Chapter 16. Kicking off the Festivities
Walking side by side, both Naruto and Nora were silently weaving their way through the busy city streets of Vale. As with the Vytal Festival officially starting today the city was brimming full with spectators from the four kingdoms. Currently the young couple were trying to rush their way to the colosseum for their first round match. Though as Naruto and Nora maneuvered the busy sidewalk they attracted many looks, as after spending the past few weeks with Raven they both drastically changed their wardrobe.
Naruto was now wearing a dark red long coat with a wide open collar which exposed a large amount of his chiseled chest and abs, while his red fox mark was proudly on display. As the young warrior didn't wear any type of undershirt. The bottom half of the long coat flared out, which revealed his red leather pants, which were held up by a brown belt with a silver buckle. Attached to said belt was his new weapon Fox Flower, which was holstered in its magnum form. Finally Naruto wore a pair of plain dark red boots.
Though Naruto's attire was a significant change, it didn't compare even remotely close to Nora's outfit. See Raven had worked tirelessly to build Nora's self confidence up, so she cobbled together an outfit for the girl that highlighted the girl's natural beauty.
Nora's new outfit consisted of a highly revealing and open fur collared dark blue long coat, with pink heart shaped buttons that barely covered her bust and left the entire midsection of her torso revealed. Naruto didn't know how the fabric stayed so perfectly in place no matter how Nora moved, as Nora simply said she used some of her Maiden power to help her in that department. However, Nora's outfit also consisted of incredibly short dark blue shorts with a pink heart in the center, and matching thigh high boots. Nora's hair had also slightly changed, as her orange locks had grown longer and passed over her shoulders. Lastly her weapon was taken by Raven for keeping, as the woman wanted Nora to start fighting more with her Maiden abilities. So for the time being she was weaponless, but the girl didn't mind.
"Seems like the festival really brought in a lot of people." Naruto pointed out, while he noticed the passing looks he and Nora were getting.
Seeing a group of young girls eyeing her boyfriend, Nora leaned closely into Naruto and looked at each girl with a smug face. "All our time preparing and training has lead to this moment."
"Speaking of which we haven't made a game plan. Obviously we will be competing in the festival, but should we even try?" Naruto began in a casual voice, as he didn't care who listened in on their conversation.
Nora shrugged her shoulders. "I don't see why not? I understand wanting to save our strength, but let's be honest Naruto. Not a single student from the four kingdoms could give us a challenge."
Naruto smirked at Nora's claim. "So we aim to win until Salem shows her ugly mug?"
"That's exactly what I was thinking." The Winter Maiden declared, while she held a hand out. Causing a small twister of snow to swirl in her palm. "Your mom said it best before we left. No more hiding, no more secrets. We will fight this fight our way from here on out. Not Ozpin's way and not General Ironwood's way. We will do this like bandits."
Naruto laughed and tossed his head back. "I couldn't agree more. The headmasters and teachers wanna use us for their fight. Well we will use them and do things our way!"
Hearing loud cheering, Naruto and Nora both peered into a bar by their passing. Inside was hundreds of people watching a broadcast of the Vytal Festival Tournament. Currently a match had just ended and the victors were displayed before everyone. Seeing the winning team was none other than Team RWBY Naruto chuckled.
"Well looks like they managed to scrape by the first round." Naruto pointed out in a board tone.
Nora laughed. "You know if we don't hurry and show up for our match we won't make it passed the first round."
Grabbing his scroll Naruto noticed hundreds of messages from Jaune, Pyrrha, Ozpin and many more. As everyone from Beacon was constantly trying to get into contact with him and Nora. However, both he and Nora had for the most part ignored everyone they could. As they wanted to keep their focus on other things, like preparing for Salem's attack.
"You're right, I'm sure Jaune is losing his shit about us not being with them!" Naruto yelled loudly, as he was amused by the situation and didn't really care all that much. "But we have plenty of time before our match starts."
"Well let's go find our team. I have missed seeing Pyrrha after all this time apart." Nora admitted, while she and Naruto continued their way to the Vytal Festival grounds.
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(With Team RWBY)
Exhausted and in high spirits, Team RWBY were walking together through the Vytal Festival fair grounds. Ruby was leading the charge and trying to locate a nice place for her team to grab a quick bite to eat.
"So guys." Ruby began in a chipper voice. "What sounds good?"
Weiss shrugged her shoulders. "I'll take anything at this point, but we should hurry. The next round of matches will be starting soon."
Blake nodded at her friend's declaration. "If I'm correct Team JNNP is up next. It would be nice to cheer on Jaune and Pyrrha."
"Don't forget about Naruto and Nora!" Ruby cheered, but slightly backed down as she noticed the glares of her sister and friends.
"Let's just find a place to eat." Yang spoke up, as she wanted to move away from the conversation. Since just the mention of Naruto and Nora placed the girl in a sour mood.
Blake and Weiss nodded in agreement, as they two just wanted to move on and eat. However, before a group consensus could be made. A pair of familiar faces approached the members of Team RWBY.
"Congratulations on your first round." The voice of Pyrrha began, as she and Jaune both walked over to their girls. "It was a close match, but I'm glad to see your team advance."
Jaune smiled and gave the girls a thumbs up. "Yeah way to go girls!"
Ruby awkwardly rubbed her head at the praise from the older pair. "Aww thanks, but I'm sure you two will do even better!"
Jaune rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "That's if our team ever shows up."
Pyrrha placed a hand on Jaune's shoulder. "They won't let us down." The world renowned fighter declared, while the majority of Team RWBY rolled their eyes.
"You are far too trusting of those two Pyrrha." Weiss began in a crude tone, while she turned her body away from the redhead. "You're much better than that."
Pyrrha simply sighed in response and didn't make a verbal reply. Since the girl knew she wasn't going to get anywhere defending her friends amongst her current company.
"Well since you two are here, would you like to join us for a meal?" Blake asked.
Ruby perked up at this idea. "Yeah it can give you two some energy for your match!"
"I don't know." Pyrrha began, while she glanced away from the group. "We should really be looking for our team."
"Come on Pyrrha why don't we join them?" Jaune asked, while he held his hands out. "We don't know where to start looking for those two. So why not enjoy ourselves a little bit?"
Pyrrha still didn't seem convinced at the idea, so Yang finally stepped forward with a smile.
"Listen to your friends Pyrrha." Yang began in her usual upbeat tone. "Let's spend some time together!"
Being slightly persuaded by her friends Pyrrha was about to respond, but a loud and familiar voice caused everyone present to freeze and glance back. Causing everyone to see Naruto and Nora slowly approaching in their new attire.
"Pyrrha did you miss us?" Nora asked loudly, while she happily waved her hands high in the air. Her nearly exposed bust bouncing around in the process, but never letting anything slip out of her clothing.
"N-Nora?" Pyrrha mumbled in an embarrassed voice, as her best friend was hardly recognizable with her new look. "W-what are you wearing?"
Stopping a few feet in front of the group, Nora looked down with a confused expression. "Are the boots a little much?" The orange haired girl asked, while she moved her boots around for inspection.
Blushing red and his eyes glued to Nora's nearly exposed breasts, Jaune shook his head. "I don't think Pyrrha is talking about the boots."
Nora placed a finger to her lips and laughed innocently. "I'm confused then, what's wrong with what I'm wearing?"
Wrapping his arm around Nora's neck, Naruto leaned forward with a grin. "Nora don't play dumb and get them all worked up."
Nora let a small whine out. "But it's so fun Naruto, look how flustered they are."
Scoffing with pure disgust, Weiss glared at the young couple. "Honestly what possessed you two to dress in such a manor? It's vulgar and disgusting."
Ignoring Weiss completely, Nora grabbed Pyrrha by the hand with a grin. "Let's bail Pyrrha, I got so much to catch up with you about!"
"But shouldn't we be preparing for our match?" Pyrrha asked in a nervous voice.
"Hey are you ignoring me!" Weiss added in loudly.
Nora glanced to Weiss with a blank expression. "Yes." The Maiden replied, before looking back at Pyrrha. "And we don't need to do nothing, trust me our matches will be easy."
"I wish that I shared some of your newfound confidence." Pyrrha admitted, while Weiss was busy foaming at the mouth.
Pushing past Blake and Jaune, Yang stood right in front of Naruto and Nora. Then with anger covering her face she bawled her fists.
"So I hear you were with my mother." Yang began, her voice soft and hostile.
Nora nodded. "What about it?"
Visibly shaking, Yang didn't appreciate Nora's uninterested tone. "What makes you so special that you get to meet my mother before me?"
"That's none of your concern." Nora replied, while at the same time looking up to Naruto. "We should probably head to the stadium."
"Yeah you're right." Naruto agreed, as he turned his body away from the group.
Yang held her hands out and glared at the two. "What that's it? You leave mysteriously and come back acting like nothing happened!"
"Pretty much." Nora spoke up, before looking Yang over. "Nothing me or Naruto do concerns you. So mind your own business."
"Like hell it does!" Yang yelled loudly, as the girl was starting to make a scene. "We are all on to you two Valkyrie! I know you two are hiding something and it's only a matter of time before I find out what it is!"
Grabbing onto Yang and pulling the girl back, Ruby frowned. "Yang stop it, people are starting to look."
"You think I care!" Yang yelled, while she kept her gaze on Naruto and Nora. Both of whom seemed completely uninterested in Yang.
"You know what Yang I'll throw you a bone." Naruto began, while he placed a hand to his weapon. "After the festival is over me and Nora are leaving Beacon for good."
Yang, Blake, Weiss and Ruby were all completely stunned at Naruto's declaration. Meanwhile Jaune and Pyrrha couldn't believe what they were hearing.
"What do you mean leave for good?" Ruby asked in a shocked voice.
Nora smiled at the girl. "Me and Naruto are going back to our home. Since we are both members of the Branwen Tribe."
This was a bombshell that no one present was expecting, especially with Nora saying she was apart of the tribe. Everyone knew Naruto was apart of Raven's tribe, but they didn't know Nora was as well. So it made everyone wonder for just how long has Nora been a bandit. Had she joined recently or had she been one all this time and kept it a secret?
"You're leaving one of the most prestigious academies to become bandits!" Weiss yelled in surprise.
"Why would you do that?" Ruby asked.
Naruto scoffed and folded his arms. "Neither one of us wanted to attend Beacon and we've had enough with this Academy. So we are leaving to start new lives for ourselves."
Jaune stepped forward and held his hands out. "But what about Team JNNP!" The boy cried out.
"Who cares." Naruto replied bluntly, while Nora placed a hand on his shoulder.
"That's not true we care, but you'll find replacements for us." Nora explained simply, while she glanced over to Pyrrha. Noticing her best friend had her head hung low.
"You would do that to your friends and teammates?" Blake asked in an angry voice. "That's just low."
"We don't need lectured by children." Naruto began, as he was growing annoyed by all the arguing going on.
"We really should go." Nora began, as she really didn't want this conflict to grow any worse. However, at this point that was impossible as the tension was pierced by a condescending laugh. One that was all too familiar and made Nora subconsciously curse.
"Now what could be going on here?" Cinder Fall asked, while she along with Emerald forced themselves into the conversation. Then as she looked Nora up and down she scoffed. "And what are you wearing you ugly Boar?"
Naruto slowly reached down for his weapon, thinking he was already leaving Beacon. So why not leave a little early with a small murder? Team RWBY all looked to Nora with concern in their eyes, their current relationship was strained at best. Though they had never heard of Cinder's insults before and it didn't set right with any of the girl's. Jaune simply looked around awkwardly, as he didn't know what to do. However, Pyrrha gave Cinder and Emerald both a hard death stare.
"Leave." Pyrrha ordered softly, as she was not in the mood to deal with Emerald or Cinder.
Cinder cocked a grin. "It's an open fair ground."
Emerald matched her leader's grin and winked at Jaune. "Can't blame us for passing by, besides Cinder was just asking a question."
"She didn't have to insult my friend." Ruby declared, while voicing herself to the group.
Naruto and Nora both glanced back to the youngest of the group with a smile. Glad to see no matter what was going on Ruby had their back.
"I'm just being honest." Cinder defended, while pushing her hair back arrogantly. "Someone who eats as much as Bora over there needs to learn to dress more modestly." The girl finished, while combining Nora's name with her boar insult.
Pyrrha stepped forward, causing Cinder to raise an eyebrow in interest. Wondering if the redhead was actually about to start a fight with her. However, the world class warrior was stopped by Nora of all people.
"You know Cinder." Nora began in a soft voice, while her longer hair slightly overshadowed her eyes. "Me and Naruto often talk about our sins. And in his case, Naruto's biggest flaw is his overwhelming greed. So much so I gave him the nickname of my Fox Sin of Greed."
"Oh how interesting." Cinder replied in an uncaring tone, while she slowly watched Nora lean in close to Naruto. Then Cinder felt a ping of jealousy as she watched Nora trail a hand down Naruto's body.
"But for me I'm someone consumed by gluttony. I find something I like and I take as much of it as I can get. So maybe I am a boar." Nora declared, while she grabbed Naruto's chin and brought her boyfriend into a deep kiss. Calming the slightly angered boy down and showing her affection to everyone present. Then after holding the kiss for a few seconds Nora broke away, then by giving Cinder a look that screamed Raven Branwen, Nora smiled. "I guess that makes me the Boar Sin of Gluttony doesn't it?"
Naruto grinned at Cinder's speechless reaction and grabbed Nora around the waist, pulling the girl even closer into him. "It makes you my Boar Sin of Gluttony."
Nora laughed and kissed Naruto once more. "You're right about that."
Her fingers twitching in anger, Cinder shrugged away from the group and walked off. An action that caused Emerald to quickly follow suit. Pyrrha seeing this honestly smiled and patted Nora on the back, as she was proud to see the girl stand up to her bully in such a way.
"Nora that was amazing." Pyrrha praised, while watching Cinder slowly disappear from view. "What's gotten into you? First the wardrobe change and now you're standing up to Cinder."
"Wait has Cinder been bullying you?" Jaune asked, showing his obliviousness.
"She has, but I got some good advice and teaching from Raven." Nora began in a happy tone, while she thought back to everything the woman did to build her up. "She helped me overcome a lot of my personal demons. Especially my self confidence."
Ruby smiled wide, happy that her friend was able to grow past a lot of her issues. Blake and Weiss were even slightly happy for the girl, regardless of how they felt. Yang on the other hand was still upset, as from how Nora talked about Raven. It sounded like Nora had gotten everything that Yang yearned for from her mother and never got. It really left Yang feeling envious of Nora and everything she had experienced with Raven.
"You know I'm happy for you Nora." Jaune began, while he looked down to his scroll in surprise. "But we need to go, our match is starting in two minutes!"
Naruto laughed and started to walk with Nora hugging his side. "Well let's go get this slaughter over with!"
Nora joined in on her boyfriend's laughter. "Can I do what Raven wanted me to do?"
"I don't see why not!" Naruto declared loudly, while Pyrrha and Jaune quickly followed the two. "It would piss off Ozpin and James. And I find that hilarious!"
"What are you talking about?" Pyrrha asked, while she ran parallel with Naruto and Nora.
"And why would it upset Ozpin?" Jaune added in.
"Oh you'll see." Nora replied in a giddy, but vague voice. "You'll see."
Team RWBY watching Team JNNP walk off remained silent. That was until Yang walked forward and followed her brother's team.
"Yang where are you going?" Ruby asked.
Looking back Yang kept a neutral face. "I'm gonna watch their match."
"But we haven't ate yet!" Ruby whined, while Blake and Weiss walked after Yang.
"You can eat later dolt." Weiss insulted.
"Come on Ruby let's go." Blake added in.
"Ah dang it." Ruby mumbled sadly, while she quickly ran after her team with a rumbling belly.
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(At the Stadium)
Standing in the center of the stadium, each member of Team JNNP bore a different expression on their face. Naruto was standing with a carefree expression, while showing no interest in the opposing team squaring them up. Pyrrha was serious and ready for their battle, showing her years of fighting experience. Jaune appeared nervous and was a little shy around the massive crowd cheering their names. Finally Nora was standing beside Naruto, her eyes fixated on her boyfriend.
Behind Team JNNP was a large mountain backdrop, as that was the terrain selected for their side of the fighting area. Standing across Team JNNP was Team BRNZ, who were surrounded by a forest terrain.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen are you ready for the next round of the Vytal Festival?" Professor Oobleck yelled, as he was one of the commentators for the event. "I know me and Taiyang are ready up in the booth!"
"Let's give it up for Beacon's very own Team JNNP!" Taiyang yelled, as the crowd spontaneously erupted in cheers for the four teens.
"Now Taiyang you wouldn't be holding any biased for Team JNNP. It is your son's team after all." Oobleck pointed out professionally.
Taiyang laughed up in the booth. "Possibly, but I'm a proud parent and you can't fault me for that!"
Down below Naruto listened in on the banter of his father and the doctor. This caused Naruto to roll his eyes, as he just wanted to get this fight over with.
"Hey Naruto." Nora began softly, earning her team's collective attention. "After we win this match we should have some down time."
Naruto nodded. "Yeah what about it?"
"We should go on a date." Nora declared in a bold tone, while slightly blushing. "I mean the two of us have technically never went on a real date together."
"Got anything in mind?" Naruto asked in a carefree tone.
Nora shrugged her shoulders. "Not sure yet."
Pyrrha leaned into the conversation with a smile. "I have a few recommendations if you two are interested."
Nora grinned happily at her best friend. "Oh like what Pyrrha?"
"And begin!" Taiyang yelled loudly, but Naruto, Nora and Pyrrha didn't pay any attention to the man. Jaune on the other hand did and watched nervously as Team BRNZ rushed their location.
"Well there is a really nice ramen stand in the city." Pyrrha began, while Jaune tried to make his way into the conversation.
"Uh guys." The team leader began, but got no response.
"Oh I do enjoy some ramen." Naruto admitted in a casual tone.
"Me too, but I like options." Nora added, while Team BRNZ was slowly closing in. "What else do you have?"
"There is a really great sushi place." Pyrrha explained, but Nora shook her head.
"Nah I'm not in the mood for fish." The Winter Maiden explained.
"Guys the match!" Jaune cried out, while pointing to the approaching enemy team.
"How about an all you can eat 24 hour breakfast buffet?" Pyrrha asked, causing stars to pop out of Nora's eyes.
"Absolutely!" Nora yelled happily, while Naruto simply shook his head and laughed.
"Sounds like we have a winner." The red eyed boy declared.
Jaune nodded sarcastically and pushed himself into the group. "That's great, but speaking of winning." Jaune began while aggressively pointing at their opponents. "Our match started!"
Naruto poked Jaune on the forehead and pushed the team leader back. "We know Jaune calm down." Naruto instructed before glancing to Nora. "My girls got this. So just stand back and watch."
"Well Nora better do something quick!" Jaune replied, while Pyrrha simply placed her gaze on Nora.
Looking over to their opponents Nora sighed. "It's really unfortunate." The Winter Maiden began, while a trail of ice sprouted out beneath her foot. Then in the blink of an eye the ice expanded and exploded outwards at Team BRNZ. Encasing the four teens to their heads in ice, while a glacier that dwarfed the mountain behind Team JNNP nearly reached out into the stands. "That you were unlucky enough to get matched against us."
The stadium was silent, as not a single person could register what had happened. One second it looked like Team JNNP was about to get hit by surprise. Then before anyone could even register what happened, half the arena turned into a winter wonderland and Team JNNP were all standing unharmed.
However, Jaune was looking at Nora with a speechless expression. As the team leader had absolutely no idea of what just happened. Pyrrha looked at her friend and then to the momentous glacier she had created. Her belief of being Beacon's strongest woman shattered, as she realized Nora was in a league far above her own. Naruto on the other hand had a shit eating grin, as he loved the stunned expressions of not only his teammates, but the entire stadium.
Up above in the stands, each member of Team RWBY was just as speechless as everyone else. As none of the girls could comprehend what Nora had just done. It wasn't a semblance and there was no dust used at all. The whole situation just seemed to be magical.
"What just happened?" Ruby finally asked, but couldn't remove her eyes away from Team JNNP.
"I-. . . I don't know." Weiss admitted.
"I've never seen anything like that before." Blake gasped in shock, as she along with her team didn't know what to think.
Yang gripped her fists and looked at the massive glacier. "Has Nora always been able to do that? Or was it something she got from my mother?"
"Like I said, I have no idea." Weiss replied honestly. "But whatever she did isn't normal I can say that much."
"We always knew Naruto was powerful, but I would have never imagined Nora being so strong as well." Blake admitted.
"They are in a league all their own." Ruby pointed out, as she really wanted to have a talk with the two older teens and figure out how strong they really were.
Back down in the arena, Jaune and Pyrrha looked at Nora with a gaping mouth. Neither knowing what to say to their fellow teammate. Nora seeing their reaction laughed and winked at the two.
"Pretty cool right?" Nora asked in a cheeky voice, while the entire stadium was silent.
Shaking his head, Jaune tried to form a proper response. However, the team leader couldn't think of anything to say. Pyrrha on the other hand simply titled her head in confusion.
"What was that?" Pyrrha asked, getting right to the point.
Nora winked at the girl while Naruto tossed an arm around his girlfriend. "It's a secret." She replied in a cheeky voice.
"Team JNNP wins!" Taiyang yelled throughout the speaker system. Causing the silent stadium to erupt in a roar of cheers and shouting.
Hearing his father Naruto smirked and started to walk off with Nora. "Let's go."
"Yeah we have a date to go on!" Nora cheered happily.
Pyrrha watched Naruto and Nora leave the stadium with a frown, as the girl had so many questions. Yet it would seem that the girl would get absolutely nothing from the pair. So sighing to herself she followed the two and left the stadium, while Jaune jogged slowly behind her.
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(Outside of the stadium, with Naruto and Nora)
Walking arm in arm, the young couple were making their way out of Beacon and towards the city for their date. However, as the two walked they both were quickly stopped by a small blur of rose petals that dashed in their path. Then to the surprise of both Naruto and Nora, one Ruby Rose was standing in the couple's way. She was bent over and panting, showing she had ran quite the distance and was a little winded.
"Can we help you?" Naruto asked, while he looked Ruby over.
"Why- . . Wh. . ." Ruby gasped out, while the girl held her hand up to pause the two.
Nora seeing this snickered and walked over to Ruby, then by patting the girls back she smiled. "Slow down Ruby." The orange haired girl instructed in a caring tone. "Try to catch your breath before talking."
Nodding her head Ruby took a few seconds to compose herself. Though after that short moment she fully stood up and locked eyes with Naruto.
"Why are you leaving Beacon?" The girl asked in a hurt voice.
Naruto sighed, as Ruby was still stuck on him leaving. "Listen Ruby." The red eyed boy began, while he walked closer to Ruby and placed a hand onto her shoulder. "I was never meant for Beacon, this place just isn't for me. I only came here to meet you and Yang and now that I have it's time I move on."
"But don't you wanna stay with your friends and family?" Ruby asked, while a small tear formed in the corner of her eye. "Won't you miss us?"
"Of course I would miss you, but it's not like you'll never see me again." Naruto declared, while he ruffled Ruby's hair. Leaving her short hair in a mess. "I'm leaving Beacon, but I will always make time for my friends and precious little sister."
"Yeah Ruby don't make a big deal of it." Nora added in happily. "Think of it as us graduating early!"
"Except instead of graduating we are just dropping out." Naruto declared with a small laugh.
"So you'll promise to stay in touch and visit often?" Ruby asked, causing Naruto and Nora to hug the girl in response.
"Of course!" Nora replied loudly, while she practically smothered the younger girl.
"You won't get rid of us that easy kiddo."'Naruto added in.
Ruby smiled and enjoyed the embrace of the two older teenagers. Their small moment lasted for a few more seconds until a new individual made themselves known by latching onto Naruto and hugging the blond tightly.
"Ehhh what the fuck." Naruto cursed, while he looked down to an unfamiliar girl he had never seen before.
"Salutations!" The girl greeted cheerfully, while she continued to hold onto the teens around her.
"You have three seconds to let go before I slice your arms off!" Naruto yelled at the girl, as he didn't appreciate unknown people invading his space.
Ruby seeing the situation started to freak out. "Ahhhh Naruto wait she is my friend from Atlas! Her name is Penny so please don't hurt her!"
Breaking away from everyone Naruto looked at Penny. Noticing the girl was a little strange and unusual. "Your friend?"
Penny nodded. "Yes me and Ruby are very good friends. You're her older brother Naruto correct? The General has told me a lot about you!"
Naruto narrowed his eyes at Penny. "And what exactly has he told you?"
"He said you're an alcoholic loose cannon." Penny replied in an upbeat tone.
"Oh he did?" Naruto asked, while the blond made a face and slowly rocked his head side to side. "Ehh seems about right."
Nora rolled her eyes at her boyfriend. "You sound so proud of yourself."
Naruto grinned and pulled a flask out of his pocket. "You're damn right."
Ruby sighed at her brother's antics and Nora pinched the bridge of her nose. Penny on the other hand looked to the oldest of the females with curiosity.
"Oh you're Nora Valkyrie! The General has spoken a lot about you as well!" The robotic girl declared to the group of teens. "And I can see why after watching your last match. You were quite amazing!"
Nora rubbed the back of her head at the praise. "Uh thanks."
"Speaking of your match." Ruby began, while she locked eyes with Nora. "What exactly did you do?"
"I used an ability I have to win." Nora replied, while not lying to the girl and not explaining herself at the same time. A response that made Ruby childishly pucker her lips and pout.
"Are you gonna actually answer my question?" The small scythe wielder asked.
Nora laughed and poked Ruby's forehead. "Nope." The Winter Maiden declared, as she pushed Ruby back.
"Why not?" Ruby whined.
Taking a sip from his flask Naruto grinned. "You're competition right now Ruby." The alcoholic bandit began, while he pointed to Penny. "And your friend here is our enemy as well. So it wouldn't make sense for me and Nora to reveal our secrets."
Ruby hung her head, as she bought into Naruto's way of thinking. "I guess you're right."
"Of course I am!" Naruto laughed, while he kept drinking out of his flask. "I'm always right!"
Nora rolled her eyes and mumbled something in response, but no one paid attention to that. No everyone was surprised once Penny started to act strange and quickly ran around Ruby and started to conceal herself behind the girl's cape.
"Um Penny are you okay?" Ruby asked, while she looked over her shoulder and down to the girl.
Putting a finger to her lip Penny looked afraid. "Shhh don't let anyone know I'm here."
"I can see you Penny." A commanding a strict voice declared, while the sound of footsteps approached the group.
Penny released a startled yelp, meanwhile Naruto and Nora looked back. Allowing the two teens to see a tall young woman, with a fair complexion, white hair and slate blue eyes. Her hair was tied up in a bun at the rear left corner of her head, causing her bangs to fall towards the right side of her face, and leaving a small curled lock of hair that reaches below her left ear.
Her attire was blue, white and gray colored, while consisting of a white coat with a red brooch, exposed upper arms and black gloves and her pants had garters incorporated into them. The woman seemed familiar to the group, but by the Atlas soldiers flanking her sides Naruto assumed she worked for James.
"Where is your handler Penny? You shouldn't be walking out unsupervised!" The woman yelled, while practically glaring a hole passed Ruby.
Standing up and revealing herself Penny waved awkwardly at the woman. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to come see my friends."
"That is unacceptable behavior Penny, you know better than to wander off on your own." The woman pointed out, while she folded her arms and tapped her foot. "I've only been at Beacon for a few minutes and it looks like I need to instill some order here."
"For fucks sake it's like a second Weiss." Naruto groaned, while the blond took another swig from his flask.
The woman instantly shot her attention at Naruto, while Nora, Ruby and Penny had their eyes as wide as saucers. Since they could see the slight anger radiating out of the woman's eyes.
"Boy just who do you think you are? And what is your connection to my little sister?" The woman asked.
Naruto almost spat out some of his booze in surprise. So by taking a quick swallow he looked directly at the woman. "There is more of you Schnee dick wads?"
The woman growled under her breath. "Speak with respect when addressing me. I am Winter Schnee and I serve directly under General James Ironwood."
"And I'm Naruto Branwen." Naruto began while holding up his middle finger. "Go fuck yourself."
Winter seemed appalled and sneered at the young blond. "There is more of you revolting Branwen?"
Nora raised her eyebrow, as it appeared she was meeting the sister of Weiss Schnee. Who also had some negative opinions about Naruto's family.
"Maybe we should leave before things escalate." Nora purposed, while she firmly grasped down on her boyfriend's arm. Knowing it was only a matter of time before he made things worse.
Naruto pointed a finger at Winter. "But I ain't done with this bitch." The blond declared, while his words were already starting to slur. Then to make matters worse he took another chug from his flask.
"Ruby get that flask away from your brother!" Nora instructed, while she started to tug on the drunken Branwen.
"Okay!" Ruby replied, while she tried her hardest to tug the alcohol away from Naruto. However, the youngest of the group was having no luck whatsoever.
Winter tightened her fists and glared at Naruto. "You Branwen's are all the same." The Atlas specialist began in an angered voice. "Nothing besides a bunch of useless drunks."
"Oh yeah." Naruto began slowly, while he resisted Nora and Ruby tugging on him.
Suddenly the head of an Atlas robot landed by the group and rolled by Winter's feet. This caused everyone to look back and see a new arrival, who was quickly discarding a headless Atlas robot.
The individual was a man with graying spiky black hair, dull red eyes, and had slight stubble along his jawline. He wore a red, tattered cloak along with a gray dress shirt, black dress pants, and black dress shoes.
He also had a ring on his right index finger, two other rings on his right ring finger, and a necklace with a crooked cross-shaped pendant. While a large blade was placed on his backside.
"Oh yeah, well you're. . . You're." The man began, while he pointed a finger at Winter and stumbled on his words. "You're bitch."
Winter sneered at the man and his poor insult, Naruto on the other hand laughed loudly.
"Hah fucking roasted." Naruto shouted loudly, earning a laugh in response from the man.
"This kid gets it!" The man declared in a triumphant tone.
Winter pressed a finger to her temple and squinted her eyes. "And like that I regret leaving Atlas." She declared, while opening her eyes and glaring at the man. "And what exactly are you doing here Qrow?"
Ruby's eyes were wide in surprise, as she looked the man over. Overjoyed to see the man after being away from him for so long. Nora even cracked a smile, as she had missed seeing the old drunk who had saved her all those years ago. Naruto on the other hand leaned forward and closely bent into Winter's personal space.
"I think he is standing." Naruto whispered, as he drunkenly answered Winter's question.
"That's not what I meant you buffoon!" Winter yelled, while she stepped away from Naruto and pointed at Qrow. "I want to know why he is here and destroying Atlas property!"
Qrow held his arms out and looked down at the demolished Atlas robot. "Oh is that what these were? My bad I thought they were sentient garbage."
"I don't have time for your immature games Qrow." Winter repiled. "I've already had the displeasure of meeting your family."
Squinting his eyes Qrow looked forward. "Huh?"
"Hey Uncle Qrow!" Ruby giggled, as she waved at the man. An action that warmed the man's heart and caused him to smile. "Look my big brother Naruto is here too!"
Qrow nodded and looked at the red eyed boy, the latter of whom looked like a male version of Raven with blond hair. "So it would seem."
"Oh and I'm here too Cow!" Nora declared, causing Qrow to roll his eyes. As in all the years since he had saved Nora, the Winter Maiden still called him Cow instead of Qrow.
"Wonderful." The man mumbled, while looking back to Winter. "And why are you here? Come to help your boss backstab Ozpin?"
"I don't know what you're insinuating, but if I were you I'd hold your tongue before I crave it out." Winter declared, while she grabbed her weapon and pointed it at Qrow.
Naruto laughed loudly, causing Winter to twitch and glare at the boy. "Man you Atlas soldiers are some uptight idiots!" The blond declared. "You would pick a fight with my uncle when he could kill you easily."
Winter turned and trusted her blade at Naruto, the latter of whom blocked her strike with his own weapon without any effort. Then by giving the woman a grin he chuckled in a low voice. "And you're suicidal enough to attack me."
"Qrow I'm going to teach your nephew some manners." Winter declared, while she glared at the young bandit. "And once I'm done you shall be next."
Qrow looked at Naruto's eyes, seeing a burning red gaze he had only ever seen from his sister. This of course caused Qrow to shake his head. "If that kid is anything like his mom I would run while you can."
"I'm not intimidated by a foolish child." Winter declared.
Grinning ear to ear Naruto knocked Winter's weapon to the side. Then without warning he kicked the woman in the stomach and sent her rolling across the courtyard.
"Oh you should be." Naruto replied, while he glanced over to Nora. "And I'll be quick so we can make our date."
Nora sighed and backed up. "Alright be just don't hurt her too bad. She's arrogant, but we will need her for what is too come."
Ruby tilted her head at what Nora had said and stood by the older girl and out of the way. However, she didn't ask any questions, instead she kept her focus on Naruto.
Naruto twirled his weapon and watched winter stand to her feet. "Don't worry, I'm just gonna knock her down a few pegs." The blond replied, while he pointed his blade at Winter. "So bring it on Schnee."
Winter squared the blond up and gritted her teeth, as she realized that Naruto was powerful and fast. She didn't even see him move earlier and his kick really hurt and might have broken one of her ribs. Winter acknowledged that Naruto wasn't like any foe she had faced before, so she had to go all out if she wanted to avoid getting herself seriously injured. So grabbing her weapon, Winter shot forward and started the fight between the two.
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(Chapter end)
So here is the next chapter and for now I might be heavily focusing on this story because I'm now in volume 3. I'll still be working on other stories, but I'll be doing a lot more for this one as I've already planned for this Volume to last to about chapter 23-24 and I really want to write Volume 3 as this is one of the major parts I've been working to get to for soooooo long.
Anyway tell me what you thought. Like Naruto and Nora's new outfits? Interested to see Naruto vs winter and are you ready for the fucking bloodbath that is Volume 3 Shinobi of Greed style?