"Speaking"
'Thinking'
"Attacking/Beast"
Volume 0: Chapter 2. True Colors of Crimson
(Six years later, Naruto age 15)
Taking slow and steady breaths, Naruto gently rested his hands overtop a pair of weapons at each of his hips. No longer was he the small and brash child of his youth. Now Naruto was older and more refined thanks to his father's militaristic parenting, but the gleam in his cerulean iris's showed the subtle hint of his mischievous side. However, despite his eyes holding a flicker of mischief his mind was sharp and already analyzing everything before him. A habit he had picked up over the years from working under Doctor Polendina.
His posture was of course relaxed, which left the blond ready to pounce at a moment's notice. This was something that was drilled into him over the years by Clover. Who was without a doubt responsible for Naruto's fighting style and impressive physique. Considering as even though Naruto was loose his muscles still seemed to tightly show through his clothing.
For his choice of clothing, Naruto due to his position as Doctor Polendina's assistant and being the son of General Ironwood tended to dress in a more professional manner. So it was rather normal to see Naruto wearing a dark black suit with some sort of random tie combination depending upon how he felt that day. However, during times of training Naruto would discard portions of his ensemble, which was why Naruto was currently dressed in a pair of black dress pants and matching dress shoes, while he wore a white buttoned up shirt with rolled cuffs. Complete of course with a light blue tie that perfectly matched his eyes.
"Are you going to stand there all day imbecile or are we going to do this?" A familiar and crude voice asked, which earned a slight smirk from Naruto. Since standing across from him with a weapon in hand was his childhood friend Winter Schnee.
Though Winter much like Naruto wasn't the same child from six years ago. Now the young heiress had developed from a small girl into a young woman and was one of the most beautiful women within the entire kingdom. Who had countless suitors fiending for her attention, but Winter was more focused on her huntress career to even bother with such trivial matters. Something which was highlighted in her choice of fashion, as instead of fancy or expensive clothing. Winter was always found in an Atlas cadet uniform, as her dream was to become a special operative within the Atlas military. Of course there was another reason for her ignoring all the men fighting for her affection, but that reason was one she would rather die than admit.
"Well looks like someone is in an awful hurry to get her ass kicked-. . . Again." Naruto snickered loudly, as he watched the girl turn red in anger.
"I swear one of these days I'll shut that mouth of yours up." Winter replied in a stern voice, while she pointed her weapon at the blond. The latter of which was a one handed dueling saber. A weapon that the girl was very proficient with.
Naruto chuckled and winked at his best friend. "And one day I'll knock that stick out of your ass Ice Que-. . ."
Being cut off mid sentence, Naruto was forced to leap backwards as Winter dashed forward and tried to thrust her blade into Naruto's skull. This only made the young boy laugh and firmly grasp both weapons at his hip.
"Guess we are done talking. So let's start with the ranged test first!" Naruto yelled before pulling two handguns up and taking aim at Winter. Then without wasting another second he began to unleash fire upon the girl.
Winter to her own merit didn't falter or buckle from Naruto's ranged attack. Instead she began to leap around the training room they were in, while using her weapon to block any bullets she couldn't dodge. Eventually she maneuvered around the training room and grew closer and closer within a striking distance of Naruto.
"Your aim needs some work." Winter taunted in a smug voice, while she finally got close enough to take a swing at Naruto.
Ducking under a wide strike before leaping away from a follow up attack, Naruto smirked. "I just don't want this to end too quickly! Though you look like you're ready for the close quarters test!"
"Bring whatever you've got!"
"With pleasure." Naruto replied softly, as he clicked a small button on each handgun. This caused the grip to align with the barrel to create a sword handle, while a blade extended outward. However, each sword only had one sharp edge, but that was quickly changed the moment both blades radiated with arc light on their dull sides. Making two double edged swords in each of Naruto's hands.
These were his twin weapons in all their glory, the yellow and red pistol sword Helios and its sister weapon the white and black Selene.
"Hmm so you finally worked out the kinks with the arc light dust." Winter began with a slight smirk on her face, while she and Naruto crossed blades. "Or did Doctor Polendina do all the work again?"
"Your words hurt Ice Queen." Naruto replied in a sarcastic tone, while the duo exchanged a few quick strikes before locking their blades once more. "Don't you have any faith in me?"
"Considering in the last ten years I've yet to meet a bigger imbecile than you. No."
"Last time I checked this imbecile scored better than you on our last exam. So what's that make you? The biggest fool of Atlas?" Naruto taunted with a light laugh, while hoping Winter would take his bait and slip up.
"If you think I'll fall for your mediocre attempt to insult me and catch me off guard you're mistaken. I've spent more than enough time around you to see through that."
Naruto merely pushed his weight into his swords and forced Winter to stagger backwards by the sheer force of his strength. Then with a giant grin on his face, Naruto leaned forward to where his face was mere inches from Winters. A closeness that caused the slowly retreating girl to blush and lose her focus.
"I think you're underestimating my ability to get under your skin Winter." Naruto began in a soft and teasing tone, while using the girl's actual name for a rare instance. "After all, I know you better than anyone else."
"S-shut up!" Winter yelled loudly, while a small white glyph appeared under Naruto's feet. Weighing the blond down and making him feel more heavy and slow. This of course caused Naruto to scoff and lift his brow.
"Already resorting to your semblance? That didn't take long." Naruto grumbled before being forced to dodge a fast slash to the side from Winter.
"Just quit jabbering and fight!"
Naruto made a soft pout. "But I enjoy our little banters."
Winter, refusing to give in to what Naruto wanted by saying anything, simply allowed her weapon to do the talking for her. An action that quickly locked the two in a more intense trade off of sword clashes than before. One where Naruto would initiate with powerful, but slowed strikes. Meanwhile Winter would counter with quick and agile movements, which caused the two to move about the training room in a whirlwind of sword strikes.
However, as their battle prolonged it looked less and less like a battle of blades and more like an elegant dance. This was a byproduct of both Naruto and Winter knowing each other completely, as over the years they memorized each other's fighting styles down to the very twitch of their movements. So despite the fact that a single mishap could result in a serious injury due to the ferocity of their spar that outcome would never happen. Since even at times it appeared like one would be in serious trouble or was about to get sliced they would move with just enough room to keep the pressure going and avoid an injury.
Regardless of that fact, as their exchange grew longer and longer both teenagers began to show slight exhaustion. Naruto was doing much better than Winter, as he only had mild sweating and shortness of breath. The heiress on the other hand looked like she could kill over any moment. So as the two stopped and locked blades, Naruto merely grinned at the girl's condition.
"Ready to admit your defeat, Ice Queen?"
Taking a deep breath, Winter sent Naruto a death glare. "I'm ending this now!"
"Funny I was about to say the same thing."
Winter clicked her teeth and created a glyph under her feet, which resulted in the girl dashing backwards in a burst of speed. Then once there was enough space between her and Naruto, Winter focused on her semblance and closed her eyes.
"Let's see how you handle this!" Winter yelled out, as she summoned a white Beowolf that unleashed a loud roar upon its conjuring.
"Hmm looks like the perfect candidate for the final test." Naruto chuckled happily, as he snapped the handles of his weapons together to make a v-shape. Then as each of the arc light blades were facing inward they expanded outward to form an arc light shield. "Give me all you got Ice Queen!"
Winter scoffed and pointed forward with her weapon. "Oh I will." The girl replied, while the Grimm summon began to charge after Naruto. The latter of whom didn't back down and held his ground, which resulted in the Beowolf leaping forward and slashing downward onto the blond.
Naruto bracing himself blocked the summon with his arc shield and smirked, as the weapon easily took the impact of the blow. "And for the big finish!" Naruto began, as he clicked a small button on his weapon. Causing a backlash of built up energy to pulse outwards from the shield and shatter the Grimm summon into pieces.
"What!" Winter yelled in astonishment, while Naruto shifted his weapon back into their duel sword mode.
"Here I come!" Naruto roared loudly, as he sprung forward with an insane burst of speed and threw one sword directly between Winter's legs.
Winter being completely off guard staggered backwards and tried to regain her fighting stance. However, the girl quickly found her back literally against the wall with nowhere else to go.
"Damnit." Winter cursed, while she desperately lifted her sword up to defend herself. Unfortunately for her, Naruto was already within her personal space and managed to grab Winter's wrist and slam her arm into the wall. Effectively pinning her weapon in place by doing so, while his other hand stabbed his second sword mere inches from Winter's face.
"Well Ice Queen." Naruto began with a smug grin, while he leaned forward to whisper into her ear. "Ready to admit defeat now?"
Slightly shuddering from the blond's breath inside her ear, Winter scowled. "I'd rather die." The girl declared in a flustered voice, as she rose her foot and stomped down onto Naruto's own. Making the blond wince and slightly grit his teeth.
"Ever the sore loser aren't we Ice Queen?" Naruto replied in an annoyed voice, while he released his hold and stepped back.
Watching Naruto holster his weapons, Winter decided to sheath her blade. "Oh spare me imbecile, you're just as much of a sore loser as I am."
Naruto chuckled and folded his arms. "So you're admitting I beat you!"
Winter rolled her eyes and huffed. "I'm admitting that this spar is over. Nothing more, nothing less. Though I must give you some credit, your weapons are quite remarkable. I was genuinely surprised by how well you managed to make your ideas come to life."
Looking at Winter with a dropped jaw, Naruto grabbed one of his weapons and allowed it to fall out of his grasp and smack against the ground.
"What are you doing?" Winter asked, as she watched Naruto bend down to grab the weapon.
"Sorry." Naruto replied as he waved the girl off. "You complimented me, so I wanted to see if gravity was still working."
Winter narrowed her eyes and groaned. "By the Gods you're insufferable."
"And like that the universe is back in balance." Naruto chuckled in a cheeky tone, which made Winter stomp off. Of course she didn't make it far alone, as Naruto easily followed her lead with his arms held outward. "Aww don't be like that Ice Queen! I was even about to thank you for helping me test out my weapons!"
Slowly approaching the exit of the training room, Winter glanced back to her lifelong friend. "What gratitude from you? Maybe something is wrong with the universe after all."
Naruto rolled his eyes and blew some air between his lips. "Haha very funny Ice Queen." The blond grumbled sarcastically.
Holding her head up high, Winter merely scoffed and opened the exit to the room. Where a young white haired girl was waiting for both teens.
"That was a marvelous spar Winter! Thank you for letting me watch." The voice of Winter's younger sister Weiss began, while she took a bow of respect before the girl.
"You're welcome Weiss, I hope you learned a good amount from observing me and the imbecile." Winter replied in a firm tone, while the younger sister merely nodded.
"Yes I did and Naruto thank you as well. This was my first time seeing you in action, but you're just as impressive as Winter says you are." Weiss revealed much to the horror of Winter and the amusement of Naruto.
"Oh so the Ice Queen brags about me does she?" Naruto asked with a giant grin, while looking directly at the blushing and babbling Winter.
"As if! If anything Weiss must hear me complain about how annoying and arrogant you are." Winter shot back, which made Naruto shake his head.
"If you say so." Naruto mumbled before clapping his hands together. "But I don't know about you two, I for one am starving! So how about we go get some food?"
Weiss beamed with excitement and took a bow. "I would love to!"
Naruto grinned ear to ear and looked to Winter. "And how about you Ice Queen?"
Winter frowned and looked down, which was a look Naruto has seen from the girl before. "I cannot, I have an appointed meeting with Father." The girl began, as she saw the visible disappoint upon her sister's face. "Perhaps another time?"
Naruto nodded and folded his arms. "Are you going to talk to him about what you spoke with me about?"
Winter merely nodded, while Weiss looked absolutely confused.
"What are you two talking about?"
"Big kid stuff." Naruto answered, while he ruffled the top of the youngest sister's hair. "Nothing you need to worry about, but since your sister is busy why don't you and I go for lunch. It's been forever since you and I have got to spend some time together."
Weiss was practically jumping with excitement, while Winter had to admit Naruto had a talent for distractions. As she knew exactly what the blond was doing, which was moving Weiss away from the topic of her speaking to their father.
"That would be delightful! Can I Winter?"
Said girl in question closed her eyes and sighed, it would be best for her to see their father alone. So Naruto was giving her a good opportunity, which she couldn't pass up. Especially since Winter knew that Weiss couldn't be in better hands, as despite their constant bickering there wasn't a person in Atlas Winter trusted more than Naruto.
"Only if you promise to not get caught up in his idiotic schemes." Winter declared, while she looked directly at Naruto. "And you don't pull my sister into any of your shenanigans."
"Oh you're no fun Ice Queen. You make me sound like some sort of bad influence!"
"That's because you are a bad influence!"
Naruto folded his arms and rolled his eyes. "If anything maybe I can save Weiss from developing a massive stick up her ass like her sister."
Resting her hands onto her hips and leaning into Naruto, Winter looked at her friend with a rather annoyed expression. "You don't know when to shut your mouth do you?"
"Nope!" Naruto snickered as he brushed Winter off and rested a hand onto Weiss. "But don't worry I'll look after Weiss and in return she can tell me all the fun stuff her big sister has said about me!"
"Oh I can tell you lots!" Weiss declared in an upbeat voice.
Winter was bright red in embarrassment, while a laughing Naruto was pushing Weiss along away from her sister. However, for a small moment Naruto stepped away from Weiss and walked up to Winter and grabbed her hand. Then by giving a small squeeze to the girl's hand he smiled.
"Good luck Winter, I know you got this." Naruto began, as he released her hand and walked away with Weiss. Never staying long enough to hear her reply, as he knew Winter well enough to already know what she would say.
"You idiot." The heiress mumbled to herself, as the blond and her sister were already long gone. Though as Winter brought the hand Naruto squeezed against her chest she smiled. "Thank you."
(With Naruto and Weiss)
Walking together down the streets of Atlas, Naruto and Weiss were both making their way towards a transport ship that could take them down to Mantle. This was because Naruto insisted that they take a trip down to his favorite ramen shop. As the duo walked they turned many heads, as the son of General Ironwood and one of the Schnee heiresses were a high profile pair to come across. So the two often found people practically kissing the ground they walked on and giving all too friendly greetings. Weiss seemed to enjoy this treatment and soaked it in, while Naruto just seemed annoyed and kept his focus forward. Eventually after having their third run in with another group of ass kissers, Weiss turned and looked up to Naruto.
"You know Naruto I've been meaning to ask you something."
"Well ask away kiddo."
Weiss nodded and pointed to the weapons at Naruto's hips. "What made you make the weapons you have? I mean they took forever to finish. I know Winter built her weapon in a little over a year compared to the six years it took you."
"Well when I first started I didn't know what I wanted my weapons to be. Since unlike Winter I don't have a semblance unlocked, which made thinking of weapon ideas hard. Luckily my Dad gave me some good advice and told me to think of the type of huntsman I want to be. As such I decided years ago I wanted to be a huntsman who could do it all. So I designed my weapons to reflect that. Duel pistols for long range encounters, a sword mode for close quarters and a functioning shield for defense. Of course Doctor Polendina helped modify my original design, like how my weapon's shield mode can release a shockwave discharge after taking significant enough damage."
Weiss seemed impressed by Naruto's explanation and could see why her sister held the blond in such high regards. This wasn't her first time speaking with Naruto, but was her first time actually getting a chance to see how the blond's mind worked.
"That's really remarkable Naruto! I always planned to create a weapon more simplistic like Winter's. Though now I'm starting to think that I should try harder to make something special."
Naruto nodded and placed a finger to his cheek, as his mind began to think. "There is nothing wrong with simplistic, as long as the weapon is right for you. Perhaps you could keep the weapon simple like Winter's weapon, but maybe add a mechanism that allows a more versatile use of dust to compliment your semblance."
"That's a great idea Naruto, I'll definitely take that in mind when making my weapon!" Weiss replied as she was practically glowing with joy. "I can see why Winter always says you two will be the best students to ever enter Atlas Academy!"
Naruto seemed a little off from the comment and placed his hands into his pockets. "So the Ice Queen is that full of herself, but I'm surprised she included me. From my experience she would rather die than admit I'm good at anything."
"Of course! Winter always tells me how smart and talented you are." Weiss began in a matter of fact tone, while Naruto glanced out of the corner of his eye to the girl. "She's told me countless times that you're the only person she believes is worthy to take over for your father once he is ready to retire. That's why she wants to join the Atlas military so bad, as she wants to support your future career in Atlas."
"Is that so?" Naruto mumbled in a low voice, as Weiss was surprised to see that the older teenager didn't care too much for her words. "Leave it to the Ice Queen to already decide my future school and profession."
"Do you not want to attend Atlas Academy or succeed your father?" Weiss asked in a confused voice, which made Naruto chuckle and shake his head.
"You know you're the first person to ask me that question." Naruto began softly, as his eyes gazed upwards to the sky above.
"Well do you?"
Taking a deep breath and having a moment to himself, Naruto eventually looked back down to Weiss. "Don't get me wrong Weiss, I love Atlas and my father both. However, for the last fifteen years I've been Naruto Ironwood, the son of the great General Ironwood. Because of that I've always been treated with a certain set of expectations. I mean your sister is a prime example, she's my best friend and treats me like my own person. Unfortunately at the same time she still keeps the same standards for me that everyone else has my whole life. It's expected of me to join Atlas Academy and become a top huntsman. It's expected of me to one day follow my father's footsteps and become General Naruto Ironwood."
"But you don't want that." Weiss pointed out, but was surprised as Naruto shook his head.
"That's the thing Weiss, I don't know what I want in life and I'm afraid I'll never find what I want in Atlas. I only have one more year of combat school before I can apply for a huntsman academy and if I attend Atlas I'll most likely fall down the line that everyone has expected me to follow."
Weiss absorbed the information she was given and tilted her head with a curious expression. "Well why don't you attend an academy that isn't Atlas?"
Naruto chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. "I've thought about doing just that these past few years, but I've been scared of hurting my father or your sister with my decision. After all, they both have already clearly shown their desire for me to attend Atlas."
"But it's your decision to make. I mean I don't know your father that well, but from what Winter has told me he sounds like a man who would respect what you choose to do."
Naruto simply nodded in response. "Yeah that does sound like Dad, but your sister is a completely different story."
"She would definitely be upset, but when is she not upset with you?" Weiss pointed out, which made Naruto laugh loudly. "Besides why does it even matter what my big sister thinks?"
"Winter is special to me, she was my first and only friend that is my own age. We might fight and argue, but don't think for a second that I wouldn't place my life on the line for her. So I guess that's why I don't want to hurt her with my actions."
Weiss frowned and folded her arms with a slight pout. "Still you said you are afraid you'll never find your purpose if you stay here. So don't let your feelings for my sister keep you here. She will still love you no matter what you do."
Naruto was slightly red and held his hands out. "Woah what's with this talk about love? I think you're digging too much into my words there Weiss!"
Weiss huffed and for a second looked like a miniature Winter, which made Naruto shudder a little bit. The girl then folded her arms and gave the blond a hard stare. "You sound like my sister, but regardless you should do what you want Naruto. You'll never be happy otherwise."
"You know Weiss. For a little kid you give some good advice, but tell me this. If you were in my shoes would you leave Atlas and join an academy from a different kingdom?"
Weiss gave Naruto an honest smile, as she had known the blond before her since she was an infant. As such, Naruto had always been around as a role model and inspiration to her and even was an individual that Weiss strived to be like. Considering much like Winter she believed there wasn't a single person in Atlas as great as the blond by her side.
"Well leaving my home and family would be a strange and terrifying experience, but if I saw someone I looked up to do it. Well that would probably give me the encouragement I would need to follow their lead. And just maybe if I did that I could become someone besides another one of the Schnee Dust Company heiresses."
Naruto looked down at Weiss with a soft expression, it wasn't a direct answer to his question or one that gave him a clear decision. However, her words resonated with him and gave Naruto something to think about. This being how Weiss was very similar to himself in her own position, so if he were to take a risk and attend an academy outside of Atlas. His decision would set a path for future huntsman and huntresses like Weiss to follow.
"Well I don't have anyone to give me the encouragement to take that risk." Naruto began in an honest voice, while he lightly ruffled the top of the young girl's hair. "But maybe I can be that person for somebody else."
Weiss nodded with a wide smile. "If anyone could it would be you Naruto!"
"Well maybe I'll talk to my Dad and your sister then about how I wish to attend an academy that's not Atlas." Naruto began, as he saw an airship in the distance. "But that's a talk for another day, lets go get some ramen!"
(With Winter)
Stopping before her father's office, Winter took a deep breath to compose herself and gather her emotions. Normally Winter was strong willed and hardly ever shaken, but her father had a certain effect on her. However, after a brief moment of making sure she was in a proper state of mind, she slowly grabbed the handle and entered her father's office. Where the man was instantly found working tirelessly from his desk across the room.
"Winter." Jacques greeted, as he noticed his daughter's presence. However, the rather neutral expression on his face didn't show any signs of joy for seeing his eldest daughter. "I hope whatever you have planned to speak about with me will be quick. I'm up to my neck with extra work thanks to those filthy Faunus terrorists."
Walking into the office and standing before her father, Winter raised her brow. "Did the White Fang attack another one of our overseas dust mines?"
Jacques nodded with a bitter scowl. "Yes and this time there was blood. We lost six workers and all our on site security. So now I'm forced to clean that mess up and work around the losses this means for the company. So please can we hurry this conversation along already?"
"Of course father." Winter replied in a low voice, while she bowed before the man. "I've actually come to discuss my future as the heir to the company."
Jacques seemed mildly interested in his daughter's topic and slightly learned forward. "Oh is that so? The man asked, while he lightly scoffed. "You've been neglecting your duties to the company for the last few years now. Wasting your time with that Ironwood boy and training to be a huntress of all things. When you should have been preparing to learn the family trade and socialize with people whose future won't end by being mauled to death by Grimm."
Winter tightly gripped her fists at her father's words, but held her breath as he continued to speak.
"Regardless I'm delighted you've finally organized your priorities and have come to me. First we will take you out of that horrid combat school and get you a proper education. Then I'll arrange a meeting between yourself and a few young men from prominent families throughout the four kingdoms. You're quickly approaching the age of marriage so I'll find you a future spouse who can add assets to the family business. And then-. . ."
"Father." Winter cut in, as she had finally heard enough. "You're misinterpreting my actions for this meeting."
With that being said any interest shown on Jacques face disappeared and the man simply glared at his daughter with a blank expression.
"Then explain yourself to me."
Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, Winter slowly exhaled and looked at her father with a look of conviction. "I'm forfeiting my right as heiress of the Schnee Dust Company. From today onward I will be placing all my focus and energy into becoming an Atlas soldier."
There was a long silence, as Winter waited for her father to say something or at least show some kind of emotion to her decision. However, the man couldn't have appeared to care less and placed his main attention back to the work at his desk.
"Well that was indeed a waste of my valuable time." Jacques finally began, as he didn't spare his daughter a single look. "However, you're free to do as you wish Winter. I have two other children that can take your place in the company."
Winter gritted her teeth, she wanted her father to yell at her. She wanted him to demand she follow his rules. She wanted him to do anything to show he cared for her in the smallest way possible. Sadly all she got was the man going about his work like she wasn't even there without anything more said on the matter. A cold hearted response that made her jerk towards the exit and look away from the man. Doing so in a way to conceal the tears building up within her eyes. Then slowly with a defeated posture, Winter began to walk away.
(With Naruto)
Sitting together at a small booth, Naruto and Weiss were both eagerly awaiting their lunch to arrive. Considering it had been some time since they had arrived and ordered their food and both individuals were quite hungry. However, as a waitress slowly approached their table with two steaming bowls of piping hot noodles, Naruto couldn't help himself from slightly drooling.
"Two pork ramens." The waitress began, as she placed the food down before Naruto and Weiss. "Enjoy."
Clapping his hands together with stars in his eyes, Naruto looked on in awe at the food before him. "I've waited all day for this moment."
Weiss giggled as she watched the boy she idolized grab a pair of chopsticks and prepare to consume his lunch. However, to her surprise and Naruto's horror the blond was shoved to the side of the booth, while a familiar face joined them.
"Winter!" The youngest of the Schnee sisters gasped loudly, as she didn't expect the girl to show up. "I thought you had a meeting with Father!"
"The meeting was shorter than I imagined, so I took an airship down here." Winter explained in a matter of fact tone, while she took a pair of chopsticks and started to eat Naruto's ramen.
Grinding his teeth in anger, Naruto pressed his body against Winter and tried to push the girl out of his booth. "I don't care about that, why are you eating my ramen!"
Winter huffed and placed her hand into Naruto's face before shoving him away from her. "Because I am hungry and you eat enough ramen as is. Consider this as me looking out for your health imbecile."
"You're not looking out for anyone!" Naruto yelled back, as he was glaring daggers at the girl by his side.
Ignoring the blond, Winter continued to eat the ramen before her without a single care. "You're entitled to your own opinion."
Growling in anger and pointing at the girl, Naruto was fuming with rage. "I'm also entitled to enjoy my ramen, which you stole!"
Winter rolled her eyes and slowly pushed the bowl closer to Naruto. "If you will cease your unnecessary yelling I will share my ramen with you."
"Your ramen!?"
Winter lifted her brow at the blond. "So you don't want any then?"
"Oh course I do!"
Weiss watched with a sweat drop as Naruto began to angrily eat some of the ramen, while his eyes gave Winter a death glare. The latter of whom quickly snachted the ramen back and began to eat with just as much anger as Naruto. Weiss being the onlooker to this couldn't help herself from thinking of the romantic movies she watched where two people would lovingly share a meal. A snearnio she knew her sister was trying to create with Naruto. Unfortunately both teens were stubborn and prideful, which resulted in their current situation of aggressively sharing a bowl of ramen.
"You're eating all the noodles Ice Queen!"
"Well you ate all the pork slices!"
"It's my damn ramen!"
"Like I care! I always pay for your food anyway!"
Pressing their foreheads together, Naruto and Winter gave each other a hard stare down. Where neither planned to back down to the other. This of course caused Weiss to sigh and push herself out of the booth she was in.
"I'm going to the restroom before you two start an all out fight-. . . Again." The youngest of the group declared, as she walked off.
Naruto, noticing Weiss was out of ear shot, eventually sighed and backed away from Winter. His face showing a small amount of compassion to the girl by his side. "So be honest with me Winter, how did talking with your father go? You did manage to speak with him right?"
Winter merely nodded, as she let a small moment of weakness slip through and her eyes looked down to the table in defeat. "He showed interest in my life for the first time when he thought I wanted to take a more active role in the company."
"And when he found out you wanted to forfeit your right as the family heiress?"
Winter clenched her teeth and tightened her eyes shut. "He didn't even care, he merely brushed me off and told me Weiss or Whitley could easily replace me." The normally confident and strong girl explained, her voice shaken and hurt.
Naruto balled his fists, as the tone of Winter's voice was enough to send him over. "That bastard, I should go give him a piece of my mind."
Quickly shaking her head and looking at Naruto, Winter rested a hand over the boy's fist and smiled. "No it's okay really, at least now I can focus on my future without worrying about my father."
"Still pisses me off." Naruto replied, while the blond looked away.
"There is nothing you can do about my father, but don't let him get to you. We just have one more year and we will officially be students at Atlas Academy and this will all be behind us."
Naruto hearing Winter's words glanced to his friend, while his mind shifted to the conversation he had with Weiss about not wanting to attend Atlas. He knew he had to tell his friend about how he felt on the matter, but also knew now wasn't the time. Considering Winter was obviously emotional because of her meeting with her father. So Naruto didn't want to add anymore conflict into the situation.
"And be stuck with the ramen thief for three more years? Sounds awful to me."
Winter let out an honest laugh and slapped the boy's arm. "If you're so upset I'll buy you another bowl."
Naruto lifted his brow with a wide grin. "Two bowls?"
Winter shook her head and flicked Naruto on the forehead. "Don't push your luck imbecile."
"Oh you're no fun." Naruto teased, while he bumped into Winter with his body, which caused the girl to smile and bump him back.
"And you're an idiot, but we balance each other out."
Naruto returned Winter's smile with his own. "Yeah, I guess we do."
(One year later, Naruto age 16)
Walking alone in the direction of his father's office, Naruto felt a heavy weight over his shoulders. He was a few weeks from finishing combat school and was nearing the time where he needed to apply for a huntsman academy. Unfortunately in the past year Naruto hasn't been able to tell anyone his desire to attend an academy outside of his home kingdom. No matter how hard he tried or what situation arose, Naruto always managed to back down and hold his tongue.
However, today was different or at least that's what Naruto kept telling himself. Since he planned to confront his father on the matter before telling both Winter and Doctor Polendina in that order. Regardless as Naruto drew closer and closer to his father's office, the young teenager was feeling his nerves getting the best of him.
"You can do this, you can do this." Naruto chanted to himself in a low and near silent voice in order to help steady his nerves. "You're Naruto Ironwood, there isn't anything you can't do."
His resolve a little more sturdy, Naruto passed a woman dressed in an Atlas military uniform behind a desk. "Mr. Ironwood." The woman greeted in a pleasant and respectful tone, while slightly bowing her head. "Can I help you?"
"Just here to see my old man." Naruto replied with a friendly smile, which caused the woman to nod. "He isn't busy is he?"
"Not at all, I'll let him know you're coming!"
"Thank you." Naruto began with a slight bow before turning in the direction of his father's office and approaching the room's entrance. Then with a steady breath he pushed the doors open and took a step inside. Where he found his father working diligently from his desk life always, but the moment the jaded general caught the sight of his child he smiled wide.
"Naruto this is a nice surprise!" James began in an upbeat voice, while standing up and walking over to Naruto in order to wrap his son in a strong hug. One which the blond returned. "I figured you would be at Pietro's lab by now."
"I have some time before I need to report to the lab, so I wanted to stop by and talk with you before I go take care of a few other things." Naruto explained, which caused the General to nod as he stepped back.
"Well the timing couldn't be better! I was planning on talking to you later tonight at the house, but now works just as fine!"
Naruto lifted his brow and placed his hands into his pockets. "What did you want to talk with me about dad?"
James motioned for Naruto to take a seat across his desk, while he returned to his own chair. "I haven't had time to talk with Pietro lately regarding the P.E.N.N.Y project. Hell I haven't even had time to talk with you about the project, you're either studying for your graduation exam or spending time with Schnee. So I want to know how things are going."
"Man where to begin." Naruto sighed, as he rubbed the back of his head and took a seat across his father. "We are still a few years off from actually building the P.E.N.N.Y android, but we are currently working on an aura transfer system. It's a bunch of theoretical prototypes, but if we succeed we will be able to use a living donor to give our android actual aura."
"Have you tested anything yet?"
Naruto shook his head. "Sadly we are currently not in the testing phase for anything, but are hoping to change that within the next year. I've actually mentioned to Doctor Polendina that I would like to be the first test subject."
"I see, since you haven't unlocked your aura you're hoping this will supplement that."
"Yeah, that was my thought process at the time." Naruto admitted in a low and depressed voice. "But we are constantly running behind schedule and constantly falling behind our deadlines and goals."
James folded his hands over his desk and seemed rather interested in this development. "What makes you say that?"
Huffing and jerking his head to the side, Naruto's face turned sour. "Arthur Watts." The blond hissed in an angry voice, which made James nod. "He's always causing problems and argues with everyone on the project team. He's an arrogant bastard that holds everyone back with his pride and ego."
"I'm very familiar with your and Arthur's very rough work history, but over the years I've received multiple complaints from your colleagues as well. So I've recently decided to take action, which I figured you would find out later, but I'll tell you now."
"Tell me what?"
"I called Peitro earlier and gave the direct order that Arthur was to be fired and released from his duties with the Atlas military. Peitro told me he would fire Arthur as soon as possible, which was why our call ended short and I couldn't ask about the P.E.N.N.Y project."
Naruto was both surprised and pleased, as Arthur was one of the few people he truly despised. "It's about time! I was getting sick of that asshole."
"He was a brilliant mind that has served Atlas for some years, but like you mentioned earlier. His pride and arrogance has made him more trouble than he's worth." James began before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, then as he composed himself he smiled and held his hand out. "Regardless the Arthur situation has been handled. So why don't you tell me what you wanted to talk about. Having problems with your little girlfriend?"
"Tsk." Naruto grumbled as he jerked his head to the side and crossed his arms. "Senile old man. How many times do I have to tell you Winter isn't my girlfriend?"
Tossing his head back with booming laughter that echoed throughout the office, James merely waved his son off. "I never said she was!"
Turning red in embarrassment, Naruto sent a glare at his father. "Well she's not!"
His laughter slowly dying down, James nodded his head. "Say whatever you want Naruto. Just don't go making me a grandfather too soon!"
Grinding his teeth in annoyance, Naruto leaned forward and comically slammed his hands onto his father's desk. "I'll have you know I came here to have an actual serious conversation!"
Having his fill of teasing his son, James merely leaned forward and muttered a quick apology. "Alright, I know when to stop! Man you spend so much time around Schnee you've even copied her glare and temper!"
"That's not stopping!" Naruto yelled back, as he was about to start pulling his hair out in frustration.
"Sorry, sorry!" James replied as he held his hands up and laughed. "Please tell me what you wanted to speak about."
Closing one eye and studying his father, Naruto waited for a moment to ensure the man was in fact done with his teasing. Though after a brief moment of silence, Naruto realized his father was in fact done and could now speak his mind properly.
"Well you're aware I'm about to graduate combat school and will be able to apply to a huntsman academy."
"Of course, as the headmaster of Atlas Academy I've already received dozens of applications from potential candidates. I actually authorized Schnee's application yesterday and she will get a congratulations letter in a few days. Well that or you could tell her yourself, but please refrain from doing so. However, I've yet to come across your application. I hope you know just because you're my son I won't give you special treatment."
Naruto nodded. "I know that Dad, but that's the thing. I actually haven't applied for Atlas Academy."
James lifted his brow in curiosity. "Well that's fine, you still have plenty of time to complete a proper application. I can even help you if you're having trouble."
Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, Naruto looked down and gripped his thighs tightly. "Dad, I don't want to go to Atlas Academy."
"What do you mean? I thought you've been working all these years to become a huntsman?"
"I have, but I feel like I'm walking down this path that isn't my own. People assume I'm going to follow in your footsteps and I don't want that."
"Well." James began in a calm and composed voice. "What do you want?"
"I don't know." Naruto admitted honestly, as he frowned softly and hung his head. "I've only ever experienced things within the walls of our kingdom and never had a chance to see the rest of the world. I'm sorry if I'm not making any sense it's just I'm wanting to be my own person not-. . ."
"The General's son." James finished as he cut his child off with a nod of his head. "I understand what you're saying completely. You've been placed in this box your entire life and that's partially my own fault, which I should apologize for. However, there isn't any better time like the present to fix this issue."
Lifting his head up in surprise, Naruto locked eyes with his father. "So you're not upset with me?"
James laughed and shook his head. "Of course not! I might be a little disappointed you don't want to attend my academy and wished you would have come to me sooner about this. Since I could have helped you earlier, but I can never be upset with you over something so trivial."
Naruto grinned and nudged his head forward. "Thank you."
"A parent doesn't need any thanks, but tell me Naruto. How can I help you?"
"Well I still want to be a huntsman, if that helps." Naruto replied.
"If that's the case how would you like to attend Beacon Academy? Professor Ozpin and myself are quite close, plus he runs a very successful school."
Hearing this Naruto instantly thought back to his first and only encounter with Ozpin. A moment he still remembered quite well.
"I think that could work." Naruto began in a low voice, which made James smile. "I don't know much about Ozpin or Beacon, but I trust your judgment on both."
"Great! You still have several months until the next semester will begin! So you have plenty of time to apply! However, have you spoken with anyone else about your feelings? I'm sure Pietro would be very sad to lose your help with the P.E.N.N.Y project."
"No I haven't, I was actually going to talk to Winter and Pietro about this after we were done talking."
"I see, I'm surprised you haven't even talked to Schnee about this. I thought you two shared everything with each other."
Naruto sighed and nodded his head. "Which is why she will probably be the biggest headache about the situation."
"I wish you the best of luck and if you survive, we will make your application for Beacon later."
Standing to his feet, Naruto nodded. "Thanks Dad, I'll see you later."
Watching his son leave with a smile, James quickly went back to his work and shook his head. "That damn Ozpin, just lost my best new student to him. Though at least next year's Vytal Festival will be interesting."
(With Winter)
Standing impatiently in the middle of a public park, Winter tapped her foot against the cold snowy ground and looked to her scroll. A clear expression of annoyance on her face as she noticed the current time.
"That imbecile is late again." The girl mumbled softly, as she took a loud sigh. "He's lucky I just don't leave."
With that being said, Winter waited another couple of minutes in complete silence. This of course caused the girl to grow rather frustrated and debat with herself if she should just leave. However, Naruto seemed rather hard pressed this morning that he needed to speak with her in person. So Winter's curiosity slightly outweighed her frustration.
"Hey Ice Queen!" The familiar voice of Naruto yelled out, which made Winter turn to the side and see the teen walking her way.
"Imbecile. You're lucky, I was just about to leave." Winter lied in her usual condescending tone, as she would have easily waited much longer to see Naruto. The latter of whom took a slight bow and chuckled nervously.
"Sorry about that! I got caught up talking with my old man."
Winter huffed and jerked her head away from the blond. "Well next time tell a lady you're going to be late."
Naruto rolled his eyes and folded his arms. "Oh calm down, practicing a little patience won't kill you ya know?"
Winter sent Naruto a death glare. "No, but prolonged exposure to you might do the job."
Naruto walked past Winter and shook his head. "All these years and you're still not funny."
Puffing out her cheeks and following after Naruto, Winter pointed an accusing finger at the blond. "And you're still annoying!"
Naruto glanced to his side and looked directly at Winter. "Yeah whatever, oh by the way Dad said you got accepted into Atlas Academy." The blond then crossed his arms over his chest to make an x-shape. "But I wasn't supposed to tell you that."
"Then why did you!"
Shrugging his shoulders and laughing, Naruto looked forward. "I don't know. Thought I'd get more of a reaction from you."
Winter merely scoffed and raised her head high into the air. "Well I have you know it's no surprise I was accepted into Atlas Academy. After all, I am one of the top students within our combat school. I'd be more surprised if one of us didn't get accepted."
"Well I haven't been accepted into Atlas Academy." Naruto began, which caused Winter to stagger a little bit. "But that's because I haven't applied."
"Well that makes sense. What are you expecting your father to pull strings and just let you into the academy? That's a low I wouldn't expect you to take."
Naruto shook his head and took a deep breath. "No, I'm not going to attend Atlas Academy."
Winter stopped dead in her tracks along with Naruto. Then as the duo locked eyes with each other they had a brief silent stare down.
"What do you mean you're not attending Atlas Academy?" Winter began, her voice sharp and confused.
"It's pretty simple, I've decided I'm not going to Atlas Academy. That's what I was talking with my Dad about earlier and what I came to tell you."
"So what you're going to give up on becoming a huntsman? Are you doing this because Doctor Polendina needs you around more?"
"No I'm still planning on becoming a huntsman."
Winter's facial expression slowly turned frustrated, as she wasn't grasping what the blond was getting too.
"Then you are going to Atlas? You're just waiting?"
Naruto sighed and closed his eyes. "Winter I'm applying to Beacon Academy."
Gripping her fists around the blond's jacket, Winter pulled Naruto closer into her personal space. "What do you mean you're going to Beacon? You're really going to make a last minute decision like that out of nowhere!"
"I've been thinking about doing this for a few years now." Naruto replied in a dry voice, while he watched a mixture of emotions flicker across Winter's face.
"You what?" Winter began as her voice sounded both hurt and enraged.
"I've been thinking about this for awhile now. I don't want to go to Atlas Academy, I want to be my own person and choose my own path. So I'm applying to Beacon Academy."
Winter started to tremble and looked down to the ground. "Naruto you stupid bastard." The girl began with a tone that Naruto had never heard from the girl. In fact it caught the blond completely off guard. "Why wouldn't you tell me this sooner?"
"Because I knew this would be your reaction and I didn't want to have this conversation. Hell you probably would have tried to convince me to stay in Atlas."
"You're damn right I would have! You're friends are here! Your father is here! Your work is here! And-. . ." Winter paused for a moment as her voice hitched and she bit her lip. Though after a moment she looked up at Naruto with tears building in her eyes. "I'm here!"
"I know that, but I still need to do this." Naruto replied, but his words weren't getting through to the girl at all.
"We were supposed to go to Atlas together." Winter began softly, as she was near her breaking point. "I've sacrificed everything and devoted all my time to becoming the best I can so I can support your future in Atlas!"
"And I never asked you to do that. Besides I don't want a future in Atlas."
Winter's face turned red in anger. "So you're just going to leave everyone behind like that! You're going to leave me!"
"That's not what I meant Winter, it's more complicated than that."
"You just watched me all these years devote everything I had, while knowing you wanted to do nothing with the future I was trying to make. You made a fool out of me!"
"Winter that's not what this is about! I would never do anything to hurt you."
Her hands shaking, Winter kept a tight hold onto Naruto and didn't let go. She was obviously upset with the blond's decision and how he withheld his feelings on the topic for so long. It hurt especially since she had been looking forward to attending Atlas Academy with Naruto for so long. In fact at this point Winter just wanted to be with the blond no matter what. That's why her mind was telling her to forgive the blond. To make amends and talk about his feelings together. She even began to think that perhaps she could follow her best friend to Beacon so they could be together like always.
Though this wasn't to salvage their slowly crumbling friendship, as it was more to help nurture the feelings of love the young woman had for the boy before her. Unfortunately for Winter her own pride was her undoing and she shoved Naruto away. Making the boy stumble backwards and fall onto his backside.
"Whatever, do what you want Naruto." Winter began as she started to walk off. "It's not like I care."
Watching Winter walk away, Naruto held his hand out and called the girl's name. However, the girl didn't bother to respond and just kept walking away. A response that made Naruto hang his head and groan.
"I really am an imbecile."
(Outside Doctor Polendina's Lab)
Sighing in exhaustion from his previous conversation with Winter, Naruto approached the back entrance to the lab and made his way inside. Quickly finding himself in a small staff locker room where his own personal locker was located.
"Doctor Pietro, I hope you haven't gone off and started without me!" Naruto called out with a loud laugh, as he opened his locker and retrieved his lab coat. Then by placing the white jacket over his normal attire he raised his brow at the silent response and closed his locker. "Doctor?"
"Naruto run awa-. . ." The voice of Pietro began before being silenced by a loud.
*bang*
"Pietro!" Naruto yelled in shock, as he ran out of the staff room and towards the main portion of the lab. Where he quickly saw an individual running out of the main entrance of the lab, but not before firing three more shots directly at Naruto. The first missing him entirely, while the second clipped his shoulder. His lack of aura forced him to stagger backwards in pain. The third however, struck Naruto directly in the chest and made him collapse sideways.
Luckily Naruto managed to slam his right hand onto a nearby table to stop himself from falling over. Then ignoring the pain sweeping throughout his body, Naruto gritted his teeth and forced himself into a standing position. His main attention was on his mentor and friend, the latter of whom was laying face down on the cold ground in a pool of his own blood.
Running to the man's side, Naruto quickly removed his lab coat and pressed the clothing against what Naruto assumed was the entry point of a bullet wound, which was located directly in the man's spine. This was not the only injury the man had, as Naruto could easily see multiple bruises and cuts. The result of some form of beating that most likely shattered his aura before he was shot.
"Doctor Pietro stay with me!" Naruto demanded in a shaken voice, as he felt a surge of anger building in the very pit of his stomach.
Coughing and shaking in pain, Pietro looked up to his young assistant. His vision was blurry and he couldn't see Naruto clearly, but he still had a look of concern over his face. "Naruto my boy, y-you didn't get h-hurt did you?"
Naruto shook his head and held the man up, as he ignored his injuries. "No I'm fine Doctor! What happened? Who did this?"
His vision fading, Pietro was smiling with joy to hear Naruto wasn't harmed. "Thank goodness you're okay, I heard those shots and was afraid Arthur had managed to shoot you as well."
Naruto was fuming in pure anger at the man's words. "Arthur was the one who shot you?" Unfortunately, as Pietro closed his eyes Naruto didn't get a response. This worried Naruto, as he wasn't a medic and didn't know how to handle this situation. "Hey Doctor stay with me!"
"Mr. Ironwood! What happened to the Doctor?"
Hearing the voice from behind, Naruto noticed one of the scientists working under Pietro had arrived. This caused Naruto to point at the individual with a hard gaze.
"Pietro was shot by Arthur Watts, I need you to call for help and stay with him." Naruto ordered, as the scientist ran over to Pietro's side, but the individual's eyes were wide in shock as they saw the two bullet wounds in Naruto's body.
"Naruto you've been shot as well
Naruto's eyes flickering between bright blue and blood red the blond growled and stood tall. "I'm fine." The General's son declared, as he already started to make his way towards the exit of the lab. "I'm not going to let that bastard get away!"
The scientist, not getting a second to get any more information from Naruto let alone stop the teen immediately called for medical assistance. Then as help was on the way, the scientist overlooked Peitro or more precisely the blood stained lab coat Naruto was using to cover the man's wound. Noticing that the bottom portion was used to try and stop the bleeding. Leaving the middle portion free from blood stains, which allowed the scientist to quickly see the two bullet wounds that Naruto had taken.
"There is a hole where Naruto's left shoulder would have been, but this second bullet hole can't be right." The scientist mumbled, as they saw a hole in the middle of the lab coat. "The damage on the coat shows the bullet would have had to exit Naruto's body while he was wearing it. But that doesn't make any sense, as that would mean Naruto was shot clean through his heart. Yet he was still able to stand and run off like nothing had happened to him. Something definitely isn't right."
(With James)
Seated at his desk and going over a few reports, James was trying his best to finish his work for the day so he could go home.
"Today has been a rather easy day." The General began in a pleased tone, as he was nearing the end of his paperwork.
Unfortunately, James had jinxed himself the moment his scroll began to ring. So clicking the device, James noticed Clover was calling him.
"General I just received reports from the survey team at Mantle's walls." Clover began in a hurried and frantic voice, which caught James off guard. "There is a massive cluster of Grimm coming directly towards the city!"
Hearing this, James clicked a button and a holographic map appeared in the middle of his office. Said map showed all of Atlas and Mantle, while having hundreds of red dots circling and closing into their area.
"What in the world? We have never had a Grimm invasion of this scale! What is the meaning of this?"
"I don't know sir, it's like something is drawing them towards our location from all around us. Do I have permission to mobilize a response?"
"Of course, do so immediately before this gets out of hand!"
"Understood, Clover out."
Folding his hands together and looking at the map before him. James cursed himself and began to think if this was a possible attack from Salem. Regardless, James quickly stood to his feet and made his way out of his office. Considering there was no way he was going to stand by and let his home be attacked.
(End Chapter)
Thanks: well the first chapter was a huge success, so I wanted to say thank you and have another!
Naruto's weapon: What do you think? I have two subtle foreshadows with his weapons, but also am not done with them. As by the time Naruto reaches cannon time his weapons will get an upgrade, but keep their same theme and design.
Going forward: so next chapter will be the climax of this portion and end with Naruto going away. From there I have about 4-7 ish maybe more chapters planned out until we reach volume 1 stuff. I know some people may not like this, but it's important for Naruto's character arc.
Naruto: speaking of which this Naruto is different, unlike cannon he is loved and acknowledged. So I needed to give him a proper character arc, so I decided to build him from the beginning as someone who wants to find who they are, not what people expect him to be.
Jutsu: I've been asked if there will be any jutsu. Yes, but at first they will be very barbaric and more of Naruto being like hey I can do this I wonder how I can expand upon it? It won't be till much later till he learns contemporary jutsu like in cannon.
Relationships: I've shown more dynamics in this chapter, like the difference between Naruto and Winter's relationships with their fathers. I also set up Naruto as someone who will inspire Weiss to attend Beacon and who gave her the idea for her weapon. I plan to have more interactions with other characters like Whitley and Willow, but those will come later when the time is right.
Question: thinking about doing a Naruto x Avatar TLAB crossover. If you're interested let me know or ask me about the idea. I'm curious if the idea is any good.
Anyway thanks for reading, hope to see you guys soon with another chapter!