Chapter 12. Can't Hide the Past
The soft echoing of footsteps could be heard in the secret underground vault under Beacon. They were slow and almost unheard, giving the impression that the individual walking was trying to avoid arriving to their destination as long as possible. Said individual was none other than Nora Valkyrie, who was on her way to whiteness what remained of her former mentor and friend. She was alone and was dreading her decision to come see Amber, as her emotions and nerves were slowly taking over. Nora truly wanted to see Amber, but she wished she would have asked Naruto to tag along. Since she really needed his emotional support.
However, her partner was off doing other things so she had to do this solo. Eventually after what felt like forever Nora arrived at the life support system that held her friend. A sight that caused a slight tear to trail down Nora's face.
"Amber. . ." Nora mumbled in a soft voice, while the girl placed a hand onto the glass of the life support machine. "You didn't deserve this."
Nora trailed her fingers slowly down the glass before her hand fell down to her side. Then as she tightened both fists Nora closed her eyelids. "I'll find who did this and make them pay!"
Silence filling the room Nora took a deep breath and she started to remember some of the good times with the dying woman across her. Memories that caused the pain in her chest to grow even worse.
"This doesn't seem real." Nora mumbled in a low voice. "It seems like yesterday you were teasing me about boys and the way I ate. I wish you could have met my friends, especially Naruto. He's my well. . . He's very special to me, but you'd probably hate him. He drinks a lot, is rude to everyone and loves starting fights. Though he treats me really good and is always there to protect me. So maybe you would like him."
Nora took a pause and sighed. "I know you can't hear anything I'm saying, so saying goodbye like this is hollow at best. However, I promise I'll figure out how to fully control my powers and I will avenge you Amber. So goodbye and rest easy knowing I'll take care of everything."
With those final words Nora turned away from her friend and slowly walked off.
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(With Naruto)
Currently Naruto was squatting over the edge of a rooftop, which allowed him a solid vantage point. Though as his blood red eyes observed his surrounding Ren decided to make a comment on their situation.
"There is a lot of them. Are you positive going in without a weapon is wise?"
Naruto scoffed. "I was trained to be a human weapon Ren. Trust me, I've killed plenty of Grimm and huntsmen with and without weapons. I'll be fine."
"So what, you're just gonna waltz in and start killing left and right?" Ren asked in an annoyed tone.
Shaking his head Naruto rose to his feet. "There is a lot you could learn Ren."
"Like what?" The teen asked.
Naruto chuckled. "Remember these four things Ren." The blond began before taking a leap off the rooftop. "Make a plan."
Naruto then took a pause and silently approached a warehouse surrounded by members of the White Fang. Most of whom were busy moving storage crates full of weapons and dust.
"Execute the plan." The blond continued before leaning against a storage crate.
"Freeze!" A loud and unfamiliar voice shouted.
Turning his head Naruto laughed as he saw two armed White Fang members pointing guns at him. "Expect the plan to go off the rails."
Without any further questions the two extremists opened fire at Naruto. However, this caused the blond to smirk and dash at the men at incredible speeds. Then by avoiding their gunfire he grabbed the men by their heads and hoisted them into the air.
"Then throw the plan away!" Naruto laughed loudly before spiking the two White Fang members into the ground.
Sirens going off and the sound of stomping footsteps coming from all around Naruto, the blond chuckled and slowly straightened up. Soon before Naruto could even move he was quickly surrounded by a mob of White Fang loyalists. Then as each masked Faunus pointed their weapons at Naruto the blond grinned and placed his hood down, revealing his blond locks and red eyes.
"You're an idiot." Ren insulted, while Naruto continued to laugh at the tension in the air.
The blond then cocked his head to the side and placed his hands in his pockets. Next Naruto scanned the area and shook his head at how silent and serious the White Fang was being.
"So listen up." Naruto began, causing several individuals to tighten the aim on their weapons. "You guys are in a pretty lucky situation, see I'm not here to kill you. Instead I'm here to kill some dickhead named Adam. So if he could step forward it would make my night a lot less, well messy."
"And just who the fuck are you human?" A voice filled with malice and rage asked. Though this voice sounded farther away from the group of assembled White Fang.
Turning to the voice Naruto smirked as he noticed a masked Faunus scowling at him from the safety of a catwalk attached to the warehouse. Though this man was none other than Naruto's target.
"Adam Taurus I presume? Ah why even ask? That scowl you're giving me is all the confirmation I need." Naruto began before giving a slight bow. "The names Naruto Branwen and I'm here to kill you."
Raising his fist into the air, Adam growled at the blond. "Kill the human." Was the anger filled order from Adam.
Naruto shook his head. "I wouldn't if I were you guys."
Unfortunately Naruto's warning was ignored and the mob of White Fang members opened fire at the blond. This forced Naruto to grab the two bodies by his side and use them as a front and back shield. Then after a second of taking fire Naruto did a quick spin and tossed each body in different directions, hitting multiple attackers in one quickly counter strike.
"So the messy way it is then." Naruto sighed as he grabbed two weapons off the ground and started to run and gun enemies down.
Watching from above Adam gripped his hands onto the railing of the catwalk. It all happened so quickly, but in an instant some unknown human had took his group of over fifty followers and nearly halved that number in a flash.
"You worthless idiots kill him! He's only one human!" Adam roared at the top of his lungs.
Stopping at a group of three White Fang members, Naruto took a decent leap into the air. Then while in mid air he sprayed bullets all over the individual in the middle. Next by quickly twisting his body and legs he delivered two quick spin kicks that connected and snapped the necks of the other two members.
Then as Naruto landed on the ground he chuckled and looked over to Adam. "He's really pissed off." The blond joked in a light hearted tone.
"You should take this more serious!" Ren scolded.
Naruto rolled his eyes, but once his eyes caught a glimpse of a White Fang member with a katana he tossed the guns in hand and laughed. "Yeah something like that is more my style." Naruto mumbled as he dashed at the individual who had grabbed his attention.
The poor Faunus tried to fend Naruto off with a slow sword strike, but the blond got in close and grabbed the weapon. Then by giving a quick head butt and gut punch. Naruto swiped the sword and sliced the man down with his own sword.
"Let's see how many is left?" Naruto mused while resting the sword's blade on his shoulder. He then began to casually count out the remaining hostile White Fang members. Though while he did this more began to exit the warehouse and join the fight, increasing the odds against Naruto. "It appears a lot of these bastards are left."
"Then you should get to taking care of them." Ren instructed.
Dropping the sword off his shoulder and striking a proper stance, Naruto grinned from ear to ear. "I was thinking the same thing Ren."
One of the White Fang members gave Naruto an odd look. "Who the hell is Re-. . ." The Faunus began, but was stopped once Naruto dashed forward and buried a knee into his face. Causing the extremist to go flying backwards with a shattered mask and was unconscious before even touching the ground.
"He's nobody that concerns you." Naruto replied in a causal voice, while gunfire sounded off from behind Naruto. Causing the red eyed boy to lift his stolen sword over his back and deflect all the projectiles with ease. Next he slowly turned around and hardened his gaze. "Now who is so eager to get my attention?"
A few of Naruto's attackers gasped in surprise and started to take a few retreating steps. Unfortunately Naruto didn't show any mercy and simply dashed at the attackers and quickly sliced each member down in a brilliant dance of sword strikes. Effectively thinning out the remaining threat in the area. Then as Naruto came to a stop he heard loud quick footsteps that forced a small smirk to grace his features.
"So the real fun begins." Naruto mumbled, while he effortlessly turned around and blocked a sword strike from behind. Placing him in a battle of dominance with Adam Taurus himself.
"You arrogant human." Adam snarled in anger. "Why are you here?"
Naruto shook his head broke through Adam's guard. "I already told you dumbass." Naruto began, before he kicked Adam in the gut and sent the Faunus rolling backwards. "I'm here to kill you."
Growling Adam planted a hand onto the ground and flipped himself back onto his feet. Then by gritting his teeth he ran straight for Naruto. "The only one dying tonight is you human!"
Engaging one another in a fierce battle of blades, Naruto and Adam appeared to almost be evenly matched. However, much to Adam's displeasure Naruto was still the superior swordsman and that angered the Faunus even more.
"You seem tense." Naruto noted as he effortlessly blocked every strike Adam sent his way. "And is it just me or are you slowing down?"
Adam tightened the grip on his sword, as Naruto's taunting was only pissing the White Fang leader off even more. Though what the Faunus didn't know was that not only was Naruto playing mind games with him, but he was also sapping his strength with his semblance.
"I'm going to enjoy killing you." Adam declared, as tried to slice Naruto in half.
Blocking the attack and yawning Naruto gave the man a blank stare. "Man when I heard rumors of the great Adam Taurus and his strength I was actually excited to fight you. Unfortunately you don't hold a candle to the woman who trained me and even she can't beat me anymore."
Adam was tense and was actually starting to believe he may in fact lose. However, he couldn't die tonight and let go of his ambitions. No he needed to kill the unknown human in front of him. So as he struggled with all his might to strike Naruto down, he was simultaneously thinking of another way to beat the blond.
Fortunately across the distance Adam caught a glimpse of a survivor amongst his forces. The individual was alive and trying to aim a shot at Naruto's back. So seeing this Adam decided to distract the blond.
"You know I must commend you human, you're far better than I first expected. It's unfortunate you were born into such an inferior race, you could have made a valuable ally." Adam began in a cocky tone.
Naruto scoffed and kept his gaze on his blade, looking back at himself in the metal reflection. "Trust me I'd never work with a dick like you and not for the reasons you think. See everything I do is for my own greed and reasons. I don't care about ideals or any of that bullshit. I protect what's mine, take what I want and don't give a damn about anything else."
Adam merely laughed in response. "You're an interesting human indeed."
Naruto shook his head. "And you're a pathetic egomaniac that thinks a simple distraction would work on someone like me." The blond replied.
Adams eyes going wide in surprise the sound of a high caliber gun filled the air. Then in a second Naruto batted away Adam's sword and blocked the bullet. Finally without any remorse or signs of restraint, Naruto sliced through Adam's left arm causing the limb to fall onto the ground.
"Ahhhh!" The Faunus shrieked in pain, while he stumbled back and grabbed his bleeding wound.
Turning around Naruto hurled the sword in his hand into the Faunus who had fired the gun from behind, killing the individual instantly. Next Naruto turned around and stood over top of Adam.
"How does it feel? As such a proud Faunus to be looked down on by a human?" Naruto asked in a smug tone, while placing his hands into his pockets.
Gritting his teeth Adam gave Naruto a look that screamed hatred. "You human garbage. . . I'm going to kill you!" Adam roared as he jumped to his feet and rushed Naruto.
Ducking under a sword strike from Adam, Naruto raised two hands and started to beat the man down. Starting off with a flurry of fast a strong punches to the face, causing the Faunus to stagger backwards.
"It's sad really." Naruto mumbled in a monotone voice. "You have potential to be great, but your own arrogance and hatred holds you back."
"Fu-. . . " Adam began, but stopped once Naruto punched the Faunus so hard his head spiked against the ground.
"You really don't understand how outclassed you are Adam." Naruto began in a mocking tone, while the blond stood overtop of the man. "Well like it matters, you'll be dead soon enough."
Adam gritted his teeth and tried to think of a way to escape his situation, but he couldn't. He truly was outclassed and defeated so easily by Naruto. So finally reaching a moment of despair Adam decided to swallow his pride.
"Please have mercy." The man begged in a weak voice, but this action merely caused Naruto to scoff.
"Really we've succumbed to this cliché Adam? And let me guess if I spare your life you would probably take the first chance you get to stab me in the back." Naruto began in a disappointed voice as he shook his head. "Have some dignity and die like a warrior."
Holding his hand out a stay gun flew from a dead Faunus and into Naruto's hand. Then by pointing the weapon at Adam the blond smirked. "And be grateful that I'm gracious enough to not kill you with your own sword."
Adam balled his remaining hand around his sword and grinded his teeth together. "I'm going to kill everyone you love, destroy everything you cherish and then once you're a broken miserable human that's when I will kill you."
Naruto laughed and grinned at the Faunus. "That's more like it, but unfortunately I've grown bored with this. So I think it's time to put you down for good."
Pulling the trigger Naruto took careful aim, but as a loud screeching sound filled the air Naruto was forced to duck under an unknown projectile. An action which resulted in Naruto missing the kill shot on Adam and sparing the Faunus from death.
"What the!" Naruto shouted in surprise, but once Adam jumped to his feet and started to take swings at the blond he was forced to keep his attention on Adam.
"Die human!" Adam roared as he tried to desperately slash and hack at Naruto. The latter of whom merely kept his distance and continued to dodge, but did not fight back.
Instead as Naruto and Adam moved around the blond tried to identify where the attack from earlier came from.
'Did I miss someone? If so they are staying hidden.' Naruto mused in his own thoughts.
"Reinforcements perhaps?" Ren added in.
'Possibly.' Naruto replied, while he placed his attention back to Adam. Though before Naruto could make any offensive moves at Adam, more projectiles forced the blond to quickly distance himself away from Adam.
"This is real annoying." Naruto began, while he kept scanning the area. "I'd like to hurry up and kill you, not deal with you and every Faunus in Vale."
Adam smirked. "And who said I only had Faunus allies?"
Naruto narrowed his eyes at the Faunus, while an unknown chuckling filled the area.
"Well put chum, I can call you chum can't I? Oh who the hell cares!" A voice began, causing Naruto to look to his side. Allowing him to see a man and young girl walking over towards Adam. "The names Roman by the way, Roman Torchwick and this lovely girl is Neo."
Naruto gave the biggest smile he could possibly muster. "This is wonderful, both the men I'm aiming to kill in one place. I must admit sometimes I surprise myself with how lucky I am!"
Roman shook his head and placed a cigar into his mouth. "What is with annoying brats trying to ruin my plans? First those annoying Beacon girls and now you." Roman began in an annoyed tone before he waved the blond off. "It doesn't matter those girls couldn't stop me and you'll be no different."
Naruto smirked and his eyes started to slightly glow a bright red hue. "You'll find I'm much more deadly than some school girls. Though I was raised to be quite the deadly warrior."
Roman laughed and looked down to Adam, the latter of whom was holding his bleeding stub of an arm. "Oh I can see the difference, as well as my accomplice here." The man began earning a growl from Adam. "Unfortunately we are behind schedule so maybe another time bandit boy."
Naruto laughed and ran at the three at blinding speeds. "You're not going anywhere!" The blond declared, while he punched a hole through Roman's chest.
However, to Naruto's surprise this action caused Roman, Neo and even Adam to shatter like glass. Leaving nothing behind beside one very pissed off Naruto. Who tried to search the area for any sign of the three criminals, but he found nothing. Displaying they had managed to evade the blond and escape.
"Looks like he went somewhere." Ren pointed out in a flat voice.
Naruto tightened his fists and walked towards the warehouse. "Shut the fuck up Ren." The blond growled as he was absolutely pissed that he allowed Roman and Adam to escape him.
Next displaying his rage Naruto started to kick open and violently inspect the crates the White Fang were moving around. An action which caused Ren to sigh.
"Well at least you caused a huge blow to their operation! I mean you took out over fifty men and look at all this dust and weapons!" The disembodied teen tried to point out.
Naruto frowned and grabbed his scroll. "Pawns can be replaced easily, I need to cut the head off the beast. Besides all these weapons are basic shit, no high tech Atlas weaponry in sight that Jiraiya mentioned. So while this was a blow to their plans it was a small one at best." The young Branwen explained in a frustrated voice. "Regardless I'll make a call to Oz and get the area locked down."
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(With Raven)
The mother of Naruto was in her private tent and holding a cup of tea while she pondered on her own thoughts. While she did this a girl holding a tea set stood to Raven's side. The girl was a young woman with tan-colored skin, short brown hair and icy blue eyes. On her left arm she bore a tattoo of a bird rising from flowers. The girl also wore a brown vest over a torn white shirt, with a collar that appears to spike up behind her neck. Lastly she had maroon-colored pants with the right side rolled up to her thigh and dark brown knee guards that go down to her brown boots.
"Vernal." Raven spoke the girl's name in a flat tone as she sipped on some tea. She then glanced over to the girl with her red eyes. "You've been rather silent, tell me what troubles you?"
The now named Vernal bit the bottom of her lip and gripped the tray in her hand. "Are we really going to aid Beacon? I know Naruto is important to you, but it's just. . . "
"We would be risking everything to aid Beacon and my son. The latter of whom is regarded as a deserter like my brother among the tribe. So I'm sure most like yourself are against my declaration to aid Beacon."
Vernal simply nodded. "Yes."
Raven sighed and motioned across the table. "Take a seat Vernal and let me explain something to you."
Complying without question, Vernal hunched over and kneeled down across from Raven. This action caused Raven to smile at the girl.
"As you being my most loyal follower I've come to teach you much about this world, far more than those idiotic headmaster whom you ran away from. However, answer me this Vernal why did I take you under my wing?" Raven asked.
Vernal lowered her head. "You saw my uses."
"No I saw an opportunity to prepare myself for the future. You see Vernal, Salem wants all the relics and Maidens. So by playing my cards right I ensure survival. Now since Beacon has two relics and a Maiden I must guarantee Salem won't obtain any of those great powers."
"I see so that's why you want to help Beacon. It's not just because of Naruto, but you wanna stop Salem from growing stronger." Vernal spoke in a soft tone.
Raven sighed. "The problem is I know Beacon is a lost cause and will fall regardless of my intervention. So that's why I'm forming my own plan and agenda."
Vernal raised her eyebrow. "What are you planning?"
Raven gave Vernal a fiery eyed gaze. "I won't aid Beacon, I will merely ensure the safety of my son and his partner." The mother then took a small pause before standing up. "Then the tribe will have a new Maiden and Relic wielder to have at our disposal."
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(One day later, at Beacon Academy)
Naruto was currently seated by his partner Nora and the duo along with their leader and friends were watching Pyrrha. The young redhead warrior was currently engaging Cardin and the bully's team in a one on four battle, a fight which Pyrrha was easily winning. An outcome which caused Naruto to lose all interest in watching the battle and move his focus to the previous night.
After he had contacted Ozpin the headmaster had personally arrived to oversee the location and seize all the weapons and dust. The man was disappointed that Naruto had done the operation without telling anyone and had left no survivors to interrogate. However, Ozpin was at least pleased that Naruto had done a large counter attack to the White Fang's plans.
Nora who was brought up to speed by her partner this morning was slightly annoyed with the blond. However, she knew how Naruto thought and just decided to let her feelings on the matter go. Though Naruto did keep his kill count to himself and didn't share with Nora that he massacred a large number of White Fang members.
Speaking of Nora the girl placed her attention away from Pyrrha and looked to her partner, noticing he was spaced out. So nudging her partner Nora smiled.
"She's really amazing." Nora whispered, speaking of how great of a fighter Pyrrha was.
Glancing to his partner Naruto was brought out of his daze. "Yeah she's talented." Was the boy's simple reply, while he watched Pyrrha finish off her opponents. "Which is why Oz has his eyes on her."
Nora nodded. "Yeah I know." The girl replied in a low sad voice.
Clapping echoing throughout the room Taiyang approached a victorious Pyrrha. "Great job as usual Pyrrha." The rugged blond praised.
Pyrrha took a small bow of respect. "Thank you professor Xiao Long."
Tai grinned and nodded. "Well I know Pyrrha is a hard act to follow, but we have time for one more match. So do we have any volunteers?"
The room was silent and Taiyang looked around the room to all his students. His three children didn't show any interest in volunteering, but the partner of his oldest daughter did grab his attention. She was obviously distracted like her son, but unlike Naruto she seemed sleep deprived and on edge.
"Blake you've been rather reserved as of late. Why don't you come down for a spar?" Taiyang offered.
Blake who was dealing with the harsh truth that the White Fang was working with criminals looked down. She didn't want to fight and was about to decline Taiyang, but someone spoke up before her.
"I'll volunteer." A voice declared, which caused everyone to look over to one Mercury Black.
Tai grabbed a small scroll and nodded. "Okay Mr. Black, let's just find you a proper opponent."
"No need." Mercury declared as he stood up straight and pointed forward. "I'll fight him."
Everyone looked down to where Mercury pointed with surprise, while an uninterested set of red eyes glared him down.
Taiyang cleared his throat and looked at his oldest child and then to Mercury. "Well unfortunately Ozpin had requested that Naruto be kept from participating in these kind of matches."
Everyone in the room mainly team RWBY and Jaune looked to Naruto with surprise. Everyone present knew Naruto never participated in their sparring matches, but they never knew it was under the order of Ozpin himself.
Mercury scoffed. "What kind of lame excuse is that? Is the little bandit boy afraid of getting his ass handed to him?"
Naruto remained silent and merely looked away and turned his shoulder to Mercury, an action that caused the boy to grit his teeth. Nora on the other hand placed a hand on Naruto and scowled at Mercury.
"I wouldn't start a fight with my partner jerk!" The Winter Maiden declared.
Yang nodded and tightened her fist. "Yeah my brother would take you down no problem." The girl added before standing up. "If you wanna fight someone I'll take you down a peg or two."
Mercury laughed and shook his head. "Wow are you really gonna hide behind these two annoying girls? Man I heard you were the strongest student at Beacon, but I guess you're just a coward."
Nora and yang growled at the boy's insults and now Ruby, Weiss and Jaune were freely glaring at the disrespectful boy. Taiyang on the other hand was watching the situation grow worse and was thinking of ending the conflict. However, instead he wanted to see how his son would react to the situation.
"Listen punk!" Jaune began as he stood up. "If you wanna keep talking about my friends forget fighting Yang I'll take you on!"
Ruby stood to her feet. "Yeah I won't stand for you talking bad about my big siblings." The girl declared before making a childish fighting stance. "So I'd be more than happy to fight you!"
"You losers are way out of your league in challenging me. So what do you say bandit boy? Last chance to prove you're not a coward." Mercury insulted.
The group gathering around Naruto growing larger the blond eventually let a low sigh escape his lips. "You don't need to tell people how great you are. Confidence is silent, insecurities are loud and only the foolish pick fights they can't finish." The blond Branwen declared before glancing back over to Mercury. His eyes lifeless and showing absolutely no interest in Mercury whatsoever.
Mercury tightened his fists, while Cinder watched the blond with an interested look.
"Why you." The boy seethed in an anger filled voice.
Nora laughed loudly at what her partner had said. "You sure told him Naruto! Look at him, he doesn't know what to say!"
Mercury gritted his teeth. "You stupid whore shut up!" The boy insulted, an action that caused Naruto to grip his fists.
Nora scowled at the boy's insult, but she then looked to her partner who was rather quiet. Something that actually made her worried about what he might do next.
To everyone's surprise Naruto stood to his feet and walked down to the fighting platform. "I'll be fighting today it seems." The boy declared to his father, he then look up and raised in eyebrow. "Is that okay with you Oz."
An intercom coming up the voice of Beacon's headmaster came through. "Yes Naruto, I just ask you practice restraint."
Naruto scoffed at the man, while many were shocked that their headmaster was watching their matches. "You know I don't listen to orders well."
Mercury walking down in front of Naruto the boy striked a small fighting stance. "Where is your weapon bandit boy?"
Naruto placed his hands into his pocket. "Currently don't have a weapon, it's not like I need one."
"Well aren't you the arrogant one?" Mercury taunted in a smug tone.
Naruto glanced to his father. "Let's just get this over with."
Tai nodded and held his hands up. "Are both fighters ready?" The man asked, earning two nods. "Alright remember the rules specified at the start of class and BEGIN!"
Not wasting any time Mercury dashed forward and pointed his boot at Naruto, but to his surprise the blond was gone. In fact to Mercury's complete and utter shock Naruto was standing by his side with a fist cocked back to strike. This caused Mercury to readjust himself and take a spin kick at Naruto, while taking a shot with his boot to increase the speed of his strike.
However, once again to Mercury's surprise his kick only met an empty space and Naruto was nowhere to be found. Next a firm a hand gripping down on Mercury's shoulder, Naruto casually leaned into the ear of the wide eyed Mercury.
"I'm going to break you." Was the soft promise that was whispered into the boy's ear.
Being forcefully spun around Mercury had no chance to avoid the elbow that was violently shoved into his face. An action that caused the boy to be dazed and stagger backwards. Unfortunately for Mercury Naruto was far from finished and started to quickly beat down the boy with fast punches. First it was just quick punches to the ribs, stomach and face. Using the difference in speed and skill to insure Mercury was unable to dodge any strikes. However, as Naruto continued his assault his attacks started to hit harder and strike more vital areas of Mercury's body.
Up above Cinder watched her subordinate being absolutely manhandled with a small smirk. Then as she kept her focus on the young ruthless Branwen she licked her lips. Her master had given her special instructions to dispose of Naruto, but Cinder had to admit she was growing to like the young blond. He was strong, confident and showed no mercy to his foes. All traits that Cinder found appealing and made the girl interested in turning the boy to her side.
However, as a loud and obnoxious cheer grabbed her ears Cinder looked down to Nora. She was another person Cinder was assigned to deal with, but at the same time Nora was Cinder's biggest hurdle in obtaining her new obsession. That obsession of course being the loyalty and affection of Naruto Branwen.
Nora feeling odd looked over her shoulders and her gaze found itself meeting Cinders. The two then shared a look, Nora scowled while Cinder simply gave a look of superiority.
"Man Naruto's kicking the shit out of that guy!" Was the loud observation of one Sun Wukong.
Nora turning her attention from Cinder who scoffed in response looked to Sun. The latter of whom was sitting by Blake with his friend Neptune.
Yang grinned and leaned a little towards Sun. "What did you expect monkey boy? He's my brother after all."
Sun laughed in response. "I guess that's fair, but I guess this is why Naruto is known as Beacon's best."
Nora smiled at the Faunus and the rest of her friends. "You guys don't even know how strong Naruto really is." The girl declared in a proud tone. "Right now he's just toying with Mercury. Shows him for picking a fight with my partner!"
Weiss scoffed. "Please the only reason that buffoon is fighting is because that jerk insulted you Nora."
Nora turned red at what Weiss had said. "What no way! Naruto just wanted to have a little fun."
Ruby giggled and poked Nora's side. "Nope Weiss is right, we all saw that gleam Naruto got in his eyes when Mercury insulted you."
Yang laughed and placed two hands on Nora's shoulder. "It's so cute my brother is defending his woman!" The twin teased, making Nora even more red.
Pyrrha who was now by Nora's side laughed and wrapped an arm around the Winter Maiden. "Aww don't blush Nora, we all know you like him. Maybe you should ask him to the upcoming dance?"
Nora looked down. "I don't know." The girl mumbled in a low voice.
Pyrrha gave an innocent smile. "Well if you don't, we might have to give you a little help."
Nora looked around wide eyed to Pyrrha, Yang, Ruby, Jaune and surprisingly Weiss. All of whom gave a look that agreed with what Pyrrha had declared.
"You guys wouldn't." Nora mumbled.
Yang gave a small smirk. "Oh we would."
Nora looked down and frowned. "Please don't." The girl whined in a low voice.
Ruby giggled. "Well you better make a move then." The small girl teased.
Nora took a long sigh and was about to reply, but a loud pain filled scream filled the room and caused everyone to look back down to the fight. Apparently while everyone was busy talking amongst themselves they missed a portion of the fight and currently Naruto was standing overtop of Mercury. The latter of whom was face down and not looking in the best of shape.
Nora and company then looked up to the screen that displayed each teen's aura levels. Naruto was of course untouched, while Mercury was one hit away from being completely out of aura. Next to everyone's surprise, Naruto reached down and lifted Mercury up by his shirt and held the boy up.
"I warned you once about watching your tongue around my partner." Naruto began in a low plain voice.
Mercury shaking and his aura flickering took a deep breath to steady himself. "I. . .g-give up. . . I c-can't b-beat you."
Hearing this Taiyang held his hands up and walked over towards the two. "Stop! This fight is over!"
Up above Yang chuckled. "Hah he got his ass kicked, no surprise there!"
Weiss sighed. "It was a foreseeable outcome."
Neptune listened to the girl's, but as he noticed that Naruto was not letting go of Mercury he raised his eyes. "Um guys, why is Naruto not letting go of that Mercury guy?"
Sun folded his arms and tilted his head. "Did he not hear the match is over?"
Many looked to the blond with questioned looks, but Nora caught the spark in her partner's eyes. Then as she saw Naruto smirk and coil his fist back her eyes grew wide.
"Oh no." Nora mumbled in a low voice, causing everyone to look at the young maiden. "He wouldn't."
Before anyone could ask what Nora meant, they all turned to Naruto. Who punched Mercury square in the face, shattering the boy's aura and sending him flying straight into a wall. An action that caused the entire room to go silent, while Naruto simply scoffed and walked away.
"Mercy is for the foolish and weak." The boy declared before walking off.
Taiyang watched his son walk past him with a stunned expression. He knew his son was like his mother, but now he could finally see Naruto was just as ruthless as Raven. However, shaking himself from his daze he rushed over to Mercury.
"Class is finished for the day, everyone is excused!" Taiyang shouted, while he looked over Mercury. The teen was beaten, bruised, bloody and unconscious. Naruto obviously did a number on the teen, but after a trip to the infirmary and some rest he would recover.
Nora watching her partner leave the sparring room frowned and jumped out of her seat. "Don't you go anywhere!" The girl shouted, while she chased after her partner with their friends following close behind.
Ignoring his friends Naruto placed his hands into his pockets and continued to walk away. Though Nora quickly caught up and placed a hand onto her partner, halting his movements. So taking a deep sigh Naruto turned around to face his partner and friends.
"What?" The blond asked, while Nora simply scowled.
"You went too far and you know it." Nora declared as she pouted and placed both hands on her hips. "The fight was over!"
Naruto look to his partner then his sisters and finally his friends, all of whom seemed to be on the same page as Nora. So rolling his eyes, Naruto scoffed.
"Please I was gracious enough to spare his pathetic life." Was the cold reply Naruto gave.
Weiss huffed. "Oh how kind of you." The girl replied sarcastically.
Ruby frowned and brought a hand up to her mouth. "You are joking right Naruto? You wouldn't actually kill someone?" The youngest asked, as she held her older brother in a high regard and didn't want to believe he would take anyone's life.
Naruto studied his little sister and noticed how upset the concept of him killing made her. Unfortunately for Ruby, Naruto was no stranger to killing. Yesterday he slaughtered a gang of White Fang followers and they weren't his first kills. Since he had killed everyone from criminals, civilians and even huntsmen.
Sighing to himself, Naruto decided to come up with a good lie to distract his little sister. Because he didn't want his sisters or Nora to learn about all the horrible things he has done. Though before Naruto could open his mouth a chuckling caught everyone's attention.
"Of course your brother would have killed Mercury." Was the declaration from Cinder Fall, who was standing before the group of friends with a smirk. "Or have you poor sheltered children haven't heard of the Fox Bandit?"
Yang narrowed her eyes at the girl and folded her arms. "You got some nerve coming over here after what your jerk of a teammate said."
Cinder laughed. "His actions do not reflect my own. So calm down."
Nora glared at the girl, as she wasn't a fan of Cinder one bit. "Yeah I'm sure they don't."
Cinder rolled her eyes, but Jaune quickly spoke up. "Wait let's backup, what did you mean about the Fox Bandit?"
Naruto gritted his teeth and tightened his fists, while Cinder simply smiled.
"Oh just a boogie man of sorts, except he's very real." Cinder began before looking right at Naruto. "Rumors talk about a young bandit with blond hair and a fox Grimm mask, a bandit from the Raven Branwen tribe. Stories go this guy slaughtered everyone from innocent people to huntsmen. He's also a heartless person who steals from the weak and watches without a care as others are killed by the creatures of Grimm."
Pyrrha raised her eyebrow and glanced to Naruto. "Are you hinting that this so called Fox Bandit is Naruto?"
Cinder nodded. "Isn't it obvious?"
Ruby scowled at the older girl. "You're lying, my big brother would never do anything like that!"
Hearing his sister defending him, Naruto looked away and cringed.
Weiss huffed and looked away from cinder and to the ceiling. "Even I have to agree Naruto isn't a monster like you are making this bandit out to be."
Nora and Yang both looked to Naruto, the later of whom wasn't looking at anyone still.
"Yeah why would Naruto kill huntsmen?" Sun asked, while giving out an awkward laugh.
Cinder shrugged her shoulders. "Just ask Naruto for the truth then."
Yang looked to her brother and frowned. "Naruto is she telling the truth?"
Naruto remained silent and slowly looked back to his friends. Nora seeing her partner's look felt a sadness build up in her chest, since she could obviously tell something was bothering her partner. Though the blond was still not responding to anyone.
"Naruto." Nora began in a low voice. "Just answer the question."
Naruto closed his eyes and thought over his words. He hated his past and feared anyone learning about what he had done. As Naruto didn't want to lose the love and respect of those he's came to care about.
"It's true." Naruto declared before his eyes became hard and ice cold regardless of their burning red color. "I've stolen from the dead and the helpless, I've watched Grimm tear people to shreds with no remorse and I've killed more people than the combined number of Grimm you've all defeated placed together."
Ruby placed her hand to her mouth in horror, while Weiss merely looked at Naruto with wide eyes. Meanwhile Blake, Sun and Neptune were simply too shocked to even think of anything to say. Then there was Jaune and Pyrrha, both of whom were just as surprised as everyone else.
Yang on the other hand looked at her twin with a sad look. Just wondering what a life being raised by their mother turned him into. Finally there was Nora who was saddened by how troubled and down her partner looked.
The silence driving Naruto on edge the blond gripped his fists and glared at everyone present. "Quit giving me that look!" Naruto yelled in anger causing everyone to be taken back.
Nora reached out slowly for her partner. "Naruto." The girl began, as she reached out to comfort the boy she had come to adore.
Seeing his partner extend herself out, Naruto was about to accept Nora's hand. Though the words from earlier landed into his head, titles like monster, heartless and killer. All of which caused Naruto to retract away from Nora.
"Just everyone leave me alone!" The blond shouted in anger once more before turning around and running away. Leaving a stunned group of friends and family members behind.
Nora not letting her partner leave that easily shouted his name and ran after him. While everyone else simply stayed behind, everyone except Cinder who smiled and walked off as well.
"I can't believe what Naruto has done." Weiss spoke in a low voice. "That killer has been around us this whole time."
Yang's eyes flashing red the girl quickly grabbed onto Weiss and hoisted the girl up. "Don't talk about my brother like that! You don't know what he's gone through! None of us do!"
Blake nodded. "We shouldn't be so quick to judge him. And this is coming from a former member of the White Fang."
Jaune looked down. "But why would he keep this from us?"
Pyrrha placed a hand on her partner's shoulder. "I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want other people knowing all the terrible things I've done in my past."
"I guess you're right." Jaune replied in a sad voice.
"Guys we should go find Naruto and try to sort everything out. I mean he's my big brother and all of our friend." Ruby declared to the group.
Yang finally let go of Weiss and nodded. "Ruby is right, Nora already took after him so we should catch up." The blond twin declared, while thinking how much she respected Nora for how she treats her brother.
Pyrrha nodded. "We are right behind you Yang, lead the way!"
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(With Naruto)
Seated alone at a bar far away from Beacon, Naruto quickly downed another shot of whiskey before shaking his glass to the bartender.
"More!" The blond declared in a slightly drunk voice.
"Naruto is this really needed?" Ren asked in a low voice.
Focusing hard Naruto managed to completely block Ren out of his mind. Then as he got some more alcohol, the young Branwen continued to drink. Though as he drunk, Naruto felt a presence from behind. One that was eventually followed by a soft hand on his back.
"Hey." Was the soft reply Naruto gave without even looking at who it was.
Being forcefully turned around Naruto was placed face to face with Nora. An action that caused the blond to look away. Though Nora quickly placed the blond's eyes back on her by moving a hand under his chin and moving his head.
"Idiot." The girl insulted in a low voice. "It doesn't matter what you've done. I've got to know the real Naruto and despite your many, many MANY-..
"Are you going somewhere with this?" Naruto asked with an emotionless expression.
Nora giggled. "Despite your many shortcomings, you're the best person I know. You're my most precious person and to be honest I don't care what you've done. Because if it meant protecting you I'd do everything you've ever done and more!"
Naruto smiled and rose to his feet then as he stood over Nora he wrapped his arms around the girl who came to love and admire.
"Why does someone like me have such an amazing person in my life?" Naruto asked in a low voice.
Nora smiled. "You've said it before you're just lucky Naruto Branwen. But I'd say it's more than luck. . . It's more like well you know."
"I think I know what you mean." Naruto admitted in a low voice.
Naruto backed away from Nora and grinned while placing a hand under her chin. An action which caused Nora to turn red.
"What are you doing?" The girl asked in a flustered voice.
Gazing at Nora with care and love Naruto simply smirked. "Taking what is mine."
"What does that-. . ." Nora began, but was cut short as her partner pressed his lips against her own. An action which caused Nora to melt into her partner's arms. Then as they held their kiss for a few moments, Naruto and Nora eventually broke apart and gazed at one another.
Stunned and unable to speak Nora blushed as Naruto pressed his forehead against hers. "I love you Nora."
Nora smiled wide and latched tight onto her partner. "I love you too Naruto, even though you would be an idiot and confess in a bar of all places."
Naruto laughed and held onto Nora once more. "What do you expect I learned love from my alcoholic mother."
Nora simply joined in on her partner's laughter, while on the outside of the bar one Yang Xiao Long was jumping with excitement. While her sister Ruby and friend Pyrrha were both beaming with joy. As they along with the rest of their friends came to find Naruto, but instead they found their favorite two people in their first intimate moment.
Naruto grinned and ran a hand through his partner's hair. "So I guess this makes us a little more than just partner's then?"
Nora nodded her head. "Yeah I think-. . ."
"I'm gonna be the best aunt ever!" One loud very loud Yang declared.
"No I'm gonna be the best aunt!" The voice of Ruby protested.
Naruto and Nora bother froze and a black shadow overcasted their faces.
"Like that idiot needs to reproduce!" Was the loud shout of Weiss.
"Oh I hope I can be Nora's maid of honor!" Pyrrha shouted out.
Naruto and Nora both snapped their heads to the bar's exit.
"I wanna be Naruto's best man! He's my best friend after all!" Jaune declared loudly.
Sun laughed awkwardly. "I'm sure you are."
"I'm gonna kill them all." Naruto mumbled in a low voice.
Nora sighed and shook her head. "They are probably here for the same reason as me." The girl tried to reason to her partner. "Why don't we go out there and face them together."
Naruto looked at his now girlfriend's outstretched hand and grinned. "If it's with you I'll do anything." The blond declared before the duo made their way out of the bar and to their friends.
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Chapter end
Hey I'm back and I hope you like the update, next chapter we will be working our way to the dance of volume 2 and some shipping nonsense. While also continuing to build up to other big things I Have planned. Anyways leave a comment and if you have any questions feel free to ask.