite a few shades lighter than Pietro's. He stood tall however, carrying himself like man. The brown hair of the young boy was tied into a ponytail, his hazel eyes looked at Pietro with knowing, and then he took a seat. The coffee dispenser activated, releasing a jet of hot mocha into a cup that had been waiting.

Grabbing the cup, the boy lightly blew on it, "Pietro is project Penny working fine with the piece I gave her?"

"Yes, it is," Pietro sighs as he took a look at the boy, "When are you going to let the boy live his life, Ozpin?"

"Oscar Pine had no parents, no siblings, he would've died if I hadn't taken over his body that fateful day. I've heard how they talk about me, Pietro, that I was just the same kind of monster as Salem. I failed Remnant, I intend to just live my life out in peace from host to host. I have no right to make myself, nor do I plan too." Oscar said with a straight face, sipping on the mocha, "When the boy becomes old enough, I intend to move hosts."

The scientist grunted, watching as the several probes entered the loading bay. His missing probe only sending broken data streams back. They would take three days to decipher, and it was in a location that made contact possible in less than twelve hours. He took a deep breath, watching as the young boy possessed finished his hot cup of mocha. He then set the cup in a dishwasher, walking over toward the computer screen.

"In all my lifetimes, in all my suffering, I would've only hoped to know that Salem could've been freed if she had just learned the meaning. Now," Ozpin said through the boy. "Now I just want to move on from this, my complete list of failures."

"In my humble opinion, sir, you're nothing but a coward for not stepping up." Pietro insulted Ozpin.

Ozpin hummed, shrugging his shoulders, "If Salem knew I was here, she'd double her efforts. Ruby Rose is reaching the age her mother reached when her silver eyes gained the little glint in them. She'll be ready to use them soon, and then maybe we'll start winning battles again."

"Summer Rose died protecting us all," Pietro growled out, "You make it sound like her daughter is a tool."

"Because at this point, Pietro, we are all tools for survival. I can give Ambrosius one last boost with my magic, but that's it. It's the only reason why we've not ran out," Ozpin said through the boy, walking toward the door. "You'll call me I trust?"

"Let the boy live his life after this," Pietro growls and glared at the hazel eyes of Oscar. "I mean it, Ozpin."

"My friend, I intend to let everyone move on after we're successful in getting away from Salem permanently." Ozpin reassured The Head Scientist of Nova Atlas.

"Get out my sight," Pietro growled. "The only reason I don't say anything is because of Penny."

"You would've made a good father, Pietro, you did take Oscar under your wing after all." Ozpin says before walking out of the door.

Pietro looked at his screen, slamming his fist down on the table, "Damn him…"


Naruto was looking at the rising sun. He stood guard over his friends, listening to them snore. He had taken the final watch, much to Jiraiya's protest. He growled as he felt hunger in his stomach, looking at the collection of wild game they got. He didn't feel like eating, instead he huddled under his red jacket. His black cargo pants were wrinkled under him, and his orange longs sleeved shirt with mesh underneath fluttered in the morning autumn breeze. That's when he felt it, a group approaching them, rapidly. He got up from the tree, throwing a firecracker on the ground. It exploded, making everyone jump into readied positions.

Kakashi had told him that a group of people he knew, and trusted, would be coming. He even said Naruto would know them, and judging by their emotional colors, they weren't here for a fight. They got closer, and closer. Jiraiya took this moment to look at Naruto, and nod, hiding behind a tree just in case. The blonde shinobi heard the rustling in the trees, and then he saw them.

They emerged from the forest. Neji Hyuuga, followed by Tenten, Rock Lee, and then Might Guy himself. Kakashi looked at his long-time friend, standing up tall, delivering a salute. Guy mimicked Kakashi, smiling brightly as the two approached each other, locking arms with a one-handed grip.

"Kakashi my old pal, you got my message!" Guy exclaimed as he looked past Kakashi.

Kakashi nodded, looking at the group that Guy brought, "So they all chose to come?"

"Of course, we did," Rock Lee smiled brightly. "Any friend of Guy Sensei is a friend of ours!"

"Is it true, Kakashi?" Guy inquired, looking at Naruto, "Is he really Minato's child?"

"Yes, Guy, its all true. Everything I sent you in the message, Danzo tried to take him and unseal the Nine Tails from him. I'm sure your students all read in since they're Chunin…were Chunin." Kakashi corrected himself at the end.

Neji nodded, looking at Naruto, "Hinata is recovering well, I thought you should know."

"That's good," Naruto sighed relief, "The only good thing I heard all year long…"

"Neji," Tenten motioned her head toward Jiraiya, "I thought you said there was four here?"

"I think Pervy Sage is suppressing his chakra, it's a trick that he taught me." Naruto put his hands behind his head, relaxed, "I only kept it flaring up since I knew you all would be coming."

The Hyuuga prodigy smirked a little, "That's some trick, Naruto."

"If you want a rematch, get in a cue," Naruto said to Neji as he smiled.

Rock Lee eyes lit with fire, "Perhaps we should train together!"

"Not now!" Everyone yelled in unison, even Guy.

Lee lowered his head, bummed out at the shutout. He sighed, walking toward a tree to lean on it. Guy sighed, and then looked at Naruto. He held his hand out, Naruto walked over to him, shaking it. They both nodded at each other, if Kakashi trusted them, then so could he.

"I just want to apologize to you, Naruto." Guy said as he looked at him in the eye.

Naruto shook his head, "Don't worry about it, you're risking your lives coming here now. We're all in this together."

"What exactly are we doing?" Tenten inquired about their current situation.

Naruto looked at her, telling her, "I'm going to take us all to The Land of Whirlpools. Pervy Sage said that I had a clan thirty-six years ago. I'm not going there for sentimental value, but if what he says is true then there's knowledge there that Danzo could use to start The Fourth Shinobi World War."

"A fourth war…" Guy breathed as he remembered the loss of life in the third, "Is he really that insane to do it?"

"I think he is," Kakashi backed Naruto, "You've all heard the propaganda that Naruto can't control the Nine Tails. That he supposedly attacked Danzo, but he was on a mission with me that day. He never figured that people would stand behind him, now were here."

"What you're talking about, how it sounds, rebellion?" Neji asked the group in front of him.

"I don't want a rebellion for my sake," Naruto said to them. "I have no love lost from that village, and you all know the truth now. What you all probably don't know is how long I carried it with me. However, I am not going to let my father's memory be spit on, nor my mother's."

"Revenge isn't the way," Jiraiya stated as he walked behind Naruto, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Naruto took a deep breath while moving away from Jiraiya's grasp, "I know its not, pervy sage. I just want to make sure my father and mother's dream doesn't die because some old bastard snake thinks he can do better by forcing The Leaf into a scenario of war."

"What has war ever brought anything good? It never has, just pain, and suffering. I'm not going to allow my father's sacrifice to become meaningless, I refuse to allow it. If it means that I take his name, then I shall take his name, because if world needs a new Yellow Flash, then I shall become him!" Naruto declared to everyone there as looked them.

Everyone gathered around him, and then he smiled, "I don't want to be Hokage. I want to make sure that the true next Hokage is not led by hatred."

"What can we do, Naruto, honestly?" Sakura inquired as she looked at him. "We're not many, we're not a village."

"Sakura, I don't want a war to begin, our best bet is doing all that we can to stop him in his tracks. Jiraiya has a plan, but we all have to work together." Naruto stated as he smiled softly as he turned to Guy and co., "Can I count on you to help me save our home from Danzo?"

Kakashi smiled under his mask, "He may have his mother's temper, but that's his father's resolve."

"I guess I'm going to need a lot more training, Naruto is going to put his all into this so should I!" Rock Lee exclaimed to himself mentally, hyping himself up for the training to be had later.

"Now that's what I call a declaration of YOUTH!" Guy screamed, fire in his eyes, "Naruto Uzumaki your words are full of that flame from The Will of Fire!"

Neji nods, looking at his sensei, "Danzo Shimura is nothing but a choking vine on a tree. If he has his way, there'll be no new leaves to fall upon the ground to grow."

"Naruto," Tenten got his attention, "Just how long did you know about everything related to your father…and it."

"I've known now almost five years," Naruto answered her, holding a hand to his chest. "It was a hell that I don't wish on anyone, but I'm learning to let go of that anger."

"You know the Third Hokage only kept the truth from the village to protect you," Kakashi said to Naruto, while calmly getting ready to read his book.

"I wish I got to talk to him, one last time before Orochimaru came and ruined any chance of it." Naruto sadly remembered as he looked at Kakashi, "Orochimaru will have his due coming soon as well…after we find a way to stop Danzo."

"The more I think about it, Guy, Kakashi, Danzo had a pretty convenient rise to power. Hiruzen gets killed by Orochimaru, who somehow got the new pass phrase to get into the village. Mizuki was a spy for Orochimaru, yes, but that implies that he met him at some point. Orochimaru never came into the village, supposedly, for years. Mizuki never had a mission that took him near the former Land of Grass, nor The Land of Wind. How did they meet, and where? The answer is simple, Orochimaru had already had a way into the village prior." Jiraiya told the two sensei, and he placed his hand on his chin. "Danzo has always sought a way to become Hokage, ever since Hiruzen was picked over him."

Kakashi stopped reading his book, looking at Jiraiya, "Are you implying that Danzo had a hand in the invasion of The Leaf Village?"

"Danzo controls a large part of The ANBU, specifically the so-called Root. These Root operatives are among the most secretive, clandestine shinobi, every single one of them only has loyalty to one man." Jiraiya growled his name, "Danzo Shimura."

"Why did Lord Third even allow them to exist?" Sasuke inquired.

The toad sage sighed, "Because, Sasuke, Hiruzen didn't have the strength to put down someone he called a friend when the time came for it."

"The Third Hokage's wife was my midwife during my birth. I never knew I had that kind of connection with him until he told me, we talked about it. It was the last time we got talk, because of all missions we went after The Village Hidden in The Waves." Naruto frowned as he remembered, taking a deep breath. "I said that I forgave him, and he told me that he had something of my fathers' to give me after The Chunin exam."

"Speaking of The Chunin Exams, Naruto, is it true that you can talk to…it…I'm just curious." Tenten held up her arms, nervous about what she was asking.

Naruto sighs, "Don't be nervous about it. Yes, and no, I do hear him speak to me. The Nine Tails tricked me into letting it in so much that sometimes when I get too angry it can influence me."

"But you have under control, right?" Tenten inquired.

"I'm going to be honest with you," Naruto looked away, looking into the sky. "The Nine Tails told me that I am better having it take the reign over my consciousness. Saying that it could take my pain away, it could destroy my enemies so that my loved ones don't get hurt."

"You know he's just lying to you, that only bad things happen when a Vessel gives control to their Tailed Beast." Guy told Naruto and walked over to him. "Besides, I don't think we can be considered your precious people, yet."

"That's where you're wrong, Guy sensei, you all came here, and it makes me believe that there is something worth fighting for. I trust you, because Kakashi sensei trusts you, will you stand by my side in the conflicts to come?" Naruto inquired, with his fist raised out.

Guy smiled, nudging for his entire team to join. "Well Naruto Namikaze, it would be an honor to burn our youth with you!"

Naruto laughed a little, "I know it has a good ring to it, but I think I'll stick with Uzumaki for the time being."

All four them bumped Naruto's fist, and Jiraiya smiled brightly as Sakura and Sasuke began packing up camp.


Now numbering nine, they all walked together. Ayame Ichiraku was in a nearby cave as they walked in, making Ramen for all of them. She smiled as Naruto entered, holding out his bowl first. Naruto smiled, taking it. All ten of them sat by the fire, slurping down their food. The first two to get up were Kakashi, and Jiraiya. They walked toward the entrance of the cave, taking watch as the others enjoyed their ramen breakfast.

"Sakura brought up a good point," Kakashi said as he looked at the trees outside of the cave. "The only true threats here is me, you, Guy, and Naruto. I know you've been training him nonstop since you and him left the village six months."

Jiraiya nods in agreement, "You'd be surprised how fast Naruto grasps things when push comes to shove."

"I always thought of him as more of a hands-on learner," Kakashi commented while getting out his book. "How strong is he, realistically."

"Well right now Naruto could safely bet on Naruto being near a Jonin in combat. We tried to practice with The Nine Tails power, and it didn't go so well." Jiraiya raised his mesh shirt up, revealing a large scar. "Ever since that day we've been training his own skills nonstop."

Kakashi was shocked by the scar, "What caused that wound?"

"Apparently Naruto has a version of a Vessel's possession where he can become a miniature beast of chakra resembling The Nine Tailed Fox. It was a battle that required me using that technique." Jiraiya says to Kakashi before looking back at him. "He practically begged forgiveness when he came too, even nursed me to health a little despite Ma and Pa doing most of the work."

"Does he know any Senjutsu?" Kakashi wondered.

Jiraiya shook his head, "Not yet, I plan to teach him soon when we get to The Land Of Whirlpools. Sasuke will probably want to learn too, but Ma and Pa only take one successor student."

"Hmm, I can get Sasuke to train his Sharingan, with what knowledge I have mine." Kakashi offered up, and then smiled under his mask. "You're holding something back, are you?"

"You have no idea how much that kid learns from taking the punches and rolling with them. Sasuke is a prodigy, and I'm not taking that away from him. Naruto is a on different level than just a mere prodigy. It's visceral to him, the number of times I beat him down in a spar he just gets back up, needing more. Naruto stands in a class all on his own, I dare say that if he had gotten the correct training prior, he'd be on the level Minato was at his age." Jiraiya smiled brightly before having a tear fall from his eyes.

"Are you okay?" Kakashi asked him.

Jiraiya nods his head, and then he smiled softly, "That boy in there just reminds of Minato. Danzo, Orochimaru, The Akatsuki, and even more will come for him."

"We will all stand ready to protect him," Guy interjected as he walked over to them, handing them each a new bowl of ramen. "Ayame insists that you two eat more."

"Such a sweet girl," Jiraiya laughed as he got his bowl. "I hope that we can soon get moving to The Land of Whirlpools, is there anyone else coming?"

Guy shook his head, "Asuma, Kuranai, and Anko left with us but decided to go to old contacts."

"Old contacts?" Kakashi inquires, wondering what Guy meant.

"Anko has some old contacts in ANBU sector, they aren't Root. Yamato is planning to link up with us at The Land of Whirlpools." Guy says while watching Kakashi lower his mask to eat, "damn that's one sexy face…"

"I'm sorry what did you just say, Guy?" Kakashi and Jiraiya looked at him.

Guy laughed, blushing a little, "Nothing Kakashi, just surprised you have not had a bunch of mini yous walking around by now."

Kakashi chuckled, slurping noodles up, "Anyway back to the task at hand, or do I need to cover my face?"

"Kurenai took her team, minus Hinata, toward The Land of Whirlpools as well. Kiba is with them, Tsume will not be happy about the situation, The Inuzuka Clan has always followed in line with who The Hokage was selected to be." Guy sighed, and then looked at Jiraiya. "The Guardian Twelve is Asuma's next stop."

"They never liked Danzo," Jiraiya replied before slurping his bowl of the juices.

"Which means they could join us," Kakashi realized without looking surprised. "If Asuma gets them to join in, we'd be better off then this that's for sure."

Guy then took a deep breath, "Danzo announced something before left, and I think it's more serious than you may initially think."

"What is it?" Jiraiya asked.

"Koharu, and Homura left the village, supposedly as a retreat to gain some much-needed rest. Last I heard from a contact, they were near this location." Guy tells them while looking at them, "Koharu was always a supporter of Danzo, and Homura to and extent. However, if Danzo is making a power play, he wants all of the power." Guy answering and explained in grim detail the situation.

"You don't think that Danzo would kill them, do you?" Kakashi inquired, and then turned to look at Jiraiya.

Jiraiya's eyes widened, "Tsuande…"

"She already refused," Kakashi says while noting the hint of worry in the sage's face. "Why would she even be a factor?"

"Because she has a claim, a stronger claim, since she was chosen by them first before they even landed on Danzo." Jiraiya stated as he growled, "Damn it all, I should've thought about it first."

"You think he'd go after her?" Kakashi asked.

"Of course, he will, and me too, because he's going to make sure that there is no other option that the villagers and shinobi can rally behind." Jiraiya handed Kakashi a brush, "It's her brush…can you track her down?"

"I can, but what if she refuses to come with me?" Kakashi inquired, wanting to know the mission details.

"Tell her that she isn't needed for Hokage, but that she is in danger. If anyone is going to be Hokage after this, I suppose it'll have to be me, because I'll be the only one that can be truly rallied behind." Jiraiya said as he looked back toward the rising sun, "Naruto!"

Naruto appeared next to his master, shocking Kakashi and Guy at how fast he moved. They didn't even have time to process it, it was a burst of speed. Their eyes widened when they saw Naruto kneel down, honoring the sage in a way that he never truly shown others. Perhaps the blonde knew the seriousness of the situation at hand.

"I'll have to go with Kakashi on a mission, you remember Tsunade, right?" Jiraiya asked.

Naruto nodded, clenching his fist on the ground, "The old hag that refused to take the Hokage position, even insulting Old Man Hiruzen…yeah, I remember her quite well.

"She's going to need evacuation, from Tanzaku Town, its too near the leaf for you to be safe. I'm putting in charge of getting to The Land of Whirlpools. We will come back to you, hopefully with her in tow." Jiraiya said as he placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, "You run into any trouble that you can't handle, do not use The Nine Tails chakra…I want you to summon Gamabunta."

"I overheard that Kurenai sensei towards there," Naruto got up as he stood tall. "If Guy sensei knows her last location, it'd be best if we all linked up."

"I agree with Naruto," Guy smiled as he spoke, "I do in fact know that she would be taking boat from one of the smaller towns along The Raging Coast."

Jiraiya smiled, and placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder, "Then don't delay!"

"Yes sir!" Naruto saluted as he turned into the cave.

"Sasuke, Sakura, Ayame, Neji, Tenten, and Lee! You're with me, we're going to link up with some more friends!" Naruto stated as he ordered them.

Neji chuckles, "And you're playing team leader now?"

"We can fight over it later," Naruto laughed a little, "But this is serious. We have to go, now."


Winter and the council came together, Pietro calling an emergency meeting for them. Their soldiers were standing ready, Salem's forces were now on radar. It had been a week, and now they were only hours away from each other. Pietro's wheelchair came into the hall, he looked disheveled, a orange haired girl put him down from her grip.

"Thank you, dear Penny," Pietro thanked the girl.

"No problem at all, sir!" She gave a salute, with a bright smile.

Pietro looked at them all, then he smiled brightly, "We have a chance!"

"A chance?" Winter inquired, everyone standing up with her.

"The eighth probe's data came back, that gate is very close. I suggest that we make do haste there, immediately Winter! The readings for oxygen, water, vegetation all came back positive. They match levels on Remnant, and to top it off the gravity there is just slightly higher than Remnant's own. Instead of just one G, it's One-point-three Gs." Pietro screamed while crying out, "We did it, and its only an hour away!"

Everyone was stunned silent, but not from the news, instead Pietro felt her presence behind him. He took a deep breath, looking over his shoulder. Raven Brawen stood there, katana in hand. She smiled at him, then thrusted forwards. Pietro coughed up a wad of blood, and then slumped into his chair as several Grimm came from behind him. A small rift had opened up from behind him during his speech, and he hadn't noticed it. Penny, the girl from before screamed as she saw her father lifeless drop out of his chair.

Raven slung the blood off her katana, "I wish to congratulate you all on a mission success, but I don't think you'll be celebrating it."

"Raven!" Qrow screamed as he brought his weapon out, cutting down the Grimm in front of her.

Both of them clashed their weapons together, Winter and Oobleck moved to help him. However, a figure emerged from the rift, one nearly made of the black substance that Grimm were made of. His red eye shined, but his sole human one locked with the image of Winter Schnee. His demonic hands grew claws as he dashed at her. Ghira moved first, launching himself toward the demonic man, grabbing him by the face and slamming him into the ground!

"Go!" Ghira screamed, "Get us toward the gateway probe eight was lost, we'll hold them!"

Oobleck dropped down next to him, using his thermos' flamethrower form to burn fire into the rift as more Grimm came through. The rift then closed, making Raven growl out as she deflected a slash from Qrow, who backed off and shot at her. She blocked his shots, slinging her sword upward to send a wave of black energy out that nearly struck Ghira and Oobleck. They both jumped back in time, landing in fighting stance as Glynda Goodwitch got up, joining them.

Qrow spun his weapon back into its scythe form, harbinger, and then launched red energy wave from it. Raven countered with her, smirking as she and him circled around each other. They both dashed, slamming their weapons into each other, sparks flying between them as the twin siblings growled at each other. Raven pushed him off first, kicking him away while slashing energy waves towards him!

The veteran huntsmen dodged the first few, countering the last one with one of his own. Then Penny came in, her feet blasting away with rockets mounted to them, she screamed in anger. Raven was taken by surprise, tackled to the ground, where Penny slammed her hand into her face. Over, and over again, but when it seemed like the fight would end with Penny stumping on her Raven just smirked, blasting her away with a magical blast of fire.

Penny landed in a heap behind the group, struggling to get up from the damage!

The demonic man was grabbed by Glynda's telekinesis and lifted up into air as Ghira launched himself upward. A mighty roar rose from the man as he slammed the demonic man down into the ground. The man simply got up, all of his broken joints healing themselves rapidly. He stared at Ghira, smirking a broken smile. Raven came to stand next to him, both of them suddenly having fire come into their hands.

"Get out!" Glynda screamed just as they launched a massive wall of flame at them.

Ghira, Qrow, and Oobleck got to the entrance of the council room. Soldiers were starting to pile in, all with weapons ready. Suddenly, flames erupted out of the room as Qrow knew that Glynda was doing everything she could to hold them back. He growled, and then gave the heartbreaking order for them to retreat out of the area. They had to protect navigation at all costs, and Ghira watched as Qrow stood there as they ran toward the elevators, and then he finally came along with them.

Glynda struggled, sweating as she pushed forward, and then roared as the flames were turned back against their masters. The demonic man, and Raven, both stood there as the flames washed over them. Glynda noted their smiles, watching them slowly heal from the burns as they stood there. She was breathing hard but got herself ready to stand against the group. Penny managed to stand up, landing next to her fallen father, she rubbed his head. The mechanical creation just crouched there, looking at Glynda. The woman nudged her head toward the door, watching as Penny took Pietro's body out of the room.

"Pathetic," Raven commented as she started walking toward Glynda.

"The only thing pathetic here is you, coward. You traded your soul, and freedom for safety, you do not deserve neither." Glynda stated, readying her riding crop as if it was a blade.

The duo simply continued walking toward, speeding up slightly, Raven laughed. "I see you all as cowards, Summer Rose should've joined us when she had the chance."

"Shut your mouth," Glynda reared back before launched a wave of telekinetic energy, "And die!"

The demonic man stepped in front of Raven, taking the hit, being blasted back toward the council chairs. Raven smirked, closing the gap in a blink of an eye, slashing her sword upwards. Glynda barely blocked it with her riding crop, and then parried the next slash with a hard smack from her weapon. She jumped up, kicking Raven in the face, sending her flying before using her telekinesis to grab her midflight. She slammed her against the crop, scraping her against as she threw her into the chairs.

The demonic man roared out, launching himself towards Glynda. He slashed her back with his claws, but she luckily blocked him with her aura. She spun around, smacking hard and rapidly with her riding crop. Several chunks of the man's dark demonic skin fell off with each stinging blow. He growled, attempting the ram his claw into her chest, only to get stopped by a wave of focused telekinetic power from the former headmistress of Beacon Academy. She blew a hole in the demonic man's chest, sending him careening backward.

Her breathing was labored as she barely blocked a slash from Raven, both of them impacting their weapons against each other. Raven smirked as she twisted her blade, flames erupted around it, roaring around her as she pulled away and slashed down. A wave of dark red flames washed toward Glynda who deflected it with a telekinetic blast. She ran against Raven, clashing weapons with her at each pass. She jumped up, tossing several red dust crystals into the area. She activated them with her aura charged telekinesis making them explode into a fiery tornado. Raven's eyes widened as she barely brought an energy barrier up in time, but then she found it cracking.

"You killed my students!" Glynda screamed as she grabbed Raven with telekinesis, slamming her out of the energy barrier.

Glynda roared as she made Raven stand up in the flame, "You killed my friends!"

"YOU TOOK EVEYTHING AWAY!" Glynda shouted with a bloodcurdling roar, breaking Raven's limbs with her powers.

Raven cried out in pain, but then she smiled, "I didn't…take everything away."

"Shut up, just shut your traitorous mouth, and die!" Glynda screamed as she worked her way up Raven's legs, breaking the joins.

She was going to snap Raven's neck next, but then she lurched forward. Feeling something wet, she looked down to see a dark hand sticking out the right side of her chest. Coughing up blood, she fell to her knees, breathing hard, trying anyway. She looked behind her, seeing the demonic man's chest hole starting to close up. He had a wicked smile on her face, he held his hand in there as Raven landed on the ground in a heap. Her joints popping into place as she stood back up, running fingers through her hair. She bent down, grabbing her dropped katana as the flames died around her.

Walking over to a struggling Glynda, she strutted herself with a victory march. Smiling all while, and when she came to within inches of Glynda she just knelt down. Cupping her face with one hand, she looked into the green eyes of Goodwitch. The traitor smiling wickedly, she slashed her sword behind her, forming another rift. Grimm poured out in troves, some of them dressed in handmade armor with cultist symbols on them.

"Look at the mighty Glynda Goodwitch, brought low," Raven sneered as she roughly smacked Glynda with her free hand. "Want to know a secret, Goodwitch? Ozpin never cared about us."

"Fu-uck you…" Glynda spat, blood flowing down from you.

"That's the spirit, Huntress. I just wanted to say thank you, for making aspire to be all that I could be in this life. Soon I'll be reunited with my daughter and give Summer's to my mistress." Raven watched as tear rolled down Glynda's cheek.

She reached up, trying to strangle Raven with her only working hand. Her grasp fell weakly from the traitor's neck as she stood up. Glynda looked at the floor, closing her eyes, and took a deep breath. Raven watched her bend her neck down, and she nodded. The only way this could've ended, she placed her katana at the back Glynda's neck. Lifting up, she screamed out as she brought it down, beheading Glynda Goodwitch much like she did her husband all those years ago!

The demonic man looked at her, smiling. He then reached down, grabbing Glynda's head.

"Find Ruby Rose, break every bone in her body if you must, I don't care. Bring Yang Xiao-Long to me, and me alone." Raven ordered him and watched as he dashed down the hall with the horde of Grimm.


Winter saw through security cameras as Grimm poured out of the tower, evacuation alarms blaring throughout Nova Atlas. She had the engines of the massive ship at full power. Raven tunneled through the ship's barrier, but luckily, she couldn't bring an entire army at once. Winter walked over to Ambrosius's relic, ready to use it in the case of an emergency.

"Commander Schnee," her navigator yelled out, "We're approaching the gate we only need to hold out forty minutes!"

She nodded, but then heard the doors of room start to slam. She growled out, getting her sword ready. Her armed guard moved toward door, setting up a defensive parameter, aiming at the only entrance to the room. She heard gunfire on the other side as Ghira busted in, using two assault rifles to gun down a horde of beowolves behind him. The soldiers allowed him, Oobleck, and several more soldiers to pass in.

"Where is Brawen, and Goodwitch?" Winter inquired.

"Qrow has gone for Ruby, Goodwitch…stayed behind." Ghira told her as Oobleck stepped in front of him.

"Burn!" Oobleck screamed as he sent his flames down the hall, scorching the Grimm that enter. "I SAID BURN!"

"Oobleck…" Ghira then shook his head, "I'm sorry old friend."

"Not now Ghira, we've got to hold this room!" Oobleck screamed as his flames started to run out, "Glynda…Glynda would've wanted this to matter!"

Winter growled as she stepped toward the door, screamed as sigils in the form of snowflakes formed all down the hall. White spikes emerged, piercing all of the Grimm in there, she rallied her men to follow behind her. Ghira reloaded his rifles, while Oobleck changed dust out in his weapon. They all marched as they killed Grimm, walking over to the elevators as they watched Grimm climb up. Without a moment's hesitation, Winter leapt down, and her soldiers followed!

They had to close that rift!


The demonic man marched down the main road of Nova Atlas. His Grimm horde behind him, he carried the head of Glynda Goodwitch. Smiling brightly as he continued forward, a shot rang out from atop a building. Qrow stood on top of the roof, reloading his weapon. He decided against it, instead landing down on the ground, forming harbinger into its scythe. His eyes were burning red with anger as he saw the head of Glynda drop to the ground.

"I hope you realize it's been years since I've gone on a rampage…" Qrow spoke softly despite his anger. "I hope you made peace with your goddess, because I'll be sending you to her soon."

The demonic ordered his Grimm forward, laughing, but Qrow surprised him as he instead dashed forward. Dodging all of them, hooking with Harbinger, and then spinning around to slam him against the ground hard enough to bend the metal. He slung him off the blade, slashing and slicing Grimm as they came at him in a cold fury. Qrow knew very well that Raven's semblance needed her near it to use. It was just him, and this abomination!

Two Beringel attempted to tackle Qrow, but the huntsman didn't even look as he slashed them in half. He marched forward toward Glynda's murderer. He watched as it laughed, fire forming in its hand, but suddenly it started growing uncontrollably. The demonic man screeched in pain as he lost control, getting blown back by the flame's explosion, his arm ripped off. Qrow didn't pause, he just moved forward, killing any Grimm that got in his way!

He marched forwards, slashing several beowolves heads off as they attempted to tackle him all at once. Leaping into the air, transforming into his bird form to dodge several Armor Gigas Grimm that attempted to shield the demonic man, he reformed into his human self while spinning counterclockwise to slash their heads off. Every move he made was flowing, every step he took resounding, and he walked down this creature like a lion walking down a gazelle that was too weak to run away.

The demonic man, for the first time, didn't see Qrow as a weak human to prey upon. Instead, he saw the younger Brawen twin for what he really was. A walking maelstrom of death, and destruction. It got up, extending its claws out, hissing at him. Qrow didn't even acknowledge him as he moved forward, slamming his blade down vertically. The demonic man's eyes widened, then they split away from each other as they fell to opposite sides.

Gunshots rang out as her saw familiar red petals around him. He saw Ruby emerge from them, firing on Grimm around him, with Yang, Weiss, and Blake coming in tow. He was furious, glaring at the young girl, and for the first time in the last few minutes he found his ability to speak with his fury.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Short stack?!" Qrow screamed at Ruby.

Ruby was taken aback, "I'm just here to help, uncle…"

"Ruby please, sweetheart you need to get back to where you were ordered, its not safe here!" Qrow ordered, not apologizing for cussing at her.

Yang ran over to her, "I'm sorry, she thought you were in danger and came running."

"I'm fine two, just get to the evacuation area we're about to go into a gateway. I love you both, so please jus-arrgh!" Qrow screamed as a clawed hand emerged out his shoulder, nearly severing it.

The demonic man was reforming himself, smiling. He looked at Ruby, reaching out to her, his one goal in front of him. Qrow was bleeding out fast, making Yang roar in anguish as she attempted to punch and shoot the bastard! She was grabbed, the demonic man sinking its claws into her arm, making her scream in pain as they ignored her aura!

Ruby's eyes widened, and then she screamed as a light flowed from them!

Winter and her squad came into the council room. Noting that it was empty, the flow of Grimm had stopped. She looked around, wondering where the hell Raven could be. They five minutes out from the gateway, and she heard something on earwig, pressing her finger on it.

"Commander Schnee, Raven Brawen sighted near the engine control room, all engineers have been evacuated. She's not opening a rift, we're moving in!" Winter's eyes widened as the words filled her earwig, she ran past her men, toward the elevator shaft.

"Winter, what's wrong?!" Ghira yelled out.

"Get to the shelter areas, now, Raven is going to crash Nova Atlas!" She screamed as she started her climb using her semblance to form glyphs on the surface of the shaft.


Oobleck ordered the men to follow him, Ghira ran out of the control tower, and saw Qrow laying in a pool of blood a few feet away. Around him were statues of Grimm, and Weiss was in the middle of the street with him as she tried to staunch Qrow's blood flow. He got over there in time, looking at his friend, he got out a fire dust crystal, using it burn the wound close. Ruby was passed out on the ground, breathing hard.

"Blake!" He called to his daughter. "I need you to do me a favor!"

"Yes dad," Blake answered as she got over to Qrow, "What is it?"

"We need to get you all to the shelters, now! Nova Atlas is going to crash after we enter the gate, please hurry!" He told as he picked up Qrow, who was unconscious at this point. "Grab Ruby!"

They began to run, with Ruby being carried by Blake following Ghira to his side, "Is uncle Qrow…"

"No, he isn't dead sweetheart," Ghira told her as they rounded a street. "With any luck we can get him to a doctor and save his arm!"

"That weird Grimm got him, then it breached my aura." Yang told him as she looked at the cuts on her arms, "It fucked off to somewhere when Ruby blasted him with her eyes."

They reached the doors of The Goldilocks Zone, the school district. Ghira kicked the doors open, not waiting to see if anyone was behind them. They entered just time to hear the activation alarm come over the speakers, someone was activating Ambrosius!

Ruby started to flutter her eyes open, "Qrow…"

"Hey sweetie, listen, your uncle is going to be okay." Ghira told her, watching as Blake got her in the nearest open Bulwark.

Blake strapped Ruby down, making sure she was secured before sitting herself down. She strapped herself in, looking at her father as got Qrow into a seat. A doctor running over to treat him, hooking himself to top of The Bulwark. Weiss got herself strapped in, watching as something kicked in the doors of The Goldilocks School.

It was a demonic, and Ghira growled out, "Son of a bitch."

"Dad!" Blake yelled as he unstrapped himself.

"I'll hold him off, as soon as we breached, you get the pilots to launch!" He yelled as he leapt off the transport.

Blake grimaced before feeling a violent shaking across the ship!


Nova Atlas's engines exploded as the ship groaned as it entered the gateway. Green energy crackling around, in the distance behind, the four infected battleships were burning full blast to catch up. However, to their occupant's surprise, three Manta Class Cruisers launched out from the back. Firing at them to hold them off. Nova Atlas successfully made it through the gateway, with one of the Manta Cruisers following close behind it.

The Spear Of Atlas was rocked by a large red energy beam, exploding shortly after, with James' Glory falling shortly after to another red energy blast.


Naruto Uzumaki stood on The Raging Coast's shores. He saw Kurenai and her team standing there. She smiled at them, waving them over. He couldn't believe his eyes as he saw boat, a large one at that, and then as if on cue an explosion rocked the skies above them. He looked up, his eyes widened as a massive fireball careened out of a green rimmed black hole. This fireball was followed by what seemed like flakes launching off it, but then following it in close formations to each other. He then realized where it was falling, watching as it careened toward the distant island of The Land Of Whirlpools.

"What is that?" Sasuke asked aloud as he stepped forward.

Naruto's eyes widened as he felt hundreds, no thousands of emotional spectrums. However, for the first time he saw black aura forming over some of them. It was if they were devoid of consciousness, pure evil. He only felt something similar to Danzo, and Orochimaru. Yet, there were dozens of them, all of them hunting the ones with different spectrums.

He was about to move when one of the flakes started to crash near them, and he yelled out,"Look out!"

Kuranai and her squad barely moved out of the way as a machine fell into the sands to them. The metal tearing apart as Naruto saw a strange man with claws being thrown out of the transport. This large man, with cuts all over his body, he coughed up blood as he landed in front of Sakura. She ran over to him, watching as his eyes fluttered open. He looked at her, shocked, and then spoke only a single word before passing out.

"Run…"

The doors to the machine were kicked open as the demonic man stepped out. Its arm having transformed into a tendril-like whip with a sharp edge. It didn't try to talk as it slung it towards the fallen giant of a man. It screeched in anger as Naruto stepped up, catching it midflight. The blonde's blue eyes turning a darker shade of blue. He felt the pure evil rolling off this creature.

"What are you…?" He heard the Nine Tails question.

Unexpectedly the thing smiled, looking at Naruto, "Can you hear me?"

"Yeah, I can hear you," Naruto said to thing. "You are a disgusting freak!"

The being cackled, "Interesting that you say that, are you a demon knight like me?"

"Demon Knight?" Naruto questioned, and realized the thing wasn't speaking verbally.

It smiled attempting to use its arm to pull Naruto to it. It only accomplished sinking itself further into the sand. The demonic man was shocked as he couldn't pull the boy toward him. Naruto merely got a special two-pronged bladed kunai out, slashing upward to cut the arm off. Kurenai and her squad moved behind Naruto as he seemed in control of the situation.

"What the fuck is that thing, Naruto?" Kiba asked, his feral eyes looking at the beast with every instinct telling him to run fast.

"Kiba not now," Naruto growled as he watched the being regrow its arm.

Naruto dashed forward, feeling The Nine Tails speak to him, "That's not chakra in his system…its something much more unique."

"Yeah," Naruto dodged the slash of claws easily, kneeing the thing in the face before turning his body to kick it away. "I kind of got that feeling when it said demon knight."

The thing flew back against the machine, cackling as tendrils burst all around it, "I'm going to make you rot!"

He roared out as he charged at Naruto, slashing at him with the bladed tendrils. Naruto didn't even seem to put effort as he slashed with his kunai, coated in wind chakra. The tendrils splashed off the beast, and it tried to lean in for a bite. The blonde simply dodged to the side, sinking the blade into its head. Everyone looked relief, but it started to get up from where it fell, cackling as the hole in the back of the head healed up. Naruto landed on top of him, smashing him into the sand.

He kicked him, as if he was kickball, and then slammed him with another kick right back into the machine which rolled to stand upright.

"Holy shit," Kiba laughed, "Naruto is kicking that things ass!"

Blood dripped from Naruto's cheek from where one of the tendrils got him. It began to heal as he looked over at Sakura who applying bandages to man while Kurenai used a healing Jutsu. He growled as he gripped his hands, hearing the thing emerge from the machine. It screamed out as it charged, but Naruto turned toward it. His red eyes glowing brightly, and the thing stopped in its tracks. The being's red eyes shrank back as it saw a Nine Tailed Fox emerge from the boy, overshadowing him. Normally Naruto wouldn't use this ocular technique taught to him by The Nine Tails, one of the very few perks of being its Vessel. The monster stopped in his tracks, paralyzed as Naruto walked toward him.

"Wh-what are you…you are just like her, aren't you…you're not from…" Whatever it wanted to say, it never got it out as Naruto held his hand out, a clone forming next to him from the one-handed hand seal Naruto held on his other hand.

A swirling yellow ball of energy formed in it, screeching, and Kurenai recognized that Jutsu immediately as The Fourth Hokage's Jutsu. Naruto didn't even scream out the name, he just slammed the ball into the stomach of the beast, making it dig in deep before launching it toward the ocean. It flew dozens of feet away from the techniques impact. It was shredded in half, and Naruto could see a black liquid leak from it. Strangely, the beast wasn't dead. He could still sense it, but instead of coming at them, it swam away in the waters.

Naruto turned toward the man, who was starting to wake up as his wounds were being healed. He walked over to him, kneeling down, applying the same type of Jutsu Kurenai was using. He learned it from Jiraiya during one of their sparring sessions when he kept wanting to fight. Jiraiya told him that if he wanted to continue, he'd have to learn this Jutsu.

"Healing Art: Phoenix Palm Technique." Naruto spoke softly, putting it on the man's head.

"He doesn't have chakra either, but that energy is much more primitive compared to the being you just thrashed. Interesting, very interesting, you should let me take over next time…and we'll…are you shutting me out?!" Naruto growled as heard The Nine Tails yelling at him, cutting mental link temporally.

His azure eyes returned, "Don't be scared, I took care of that thing chasing you."

"You…but…" the man breathed hard, "It nearly killed me, how did a young man like you…"

"Easy," Naruto spoke to calm the man, "What's your name?"

"Ghira, Ghira Belladonna, are you from Nova Atlas?" Ghira inquired, leaning up a little.

Naruto blinked, and then cocked his head to the side looking at everyone else, "What's a Noca Abas?"

"Nova Atlas…wait…" Ghira realized something as he looked at their clothing, "You're not from the ship?"

"Ship, what ship, we just saw a bunch of fireballs in the sky?" Naruto replied, watching as the man's eyes filled with worry, and emotional aura reflecting it.

"My daughter, Blake, she's on that ship…please…please The Grimm they're going to kill them all…" Ghira breathed hoarsely, trying to get up.

The blonde pushed him back down gently, "You stay down, you're very hurt, Ghira…right?"

"Yes, and you are?" He asked.

Naruto smiled, looking him in the eyes, "My name is Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki."

"Oh, that is a weird name…" Ghira breathed before passing out.

"Naruto Uzumaki was put in charge of us by Jiraiya," Guy said to Kurenai as they all looked toward the blonde's direction. "So, Naruto, what are your orders?"

Naruto looked toward his ancestral homeland, which had a black column smoke rising off in the distance. He took a step toward the boat, pulling it closer to shore. The blonde nudged his head as all of them headed toward the boat, with Sasuke and Sakura carrying Ghira Belladonna. The blonde felt uneasy, but he knew that the mission couldn't change.

Danzo couldn't get his hands on anything on the island, especially now.


Author's note!

Holy crap that was a blast to write. Welcome to the convergence people. I'll be posting this in a few minutes after I put in the line breaks and stuff. Normally these chapters are just 5k in length, but if you like these 10k monster chapters, I guess I can switch it up, but it'll take longer to post. If you're following this story, please send me a PM at what you think of Glynda's death. Also, "The Demonic Man" is a RWBY character from the old guard, care to take a guess who? A minor spoiler, maybe, but its nothing that affects the plot too much. If you know you know.

So, let's recap. I warned you all from the beginning this was going to be dark, let me tell you that if you were under the illusion, I won't kill a favorite…what's a line from a villain a love? Wake up to reality, nothing goes as planned in this accursed world.

I want to give a shoutout to Zipzapdoowoop and Dragonkeeper10 for throwing out suggestions. Zipzapdoowoop suggested a pairing, let's just say…greenlight.

Till next time, thank you for the first time. Oh, and if you're wondering I'm particularly morbid. DPS Shigaraki Rap got me feeling some type of way, and that way is violence and evil.

Thank you for the continued support, and remember, Salem is coming for you.