Three Years Later…

Mistral – Outside the Bandit Camp

"Now concentrate. Focus the energy at the soles of your feet. This will enable you to walk on air as if it were solid ground," Hyorinmaru, the Frost Dragon which inhabited the Katana Naruto had somehow acquired three years ago instructed.

Three years ago, Naruto clashed with his best friend and Rival Uchiha Sasuke in an attempt to bring him back to their village and keep a promise he'd made to his long time crush Sakura. Unfortunately, he'd failed but in a manner that had come with some unexpected consequences. Thrown from his world due to the energy blast from his Rasengun and Sasuke's Chidori colliding, the Nine Tailed Demon Fox which inhabited his body had done everything in its power to save them from being torn from existence, more so to save itself than Naruto. He'd succeeded, sending them to the world of Remnant and unlocking an ancient power buried deep within Naruto, one which his ancestors had wielded long ago.

While Kurama's (which Naruto later learned was the Kyuubi's name) actions had saved them, it had brought along with it a whole plethora of other headaches as well. The most pressing of which was the fact that he was now stuck in a foreign world, one which he knew nothing about, and had no apparent way of returning home to fulfill his promise. The other was the discovery that the Katana he'd somehow been found holding contained the spirit of a Frost Dragon named Hyorinmaru, who was just as, if not more so, annoying as Kurama. While he'd found it disturbing enough to have one alien voice in his head, having another was just ludicrous. It also never helped when the two agreed with one another, often times tag teaming on Naruto to beret him when he failed during his training. Needless to say, it had been a long three years.

On top of all this was the fact that Naruto had been discovered by a tribe of bandits who had made their home deep within the forests of a country called Mistral. Their leader, a woman by the name of Raven Branwen, was a complete mystery to him. While she appeared confident and straight forward, in other ways she was mysterious, standoffish, and a complete unknown to him. Both Kurama and Hyorinmaru had warned him about her, telling him that they sensed a great power dwelling within her but were unable to elaborate on it further without seeing it for themselves. Considering just how powerful both entities that lived within him were, he wasn't in any rush to push Raven to the point of showcasing for him the power that dwelled just beneath the surface of her cocky grin.

The bandits, as Naruto would come to find, had a simple life and live by a simple code. "The weak die, the strong survive." By their interpretation, that meant anyone they could steal from, overpower, or extort was considered "weak" and they themselves "strong" as a result. Naruto obviously scoffed at this, having a far different interpretation of the saying altogether but, considering they had saved his life and that he would be living with them until he had a good gage on his powers and the world as a whole, he went along with their philosophy, participating in raids and even traveling with them to nearby villages to extort money and supplies from the locals. While he did "participate" he never caused any physical harm to their victims and always endeavored to ensure they walked away without having to draw any blood. The toned down violence seemed to irritate the other bandits but, because Raven didn't have a problem with it, none of them did anything else to alleviate their frustrations…yet.

Now, three years later, Naruto was doing his best to learn everything he'd need in order to master his new "Soul Reaper" powers. At least, that was what Hyorinmaru had called them. In truth he had a very limited access to his powers. Apart from being able to call upon Hyorinmaru and use his powers associated with his sword, much of the abilities that a Soul Reaper would have had access to were beyond his abilities simply due to the fact that he was still living and now, well, dead. Still, he had managed to learn Zanjutsu, Hoho, and Hakuda, mastering all of them due to the fact that he had been raised in a Shinobi village and taught Taijutsu as part of his curriculum. His Shunpo needed work but, considering he was able to travel through the trees with relative ease it didn't really necessitate he master it any time soon. Of course now he was attempting to master one of the more fundamental techniques most Soul Reapers knew and his attempts were, well, unsatisfactory to say the least.

"Umpf!" Naruto grunted loudly as he once again kissed the ground.

"Concentrate," Hyorinmaru said in a disappointed tone.

"I am, you overgrown snow lizard, but it's more difficult than you make it out to be," Naruto argued.

"It shouldn't be. Every Soul Reaper is capable of performing this technique to the point that they are capable of doing it without thinking. This is imperative during battle when most of their attention is focused on the enemy and they must maintain their footing throughout."

"I know that but, unless you've forgotten recently, I'm not a Soul Reaper. I'm a shinobi and I don't exactly seen myself fighting Hallows anytime soon," he shot back.

"No but your new life here has brought with it new enemies in the form of the Grimm, many of which are capable of flight. Mastering this technique will go a long way to helping you combat them even while they are airborne."

"Maybe, but I can just use your ice attacks to freeze their wings and ground them. Why fight them on their own turf when I can bring them down to my level," he pointed out.

"Understand, Naruto, my powers are not meant for you to rely on. They are meant to help facilitate your own abilities, adding to what is already there, and increasing your power. To rely on me would put you at a great disadvantage, especially should you meet an enemy who is either immune to my abilities or can overcome them with ease. My powers are not a crutch for you to lean on."

"I understand that, Hyorinmaru, but you need to understand that I can't do everything you require of me. You keep referencing Soul Reapers like I'm one of them but I'm not. I'm still very much alive and I expect to remain so for quite some time. Knowing that, there are going to be some setbacks to my abilities, regardless of whether you think I should be able to perform them or not."

"So you say but, living or not, you should be capable of mastering this technique without much setback. Your continued failures is becoming increasingly worrisome."

"Yea, about that, I think I know why it's happening. Just Focus on me while I try it again and see if you can sense what I'm sensing."

"Very well."

Centering himself, Naruto once more began focusing the energy beneath his feet, preparing himself for another attempt. When he had started out he had envisioned it in much the same way he'd performed his training with Kakashi Sensei while learning to climb trees. Back then Sakura had mastered it with ease, instructing him to focus the chakra at the souls of his feet to help him gain a better grip on the tree's trunk. He'd learned to do the same thing a year later but with walking on water, using his chakra to instead repel him, essentially pushing on the water as he walked across the surface. The same thing seemed to apply here but Naruto soon found himself losing concentration or feeling the energy dissipate outright despite his efforts. True to his word, Hyorinmaru watched as the boy began to focus, the energy beginning to surround the souls of his feet as he prepared to walk on air. He managed to get a few feet in the air before the reishi completely dissipated through no effort of the boy's and sent him tumbling back to the ground. Luckily, Naruto was ready and caught himself before he face planted on the ground once more.

"I see now. Very interesting," Hyorinmaru murmured.

"What is it?" Naruto asked, both curious and eager to find out what was preventing him from mastering the technique.

"Naruto, you are correct in stating that it's through no fault of your own that the technique is failing. In truth, it's due to certain energies within you that are not melding well with one another that is causing the problem."

"I'm not sure I understand," Naruto admitted.

"Allow me to explain. In your world the people there are able to perform certain techniques called Ninjutsu and Genjutsu through an inherent power you all have called chakra."

"Yea, that's a given."

"Usually, you're people are born with Chakra that is unique to you, ensuring you are able to perform these techniques through training and time. You, on the other hand, were born with your own chakra as wells as the Kyuubi's."

"Yea, made for a rough going my first few years. Our chakra had a way of clashing with one another."

"Indeed. As opposing forces they nullified one another, often causing problems, though in some cases the Kyuubi's chakra would envelope you completely, giving you immense power but at the cost of your sanity and, in some cases, life force. However, once you learn to harmonize your chakra you will undoubtedly be able to increase the power of your abilities tenfold, making you a force to be reckoned with."

"Huh, I never thought of that. But what does that have to do with why I'm completely failing at walking on air?"

"I was about to explain that now hush," Hyorinmaru chided him. "The energy I use called Reishi is fundamentally different from Chakra. While it is something that is naturally occurring, it is an energy that is exclusively used by the dead, by Soul Reapers, and thus not typically utilized by the living. Were you to die and become a Soul Reaper you would no doubt be able to master our various techniques but it would come at a cost. You would no longer be able to perform Jutsu of any kind. Chakra is, as far as I can tell, an energy exclusively used by a living vessel. It's not something that naturally occurs in the Soul Society.

It's because of its natural occurrence that your techniques are being hindered and, in some cases, outright fail. Your Chakra is classing with the Reishi, much in the way that fire and water would clash and cancel each other out. Every time you attempt this technique the Reishi you produce melds with your Chakra, vying for control, until they ultimately cancel one another out and the technique fails."

"Oh, I see," Naruto said, understanding somewhat what Hyorinmaru was explaining to him. "So, is this simply a problem that I'm going to have to live with?"

"Perhaps, though, once you unlock your Bankai the problem may disappear completely," Hyorinmaru suggested.

"Oh? What's a Bankai?"

"A Bankai is the second form, one which unlocks incredible power within the user. It essentially takes on the form of one's Soul, giving you access to limitless amounts of Reishi and enabling you to access powerful techniques that were otherwise locked to your before. Think of it in the same way you might become more powerful should you and Kurama finally manage to stop squabbling and work together, merging your Chakra as one."

"That's sounds awesome. When do I unlock my Bankai?"

"Well, most Soul Reapers unlock their Bankai after a century of dedicated training."

"What!? A century! I don't have that kind of time!"

"Relax, Naruto, I have faith in you. You've taken to this training better than most and, considering just how deeply connected you and I are to one another, you may be closer to unlocking your Bankai than we realize."

"Oh, well, that's good to hear," Naruto said, calming down a bit.

"That said, in will take no less commitment to your training in order to unlock and there may even be some… complications upon gaining access to it."

"Complications? Like what?"

"Recall how I said your Chakra and the Reishi were opposing forces?"

"Yea," Naruto replied.

"Just as the Bankai unlocks a vast amount of Reishi, your Chakra or that of the Kyuubi's may rush in to oppose it as a result. In other words, while you may be able to unlock this power and perform all of the techniques of a Soul Reaper without fail, it may also lead to the two energy forces opposing one another in a most violent fashion."

"What do you by that?" Naruto asked nervously.

"The opposing forces could cause a massive explosion the likes of which would no doubt kill you, including your soul."

"What!?" Naruto yelped, imagining himself blowing up like a balloon before exploding violently.

"That is only a theory, Naruto. We won't know for sure until you unlock your Bankai," Hyorinmaru replied.

"Yea, great," Naruto said, not at all reassured by that information.

"Naruto, stop talking to yourself for a moment. I have a mission for you," Raven said, stepping out from the tree line.

"I wasn't talking to myself, I was speaking with Hyorinmaru," Naruto explained.

"Right, that's the name you gave your Katana," she said, glancing down the sword he held in his hand. "I named mine too. Its call Slashy McStabber, though I don't often talk to it out in the open like some of us," she said with a cheeky grin.

"I wasn't… huh, what do you want?" he asked, realizing there was no use in trying to convince her otherwise.

"I'm sending some of the boys into the nearby village to raid supplies. I want you to go along with them."

"To make sure they don't do anything stupid," Naruto finished for her.

"Pretty much. They're leaving soon so you better get a move on."

"Right," he said, stowing his Katana back in its sheath. "Raven, when I get back, there's something we need to discuss."

"Sure, I'll make some room in my schedule," she said sarcastically.

Naruto rolled his eyes, ignoring her chuckling as he made his way back to the camp.

/-/

"Come on, old man, I know you're holding out on us," the bandit said, the edge of his blade tickling the bartender and proprietor of the inn.

"Please, that's all I can spare. Anything more and we'll having nothing to help us get through the next month, let alone the year," the man said, trembling as his eyes flickered between the blade and its owner.

"That's a real shame. Not that I care. But, if you can't part with your merchandise," he said, his eyes roving over the young woman standing next to him, a girl barely eighteen with short brown hair and blue eyes, "perhaps we can come to another arrangement?" the bandit said with a cruel smile.

"No, please, not my daughter. I'll give you whatever you want just don't harm her," the man pleaded.

"Who said anything about harming her? I was thinking of showing her a good time," he said, the girl flinching away as he moved to touch her hair.

"That's enough," Naruto said, grabbing the bandit's wrist as he bore holes into the side of his skull. "We have more than enough supplies, we don't need the rest."

"Hey, I'm in charge of this raid, I'll decide if we have enough," the bandit argued, his eyes turning to thin slits as he gazed at Naruto.

"And I was sent to make sure you don't do anything stupid. Again," Naruto hissed.

"You know, ever since you were brought to the tribe you've had a nasty habit of acting out. I've seen the way you look at us. You think you're better than the rest of the members of our tribe. Even the casual way you talk to Raven. It makes me want to puke," the man spat, turning his blade on him.

"You don't want to do this," Naruto warned him.

"Ha, what are you doing to do? You going to whip out that Katana of yours, pretty boy?" he mocked.

"I won't need it to handle you," Naruto replied.

The bandit sneered, glaring at Naruto for a moment, before he roared and raised the blade over his head. He swung wildly at him, his fellow bandits moving out of the way to avoid being hit while the bartender moved to shield his daughter from any attacks that came their way. Naruto swam around the attacks with ease, his moves being telegraphed before he struck. At a certain point when the blade came down Naruto took hold of his hand, twisting his wrist and forcing him to drop his blade before elbowing him in the face. He heard a satisfying crunch as he broke his nose, causing the man to stumble backwards in surprise. While he was stunned Naruto punched him in the gut, causing him to double over before slamming a fist into the back of his head. Being one of the few bandits with his aura unlocked, he was sparred lethal damage but was nonetheless knocked unconscious.

"Pick him up and take him back to camp," he instructed to the other bandits.

They glared balefully at him but otherwise did as they were told, picking up their friend before hauling him out of the inn. Naruto took his bag, sifting through the contents before throwing it at the Inn keeper's feet. The man was startled, glancing between the bag and Naruto with a look of confusion.

"That's yours, I believe. We have what we need. I won't be taking anything else," he said.

The man simply nodded, grateful but unable to say anything. Naruto returned his nod before exiting the building and following after the others. No doubt they'd be spinning a tale to Raven about what he'd done. It was just as well. They needed to speak anyways.

/-/

"So, let me get this straight, you attacked one of my lieutenants, breaking his nose and knocking him out before departing the settlement with our supplies," Raven recounted.

"I was defending myself. He attacked me first," Naruto corrected

"What does it matter? He made us look weak in front of the locals," the bandit argued, his nose bandaged and making his voice sound nasally as a result.

"That is true. Your actions could send a bad message to the villagers. This infighting may encourage them to start rebelling against us or even seek to hire a huntsman."

"His actions would have caused that regardless. We had everything we needed. He got greedy and when the man argued with him, saying they wouldn't have enough to survive, he went after his daughter instead," Naruto pointed out.

"It was simply an incentive, a lesson to teach them not to question us," the bandit stated.

"I've heard enough," Raven said, raising her arm for silence. "I know what we need to do," she said as she approached Naruto.

The bandit with the broken nose watched eagerly, a greasy smirk spreading across his face as he watched with anticipation for Naruto to get his just rewards. He was unprepared for the backhanded slap that Raven gave him, sending him toppling across the ground. Off to the side Vernal watched and chuckled softly to herself, feeling some sort of sick amusement at the man's plight.

"You idiot. This is exactly why I sent Naruto along with you," she said, towering over the man as her cowered on the ground, clutching his bruised cheek. "When I send you on supply runs it's to get supplies that we need or are running low on, not to indulge your personal greed or lusts. You know what would have happened had we taken everything from that village? They would have either moved on or been overtaken by the Grimm. That leaves us with one less village to get our supplies from which puts more pressure on us as a result. If we did that to every village we came across we'd have to pack up and leave, either because there was nothing left for us to take or because our actions were beginning to attract the attention of the huntsmen academies.

This was your last chance to show me you could be trusted but it's obvious you can't. Get out of my tent. I'll come up with a suitable punishment for you later," Raven snarled.

Still shaken, the bandit slunk from the tent, shooting a glare in Naruto's direction as he departed. Raven spat on the ground, obviously upset with the man, but otherwise done with him for now.

"You did well, Naruto. I was right to send you with him," she mused.

"Raven, we need to talk," Naruto said, getting straight to the point.

"Of course. Vernal, prepare some tea for us," she instructed.

Vernal did as she was instructed, Raven and Naruto taking seats at her small table while they waited. Raven's face maintained a pleased smirk on it while Naruto's was more serious as he contemplated what he would need to speak with her about. As soon as Vernal had poured them both a cup (from part of the supplies they'd stolen no less) she quickly exited the tent, attending to some of her other duties.

"So," she began, taking a sip of her tea, "what did you want to talk to me about?"

"I'm leaving," he said flatly.

Raven stopped, her cup inches from her lips. Slowly she lowered it back down to the table, her amused expression from earlier having completely disappeared.

"You're leaving," she repeated, her expression neutral as she looked at him.

"Yes, I've decided it's time I start traveling Remnant. I have a promise to keep, after all, and I can't do that sitting around here."

"I see," she said, taking a moment to consider her next words. "You don't have to leave, you know. Your strong, if not a little strange. You could do well with us, make us stronger."

"I've never been welcomed here, Raven. Aside from you, the rest of the tribe simply tolerates my presence. They don't accept me as one of their own."

"I could change that," she said.

"I don't want you to," he replied. "I'm leaving and there's nothing you can say to keep me here."

"I see," she said again. "When can I expect your departure?"

"Tomorrow morning. I've already gathered the necessary supplies."

"Where will you going then?"

"Mistral first. I'll figure out my next destination from there."

"Very well then. I'd wish you the best but that's never been my style. If you ever decide to come back, though, I wouldn't say no to having you with us again," she said with a smirk.

"We both know that won't happen," Naruto said, standing up to leave.

"We'll see," Raven said, watching him depart her tent.

/-/

"You sure about this kid? There's no turning back from here," Kurama, the Nine Tailed Fox Demon asked him.

"It's either stay here for the rest of my life or start walking and searching for a way back home. Which would you choose?"

"Fair enough, though I hope you realize this journey of your will not be easy. Regardless of the amount of literature Raven gave you access to, there's a great difference between reading about a world and experiencing it."

"I know and that's why I can't wait to get out there."

/-/

Several weeks passed for Naruto as he traveled through Mistral. From where the Branwen tribe had been situated, it took him nearly a week to make his way to the capital city of Mistral where the Huntsman Academy of Haven was situated. Naruto had heard a great deal about the academies, mostly in words filled with distain from either Raven or the bandits. Raven rarely ever spoke about her time spent at the one called Beacon. He wondered what had occurred in her history to cause such distain for that in her view but he'd never ventured to ask, mostly because he knew it would come at her sword pressed to his throat as a warning.

He managed to make some lien along the way, helping to eradicate Grimm villages were being attacked by and the like. His skills with Hyorinmaru had improved to such a degree that he was able to use his abilities without much effort though his attempts to walk on air still ended with him kissing the ground after only a few seconds. Still, it was better than nothing and before long Naruto found himself on a train bound for Argus, a city off the Mistral Northern coastline where he would have the chance to travel by airship to the continent of Mantel where the floating city of Atlas and its huntsman academy were housed. Naruto had read a little about Atlas, mainly about its harsh climate and its hand in aiding Mistral during the Great War nearly eighty odd years ago. Since then, after the discovery of several Dust mines, it had risen to become one of the foremost producers of Dust powered machines and boasting the largest army on Remnant, one which was comprised mostly of synthetic automatons.

Currently he dressed in some warmer clothing with closed toed shoes as well to keep his toes from freezing off. He'd been alone for most of the journey, occasionally making acquaintances along the way, but otherwise not fostering any long lasting relationships. He didn't know how long or how far his journey would take him and as such he was unsure of if or when he'd have a chance to set down roots. All he knew was that his journey had him going to Argus, to Mantle, simply because his instincts told him to head there.

"Is this seat taken?"

Naruto tore his eyes from his window view to see who had spoken to him. At first he thought he was just hearing things until the woman cleared her throat, drawing his attention closer to the floor. He was surprised to see a woman, short enough to reach barely to his waist, with tan skin, long braided white hair in a ponytail, and strangely oversized goggles set over her eyes. The goggles seemed to work in the same way as glasses as he watched metal shutters open and close as if her eyes were adjusting to the light or himself. Her clothes were quite interesting, certainly different from anything he'd seen while in Mistral. The one thing that stuck out to him the most was her walking stick which sported a large skull on top, intricately colored in an elaborate pattern.

"Not at all. Go ahead," he replied, motioning to the seat opposite him.

"Thank you young man," she said, hobbling into the car before pulling herself up onto the seat.

Naruto returned to gazing out the window, all the while feeling like the woman's eyes were set on him. A quick glance over showed that they were indeed, though whether her eyes were truly on him or simply her odd looking goggles, he couldn't say. Still, having them on him was a bit unsettling and was making him feel increasingly uncomfortable.

"I'm Naruto. Uzumaki Naruto," he introduced himself, attempting to dispel the awkward atmosphere.

"Maria Calavera, wonderful to meet you young man," she replied.

"Where are you headed, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Not at all. I'm on my way to Atlas. I have to make an annual trip every year to have my eyes adjusted," she said, tapping her goggles.

"Your eyes? I'm sorry, I hadn't realized," he said, a little embarrassed.

"Don't be. Part of the hazards of spending most of my life as a Huntress. Unfortunately, one bad mission cost me my eyes and I've been wearing these ever since."

"That is unfortunate. Still, it could be worse," he said, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Yes, assuming Cordovin isn't there."

"Cordovin?" he asked.

"Yes, she's the commander of the Atlas base at Argus as well as my personal enemy. I bring one bag of cashews onto a flight and suddenly she finds it necessary to place me on an extended screening list," she complained.

"Oh, that's… unfortunate," Naruto said, attempting to sound sympathetic.

The rest of the trip was mostly spent in silence with Naruto gazing out the window at the snow laden landscape while Maria seemed to have fallen asleep. Before long he arrived at his destination, a large modernized town set on the coast. Naruto gazed around at the architecture with wonder. While Naruto had spent some time in Mistral, Argus was a different beast altogether. The blend of Atlisian and Mistralian architecture somehow managed to mesh as well as clash in ways that made sense to the city itself. It didn't take him much time to find his way down the Atlas base. The damn thing stood out like a sore thumb looking like a giant boot sitting in the middle of the bay. Large gates prevented anyone from venturing onto the base without permission, authorization, or a specific reason for being there.

Naruto, at the very least, had a good reason for coming. Slipping into the line meant for those taking an airship overseas, he waited until he was motioned to step forward and have his bags checked by the security personnel. Two large men, with their faces mostly obscured by their hats, stepped forwards to inspect his belongings. Naruto gazed up at them, wondering if they were there to impose some sort of intimidation over anyone who might think of causing trouble. All it did was cause Naruto to try and stifle the laugh he had at how comical the two of them looked and acted.

"Sir, you'll need to check that sword," one of them said, motioning to the Katana strapped to Naruto's hip.

"Uh, sorry, can't. It's a family heirloom. Wouldn't want it getting damaged during the flight," he lied.

"Unacceptable. Our commander has instructed that all weapons are to be checked on the airship, no acceptations," his twin chimed in.

Naruto cringed, not quite sure how he was going to get out of this. He's learned from Hyorinmaru that he was very particular about who handled him with his "attack" against the bandit who had tried to steel him being one such example. He could talk with him and try to get him to let the guards take him, at least for the flight, but he doubted the Frost Dragon would be very accommodating.

"Look guys, seriously, I have to have this on my person at all times," he said, placing a protective hand on the weapon.

"What's going on here?" A shrill voice called out.

At the sound of the voice the two guards stood erect, their hands coming up in a salute. Naruto looked at them curiously before looking towards the tiny woman who was making her way over to them. Naruto was having a bad case of deja vu as he gazed down at her. She was a tiny woman, dressed in an Atlas military uniform with Commander Officer Insignia pinned to her lapel. Her hair was grey and cut short, probably due to regulations and her expression was neutral, bordering on board. She approached them, the two men holding their salutes until she gave them a nod, allowing them to relax which he assumed they did, though their stature didn't change.

"What's going on here? Why hasn't that man's weapon been checked?"

"Commander Cordovin, he refuses to relinquish his weapon," one of the soldiers replied.

"I think this is all just a misunderstanding," he began but was interrupted by their commander.

"There is no misunderstanding. I ordered all weapons to be checked with no exceptions and you are disobeying that protocol. Either check your weapon or I will have you removed from the premises," she said sharply.

Naruto's warm smile quickly died as he realized there was no negotiating with this woman. He took a moment to consider his options, wondering how he might explain his weapon "attacking" one of her men when they went to handle it or if it would be better to leave and attempt to get to Atlas through some other means. It seemed he was taking too long as Cordovin looked to have made up her own mind but he was quickly rescued by the most unlikely of allies.

"There you are. You should have told me you were checking early. Sorry to keep you waiting, Cordovin's extended screening policy is a nightmare to get through. Gods curse that bitch," Maria said, hobbling up to Naruto as he starred down at her with a confused expression.

Maria seemed not to notice as she starred up at him with that warm, comforting smile all grandmothers seemed to have mastered before turning her gaze on a now scowling Cordovin.

"Oh, speak of the devil and she shall appear. I'm surprised I didn't smell any sulfur or brimstone that typically warns of your arrival, Cordovin," she said.

"Maria Calavera. I take it you know this miscreant?" she asked, motioning to Naruto.

"Of course I do. He's my grandson," she replied matter-of-factly.

Naruto's confused look deepened, wondering what the woman was getting at by stating something that was obviously a lie.

"Grandson?" Cordovin said, looking between him and Maria in an attempt to pick out the resemblance.

Or maybe the lie was just obvious to him?

"Yep, family lives out in Vacuo. Came out here to train in preparation for his initiation at Shade next year. I was helping him to hone his skills and he's offered to escort me to my eye appointment," she replied, tapping her goggles for emphasis.

"I see," she said, glancing up at Naruto with a renewed look of distain. "Regardless of his heritage, the boy still needs to check his weapon. No exceptions."

"Can't do that," Maria said.

"And why not?" Cordovin countered.

"It's part of his training. The sword is a family heirloom, going all the way back to the days of the Great War. Lot of history in it. Wouldn't want one of your boys fumbling and chipping it now would we?" she asked.

"I can assure you my men are extremely competent and will endeavor to ensure the weapon arrives at its destination unharmed."

"So you say but I've heard reports of higher Grimm sightings all along our route," Maria said, raising her voice so that the other passengers could hear her. "Would be a shame if we were attacked by some Nevermore or Lancers and the only huntsman trained passenger was unable to help because Atlas policy required he check his weapon."

Cordovin cringed as she heard the hushed and frantic whispers of the other passengers, their panic already spelling bad news for the flight.

"I can assure you all Atlas is more than equipped to handle any Grimm threat we might encounter along our route," Cordovin said, attempting to calm them down.

"Would you bet your life on it?" Maria challenged, dividing the crowd and putting Cordovin in a bad spot.

"Let him through," she said, waving her hand.

"But ma'am," one of her men attempted to argue.

"Are you questioning my orders?" she snapped.

"No commander," he said, snapping a salute before quickly closing up Naruto's luggage. "You're clear to board sir. Have a nice flight."

Naruto nodded his affirmation before grabbing his luggage and making his way towards the airship, slowing his pace so Maria could keep up with him and maintain the guise of them being family. As soon as they had boarded he stowed his luggage under his seat while keeping his hands on his Katana. As soon as Maria had pulled herself up on her seat he leaned over to whisper to her discreetly.

"Grandson, huh?"

"Would you have preferred I'd designated you as my lover?" she asked.

Naruto shivered, hearing a chuckle from Maria in response.

"Cordovin has always had Atlas policy wedged up her butt. I knew she wasn't going to budge unless I intervened. You're welcome, by the way."

"Yes, thank you, I owe you one for that," he replied.

"Think nothing of it," she said, waving it off. "That sword's important to you, isn't it?" she asked.

"Yea, you might say it has a mind of its own," he replied, glancing down at Hyorinmaru.

"I know what you mean. I guess it's something unique to the Huntsman culture but, once you've worked with a weapon for a time, you start to think of them less as a tool and more of a person, like they have a personality all their own to go along with their history."

"I know what you mean," Naruto agreed. "I do have one question, though. Why help me? You had no reason to so why step in?"

"You mean aside from ruffle Cordovin's feathers a bit?" she asked, with Naruto nodding back in affirmation. "I like you, kid. It's part of the reason I choose to share a train car with you. I took one look at you and knew you were someone I'd take a shine to."

"Just from a look?" he asked, not at all convinced.

"Of course. Why not?" she said, giving him her signature grandmotherly smile.

/-/

Mantle – Tundra trading port

It was several hours before the airship landed safely at their destination. Despite the tense atmosphere, courtesy of Maria, they didn't encounter any Grimm along the way. This would have been a blessing in Naruto's books were in not for the woman sitting next to him. All attempts he'd made to try and sleep were interrupted by her either telling him one her many stories regarding her and her ever evolving conflict with Cordovin or the simple fact that she had once again snuck a bag of cashews on board the airship (how she had managed that, he honestly didn't want to know) and, being her "grandson," was required to somehow get her out of the situation. Once they landed, however, Naruto offered her a quick goodbye before grabbing his luggage and making a beeline for his hotel. The sooner they parted ways the better.

After a hot meal and a warm shower, he settled himself down to sleep. Being along the coast of Mantle, the sky had already turned dark, making it relatively easy to fall asleep. He must have dozed off at some point, Hyorinmaru clutched to his chest, when a shrill blaring sound from outside roused him from his sleep. Naruto snorted, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he stumbled towards the frost covered windows. Outside he could see people leaving the buildings, heading towards what looked to be a large bunker. Large flood lights along the wall light up the night, passing over the frozen open tundra in search of something.

"What the hell's going on?" he grumbled.

"Naruto, you better get out there. I can sense something coming," he heard Kurama reply.

"What do you mean something?" he asked, suddenly awake and alert.

"Grimm, from what I can sense. A lot of them too. There's something else but I can't quite figure out what it is."

He didn't need to be told twice, quickly slipping on his warmer clothing before racing outside. As people ran past him towards the bunker, Naruto moved in the opposite direction, climbing the wall so he had a better view of what was coming. It was difficult to tell at first but slowly a black mass began making its way towards the village. Large catlike Grimm, with long bone teeth protruding down past their lower lips and an inch or two further, padded quickly across the frozen ground.

Already, large automated guns atop the wall had sprung to life, their erratic movements causing the ice and snow that had collected on them in their dormancy cascading off them as they began firing at the approaching Grimm force. The weapons were effective, mowing down countless Grimm before they even made it halfway across the open ground but there was a problem. The guns had a limited supply of ammo and the Grimm number didn't appear to be dropping anytime soon. Before long one would have to give out to the other and Naruto had a feeling it wouldn't be the Grimm.

"Hyorinmaru, can I ask you something?"

"I take it it's in regards to the creatures assaulting our position," the Frost Dragon replied.

"Yea, would you be able to create a wall of ice as thick as this one and just as long? I want to give everyone here the greatest advantage and hopefully ensure anyone on their way will have more time."

"Naruto, my abilities are the greatest of any Ice Entity. Even without water molecules present in the air, I am still capable of generating ice on a massive scale. Now, being surrounded my ice, my abilities will be without parallel. I can do what you ask and more should you require it."

"Alright then, let's do this," Naruto said, leaping down from the wall and racing towards the Grimm.

If anyone had yelled out to him, warning him off what he was doing, he didn't hear it. Between the roaring of the cannons and the cries of the Grimm, all other sound had been drowned out. Naruto's feet beat heavily against the frozen ground, the chilled night air ensuring the freshly fallen snow had frozen over, making it easier for the Grimm to traverse over it with their claws. Naruto was about to make it that much harder. Keeping a good distance away from the Grimm, he drew Hyorinmaru from its sheath before calling on him for aid.

"Rise over the frosted heavens, Hyorinmaru!"

At his words the sword visibly changed, Naruto's body being charged with immense energy shared between himself and the frost dragon. Feeling the surge, he quickly envisioned a wall of ice several feet high and just as thick before swinging the sword in a horizontal arc. To anyone watching, the effect from his sword would have been chalked up to an expert usage of ice Dust. Light blue energy cascaded from the blade, causing a massive wall to appear before him. What few Grimm had made their way atop or past it were quickly torn to shreds by the gun turrets but none more made any attempts to climb the structure or smash their way through, a detail Naruto found rather odd.

"Hyorinmaru, I'm guessing you did something more that I'm not aware of?"

"Indeed. In addition to the wall I lined the opposite side with icicles three to four feet thick going all the way up and running the entire length of it. They'll be hard pressed to climb it, let alone attack. Any that do will simply be wasting their time."

Naruto couldn't help but smirk at his explanation. It was more than what Naruto was hoping to achieve which was a good thing. So long as the Grimm were safely held at bay until Atlas forces came to mop up the rest, it was good enough for him. At the same time the turrets had ceased firing, another blessing considering that their gun fire might just punch a few holes in his wall, making it easier for the Grimm to find a way through and redouble their efforts for the assault.

Making his way back towards the wall, Naruto saw some figures standing there waiting for him. One looked to be an Atlas officer, possibly the one stationed here to watch over the town and make sure the turrets were kept in working condition. He was flanked by several white figures and as he drew closer he recognized them as Atlisian Knights, the military's signature frontline tool. Being robots and thus not real people, they were a disposable asset that Atlas used in conjunction with their regular forces, sacrificing them to the Grimm while ensuring the real flesh and blood troops remained safe from any harm. As he approached, Naruto sheathed his sword. The hand the soldier had set protectively on his weapon was lowered and he nodded as he approached.

"Nice work out there. Very impressive stuff," he said, nodding his in indication to the wall of ice.

"Just figured I'd lend a hand," Naruto replied simply.

"I'd say you did more than that. The Grimm will be held off either until they circle around or break through. Currently, I haven't received any warning signals from the turrets further down the wall so I don't think they've thought to loop around."

"Any reinforcements?" he asked.

"Yes, all the way from Atlas too. They're being led by a specialist. Makes sense considering this is a major shipping port for the SDC."

"The SDC?"

"Yea, the Schnee Dust Company. It doesn't surprise me they'd send one of their own to make sure one of their assets is handled properly."

Naruto had to agree. It made sense that a large company such as theirs which spanned the whole of Remnant would want one of its major trading ports handled by someone who was familiar with their work. He could only wonder who they were sending and what they would have to say. Maybe he could learn something from them or hitch a ride to Atlas? His thoughts were quickly cut short by the sound of something bashing against the wall. Naruto looked back along with the officer, gazing at the wall of ice. The whole of it was shaking violently and bit by bit cracks could be seen grouped in one area, growing bigger and spreading out as the thumping continued.

"Kurama?" he asked, sending his thoughts to the Fox Demon within himself.

"It's a Grimm, a big one. I sensed it earlier but it was too far away to make out among the others. Damn thing's going to break through the ice wall and this one if we don't intervene."

"What the hell's going on?" the officer shouted.

"A Grimm. A big one," Naruto answered, echoing what he'd just been informed of.

"All the way out here? That's impossible! We don't get Grimm of that size all the way out here! Our turrets won't be enough to slow the damn thing down!"

"They won't have to," Naruto replied, removing Hyorinmaru from his sheath once more. "Can you program the turrets to target the small Grimm only?"

"Well, yea, just have to reset the targeting parameters. You're not thinking of taking that thing on your own, are you?"

"You have any better ideas?" Naruto asked, the officer falling silent under his gaze. "I'm not stupid enough to think I can kill it on my own. Best I'm hoping for is that I can keep it busy until our reinforcements arrive. How long until they get here?"

"About four to five minutes but that's still a long time to handle one massive Grimm on your own."

"Just keep the little ones off my back and away from the main wall. I'll handle the rest," Naruto said, racing back towards the wall before the man could try to talk him out of it.

Naruto quickly recited the chant once more, causing the sword to shift into its awakened form. The closer he moved to the wall the more Naruto felt the shockwaves from the Grimm's battering, its attacks causing the very ground beneath his feet to quake. Holding Hyorinmaru firmly in his hands, he stared across the field at the hole that was about to burst forth, prepping himself for the ensuing battle to come.

"Hyorinmaru, I'm going to be relying on your power to get me through this fight," he said.

"That seems fairly obvious. I'll back you up as best I can. We should consider ourselves lucky that this climate works so well in conjunction with my powers."

"Yea, couldn't have asked for better circumstances," Naruto replied. "By the way, thanks for not chiding me or calling me foolish for going in alone. Most people would think what I'm doing to be very foolish."

"That's because it is," Hyorinmaru replied. "However, your choice to stand and face your foe, despite how much weaker you maybe compared to them, shows more courage than I've seen in others, living or dead. You have my respect for that, Naruto."

Naruto couldn't help but feel a little bolstered by the Dragon's words. In truth he was scarred beyond belief. He had no idea what was breaking through on the other side but it had to be massive and powerful not to mention intelligent to have survived out here for so long. Gazing at the wall he could tell it was one last smack away from caving and then he would have to face off against his new opponent. Sure enough, with one last colossal smack, the ice shattered, sending snow and shards of ice in all directions. Naruto used his free hand to shield himself from the ice, Kurama's chakra kicking in to quickly heal the small cuts he received from the glass like shards.

A behemoth of a Grimm stepped forward, towering over Naruto and reaching nearly up to level with the top of his ice wall. Naruto recognized the beast instantly, having read about it from some of the books Raven had "liberated" for him during his time with her tribe. It was a Goliath, an elephant like Grimm that seldom, if ever, strayed towards cities or settlements. They weren't often seen, with most hunters going their entire career without encountering one. It was usually those who liked to venture out into the wilds who came across these behemoths, with only the most skilled ever living to tell about them, let alone bring one down.

He starred up at the massive mask of white bone, the red markings on it being the only indication he had of it having eyes. If it did, they were probably on the side of its head. The beast moved forward, shaking the ground with every step, before raising its trunk and bellowing out a long, loud trumpet. Naruto covered one of his ears with his free hand, his grip on Hyorinmaru tightening. Like a swarm of bugs billowing out from their uncovered nest, the other smaller Grimm began pouring from the wound the Goliath had made in his wall. Surprisingly they ignored him completely, instead making their way towards the town wall. To his credit, while there was now a gaping hole in the wall of ice he'd made, it still made things difficult for the rest of the Grimm, ensuring only a certain amount of them could make it through at a time and making them an easier target for the turrets to target and eliminate.

Without waiting for an invitation, Naruto sprinted forward, aiming to duck under the Grimm's legs and out of its field of vision. Unfortunately, it noticed him immediately, swinging its trunk at the ground to try and impede him. Naruto managed to dodge out of the way, ignoring the snow and ice that pelted him from the creature's attack, before sliding down between its massive legs. With Hyorinmaru clutched in his hands, he swung at the backs of its legs in an attempt to sever its tendons. Black blood flowed from the wounds but they seemed to have no effect on the creature aside from infuriating it further. It stomped at the ground, attempting to squash him like an annoying bug under its feet. Realizing that he may very well end up crushed underfoot, he quickly made his way out from under it, expecting to come out at its rear only to have the creature turn to focus him in its sights.

"Naruto jump!" he heard Hyorinmaru order.

He didn't need to be told twice, focusing what reishi he could muster under his feet and using it to propel himself upwards. He dodged just as the Goliath's trunk slammed onto the ground he'd occupied, with Naruto breathing a sigh of relief at having evaded its attack. Seeing an opportunity, he aimed for its back, landing on top and out of range of the creature.

"I should be safe up here," he said, taking a moment to catch his breath.

The moment didn't last long, however, as the Goliath immediately sensed his presence and began rampaging in an attempt to dislodge him. Naruto panicked, looking for anything that might help him stay on top, and finally thrust Hyorinmaru deep into its back in an effort to keep him stable. This only served to enrage the Grimm further, as it lurched back, attempting to buck him off. Despite its enormous size, its movements were still powerful enough to throw Naruto around. Bouncing around on the creature's back, he could only hold onto Hyorinmaru's hilt in desperation to remain on the beast. Unfortunately, Hyorinmaru soon dislodged from its place and he along with Naruto were sent flying onto the hard packed snow. Struggling to rise to his feet, the Goliath loomed over him, rearing back on its hind legs as it prepared to stomp him into paste.

"Naruto, attack, now!" Hyorinmaru shouted.

Surging to his feet, Naruto did as he was instructed, planting the blade into the giant's exposed underbelly. He felt a surge of energy travel through the sword before the creature stopped mid drop, shuttering in a manner that was quite strange. Naruto soon realized the reason why as ice burst from the creature's back and torso, inked black as it mixed with its blood. Retracting Hyorinmaru, Naruto quickly put some distance between himself and the Grimm as its massive form fell forward, gravity having taken over, and it collapsed in a heap on the ground before it began to slowly dissolve into black flakes.

"Thanks… for the… assist," Naruto panted.

"Don't. I need you alive in order to operate in this world. It was simply a matter of circumstance."

"Whatever," Naruto grumbled, his words being drowned out by the sound of bullheads flying overhead.

It seemed the promised reinforcements had arrived as they flew low, using their mounted guns to slice through the remaining Grimm like swish cheese. Those that remained were quickly moped up by the wall turrets, their corpses left to dissolve out on the open tundra. Taking one last fly by to ensure they'd eliminated all of the Grimm, the bullheads changed their course for the town, landing in the open fields' just outside. Naruto began making his way back when the officer he'd met with earlier came running up to him, nearly out of breath when he finally reached him.

"That… was incredible!" the man said between pants.

"Uh, thanks?" Naruto replied, scratching the back of his head. "Honestly, I only meant to slow it down. Didn't think I'd actually be able to kill the damn thing."

"Well, it was impressive enough. The specialist they sent along wishes to speak with you. Apparently, your little show out there caught her attention."

"The specialist is a woman?" Naruto asked, a bit surprised.

Naruto followed the officer out to the bullheads landing zone. Already, several Atlas soldiers along with Atlisian knights had exited the aircraft, creating a perimeter as they took stock of the damage caused by the Grimm. Among them the lone woman, who Naruto assumed was the specialist stood out. She stood erect, barking out orders with a stern expression. He weapon, a saber from what he could see, was strapped to her hip. What stuck out more, however, was her hair which blended in almost perfectly with the surrounding ice and snow.

"Specialist Schnee," the officer said, giving her a sharp salute which the woman returned with a small nod. "This is the young man who took down the Goliath."

"Uzumaki Naruto," he introduced himself, extending his hand in expectation of a handshake.

The woman starred at it, cocking an eyebrow, and leaving Naruto to wonder if he'd done something wrong but eventually took it and gave it a firm shake before he could retract it.

"Specialist Winter Schnee. Impressive work out there. Where were you trained?" she asked.

"Self-taught actually," he replied, causing the woman's eyebrow to rise higher, if it even could.

"Really? Not many Huntsman have the skill to take on a Goliath alone, let alone best one."

"I honestly didn't expect I'd be able to kill it. I was actually hoping to slow it down until you arrived to take care of it."

"A sound strategy. A bit reckless but noble nonetheless," she said, turning her gaze towards the town. "You helped to defend this town and its inhabitants. Your actions are noble enough, though my father has asked to meet with you in person. Tundra is an important trading port for my family and he wishes to meet the man who so fearlessly defended one of his assets."

"I'd be honored?" Naruto said, not quite sure if it was a good thing. "When does he want to meet with me?"

"As soon as possible. I'll give you a lift back on my personal transport. Collect your things and give them to my men, they'll take care of them for you. Once I've acquired all the evidence I need for my report, we'll be on our way to Atlas."

"Thanks," Naruto replied, not quite sure how he felt about the whole thing.


I'm finding that as I work more and more on this particular story I've adopted, I'm coming to like it more and more. I was hoping to have the interaction between Naruto and Weiss in this chapter but I've settled for the next one. There'll be one other member from team RWBY he'll be meeting later on as well. Start taking bets on who it will be. I bet most of you won't know.

I hope people liked the little addition of Maria to the story. I figured adding her could add a bit of comedy to the story. Plus, it really helped when Naruto had some trouble getting past the Atlisian soldiers at the base. It would make sense to me that Maria might attempt to help someone by claiming they were a distant relative or something similar.

The fight between Naruto and the Grimm changed a bit. Honestly, I was going to have some interaction with the White Fang in here but as things progressed I decided against it, instead switching to a fight between him and the Goliath. It makes sense to me that the Grimm like it would be in Mantle. They could be similar to mammoths which typically were found in frozen tundra so having it there just made sense.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I have yet another to "My Sister's Keeper" coming up after this. Looking forward to hearing what you all think of it.