Naruto: Tornado of Souls V2
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or RWBY
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This transitional chapter is character driven so not much action. Here is chapter 28. Enjoy!
[ ] Signifies hand signs.
Last time:
Hokage's Office
That afternoon, Kakashi, Anko and Kurenai were discussing their views with the Third Hokage. Hiruzen said, "As a temporary measure I'm moving Raven Branwen into Aburame Shino's spot on Team 8. Young Shino will be out for months and Team 8 is the only anti Grimm squad aside of Team 7. I realize you have objections Kurenai but we need your team at combat strength." Kurenai sadly nodded. The aged Hokage then turned to Anko and said, "I have a replacement in mind for Team 15 so you will be able to break them in with the Malachite twins. You yourself admitted that Raven is vastly better than the twins anyway and that will eliminate the gap in skills you reported would cause problems previously."
"I understand Hokage-sama." said the snake mistress. 'Damn what a mess…'
The Hokage sighed. "…And as all three of you have requested it we're also going to get some of this specialized anti Grimm weaponry for all of you and young Kiba. Unfortunately we will have to rely on those of you who came from Remnant to remember and design such weaponry so it will take time. We'll also have to find some competent blacksmiths to create such weapons."
"I have us covered on the blacksmith part Hokage-sama." said Kakashi. "The genin Tenten on Team 9 works in her Father's shop and they have turned out the special gear for my team and Hinata. They do superb commissioned work."
"Well, that's one less worry." said the Hokage. Then he asked, "I never thought about it before Kakashi but what kind of a weapon did you have in Remnant?"
Kakashi smiled under his mask and said grandly, "I had the coolest weapon of all! A walking cane!"
Hiruzen, Anko and Kurenai all sweat dropped. "…A cane…?" asked the Hokage. "I'm so sorry that I asked…"
…
Chapter 28
Fire Country, Konoha Village, Training Ground 8
Early in the morning, Kurenai, Kiba and Hinata were gathered at their regular training grounds where the beautiful red eyed jonin was explaining the current situation to her charges. "…And because of the situation with Shino-kun being injured, genin Branwen Raven is going to fill his slot on Team 8 until further notice. Hokage-sama has specifically designated Team 8 an anti-Grimm squad along with Team 7. As such, Kiba-kun and I will be getting specialized weaponry for the job at hand…." She looked at Hinata and said, "I know you have some tension with Raven-san but I need the both of you to put your differences aside Hinata-chan."
Hinata nodded and said, "I will do my best to become friends with Raven-san sensei."
"That's all I can ask." said Kurenai with a smile.
"Where is Raven-san?" asked Kiba. "I would have expected her to be here for our first meeting."
"She's getting a full physical and psych check before she joins the team per Hokage-sama." answered Kurenai. "Raven is new to Konoha so he wants to clear her status from a probationary to a full genin."
…
Yamanaka home, Inoichi's Office
Yamanaka Inoichi was less than thrilled at what he'd found in Raven's mind. Inner Sakura's mental insanity was enough to turn his stomach but Raven's lifetime of experience as a bandit leader, murderer and thief left him downright disgusted. Ino's Father would have considered throwing Raven into jail or killing her rather than making her a genin…But she had one thing going for her personality that Inoichi trusted; she'd somehow retained Sakura's loyalty. The blonde clan head knew that Raven would ruthlessly kill any enemy that stood in her path but he also knew the black haired girl would protect his Ino-chan and her Konoha friends and allies at all costs.
Inoichi thought to himself, 'Raven also retains Sakura's innocence in a bizarre way. She's very shy about her interest in of all people, Uzumaki Naruto who Sakura was teammates with. She is always buying flowers to put on Mebuki and Kizashi's graves. She yearns to belong to a family and her first choice -Sakura's choice- is her best friend's family. I myself agreed that we would have taken Haruno Sakura in like a daughter if she was found but gods this is unbelievable.' Inoichi wanted to laugh at the irony. 'Ino's two best friends are Pyrrha who is a comparative angel of justice and Raven who is a cold blooded criminal. The kamis must be laughing at me.' he thought.
It was some time before Inoichi woke Raven up to consider things. Raven awoke feeling a bit groggy and wondered how much Inoichi had seen. She knew he was an honorable man and an excellent psychiatrist. The beautiful red eyed girl also knew he would kill her in a heartbeat if she was a threat to Ino-chan in any way. 'I have nothing to hide….but I know Inoichi. He would have hated Branwen Raven, leader of the Branwen tribe of bandits. What should I say to him? I look up to him for some reason….I want his approval. I want to be close to Ino-chan…What do I do?'
The two stared at each other in silence until Inoichi finally said, "Seeing what happened to Haruno Sakura was truly heartbreaking. She was dear to me you know. Now she's part of you Branwen Raven. You've got her intellect, her loyalty and a few other traits I consider positive. The question is whether or not it outweighs the negative aspects of your personality. You were a cold blooded killer. But you were loyal to your tribe. You don't have a tribe now. What do you intend to do?"
Raven frowned and said, "Isn't it obvious? Konoha is my tribe now. The Leaf ninjas are my tribe. The Yamanaka clan is-!" She stopped and covered her mouth before she looked back at Inoichi in the eyes again. She shed a single tear. "You don't know how horrifying it was to watch when Inner Sakura tried to kidnap Ino-chan and kill Ayano. I was helpless and locked in a cage. I wanted to get out and stop her but I couldn't break the bars. That was when I was convinced Inner Sakura had to die…"
"I saw it all." said Inoichi. "Seeing that entire spectacle from your combined point of view made me feel sick seeing how warped and murderous Sakura had become. The curse mark twisted her even more. It was horrifying seeing such a sweet girl destroyed that way. When you finished her off at least it released her from her insanity."
The odd pair sat in silence for a bit and Inoichi said, "I'm recommending that you be given full genin status but that you continue to see me for psych checks…I'll also allow you to continue to be friends with Ino-chan."
Raven let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Then she asked, "What am I going to tell Ino-chan about Inner Sakura? I-"
Inoichi held up his hand and said, "Everyone is still reeling from the news that Haruno Sakura was a missing nin that was declared dead after the Konoha/Oto War. Ino-chan, Ayano-chan and the others wouldn't be able to handle it at this point. We'll talk more about it as time goes on. Right now the wound is still too fresh."
Raven nodded sadly and said, "I understand but I want them to know the truth someday."
"For their sake or yours Raven?" asked the blonde clan head.
Raven's eyes turned hard and she simply said, "Both."
Inoichi nodded and said, "I have your paperwork filled out. Let's go see the Hokage and get you sworn in as a full genin."
…
Hokage's Office
Sarutobi Hiruzen finished writing his documents to send to each of the leaders in the Elemental Nations regarding the emergence of the Creatures of Grimm. He also sent the expanded version of Kakashi's memorandum with several types of Grimm categorized that hadn't been spotted (and hopefully never would be). 'I hope they actually heed this warning. Knowing A and Onoki they'll think it's some sort of elaborate scheme on my part. It's actually hard to fathom creatures that are out to wipe out humanity that feed on negative energy.' He finished putting his seal on each of the scrolls and ordered them sent out via his fastest messenger birds. 'What a disaster…' thought the aged Hokage.
About that time he heard a knock and his secretary Maki said, "Yamanaka Inoichi and Branwen Raven are here to see you Hokage-sama."
"Send them in." replied Hiruzen. 'I hope this is good news.'
…
An hour later the Third Hokage was nursing a headache as he read the report on Raven. 'I really could use some sake right now….' "Raven, I really don't know what to think after reading this report but we need experienced genins to fight Creatures of Grimm and you are eminently qualified. Anko gave a glowing report on your performance during the mission with Bishamon. I'm promoting you to full genin per Inoichi's recommendation. I want you to continue with your psych checks and to do your best with Team 8."
Raven stood up and bowed. "I thank you Hokage-sama. I understand and will do my best."
After Hiruzen dismissed Raven to go to meet up with Team 8 he said to Inoichi, "I'm surprised you gave her the go ahead Inoichi. With what happened to your wife and daughter it had to be a tough decision to make."
Inoichi shook his head. "Believe me Hokage-sama; my gut reaction was to have the girl locked up and never letting her see the light of day again. Outside of her combat abilities her main redeeming features she inherited from Sakura. She values loyalty and friendship so I decided to take a chance on her. None of the others from Remnant have been so difficult to decide on…"
"I understand Inoichi. Some judgment calls a nearly impossible and you have to pick the lesser of two evils." Hiruzen pulled some sake out of a hidden compartment in his desk. "I normally don't imbibe this early in the day but after that I need a drink. Sake…?"
Inoichi nodded. "Thank you Hokage-sama. I could use one too."
…
Naruto's Apartment
Meanwhile Naruto, Blake and Pyrrha were sitting at the blonde's kitchen table working on fuinjutsu seals for elemental bullets….Well, Pyrrha and Naruto were. Blake was reading the latest Icha Icha with rapt attention. It was almost lunch time and all three of them were getting hungry. Pyrrha looked up at the wall clock and said, "Let's get some takeout or something so we can keep working."
Blake looked up from her book. "Okonomiyaki sounds good to me. But we'd have to go eat in a restaurant for that."
"Mmmm….that does sound good." said Pyrrha. "What do you think Naruto-kun?"
Naruto finished a seal and said, "There is an okonomiyaki place over near Tenten's weapons shop. We can drop off the seals there and have lunch then."
"Sounds like a plan." said Blake with approval. "Let's get our things together and go."
…
The three genins of Team 7 entered Tenten's shop and the bun haired girl looked very excited to see them. "Guys! You have great timing!"
Naruto waved. "Hi Tenten. We bought a load of seals for you."
"Hello again!" said Pyrrha.
Blake smiled softly and said, "It's good to see you Tenten; what's new?"
Tenten held up a scroll and said, "Dad and I got a letter of intent from the Hokage to create specialized weapons for the Anti-Grimm Teams which are forming. It's all thanks to you guys! This is going to be sooo coool!" The weapons loving girl was clearly over the moon. "Let's see those new seals."
The bun haired girl checked over the seals and said; "These are superb work as always….what would you guys think about a little business venture?"
Naruto looked intrigued and said, "What did you have in mind Tenten?" Pyrrha and Blake both looked curious as well.
Tenten had a gleam in her eye and said, "Dad and I have been pulling a few all nighters on the Shear Trigger and it performs better than our wildest expectations with the elemental bullets you've helped create. Since it's a non-standard caliber we can use the same ammunition in all the other new weapons. Rather than just making seals for your own bullets you could make them for everybody for a cut of the profits. Dad said when you guys came in to make you the offer and he would draw up a contract. We can make all the bullets anyone wants but your elemental seals are what will really sell!"
Pyrrha scratched her temple and said, "That's quite a proposal. Ummm….just how many seals are we talking about?"
"As many as you can make!" said Tenten excitedly. "I know you guys have missions like I do but this would be a great way to make some extra ryos when you aren't in the field. We'd negotiate an equitable price of course. The shop provides the materials and you provide the seals. What do you think?"
Blake's stomach roared and she looked embarrassed.
"Maybe we should discuss it after a good lunch." said Tenten with a chuckle. "I'm a bit famished myself." Her Father came out of the back and she asked, "Dad, I'm going to lunch with my friends for the next hour. Can you run the shop while I'm gone?"
Tenten's Father grinned. "I think I can handle it Tenten-chan. When you get back we'll show them the new Shear Trigger."
…
The four genins were soon eating okonomiyaki and discussing things. "A metal gun whip?" asked Tenten. "I'm already working on one for someone else. She's a new genin on Team 19 named Ilia."
"ILIA?!" asked Blake in shock. "Ilia as in Amitola Ilia?"
Tenten looked a bit surprised at Blake's outburst but then said, "That's her; is she a friend of yours?" 'I sure hope so…' Tenten thought with a sweat drop.
"Well, I-" Blake seemed to catch herself. "Yes, she's a friend…but I haven't seen her in a long time…"
…
Hokage Tower
Meanwhile a young probationary genin named Ilia was sitting in the hall outside the Hokage's Office irritably pondering her situation. 'Team 19 is dissolved because those other two idiots couldn't keep it together….God damn it!'
FLASHBACK….
Kingdom of Vale, shortly after the fall of Beacon….
….A masked member of the White Fang that was on Adam Taurus' personal staff was speaking to Ilia. She didn't know him personally but he was high ranking in the organization. She'd been called in from Menagerie for an important mission. "Ilia Amitola, your job is to hunt down the deserter Blake Belladonna and bring her back alive. Adam Taurus wants her back in his hands. You have permission to destroy anything and everything of value to her including her friends. An example must be made of them to break her. Do you understand?"
Ilia gasped slightly at the orders. 'Break Her? Blake is my friend…I don't want to hurt her. Maybe I can talk her into coming back. Why did she leave Adam's side to begin with…?' "I –I understand sir. Where was Blake Belladona last seen?"
"At the Battle of Beacon." said the man. "We don't know if she fled or is still in the area. That's where you come in."
…
Beacon Academy, weeks later….
It had been a long and difficult search for Ilia. The chameleon faunus girl finally traced Blake's trail to the damaged Beacon CCT Tower. "Blake's trail leads to this place." thought Ilia aloud. The young huntress saw the frozen Grimm Dragon above on the tower and shivered. "What the hell was she doing near that thing? Was she….eaten?" Shaking off that horrifying thought Ilia looked around and saw a faintly glowing spot on the ground. 'What is this…?' thought the faunus girl. She put her hand on the spot and knew no more…like Blake before her only dust was left behind…
…
Rice Country
Fuma Sasame was killed in the crossfire between the Konoha and Oto forces. She was mistaken for an Oto ninja and was cut down before she could even react. The rather petite girl's life was over before it had truly begun…or so she thought. Several days later she awoke with her body fully restored and a new set of memories. Ilia and Sasame had fought each other tooth and nail for control during those three days but both of them realized they were running out of time. The two girls agreed that merging was preferable to death…In the end a new Ilia resulted given she had both Ilia's appearance and faunus traits. She just had Sasame's knowledge and abilities as well.
Ilia went back to the area the Fuma clan occupied to link up with them and found the area was completely underwater from a flood. Looking northwards Ilia saw the dam had been destroyed. She sat down and cried. "There's nothing left! Where do I go now?!" she thought aloud. After a few days of wandering over the wrecked landscape of the Land of Rice she followed her nose to the scent of food nearby and found it was a refugee camp where people of Rice Country were being cared for by ninjas of Fire Country. Knowing that stealing some food was her best option Ilia stealthily slipped into the refugee camp…
Then the faunus girl was spotted. 'SHIT! I have to run!' thought Ilia. That's when she stumbled head on into a mountain of a man named Akimichi Choza.
The big man put a hand on her shoulder and said, "You look famished girl. Come over and have something to eat." Choza chatted with her a while and gave her a huge plate of food before she was checked over in the medical tent. When the Akimichi Clan Head gave her the opportunity to join the Konoha Forces as a ninja Ilia jumped at the chance and was eventually assigned as a probationary genin on Team 19. The rest should have been simple but…
FLASHBACK END…
"Hey kid! Are you in there?" boomed a woman's voice that shocked Ilia out of her musings. The chameleon faunus girl looked up and saw a rather beautiful kunoichi with a tan trench coat and purple hair. She projected a rather fearsome aura that Ilia found a bit intimidating.
"Ummm…yes?" asked Ilia.
The woman asked, "Are you Amitola Ilia from Team 19?"
Ilia snarled, "I was on Team 19 until my stupid teammates started stealing and abusing their authority. They got caught and my team was dissolved."
The woman smiled ferally. "Then you are who I'm here to pick up. I'm Mitarashi Anko of Team 15 and you are my new genin per Hokage-sama's orders. Your jonin sensei Kisaragi gave good reports on you so you should do just fine." Anko handed Ilia's orders over to her with the Hokage's stamp on them stating she was part of Team 15 now.
The chameleon faunus girl was surprised and it showed on her face. "…Really?"
Ako nodded. "Yep, from now on you will address me as Anko-sensei. Your new teammates are Malachite Melanie and Miltia. They excel at taijutsu and from what I've read stealth is your specialty. That will work out nicely in my opinion. Let's go get some dango and I'll introduce you to your teammates."
…
Tenten's Weapon's Shop Heaven's Blade*①
"So what do you guys think of the seal idea?" asked Tenten excitedly.
Naruto looked at Pyrrha. "It will give us a little extra spending cash."
Pyrrha said warmly, "Well, as long as it doesn't interfere with training or missions it will be a good reason to practice our fuinjutsu Naruto-kun."
That was when Tenten's Father Tengoku*② brought out the new Shear Trigger in its sword form and said, "Here you go Naruto. Give the new and improved Shear Trigger a feel."
Naruto's eyes lit up at the black and silver weapon he reverently took in his hands. "This looks amazing!" he said.
"Let's take it out back and you can test it out." said Tenten with a gleam in her eye. "I think you'll be impressed Naruto."
Out on the shooting range Naruto gave the Sheer Trigger a few test swings. Then he went through his sword katas that his teammates drilled into him over the last few weeks. Pyrrha smiled and said, "Excellent Naruto-kun. You are doing much better than you ever did with the original Shear Trigger."
Blake nodded and said, "You'll be far more effective with this. Stream some wind chakra down the blade."
The blade immediately started to glow blue along its edges and hummed in synch with Naruto's chakra. Tenten said eagerly, "Take a swing at a training post." Naruto slashed the post and it fell in half diagonally.
Blake's amber eyes gleamed. "That's it Naruto-kun, perfect!"
Naruto examined the cut and said, "This is as fine as the cut of a wind slash. I'm really overcome Tenten."
"Let's try it in gun form Naruto." said Tenten. "I'll show you how to transform it."
A few minutes later Tenten showed Naruto how to aim his new weapon and he'd fired a few rounds off. "This is awesome Tenten!" said the orange loving ninja. "There is virtually no kick and it can fire rounds rapidly without having to cock it every time."
"It looks like you can aim it better too Naruto-kun." said Pyrrha as she clapped happily. "After a bit of practice you'll be hitting things dead center."
Tenten said eagerly, "Just wait until you see what the elemental bullets can do…"
…
Dango Shop
Mitarashi Anko led her new charge Ilia into the Dango Shop to meet up with Melanie and Miltia who were sitting and waiting in their traditional red and white battle dresses. They saw their eccentric sensei leading a petite girl in a dark grey and black stealth suit*③ in to meet them. Anko took a seat and said "Melanie-chan, Miltia-chan; this is Amitola Ilia. Ilia, this is Malachite Melanie and Miltia." Ilia bowed slightly and the twins returned the gesture. Anko motioned for Ilia to sit and ordered dango for everyone.
After they started eating Anko explained to Ilia, "Team 15 was barely formed when one of our members was transferred out to another team. Melanie and Miltia have been training separately so this is our second try at an official 'first team meeting.' Hokage-sama indicated that I was to train you three as a standard genin squad but Team 15 has also been designated as an Anti-Grimm squad so we'll be getting specialized weapons for the job. Melanie-chan and Miltia-chan are getting claws made so we need to pick out something for me and for you Ilia. What did you use back in Remnant?"
Ilia turned blue and froze. "H-how did you know I was from Remnant? I'm from Rice Country!"
Anko smiled predatorily and said, "Well there are several reasons why." She held up her hand and counted off on her fingers, "First there is your foreign name; second is you put Menagerie on your ninja application which is in Remnant and is the home of the faunus…and third you just turned blue when I mentioned Remnant."
Ilia face planted realizing she turned blue in fear…and that she accidentally put 'Menagerie' instead of 'Rice Country' by accident. Changing back to her normal complexion Ilia growled, "So you've caught me. Yes, I'm a faunus…what are you going to do about it?" Ilia tensed and got ready to fight.
Anko raised an eyebrow and said, "My adopted little sister is a faunus. It's just another bloodline here in Konoha."
Melanie's green eyes were wide, "So you can change color? Can you camouflage yourself? That would be a huge plus in battle!"
Miltia looked more calculating. "While Melanie nee-chan and I face enemies head on you could snipe them and remain hidden. Cool."
"These two are from Vale." explained Anko. "Part of the reason Hokage-sama picked you to be on this team is because you are all from Remnant so hopefully we'll all get along. You were stuck with a couple bad apples on Team 19. Team 15 will be much better."
Ilia relaxed a little bit and said, "I haven't seen any other faunus around…I just assumed that there was prejudice here too."
Miltia laughed, "My boyfriend Kiba-kun's whole clan can take on dog characteristics. They are a lot like faunus too. You are completely safe here in Konoha."
…
Training Ground 8
Raven was sitting with her new teammates after she joined them during their morning exercise and sparring with Kurenai-sensei. They were eating one of Hinata's homemade lunches that Raven found delicious as Sakura once had. "This food is amazing Hinata! I can't believe you fixed it all yourself!" said the black haired sword wielder.
Hinata looked carefully at Raven and remembered another kunoichi saying something similar… "You fixed all this Hinata?" asked Sakura, "That's amazing!" …is what the pinkette had said what seemed like a lifetime ago…Hinata pondered Raven's words and actions and noticed some things; the red eyed girl acted as if she already knew them. Her best friend was Yamanaka Ino. She was extremely intelligent. Lastly, Raven was from Remnant but hadn't ever said who she merged with.
'On the other hand Haruno Sakura didn't have the kind of drive or strength Raven has…' thought the byakugan princess. 'Sakura was listed as KIA in the Oto War…I have to think on this carefully.'
"A ryo for your thoughts Hinata-chan?" asked Kurenai. "You were totally zoned out there."
Hinata blushed a tiny bit. "I was just thinking that Raven-san seems to mesh really well with our team. I can't help but feel like she reminds me of somebody but I can't quite place my finger on it…"
Raven stopped mid swallow and thought, 'I know Hinata is really smart but outside of Hokage-sama and Inoichi…'
Kurenai said, "I'm sure it's coincidence Hinata-chan."
"You're right sensei." said Hinata with a smile. 'I'll investigate this further with Kiba-kun's help. If her scent or chakra system matches Sakura then I'll talk to Kurenai-sensei about it.' The pearl eyed beauty would have thought more on it but something caught her eye. Something orange to be specific.
Team 7 was headed out to the training grounds when they saw Team 8 taking a break and decided to stop and visit. Pyrrha said, "Hello everyone!" with a wave to Team 8.
"Hey guys! Come sit with us!" said Kiba in his usual exuberant way.
Everyone exchanged greetings and sat down before Naruto asked Kurenai, "Any news on Shino Kurenai-sensei?"
Kurenai shook her head sadly and said, "Raven-san is filling Shino-kun's slot." Then Kurenai smiled slightly and said, "Our team is doing well all things considered. Raven is a good fit…But you know what that's like don't you Naruto?"
Naruto nodded and sighed. "It was tough at first but everything will work out. At least Shino is alive…" he added sadly.
Raven wanted to yell, "It's me! I'm right here Naruto-kun!" but bit her tongue. 'I can't slip up now.' thought the red eyed girl.
Hinata spotted the new Shear Trigger and asked, "Did you get your new gunblade Naruto-kun?" with excitement in her voice.
The orange loving ninja drew the Shear Trigger out of its new holster and said happily, "Here it is Hinata-chan; the new and improved Shear Trigger!"
Blake said, "We were just taking it out to Training Ground 52 so Naruto-kun could practice with it. He's still learning you know." she added playfully as Naruto stuck his tongue out at her.
"We should be heading out there now." said Pyrrha. "Thanks for letting us snack a bit on the leftovers Hinata-chan."
Hinata smiled. "You are always welcome. Let me know how your new gunblade performs Naruto-kun."
"I will Hinata-chan." said the orange loving ninja. Turning to Pyrrha and Blake he asked, "Ready to go girls?"
Seeing both of his teammates/girlfriends nod in the affirmative Team 7 headed out to Training Ground 52…
…
Rain Country, Akatsuki Headquarters
Two days later Konan was alerted to a message from Konoha's Hokage simply addressed to Lord Pein, Leader of Rain Country. Ordinarily she would have dismissed this because Nagato had ordered all diplomatic contact abolished long ago but something told the blue haired paper wielder to open this. She went into Nagato's chambers and said, "We have a letter from the Hokage Nagato."
Nagato's rinnegan eyes perked up a bit. "Why did you bring this to my attention? You know we broke ties with all outsiders."
"I think we should open it." said Konan. "Something tells me it's important."
"Very well." said the Leader of Rain Country. "See what it says."
Konan read it aloud:
From: Sarutobi Hiruzen, Third Hokage of Konoha
To: Lord Pein, Leader of Ame
Concerning: The Creatures of Grimm
Recently Creatures of Grimm have been spotted in the Elemental Nations and are known to be around Ame in particular. They are from outside the Elemental Lands and are easily identified by their black appearance and boney white armor. They are described as "creatures of destruction" and lack a soul. They are also drawn to feelings of negativity- such as envy, sadness, loneliness, and hatred- often congregating towards the source of these emotions. What exactly they are and how they reproduce is unknown to us as they dissolve upon death leaving behind the bodies of the animals they posses. We have theorized they are some kind of spirits but have no proof.
They have targeted humans for as long as can be remembered outside the Elemental Nations, seeking to destroy humanity and all of their creations. While Creatures of Grimm are initially mindless and heedless of risk during their youths, leading them to simply attack any humans on sight, some Grimm are so powerful that they have survived to live for hundreds of years. In that time, they have evolved and learned from their experiences fighting humanity. This leads them to exhibit restraint and the patience to avoid taking unnecessary casualties in futile conflicts; instead, they stay close to humanity's borders, waiting for the opportunity to come where they can finally strike. Because of this, mankind is in ever present danger, even in times of apparent peace.
Fire Country is currently not aware of their point of origin but we have determined that they must be exterminated at all costs lest they overrun the Elemental Nations. Attached is an intelligence report compiled by our jonins listing the various types of Creatures of Grimm we have identified and their weaknesses if known. I urge you to destroy these creatures whenever possible whether in concert with Konoha or other nations. The Elemental Nations cannot destroy these creatures individually. We must band together. If nothing else I urge you to read the attached intelligence reports and distribute them among your defenders.
-Sarutobi Hiruzen, Third Hokage of Konoha
Konan and Nagato sat in silence for a few moments. "So the monsters we have been facing are called Creatures of Grimm." said Konan as the pair looked through the intelligence report. "Nevermores, Ursas, Beowolves, Boarbatusks….We have seen many of these. If they feed on negative emotions it's no wonder that one ate Hidan and Zetsu….They were virtually made of negativity." Konan shook her head. "Our land is infested with these creatures. We need to do something about it."
"What is it about Ame in particular that draws these Creatures of Grimm?" wondered Nagato aloud. "From what the Hokage says here it's logical to conclude there in a major source of negative energy here. The question is what…?"
Nagato and Konan had a lot to ponder…
….
POSTSCRIPT:
*① "Heaven's Blade Weapons Shop" -I had to name the place. I was sick of calling it "Tenten's Weapon's shop" generically when her Dad actually owns the place.
*② Tenten's Dad deserved a name too. Tengoku means 'Heaven' –Hence the shop's name "Heaven's Blade."
*③ Similar to Ilia's standard RWBY uniform.
The addition of Ilia Amitola wasn't originally planned but I like the character and her dedication to the White Fang (even if it's to the wrong side) –not to mention she's already a ninja for all intents and purposes. I wanted to round out Team 15 with another Remnant character as well. Also, the Third Hokage has sent out the warnings to the other Elemental Countries. How many will heed it? See you next time. Blue out 11/29/17
Updated 4/6/22