Chapter 17. Pulling the Curtain

Winter shot forward at her fastest speed possible, while her blade was pointed forward at Naruto. Meanwhile the young Branwen watched the approaching woman with a blank expression, as he wasn't impressed with the woman in the slightest. Though once Winter was a few feet away from reaching Naruto, she suddenly took a side step and jumped onto a concrete pillar. Then as a glyph appeared under her feet, Winter rocketed at Naruto with a newfound burst of speed.

However, Naruto easily dodged the woman's attack by simply moving to the side. This resulted in Winter stabbing the ground instead of striking Naruto. This failure didn't stop Winter, as she showed her years of combat experience and skill by twisting her torso and swiping at Naruto with a horizontal strike. Unfortunately for Winter all she managed to do was swing at air, as Naruto was nowhere to been seen.

"Where did he- . . ." Winter began, but stopped as she felt a cold pointed tip gently poke the nape of her neck.

"Dead." Was the simple word Naruto whispered into Winter's ear. Causing the eyes of the Atlas specialist to grow wide in shock.

Rolling forward in desperation, Winter turned herself to face Naruto. However, as she pointed her weapon forward to defend herself. Winter was surprised to find Naruto was nowhere in sight.

"Stop with these foolish gam- . . ." Winter began once more, but was silenced the moment Naruto's blade slowly rubbed the bottom of her chin and slid its way down her neck. Then by glancing out of the corner of her eye, Winter's blood began to boil. Considering Naruto was right beside her, while one hand was on his weapon and the other was holding the flask he was drinking out of.

Naruto slowly pulled his flask away from his lips and looked at Winter with a deep crimson stare. "Dead again." The blond taunted, as for the second time in mere seconds of their fight he had humiliated the woman.

Gritting her teeth in anger, Winter showed off her flexibility and bent herself under Naruto's blade. Then by tightening the grip on her own weapon she batted the blond's katana up to where it pointed at the sky. Then by following up she sent a quick strike right for Naruto's torso.

"Take this you arrogant brat!" Winter yelled, while she thrusted her blade forward.

Naruto watched with a large grin on his face as Winter was mere inches from striking him. Then at the last moment before the tip of her blade could touch him, Naruto vanished in a flicker of red light.

Winter was absolutely shocked, as her opponent vanished before her very eyes. She wasn't the only one who was surprised, as Ruby, Penny and even Qrow were surprised by Naruto's sudden disappearance.

"I'm really getting bored here." Naruto declared, as everyone quickly looked to the sound of his voice. Noticing the blond was right beside Nora with his arm around the girl. "This wasn't as fun as I thought it would be."

Nora huffed in response. "Well maybe you shouldn't go starting fights with everyone you meet."

Naruto grinned wide. "What can I say it's part of my charm."

Nora rolled her eyes and poked her boyfriend on the nose. "Well hurry up and finish this up already. You promised me a date and I'm hungry."

Spinning Fox Flower in his hands Naruto chuckled, while he stabbed the blade into the ground. Then by stepping away from Nora, Naruto held a hand out behind him and pointed his open palm at Ruby. "Don't worry I won't take much longer." Naruto began, while Crescent Rose flew off of Ruby's back and flung itself into Naruto's grasp. "But let's at least make this fight interesting. I've never killed someone with a scythe before."

Winter glared at Naruto and took a slight defensive stance, as she was slightly weary of the boy. Ruby on the other hand held her hands out and whined.

"Naruto what are you doing with my baby!" The younger sibling asked, while she watched Naruto shift her weapon into its scythe form. "I didn't say you could use Crescent Rose!"

Naruto turned to Ruby and gave the girl an eye smile before rubbing the back of his head. "Don't worry I'll take good care of her." The older sibling repiled, while he instantly blocked a sneak attack from Winter with the blade of Crescent Rose. Then by looking over his shoulder to Winter, Naruto gave the woman a devious grin. "Besides, I think it's high time your baby got her first taste of blood."

Winter growled. "You arrogant brat! I'm going to-. . ." The woman began, but suddenly stopped once Naruto started to twirl and spin the scythe in his hand. Moving with speed and grace that Winter was incapable of following. So backing away from the blond, Winter was quickly sliced on the cheek by Crescent Rose.

However, Naruto didn't stop attacking Winter for a second and continued to follow the woman as she retreated back. This caused Winter to take multiple cuts from the scythe blade and blunt blows from Naruto using the weapons handle as a makeshift staff.

Ruby watched her brother fight with amazement, as she has never seen another person use her weapon like Naruto was. It was like every single movement he made was for the single purpose of chaining together a follow up attack.

"He's incredible." Ruby declared, while she watched Naruto kick Winter away. Sending the woman sailing across the courtyard. "Naruto's better with Crescent Rose than I am!"

Penny watched the blond with a calculated eye. "He is certainly impressive. I can't find any patterns in his fighting style and he leaves next to no openings." The robotic teen added in.

Nora folded her arms and grinned. "You have to remember that Naruto was raised to be a warrior. He's been training and fighting since he could walk and his teacher is one of the most dangerous women I've met." The Winter Maiden began, while she looked at the ground around Naruto. Noticing the blond had scarred the ground around him as he attacked. "Winter lost the moment she decided to fight someone who was raised to kill people like her."

Penny looked at Naruto with a nervous gaze. "He won't kill Winter will he?" The girl asked, while Ruby glanced to Nora for answers.

"Nah." Nora replied with a small laugh, while she waved the girl off. "Naruto's just gonna teach her a lesson."

Ruby tilted her head. "And what exactly is that lesson?"

Nora grinned like a madwoman at the younger girl's. "You don't fuck with us."

Over with Naruto, the fox marked bandit was stalking his way over to Winter. As he walked Naruto dragged the blade of Crescent Rose against the ground, causing the blade to dig up the ground behind him. Meanwhile Winter was busy taking deep breaths and trying to roll herself off the ground. Considering Naruto had kicked the air out of her with his previous attack. However, Winter was seriously down for the count and couldn't find the strength to recover.

'Have you not had enough Naruto?' The voice of Ren asked. 'Because I believe she has learned her lesson.'

Naruto scoffed and held Crescent Rose up, brining the blade of the weapon eye level with his crimson iris. Allowing the bandit to see the drops of Winter's blood that were dripping off the edge of the weapon.

"I don't know." Naruto began out loud, while he spun Crescent Rose around and stood over top of Winter. "I'm finally having some fun."

Winter coughed up some blood and tightened her fists, she then glanced up to Naruto with pure anger. However, her anger turned to surprise once she glanced passed Naruto. Seeing something blurring towards her and Naruto.

"Stay away!" Winter screamed loudly, causing Naruto to tilt his eyebrow in interest and glance over his shoulder.

"Stay away from my sister!" Was the loud cry of one Weiss Schnee. Who was currently charging at Naruto with her weapon ready. However, surprisingly enough the girl wasn't alone.

In fact Naruto was genuinely entertained to see his twin sister Yang along with Blake flanking each of side of Weiss. So jumping away in response, Naruto landed on a pillar overlooking everyone.

"What are you doing!" Yang yelled, as she stopped at Winter's side and glanced up to Naruto. "Have you gone insane?"

Weiss bent down and inspected her older sister, noticing the woman was bleeding and her clothes were in tatters. "Winter are you okay?"

Coughing in response, Winter glared at the girl. "Get away from here. This is my fight."

Blake gritted her teeth, as she heard Winter. So looking up she saw Naruto's uncaring stare. "Just what are you doing!"

"She started it." Naruto declared, while he rested Crescent Rose on his shoulder and hunched over. "She's lucky I was just playing around with her. If not you would be short one older sister Weiss."

Weiss stood up and pointed her weapon at Naruto. "It's time I finally shut you up!" The girl declared, causing Naruto to toss his head back and laugh.

"You." Naruto began as he started to burst in laughter once more. "You really wanna start a fight with me?"

Yang stepped forward and glared at her twin. "She's not the only one."

Blake nodded and walked forward. "The three of us will teach you a lesson."

"Teach me a lesson?" Naruto began in a dull lifeless voice, before he sent Crescent Rose hurling past the wide eyed Faunus. Causing the weapon to stab into the ground between the girl's. "Let's get one thing straight from the start. You three wouldn't last a second against me when I cut loose."

Unfazed by her brother, Yang looked ready to jump forward at her twin. "Well aren't you the arrogant one!"

Standing up straight, Naruto held his hand out towards the direction of Fox Flower. Causing his weapon to fly over and into his hand. "Winter saw how deadly I am with a weapon I've never touched before. So you three should ask yourself this question. Just what can I do with a weapon I've mastered?"

Yang, Blake and Weiss all struck fighting stances and appeared like they were ready to pounce forward. This of course caused Naruto to smirk and hold his arms out, inviting the girl's to make a move.

Off to the side Qrow watched the scene with a calculated eye. Part of him knew he should stop things before they got worse, but he was curious to see where this would go. So the aged drunk stayed back and simply observed.

Ruby on the other hand was a mess, as she didn't like the current development between her siblings and friends. So turning to Nora, Ruby decided to voice her concerns.

"Are they really gonna fight?" Ruby asked in a saddened voice.

Nora sighed and patted Ruby on the shoulder before walking forward. "No this has gone too far." The Winter Maiden declared, while she slowly approached the group and held her right hand high into the air. "So stand back Ruby."

Taking a few steps back, Ruby watched Nora with a nervous gaze. Then in an instant the Winter Maiden snapped her fingers, causing the snap to echo throughout the courtyard and ice to exploded around the entire area. Leaving Yang, Weiss and Blake all covered from head to toe in a casing of ice in mere seconds.

Naruto seeing this smirked and glanced over to his girlfriend. "Was that really needed? I was just starting to have fun." The blond haired boy whined in a playful voice.

Walking a few feet away from Yang, Nora crossed her arms over her chest. Then as she released a soft huff, Nora glared at Naruto. "You were just making things worse."

Naruto shrugged his shoulders and jumped down to Nora. "You might have a point."

Nora smiled and poked her boyfriend's nose. "Of course I do." The bubbly girl replied, while Naruto leaned in and stole a kiss from her.

While the young couple shared a small loving moment, all the onlookers present couldn't help themselves from staring at Nora with complete shock. Ruby didn't know what to think, as all she knew was that Nora used the same power as before. A power which rendered her entire team completely trapped and useless.

Qrow was more surprised to see Nora use her Maiden powers so openly, as he didn't see or hear about her prior match. The older huntsman was also slightly impressed in how much the young girl had improved with her abilities.

Weiss and Blake didn't know what to think, as both girls were left speechless by Nora's simple display of superiority. Yang on the other hand gritted her teeth and tried her hardest to free herself. However, she quickly found all attempts meaningless and hung her head in defeat.

"Now just what is going on here?" A calm, but assertive voice asked.

Everyone hearing the voice turned to find Ozpin and Glynda approaching the group. All seeing the emotionless expression on the headmaster's face wondered what was going through his mind.

"Nothing important." Naruto replied casually, while he slowly placed one hand into his pocket and the other gripped his weapon. "Just some friendly games among friends."

Glynda glared at the blond. "Is that the best you have to defend yourself? Because I see a heavily injured member of the Atlas military, destroyed public property and three students encased in ice. So try that again before I have you punished."

A grin forming on his lips, Naruto twirled Fox Flower around in his hand. "I'm sick of your threats." The blond began in a carefree tone, while he pointed the tip of his blade at Glynda. "So rethink what you say to me before you end up worse than Winter over there."

Glynda gritted her teeth and took a step forward, but Ozpin held the woman back.

"I believe that is enough. Nora please free Yang, Blake and Weiss. Then I would like for you and Naruto to join me in my office for a private conversation." Ozpin began, while at the same time finally noticing Qrow. "And Qrow I'm glad to see you have returned. I would like to speak with you as well."

Qrow nodded and started to walk off silently. Nora on the other hand turned to Yang and company with a frown.

"So much for our date." The Winter Maiden grumbled, while she snapped her fingers and the ice shattered.

Being freed the previously trapped members of Team RWBY all looked at Naruto and Nora. A moment ago they were ready to jump and attack both one of them. However, all any of the girls could do now was stand in disbelief at how truly powerful the duo was. It was one thing to witness their power, but to be the targets of the duos overwhelming strength was an all new experience.

"Well let's go." Naruto purposed, as he nudged Nora to start walking.

"But what about her?" Nora asked out loud, while she glanced down to Winter. "She needs some medical attention."

Naruto rolled his eyes and Ozpin sighed. "Team RWBY will you four please escort Winter to the nearest infirmary?" The headmaster asked before turning to Glynda. "And will you please request James to meet me at my office after you inform him as to what has transpired."

Glynda nodded, while Ruby ran over to her team to assist Winter. Naruto not caring to see anything else started to walk off with Nora following him

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(Ozpin's Office)

Naruto and Nora were both standing side by side in front of Ozpin, meanwhile the headmaster was at his desk with Glynda flanking his right. To Ozpin's left was Qrow who was casually leaning against the wall and gazing out the window. Finally as the elevator to Ozpin's office opened, General Ironwood entered the room with a scowl and broke the silence.

"Just what in the hell happened?" James began, while he made his way near Naruto and Nora. "First Nora is seen using her Maiden powers in public and then I hear you seriously injured one of my best soldiers Naruto!"

Naruto glanced over to the man without showing any sign of caring. "She attacked me first. Not my fault she got in over her head."

James gritted his teeth, he knew Winter was a head case. So he could believe that she would start an altercation with someone like Naruto. However, that still didn't explain or justify Nora's actions.

"That might be the case, but how will you defend Nora using her Maiden powers so openly?" James asked, while he looked around the room for others to chime in.

Naruto scoffed. "Like it matters if Nora uses her powers or not. Not a single person knows what the Maidens are. Plus it's not like we are hiding Nora, Salem knows she is the Winter Maiden."

Nora nodded at what Naruto was saying. "Naruto is right and besides Spring wanted me to start utilizing my abilities more anyways. So that's why I'm going to start showing the world the power I have. No more hiding."

"That's foolish." James declared.

Ozpin sighed at the remark and massaged his forehead. "What's done is done." The headmaster began in a low voice. "Nothing can be changed now, but I wish you would have at least talked with me about your decision before acting. People may not know about the Maidens, but they will start questioning Nora's abilities."

Nora shrugged her shoulders and held her palm out, while a small shard of ice started to swirl into shape. "Let them guess." The Winter Maiden declared boldly before she shattered the ice into pieces and smiled. "I'm done hiding who I am and the power I have."

Naruto grinned at his girlfriend's words. "And I'm with you one hundred percent."

"You'll cause chaos!" James declared in an angered voice, while he glared at Nora and Naruto. "And not only that, but more people will want your power if they learn about you Nora and come after you! Doesn't that concern either of you two?"

Naruto tilted his head and slowly glanced around the room. Making sure to slowly lock eyes with each person inside for only a brief moment. "If a single person even tried to harm a hair on Nora's head. Trust me when I say I would personally butcher every single person that person ever knew or even spoke with."

The room was silent, as the way Naruto spoke was almost as if he was threatening the room. James took this to heart and kept his glare on Naruto, while Glynda kept a more reserved expression. Ozpin was neutral and appeared to be deep in his own thought. Finally Qrow had slight goosebumps going down his spine. Thinking to himself just how much his nephew resembled his sister Raven.

Nora leaned into her partner and rubbed her head against his shoulder. "Such a greedy little boy you are." The orange haired girl teased, as her giggle pierced the silence. "You just want me all to yourself"

Naruto chuckled before giving Nora a quick kiss. "Heh who are you calling greedy? I'm pretty generous with all the love I plan to give you. That's if you can handle it all."

Nora wrapped her arms around Naruto's neck and hung off the boy. Then by releasing a small smile, she along with Naruto completely ignored the looks they were getting from the adults in the room. "You best believe I'll take every god damn thing you've got my little Fox Sin of Greed."

Naruto snickered at the nickname and nodded. "Have it your way my Boar Sin of Gluttony."

Watching the young couple flirt and laugh, Ozpin suddenly brought a hand to his mouth and started to cough. Hoping to get the attention back towards the main discussion at hand.

"I'm glad you two are so happily in love, but we do have serious matters to discuss." The headmaster began, while at the same time standing out of his chair.

Huffing and removing herself from her boyfriend, Nora looked at Ozpin before placing her hands to her hips. "Well get to the point already, me and Naruto were supposed to be on a date by now. Not stand around and listen to the lot of you bitch and moan."

Glynda looked at Nora with surprise, as she never imagined the girl acting so much like her boyfriend. Ozpin on the other hand looked at Nora with a calculated gaze, as he could see a slight shift in the girl's personality.

"Well we have mentioned Naruto's incident with Winter and it seems you won't be hiding your abilities anymore." Ozpin began in an exhausted voice, while he slowly walked over to a console. "So let's talk about the Fall Maiden."

Everyone watched with Interest while a hologram projecting several numbers and vital signs appeared in the middle of the room. This of course caused Naruto and Nora to easily deduct that these were Amber's vitals. Though further inspection from the young couple made them both see that Amber was declining at a rapid pace.

"Amber's dying." Nora began in a shocked voice, while her mind was still trying to accept the fate of the Fall Maiden.

Qrow removed himself from the back wall and walked forward. "Yeah and she's going faster than we first estimated. I'd wager she only has a few more days to a week left."

Naruto kept his vision on the projection. "Then the remains of her powers will go into whoever Amber's attacker was"

"That's why we need to find a new host for Amber's abilities and fast." Ozpin began, while he closed the projection and looked at the Winter Maiden and Relic Wielder. "I still stand by my previous nomination of Pyrrha being made into the next Fall Maiden."

"She is an incredibly powerful warrior and is a worthy candidate." James added in.

"I don't like it." Nora declared honestly. "I don't want more of my friends in Salem's crosshairs. However, I do understand how dire the situation truly is. If we don't act fast Salem will get the full power of the Fall Maiden on her side."

Naruto merely nodded at what Nora had said. "So if we must give someone Amber's powers there really is only one person worthy. It doesn't matter if we like the idea or not. Pyrrha becoming the Fall Maiden is our best move."

"So are we in full agreement that we should approach Miss. Nikos and pull back the curtain to what is really happening?" Glynda asked, while not a single person uttered anything in response.

Ozpin seeing this nodded his head and grabbed his coffee mug. "It's settled then. We shall call Pyrrha in and share with her some of what we know. Then we will give her the choice. Become the Fall Maiden and help us or turn away and live her life free of this massive burden."

Nora sighed and turned her body to the elevator. "Well I'll leave the talking to you guys. Me and Naruto have a date to go on." The Winter Maiden declared, while she and Naruto started to walk off. "After you talk with Pyrrha I'll take some time to speak with her. Having a conversation with an actual Maiden might help her make a decision."

Ozpin nodded. "Very well, after we speak to Miss. Nikos I'll send her your way."

Qrow watched the two nod and enter the elevator. "And try to stay out of trouble in the meantime!"

Naruto and Nora both grinned at the man, while the elevator started to slowly close.

"No promises!" Nora declared, as Naruto laughed.

"We have a bad track record with finding trouble." The blond added, while the elevator closed shut. Leaving the room with nothing besides the adults, who had to prepare themselves for the coming conversation with Pyrrha.

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(Unknown location)

Seated alone on a large throne with her legs crossed was none other than Salem herself. The vile woman bore a bored expression, while she noticed the door to her chamber open. This revealed one of her most loyal servants slowly entering the room.

"Master." The individual greeted, while taking a knee to bow in respect at the intimidating woman. "We have received word from Cinder. Despite the small hiccup with the White Fang and Roman Torchwick, all plans are moving in full motion."

Salem graced her follower with a pleased expression, as the news delighted her. "Very good, what about Naruto Branwen and Nora Valkyrie? Has Cinder managed any progress with breaking either of those hindrances?"

The individual shook their head. "No master she has not." The individual explained, causing Salem to frown at the news she was given. This caused the individual to trembled and quickly hold their hands up. "However, Cinder did share that Naruto Branwen and Nora Valkyrie have been fighting with their family and friends. Apparently there is a heavily strained relationship going on that can be exploited."

"Then why hasn't she exploited that weakness yet?" Salem asked in an exhausted voice, while she rose up and looked over the individual.

"I do not know master."

Salem sighed and turned her back to the individual, while her outfit started to melt into a dark substance that slowly dripped down and covered her body. She then slowly looked over her shoulder with a crimson red gaze, while a black and red bodysuit started to form onto her body.

"You know what? I'm not going to allow Cinder to ruin this opportunity." Salem declared, as she fully turned her body to the follower. "So tell that child when the time comes for our attack. I will be joining the battle to personally assure our absolute victory."

Looking up at their master with awe, the individual merely nodded their head. "I understand master, I will inform Cinder right away."

Salem smiled and reclaimed her position on her throne, while she slowly observed the craftsmanship of her new battle attire. Completely ignoring the look of her follower. "Well run along then." The woman ordered, while she didn't even bother to look back to the retreating form of her underling.

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(With Naruto and Nora)

Seated together at an outside cafe, the young duo were busy enjoying their first official date as a couple. They tried to find one of the locations they discussed during their first round match, but they couldn't find anything they liked. That was until they stumbled upon the current cafe they were at. It was a relative quite scene, regardless of their seats being right by the sidewalk of the city. Considering the only barrier from the couple and the passing by citizens was a small decorative fence.

"So." Naruto began softly, while he glanced up to Nora. "Pyrrha might become the next Fall Maiden."

Nora nodded her head and closed her eyes. "It would seem so. I don't like the idea, but there isn't a better candidate than Pyrrha. She's the best at everything she does."

"Plus she is trustworthy." Naruto added in. "That's important for the kind of power she would be given."

"That's true, but can we not talk about this?" Nora asked, while she slowly looked down at the table. "It reminds me that a dear friend is dying and my best friend could end up with the same burden as me."

"Absolutely." Naruto replied without skipping a beat. "Let's talk about the tournament. We passed the first round easy, but who shall we send into the second round? It's a two on two fight after all."

"Well I feel that's a conversation we should involve Pyrrha and Jaune with." Nora explained in a simple tone. "However, I lean towards you and Jaune advancing forward."

Naruto tilted his eyebrow in interest, as out of all the team combinations they could possibly make. The idea of Naruto and Jaune teaming up wasn't something the bandit thought of.

"Okay I'm curious, why me and Jaune?"

"Well you or I would be more than enough to end a battle without exhausting ourselves and teammates. So I was thinking if Pyrrha does take Amber's power. . ." Nora began, while taking a small second to think over her words. As mentioning Amber again caused a slight delay in her speech. "If she becomes a Maiden. I will devote as much time as possible to helping her understand what it means to be a Maiden."

Naruto nodded, as he liked Nora's reasoning. "That's a smart move and don't get me wrong Pyrrha is strong. However, with the impending attack it's risky to have an inexperienced Maiden with half her power running around."

"Exactly." Nora cut in. "We don't have time to properly train Pyrrha and we can't wait any longer to transfer the Fall Maiden's power. So we have to work with what little we have. That's why I feel my idea is the best shot we have."

"I'm with you Nora." Naruto declared, as he reached over to grab his girlfriend's hand. "You have my support no matter what you want to do."

Nora smiled at her boyfriend's words, as she never imagined she would find love like she did. Especially with a wild and dangerous boy like Naruto.

"Well let's just hope everything works and and Pyrrha even agrees to become the Fall Maiden." Nora began, while she slightly glanced to the side. "Even though part of me wishes should would decline."

Naruto smiled at his girlfriend's response, as he thought it was cute how she made a slight pouting face. "You're too adorable."

Nora blushed at Naruto's compliment and looked back to the boy with a flirting gaze. However, before Nora could speak a word the couple was surprised by a set of hands slamming onto the fence by their side. This caused Naruto and Nora both to look over to a young woman glaring a hole through Naruto's direction.

The girl was around their age with dark skin and long spiky red hair, while her amber eyes bore nothing besides anger. She was flat-chested and wore a long, short-sleeved dress with frilly edges complete with a flak jacket that bore the symbol for Shade Academy. She also had two simple yellow earrings, fishnet stockings, thigh-high boots with white soles and a forehead protector which she wore like a bandanna. Finally the girl also carried a long sword on her back.

To her side was a rather nervous looking boy. Who like the girl was dark-skinned, but had short spiky white hair and dark colored eyes. He was wearing a dark outfit consisting of an overlong shirt with a hood, with red bandage hand guards, shin guards, and a black forehead protector along with a Shade Academy flak jacket. Though he appeared nervous around the group, he never once stopped sucking on a lollipop. Lastly like his female companion, the boy carried a long sword on his back.

Naruto noticing the tension rolled his eyes and looked at the girl. "Can I fucking help you?"

The girl snarled at Naruto's blunt response. "You're him aren't you? Naruto Branwen, son of the bandit leader Raven Branwen?"

"No I'm her third cousin twice removed dipshit." Naruto replied back sarcastically, as he was slightly annoyed by the sudden interruption. "Like it matters to you anyway. So piss off i'm busy here."

The girl growled in anger, while she tightly bent the fence in her grasp. "No you are that bitches son, I saw your match earlier. Your name is clearly Naruto Branwen."

"Oh is that so?" Naruto asked with as little interest as possible. "Then why bother asking who I am? Are you dumbass and a nuisance?"

"Why you." The girl began, while the boy to her side grabbed her shoulder.

"Karui we should leave him alone. What if he gets mad and starts a fight. Then our nations go to war and thousands of people die!" The boy shouted out in worry.

Naruto and Nora both laughed at the boy's ridiculous thought process, while the now named Karui glared at her companion.

"Shut the hell up Omoi. I would love a chance to kill this bastard!" Karui yelled loudly.

Hearing the girl's declaration of wanting to kill him, Naruto finally got slightly interested in what she truly wanted.

"Oh you want to kill me now?" Naruto asked in a smug tone, while his lips curled into a smile.

Nora seeing her boyfriend sudden shift in mood sighed, they couldn't even have one date without something going wrong.

"I want to kill you and your bitch mother." Karui seethed, while her hands started to trembled. "You monsters are responsible for the death of my family."

Naruto laughed loudly and tossed his head back. "Is this really what this is?" The bandit asked loudly, while he looked straight at Nora. "This has to be a prank! Who put her up to this? Was it my sister or maybe Sun?"

Karui was about to explode and Nora saw this. "Naruto I think she is serious." The Winter Maiden admitted.

His laughter slowly dying down, Naruto glanced over to Karui with a smirk. "Are you actually serious?"

"I've dreamed about killing you for years." Karui replied without even thinking. "You heartless monster."

"Karui we should leave." Omoi began, as he saw the red glow radiate from Naruto's eyes. It was a piercing crimson gaze that haunted the boy's dreams.

"What? But that bastard is right here! Don't you want payback as well Omoi!" Karui yelled out with pure anger.

"You should listen to your friend." Nora began softly, while she looked at the enraged teenager. The latter of whom glared at Nora.

"Mind your own fucking business slut." Karui insulted, causing Naruto to slightly crack a finger in anticipation. Showing from that insult alone the bandit was about to pounce.

Nora glared at the girl with a look that managed to surprise Naruto, as he had only seen a glare like that from one other woman before. That woman being his mother, Raven Branwen.

"No fuck you." Nora declared, while she slammed her hands onto the table in front of her. "I want one damn date with my boyfriend. I don't want Atlas specialists starting a fight with us. I don't want my friends and family to fight one another. I don't want lectured by a bunch of old fools who all have their own agendas. I don't want to accept that a fiend is dying, while I can't help her. I don't want to condem my best friend to a life of misery. And I sure as fuck don't want to sit here and listen to you run your annoying mouth and ruin our date."

"You piece of sh-. . ."

"No you don't speak." Nora cut in, as she held one hand into the air. Causing the air to drop dramatically in temperature and snow to swirl around her hand. "I'm at my breaking point with everyone and you're coming dangerously close to getting on my bad side. So do yourself a favor and walk away."

Naruto looked across the table with an awestruck expression. As he didn't expect that outburst from Nora, though he did enjoy to see it happen. Karui on the other hand gave Nora a glare and held her ground. However, after a small moment the girl shrugged her shoulders and walked off.

"Let's go Omoi. We can kill that bastard during the tournament."

Naruto watched as the two Shade students walked away. He then glanced over to Nora with a large grin, seeing that she dropped her hand.

"You know I love you right?" The blond haired boy asked.

"You didn't have to entice them so much Naruto." Nora declared, while releasing a soft sigh. "But yes I know and I love you even more. Despite your supernatural ability to start a fight with almost anyone you meet."

Naruto smiled. "But we haven't fought yet!"

Nora chuckled and rolled his eyes. "For your sake let's keep it that way. Raven shared some good pointers for dealing with you."

Naruto sighed and glanced away in annoyance. "I really don't like that you and my mom get along. You're starting to act like her and that scares me."

Nora grinned and leaned forward. "I think you like it. Everyone knows you're a momma's boy after all."

'She got you.' Ren declared with a small laugh.

"Shut the fuck up Ren." Naruto groaned in anger, while Nora laughed. He then shrugged himself in a different direction and started to pout. "And I am not a momma's boy."

Nora smiled and reached out, then as she poked Naruto's nose she giggled. "Boop."

Cracking a small smile, Naruto looked over to his girlfriend. He truly loved her and he knew he would do whatever he had to do in order to protect her.

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(With Jaune and Pyrrha)

Sitting on her bed, Pyrrha was in deep thought. She had just finished speaking with Ozpin and his secret group. Where she had learned a lot about the world and even more about her best friend Nora along with Naruto. Pyrrha was also given the offer to become the next Fall Maiden, but the warrior didn't know what to do. She really just wanted to speak with Nora, but right now she couldn't. In fact the only other person that was with her currently was Jaune. Who was lucky enough to have no knowledge about what was going on. So sighing to herself, Pyrrha fell onto her back and sprawled out onto her bed. Then by looking up to the ceiling she tried to sort through her mind.

Jaune who was off to the side on his own bed noticed his partner's downward expression. He could tell the girl was slightly upset, but the team leader didn't know what to do or say. Though he knew he should at least try and do something.

"Hey Pyrrha." Jaune began nervously, while the girl rolled her head and glanced over. "We really haven't practiced in awhile. Wanna have a little training session?"

Sighing out loud Pyrrha looked away from Jaune. "I'm sorry Jaune, but I'm not up for any practice right now."

Jaune nodded sadly. "Would you like to talk about something?"

"I don't think you can help me right now Jaune." Pyrrha replied honestly.

Jaune hung his head slightly, but he remembered a conversation he had with Naruto. One where he talked about how he and Nora become so close. So looking back up with newfound determination, Jaune stood to his feet.

"You know Naruto and Nora are so close because they are always with each other. They have been through more together than any duo at this school." Jaune began confidently, causing Pyrrha to glance back over to Jaune. The latter of whom was already starting to blush. "Maybe you and I could be more like them."

Pyrrha's face turned as red as her hair. "W-what is that supposed to mean?"

"I-I mean they tell each other everything and are closer because of it. Maybe you and I could become closer." Jaune explained.

Pyrrha closed her eyes, as she did want her and Jaune to have the same relationship that Naruto and Nora had. However, the young warrior knew Jaune should be kept away from her troubles for the time being. So thinking over what to say next, Pyrrha was saved by the sudden opening of their door.

"We are back!" Nora yelled happily, while her and Naruto entered the room.

"Alcohol stash here I come." Naruto chuckled, while the blond ran over to his bed and flipped the mattress. Revealing a small pile of flasks and bottles that Naruto had hidden away.

Nora rolled her eyes, while Jaune and Pyrrha both looked up at the two. Showing that they were both on full alert in the presences of the young couple. Though Nora quickly glanced to Pyrrha and saw how troubled the girl looked. It was obvious that she had spoken with Ozpin and learned the truth about their world.

"Hey Pyrrha." Nora began in a soft voice, causing everyone in the room to glance to the girl. "Why don't me and you go have a girl's talk?"

Looking at her best friend with a confused gaze, as she was still having trouble sorting all the information she was given out. Pyrrha stood to her feet and walked towards Nora.

"Yeah we need to talk." The world renowned fighter repiled.

Jaune watched Nora nod before the two females walked towards the exit. So holding his hands outstretched, Jaune looked confused. "Guys where are you going? We have a lot to talk about with the tournament. I mean who will represent us in the two on two fight?"

Naruto slung his arm over Jaune's shoulder, while shaking a bottle of booze in the boy's face. "Why me and you are gonna team up Jaune!"

Jaune looked absolutely shocked and terrified. "What!" The leader shouted loudly. "Why me and you?"

Nora saw this reaction and smirked, she then opened the door and motioned to Pyrrha. "Come on, we can leave the boys to talk."

Pyrrha followed without question and left Naruto and Jaune alone. Causing the bandit to laugh and rough up his teammate.

"And I got a perfect team attack we can work on!" Naruto declared, while he took a large swing of alcohol. "It's called get help!"

Jaune turned pale, as he didn't know what Naruto meant. Though at this point he was too afraid to ask. "Why don't you and Nora team up instead? Or you and Pyrrha?"

Naruto laughed loudly. "So here is how get help works." The Fox Sin of Greed began, as he completely ignored Jaune.

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(On the rooftop with Nora and Pyrrha)

Walking slowly behind Nora, Pyrrha noticed that the sun was slowly setting on the first day of the Vytal Festival. She also had to admit that the view from the roof of their dorm room was quite a sight to see.

"So let's talk Pyrrha." Nora began, while she took a seat at the edge of the roof and gestured for Pyrrha to join her. Then as the redhead complied, Nora looked up into the sky and took a deep breath. "I'm sure Ozpin gave you a lot to think about."

Pyrrha nodded and twiddled her thumbs. "Is it all true? Maidens, Relic Wielders, The headmaster being a secret group fighting an evil threat. Ozpin wasn't making any of that up, even the part when he mentioned an attack on Beacon?"

Nora slightly frowned and held her palm out towards the sky. "It's frightening isn't it? Learning there is much more to this world. Learning there is someone who makes the creatures of Grimm look like house pets. I'm sure Ozpin has told you that I've been living this nightmare my entire life." The girl finished, while she clenched her fist against the setting sun.

"He said you were the Winter Maiden and he wants me- . . ."

"He wants you to take Amber's power and become the Fall Maiden." Nora finished, helping her friend find her words.

"Yeah he does." Pyrrha replied softly.

The two girls then fell into a soft silence, as neither spoke a word. Though after a moment of not speaking, Nora let a small smile pass her lips.

"You know, this is where I first told Naruto about what I was." Nora revealed, shocking her best friend with that revelation. "It's almost fitting that me and you have this conversation here as well."

"I always knew you and Naruto were closer than most, but after what I've learned. Now it brings the two of you into a whole new perspective." Pyrrha admitted.

"Me and him have been through more than I first imagined. However, we are here to talk about you. Not me and my boyfriend." Nora explained softly, while placing a hand on Pyrrha's shoulder. "So tell me what you're thinking."

Pyrrha looked down with a blank expression. "When I was younger I never had anyone, as I was an orphan. Regardless I made something out of myself from fighting in tournaments and becoming a prize fighter. I always wondered if destiny had some grand plan for me, if I was born for greatness. However, ancient magic based around the four seasons, a woman who controls the Grimm and powerful Relics. These are things I never wanted or envisioned."

Nora nodded. "I understand Pyrrha, more so than anyone. I was born with the burden of being a Maiden and had no choice. However, I've grown to appreciate what I am. Sure I'm always in the crosshairs of Salem. Plus my parents and Ren were murdered by her. Still I don't regret being born a Maiden. It's a life that has given me the love of my life, a family to protect and a best friend that I would die for."

Pyrrha smiled and glanced over to Nora, as she really did love and appreciate her best friend. "Thank you Nora, but I'm still so lost in all this. I just don't know what to do. If I take the power I will be a target for that Salem woman. Along with everyone I know and care about, so I would be placing my friends in danger not just myself. And if I don't take the power she will get the Fall Maiden's power anyway."

"I can't tell you how to live your life Pyrrha." Nora began, while the Winter Maiden made a small ice shared in her hand. "What I can say is that I'll support you and if you don't feel safe at Beacon. Well you could always leave with me and Naruto." Nora declared with a small giggle, while Pyrrha's eyes grew wide.

"L-leave Beacon?" Pyrrha asked in a stunned voice. "With you two?"

Nora nodded with a large grin. "You know what I'm not gonna say anything else besides this. You know the truth now and have a choice. Either run away and don't get involved. Or be the woman I know you are and become the next Fall Maiden. Then once everything settles down here at Beacon, leave with me and Naruto for Raven's tribe."

"You want me to take the power and become a bandit?" Pyrrha asked.

Nora winked at her friend and stood to her feet. "I'm not tell you anything. I'm just saying if you're afraid of protecting yourself and others. The Branwen Tribe, along with me and Naruto have your back."

Pyrrha smiled and stood to her feet and quickly wrapped herself around Nora and hugged the girl.

"Thank you." Pyrrha began, as the girl had a slow build up of tears.

Nora grinned and accepted the hug. "I'm here for you Pyrrha. Anything you wanna talk about. I'll help you sort this mess out and decide what you wanna do."

Pyrrha tightened her hold on Nora. "I think I know what I want to do."

(Chapter end)

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And here is the next chapter! Tell me what y'all thought about it!

Quick notes.

I added Karui and Omoi for the 2v2 fights and gave them a backstory to spice things up for this Volume.

I purposely didn't reveal anything about Salem's "follower" as that person is someone I'm not revealing yet.

Some have asked me when is Yang gonna stop being jealous and move on. Well she will eventually, I'm currently giving her some good ole character development that will carry over into my Volume 4 plans.

Anyways thanks for reading a see you next time!