Chapter 18 is here, ok so address somethings. I only been hinting at Robin's infatuation with Jaune since like chapter 8 with the comment saying he was like a dashing knight. Then the subsequent chapters, as for Akeno that's mostly my fault, I won't explain to what happen to her, but will be explained. I know this one took over 2 months apologies, I have a very heavy ADHD so my focus on things not the greatest and I tend to get real bad writers block on how I write chapters. Fortunately this didn't take me 2 years to write like, chapter 10. Anyway enough rambling onto the chapter.
Disclaimer* I do not own either RWBY or Naruto. RWBY Belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum and Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto. Please Support the Official release
"Talk"
'Thought'
"Comms"
The Sun and the Moon
Chapter 18: On the Victor's Path
"They were here..." Ironwood said raising his voice. "Ozpin, they were here!"
Ironwood angrily slams his fist against Ozpin's desk as Glynda looks in annoyance. "We're very much aware of that! Thank you, James."
"Fantastic! You're aware! Now are we going to do something about it or should we just stay the course and continue to ignore what's right in front of us?!" Ironwood said glaring at the platinum blond.
An alert sound plays, signifying that someone has arrived on the elevator.
"Come in." Ozpin said as Ruby steps out and into the room.
"Sorry it took so long. Someone accidentally hit all the buttons on the elevator on the way up here." Ruby said before pausing before quickly explaining herself. "It wasn't me."
"Thank you for coming, Ruby. How are you feeling?" Ozpin asked looking to the young team leader.
"Okay, I guess. I'd feel better if my bad-guy-catching record wasn't O-for-three." Ruby joked as Everyone stares at her silently. "Okay, so that's the tone we're going for, got it."
"Ruby, I feel it's appropriate to let you know that I think what you did last night is exactly what being a Huntress is all about. You recognized a threat. You took action. And you did the very best you could." Ironwood said as Ruby looked at him.
"Thank you, sir." Ruby said.
"Now, the general here has already informed us of the events that... transpired last night, but now that you've rested, we were wondering if you had anything to add." Ozpin said as footage of the fight appears on a monitor.
"Was anyone else with her? Did she look familiar to you at all?" Glynda asked looking to Ruby.
"I... I don't know. She was wearing a mask, and she never said anything to me at least. But I know she fought with glass. I don't think that was her Semblance, though. Her clothing lit up whenever she attacked." Ruby said before looking to the three adults. "There was Blake's broth- I mean the hooded Organization Guy."
"Save for the glass, that sounds like the woman I fought the night we met Ruby." Glynda said not catching Ruby's slip up. "Then there is the Member of Organization XIII as well. Not the first time he has made an appearance."
" So We got a man in a Black Coat that never showed his face and embedding Dust into clothing is an age-old technique. It could have been anyone." Ironwood said in frustration.
"Wait. You think this girl is connected to Torchwick and the White Fang?" Ruby asked in surprise.
"It's possible. But we still lack the required evidence to link the two together." Ozpin said getting up and looking out the window. "And as well as this Organization XIII."
"Actually, I... I think I remember her saying something about a hideout, or something, in the southeast. Just outside the Kingdom." Ruby said out loud gaining everyone's attention.
"Interesting."
"I thought you said the intruder never—" Glynda began before she was interrupted by Ozpin.
"Thank you for your cooperation, Ruby. Why don't you go and spend some time with your team? You have a big day ahead of you." Ozpin said with a knowing smile.
Ruby then turned to leave. "Any time."
"And Miss Rose, please try and be ... discreet about this matter." Ozpin said as Ruby steps into the Elevator.
"Yes sir." Ruby said as the elevator doors close.
Ruby walks up to door to Team RWBY's dorm room and opens it, revealing Yang, Blake, and Weiss inside. The three then zoom over to Ruby.
"What happened?" Yang asked as the 3 girls stare at Ruby.
"Uh... well, um... " Ruby began as she start laughing nervously.
"Well there we have it. We send as many troops as we can to the southeast, find out exactly what's going on, and eradicate any forces that stand in our way." Ironwood said sternly.
Glynda then growls in frustration. "Why must your answer to everything involve a triumphant display of military bravado!? You treat every situation like it's a contest of measuring di—!"
"Glynda!" Ozpin yelled sharply cutting her off.
"Well, he does."
"She's right. As much as I too would love to end this situation once and for all, we must remember that this may go beyond Vale. Beyond Beacon. And if this truly is part of some master plan for which we know not the final move, we mustn't be so bold. Nor can we risk the spread of panic." Ozpin said as Jiraya walked into the room.
Ironwood then glared at Ozpin. "I have served you faithfully for years... but if you mean to tell me that your plan is to really hold the defenses, and wait—!"
Ozpin abruptly stands from his chair, but it's Jiraya who speaks up. "It is not! You're a general, James. So tell me, when you prepare to go to war, which do you send in first? The flag bearers, or the scouts?"
"That was a risky move." Weiss said with a sigh.
Blake shook her head then proceeds to give a small smile. "No, I think you handled it well."
"I hope so." Ruby said somberly.
"I'm sure everything will be alright, Ruby. Oh, I know what will cheer you up!" Yang said as she produces a cylindrical package the length of her forearm.
"What's that?" Ruby asked.
"I don't know yet. Dad sent it to us. I thought we could open it together!" Yang said with a shrug.
"Ooooh! Something from home!" Ruby cried out from excitement as she zooms over to Yang and wraps herself around her sister, trying to take the cylinder from her. The package opens, and another cylinder, hairy and black, falls out onto the floor and starts to shake. The object suddenly transforms into a corgi. Team RWBY leans in, staring at it. The animal barks twice. While Weiss and Blake continue to react with great shock, Ruby and Yang react excitedly, with Ruby jumping in the air.
"Zwei!" Ruby cried hugging the corgi.
"He sent a dog?" Blake asked still in shock.
Weiss then followed up equally shocked. "In the mail?"
"Oh, he does stuff like this all the time!" Yang said as Blake disappears, now on Ruby's bunk.
Blake then narrows her eyes. "Your father or your dog?"
"Are you telling me that this mangy... drooling... mutt is going to wiv wif us foweva? Oh, yes he is, yes he is! Oh, isn't he adorable!" Weiss began as she instantly loses her composure.
"Please keep it away from my belongings."
Glynda then comes over the intercom. "Would all first-year students please report to the amphitheater?"
"Well, we can't exactly leave him here while we're gone for the week." Weiss said as Ruby sets Zwei down and he walks over to Blake still on the top bunk, and barks.
"Look, there's a letter!" Yang said as Zwei arrives in front of Yang" "Dear girls, I've got to leave the island for a few days, so I'm sending Zwei to you to take care of. Enclosed is all the food you should need. Love you both, Taiyang."
Dozens of cans of dog food spill out of the small package, piling up around Zwei.
"What is he supposed to do with that?" Weiss asked as a can opener falls from the package, bouncing off Zwei's head.
"Well, that settles it! Come on girls, Zwei will be here when we get back!" Yang said before she set the letter back down she noticed more writing on the back. "Huh? P.S. Please tell Naruto sorry ahead of time?"
"What does he mean by that, Yang?" Blake as suddenly they were shook by a yell.
"That Fucking Bastard!" Naruto yelled out from the hall.
"Oh, I'll miss you so much, we're going to be best friends, I can't wait to see you." Weiss says to Zwei as she leaves her speech deteriorates into incomprehensible baby talk.
Meanwhile, Blake jumps down from Ruby's bunk and jumps across the table, avoiding Zwei to see what is going on with Naruto.
Ruby stares at Zwei for a moment, before smiling sneakily.
The other three member comes up to the door of team SNRS as they see Sakura, Sasuke standing outside the door.
"Hey what is going on?" Blake asked raising an eyebrow.
"It's better if you just go in..." Sasuke said simply as three girls look to one another and step into the dorm. As they enter they are surprised by the sight of Robin trying to comfort Naruto. Then the three notice that Akeno is sitting on the bed in a new outfit she is wearing a grey, zippered shirt under a black vest, and a studded belt around her black skirt. She has a red belt wrapped around her left arm, and two around her ankles. She wears black boots and knee-high stockings.
"Akeno!?" Blake said as Akeno eye's widen as she jumps off the beg and runs up and gives Blake a hug which she gladly returns. "What are you doing here. I thought you were going to be with your grandfather..."
"Apparently, where he is going he can't bring her with him so she now staying with me, and Ozpin approved it for some reason." Naruto said with a growl his aura flaring slightly.
Blake looked shocked for a second then looked to her daughter. "Did you have fun with your Grandpa, Akeno?"
"Yeah I did. Grandpa Tai was super fun and he taught me some fighting moves." Akeno said with a smile.
"Well, that's great to hear." Blake said before noticing something. "Akeno, you look older now."
Akeno tilting her slightly and everyone looked at the young girl and was surprised by the fact before she looked 10 years old before she now looked as if she was 12 now.
"Maybe, this is just a residual effect from the cloning process."
"Yeah, maybe..." Blake said giving Naruto a look that Robin picked up on.
"Hey Akeno, why don't we go and say hi to your Aunt Ruby." Robin said as she pulls Akeno away who simply nodded as leaving behind Naruto and Blake as the two look at each other.
"What are we gonna do?" Naruto said breaking the silence between the two.
"I don't know, she needs to be with us, can you take her with you on the mission your teams chooses?" Blake asked as Naruto gave her a hard look.
"You know I can't, Blake." Naruto said ruffling his hand through his hair. "Where my team is going is no place for a, I guess 12 year old to be. Can't she go with you?"
"No, Cause where we are planning on going after Torchwick." Blake said catching Naruto by surprise.
"Wait hold on why are you going after Torchwick and the White Fang?" Naruto said as narrowed his eye's.
"Naruto, we need to figure out what they are up to they need to stop..."
"Damn it Blake... This is the Docks all over again!" Naruto said as his frustration was palpable as he paced the room, his aura pulsating with agitation.
"No it won't." Blake began before she was cut off by Naruto.
"Yes it will... You have become obsessive over this, shit with the White Fang ever since the Docks and when you decided to look for answers." Naruto continued and he then points to the door. "We have to worry about Akeno, now especially since her ass of a grandfather off doing who knows what."
"May I make a suggestion?" A voice called out as the pair turned to the window to see Jiraya sitting on the window still.
"Pervy Sage?" Naruto said his eye's narrowing.
"There's a easy fix to this issue." Jiraya said keeping his composure.
"And what would that be." Blake asked curiously.
"Easy I'll watch over her." Jiraya said with a slight smirk as he narrowly dodges a punch from Naruto.
"Are you fucking insane?" Naruto yelled out continuing to try and hit the older man.
Jiraiya, effortlessly evading another of Naruto's swings, let out a chuckle, his eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and wisdom. "Now, now, Naruto. You of all people should know I wouldn't offer if I didn't have a reason."
"Your going with Me and my team to a place you said Grimm avoid!" Naruto said as he continues as he continues to try to hit Jiraiya.
Jiraiya, with his characteristic agility, continued to sidestep Naruto's increasingly frustrated attempts to land a hit, his laughter filling the room with a lightness that contrasted sharply with the tension of the moment. "Exactly, Naruto! That's precisely why I'm the perfect candidate to watch over her. Where your team is headed, Grimm may avoid, so it will easier if she was with us, don't you think?"
Naruto, pausing mid-swing, furrowed his brows, the gears turning in his head. The realization dawned slowly but visibly, his aggressive stance softening. "Wait, so you're saying... You'll keep her safe the entire time?"
"Indeed," Jiraiya affirmed, straightening his posture as he finally saw an opportunity to explain without the need to dodge punches. "It's a strategic position. She'll be close enough for you to know she's safe, yet far enough to not be in any direct danger."
Naruto exhaled slowly, the fight draining out of him as he considered the proposition. His gaze shifted between Jiraiya and Blake, seeking any hint of doubt, but finding none. "Alright... But I swear, if anything happens to her, it's on you, Pervy Sage. And you're gonna make sure she stays out of any actual fight, right?"
Jiraiya's smile broadened, a gleam of pride in his eyes. "Of course, Naruto. I'll guard her with my life, and she won't be anywhere near a fight. You have my word as a Huntsman and as your godfather."
Naruto, finally appeased, nodded, the tightness in his expression easing. "Okay, Pervy Sage. I'm trusting you with this. Just... make sure that she stays safe."
Blake, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up, "I think this might actually work. Akeno will be in good hands, and we can focus on our missions without worrying every second."
Jiraiya nodded solemnly, the playful glint in his eyes replaced by a more serious, determined look. "I'll take this responsibility seriously. Akeno will learn a lot, and I'll make sure she's prepared for anything—without stepping into direct danger."
Jiraiya then hops out the window as the couple look down see that he disappeared.
"Blake..." Naruto began causing her took at him with worry as she saw a whirlwind of emotions come from him. "Just be safe ok..."
"I will." Blake said as she grasps his hands causing him to look at her.
The Pair look at each other as they go in to kiss before Sasuke barged in. "Naruto it's time to go.."
"Heh, I guess to be continued." Blake said with a slight laugh as the pair walked out of the room with their hands interlocked.
Axel walked through the halls of Castle Oblivion as he came up to Larxene and another Member who had shoulder-length and rose pink hair with ruffles and blue eyes.
"Oh Axel, you finally arrived." The member said with a slight smirk.
"Yeah, well Marluxia I got lost on the road of life." Axel said sarcastically.
Axel's quip, a clever nod to getting caught up in distractions, brought a moment of levity to the otherwise tense atmosphere of Castle Oblivion. Marluxia, the member with shoulder-length rose pink hair, offered Axel a thin smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. It was a smile of amusement mixed with calculation, typical of Marluxia's complex character. Larxene, ever the embodiment of sharp wit and sharper blades, rolled her eyes at Axel's remark, her scoff echoing slightly in the vast, empty corridors of the castle.
"Lost on the road of life, huh?" Marluxia mused, his voice smooth yet carrying an undercurrent of something more sinister. "I hope you found your way here because we have much to discuss, Axel. Our plans for the castle cannot be delayed."
Larxene interjected before Axel could respond, her tone laced with impatience. "Enough with the chit-chat. Axel, you know why you're here. Don't tell me you've forgotten our objective?"
Axel, unfazed by the sharpness in Larxene's voice, crossed his arms and leaned back slightly. "Of course not," he replied, his voice cool and composed. "I'm fully aware of our 'objectives' here. Just making sure we're all on the same page, Larxene."
"Zexion is helping Vexen in his lab." Marluxia said gaining Axel's attention. "And Lexaeus seems to be patrolling the castle.
"And that leaves us here, with a perfect opportunity." Larxene said with a smirk.
The air between the trio charged with a palpable tension, an undercurrent of excitement and danger swirling around them. Axel's eyes narrowed slightly, the gears in his mind turning as he processed Marluxia's and Larxene's words. The absence of Zexion and Lexaeus from the immediate picture presented a unique situation, one that could either advance their schemes or complicate them further.
"An opportunity, you say?" Axel's voice was tinged with intrigue. He unfolded his arms and took a step closer, the light from the castle's peculiarly glowing walls casting shifting shadows across his face. "Sounds like you've got something specific in mind, Larxene. What would that be?"
"Not what, but who." Marluxia said as he stands aside to for Axel to see a young girl about 14 with medium long blonde hair, which draping over her shoulder, blue eyes and wearing a plain, white, lace dress and light blue sandals with yellow starred emblems as she sketches in a sketch book.
Ruby is wearing a large backpack as she enters the auditorium with other students. She then puts it down next to other students luggage before rejoining her team, who are standing in front of Team JNPR and the Members of team SNRS with Akeno standing by Naruto.
"Quiet! Quiet please. Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin." Glynda says as she gestures to Ozpin as he steps forward.
"Today we stand together, united. Mistral. Atlas. Vacuo. Vale. The four Kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly eighty years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed, and of oppression. A war that was about much more than where borders fell or who traded with whom, but about the very idea of individualism itself. We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the destruction of all forms of art and self-expression. And as you are well aware, that was something many could not stand for. As a result, those who opposed this tyranny began naming their children after one of the core aspects of art itself: color. It was their way to demonstrate that not only would they refuse to tolerate this oppression, but neither were the generations to come. And it was a trend that is held to this very day. We encourage individuality, expressionism, and unity through diversity. As I have said, today we stand together, united. But this bond cannot exist without effort. Which is why today, while the rest of the world celebrates peace, Huntsmen and Huntresses will work to uphold it. As first year students, you will be tasked with shadowing a professional Huntsman or Huntress on a mission. Some of you may be taken out of the Kingdom for several days. Others may work within the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training, and remember to do your very best." Ozpin said as he steps away as the students all begin to file out of the amphitheater.
"This is perfect! All we have to do is shadow a Huntsman working in the southeast!" Ruby said excitedly.
"Yeah! We'll follow them around by day and give them the slip by night!" Yang said in agreement.
"Let's check "search and destroy"!" Weiss says as the members of Team RWBY approaches a hologram screen.
"Here we go! Quadrant 5 needs Grimm cleared out!" Ruby said pointing to the assignment.
"Well, it's in the southeast!" Blake said with a shrug.
"Sounds perfect!" Yang yelled out with a pumped fist as Ruby selects it and types in her team name. However, the screen says that first years are not allowed to take this mission.
"Wonderful!" Weiss said with a sigh.
"Any other ideas?" Blake asked looking annoyed.
"We mail ourselves there!" Ruby suggests with everyone giving her a dumbfounded expression.
"Well, that's one option." A voice said causing the girls to turn to see Ozpin appearing. "Unfortunately, we determined that the concentration of Grimm was too extreme for first-year students. It seems that particular region is rather popular. In fact, I have the sneaking suspicion that you four will make your way there no matter which job you choose."
Weiss, Blake, and Yang glare at Ruby, who nervously rubs her head. "Whatever makes you say that?"
"I'm still curious how you all found yourself at the docks last semester. I'm interested to know how you really learned about a hideout in the southeast. And I certainly wonder why witnesses reported seeing robots and rose petals in a dance club some time ago." Ozpin said with a knowing smile.
"Um... well..."
"I doubt I'll ever find the exact answers I'm looking for. So how about this: instead of waiting for you all to break the rules, why don't we just bend them?" Ozpin said as he selects some things on his scroll, and the hologram screen makes a noise.
"We won't let you down. Thank you, professor." Ruby said with a smile.
"Do not thank me for this. Teamwork and persistence have carried you far. But you must understand, the things that await you beyond the protection of the Kingdom will not care. Stay close to your Huntsman at all times, and do exactly as he says. He will be leading you on this mission, and he can have you sent back to Beacon, if he finds your skills to be unsatisfactory. Good luck."
Team RWBY have left the auditorium and are on their way to the airship that will take them to Quadrant 5.
"That wasn't exactly uplifting." Yang said with a sigh.
"But it's the truth." Blake said as she watches Naruto and his team with Akeno in tow board. Robin gives Jaune a kiss goodbye then proceeds to board and Naruto look Blake's way and give her a small wave which she reciprocates.
"It's gonna to be tough, but I know we can do it!" Ruby said as a student runs past the team.
"Hey! Team CFVY is back!"
Beacon students gather around to witness the return of Team CFVY. Blake goes up to Velvet Scarlatina.
"Velvet? Are you okay?" Blake asked in worry.
"I'm fine. I had Yatsuhashi to look out for me." Velvet said with a strained smile.
"Your mission was supposed to end a week ago! What happened?" Weiss asked in worry.
"Nothing happened. It was just ... there were just so many..." Velvet said as she looks up and notices Team RWBY's worried expressions. "Oh, but don't worry. You first-years are just shadowing Huntsmen, so you should be fine."
"Right." Yang said unsure.
"I should go. Be safe, okay?" Velvet says as she runs to rejoin her team
"We can do this. We've never backed down before, and we're not going to start now." Ruby said trying raise her teams spirit.
"Right." Blake said with a smile
"Besides, it won't only be us out there! We'll be fighting alongside a genuine Huntsman!" Ruby said with a smile.
"Yeah!" Yang said getting pumped as they heard foot steps Team RWBY then turn and stare with various stunned expressions, having just discovered who they will be shadowing.
"Why, hello girls! Who's ready to fight for their lives?" Professor Oobleck standing there.
Standing over on top of the Auditorium, over looking the teams taking off stood a Man in a Black Coat similar to the Organization's. He looks down and with a solumn look.
"So the chapter has begun." The Man said to himself in a solemn tone. "A pity... So many of them will have to die."
End of chapter. Akeno is back. Yeah she was kinda sent to live with Tai, which in my mind was way better than have her with Naruto and Blake who are in school and are 17/18ish. Also yeah Namine she will be playing a part in the Castle Oblivion Arc I know I am kind of following Chain of Memories, but no worries it will be different I have a plan in mind. Also I wonder who that Man saying people are gonna die could be. Well I could Tell you but where is the Fun in that. SEE YOU IN THE NEXT ONE...
