Huntsman's Mimicry
YuukiAsuna-Chan: I am not going to argue that Cinder is being stupid. However, in my opinion of Cinder in canon, is she is antagonistic to everyone even Salem to a small degree. Then there is the fact, Naruto is refusing some orders so Cinder feeling that Naruto is on her side is a grey zone.
TheSlySage: I am actually sad I never thought of Glynda for that, legendary. think your app had a mess up, it happens to me as well, I can't check my own stories sometimes.
Guest: He just slept next to Yang, they only did things you could do in public… barely. With Cinder, yes he is, not by choice though.
BlackDragonShinigami: I love you like reading it
'This is so boring' Naruto zoned out as the regular burning liquid ran down his parched throat. he glanced to the side as several but not all students were taking notes. Naruto reached into his pocket, pulling out a small green pill. He turned his head to the side slightly, noticing Mercury giving him some looks. Obviously the boy was just as bored as he was and was just glancing around, stopping on Naruto as he caught Mercury's eye. Shrugging, Naruto swallowed the pill as the portly Professor Port gave his lecture of a story.
"Oho! And there I was. A man in his youth, barely any hair on my moustache." Port jumped in enthusiasm. "And the Beowolf came charging. Only with sheer tenacity, willpower and overwhelming manliness, was I able to slay the beast. Then I could return with my head held high as I returned a hero".
'Urgh, how can people take notes in a class like this? This is more boring than the time Roman taught me how to fly a large airship' Naruto sighed, resting his head to the side. 'Maybe I shouldn't party the night before, these class are so hard to stay awake in' he closed his eyes.
…
"Naruto, wake up" Cinder's voice hushed into his ear but he brushed it off.
"Go… away…" he groaned.
"Wake up man, come on" Mercury nudged him but Naruto hit his hand away.
"Nah he's fine… he's kind of cute like that" Emerald piped up as Naruto purred as a soft hand caressed his cheek. "But…" she slapped his face hard.
"Fuckin hell" Naruto blurted out, fully awake. "What just… happened" he paled slightly as he looked around. His head comfortably resting in Cinder's lap while Emerald's hand rubbed his cheek, and Mercury sat back looking a bit peeved.
"Class is over… time for lunch" Cinder stood up, dropping Naruto to the hard seat.
Naruto blinked "Lunch..?" he opened his scroll to catch the time. 'Whoa, I've been asleep for four hours' Naruto rolled his eyes. He watched as Cinder strutted away, Emerald shrugged at him but quickly followed Cinder. His eyes widened slightly as a hand reached down for him "Mercury?" Naruto accepted his hand, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet.
"Hey. Pick up the pace will you" Mercury put his hands in his pockets. "I can't stand being the only guy in a group of girls… they just talk about…"
Naruto rolled his shoulder "I think it has more to do with Emerald being apart of that group". He twitched at the punch, Mercury threw against his arm. "So… asked her out yet?"
Mercury gave him a hard stare "no offense, but I'm not taking relationship advice from an alcoholic".
"That's fair enough" Naruto took out a different flask, quickly downing the contents. "I have problems, a lot of problems… not all of them alcohol but at least I can drink them away".
"Come on man, you fell asleep for hours and you are still drinking" Mercury strolled out.
"And… you are surprised after telling me I have a problem" Naruto chuckled following him. A moment of silence went past as duo was walking slow enough to be left behind. "Speaking of problems, why do you work for Cinder?" Mercury hummed in thought. "I mean, generally speaking we are the same in that we are fighters but… unlike my lovable duo, your duo are… well more Cinder, they are pricks".
"Dunno, don't care either" Mercury shrugged. "It was either with them or climb the mountain by myself" he spun around clapping his hands together, motioning towards the blond as he walked backwards in front. "My turn, are you and Cinder a thing?"
"Guess it's obvious when she tells you and Emerald to leave the room so we can bang" Naruto opened his mouth and shook the flask, getting the last drops. "But if you are asking, are we going to be a sweet and loving couple? I would have to say, fuck off" Naruto shivered. "Then again, Cinder wouldn't be the worst woman I have 'worked' for".
"I can imagine" Mercury grunted. "Finally… Cinder and Emerald are with the new 'friends'" he commented as they reached the cafeteria.
"Hey, you two… come 'ere" the two glanced over to see a large ginger boy stroll up to them. Naruto nodded his head in acknowledgement, while Mercury just crossed his arms.
"Yeah" Mercury stated with a subtle glare.
"I couldn't help but notice that you two might not be the dorks that you hang around with" the boy smirked cockily. "You two just got unlucky, right? No way you are like that blond weakling over there".
"I mean… I wouldn't call them dorks" Naruto shrugged. "Also, I do like talking to the girls"
"Heh, I can imagine what you talk to them for… I don't mind, bro code, after all" he extended his hand. "The name's Cardin, Cardin Winchester".
"I'm getting lunch" Mercury told Naruto as he ghosted Cardin as he walked by. Cardin clenched his fists as he glared at Mercury's back. He looked back at Naruto with a smirk, noticing the blond had yet to leave.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki" he put the flask to his lips, mainly to avoid conversation as the flask was already empty. Cardin eased up as the blond continued standing in front of him. "So… did you need something or can I go get food?"
Cardin stepped around the blond and put his arm around Naruto's shoulders. "Yeah sure, buddy… how about you come sit with us?" the ginger tightened his grip, holding Naruto in a headlock.
Naruto took a deep breath to calm himself down, in case he beat up Cardin. "Let me guess… you guys are just after drinks, aren't you?" he rolled his eyes as Cardin chuckled lowly.
"Well, now that you mention it… you could get some drinks for us" Cardin ruffled his hair roughly. "Can you do that, buddy?"
Having enough, Naruto gripped Cardin's arm like a vise. "Yeah, I don't think so, buddy" Naruto pried the boy's arm off him and shoved him back slightly.
"What the hell?!" Cardin exclaimed loudly getting stares from the surrounding people. "Oh, think you're a big man, do you?" he rubbed his sore wrist.
"Two inches would be big to you, I'm a bit bigger than that pipsqueak" Naruto smugly smirked, hearing at least a couple of laughs.
"Take that back" Cardin reached forward, grabbing Naruto's shirt.
"Mmphmm" Naruto shook his head, mocking him with the hum.
"Hey, why are you two fighting?" Ruby piped up, a sombre expression written all over her. She used her speed to appear next to them.
"Butt out of this, brat" Cardin shouted at her.
"Hey!" Yang slammed her hands on the table as she stood up. "Don't talk to my sister that way".
"Why would I listen to a blonde bimbo, like you?" Cardin shoved Naruto back pitifully.
"Cause, I'll kick your ass if you don't" Yang gritted her teeth as her eyes flashed red.
"Oh yeah" Cardin cracked his knuckles as he stomped towards Yang.
Ruby twitched nervously as Cardin moved towards her sister. "N-no don't!" she gave him a push instinctively, making Cardin take a few steps back. Unfortunately for Cardin, Naruto stuck his foot out, sending the ginger stumbling and crashing down onto the floor. "Sorry, I-I didn't mean to…"
"He deserved that, Rubes" Naruto nudged her arm. "It's fine".
"But I-I…" Ruby squirmed as she watched Cardin grumble as he began to push himself up. "Let me just… huh? Yang?" she looked back as Yang put a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't bother helping him" Yang sneered. "If he is going to try bully people on his first day, he's not worth it".
Cardin gritted his teeth as he glared at them. "You'll pay for this" he left dusting himself off.
"Oh…" Ruby pointed her fingers together. "I didn't mean to start a fight" she sighed, meekly.
Weiss huffed "well if you ask me, I say that ruffian got what he deserved". She crossed her arms as she stared at Cardin's back "he's despicable".
"Agreed" Naruto whispered in Weiss's ear.
"Wha-?" Weiss twisted her head back and forth, pointing to where Naruto was standing before and where he was right behind her. "When did you…" she just shook her head. "Hey!"
Naruto hummed as he squished himself on the seat between Weiss and Blake. "What's wrong Weiss? Am I bothering you?" Naruto chuckled. 'I would be surprised if it wasn't, I have sandwiched myself close enough to be self-conscious of my own breathing' he glanced to Blake in relief that she shuffled over slightly. Remaining close but out of contact from him.
"N-no, it's fine… if I can deal with Ruby, you are no problem" Weiss stated factually, ignoring the slight tinge of red on her cheeks.
'No, oh god no… please don't tell me Weiss… she has a crush on me' Naruto mentally imagined slamming his head on the table. 'Why would she… actually, I get it… I'm the first guy she can talk to easily without annoying her, I'm her first ever crush… okay maybe that was a bit of a wide guess'.
"Aren't you a bit forward, lover boy?" Nora made implying air nudges. "Better be careful or ice queen is going to melt".
"Nah, maybe I want her dripping wet" Naruto held out his hand which Nora high fived.
"You know Weiss isn't actually made of ice, right?" Jaune piped up, getting a lot of deadpan stares.
"Yeah, so… she won't actually melt or anything" Ruby meekly told them as she sat back down.
"Um… of course" Pyrrha droned out, not really knowing what to say.
Blake shook her head "apart from those comments, you acting like a dog Naruto".
Weiss slapped the table "he is not act…ing like… nothing". She turned away flustered.
Naruto rolled his eyes "no I am acting like a dog, probably why you don't like me, right whiskers?" Blake tensed, her eyes locking on to Naruto. "Aww, I'm getting the silent treatment".
Yang shrugged "maybe it's because you're always barking… as in, you can't stop talking…"
"Yang~ don't start" Ruby moaned.
"Yang, don't stop…" Naruto motioned the blonde to look downwards.
"Yeah, why would I stop…" Yang winked
"I/She's on a roll" both blondes laughed as Yang put a hand on her lunch roll.
"But seriously can the puns stop now" Naruto yawned. "I would appreciate it".
Yang put a hand over her heart and collapsed backwards overdramatically. "I have been betrayed, back stabbed by a fellow pun maker, oh it hurts me so, why must this happen to one such as me? Oh the pain, this world is too cruel". Yang continued to roll around the ground faking pain and a death. "Hey, pay attention. I'm in so much pain".
"So, did I miss anything important in Port's class?"
…
Naruto sighed as he stared forward in another class. Although, this one mildly caught his eye. Combat class was one that gave him a slight interest as it was a show to him. 'I'll need to hold back quite a bit to not stand out… I thought everyone would be similar to team Rwby but this is pathetic'. He narrowed his eyes as Jaune was currently fighting one of Cardin's teammates that he hadn't bother remembering the name of. 'I wouldn't need aura or any semblance to beat either of them but Jaune… seriously'. He shook his head as Jaune got smacked around by the sole other spear user in the class. 'Has he never fought before, I was stronger than that after a month off starting'.
"Alright, that's enough" Professor Goodwitch raised her voice. Walking into the training arena, stopping the match "well displayed Mr. Lark, for your first match here you have proved yourself capable… Mr. Arc… please do try to judge what movements you need to take offensively and defensively". Glynda looked around the class "Mr. Uzumaki… Ms. Valkyrie, you are next. Please come down to the arena".
"Go get him, Nora" Yang cheered. "Give him the one, two combo" she punched the air for effect.
"Good luck you two" Ruby bounced in her seat.
"Do your best" Pyrrha called out.
Nora grinned with a small chuckle. "Here I go" she leaped down from the seats, landing in the arena full hyped up.
"You have to much energy" Naruto slowly paced down the stairs to the arena. "Don't waste it all before we fight".
"Impossible!" everyone's head turned in surprise as they stared at Ren, who made the outburst with hidden frustration.
"When did he get so loud?" Naruto shrugged. He reached back grabbing his spear, unsheathing it. Nora did the same, unfolding her large hammer.
Glynda tapped her scroll as Naruto's and Nora's image appeared on the big board above their aura meter. "The rules are the same as those before, I trust I need not explain it again" she glanced at the two of them, as they both nodded. "Begin".
As soon as the words left Glynda's lips, Nora charged forward with a battle cry. 'She's strong but slow, if I beat her with a fake struggle, I should keep my cover' Naruto pointed his spear at Nora and shot a dust flare. Nora leap frogged over the flare and reeled her hammer over her head. Flinching as Nora got near, Naruto dived to the side landing into a roll. Just in time as Nora slammed her hammer into the ground, shattering the floor around her. Flipping his spear quickly, he shot a couple of bullets at her but Nora clicked the switch on her hammer as she launched herself to safety with an explosion. 'Alright, getting hit my that would be devastating' he flipped backwards getting a bit of distance.
Nora giggled as she jumped on her hammer and blasted forward in the air. Naruto twisted his spear's dust cartridge and aimed the spear downwards. Shooting the gun, Naruto rocketed up in the air as the gravity dust propelled him. With the boost, he raised his foot, kicking Nora out of the air before she could swing. Nora landed flat on her back but threw herself back up in under a second. Charging forward again, Nora swung left as hard as she could. Naruto raised his spear in defence but found himself gritting his teeth on impact 'so strong… it's like a Beowolf slamming into my bare arms'. He pushed away enough to avoid her follow up swing but was forced to block Nora's third downwards strike. "Urgh…" Naruto grunted as Nora's strike nearly forced him to one knee. 'I can't beat her like this' he tilted his spear to the side, allowing her hammer to slide to the ground. Spinning around, he twirled his spear striking Nora's side repeatedly.
"Hiaghh!" Nora spun around, forcing Naruto to jump back or be slammed by her hammer. She grinned as she stopped to face him, while her hammer changed to a grenade launcher. "Bombs Away!" Nora yelled as she fired multiple grenades in the shape of a heart. Narrowing his eyes, Naruto cocked the spear backwards and gravity shot his way towards the grenades. Sailing through the centre of the heart, Naruto changed his grip on the spear and aimed it towards her. Clicking the trigger again, he shot another gravity bullet but this time he hurled the spear. Flying at a high speed, the spear struck Nora before she could react properly, ricocheting off her aura but severely damaging it. Nora stumbled back but quickly got her balance as Naruto landed, unarmed but in a better aura condition.
"Pretty good" Naruto darted straight at her. Nora waited and readied her swing. Moving into her reach, Nora made a large and power swing to sweep Naruto away. However, Naruto had different plans as he fell into a skid, sliding right between her legs. 'Not bad, not bad at all' Naruto rolled to his feet as he grabbed his fallen spear back up. He glanced at the board 'whoever, makes the next direct hit will win… a full on attack from that hammer is scary'. Naruto glanced to the other side at the stands as Cinder nodded a subtle message. 'This is going to hurt' Naruto charged at Nora again while she did the same. He pulled his spear back while she reeled her hammer back before both of them began their attack. Nora did her usual swing but the added momentum could be seen. Watching her swing, Naruto remained unmoving in his attack until Nora was about half a meter away in her swing from hitting him. As soon as her attack was close enough, Naruto jabbed his spear forward at full force. Both of them striking each other at the same time, Nora directly under the ribs and Naruto on the shoulder. Both were sent flying with each other's attack before they tumbled on the ground. Quickly recovering, Naruto pushed himself up while Nora sat up wincing.
"And that's the match" Glynda shouted. Naruto glanced up at the board to see his aura in the orange while Nora's was in the red. "Ms. Valkyrie, well preformed but do try to time your swings… Mr. Uzumaki, you have skill but do look at the options for you to have the best chance of winning, you may not be so lucky next time". Glynda looked her scroll as the school bell echoed "thank you class, remember to always train both your mind and bodies… as future huntsmen and huntresses, we expect the best of the best… dismissed!"
"Not bad blondie" Naruto glanced to see Nora, her hyper-ness about to escape.
"You weren't terrible either" Naruto raised his fist as Nora fist bumped him hard.
"Naruto" Blake stated, walking down to the blond. "I need to talk to you privately, come with me" she turned dead in her heels without another word.
'What did I do now?' Naruto sighed.
Chapter end