Gohan stood at the airship's window, his gaze fixed on the majestic spires of Beacon Academy as they emerged on the horizon. Each passing second brought the towering, elegant buildings closer, and he couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of awe. The place was beautiful—almost unreal. Its archways, grand towers, and sprawling courtyards had an aura of mystery, like a castle straight out of an old legend. In all his travels, he'd never seen anything quite like it. Even after battling unimaginable enemies and enduring the harshest challenges, this was different. The thought of entering a world filled with students and teachers, people living normal lives untouched by intergalactic threats or endless training, left him feeling exposed in a way he wasn't used to. His hand rested lightly on the cool glass, fingers pressed against the view, and he found himself wondering how he would fit into this world. And then, just as quickly, the question morphed into a new one: Did he even want to leave?

Beside him, Qrow leaned back, arms crossed, casting a sidelong glance at the boy. Qrow knew battle-hardened warriors, kids who thought they were tough, but Gohan was… different. He was a kid who'd been through wars even full-fledged Huntsmen would struggle to comprehend. Now, he was here, looking almost like any other teenage boy—except for that intense gaze and the flicker of a tail peeking from beneath his coat. Qrow felt an odd mix of pride and uncertainty. This isn't going to be easy, he thought, watching as Gohan took in the sight below. Beacon's not just about power—it's about learning, growing, and finding your place with others.

As the airship's engines slowed, preparing for landing, Gohan straightened up, glancing over his shoulder at Qrow. Qrow gave him a nod, his usual smirk replaced with something a little softer, as if he, too, knew the weight of this moment. Gohan steeled himself, nodding back, and when the doors finally slid open, he stepped forward, following Qrow down the ramp.

Outside, the campus buzzed with life. Groups of students gathered in cliques and clusters, animatedly chatting, laughing, and occasionally tossing curious glances toward the new arrivals. Gohan took it all in with wide eyes, feeling a strange mixture of fascination and vulnerability. He was used to battlefields filled with danger, where he could easily place himself in the role of protector or warrior. Here, in this sea of unfamiliar faces, he was just… a new kid. And judging by the whispering and the occasional glances toward his tail, an odd one, too.

Trying not to flinch under the attention, Gohan took a steadying breath. He'd faced down villains and conquered fears that would break most people, yet here, among kids his own age, he felt strangely unprepared. Some part of him had hoped that Beacon would feel like a second chance, a place where he could focus on building himself up again without the pressure of saving the world. But now, with dozens of eyes already taking him in, the simplicity he'd wished for seemed further away.

"Welcome to Beacon," Qrow murmured beside him, his voice low but with an unmistakable note of pride. There was also sympathy in his tone, as if he could sense the hesitation in Gohan's stance. Gohan glanced up at Qrow, catching the reassuring look in his eyes, and managed a faint smile.

Qrow led him into the main courtyard, weaving through the crowds with ease, while Gohan followed, doing his best to stay focused. The further they walked, the more he noticed the incredible diversity of students here. Some wore armor; others had sleek, futuristic suits. Many were carrying weaponry, each one unique and as much a part of them as his tail was of him. It felt strange not to be the only one with a sense of purpose, to be among people who might have their own battles to fight.

But as they moved, Gohan felt the weight of the stares following him grow heavier. A group of students nearby had noticed his tail, and he caught fragments of their whispers: "Is he a Faunus?" "What's a kid doing here?" "What's up with his clothes?" He kept his gaze forward, trying not to let their curiosity affect him, but it stung more than he'd anticipated. Despite the training he'd undergone, despite all the strength he possessed, the uncertainty gnawed at him. He felt as though he were under a spotlight, judged before he even had a chance to explain himself.

They reached the entrance to the main building, and Gohan exhaled in relief. The vast doors led to a spacious hallway with high ceilings and banners hanging along the walls, each one proudly bearing Beacon's emblem. The atmosphere here was calmer, a welcome shift from the bustling crowd outside. Gohan took a moment to admire the surroundings, letting his fingers graze the smooth marble of the walls. There was a solemnity to this place that reminded him a little of his father's training grounds—a sense of tradition and purpose that put him at ease, if only slightly.

Qrow led him down the winding corridors, each turn bringing a new piece of Beacon's splendor into view. There were classrooms with enormous windows overlooking the grounds, training halls with state-of-the-art equipment, and a library that looked like it stretched on for miles. Gohan could hardly believe a place like this existed. Even in his wildest dreams, the idea of a school so dedicated to creating heroes, a place that blended beauty with strength, had seemed like something out of a fantasy. The further they walked, the quieter the halls became, and soon they reached a set of large, ornately carved doors. Qrow stopped, placing a hand on Gohan's shoulder. "This is it," he said, his voice steady.

Gohan nodded, trying to ignore the tightening in his chest as Qrow pushed the doors open. The office was vast but tastefully simple, with towering windows behind a large desk, letting light pour in. Standing beside the desk was a tall man with silver hair and calm, intelligent eyes—Gohan recognized him immediately as Professor Ozpin. Beside him stood a stern woman with a tight bun, glasses perched on her nose as she eyed them both with a critical gaze.

"This is the kid I was telling you about—Gohan," Qrow announced, a note of pride in his voice.

Ozpin stepped forward with a warm smile, extending his hand. "Welcome to Beacon, Gohan. I've heard quite a bit about you."

As they shook hands, Gohan felt the warmth in Ozpin's greeting but couldn't shake the feeling that he was being evaluated, measured. Ozpin's calm eyes seemed to search for something beneath the surface, and Gohan found himself glancing over at Qrow for reassurance.

Watching the exchange, Qrow could tell that Ozpin was curious—and wary. Qrow knew the idea of Gohan here as an independent student would be hard to accept. Beacon was built around teamwork, and Gohan, powerful as he was, was still a young outsider with a complex past. But Qrow had seen firsthand what the boy was capable of; he believed that Gohan could handle more responsibility than most, if he was allowed the freedom to work without the limits of a team structure.

"Oz, Glynda," Qrow said, glancing from Ozpin to the stern woman beside him. "I know this isn't the usual way things work around here, but Gohan's… different. He doesn't need the typical setup."

Professor Goodwitch, who had been watching silently, finally spoke, her voice laced with skepticism. "Different or not, Qrow, he's young. We're talking about someone barely into his teens. Beacon's system is structured to teach students through teamwork and mutual support, which are critical to a Huntsman's training." She adjusted her glasses, her gaze sharp as it shifted to Gohan. "Strength alone doesn't equate to maturity. Ruby is older than him and still relies heavily on her team. How can we expect him to thrive without that support?"

Qrow resisted the urge to sigh. He knew Glynda's concerns were genuine—she'd always been serious about the academy's structure and about shaping students through guidance and teamwork. But Gohan wasn't a typical student, and Qrow was certain that forcing him into the conventional setup would only stifle him. "I get it, Glynda," he replied, his tone calm but resolute. "But Gohan's not just any student. He's survived things that would shatter most adults, let alone kids his age. He's had years of training, and even though he's been out of commission for a while, his skills haven't disappeared. Putting him in a team could limit what he can accomplish, both for himself and for us."

Professor Goodwitch's expression remained steely. She turned to Gohan, assessing him again. Despite Qrow's confidence in him, she saw a young boy, one who looked older than he should, with a calmness that was almost unsettling. Strength isn't everything, she reminded herself. She'd seen enough promising students who'd failed to adapt to teamwork or who had been too focused on their own skills. "It's one thing to be strong," she said, addressing Qrow but glancing at Gohan. "It's another thing entirely to be capable of functioning in an environment like Beacon, which demands cooperation, discipline, and understanding of others. Without a team, he's likely to struggle with parts of this life he hasn't faced yet."

Gohan, aware of her scrutiny, kept his posture steady, respectful, but he could feel her doubt. He wanted to prove himself, to show that he was ready for whatever they expected, but Professor Goodwitch's words echoed something he hadn't faced before: Would he know how to fit into a world that wasn't solely about survival and fighting? His past experiences had all been about overcoming physical challenges alone, or with the support of his father and friends, not integrating into a group setting.

After listening to both sides, Ozpin finally spoke, his voice calm but authoritative. "Glynda, your concerns are valid, but I believe we must also account for the unique circumstances Gohan brings with him. He may need both guidance and flexibility." He glanced at Qrow, acknowledging the balance they were attempting. "Perhaps we could try a compromise. Gohan could be placed on a team that's already full, allowing him the freedom to come and go if necessary. This way, he'd have the support of a team for missions, training, and coordination, while still having the independence to rely on Qrow."

Goodwitch considered this, her expression softening only slightly. "So he wouldn't be officially bound to a team, but would have the option to integrate as needed?" Her gaze lingered on Gohan, weighing the implications. "It's unorthodox, Ozpin, but if this is the route you want to take… very well. However, Qrow, if this doesn't work, you'll be responsible for managing any consequences."

Qrow smirked, unfazed. "Sounds like a fair deal, Glynda."

Gohan, who had been listening quietly, finally felt the tension lift. He looked at the headmaster and Professor Goodwitch, nodding respectfully. "Thank you. I'll do my best to make this work."

Ozpin's warm smile returned. "Welcome to Beacon, Gohan. We'll inform the team, and if you encounter any challenges, we'll reassess." He turned to Professor Goodwitch. "Beacon's rules are designed to help everyone succeed. Gohan, this flexibility isn't a way to avoid them but a way to support your unique background."

Goodwitch, though still cautious, softened slightly. "Make sure you understand what's expected of you. Flexibility doesn't mean immunity from the academy's standards."

Gohan nodded, his voice steady. "Understood, Professor. I won't let you down."

Qrow stood by the window in Ozpin's office, watching the newest Beacon students move across the grounds below. His expression was pensive, reflecting on everything he'd learned about Gohan during their training sessions. He could feel Ozpin's presence from behind the desk, the older man's steady gaze aware that there was more on Qrow's mind.

After a long silence, Qrow finally spoke, his voice low but steady. "The kid's been through hell. I've seen my share of horrors, but Gohan… he's different." He glanced back at the window, his eyes distant. "The way he talked about Cell…" Qrow trailed off, a slight shiver in his voice. "That monster is why he's here in the first place."

Ozpin leaned forward, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Cell?"

Qrow nodded grimly. "Yeah. Cell wasn't just some big Grimm or monster. He was… engineered, made to be perfect—a living nightmare. A force of nature capable of wiping out entire cities like they were nothing. Gohan was just a kid when he faced him. Hell, he's barely a teenager now. But he didn't have a choice. Cell destroyed everything, killed his father… Gohan had to stop him. No matter the cost."

Ozpin's brow furrowed, his mind processing the implications. "So, this experience brought him here?"

Qrow shifted his stance, eyes narrowing. "It's more than just his past bringing him here," he said, his voice darkening. "I've spent a lot of time working with him, and I can tell you one thing for sure—the main thing holding him back isn't his power. His body's healed up just fine, though I had to induce a coma for a while to be sure. It's his mind, Ozpin. The kid's been through so much trauma that it's messing with his head. I had no choice but to wake him up and bring him here... but it wasn't easy. There were too many eyes on me, and I didn't have the luxury of waiting for the right moment."

Ozpin's expression grew more thoughtful, his gaze sharpening as he took in Qrow's words. "I see. So, it's not just his strength you're worried about, it's his psychological state?"

Qrow's gaze hardened. "Exactly. Gohan's seen firsthand what his power can do. The thing is, the kid's got more control than he realizes. He's so damn strong, but he holds himself back out of fear. Fear of becoming the monster he had to fight. It's that fear that's really messing with him."

Ozpin leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he absorbed the weight of Qrow's words. "He's afraid of his own potential," he murmured. "Afraid of what he could become."

"Yeah," Qrow replied quietly. "And that's the part that's gonna be the hardest to work through. His body might be healed, but his mind? It's scarred. He needs to learn to trust himself again, to understand that being strong doesn't mean he's going to lose control." He paused, a grim look settling on his face. "But he's not there yet. He's carrying this burden, this constant fear that one slip will bring everything crashing down."

Ozpin's expression darkened as he considered the situation. "So, how do we help him? How do we get him to overcome that fear?"

Qrow's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "I don't have all the answers, Ozpin. But I think the first step is to get him to stop thinking of himself as a ticking time bomb. He needs people around him who'll accept him for who he is, not just the power he can unleash." Qrow's voice softened slightly. "He doesn't need more pressure. He needs understanding. And maybe, just maybe, Team RWBY can give him that."

Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "You think they're ready for that kind of responsibility?"

Qrow gave a slow nod. "They're strong, Ozpin. Stronger than most people realize. Ruby, especially—she's close to Gohan's age, and she's got a fire inside her that could help light his way. They've already been through their own battles, and they've got each other's backs. That's exactly what Gohan needs right now—a group of people who'll help him find his balance without judging him."

As they continued discussing, the door to the office opened quietly, and Professor Goodwitch stepped in. Her usual calm demeanor was replaced by a thoughtful expression as she caught the last part of the conversation. She crossed her arms, looking between the two men. "You're suggesting Team RWBY, Qrow?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of caution.

Qrow met her gaze, his tone unwavering. "They don't need to be perfect, but they've got the heart for it. And that's what Gohan needs right now—people who'll give him a chance."

Glynda raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of curiosity. "You're sure? They're still students, Qrow. Are you sure they're ready to take on someone like him?"

Qrow's eyes narrowed slightly. "They don't need to be 'ready.' They just need to be there. Ruby and Yang—especially Ruby—they have the kind of strength Gohan needs. They've been through their own struggles, fought against their own doubts. They understand what it's like to carry the weight of responsibility. Gohan's not looking for a perfect team, just people who'll stand by him."

Glynda, who had only just entered the conversation and wasn't aware of the specifics, glanced at Ozpin, waiting for clarification. "What's going on, exactly? What's the situation with this boy? Why are you so certain Team RWBY is the right choice?"

Ozpin, still calm, met Glynda's gaze. "It's more complicated than it seems. Gohan's been through… significant trauma. His past is something he's still grappling with. Qrow believes that Ruby and Yang's resilience, especially their bond with each other, could provide him the support he needs."

Glynda's eyes sharpened at the mention of trauma. "I see." She crossed her arms, still unsure. "But they're not experienced enough to handle someone like that. It could be dangerous for them and for Gohan."

Qrow sighed, clearly understanding her concern. "Maybe. But I've seen what Ruby and Yang are capable of. They're strong, not just physically, but emotionally. They know what it's like to face fear and loss. They've fought through it before. That's why I think they're the right fit."

Glynda gave him a skeptical look. "Even so, taking someone like Gohan in, with his… history, it's a risk. I'd think someone with more experience, like Team JNPR, would be a better choice."

Ozpin, who had been quiet during the exchange, nodded slowly. "Team JNPR does have more stability, but Qrow's right in that Team RWBY has a bond that could be invaluable. They've all been through different kinds of hardship, and it's that kind of connection that may allow them to help Gohan."

Qrow's expression softened. "Gohan needs people who won't just see him as a weapon. It's part of the reason I brought him here. He could be the key to beating Salem, but that's not what he needs right now." He paused, letting his words sink in. "Gohan's power is immense—stronger than anything I've ever heard of in our world. And he's still looking for a way home."

Glynda raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. "If he's that powerful, why is he so... hesitant? Why isn't he using his full strength?"

Qrow's gaze darkened, his voice growing heavier. "Because of what he's been through. You've heard the stories of people like him—the ones who hold power but fear what it can do. Gohan's afraid that if he loses control, everything he's trying to protect could be destroyed again. He's been through more than most people ever will, and it's left him… scarred." Qrow exhaled slowly. "Glynda, the battles he's spoken about didn't just end in devastation—worlds were torn apart. Not just lives… whole planets were destroyed."

Glynda's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing as she processed the weight of Qrow's words. "He's seen that kind of destruction firsthand?"

Qrow shook his head slightly. "He told me about this planet he was on—Nomic, I think he called it. Or maybe it was Namek? Doesn't matter, really. Point is, some galactic space emperor destroyed it because he couldn't control it. Blew the whole damn place up just because" Qrow's tone grew bitter. "And Gohan was right there, powerless to stop it. That's the kind of thing that's haunted him, Glynda."

Glynda, though still wary, looked at Qrow, then at Ozpin. "I understand your reasoning, but I still have reservations. This isn't going to be easy. Gohan's situation is more complicated than anything we've dealt with before."

Ozpin met her gaze, his voice calm but firm. "I know, Glynda. But sometimes the most difficult situations lead to the greatest breakthroughs. Gohan's strength and his potential are beyond anything we've seen. It's up to us to help him find a way to control it. We can't do it alone, and I believe Team RWBY can offer the kind of support Gohan needs."

Glynda was silent for a long moment, her arms crossed tightly. Finally, she spoke, her voice steady. "I trust you, Ozpin. But we need to be careful. Gohan's not the only one in danger here. We'll have to tread carefully."

Gohan stirred as the first rays of morning sunlight crept through his dorm window, casting soft shadows across the unfamiliar room. The quiet stillness was a welcome change from the chaos he'd known. He blinked up at the ceiling, disoriented at first, until the details of his surroundings settled into focus—the small desk, a tidy closet, and a nightstand where his neatly folded clothes rested, prepared for the day ahead. A simple reminder of the order and peace in this strange new world, so different from the turbulent life he'd left behind.

He rose, stretching and glancing out the window where the courtyard was coming alive with early risers. For the first time in a long time, he wasn't waking to an impending battle or a dire mission. Here, at Beacon Academy, he could almost feel like a normal student. Almost.

After dressing, he stepped over to a small mirror mounted on the wall, adjusting his shirt and running a hand through his unruly hair. He frowned, a flicker of homesickness tugging at him, mingling with the unease that came with his current reality. The reflections of his friends and teachers—Piccolo, Goku, and the others—flashed in his mind. Taking a steadying breath, he sat down, closed his eyes, and focused on meditating, just as Piccolo had taught him long ago. The silence was a balm, helping him set his intentions and ground himself, preparing for the unknown day ahead.

Meanwhile, across the campus, the cafeteria was far from calm.

Ruby Rose made an entrance with her usual burst of energy, slamming a thick binder onto the table with enough force to make nearby students jolt in surprise. On its cover, a neatly typed label read "Vytal Festival Activities, Property of Weiss Schnee," but the title had been enthusiastically crossed out in bright red marker and replaced with a much bolder scrawl: "Best Day Ever Activities."

Ruby grinned, pausing dramatically and clearing her throat as if about to make an official announcement. She gestured grandly toward her teammates, who had gathered at the table.

"Sisters, friends… Weiss," she declared, shooting her partner a teasing look. Weiss, who had been stirring her tea, let out a long-suffering sigh and shot Ruby a skeptical glare.

Yang leaned back in her seat, smirking. "Oh, this ought to be good."

Ruby continued, undeterred by her sister's sarcasm, her voice growing more animated. "Four score and seven minutes ago, I had a dream!"

Weiss rolled her eyes but leaned forward, begrudgingly curious. "Please tell me that doesn't involve stealing my binder, Ruby."

Ruby held up her hands, flashing a playful grin. "I am not a crook!" She straightened, adopting a more serious expression, and declared, "I'm talking about kicking off the semester with a bang!"

Yang laughed, giving a mock salute. "I always start my semesters with a 'Yang!' Eh? Eh? Am I right?"

Most of the table groaned at the pun, though Nora, ever the enthusiast, tossed an apple in Yang's direction, which she caught with a dramatic flourish.

Ruby clapped her hands to gather their attention, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Listen up! It's been two weeks since classes ended, and with all the new exchange students and the Vytal Tournament coming up, our second semester is going to be amazing!" She placed a hand over her heart, as if making a solemn vow. "That's why I've put together the ultimate bonding activities for us!"

Weiss's gaze drifted to the binder, her expression wavering between pride and suspicion. "I don't know whether to be impressed or afraid of what you've come up with."

Yang, still holding the apple from earlier, grinned mischievously and lobbed it toward Nora. She ducked with a laugh, and the apple sailed over her shoulder, landing with a soft splat on the floor across the room.

From another table, a distant voice shouted, "Hey!" But Nora merely chuckled, unphased.

Blake, who had been silently observing, turned to Weiss with a slight smile. "Whether we go along with it or not, we should at least see what Ruby has planned."

Weiss sighed, reluctantly nodding. "I suppose…" But before she could finish, a cream pie came flying out of nowhere, landing squarely on her face. The cafeteria went silent for a moment as Weiss blinked, wide-eyed and shocked, cream dripping from her nose.

Jaune snickered, while Nora, clearly the culprit, shrugged with a sheepish smile and pointed accusingly at Ren, who sighed and shook his head.

"Food fight!" someone shouted, and chaos erupted. Students leapt from their seats, grabbing whatever food they could find to launch at each other, laughing and shouting as the cafeteria turned into a battleground.

Team JNPR sprang into action, stacking tables into a fortress near the center of the room. Standing atop it, Nora raised her arms triumphantly. "I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the castle!"

Across the way, Ruby climbed onto a table and pointed dramatically at JNPR's fortress. "Justice will be swift! Justice will be painful!" She crushed a milk carton in her hand, the milk dripping from her fist like a victory flag. "And it will be delicious!"

Her teammates rallied behind her, raising their fists in unison, while Nora brandished a watermelon as if it were a mighty hammer, shouting, "Off with their heads!"

With a laugh, Yang stuffed her fists into two roast turkeys, using them as makeshift boxing gloves to punch incoming food projectiles. She sent one flying straight toward Jaune, who fell backward with a yelp as a large glob of mashed potatoes splattered across his chest.

Blake leapt over Yang, wielding a pair of breadsticks like batons, deftly parrying food hurled her way. At the same time, Yang swung a turkey-covered fist toward Pyrrha, who ducked and sidestepped gracefully, grabbing her own breadstick to block Blake in a surprising clash of styles.

Just as the food fight was reaching a frenzied peak, the cafeteria doors flew open, and Professor Glynda Goodwitch stormed in, her face a mask of exasperation. She took in the sight with a deep, disappointed sigh, raising her crop. In an instant, her semblance flared to life, and a wave of telekinetic force swept through the room. Plates, trays, and food snapped back into place, tables reassembled themselves, and chairs slid into their original positions, leaving the room looking untouched.

"Children," Glynda said sharply, her voice carrying a stern authority that cut through the air. "Please. Do not play with your food."

The room fell silent, students shifting nervously and trying to look innocent. Nora, however, was entirely unrepentant and let out a proud burp, beaming without a hint of shame.

As the last remnants of the food fight settled, Professor Ozpin entered the cafeteria, his ever-calm demeanor contrasting Glynda's frustration. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, offering a reassuring smile.

"Let it go, Glynda," he said in his usual measured tone.

Glynda frowned, casting him a skeptical look. "They're supposed to be the defenders of the world."

Ozpin looked over at the gathered students, a wistful glint in his eyes. "And they will be. But for now, they're still young. Let them enjoy these moments while they can." He turned his attention toward Team RWBY, his expression becoming more serious. "Team RWBY, please join me in my office. There are matters we need to discuss."

Team RWBY exchanged wary glances as they trailed behind Professor Ozpin. Ruby whispered urgently to her teammates, "How did we get singled out? Team JNPR started it!"

Yang smirked. "Maybe it's cause we won."

Weiss rolled her eyes, whispering back with a sigh, "If we're being punished, I better not be the only one on janitorial duty."

As they neared the headmaster's office, Ozpin finally spoke, his tone calm but with a hint of seriousness that silenced their chatter. "There's someone I'd like you all to meet. He'll be temporarily assigned to your team."

Ruby blinked in surprise, looking to her teammates for answers, but they all seemed equally puzzled. "Temporarily?" she asked, trying to gauge the situation. "Who is he?"

"You'll see," Ozpin replied simply, glancing over his shoulder. The curiosity on his face was unmistakable.

The doors to Ozpin's office slid open, and Team RWBY's eyes fell on a boy standing beside Qrow. He had slightly messy black hair, wearing the Beacon uniform, though he looked a bit uncomfortable in it, tugging at the collar. When he noticed the girls enter, he straightened up, offering them a polite nod.

Before anyone could speak, Ruby burst into the room, leaping onto Qrow with a huge grin. "Did ya miss me, Uncle Qrow? Did ya? Did ya? Did ya?"

Qrow stumbled slightly but caught Ruby, chuckling as he ruffled her hair. "Alright, alright, kiddo. Settle down," he said, giving her a gentle pat on the back before setting her down. His amused gaze shifted to the rest of Team RWBY, taking in their varying expressions of curiosity and surprise.

With a casual gesture, Qrow directed their attention to the boy standing beside him. "This is Gohan. He'll be temporarily assigned to your team."

Ruby's eyes widened as she looked from Qrow to Gohan, noting a faint resemblance between them. The boy's messy black hair and calm, reserved expression gave him an oddly familiar look, though there was an intensity in his gaze that she couldn't quite place.

Yang, always quick with a remark, grinned and turned to Qrow. "You keeping family secrets from us, Uncle Qrow?" she teased, crossing her arms.

Qrow let out a long-suffering sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as if he had been expecting this reaction. "Yes, but not about this—"

Before he could finish, Ruby, caught up in her own conclusions, flashed an overzealous grin and practically tackled Gohan with an enthusiastic hug. "Yay, cousin!" she squealed, wrapping her arms around him with surprising strength, seemingly oblivious to how sudden her greeting was.

Gohan staggered back, momentarily caught off guard, but quickly adjusted, giving her an awkward but kind pat on the back. "Uh, I'm not—" he started, looking a bit lost in Ruby's exuberant embrace.

But before he could finish, Ruby's eyes sparkled with fascination as she caught a glimpse of something at his waist. "Wait... you have a tail! That's so cool!" she exclaimed, pointing excitedly as she stepped back to get a better look.

Gohan froze, feeling his cheeks heat up slightly. Instinctively, he curled his tail around his waist, almost as if he could hide it by holding it close. "Uh… it's not… that cool," he mumbled, clearly embarrassed as he tried to deflect the attention.

But Ruby, undeterred by Gohan's discomfort, bounced on her heels, practically glowing with excitement. "No way! A real tail! I've seen Sun's tail, but his is different! Does it do cool stuff? Can you like, hang from trees? Grab things, or—"

"Ruby," Weiss interrupted sharply, her tone both stern and a little curious as she shot Ruby a disapproving glance. However, despite her disapproval, her eyes lingered on Gohan with a flicker of intrigue. "Don't bombard him with questions. He just got here."

Ruby blinked, suddenly snapping out of her excitement. Realizing she was still clinging to Gohan, she stepped back, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Oh! Sorry, I got carried away..." she mumbled, her enthusiasm dampened.

Yang, always ready to stir the pot, grinned mischievously. "Now that you're done hugging him, how about we introduce ourselves?" she teased, clearly enjoying the chance to poke fun at her younger sister.

Ruby's face flushed even deeper, but Yang's grin softened as she noticed Gohan's awkwardness. The momentary tension shifted, and Yang flashed Gohan a wink, her grin turning more genuine. "I'm Yang," she said, her playful confidence back in full force. "I guess that makes me… your cousin?" she joked, winking. "Raven's my mom."

Gohan blinked, looking between Yang and Qrow in confusion. "Raven?"

Before anyone else could respond, Qrow gave a small sigh. "My sister," he explained with a shrug, clearly accustomed to questions about his family. "Long story, kid."

Yang chuckled. "Yep, and you're lucky you only got the good side of the family tree with Qrow," she added, clearly enjoying his surprise. "And don't worry, I don't bite."

Ruby, who had been a little flustered from her earlier excitement, quickly regained her usual bubbly demeanor, standing beside Yang. "I'm Ruby! Ruby Rose!" she announced enthusiastically, giving an energetic wave. "It's so awesome to meet you! Even if, uh, I got a little... carried away."

Weiss sighed lightly, her arms still crossed, but there was no real malice in her tone. "Weiss Schnee," she introduced herself, raising an eyebrow at Ruby's antics. "I promise we don't all act like that."

Blake, who had been observing silently, finally spoke up in her usual calm, steady voice. "Blake Belladonna. It's nice to meet you, Gohan." She offered a small smile, her nod of acknowledgment slightly reserved but warm.

Gohan, now feeling a little more at ease but still slightly off-kilter, gave a soft smile. "It's... nice to meet all of you too," he said, still adjusting to the energy in the room.

Qrow, watching the group with a slight smirk, turned to Ruby with a mock serious tone. "Alright, kiddo, let's dial it down a little." He gave Gohan an amused glance. "And just so you don't jump to any more conclusions, he's not my son, and no, he's not your cousin either." He shot a pointed look at Ruby, whose cheeks flushed in realization.

Ruby froze for a moment, the weight of what she'd just done sinking in. Her hands instinctively went to her cheeks as her face turned crimson. "Oh... oh no," she mumbled, realizing she had just tackled and hugged someone she barely knew as if he were family. "I—I didn't mean to... I just... got excited!"

Blake couldn't help but smirk at Ruby's sudden embarrassment, though she quickly masked it with her usual calm demeanor. Weiss raised an eyebrow, clearly trying to hide a small, exasperated smile, while Yang just laughed, shaking her head at her sister's antics.

"Looks like someone needs to work on their personal space," Yang teased, her grin widening. "But hey, at least you made a... memorable first impression."

Ruby, now fully aware of the awkwardness she'd caused, let out a dramatic groan, her face still a shade of red. "I swear, I didn't mean to make it weird! I just—"

Gohan, feeling a little uncomfortable himself but wanting to ease the tension, gave her a friendly smile. "It's fine. Really," he said, waving his hand dismissively, hoping to smooth things over.

Qrow chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. Leaning back against the wall, he folded his arms with a knowing smirk. "Just remember, kid," he said to Ruby, his voice light but with a hint of mock seriousness, "not everyone you meet is gonna want a hug right away."

Yang, unable to resist the opportunity, grinned mischievously and nudged Ruby. "Wow, Ruby, so forward," she teased, raising an eyebrow. "Just 'cause he's around your age doesn't mean you can go tackling him."

Ruby groaned again, her face bright red. Ozpin spoke up having watched the scene unfold with a quiet chuckle of his own. "Alright, that's enough," he said, his voice calm but with a hint of amusement. "Let's keep things on track here."

Ruby, still blushing furiously. "I really didn't mean to—" she started, but was immediately cut off by Yang.

"Yeah, yeah, we know," Yang teased, grinning at her sister's embarrassed state. "No need to keep apologizing. You made your, uh, mark on him."

Ruby groaned, covering her face in her hands. "I swear, I'm never living this down," she muttered.

Ozpin cleared his throat again, his amused expression fading back into his usual composed demeanor. "Now that we've got that sorted," he said, turning his attention back to Gohan. "Gohan, you'll be joining Team RWBY for the time being. I trust you'll all get along."

He paused for a moment before continuing, his gaze flickering between the group. "However, while you're assigned to Team RWBY, you'll also be assisting Qrow when need."

Ruby, momentarily distracted from her embarrassment, tilted her head in confusion. "Wait, you're saying Gohan's gonna be working with us... and Uncle Qrow?"

Qrow, who had been standing quietly with his arms crossed, gave a small smirk. "Gohan's a special case. He's got a lot of high-level combat experience."

Yang raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "What kind of 'high-level' are we talking about here?"

Qrow chuckled lightly, glancing at Gohan with a knowing look. "High level," he said, his tone teasing.

Weiss, still skeptical, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "I think as a team, we should know what we're dealing with."

Qrow shook his head with a faint smirk. "Not everything is for public knowledge," he replied, amusement lacing his voice. As he spoke, Blake subtly mouthed "White Fang" to Ozpin, who shook his head in silent denial.

Weiss narrowed her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "You're not going to tell us, are you?"

Ozpin's calm, measured voice interrupted the growing tension. "That's enough, Qrow," he said, turning his gaze to Weiss. "Some things are better left unsaid for now."

Weiss blinked, her curiosity growing but tempered by her frustration. "You're all so cryptic," she muttered, clearly annoyed but unwilling to push the matter any further.

Ozpin gave a small, knowing smile. "There are certain matters that require time and trust to understand," he replied smoothly. "And as for Gohan, let's just say he possesses a unique set of skills that make him more than capable. Now, let's move on to sleeping arrangements."

Qrow spoke up quickly, his tone firm. 'He should stay in the same room he stayed in last night."

Ruby, ever the curious one, tilted her head. "But don't teams bunk together?" she asked, looking to Ozpin for clarification.

Yang, sensing an opportunity to tease her sister, grinned mischievously. "Oh, Ruby, are you hoping to have a sleepover with the new guy?" she teased, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.

Ruby's face turned bright red at the implication, while Gohan shifted uncomfortably. "I—I don't mind where I sleep..." he mumbled, clearly trying to avoid any more attention.

Ozpin, his usual calm demeanor intact, gave a slight nod. "Teams generally do bunk together," he said, turning his gaze to Ruby. "But in this case, I was going to ask for your opinion, as this is a bit of a unique situation."

Ruby blinked, a bit surprised by the shift in tone. "Wait, you want us to decide?" she asked, looking between her teammates.

Qrow spoke up, leaning against the wall casually. "Well, since he's only a temporary teammate and might be called to assist me at odd hours, it might be better if he's not bunking with you all just yet." He glanced at Gohan. "It could be inconvenient if he's needed at a moment's notice."

Weiss folded her arms, giving Gohan an appraising look. "As long as he's courteous and respectful, it shouldn't be an issue either way," she said, her tone slightly reserved but fair.

Yang grinned and threw an arm around Ruby's shoulders, her voice filled with playful mischief. "Oh, come on, for young love's sake, let him bunk with us!"

Ruby's face flushed as she shot her sister a mortified look. "Yang!" she protested, her cheeks turning pink.

Blake, in her usual calm and composed manner, added softly, "When it comes to space, it might just be more practical for him to bunk on his own."

Qrow took a sip of his drink, glancing around with a slight smirk. "Alright, looks like we're split. Gohan and Ice Princess over here doesn't mind either way, Blake's voting for his own space, Yang's all for bunking together... so that leaves the decision to you, Ruby."

Ruby shifted uncomfortably, glancing back at her teammates, then at Gohan's easygoing smile. Taking a deep breath, she finally nodded, trying to muster some confidence. "Um… maybe it's best if Gohan has his own space," she said, her voice quiet but steady.

Yang sighed dramatically, tossing Ruby a playful pout. "Oh, come on, Ruby! And here I thought you'd go for the full 'team bonding' experience!"

Ruby's cheeks flushed even redder as she mumbled, "I—I just think it's more practical..."

Blake gave a small nod of approval. "It does make sense," she said calmly, casting a quiet smile at Ruby for her thoughtful choice.

Qrow chuckled, clearly amused, as he gave Ruby an encouraging nod. "Smart call, kid."

Ozpin, watching the exchange with a subtle smile, nodded in agreement. "Then it's settled," he said. "Gohan will have his own room, and when he's not with you all, he'll be assisting Qrow. Now, let's see how you all work together as a team."