Here we go again.
Got really cold here! Down to -37F at one point... Snowed in for a day.
Back to normal sized chapters, thankfully.
Did struggle with one scene in particular, having to rewrite it several times...
Still might not be quite what I wanted it to be...
Anyways, let's get to it!
You don't know what it's like to live in shadows
Always regretting what you've done
Spending time counting every little mistake
Knowing it's always easier to leave
(-)
You don't have to spend your life looking backwards
We've been through this over and over again
You can't just wish it away
The past is the past it will never change
That was before, this is now
And when we have a chance to make it better if we try
(-)
Oh, but I will not endanger one more friend
(-)
You're free to do the things you want
But listen, so am I
(-)
I made my choice
It was a silent night.
He could hear the clock tower window of his office ticking behind him.
A sliver of smirk crept on his lip. Taking a sip of his cocoa glancing through the video feeds he brought on his desk. Skimming the day's news, knowing his students wouldn't be very active tonight.
His new combat instructor wore them down.
Gleaning any information from the feeds he could, Oz shook his head.
As usual, not much helpful came from the news cycle. They rarely got a hold of anything he found interesting anyway…
Outside of keeping track of Torchwick's peculiar run of Dust thiefs. Ozpin had wondered what had caused the string of seemingly unusual robberies…
Ozpin's gaze shifted to his elevator, wincing and tucking his head away. Clutching his mug tightly, he took a sip of cocoa to calm down
Of course, it was the one that left you in such a state… I'm sorry I failed you…
If there was only a way I could reverse what was done… Amber.
A tone rang, drawing his attention to his desk.
His scroll? Only a few would call him at this time of night…
Switching the news feed off and connecting his scroll to the monitors, a voice echoed as his image shimmered on the screen, static interference disrupting the feed for a moment before clearing. "You alone? We need to talk."
"You have gone silent for a while, Qrow. Do try and keep in contact more… It has put Glynda in a foul mood." Ozpin peered at the image.
"She's in a foul mood? She needs to get in line." Qrow scoffed, crossing his arms. "Tai's going to rip my head off. I missed Yang's acceptance ceremony. I just managed to get near enough to a tower to make a call. These small towns outside the Kingdoms don't have the greatest reception."
"Ruby and Yang's ceremony, if you must know." Oz plainly responded, earning him two crimson daggers bored into him.
"Wanna run that by me again? My reception went fuzzy…" Qrow glowered and gnashed his teeth. "If I heard what I think I heard… I might have a few rounds with your name on them. I was still training her. She is too green…"
"Innocent, you mean?" Qrow's scorn deepened, his eyes flickering.
If looks could kill…
"You will have to be waiting for some time… There are far, many more people in that queue waiting for their retribution, I'm afraid." Ozpin exhaled, his eyes glimmering as he gazed away momentarily. "However, she is here on her own merits and decision. She will make a fine Huntress. Guided in her journey by someone who has dealt with some of this world's harshness already…"
"And our newest instructor, who may have a few things to teach us all." Ozpin shifted his head, turning behind him toward the clock window. "Isn't that right?"
"Mah, you knew I was here?" A lone figure dropped down, scratching his head while his ears shifted out of place. "Really got to give ya some credit. Didn't seem like ya noticed me."
"It did take me a while for what it is worth." Ozpin forced a smile, his eyes glimmered. "I assume you are here for answers? Thought you would have come much sooner."
"You seemed busy handling the official business. Didn't want to mess with ya until that was done. I can wait. Got nothing but time… And I really wanted to focus on my first class. That was kinda of fun…" Naruto shrugged before slyly grinning.
"Oz," Qrow carefully observed this unknown individual, "I thought you were alone."
"I never said that, did I? You assumed I was." Oz raised his eyebrow queerly while Qrow's gaze sharpened further. "Regardless of semantics, you should head home… You won't be finding your target out there. She's here."
"Dammit!" Qrow hissed under his breath, and glass shattered, tossing a shot glass to the side. "Alright, I'll make haste to return… And to think I had a chance with the waitress here if I stayed longer…"
Naruto squinted before blanching at the man in the video call. He knew that look well… Having seen it enough with Jiraiya…
Couldn't blame him, but…
"Indeed, we have a lot to discuss." Ozpin ignored the comment and laced his fingers. "But more importantly, we have a new issue that has arisen. My worst fear has come to pass… The Fae had become hostile toward humanity."
"The Fae?" Qrow squinted before his eyes shifted between the two men before cursing. "Shit… I'm coming now. That's not something that can wait…"
"Which is what I came to ask about because of what I heard when they attacked during the exam." Naruto crossed his arms before his ears folded over his head.
"They what?! Fae attacked the incoming class? Shit! Are Ruby and Yang okay?" Qrow exclaimed, frothing the mouth.
"They did outstandingly against them in part thanks to the quick actions and analytic abilities of our instructor here." Ozpin motioned toward Naruto. "With the application of Dust and his world's, for lack of better terms…"
"Called chakra," Naruto responded to the unasked question. "It has some similarities to Aura, from what I can tell. "
"Thank you," Ozpin nodded, taking the information in stride. "With the application of Dust and the elemental nature of his chakra, we were able to handle the Fae and repel them…"
"His world's… Chakra?" Qrow scrunched his face before his eyes shimmered. "Oz… I'm on the way. You have a lot to explain when I get there…"
"Will explain everything when you arrive." Oz waved as the scroll feed shut off, sighing, gazing over toward Naruto. "I suppose you came to hear what I know about Gaea and what happened… It's a long story, and I can't say I know everything. You might want to make yourself comfortable."
"I've got the time." Naruto strolled before the desk, taking the chair and facing Oz. "Not only is she the only one to know where this Great Tree is…"
"She called this world their world… Implying a few things that are alarming to me. Mind explaining?"
Ugh… Why did it have to be a school?
And here of all places… She had to be careful here!
She had a record! Not much of one since Roman took most of the heat, but still well enough known that coming to a place training with Huntsman was horrible for her!
Neo twirled the left ponytail of twin ponytails with a finger and slyly grin, strolling through the campus and heading straight to the CTT.
Perhaps he would be there? Best place to start…
Good thing she was a master of disguise.
They wouldn't recognize a criminal like her with this change…
No one ever did.
She scowled, emerald eyes flickering as removing her finger from disguised black hair before nastily spitting.
This hairstyle… She would change it later.
Too many memories…
Maid top and the short combat skirt could stay…
Roman might enjoy that…
Clutching her right tightly, she silently mouthed her frustration. Eyes shimmering with livid intent.
To boss her around… Force Roman to yield to her desire!
If she touched him!
She gnashed her teeth before those burning amber eyes coarse through her thoughts.
Flames wrapped around her, smoldering her Aura to the verge of shattering…
The joy in those eyes as she inflicted that pain…
Fully intent on turning her to ashes.
Neo shuddered and hung her head.
If only she wasn't so weak… This dream of hers could have lived on forever.
Instead…
She bowed to that woman's whim. Now…
It was time to find this young prodigy and turn him over to her…
Maybe then…
…She could choose her path again.
The room took some time to finish, but it was coming together this morning…
How Yang's bed was supported with these books she bought was beyond her.
Felt like it was gonna collapse on her at any moment…
Ruby's looked dangerous. Being at an angle and held up by ropes gave a terrible first impression. But she had chosen very solid struts and had the bed safely secured.
Could probably have a few people in that bed safely…
Blake shook her head. She had talent with tools and engineering.
Had a good head on her shoulders. Seemed to have some troubles with her studies, possibly due to being displayed a few years in the curriculum…
Or it was genetic as her sister was even worse…
Despite being a few years younger was as skilled as each of them, if not a little reckless.
So why was she made team leader instead of her?
If the team was called RWBY… Did that mean it was changed at the last moment?
Blake's head sank, and ears curled, burying her attention into her textbook as she bit her lip.
She didn't understand. Every single team started with the leader…
Was Ruby meant to be the leader?
And if so… Why was there a last-second change if she was chosen?
"Blake!" The chipper voice of whom her mind was centered on called out toward her.
Golden eyes lifted from the book and glimpsed into silver as she leapt from her bunk. "You've been quiet all day… Anything I can do for you?"
"No," Blake returned her attention to her work. "Just working on our assignment. Almost finished."
"Oh, okay." Ruby flashed a light smile before nervously chuckling. "I had to stop working on it… I understand how to fight Grimm, but understanding their ecology… Ugh… Needed a break."
Ears perking up, lifting, Blake pursed her lips. She then chuckled, sitting up. "Grimm Studies is more than about ecology. The more you study about your opponent, learn about them…"
"The easier it becomes to fight them. Yeah, I know…" Ruby scratched her cheek and sighed. "But… It's so dry! I can't focus like this!"
Blake contained her laughter, shaking her head.
Ruby wasn't wrong… It was trying for her…
"You said it! When I first heard there were three classes a day, one being practical, I thought this was gonna be a breeze! Not to be loaded with so much bookwork!" Yang rolled over on her bunk, laying limply off the side, arm dangling over the edge. "So bored! Let's go out and do something!"
"Exactly where are we gonna go at this time of night?" Weiss scowled, looking up from her work. "To where? Vale? I want to explore Vale and learn about the sights and shops, but now isn't the time. We could go to the pool… Think they have a hot tub…"
"Oh, that sounds good! My chest is still killing me from yesterday!" Yang's eyes gleamed with excitement before wincing, rubbing the center of her chest as she sat up. "How did he wallop me so hard that I'm still feeling it today…"
"Oh, I know what I'm gonna go do! It's almost time!" Silver eyes flickered, running to the box where she stored her clothes. "Kay… Make a quick stop to the locker room…"
"Ruby?" Yang gazed down at her sister. "Where are you going?"
"Naruto said he was going to help Jaune at seven and offered for anyone to attend! I'm gonna go!" Ruby beamed, moving to the bathroom to get changed, stopping just before she did. "Anyone want to come with me? We might learn a thing or two."
"Really?" Weiss narrowed her gaze before groaning. "I guess that's not a bad idea, I suppose. You count me out. Don't want to deal with him more than I have to."
"Yeah, nah. I'm good." Yang scowled at his mention. "I agree with the Snow Queen on this one. Rather go to the pool or something… Make the guys there lose nerve when they know they can't handle this."
"You are a devil…" Weiss blanched, agasp, and leaned away from Yang before scoffing. "And don't call me that again… Or I may just ruin your fun."
The two squint harshly at one another. Daring the other to look away. Neither relented…
"Sure, I'll join you." Their attention snapped as Blake grabbed her clothes. "Gotta few things to ask him anyways. We can change in the locker room and grab our gear simultaneously."
"Let's do it!" Ruby's smile grew wider, nodding as she hopped beside Blake, heading for the door. "You two did seem to know each other! So, how'd you meet?"
"In an alley," Blake responded with a shrug, opening the door. "Started helping each other there."
"That's better than mine!" Ruby chirped as they exited the room. "He saved me from being set on fire!"
"Going to need more information about that…" Blake's eyes dilated while the door closed behind them.
"Hey!" Yang wailed, leaping off her bunk, eyes flickering at seeing her sister and their leader leave the room. "I changed my mind! I'll go too…"
"Ugh, why does she have a history with him?" Yang groaned, grabbed her clothes, and sprinted out the door. "I find someone interesting, and they have to have some sort of relationship…"
"Is everyone leaving me here? By myself?" Weiss glowered, rolled her eyes, and stood up. "Fine… I'll go with you all…"
"But if he tries anything…"
Where was he?!
She couldn't believe it was taking this long to find a single person!
A young blonde Faunus instructor who was the same age as his students?
Should have stuck out like a sore thumb!
Gripping her back and screaming into the void, Neo stomped agitatedly ahead, mouthing her frustration. She was almost thankful she was mute…
No one could hear her mumblings.
Or when she screamed…
Or when she was crying for Roman to go…
A devilish grin stretched on her lips as she giggled, his stomping turning into skipping
If she could find him, she could take care of this once and for all.
She didn't care if all she wanted was information on him.
She'll bring him to her! Problem solved!
Then she could smother her partner…
Maybe even get a little…
"Kerry, where are you heading?" A chipper voice resonated nearby, causing Neo to scowl as her daydream was interrupted.
"Gonna head to the training hall! You heard sensei! He's supposed to be helping that Jaune guy out! I want to learn more from him!"
"Oum, help me… " The other student balked before rolling her eyes. "Yeah, should have figured you would have been interested… He's basically a ninja… Call if you need anything."
Neo stopped in her tracks.
A ninja?
That was what all the students were calling her target!
This girl was heading to something he was holding!
Perfect! She knew where he was gonna be now!
"Got it, Balt!" The lightly tanned-haired girl waved, separating from her partner.
Making her way toward the training hall with a sparkle in her eye. "Oh, this is gonna be…"
Her words died on her lip. Eyes rolled up to the back of her head.
She slumped forward, only to be pulled back and dragged to the side, tossed into a large bin.
Dusting her hands together, glass shimmered as two almond-colored eyes glinted gleefully before scowling.
Short, spiky tan hair? Ugh, the worst!
The brutish clothes? Where's the elegance?!
Neo mouthed her complaints, taking the giant sword she stripped of this Kerry and slung the sling over her back.
Making her way to the training hall, pulling out her scroll to find the map of this place that woman sent her for her devious plans.
It was coming in handy now…
Now where could that be…
Oum, there's two training halls!
Neo held her illusioned temples, threw her head back, and screamed to the heavens.
How was she supposed to figure out which one to go to?!
This was weird…
He hadn't expected this many to show up beside Jaune—a few he expected.
Blake and Ruby. Velvet…
The rest of their teams, however…
Naruto grinned as Coco glowered the entire time she was here…
Then, when she was put through her paces in hand-to-hand…
Naruto's ears flicked in enjoyment. If she had a weapon that rooted her to the spot, she needed to be ready to discard it to fight. …Maybe using it as a blunt object to batter her foes…
Then there was Kerry.
Given how much she was talking about a ninja comic, it didn't come as a shock she showed up.
But he expected her to be far more active and engaging than what she was…
To be silent and carefully monitor everything with this peculiar grin…
Naruto scowled, putting the thought to the back of his mind.
Check on that later.
Shifting his attention toward Jaune, Naruto refrained from chuckling at the scene.
Flat on the ground…
Out of breath, gasping for air…
Reminded him a lot of when Kakashi put him through the paces when he got serious.
But Jaune needed this.
During the bell test, Naruto could tell he had practically no skill. He was lacking compared to the rest of the students in physical prowess. He had some semblance of an idea of how to wield his sword, but that was it. Probably had some training, and then something happened, and it stopped. Unfortunately, that wasn't anything he could help with.
He wasn't a swordsman. Could only give a few essential tips…
In fact, he might have a better teacher on his team for that…
Shaking his head, Naruto grinned, watching Jaune put in the work, his team at his side, encouraging him. The one thing he could do was to build him up. Once he had that, then he could get started working on technique and practice
If he was here for that long…
Naruto winced and exhaled. Much as he wanted to help everyone here… Seeing the hardships they were facing… And he would do something about it while he was here…
He desired to return home. To see his friends…
"My everything…"
"You're doing great, Jaune! Only fifty more!" Nora cheered, attempting to encourage their leader…
Only to deflate him further as he slid off the uneven bars, failing his latest sit-up. "Oum, kill me now…"
"I had predicted that fall quite a while ago… Exceeded my expectations." Ren mused before reaching down to assist Jaune.
"Somehow, that's a better compliment…" Jaune snarkily retorted, leering at Ren briefly as he caught his breath. "Well, at least I'm…"
"Got a ten-kilometer run now!" Naruto called out, sending Jaune stumbling and faulting onto the floor.
Before rising and yelling profanities. "What nightmarish Grimm did you spawn from?!"
Naruto simply grinned. His mother was a hothead and the former vessel of Kurama, which on some level meant Kurama had an influence on him…
What did that even make Kurama to him?
Naruto pursed his lips and pondered the thought.
"Hey," Naruto snapped from his thoughts, his attention drawing toward Blake. "Can we talk?"
"Huh, what's up?" Naruto moderately frowned, noticing her reserved posture, looking down and away.
She had hardly spoken a word since her team arrived. Quieter than what he had seen from her.
Was she upset?
"Why…" Blake's ears folded on her head, golden eyes flickered before she looked up for her test, fire burning within. "I don't understand! Why was it necessary for someone to be sacrificed to pass? What kind of lesson is that? To give up yourself for everyone? Why when we all could have easily…"
"I told you before. It's not about being easy." Naruto calmly met her gaze. "It was always about the choice. Whether or not you are under pressure, you choose to save yourself or your friends… One where you choose yourself over your comrades… Your friends."
"That's not what I did!" Blake hissed, balling her fists. "All I wanted to do was see everyone succeed! I chose what made sense!"
Naruto frowned, glancing over at his new friend.
This wasn't about the test…
Was there something else on her mind?
"I really can't tell ya any more clearly, ya know?" Naruto sighed, breaking his gaze, his eyes dimming. "There are times where no matter what, ya got to make a bad decision… Where something is lost…And you have to make a choice that affects your life and those around you."
Naruto's head raised, a glistening determination shimmering within. "As someone once told me… There are many written and written rules in this world. Those who break them… Are trash. …But those that disregard their comrades… Are worst."
Startled, Blake stumbled back. Her eyes flickered…
Her heart rapidly thundered in her chest.
Was he calling her…
For letting everyone…
Was this why her team didn't start with…
"You don't have to worry too much about that," Naruto relented, a slight smile gracing his lips. "I've seen it already. You care for others around you. Making that decision is tough. Some people can't… But I believe you can. Just gotta let it come to ya, ya know?"
Blake's head depressed, ears folding, and shoulders slumping.
The silence was deafening.
Yet, somehow…
She felt more relieved?
"Alright, think that's enough for now." Naruto patted Blake on the shoulder, calling out to everyone, staring intently at them from their exchange. "Same time tomorrow for those who want to keep coming… Ya did good today!"
"And if you need anything, just let me know." Naruto waved toward everyone before his glance fell onto the silent Blake. "Want to take a walk with me? Might not be good for much outside of a fight, but I can tell when someone's hurting."
"I'm a good ear, I hear!"
Tension in the office was palpable.
A delicate summoning seal array was made out, two toads in the middle of the room.
"Sorry, it took so long." Fukasaku croaked, bowing to the Hokage. "We had to modify the summoning contract to make this possible. Luckily for us, Minato and Jiraiya-boy left notes of how such a thing could be done to make this process easier."
"Took long enough…" Sasuke bitterly spat, leaning against the wall, soaking up the seal formations before him.
Nothing he didn't know… But still could provide some use later.
"And you were nowhere to be found." Fukasaku scolded, turning his gaze to the Uchiha. "Our priority with our summoner. He's the one in another world. We have been with him, helping him search for a way home and offering wisdom and advice for what he was dealing with."
Sasuke's tomoe spun in agitation but showed no other outward reaction. He calmly strode to the summoning seal, examining it further.
"All you have to do…" Shima began before being cut off.
"I understand it perfectly." Sasuke knelt by the seal, placing his hand upon it. "And when this fails, I will need something from the both of you…"
The two toad sages glowered, Fukasaku more than Shima, who seemed further curious. "What makes you think it won't work…"
"The probability that there is an outside force involved with why Naruto has returned to the world of the living." Sasuke retorted, his left Sharingan morphing into the silver of the Rinnegan. "And if they brought them there… What makes you think there won't be resistance to bringing him home?"
"How do you know this?" Tsunade squinted, tensing at what she heard, as mainly did everyone who had joined them before her eyes flickered with recognition. "Wait, are you telling me…"
"He has more insight on this than any of us," Sasuke responded, intently focused on his task. "They are… From another world if the fairy tales tell the truth of their origins."
"Kuchiyose!"
A plume of smoke scattered throughout the room. It was heavy and thick…
Tsunade's eyes shimmered, making contact with Kakashi's, who only nodded.
Was that how much chakra it took to summon between dimensions?
No wonder it took…
"As expected…" Sasuke exhaled, standing through the smoke, his eyes reverting to onyx black. "I felt something amiss… I could feel Naruto's presence just like I have been… But there seems to be something impeding me from drawing him back here."
"You're joking, right?" Sakura shrilly responded, her emerald eyes shivering before placing a comforting hand on Hinata's back, noticing her slump forward. "Hinata…"
"There is still hope." Sasuke stepped before Hinata, his voice cold, but his words still carried weight, drawing her lavenders into his. "I have a plan to retrieve Naruto myself…"
"And I need these two to get me a detailed image of where Naruto is staying. The Nine-Tails and I will handle the rest."
This was a teacher's apartment?
They were so much nicer than the dorms!
And he already had so much stuff in here!
"Thanks for inviting me over…" Blake sighed, sipping a cup of tea that was brewed. "Needed to clear my head."
"Yeah, can tell." Naruto chirped, ears flicking. "Didn't even know that was a thing until you said something. Never crossed my mind at all that the team leaders were registered first in their team… Can see why that was stressing ya. Kind of makes me wonder a little too… But I can see you're more than capable, so don't let it bother ya too much."
"Thanks…" Blake forced a smile, her mood gradually improving as her ears lifted.
Naruto squinted and scowled. He could see right through her.
Something was still bothering her.
Since he met her and got to know her, something had been amiss with her. And even as she revealed some of this to him…
It still felt like there was more to it.
"Can I ask something?"
"What?" Blake frowned, setting down her teacup, worried upon seeing Naruto's expression change.
"Mah, you don't have to answer this if you don't feel like it, but," Naruto reached up and ran his hand through his hair, combing his ear under as well. "I can tell something has been eating you since we first met… And it has only become more apparent… I know this isn't everyone's way of doing things, but if you keep that stuff inside, all it's gonna do is cause more pain. So, it doesn't have to be me, but if ya need to let it out…"
Blake's gaze dimmed. She dropped her head and her ears curled.
She grimaced.
She wanted to tell someone…
But didn't want to get anyone involved…
Just being here…
What was that sound?!
Blake's head snapped up, her ear flicking up. Gaze shifting across the room.
That sound…
Someone was approaching!
Was it for her?!
"Behind you!" Blake cried, leaping up and toward unsuspecting Naruto…
To stop in her tracks as the table shattered in front of them, the intruder put through it.
"Yeah, thought something was strange with ya." Naruto grunted, holding the arms of the attacker behind their back, keeping them firmly pressed against the ground. "Ya didn't seem like Kerry…"
As shards of what seemed to be glass made of Aura flaked from the individual, a young petite woman with pink and brown hair silently mouthed her frustration as she struggled against his grasp.
Blake's heart fluttered. She was thankful this woman wasn't a Faunus…
She thought…
Her eyes dilated, her gaze rising toward the one pinning the intruder.
Why would they be targeting…
"Got some questions for ya, if ya don't mind." Naruto started to firmly tie the woman down. "And ya better not hurt my student, or ya gonna have a whole new set of problems, ya hear."
"But just who are ya and why are you after me?"
Another chapter down.
If you have a moment, let me know your thoughts on it.
Again, I appreciate all the support.
It really does help and I can't thank you enough.
Until next time,
Peace.