Chapter 15: The Dance of Memories

-fuck". Biju/Talking Beast.

- "because I did it" The character thought.

- "How are you?" Biju/Summon/Beast Thoughts.

- "I fell in love with." , character speaking.

This fanfic is jbigust for fun, I don't own any characters from Naruto or the rwby series. I hope you enjoy reading this story I created


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—"Are you all right?" ,asked a childish voice, soft as the murmur of the wind.

—"Whoa, sniff, snif", was the only reply, a suppressed cry from a little girl who seemed to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders.

—"Listen, it's very cold here. You should go home", said the boy, taking off his jacket and covering it with it the girl who was shivering in that cold, desolate corner.

—"Do you know where your home is? ",I can come with you, —" he offered with a smile that was meant to be reassuring.

—"No, I don't want to go back" the girl murmured between sobs.

—"We have to get out of here or the cold will consume you. This place is not known for its warm sunrises", the boy insisted, his voice an echo of concern.

The boy, with a protective gesture, took the girl's cheeks to look her in the eye, but recoiled in alarm. —"What happened to you? Who did this to you?"

—"Nobody, it was... It was nobody," she stammered, avoiding his gaze.

—"Tell me who it was" he pressed, his tone firm but filled with a concern he could not hide.

—"It was nothing, forget it", she responded, closing in on the boy's insistence, who finally obtained her silence.

—"Either way, we must go," he said, helping her up.

—"Guide me to your house, I'll take you."

She moved forward with hesitant steps, leading him down a path familiar to him. —"Oh, this is the inn where I'm staying."

—"Really?" she exclaimed, surprised.

—"Yes, I am with my father. He trains me to be a hunter," the boy confessed with a complicated expression, a mixture of sadness and determination. — "If I don't prove myself fit, he will stop training me. But I won't give up, I'll be a great hunter!"

She looked at him, a nascent curiosity in her gaze.

—"By the way, my name is Jaune Arc. It's a short, sweet name, girls love it," he said with a twisted smile.

—"Cinder," she introduced herself in a voice that was a silken whisper.

—"Cindy, so it looks like we'll share this place for a while."

—"It's Cinder."

"Well, Cindy, what are you doing here? Tell me about yourself,"

—"It's Cinder, damn!" she exclaimed, her voice cracking with frustration.

—"And how old are you, Cindy? I'm seven," he asked, with a mischievous smile.

—"My name is Cinder! Idiot! Idiot! "Idiot!" she cried, her patience overwhelmed by the boy's stubbornness.

—"I know, I just enjoy watching you get excited," he replied, a spark of amusement in his eyes.

—"You know what, I'm not going to give you back your jacket," she said in a defiant tone.

—"Hey, wait! "That jacket is very special to me, it took me about seven boxes of cereal to get it," he protested, his voice mixing plea and astonishment.

—"Well, it's mine now," she declared, with a glint of victory in her eyes.

—"No, please!" he exclaimed, but she was already running home, and he had no choice but to follow her.

In this chase, both children smiled happily, forgetting for a moment their loneliness and worries. On that cloudy and desolate afternoon, they found a moment of mutual comfort, a refuge in each other's company.

Jaune opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling of his room. He stood motionless, processing the dream he had just had. —"Cindy, it's you, isn't it? , It can't be, after so many years... I'm sorry for that day. If I had been stronger, I... I would have you... I would have saved you."


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—"Hey, Pyrrha, these aren't nuggets... it's dog kibble," Naruto said, his smile not reflecting joy, but a kind of question.

—"I'm sorry, I didn't understand any of your barking," Pyrrha replied with an indifference that cut like the edge of a sword, her voice cold, devoid of any human warmth.

—"Oh yes?" asked Naruto, his voice was lazy, tired, as if every word cost him a monumental effort. Still looking at his plate, he added,— "Then how come you understood me now?"

Naruto sighed, a sigh that seemed to carry with it the weight of a thousand worlds, and turned his gaze to Weiss Schnee. —"Weiss, since the dancing starts tomorrow, could you tell me what acts will be presented?" he asked with faint hope, searching for some connection in the midst of indifference. But Weiss just didn't pay attention to it and kept eating, immersed in her own world.

—"Weiss, please, could you pay attention to this?" insisted Naruto, but she continued to ignore him, her silence an insurmountable wall.

—"Weiss," he repeated, over and over again, like an echo lost in the vastness of an abyss.

—"Ruby," Weiss finally interjected, without looking at Naruto, —"Tell Lord Uzumaki not to speak to me, I'm very upset."

Ruby nodded, her silence was a heavy cloak, and she looked at Naruto with complicated eyes, full of unspoken words. —"Weiss doesn't want to talk to you, Naruto," Ruby said, her voice a fragile thread in the tension of the moment.

—"Yes, I heard it, I'm right in front of you. Why are they angry?" asked Naruto, his voice rising in confusion, seeking to comprehend the riddle of his anger.— "I don't understand, why?"

They all exchanged knowing smiles, smiles that hid dark secrets, that danced on the edge of malice. Ren was the first to speak, his smile didn't correspond to his usual personality, it was a smile that didn't bode well.

—"Naruto, yesterday you almost desecrated our room with acts that shouldn't be allowed here," Ren accused, his tone stern, a judge pronouncing a verdict.

—"Oh, listen, I know very well what happened yesterday and it was very bad, but you have to understand that I am not responsible for that. I already said it, I explained myself," Naruto defended himself, his voice was that of a man clinging to the last board in a stormy sea.

—"Yes, of course," Nora crooned, her tone was light, but her words were heavy, full of doubt.

—"Like I said, I didn't do anything wrong, none of it was my fault," Naruto insisted, his determination was that of someone fighting against the current.

—"Yes, of course," Jaune Arc sneered, joining the chorus of incredulous voices.

—"And even if it wasn't your fault, it's not like you did anything to stop it, did you? I mean, you're like five or ten times stronger than her, you could have stopped her at any time, but you didn't," he added, adding fuel to the fire of the accusation.

—"Okay, I didn't know how to react, so she went on. Was it my fault?, Of course not," Naruto stopped fighting, his voice was the surrender of a warrior who has lost his sword.

—"Oh yes?" asked Pyrrha, her voice echoing with the force of thunder, foreshadowing the coming storm. "You seemed to enjoy it."

—"No, of course not," Naruto replied immediately, his tone betraying a sudden alarm, as if he were on the edge of an abyss. —"I didn't enjoy it... a lot."

—"Aha!" exclaimed Weiss, slamming the table hard, his gesture a mixture of triumph and accusation and anger.— "Then you admit you liked it!"

—"What did you expect?!" Naruto defended himself, his voice rising in a crescendo of frustration and justification. —"I am a 15-year-old teenager, my hormones are raging, it is natural to enjoy it, but that does not imply that I have feelings for her. They are unfairly accusing me, I am the victim here."

(A day earlier, in the NNPR team room)

—"Why are we doing this?" asked Kurama, in a tone that betrayed both curiosity and boredom.

—"Because she forgot her wallet," Naruto explained to the nine-tailed fox, his voice carrying a tinge of responsibility and chivalry.

—"I understand why, but why do we do it?" the fox insisted, seeking to understand his companion's deeper motivations.

—"Because I am a man of honor and your friend," Naruto declared, his statement was firm, a reflection of his values and loyalty.

Suddenly, the door rang out with a series of hurried knocks. Naruto, confused, hadn't taken that long to reach for the wallet. Opening the door, he was met by Alexandra Finix, the girl who had collapsed in the dining room.

—"Alexandra, what are you doing here?" he asked, his gaze sweeping the hallway, looking for some clue to explain his unexpected presence.

—"I wanted to talk to you, if it's not a nuisance," Alexandra said, her voice soft, almost hesitant.

—"Sure, go ahead," Naruto replied, inviting her in with a gesture of hospitality.

As Naruto turned around to continue the search for Nora Valkyrie's wallet, he heard the sound of the door closing behind him. Alexandra had taken the initiative to close it, her silence filling the room with palpable tension.

Naruto slowly approached, worried about his behavior. When he was in front of her, he stretched out his hand to her shoulder cautiously. But in an instant, Alexandra grabbed him by the tie, pulled him to her, and kissed him.

It was a kiss like the ones he'd seen in the movies, passionate and uninhibited, that left him paralyzed, unable to react as she continued to kiss him. Eventually, they were separated by shortness of breath, connected only by a thin thread of saliva. Alexandra had flushed cheeks and a mischievous smile on her face. Naruto, on the other hand, was equally affected, excited but confused.

Naruto struggled to find his voice, stunned by the situation. Before he could utter a word, Alexandra silenced him with a finger on her lips.

—"Don't talk," then she put a hand on her chest and began to unbutton her jacket, immediately Naruto stopped her and walked away from her quickly

—"Alright Miss Finix, I think I'm a little confused, you should go, no, we should both go, I'm getting out of here." Naruto said nervously

She just got closer and closer and he tried to get away from her, but it got to the point that he touched the wall of her room and couldn't do anything to get her to get him closer

Alexandra had a sly smile and when she was so close to him she began to innocently unbutton her jacket, —"Oh poor thing, you're so scared, I like that, you're so brave out there, flirting with the other girls, but here, when the opportunity presents itself, you hide like a little sheep, I love it, Naruto-kun."

Naruto didn't move, he let her go about her business, but it wasn't because she wanted to, but because she was in shock.

When he finally unbuttoned Naruto's jacket, she slowly removed it from his body, his already heavy breathing was starting to come out heavier.

—"Naruto Uzumaki, you caused this, and I hope you're ready to face the consequences." I threaten her with lust

The Uzumaki grabbed both of the girl's hands and twisted it against the wall he was on, one would think that he got tired of the situation and was going to force her to leave her room, but he had a blushing face and his gaze was no longer confused or fearful, it was fierce and predatory.

—"Do you think you scare me? Please, worse things have confronted me, you wouldn't stand a chance." Naruto said with a smile

—"Oh yes?", She challenged, —"I bet you're not brave enough to..."

She fell silent as Naruto kissed her, but he dominated now, she moaned, Naruto learned very quickly to be his third kiss.

—"Would a sheep do that? ". Naruto said

—"N-no, but you still don't convince me," she flirtatiously asked but

Then he let go of Alexandra's hands and grabbed her waist, he bit the neck of the girl who moaned sweetly, that is a sound he enjoyed hearing and continued caressing her body until his hands touched her soft skin even without removing her shirt, she did not resist, she bit her lip resisting the urge to moan loudly, She pulled Naruto away and pushed him to the nearest bed, she straddled him with her hips colliding in his pelvis.

—"It seems that you like to be the dominant one in the relationship, I'm not against that, but it clashes with what I have seen in you, so reserved and shy, it seems that what they say about reserved people is true." . Naruto said.

—"You have no idea how much you really don't know about my Uzumaki," she grabbed her shirt and got rid of it, leaving her practically in a pink bra, —"it's time to get into the main course." Alexadra said.

"Naruto, although I'm not against you doing that kind of thing, but I think it's not the time." She said the fox cutting Naruto's lust.

" What are you talking about, Kurama? " Naruto asked.

—"It seems that lust clouded your conscience, did you forget that you had to carry a wallet? ". Kurama reminded him

Like a bucket of cold water, Naruto realized what was going on—"Oh fuck."

Then he grabbed Alexandra's bare hip and she moaned a little.

— "I like that, but I'm in charge here", then she grabbed both of the Uzumaki's hands and moved them away from her waist, curiously he couldn't resist even though he knew that he was stronger than her.

—"Miss Finix, I think we're really going too far." Naruto said briefly.

—"Again with that innocent act, right, that won't work here Mr. Uzumaki, you'll be heavily punished for being so mean to girls." Alexandra looked at Naruto like a candy, a forbidden candy

she spoke with a tone so seductive that it shook Naruto Uzumaki's spine

She gently put her hands on his chest and began to tear every button of his white shirt and thus opening it completely but not taking it off, she licked her lips at what she was witnessing.

He started to gently touch her chest, going down her abdomen and stopping near her pants, Naruto Uzumaki tried to resist, but it was impossible, at times he really wanted her to advance further, but his consciousness was much stronger, Then he grabbed her hands and turned the situation around, he was on top of her.

—"I like that better, it seems that someone else likes to be the dominant one, I'm not against it, now what are you going to do to me then?" Alexandra expressed with anticipation and excitement

As if it were a joke or a twist of fate, the door opened revealing his team and the RWBY team, —"Naruto, why are you taking so long? Nora was shocked to see that Naruto was on top of a girl who is only wearing a bra and he had his shirt open revealing his muscular abdomen.

Upon meeting his comrades, Naruto couldn't contain the effusiveness that welled up in his being. With a smile that radiated gratitude, he exclaimed, —"Friends, your presence is my salvation at this critical time!"

(current)

At that moment, the tension was palpable in the air. Nora, with a mixture of fury and revulsion, pointed out, —"That was my bed, Naruto."

Aware of the situation, Naruto replied determinedly, —"I understand your displeasure. So I'll cremate that bed and get you a new one. In fact, I'll be ordering online right now." Unrolling his scroll, he began browsing the virtual market in search of a worthy replacement for Nora.

—"I demand new sheets, too," Nora demanded firmly. "

—"New sheets will be yours, anything else you want, your majesty?" Naruto replied with a mixture of sarcasm and deference.

Nora's wishes flowed like an overflowing river, —"I want a game console, chocolates in a box, a 49-inch TV, and the cartridges promised a month ago!"

Naruto calmly replied, —"The TV is yours, but the cartridges don't exist yet. Is there anything else I can offer you instead?"

A car was Nora's next whim, to which Naruto objected,— "Without a license, a car wouldn't be of any use to you."

—"So, I wish for a day at Vale's most luxurious spa," she declared.

—"Granted," Naruto stated as he arranged the date at the most exclusive spa in the kingdom of Vale, Naruto was still looking for ways to spend his money, now that his wealth was completely legitimate.

Curiosity overcame Ren, who couldn't help asking,— "Wait, you've never revealed to us the origin of your fortune."

Pyrrha, with an inquisitive look, added to the question, —"Naruto, share with us the secret of your wealth."

Naruto, putting his scroll aside, faced Pyrrha's gaze and sincerely promised, —"Pyrrha, I'm not going to lie to you," he said those words and immediately took his scroll and proceeded to make his purchases.

Pyrrha gives him an annoyed face and Naruto feeling his partner's gaze sighs,— "okay, but first, Ruby", he addressed Ruby,— "It's kind of embarrassing, but I forgot my wallet. Could you bring it for me?"

With her characteristic agility, Ruby disappeared in search of her wallet. Meanwhile, Naruto pulled a book from his jacket and slipped it across the table. Everyone recognized the title and silence took over the place.

—"Icha Icha, what does this have to do with you?" asked Cardin curiously.

Blake, with a knowing look at Naruto, nodded at Cardin's question. —"Naruto is the author of those books," Blake revealed softly.

Disbelief gripped the group, especially Weiss, who refused to accept the truth.

—"It's true," Blake said, —"I'm your editor and collaborator."

Naruto, joining the confession, expressed his gratitude towards Blake.

Naruto, deep in thought, muttered loudly, —"How can I convince them of the truth?"

Without further ado, he dialed the number of the publishing house that published his works, and a familiar voice, tinged with irritation, rang out on the other end of the line.

—"Master Jiraiya, what news do you bring about your third book?" The voice was a torrent of annoyance,

—"Greetings, Mayer. I'm sorry for the mistake, I didn't mean to call you."

Mayer, in an angry tone, retorted, —"Uzumaki, don't contact me unless it's to talk about your books, and it's not up for discussion, I don't want to hear you."

Naruto, with a forced calm, warned,— "Remember, you mustn't mention my real name, we've already discussed it."

The conversation ended abruptly with a dismissive,— "Fuck you," before Mayer hung up.

Nora, with a curious expression, couldn't help but comment,— "That voice is strangely familiar to me."

Naruto, swallowing hard, confessed with difficulty, —"She's... my ex-girlfriend."

Pyrrha, in a tone that oscillated between mockery and threat, said, "How lovely, working with your ex. I'm glad they get along so well."

Naruto, with a bitter smile, corrected, — "The reality is that we don't get along, in fact, he hates me. But, I guess, we need to work together if we want to make any profit."

Yang, with a mixture of curiosity and concern, interjected, "Naruto, if it's not too much indiscretion..."

—"Ask without fear," Naruto replied, preparing for what was to come.

—"How did you get that scar on your chest?" asked Yang.

Naruto, with a look that reflected a sea of memories and emotions, replied, —"That, I'm afraid, is a story I'd rather keep to myself."


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For years, I have considered myself invincible, a giant among mortals in the realm of my profession. In my student days at Beacon, many outnumbered me, but as I reached the peak of my career, my perspective changed radically. Although I may sound arrogant, I firmly believed that no one could match my strength except a select few, and even they would face difficulties in defeating me. However, now I find myself in front of him, and no matter how much I attack him, it is impossible to even touch him.

PAMMMM!

The rumble of a body crashing into a structure echoed through the air. The man emerged from the rubble, coughing violently, and stood up once more.

—"Cof! Cof! Cof!"

—"Stay there, sir," said a masked voice, charged with an overwhelming presence. —"I'm afraid your persistence has become tedious. Haven't you learned from our previous meetings? It's silly to think he could beat me."

—"Son of a bitch," the voice replied disdainfully.

The voice lunged forward with renewed vigor, brandishing his sword in a diagonal arc, attempting to cleave the masked man's torso in two. But the masked one, with supernatural agility, dodged the attack, and thus the dance of steel continued. At one point, the blade nearly grazed his face, but the masked man stopped the katana with just two fingers. The swordsman tried to free his weapon, but the grip was unbreakable.

The warrior watched, with growing fear, as the masked man lit flames at his fingertips. Anticipating the impending danger, he dropped his sword and backed away, narrowly avoiding contact with the fiery threat.

Now, unarmed, he was in an even more precarious situation. The masked man examined the sword with a piercing gaze.

—"An exquisite piece, beautiful weapon," remarked Sasuke, or the masked man, before throwing the weapon at the warrior's feet.

Anger flooded the swordsman at such a gesture of disdain. It was evident that the masked man was mocking him, but, swallowing his pride, he picked up his sword.

Panting heavily, he reflected on the three hours of incessant combat. Despite the time that had elapsed, the masked man seemed to be as fresh as he was at the beginning of the duel, either because of his superior physical condition or because of mere façade. He couldn't be sure, but his adversary's indifference was beginning to exasperate him.

He recalled their first meeting, when he made the mistake of underestimating his opponent. I wouldn't make the same mistake twice. As he struggled with exhaustion, the masked man faded from his sight. Driven by instinct, he turned and blocked the masked man's hand with his sword, but the force of the impact pushed him backwards, smashing him into a building and causing a network of cracks in the façade.

There they remained, in a tense struggle. None of them gave up on their onslaught.

—"I must acknowledge your ability to track, but I am unsurpassed in that art. Locating you near our bases is trivial to me. I suggest you leave now, or... I'm afraid I will have no choice but to end your life", The masked man pronounced with deadly calm.

The swordsman, panting and sweating streaking down his forehead, kept the masked man's gaze steady. His resolve was like steel, his spirit, unshakeable. He would not take a step back, not without a fight.

—"You idiot, do you think these simple scratches will slow me down? They're insignificant," he proclaimed in a voice that was meant to be contemptuous, though inside him, every fiber of his being screamed in pain.

He bent his knees and delivered a well-aimed blow to the masked man's chest, pushing him back several steps. However, the masked man merely brushed the dust off his chest, brushing off the attack as if it were a slight touch.

—"I don't want to hurt you, not you. I deeply admire his trajectory," the masked man expressed with a tone of sincere reverence.

—"What do you mean?" the swordsman inquired, his fatigue evident in spite of his efforts to conceal it.

—"Oh, come on, Qrow Branwen, member of the legendary STRQ team. They are legends revered in Beacon.

—"What...?" stammered Qrow, surprised.

—"Don't feign astonishment. It's obvious who you are... I just suggest you stop. This is the fourth time we've crossed swords and the outcome is always the same.

The masked man recognized a stone on the ground and rolled it between his fingers before pulverizing it with his closed fist. —"Have you ever wondered what would happen if I really wanted to end you? I would have already done it, but you are fortunate enough to be an acquaintance of Miss Rose.

—"What...?" fear seized Qrow when he heard that last name.

—"Ruby Rose. I also know his sister and his team. I know everything about you, unfortunate Qrow Branwen, the fool who drowns himself in liquor to forget the death of his beloved partner, his team leader. Allow me to give you a knightly piece of advice, abandon the drink, it's harmful to your health, and leave this place. That way, you can live to fight another day and protect your niece, and perhaps prevent her from suffering the same fate as her mother. Because maybe, just maybe, this time you will be there for her, unlike what happened with Summer," the masked man pronounced with a mix of disdain and compassion.

Indignation gripped Qrow, a feeling he rarely allowed to come over him. The masked man's words, full of contempt and truth, stuck in his heart like poisonous thorns. He couldn't ignore them, not when they touched the still open wound in his soul.

With a fluid and precise movement, he transformed his weapon into a scythe and, in the blink of an eye, positioned himself behind his adversary, ready to deliver the final blow. But his blade found only the void, piercing the figure of the masked man as if he were a shadow.

Qrow, bewildered but not defeated, persisted in his attack, each blow a reflection of his hope of wounding the enemy, but all proved futile.

—"Sir, I suggest you cease your attempt," Sasuke said, his voice tinged with unmistakable tedium.

—"Why can't I reach you?! Why can't I bring you down?!" exclaimed Qrow, his voice a roar of frustration and humiliation. Years of training and battles seemed to mock him at the time, reducing him to a rookie in the eyes of a mere criminal.

—"The reason is simple, you have never moved" With those words, reality faded, and Qrow found himself back at square one, his scythe in hand.

—"An illusion?" muttered Qrow, surprised. He had witnessed many abilities in his adversary, but never illusions. It was an unexpected and absurd twist.

—"I don't wish for your death, but a wound might teach you a lesson." Suddenly, the masked man's hand lit up with lightning.

Qrow was surprised again; It was virtually impossible for one man to possess so many abilities, clones, control of fire, lightning, wind, and earth. They were powers that defied reality, but this man wielded them as he pleased.

—"This is impossible. Only a maiden could do that," Qrow whispered.

—"A maiden?" asked the masked man, curious.

Qrow realized his mistake too late.

—"Yes... I hear better than most. This is fascinating. Tell me more about these maidens. This world seems to be full of mysteries. What can they do? And most importantly, where can I find them? They would be of great use to my purposes."

Before he could say more, Qrow transformed into a bird and took flight, seeking to escape the revelation he had just made. But the masked man wasn't willing to let him go so easily.

—"To run away at this moment, eh? I suppose the maidens are of great importance."

The masked man made a series of hand gestures and took a deep breath.

—"Fūton: Shinkū Taigyoku," he invoked, and launched a sphere of compressed air that was headed straight for the bird. Qrow barely managed to dodge it, but the force of the impact fractured one of his wings, and he plummeted to the ground.

Sasuke watched with an almost macabre expectation. There was no doubt, his intention was clear, to overthrow, to dominate, to instill terror.

Qrow, abandoning his feathered form, slammed to the ground, a blow that echoed with the echo of his fracturing bones. The pain was immense, a silent scream that threatened to escape through his clenched teeth. His arm, a tangle of broken bones and taut skin.

With superhuman effort, he stood, trying in vain to put his shattered anatomy back together. He wasn't a doctor, but the survival instinct pushed him to try the impossible. Then the shadow of the masked man covered him, an ominous presence watching him from above, motionless, silent.

Qrow fled, but the figure of the masked man haunted him, a specter haunting him from every high corner, a voice falling upon him from a distance.

—"Tell me, these maidens you speak of, what powers do they possess? You spoke of the impossible, of controlling the elements... I deduce that they are the masters of such arts," Sasuke shouted, his voice filled with amusement and intelligence. . .

—"Shut up!" muttered Qrow under his breath.

—"And if I'm not mistaken, from their name, they must be exclusively women, right?" continued Sasuke, his tone full of certainty.

Qrow, his heart beating like a war drum and his breath cut off in panic, was running desperately. Sasuke's presence was like an omnipresent shadow, a ghost that overtook him with every turn, every jump, every frantic run.

—"One more curiosity, Qrow, these mysterious maidens, are they related to the ancient legend of the seasons?" asked Sasuke, his voice a venomous whisper that crept into Qrow's consciousness.

—"Hell!" cried Qrow to himself, feeling despair curl in his chest. The need to flee from this being whose cunning and perception were as sharp as the blades he carried was overwhelming.

—"Your knowledge of them leads me to believe that you have had previous encounters. Who do you serve, my dear?, My theories are varied, perhaps you are a member of an occult brotherhood, a lone wolf... or perhaps, Ozpin?" speculated Sasuke with eerie precision.

The revelation struck Qrow like a bolt of lightning. The masked man's deductions were wrong, but they came dangerously close to the truth. He had to keep quiet, he had to prevent Sasuke from coming to the right conclusion at all costs.

—"Damn it!" cried Qrow, turning on his heel. He hurriedly loaded his gun with all the bullets he had left and fired at the figure hovering over a building. The rumble was deafening, and the structure crumbled under the rain of dust.

Without stopping to check the masked man's fate, Qrow turned and ran with all his might, fading into the blackness of the night. But just before he completely disappeared, the masked man's voice reached him once more.

—"Take care, sir!" he exclaimed jovially.— "And please abstain from drinking! It is a habit injurious to health."

In that fourth confrontation, a truth became apparent to Qrow, the masked man knew his niece and, for her, had decided to spare her life


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Qrow awoke in the evening light, his head heavy and the bitter taste of alcohol still on his tongue. His arm, though physically healed, ached with the memory of broken bones.

—"Damn, I talked too much. Now he's after them... Although at least I know he's not involved in the Amber thing."

The sound of the scroll interrupted his thoughts. Qrow frowned, not wanting to interact. He only wanted to drown his sorrows in solitude. —"What do you want, Oz?"

—"《Not even a greeting? ,You should be more polite, Qrow》."

—"I'm not in the mood for formalities, Ozpin. What do you need?"

The brusque response elicited a sigh on the other end of the line. Ozpin, bluntly, got to the point.

—"《I need in favor. We are short-staffed for first-year missions, and I require your assistance.》

Qrow got up and walked to the fridge in search of something to eat. —"I'm not in a position to help now."

—"《I understand your fatigue, but it is a vitally important task for our inner circle.》"

—"I don't see how taking care of rookies is crucial for us," Qrow replied.

—"《It's more than that. I need you to evaluate a possible successor. I must make sure that she is prepared to assume power,》 Ozpin said, his voice heavy with gravity.

Those words hit Qrow like a punch. He had failed again, on a critical mission, he had disappointed someone who trusted him.— "Oh."

Seriousness took hold of Qrow, he closed the fridge and gave Ozpin his full attention.— "So, we're looking for a replacement. I guess there's no hope for Amber."

Ozpin's voice was heavy, tinged with exhaustion and sadness. I didn't want to utter those words, I didn't want to risk another young woman. —"《I'm afraid his condition is deteriorating by the minute. We cannot allow their power to fall into enemy hands.'"

—"... It's okay." Qrow sighed deeply.— "I'll keep an eye on her."


/-/

In the silence of the elevator, which ascended with the solemnity of an old sage, Naruto broke the silence with a question that floated in the air like a curious feather. "Guys, it's not for nothing, but why are you here?"

The gaze of his companions met in a dance of uncertainties and half-told secrets.

Ren, with the serenity of a calm lake, began to unravel the mystery.— "You'll be going with Assistant Principal Glynda Goodwitch to the dance. This isn't something you see every day, so I wanted to..." His voice faded like the mist of dawn, leaving the phrase suspended in the air.

Naruto, with curiosity painted on his face, turned to the warriors of his team. —"And you?" The words came dancing from his lips, seeking a melody in his companions' response.

—"The same," they answered in unison, though Pyrrha wore a shadow of discontent on her face, like a passing cloud in a clear sky.

Naruto's gaze fell on Pyrrha, stopping on her like a painter contemplating his masterpiece. She wore a red dress, as intense as the passion of a first love, that clung to her figure with the precision of a custom-made glove.— "Pyrrha, you look lovely tonight. If you haven't been told before..."

She, with a smile that could light up the deepest darkness, replied, —"Thank you, Naruto."

Nora, the shooting star of the group, radiated a beauty that rivaled the moonlight. —"Nora, you're stunning in every way, like a star in the night."

—"I know," she said with the confidence of one who knows her own brilliance, and with a theatrical gesture, she touched her hair, sending ripples of splendor through the confined space of the elevator. Naruto could only watch, enthralled, before turning his attention to Ren.

—"And you, my friend, see yourself... Hey, for a moment, I really wish you would wear a dress. How would it look on you?" The question, loaded with a light humor, floated between them.

Ren, with lightning speed, flashed his middle finger in response. —"Rot, Uzumaki," he said, with a smile that belied the harshness of his words.

The conversation took an unexpected turn when Naruto, with the innocence of a child, asked,— "And where's your date, Pyrrha?"

She lowered her gaze, like a flower bowing at the coming of winter.— "I don't have a date, Naruto."

—"What?!" Naruto's surprise echoed in the elevator like thunder in a clear sky.

—"No one has invited me to the ball."

—"But how is that possible!" exclaimed Naruto, his voice full of disbelief.

—"It's more common than you think. A lot of people think I'm unattainable for them and..." Pyrrha left the phrase in the air, like a leaf blown by the wind.

—"Wait, are you telling me you were free all this time?" Naruto, with surprise still painted on his face, couldn't believe his ears.

—"Yes... Why?" Pyrrha replied, her confusion palpable as the morning breeze.

Naruto put his hand to his forehead, and with a sigh that carried the weight of the world, said,— "Knowing this, I would have invited you."

—"Wait, would you have invited me?" Pyrrha's question was a whisper full of hope.

—"Of course, it would have been a pleasure to accompany you, but I was under the impression that you had other plans," Naruto confessed with the frankness of one who has nothing to hide, hinting at a longing that lay in the gloom of the implicit.

—"And why don't you postpone your meeting with the teacher?" Nora proposed, in a tone that hinted at more than just a suggestion.

—"Impossible, my word is my commitment... It seems that fortune is not on my side today. However, would you grant me the honor of a dance if I still have time?" asked Naruto with a mixture of hope and resignation.

—"Dancing with you would be a delight," Pyrrha replied, her smile lighting up the room. Nora, with a knowing gesture, gave a thumbs up in approval. Hope, it seems, is the last thing to fade.

—"Apparently we've arrived," Ren announced calmly. They left the elevator and made their way to the principal's office without delay.

Waiting for them there were the Headmaster and General Ironwood, but for Naruto, what really captured his attention, the first thing his eyes sought and found, was Glynda.

Her beauty was breathtaking. She was dressed in clothes identical to Pyrrha's, but in absolute black, with gloves that extended to her elbows and adorned with the pearl necklace he had given her. It gleamed in the gloom. Naruto found himself speechless, and every step Glynda took towards him seemed to quicken his heartbeat. He was captivated, bewitched by the grace of her walk.

—"Naruto, Naruto, Narutooooo... "

—"Oh!" he exclaimed, with Nora tugging at his left cheek, snapping him abruptly out of his trance.

With an expression that was somewhere between amused and mocking, the orange-haired man reprimanded, —"Behave, Naruto."

—"Yes, be decorous," whispered Pyrrha, barely audible, jealous.

Glynda stood up to Naruto Uzumaki, who looked tiny next to her, especially with her in heels. —"Mr. Uzumaki."

With a bow, he replied,— "Miss Goodwitch, your presence is dazzling." She held out her hand, and Glynda accepted it gently and with a smile.

—"If the director doesn't mind, we'd like to get ahead of it."

—"Of course, there is no problem, Mr. Uzumaki. Proceed," the director conceded.

—"Words are not enough to capture the essence of her beauty, which eclipses all in this world," Naruto said in a voice that trembled slightly, revealing the depth of his admiration.

—"Your charm is obvious, Mr. Uzumaki, but don't be fooled, I'm not that easily influenced. I am well versed in the arts of politeness and flirtation," Glynda replied with a smile that did not reach her eyes, showing a mixture of amusement and skepticism.

Naruto, with a look of bewilderment, tried to decipher Glynda's words.

—"I don't understand your reticence," he said in a tone that sought clarity.

—"Oh, Mr. Uzumaki, you may possess the most enviable qualities of youth, but your reputation precedes your intentions," Glynda replied in a voice that bore the echo of experience.

—"Are you referring to the rumors that call me a casanova?, I assure you, they are just that, baseless rumors," Naruto defended himself, with a sincerity that sought to dispel the shadows of doubt.

—"Sure, sure," Glynda articulated with a sarcasm that echoed in the narrowness of the elevator, as the doors closed behind them.

Meanwhile, in the control room, James Ironwood watched the scene with calculating interest.— "So he's the renowned Naruto Uzumaki," he remarked in a voice that didn't reveal his thoughts.

—"Indeed, he is the jewel of the academy, surpassing even Miss Nikos in mental and physical prowess. An opponent worthy of any challenge," said the director proudly.

The conversation continued, with Ozpin participating with his characteristic calmness. —"I'm amazed at your calmness at Uzumaki's audacity to invite Glynda to the ball."

—"Of course," Ironwood replied with a confident smile.— "A promising young man poses no threat to me."

—"It's true, he's just a student with a promising future, Glynda's protégé. But the future is a blank canvas, and time is the brush that could change the portrait of our lives," Ozpin reflected, sipping his coffee.

—"That will never happen," Ironwood concluded firmly, though there was a hint of doubt in his voice that wasn't there before.


/-/

As Glynda and Naruto made their way through the ornate corridors of the academy, the echo of their footsteps mingled with murmurs of anticipation for the upcoming dance. Naruto's team followed them at a respectful distance, their silhouettes silhouetted against the dim light that filtered through the tall windows.

—"Mr. Uzumaki, what's your agenda for the evening?" asked Glynda, her voice a soft murmur that competed with the sound of her heels against the marble.

—"Today's program includes a symphony of events, a concert that promises to be a delight for the senses, words that I hope will reach everyone's hearts, and of course, the dance, which will be the climax of the night. All meticulously orchestrated, thanks to Weiss' diligence," Naruto replied with a grateful smile.

Glynda, with a look that reflected both surprise and curiosity, could not help remarking, —"I hope you don't misinterpret this arrangement, sir..."

—"No way," Naruto interrupted with a confidence that belied his youth. —"I am aware that your acceptance of my invitation is an act of courtesy to evade the general."

Naruto's unexpected sincerity took Glynda by surprise.— "It is evident that the general seeks your company, and I cannot blame him. Its beauty is like that of a starry night, immense and captivating."

—"Your perception is as keen as your wit, Mr. Uzumaki," Glynda couldn't help but smile at the compliment.

—"The compliment is deserved, miss. I have no illusions, but I do have the certainty that tonight will be memorable. I have the privilege of accompanying the most radiant lady of the ball, and you the opportunity to enjoy the evening away from worries. It is, without a doubt, a favorable situation for both of them," Naruto explained, his smile was a reflection of the complicity they shared.

With a cunning that seemed to defy his age, Naruto added, —"Besides, I have a proposal that might interest you, if you'll allow me."

—"Since you've freed me from a night with the General, I'm more than willing to listen," Glynda replied, curiosity flashing in her eyes.

—"As for tomorrow's missions, I'm aware that they're designed specifically for each level. However, I wonder if I could consider an exception and assign my team a task that challenges our capabilities," Naruto proposed in a tone that suggested that he had already meditated on the subject.

—"Are you hinting that you want to go on a more arduous mission?" Glynda asked, her expression turning serious.

Naruto stood firm, his voice an echo of conviction mixed with a humility that echoed through the room.

—"The tasks assigned to the novices, although suitable, are not enough to quench our thirst for growth. I am certain that my team can handle challenges of greater magnitude. Would it be possible for you to grant us that chance? I would be eternally grateful," he said, his gaze burning with the passion of a warrior ready for battle.

Glynda, with the authority conferred on her by her position, responded with a calmness that contrasted with Naruto's intensity. —"That decision is solely in the hands of the director, and there is no one else who can influence it."

But Naruto was not deterred.— "You're the assistant principal, and your word carries weight. It shouldn't be that complicated to advocate for us, right? You just need to persuade him, nothing more."

Glynda, with a look that reflected the seriousness of the situation, replied, —"What you ask is no small thing, Mr. Uzumaki."

Naruto, with a sly smile, hinted, —"It's true, my requests are big, but I also offer a solution to a problem that afflicts them."

The assistant principal frowned,— "I'm afraid my answer must be no. The risks involved are too high. Also, what exactly does it refer to?"

Naruto, with a piercing gaze and a low voice, shared his hidden knowledge. —"I've heard rumors that the council is exerting pressure because they've apparently slowed down my partner's progress," he said, casting a furtive glance at the redhead who was with him.

—"Then let's give them what they want. Assign us a high-stakes mission and show that not only have you not hindered Miss Nikos' progress, but you have raised it to unimaginable heights," he boldly proposed.

Glynda acknowledged the pressure of the council, but her curiosity was palpable. —"Yes, they've been pressuring us, that's true. But how are you aware of this?"

With a smile that hinted at a thousand secrets, Naruto revealed the source of his forbidden knowledge.— "Miss Lavender, with her silver tongue, has shared with me more than the stars reveal on the clearest night."

Pyrrha, whose patience had been consumed by the fire of her temper, could not take it anymore and her voice burst like thunder. —"You dared to intertwine words with that woman!"

Glynda, whose patience was fading like mist at dawn, heaved a sigh of exasperation.— "Uzumaki, your seduction games are a labyrinth with no way out. Flirting is a dangerous art, and those who practice it too freely often find their fate sealed in shadows and silence, it could end up in a bag."

Naruto, whose smile was tinged with unusual seriousness, nodded in resignation.

—"It is curious, and perhaps prescient, that this is not the first time I have been warned of such dangers," he reflected, considering the possibility that his actions could weave a tragic end.

Glynda, with the gravity of one who bears great responsibilities, took a deep inspiration. —"I will do what I can, Mr. Uzumaki, but promises are as fragile as the morning dew."

—"That is all I ask," he answered, his voice a murmur as soft as the breeze that caresses the leaves of the oldest tree.

Glynda, with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, kept a thought to herself.

—"What they don't know is that Ozpin had already woven more complex plans for you, a challenge that will test every fiber of your being."


/-/

Roman Torchwick was in the heart of a forgotten city, not a vibrant, bustling metropolis, but a shadow of its former self, marked by tragedy and neglect. The rubble of Mountain Glenn, the failed expansion project of the Kingdom of Vale, lay before him like a tapestry of despair.

With a slow gesture, Roman stripped off his hat and pressed it to his chest, bowing his head in a gesture of silent respect. —"What melancholy I have," he murmured, his voice a whisper among the ruins.

—"How did I get here, from a simple thief to being branded a terrorist?" A sigh escaped his lips, a mist in the cold air of desolation.

—"Neo," he called softly. Like a ghost, the figure of a young woman appeared beside him, turning towards him with a gaze that cut through the silence.

—"How are our plans going?"

She nodded, her gesture was confirmation that everything was on track.

—"Got it... You still have a chance to take me up on my offer, you know? What do you decide?"

The girl's response was a mute swaying of her head.

—"I'm serious, you could leave now and leave all this behind. The situation will become dark and dangerous before we know it."

With a series of fluid gestures, she communicated her message.

—"You have no obligation to me, I have already told you. You're free to go, why stay tied to my fate, I've told you over and over again."

She responded with another sequence of signs.

—"She's strong and independent, you don't need to worry about her."

A new series of movements of his hands followed.

—"Sasuke won't join us, he serves the highest bidder, and Cinder is the most generous benefactor he could have. He won't challenge her."

She articulated another set of signs.

—"I understand that you have a special affection for him, but Sasuke has his own ambitions. You've probably sensed it, haven't you? He has his own designs for all of this," Roman said, staring at the ruins of Mountain Glenn.

—"You have the option to leave for another realm, to seek a fuller life. You can take all my money, I won't hold a grudge against you, but I implore you, please leave."

In the gloom of Mountain Glenn, Neo stood firm, his head shaking his head determinedly as his hands wove a silent ballet of gestures.

Roman, reading every move as if it were an ancient text, smiled with a sadness that weighed heavily on his soul. —"Neo, my brave companion, I have already told you, you have no debt to me, you never did."

The conversation became even more serious when he mentioned Cinder and the tireless pursuer of the Beacon Academy, this Naruto. —"His shadow hangs over us, his determination knows no rest. I implore you, for all that we have shared, to reconsider my plea. This place is but a harbinger of the coming storm; It would be wise for you to walk away."

But Neo, with his characteristic stubbornness, shook his head again, rejecting the idea of abandoning Roman at his most critical moment. —"How unwavering you are, as steadfast as she is," he murmured, a hint of admiration and affection in his voice.

The young woman vanished into the shadows, leaving Roman alone with his thoughts and a contingency plan he had orchestrated days ago, insurance for Neo.

(Flashback)

—"What is this, Mr. Roman?" asked the masked man, his voice tinged with confusion at the sight of glittering gold.

—"It's more than gold, it's a promise," Roman explained.— "I need your services beyond the conventional. Listen, Cinder's plans are a harbinger of destruction. If something happens to me, I want you to protect Neo."

The masked man nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. —"Don't worry, I'll take care of her," he said, sealing the deal with a handshake.

—"But tell me, Mr. Roman, the media describes you in one way, but you... Why have you become entangled in this dangerous game?" asked the masked man.

Roman laughed bitterly.— "Do I have a choice, Sasuke? If I disobey Cinder, I will be reduced to ashes, and she too will suffer the consequences. That's the last thing I want."

—"And its power?" asked the masked man, intrigued by the nature of the threat.

—"She's like a gale of danger, a coming storm. And it's not the only threat looming over me," Roman confessed, his voice tinged with a dark foreshadowing.

—"You mean Naruto Uzumaki?" asked Sasuke, and Roman looked at him in surprise, his eyes locked on the dark voids of the mask. Curiosity itched him, but time and the desire to inquire were luxuries he could not afford.

—"Do you know him?" he asked cautiously.

—"Yes," Sasuke replied in a voice that exuded a complex and bitter story.

—"We are two sides of the same coin, so to speak. We have a history together, and while I loathe it with all my being, that hatred doesn't influence my actions here."

Roman listened intently, every word of the masked man a thread that wove a web of intrigue and hidden connections. How did those two know each other in the first place?

—"What bad luck we shared, Sasuke," Roman said with a tired laugh.

—"Why do you say it like that, Mr. Roman?" asked Sasuke, his voice a murmur in stillness.

—"There are two monsters in this realm, Cinder and this Uzumaki. How unfortunate we are," Roman reflected.

—"Monsters," Sasuke repeated in a whisper. —"You're right, they're both monsters, but Cinder isn't the one I'm worried about."

Roman frowned. —"What do you mean?"

—"I get the impression that Cinder is nothing more than a pawn, a disposable piece for someone with more power than her," Sasuke revealed with a seriousness that chilled Roman's blood.

—"Are you insinuating that there's anyone worse than her?" asked Roman, his face paling at the thought.

—"There's always someone worse, Mr. Roman. I would be more worried about Naruto Uzumaki. If you've become their enemy, it would be best to hide," Sasuke advised as he walked away, his voice echoing in the air.

Sasuke continued with his speech, his voice resounding with a somber and prophetic tone.— "He is not bound by the chains of our mortal laws. If presented with a compelling reason, he would not hesitate to annihilate this place. For him, devastating this kingdom would be as simple as the act of breathing," he said, his voice tinged with a dark foreboding.

Roman reflected deeply on Sasuke's words.— "If what you say is true, how can you be so sure that Neo will be safe?"

—"Don't worry about him, Mr. Roman," Sasuke replied firmly, his voice echoing in the air as he walked away. — "I'll take care of him personally"

( Latest news )

The situation was so absurd that Roman could almost laugh at his own misfortune. From a distance, his gaze was fixed on the silhouette of a masked man, sitting in solitude, his eyes fixed on the fragments of the moon that adorned the night sky.

With nothing better to do, Roman decided to join him. The climb to the building where Sasuke was meditating was long and tedious.

—"I hope you find entertainment here," Roman said, though Sasuke, or the man behind the mask, didn't turn his attention away from the moon. He continued to watch her intensely.

—"In fact, I rejoice in the tranquility of this place. The outlook is shocking. Have you ever thought about the moon, why did it end like this?" asked Sasuke without turning to Roman.

Roman showed an expression of indifference. —"No, I've never been so curious."

He sat down next to Sasuke, but unlike him, Roman was directing his gaze downward, watching the members of the White Fang scattering below.

—"Are you aware that things are going to get difficult in the next few days?" asked Román in a grave tone.

—"I'm fully aware of what's coming," Sasuke replied in a calm voice.

Roman pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep breath.

—"Then why don't you run away, why are you collaborating in this madness, I can understand those men," Roman said, pointing to the members of the White Fang.

—"They are trapped without many options or they are mere pawns to be manipulated. But what drives you to participate in this chaos? And don't tell me it's for money. What's your real reason?"

—"I need this," Sasuke admitted, his voice filled with a deep sadness that seemed to emanate from the depths of his being.

Roman, with a mixture of surprise and skepticism, raised an eyebrow.

—"I need the storm that's coming. I long for the agony of these souls. It is vital that they sink into hopelessness, that they suffocate in their own anguish... This world, so fractured and divided, cries out for a cataclysm that forces humanity to stand in solidarity, regardless of race or gender. I aspire for the earth to be shaken to its core, torn apart. It is imperative that this society disintegrate in order to lay the foundations for genuine and lasting peace."

With these words, Sasuke drew back the veil over the darkness of his vision, one that transcended mere destruction, a vision of rebirth through chaos, a rising dawn from the ashes of a world in ruins.

—"What are you saying?" asked Roman, his confusion evident at Sasuke's last words.

—"I have a mission," the masked man declared as he stood up and distanced himself from Roman. —"I have come to save the world."

The shattered moon served as a somber backdrop for the scene, its fragments scattered in the night sky as a constant reminder of the fragility of existence. Sasuke, his mask hiding any hint of emotion, looked like a tragic figure, a fallen hero from an ancient epic, doomed to walk a path of loneliness and sacrifice.

Roman, still seated, was watching the figure moving away. The night breeze carried with it the echo of Sasuke's words, words that echoed with the weight of an inescapable destiny. Around him, members of the White Fang moved like shadows, each caught up in their own story of desperation and struggle for survival.

The air was filled with palpable tension, as if the entire world was holding its breath, anticipating the impending disaster Sasuke had prophesied. Roman couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and admiration for Sasuke's conviction, for his willingness to face what many would consider madness.

As the night wore on, Roman reflected on Sasuke's words, on the need for radical change, for a new beginning. Perhaps, somewhere within that chaos and destruction, there was a spark of truth in Sasuke's vision, an opportunity for humanity to rediscover itself and rebuild itself on stronger, more just foundations.

The conversation between the two men, though brief, had been intense and revealing. Roman knew that the actions ahead would define the course of history, and in that moment of stillness, under the light of a shattered moon, he wondered if the world would be ready for the rebirth Sasuke wished to bring about.


/-/

Plunged into a sea of melancholy, Weiss was lost in thought. The gala passed elegantly, but its solitude was a sharp contrast to the festivity that surrounded it. Her companion had disappeared, leaving her in an abyss of uncertainty. Perhaps he knew the reason, the same reason that had made Naruto hesitate at the idea of dancing, his ignorance of dance steps.

Unlike his date, Naruto had tried to overcome his insecurity, but his absence was a void that no one else could fill. Weiss sank into a chair, his body heavy as lead, and watched the others enjoy themselves.

The pain in his chest intensified as he watched Naruto spin on the track with Glynda Goodwitch and then Pyrrha. Their joy was palpable, and Weiss was immersed in the solitude that had so often been her only companion in childhood. It seemed like her destiny was to be alone, no matter how hard she tried to connect with others.

The thought of abandoning the celebration crossed his mind more than once, but his pride was an insurmountable barrier. She wouldn't let the indifference of a young man she barely knew affect her so much. However, what really weighed on his heart was not the absence of his date, but that of him, Naruto, who was always there to lift his spirits.

A smile welled up on his lips as he recalled the moments they shared. Naruto was exceptional in so many ways, smart, cunning, and most of all, funny. In some mysterious way, he always managed to make him smile, to dispel his bad mood, no matter how deep his anger.

His patience with Weiss was unwavering; He listened to her attentively, never judging her words or actions, was always her rock, her constant.

With clenched fists, Weiss felt anger and frustration threaten to boil over, nearly shattering the glass of punch in his hand.

I longed for his presence, but to invoke him would be a childish whim. He couldn't be selfish and rob Naruto of his moment of shared happiness with others. Uncertainty consumed her.

—"Maybe I should cool off with some punch," he thought.

—"You've already poured yourself five glasses, are you so thirsty?" a familiar voice startled her, almost causing her to spill her drink. It was Naruto, unexpectedly by his side.

—"How is that possible?" asked Weiss, still surprised. Just a moment ago, he was on the dance floor with Pyrrha.

Naruto's presence stood like a beacon in the gloom, a mute promise that, despite the storms that ravaged it, there would always be a beam of light waiting for it. Weiss was in a dilemma of feelings, but in the recesses of his being, he was aware that, regardless of his choice, Naruto would be there, as he had always been, being his unwavering support in every measure of this complex waltz of existence.

—"Hi Weiss, are you okay? You seem somewhat isolated," Naruto asked in a jovial tone.

—"I am perfectly fine," she replied, recovering quickly from the surprise and assuming a pose of indifference.— "To what do I owe the honor of this interruption, Mr. Uzumaki?"

A charged silence came between them, a counterpoint to the bustle of the music. —"What has become of your companion?" asked Naruto curiously.

She hesitated for a moment before answering. —"He's not here, he's left me waiting."

—"Really?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. —"Who would be so bold as to do such a thing?"

—"Apparently, Neptune," Weiss sighed.

—"Do you want me to go talk to him?" offered Naruto.

—"No, I don't have to, I can manage on my own," she replied, gritting her teeth in frustration. She didn't want to be pitied.

—"Well, since you're without a partner..." said Naruto, taking her hand and pulling it decisively. He guided her to the dance floor.

—"Let's indulge in dancing. You've taught me a few steps, and it would be an honor to try and outdo my teacher."

She couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm.— "Come on, Naruto, you've only practiced for a couple of days. Do you really think you can compete with me?"

—"Maybe so, I've been told I'm a quick learner. So, shall we dance?" said Naruto with a smile. He pulled her to his waist and they began to move to the rhythm of a sweet, melodic ballad.

—"You're not doing too badly," Weiss admitted with a smile.

Weiss was slightly impressed, enthralled by the way Naruto held her in his arms.

—"It's thanks to an excellent teacher," Naruto said with a knowing smile.

The ballroom, a dreamy tapestry woven with threads of light and shadow, became the perfect setting for the dance of souls. The music, an ethereal whisper that rose like the night breeze, enveloped the dancers in a veil of charm and mystery. In that magical moment, Weiss detached himself from the restlessness of outside gazes, immersing himself in the deep connection he shared with Naruto, a bond that went beyond words and manifested itself in the universal language of dance.

—"What happened to your companion?" asked Weiss, his curiosity aroused by the absence.

—"Ah, Miss Goodwitch has business to attend to with the General and the Director," Naruto explained with a sympathetic smile.

—"Then he left you alone in the middle of the dance?" asked Weiss, his voice tinged with subtle concern.

—"Not exactly... let's just say her responsibilities called her," Naruto replied, downplaying the matter.

—"I see," Weiss said, his tone revealing a mixture of understanding and a hint of sarcasm.

—"General Ironwood didn't seem very pleased," Naruto remarked, still confused by the soldier's reaction.

—"Your hand was... let's say, in a pretty bold position on Assistant Principal Goodwitch's back," Weiss charged, his brow furrowed in disapproval.

—"Oh, that certainly explains it," said Naruto with a mischievous smile, a spark of mischief shining in his eyes.— "I wonder what General Ironwood would do if I dared to steal a kiss from Glynda in front of him."

—"Idiot," Weiss murmured, then sighed, a cloud of resignation passing over her face.— "It seems we are both in the same unfortunate situation, we are wretched."

—"Since when have you used that kind of expression, Weiss?" asked Naruto, his tone full of amusement and a hint of affection.

—"It seems that some of your ways have rubbed off on me," she replied, a warm smile on her lips.

Resting his head on Naruto's chest, Weiss let himself be rocked by the serene rhythm of his heart. That sound was a soothing balm, a metronome that marked the rhythm of a moment of peace in the tumult of the environment. In the intimacy of their closeness, the world around them seemed to disappear, plunging them into a timeless space, where only the two of them existed, the harmonic beating of their hearts and the music that surrounded them in an ethereal embrace, a murmur of veiled promises and budding emotions.

—"Naruto, how are you getting along with Pyrrha?" asked Weiss, his curiosity piqued.

Naruto looked confused at the question. —"Everything is going well, we haven't had any problems as far as I know."

—"Hasn't she given you to understand something else... staff?" Weiss asked delicately.

—"What do you mean?" he replied, genuinely bewildered.

—"Something more intimate, beyond friendship."

—"Do you mean a duel? We do that a lot in training... I don't get what you're aiming at," Naruto said innocently.

—"Oh, Naruto," Weiss couldn't help but smile at his naivety. Despite his cunning in so many respects, there were certain subtleties that were foreign to him. That was one of the reasons I appreciated him so much.

—"Naruto, if someone asked you out, would you accept?" asked Weiss, trying to sound casual.

Naruto's response was swift and blunt.— "No, I wouldn't."

Weiss was taken aback by his response and bit his lip, holding back his reaction.

—"For now, I'm not looking for a relationship. I'd rather focus on our friendship," Naruto confessed.

—"What do you mean?" asked Weiss, trying to understand it better.

—"I like how things are at the moment. If I had a partner, I would have to dedicate all my attention to them, and that's not what I want. You, my friends, are my priority. Taking care of you is the closest thing to true love that I know. I hope this lasts a long time. Maybe after we graduate, I'll consider having a relationship. For now," said Naruto, gently caressing Weiss's cheek.

She blushed at the contact, feeling a chill of excitement.

—"I just want to be with you and with others," he said with contagious joy.

Weiss hugged him tightly, almost hiding his face in his chest. —"Naruto, do you make me a promise?"

—"If it's in my power, I will," he replied, caught up in Weiss's earnestness.

—"Promise me you'll always be with us, you'll always be there for me," Weiss whispered, her voice heavy with longing and barely concealed hope.

—"That's all?" laughed Naruto lightly. "Of course I'll be there for you. This is where I belong, by your side."

"You shouldn't make promises so lightly, Naruto. They often don't end well for you," warned a voice inside him, Kurama's.


/-/

Every step he took was a battle, not only physically but also emotionally. For a long time, he had searched tirelessly for this special someone.

Finally, he found her in the most unexpected place. She had changed drastically over the years. Before, she was a thin, androgynous-looking girl, hard to recognize. Now, she had transformed herself into a woman of unmatched beauty, the most beautiful he had ever beheld.

Deep in his heart, he hoped that she could remember him, though he feared it was just a dream. She longed to find out the truth, to confirm if it really was her, the girl she once failed. I wanted to be by his side, the way he couldn't be that fateful night.

However, he stopped. Jaune Arc froze, watching the young woman dance with her teammate. He had witnessed that scene countless times, but he felt no jealousy or fear for their possible relationship. Actually, he would feel genuinely happy if she found happiness, that was all that mattered. Still, deep down, he didn't feel ready to face her.

He wondered if she would still remember him, and if so, what emotions would he arouse in her? Disappointment, resentment, or perhaps, to her, he meant nothing anymore. Fear gnawed at his soul.

—"It seems that I'm still the same old coward," he muttered to himself.

She turned on her heel and walked over to her friend Penny, past her. —"Maybe, just maybe, someday I'll find the courage to talk to you."

He walked forward without paying attention to his surroundings, took the nearest chair, and sat down in a secluded corner, where no one could interrupt his thoughts. He sank into misery once more, feeling like the same coward as always.

—"What should I do now?" asked Jaune, his voice barely a whisper in the vastness of the moonlit room. Night light streamed through the windows, tinting every surface with an ethereal glow that further embellished the surroundings and added a touch of solemnity to the moment.

—"Are you miserable, my friend? There are two of us now," a voice nearby rang out, breaking the silence that enveloped him.

Jaune was startled, he hadn't noticed the presence of anyone next to him.

—"Excuse me, did I scare you?" asked the figure he now recognized as Cardin.

Jaune sighed, a mixture of relief and resignation in his breath. —"It's just you, Cardin."

The other man nodded, understanding Jaune's unspoken dilemma.— "Love problems?" he inquired with an accurate guess.

—"Yes," Jaune admitted, his gaze falling to the floor, where his reflection distorted on the polished wooden floor.

He recalled a past exchange, words that had marked the beginning of a friendship and the awakening of his first love.

—"You know what, keep the shirt, I don't want it, you've already contaminated it," he had said in a playful tone.

—"Are you implying that I'm dirty?" she had retorted, eliciting a shared laugh.

—"I didn't insinuate anything, you said it," he concluded, sealing an indelible memory.

A wistful smile spread across Jaune's lips. That night of separation had been dark and desolate, cold and cruel. But now, when I met her again, the night was transformed into something lively and joyful, dreamy and hopeful. However, just like on that occasion, I felt that I could not reach her.

Jaune was at a crossroads of feelings and memories, torn between longing and uncertainty, between the desire to get closer and the fear of being rejected. The night went on, and with each passing moment, the decision to speak with her became both more urgent and distant.


I hope you liked this chapter as much much as I I did did.

I want to apologize for any spelling mistakes this text may have. It's the first fanfic I've written and I would love to receive your feedback with tips and suggestions to improve my story. This is the English version of my Spanish story, which has some changes from the original. I don't know English, I used a damn translator.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to your opinions.