-AN-

So apparently RWBY isn't completely dead yet? We might get a continuation or was that just a rumor? Cause I'd really like to know how the story is supposed to end.

-Story Start-

Blowing on her fresh tea, Ino was enjoying a quiet morning out at her favorite cafe in Vale. The little waitress from last time was still a little skittish, but that was okay. Ino had made a name for herself lately, so it was all right for normal people to be nervous around her. Putting Junior in his place, walking in and out of a White Fang rally uncontested and apparently on par with even some rather notorious underworld members. Heh, if only they knew the truth.

Plus, she had company today.

Sitting across from her and blowing on her own tea, Cinder Fall was trying to decide how she felt. Coming up on empty, she decided to just roll with what was happening around her. It kept her sanity mostly intact. "So…Lord Uzumaki is going to take on Salem?"

Ino nodded, not at all concerned with Cinder using the Dark Queen's name out in public. Apparently no one knew of her except for a very select few. Worked more in her favor as it made it easy to pinpoint possible problem cases. "Yup. Already blew her up once and if I had to guess, he's going to make a game out of it." So long as he didn't plan on introducing her to the wonders of Uzumaki stamina Ino was all for it. Sure it was fun to encourage Naruto to bring some other worldly hotties in on the fun from time to time, but Salem was not included. Ino hadn't met her, but considering the state of the world she sounded like a real mental case. Now Naruto's little game with Glynda? She approved of that.

"A…game?" That had Cinder grinding her gears a little as she tried to consider such a mindset. Someone powerful enough to consider fighting against Salem as nothing more than a game? No. Nope. Not her concern. That was for her new Mistress to worry about. Her and her extremely powerful husband. "Oh." The tea was certainly delicious.

Having an idea of what was going through Cinder's mind, Ino smirked and pushed a slice of the red velvet towards the younger woman. "Uh huh. Don't worry. I'll make sure he leaves a few pieces for you to get a good shot on. So. You were explaining what the plan was with all that stolen equipment and the White Fang?"

Blinking down at the very rich treat being given to her, Cinder nodded once and picked up a fork. "Well, the original plan was to collect all of the resources we could and transport them to Mountain Glenn. We've already cleared one of the railways for transport needs and we were just beginning stockpiling." Cinder held her head high, she had learned it was better to own up to her mistakes rather than hide from them. It wasn't like she could change what she did. But withholding the truth would certainly earn her Lady Ino's ire. "Ultimately we were going to load one of the freight trains full of explosives and run it into the barrier underneath the southern wall. This would have attracted the Grimm and Vale would have been overrun."

Ino listened quietly, refusing to judge the former follower of Salem just yet. She was a new woman so to speak and Ino was going to mold her into a real future Queen. "Mmhmm. What was the end goal? Vale is close to Beacon isn't it? They would have responded." Naruto's kids aside, Beacon was training top quality Huntsmen and Huntresses. Even a full invasion of Grimm would be handled quickly.

"It…" Trailing off, Cinder tried to think about what was originally the goal of that plan. It wasn't for her ends really, just a means. "The more militant faction of the White Fang needed something. Wanted to instill fear into the humans here. This was for that and to gain their trust so they would perform a mission for me later. A series of events that would have seen the fall of Beacon in the end." It wasn't like Cinder didn't understand that Vale wouldn't have been destroyed, but it was all part of the plan to demoralize the populous. Stir up uncertain feelings, fear, hopelessness. Drawing yet more and more Grimm to the area for later.

"Until I took you under my wing."

"Yes, until that." Cinder would need to contact Mercury and Emerald. She needed to warn them off of the previous plan. Emerald would listen and hang onto her every word, so there was no worry there. Mercury might be slightly more, complicated. "Mistress, can I make a request?"

Ino waved a fork sagely into the air with a smirk on her face, "You never have to ask to speak your mind Cinder. Either I will listen, or I will not."

"My…followers. Emerald is a decent child. She is more than just useful. Mercury is a bit more complicated, though I still believe he deserves a chance." Cinder's eyes nearly crossed as that fork was pointing at her. "I would like to contact them, ward them off from interfering with your quest."

"And that is why I like you Cinder. You do care, though it is hard to get you to open up and be vocal about it. But that'll take time, time that we have plenty of." Ino chuckled as she went back to her own cheesecake, mind cycling through ideas and possible scenarios before shrugging it all away. They weren't her kids, but if Cinder really wanted them it was at least a positive change. "Ok. I won't tear them apart ruthlessly when we find them. Are you looking for them?"

"I have not contacted them as of yet."

"Why not?" That got Ino to raise an eyebrow in question.

"I did not know I was free to do so." Seeing the naked confusion on Ino's face, Cinder had the decency to look away as she flushed, "You did not say what I was or was not allowed to do, Mistress."

Mentally groaning as she forgot just what she had done to the girl, Ino placed her fork down and nodded along. "You're right. I didn't really. Look, you can continue to act and perform just as freely as you have been up until now. But in order to be under my protection and guidance you have to abide by my rules. No random killing. No master plans to take over the world. Oh, and that power you stole? We will be giving that back."

"You can do that?" Cinder had believed only Salem had the power to forcefully transfer the Maiden powers between individuals. But the power of the Uzumaki's was certainly special on its own, so perhaps it really was a trivial thing to them. Anyone willing to literally spit in the eye of Salem must have truly extraordinary power.

"Not me personally. Tayuya might be able to and I know for sure Naruto can. There's another who might be able to give it a go, but she's not here. Thank the stars." Ino did not want to think about what Naruko would get up to if she was here. Half the world might be a fiery wasteland already if she was left unchecked. If Naruko showed up, she'd flash back and go find Fuu to drag her home.

Placing her empty tray down and looking at her hands, Cinder considered that. It would mean giving up the power that she now held, power that she had craved and had been willing to kill for. With a deep breath and exhale she reminded herself that this was the start of something new. A new self. "If it is your will, I shall do so."

"Splendid, I'll let Naruto know and he can talk to Ozpin. You know how to act when you meet up with him right?"

"He'll be angry, but I must accept it. I made my decisions and redemption now does not guarantee my freedom from other's anger."

Ino leaned over and placed a hand gently over Cinder's own. "You'll be alright. Naruto won't let Ozpin do anything to you. You made a mistake, but you're willing to make it right." Which worked for Ino. Less work for her and one less mind to scramble later. "Now, why don't you get on the Scroll and call your children, I'm sure they'll appreciate the update and the call."

"Oh, right. Yes Mistress." Pulling her Scroll free, Cinder decided to call Emerald first. The dusky skinned girl was always quick to answer. Plus, she would be the easier one to talk to about the situation.

Relaxing back as the world moved around her, Ino considered that things were going well. The evil wannabe dictator was being kept at bay. The monsters of the night were all but trivial to get rid of, and Naruto's little training task was moving along splendidly.

She didn't want to jinx it, but things were going well.

Now she only had to help two more children learn the errors of their ways.

Scroll connecting and bringing Cinder face to face with a concerned Emerald, Cinder allowed a smile to cross her face as she could see Mercury in the background. "Emerald, I have new orders for you both."

"Of-of course Cinder. What would you have us do?" Was she smiling? At them? Was the world ending?

-b-

Sometimes it was an active effort Naruto had to make in order to not use his various powers with chakra and his other more hard won abilities. So used to abusing teleportation to go where he pleased, erasing bad guys from existence when it would produce the best results, it was a reminder that most of him was still pretty human.

And that walking was for boring chuds.

Even so, a grand entrance was always worth the walk. So as the elevator opened before him and he waltzed into Ozpin's office, he had to carefully make sure to keep the grin off of his face as he spotted Qrow slumped in a chair off to the side. The man still couldn't bring himself to show his face around the school and honestly Naruto understood. Most men wouldn't want to be caught dead in ladies underwear in public. Much less all the extra Qrow had to deal with. A gentle probe did confirm that the genjutsu was still in place. Perfect. Tayuya really had improved with her seals.

"Mr. Uzumaki, I'm glad you could join us." Ozpin had his hands folded in front of his mouth, eyes on the newest Beacon instructor as he considered how he wanted this conversation to go. Naruto was proving to not only be trustworthy, but inventive and inspiring to the next generation. Something Ozpin himself hadn't been able to do in some time. A very long time if he was honest with himself. Plus all of them had noted a distinct down tick in Grimm numbers that was most likely attributed to both Naruto's nightly expeditions and the weekly forest runs of his combat class. The kids were getting faster every time, now completing the trek within two days instead of the usual five.

All of which Naruto wasn't concerned with as he stood lazily before Ozpin's desk, eyes tracking first to Glynda who was doing her best to ignore him and then to Qrow who looked to be nursing one hell of a hangover. "Of course, you called so I'm here. What's the word?"

Clearing her throat, Glynda exchanged a look with Ozpin. "I am…still unsure about this."

"I believe Mr. Uzumaki is a trustworthy ally and potentially a good friend. Can you name anyone else who has dedicated so much energy into ensuring our students improve their abilities so quickly?"

"Well, no. While unorthodox his methods are sound. In a very roundabout way." Glynda gave Naruto a once over, twitching only a little as Naruto smirked. The sigh that left her lips had her shoulders sagging, "But for his character, I have no complaints."

"Hmm, feels like things are about to get really heavy here." Naruto leaned forward just a bit, all focus on Ozpin now, "Have you been holding out on me Ozpin?"

Leaning back and folding his hands in his lap, Ozpin did nod his head firmly. "Well Mr. Uzumaki, even though I felt like I could trust you with teaching here at Beacon, there is always more in the wings, so to speak. What I'm about to tell you is not something the general population is to know about." Pausing as a Bullhead flew by outside, Ozpin motioned to Naruto with a hand, "But you have proven yourself trustworthy and I believe someone who can keep a secret."

Well then. This wasn't expected at all. Crossing his arms over his chest, Naruto was only a little sad he didn't have his battle jacket. Tayuya had just looked so cute wrapped up in it this morning. "Well, alright then. Lay it on me. What's this about today?"

"Well, we are currently dealing with a small crisis. And seeing as you have no problem dealing with hordes of Grimm on your own, I've decided to bring you up to speed. So to speak." Seeing he had Naruto's full attention, Ozpin got started with his current worry and hope that Naruto could assist. "There is a…former student of mine who is hurt. Her name is Amber, she is the Fall Maiden."

Raising a hand like a school student, Naruto did want some clarification. "I feel like I need some context here. My idea of a Maiden would be like Glynda. You know, young, fair and beautiful? But what you're alluding to doesn't sound the same." For once he actually didn't notice as the older woman blushed and looked away from him, such was his focus on the silver haired Headmaster.

Chuckling and shaking his head, Ozpin appreciated Naruto's attempting to keep things light. "Yes. The Maidens are a different force entirely. Being infused with a magical power that far outstrips anything normal Hunters could possibly posses. Each named for a season they are closely aligned to and where their power originates."

"So they can control nature?"

"On the lower end, yes. But it is more, so much more." Watching Naruto nod along and seem to ponder about the new information, Ozpin continued. "Amber was on a mission for me and on her return journey back to Beacon when she was ambushed. Someone found a way to steal a portion of her power, but it has left her bed ridden and scarred. I fear she may never wake, and it is imperative that the worst does not come to pass."

"I'm assuming that's her dying in her sleep then?" Seeing Ozpin quiet down, Naruto got the hint. These Maidens were important to the effort of beating back the Grimm then. But if they were so limited then it probably meant each one was heavily sought after. Someone would probably pay a small fortune if they could get their hands on one. Or their power. "So. Where do I come in?"

Ozpin looked up, sharing a look with Glynda before turning back to Naruto. "Your semblance is like nothing I have seen before but it as well is very closely tied to nature. We've watched you bend the elements to your will. Admittedly I'm hoping for a small miracle here, but I'd like to try bringing you to Amber. Maybe your semblance can resonate with hers, provide a sort of, spiritual bandage."

Glynda stepped forward, holding up a hand for caution. "I don't believe there is any danger in this, but there should be no harm in trying only if you are willing. There is more at stake here, but you would have to swear to secrecy on anything and everything you learn. Including from your wives. If any of this further information gets out, it could be disastrous."

Uncrossing his arms and putting his hands on his hips, Naruto looked to Qrow for a moment, "Where does he come in?"

"He is one of my Agents in the field. He was sent to escort Amber back to Beacon but arrived late to assist during her ambush."

"Huh. So what happened to-"

"PLEASE!" Ozpin held up a hand quickly, stopped Naruto from speaking further. "Please. Due to his recent…event. We've found asking him about anything related to it even remotely triggers an automatic response." If things weren't so serious he might hunt down the woman who did this to Qrow. Not for sordid reasons, but anyone with that sort of talent would undoubtedly be extremely capable. If possible he'd try to convince them to join their cause. If only Qrow would speak on who it was.

"Oh." Not that Naruto didn't know that, but still. He had to have fun here. "Okay. Well, I have no problems keeping secrets. If this is about beating back the darkness and one day saving the world. Then yeah, I'm in. Our little vacation can take a backseat. I'm sure the girls will understand." Besides, Naruto was here for more pieces to the puzzle. Maybe he could broach the subject of Salem while he was up here. See what Ozpin knew if anything.

Exchanging another look and a breathing a sigh of relief, Ozpin considered his choice to employ Naruto as a very good one indeed. He may not be able to give the man a full history on his ongoing battle between himself and Salem. But he could give the sanitized version. If he proved to be as trustworthy as Qrow and Glynda one day, then perhaps he would explain the rest. "I'd suggest you have a seat, Naruto. I have a lot to tell you. About the Grimm, and their Queen. Salem."

Score one for Uzumaki luck. He sure hoped the girls were having a good day today, he was slated to have a lot more fun before this was all over.

Though at the end of Ozpin's tale they were all being loaded back onto the elevator and going down into the basement levels of the Academy. Such an event was not on his bingo card for the day but Naruto was good at rolling with the punches. Standing just behind the pair of Glynda and Ozpin as above them the school day went on, he tried to ignore the slumped Qrow next to him. He wasn't worried about his classes, all of his students were making another run on the forest and thus occupied. He had made a promise that if they were back by morning he'd personally see to it that they had a harder challenge next week. Though they had gotten him to promise to convince the rest of the staff to lighten up on the homework. The elevator dinged around them and they stepped out into a massive rock cavern that stretched out high above and in front of them. Naruto gave it an appreciative whistle as Glynda strode forward with a worried look. Ozpin walked beside him more sedately, cane tapping on the stone floor beneath them while Qrow trudged along behind them all.

"This is an ancient place, all of the academies are built on such. In here is housed a relic more ancient than all of the kingdoms. The Academies were actually built to protect such places and beyond them." Ozpin held his cane up to point beyond the impromptu medical station set up to a larger than life doorway inset with glyphs and writing. "Beyond them are doorways that can only be opened by the Maidens. For a time when defeating the Grimm Queen is at hand."

"So Maiden magic has a purpose beyond being a super power up. Got it." Naruto could see that, a special key for a most important lock. He'd done something like that with seals, most notably a set of seals within the Uzumaki Archives below the Shrine. Without Uzumaki blood, you'd sooner get reduced to atoms before you could step inside. An idea he had stolen from Madara Uchiha, the old bastard. Not that it kept out unruly children from time to time. But they all knew better these days. They could look, but not touch and no one had broken that rule to date.

They walked together in the dim place, lights brightening up around them as Glynda typed away on a control panel next to a large horizontal metal tube. There was a glass window on its front and within was what Naruto assumed was the injured Maiden. There was a hum of machinery as the assembly moved and turned horizontal, then a hiss of releasing air as pressure was released.

Ozpin sighed as the healing chamber began to open, "I thought it best to do everything we could to keep her as comfortable as we could. We don't know if she's aware of anything you know, but I figured a deep sleep would be better than any alternative."

Nodding along, Naruto came to stand beside the limp woman nestled comfortably inside the rather plush medical tube. He had to admit it looked nice. Karin could take some pointers. Much better than being submerged in running slime the color of snot. "You said her name was Amber right?" The girl had been changed into a bland white hospital gown, but all in all if he didn't know better he'd say she was just asleep. At least until he started to probe with his senses.

'Wooo, someone did a number on her.' Kurama was up in an instant. Intrigued by what Naruto was feeling inside this young woman.

'You can say that again. It's like half her soul is missing.'

'I can say from experience, no fun.'

'Sorry buddy.'

'It was your father's fault, not yours. Sorry that I'll have to give him a beating one day.'

'Get in line, I owe him one too.'

Ozpin came to Amber's other side, Glynda moving away to watch from Amber's head as Qrow slumped at Amber's feet. "Yes, this is Amber. The Fall Maiden. Like I said, I'd like for you to try anything you can think of. But I will not hold it against you if nothing changes." Hope was all they had. It was what kept them moving forward. Without hope he might as well give in and drop dead at Salem's feet after each revival.

Nodding and holding up a hand, he allowed some chakra to come forth, tinged yellow-orange with the nature of this world. "I'll give it a shot. Can't hurt right?" Placing his hand gently on the girl's shoulder, Naruto began to poke about slowly, before he twitched once. Well that felt familiar. "Hey, you said she was attacked right?"

Qrow was the one who answered. "Yeah. Some bitch with two kids, didn't get a good enough look at em to ID though."

Pulling his hand away, Naruto made a show of chakra swirling about the room, coalescing around them all before returning to him. "I never brought it up, but part of my abilities allows me to track anything I've felt before. Even once." Not really a lie, but certainly not the full truth. But it was enough for them as they waited for him to continue. "I think I could track down her attackers."

Qrow was suddenly very attentive and focus, all sign of drunkenness gone. "You could? Really?"

Nodding and having a good idea of just who Amber's attacker was, Naruto hoped Ino wouldn't be too upset with him. "Yeah. I don't think your bandage idea is gonna work, but I can-"

"If you can track her attackers and subdue them, we can transfer her stolen power back into her. That is more than enough. More than we initially hoped for." Ozpin's mind was already racing, not realizing that he just cut off Naruto who had been about to reveal more powers he possessed. "I hate to ask this, I'm sure Glynda wouldn't mind taking over your class in the meantime. But could you get started on this today?"

Shrugging, Naruto could probably call Ino and have that girl here in a few minutes. "Yeah, shouldn't take long."

"I'm going with you, you have no idea how powerful this woman armed with a Maiden's power can be." Qrow had locked eyes with Naruto, looking for all the world that even if Naruto refused, he'd still be right there at Naruto's side anyway. Great for him.

Not that Naruto was going to refuse him anyway. "Sure, come along, extra hands always help." He might have to knock him out, but that'd be okay. He'd just have Ino scramble his memories again. He wondered if that had long term negative affects before tossing the worry out of his mind. He'd add it to the list of reasons Qrow would get a win out of Naruto at some point. Maybe fix that curse of his. Either that or give him the Sasuke treatment and start tossing beautiful and hot women his way. Everyone deserved a win.

Glynda and Ozpin shared a look, before the older man sighed and smiled, nodding his head as Glynda prepared to reseal Amber's healing pod. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you Naruto." Ozpin did not want to see another of his students perish because of his choices. There was already a mountain of dead that he'd never be able to reconcile. One day at the end of this curse he would finally face his judgement. "If you can accomplish this, I'll owe you a great debt." More so if Naruto's abilities held true, this might give them a new opportunity. Could Naruto track down Salem if Ozpin gave him something of her's? Would Naruto be willing to take on such a task? Even just finding her location after so long would be beneficial.

It would give them a target.

But Naruto was already waving over his shoulder, Qrow falling into step with him as Amber's pod closed with a soft hiss. "Don't you worry, we'll be back before you know it." Well, he'd have to drag this out a little bit, maybe stall for time so he could call Ino and make sure this could work out some way. As both men called and entered the elevator back to the surface, Naruto turned to Qrow with a grin. "We haven't met at all. I'm Naruto. Got a really big sword I like to swing around and enough power to toss around children and Grimm alike as if they're toys." Holding out a hand, Naruto took it as a good sign as Qrow shook it.

"Qrow Branwen. Mechashit sword and scythe. Honestly now that we're really taking this mission on, I should warn you…" Eyes going dark as they rode the elevator up, Qrow considered that maybe his hasty decision to join Naruto might not be for the best. "My semblance, it causes nothing but bad luck. Make sure that if any fighting starts, you keep a good distance away from me."

Shrugging and unbothered, Naruto felt the elevator begin to slow, "I'm actually on the other end, I've got some pretty good luck myself. Maybe we'll cancel each other out?"

"If only it worked that way."

"Never say never my dude. Just watch. Things'll work out." Patting the other man on the shoulder, Naruto was all grins as the elevator stopped and opened its doors, releasing them to the ground floor of the academy. "Plus never know, two studs like us out on the road, we might even find you a proper girlfriend."

Blushing and refusing to look at the other man as the made their way through the busy halls of the school, Qrow tried to ignore the snickers and finger pointing of the students. "I have no problem finding a girlfriend."

"Oh, so you're not single?" Walking along in silence, Naruto waited. Waited some more. Kept waiting as they passed through the front doors of the academy. "You know, this silence is getting kind of long."

"I don't like to kiss and tell."

"I smeeellll denial."

"Again, bad luck semblance. Not the best of ideas." Qrow had a lot of reasons not to involve himself with long term relationships. Settling down meant staying in one place. Which meant becoming an easier target. Which meant opening himself up to the likes of his sister. Or worse. Against his will and involuntarily he shuddered as his mind conjured up glowing golden eyes. "I'm good."

"So you say. I think you need to loosen up a bit." It wasn't long before the pair were walking through the courtyard, stepping out to the afternoon sun as Naruto shielded his eyes. A bullhead was just landing in the distance. Perfect, they could take it down into Vale. "At least that's what I've learned over the years. Loosen up, ride the waves."

"You sound like an islander."

"Well, my home is on an island, so that makes sense." Naruto noted the students milling back into the school, afternoon classes must be starting soon. A quick check of his scroll confirmed just that, which meant Glynda would be heading off to take over for his class soon and the few stragglers that did not join in on this week's forest raid. "I should take you some time. Maybe a warm beach and soft sands are just what you need." Naruto wondered what Samui and Yugito were doing right now. The beach was their usual haunt, were they laid up while the kids were at school? Maybe sparing with Isaribi? Maybe he'd pop in and check on them soon. "So, besides combat and a bit of spying I assume? Who is Qrow? You got a family, kids that you know of?"

Chuckling, Qrow shook his head, "No kids, at all. But I've got a family. A sister who's a bit of a brat. A brother-in-law with a couple of daughters, my nieces, who are absolutely amazing. They go here actually."

"Oh? Maybe I know em."

"Ruby and Yang."

Blinking and thinking about that, Naruto could feel the similarities between this Qrow and Yang. Ruby on the other hand was a little harder to pin down outside of her weapon of choice. But apparently Qrow could see the slight confusion on his face.

"Yeah, Yang is direct blood, but Ruby isn't. Different moms. Long story."

"No no, considering my life, I just might understand." So, Ruby and Yang's father was a character like him huh? He might owe the man a drink for putting up with the little maniacs. Looking up to the Bullhead landing pads, Naruto noted Ino was close by. Huh. So was their target. "Huh."

"Huh?"

"Uh, nothing. Hey, how are you with surprises?" Naruto thought about it. He had a blank check, he could go anywhere right now. All on Beacon's dime. It was the perfect opportunity.

"Surprises?"

"Yes, like information that could change everything you know about the world sort of information."

Qrow thought about that. He wasn't supposed to tell anyone, but he figured knowing that Ozpin's soul was reborn repeatedly throughout the ages and nestled safely within another person close enough to his personality had done wonders for opening up his mind to the idea that the world was full of weird and fanciful stuff. "Guess I'm pretty used to it." Besides every person on the planet had a semblance that was unique to them. His sister could even cut portals in space to transport herself to anyone she had a bond with.

"Perfect!" Naruto latched onto the other man's shoulder, one who he owed something of a favor to. As a man, Naruto did feel bad that his wife had scrambled his brain so badly. "Don't puke!"

"Don't-" One minute Qrow was staring at the blonde huntsman who Ozpin had put more trust in than most people in recent memory. The next Qrow was falling on his ass in the middle of a warehouse he had never been to before. Dizzy. Disoriented. Confused. The vertigo hit him all at once.

Naruto scrunched up his nose at the man currently introducing him to his breakfast. "Gross dude." Looking around the warehouse where he had previously visited for the White Fang meeting, Naruto felt out with his senses. Yup. Sienna wasn't far away. It was time to make some waves.

"W-wha…what the hell was that!" Rolling to his other side and avoiding the smelly puddle he had just made, Qrow shuddered as the man above him grinned and held out a hand to help him up. "How did we get here?"

"Teleportation."

Brain fizzling to a halt, Qrow finally caught Naruto's eyes. Wait, weren't they blue before? Why were the glowing and purple? Was he related to Tai? "What?"

"Teleportation. Don't worry, you'll get used to it."

"No. What. Hold on. I thought your semblance had to do with nature manipulation."

Rolling his eyes and reaching down, Naruto dragged Qrow to his feet with a grin. Casually brushing the man off, Naruto sat back with his hands on his hips, "Well it is something I can do. Along with teleportation-"

"Say teleportation one more time-"

"-I thought you said you were good with surprises?" Shrugging, Naruto eyed the massive empty space before picking a direction where he could see a door and started walking. "Keep up now, we have some ground to cover."

There was way to much going on at once. They teleported? He could manipulate nature? Just what the hell was going on? "Wa-wait!" Scrambling to his feet, Qrow jogged and caught up with the smirking blonde. "What the hell are you?"

"Immortal God from another world with way to many wives, and I'd like to have some actual time to myself from time to time."

Blinking as he matched paces with the other man, Qrow raised an eyebrow, "Uh. Okay. Jokes aside, what the hell?"

No one ever appreciated him being straight forward. Oh well. Qrow would learn eventually. Naruto liked being honest. "Amber's attacker will be handled. We're on a different journey now." Naruto could literally feel Qrow wanting to reach for his weapon as they stepped out into the bright sunlight. Better to head this off right away. "Wouldn't it be better to cut this off at the head? We're hunting bigger fish."

It clicked. Sober, nausea waning and focused, Qrow's eyes began to widen, "No."

"Yup." Popping that last syllable, Naruto was all smiles as he homed in on Sienna. "We're hunting down the bitch Queen herself. I've got some words I wanna have with her." More like she needed to be smacked around once or thrice. Sure he'd leave some for Cinder, but he had a plan for her. Trying to take over the world on his watch? Nope. Never going to happen.

"You. There's no way. This is Salem we're talking about. The Queen of the Grimm. You can't take her on. Maidens have tried and failed. You don't know what you're up against. You're marching off to your death." Thoughts and memories floated in his mind, Summer forefront. One mission that broke everything in his little family. "We can't."

"You really need to loosen up Qrow. See the world for what it is." Naruto continued to smirk as they moved between high stacks of shipping containers and giant cranes. More workers were around them now, and while they were gaining some looks more than a few recognized him and let him go without a word. From the feel of Sienna's energy, she knew he was coming. "You come with me, I promise you'll get laid. More than once at that."

"That's not what this is about!" Wanting to pull his hair out, Qrow couldn't understand what this lunatic was thinking. He didn't know. He couldn't understand just what kind of threat Salem was. "Look. Take us back to Beacon. We'll talk to Ozpin, make a plan. If you can teleport yourself and others, maybe we can gather a big team together. All the best Huntsmen we can find. Maybe drag Jimmy into this. But just us two? Never going to happen."

"Oh ye of little faith."

"Yes. I have little faith. I don't know jack about you!" Finally stopping in the middle of the road, Qrow forced Naruto to pause and turn back to him. "We were supposed to be tracking down Amber's attacker. Healing her and fixing my mistake. Now instead you're going to run off and sacrifice yourself trying to kill the greatest evil the world's ever known? You're crazy and I'll have no part of it."

Right. Naruto had to remind himself that Qrow was in fact, completely human.

'Sad fault that. Human's are so fragile.'

'Be nice Kurama.'

'This is me being nice, would you like me to be mean? I can be mean.'

'Maybe later.' Sighing and nodding, Naruto walked up to the other man and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Look. Someone is bringing Amber's attacker right to Amber already. She'll be right as rain before the day is over. So we're going to go do some crazy shit. Blow up some people, make a menace of ourselves, and maybe have some fun along the way. Is that so wrong?"

Leaning into Naruto's personal space, Qrow nodded firmly once, "You're talking about the fate of the world here. Sorry. I'm not Ozpin, trust is a little harder won for me."

Rolling his eyes and deciding that Qrow really needed to loosen up, Naruto backed away and turned to leave, "Well, you'll have plenty of time to learn to trust me. Come now. We've got someone to find."

Reaching into his jacket for his scroll, Qrow decided enough was enough. The blonde was insane. "I'm calling for a transport and heading back." Except his phone was not where it was supposed to be. Nor in any of his pockets after a quick search. Instead as his eyes turned upward, he could see it waving from Naruto's hand. "Hey!"

"Oh, looking for this?" Smirking, Naruto waved a hand and the scroll was sealed away, magic as far as Qrow was concerned. "You want it back, you're gonna have to hang with me for a while."

"You absolute bastard!" Qrow was already reaching for his weapon before in a blink his vision was filled with grinning blonde. "Uh."

"Look Qrow. I'm trying to be nice here, what with you being Yang's and Ruby's uncle and all. Plus with what my wife did you to-"

"Who did what now?"

"Never mind. The point is I'm trying to show you I'm a good guy. I mean well, I have full confidence that I can take care of this, and worst case, I send you back to tell Ozpin and the others exactly where Salem is. Sure it might take a little while, but we've got a blank check to hunt down Amber's attacker, and they don't know that we don't know she's already being handed over. Right?"

Unable to look away from those glowing purple eyes, Qrow nodded slowly, "I mean. I'd rather not die on a fools errand."

"Exactly! I give my word, if it looks like I'm about to die, I'll send you back first. Man's honor." Naruto backed away, holding out a hand and waiting. Qrow's eyes traveled between him and his hand. Trying to gauge just how serious Naruto was being. Qrow probably wouldn't like that Naruto wasn't being all that serious, but then again anyone who could be splattered by anything less than a v1 wasn't a big threat to Naruto.

'You could probably kill her with a group of exploding tags and a storage seal.' Kurama piped up again as Naruto silently agreed. Though the old fox did finally leer at his brother, 'Though we both know a different sort of splattering you're gonna give her.'

'Not gonna happen Kurama.'

'You said the same thing about Kaguya. I was right then. Pretty sure I'm right now.'

'Difference is Kaguya was actually interesting and cared about people in her own weird way.' Chuckles filling his mind, Naruto held out his hand a little firmer. "Trust me. Give me a few weeks. If a month goes by and we're no closer to finding our target, we'll head back to Ozpin and check in."

Looking at the hand held out to him, Qrow really considered it. Naruto proved that he could teleport on a whim. Ozpin trusted him, which meant Naruto couldn't be all that bad a person either. On top of that the other man was apparently assured that Amber would be fine without them. "You swear Amber will be okay?"

"Swear on my life. If you don't believe me then in a few days we can flash back in secret and check on her."

Assuming flashing back meant teleporting, Qrow considered it some more. Naruto seemed like the type to hold his word very high. "One month and we'll come back?"

"One month on the dot."

Grunting and really thinking about it, the Vital festival would be starting around then. Would it really be so bad? Qrow wasn't supposed to be back anyway and traveling did sound good right now. Reaching out, Qrow took Naruto's hand firmly, "One month. Any funny business and I'll introduce you to the business end of Harbinger."

Shaking firmly once and letting go, Naruto led the way towards his soon to be favorite person, "Don't you worry. This is gonna be fun. Believe it."

"I'm worried."

"Kami. You lot really need to learn how to relax." Naruto would get around to fixing that too. This world had a serious lack of fun. The kids were starting to get it so now he just needed the adults to see his way. "Now com'on, Sienna's patient but not that patient."

"Sienna?" Why did that name sound familiar?

Naruto nodded as he could see what looked like a two story garage in the distance, "Yeah. Sienna Khan, leader of the White Fang? You'll like her. She's single and sexy as hell." Naruto sure as hell wouldn't let Yugito hear him say that. Something told him she'd feel territorial about it.

'I'll tell the Matatabi.'

'I'll revoke your body privileges.'

'You wouldn't!'

'Try me furball.'

It clicked. Naruto knew Sienna Khan? Was friends with her even? Just who in the hell was this guy? "I have so many questions."

"Mortals usually do." Today was going to be a good day. Naruto sure hoped Ino was having a better time of it. He didn't know what she was doing, but he really didn't want to interrupt it. Best to stay away and thus, out of the way. He'd check in later when Qrow was asleep.

-b-

"Mistress, are you sure this is for the best?" Cinder wanted to be her usual confident self, but they were walking into the one place she should not approach. This was the lions den. The one place in Remnant where if anyone knew who she was, they'd strike her down on sight. Thankfully no one had gotten a good look at her face just yet, but that would change. She just knew it would.

A problem Ino wasn't worried about at all, all confidence as she strode across the Beacon campus towards the main academy building. She had felt Naruto flash away in a hurry and had a feeling he knew or at least had an idea of what she was about to do. That was good. She'd had to call him later to see what he was up to. She didn't feel him nearby, maybe down in Vale then? "It'll be alright, what did I tell you before?"

"That Lord Naruto will not allow me to come to harm."

"Exactly. Trust us. This is the first step on a long road of recovery and rebuilding yourself. It's a hard process." Ino smirked as they came up to the building, pulling the door open and letting the younger woman in before her. "Besides, worst case I blow things up and we leave."

"I…might like to see that." Cinder held no love for Ozpin. Sure it might be a hold over from the indoctrination from Salem, but her knowledge held true. Ozpin had lived countless lives, and had done nothing with them. Always the reactionary. Always letting humanity do as it pleased, even to its own detriment. He may not be a god, but he certainly was more than a simple man. "But I will bow to your word."

"Good girl. Now follow me, we've got to pick up my sister first. Then we can see Ozpin." It would be good to have Tayuya with them, just in case things went sideways. She was hoping Uzumaki luck would hold true. "By the way, how are those kids of yours?"

"I have them holding up in a safe house I set up. So long as I survive this, we can meet up with them later."

Safe-house huh? Cinder really was prepared. "Good. We'll go grab them after this." Things were going well. Which meant sooner or later the other shoe was going to drop. She sure hoped it fell on Naruto though. He was equipped for it.

-AN-

Naruto and Qrow on a bros roadtrip? Cinder trying to make amends while Ino seems to be planning for a future for Remnant? Oh boy.