Minato Namikaze was calling a meeting with Vern, and the Hunters, and the rogue soldier Hephaestus. Along with them came Qrow and Raven Brawen, the twins. It had been a day since everything went down. Now the leader of the new Taiyō Movement faced certainly faced quandary.
It was as he feared for this land. Their government was too self-absorbed on its own image. His group was created on the basis of helping people, never as a political party. It would seem that politics would rear its disgusting head once more. In his view, bureaucracy was only supposed to be limited census and work organization. Their world's definition of bureaucracy was outrageously oppressive.
At least in Mistral, because villagers were supposed to keep their emotions in check. Whilst Minato did learn that negativity attracted Grimm like bees to honey, he was beginning to think who was more at fault here? You can tell your villagers to suppress their emotions, but then they see the way other people get to in the cities…
Simply put, Mistral valued its cities more so than the unprotected villages around them!
Security wise, a city was always going to be more secure, that wasn't the issue. The issue began when Mistral didn't answer some distress calls, no Huntsmen being sent out. Soldiers only coming in afterwards, finding the corpses, and burying them. It came down to the fact, for some reason, Huntsmen deaths were on the rise.
A few trap beacons, unfortunately landing in an incoming horde, bandits somehow getting the drop on them. Everything screamed insider, Minato bit his tongue whilst Raven and Qrow explained exactly what the Mistralian Council had told them over a scroll call. For now, they weren't going to pursue legal actions because this Ozpin was enroute.
"So, this Ozpin, is he the world's king or, something to that extent?" Minato inquired while sipping some green tea, "Even those pompous penpushers that you've described to me seem to give him a wide berth."
Qrow sips out of his flask, "That's because Ozpin is a political powerhouse. He's pretty much called respect from all other Academy Masters."
"Sounds like he can give the word, and all academies in the world simply refuse to participate." The blonde reasoned before taking another sip.
The male Brawen nods, "Something like that, you catch on very quick there."
"I have my reasons to catch on. Qrow-san, have you ever heard about my group before?" Minato inquired while handing his tea off to Tori, the young man began to refill it.
Qrow looks towards Tori, then back to Minato, "I know that even the kids here look scrappy. I heard through the grapevine that the little guy there just killed an Ursa…surely that's bullshit."
Raven eyed her brother, "Mind your tongue, brother."
"He doesn't have too, I don't mind candid speak, never have. Besides, I'm not in charge of you two, so long as you keep a good sense of decorum and respect in my camp…I don't care if you curse. These people, the ones who follow me, have been so much worse than the word 'Bullshit.'" Minato stated before getting the fresh tea, Raven held her own out, watching as Tori came over to her.
Vern looks at both of them, "So, Brawen, why does that sound like a small bandit tribe we heard about in the north?"
"We're from there," Qrow admitted while taking another swig. "We just said screw the lifestyle, and us scrappy teens got into Beacon, and now here we are five years later."
"Hmm, good for you." The older man lightly admired before sipping his water, "So why do you find that young Tori couldn't take down an Ursa?"
"Well, he looks barely old enough to even go to regular school. How old are you kid?" Qrow inquired while leaning on his fist, "Seven?"
"I'm nine years old," Tori stated before handing the man some water. "You smell of piss water, drink some actual water."
"Ooh," Raven sneered at her brother, watching him recoil in surprise. "Little one's got some bite."
"Oh, and by the way, I wasn't alone in taking it down. My sister, and a friend of mine helped out. Also, it wasn't just some run of the mill Ursa, it was an Ursa Major." Tori continued before walking back behind Minato.
Hephaestus gazes at Minato, "You let children hunt Grimm?"
"They're not just children anymore, they're shinobi in training." The blonde answered taking a sip from his cup, "In my world, I had a student who was five going after other shinobi."
"Your world must've been barbaric, and in a way, you seem so as well, training children to go after Grimm." Qrow retorted for Hephaestus, glaring at the blonde. "Thought you led a movement of peace, not some child soldier front."
"Qrow-san, undoubtedly you may think that it's cruel. I would never send my students out unless I thought that they could handle themselves. I grew up in a world where on average, wars broke out every generation, sometimes more than one. You are right about my world being barbaric, but do not lump my teachings in with it." Minato argued back before standing up, "Perhaps you'd like a demonstration?"
The young man gets up, "Against you?"
"Oh no, against my students, they need the practice on the off chance they run into a rogue Hunter." Minato laughed before getting up as well, "Tori gather Ahi, and that'll be all. I know little Aoi is still suffering the ill effects of chakra depletion."
"Yes sir."
"You think two kids can hold their own against me?" The male Brawen questioned with a raised eyebrow.
Minato laughs him off, "No sir, I expect them to lose. I don't expect you to be defeated by them. I do, however, expect you to…be amazed."
The group gets up, following Minato out of the large tent. They saw people going about their day. With some teenagers, and young adults over by Midori who was running a basic combat practice drill. They watched as people mimicked her punches, and kicks. Obviously, this camp was following the principals of self-defense.
Elderly folk were doing crafts, talking amongst themselves, who watching over the infants while their parents trained. "So, you run a basic self-defense program?" Hephaestus noted while watching them follow the green-haired fox faunus.
"We do our best to make sure that our people don't go quietly. No one expects the middle-aged woodsman to suddenly lash out with trained defense. These classes also involve everyday items, sickles, axes, we even have one with firearms." Minato told the ex-captain while walking through the camp, "Mostly our militia takes control of the firearms."
"Miltia?" Raven inquired, watching as three people carrying bolt action rifles ran around the course, "Trouble?"
"No, they're running the camp as part of a drill. We do worry about bandit reprisals, but between them and our shinobi…it's suicide in a different form." Vern stated before Minato could, "Contrary to your earlier view, Qrow, we don't use the children first."
"Then why did that Tori kid go after an Ursa Major?" Qrow questioned while they rounded a bend in the traveled path, "If you don't use kids first, why was he?"
"Because Tori is my adoptive son along with his sister. They're orphans, with everything on their shoulders should the unthinkable happen to me or my wife. He's my first true student, and actually taught the kids basic kunai techniques and martial arts." Minato stopped, and turned to Qrow, "If you ever have the honor to train someone personally, you'll always hold them to a higher standard than those who follow afterward."
The words made sense to Qrow if that was indeed the case. Tori probably has the world's largest chip on his shoulder. The young man purses his lips in thought, looking around the camp. Watching as children played some sort of tag with a wooden kunai with a blunted tip. "Everything about what they do is, the way they play, it's all training." Qrow realized before seeing that redheaded wife of the leader coming toward them.
She was walking with a dark blue-haired girl at her hip, but it wasn't because she was afraid. Raven noticed it before he did, the girl had a kunai knife just to her left hip. Even someone as young as her, it seemed, was trained to defend. Tori was walking confidently behind her with an orangenette girl with red tips in her hair. She almost looked like Summer, except her hair was as bright as fire. Her face sharper, not round. The girl was also shorter than Tori.
"Sensei," Tori walked in front of Kushina, "Ahi and I are ready."
"Good, go to the training field." Minato ordered him lightly, and everyone watched as they…disappeared?!
"So fast…" Qrow thought before looking toward Minato, "What just happened?"
"They used something I like to call Body Flicker. It's basically taking what we use, chakra, and overloading the muscles in the body to move extremely fast." The blonde answered before motioning them to follow. "Come with me."
Kushina looked like she was about to say something before Minato scoops her up, "Can't forget her."
"You better not!" She yelled out before giggling like mad, "I heard you got Tori into a fight with him."
"Eh, he can hold his own. I can't wait to see what nearly seven months of training has done for our little guy." Minato stated before watching Hephaestus walk up next to him, "Yes?"
'So, this the lovely wife? My name is Hephaestus Sfyrí. Our earlier introduction bungled earlier, because of some asshats in power." The old ex-captain caught himself, "Sorry, not proper to curse in front of lady?"
"What lady?" Minato laughed before Kushina smacks on the head, "Ouch!"
"I'm your princess remember, what lady, you're sleeping on the dirt tonight!" She chastised him before breaking out smile, "Jerk.'
Minato bashfully smiles before stating, "I was just kidding."
"Don't care, jerk, you're sleeping on the dirt tonight."
Ahi and Tori were the first to arrive to the training field, followed quickly by Minato and co. Qrow whistled at the sight, it was a large clearing, obviously made larger by loggers in the camp. The young Huntsman steps up into clearing. Minato took a deep breath, watching as Ahi and Tori bounced on their feet, throwing fists into the air before kicking.
"They're certainly getting warmed up, what makes them think they'll be able to engage in fisticuffs?" Raven sneered while watching the young boy with wings fluttering them out, "That's a rare faunus trait, those wings. You must have true value in him, to train him personally."
Minato nods his head in agreement while putting his wife down on the ground, and sitting with her. "That I do, Raven-san, please sit."
She took a seat on her knees, along with everyone else there minus the combatants. Hephaestus leans over to Minato, "I'm sorry if what I've done causes strife with your people. I cannot follow a government that willingly hurts their own at this point." He stated with a low voice.
"I understand," Minato acknowledged before looking forward, "I notice that tool symbol on your armor."
"Prior to the officer corps, I was an engineer in the Mistralian Military." The ex-captain told him while looking around, "Sir."
"It isn't sir just yet. I don't think you'll be without a home after I talk to this Ozpin fellow." Minato replied before watching Ahi and Tori bump fists.
Hephaestus took a deep breath, "That young man who spoke up for my men, Sapo. His family joined The White Fang, all of them were arrested during a protest."
"That is absolutely terrible," The blonde stated before looking toward the former officer. "I have a feeling I won't be too popular if I keep you within our ranks."
"No, you won't, and they'll be using as a means to call you deviant group."
Minato pensively thought while looking at the political table in front of him, and took a deep breath. "What if I took you in, plus anyone else that wanted to demonstrate without fear?" He inquired from the engineer.
"They'd call that rebellion."
"Rebellion is something I absolutely don't want to cause," Minato replied before watching Tori and Ahi getting into a fighting stance. "We'll talk about it more when Ozpin arrives tomorrow."
"Yes, we will, Mr. Namikaze."
"Hey, old man, don't get salty when we kick your ass!" Ahi shouted, whilst waiting on him to move.
Qrow smirks before removing his weapon, and throwing it to the side, "I don't need my weapon for this one. Alright then kiddies, come get some."
"You first," Tori jumped while already grabbing two kunai knives out his pouch, holding the handles tightly.
"Oh, okay, well here I come!" The young Huntsman yelled before charging forward, only to dodge to the side when the kunai flew at him.
His red eyes widened a little bit when paper unfurled from the handles, "Why is it sizzling?" He thought only to watch it start glowing, every instinct of his told him to leap forward, and does just as it explodes!
He comes out of the smoke, right as Tori was leaping toward him. Slicing the air with another kunai when Qrow dodges. The kid leaps up, delivering two powerful sidekicks into the man's forearms. The Huntsman naturally backsteps, getting ready to throw a hook kick, only for the faunus to suddenly fly up higher.
Right at that time he heard some type of energetic noise. He looks at the orangenette girl, who smirks with her teeth clinched. She rears back before blowing out a stream of fire toward him. Her hand contorted into some type of weird hand sign. Qrow's eyes widened before he suddenly transforms into a bird, and flies up to dodge the wall of fire. It headed right for Raven and the group sitting on the ground. Minato simply sighed, holding up a hand seal before throwing two kunai to the side. A blue energy barrier formed in front of them, absorbing the impact with ease.
Raven couldn't believe her eyes as Qrow transforms back, only to get kicked midair by Tori and sent toward the ground. "Are these people…" She watches Ahi contort her hands again, with the flames on the barrier transforming, "Using magic?!"
"Fire Style: Demonic Spear!" Ahi shouted as the flames off the barrier transformed into several thin concentrated lines of fire. She pointed one half of the tiger seal she held at Qrow, who dodges the first two she sent.
Tori meanwhile was flying as the third one launches and flew with it. He had full trust in Ahi as she smirks, watching him throw a concussive bomb kunai at Qrow's feet before slinging himself upwards with his chakra empowered wings. Qrow dodges at the last second, only for the kunai to explode and the air catch fire form the wind energy being released from dust inside the seal. He screamed out as he flew back skidding a little bit, coming to a stop just to block a few flying kicks from Tori, who backflips away and weaves hand seals of his own.
Three puffs of smoke appeared around before three other copies of boy charged forward. One tackling Qrow, managing to turn him around to get impacted in the side by two sets of flying kicks. The original came in, flipping forward with a heavy axe kick that got barely blocked by Qrow in time. The man lashes out, punching two of the clones with quick jabs that made them explode in smoke. Moving back on his feet, his scroll indicated his aura levels were dropped into the yellow!
"Okay, I'm convinced, these kids are monsters! Sorry little ones, but it's time I stop holding back." Qrow smirks before suddenly rushing forward.
Tori throws a kick out only the man to transform into a bird and circling around him. His eyes widened when Qrow appeared behind him, transforming back, and delivering a powerful reverse kick that sent Tori slamming into the ground. He bounces a little before watching Qrow rush to Ahi, who assumed a fighting stance.
She blocks the first kick but struggles to hold up against the second kick that immediately bruises her arm. Grunting, the girl backflips away to gain distance while weaving hand seals. "Fire Style: Flame Whirl!" She screamed before blowing fire from her mouth and turning her head in circles.
The bright orange flames cascaded toward Qrow, who smirked and jumped upwards. Transforming into a bird and flying around the jet of fire. He appears behind Ahi, smirking before sending a chop into her neck that made her fall forward. Her eyes rolling into the back of her head as she twitched.
"One down, sorry girly, only you left kid!" Qrow shouted before watching run towards him, "Alright, c'mon!"
The Huntsman grabbed a knife from his boot, meeting Tori halfway through his charge. Sparks flew as both of them clash blades, with the young boy's kunai mostly deflecting Qrow's assault. The kid tries to go for a sweep kick, only for the man to the same. Hooking his leg under Tori's, he then yanks back, making him fall flat down before bringing the knife down near his throat.
Qrow was shocked by one thing, the kid didn't even flinch. He smirks, "Got some brass ones, don't you?"
"I guess," Tori smiled before holding his hand up. "Mind giving me a hand?"
"Sure kid, c'mon, let's get your girlfriend too!" The Huntsman stated before helping him up.
"Ahi isn't my girlfriend!" Tori replied with a bright blush across his face, "Jeez whatever, you win don't rub it in!"
Raven looks toward Minato, surprised, "Can you do those things well…or did you experiment with them?"
"I can do all those things, and more. Nothing that they displayed here, not one thing, isn't out of the reach of someone who just puts in the work. Ahi, Tori, and his sister are my star pupils." Minato proclaimed before getting up clapping, with Vern and Hephaestus following suite.
Raven couldn't help, even as she took the recording secretly with her scroll, she found herself clapping as well.
Ozpin had arrived at Mistral City this morning and was gearing up to go to where his agents were. He felt his scroll vibrate. He opened it, seeing a video. Playing it, his mug fell from his hand. It was impossible, and it couldn't be! By the Brother Gods, it was right in front of him. He watched as the little orangenette girl from the video blew forth fire from her mouth.
Qrow, one of Ozpin's best agents, was getting knocked around by two kids. One using wings to fly, which shouldn't have been possible even as a winged faunus. Then there was the part he created clones, which wouldn't be too discomforting if he didn't seem to have full comfort fighting Qrow of all people.
Eventually he saw where Qrow started to take it seriously, but for small children, they were holding their own. He saw texts from Raven, saying that these kids took out an Ursa Major on their own. A beast that would give even some students in Beacon an issue, not an unsurmountable issue, but difficulty, nonetheless.
"This is either the miracle I've waited for, or the downfall of this world. If Salem knows about this, or finds out, and kidnaps one of those kids. She could turn them into weapons, or even get them to divulge their information." Ozpin hurried out of the hotel room, his armed escorts following him. "We're leaving immediately, when we can be there?"
"We will arrive tomorrow morning, sir."
"Good, this has to be dealt with immediately. What is the current situation with Leonardo, and Mistral's council?" He inquired from the soldier nearest to him.
"Sir, they're currently dealing with the fact that one of their transports came back without the soldiers. Supposedly one of their military officers forsook his duty and joined with this Taiyō Movement." The soldier explained as he walked with Ozpin, "I believe that this may be due to the recent riots in Mistral."
"The Faunus Riots, so is this Taiyō Movement a faunus sympathizer group?" Ozpin continued to inquire whilst turning a corner.
The solider shook his head, "No sir, they were formed reportedly six months ago. They've already cleared out most of the southern region of Anima of banditry groups."
"Impressive," The Headmaster of Beacon praised, "Have they been hostile to any civilian element?"
"Negative,"
"Then we're not dealing with a hostile group. Relay a message to Leonardo, that if the council wants to push, we will push back. If someone decided to form a group to combat threats, then they themselves should be considered boon not an issue." Ozpin growled at the incompetence of Mistral's current council, "I will push for an open investigation for any illegal activity within this council with Leonardo's backing."
"No need to ask about it, old friend!" A booming voice echoed through the hall, "You seem in a rush."
"Leonardo," Ozpin greeted the man, who stood tall.
Leonardo was a brown-eyed man with gray hair, he sported a small beard with matching lip hair. He walked with his uniform, a pocket watch tangling from chain inside of his right coat pocket. He walks up to Ozpin, grabbing his forearm as the Headmaster of Beacon did the same.
"We have much to talk about, my friend." Leonardo stated before walking with Ozpin, "I'm sure you're aware that Mistral's council is frothing at the mouth."
"I heard there was rumors that people are in open defiance of the government of the south. That's their story, from I'm gathering from my agents inside their camp, they're just a large group of people dedicated to training themselves against Grimm. It is something that we strive for here, Haven, and Beacon alike, correct?" Ozpin questioned with a smile.
"That we do, but I can see why they would be worried. Between the Faunus Riots, I feel for my brethren. It's made me take a step into politics more." The Headmaster of Haven stated before he and Ozpin turned another corner.
The Headmaster of Beacon took a deep breath, "Unfortunately our roles are always multifaceted."
"I would come with you, Ozpin, but unfortunately, I'm needed here. Safe travels my friend, I have to go to a meeting here soon with some White Fang representatives from Menagerie." Leonardo stated before checking the time, "It is the chieftain himself."
"Ghira Belladonna is here?" Ozpin asked in surprise, "Very dangerous, please tell me he didn't bring his wife with him."
"She didn't come with him, thankfully, rumor has it that she's with child." The Headmaster of Haven told him, "Could imagine the war path The White Fang would be on?"
"Full scale war," Ozpin reasoned while looking ahead, "Perfect opportunity for some people."
"Yes…perfect opportunity, indeed."
The next morning within the Taiyō Movement camp brought with it three new surprises. Surprise number one was a group of three dozen people, at first thought to be bandits, but in reality, were villagers from a nearby settlement. They came with goods, gifts, apparently, they were holding a festival nearby!
Bright and early, Minato was greeting new people. Though not really becoming members of Taiyō, they were kind and sweet with their gifts. Cakes, sweets, and treats all were given to the children. Pigs, and lamb meat were brought to the camp cooks. Who were preparing a feast for the event, since people all over were celebrating, why shouldn't they?
The second big surprise was also an auspicious one. Sabo, the soldier from Hephaestus group had led a patrol around the woods and came across a group of people. They had recently lost their small coastal village in a Grimm attack to the west. It took some convincing, offers of shelter and food, but they came along in due time.
The twenty plus mouths to feed would be welcomed by a feast here soon. Minato, meanwhile, found his time during this moment to file new census reports. Mostly using his clones and came the biggest surprise that two of those travelers were Hunters who had lost their home there as well. This normally wouldn't matter much, but they had heard about the movement from the grapevine.
Minato had a long discussion with them, demonstrating what made him separate from other groups. Without much convincing afterwards, the two agreed to join up. Which made things security wise much easier, but now it was becoming a question.
At what point was this camp going to be too small? They were nearing three-hundred and fifty people. Having a few medically trained people, and of course generators powered by electric dust for electricity. This still, could only last so long, and with half the year done. There were talks that either they would have to settle in a village somewhere, or completely move off the continent. Both tasks extremely difficult, even if they were backed by the government, and they were absolutely not endorsed.
The third surprise today came when another bullhead transport flew over them. Landing this time in a clearing away from the camp. Several soldiers, dressed from head to toe in different armor from the Mistralians. At first Hephaestus, and his solider rallied up. Arming themselves, with the militia getting ready.
Then with the soldiers, came a man wearing glasses. His silver hair flowing in the wind, his thin brown eyes scanning over the crowd. His coattails fluttering in the wind, while he slowly placed his cane down on the ground while taking a final step. Qrow and Raven walk toward him, each greeting him with curt nod of their head.
"Ozpin, welcome to The Taiyō Movement's camp." Qrow stated to his leader, "You were expected later on today."
"I got Raven's video and had to come here for myself as soon as I could." Ozpin replied before seeing a yellow-haired man standing near a large tent.
He wore navy blue sweatpants, with a navy-blue hoodie, it had a patch on the shoulders resembling a red swirl. A redheaded woman, who was heavily pregnant, stood next to him. Ozpin assumed, correctly so, that these two were the ones that led the movement. Raven and Qrow escorted him forward, both of them watching the camp followers.
"You must be him," the yellow-haired man greeted. "Ozpin, the Headmaster of Beacon?"
"That would be correct, and you must be Minato Namikaze, the famous bandit hunter I'm hearing in circles. Do you have time for us to talk?" He inquired while noting the blonde's smile, "You seem happy to meet me?"
"Well of course, Qrow speaks highly of you, Raven…eh." Minato replied before catching the side-eye of the female Brawen twin, "Come in here with me."
Kushina held the curtain of the tent open, revealing Vern, and Hephaestus. Kushina herself followed behind Raven and Qrow, who all took seats at the small table. Ozpin got comfortable, watching as his agents stood next to him. Tori came in with Ahi, serving tea to everyone, ceremoniously. Every bit of the action having been taught to them by Kushina herself.
Ozpin watches green tea was poured into his cup, served to him by Ahi. The girl smiles, nodding her head before she and Tori exited the tent to the left. Minato leaned forward, sipping the tea first, a clear indication that he was reassuring Ozpin that no tricks were in play. The cerulean-eyed man watches as the leader of the two hunters besides him drank the tea.
He hums in delight, "Interesting, is this by Sencha?"
"It is," Minato answered with a smile, "A gift from a village just south of us. They're holding a Summer Festival."
"Ahh, I see, regards to them for the excellent gift. I suppose that this standard practice?" Ozpin questioned while crossing his legs, "I think you already know that one my agents sent me information back."
Minato just chuckles at that with a smile, "I'd been disappointed that supposed political juggernaut didn't know what he was walking into."
"Expectations, everyone has them, but they rarely fulfill them. So, I need to talk to you about what I saw those children doing. What exactly is it?" Ozpin inquired before leaning forward, "Because let me tell you something, I find myself very curious to know."
"I have always been open with all newcomers here about what we do. It's called Ninjutsu, and it's from my world." Minato told Ozpin before taking another sip of his tea, "It's foolish to believe that once I taught someone that my secrets could remain such forever."
"Your world?"
"I come from a land, in a different place from this world. My wife and I were accidentally transported here because of one my experiments in Ninjutsu. This world, Ozpin-san, is quite a harsh one." The blonde answered before remembering, "Ah yes, you aren't aware what san is."
"Enlighten me, what does san mean at the end of my name?"
"It's honorific, a sign of mutual respect between people. There are several that hail from my land, but this one fits you since we're coming to talk in mutual standing." Minato explained before leaning forward himself, "With that said you're aware why I invited you here."
"I am, it's a travesty. Rest assured that I have someone on the inside working on it too. I don't share the same views as the Mistralian Council. You certainly are making a difference, and to keep you from doing so is a travesty in of itself besides this political assassination attempt." Ozpin stated before thinking for a moment, "I notice that you have hundreds of followers."
"Yes," Minato reaffirmed the comment, "I do. Every single one of them are my responsibility."
"Tell me about your world, please, I wish to know more If you would indulge me, it'll give me a sense of the man I'm working with." Ozpin requests while placing his hands together on the table.
"Working with, so we're partners?"
"Mr. Namikaze, when it comes to safety of Remnant, and her people. Despite what you've seen here in Mistral, I head over Vale. My country, and my continent, have seen record lows when it comes to these issues here in Mistral. I take the threat of Grimm, and those who are no more than animals, seriously." Ozpin explained to him, "If any man joins me in that cause, they're not a rival to me. I care little for political matters, if someone saves the world tomorrow, I'd be the first one to kiss their feet."
Minato nods at that, leaning back, "So nothing political concerns you?"
"Never has, never will, because at the end of the day. Human, faunus, and whatever you call yourself are all standing here in this camp united. Tell me, what greater good is there, than united people doing things out of unity? There isn't anything greater, because too many people seek individual means. You seem like that man who puts his people first, above all, and in your eyes, I see the willingness to put down your life if it means they get to see the next sunrise." The Headmaster of Beacon praised the younger man in front of him.
"I come from a world where politics has caused world wars, constant fighting. Even before the first official world war, there were wars before that, always over political intrigue. Clans, villages, countries, and entire peoples wiped off the map simply because others thought they deserved better. They thought that the lands would make them rich, and while it did, the same lands would come back under the threat of war." Minato took a deep breath, "My sensei coined a term for it…The Cycle OF Hatred."
"Interesting, your sensei must've been a wise man." Ozpin offered praise while looking right into Minato's eyes.
"Heh, knowing him he's probably been searching for me and Kushina since we came here. Who knows, one day he might find us. I'm not risking another teleportation like that. We were lucky to not have ended up on a world with one hundred times normal gravity. Let alone, a world with poisonous gasses. I believe should just count the eggs that have hatched," Minato replied before finishing his tea. "You can already see that my wife is pregnant, why would I ever want to risk the life of my child let alone my wife."
Ozpin looks toward Kushina, who was rubbing her protruding stomach. He smiles softly, "Do you know if it's a boy or girl yet?"
"We don't know, we are actually wanting it to be surprised. What about you, Ozpin-san, do you have children?" The Leader of The Taiyō inquired.
Ozpin thought about the question, and sighed, "Unfortunately that time came and past for me. I had four little girls, but fate would decide that they were too good for this world."
Kushina gasps a little at that, looking at him with saddened eyes, "I'm sorry to hear that."
"It was lifetimes ago, Mrs. Namikaze, their deaths needed avenging and I did. The Grimm took them, so I made it my mission to take the fight to them in my own way. I eventually got to become a leader, and ever since then I've had the privilege to train the next generations. All in he hopes that no more children have to suffer grisly ends before their time." Ozpin replied to her before looking back at Minato, "Tell me, what is the end goal for you?"
"An end goal, I suppose it's just to see a sunrise where my children know world of peace. Instead, I fear, that my children's children may still seek for that goal. My goal, with The Taiyō Movement is to teach Ninjutsu to those willing to learn." Minato told Ozpin, bringing his hands together on the table.
Ozpin nods his head, "A noble goal, but what if you have a person learn these arts to just turn around and use them for their own personal gain?"
"Then I will deal with them, I will visit upon them justice, and they will judge by their very own people. I have a zero-tolerance policy for the use of Ninjutsu to be used in malice." The blonde man stated before looking directly into Ozpin's eyes, "Anyone who uses Ninjutsu to harm innocent people…will be struck down by man hand, personally."
"I hope, for the sake of the stability of the other kingdoms, that you're up to the task if they day comes. Minato-san, thank you for enlightening me about yourself. Have you thought about going across the pond? I'm not saying Mistral is a failed project for you, but with the political backlash it might just be best to consider moving." Ozpin suggested while getting up from the table, "Perhaps settling into your own?"
"My own what exactly?"
"Very few lands are truly uncontrolled by any of the kingdoms," Ozpin got a piece of paper out. "Perhaps it would be best for you to consider this before winter falls."
"You're suggest that Minato-san form an independent state?" Vern questioned while standing up slowly, "If this gets out to Mistral, they'll see us as rebels."
"You are not rebels, but like it or not, you are a political threat to them. I fear not for you, Minato, but I fear for the life of your wife and unborn child. People involved in politics to the point of it being their life are absolutely looking for any means of elimination of their rivals. Take my advice, please, consider it."
Minato grabs the paper, looking at it, "What are these names?"
"A list of locations around Remnant for where it is possible for you to build. Minato, please, consider it. The last thing this world needs, above all things, is a war to break out. I know you're not the aggressor, but until this situation gets resolved you are at risk." Ozpin implored before looking toward Kushina, "I would be very happy to hear that you that your child was born healthy."
"I'll consider these, Ozpin-san, thank you for your time. I'll be holding a meeting next Sunday over them, if you are staying Mistral for the time, please live amongst us for a little while." Minato offered before shaking his hand, "You'll be welcomed with open arms."
"I do have some unspent vacation that has been long overdue…" Ozpin chuckled before smiling, "I accept that honor."
Qrow smiles brightly, "Alright then, let's go enjoy some festivities! C'mon sis, because who knows, you'll probably have a bun in the oven before the end of this year!"
"Qrow!" Raven yelled out to her retreating brother.
Ozpin just laughs a little bit, and then turns to back to Minato, "I suppose we should all get some food in us?"
"Yes, let us go, and enjoy the celebrations."
Those Who Endure!
A skyboat was floating across the lands of Anima, over the kingdom of Mistral. This large machine, powered by electric dust, and held up with gravity dust engines floated slowly across the sky. However, just below them in the forest floor, groups of people were gathering. Led by a man with a scar over his eye, he saw his men and women loading weaponry in the back of halftrack vehicles.
"Colonel," A woman greeted the man, "Our supporters are ready. Those filthy faunus will not take this lying down, but today we secure a victory for humanity. That bastard spent a whole week on our dime, in our beautiful city no less."
"Indeed, Lys, we secure a victory. However, I want Ghira Belladonna alive." The Colonel ordered softly as he saw the halftracks take aim with their missile systems. "I was concerned when Ozpin came to Mistral, but luckily he's been too tied up at that camp of Faunus lovers called The Taiyō Movement."
"What about our fellow humans, sir?" Lys inquired from her commanding officer, "Once we do this, there's a chance that Mistral will take action against us."
"Please, the council is anti-faunus right now. We don't have to worry about a thing, so long that assassin we sent kills Leonardo like planned." He continued before holding up his hand, "Let this be a clear message to those filthy freaks, that Humanity First, means that they'll always be under our boots."
When he slams his hand down, missiles launched. Flying straight at the skyboat, they impacted the engines, and loud alarm noise filled the air around them. He chuckles, watching as it all fell down. If Ghira Belladonna survived, then he would personally capture him, and then a little video would be made.
If they didn't get the man to talk, then surely a little visit to his house Kuo Kuana would get him crying. After all, his insiders have told that the freak's mate was bearing a child. Too easy for him, the colonel then received a call over his scroll.
"Colonel Arnold, Leonardo survived the attempt, and captured our agent! Mistral's council is in uproar, and Councilman Eis has been arrested on conspiracy!"
Arnold was confused on how this could've been possible, but just shook it off. No matter, he boarded the halftrack that drove toward the crashed ship. It took half an hour, but when they arrived at the mangled mess, his soldiers were making sure that any survivors were rounded up. Any Faunus survivor was beaten first, secured in chains, like they all should've remained in.
He heard a loud roar, followed by two of his men getting thrown out of the wreckage. Ghira Belladonna charges through two more, getting his people free from the chains. Colonel Arnold never met the man personally but was mildly impressed at his vigor and size!
"Go!" Ghira screamed out as shots from a rifle hit, bouncing off his purple aura.
An animalistic roar emerged from him as he used his claws to slash open armor from his soldiers, throwing them across the field. Retreating faunus were shot at, some of them picking up rifles to shoot back! This was not going to according to plan. Ghira roars out while tipping over a halftrack, using it as cover for more of the people of the ship.
Lys prepared a syringe, inserting it into a handgun. She casually walks up to the tip over halftrack, covering the gun in some type of energy. Ghira comes around the corner, swinging a bearing he ripped off the vehicle. Lys's blonde hair waves in her face in her face as he backed up, dodging the strike. She aimed, and fired, hitting Ghira right in the stomach. She watches as the plunger poured the drugs into his system.
He went numb, his eyes dilating before falling froward, crashing down! He watches as more of his people ran into the woods, and head south. He closes his eyes, a single tear escaping them as the fear of the nightmare he had always came true. His wife, his beautiful wife, and their future child was going to grow up without him.
He took a deep breath, the drugs taking their full effect, and closes his eyes.
"K-Kali…"
Author's Note!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We just ended this year off with a bang! What's going to happen next, stay tuned and find out! Be safe, go drink, but don't drive you baka! I'm going to go spend time with my family, and you all should too!
Happy 2023 everyone, let's hope this is the third round of total…you know what, nope, I'm not putting that evil out there.
Thank You All For A Hell Of A 2022!
Blazeraptor54!