Chapter 3

A/N: Welcome to another chapter of Second Storm. Where we last left off, Jin had taken up a role as a retainer to the Schnee Family. And Jin has taken it upon himself to train Weiss under his tutelage. But where will that lead to now? So I've taken the liberty to have a little skip so we don't remain in one place for too long.

But thanks again everyone for enjoying this story so far. It means plenty to me as a guy who enjoys video games and writing. And I appreciate all criticism to the story, whether positive or negative.

Which by the way, if I had to ask in theory... Would you guys like Jin to be in sort of relationship? In Theory of course, not like I was going to... I swear.

Anyhow, I'll stop my rambling so you guys can enjoy more of the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY or Ghost of Tsushima. They belong to their respective creators, Rooster Teeth and Sucker Punch Productions.

Winter Schnee sighed gently to herself as she had made her way towards the office of her superior. While it was too crass for her to even say, she would have to admit, it was S.S.D.D (1) the entire way. But it did have its form in structure and ritual with something to do so she wasn't idle whatsoever.

"Report after report... It never ends," Winter said to herself. She knew it was to be as such being both a Huntress and part of the Atlesian Military, where reports were the expected thing. But in regards to this? It was a little bothersome if she had to be honest.

For these reports all revolved around one individual that seemed to have taken her world by storm; Jin Sakai, the man she saved from the frozen tundra. And a man of mystery he was to her and the General. Even after several meetings with him, they were still confounded by him with his very existence.

"Not a Huntsman, but has swordsmanship that can rival even the most seasoned Huntsmen. Not to mention all the equipment he has... Calls himself a samurai... I've never heard of that word before... And he isn't much older than me at all... Yet he is wise beyond his years with the way he talks and how he does tasks... Just who are you, Sakai...?" Winter muttered softly beneath her breath, walking past windows as the sun shone through.

No matter. There was no room for such thinking right now. For now, she merely had to deliver her weekly report to Ironwood and discuss with him about their ever strange yet fascinating guest.

Having arrived at Ironwood's office, she knocked on it few times, waiting patiently to be invited in. "You may come in," She heard the general speak. With a nod, Winter allowed herself inside with a little huff following after.

Stepping inside, she saw Ironwood seated at his desk, his attention plastered to his desk as he was currently skimming over the previous report on Jin. "General," Winter greeted to him as she approached.

Ironwood glanced up and smiled a little at her with a small nod. "Specialist Schnee. Have you come by with the report on our friend?" He inquired.

A little scoff escaped from Winter when she heard that while making her way to his desk. "It's tedious, but I have what you need right here, sir," She answered, having taken out her Scroll and went to send him said report.

"Winter, it's vital that we get to know as much as we can about Jin. And I have reason to believe he has no ill intention within him with what we've learned so far," Ironwood mentioned to the Specialist with a sigh. "I know I gave you orders to let him stay in your family home and how it weighs on your mind. But seeing how he's done nothing but do his duty and train your younger sister for these past few months since then, I would say there isn't much to fear."

"Sir, with all due respect... And off the record... He is still an anomaly to us," Winter quipped with a groan. "I mean... We find him out in the snowed in fields with no trace of how he got there, as if he was just suddenly put there. And that doesn't include the dried up blood on him, along with the assorted armaments he had on his person. And he isn't even a registered Hunstman!"

Ironwood sighed at this, but he couldn't dismiss what Winter felt. Everything was rather suspicious and strange that came from Jin. But in the few months since they've found him, the Atlesian General couldn't help but come to a working theory he had. Granted he couldn't tell Winter anything about it as it was purely confidential, save for some close friends of his that he could tell sometime.

But for now it was a working theory.

"I understand the concerns you have, Winter. But so far we've been keeping a close eye on him. And we will continue to keep it up." Ironwood then nodded as he then looked over to the side of his desk about a different report. "If you still have doubts about him, why not take him along for an assignment? I have reports of a group of bandits that have moved into an abandoned Dust quarry."

This shocked Winter with Ironwood's sudden proposal felt like a gunshot, and she knew from experience how much those hurt. "S-Sir, you can't be serious! Mr. Sakai doesn't even have his Aura unlocked yet! And sending him into a dangerous situation, it could-!"

Ironwood raised his hand at Winter, wanting her to calm down as she nearly blew a vein. But the Specialist did obey, allowing herself to cool off with a deep breath. "I know you have your doubts, Winter. But I think we don't need to worry too much about him. The way he carries himself isn't like most men his age. There is a weight behind his eyes as we've noted, a weight that belongs to people like us."

Winter wanted to protest with what he had suggested. But there was reasoning behind Ironwood's words. And it plated to what she wanted, wanting to see just what exactly Jin was made of. So after a moment of deliberation with herself, Winter relented with a nod. "Very well, General. I shall pick him up from the manor."

"Good," Ironwood replied back with his own nod. "I'll send you in a Bullhead to your estate and have you taken to the mission area," He added in. But something came to mind for the Headmaster with a small click of his tongue. "Oh, and I have something for Mr. Sakai. One of our engineers has been upgrading some of his gear once we mentioned him. It should be completed by now. Take it with you when you pick him up."

"Understood, General," Winter answered back.

"Good. Dismissed."

The Specialist gave Ironwood a firm salute and turned on her heel to march on out with her new orders. Orders she wasn't fully fond of, but would follow nevertheless. It was early in the day after all. Perhaps Jin may surprise her before the day ends. But she would see for herself eventually.

Another day, another day of training. Weiss knew as such, having been ingrained into her mind. Her body? It was most definitely sore after enduring plenty of Jin's training regimens. But she knew that she was being forged into a better warrior in the end, to become the Huntress she wished to become.

Though today was a complete flip from what she had come to expect, considering what she was doing right now was a polar opposite to the intense physical training she's been run through.

"Is this really necessary?" Weiss asked Jin as she was currently resting upon her knees with a mat beneath to ensure she didn't make exact contact with the stone ground.

Jin was beside her in a similar position, hands resting on his legs. The wind gently blew past by, causing the loose strands of hair he had to sway along. His katan had been removed from his hip, instead laying in front of him with a soft breath escaping from him. "A warrior is more than just physical prowess, Lady Weiss. A warrior can be as strong as he or she wants to be. But strength is nothing compared to a calm mind."

"I know, you've told me this during training," Weiss responded with a huff.

Jin chuckled softly with his head shaking a little. "Still impatient," He thought while turning his gaze towards her. "I have, yes. But right now, I'm teaching to take in a moment, and be calm. We maybe warriors, but we are not mindless. Yes I've taught you to act with no mind and flow, but it is important to have a sense of calm. To take a moment to take everything in, and allow yourself to be at peace."

Weiss nodded with a sigh, knowing this was yet another lesson being imparted onto her by instructor. "I understand, Jin. But with how my life is, it seems to be... Challenging to have peace."

"Which is why I'm teaching you this. I'm going to have you learn haiku," Jin told her.

"Haiku?"

Jin laughed a little, knowing he had to explain. But it was worth to pass down. After all, as far as he knew, he was the only one in Remnant, that of being Japanese and samurai. Well, former samurai. If he could at least teach Weiss this, then he would be at peace knowing he would enrich her knowledge as not only as a warrior, but a philosopher as well.

"Haiku is a form of poetry where I'm from. It consists of three lines with a total of seventeen syllables. Five for the first. Seven for the second. And five again for the last."

Weiss was confused with this, considering how he was teaching her a form of poetry despite him being a warrior in his own right, even if he was no Huntsman from what she learned over time. "But what does making a haiku need to do with me becoming a Huntress? Not to mention me being the Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, I'm going to be far too busy."

"But that is the point. Even when busy, allow yourself to take time to create one," Jin brought up. "Making a haiku, you allow yourself to concentrate when things seem too much. To eliminate the chaos around you in this moment in time."

"To... To find peace and harmony as you would say," Weiss finished for him.

Jin smiled, seeing how she was catching on with a nod. "Precisely, Lady Weiss. Each haiku is different. It can be based on your feelings or on the world around you for example."

Weiss nodded with her shoulders relaxing followed with a deep breath. This wasn't something she expected. But she had to admit. This was something welcoming in a way. Considering all the responsibility she had on her shoulders on top with her own choices, to be taught a skill to ground herself and find peace, it felt like she can attempt to weather this storm.

"Now, take your time. Do not pay any attention to me. Focus on yourself and the world around you. And when you're able to, compose a haiku and recite it," Jin instructed her.

Even being thrown into the spotlight with this, Weiss remained relaxed, knowing Jin wasn't going to rush her. With another deep breath, Weiss closed her eyes for the moment, letting her thoughts go.

Jin sat in silence, with the wind still gently blowing along while he looked forward. "Good. Very good, Weiss," The Ghost thought, remaining still so he wouldn't distract his student.

There they sat in silence, time marching on while they remained. But eventually Weiss opened her eyes with a deep sigh coming from her.

"Weighed with a burden. I feel trapped with my duty. I make my own path."

Jin couldn't help but smile at this. Over the time he had been at the Schnee Manor, he learned plenty about the Heiress. She kept up a cold front, not wanting to be perceived as a weak person. No one wants to seem weak, that's in the nature of people. But this was a needed step for her, being true to what she felt.

"Well done, Lady Weiss. You are now a practitioner of haiku," Jin mentioned.

Weiss huffed at Jin giving him a look. "As if it would be a challenge for the likes of me," She replied.

Jin laughed again with the shake of his head. "Humility is something you still need to achieve."

"I-I can be humble!"

It was simply humorous for Jin, still shaking his head at her mannerisms. She reminded him of himself back when he was somewhere her age as he grew up in Castle Kaneda. "How would it be like if she grew up with Uncle Shimura? Or how would she handle the Mongol Invasions?" It was an entertaining thought to think of, but for now, he would banish them from his mind for now.

Especially when he sensed a presence approaching from behind. It wasn't anything hostile as he didn't reach out to grab his katana to draw. Though he stayed on his guard nevertheless while turning his head around to see who it was.

"Lady Winter," Jin greeted to the elder Schnee sibling as he got his katana and stood up after attaching it to his side.

"Mr. Sakai," Winter replied in return as she glanced over at her little sister and smiled ever so slightly at her.

"Winter!" Weiss chirped out, unable to hold back her excitement from seeing her sister

"I thought you were training at this time with Mr. Sakai?" The Specialist inquired, expecting to see her sister as a sweaty mess from the rigorous training she was undertaking.

Weiss was about to reply before Jin motioned for her to let him take the lead on this as he stepped forward. "She was, Lady Winter. I was teaching Lady Weiss how to center and calm her mind. To be a warrior, one must not only master their own physical prowess, but as well their mental and spiritual fortitude."

There it was again. Sage advice from this man of mystery as Winter put it. Just how did he had such knowledge and advice to give? It only served to perplex her judgement again. But she didn't wish to seem out of it as she nodded before clearing her throat.

"I see. As long as it serves to make Weiss a better person in the end, then I won't ask you to stop." Though Winter nodded knowing she had to get to her point now. "Though I have something to ask of you, Mr. Sakai."

Jin raised an eyebrow at this, but he nodded as he didn't want to keep her from explaining what it was. "What is it?"

"General Ironwood would like you to accompany me on my next assignment here on the continent of Solitas. He had been given reports of a group of bandits having made a base of operations in an abandoned Dust quarry. They're using it launch raids on nearby towns and have most likely taken hostages for ransom," Winter explained to him with her usual professional tone.

This struck a nerve within Jin upon hearing what Winter told him. He abhorred bandits, long before the Mongolian invasions occurred. People who decided to harm others for a quick profit, to cause harm and create chaos, it disgusted him. And when the invasions finally occurred, the bandits of Tsushima never stopped their dastardly deeds, seeking to profit in the wake of destruction and misery of the people who already lost so much to the invaders. Even after the withdrawal of Mongolian forces after the first invasion, they didn't stop.

It also reminded him how he didn't exactly like the man of the Schnee Family as well, as he too was quite the wretched person, though he did keep that to himself.

While he was no longer samurai, it never stopped him from slaying such people where they stood. Like the invaders, they too feared the Ghost. And now here on Remnant, he wanted to bring them the same terror and pain they've inflicted upon the innocents they've encountered.

"Of course you don't have to come with me. You're more then free to decline-"

"I will go," Jin cut in without hesitation. "You and the General have saved my life. I owe the both of you. This will help repay all the help you've given me so far."

This did surprise Winter a little, hearing how serious his tone was when he spoke. She was about to add in to it before noticing his eyes. And she saw it, with a chill going up her spine. She saw a raging flame burning behind them, a complete polar opposite to what his body language showed a calm yet steady look instead.

"By Oum, the wrath this man has behind him... It's unrelenting," Winter thought, finding herself swallowing a dry lump in her throat.

Though it was a relief to her seeing that Jin had instantly agreed to accompany her. Even with the underlying worry of him having no Aura, she also wanted to see him in action. "Very well, Mr. Sakai. I've taken the liberty to have Klein retrieve your armor and have it in your quarters for you to get in. I will meet you out front of the manor. Don't take too long or I may need to leave without you," She mentioned with a small smirk appearing on her face.

Winter then looked at Weiss with a nod coming along. "And do take care, Weiss. Look after yourself alright?" She added in before turning around and walked off, making her way back into the manor and to await out in the front.

This left Jin with Weiss with a long sigh escaping from the former samurai. "I guess I'll be off for now, Lady Weiss. Remember what I've taught you today. And don't forget to practice some of the forms we've done for the past week."

Weiss nodded with a huff while crossing her arms. "I find this a little strange that the headmaster of the academy is asking for you."

"I know. But I owe him and your sister for saving me all those months ago. And I aim to pay them back in return, even if it means I must go out on this task," Jin explained as he gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "Be well, Lady Weiss," He uttered before giving her a small bow and walked off, ready to arm himself for the coming trials ahead.

Weiss was soon left by her lonesome, with a soft sigh leaving her mouth. "Great... All alone again."

Winter had her arms crossed beneath her chest, pacing back and forth as she wasn't far from the Bullhead that brought her to her home. "Where is that man? It's been over twenty minutes since I've waited here," She cursed under her breath. She didn't like that it was taking Jin quite awhile arrive out in front. There was no way he could get lost, having already stayed in the manor for a few months already.

It honestly did grind on her gears as she was often punctual to every meeting she had to attend or person she had to wait for. She already knew from the time observing Jin that he wasn't one to be late nor rude without a good reason. Perhaps it was his armor that's taking him awhile? Nevertheless, she was impatiently waiting for him.

A little more time passed before she heard footsteps approaching much to her relief. Looking up, she glanced over to see that it was the very man she was waiting for.

Jin slowly approached her covered from head to toe in a black and dark grey armor with some yellow to add to it. His left hand rested on top of the handle of his katana while he adjusted the black headband he had on to make sure it rested comfortably on his head while his cape gently fluttered in the breeze. The only thing missing was the mask that Winter saw him with the day she found him.

Though the Specialist had to admit... Jin did look quite eye catching with the armor she had on... Oh what was she thinking? That was preposterous.

"You took your time, Mr. Sakai," Winter quipped, showing some of her annoyance off to Jin.

"Apologies, Lady Winter. I've forgotten how long it took to put my armor on. It has been some time since I've donned it," Jin admitted with a little chuckle.

Winter shook her head as she was at least glad he was here despite the wait she endured. "What matters is that you're here," She said. "But before we depart, I have a question to ask of you."

Jin nodded as he stood there in front of Winter as she soon continued. "You don't have an Aura unlocked."

The Ghost assumed it would be a question that would eventually be asked to him in due time. But he knew he had to answer it regardless. "Lady Winter, where I'm from, the warriors there don't fear death. We know that eventually in time, death will claim us. Regardless, we uphold our duty to protect our homes and people no matter what the threat is."

Winter sighed as she had heard part of this answer before, having heard Jin explain this to Ironwood in one of their many talks prior. Though something in her mind nagged at her wanting to ensure his safety. "I understand, Mr. Sakai. But it wouldn't look good on my behalf if something was to happen to you under my supervision. So..." Winter found herself pausing as she was unsure of this at first.

The entire time since she had left Ironwood's office and up to now, she had been debating to herself about it; Unlocking Jin's Aura.

It was a massive step into a direction of the unknown for Winter. For one, she had never unlocked anyone's Aura at any point in her life. Second, she didn't fully trust Jin. There was still so much she and Ironwood didn't know about him despite how transparent he was with most things while holding some cards close to his chest. Which she couldn't judge as everyone had said cards they would rather keep hidden for good reason.

But at the same time, she didn't want to feel the weight that Jin could potentially die on this assignment because of her selfish want to see him in action. Even if he was still mysterious to her, she didn't think of him as a man who deserved to die.

And it was in that moment she had come to her decision and nodded. "... So I've decided that I would unlock your Aura."

Jin's eyes widened a little from Winter's answer to him. It was honestly shocking, as he experienced her giving him the cold shoulder, but from an understandable perspective. Yet he didn't expect this at all. "Unlock my Aura, Lady Winter?"

Winter nodded as she kept her cool despite how nervous she honestly felt behind it. "Yes. I don't wish for you to become a casualty while you're under my watch. And with an Aura, you would serve to be a more effective retainer to my family and in future endeavors of yours."

There was merit in her words as Jin could tell. "Aura would be useful. If I had it back on Tsushima, I'd still be protecting my people," He thought. But there was no benefit in thinking about that right now. So he nodded knowing this would help in the long run. "As you wish, Lady Winter," Jin replied with a curt bow to Winter.

"At least he didn't decline," Winter thought in relief while she nodded and got in front of Jin. "Perfect. Now, close your eyes, Mr. Sakai, and focus."

Jin didn't disobey and did so, closing his eyes while he took a deep breath, allowing his mind and body to relax. Out of habit, he had his hands pressed together, readying himself as if he was to chant a mantra.

Winter found this a bit odd, but to each their own as she knew people did things differently. So she summoned all the courage she had now in this rather close and intimate process, but she had to do it. She reached out and gently placed her hand on the side of his head. She then took a deep breath and closed her eyes as well, starting to channel her Aura.

"For it is in the actions we've done in life that leaves our legacy, we achieve immortality," Winter recited within her mind, her body slowly starting to glow in a whitish blue color.

"Through this, we are bound to serve and protect, never ceasing in our duty," Winter continued, with Jin's body slowly starting to glow in return, in a dark grey color that blended in with his armor.

Jin could feel a warm sensation within him. It felt like the rejuvenating waters of the many hot springs he had the opportunity to soak within. He felt relaxed but empowered as well, including that slight touch of warmth after having some much-needed sake at the aftermath of an arduous task.

"With duty, we will march on, never faltering in our steps, I release your soul... And by my hand... I stand by thee."

Winter soon let her hand fall down to her side, her Aura dimming away with her body feeling heavy from what she had just done. But it brought relief to Winter that with Jin's aura now unlocked, she didn't need to worry as much.

Jin opened his eyes, with concern first filling them seeing how tired Winter looked. "Lady Winter, are you alright?" He asked.

"I'm... I'm fine. Don't worry about me. I won't let this get in the way of our mission," Winter told him after taking a quick second to collect herself together. "I've used my Aura to unlock yours, Mr. Sakai. I trust you to take care of yourself with it. You're not invulnerable, but you will endure longer in battle if you take a hit."

"Thank you, Lady Winter. I'll remain vigilant as best as I can," Jin replied with another bow.

Winter scoffed silently seeing him do this as such and shook her head a little. "You don't need to bow every time..."

But she collected herself together once more with a sigh. "Now, we must be on our way. We cannot allow the bandits to gain a stronger foothold in the quarry they've made camp in."

Jin nodded in confirmation with Winter motioning for him to follow her as she made her way towards the Bullhead. Though as ready as he was to take the fight to bandits with his Aura just unlocked, he still felt uneasy.

"It still seems impossible how people have managed to create contraptions that allow us to fly like birds... What if we fall?"

A chime was heard from a Scroll that was laid upon a desk as a grey-haired man dressed in a casual business-like suit in a green and black scheme glanced over at it. He reached over to grab it to see what the message was while he took a sip from his mug, enjoying his much-needed coffee that seemed like he always had on his person.

Lifting it up to his face, the Headmaster of Beacon Academy opened up his Scroll and went to see what the message was all about. And it was an urgent one from a longtime friend. "What has you concerned, James?" He muttered softly.

"I have a situation on my hands, Ozpin. I don't want to assume anything, but I think we have another case. Similar to the one that happened seven years ago."

This caused Professor Ozpin's brow to furrow upon reading this. This did get his attention, though nothing alarming as there was a file attached to the message to which he began to read up immediately.

Ozpin sat in silence for what felt like an eternity to him while he read the report, sipping away more of his coffee. The more he read, the more interested he had become in this case.

"Jin Sakai... A name I've heard of before... Another person of Tsushima is here."

We've reached the end of this chapter, ladies and gentlemen. Just who is this other person of Tsushima is here? Is there just this one? Or is there more? All will be revealed in due time. Next chapter will contain more action which I promise on as such. Jin will be slaying- I mean, convincing bandits to surrender... Totally.

Anyhow, thanks again for reading this. It's a pleasure to keep on writing for all of you who enjoy stories such as this. See all of you in the next chapter!