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Naruto Notes:

RWBY Notes: Team CFVE (Coffee) is part of Beacon. They're juniors. Vytal is on the east side of Vale.

Notes: This story is still ongoing. I

intentionally let this story sit there to gather reviews and favorites. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. Remember to leave a review. Please read an FF called Remember Us. I wrote it, and it's about remembering all the shinobi who fought and died in the shinobi wars.

Chapter 9: Flames of War

Beacon Academy, Training Room

A majority of Beacon Academy got to watch Ren beat the tar out of Yang. The students winced whenever Yang would take a particularly nasty blow. They understood her feelings but knew that challenging an Akatsuki member was foolish. Eventually, Yang was carried out on a stretcher because she refused to quit.

Ruby frowned. "Why does Yang refuse to stop looking for trouble?"

The Ice Queen sighed. "Because she feels betrayed and wants revenge."

Blake nodded. "And you don't?"

"Of course I do! But I also don't have a death wish. I just hope she doesn't get herself or others killed."

Ruby picked up her prized weapon. "I'm going to challenge Itachi."

Weiss spit her drink out. "Are you crazy! If you're lucky, he'll kill you! Itachi Uchiha is not known for leaving recoverable survivors."

"I know. But I want to know why Itachi said what he said."

Jaune caught the tail end of that conversation. "Who said what to whom?"

Ruby filled him in. "Ozpin requested reinforcements. We don't know why, but he did. Itachi, Kisame, Ren, and Nora are what he got." Ruby, recognizing that Jeane is the more tactically inclined, asked an important question. "Why would Ozpin ask the Akatsuki for help?"

This threw Jeane for a loop. And the more he thought about it, the more he hoped he was wrong. "Ruby…the only reason Ozpin needs people that powerful is if he's going to war."

"Why would we go to war? The kingdoms have been at peace for over a century."

Ren startled them with his interruption. "Because Vale's relationships with the other kingdoms are rapidly deteriorating. Vacuo will soon be history, and Mistral will choose the winning team. At least one kingdom won't survive this war."

Weiss glared at them. "You would know something about destroying kingdoms."

"Not personally."

"So you don't deny that the Akatsuki conquered half of Vacuo?"

"I never said we did."

"Why do you want to burn the kingdoms to the ground?"

"For my country, for my family, for world peace. Everyone in the Akatsuki and Hidden Dawn has their reasons." He walked away after that. "The flames of war will consume everything you know. I suggest you run as far away from the four kingdoms as possible. Hidden Dawn will be accepting refugees in the coming days."

His speech left them in awe. But Ren said something that bothered them. If the Akatsuki were so evil, why would they accept refugees? They stopped thinking about it. Out of sight, out of mind, after all.

US: CH9

Akatsuki tower, meeting room, the next day

Every Akataski member could see the war map, even through their rings. The map showed battle plans and current events. It was holographic, so it was 3D, making it much easier to visualize their battle plans.

Nagato moved the war pieces representing the army and artillery. "Vacuo was neutered after their failed assault on Vale and Dawn Country. Our spies report that the people are starving."

Haku thought about her boss's words. "That makes our job easier. If we assassinate their current leaders and install puppets, we can perform an almost bloodless coup."

"And make the Akatsuki and Dawn Country appear merciful. It could work. Zabuza and Haku, that's your job. Get it done before Atlas. Vacuo will be a battlefield, and we must control it to win."

Zabuza and Haku nodded and left the meeting.

Itachi nodded. "What should Ozpin do?"

Nagato put Itachi's, Kisame's, Ren's, and Nora's chess pieces in front of Beacon Academy. "Ozpin will not launch a preemptive strike on Atlas, which is why you, Kisame, Ren, and Nora are guarding Beacon."

"What about the students?"

"You four will have a difficult time defending Beacon Academy alone. Ozpin will likely send his best students to help you. Do your best to make him feel better about it."

"Understood."

"Dismissed."

The City of Vacuo, one week later. 2:00 AM

Zabuza and Haku grew frustrated with their environment. They killed seven people in three hours because they wouldn't leave them alone. Their Akatsuki cloaks would be a good deterrent, but they weren't officially here.

Zabuza growled as he beheaded another scumbag. "This city is full of the scummy and the desperate."

"Now, now. We can't leave a trail of bodies yet. Only the Akatsuki are known for that." They walked up to the Capitol Building. It looked far better than the other buildings in the city. "Only the best for the rich and corrupt."

"Corruption can burn a nation faster than any fire jutsu."

"Indeed." Their disguises helped them blend in. They were dressed in rags and a hidden dagger." His sword was hidden in a sealing tattoo on his wrist. It made for quite a surprise for whatever idiot decided to take advantage of them. "Shall we knock?"

"No. This is a bloodless coup, not a revolution. We start on the roof and work our way down."

The building was four stories tall and porcelain white. It had gardens and pools that made it look even more expensive. A capital building worthy of a great kingdom. Not a broken and corrupted one like Vacuo. It was guarded around the clock, so it didn't matter what time they attacked. 2:00 PM, 2:00 AM, no difference. When they made it to the roof, they knocked the guards unconscious. The more soldiers Vacuo has after this, the better. The top floor was nothing but windows and lounge rooms. It was also unguarded. The problem is security cameras. Once they destroy them, the clock starts ticking. First, they'll send an IT guy. After that, they'll send troops. Troops that will take time to kill. That's time they don't have. They moved as fast as they could to the next floor. 'Meeting rooms. Shit!' And the next one. 'Offices and dorms. Maybe this one?'' They were right. This floor contained the sleeping and working rooms for every high-ranking official in the kingdom. They went into each room, killing their targets with ruthless efficiency. Sometimes, they would find children of all ages in bed and free them by killing their rapist.

The alarm went off after they finished killing their last target. Zabuza smirked. "That's our cue to leave." They body-flickered out and told Nagato the good news.

Beacon Academy student lounge, three days later

The whole student body was glued to the TV. Lisa Lavender was reporting the assassination of Vacuo's leaders, including King Rash. "Lisa Lavender, live in Vacuo's Capitol building, also known as Vacuo Palace. Seventy-two hours ago, at about 2:00 AM, Vacuo's king, generals, and other high-ranking officials were assassinated. The guard captain is currently the highest-ranking person in the kingdom." She turned to the guard captain. "Guard Captain Cullen, what's you're opinion about all this?"

The guard captain smiled. "I have mixed feelings. I couldn't be happier that our corrupt leaders are dead. However, trying to run a kingdom that has so little has been a challenge. I haven't slept in two days."

"Will you ask for help?"

"Definitely."

"Who?"

"Unknown. I'm still weighing the pros and cons of my options."

Lisa took the mic away from him. "This is Lisa Lavendar, signing off."

A dumb commercial about fire dust played, but the students didn't hear it. They were too focused on what this meant for the rest of the world. Jaune explained. "Vacuo is sandwiched between hostile foreign powers. Vacuo doesn't have the bones to withstand another failure."

A junior nodded, coming to the same conclusion. "And it doesn't matter who Vacuo approaches for help. Vale is too far away, and doing so will be seen as a hostile act by Atlas. Atlas and Dawn Country will annex them in exchange for humanitarian aid, and Mistral doesn't care."

Jaune nodded. "If the Akatsuki annexed Vacuo, Atlas would invade. And Vale would sit back and watch the chaos unfold."

Ozpin made himself and the staff's presence known. "And bolster our forces while Atlas and Dawn Country fight in a petty grudge match."

The students saw Ozpin in formal robes and bowed. A senior student slowly rose. "Apologies, Lord Ozpin. We didn't hear you come in."

Ozpin smiled. "While I'm happy to have your respect, you need not bow to me. Beacon Academy is not the Royal Palace. I just felt like wearing these robes today."

"Thank you, sir."

"Of course. I need Ruby, Blake, Weiss, Pyrrha, Jaune, and Team CFVE to come to my office."

Yang glared at Ozpin. "Why not me? Aren't I part of Team RWBY?"

"Yes, you are. But you are also too rash and prone to violence with people you don't like. I understand your feelings, but I cannot have someone like that in my office right now. Good day, Ms. Xiao Long."

Yang huffed and sat down. Even she knew that attacking Ozpin could lead to execution.

Ruby led the students to Ozpin's office while staying behind the King of Vale himself. "Sir? What's going on?"

Ozpin sighed. "You'll see soon."

"Ok." Ruby noticed Itachi, Kisame, Ren, and Nora standing in a corner. She wasn't that naive, Especially after the White Fang incident. "Sir? Why are the Akatsuki here?"

The King of Vale sighed. "I'll be honest. I am asking, but not ordering you to fight on the front lines in the upcoming war. You will fight alongside the Akatsuki at Vale's northern border until victory or retreat. Do you understand?"

Jaune closed his eyes. "Yes, sir. Vale's army isn't as strong as it used to be. And most of the people who join are criminals who chose service over jail. So you picked us, some of the best and brightest trainees in the last ten years. So you can create a team of highly trained killers."

A sad smile appeared on Ozpin's face. "You always were the smartest in your year. Do you accept?"

"I do. I always knew it was either the huntsmen or the service for me."

"Good man. Pyrrha?"

Pyrrha shifted on her feet and looked at the floor. 'My parents will never forgive me if I say yes.' She felt terrified. Yet, this also felt like a golden opportunity to escape her gilded prison. "As do I."

"Thank you, Ms. Nikkos. You are giving me and this kingdom more than you know."

Ren looked her in the eyes. "Are you sure? War isn't like a tournament where you play to knockout or aura-drain. In war, you play for keeps."

The Invincible Girl nodded. "Yes, I am."

Ozpin nodded. "Go talk to Glynda. She'll give you the needed paperwork." He looked at Teams RWB and CFVE. "And the rest of you?"

Coco Adell stepped forward. "Lord Ozpin, Team CFVE accepts your gracious offer." She was usually laxer, but she was talking to Lord Ozpin, not Headmaster Ozpin.

"Thank you. And the rest of you?"

Ruby was frozen. Ozpin was asking her to go to war, to kill. That was something she couldn't fathom. "Team RWB declines. We're not ready for war."

"I understand. You can go now. Team CFVE, please stay."

Coco sighed. 'No turning back now.'

Ozpin stood up. "You will go to Vale's northern outpost near Atlas. You must be aware of your surroundings at all times. We are on the brink of a second Great War, and that outpost is all that stands between us and a surprise attack. Do not hesitate to kill your enemies because they will not. Any questions?"

"No, sir."

"Dismissed." Ozpin put his head in his hands. "They're just kids…"

Ren simply shrugged. "As are we. But we have done far worse for less and more."

"And that makes it better?"

"No, it doesn't. But those kids are better than some professional hunters and huntresses. They'll hold the line."

"That's part of what I'm afraid of."

US: CH9

The Vacuo Palace, three weeks later

Three weeks after sending Team CFVE on their first mission as soldiers and hunters, the leader of the Akatsuki arranged a meeting with the "leader" of Vacuo. Or at least what's left of it. He knew that Vacuo would belong to Dawn today. All he had to do was make the right offer. It allows them autonomy while under their rule, which Cullen is more likely to accept. It lets Vacuo recover and helps the world see that the Akatsuki and Dawn Country are not the enemy.

Guard Captain Cullen sipped his tea that the Akatsuki brought. He knew how this was going to end. His kingdom would be under the total control of another, and he would have no choice but to submit. He had no desire to rule Vacuo in any way, shape, or form. But he wanted Vacuo to keep its sovereignty. "I understand we are in a position to make demands, but is there any way that Vacuo can remain a sovereign power?"

Nagato smiled kindly. "Vacuo doesn't have the infrastructure to remain as is. If you become a state of Dawn Country, we will give you the resources to restore the remains of your kingdom. Do we have a deal?"

Cullen closed his eyes. 'Damned if I do, damned if I don't. At least the people won't go hungry tonight.' "I accept. Vacuo will become a state of Dawn Country. Our remaining resources are yours to use as well."

Nagato nodded. "You made a great choice. Humanitarian aid will arrive in a few hours."

He was telling the truth. Six cargo planes arrived with food, water, and other forms of humanitarian aid. They passed out MREs and dehydrated meals to the people and executed any remaining corrupt officials. These acts of mercy were recorded and posted on GrimmTube and other social media platforms. It caused a lot of controversies. Many were angry that the Akatsuki controlled 25% of the known world. Others didn't care that there was one less kingdom. It made some people happy to see the poor and unfortunate receive the help they deserve. So what if it came from a shady organization with questionable goals?

Lord Ozpin's Office, Council Meeting

A fat councilman raged on and on about the injustice of Vacuo's annexment. "This cannot be allowed to stand! How do we know we're not next on the chopping block?!"

Ozpin brushed him off. He had no time for fat, squabbling politicians. Their job is to advise, not rule. "Councilman Everett, control yourself. You only care about this because your contacts in Vacuo were killed for treason. Do not think I won't do the same if I find evidence."

He gulped nervously. "Yes, Lord Ozpin."

"Dawn Country is of no threat to us. They have expressed no desire to attack and hardly said a word to us. They have no troops on the border besides guards and will be too busy with Atlas when Ironwood makes his undoubtedly foolish invasion."

Councilman Bush nodded. "I agree. Dawn Country does not have the manpower to fight a war on two fronts with Atlas and Vale. However, the Akatsuki worry me. They claim to fight for world peace but are trying to start the next Great War. Why?"

Ozpin nodded. "Because they believe this world is like a broken bone. It must break again so that it can reset." He turned to his general, General Dobson. "Has Atlas made any moves?"

"Yes. Atlas has two squads of SOUs (Special Operations Units) at their southern outpost near our border. Their intentions are obviously hostile."

Ozpin began to develop a plan. 'I can't stop the war from coming to my kingdom, so I might as well invite it. Stationing Ren and Nora and openly declaring an alliance with the Akatsuki will make them attack one of us.' "I have a plan for that. Give me a few days to make it happen."

"And what is it?"

"You'll see soon. I don't have everything ready yet."

He dismissed them and closed his eyes. 'Nagato…What do you want? Are you trying to unite the kingdoms against Salem? If so, this is not how I imagined it would go.' But it would be ideal. There wouldn't be any politics about who landed the killing blow or who contributed the most.

US: CH9

The next day, 4:00 PM

Ozpin normally wasn't this nervous. When you've been alive for over a thousand years, your wisdom usually surpasses everyone around you. But Vale's situation wasn't like that. In the first Great War, Ozpin paced a trench in his "office," trying to find a way to stop the inevitable. Countless scenarios and solutions entered Ozpin's head. Of course, none of them were good ones. The King of Vale sipped his coffee and dialed the Akatsuki's private phone number.

A secretary answered. "Hello, my name is Evelyn Coleson of Dawn County's foreign relations. How may I help you?"

"Hi, it's the King of Vale, Lord Ozpin. I would like to speak with Hidden Dawn's leader."

"Ok. Nagato will be with you shortly. Would you like for this to be a video call?"

"Yes, please."

"Ok, thank you. Please hold until he answers your call."

"Yes, thank you."

Ozpin made sure his robes were kosher and smooth. The 64" UHD TV showed Nagato's face. "Lord Nagato. Thank you for answering my call."

Nagato nodded. "I understand you wish you negotiate?"

Ozpin nodded. "I wish to make a deal?"

Nagato raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."

"The Kingdom of Vale wishes to sign a mutual offense and defense treaty."

Only Nagato's shinobi training allowed him to keep his expression blank. 'I didn't know he had it in him.' "I see. You know you can't do anything to prevent war, so you invite it. By signing a mutual offense and defense treaty, You think Ironwood will make a rash decision that destroys his kingdom."

Ozpin nodded. "Correct."

"We accept your offer. Do we discuss details now or later?"

"Now, please."

The conversation lasted another three hours.

Sorry, this took so long. And I'm sorry the chapter is so short. The next one will be longer. Remember to leave a review.