Chapter 11. The Fox Goes Hunting

Walking with his hands dug deep in his pockets Naruto exited Beacon's weapon workshop. An area open to the students of Beacon to build, repair and modify their weapons. As he walked Naruto had a confident smirk on his face, showing he was obviously proud of something. That of course being the new weapon modifications he was working on with combining Kitsune and Stormflower. A process that was a few days in the making and at this rate would be finished by the time the festival starts.

Honestly Naruto couldn't be happier with his progress, but he couldn't take all the credit for his work. As surprisingly Ren was vocal enough to give some ideas and assistance to Naruto. Which allowed Naruto to work even faster than he would just tinkering on his own.

"You're making some solid progress." Ren complemented inside of Naruto's head.

Chuckling to himself Naruto nodded and grabbed his scroll. 'Yeah the plans for Fox Flower are coming along perfect. It will definitely give us an edge in the festival.'

"And over Salem." Ren added.

"Let's hope so." Naruto replied in a low voice, while he dialed his partner's number. He then waited patiently for Nora to answer.

"Naruto!" Nora shouted on the other end, as a video feed of his bubbly partner appeared on the screen. "Are you finished up for today?"

Naruto nodded and leaned against a wall. "Yeah me and Ren are making a good pace on my new weapon. I figure one or two more weeks and it will be finished."

"That's great!" Nora cheered on the other end, but a background noise caused Nora to look away and nod. Then after a moment she looked back to her partner with a grin. "Hey Naruto, me and Pyrrha are headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. Wanna meet up with us?"

Naruto grinned at his partner, but a large eyesore from the adjacent window caught his eye. It was a large military fleet from Atlas of all places floating right by the school grounds. "Yeah Nora I'll be on my way, I just need to stop at Oz's first. Go ahead and get my food for me."

Nora giggled. "Alright Naruto, I'll get all your favorites for you!"

Naruto gave his partner a soft smile. "Thanks Nora, you're the perfect partner." Naruto replied, earning a blush from the girl before he ended the call. Causing his features to shift into a more serious expression as he walked onward. "Now to figure out what the fuck is going on."

"Do you think Ozpin requested military aid?" Ren asked.

Naruto approached the elevator to Ozpin's office and thought for a moment. Then as he pressed the button to call the elevator he sighed.

"I don't know Ren." The blond admitted out loud. "Since Oz hasn't mentioned a fleet coming to Beacon i'm sure this is a surprise to him as well."

Entering the elevator and pressing the up button, Naruto quickly leaned against the back of the elevator and folded his arms.

"Regardless extra forces should be more than welcome. Especially with the high possibility of an attack from Salem." Ren pointed out.

Naruto closed his eyes and shrugged his shoulders. "You could be right, but things are not always so easy. For all we know these forces could be allied with Salem."

"You wouldn't think another headmaster would betray Ozpin?" Ren asked in a shocked voice.

"Maybe." Naruto answered simply. "I was raised to never trust others so easily. Mistakes like that could mean your death."

The elevator made a slight ding, signaling they had arrived to their destination.

"You could be right." Ren replied in a low voice.

Naruto smirked and walked forward. "Of course I am." The blond admitted in a cocky tone before opening his eyes. Allowing him vision of Ozpin and the other individual in the room. The headmaster of Atlas Academy, one James Ironwood.

Ozpin gave a slight nod of recognition to his huntsman, while James was unaware of the blond's presence.

"Listen Ozpin." Ironwood began in a commanding tone, while he pressed his knuckles on Ozpin's desk. "If what you say is true and Salem is planning on attacking the festival. Then the men I've already assembled might not be enough. We need to be prepared for an all out war."

Naruto scoffed, loudly enough to reach the general's ears. "So that's what all the commotion outside is about. And I just thought you were over compensating Jimmy."

Growling General Ironwood stood up straight and kept his back to Naruto. "Qrow what a nice surprise. . . " James began, but once he turned to face Naruto he was struck with confusion. He then turned to Ozpin with a look of anger. "What's the meaning of this Ozpin? Do you allow your students free passage all over Beacon? If you have forgotten we are having a very delicate discussion."

"I'm very aware of how important this discussion is James." Ozpin replied in a flat tone. "And I do not give my students free reign of the entire school. However, this young man along with his partner is an exception."

Naruto rolled his eyes and approached Ozpin's desk. Then by grabbing an unused mug he poured himself a cup of coffee.

"This young man has a name you know." Naruto grumbled in a low voice, while he slowly and regretfully began to drink the coffee.

Ozpin genuinely laughed at his subordinate. "Are you actually drinking something other than hard liquor?"

"He drinks!" Ironwood shouted in shock. "He's only a child! What kind of school do you run Ozpin?"

Ozpin ignored his fellow headmaster, while Naruto grumbled in response. "Nora took away my drinking privileges for a couple days." The blond admitted in an embarrassed tone. As his punishment for feeling up his partner was a little harsher than he expected.

"Now what would cause her to do that?" Ozpin asked with a small grin.

Naruto blushed and looked away. "None of your fucking business that's what." The blond replied bluntly, causing Ironwood's jaw to hit the floor.

"Boy show your headmaster some respect!" Ironwood yelled loudly, as he did not approve of Naruto's disrespectful behavior.

"Bite me Jimmy." Naruto replied with one eye closed, while the other glanced at the man with a calculative gaze. "And the names not boy, it's Naruto. . . Naruto Branwen the Fox Sin of Greed."

"B-Branwen?" Ironwood gasped as he finally took notice to Naruto's piercing red eyed gaze.

"Fox Sin of Greed?" Ozpin added in with a slight chuckle. "Hmm I like it, but I can't help thinking I've heard that name before."

Giving Naruto his full attention, James looked Naruto up and down with surprise. "Are you Qrow's son?"

Naruto laughed and shook his head. "Haha mom always said I acted too much like Uncle Qrow for her liking, but I never figured I would get mistaken for his child. No I'm a Branwen from my mother, Raven Branwen."

"Raven's son." James mumbled in shock, as he remember his limited reactions with the woman. Memories that left the impression that she didn't have a motherly bone in her body.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Yeah I just said that, now can we move on? Like maybe to the part where one of you explain why there is a fucking army outside the window?"

Ozpin sighed and motioned to the General. "Well James believes a strong force is needed to protect Beacon from Salem. While I say this is a poor move, but I'm curious Naruto. What are your thoughts?"

Ironwood pointed at Naruto with a scowl. "Why is the input of a child so important Ozpin?" The hardened and militaristic man shouted.

"Well for one Jimmy." Naruto began in an annoyed voice. "This child has actually fought Salem and I also happen to be one of the four Relic Wielders."

James was once again left in shock and looked to Ozpin. "This is your elite operative you told me about? The same one who wields the power of a Relic? Obviously we have different definitions of an elite."

Ozpin laughed. "First impressions can be deceiving James. I would even be bold enough to say Naruto is more capable than any one of your specialists."

"Certainly you are making a joke Ozpin." James began, earning a snort from Naruto.

"I'm getting real sick of you talking about me like I'm not here." Naruto began in a low voice. "But regardless I have to meet Nora for breakfast so I'd rather not keep her waiting. So moving on, I believe this little show of military force is a poor move."

Ozpin nodded as he agreed with what his young protege was saying. James on the other hand didn't agree with the other men in the room.

"If you've really battled Salem how could you even think taking steps to protect the festival is a bad idea!" Ironwood argued.

Naruto sighed and placed his cup of coffee down. "Wow you're almost as bad as Weiss." The blond mumbled as he massaged his forehead. "If you haven't forgotten Jimmy we are in a time of peace. And a large show of force like this brings up a question. If this is the size of our army, what possible threat is large enough to bring this action? You could have gone about this discreetly with Ozpin's help, but the damage is done. You've shown up with full force and now there is a tension in the air. Which can lead to fear and that ultimately leads us to the creatures of Grimm."

Ozpin nodded. "What Naruto is getting to James is that your forces are welcome. But who's to say we haven't played into Salem's hands by amassing such a large force?"

James sighed and closed his eyes, as he was trying his hardest to see Ozpin's side to this argument. "Alright Ozpin, then what do you suggest as our next move? The other headmasters are not extending any aid to us. So how do we prepare for whatever Salem has?"

"Well." Ozpin began in a low tone, while taking a small sip of coffee. "I was wagering our success to my Winter Maiden and . . . Heh, Fox Sin of Greed. After all, they together have faced and defeated Salem once."

"You can't be serious Ozpin? You're placing all your bets on just two people?" James replied in a non-believing tone.

Naruto crossed his arms. "I'll have you know Jimmy me and Nora are working our ass off to prepare for Salem's forces. We've been training everyday since returning back to Beacon." Naruto declared in an annoyed tone. "And besides disregard the loss of my family techniques, I'm stronger than ever."

Ozpin frowned. "Still haven't been able to recover any of your lost abilities since obtaining your Relic?"

Naruto scoffed and raised his shirt, displaying the fox mark on his body. "None and to be honest Oz it's frustrating. I worked for years to train my abilities to where they were. So even if my Semblance is stronger I still feel like I took a few steps back."

James looked to his fellow headmaster. "I'm not very well versed on the topics of Relics. However, I find it odd that it would cause you to lose any sort of your former abilities." The man began before rubbing his chin. "Care to enlighten me a little Ozpin."

Ozpin sighed and looked at his subordinate. "Honestly the bulk of my knowledge regarding Relics is information passed down through generations. I've never once had the pleasure of meeting an actual individual with the ability to wield a Relic. That's of course until Naruto here found his Relic. I do know Relics are powerful tools only a select few can wield. I also know that a Relic bonds with its user and only departs upon death. However. . ."

Naruto raised his eyebrow as he noticed his headmaster trail off. Almost like he was pondering his next words carefully.

"Well don't leave me in suspense Ozpin." James began, as he wanted all the intel he could gather.

Even Naruto had to nod in agreement, mostly because his headmaster was talking about a subject that involved him.

"Yeah Oz, we really haven't talked much about my Relic. So I'm curious to hear what else you have." Naruto admitted.

Ozpin nodded and folded his hands together, then by looking down at his desk he collected his thoughts. "Where to begin?" The aged hunter asked, before looking back up at Naruto. "Let me explain it like this. When young Nora first retold the events of your mission to me I was surprised and intrigued. Everything regarding your Relic matches with the stories I've been told. Once a Relic finds its Wielder it will slowly sync with that individual before being absorbed into their very soul, becoming apart of them. Though when Nora told me about the fox mark, I was at a loss for words."

Naruto raised his eyebrow and he glanced down to his fox mark. "But why? The mark is my Relic right? Or it at least shows I've bonded with my Relic."

Ozpin shook his head. "I've never heard such tales before." The man admitted.

Naruto looked confused, as he didn't understand what his headmaster was getting at. "But when I first found the Relic it had this fox mark on it. So this has to be related!"

"You'd be surprised to discover you had as much influence on your Relic as it did on you. I'd argue those fox images on your Relic were not present until your weapon was in your possession." Ozpin explained in a matter of fact tone.

James folded his arms as he listened in. "None of this makes sense Ozpin. The boy obtained his Relic and then got the mark. So the Relic must have caused the mark to appear."

Ozpin took a deep breath. "In a way I theorize you're correct, but here is what I believe happened. So pay close attention to what I say Naruto." Ozpin began, earning a nod from said blond. "Your Relic changed your Semblance and body, so in a way you've unlocked your true potential as an individual. See you have always been strong, but your Relic has always been out there. Waiting for you to claim it and move towards your real strength. This in a way has proven you worthy, so that is why you have been branded by that mark."

Naruto massaged his face. "I'm so fucking confused right now! It makes me worthy? For fucks sake I really need a drink." The blond groaned before ruffling his hair. "If only I didn't get caught feeling Nora up I'd be fine!" Ozpin and James looked at Naruto with different looks. One had an amused smirk, while the other had a look of disgust. Naruto quickly realizing what he had said pointed a finger at Ozpin. "You didn't hear that!"

"You're a filthy human!" James accused.

Naruto turned his finger towards the General. "And you're an annoying dick head."

Ozpin laughed and raised his hands into the air. "Please calm down and let me finish." Ozpin began causing both men to look his way. "Now like I said previously, I have never heard of a Relic Wielder with any sort of marking. I have heard different rumors, but these are scarce and a topic even I don't know much about."

Naruto looked shocked. "A story you don't know much about, you're kidding right?"

"Oh I'm quite serious." Ozpin began, while pointing at Naruto's fox mark. "All I know is a small story and a rhyme that follows. If I remember it goes something like. . . When one proves that they are worthy, a mark out of seven they shall carry. And once Remnant faces its darkest day, those seven shall light the way."

Naruto squinted his eyes and gave his headmaster an annoyed look. "Really Oz a fucking rhyme?"

Ozpin nodded. "It's from a story my father once told me. Back before the four kingdoms were established there was many war like tribes dotted throughout the world. Though one stood above the rest, that was because of its powerful group of seven warriors. Each branded with the mark of a beast. I honestly believed my father's stories were make believe and nothing besides fiction. Though once I learned of your fox mark I began to think the stories were true."

Naruto folded his arms. "What exactly is the story involving these seven warriors?"

"Not much." Ozpin revealed. "All I know is that together they faced and slayed a great evil. That's all the information I have on the topic. My father didn't know much either, as when I was young I would often ask him more about those seven warriors. Though he had nothing to tell me and I could never find any information to confirm if what he had told me was true. That's why I haven't mentioned any of this yet. I've been searching for more information on the subject to avoid leaving you with more unanswered questions. Considering you have enough on your plate to worry about."

Naruto looked down and bit his lip. "I see." The blond began in a low voice.

General Ironwood rubbed his chin. "So to sum everything up you believe by obtaining his Relic Naruto has become worthy to earn this mark. A mark that we know absolutely nothing about?"

Ozpin nodded. "That is my theory."

"You know this is a lot to take in?" Naruto asked, while he looked at Ozpin. The latter of whom merely nodded.

"I know and I wish I could give you more information." Ozpin admitted truthfully.

James placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder. "I'll have some of my history scholars in Atlas look into this matter."

Naruto glanced at the man with a skeptical look. "Um thanks?" The blond replied, confused by the man's willingness to help him.

"Keep your thanks, we are allies in our battle to keep the peace from Salem. So I will support you and Ozpin anyway I can." James declared confidently.

Ozpin nodded and folded his hands over his desk. "James is right and speaking of Salem, before we started arguing over the army outside. Me and the General were discussing something more serious."

Naruto narrowed his eyes, his headmaster spoke with a grim and serious tone. An action that immediately caused a small alarm with the young hunter.

"What happened?" Naruto asked.

Ozpin sighed. "The Fall Maiden was attacked." The man revealed, causing Naruto's eyes to grow wide. "And some of her power was stolen."

"What!" Naruto shouted as he slammed his hands onto Ozpin's desk. "Why haven't you told me this sooner!"

Ozpin held his hand up. "I've only recently obtained this information. You see Amber the Fall Maiden was attacked by unknown assailants, but she was saved by your uncle. Who placed her in the care of a local Atlas convoy. She was then transported to Beacon this morning by James personally."

"What's her exact condition?" Naruto asked, while he balled his knuckles.

James turned to Naruto and frowned. "She's dying and worst of all her power was almost completely taken. She nearly at death's door, but I've placed her under a life support system. Though this solution is temporary at best." The General explained.

"But if she dies her Maiden powers might go to her attacker." Naruto pointed out in worry.

"We know Naruto. . . The power might go seek out its other half. Or the person that Amber was last thinking of, which would be her attacker." Ozpin explained to Naruto, causing the younger male to curse.

"Shit." Naruto began in a low voice, as he was now thinking about protecting Nora more than ever. "Okay then what's our plan?"

"We find a replacement to take her power." James answered. "We have the technology to do so after all."

Naruto turned to the man. "But who could we trust with that kind of power and burden?"

Ozpin sighed and adjusted his glasses. "I have a candidate in mind. Pyrrha would be perfect in my opinion."

Naruto frowned at the idea. "I don't like bringing more of my friends into this Oz."

"I know Naruto, but we are low on time and options. It's a dangerous request, but we should at least allow Pyrrha to decide if she wants to become our Fall Maiden."

James nodded in agreement. "I'm with Ozpin, besides young Pyrrha has an impressive record. From the files I've read she was born an orphan, but was trained at a young age to become a champion fighter. One who is currently undefeated."

"So you're pretty sold on proposing the offer to Pyrrha. Sounds like you've placed a lot of thought into this." Naruto began in a low voice, but his eyes slightly glowed red. "But tell me what plans have you made to protect Nora?"

"Naruto I knew you would be worried about her safety, but that's not needed. With Beacons support, James army and you as Nora's personal body guard. I feel she is much safer than Amber ever was." Ozpin explained while he stood to his feet and walked around his desk. He then placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Trust me the safety of my students is my top priority."

Naruto looked down and tightened his fists. "Last time I wasn't enough to protect Nora. . ."

"But next time you will be." Ozpin cut in, causing Naruto to look up at the man. "Don't be down on yourself, you're a fantastic warrior and you will protect Nora if the situation calls for it."

"Yeah you're right Oz!" Naruto declared with a wide smile.

"That's the spirit, now why don't you get going. I think Nora needs to have this information given to her." Ozpin explained in a firm voice.

Naruto nodded and walked off. "Alright I'll be in touch Oz."

James watched the blond walk off and folded his arms behind his back. "He's a lot like his family. Brash, rude and inconsiderate. But he has an incredible presence of power that follows him."

Ozpin nodded. "He's one of my best students and is quite powerful. Though you should see some of my other students. They may not be at Naruto's level, but they definitely have the potential to do so."

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(With Nora)

Seated by her best female friend Pyrrha, Nora kept her gaze on her food tray and gazed at her breakfast. She then gave her food a blank expression while mindlessly moving her food with a fork. To her left was an empty seat with a tray of food for Naruto, but her friend was taking longer to arrive than she planned.

Pyrrha who noticed her friend's distracted behavior chuckled. "Missing your boyfriend Naruto are we?" The young warrior asked, her voice holding back a small giggle.

Glancing up to her friend with a blank expression, Nora rolled her eyes. "Are you missing Jaune?" The Maiden fired back without any emotion, an action that made Pyrrha blush and look down.

"I- I uh. . ."

"Save it Pyrrha." Nora cut in with a small smirk. "You may know my secret, but I know yours."

Pyrrha sighed in defeat. "I guess we both have a thing for our partner's then."

Nora blushed slightly, as admitting her feelings wasn't something she had actually done to others. Though at least Yang wasn't around to tease her. "Yeah I guess so, but we sure picked some winners, an alcoholic momma's boy and Jaune."

A sweat drop rolled down Pyrrha's head. "Was that an insult?"

Nora shrugged her shoulders. "What can I say? Naruto has rubbed off on me."

Pyrrha laughed, but her laughter quickly died down. "You know Nora I must be honest I'm actually quite envious of you."

Nora raised her eyebrow. "Really? Why would you be?"

Pyrrha rubbed her arm and looked down. "Well you and Naruto are so close, closer than most partner's. I just wish me and Jaune were more like the two of you."

Nora frowned and looked away. "Trust me Pyrrha me and Naruto are more complicated than you think." The girl explained as she remembered his confession, a topic both teens have danced around for the last couple of days.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Pyrrha asked.

Nora took a second to think over her reply, but before she could answer another voice spoke up.

"Well look who it is." A condensing voice spoke out loud.

Looking up both Nora and Pyrrha found Cinder and her friend Emerald at the side of their table. Smirks plastered on each girl's face as they looked down at the females of Team JNNP.

"Cinder." Nora began before glancing over to the green haired girl. "And Emerald, what's up?"

The two girls ignored Nora for a moment. This caused Pyrrha to slightly frown.

"Um hello, I'm Pyrrha. It's nice to meet the both of you." The girl began, as she was trying to be friendly.

"My my, that's a lot of food for one person." Emerald began in an amused tone, while she glanced down at the two trays by Nora. "Pigging out are we?"

Nora looked down and frowned, while Pyrrha gave the two girls a hard stare.

"It's not all for-"

"Hey where is that cute partner of yours?" Cinder asked, while cutting Nora off at the same time. "I must say he's grabbed my attention."

Emerald smirked and glanced to Cinder. "Don't tell me you have a crush on that Naruto kid? Rumors around Beacon say he grew up in the Branwen Tribe."

Cinder shrugged her shoulders. "What can I say Em? You know I love bad boys."

"He's bad alright. You heard that threat he gave Merc. I bet a guy like that has killed all sorts of people. He's real scum." Emerald added in.

Nora balled her fists under the table, but she kept her mouth shut.

"Yeah you're right, rumors say those awful bandits steal from and kill the helpless. I bet he's nothing besides a heartless monster." Cinder sneered in a mocking voice.

The air around the girl's growing deathly cold, Nora gritted her teeth.

"He's not a monster." The girl seethed in a low voice. "So don't call him that."

Emerald hearing Nora's declaration laughed loudly. "Aww that's adorable Cinder. She's defending her partner, you know what I bet she has a crush on him." The girl declared, earning a blush from Nora. A blush that Emerald saw and laughed even louder. "Oh shit she does!"

"That is funny Em." Cinder began with a slight grin. "But you should get your head out of the clouds. He will never have true feelings for someone like you."

Pyrrha slightly stood up. "You two should leave." The girl commanded.

"Oh don't get offended." Emerald began, while ignoring Pyrrha's anger. "We are only helping the poor girl. A boy like her partner would only go after a true beauty like Cinder here. Not a piggy like you."

"I said leave." Pyrrha repeated, but this time the normally kind girl displayed a hostile side.

Cinder merely motioned for Emerald to walk off. "Let's go Em." The black haired girl instructed, but she kept her gaze on Nora. "And don't take Em's words to heart. Piggy's can be quite cute after all, so I'd say you're more of a boar."

With that final insult the two girls walked off and left a teary eyed Nora and enraged Pyrrha behind. Though as Pyrrha glared at the two retreating girls she quickly changed her attention to Nora.

"Hey are you okay?" The redhead asked.

Slightly rubbing her eyes Nora nodded. "Yeah why wouldn't I?"

Pyrrha sighed and gave her friend a one armed hug. "Just thought being the most beautiful girl at Beacon was overwhelming you. Just making sure you're okay."

Nora laughed and leaned into her friend. "You know I love you." The girl declared happily.

Pyrrha nodded. "Almost as much as you love Naruto." The girl teased.

"Whatever." Nora mumbled with a soft laugh.

Pyrrha grinned wide, but her grin turned to surprise once someone violently slammed their self into the seat by Nora.

"We need to talk." The voice of Naruto began, his voice sounding disturbed and impatient.

Nora raised her eyebrow. "Naruto what's the matter?"

Naruto shook his head. "Not here Nora, we need to talk in private. . . The queen has made a move."

Standing up Nora practically pulled Naruto onto his feet. "Let's go." The girl began before looking down to Pyrrha. "Sorry we gotta go."

"Um okay?" Pyrrha mumbled in a confused voice before she watched the two run off. This caused the girl to sigh and play with her food. "And then there was one."

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(Team JNNP's dorm)

Nora who was seated on her bed listened to the intel Naruto had gathered with a frown. When she faced Salem the woman declared she could take Nora's power, but she didn't believe the woman. However, it appears that Salem was telling the truth. Though that wasn't what was troubling Nora the most at the moment.

Naruto after finishing his explanation took notice of his partner's downward mood. So to comfort the girl he placed a hand on her lap and gave her a soft smile.

"I know you're worried Nora, but don't because I'm here for you." Naruto declared in a soft voice. "I'll protect you."

Nora flashed her partner a smile. "I know you will, but I'm not worried about my own safety. I'm worried about Amber. . . She was my friend."

Naruto raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You knew her?"

Nora nodded. "Ozpin introduced us, she helped me a little in coming to terms with being a Maiden. She actually offered me the chance to travel alongside her, but I couldn't do it. I decided to hide away in combat school and live out my days under Ozpin's protection."

"I'm sorry Nora." Naruto replied in a low voice. "But what do you think of Oz's solution?"

"What making Pyrrha the next Fall Maiden?" Nora asked softly, before smiling to herself. "Well knowing Amber she would approve of handing her powers to Pyrrha. Though I agree with you, I don't want any of our friends or family involved."

Naruto sighed. "So what should we do?"

Nora shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, do whatever we can I guess. Train more maybe or perhaps try to catch wind of Salem's plans before they come into play."

"I have some connections with people who are not really model citizens." Naruto began causing Nora to deadpan.

"You mean criminals." The girl clarified.

Naruto closed his eyes and laughed, then by rubbing the back of his head he grinned. "Yeah criminals, but maybe they've heard something about Salem or even the White Fang."

Nora stood to her feet and stretched. "Alright Naruto, you go find some leads. I'm gonna go talk to Ozpin. . . I wanna know if he will let me see Amber."

Naruto nodded and placed a hand on his partner's shoulder. "We will talk later Nora, but if you need me just call."

Nora smiled. "I will."

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(Red light district)

The surrounding city by Beacon was a wonderful testament to how far humanity had thrived. However, even the most lavish cities have places where crime festers and grows. So since Naruto was looking for information, that's exactly where he was headed.

With his hood placed over his head and his hands dug deep into his pockets, Naruto moved silently through the busy streets. While making his way to a large tavern with a flashy red neon sign that read "The Peeking Toad." Then by slowly approaching the building, Naruto entered the shady establishment.

Though almost the moment Naruto walked into the building, a tall muscular male in a black suit held his hand out to the blond.

"Beat if kid, this place is for adults." The man declared in a commanding tone.

Naruto looked up to the man, his red eyes giving the bouncer a piercing glare. "I wouldn't get in my way."

The man snorted. "Or what?" The man asked, earning a smirk from Naruto.

On the inside of the building a single male with long spiky white hair was seated at a circular table. To his left and right were a large assortment of young and beautiful women, all of whom were shamelessly flirting with the older man. Though as the man released a loud laugh and reached for a drink on his table, the door to the establishment was busted open. While the bouncer who tried to stop Naruto flew into the room and crashed onto the man's table. This action caused the girl's to shriek and the man to frown.

"What's going on here!" The man yelled in frustration.

A calm chuckling reaching his ears, the man watched as a hooded Naruto entered the room. "I'm looking for the owner of this shit hole." The blond declared.

Many of the patrons inside the building shot Naruto a gaze. While the white haired man glared at Naruto.

"Well you found him brat!" The man yelled before folding his arms. "So what do you want?"

Naruto removed his hood, showing his red eyes and devious smirk to the man. "I want information and my mom said you were always the best in the business."

The man rolled his eyes. "Raven's brat."

"The names Naruto." He clarified with a small smirk.

The man huffed and motioned for the girl's by his side to leave. Then once they were alone he stood to his feet and made a gesture for Naruto to follow. "Alright my office is this way."

Naruto nodded and followed the man to the back of the building. As they walked the man shot Naruto a glance over his shoulder.

"So what kind of information did you come seeking the gallant Jiraiya for?" The now named Jiraiya asked, while he approached a small office door.

Entering the room with the man, Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "Just a few things." The blond replied offhandedly. "Like the White Fang's movements and rumors you've heard. Also Roman Torchwick has made my list of important people to watch out for. And let's throw any news you have on Salem, relics and the maidens in there as well."

Taking a seat at his desk, Jiraiya grumbled something about annoying brats. "That's more than a few things." The man clarified, causing Naruto to give a foxy smirk.

"Just tell me what you know, I have the same amount of patience as my mother after all." Naruto replied in a smug tone.

Jiraiya took a long drawn out sigh. "Well for starters that Torchwick guy has apparently managed to steal and smuggled some high level Atlas tech."

Naruto rubbed his chin and slightly hummed. "Well that's interesting, Jimmy didn't mention stolen tech. What kind of gear are we talking about?"

"Top secret military machinery, whatever was stolen hasn't even been released to the general public." The white haired man explained.

"Great." Naruto mumbled in an unenthusiastic tone. "What else do you know?"

Jiraiya grabbed a map from his desk and placed it before Naruto. "Well there is sightings of a large number of White Fang here and here." The man explained while drawing a circle in the two areas. "My intel also confirms their numbers in these areas are growing."

Naruto frowned. "They are gathering their forces." The blond mumbled, while his eyes drifted to where Beacon was on the map. Which was right between the White Fang forces. "It's the gathering on an invasion force."

Jiraiya nodded. "Yes that was my first impression as well, but let's move on. I have no information on Salem or the relics. However, the Maidens are a far different story."

Naruto folded his arms. "Enlighten me."

"Well you are aware Spring is currently with your mother." Jiraiya stated in a matter of fact tone.

Naruto nodded. "Yes I've been aware for quite some time now. Please tell me that isn't all the news you have?"

Jiraiya shook his head. "I had some leads on the Fall Maiden, but she has completely vanished." The man explained, earning a nod from Naruto. The latter of whom already knowing what had happened to Amber. "But there is rumors circulating that the Winter Maiden is a student at Beacon."

Naruto's eyes turned hostile and started to glow. "Where have you heard these rumors?"

Jiraiya laughed, causing Naruto to tighten his fists. "What's with the sudden temper brat?"

"My anger shouldn't concern you." The blond replied quickly. "Just make these rumors disappear, before I am forced to take action."

Jiraiya grinned. "You're protecting someone and word is that you are a student at Beacon now. So I guess my intel is spot on!"

Naruto growled. "Yes I am protecting someone." The blond revealed before pressing his knuckles on Jiraiya's desk. "And know that I would gladly kill anyone to keep her safe, regardless of any circumstances. So it would really be in your best interest to kill off these fake rumors of yours."

The older male shook his head. "Man you're a carbon copy of your mother, except with blond hair."

Naruto gave the man a twisted grin. "Well then you should know like my mother I don't bluff."

Jiraiya waved the blond off. "Yeah yeah whatever brat, but I got one last bit of information to give you."

Naruto took a deep breath and stood up straight. "Okay I'm all ears."

"Tonight at two separate locations you'll find two big players in the White Fang's organization. One is that Torchwick guy you mentioned earlier, he's attending a rally involving new recruits."

Naruto folded his arms. "And the other?"

Jiraiya smiled. "Have you heard of Adam Taurus?"

Naruto raised his eyebrow, Adam Taurus was a big name in the White Fang organization. Taking him out would definitely cause a blow to their organization.

"Where is he?" Naruto asked with fire in his eyes.

Jiraiya chuckled. "In a warehouse on the outskirts of the city. My intel says he's overseeing a transport of dust. But know if you go after him you will miss out on finding that Torchwick guy."

Naruto turned his back to Jiraiya and started to walk off. "That's acceptable, especially after tonight the White Fang will be one member short."

Jiraiya scoffed, an action that caused Naruto to stop at the office door. "Do I believe you have the power to kill the man? Absolutely, but know he would quickly become a martyr for the White Fang's cause. Which in turn would only rally more troops over to their side."

Naruto glanced over to Jiraiya, giving the man an emotionless red eyed stare. A look that honestly sent chills down the man's spine.

"Like I said earlier, I have people to protect and I will kill anyone to keep them safe. I don't care who they are, if they have families or if they beg for mercy. If they pose a threat to those I love I will strike them down."

With that being said Naruto quickly exited the office and the building shortly after, while making his way towards where Adam Taurus would be waiting for him. Though as he walked Ren finally made his presence known.

"You really didn't mean that did you?" The disembodied teen asked. "You do realize not every solution involves killing."

Naruto looked into the night sky and gazed at the cracked moon. "I will protect what is mine." Naruto replied simply. "As for any backlash that follows, well if Nora, my sisters and friends are safe. I couldn't give a single fuck as to what else happens."

Ren took a small sigh within Naruto's head. "If that is what you wish to tell yourself so be it."

Ignoring Ren's final comment Naruto took off at a faster pace. He was weaponless and without a plan, but as he made his way towards his enemy the young Branwen had nothing besides sheer confidence and determination.

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Chapter end!

So let's talk about the elephant in the room so to speak. I've gotten many PMs/Reviews regarding volume 5 and how it conflicts with things I've done within my story. So let's set the record straight this story had diverged from the main plot from chapter one when Naruto was brought into the story. This is a crossover of two shows I love dearly and I will be doing a great deal many things different from the source material. Hell half of you can already see the large amount of Seven Deadly Sins inspiration I've thrown in here as well.

Summarizing everything up this story will be different and that's a good thing. It gives you the readers a surprise and something fresh instead of copy and paste with new characters added here and there.

Anyways hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I hope to have another one out soon. Until then thanks for reading and tell me what you thought of this chapter!