Path to the Future
Chapter 8: Compassion
The Next Day
It was a Monday so it was time for classes. And their first class of the day was Mr. Port. But before they went into the class, Ruby pulled aside Menma to talk before class started.
"Um Menma, I…" Ruby got nervous and sighed, "I wanted to say that I'm sorry for what I did. I'm sorry that I just left you there. I'm sorry that I gave you mix signals. I'm s-" Ruby was then silenced by Menma who put a finger on her lips.
"It's okay I understand. Now our friends are waiting inside for us. We wouldn't want to keep them waiting for us now would we?"
Ruby wanted to tell him her feelings but decided to wait until the end of the day. So she smiled, grabbed his hand, and pulled him into the class. However little did she know she wouldn't get the chance.
When Port entered the class and everyone became quite to listen to his instruction or class, "I would love to get right into this lesson however team IMSN is to report to our headmaster."
Team IMSN looked at each other and nodded after a while. They got up to leave to Ozpin.
The door to Ozpin's office opened with IMSN coming in and standing in front of Ozpin. "So what's up Oz?" asked Menma.
"Greetings team IMSN," Ozpin took a sip of his coffee as he prepared to informed them of his news, "Well there has been a problem, near your village and I believe since we essentially have a partnership with it I believe it would be our best interest to help out."
Itachi thought for a second and pieced it all together, "You want us to take a mission to there for an unspecified amount of time and take care of a problem. You believe since we know the terrain best that we would be perfect."
Ozpin nodded, "Exactly my point. You four are best suited for this job than any set of students are. You not only lived in the wilds but you also know the territory best and how to survive for yourselves. However," Ozpin stood up, "I can't just let a team that is new to my academy to go on such a dangerous mission alone. But I also believe that I can't just send anyone, so I've decided to allow you to pick two other teams that you trust the most to go with you. The Huntsman that will oversee this mission is someone from the village itself so he's waiting for your team to arrive."
"How much time do we have?" Sasuke asked.
"Exactly 1 hour and when everyone is gathered and packed, move to the landing where your ride will be. Good luck, and you are dismissed." Naruto and the others nodded, said their goodbyes to the headmaster and headed to the door. "Also… keep them safe."
They nodded to him as everyone in the room knew that the only two teams they could trust the most were team RWBY and team JNPR. So Naruto decided to get both RWBY and JNPR and told the guys to start packing.
Naruto arrived at the door for Professor Ports class. He knocked first before hearing permission to come in. "Aw young Naruto back I see, but where is your team?"
"We have been assigned to a mission of great importance to me and my team. I'm sure you know our history of where we came from."
"Indeed I have, but I doubt that you just came here to let me know of your absence."
"Your absolutely right," He then looked to the crowd of students and saw both of the teams he wanted was present, "I'm sorry Mr. Port but teams RWBY and JNPR are coming with us." The two teams perked up at this.
Mr. Port looked surprised at this, "Are you sure that they could handle this? Not to sound disrespectful but are you sure this is the right team and not favoritism? This is the wilds we are talking about."
Naruto chuckled at Port, "I understand your concern but it's because we know these two teams best that we are taking them. Let's lay down the facts here. Out there you need to rely on skill, tactics, and survival techniques and some of these things they lack with the exception of skill…"
Both of the teams looked dejected at this because it was true, "...there are two things that they have with us that no one else does that are important as well. Things that are if not more crucial than those three things… And that's trust and teamwork. It is because we know each other's strengths and weaknesses that we're bring them. Besides my team along with a professional Huntsman will be leading this mission."
Port understood now, fully why he chose them, "Excellent answers. You have my approval."
"Great." Naruto turned to the two teams, "We leave in 40 minutes. Go to your dorms and start packing." Naruto then left with team RWBY and JNPR running out.
Team IMSN was waiting for the others with their weapons out and when they arrived, IMSN blocked their path to the carrier, with Naruto in front, "Before you go I need to know for sure if your ready, because the things you will see on this mission will make you question a lot of things. Humanity, what's right and what's wrong, what you believe in and even your perception of us. These things will all be question to an utmost level. I will not lie, you WILL see us in a different light. So if you fill you are unprepared, I can let you go and find others, but as soon as we take off there is no going back. So I want you to look at one another real hard and ask are you really ready for this, because I can not guarantee that you will be the same coming back."
Both teams looked towards one another having a sort of conversation until they nodded and Jaune being the first to speak, "I'm unprepared for this kind of mission. I've only started getting better at combat…" This made the guys of team IMSN frowned as they knew this was true. "However, this is a mission important, to my friends, to my comrades. As you said Naruto, 'those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their friends and comrades are worse than scum'." This put a smile on all of team IMSN, "I will never abandon my friends and comrades in need and I believe my team believes the same," JNPR nodded with their leader.
'You have come a ways away Jaune. And you will only get better.' Naruto looked to RWBY, "So that speaks for JNPR but what about you guys."
Ruby decided to answer the question, since this were a talk from team leader to team leaders, she felt that she need to answer him, "I'm sorry if we disappoint you guys, but we're not leaving either. You guys have helped us and been fun to be around. You guys can be very hard on us," she looked to Menma, "But that just shows that you care for us. And we care about you just as much. So we are staying with you whether you like it or not. Besides we're Huntsman and Huntresses, this is our job."
Menma smiled as Yang stepped up next to Ruby intruding, "Besides if you think you are getting rid of me that easily then you are dating the wrong girl, Naruto. I'm with you till the end." Naruto chuckled and smiled sweetly at Yang.
"Well then what are you guys waiting for," Naruto turned with IMSN and boarded the carrier. He looked to the others with his smirk, "Let's do this!" The two teams shouted in agreement, ran, and jumped into the carrier.
When they arrived they saw multiple of people waiting for them on the ground of the village as they waited. Once the carrier opened to reveal teams IMSN, JNPR, and RWBY. An old man who wore a red and white like robe came up to them, "It is good to see you again," the teams jumped off the carrier but only IMSN moved to the man.
Naruto then gave the old man a hug, "It's good to see you old man." The others were surprises by the lack of respect but dismissed it when the old man laughed.
They released the hug and motion to the rest of his team, "It's good to see you too Naruto, my boy. It's great to see all of you back." And with that the crowd erupted in cheers as they gave them a heart warming return.
Itachi bowed to him, "It's great to see you too, Mr. Sarutobi."
"Itachi, I've already told you call Hiruzen at the least."
Itachi smiled, "Sorry old habits die hard."
Hiruzen nodded to him and turned to the other teams, "You must be friends, that they told me about over letters. It's great to meet you. My name is Hiruzen Sarutobi, I maintain things in this village." The others introduced themselves with respect, "You didn't have to be so formal. Any friends of theirs is a friend of ours. Now let's go to my office so we must discuss. Also," he turned to IMSN, "your teacher is here, as he will be the Huntsman to supervise the mission along with you guys."
This made them lit up, as they left for their next destination.
The door to the office opened to reveal a silver haired man with a navy bandana covering his right eye, green vest over a navy long sleeve under shirt. He had matching navy blue pants and open toe sandals. (I couldn't find a will to change Kakashi. He looked perfect as he was.) He was carrying an orange book, which everyone who knew him, knew what it was. He looked up to see who it was to see Hiruzen, his students, and two other teams.
"Kakashi Sensei!" His students exclaimed.
Kakashi eye smiled at them and gave a simple, "Yo." He was then almost tackled by Menma but side stepped him because he knew Menma would try something like this, as he was the most likely to do it. "Sorry Menma but I saw that coming from a mile away, has your training been lacking since I had to leave. Anyway you guys must be the other teams they sent from Beacon. Well then my name is Kakashi Hatake, I have many likes and dislikes, hobbies… I have lots of hobbies, dreams for the future… Hm I never really thought of that."
Teams RWBY and JNPR sweat dropped while IMSN laughed, 'That's Kakashi for you.' After introductions and Kakashi finding out they were all friends, he decided to tease his ex-students.
"Hm, I see you made some girlfriends and friends while at Beacon." Yang jumped on Naruto's back, smiled and put up a peace sign, with Naruto smiling as well. As for the rest of teams RWBY and IMSN they blushed.
"Well I do," Naruto then decided to give Kakashi some teasing material, "However I'm still waiting for Blake and Sasuke to get together, and also my bro with Ruby, but they seemed to be taking their time," they following blushed while Sasuke and Menma also glared at him.
Yang laughed and looked over to see Itachi and Weiss take a little sigh of relief, so she decided to add more fuel to the fire, "Oh and don't forget about Itachi and ice queen." Naruto laughed as they both blushed and glared at Yang.
Kakashi looked in interest, "Oh really now. Well then that's something to be used for later on. But I guess I could chalk another win for Naruto." Team IMSN hung their heads down in shame as whenever it was something that didn't pertain to fighting, Naruto most of the time won, which was why nobody betted against him whether it be playing a game or anything else, the dude just had some insane luck. "Anyways now we just wait for the final member."
They all looked at him in confusion, "What are you talking about?" Sasuke asked.
"Oh we decided to bring a medic for this mission."
Sasuke's blood then froze, "Who is the medic?" Jaune asked.
"Oh someone that my students know very well," Team IMSN figures out who it was and all except for Sasuke laughed.
"Why are they laughing?" Blake asked taking notice of Sasuke's horror stricken face.
Before Kakashi could answer there was a knock on the door. Naruto, Menma, and Itachi began to pray, "Rest in peace, Sasuke Uchiha," they all said.
Everyone new in the room thought that the person couldn't be that bad. That was until a pink haired girl stepped in, (you all know who this is and just think of her in her shippuden outfit). "Hello Naruto, Menma, and Itachi. Long time no see, also Sasuke I see you behind the black haired girl, you know you can't hide from me."
Sasuke hesitantly got from behind Blake with tears streaming down his face as all of IMSN said (some reluctant than others *cough* Sasuke *cough*), "Hey Sakura."
"Hello to you too sweetie," she said to Sasuke specifically, which threw RWBY and JNPR for a loop.
Although Blake was um… upset. No scratch that inside she was livid but she was able to reign in her anger, "I'm sorry but who are you supposed to be." Naruto, Menma, Itachi, and Kakashi, along with the rest of RWBY and JNPR, was surprise to see how angry Blake looked and got, 'And here's the cat fight.' Naruto thought (pun semi-intended).
Sakura glared at the cat faunus. She knew exactly what was going on, "Isn't it polite to give your name first?"
An aura of malice surrounded both of them as they flared at each other. "Blake. Blake Belladonna."
"Sakura Haruno."
Kakashi decided to diffuse the situation by getting everyone back on track, "Now that everyone is all here let me explain the mission." Everyone gave Kakashi there undivided attention, "Now then our mission is to take out a group of bandits. Which is two days away in walking speed, one day at moderate speed. However the reason why your headmaster assigned three teams is because there is another settlement of bandits approximately the same distance from the the other side of the village."
Itachi lit up figuring out their strategy, "They're attempting a pincer type of attack. Coming at us from two sides, however how did you get this information."
"We have our sources as you boys know. Some of the villages scouts, found them," Hiruzen said.
Kakashi nodded, "Also however it's not that simple, from our informant they do have small camps on the way to the big camp. These set of bandits are a big group and is well experienced."
"Okay but I have a question," Kakashi nodded to Weiss so she could continue, "Why pick a group of newly attended students because from what it sounded like its that you hand picked them," Weiss expressed to Hiruzen.
"I have realized that it may seem unorthodox that I chose a bunch of kids but the real reason is that I simply don't want to call upon kingdom huntsmans. This is a village problem but I also know that we need back up so that's why I asked for team IMSN and whoever they trusted most." Hiruzen then looked out of the window behind his desk, "Frankly in my hay day I could have taken care of this without a problem and I would like to believe that I can still put up a good fight, but the truth to it, young lady is that I'm getting old. I can't do what I used to back in The Great War."
Juane was shocked that this man fought in the great war, "Wait you fought in the great war?"
"Yes I have, and I could proudly say that I was one of the youngest to hit general at the age of 18, but I was a child soldier coming into the war at 10." He sighed as he remembered the dark times and what war could bring, "But that was 80 years ago and we've had a peace between Kingdoms for 70 years now, things just can't be helped."
"Heh don't worry old man," Naruto said as he pointed his thumb to his heart, "I promise that everything will work out just fine. I will protect this village, my home, OUR home with my life. Even if I have to raise hell to do it, and have I ever broken a promise?"
Hiruzen laughed then smiled at Naruto, "Not a single one." He turned to all of the occupants in the room, "The village is in your hands." They nodded to Hiruzen as the air in the room relaxed, "Now then for where you will be staying," Hiruzen got up and handed Naruto a set of keys.
Naruto looked at him with confusion, "Why give me keys when we could just go to the house we still have?"
"Because Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi, and Menma. All of your things have been moved to an even bigger place that both the Uchiha's and your parents built as a contingency plan if something were to happen to them. This place was designed to combine both families under a roof as you know both of your fathers were very close, so it should have enough rooms to have if you pair which will leave someone with a room to themselves. All furniture has been moved as well as added. The place is on the north side of the village, away from other homes in the small forest. so rest up. I imagine you have a long day ahead of you," they all nodded and left for home.
Before they got to the house they decided to get the living situation out of the way. The first that was decided was Naruto and Menma, much to Yang's dismay as she want some alone time with Naruto before the mission but was however still happy that she got Ruby as the next arrangement. Next was Itachi and Sasuke followed by, Jaune and Ren, then Nora and Pyrrha. After was Blake and Weiss simply out of fear that Sakura and Blake would destroy the house. However Sakura revealed that she was booked at a hotel as she didn't know of the arrangements before and shortly after left, which Blake was extremely happy about on the inside.
They all got situated in their rooms and immediately heading to bed, but Naruto thought differently, "Yo bro where are you going?" Menma asked.
"I'm going for a flight, I'll be alright."
Menma however looked concerned still but relaxed because if there was something that was seriously bothering him he would tell him. This was how they were, especially since after their parents died, Naruto would always go above and beyond for him, "Okay bro just be careful okay."
Naruto ruffled his little brother's hair, "Of course. Don't I always," Menma nodded and turned to the right and closed his eyes to sleep. Naruto walked to the door and paused as he seen Menma was already sleep. Naruto secretly took pride in the fact that no matter what when he was around Menma would always fall asleep fast. To Naruto it showed a trust that Naruto would never betray. He loved his brother to death just as Itachi did Sasuke and he would make sure that Menma would have his happiness even if it costed him his life. Naruto put a smile on his face and left the room.
Once outside, Naruto fully transformed and then took flight unaware that he was being watched. Naruto loved flying. The feeling of the wind in his hair was a calming feeling that he enjoyed when something was on his mind or bothering him. He flew around for around 30 min and to finish his flight, he flew up and all the way through the clouds, then he looked around and smiled, as he let himself stop his wings and began to free fall with his eyes closed as he felt the rushing wind, and when he felt close to the ground he twisted upright and flapped his wings hard pushing up a gust of wind as he slowly descended to the ground.
As he was dusting himself off, he heard clapping from the roof. He was going to summon his sword until he saw who it was, which apparently was Yang who had seen the whole thing. "That was awesome Naru, wish I could do that," Yang then looked to the sky, "I bet it would feel wonderful." Naruto then floated to her and sat beside her, "You know I find it rather funny that we're together."
Naruto looked at her confused, "What do you mean?"
Yang turned to Naruto with a small smile, "Oh just that in my family my father and my mother called me Sunny Little Dragon. That's actually essentially what my name means."
Naruto chuckled at the irony and returned his view to the sky, "You know I like that idea. Dating a dragon that burns as bright as the sun." Naruto then got up from the roof and walked to the edge. Once he got there he floated off of it with his wings. "However a dragon not experiencing the wind or flying just can't do," Naruto turned around to see a confused Yang. Naruto then outstretched his right hand to her, "So what are you waiting for? Come on."
Yang got up surprised by the action, "Are you serious? You'll take me? Your not joking are you?" Yang asked excited and hoping he wasn't lying.
Naruto smirked, "Of course I am," Yang then hung her head low, "not." Yang immediately raised her head to see Naruto smirking cockily.
Yang then jumped on Naruto who caught her and held her by the waist as she hit his chest while laughing. "You jerk!" they laughed as Naruto began to go higher and higher.
"Now I will take you to see the village." Naruto then increased his and flew around the village. Some villagers saw them and smiled. To them Naruto flying around at night was like a beacon, that told them they were safe. That their guardian dragon was their.
Yang was having the time of her life. She trusted Naruto wholeheartedly, that he wouldn't drop her so she just enjoyed it, seeing things from so high up gave her a new exciting experience and perspective.
After showing her around he went to the middle of the village and then up in the sky, as Yang got a full view of the village from there. They were so high up that they could be where the clouds were, however there were no clouds just the sky and the full moon. Yang was happy to experience this but still felt his grip tighten slightly. So she turned to face him with her in his arms as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "What's wrong Naruto? And don't tell me it's nothing."
"Well it's just that seeing the village like this just reminds me of all the things I hold dear to me. My brother Menma. He in a lot of ways is a major part of who I am. Before we moved in with Itachi and his brother, at the age of 10, Menma and I had to fight for ourselves with our parents dead. So I had to do many things that I wasn't proud of… I stole, lied, and even on missions when I had to, killed." Yang looked at him in shock, as she could only imagine what things Naruto experienced at a young age.
"However, the one thing that I could always look forward to at the end of day, was his smile when his big brother brought home food and as I told him stories. 'Hey big brother tell me the story of the four maidens- no, no tell me the story about the man that shared his body with a demon fox,' he would say with his mouth full," Naruto chuckled as he recalled the memories.
"No matter what, I made sure that my brother had something. Even if it meant I starved, but if it meant that Menma was happy then I'd do anything. So I put up a facade, and would lie to him about how I got the food and that I wasn't hungry. I-I…I…" Yang saw that Naruto was tearing up which extremely worried her. Naruto at Beacon academy was known for being unbreakable, described by classmates and friends. So to see him at his weakest, something that he doesn't even show to Menma was a cause for concern to Yang.
"It's okay Naruto," Yang tightened the hug, "I understand fully. If I had to kill for Ruby, I would without a second thought. So right now it's okay to cry. I want to help you, so please let it all go."
Naruto then balled his eyes out and cried. All of the guilt, anger, and frustration came out as he wepted into Yang's shoulder. After about a couple of minutes, Naruto raised his head to look Yang in the eyes as she did him.
They slowly began to leaned to one another as both of them clutched each other tighter. 'Naruto… You will never face this pain alone anymore. I will always be with because I…' Naruto and Yang then locked lips as they kissed under the moon as Naruto's tail curled around Yang's waist as Naruto brought a hand to her shoulder and another cupping her cheek.
'I'm in love with you Naruto.' Yang with her mind made up shifter her hands under his arms, clutching his back as she deepened the kiss. While the kiss happened Naruto cut his wings as they kissed while free falling in each others arms.
They then opened their eyes to look each other in them, "Yang… I… I love you, and as long as I'm here I'll always protect you." Yang smiled at him, "I love you too Naruto."
Naruto then readjusted his arms around her waist as he flapped his wings once again as they flew to the house. Unbeknownst to them multiple people saw said interaction but none heard the words. Menma and Ruby was seen on the roof taking a picture, as Ruby smiled for her sister, while Menma was happy that his brother finally found his happiness. They agreed to go to bed before they arrive and went inside.
In the office, both Hiruzen and Kakashi also saw it all, "I would expect that you are very proud of him."
Kakashi nodded, "I think he finally got the baggage he needed off his chest and found someone to make him happy. I'm extremely proud."
AUTHORS NOTE
Now I know some of you may think that with Naruto and Yang, I'm moving a little fast but I implore that there is a reason for this. However it will not be explained till later.
Also I know that Naruto, Sasuke, Menma, and Itachi seems OP and you maybe wondering what level is Kakashi at. Well here is the way it is laid out so far as far as you know from RWBY and Naruto.
There are six levels I'm using for scaling and I'll update it as time progresses. This is scaled from best to worst as well with the top of each section being the best and section maiden being the strongest.
Huntsman and Huntress in training
Huntsman and Huntress
Elite Huntsman and Huntress
Headmaster
And Maiden
Huntsman and Huntress In Training
Huntsman and Huntress
Pyrrha Ruby
Penny Ren
Sakura Yatsuhashi
Yang Velvet (without weapon)
Roman Torchwick
Coco
Sun ???
Weiss ???
Blake ???
Nora
Elite Huntsman
Headmaster
6) Kakashi
6) Winter
6) Tyrian
Maiden
The question mark slots are spots for characters yet to be revealed or I have not talked about in dept. I decided to not put Salem on the list because as of now (Vol 5) she is feat less.
Now for my reasoning for some of the more questionable characters. So let's start.
Now I didn't rank those in the academy except Jaune and team CRDL because those are much difficult to range and I really didn't want to sit down and do a versus in my head for all of them, but I think it's safe to assume Pyrrha is at the top.
Naruto and Itachi
Now they are all in the elite Huntsman category for a reason that I will get to later on in the story but the Naruto with all his abilities that I have down with some unknown to you the reader can safely say is the strongest on his team and bordering the headmaster spot. However Itachi is on his heels for multiple reasons. Itachi in both Naruto canon and here doesn't have a lot of attack potency but is a (as Seththeprogrammer would put it) technique kind of guy. Not only that he's smart. His battle strategy surpasses all but few. Naruto and Itachi in this AU is almost relative with Naruto only slightly better.
Mercury and Emerald
Mercury and Emerald at the fall of Beacon is shown to be holding back as when shown in vol. 5 they were slapping around both Ruby and Yang.
And that is all. This list will update when something major or then end of an arc appears