WARNING!
If you are a reader who likes to feel "Omniscient", and likes to know everything about the story beforehand…prepare to be sorely disappointed. I reveal information as the story progresses, so patience will be necessary!
A/N: Small Chapter!
Thank you for the support, and I'm glad with how many people are enjoying this series so far! The next few chapters (this one included) will be some small growth in Naruto's herd, as well as some bonding too. I've mentioned this before, but I like to develop my characters.
But do pay attention! I throw some hints and tidbits of information in my chapters too. Please note that I will not spoil anything! So please don't ask me about what to expect. It'll ruin the story.
Next Release: Between February 18th-25th. I have a busy work schedule, so I can't promise solid release date. These are just releasing fast because RWBY vol. 4 is pretty much over, and my ideas are spilling over. If I don't write it now, I'm sure I'll forget.
That said, I hope you enjoy!
Also, I may go back to add more into this chapter in the future
"In Oum I Trust"- Normal Speech
In Oum I Trust-- Normal thought
"In Oum I Trust"- Shared thought/phone/telepathy(link)
*Sigh*- Action
In Oum I Trust- Unique Technique/Semblance
"In Oum I Trust"- Authoritative/powerful/angered speech
In Oum I Trust- Authoritative/powerful/angered Thought
"In Oum I Trust"- Authoritative/powerful/angry Shared thought/phone/telepathy(link)
Disclaimer: I do not own the Naruto, RWBY, the Re: Monster Franchise or any of its characters. I am but a simple man, with a simple desire to write a fanfiction that has been plaguing my mind.
The only thing I own in this story are my theories, original characters, and scenarios that did not exist in the original stories.
Chapter 3: Birdbrain
-82 years before Canon-
"This place is very…different."
Naruto was currently in awe as he took in his surroundings. Around him were shades of varying red that colored the leaves and grass. It was a wonderfully strange sight, completely different from his previous experience in forests.
From where he was reborn to where he has traveled, it had always been a generic, dark environment with overshadowing trees and shrubs. While it was an ideal place for Grimm to thrive, Naruto would always find it unsettling.
Grimm were very simple creatures, and didn't care for their location. They were free moving and could care less about their surroundings, as long as it was safe or provided them easy human targets. As a being that possesses intelligence and sentience, Naruto was able to appreciate the 'finer' things that Grimm normally overlook, like nature, beauty, and life. Unfortunately, this also meant that he was capable of acknowledging the bad sides as well.
Living in constant darkness made him wary of his surroundings, and the bland scenery bored him to death. He saw enough trees in his previous life to last him a lifetime…literally.
Yet here he was, born once again and surrounded by dull, unchanging nature.
That's why the current view was breathtaking to him. He couldn't recall seeing a view like this, and it definitely beat the hell out of where he was living before. The light and color alone was more vibrant and welcoming than his previous location. It was much more unique here, and seemed to be a livelier place with fewer Grimm in the area.
"Yes…Trees…brighter…nature…full of…life."
Ganesha didn't understand very well how to appreciate the things Naruto did despite his old age. This doesn't come as a surprise though, considering Grimm-kind's non-existent emotional quotient (EQ). But at the very least, Ganesha was able to note the logical differences between his surroundings.
*Snort!* *Snort!*
"No…Few… Grimm herds…here…too bright…bad…for hunting…"
Naruto looked towards the conversing Grimm and noted how the boars were becoming progressively more aware of their surroundings. They were able to perceive and differentiate things more clearly, to the extent they would ask questions in regards to their safety.
Grimm shouldn't be learning this quickly…so why is it different in their case? Naruto thought before pausing, as he looked in the direction of Ganesha.
Now that I think about it…Ganesha's sentences are becoming clearer too.
Naruto began to contemplate these things as they continued moving deeper into the grove of crimson trees, venturing without a purpose other than to explore.
He thought about what could be causing this situation, but they have done nothing different from normal Grimm. The only difference between them and others should be…
Does their change have something to do with me?
Naruto couldn't help but come to this sort of conclusion.
As far as he has been aware, his herd hasn't done anything out of the ordinary. Their diet still consisted of humans, so it couldn't be something they have eaten. Nor have they encountered anything strange during their travels.
In fact, traveling and living had been a very mundane experience so far, to the extent Naruto truly wished for something exciting to happen, even if it were something dangerous.
Though Naruto supposed that hunters and huntresses were most likely avoiding Grimm populated areas, since they were more concerned with their ongoing war. I wouldn't make sense to endanger themselves during something so significant that it could change people's livelihood, and they wanted to avoid unnecessary casualties.
So, taking all of this into account, there could only be one factor that has been causing this change. That could only have been…him.
But…how? He mused in silent frustration. He lacked information, and had no way of researching this any further. He was never a scientist, so how could he know where to start? He could only theorize and hope he stumbled upon something that verified these things.
"Alpha…we are being…watched…"
Naruto jolted from his thoughts once he heard this, and spoke with narrowed eyes, "Watched? Is it a hunter? Huntress?"
"No," Ganesha began, creeping to Naruto closer so the conversation couldn't be overheard, "Bird Grimm…watch us…since…we came here…"
Naruto watched as the Goliath tilted its head in a far-off direction, causing Naruto's gaze to follow. From a distance, Naruto could see the figure resting in the trees, watching them with a curious gaze.
"Nevermore." Naruto muttered silently, though still audible enough for Ganesha to hear.
"Never…more? Is that…name?" Asked Ganesha curiously.
"No," Naruto stated, shaking his head, "That is their species. Like you are a Goliath, that Grimm is a Nevermore."
"I..see…"
According to Ganesha, Grimm didn't have a name for their specific species. The simply knew one another collectively as 'Grimm', and noted differences based on their features. In this case, a Nevermore was referred to as a 'bird' Grimm due to their avian appearance. Goliath's were called 'Big Tusk', and the Boarbatusks were called 'Little Tusk' Grimm.
The naming scheme was overly simple, so much so, you would expect it to have been created by children. Then again, Grimm couldn't care less for complexity, and settled for efficiency and simplicity.
The Nevermore Naruto was referring to wasn't too large, signifying its youth. It seemed to be the size of Pumbaa and Gordy combined, significantly smaller than an adult Nevermore. There wasn't anything else too worth mentioning other than the size, because it was otherwise a carbon copy of an average Nevermore. It simply stared at Naruto's herd, and flew from tree to tree as it followed them from a safe distance.
The intentions of the Grimm was unclear, seeing as Naruto couldn't detect any hostility. At best, it simply seemed curious, much like how he first met Ganesha.
"Bird Grimm…curious…It noticed…you different…"
Naruto nodded, "I figured that. I'm confused why it's following me, though. Usually I am ignored, and the only one to ever approach me was you."
"Bird Grimm…stupid…young…knows only…instinct…"
Ah, thought Naruto as he nodded in understanding, so in other words…a bird brain. On top of that, it's young. That's just a double whammy of idiocy, and naivety.
Birds typically weren't viewed as the brightest creatures in the world. That statement seemed to be true even in the world of Grimm…how sad.
"What…do you…want…to do...?"
Naruto mulled this over for a moment, deciding what exactly he wanted to do about this situation.
"The Nevermore doesn't have any bad intentions, so we can leave things as is. Even if it wanted to fight, it's too young to harm us."
Ganesha nodded, "I understand…my Alpha…"
"You know…you can call me 'Naruto'. 'Alpha' sounds more like a title."
"Can't…do that…You…are leader…so you…are Alpha…"
Naruto couldn't help but release a low groan of irritation.
Grimm and their hierarchy…
"It sure is persistent." Grumbled Naruto as he watched the Nevermore continue to follow him. They had been traveling for a few days now, and the damn bird still wouldn't let them out of their sights.
*Snort*
Naruto rolled his eyes, "I'm not picking a fight for no reason, Gordy. Besides, it'll just fly away if it feels threatened. Last time I checked, none of us could fly."
*Snort…*
"*Sigh*, I know. You think I like being followed any more than you do?"
"Nevermore…very…interested…in you…"
Hearing Ganesha speak, Naruto couldn't help shake his head in helplessness. This whole situation was a bit weird to him. He hadn't done anything to catch its interest, right? Is his presence really that unique?
To think I have my own stalker…strangely though, this situation feels familiar. It kind of makes me wonder if I had someone like that in my last life…
Naruto would sometimes have random moments of déjà vu. Like now, he felt that he had been watched in a similar manner back in his old universe, but still couldn't put a name to the person involved.
I might be able to regain my memories, but right now, it feels like this won't happen for a long time.
What Naruto didn't understand was that the 'purification' that occurs in limbo is an 'omnipotent' process, which cleanses the souls in it perfectly. Naruto was lucky enough to even possess his 'awareness', let alone some of his memories. It's unfortunate, but Naruto may never recollect these memories even if thousands, or millions of years passed by.
*CAW!*
Naruto jumped with a start and turned to the source of the loud screech. When he looked, he saw Gordy and Pumba running after the Nevermore with unrelenting charges. It seemed the hogs got tired of being followed and decided to do something about the situation.
And as Naruto predicted, the Nevermore continued to fly around them from tree to tree, and the boars chased after it, toppling trees one after another with every charge.
*Caw!* *Caw!*
*Snort!* *Snort!*
*Snooort!*
Grunts and screeches could be heard as this game of cat and mouse continued, while Naruto overlooked the crazy scene with small yips, resembling a chuckle.
Ganesha didn't find this scene comical, and viewed it more as a waste of time.
"Dumb Grimm," I murmured before turning in Naruto's direction, "What should…we do?"
"Nothing," Naruto began, watching as the Nevermore dropped a torn tree branch onto the head of Gordy, pissing him off significantly, "It's like watching a child fighting amongst other children. It's kinda funny, really."
If you looked at it in one perspective, it could be seen as a pointless fight. But it was kind of comical to see the 'supposed' monstrous and heartless creatures of Grimm essentially playing a game of tag. What was it called…Gap moe?
Naruto only shook his head at that thought, once more recalling useless knowledge, gifted to him by Oum.
No, they would have to be cute to be gap moe…I swear, the only knowledge I ever receive doesn't help me in the least.
Ganesha merely nodded, and didn't refute any further, "If…you say so…Alpha…"
*Caw!*
Hearing the screech once more, Naruto turned to the direction of the ongoing 'fight' between the Grimm, only to be surprised by what he saw.
It seemed the boars got a little too close for comfort to the Nevermore, so the avian Grimm flew high into the air and fired projectiles at them which appeared to be…feathers? They missed by a longshot, but he assumed it was more of a warning shot than an action to inflict harm.
Naruto then received a spark in his head, as more new information flooded his mind.
I see…so there are some Grimm that possess abilities outside of just physical strength or speed.
As Naruto traveled, he met with a lot of Grimm, but most were usually simple in how they attacked.
Beowolves and Ursa primarily used their claws and bites to attack, while Boarbatusks charged using their tusks. He had never met with unique Grimm like the Nevermore that was capable of ranged methods of attack.
I wonder…if I have an ability like that?
As far as Naruto knew, his specialty was his speed, flexibility, and acrobatics to move around and attack. He never had a moment where his 'true power' ever came forth in battles, but then again, he never really had much of a challenge when he fought.
Naruto thought about this for a moment before he turned in the direction of Ganesha, "Do you have any special abilities like that?"
"No," Said Ganesha, while shaking his head, "Every Grimm…different…rely on…different strengths…"
"I see," Naruto nodded, "So what is your strength?"
"My Grimm…have better…memory…Smarter…than normal…Grimm."
That makes sense, thought Naruto as he reflected on his travels with the Boarbatusks and the Goliath.
Even though he had been with the boars for a longer period of time, Ganesha was much better at retaining information and understanding what Naruto talked about.
So not all Grimm possess physical skills. Ganesha starts with better intelligence, and the Nevermore can use its feathers as projectiles…maybe there are other skills outside of just physical abilities.
Naruto was starting to get excited at the thought of discovering the unique abilities of different Grimm, and perhaps awakening one of his own.
"How did you learn of your ability? Was it through a fight? After a certain amount of time?"
For the first time since they met, Ganesha looked at Naruto a bit strangely when hearing this question. It surprised Naruto, since it was usually stoic in its demeanor.
"Alpha," It began with a curious tilt of the head, "All Grimm…know skills…from birth…was it…not…the same…for you?"
"…What?"
Noticing Naruto's confusion and how his body froze, Ganesha continued, "Grimm skills…are natural…from birth…we don't...learn them…we just…know…"
Does that mean…I don't have an ability?
Thinking this, Naruto couldn't help but feel disappointed. He never received any sort of information that indicated he had a special ability, nor did it come natural to him. If that were true, then he truly doesn't have an ability. He would have loved to have another means for survival…but it seems he wasn't so fortunate.
No, he thought with determination, I won't know if I have an ability or not without even trying.
*Caw!*
The Nevermore that was being chased by the boars soon came flying over to Naruto and…hid behind his back. Seeing the avian Grimm hiding behind their Alpha, Pumbaa and Gordy both paused, waiting for their boss to say or do something in retaliation.
*Caw!* *Caw!*
*Snort!*
*Snort!* *Snort!* *Snort!*
If Naruto were to translate this conversation it would probably be something like:
"What's wrong? You're not gonna attack again?" - Nevermore
"You bitch!" - Gordy
"Your fuckin' dead, you pussy! How dare you hide behind Aniki!" - Pumbaa
Seeing this, Naruto could only lament in depression over the current situation.
These guys…How come they only pick up on the bad things?
Throughout their travels, Naruto wasn't always calm and collected.
Even he had bad days.
And for some reason, those moronic boars seemed to pay more attention on those bad days. Because of this, their foul vocabulary was no different from your common thug.
I need to watch what I say around them from now on…
While Naruto was able to control this to some extent, it seemed that their 'Yakuza-like' nature kicked into full gear whenever they were annoyed or pissed off…which was more often than not.
Naruto yipped at the boars, "Quiet you two! I thought I told you to leave it alone?"
Seeing they were being reprimanded instead of the Nevermore, Gordy and Pumbaa lowered their head in silence and grunted what seemed to be an apology.
What am I going to do with you two, thought Naruto as he stared at the silent, slightly despondent, Grimm.
Feeling a bit bad, Naruto promised them he would fight them later in the day, which seemed to bring their mood up as they released grunts of satisfaction and walked away to 'play' like they normally did…by fighting.
Seeing he satisfied his longest companions, Naruto couldn't help but smile, They're just like a bunch of kids…
Naruto would be lying if he said he wasn't starting to get attached to those two Grimm. It was kind of like have two younger brothers…of course, if you ignore the fact that they were older than him in all actuality. They had their high and low moments, but overall, Naruto never felt lonely with them around, which is what mattered the most.
The fact that they were getting smarter made things better because interactions were starting to become more variable and entertaining.
Ganesha seemed more like a 'butler' than anything, since he always followed Naruto and would serve him to the best of his ability. If he had to give him a familial title…perhaps he would be considered the uncle? Grandfather? Uncle-Grandpa? Something along those lines, he supposed.
Breaking away from these thoughts, he finally turned his attention to the Nevermore. He stared into its eyes, looking for any signs of hostility.
Finding none, Naruto spoke out, "Do you understand what I'm saying?"
There was a small silence before the bird-like Grimm nodded slowly, staring unflinchingly in the eyes of Naruto. It probably could perceive things to a certain extent with some degree difficulty, as evidenced by the slow response.
Naruto nodded, "I take it you don't have a name either, correct?"
*Caw?*
The Nevermore seemed to tilt its head slightly in confusion, making Naruto sigh.
Yea, I should've known…
Ganesha did mention how "Stupid" this Grimm was. This may just be because this Grimm was still young, but the fact it was a bird species probably didn't help it much either.
"Well, you have plenty of time to learn I suppose," he spoke in slight annoyance before pointing a paw at the bird's direction, "I guess… 'Karasuba' will be a good name for now. Got it?"
*Caw!*
The Nevermore didn't exactly understand what was going on at the moment, but it sensed that Naruto wanted its approval of some sort. And so, it obliged.
Hah~, Naruto sighed once more, hopefully it picks up on things as fast as the other Grimm…
He then turned to a random direction in the crimson forest and began his journey once more.
"Well, let's head out."
"Yes…my Alpha…"
*Snort!*
*Snort!*
*Caw?*
*Sigh*...damn birds…
A/N: End of Chapter!
Not much going on this chapter. Mainly just an introduction to another herd member and some info about Grimm abilities. More information will be revealed in future chapters. I can only ask you guys be patient with me. I leave things vague in case RWBY throw anything new at me, and because I plan to explain it later down the line.
Please leave reviews with any questions (non-spoiler questions), comments, or unbiased criticism. If you want me to improve, or enjoy my work enough to keep me motivated, reviews are the best way to do so!
~Stay cool but don't Freeze