-AN-

Random thought of the day. If you had the money or power to become a catboy/girl today. Would you? Or if you could contribute to research that would make them real within your lifetime? I mean. I know people joke about furries, but I think a lot more people would be on board if you could do it. Maybe.

-Story Start-

It was quickly approaching evening, the sun fading below the horizon and the nightlife of Vale was just starting to pick up. Which left a bored Tayuya and a smirking Ino walking the streets for a destination only known to the blonde herself. Something Tayuya was considering smacking out of her. Either that or dragging her into an alley and putting a truth seal on her. Which ever would be faster.

"I know I said I'd come no questions asked, but this feels like this is going to cut into my Naru time." Rolling her eyes as a trio of young men called out to them, she only just held off giving them the finger as Ino waved them off. She was already kicking herself for going along with Ino, dressing up much as she might have when they were younger and pre-kids. Sure the red leather pants and halter looked good on her, but she was a mother now. If any of the kids saw her now she'd probably die of embarrassment. "No one hears of this, got it?"

Bouncing once and making sure everything was in place, Ino smirked and held her head high. "Look, you've been hitting the books right. Going through records and old conflicts. Is there anyone on this planet who can really hold a candle to us, even unarmed?"

"That's not the point and you know it." Tayuya had been learning and watching. Sitting in during combat classes and history lessons, watching the trainee Hunstmen spar against one another had clued her in the while semblances could do amazing things, they had nothing on chakra.

Rolling her eyes now, Ino waved a hand in the air, "The point is that there's nothing wrong with looking good while making an absolute fool of someone who thinks they're all important. Plus as a bonus, when's the last time Naruto got to see us all dressed out? Remember his reaction then?"

Thinking about it, it wasn't the bar fight here in this world. No that was back home for a parent's night out. That had been fun. Well, especially the end. Who knew Naruto could still get that riled up?

Seeing the silly smile bloom on Tayuya's face, Ino continued to lead the way as they meandered towards the industrial district. Tonight was to be a quick meeting between someone Sienna wanted them to meet and themselves. Naruto had found himself rather busy once his students had gotten well and truly motivated. His own fault in the end, but he said he'd be along after making sure the runts wouldn't kill themselves. Poking her senses out once to get a feel for the area, she noted that there were plenty of dock workers in the area, along with something…else. "Well that's icky."

Snapping out of her daydream involving Naruto, chakra chains, and some leather, Tayuya snapped her senses out as well. It hit her like a train. "Ew. What is that?"

"Maybe a Grimm. But darker and tainted in a way I haven't felt from the others. A hybrid of some sort maybe?" Naruto would know better off of feeling alone and his own vastly more sensitive abilities. But once more Ino shrugged, if it was a Grimm, they could kill it. "The real question is, what is it doing in the city?" If there was one thing they had learned since coming to be here in Remnant, it was that people were fanatical about killing Grimm wherever they stood. Having one in the city was tantamount to letting demons into your home. No one sane would do that.

Tayuya noted the lights becoming less frequent as they found themselves walking into high walls between stacks of shipping containers. The Faunus members of the White Fang were more frequent here, watching them but not impeding them in any way. It really did pay to be well known didn't it? "Only one way to find out, you're taking us right to it."

"I'm only going to where the message said to meet up tonight. Something about making sure we don't interfere with other plans being set in motion." Ino shrugged and stuck her tongue out with a grin, "Yeah, cause we can promise that."

Refusing to pick at her pants that she was sure were pulling into her ass, Tayuya promised she would get Ino back for this later. "I'm just going to say now. If anyone touches me, I'm not responsible for what happens." She was for Naruto only. Everyone else was fodder for the slaughter as far as she was concerned.

Knowing that while Tayuya had mellowed out, she absolutely would rip someone's arms off and beat them to death with them, Ino chuckled and nodded as two guards ahead of them nodded their direction and opened the door to what looked like a foreman's office. "I'll do the talking then."

"Good idea. And where is Naruto anyway?"

"Making sure Glynda doesn't murder him in his sleep."

That had Tayuya sighing. "We taking bets on that one?"

"Nope. Losing bet."

-b-

Roman did not know what to expect when Sienna had reached out to him, telling him he should meet with one of their new members. This, Naruto Uzumaki. Yeah, like he cared what one of their Faunus had to say. Sure Roman had heard the rumors about the new Beacon instructor, but in the end he didn't care one lick. He stayed out of their way and they stayed far away from him. He had been small time, some thefts here or there. A few rich assholes who needed to have their bubble popped, and maybe a few more just for fun.

Until Cinder came and everything he ever wanted floated away like dust in the wind.

Now it was about plans, sub plans, a major goal. One he wasn't entirely sure of yet, but with the amount of product he was now responsible for stealing, it really couldn't be anything good. They were already approaching an amount capable of leveling several city blocks and yet the cocky woman wanted yet more. Dust and military hardware, like she was stockpiling for a war. She wouldn't tell him why, but that thing that followed him around when she was gone promised him that he would not like the consequences if he failed.

So here he was, to make sure that this latest player on the scene did not get involved. Powers stronger than them wanted to sow some chaos and they wouldn't mind tossing a few bodies in the ditch if necessary. Crossing his arms and leaning against a work desk in the currently empty office, Roman wished once more that his life could have taken a different turn. Where he wasn't spouting orders to groups of animals who paraded themselves as terrorists. Where he wasn't one bad move away from losing his head. He flinched only a little was that thing groaned from the back room opposite of the entrance. She had said she wouldn't get involved, but Cinder was there, he just knew she was.

Next to him and coming back into view, Neo silently leaned down to gain his attention. She wasn't privy to what was going on in his mind, but she could see that he was worried, and mimed as much.

"Don't you worry your pretty little head Neo. Everything will go just as we want it. Keep to the background okay?" More signs, a question that he couldn't completely answer. "I'm pretty sure this guy is some washout like all the others. Maybe a bad mission finally caused him to lose his nerve or maybe he finally cracked. The Grimm have that affect on people." More signs and a grin from Neo had him chuckling and patting her on the head, "I'll be fine, but I know you won't let this guy hurt me. I appreciate you Neo."

Neo grinned before fading away with her semblance. She would keep watch. Ready to slip her knife into anyone's back if they tried to hurt her little dumb dumb.

Not having to wait much longer, Roman sat up as the door to the office opened. Having been expecting any manner of older and grizzled hunter. He was not expecting two older women looking for all the world dressed for a night on the town. "Uh. I believe you have the wrong idea here." Granted, if the White Fang wanted to make sure he was happy he wouldn't complain, he'd just have to shoo Neopolitan away for a while. She didn't need to see that.

Ino took the lead, letting Tayuya bow her head to the White Fang member who let them in. The blush on that guys face was bright enough even in the dim light to nearly make her laugh. Instead she focused on the man before them with the cane and bowler hat. Some fashion statement. "We're here on behalf of Naruto Uzumaki, he's running a little late. But he'll be along shortly if it's required." The door closed behind them, leaving the four occupants to size one another up. Neo thought herself hidden enough, but both Uzumaki women had clocked her before they had even entered the room.

Shrugging and shaking his head, Roman let out a very put upon sigh. "I don't know this Naruto, but my estimation of him is dropping by the second. Thinking my attention would waver by sending me some nightly company. I'm a businessman and a gentleman, I'd think myself above that."

Grinning and walking forward with all the grace of a mountain lion, Ino flipped her ponytail off to one side, "Oh. Maybe I should have mentioned first, we're his wives. Not prostitutes." Seeing the man's eyes widen, she really wanted to hammer the point home now. "And while you might consider yourself important around here, we don't consider you more than a passing interest. Don't get ahead of yourself." Taking a page from Naruto's flair for the dramatic, Ino layered a light genjutsu over her eyes, letting them shine in the dark, "I'll be happy to put you down if you do, like the dog you are."

Gritting his teeth, Roman cursed his luck. Of course they had to be hunters as well. Though to be confident enough to come here without weapons spoke loud and clear of what their semblances might be. These women were walking weapons themselves, or at least believed themselves to be. That said, he had his pride, "You think you can walk in here and call me a dog? I'll-" There was something very sharp poking at his throat, freezing him in place as the blonde's grin grew to shit eating levels.

"No no. You see, a dog follows orders. Which I can guess you've been doing just fine. You don't strike me as the mastermind type." Ino let her chakra string press the senbon a little deeper into Roman's throat, "So be a good boy and call out your owner. Oh, and if your little girlfriend so much as twitches, I'll put her down."

Blinking and praying Neo didn't take the bait, Roman backed away slowly with his hands raised. "I assure you, this is just a, misunderstanding. I don't take orders from-"

Rolling her eyes, Ino looked back and exchanged a look with Tayuya. "You wanna?"

"Might as well. Anything to get this over with before Naruto shows up." Thanks to the outfit, a good portion of her back was exposed. Enough to allow five chains to burst into life, quickly and efficiently capturing the previously hidden Neo by the limbs and aborting her attack on the pair. Wide eyed and confused, Neo was lifted into the air to slam against the ceiling to shower them all in dust. "Like honestly, you move so loudly." She might be able to get the drop on normal people, but they were still born and bred ninja. It would take a lot more than this child to hurt them.

Holding up a hand, Roman could feel the sweat working down his neck, "Wait wait! She's just, over protective is all. This really is a misunderstanding."

Ino considered just kicking down the door, but that would take away from the fun of it all. Plus, Tayuya got to break someone, she wanted a turn. "Roman dear, you're insulting my intelligence. Do you mean to tell me you haven't gotten word about me. Not even from Junior. I'm hurt really. Deeply so."

Wait. Was this the woman Junior told him was sniffing around? The blonde with the crazy eyes? Well, she certainly fit the bill. "Just, release Neo, and we can be civil about this." One hand tightened on Melodic Cudgel. Worst case, he took his chances. Though seeing Ino's eyes dip down to his weapon before returning to his own, he had a feeling that she knew what his weapon was. Knew and wanted to see him try it.

All eyes turned to the back of the room, where a woman was slow clapping her way out of the darkness. "My my, I knew you'd bite off more than you could chew one day Roman. I'm so glad I get to see it for myself." The voice was more sultry, alluring, than either of the Uzumaki women would have figured. Especially coming from such a small woman. Girl? She looked maybe in her twenties. "My name is Cinder Fall. Please release the lackeys, good help is hard to find these days."

Exchanging looks with Ino once more, Tayuya shrugged and her chains disappeared with a thought. Neo was summarily dropped on her face, while the senbon at Roman's throat was retracted out of sight. It was Ino who kept her smirk and looked down on the shorter woman. Heels were not good enough to bridge that gap. "So, Cinder Fall. The benefactor behind the White Fang's movements lately. I'm sure they owe you a lot."

"They would, yes, if they weren't considering back off on their plans. I suppose I have your husband to blame for that." Eyes roaming over to Roman and the slowly standing Neo, Cinder motioned for the door. "Leave. Go make sure those…Fangs haven't bungled anything today."

Wanting to say something cutting, Roman considered his chances. On one side, two women who had no problem putting himself and Neo in their place. All without weapons. On the other, a monster in human flesh. With luck they'd kill each other. Striking a bow, Roman pulled his hat and lowered his head, "As the lady wishes. Come Neo." Standing to his full height and striding out of the room, he wondered just how this could get any worse. Neo's questioning eyes trailing him weren't helping his mental state either. He needed a drink. Or maybe several.

Amber eyes turned to the pair of women before her, and Cinder considered her options. Them being strong enough to subdue Neo and Roman was nothing to be concerned about, nor was her being outnumbered. No, she had been given a task and she would complete it. She supposed so should offer the honey first, before the stick. "You don't hail from Vale originally. Did your husband's work bring you here?" Start slow. They were old enough and settled down, which meant most likely there were kids in the wings. Older hunters were quick to give themselves weaknesses. Just look at Lionheart.

Blinking and mentally trying to decide where to place this slip of a girl, Ino turned to face her fully, arms settled around her middle, "Something like that. But that's not what we're here for is it? You said you had plans we might be conflicting with. Why not come out with it so we can finish this talk. We have more to do tonight." Like trying to see if her new earth chakra technique could overpower a sage. It had been a busy week and she was starting to get frustrated.

"Hmm, is there a rush? We're just having a pleasant chat. Don't we want to keep it that way?" It was still hard to control, but the stolen…no. Her maiden powers boiled just under the surface. It wouldn't help things to test them out here against these two. No, she needed a worthy opponent. Someone with real power. Besides she was to keep a low profile for now. It wouldn't do to alert Ozpin to the fact that she was here. Yet. "Let's get comfortable."

Tayuya took a step to stand next to Ino, ready to give this whelp a piece of her mind before pausing. Smile growing on her face, she relaxed as her gaze tracked to just over Cinder's right shoulder, "I think getting comfortable sounds good."

Assuming the Seer had come out to play, Cinder smirked and felt more confidence enter her chest. "I think that's for the best." It was always unnerving for others to see a Grimm follow a human's orders. Not that this one followed hers, but the illusion was enough. She nearly jumped as a large hand landed on her shoulder. Looking over and expecting of all people Tyrian to be there, she was not familiar with the grinning whisker faced blonde standing there. He held up the Seer, very very dead with several tentacles pulled free. How had she not heard him?

"Oh, is this yours? It looked probey. I don't like probes." Naruto winked and turned to his wives. "Hey Himes. I miss anything fun?"

Ino huffed, "Nothing we can't fix later." Yes, she would be hunting down Roman later. Call her a prostitute would he? Oh no. She'd be having all the words with him.

Knowing that smirk and knowing whoever pissed her off was in for a long one, Naruto sighed and turned back to the girl who felt like a half baked supernova. "Sooo, you called. We're here. Let's. Chat."

Cinder did not know what to feel, this hunter had gotten the drop on her. Silently. He couldn't be just a simple hunter with that skillset. Maybe some time as an assassin? "I think, we're getting ahead of ourselves." She watched as those sky blue eyes slowly morphed into the deepest of violet, pupil surrounded by several concentric rings some of which bore small tomoe. "What?"

"Don't worry little girl. You aren't my type. Now. Let's. Chat." He didn't have the genjutsu practice that Sasuke had, but he'd be getting some done on this world it seemed. So that was a plus. Besides, he needed to be up early. He had kids to torture.

-b-

Team RWBY was a lot of things, but it couldn't be said that they were not a cohesive unit. Months now of dealing with some of the most extreme combat classes and now what the school was beginning to call the gauntlet. Or the forest run of hell depending on who it was. But they had improved both as individual hunters and as a team.

That said, one of the largest proofs was Blake's own trust in them, Faunus traits on display as they walked the courtyard towards the dorms, the morning classes finally done and they had some free time to relax before professor Uzumaki's class. They had been told loudly that there would be no forest run this week. Instead each team was having a chance to go against the instructor once more, to gauge their improvements. Those thoughts were derailed as Yang grinned and hip checked her partner.

"You know, I never would have guessed you were a Faunus. Guess it makes sense why you'd be so sensitive about Faunus rights then huh?" Arm coming over Blake's shoulders, Yang leaned in and leered at Weiss. "I bet a certain someone feels real bad about some of the stuff she's said now huh?"

Rolling her eyes, Weiss held her head high, refusing to give Yang the satisfaction. "I will have you know that my feelings have not changed. Though, time with Blake has given me the opinion that I should…evaluate each person I meet on an individual basis."

Yang rocked a tired looking Blake back and forth, "Sorry partner, but that's probably going to be the best we can hope for in terms of apology out of the princess."

"It would help if you stopped calling me a princess." Weiss sighed as next to her Ruby tried to urge for calm. They did not need to fight about this. Again. "Besides. Why should I apologize so weakly. Blake has saved my life innumerable times by now, and I the same. If I would turn against her at this point because of her birth, that would only show how terrible of a person I am. I am not a terrible person, so it is all moot."

Snorting, Blake finally smiled, "Sure thing Weiss Cream. I get it."

"You-not you too! Don't join her antics!" Yang was already laughing up a storm, clutching her middle as she held herself up by Blake's shoulders. Just what she needed, another one. "This is just what I need. Now there's two of them."

Ruby gave her a pat on the shoulder, "We're a team. It's part of bonding."

"Does that mean I'm becoming more like you, or will you be more like me. Can we have the latter please. I need another sane member, not more insanity." Though even as she tried to imagine a more regal Ruby, even her mental version started to stuff its face with cookies. Nope, even trying to give her a haughty laugh didn't help. Beans.

"I don't think it works that way." Ruby chuckled as the group came upon a gaggle of students milling about the fountain. There was a lot of laughter and more than a few scrolls were out taking pictures, but none of the girls could see what was going on. "Wonder what's up?"

Yang was already pulling that way, "Let's take a peak."

"Are we really going to waste our freetime with-" Weiss was already letting herself be dragged along by Ruby, so it was a moot point. "So childish."

Ruby pulled her partner along with a grin, "Like you aren't interested." The group pushed their way through the crowd, coming face to face with a sight that two of them were having a hard time figuring out.

Blake on the other hand tilted her head as she laid eyes on the man tied up in rather impressive shibari and hung from the top of the fountain. He was naked short of…were those women's underwear? Homewrecker was painted on his chest with what looked like bright red lipstick, and he was blindfolded with a tie. An mechashift sword was anchoring him in place while a ball-gag kept him from screaming or talking. Left with only gyrating in place and mumbling as loud as he could. Next to Blake, Weiss sighed.

"Of course it's some pervert. Has anyone called the instructors yet?" She was already turning away to leave, whoever this was probably deserved it judging by the erection they had. No woman would have gone through all that effort for nothing. Maybe the boys would learn not to cheat on their huntsmen girlfriends less they end up like this cretin.

It was Yang who fisted her hands into her hair, "UNCLE CROW!?" This couldn't be happening. Here, at her school? This had to be a dream. She had to be dreaming. She turned to her partner, "Blake, hit me. Hard. Please."

"This isn't a dream Yang."

"I need it to be. Knock me out. I want to scrub this all from my mind via concussion." Next to them they heard a body hit the floor, and they turned to see Ruby out cold and foaming out the mouth. "Ruby!"

Weiss wanted to laugh, but then realized if it was her sister up there she'd probably have the same reaction. Though this was perfect blackmail material for later. Phone out, she started to dial away, "I'm sure we can get Professor Goodwitch out here sooner." Had no one else contacted the school? So shameless.

'The number you are trying to reach is no longer in service or experiencing technical difficulties.'

Blinking as she held her scroll away from herself, Weiss was having some doubt. "Blake."

"Yeah?" Trying to slow Yang's shaking of her younger sister as the crowd began to grow, Blake's patience was beginning to run thin. She was also steadfastly refusing to look at the fountain again. Humans were weird. She didn't need more proof of that.

"Have you ever had a scroll not connect to the school? For a call."

"Hmmm….can't say I have no."

"Okay." Dialing again, Weiss put the call on speaker so Blake could hear just what she had heard.

'The number you are trying to reach is no longer in service or experiencing technical difficulties.'

Blinking and turning away from her partner further traumatizing her sister, Blake looked up to Weiss, "Is your service out?" Blake had the decency to blush as Weiss arched a delicate eyebrow her way. Right, heir to the Schnee dynasty. How could she be out of service? "Let's…let me try."

"Ruby! Ruby! Don't go into the light, come back to us!"

"Uwawawawagh." Ruby moaned and continued to let her sister shake her back and forth. Anything was better than reality.

Holding her scroll up, Blake locked eyes with Weiss as it rang. "See, maybe it's just-"

'The number you are trying to reach is-' Shutting it off before it could repeat, again, Blake sighed and finally noticed that the crowd had in fact gotten larger while they weren't paying attention. "What now?"

"I can go run and find the nearest instructor?" Weiss did not want to be here when said instructor showed up.

Which only ruined her mood further when Professor Goodwitch's voice boomed over the crowd, "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!? ALL OF YOU STUDENTS, DISPERSE AT ONCE! DISPERSE!"

Weiss shared a look with Blake before both girls turned to look at their down partners. They both came to a conclusion pretty quickly and each grabbed their respective partners by the shoulders. "Com'on, let's go."

"No! We have to save him. Someone is framing him, this isn't right." Ruby kept her eyes tightly shut, not wanting to see the thing which should not be seen. She didn't need more mental trauma today. "We have to help him down."

"I think Professor Goodwitch can take care of that." Blake flinched only a little at her choice of words, but the deed was already done. "Com'on, let the adults handle this."

Yang was staring blankly ahead, trying and failing to come up with a rational explanation for all of this. She'd never be able to look at her Uncle the same ever again. Never again. This would be the perfect day to start drinking. She needed a mental bleach. Lot's of it.

Behind them as the rest of the students all left though a few snapped some last minute pictures, Goodwitch pointed her crop at Crow, semblance releasing his sword from the masonry and dropping him into the water below. A little more power pulled him free and released him from the ropes, but her irritation was already boiling over into anger. "Do you have any sanity left!? This is a school! An institution for learning! Not a place for your….your…depravities!"

Hands free, Crow reached up and released the gag and his blindfold, slumping over the fountains edge as he finally had a chance to catch his breath. "This isn't…..a normal thing."

"I would sure hope not!? Who did this to you?" Glynda watched the normally lackadaisical man suddenly lock up, eyes shrinking to pinpricks as he stared off into something only he could see.

"She who conquered a god. A goddess of the hunt. The one of red and gold…." Something in him trembled, a command, an order. He couldn't control it. He certainly couldn't stop it. His eyes crossed.

Glynda backed away with true disgust on her face. Did he just…he did! "This is outrageous!" She heard hurried footsteps behind her and found Ozpin, Uzumaki and Port there. "You deal with this thing! I can't be near him." Walking away with haste, Glynda decided she needed a bath. She felt, unclean.

Blinking and watching the angry blonde leave, Naruto returned his gaze to the man he had never met in person before. "Do we know this guy? Should we call the police?"

"No. This is…another employee of mine." Ozpin sighed and tried to figure out what was going on. He had been only slightly worried when Crow hadn't reported in. But now maybe he would have some answers. "Crow, pull yourself together."

Blinking and coming back down to Remnant, Crow saw Ozpin and tried to salvage some dignity. "This….it isn't…..what it looks like."

Port tossed the man a spare pair of sweat pants, "Get dressed you lout. There are children present."

"Y-yeah."

Naruto had to hide a smirk as he could feel mirth from his links with Tayuya and Ino. So, this is what Tayuya did to the guy. Genjutsu may not be his thing but could certainly spot one when he saw one and this was a real doozy. He'd pity him if he wouldn't have done worse. "I'll uh, get back to my classes."

Ozpin nodded as Naruto turned away, "Good idea. I'll….I'll call if we need assistance." Well wasn't this a fine day indeed. What else could happen?"

Port was helping Crow out of the water, "Who did this to you?"

"No! NO DON'T ASK MEEEEEEEIIIIIIIIAaaaahhhhh~~" Eyes crossing again, Crow slumped to the ground. Everything was beginning to hurt. Why had he been cursed so" He vowed to stay away from every red head he ever met from now on and into the long distant future.

-b-

Humming a cheery tune, Naruto was happy to make his way back towards the training arena with a grin on his face. He might have to make it up to the RWBY girls later for the trauma, but they'd understand. Eventually. Maybe. Besides, it wasn't like he was behind it this time. That was all his wife. He could claim plausible deniability this time.

'Oh yes, because that is going to work out well if they ever find out.'

'Why wouldn't it. My luck has carried me this far.' Naruto had already turned down the last hallway towards the Arena, smirking as he felt the space beginning to fill.

'You know what else your luck has been good for yes? Should I start taking bets now?'

'I have done no charming here.'

'That Sienna woman seems right up your alley.'

Naruto walked into the dark space with all the carefree attitude born of a man used to children's antics. That the main lights were taking a moment to come online would probably worry anyone else. Probably someone without good night vision like him. 'More like yours. Don't lump me in with your nonsense.'

'Uh huh, and your current game with that witch?'

'Glynda just needs to have some fun. She's to uptight.'

'Your funeral little brother.'

'Hey, I'm not charming her.' Silence greeted him, and Naruto felt a frown coming on. 'I'm not!'

'Your women are right. You do have a blind spot.'

Rolling his neck, Naruto considered that there certainly were a lot of students here even though class wouldn't start for another few minutes. The lights still hadn't come on. 'I do not!' Grunting as Kurama chuckled and fizzled into the background, Naruto finally took note that most of the teams bearing Faunus members were beginning to circle him. Did they really think this was the best idea? Did they forget who he was?

"Now!" The light came blazing to life, and four full teams bearing all manner of weapons were already dashing his way. It was cute really.

"Did you forget I can see in the dark better than all of you can!?" With a cackle his base cloak burst to life, nine tails coming out to begin swatting children left and right. "To think you could ambush me! Hah! Come at me and despair children! For I am a King!"

Hefting her warhammer in the shadow of the hallway from the locker rooms, Nora turned back to Jaune with a bounce in her step. "Your call, do we join in or not?"

Sighing and knowing this was about to hurt, Jaune nodded anyway as Nora gave a whoop and charged, "It was part of the plan. Though Ruby's team is missing."

Pyrrha giggled as Ren jogged after Nora who had already launched herself high into the air riding on an explosion from her weapon. "It'll be a good lesson at least."

"Yeah, like I need another lesson in getting my butt whooped." Jaune armed himself and checked his gear. His newest addition, a long barrel revolver with a blade attached to the trigger guard that he had yet to name. He had wanted something semi-automatic, but Ruby had vetoed that. Something about revolvers and romance. "I keep letting women push me around."

"What was that Jaune?" Pyrrha gave him a quizzical look and the young man shook his head.

"Nothing Pyrrha, com'on, let's join the meat grinder." They both looked up, Nora's laughter overtaking everyone else's as her hammer smashed against a dome made of tails of orange light.

"Nora smash!"

"Nora needs to learn how to smash harder!" Naruto flung her away before having to weave away from Ren who dove in from his blind spot. Kid was starting to get good at that.

Both Pyrrha and Jaune sighed before sprinting in. Best to join in early. They did not want to get singled out.

Coming into the melee from the main hallway, team RWBY looked on with dread as it looked like the rest of the class had already started. "We're boned, aren't we?" Ruby's voice was already laced with defeat.

"Com'on! If we hurry maybe we can get in before to many of the others drop out!" This was just what Yang needed, a good and long distraction.

In the middle of it all, Naruto decided he might have to up their training again. But at least the kids were improving.

What a good day it was.

On the other side of the campus and happy sequestered in their room, Tayuya and Ino had finished their work and activated the seals on the room. Now sound proof and locked from all intrusion, it was Ino who turned to the smaller woman strung up from the ceiling by purple rope. This girl, Cinder, was just full of information she was interested in. Plus, Ino was feeling left out, and decided it was her turn to break someone.

"Should I send a Naruto led search party if this takes longer than an hour?" Tayuya would not be sticking around for this. She had appearances to keep, even if she was going to most likely fall asleep in the library today. It had been a rather long night.

"Hmm, tempting. But I'm pretty sure I won't take that long." Ino grinned as Cinder struggled in her bonds, before Ino pulled the strap over her mouth free, "And you. Are we really going to do this all over again?"

"I will not break. I'm stronger than you can possibly imagine." Cinder would not count that thing masquerading as a person in her calculations. It wasn't human much like Salem. She would not fight it. "I will break free and-" The strap was back in place, and Cinder screamed angrily into it.

Shrugging and turning back to her sister wife, Ino stepped forward and hugged Tayuya tightly. "Well, at least we know more about what's going on now."

Tayuya stepped away and shrugged herself, at the least they could eventually enjoy a vacation here. "Yeah. Now to let Naruto track down this Salem woman and do his thing. Either he'll blown her to bits or-"

"Blow her back out?" Ino giggled as Tayuya gave her a tired look. "Oh com'on, you know him. He won't touch her if we say no. It's just. You also know his luck."

"I do. Yes, yes I do." Flashing away and leaving Ino alone, Tayuya decided she needed a nap. Hopefully the drama in the courtyard would keep the students busy and out of the library.

Turning back to her prey, Ino's eyes began to glow as she channeled chakra through herself. Time to try out something new. "So my little play thing. You ready to serve a new master?" Once more the strap was pulled free as Ino gently cupped Cinder's chin. Forcing the other woman to look her in the eyes as she prepared her technique.

"Salem will have your head and erase you from existence. You are nothing compare to-" Cinder felt something pull at her core. What made her, her. Why were those eyes so bright all the sudden?

Ino smirked as the technique began to take hold, "Oh don't you worry about her. Right now, it's just you and me." The world dropped away from both of them, and Ino took hold of the fragile little girl Cinder actually was. "Now, why don't you show me the real you, and we'll go from there."

Suddenly free of her bonds, Cinder pulled away from the blonde woman. What was this? Where were they? Was this her semblance? Did she transport them somewhere else? She reached into herself, pulling for the power of the Maiden, of Fall. Nothing came. There was nothing within her at all. No power. Stolen or her own.

"That's it. You see?" Ino paced around the slowly beginning to panic Salem as she waved a hand in front of herself theatrically. "What are you? Without the power. Without the control? Who is Cinder Fall?"

"I. I am in control! It's there. I can feel it!" And yet nothing would come. She didn't understand. She had worked so hard for so long. Where had it gone wrong? Just bad luck or something more? "I will be on top one day. I'll be the Queen Salem wished she could be!"

"Oh? How so, when you can't even move past her?" Ino drew her attention, continuing her pacing as a vision of a younger Cinder knelt on the floor behind her. Dividing her attention by walking this woman's mind and conjuring these visions was certainly a task, but it was good practice. Cinder had been through a lot. Maybe she wouldn't have been all bad once. If things had been different. If someone had actually reached out a kind hand towards her.

Cinder wasn't privy to Ino's thoughts, eyes focused intently on the girl cowering on the floor before her. She could already see it. The Madam with a finger on the trigger, the pain of electrocution that would follow. The full body exhaustion that would eventually set in before the work would begin. Raw fingers, the beatings, the- "No! I'm not her anymore! I'm not that simpering child! I am-" She trailed off, watching the previous version of herself weep on the floor. No power, no allies, nothing within her heart but a desire. Never again. To never be that way once more. At the mercy of another cruel fate. "I-I-I can't."

Ino leaned into her ear from behind, lips just brushing against her, "You can't? This is real life dear. You're still young, still able to learn. Are you sure you want to continue down the road you were? A slave to yet another mistress who will throw you away?" Cinder fell to her knees in front of Ino, and the older woman embraced her from behind, as a mother to a child. "You know it don't you, Salem has no more love for you than anyone else you have met so far."

"I…I have no use of love. Of family. Only allies. Tools to use and throw away. I will use her just as she tries to use me." Another vision, Salem standing over her, having thoroughly beaten her for some transgression she couldn't remember. Oh, but she remembered the pain. So much pain.

"Well I do. There is always a chance in love. Strength in Family. Allies, others who you can trust. Comrades."

"Trust is for the weak."

"Then trust me dear. I will see you become greater." Delicately, slowly, Ino molded a new vision. The darkness around them expanded, they were no longer alone in the void. A grand world lay out before them. Remnant. Or what Remnant could be. Bustling metropolis as far as the eye could see. Airships flying freely. Her face, carved in marble. Towering high above the masses, who exalted her name. "This world. We would want to leave it in hands that can care for it fairly. Someone who knows suffering. Knows pain. And can be strong enough not to visit it upon the normal people. Someone who wishes to see the world do better."

"But…why should one's so powerful cow to them? They are cattle. Livestock. Their lives hold no meaning."

"All life has meaning little Cinder." Ino pulled back, only to brush her cheek on Cinder's other side gently, hands locking together over the other woman's chest. "If some part of you didn't believe that, would you have saved those two children? Say their names Cinder."

"My Emerald. Mercury." She remembered the pair. She had sent them out on an errand within the city. They'd be looking for her. But they could handle themselves.

"You've trained them some. Cared for them. Two lost little orphans that owed you nothing. You don't want them to turn out like you. Do you?" Ino pulled away to walk around Cinder again, smiling as the other woman sat there on her knees. Deep in thought. A gentle finger came forward, tilting Cinder's head up to look at her directly. "I can make you a promise Cinder."

"Y-what are you?" They were all different. They all had power she had never witnessed, never seen before. She wanted it. Craved it. It was a new hunger not felt since she had first tasted the power of the Fall Maiden.

"Ah ah ah little Cinder. You're a little early for questions." Ino leaned down slowly, the world around them once more fading to black, "What do you want? Who are you?"

She had been telling herself the same mantra for as long as she could remember. Over and over again. Every morning. Every day. Every night. It was easy. "I want to be strong. I want to be feared. I want to be powerful. To never be at someone else's mercy powerless again."

"I can make that pain go away Cinder. I won't ask for your soul. I won't ask for blind obedience. Nor will I tell you to die for me." Ino knelt with her, cupping her cheeks as she would one of the children. "I will show you strength. Real strength. Strength to protect those dear to you. Power to become feared by those who haunt the dark. Powerful enough even to stand before an ancient God and spit right in their face. Courage my Cinder. You will have it, that I can promise you."

Blinking and feeling like a trance was settling over her, Cinder considered letting it happen. Salem had been brutal. Efficient. Giving slivers of what she needed when necessary, and easily doling out punishment for failure. She was an eternal Queen. What use did she have of pawns that did not perform. "You would have me. The failure? The broken?"

"I would have you, Cinder. The person. For all people are flawed creatures. But you have tenacity. Talent. You always stand back on your two feet. That is more important than anything else you could possibly provide me." Ino smiled as she felt Cinder's mind calm. Perfect. "You are mine Cinder. I will mold you into a power so fierce even Salem will retreat from your might."

She liked that idea. She liked that a lot. Maybe once she had had a dream. A child's dream. To protect other children like her. To promise they would never hurt again as she had. A dream stamped out as foolishness by Salem, once more reignited by this Goddess before her. "What…how shall I serve?"

Smiling brightly as the space around them lit up in kind, Ino nodded her head once. "First. Let me tell you of my husband. A true Kami. And then, the real instruction will begin."

Bowing her head as tears began to fall down her cheeks, Cinder felt something long abandoned in her heart begin to mend, "Yes, Mistress Ino."

As the technique finished, Ino couldn't hide the smirk on her face as Cinder fell unconscious. While not as mean as she had intended to be, that was fine. She had a new little follower to nurture. And a target. Salem. If Naruto didn't get to her first, Ino certainly was going to. If she had learned anything from Naruto and Kaguya, it was that there was more than one way to defeat a being calling itself a god.

-b-

Walking out on one of the higher balconies of her palace, Salem considered recent developments. Cinder was no where to be found, the Seer watching over her dead and gone. There weren't many who could accomplish such a feat and Cinder would normally never have tried it. Stuck between extreme loyalty and fear, Cinder always considered Salem's ire before making her moves. Things were not normal, she was coming to learn. She had only just dispatched Watts so he wouldn't have made it to Vale just yet. So she couldn't go to him for an update. Did she have any other assets in the area? Hazel wasn't close enough and his anger with Ozma would not make such a move wise. Maybe Tyrian? He had always followed her orders to the letter. But he was not, subtle. That would be a clear open declaration of war to Ozma.

Looking out over the desolate and rocky terrain of the Grimm lands, Salem considered what to do. She needed more pawns, more assets to use. Cinder may yet be alive but unable to contact her by her own preferred means, Salem refused this world's new technology after all. What use was it when it would all be dust in a few hundred years. She was eternal, the latest fad was not.

At the least, she had dispatched another Seer to track down Cinder. She had given that girl a great gift after all and worst case Salem would need to retrieve it and find a new host. A stronger one if Cinder had been defeated already. Salem had hoped Cinder's own lust for power would be able to bridge the gap with her lack of ability, but she supposed not. Good help was so hard to find these days.

Something tugged at her attention mentally. It wasn't one of her more ancient Grimm capable of communicating with her. No. It was the Seer she had sent off. Had it already located Cinder? That was fortuitous. Turning around and returning to her throne, she ascended the steps and took her place. It wouldn't do to look anything other than the regal ruler that she was. Another Seer came before her, its bulbous head clearing as she commanded it to connect with its sibling. "Speak, Cinder, where are you."

"Hello? Is this thing on? Hey, you the owner of squiddy here? Cause I've got some visual tips for improvement."

Salem blinked as a blonde man's face filled the orb. Who was this? Had Cinder gained some new pawn herself, or maybe a lover? Color her surprised. "State your name, before I kill you."

"Oooh, not off to a good start there lady. I'm currently two for two on killing your little spy toys." Naruto was all grins as he sat on a rooftop within Vale. It was evening finally, and Ino had warned him that more of these things might be out and about. So he had gone hunting. "You're looking a little pale. Not getting enough sun? Vitamin D? It's important you know."

"You imbecile, do you have any idea just who you are talking to?"

Naruto made a show of thinking about that before shrugging, "Uh, a stage nine shut in?"

"I am Salem! Queen of the Grimm and soon to be ruler of Remnant." Mentally she ordered the Seer to kill this man. The view of him shook in place, before there was a tearing and ripping sound.

"Ew, no, bad squiddy! No tentacle play for you!" Tossing another tentacle over his shoulder to join the nearly dozen or so behind him, Naruto smirked and wagged a finger at Salem. "Ooooh, so you're Salem. That's good. Makes this easy. So like, I'm sorry, but I'm most likely going to have to kill you."

"You dare!?" Just who was this?

Scratching at the back of his neck, Naruto nodded firmly once. "Oh yeah you see, I've got a habit of poking my nose into things and I'm starting to like this world. The kids are crazy and the monsters are good for a workout. At least for them. So some woman calling herself a god and trying to kill and or enslave everyone isn't going to work for what I have in mind." Smirking and pointing his finger directly at her, Naruto gave her his best lady killer grin, "So like, be a good girl and chill out. Don't do anything crazy and I won't hunt you down and pull your spine out of your mouth."

This was new. It was infuriating, but it was new. No one had dared speak to her this way in so long. No one intelligent for that matter. Either this man was a fool, or he was powerful. "I see now. You are Ozma's latest pet. Naruto." Smirking and reigning in her temper, Salem understood now. Ozma had not explained to him just yet how terrifying she could be. "I suppose I have you to think for the loss of my latest toy?"

"Hmm, Cindy's not a toy, but a person. Though no, not my handiwork. You can thank my wife for that. You've got your work cut out for you soon." Naruto shrugged, casually pulling another tentacle free from the Grimm in his hands. It whimpered piteously. "So, you gonna be good or-"

"I will make this clear once. And only once." Salem sighed, eyes boring into those clear blue eyes, "It does not matter what you do. Where you hide. How many of my pawns you crush. I will always be here. Eternal. Ever lasting. I am a Goddess. I can outlive you, there is no escape. But I will personally see you beneath my feet before this is all over."

Looking up and humming as he considered that, Naruto had to hand it to her. She played the evil villain very well. "Welp. How about a rebuttal?" He could probably track her down with the energy linking the two Grimm that were speaking to each other. But that would ruin the fun. And this was a vacation after all. Fun was the name of the game. "I'm going to travel all over this world. I am going to crush every plan you've made. Either turn or kill every pawn you have. And at the end? When I find you?" Naruto paused as he attached a seal to the Seer which began to glow orange. "Either I will have you begging for mercy, or death. Either will work for me."

"You are a foolish man Naruto Uzumaki. You have just signed your death warrant."

Winking at the woman as the Seer started to fade away, Naruto decided that yes. Remnant was lots of fun. "I think you'll have a change of heart soon enough." And then it was gone and Naruto wiped his hands clean of it. Now he needed a shower. Maybe if he hurried he could convince Ino to join him.

Surprise on her face, Salem was not prepared for the other Seer to appear before her. There was little warning as the thing shone brightly orange before an explosion rocked her throne room. Dust and debris scattered in all directions, a cloud billowing out of the balcony window and raining chunks of rock and masonry onto the ground far below.

Inside the room and reforming herself from the pool she had become, Salem saw red as rage overtook her. She did not know who this Naruto Uzumaki truly was, but he was now her focus. Ozma could wait. Naruto would die.

-AN-

Ino adopts Cinder? Naruto declares war? When the Uzumaki decide they're going to have fun, they really lean one hundred percent into it.