Chapter 4

A/N: I just want to say thank you for all the likes and support for this story, everyone. It really does make me quite happy that you guys are enjoying it so far. As I promised, this chapter will have some much-needed action with Jin showing off what he has.

And I love all the guesses so far on who could be the other person of Tsushima in the world of Remnant. You guys will see soon enough who is the first Japanese person that arrived. Who knows? Maybe there's more... No promises.

Plus... That finale of Volume 8... Who's ready for Volume 9?

Anyhow, I'll let you guys enjoy reading this next chapter of Second Storm. As always, I appreciate the reviews, good and bad for criticism.

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

The First Mongol Invasion. Roaming bandits. The Shogun's spies. The relentless elements. Jin Sakai had survived them. He endured all those trials on Tsushima. And he would do the same to endure here in Remnant, weathering the past few months as best as he could.

Though right now? Now was one of the few times he truly felt daunted. And he was hundreds of miles up in the air within a Bullhead. The feeling of flying... It was entirely alien to him, something only that the birds and kami were only able to do. Yet humanity was able to achieve such an impossible feat.

"First wagons that don't require horses... Contraptions that give people the ability of flight... W-What's next? Something that looks human but isn't?" Jin thought, a hand of his covering his mouth trying his best not to throw up. And he really didn't want to as nearby in the Bullhead, Winter was seated giving him a strange look.

"Mr. Sakai? Are you well?" Winter asked with an eyebrow raised at Jin. Did he have motion sickness at all?

Jin swallowed a dry lump in his throat and glanced at Winter, taking in a deep breath to calm himself. "I'm... I'm alright, Lady Winter. I'm just... I'm just not used to this..." He explained while trying not to reveal everything quite yet.

Winter nodded as she knew several people who were prone to motion sickness, from regular Atlas Military to fully fledged Hunstmen who couldn't handle being in a moving vehicle. So it wasn't farfetched that Jin was feeling nauseated from the ride.

"Well it won't be for much longer. We'll be arriving at the location soon enough," Winter told him, wanting to give Jin some hope.

"Thank Inari," Jin thought in relief, knowing that this ride would be over soon. He'd rather ride atop a trusty horse than this metal contraption in the first place. But if this was how traveling would be around this strange world of Remnant, he knew he would need to get used to it eventually.

His silent prayers were heard as well with the Bullhead beginning to descend from the air. That also meant that soon enough, he would be in battle for the first time in Remnant. It had been months since he had fought as such. Then again, prior to the failed defense on Komoda Beach, there had been long moments of dullness with nothing more but to train and hone his skills.

And here in Remnant, it was no different, having had kept his skills sharp with his own training to ensure he never went rusty. Now, it was time to unleash what he held back after so long.

Though Winter got his attention as she cleared her throat, making him glance over before he got lost in his own thoughts again. "Shall I explain what we're doing again, Mr. Sakai? Or do you remember what we must do?" She inquired, wanting to know if he remembered at all a part of it.

Jin nodded as he sighed a little. "We're to clear out the abandoned Dust quarry of the bandits that have taken over it. Our first task is to get in and free any hostages they might've taken before we engage the enemy to prevent any harm that could come to them. And if the bandits don't surrender... Up to my discretion," Jin told her, no hesitation in his voice.

Another surprise for Winter. To hear Jin speak with such confidence yet no hesitation, it was the mark of a warrior. "He's by no means older than me... How does he have the experience?" The Specialist thought. It was something she needed to get to the bottom of eventually.

Though she nodded hearing his response as it was rather professional after all. "Good. We'll be landing soon. Get yourself ready."

Jin didn't need to be told twice about it, letting his body relax, readying himself for the coming battle that was approaching. There was going to be one difference though in consideration; Jin had an Aura to utilize.

Granted it had recently been unlocked not so long ago, but Jin felt like things would be in his favor. He felt more alert, his body feeling stronger in return as well. But he knew Aura could only take one so far, as it laid in one's ability how to carry themselves, whether it would be good or evil.

It wasn't long before he felt the Bullhead shudder, indicating it had made contact with the ground. Jin knew now that there was no turning back before the bay doors opened up, letting a rush of cold air inside the vehicle. "We'll be here waiting for you, Specialist Schnee," The pilot spoke from his seat.

"We won't be long. Remain here, corporal. Await further instructions," Winter responded as she had gotten up before glancing back at Jin. "Let us be off, Mr. Sakai," She told before stepping out of the Bullhead.

Jin sighed but didn't hesitate as he stood up, making his way out of the bay door. "Good luck, sir! You'll need it with Specialist Schnee!" The pilot mentioned, looking over his shoulder to give Jin a thumbs up.

This took Jin off guard from the sudden statement. Though not wanting to be impolite to the pilot, he simply gave him a small bow of acknowledgement. "Um... Thank you," He said softly before finally stepping out of the Bullhead, the crunching of fresh snow right beneath his feet.

Jin glanced around, gaining his bearings of his surroundings. The entire area was blanketed in snow, with a gentle snowfall dancing around him and Winter. The mountains were close by, already showing they were close to their destination while there was a forest a little ways away in front of them.

With a deep breath, Jin closed his eyes and allowed his breathing to relax. This was it. He was going to show Winter what he was capable of as she wanted to see with her own eyes.

"My spirit unlocked. Protecting me from danger. It burns for battle."

Another deep breath escaped and Jin opened his eyes with his gaze landing upon Winter who seemed to wait for him. "Are you having second thoughts, Mr. Sakai?" She asked, wondering why he just stood there once stepping out.

The Ghost shook his head at her while taking a step forward. "No second thoughts, Lady Winter. I'm preparing myself for battle," He responded without missing a beat, his eyes now focusing forward with determination hidden behind them.

It was then that he reached into the satchel he had on his person, slowly pulling out a most important item; the mask of the Ghost. Jin took a second to look at it. It still bore many scratches and wear from the time it has been used. But it added to its character, it survived like its owner. He soon hooked one strap on and got it onto his face, hooking the other strap on. The Ghost had returned.

Winter just nodded with a small scoff before she began to walk forward. a "I see no reason why he needs to wear a mask like some bandit."

Though she brushed that off for now, not wanting for her thoughts to become an obstacle for this mission. "We shall make our way for the forest in front of us. Once we're in, we can make our way towards the quarry," She explained before starting to make her way without delay.

Jin just nodded and followed after Winter, keeping a hand resting on his katana as he stayed on guard. "She carries herself with such high regard and professionalism... Much like a samurai would. No wonder why Weiss looks up to her sister... Just like how I was with Uncle Shimura."

It was hard not to think back on what had happened all those years ago, when he was a young teen under his uncle's wing to the invasion that change everything in an instant. All the similarities that Jin could see was hitting like a well-aimed arrow impacting on target.

The cold, northern land that was Solitas reminded him of Kamiagata, the harsh yet beautiful area of Tsushima.

The mentorship he gave to Weiss brought forth images of him under the same tutelage he received from his uncle in Castle Kaneda.

The way Winter held herself as a Specialist and Huntress was a clear-cut image of what a samurai was to be.

Jin could only sigh deeply while he followed closely behind Winter, steadily getting closer to the forest. He couldn't deny that he missed his home dearly along with worry. The Second Mongol Invasion was taking its toll on his people. He had seen it himself that most of the samurai were wiped out once more. He even worried that the Mongols had a proper foothold by then to begin the invasion of the mainland.

He hoped that the Shogun had the tenacity to repel the invaders like the last storm that drove the Mongol Fleet into the sea seven years ago. He prayed that Susanoo would send a divine storm to crush the invasion, saving the mainland.

But Jin shook his head, banishing these thoughts away. They wouldn't do him any good as he needed all his focus on the task at hand. He would have time to think about them later as he had reached the forest with Winter.

"Once we head in, we'll be close to the Dust Quarry," Winter explained while glancing back at Jin. "We'll use it for keep ourselves concealed on our approach."

"As you say, Lady Winter," Jin replied back, nodding in return. While she was holding herself like a samurai would, Jin could see she wasn't holding herself back from needing to remain honorable. "Uncle Shimura would hate her already despite who she is."

Winter sighed inwardly while keeping her cool exterior with Jin's answer. "By Oum, he's so formal... Discipline isn't bad, but it wouldn't hurt for him to loosen up."

Though she didn't want to cause a scene knowing it wouldn't benefit them in the moment as they were so close to their objective now. They had to work together in order to complete this mission without a hitch. Causing trouble would only hinder their chances at success.

For now, Winter would remain focused on their objective with the two marching through the snowy forest, the soft crunching of snow being the few sounds that accompanied them, with the soft chirps of birds in trees, and the wind gently whistling by their ears.

As a matter of fact, the wind was blowing in the direction of where they were going, causing Jin to smile with a little chuckle escaping from him. "Even here, you still guide me," He muttered softly.

This did catch Winter's attention, turning herself around as she assumed Jin was talking to her. "Mr. Sakai?" She inquired, being confused.

Jin gasped softly, realizing that he had been heard as he looked over at the Specialist. He couldn't help but laugh a little while shaking his head. "Apologies, Lady Winter. Just... Remembering," He admitted to her.

"Remembering? Remembering what, Mr. Sakai?"

"Just something my caretaker told me about... Shortly after my father died," Jin answered her with a nod.

Right there, Winter felt like she stepped into some personal territory. Granted that in the many meetings since the arrival of Jin, he had revealed he once had a family, but he had lost them all to either illness, time, and even battle. That wasn't out of the ordinary, knowing in her line of work, causalities are to be expected. But this was his family he was talking about.

"Oh... Apologies, Mr. Sakai," Winter told him while glancing away from him.

Jin could see the embarrassed look Winter briefly had on her face and smile a little at her. "It's alright. You didn't know," He mentioned, not wanting for her to feel bad about asking in the first place. "It was the day of my father's funeral. I didn't want to go at first, not feeling worthy to see him off."

Winter could see there was some form of regret just lingering behind Jin's eyes as he spoke. Though she remained quiet, save for the crunching of snow with each step they took.

Thankfully the silence didn't last long with Jin continuing with a sigh, finding his conviction. "But then my caretaker, Yuriko, told me something that I won't forget for the rest of my life. Even with my parents gone, my father is the wind at my back, and my mother as the birds in the trees, giving me guidance when I need it. Even if they're not of this world anymore, I'm not alone."

This was a surprise in a way to Winter. Death was something no one was able to outpace, regardless of what one could do to stave it off. Granted there was the way of leaving behind legacies, though that was a sour topic for her considering the family dynamic she had lived with her entire life.

Though the way Jin explained, it sounded poetic to her. Even if it was a sense of legacy, it was one of reassurance, not of expectations.

But before she could respond, Winter's eyes caught something in the distance. She raised her hand automatically, conditioned to respond as such from her years of training and drill. Jin saw and stopped right beside her, his gaze falling upon her.

"What is it?" He asked in a hushed tone, a hand now resting on the scabbard of his katana ready to act in a moment's notice.

"Ahead of us," Winter whispered, motioning for him to get out of sight, stepping to the side to hide behind a tree. Jin understood and followed suit, pressing his back to another.

The two stood there in utter silence, soon broken with the crunching of snow that was ahead of them, confirming Winter's suspicions. She leaned out to the side, just enough to peer out from cover to take a look.

Ahead of them some feet away was a man, looking rather ragged with a sword strapped to his side. Though what was a shock to Winter was what he was wearing behind the coat he was wearing. Black clothing clinging to the body along with steel armor over it, and mask covering the upper part of the face with a black hood... With wolf ears jutting through said hood.

Attire she knew all too well from her service.

"The White Fang... I guess the reports were wrong about the group being bandits," She muttered beneath her breath, keeping it hushed not to be heard.

Jin though was close enough to hear her, peering out himself to look at the man. "The White Fang... The Faunus Civil Rights group..." Jin thought to himself.

With time spent in Remnant, Jin made it his intent to become familiar with this ever-strange world. Faunus were a strange fact so to speak, but nothing that made him feel scared. If he had his thought, they were just another race of people that the Kami Ametarasu and Susanoo had made just like how they made other Kami. With animal like features, they were stronger and had traits that suited them to what animal they were based off.

And yet humanity feared them, subjugating the Faunus simply for being different. Like the Mongols conquering their way across Asia and attempted expansion to Japan. An effort Jin hoped would never be realized.

The rest was history for Jin, learning that eventually, the Faunus revolted in a revolution for equal rights. It ended with them being sent to an island known as Menagerie, where the Faunus could live freely, yet away from the other kingdoms. A double-edged sword, and many Faunus in the other kingdoms still lived in discrimination. The White Fang was formed to fight against such injustices Faunus faced everywhere. But from he had learned, even with many peaceful protests, their cries went unheard. Now violence was the answer when peaceful acts were simply ignored.

And it was shocking to him, for he had lived through a period like that back on Tsushima where the effects still impacted the people many generations after.

"The Yarikawa Rebellion... Lord Tokiasa Yarikawa tried to overthrow Uncle... So much death and destruction just to rule the island... Will it take all this bloodshed for people and Faunus to see each other on equal terms?" Jin thought, memories of the rebellion flashing through his head.

But he knew action had to be taken as he placed his hands on his shorter blade, the wakizashi, slowly drawing it out with some light reflecting off the blade.

Winter caught Jin doing this, wondering what he was going to do as the back of the White Fang member was now to them. "Is he going to kill him?"

Jin knew what he was going to do as he crouched down, the snow gently crunching beneath his feet. But he had confidence that he wouldn't be heard, as the noise would dissipate over the distance along snow.

Closer and closer the Ghost got behind the White Fang member, who remained none the wiser to his presence. Nothing could be done once Jin was close enough, launching his attack. Gripping the wakizashi in hand, he reached out with his free hand and grabbed the White Fang member, covering their mouth and positioned the blade on the neck, just barely grazing it.

"If you want to stay alive, you will do as I say," Jin whispered in a low tone, backing up his words by gently pushing the blade against the skin, not quite enough to make a cut yet.

Filled with panic and fear, the White Fang member could only nod in agreement, not wanting to die today.

"How many of you are there at the quarry?" Jin questioned, his grip never once letting up on the Faunus.

"A-At least over two dozen... W-We're expecting reinforcements to come soon..."

"Reinforcements. This doesn't bode well," The Ghost mused, knowing it would be an uphill battle considering the numbers the enemy had. But those numbers wouldn't count if dealt with in a certain way.

"Do you have any hostages?" Jin demanded without losing a beat.

"J-Just a couple Schnee Dust Company employees... We... We wanted to ransom them," The White Fang member muttered out.

This seemed satisfactory to Jin before withdrawing his wakizashi away from the neck. "I see," He replied before suddenly throwing the White Fang member down into the snow. They tumbled for a moment, rolling onto their back with a groan.

The Faunus let out a gasp of shock, trying to get back onto their feet. But was swiftly stopped as Jin made his way over and pointed his wakizashi at them. Upon looking up to his face, they felt dread filling them, seeing the black mask that sat on Jin's face.

Jin glared at them, his visage terrifying to the panicked mind the White Fang member had thanks to his tactics.

"P-Please... Spare me... I... I won't go back... I'll... I'll leave the White Fang... I don't want to die..." They begged, eyes wide with fear and heart on the verge of giving out.

Jin's glare never let up during all of this, the wakizashi still pointed at them. A tense moment passed, with the White Fang member thinking they were going to die at the hands of this... of this killer.

But the decision came as Jin soon held his wakizashi out to the side, pointing away from them. "Leave now... And if I see you amongst the White Fang ever again, I won't hesitate to kill you where you stand," He hissed out, his voice dripping with venom as he swore to uphold such a promise.

This seemed to do the trick as the White Fang member could tell he wasn't joking whatsoever about this. Scrambling to their feet, they began to run off where Jin pointed, running through the forest while fearing for their life.

Jin watched for a moment, watching the fleeing Faunus disappear through the woods before a soft sigh escaped from him. "That was easy," He mused to himself, shaking his head at what transpired. But the approaching sound of footsteps caught his attention, making him look where it was coming from, to see a livid Winter.

"Why did you let him go? He's going to run back to his people and warn them about us," Winter stated, utterly annoyed with how Jin handled the entire situation. "And those tactics you used, they're-"

"Lady Winter, I gave us a needed advantage. We now know of their numbers and they have Schnee Dust Company employees hostage. We must move if we're to save them," Jin interjected with a sigh.

"But aren't you worried about the one you let go?" Winter argued, stomping closer to Jin.

Another sigh escaped from Jin as he nodded. "I understand your concerns, Lady Winter. But we don't need to worry about them."

Winter was confused with such before Jin continued with his reasonings. "Kindness can be used as a weapon. Mercy creates a debt."

"But what happens if it doesn't work?" Winter asked, wondering what he would do if his plan backfired on him.

Silence engulfed them for a moment, with Jin looking at Winter with a long sigh. He then nodded as he then glanced away. "... Then I'll slay them where they stand, just as I promised," He said after a brief second.

Winter was simply shocked, her eyes widening upon hearing what Jin had said. The look in his eyes with determination, the lack of hesitation when he spoke. This came from a man who wasn't that much older than her, yet he showed that sense of experience regardless.

In other words, he wasn't joking around when it came to things like this.

"... We still have an objective to do," Winter stated, marching past Jin as she didn't wish to linger on this subject for now, as she had to be honest; it was rather chilling with what he said.

Thankfully the trek through the forest didn't take much long, with Winter loosening up slightly as she asked Jin what information he had obtained. The Specialist had to admit, the information he got his hands on from that quick interrogation was a gold mine, knowing the numbers of their enemy and that they did indeed have hostages. With such information at their fingertips now, they had an advantage over the opposition.

They hid behind the trees near the edge of the forest, staring down at the Dust quarry as they could see some signs of activity from where they were. "The hostages are mostly located inside the mine. We need to ensure their safety."

Jin nodded, peering at the site with keen observation as he tried to see any weak spots the quarry might have. "It looks well defended despite being once abandoned. They'll see us coming," Jin mentioned as he sighed. "I have no doubt there's a way to sneak in... But that would take too long... There's a spot to the side near the side of the mountain, but it's heavily guarded... Unless..."

It was a tactic he used before, and it did have its effects despite becoming the Ghost. It would bring shock and awe, and even with bloodshed, it would get a message across.

He glanced over at Winter knowing it was a plan he would need to do. It might be dangerous, but that never stopped him before, and it wouldn't stop him now.

"Lady Winter... I have a proposal."

Winter looked at Jin, wondering what he had in mind in how they could execute this mission.

"I can draw their attention. While they all focus on me, you can go in from the side without being seen and slip inside the mine," He explained.

Her eyes widened upon hearing that. What kind of plan was that?! He's just asking to get himself killed!

"Are you ludicrous, Mr. Sakai?! Just because I just unlocked your Aura doesn't mean you can't simply walk into the quarry all by yourself! You'll need my help!" Winter whispered rather harshly.

"I understand. But we don't have the luxury to plan for that long. The longer this goes on, the more in danger the people be if we don't act now," Jin mentioned in an instant.

"... Not even he would do something this reckless," Winter muttered beneath her breath in regards about a certain drunken colleague of hers. Just how could someone be this foolhardy? Especially having just unlocked their Aura?

Though even how reckless this plan was, there was an undying resolve she could see in his eyes, as if he had done such confrontations many times before. That uncanny experience of his was messing with her yet again. She shouldn't let him do this. It was far too dangerous.

But Jin soon got her attention again as he sighed. "I know you still hold doubt towards me. But I'm asking you to put your trust in me that I'll see this done."

The unwavering conviction she heard in his voice, it somehow brought a form of reassurance to her. Even with that black mask adorned on his face, Winter felt like she could trust him despite the doubt she felt.

After what felt like an eternity to the Specialist, she relented with a deep sigh and nodded at Jin. "... Very well... You may proceed with your plan, Mr. Sakai."

Jin was simply glad she accepted it and nodded in return as he glanced at the quarry, mainly observing where the front was. "She isn't wrong... It is a reckless plan. But something must be done."

With a deep breath, Jin rested his left hand on the handle of his katana, steeling his wits for what was to come soon. "When they're focused on me, slip in from the side. I'll keep them busy, buying you the time you need."

Without another word being uttered, Jin began to walk towards the quarry, the wind soon picking up in speed as his cape fluttered from it. The snow seemed to fall heavier in quantity now, as if nature itself was trying to obscure him. The moment to act was certainly now, and there was no turning back.

Jin took in deep breaths, the mist with each exhale escaping from his mask as he approached the quarry. This would be his first real engagement in Remnant. Granted he had been training Weiss, but that was him teaching someone the basis of fighting. With the time he had before this moment, he had read and observed the many things that set Remnant apart from Tsushima.

"It's as if the stories the musician Yamato told me were in real life... But I can't falter now... Those people need help."

It didn't take long as Jin was nearing the quarry. And he could hear shouts coming from the front as he saw movement. The enemy was preparing to face him.

"Ready for battle. My mind and body at peace. Meeting with my foes."

Jin could tell multiple eyes were now upon him, stopping somewhere around forty feet away from the entrance.

"Hey, who the hell is that?!" One White Fang member shouted as more appeared at the entrance, staring down this approaching stranger.

Many had already drawn their weapons, ranging from a myriad of swords, spears, axes, and the weird contraptions Jin had seen at the academy, guns.

"It may be a Hunstman..." Another whispered amongst their comrades.

Regardless as such, this man could pose to be a problem for them as three of them decided to venture out to meet him, weapons still drawn to show they weren't bluffing anything. "Who the hell are you?!" The lead of the three shouted at Jin.

Jin stopped where he was, as the tension around bore down upon him, and no doubt his would be foes. They were standing no less than a few feet now, as the Ghost glared at them with a grim look. "I am Jin Sakai. And I am here to rescue the people you've taken."

There was silence at first save for the wind that howled around them. And then there was laughter coming from the White Fang members. What kind of absurd announcement was that?

"R-Rescue them?! You must be daft if you think you can do that all by yourself!" One shouted as this was simply too ridiculous to hear in the first place.

The laughter continued with Jin not budging, his eyes seemingly boring holes into them as he stood his ground. These men were nothing but thugs, just like the Mongols that ravaged Tsushima.

"You might as well run off! Consider it a mercy!" Another rambled off encouraging more laughter amongst the White Fang contingent.

Jin narrowed his eyes, his grip on his katana tightening while mist escaped from his mask. "You're nothing but cowards!" He suddenly shouted while taking another step forward. His statement alone seemed to bring nearly everything around them go quiet, with nothing else but the breeze of the wind and his lone step bringing the soft crunching of snow to break the silence.

This caught the White Fang contingent off guard with the statement that was uttered. How crazy could this human be? There was just him against all of them!

Though this seemed to anger them as well with one approaching Jin with his weapon drawn. "No human insults the White Fang and walks off unscathed!" He sneered, raising his sword up ready to attack with another following suit.

The Ghost's body tensed in anticipation the moment they began to move. His grip on the scabbard of his katana tightened with his other hand drifting towards the handle, seeking to grasp it while his eyes remained on the two approaching him. HIs footing shifted ever so slightly in preparation for anything that was to come.

HIs moment came as the two White Fang members suddenly charged at him to close the distance ready to kill him. In one smooth motion, Jin swiftly grasped the handle of his katana and drew it while taking a step forward. Steel made contact with cloth and flesh slicing through with ease.

The first White Fang member gagged in pain, eyes full of shock unable to comprehend the sudden speed of the strike Jin delivered. Blood stained the weathered katana that was raised high. Within a split second, he brought it down on the second one, dealing him the same fate like the first.

It seemed to have happened in a split second, the snow-covered ground dyed in crimson with the two members falling to the ground. The last looks on their faces filled with utter shock thanks to the explosive counter from the Ghost as traces of blood leaked from the corners of their mouths.

This caught the others by surprise seeing how quickly Jin had responded, two of their comrades now lying dead in the snow behind him in what seemed to be an explosive attack. It caused their covered faces to pale. There was only one other person they knew that could deliver such swift yet precise blows, and that caused their blood to run cold from such.

"Y-You... You filthy human! You'll pay for what you did!" One shouted breaking the stillness of the air with a roar of anger surging through the contingent.

Yet Jin didn't say a word despite the growing chorus of the White Fang members wanting him dead. He slowly brought his katana up, soon holding it in both hands. His feet were steady as if mimicking that of stone, ready to break any force that would crash upon him.

"Then make me pay for it."