"Speaking"

'Thinking'

"Attacking/Beast"

Volume 0: Chapter 6. Reunions

(Two Weeks later, with Naruto)

Sighing to himself and leaning against a glass door, Naruto peered outside and watched the hard rain pour against Beacon's surrounding campus. A bleak and dreary sight that made him slump his shoulders.

"Well this sucks." The blond mumbled softly, while his eyes drifted to the small child by his side.

'It's just rain! It won't hurt us!'

Naruto smirked at Neo's optimism, as the girl seemed to develop a small sense for it ever since Team NGRA had found her.

"True, but I would like to avoid getting soaked."

'Well we could wait out the storm!'

"That's a solid idea, but we have to meet the others at the library for a team meeting."

Neo nodded and turned towards the exterior with a slight frown. 'Then we better hurry and meet the others!'

"Yeah we don't want to hear Roman complaining about us being late!" Naruto snickered, while Neo silently mimicked the older boy's amused face. However, as the two shared their moment of enjoyment at Roman's expense a voice suddenly spoke up.

"Now are you talking about little me? Behind my back? I'm hurt!"

Turning in surprise, Naruto and Neo both found Roman walking right in their direction. This of course caused Naruto to narrow his eyes in annoyance, while Neo stayed perky and upbeat.

"Isn't your class on the other side of the school grounds?" Naruto asked.

"Why yes it is."

"Then why are you here? Shouldn't you be heading to the library?"

Roman rolled his eyes and walked over to a small container that students would use to store their umbrellas while in class.

"I skipped class and was doing some." Roman paused and thought over his words, while his hands sorted through the umbrellas. "Opportunity searching."

Folding his arms with disapproval, Naruto kept a rather sour face. Considering as of late Roman has been avoiding his school and team duties, which didn't set well with Naruto. Who was raised to follow the rules and always give everything he had into what he did.

"Do I even want to know what that means?"

Pulling out an umbrella and smirking, Roman looked towards Naruto. "Probably not, but why are you and Neo just standing around? Don't tell me the Ice King is afraid of the magical falling water in the sky." Roman then bent over the umbrella within his hands and spoke in a slow and sarcastic voice. "It's called rain and I promise you won't melt, you're not Amber after all."

"Just because I'm from Atlas doesn't mean I've never seen rain." Naruto replied in a rather annoyed voice. "I was just deciding what to do since I don't have an umbrella like you."

Walking by Naruto and laughing, Roman opened the door and extended the umbrella in his hands. "Oh this isn't mine." The young thief revealed before walking into the rain without a single care.

"Neo."

'Yes.'

"Promise me you'll never turn out like Roman."

'I promise!'

Naruto smiled and ruffled the girl's hair. "Good, but I don't think the rain is gonna let up and we gotta get going."

'Should we run?'

Slowly removing the jacket that was a part of his Beacon uniform, Naruto held the piece of clothing over Neo. Then by bending down he lifted the tiny girl into his arms with a smile.

"I'll run, you just stay dry!" Naruto replied before he dashed out into the pouring rain at his fastest speeds.

Then as Naruto ran across the open grounds of Beacon his legs kicked up puddles of water, while his body was quickly covered from the massive downpour from above. Yet as Naruto ran he was forced to swerve and spin around the countless students who were just walking under the safety of their umbrellas. However, catching the sight of Roman walking in the distance, Naruto's eyes got a small trickster's gleam when he saw his teammate walking parallel to a massive puddle.

"Heads up Roman!" Naruto yelled loudly, while jumping to the teen's side and right into the puddle. Causing a massive wave of water to expel out and cover Roman from head to toe.

"You bastard!" Roman roared in anger, while he watched the snickering blond run off towards the library.

Running until he came to the entrance of Beacon's library, Naruto quickly moved inside and finally lowered Neo onto dry ground. Then with a smile he bent on one knee and removed his soaked jacket from her tiny body.

"Did ya stay dry?" Naruto asked with a wide grin, while Neo smiled back.

'For the most part!'

"Good! Let's go find the others then."

Neo nodded and followed Naruto deeper into the library, while her mismatched eyes fixed onto the older boy. Who was currently doing his best to try and dry himself off by twisting some of the water out of his clothes.

'You know, one day I'll make an umbrella that I can use to always keep you safe and dry!'

"Oh is that so? Well I'll look forward to seeing that then."

Neo beamed with happiness, while she and Naruto arrived at a small table where Amber and Gretchen were both waiting for them.

"Hey there leader, you're looking a little wet." Amber pointed out with a snicker, while said blond and Neo both found seats at the table.

"That's an understatement!" Gretchen bellowed out with a loud laugh, followed by a few shushing sounds directed her way.

"Well you should see Roman." Naruto replied with a large grin, while turning to look over his shoulder. Where a rather soaked and angry Roman was slowly stalking to the group. "And speak of the devil."

Amber laughed and watched Roman glare at Naruto as he found a seat with the group. "And what happened to you?"

"Our manchild of a leader." The young thief explained, which made Naruto hold his hands up.

"Guilty as charged."

Rolling his eyes, Roman merely folded his arms over his soaked clothes. "Whatever, let's just cut to the chase. What exactly do you want to talk about?"

"Yeah I'm a little curious as well Naruto." Gretchen admitted as she leaned closer into the table. "Calling a group meeting like this isn't common for you."

Naruto nodded. "I was thinking that we should touch base about our plans moving forward."

Amber lifted her brow with slight interest. "Okay and what exactly are you getting at?"

Glancing down to Neo, Naruto smiled and rested his elbow on her head. An action that made her pair of mismatched eyes look up to him with admiration.

"In the last two weeks we have not figured out why Neo was a target nor do we have a permanent solution for her going forward. However, within one week's time the Vytal Festival will be in full swing and teams from the four kingdoms will have a chance to compete in the tournament."

"Yeah so?" Roman asked in a rather hurried and annoyed tone.

Naruto sighed. "I was thinking of having our team withdraw from the tournament. It would be careless for us to complete when we should be focused on Neo's safety. Especially with how chaotic Beacon will become with representatives from another academy's present."

"Not to mention all the vendors and spectators that will be wandering around the area. Would make it easy for a lone child to get abducted without a scene being made." Amber pointed out, which made Naruto nod.

"Exactly why I want us to dedicate our time strictly onto Neo. Does anyone have an issue with this?"

Amber shrugged her shoulders. "I could care less about the tournament. I'm more concerned about Neo."

Gretchen nodded. "I'm with Amber, sure the tournament would be fun, but Neo comes first."

"And what about you Roman?"

Said teenager huffed and looked to the side. "I wasn't looking forward to the tournament in the slightest. So this is the best case scenario for me."

"Well I'm glad we are in agreement, but now moving on. Has anyone found anything about the people who are after Neo?"

Amber, Gretchen and even Naruto turned their eyes to Roman, who got a rather annoyed look and held his hands up.

"What!"

Naruto chuckled. "Well how to say this nicely-. . ."

"Out of us four you're the crook here." Amber cut in with a sharp and brutal tone. "So if anyone has heard anything about a bunch of thugs chasing a small girl it would be you."

"Oh to hell with you all." Roman quickly replied before standing to his feet and pointing around the table. "Why don't you go out and do some actual investigating instead of insulting me?"

Naruto sighed and tried to motion for Roman to retake his seat. "We all have been trying our hardest to help Neo and get to the bottom of this, but me and Gretchen are both outsiders when it comes to Vale and don't know the first place to start. Meanwhile between you and Amber it's clear who has the most um, uh. . . Street smarts!"

"Besides you've also been the most absent of us four these last couple weeks." Amber cut in once more, while her voice held the same amount of venom as before. "So if you're going to keep disappearing off to the gods know where at least handle your fragile pride a little better and try to scavenge up some leads."

Roman snarled as he locked eyes with Amber. "I'm starting to get real sick of you."

"Just starting? Funny I've been sick of you for months." Amber shot back, while Naruto, Neo and Gretchen just helplessly watched the duo fight. "Me, Naruto and Gretchen have all been taking time to watch over Neo, while trying to figure out a solution to her situation. Meanwhile you've been completely absent from helping us and I'm done with it."

"You know what Amber? Fuck you."

Naruto's eyes grew wide and he quickly clamped his hands onto Neo's ears. "Alright you two, I think that's quite enough."

Standing to her feet and slamming her hands onto the table, Amber glared daggers into Roman's eyes. "Is that the best you can say? You act like you're some smooth and cunning rouge, but you're really just a selfish and unreliable piece of trash."

"You don't know the first thing about me or what I've had to do, but keep preaching about how you're so much better you self righteous bitch."

"Both of you sto-. . ."

"Save your breath Ironwood." Roman snapped as he turned his back. "I'm out of here."

"Big surprise, he's flaking on us again." Amber huffed before taking her seat once more.

Naruto sighed and released his hold on Neo's ears. "You know that little confrontation was uncalled for."

"I disagree, if you won't call him out for his behavior I will."

"Regardless of who is in the right and who is in the wrong. Did you guys think Roman's fuse was a little short today? I mean he's never got this upset before and it all happened so quickly."

Looking to Gretchen, Amber merely shrugged her shoulders. "I honestly try to avoid any attempt to figure that jerk out."

"No Gretchen's right, Roman has been acting strange for awhile now and this only added more questions."

"Well I don't care to find any answers." Amber replied, while a small silence filled the table.

The group fell silent for a moment, while Naruto's eyes drifted to the windows of the library. "Well on a positive note it looks like the rain has stopped."

Gretchen grinned and stood to her feet. "That's perfect timing for me!"

"Oh how so?" Amber asked, while the taller girl folded her arms with an eye smile.

"My twin brother is stopping by to visit! I told him we would go see all the stalls and vendors for the festival."

Naruto nodded with a soft grin. "That sounds like a lot of fun. I'm glad you'll get to spend time with your brother."

"Me too, but why don't your guys join me? I would love Hazel to meet my friends!"

Naruto pondered over the invitation, as he was planning to train today since he hasn't had many chances to do so in the last few weeks with Neo around. However, glancing at the small girl by his side, Naruto could see the shine her eyes got at the mention of the festival. Something that could be just what the girl needs to help lift her spirits during this difficult time in her life.

"Hmm well I wouldn't mind tagging along, but only if Neo will share some yummy festival food with me!"

'I would love to!' The small girl signed in a quick and excited manner.

Naruto grinned at the girl's enthusiasm. "Well looks like me and Neo are game. What about you Amber?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Amber merely stood to her feet. "Why not, as long as Roman isn't around I'm happy."

"Then it's settled!" Gretchen boomed in a loud voice as she ignored the warnings from the others around her to keep her voice down. "Let's get going!"

Walking together as a group the three fourths of Team NGRA along with Neo made their way out of the library and across Beacon's campus. Eventually coming upon an open fairground that various vendors had already set up in preparation for the Vytal Festival. Naruto himself was mildly impressed, as it was almost the same scale as some of the festivals back in Atlas, which was impressive considering the actual festival wouldn't start for a whole week. However, out of the group Neo and Gretchen were by far the most amazed. Since neither has ever experienced or seen a festival like the one before them.

"Woah I didn't expect this much!" The large woman exclaimed with wonder, which made Naruto and even Amber grin. "It's amazing!"

Taking a large sniff and closing her eyes, Neo suddenly seemed rather excited as well. 'Something smells delicious!'

"Well we have plenty of time to try everything." Naruto declared before scooping the small girl up onto his shoulders. "So just let your nose lead the way and I'll take us there!"

"Well before you two go running off, let's go find my brother!" Gretchen proposed while looking at her scroll. "He should be waiting over this way!"

"Well we will follow you then." Naruto replied as he carried Neo and Amber tagged along from behind.

Maneuvering through the rather impressive and alluring stalls throughout the area. Gretchen quickly led everyone through a sea of people and eventually came to a small secluded space where a single person was waiting. A person with olive tanned skin and a rather impressive muscular build, while towering with a height that matched Gretchen's own. Easily making Naruto and Amber think a similar thought with a nervous expression.

'Yup they are definitely twins.'

"Hazel!" Gretchen began with a large grin, while quickly wrapping her arms around the large male. "If it isn't my favorite little runt!"

Laughing and returning his sister's embrace, Hazel shook his head. "You know just because you're a few minutes older doesn't mean you can call me a runt."

"I can and I will!" Gretchen laughed, while backing away and holding her hands to her team and Neo. "But let me introduce you to my friends!"

Walking up to the massive man with Neo on his shoulders, Naruto held a hand out and gave Hazel a friendly smile. "It's nice to meet you, Gretchen's told us a lot about you. I'm Naruto Ironwood and this is Neo."

Accepting Naruto's hand with a rather powerful grip, Hazel returned the blond's smile with one of his own. "You're the team leader from Atlas right?"

"That's me!"

"Well I hope you're looking after my sis. She's the only family I've got."

Naruto grinned. "We look after each other, but don't worry about her. Gretchen's tough and I'll always have her back."

"I'll hold you to that." Hazel bellowed with a loud laugh, showing more similarities in the twins behavior.

"Well I guess I should introduce myself." Amber began as she walked by Naruto's side and held her hand out. "I'm Amber, plain and simple."

Hazel took the girl's hand and nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well."

Gretchen was grinning from ear to ear and looking directly at her brother. "Well since the introductions are out of the way, why don't we go have some fun!"

"Sounds good to me!" Naruto laughed loudly as he took off with Neo. "Let's go get some grub Neo!"

"I want it all!'

Watching Naruto and Neo scurry off, Amber merely shook her head and followed the two. "I swear those two get along almost too well."

"Come on welp." Gretchen boomed as she slapped her brother's arm. "Let's not just stand around."

Nodding with a soft smile, Hazel followed after his sister and her team to enjoy the day together.

(Later that Night)

Laying in his bed with his eyes opened, Naruto slowly looked out the corner of his eyes. Noticing Amber was neatly tucked under her blanket sound asleep, while Gretchen was completely sprawled out on her own bed snoring louder than anything he had heard before. Though shifting his eyes to a small makeshift bed within their dorm, Naruto smiled as he saw Neo was having a rather peaceful sleep. Yet as his eyes wandered even farther within the room he saw Roman's bed, which was both made and empty.

This made Naruto frown, as ever since Roman and Amber had their big blowout the teen had been completely missing. Naruto himself wondered if this outcome was in some way his fault as a leader. Maybe he could have held Roman more accountable? Or perhaps he could have been better at keeping Amber and Roman under control? Yet as these questions and doubts swirled in Naruto's head he began to think more and more about his capabilities as a leader. This wasn't the first time Naruto asked himself if he had what it took to be a leader. However, as time went on and more hardships came along his self doubt only grew stronger.

'What should I do?' Naruto thought to himself. 'Our team hasn't been the most tightly organized, but with Neo around we need to get our shit together.'

Naruto sighing to himself and rolling onto his side faced the window of his dorm. 'I have all these responsibilities that I didn't want, but I can't run from them. I came to Beacon to find my own way, but all I'm doing is running around in circles. I don't know how to be a leader to my team and I don't know how to help Neo.'

'Part of me wishes I just stayed in Atlas and kept on the path I was already on. At least that way I wouldn't be this confused and lost. Or even if I stumbled I would have Winter around to keep me grounded.'

Pressing his hands against his head, Naruto gave himself an ample amount of pressure. 'No I can't keep thinking negative like this! I just need to keep pushing myself forward and learn from my mistakes. I may not be cut out to be a leader or want this position, but dammit I'll be the best I can. I'll find Roman and fix this team and we will figure out a way to save Neo together!'

Pleased with his self motivation, Naruto was about to finally close his eyes and try to fall asleep. However, a shadow catching his eye from outside his window. Naruto instantly froze his body and focused his vision onto the object that was clearly stopped at his window. Observing a silhouette of what appeared to be either a man or woman, who was balancing on a tree branch right outside of their window.

Then to Naruto's surprise the figure went directly to Naruto's window and slowly began to lift the glass up without any resistance.

'The window is unlocked?' Naruto thought, while feeling like he was in some sort of dream as his current situation felt too strange to be real.

However, as a figure slithered their way into Team NGRA's dorm, Naruto pressed his nails into his fists. Knowing from the pain that shot into his hands that this was very real. Yet as the unknown individual moved across the room, Naruto at first wondered if the person he was seeing was Roman. Though it would be odd for the boy to take such an action. Still Naruto didn't know who else the individual could be, but as the person loomed over Neo, Naruto watched in shock as they lifted their arm into the air. Allowing the moonlight to reflect against the shining silver dagger in their hand.

Naruto reacting without even thinking blitzed the intruder faster than the sound of his movements could reach the ear's of the intruder. Then what followed next was Naruto grabbing the individual's wrist and head, snapping their wrist bone before Naruto twisted his torso and slammed the intruder face first into the floor. Cracking the wood beneath them and causing splinters to fly up into the air.

"Amber, Gretchen get up!" Naruto yelled loudly, which caused the girl's to stir awake.

Flipping a light on, Amber's eyes grew wide when she saw Naruto pinning a strange man into the floor. So reacting quickly the girl pulled a collapsible staff out from her pillow and pointed it at the man, who seemed completely unconscious. Yet as she saw the dagger on the floor her mind began to connect the dots.

"Is Neo okay!"

Nodding his head and not giving up on the pressure he was applying onto the man despite his unconscious state, Naruto jerked his head to the window. "He came in through the window. Check and make sure anyone else isn't around."

Running to the open window, Amber peered outside and looked out into the darkness of Beacon's campus. "I don't see anything and Gretchen will you wake up!"

Softly groaning the large woman lifted herself up, but as her eyes adjusted to the situation she was left stunned. "What's going on here?"

Naruto shook his head. "Somebody tried to attack Neo, come here and keep them held down." Naruto then turned to Neo, who was slowly shifting herself awake. "I'm going to get Neo out of here before she sees this."

Gretchen jumped out of her bed and quickly slammed her knee into the man's back. Using her overwhelming strength to make sure he couldn't move in the slightest.

"Hey I'll call Ozpin and get this situation taken care of." Amber began as she grabbed her scroll and began to look for the man's contact info. "His office is a safe place, me and Gretchen can meet you there after we take care of this bastard."

Scooping Neo into his arms, Naruto gave his teammate a strange look. "Isn't his office locked?"

Waving the blond off, Amber brought the scroll to her ear. "It's a keycode lock, just type 7491 and you're in."

Naruto was curious as to how Amber knew this, but was aware that now wasn't the time for questions like that. "Alright I'll see you two in Ozpin's office."

Amber simply nodded, while Naruto dashed out of the room with Neo in his arms. Then as Amber finally got connected to Ozpin, her eyes hardened on the unconscious assassin in her dorm.

"Ozpin we have a problem."

(Ozpin's office)

Amber wasn't mad, she was furious, but anyone within the room could tell that. Considering the girl was currently giving Ozpin a death glare. Gretchen on the other hand was by Amber's side and seemed exhausted from her lack of sleep. Yet the girl's body language was clear enough to read and easily displayed how shaken tonight's events had left her. Naruto unlike his team wasn't standing before Ozpin, but rather off to the side of the room on a small couch, while Neo laid sound asleep with her head over the blond's leg.

If anyone had a right to be affected by tonight's events it would be her, as someone had tried to take her life. Though fate seemed to be on Naruto's side as he had managed to save Neo from her attacker with no serious harm befalling her. Yet despite this many questions still lingered through the air. The largest of course being how did Neo's attacker know exactly where to find her?

"This is fucking bullshit Ozpin." Amber began in a soft voice, as she didn't want to wake Neo. However, as she walked forward and pressed her knuckles into the man's desk, it was a wonder she didn't yell. "Someone was able to get close enough to Neo and almost kill her. Shouldn't your school be safe?"

Ozpin merely nodded with an exhausted sigh. "In all my years as Headmaster this is the first incident from an outside source. Normally people avoid a school filled with trained warriors, but it would seem tonight's invader was an exception."

"That's all you have to say? He was an exception?"

"Unfortunately yes, Beacon is very lax on security, but this is a lesson we can learn from to improve."

Amber turned around and threw her hands into the air, while Gretchen slowly inched forward. "Um Professor, what exactly is going to happen to the assassin Naruto caught?"

Looking at Gretchen, Ozpin clicked a small monitor. "Beacon doesn't have the facilities to keep a prisoner, so our intruder has been taken by the Vale authorities. He's currently in transport to their headquarters, where he will be detained and interrogated."

"Well that's good I guess, maybe we can finally get some leads about why these people are after Neo."

Ozpin nodded. "Yes and hopefully your team can use any information to finish this mission with an overwhelming success."

Naruto for a second couldn't believe his ears, Ozpin still wanted his team to have full responsibility over Neo? If anything Naruto felt the situation was growing to the point where an actual licensed huntsman should take over. Yet Naruto didn't voice his growing concern, as instead he looked down to the sleeping form of Neo. A sight that made Naruto think just how much he wanted to see this through so the girl could be safe.

"Is that all you have to say Ozpin?" Amber began, which made Naruto look back at his teammate. "These people somehow figured out we were keeping Neo at Beacon. They knew where we fucking lived, hell this assassin slid in through our unlocked window."

"Some of this should be expected, Neo is an abnormality within Beacon. Plenty of your fellow students see you with the girl without explanation." Ozpin began as he held a hand out to Neo with a frown. "People will gossip Amber and gossip leads somewhere. In your case it leads to the people hunting Neo to learn where she is."

Amber gritted her teeth, but before she could speak Naruto finally voiced himself. "If these people know where Neo is we need to start shuffling her around Beacon better. I'm talking about avoiding our normal paths and schedules, while even sleeping outside of our dorm. We need to approach the situation as if every bit of our intel has been given to our enemies."

"So we hide, then what?"

Naruto frowned at Amber's question as he could recognize the frustration in her voice.

"I don't know."

"This is just great! An assassin sneaks into our dorm and almost kills Neo. Meanwhile Roman is missing like usual and you don't know what to do."

Gretchen stepped forward and took a stance between Amber and Naruto. "Please we are all stressed and exhausted, let's not turn on each other. We are all in this together."

Ozpin nodded with a calculated gaze. "Gretchen is correct, my advice is to regroup and get some rest. Stay here for the night to be safe, but don't implode on each other. If you're to keep Neo safe and figure out why she is being targeted then you must work with one another."

Amber sighed and walked over to a chair. "I know that." The girl began in a more calm tone as she took a seat and massaged her face with her hands. "This whole situation just has me on edge and I'm sorry."

Gretchen tried her best to give her teammate a confident grin. "Hey I feel the same way, but we just gotta keep giving our best and work together."

Amber merely nodded, but Naruto lowered his head so no one could see the rather displeased expression on his face. He knew all this talk was meaningless if they didn't have the experience or at least a plan to sort this situation out. Yet he still wouldn't voice his opinion on the matter. Instead he kept trying to think over and over what his Father would do. However, with every thought that crossed his mind Naruto knew he wasn't his father and he didn't know what to do as a leader. All Naruto knew was that the lives of Neo and his team were in danger from a powerful gang.

Tonight they had got lucky and no one had gotten hurt, but how long would that luck stay? How long until someone within Team NGRA or Neo gets seriously hurt or killed? Naruto didn't even want to think of that possibility, but it was the only thoughts that ran through his mind.

'Can I do this?' Naruto asked himself in thought, while he looked down to his shaking hands. Showing how the pressure of the situation was slowly eating the teen away. Yet as Naruto had his inner turmoil, a small finger poked him on the nose. An action that made Naruto glance down at Neo, who was smiling softly into his eyes.

'You're always saving me, I promise I'll start protecting you too.'

Naruto smiled at the girl's declaration, it was sweet and thoughtful. However, most importantly it helped clear some of the growing doubts filling his head. So ruffling Neo's hair, Naruto simply signed back.

'You do enough already, just worry about getting some sleep.'

Nodding her head and snuggling into her favorite blond, Neo closed her mismatched eyes and tried to fall back asleep. Though while Naruto and Neo shared their small moment, Ozpin answered a call on his personal scroll. This of course caused the teenagers to see a rather displeased look flash across the man's face. Then to make matters worse, as he ended the call he simply lowered the device against his desk and took a long winded sigh.

"Ozpin what was that about?" Amber began, while Naruto and Gretchen both watched the man run a hand through his hair.

"The man who attacked your dorm was found dead in his temporary cell moments ago. There is a current investigation on how this could happen so quickly, but so far no evidence has been found."

Gretchen was in pure disbelief and slightly stumbled back. "Roman mentioned Lil Miss Malachite's gang had a strong hold in Vale, but this is ridiculous."

Amber gritted her teeth. "And now we are back to square one with an even bigger target on our backs."

Naruto himself couldn't believe what he was hearing, as now things were getting far too serious for a bunch of academy students. However, Ozpin was in a much different mindset.

"Yes this is quite the sour development, but I have faith that your team can turn this situation around. You've thwarted this gang twice now and I'm sure they won't survive a third encounter with you."

Naruto looked over to Ozpin with disbelief, as the man still had full intentions of having them oversee this situation. Despite the fact that they were unqualified children way in over their heads with a group that clearly wasn't afraid to kill even if the target was one of their own. Unfortunately, as Amber and Gretchen didn't show any problems with continuing this mission, Naruto for a third time tonight held his tongue and didn't say a word. Instead he just placed a protective hand over Neo and sat in silence.

(The next day)

Walking through Beacon's courtyard with a sour face, Naruto had his hands in his pockets while his thoughts were consumed by the events that had recently transpired. Frustrated to his core that someone was able to get close to Neo, while also on edge with his lack of progress in fixing the situation. It of course didn't help that Roman was still MIA and the rest of his team wasn't making any progress either.

"Am I over my head here?" Naruto mumbled to himself, while he suddenly felt his scroll vibrate. So pulling the device from his pocket, Naruto saw his father was calling him. Deciding this was a welcomed distraction from his current troubles, Naruto quickly answered the call and brought the scroll to his ear.

"Status report soldier." James began, while his voice held a rather lighthearted tone that made Naruto smile.

"Alive and healthy sir, any orders from high command?" Naruto asked with a small laugh.

"Just one."

"Order away General."

A chuckle coming closer than expected, Naruto looked over his shoulders to find his father standing right before him with a scroll up to his ear. "Come give your old man a hug."

Pocketing his scroll and walking forward, Naruto met James halfway and gave the man a strong hug. This of course caused Naruto to feel the added pressure of his metal replacement arm.

"It's good to see you, but I didn't know you were coming in today."

Backing away with a large smirk, James lightly tapped his son's shoulder with a mock punch. "Well the Vytal Festival is only a week away. Plus I wanted to surprise you."

Naruto nodded. "Well you succeeded on that front."

"Good to hear, but I'm excited to see the team of the great Naruto Ironwood! So when can I meet your new friends?"

Scratching his head and looking to the side, Naruto gave his father a nervous laugh. "Well Ozpin has my team working a rather delicate situation at the moment. So my team is rather separated at the moment."

"I see, anything you need help with?"

Naruto sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Maybe? I don't know. Ozpin placed me in charge of a rather serious situation and I don't know if I have what it takes to see this through. Especially with how tense things have gotten recently."

"Well Ozpin has shared some information with me already." James revealed much to Naruto's surprise, but since they were fellow headmasters he should have seen that coming.

"So you know about Neo?"

James nodded. "I know the basics, but nothing recent. However, you seem troubled. So what's happened?"

"An assassin tried to kill Neo last night." Naruto began in a rather low and frustrated tone. "Me and my team managed to capture the man, but once we handed him over to the Vale authorities he was killed before anyone could learn anything."

"Naruto, this sounds like the situation is getting out of hand. Especially for a couple of academy students."

Gritting his teeth and closing his eyes, Naruto lowered his head. "I know that and I don't know what to do anymore. Ozpin expects us to figure this situation out, but I don't know how. Someone was able to find Neo and all my team can do is shuffle around the campus with her and try to keep people guessing where she is. I mean right now she is with Amber, but keeping her safe isn't fixing the main issue. I'm just not ready for something like this Dad. I'm not a leader and I can't keep pretending like I am one."

Resting a hand on his son's messy blond locks, James merely ruffled the teens hair. "I would disagree, from my perspective you understand your shortcomings and are able to admit you need help. This shows you have grown and matured over these last few months. Now you just need someone to help you fix your flaws."

"Can you help me Dad?"

Smiling wide James nodded. "Of course I will, it's my job after all."

"Thank you."

"Well I have to meet with Ozpin for the upcoming festival. So I'll try to figure out a solution to your current situation when I speak with him."

"I appreciate that Dad and if I can do anything to help let me know." Naruto replied softly.

Looking over his shoulder, James noticed a group approaching his location. "Actually while I'm meeting with Ozpin you can show my students to their temporary dorms."

"I can do that Dad."

Smiling wide James waved the rather large group of students over to his location. Then as the crowd maneuvered into a neat cluster and waited for instruction, James cleared his throat.

"I'll be heading to meet with Beacon's headmaster. In the meantime." James took a slight pause and rested a proud hand on Naruto's shoulder. "My son will show you around the academy grounds."

"It's a pleasure to be the first one to welcome you all to Beacon Academy." Naruto began in a friendly and welcoming voice, while his eyes surveyed the rather large crowd of Atlas students. Yet as Naruto's eyes spotted a rather standout mop of white hair, his body went stiff. For the first time in months, Naruto was now mere feet away from the girl who was not only his dearest friend, but also the individual who had captured his heart.

Though as Naruto and Winter locked eyes with one another, the young blond felt all his remaining confidence leave his body. Since the girl's normal cold and icy glare was enough to let Naruto know his life was about to get even more complicated.

"Well." James began with booming confidence, while slapping Naruto's back. "I'll be off!"

Watching his father walk off, Naruto slowly cleared his throat and tried his hardest to put a fake smile on. Then by turning to the group of Atlas students, Naruto tried his best to avoid Winter's gaze. "Well why don't you guys follow me. Your temporary dorms aren't too far away."

Taking the lead, Naruto started to escort the group through the campus without turning or speaking to anyone. Yet it didn't take long for one of the students to call out to him.

"So you're the General's son huh? I've heard a lot about you! Apparently you graduated top in your class back in Atlas!"

Hearing an unfamiliar female voice, Naruto looked over his shoulder to find a rather muscular girl smiling at him. In a way she kinda reminded Naruto of Gretchen, but her size still wasn't as large as his teammates.

"Uh thanks, but you can just call me Naruto." The blond replied in a small awkward exchange, as even though these were Atlas students. Naruto didn't know a majority of them.

The girl merely nodded and gave Naruto a giant smile. "Oh I'm Elm by the way, Elm Ederne! First year of Atlas Academy!"

Naruto gave a simple nod, while not giving much else of a response to the girl. Yet before Naruto could move his attention away, another voice spoke up.

"Hey you're a first year too right? Will you be competing in the Vytal Festival?"

Looking at the sheep Faunus that had asked the question, Naruto watched Elm slap the girl's arm and laugh.

"Trying to size up the competition already Fiona?"

The now named Fiona seemed a little embarrassed and held her hands up. "No I was just making conversation!"

"It's fine I don't mind the question, but no I won't be participating in the Vytal Festival." Naruto explained, while several surprised looks were directly placed upon him.

"Wait why not? You're the General's son! You gotta be good enough to be in the tournament!" Elm pointed out, which made Naruto frown.

"Actually my team has been given a mission from our headmaster Professor Ozpin. So we will be too busy for the Vytal Festival." Naruto explained in a simple tone, while stopping before a rather large building. "But here is where you will be staying."

"Wow, getting missions already? Your team must be something else!" Fiona praised, as she ignored her temporary dorm and was still stuck on what Naruto had revealed about his mission. A response that made Elm laugh with a booming laughter.

"Please he's the General's son, what else do you expect from him? He's just like his old man."

Naruto didn't show it, but that comment really struck a nerve with him. Considering ever since he was little everyone had always compared him to his father or expected a certain level of success from him. However, there was a short list of people who judged him as his own person using his own merits and accomplishments. The person who was always at the top of said list was funny enough, the person who had just snorted at Elm's words.

"Please." Winter began in an ice cold voice, while she walked forward and stood right before Naruto with her arms crossed. "The General is a great and calculated man, but this imbecile is a thick headed moron who is nothing like his father. He's not some great genius or second coming of General Ironwood, he's Naruto Ironwood. An annoying idiot and coward."

Every single Atlas student looked at Winter with a look of disbelief, as they couldn't believe the girl had outright insulted Naruto like that. Yet Naruto wasn't hurt or even offended, instead he looked to the girl he loved with a small smile. Her words may have been harsh, but like always she was the only one who saw him for who he was and nothing else.

"Still the same frigid and ruthless Ice Queen huh?" Naruto replied with a small laugh, which caused even more surprise among the Atlas students. "Glad to see some things don't change."

Winter held her ground and glared at Naruto. "It would seem unfortunately so, as I would hope your time in Beacon would make you less of an idiot. However, you seem to be the same imbecile as before."

Not giving a reply, Naruto simply walked forward and stood to where he was towering over Winter. Then as their bodies were mere inches from touching. Naruto looked down upon Winter with a cocky smirk, while Winter kept looking up with her trademark glare. Then as the two had a small silent stare down, every onlooker watched with bated breath for what would happen next.

However, not a single person, especially Winter, was prepared for what Naruto would do next, which was wrap his arms tightly around her slender frame. Then by using his superior strength, Naruto pulled Winter into a tight embrace. Resulting in the blushing girl having her face tightly pressed into the firm chest of her best friend.

"I've missed you so much." Naruto whispered softly into Winter's ear, which sent chills down the girl's spine. Who instead of retaliating or pushing the blond away, wrapped her arms around Naruto's waist and returned the hug.

"Of course you have Imbecile." Winter replied in a stern voice, which made Naruto laugh.

"Come on Ice Queen, can't you admit you missed me a little?" Naruto asked, which in return made Winter squeeze ever so tighter.

"And give you the satisfaction of knowing how much I've missed you? I would never."

Hearing Winter's words filled Naruto with a sensation of happiness that he had been missing for a long time. They still had a long way to go and still had several things to work through, but Naruto could only smile at the small steps they were both taking.

(Chapter End)

And finally another chapter done! Feels good to be done, but now off to the next one! Anyways thanks for reading and I hope to see you guys for the next one. Until then stay safe and have a good one!