Now that he thought about it, it felt a little creepy. Here he was sitting on his bed while three girls slept in their beds. Then again, his own bed was here, and this was his room too.

He turned his head up when one of the girls let out a deep breath, but Blake didn't stir. It was weird sharing a room with three girls.

The room was dark, the sun hadn't shown itself just yet. Judging by the grey sky outside the window, it was close to sunrise.

Naruto fiddled with the device in his hands. The scroll he had been given by Ozpin since he first arrived. He hadn't touched it at all, other than using it to enter his room. He turned it over several times before finding a small switch. The translucent tablet turned white for a moment, illuminating the room. "That worked…I think."

It continued to play with the device. It was intricate, the screen able to extend further apart. It was a touch screen. He saw a picture of himself when the screen booted up. Ozpin had him take a portrait shot a couple of weeks ago.

He felt a moment of triumph well inside him. There were characters beside his portrait, he could only assume his name. Then that feeling of triumph disappeared as quickly as it came when he realized that he couldn't read. That was the end of that.

Naruto placed the scroll beside him and he sat there. He couldn't sleep even if he wanted too. Naruto sunk under his covers and stared at the white ceiling. It was decorated like someone pressed a brush and let the paint dry. Which made little protruding bumps on the ceiling. He decided to count it. Until golden rays filtered through the curtains.

He couldn't stay cooped up inside any longer.

Which was surprising. Because he had let his ass get dragged around to classes without much protest. Not to mention being enrolled into this school. Here he was dragging his ass somewhere to do something.

The objective of food wasn't enough anymore.

Weiss Schnee watched him. The captain of team NPBW. He flowed from one movement into another. His feet glided from step to step. He sped and slowed, but always smooth; he was balanced and experienced.

Weiss always had to remind herself of her training; which way to stand and how to carry herself. Yet, Naruto had no hesitation and no pause that gave that indication that he gave his own pep-talk.

It wasn't just a small set of movements either, they ranged from simple to more complex maneuvers. Weiss couldn't help but feel envious at how natural he made it seem.

Naruto had fought against Yang the other day. He had won the fight in pure hand to hand combat. She recalled him getting tripped, landing on his back. Yang had given a victorious yell as she tried to land a punch that cracked the stage when it landed. Naruto–as quickly as he fell–had dodged it.

Fire appeared around Yang's hair; her features settled into a scowl. Her teeth grit together and had let out a curse. That was when Weiss had figured out it was now personal. Her curses to let himself be hit cemented that thought.

Despite that, Naruto had continued to dance around her. He whittled her aura down until the fight had been called to a stop. Other than that trip, Yang hadn't landed a solid hit on him. Naruto was a gifted fighter, as much as Pyrrha. Now if only he wasn't such a dunce.

This team would be the greatest in all history of Beacon. Weiss was going to make sure of it.

Naruto finally had the graces to stop, especially when she was noticed earlier. He swept a hand over his brow, perspiration clinging to his hand. His expression settled into that perpetual frown he carried.

"So, is this where you have been every morning?" she asked.

He looked to the arena, he inspected the dark dirt that he had been unearthed from his movements. "Not exactly,"

"I have to admit that you actually looked graceful for a moment," like a dancer.

"You mean I don't already?" He placed his hands on his hips.

She didn't expect this, "excuse me?"

"Nothing," he waved it off. He walked toward her, but only to grab a bottle near where she stood.

"I wish I could say the same thing for your academics."

He smiled, when she expected a more contrasting reaction. People didn't seem to like the truth at all. "I'm pretty bad at that. Why aren't you out in the city? It's the weekend, isn't it?"

He was self-aware, "I don't have to be out in the city every weekend," she replied, perhaps a little too quickly. Pyrrha was gone when she awoke; Blake was never interested. She didn't want to go to town alone again.

"Y'know it's kinda nice talking to you when you're not on my back all the time."

Weiss looked away, "Oh yes, I'm assuming from all the numerous conversations we've had?"

"Oh right, that's true. Then again, I barely talked to anyone. I've only responded to people." he flashed a smile. "Is there something you need Rice?"

Weiss immediately felt agitation boil within her, she took a breath to help cool off before she spoke. "I'm not like Pyrrha, I'd much prefer that you call me by my given name, thank you very much! W-E-I-S-S. Weiss."

He frowned, and mouthed her name several times before shrugging.

"I'm not sure how Pyrrha puts up with that."

"Her nickname? She likes it,"

She shook her head in disbelief. There was no way; it was a ludicrous idea. "How did you even come up with these stupid names?"

Naruto took this question earnestly. "A couple reasons. Your name was weird to pronounce, and I was starving so I was thinking about food. So, that's where Rice and Pie came from."

It only served to annoy her. "You're telling me that our nicknames originate from you having an empty stomach?"

He only had a sheepish smile.

The audacity! "Don't you have any respect?"

Naruto folded his arms and his brow crease; like an interesting puzzle had been laid out before him. Instead of a response to her question, he ignored it altogether. "You know, I have no idea why they call you Ice princess, or Snow Angel, or whatever it is. It's not fitting,"

"Ugh, don't remind me of those nicknames," she placed her hands on her hips, "and what do you mean by that?"

"Well, you're pretty fiery, I guess. I don't really know how to explain it."

She rolled her eyes, "don't tell me you're trying to flirt with me too? That's something I actually liked about you."

Naruto gave a blank look. "I'm just saying what I noticed. You work harder than everyone else. And you're always on my back," Weiss was silent. She had gone off track, but at least she had noticed it. Naruto shrugged. "Anyways, I'm just saying those nicknames make no sense."

She was then reminded why she wanted to talk to him in the first place. How did it even get to this? She gathered herself, bringing herself as tall as she could. Instead, he spoke before she could.

"What do you mean that's the only thing you liked about me?"

She scoffed, "oh please, don't act like you don't know the Schnee name," so many boys were aware of the value of her name. Jaune for example. "You and Blake are fortunate that you happened across Weiss Schnee and Pyrrha Nikos on the same team. Though, I will commend your fighting skills. That will only help in the future, when Team NPBW is going to be famous, you'll see!"

There was a small look of awe on his face. He must have just realized, who couldn't have?

"Huh,"

"What?" she asked.

"Nothing, you just reminded me of a memory that's all."

Weiss cleared her throat, since they were on the subject. "I wanted to talk about something important."

Naruto looked at her before gazing at the visage of the school. "We've been talking a while now. What's something you had in mind?"

There was a fragment of a smile on his face, rather than the frown. Compared to his usual melancholy.

"I don't think you're the correct choice for captain of team NPBW," Weiss said. His expression didn't change. He carried no visible reaction, almost like he expected it.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.

"You know what I mean."

"I mean why?"

She gave a brief pause as she gathered her words. "You put no effort into your studies, you don't take notes. You've failed the last exam that we had. Frankly, I think that you just don't care at all. Or that you think you're too good for this place. I will say that you're good at fighting but not everything revolves around that. To me, a good captain should be able to set an example for the people they lead, in many other ways that does not include fighting."

Weiss took a deep breath after her speech. His expression was like all those days spent in the classrooms. Gazing at his blank notes with an empty gaze.

"See? You care a lot," his blues eyes looked different for a moment. "You're right that I don't put any effort into my studies. What else?"

It was refreshing on how he just accepted it, rather than just denying the truth. It was…strange. She didn't know how else to react.

"I could go on, but I think I'll stop there. The point is, I don't think you're fit to be a leader. It would be better for the future of our team if there was a new captain."

He was silent for a little while, his expression unreadable. Weiss held no doubt, that he was contemplating the words she had spoken.

"Ozpin makes that decision. So, we should probably go see him." He suggested. Naruto picked up his sword and strapped it to the terribly handmade sheath to his waist.

It was surprising. "Wait, you're just agreeing with this?"

"Yeah," he replied. "Who do you think should be the leader? Be honest,"

"I expected you to be upset."

He waved her off, "is that what you wanted to do?"

"No, of course not. This isn't something a person would like to hear,"

He paused. "Right, but no, I'm actually happy."

His eyes focused on the school of Beacon, directly down a decorated stone pathway. There was the sound of others practicing near the other fields.

"Happy? but being a captain would be an honor!"

He looked at her, "You didn't answer the question, who do you think should be the new leader?"

Weiss frowned, "Either Pyrrha, or myself."

He smiled, "I think you should be."

For this, she had no reply, but only to skulk and follow. She didn't understand it. This was not the way she expected it to go.

Ozpin called them inside once he heard the polite knocks. Naruto Uzumaki and Weiss Schnee of team NPBW. The team had an interesting collection of backgrounds.

There was something strange about Naruto, something Ozpin couldn't put into words. Especially about 'chakra' that he described. He was just one of the notable individuals in first year. "Have a seat, how can I help you two?"

"I feel like I'm in here all the time," Naruto muttered. Familiarly, he sat down on the seat.

"Yes, it appears so. As a matter of fact, there's something else that I wish to speak to you about. After this discussion we're about to have."

"Sure," there was a brief silence, then Naruto glanced at Weiss.

Weiss cleared her throat. "Yes, Mr. Ozpin. I would like to discuss the topic of leadership with our team. It would be beneficial if there was a change in captains,"

Interesting topic. He took a sip from the hot cocoa that he had in his hands. Ozpin looked to Naruto and was received with a nod. "Oh, and why is that?"

Weiss cleared her throat, "Personally, as well as Blake's opinion, felt that he hasn't held up to the standards of being captain. He may be physically capable, but that performance doesn't mirror his academic studies, quite simply, he doesn't fulfill that role well."

Ozpin leaned back on his chair; comfortable enough to sit on it for long hours on end. While academics wasn't a large factor in leadership, it did play a part. There were other contributing factors to a captain. However, judging by this, Naruto hadn't shared the fact he was illiterate.

Leadership was ripe with scrutiny.

"You feel as though I was mistaken in my chosen captain of team NPBW?"

"Not how I would word it, but the idea is the same,"

Ozpin turned to Naruto, "I haven't heard your thoughts on this issue,"

"Rice is right,"Ms. Shcnee tightened her lips, bothered by the name.

"Explain,"

"We have a different opinion in what it means to be a leader. But, I don't think I'm the right person to be leading right now,"

Ozpin drank another sip. He had heard concerns from some of the professors over Naruto's disposition. It might be a case of stress over assignments, or life issues, or a combination of the two. It was a usual case in students, nothing new at all.

Of course, this particular student was from another dimension. He seemed to accept whatever had befallen him. It was unlikely school related, which left life issues. Naruto could only help himself, and must be willing to accept help.

Otherwise, the issue of leadership in team NPBW was more pressing. They waited in silence, with patience. Ozpin felt it was no mistake that Naruto should be captain, but Naruto admitted he wasn't fit for the role. At least temporarily. It was an admirable admission. Naruto felt that he wasn't performing at his absolute best. So, it was only right in another appointment.

"Ms. Schnee," he said. Weiss sat up straighter. "If you feel that Naruto isn't fit for captain, then who should replace him?"

"I think the best fit would be either Pyrrha, or myself."

"I assume there was prior discussion," both nodded. That was good, this wasn't something done on a whim.

"What does Blake and Pyrrha think about being inducted to the role of captain?"

"Pyrrha is open to the idea. Though, she said if she only had too," she replied. "As for Blake, she said she had no particular interest in captain. You can ask them both if you wish,"

"I don't think that will be necessary, what about you? How do you feel about becoming captain?"

Weiss sat up straighter than before, a contrast to Naruto who laid back in the chair. Though, it seemed he was a good mood, judging by the smile. "I would strive to be the best Captain that I could possibly be,"

An expected answer. Finally, he arrived to Naruto. His answer would contribute the most. "Naruto, who do you think best fits the role?"

Weiss gazed at him, her hands squeezed around the armrest. "If Rice wants to be team leader that much, I say give it to her."

A stupefied expression appeared on Weiss, it seemed she wasn't expecting this outcome. Ozpin spoke, "I suppose that settles it, Weiss, you will be the one leading team NPBW. I hope that you won't take this lightly."

She looked back to him. "O-Of course not, thank you! I'm honored to be appointed to such a position."

Ozpin drank the last of his cup before he settled it on the table. Weiss didn't stand up, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Yes, this is about Naruto's performance…"

Ozpin held a hand up for her to stop and he glanced at Naruto. He gave a shrug, "Go ahead."

"Yes, Naruto's performance. I assure you that is already being taken care of Weiss. Due to Naruto's current illiteracy, Profess-"

"Wait," Weiss looked shocked, she looked over to the blonde beside her. "You can't read? How come,- uh, excuse me?"

He shrugged. Ozpin wasn't aware if Weiss knew about his dimension situation or not. It was a subject that Naruto would have to breach one day.

Ozpin gave a cough that captured the duo's attention. "Yes, that is a problem which is being settled Weiss. The professors are creating alternative means for him to catch up, I've left it up to their discretion."

"Oh," She replied, there was a tinge of red of embarrassment on her cheeks. Weiss glanced at Naruto "I see."

Ozpin spoke again, "Have you begun learning?"

"Nope," Naruto said.

"I guess I haven't given the means to do so, Weiss, I hope your team can help with that." It would help cut costs.

"Yes, we will," Weiss replied quickly.

"Then, if that is all. I wish to have quick discussion with this young man."

"There's nothing more, thank you again." Weiss gave one last glance at Naruto before she got off the chair and exited the room.

Naruto adjusted himself in his seat. "What else?"

"Only one thing, I think you noticed students leaving the premises to visit the city." Ozpin replied, and was received with a nod. "I'm sure that you wish to possess clothing of your preference as well as any equipment."

Naruto blinked in confusion. "Why are you helping me so much?"

Did he not realize? "Have you thought about what I said in our last meeting?"

"Not really,"

Ozpin chuckled. "There would be many people interested you, Naruto. I don't think I have to say that not all would share my level of curiosity."

"Oh. I-I knew that." Naruto replied. Though, judging by his reaction, arms crossed and eyes looking away, he didn't.

"Otherwise, these are bursaries for students in need. You don't have to owe anything. If you're worried about giving back, your future occupation as a huntsman will be sufficient."

"It would be nice to have some clothes." Naruto muttered.

"Then, I'll take that as a yes. Now, if there's any other support you need, don't hesitate to come to me, or any other professors."

"I think I'll be fine."

A confident response.

It was a weird day.

Naruto wandered the halls of the school. He had done one of two things he wanted to do today. Training, if it could be called that. The other one was to care for Sasuke's sword, because he realized he hadn't done that at all since arriving here.

He peeked through doors, but saw nothing what he wanted in them. He had heard there was some sort of place dedicated to maintenance of weapons. Judging by all the crazy cool and totally sweet weapons that everyone possessed, it would be an obvious thing to have.

Maybe they had a scabbard, if not, he could go buy one whenever he went to the city. Problem. He couldn't read. He would have to ask someone for help, or mindlessly wander forever.

Naruto looked around the school, checking inside every classroom and closing the door when he found nothing. He could have asked someone, there was plenty of people wandering the hall, but he didn't mind this at all.

It took a long time before he found the door. A large set of doors and various mechanical noise coming from inside. The door swung opened several times from students going in or out. As he was about to step inside, the door blew open and slammed against the wall.

"Oops," A short girl that he recognized inspected if there were any damages. She inched away before he eyes widened when he was noticed. "It was like that before, I swear, oh wait! I know you!"

"It's me," Naruto replied. It was the girl with the cape and silver eyes. Ruby.

"What are you doing here?"

"Came to take care of my weapon," He mentioned toward the sword in his hand, wrapped in the remains of his pants. He let that sink in. Pants.

"I see you still haven't gotten a scabbard for it either," Ruby gave an annoyed cute frown.

"Yeah, lost it."

They were silent, until she pulled out a large item strapped to her back. The mechanical parts extended before it transformed into a large scythe. "I came to do the same thing, just finished actually. Meet Crescent Rose. She's my little sweetheart."

It seemed weapons was something she was comfortable with. Naruto looked at Sasuke's blade in his hand. It was rather plain looking in comparison, a purple handle, wrapped in orange cloth. However, it didn't take away the monumental importance of it. "It's an heirloom, I guess." What did Sasuke call it? "Kusanagi."

Ruby cooed, her eyes looked over the sword. Almost like she wanted to eat it. "Can I hold it?"

"Sure,"

She held it carefully, like it was a baby. Funny. Her eyes glazed, inspecting the details. She didn't hand her weapon to him. It was okay, he had no idea how it worked, he'd probably just hurt himself.

"It's so light, I wonder how durable it is. It's so classic! Even more so than Jaune's. Doesn't even turn into anything at all," she gushed. It seemed she really really loved weapons.

He doubted if he said anything she it would paid attention. Carefully, she handed back Sasuke's sword. "What about your…thing? What is it?"

"My sweetheart? Well…" Ruby transformed her weapon, the blade disappearing inside the various mechanisms within. She then gave a bunch of words and numbers that he couldn't comprehend. Firearms was still an entire new realm to him.

"Cool," he said when she finished.

Her eyes lowered in suspicion. "It's also a gun. I swear I said this before."

"It's a big gun then,"

"Do you have any guns?" She asked.

"This is the only thing I got," Naruto strapped the sword to his waist again, well, other than some of the tools he had in his tool bag. "I have to get a scabbard for it too. I'll get that later."

"What? No guns! That's crazy, how can anyone live like that?" She cried out.

He chuckled. "Is Yang still mad at me?"

Ruby grinned. "Haha, yup. She took it her loss hard. You know that fire in her hair? She only gets that way when she's really angry."

"I'll be sure to remember that, anyways, I'm going to clean this now."

"Oh, alright, later Naruto!" Ruby ran off down the halls, disappearing in a burst of speed.

Today felt better.