Hello all Storm here with a new story! Well not actually a new story it's a rewrite of "Remnant of a Devil" with several noticeable changes, the biggest being that Naruto won't be the reincarnation of Vergil, instead only being Vergil-like in his personality and fighting style. I won't spoil anything else and hope you all enjoy the rewrite. So, without further ado.

I own nothing

Walking through the forests of Mistral were two fifteen-year-old teenagers, with one being a boy and the other a girl.

The boy had spiky blonde hair that was slicked back, tan skin, dark crimson eyes, and three whisker-like marks on his cheeks. With his attire consisting of black boots, black dress pants, a black sleeveless turtleneck, a black coat with light neon red serpentine patterns on the sleeves, and charcoal grey fingerless gloves. Along with carrying a katana in his left hand.

While the girl is a young woman with tan-colored skin, short brown hair, and icy blue eyes. She had a tattoo of a bird rising from flowers on her left arm. She wore a light brown vest with dark brown panels on the top and a dark brown buckled strap on the back, over a torn white shirt that was partially unbuttoned revealing what appeared to be a black bra, alongside a collar that appears to be slightly turned up behind her neck. Maroon-colored jeans with the right side rolled up to her thigh revealing the dark pink lining alongside a brown belt with a pouch attached to the right side. She also wore dark brown calf guards with one having a garter styled strap that went under her rolled-up pant leg. She wore a pair of beige and dark brown lace-up boots with folded over sides, showing over the white lining accompanied by a pair of maroon socks that partially covered her calf guards. Dark brown fingerless gloves of different sizes, with the right being wrist length with a large cuff whilst the other was elbow length and covered with a dark brown vambrace. Lastly, she wore a narrow dark brown choker strap around her neck.

These two were Naruto Branwen and Vernal, members of the Branwen Tribe; a bandit tribe based in the western part of Anima.

"That was the fastest raid we ever took did. We didn't even need to wait for the Grimm to show up and deal with anyone." Vernal said with a smirk while looking through her bag of goods she took from their most recent raid, with the other tribe members still back at the town, grabbing everything of value, while the two returned back to camp rather than waiting for everyone else to be done.

"Yes, attacking a town of people that have probably never even seen a Huntsmen in their entire lives. Certainly, a tale worth telling." Naruto said sarcastically, not bothering to hide his annoyance.

"You say that about every raid we go on, you need to lighten up. Besides, it's your own fault, even Raven knows you're one of the strongest member of the tribe. It's why she always sends you with us when we go out. I say be happy that no one can challenge you or the tribe, as long as you're around." Stated Vernal, since everyone in the tribe knew that Naruto's already one of their strongest members, with some even thinking he's stronger than his mother.

Mostly due to his Semblance, which not only allowed him to teleport, but also open portals to anywhere he wanted to go. That combined with his skill with a sword and speed made him a deadly opponent, with most not even seeing him move before they're already dead.

It's what made the Branwen Tribe much more confident; knowing they had such a skilled fighter on their side, making them worry less about encountering Huntsmen and Grimm. With Vernal being confident enough that as long as Naruto is around, then no one could challenge the Branwen Tribe.

Though Naruto didn't share the rest of his tribes confidence in them being untouchable.

"And how can you be so sure? The only people we target are defenseless towns that have no guards, no fighters, no Huntsmen; nothing that could pose a challenge to any of us. How can you be so sure that no one can challenge us, when we never encounter anyone that could give us a challenge?" Questioned Naruto while glancing at Vernal, making the brunette sigh since this isn't the first time.

"Look I get where you're coming from, but it's not your place or mine to question your mother. She knows what's best for the tribe and to avoid drawing any unwanted attention to us. Just relax and give it time, maybe she'll decide to give you the challenge you want so badly." Vernal replied, knowing he's gotten more and more frustrated over time.

"You say that every time; and so far, she just keeps sending us to do the same thing everytime." Naruto retorted, making Vernal roll her eyes.

"It's not my fault you're impatient and want to go after bigger targets, even when we were kids. You could also do with learning some patients. And no training doesn't count as being patient or relaxing either." Said Vernal, having seen that Naruto's always been impatient, even when they were younger, preferring action over doing nothing or wanting to improve himself.

"I do things besides training; I spend time with you." Stated Naruto, given that Vernal was his only friend in the tribe, along with being the only one to actually hear him out rather than just brush off his words and concerns.

"Maybe. And we certainly know how to relax together." Vernal said with a sly smirk, before she leaned in closer to him.

"And maybe tonight, I can really give you a challenge; if you think you can handle it." Added Vernal slyly as she walked ahead while adding an extra sway to her hips, knowing the Branwen was watching her.

'Damn tease.' Naruto thought, hating how Vernal knew how to a reaction out of him, but also loving the sight of her walking away along with her offer of having some alone time tonight.

One thing he can't complain about, was being able to meet Vernal and become friends with her, before becoming a lot closer.

'Yet it seems like that's been the only good thing to happen.' Thought Naruto, looking back on his life and everything he's been through.

One thing he could never accuse his mother of being, is being a liar. With Raven having told him anything he wanted to know, along with everything she wanted him to know.

Having learned that his mother took him with her back to the tribe, not long after he was born; leaving behind his twin sister and father, Yang Xiao Long and Taiyang Xiao Long. Naruto had been curious as to why his mother only took him and not his sister as well, or took Yang instead, or left both of them behind. Though he never bothered asking. As honestly, Naruto had a hard time caring about the rest of his family, given he never met them and his mother didn't talk about them much.

But he would admit, he's curious about his twin sister. If she was as strong as him, possessed a powerful Semblance, and would be able to give him a challenge. Along with if she even knew he existed or believed that she was an only child.

Since then, Naruto's been raised by his mother among the Branwen Tribe; having been trained by her when he was old enough to kill Huntsmen and Grimm alike. Along with imprinting her ideals onto him, that the strong survive and the weak are to be eliminated. Something that while Naruto took to heart, believed was flawed.

Though Raven did at least reveal her reasoning for wanting to stay under the radar and not draw too much attention to the tribe. Having told Naruto the true history of Remnant, of the Witch Salem and her hidden war with the Headmaster of Beacon Academy; Professor Ozpin. A man that possessed magic, granting both his mother and uncle Qrow the ability to shapeshift into their namesakes. As well as having reincarnated for centuries, if not several millennia, constantly fighting the Witch. While having told the truth of this to his mother, uncle, and their teammates in Team STRQ, Taiyang and Summer Rose.

And while Qrow, Taiyang, and Summer all joined Ozpin's side against Salem, Raven instead saw it as a pointless cause after seeing what Salem was capable of. Believing Ozpin and anyone who sides with him are fools that'll get themselves killed, before leaving to return to the tribe.

So, while Naruto understood his mother's desire to not get the attention of either side in this secret war; that didn't mean he liked all her decisions.

The whiskered Branwen having been growing more and more disillusioned with the Branwen Tribe and his mother's ideals. Believing she didn't even live up to them, as how could one be strong if they didn't push themselves to become stronger or seek out opponents that could challenge them. How can they decide who's weak when they only go after those weaker than them. How can they consider themselves strong, when they don't try going after someone that could actually challenge them and prove their strength.

Naruto also hated seeing the arrogance from the other tribesmen; believing that with him and his mother, they were untouchable.

'But what happens when we both know there are those stronger than us out there. Yet she still doesn't try to go after anyone that can put up a fight.' Thought Naruto, before catching up with Vernal, while planning to speak with his mother again about going after bigger targets.

*Later*

After getting back to camp, Naruto went to his mother's tent to tell her how the raid went, with Raven being pleased at how quickly the attack ended, before any Grimm even showed up.

Raven had long jet black hair tied by a red bandanna and loosely done up in a ponytail with the ends resembling curved black feathers, along with the same dark crimson eyes as her son, while still possessing a youthful appearance with slight age lines. Her attire consisted of a shallow cut black and red dress with black shorts underneath, with series of beaded necklaces and a belt that wraps around her waist and carries her weapon's sheath. Attached also is a long black object that is either fur or feathers, with a red and white bandana material like hanging from behind her. Her forearms bear red armored gauntlets that protrude outwards and solid black gloves. She wore black mid-thigh high leggings and black heels with red soles.

"Excellent work Naruto, you and Vernal are done for the day. Once the others return, I'll start dividing up the spoils for everyone." Raven said, dismissing her son, only for Naruto to not exit the tent.

"There's something else I wanted to discuss." Said Naruto, with Raven looking up before mentally sighing at his expression, already knowing what he was going to say.

"Let me guess, you aren't satisfied with the town we targeted." Stated Raven, having had this conversation enough times to know when it'll happen again.

"It couldn't even have qualified as a decent warmup; I could get better challenges from first year Huntsmen Academy students. And we just keep targeting the same places. You were sent to Beacon to learn how to kill Huntsmen, you trained me to kill Huntsmen, yet so far we've never once encountered even a rookie Huntsmen. Even the Grimm can barely qualify as a threat, unless they're in large groups to overwhelm us." Naruto said, bringing up his same gripes again, hoping to finally make her listen.

"And? I don't really see a problem with any of that, no Huntsmen mean no worries of them calling for backup before we can kill them. No large groups of Grimm mean no worries of more being attracted. You're complaining about problems when you should be satisfied with the spoils you help collect." Raven said, not understanding her sons desire to invite trouble when they've been doing perfectly fine for years now, even better with him around to help.

"Yeah, I'm sure bullies are satisfied when taking candy from babies, because at this point that's all we're doing; taking candy from defenseless babies. I could understand wanting to stay under the radar if we were low on manpower and resources. But that's not the case, we have more stuff than we know what to do with, more recruits showing up to join and get their own share, we can go after bigger targets." Explained Naruto, knowing they've been getting more resources lately, while also taking out other bandit camps with Raven recruiting the strongest ones to further bolster the Branwen Tribe.

Something that only added to his annoyance, that they've been growing larger yet still weren't going after bigger targets.

"Yes, we have, and we do that by not making foolish mistakes or putting the focus on us. I've said it several times already, the weak die and the strong live, those are the rules." Said Raven, giving him the same response she always gives him.

"And what happens when we encounter anyone stronger than us? What will that make us then if we're defeated and killed?" Naruto demanded, with the Bandit Queen giving him a warning look.

"Anyone that we do encounter will die then, because we're strong enough to deal with anyone that tries going against us. Now, for the last time, just accept things as they are, Naruto. We have plenty of resources and even more manpower, so there isn't anything we'd have to worry about; even from Huntsmen and Grimm." Raven said, ending the conversation, making Naruto scowl before storming out of the tent.

Though rather than return to his own tent, Naruto headed out of camp and into the forest, with Vernal running after him.

"Let me guess, you tried talking to her again." Vernal stated, already knowing the answer.

"She is the most stubborn, thick-headed, and patronizing person I've ever met!" Said Naruto as they headed further into the forest.

"Well you know what they say; like mother, like son." Said Vernal with a smirk, knowing Naruto could be just like Raven in that regard, both of them refusing to give any ground when it comes to their beliefs, unless someone used force.

"Except I'm actually using common sense, she just prefers ignoring a problem exists until it's at her damn door!" Naruto retorted, knowing his mother preferred the easy way in ignoring problems, rather than working to deal with them when they have the chance to.

"And you prefer trying to find problems." Vernal stated, making Naruto look at her in annoyance.

"There's a difference between going out and finding problems, and making sure you have the strength needed to deal with them before they can become problems." Said Naruto, knowing if they stayed complacent, then they wouldn't be able to handle actual challenges when they inevitable show up.

The brunette could only roll her eyes, but continued following the Branwen; knowing he wouldn't come back until he blew off some steam.

"So, you wanna spar or just train?" Vernal asked, once they were far enough away from the camp.

"No sparring, I just want to work on my speed and strength at the moment." Replied Naruto, before facing a tree and grabbing his katana.

But before he could draw it, both Naruto and Vernal tensed before they immediately jumped away from the trees, with Vernal drawing her own weapons as the blades unfolded. Not a moment later they were surrounded by eight Beowolves, only they didn't look like any Beowolves they've seen before, even Alpha ones.

With the Beowolves, instead of glowing red, they had glowing green eyes, markings, and on the inside of their bodies; with even their usual bone spikes looking like large, glowing green crystals.

"What the fuck?" Vernal said, looking at the Grimm with wide eyes, wondering why they looked so different than the Grimm they've seen before.

Neither of them had time to contemplate this further as the Beowolves roared before charging them, with Naruto quickly teleporting behind two Beowolves while sheathing his sword. Only to be shocked at how the Grimm weren't immediately destroyed, before roaring as they rushed him again, forcing the Branwen to jump back.

"These aren't normal Grimm, they're much stronger!" Said Naruto to Vernal, with the brunette keeping her distance as she shot at the Beowolves.

"No kidding!" Vernal said, seeing her shots were barely even affecting the Grimm before she threw one of her weapons at them, managing to at least slice into them with the weapon returning back to her.

The attack distracting them long enough for Vernal to get in close and shoot one right in the head, which was enough to kill the Grimm. Before they were treated to another surprise when the Beowolf suddenly exploded, sending Vernal flying back and crashing into a tree.

"And they explode when killed?! Just fucking perfect!" Said Vernal as she got up before ducking under a swipe from another Beowolf.

'These aren't regular Grimm; they aren't fighting like others we've encountered. They actually seem to be observing us and waiting for an opening to attack.' Naruto thought as he teleported again, this time succeeded in killing three Beowolves which all exploded; thankfully, he was out of range of the explosions.

Working together, Naruto and Vernal managed to take out most of the Beowolves, until there were only three left. Only for things to become difficult, as Naruto's earlier thought that the Grimm were observing them was proving to be true, with how the remaining Beowolves were being more careful in how they attacked.

Though a sudden wave of green crystals forced Naruto and Vernal to jump away from each other, before the brunette cried out when one of the Grimm slashed their claws across her body, breaking her Aura.

"Vernal!" Naruto shouted in worry and anger before teleporting and slashing his blade across the remaining two Beowolves killing them, while Vernal held the other one back with one of her blades, before managing to shoot it on the head, killing it.

With Naruto quickly teleporting and grabbing her, just as the Grimm exploded.

"Are you alright?" Asked Naruto, looking her over for any injuries.

"I'm fine, just some scratches after that bastard broke my Aura. What the hell even are these things?" Vernal asked, looking at where the Beowolves once were, while Naruto looked around.

"I'm…not really sure. They didn't act like any Grimm we've encountered before, along with looking completely different. I think someone might have sent them after us, but I'm not sure why." Replied Naruto, with Vernal tensing at this.

"Do you think they may have attacked the camp to?" Questioned Vernal, not sure if more of these Grimm had attacked the rest of the tribe.

"I'm not sure, let's get back and che-" Naruto said, only to cry out when a mutated Creep charged out of the trees and slammed right into him, throwing the Branwen into a tree.

"Na-" Yelled Vernal, only to gasp in pain when another Creep charged out of the trees, but rather than knock her away, it impaled its horn right through her chest.

"NO!" Naruto shouted in shock and horror at the sight before the Creep roared and threw Vernal's body off its horn; sending her crashing into the ground.

The sight angering Naruto as he glared at the Grimm, before grabbing his sword and teleporting behind them cutting their heads off. Only to grunt in pain when more mutated Beowolves arrived, with one swiping its claws at him, sending the whiskered Branwen crashing into a tree. With Naruto getting up and glaring at the Grimm, as he began teleporting around them slashing and killing as many of them as could.

But more Grimm kept appearing, leaving him with less room to move around and making Naruto take more attacks. Until one of the Beowolves managed to grab hold of Naruto and slam him into the ground, the impact being strong enough to shatter Naruto's Aura. Though he refused to give up, before raising his sword to block another strike from the Grimm. Only for his eyes to widen when the attack shattered his katana into pieces.

Believing they were going to kill him, Naruto braced himself for the inevitable pain, only for the Beowolf to grab him by his head and slam it into the ground. Before the only thing Naruto knew was darkness as the Grimm knocked him unconscious.

Once the Branwen was left unconscious, the Grimm stepped aside as a man emerged from the trees.

He was an elderly man with disheveled gray hair, a matching mustache and beard and prominent eyebrows. His left eye is robotic and glows red and around it were noticeable claw marks. His right arm was also robotic and was dark and metallic and has red inner circuits. He was wearing a light gray jacket with a high collar and a red shirt underneath. On each sleeve of the jacket is a dark gray hexagon shape.

This was Dr. Merlot, the presumed dead founder of Merlot Industries.

"Well done my pets, well done." Merlot said, praising his Grimm before approaching the unconscious Naruto and looked him over before grinning.

"Yes, you'll do nicely." Said Merlot, knowing Naruto will be able to serve his purposes.

"Grab him, so we can return to my lab. And grab that as well I suppose, it may have some use at least." Merlot ordered, having his Grimm pick up Naruto along with Vernal's body, since it could prove to have some use.

*Timeskip-Two Weeks*

Two weeks had passed since Naruto had been taken by Merlot, with the Branwen learning just who had kidnapped him and killed Vernal when he woke up. With him only being more angered at learning he'd also taken Vernal's body, while swearing he was going to kill the mad scientist.

Along with knowing that even if they had not returned to the tribe, his mother wouldn't try finding them; given the two of them did occasionally go off on their own. With everyone having learned it was best to leave them alone when they went off together.

As for why Merlot took him, Naruto didn't know or care; only that from the moment they arrived at the man's base, he'd been doing nothing but experimenting on Naruto. With them being incredibly painful to the point where Naruto was left unconscious from the pain, yet Merlot never stopped once.

With the experience only furthering Naruto's disillusionment towards the Branwen Tribe, while turning it into resentment and hatred. Seeing his mother's complacency and cowardice as the reason he couldn't grow strong enough to protect and avenge his only friend, and the girl he loves.

Though it did make Naruto realize one thing, that his mother's ideals were completely wrong. There was no weak or strong, there was only might.

Might controlled everything. And without strength, you can't protect anything. Not even yourself.

While the experiments Merlot performed on him, Naruto still wasn't sure what the purpose of them were; but he wasn't complaining, after learning what they did. Finding they've enhanced his body's capabilities to superhuman levels, granting him an accelerated healing factor that's even stronger than his Aura can heal, along with strengthening his Semblance.

'I'll be sure to thank the good doctor, right before leaving him to die.' Thought Naruto, swearing to use his enhanced abilities to kill Merlot as slowly as he possibly can.

As if summoned, Merlot entered the lab while pushing in a container, with Naruto looking up from the metal table that he was strapped to. Seeing that inside the container, was what looked to be a katana sword.

There were gold dragon styled menuki inserted underneath the tsukamaki to allow for the fingers to grip. The tsuba/hand guard is gold and a deep navy blue, shaped like an octagon with two trapezoidal halves, each with gold dot pattern patches and in a grove like motif with gold rings, inside of which are various circles in clusters of three, arranged in triangular patterns, and the gold habaki/fuller is also with a similar embossed pattern. The hamon featured is a kawazuko choji or tadpole head clove flower styled hamon. The scabbard is black, made of traditional lacquered wood, and features several metallic ornaments on its far end along with a navy blue sageo, the cord used to tie the katana to the waist.

Looking at it, Naruto couldn't deny it was an incredibly beautiful blade, with the whiskered swordsman now imagining using it to slice Merlot into pieces.

"Aaah, you're awake, wonderful." Merlot said, pleased to see Naruto was awake to perform the test.

"Do you like this sword, it's one of kind and potentially the most powerful blade in all of Remnant. It was forged hundreds of years ago, using ancient forging techniques to imbue in the blade with numerous types of Dust, not only make it far stronger than any other sword at the time, but increasing its cutting power. I eventually was able to acquire the blade and made it even stronger by enhancing it with modern technology, granting it a powerful alternating current; allowing it to vibrate at extremely high frequencies, making it possible to even slice through solid steel as easily as a knife through hot butter. And my crowning achievement, I succeeded in giving the blade an artificial Aura, granting it a level of sentience. That way it would choose the wielder, while making sure not just anyone could wield it and keeping it out of the hands of my enemies. It's known as, the Yamato." Merlot said as he turned to look at the Yamato with a wicked grin, knowing it's one of the most, if not the most, powerful weapons in Remnant.

Only for the doctor to scowl, since while he was able to make the blade stronger than ever before, it also lead to an unforeseen problem.

"Unfortunately, the sword rejected me as its master. I make it more powerful than ever, and yet it deems me unworthy!" Said Merlot, angry that his own creation rejected him as its master before he looked at Naruto with a smirk.

"But that's where you come in my dear boy." Stated Merlot, making Naruto look between him and the Yamato.

"You put the sword in my hand, and the first thing I'll use it on is you." Naruto warned, knowing he couldn't be crazy enough to think he wouldn't immediately use the Yamato on him.

"Ohohohoho, you misunderstand. You see if I am unable to wield the Yamato, then I would simply make someone who is, while ensuring they're completely loyal to me. You should be thankful my boy. With my help, you'll be the most powerful warrior in Remnant, after you've been reprogrammed of course." Said Merlot, with the Branwen's eyes widening in rage at hearing this.

"You…you killed Vernal, used me like your personal lab rat, and now you think you can turn me into your puppet?!" Naruto shouted, struggling against his restraints, swearing he was going to kill Merlot right now.

"I don't think anything my boy, I know you'll be my puppet and do exactly what I say." Merlot stated with a smirk, before he suddenly heard a rattling noise.

Looking to the source of the sound, Merlot's eyes widened at seeing the Yamato vibrating inside its container and surrounded by a dark blue Aura.

"Th-that shouldn't be happening." Said Merlot, stepping back before diving down when the Yamato suddenly burst out of its container and flew right into Naruto's hand; the teen gasping as he felt a connection begin forming between him and the sword.

"Power. Give me more power!"

Hearing the voice echo in his mind, Naruto looked at Yamato as it pulsed, making him believe that must have been the sword.

"You want power? Then let me show you mine!" Naruto said as he felt his strength growing as he held the sword before he broke free of his restraints.

The sight making Merlot pale before he quickly rushed for the exit to sound the alarm, only to scream in pain when Naruto teleported in front of him, slicing off his left arm. Followed by his robotic right arm, then cutting his legs off at the knees, before swinging his sword down on his left eye. The mad scientist screaming in agony at the loss of his limbs and his remaining eye, while Naruto stood over him, panting slightly with his dark blue Aura flared around him.

"You don't get to die yet; you don't get to die until I destroy everything you hold dear and make you watch as your entire world is burned to ash. Once you have nothing left, once I've taken away everything from you; then you'll have my permission to die. Until then, you get to live knowing what you created." Said Naruto before stomping on Merlot's head, knocking the scientist out before he exited the room.

Though rather than immediately leave, Naruto searched through the entire complex, cutting down Grimm and robots that got in his way, until he found where Merlot was keeping Vernal's body. The sight of her body angering and saddening Naruto, as he gripped Yamato tightly; the blade humming in response to his anger.

Drawing his sword, Naruto swung it horizontally and vertically in the air, opening up a large portal in front of him. Sheathing Yamato, Naruto picked up Vernal's body and walked through the portal so he could give her a proper burial.

'Then I'll be dealing with the true weaklings.' Thought Naruto darkly, knowing his next destination once he's buried Vernal.

The Branwen Tribe.

*Later*

Naruto looked around at the burning Branwen Tribe encampment, seeing dozens of bodies that were cut to pieces. Only a handful of them were still alive, but wouldn't be doing anything to him, or be able to do a lot of stuff after he removed a limb or two from them.

Among them was his mother, who was the only one to still be completely intact, but also defeated.

Walking up to them, Naruto mercilessly kicked Raven back down to the ground when she tried standing back up, the woman gasping before looking up at her son.

"Wh-what h-have you done?" Raven said having not believed it when her son returned only to start killing everyone, showing no hesitation or remorse.

Even when she tried stopping him, he attacked her as well, shocking Raven at him not only attacking her, but also his new strength and sword as well. Part of her thinking for a moment that he somehow acquired a magical artifact, but didn't sense any magic coming from him or the blade.

With it not being long before only she and a handful of others were left.

"I'm merely doing what you always taught me, I'm killing the weak. After all that's what you all are; you're weak, pathetic, cowards. You claim to be strong, yet you only ever go after those that can't even defend themselves. And rather than actually trying to grow stronger and target those that could stop you, you instead choose to continue running and hiding, like cowards. So, you'll get to die like cowards." Said Naruto, while looking at those still alive.

"You're nothing but a traitor! We welcomed you into our tribe and this is how you repay us?!" Shouted one of the bandits, before crying out when a shallow cut appeared across their face and below their eyes.

"Welcome me? You didn't welcome me; she's the one who brought me here, she's the one who trained me, she's the one who sent me out on raids. The rest of you, you only saw me as a shield to protect you from threats, because you all are such lazy and worthless ingrates, you only choose to target people you know can't fight back. Hell, you barely even did that; you just cause enough panic and fear to draw in the Grimm and have them kill everyone for you. It's honestly a miracle you even survived, while my mother and uncle were at Beacon. No, you didn't welcome me, you just welcomed my abilities to protect your worthless lives. But let's see how you survive with no camp, no resources, and no shield." Said Naruto before turning his attention back to his mother and knelt down beside her.

"As for you mother, this wouldn't have happened if you listened for once, rather than believing you knew everything. Because you don't, you don't know anything. You believe the weak die and the strong live, but you can't even follow your own ideals. After all, you always run because the truth is; you're a coward." Naruto said, looking at her with narrowed eyes, while Raven flinched at his word.

"You ran from your teammates, you ran from your daughter, and you ran from Salem. Even now, you're still running; choosing to go after defenseless civilians than actually trying to grow stronger and gain real strength and power. And that's why you lost, because I now have real power and I'll continue gaining more power. Because I learned a very important lesson, one you never tried learning." Said Naruto, standing up and looking at his mother.

"I learned this lesson, my new ideal and belief. Might controls everything. And without strength, you cannot protect anything. Let alone yourself." Naruto said before drawing Yamato and opening another portal.

"Perhaps this time, you'll finally listen to me, mother." Stated Naruto before entering the portal which closed behind him, leaving Raven to pick herself up, contemplating his words and her own actions.

*With Naruto*

Reappearing, Naruto looked around and saw he was in an alleyway in some city, though he didn't recognize or could tell what Kingdom he was in. Having not had a specific destination in mind, only to be away from the Branwen Tribe.

'Might as well figure out where I am.' Thought Naruto, sheathing Yamato as the portal closed behind him.

Exiting the alley, Naruto looked around the city as he wandered around while wondering what he was supposed to do next. Though the longer he walked around, the Branwen soon got the feeling he was being followed. Giving a discreet glance around him, Naruto narrowed his eyes at not seeing anyone that was following him, but could still feel that someone was.

'Not even here for an hour and I already have to kill someone.' Naruto thought, mentally sighing before heading down a deserted street and kept walking, while waiting for the person to reveal themselves.

Which didn't take long, as he quickly lashed out and grabbed the hand of his follower when he felt them reaching for his pocket. Naruto looking at who was trying to steal from him, only to raise a brow at who he saw.

It was a young woman, possibly his age or even a year older, with medium-brown skin and dark-red eyes. Her hair is a light, mint-green with a straight fringe and bangs while tied into a low hanging ponytail. Her attire consisted of a short olive-colored crop top, and she wore brown chaps which were torn and a matching belt. Beneath her chaps, she wore dark green pants and plain dark brown flat shoes. She also wore white half-gloves.

She also was noticeably thin, showing she likely hasn't eaten in a while; explaining she was trying to steal from him.

"If you value your life, I wouldn't do that." Naruto stated when the girl tried reaching for her weapon holster, before she froze at his threat and quickly removed her hand.

"I-I'm s-sorry I-I didn't-" The girl stuttered.

"Didn't what? Intend to steal from me, I think we both know that's lie. How were you following me without being seen?" Naruto demanded, tightening his grip on her wrist, making the girl wince at the pressure.

"M-My Semblance! It's my Semblance I-I can make mental hallucinations t-to hide myself o-or make people give me stuff." The girl said quickly, knowing this guy wasn't one of her usual targets and was really dangerous.

Naruto narrowed his eyes at this, knowing how powerful and dangerous such a Semblance could be, especially for those untrained in sensing such things as illusions.

"What's your name?" Said Naruto, now intrigued by this girl's power and potential.

"E-Emerald, Emerald Sustrai." Emerald introduced hesitantly, wondering why he wanted to know her name.

Only to be surprised when he let her go and then tossed her several Lien.

"Wh-what?" Said Emerald, now completely confused at what just happened, not sure if this was a trick.

"Here, since you wanted them so badly, take them. Not that they'll do you any good." Naruto stated, making the greenette glare at him.

"Yes they will! I could use this to get food today!" Emerald retorted, now thinking he's some rich bastard that didn't care about losing a few Lien.

"And what about tomorrow? Or the next day? The next week? The next month? Will they still help you then or simply run out, forcing you to steal some more?" Questioned Naruto, causing Emerald to fall silent, knowing that was true.

While it was a lot of Lien, they'd eventually run out, along with the food she'd get with them, forcing her to steal again to get more.

"I don't have any other choice." Emerald said quietly, knowing she didn't have a choice and had to steal to feed herself.

"And now you do. You can take those Lien and run along, in which we'll likely never see each other again. You'll be forced to continue stealing until you potentially encounter someone else who can sense you through your Semblance, while being a lot less friendly than me. Or you can join me and I can help gain the strength you need. That when you do steal, you won't get caught, you can fight anyone that tries stopping you, and you'll never be hungry again." Offered Naruto, much to Emerald's shock at what he just offered.

"Wh-why? Why would you offer me anything when I just tried stealing from you?" Emerald asked, suspicious and wary of the offer, with Naruto shrugging.

"I see potential in you, with your Semblance and your abilities. I could help you grow stronger, to use them to their fullest. And more than that, I can promise that if you come with me, you'll never have to worry about money or food again. But the choice is entirely up to you; stay or come, I won't stop you or force you." Naruto replied before turning around and started walking away, leaving Emerald to make her decision.

Looking at the Lien for a few moments then looking at Naruto's retreating figure, Emerald wondered what she should decide. Before she eventually ran up to Naruto and began walking beside him.

"Do you get to keep these?" Emerald asked while holding up the Lien.

"Keep them. Like I said, they still won't do you any good, it's what you'll be getting later on that will really help you." Said Naruto, making the greenette smile at the idea of getting even more Lien and never going hungry again.

"Hey, what's your name?" Said Emerald, realizing she didn't get his name.

"Naruto Bra-, Naruto Uzumaki. Now let's keep going, we have a lot to do before you're ready to get to work." Naruto replied, deciding to give up on his old last name, now that he's severed his ties with the Branwen Tribe.

With Emerald noticing that last minute change when he introduced himself. But decided to not say anything, while nodding as the two continued walking; unaware they were being watched

Looking at the two was a fair-skinned young woman with short ashen-black hair that covers her left eye, that are a bright amber color. While wearing a dark red mini dress with separated sleeves and is held up by straps tied around her neck in a bow, black shorts underneath, black high-heels, and gold hoop earrings.

The woman glared at Naruto's retreating figure, angry at him for recruiting Emerald before she got the chance. Having seen the girls Semblance in action and knew it'd be useful for her plans. Knowing that with her horrible lot in life, she would have been able to easily gain Emerald's loyalty and admiration for saving her from a life of poverty and giving her a purpose. Only for that to now be ruined!

'You'll regret getting in my way.' Thought the woman, swearing to kill Naruto, both as payback for interfering in her plans, and to see if she could still recruit Emerald.

She just had to wait for her moment to strike and deal with him.

So, what did you think, good. Yep Naruto's also not a Schnee this time around and instead a Branwen, being Raven's son and Yang's twin brother, as well as having been raised in the Branwen Tribe, with his only friend, and eventual girlfriend, being Vernal. With Raven having also told him about Salem and Ozpin's secret war. Along with Naruto not agreeing with the Branwen Tribe targeting defenseless towns, believing they should go after bigger and more challenging targets to prove their strength, with only Vernal hearing him out while Raven dismisses his concerns once again. Leading to him storming out of camp with Vernal following him, where they're attacked by Merlot's mutated Grimm, leading to Vernal being killed and Naruto captured and experimented on by Merlot, all in his attempt to create someone capable of wielding the Yamato, which he succeeds in doing as Yamato bonds with Naruto making him even stronger, allowing him to escape and cripple Merlot but doesn't kill him, wanting to make him suffer before he dies. Then Naruto reclaims Vernal's body to give her a proper burial, before going to massacre the Branwen Tribe, leaving only a handful alive including his mother, before verbally tearing them apart on how weak they really are and calling Raven out on being a coward. Finally Naruto ends up in a city where he encounters Emerald attempting to pickpocket him, and seeing her potential gives her the option to go with him to become stronger or stay and continue stealing to survive, leading Emerald to go with him. Neither of them aware of having been watched by Cinder, who's angered at someone getting to Emerald before she can, while swearing to kill Naruto for interfering in her plans. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.

Storm out