Aboard Winter Schnee's private airship, Weiss Schnee stood at the window of her sister Winter's cabin, staring out at the bustling streets of Kuo Kuana below. The airship lingered silently, a testament to Atlas's advanced technology, yet the tranquil scene outside did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside Weiss. She had come with a mission — to put an end to Jaune Arc's foolishness. Four weeks had passed since he began his bizarre escapade in Menagerie, and it was time for this madness to stop.

Winter Schnee, poised and composed as always, studied her younger sister with a furrowed brow behind the white desk. "Weiss, I don't understand why you're so agitated about this. Jaune is simply interacting with the locals."

Weiss huffed, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "Interacting? He's been here for a month, Winter. What he's doing goes beyond interaction! He's making a fool of himself and, by extension, of us — of Mistral and Atlas."

Winter tilted her head, her icy blue eyes narrowing slightly. "Show me, then."

Weiss led Winter to the observation deck, where they could clearly see the streets of Kuo Kuana. It didn't take long to spot Jaune Arc. He was dressed roughly, a stark contrast to his usual sleek and formal attire, carrying food and drink on his back with this crate he was carrying around. His black suit was now tarnished, his yellow tie loosened, and his blonde hair, streaked with white, was disheveled.

They watched as he barged into a Faunus dwelling, his presence loud and obtrusive. He would drop off supplies and then, without missing a beat, start encouraging the residents to party with him. His enthusiasm was palpable, but to Weiss, it was an embarrassment. He was drunk, dancing with the people of Menagerie, trying to follow their steps with an awkward yet earnest grace.

Winter, observing the scene, let out a soft chuckle. "He seems to be having a good time, and so do they. Hmm, he needs another suit. I just got him one. How many does he intend to ruin? Still, look at him, Weiss. He's trying to blend in, to understand them."

Weiss turned to Winter, her expression one of exasperation. "Winter, this has been going on for four weeks! He's wasting time and resources. This isn't how we build alliances or show respect."

Winter sighed, turning back to her paperwork. "Noted, Weiss. I'll make a note of your concern."

This response only deepened Weiss's frustration. She didn't understand what the hell did Jaune Arc did that made this kind of insanity somewhat unsurprising for Winter. "Winter, this is giving me a headache. The leaders of Menagerie are starting to think we're insincere. This isn't real diplomacy!"

Winter set down her pen and leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "Are they being sincere to us, Weiss?"

Weiss paused, surprised by the question. "What do you mean?"

Winter's gaze was piercing. "Think about it. Menagerie has always been cautious, if not outright suspicious, of the larger kingdoms. Our history with them is complicated. Perhaps Jaune's actions, though unorthodox, are breaking down barriers in a way we hadn't anticipated."

Weiss was taken aback. She hadn't considered that angle. "And... you think Jaune's antics could actually be fostering real goodwill? Are you serious?"

Winter nodded slowly. "It's possible. Sometimes, diplomacy isn't about formalities and grand gestures. Sometimes, it's about genuine human connection. Jaune, in his own way, is trying to connect with them."

She looked back down at the scene below, giving Jaune in another look. He was making an effort, albeit a clumsy and unorthodox one, to bridge the gap between their worlds. But it just doesn't feel right.

"Maybe you're right, Winter," Weiss admitted reluctantly. "But we can't ignore the fact that he's still causing a scene. There has to be a balance between genuine interaction and maintaining our dignity."

Winter smiled, a rare warmth in her usually stern demeanor. "Perhaps you can guide Jaune, help him understand the importance of both connection and decorum."

Weiss nodded, feeling thankful her elder sister was finally speaking sense. "I'll talk to him. I'll make sure he understands the importance of what he's doing and how to do it properly!"

Winter returned to her paperwork, giving Weiss a nod of approval. "Good. And remember, Weiss, sometimes the best diplomacy happens when we step outside our comfort zones. Jaune may be onto something, even if he doesn't realize it... or he's in his trance again."

"Huh?"

"Nothing. Now about that new suit… hmmm."

With determination, Weiss made her way down to the streets of Kuo Kuana. She found Jaune in the midst of another impromptu celebration, surrounded by laughing Faunus and a few humans who had joined in. He was laughing, his face flushed with the warmth of alcohol and camaraderie.

"Jaune Arc!" Weiss called out, her voice cutting through the noise.

Jaune turned, a goofy grin on his face. "Weiss! Come join us! It's a party!"

Weiss shook her head. "We need to talk, Jaune Arc. It's important."

Reluctantly, Jaune extricated himself from the group and followed Weiss to a quieter spot. "What's up, Weiss?"

Weiss took a deep breath. "Jaune, what you're doing... it's not entirely wrong. But it's been four weeks, and it's time to strike a balance. We need to show respect and sincerity, but we also need to maintain our dignity and resources."

Jaune nodded, his expression sobering. "Really? I didn't realize it was causing so much trouble."

"Yes, you are!" Weiss said sharply.

"Oh," Jaune turned to the faunus.

Weiss Schnee watched with mounting frustration as Jaune Arc continued to engage with the Faunus, talking about his cousins and Jaune asking the Faunus about this girl he liked in Vale. His cheerful demeanor seemingly oblivious to the urgency of their situation, or that Weiss was still standing in front of him made Weiss's frown go deeper as she tried to lead him away.

They needed to leave, to address the larger issues at hand, but Jaune's every move was met with another round of interactions.

"Jaune, we need to go," Weiss insisted, her voice tight with annoyance.

Jaune, surrounded by a group of chattering Faunus, turned to her with a relaxed grin. "Just a few more minutes, Weiss. I really need to learn where they buy this fire and dust drink they had."

Before Weiss could respond, one of the Faunus, a young man with striking green eyes, stepped forward alongside a few children. "Mr. Arc, when will the next 'party supplies' come?"

Jaune knelt down, meeting the eyes of the Faunus children gathered around him. "As long as Big Sister here gets off my back, I'll bring more soon. She's a bit grumpy. But she's nice, don't mind her."

Weiss scowled at the remark, her patience wearing thin. "Jaune, enough. We have important matters to discuss."

Jaune was dragged away. The Faunus looked at Jaune with a mixture of respect and curiosity, referring to him with honorifics that made Weiss's irritation grow.

"Mr. Arc, will you come back soon?"

"Of course," Jaune replied warmly, standing up. "But first, I need to talk to my friend here. She wants to correct my behavior. I'll be back! Oh, and tell them to prepare for the party supplies! We going to have par-ty!"

As Weiss tried to steer him away, Jaune kept stopping to talk to more Faunus. Each interaction seemed to take an eternity, and Weiss's patience was rapidly evaporating. Jaune was asking them so much questions and even made jokes that should have made them seethe, but instead laughed it off and rough patted Jaune. Pale from the interactions and through gritted teeth, she finally managed to pull him along before he could make awful jokes that some of the Faunus might not take lightly.

"Jaune, we need to go NOW," she said firmly.

Jaune sighed but allowed himself to be led away, albeit slowly, as he continued to wave and smile at the Faunus he encounter in every block.

When they reached the front of the Belladonna household, Jaune unceremoniously sat down on the ground, pulling out a flask and taking a deep swig. Weiss stared at him in disbelief.

"Jaune Arc, what are you doing?" she demanded. "You can't be serious right now."

At that moment, Qrow Branwen appeared, raising an eyebrow at the sight. "Kid, you're drinking like there's no tomorrow."

Jaune looked up at Qrow with a tired smile. "It's my Semblance," he said simply, taking another drink. "It demands me this."

Blake Belladonna stomped her foot down in front of Jaune, her golden eyes blazing with anger. "Why are you acting like this, Jaune? We need you to take this seriously. You've been stalling the negotiations!"

Jaune stared at her for a moment before shrugging and taking another drink. He turned to Ruby Rose, who had just arrived. "Ruby, can you pass on a message for me? Tell them I can't make it to the meeting this time, too."

Blake's anger flared. "You don't give a damn about any of this, do you, Jaune?"

Jaune laughed off her outburst, his nonchalance infuriating her further. He sniffed the air, catching the scent of food from the Belladonna household. "Hey, that smells good. Can I get a bite?"

Weiss, Ruby, Blake, Qrow, and Pyrrha, who had joined them, all looked at Jaune with concern. His behavior was alarming, and his disregard for the negotiations was alarming.

"Jaune, this isn't like you," Pyrrha said softly, kneeling down beside him. "What's going on?"

Jaune took another swig from his flask, his eyes distant. "Trying to drink?"

Weiss clenched her fists, struggling to keep her composure. "Jaune, this isn't helping anyone!"

Jaune looked at her, his expression unreadable. "My current mission is to talk to the Kuo Kuana itself."

Blake crossed her arms, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. "You're wasting time, Jaune. This isn't a game!"

Jaune sighed, standing up unsteadily. "But I'm speaking truthfully here? I really am speaking with the city!"

Ruby stepped forward. "Um Jaune, I don't think getting drunk 24/7 is 'talking' to the city."

"I beg to differ, Ms. Rose," he chuckled. "I've been listening to its voices as keenly as I can. Listening to the waves. Can you hear it? The whisper in the waves? "

Qrow leaned against a pillar, his eyes sharp as he observed him and turned to Weiss.

"Weiss, what did Winter Schnee have to say about all this?"

Weiss sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I'm starting to suspect that Arc might have fed her something wrong somehow. She seems unusually tolerant of his antics."

Despite Jaune's protests, Weiss and Qrow managed to drag him to the meeting room. They straightened his yellow tie and arranged his suit, making him look somewhat presentable. Jaune slouched in his chair, his demeanor still nonchalant. Across the table, Ghira Belladonna and Sienna Khan sat with displeased expressions.

Ghira spoke first, his voice stern. "This behavior is highly inappropriate, Mr. Arc. We expect more from a representative of Mistral and Atlas."

Jaune ignored Ghira, his attention instead focused on the Faunus maid passing by. "Hey, Mrs. Tala! How's your little lass? I really hope she got the party food. Speaking of food, um, ma'am, can you bring me a meal, please? I'm really starving." He gave her a wink.

"Of course, Friend Arc," she returned a smile before heading to the kitchen.

Sienna's patience snapped, and she slammed both fists on the table, causing a few documents to flutter. "Enough of this nonsense, Jaune Arc! Your behavior is a disgrace!"

Jaune leaned back in his chair, unperturbed by Sienna's outburst. "You all are too tense. Maybe you should join the party!"

Weiss stepped in, her voice measured but firm. "Jaune, this isn't a game. We need to show respect and sincerity.."

Jaune's expression grew serious for a moment. "But I am showing my sincerity? The Faunus here are wary of grand gestures and political speeches. They've heard it all before. "

Ghira exchanged a glance with Sienna before addressing Jaune again. "And getting drunk and throwing parties is your method of diplomacy?"

Jaune shrugged. "It's unconventional, sure. People are opening up, sharing their concerns. You wouldn't understand."

Weiss's eyes narrowed. "And what about the resources you're wasting? The time?"

Jaune leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Please, those supplies were theirs in the first place. If anything, I'm just shamelessly asking to get some."

Sienna, though still visibly frustrated, seemed to consider his words. "There are limits to this foolishness, Jaune Arc."

Jaune nodded. "I understand. But if you want actual change, you need to show you're willing to meet them where they are, not just expect them to come to us."

Sienna growled. Ghira looked displeased by his implications.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Friend Arc, your meal?"

He said nothing and then beamed at the meal Mrs. Tala brought for him. Jaune continued to act like a fool, his carefree demeanor grating on everyone around him. They had to stop the meeting, finding that his current behavior inappropriate. Ghira was upset while Sienna Khan looked at him with hostility.

He laughed, joked, and staggered through the streets of Kuo Kuana, oblivious to the mounting frustration of his friends and allies. His antics drew curious and amused glances from the Faunus residents, but for Weiss, Blake, Ruby, Qrow, and Pyrrha, it was a constant source of embarrassment and exasperation.

As they approached the airship, Weiss couldn't contain her irritation any longer. "Jaune Arc, enough is enough! You're making a mockery of everything we're trying to accomplish here."

Jaune, his steps unsteady and his grin unwavering, simply shrugged. "Weiss, you worry too much. Lighten up a little, will you? It's all in good fun."

Blake, her golden eyes blazing with anger, stepped in front of Jaune, blocking his path. "This isn't a game, Jaune. You're showing disrespect to the leaders! Do you have any idea how serious this is?"

Jaune leaned against a nearby wall, looking up at Blake with a lopsided smile. "Relax, Blake. I'm just trying to get to know the locals. It's called building relationships. Like I said, I'm speaking with the city."

Ruby, standing beside Weiss, shook her head in disbelief. "Jaune, this isn't good. You're acting like a fool. You need to pull yourself together."

Qrow, his expression a mix of frustration and concern, stepped forward and grabbed Jaune by the arm. "Kid, you've had your fun. Now it's time to get back to Winter's airship and sober up. We can't afford to have you screwing things up any further."

Jaune tried to pull away, but Qrow's grip was firm. "Come on, Mr. Branwen, just one more drink! The party's just getting started!"

"No, Arc," Qrow said sternly. "You've had more than enough of partying today. You smell like booze and you're acting like a fucking idiot. We're taking you back to the airship, and you're going to stay there until you can act responsibly like you should."

Reluctantly, Jaune allowed himself to be led away, still trying to wave and smile at the Faunus they passed, who were strangely laughing at him. Weiss, Blake, Ruby, and Qrow practically dragged him up the ramp and into the airship, their patience worn thin by his antics.

Once inside, Weiss turned to Jaune, her expression stern. "You're staying here, Jaune. You're not to leave this airship until we say so. Do you understand?"

Jaune flopped down onto a nearby seat, his grin fading slightly as he looked up at Weiss. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. No more fun for Jaune Arc. You're all a bunch of killjoys, you know that?"

Blake crossed her arms, her voice cold. "This isn't about fun, Jaune. It's about consideration. If you can't understand that, then you're not helping us at all. Why did you even bother to attend this if you aren't going to take this seriously at all?"

With Jaune now safely confined to the airship, Weiss, Ruby, Blake, Qrow, and Pyrrha regrouped to discuss their next steps. They made their way to Winter Schnee's office, hoping for a more effective strategy to handle the delicate negotiations with the Faunus of Menagerie. Winter's office was located in a secure part of the airship, bustling with activity as Atlas military personnel coordinated various operations.

Winter looked up from her desk as they entered, her expression calm but clearly busy. "Weiss, Rose, Belladonna, Branwen, Nikos," she greeted, her voice steady. "What can I do for you?"

Weiss stepped forward, her tone measured but urgent. "Winter, we need to talk about the negotiations. Jaune... well, you saw what happened. Can't we assign someone else to handle this?"

Winter sighed, rubbing her temples briefly before responding. "Weiss, I understand your concerns. However, Jaune Arc is the only one available for this task. I would like to represent if necessary, but I'm currently coordinating with the Menagerie Guard to identify areas and settlements that need immediate assistance. We simply don't have the personnel to spare."

Qrow, leaning against the doorframe, frowned. "Is he always like this, Winter? Acting like a fool?"

Winter paused, her icy blue eyes meeting Qrow's. "He'll get over it sooner or later."

The group exchanged confused glances, unsure of what to make of Winter's statement. Qrow's frown deepened, sensing something off but choosing not to voice his concerns. Instead, he decided to take the lead. "

Alright, let's get moving. We need to figure out our next steps on our own."

As they exited Winter's office, they passed by Jaune, who was animatedly talking to a Faunus in civilian uniform. Jaune's voice carried through the corridor, filled with enthusiasm. "So, about those party supplies! We need to make sure everyone's having a good time! You better make sure they go to their place, okay? So when I get out we can continue part-tay…"

Weiss clenched her fists in frustration, but Ruby gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let's focus on what we can do right now, Weiss. We'll figure out how to handle Jaune later."

Blake nodded in agreement, choosing to ignore Jaune.

Qrow led the way, his mind racing with thoughts. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Jaune's behavior than met the eye. As they moved through the airship, he made a mental note to keep a closer watch on Jaune, just in case.

They gathered in a small conference room to discuss their options. The tension in the room was palpable as they tried to come up with a plan.

"We show them we're serious about building a respectful and lasting relationship," Blake suggested. "But we can't have Mistral and Atlas exploit Menagerie!"

Ruby nodded. "Eh, maybe we can arrange another meeting with the leaders of each commune?"

Weiss tapped her chin thoughtfully. "We could present them with a plan for cooperation. Something that addresses their needs and shows our willingness to work together. Just give me time how to address Atlas's demands… maybe lessen it."

Qrow listened carefully. His eyes narrowed in thought. "These are good ideas, but we need to be careful. We're dealing with the affairs of the three states here…"

Pyrrha leaned forward, her voice steady. "Hmm, what if we start by addressing their immediate needs for now? Miss Winter mentioned coordinating with the Menagerie Guard, right?"

The group agreed, and they set to work, planning their next moves with renewed determination. As they left the conference room, they passed Jaune once more. This time, he was sitting on the floor. A group of Faunus children wearing hospital gowns were gathered around him as he regaled them with stories and jokes.

Weiss watched him for a moment, her frustration mingling with a sense of reluctant admiration. Despite his antics, Jaune did have a way of connecting with people that was undeniable, especially with children. She just hoped that he could find a way to channel that energy into something productive like he did before he just gave up and started being lazy drunk.

As they moved on, Qrow glance at Jaune before shaking his head.

Meanwhile, Jaune continued his interactions, oblivious to the concerns of his friends. He handed out small trinkets and snacks to the Faunus children, his laughter echoing through the corridors of the airship. Earning the shrugs of the crew members of Winter's airship.

As the day wore on, the gang worked tirelessly, reaching out to the Menagerie Guard and local leaders, coordinating aid and resources, and trying to mend the strained relations. They hoped that their efforts would show the Faunus of Menagerie that they were sincere in their intentions.

Despite their best efforts, the team found themselves constantly thwarted by Jaune Arc's antics. Every corner they turned, every street they walked down. Jaune was there, always with a flask in hand, acting like a clown, and eating, drinking, chatting, and dancing with the people of Kuo Kuana. His behavior had become an ongoing problem, preventing them from making any actual progress and making the local leaders displeased.

Two more weeks dragged by, each day blending into the next with little to show for their efforts. The leaders of Menagerie remained distant, their trust in the visiting team eroded by Jaune's ongoing antics. Weiss, Blake, Ruby, and Qrow were at their wits' end, their frustration mounting as Jaune continued to refuse any serious engagement with the High Faunus leadership.

Weiss paced back and forth in their makeshift meeting room aboard the airship, her expression one of mounting exasperation. "This can't go on. We're getting nowhere with Jaune acting like this!"

Blake nodded, her golden eyes dark with frustration. "Every time we try to speak with the leaders, Jaune's antics come up and then we're back to square one!"

Ruby, normally the optimist of the group, looked weary. "We've tried everything. Talking to him, keeping him on the airship, but he just finds a way to slip out and... do whatever it is he's doing."

Qrow, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "There's something off about all this. I don't know if it's just Arc being himself, or if there's something more going on. Either way, we need to figure it out, and fast because he's becoming a bother."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of laughter from outside. Jaune's voice carried through the open window, full of mirth as he danced and joked with a group of Faunus. Weiss clenched her fists, struggling to maintain her composure.

"We need to get him back here," she said through gritted teeth. "We need to get through to him somehow."

Blake seethed. "I'll go get him. Maybe if we all sit down and talk to him together, we can make him see reason."

She left the room, heading out into the bustling streets of Kuo Kuana. It didn't take long to find Jaune. He was at the center of a crowd, laughing and spinning around with a group of Faunus children, his flask still firmly in hand.

"Dance! Dance! Big Brother Jaune!"

"I am dancing!" Jaune laughed, kicking some slick moves.

Blake approached him, her patience worn thin.

"Jaune, we need to talk!" she said, her voice firm.

The children stopped and bowed their heads. Jaune stood in front of the kids and grinned at her, his eyes slightly unfocused. "Blake! Come join the fun! These kids are amazing!"

Blake grabbed his arm, pulling him away from the crowd. "This isn't fun, Jaune. This is serious. We need you to come back with me and talk to the team."

Jaune resisted, his smile fading slightly. "Blake, I'm just trying to cheer people up. The people here they need to see that we're not all uptight and formal. They need to see that we can have fun, too. Fun and peace, baby!"

"You are a drunkard!" Blake's eyes narrowed. "There's a time and place for that, Jaune. Right now, we need to be serious. The leaders of Menagerie aren't happy with us, and we need to fix this. It's not time to worry about the rest!"

Reluctantly, Jaune allowed himself to be led back to the airship. As they entered the meeting room, the others looked up, their expressions a mix of hope and frustration.

"Jaune, we need to talk," Weiss began, her voice controlled but tense. "Your behavior is causing problems. The leaders of Menagerie won't take us seriously as long as you keep acting like this."

Jaune sank into a chair, his expression stubborn. "I'm trying to connect with them in my way."

Ruby leaned forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Jaune, we know you're trying to party... But there has to be a balance. You're not just representing yourself, you're representing a lot of people."

Jaune looked around at his friends with an amused expression. "Is that so? I mean these people, they've been through so much. They need to see that we're not just here to talk politics. Gosh, they need to have fun from all that stress and fun. They need some good time too!"

Qrow sighed. "Kid, there's more to this than just having a good time. We need to earn their trust, and right now, that means showing them that we can be serious and respectful too. You did well in the first weeks… but this isn't just right, what you're doing."

Jaune studied Qrow before looking down at his flask, his fingers tightening around it. For a moment, it seemed like he was going to turn serious, but the foolish smile was back.. "Alright, I get it. I'll try to tone it down."

Weiss nodded, relieved. "Thank you, Jaune Arc. We'd appreciate if you actually just behave."

The team spent the next few days working tirelessly to mend their relationships with the Faunus leaders. They arranged formal meetings, presented plans for cooperation, and showed a renewed commitment to understanding and supporting Menagerie throughout the affairs. Jaune, true to his word, reined in his antics, but still partied with the locals, eating, drinking, joking among the waves of people.

But despite the setbacks, their efforts began to pay off. Slowly but surely, the leaders of Menagerie started to warm up to them again, recognizing their sincerity and dedication.

But to some, they were like travelers marveling at the grandeur of a towering lighthouse, so busy admiring its beacon atop, they forgot to heed the whisper of the waves crashing against its base.

And the whispers on the waves were getting louder.