Normally I wouldn't do this but I feel like an idiot, most likely am. Some1call4MR-E, I remember having that line in the first draft but I don't know what happened to it so I fixed it. There is a story and have a chapter that I keep rewriting that go's over the flashback to how Qrow found Gohan and why Qrow did things. What is happening in DBZ without Gohan is currently in chapter 4 but I feel like Chapter 4 is getting long.
X3runner, I'm not planning on shipping Gohan with Ruby, was going for a more don't know how the interact with each other. Ending it in more awkward and embarrassing moments. Also X3runner please stop reading my mind or drafts, I had just finalise the second chapter before reading your first comment.
Looking into scale I saw a lot of people agree on this scale and kind of what I've been using(An average person has a power level of around 5-7 in DBZ. So I'd say RWBY+JNPR/Any Huntsman probably have a power level of like... 15-25. Which would make them 3-5x stronger and faster than a normal person.
Maidens should be somewhere in 30 - 40 range
Ozma/Salem have magic, which is entirely different even in DBZ and don't apply to Power Levels. They're also probably in the 30-50 range but then can do wacky stuff w/ their magic. I'd even say Semblances fall into this category as well. For example Ruby could have a power level of 20 but then using her Semblance can move at the speeds of someone with a power level of 35 for a moment.) If there is a better scale that reflects things more accurately I'd love to see it so I can adjust according.
You do have to remember Gohan has excellent control even when hitting normal humans with a power level of 5 but please keep in mind this is a Gohan whose last memory is fighting Cell and waking up in a new world and then also losing 3 years of his life. Plus I have him holding back at the moment. But for these who want to know I do have a couple of chapters that are just rough draughts at the moment of Gohan not only levelling people but areas.
Trying to keep Gohan's age kind of ambiguous so you can kind of put either version of him in, that being the anime or manga, if you do have a preference let me know I'm happy to lean either way.
The cafeteria buzzed with background chatter as Gohan followed Team RWBY inside, feeling the heavy weight of their curiosity pressing down on him. He sensed each girl's curious glances, ignited by their first, somewhat mysterious encounter. Now, as everyone seated themselves around a table, it was clear they were intent on piecing together the story behind him. Weiss, unsurprisingly, was the first to break the silence. Her voice was sharp yet friendly, like she was carefully probing for answers.
"So, you're new here," she said, arms crossed, leaning back as she studied him intently. "Where are you from?"
Gohan shifted in his seat, his brow furrowing slightly as he pondered how to respond. The truth was complicated—and definitely not something he could just blurt out without leaving them more confused. He glanced down, then looked back up with a guarded, faint smile. "I'm… from far away." His voice was thoughtful, almost distant, as if he were weighing each word.
Ruby, brimming with energy, leaned in, her wide eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement. "That's so mysterious!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat. "You must have so many cool stories!" Before he could respond, her attention suddenly shifted to his empty hands. "Oh! So… what's your weapon? You've got one, right?"
Gohan hesitated. He didn't typically rely on weapons and was unsure how to explain that to them. Everyone here seemed to carry some incredible contraption, and admitting he didn't use one might sound strange. "I don't really use weapons," he said finally, his voice quiet. "I rely more on... my abilities."
Weiss raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Abilities?" she repeated, her expression polite but questioning. Under her scrutiny, Gohan felt a flicker of embarrassment. How could he describe powers that defied ordinary expectations without sounding like he was bragging? Choosing to downplay it, he kept his tone modest. "I can do things like… super speed and super strength"
Ruby's eyes sparkled even more, her amazement palpable. She opened her mouth to ask another question, but before she could, a loud growl echoed through the room—Gohan's stomach protested loudly enough to flush him with embarrassment. Yang's amused chuckle broke the awkward moment. "Guess that's why Uncle Qrow told us to bring you here first," she teased, grinning.
Rubbing the back of his neck, Gohan laughed sheepishly. "Yeah, I've been really hungry lately," he admitted, another rumble from his stomach underscoring his words. Their laughter helped ease the tension, and eager to satisfy his hunger, Gohan stood and made his way to the buffet. He grabbed anything and everything that caught his eye—heaps of meat, piles of vegetables, grains, and whatever else looked likely to fill the bottomless pit in his stomach. As he piled his plate high, he couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious about the mountain of food he was accumulating.
When he returned to the table, the girls stared at him in varying degrees of surprise and disbelief at the sheer volume of food before him. Weiss's eyes widened in a mix of fascination and mild horror. "I don't think I've ever seen someone eat that much in one sitting," she said, sounding almost repulsed. Undeterred, Gohan dug in, eating with a focus bordering on intense. The satisfying flavors and relief of finally eating again made it hard to pace himself; he ate with an intensity that left Ruby and Yang watching him in awe.
"Wow… that's impressive," Ruby breathed, her eyes filled with admiration. Yang chuckled, shaking her head. "I thought I had a big appetite, but you take it to a whole new level."
Across the table, Blake and Weiss exchanged looks, their faces painted with confusion and a hint of apprehension. Weiss's expression tightened, a slight frown pulling at her lips as she watched him eat with unconcealed disbelief. "How… how can you eat so much?" she murmured. Meanwhile, Blake, usually calm and collected, had her own surprise to process. With a quiet sigh, she pushed her chair back. "I'm going to the library," she announced flatly, her tone unreadable. "Come get me when he… is done."
As Blake left, Weiss's brows knit together, clearly unsure about the scene unfolding before her. She glanced back at Gohan, who was still making quick work of his meal, wondering if she should be concerned. Ruby, in her typical fashion, giggled. "I think she might be a little… overwhelmed."
Yang laughed, leaning back with a smirk. "We should definitely take you to some eating competitions—you'd be a secret weapon!" Grinning, Gohan shook his head, finally feeling at ease with their friendly teasing. "Not sure about that," he said, managing to shove in another mouthful. "But if there's ever a 'who can eat the most' contest, I'm in."
Ruby's face lit up with excitement. "Oh! We should totally sign you up! Think of the fame!" she said, practically bouncing in her seat. "You'd be a legend!" Gohan chuckled, feeling strangely comfortable around the group, even with the attention. "I don't know about fame, but I'd definitely win," he replied with a grin.
As the laughter faded, Weiss, who had been watching him with thoughtful eyes, leaned forward, arms crossed. Her voice held a more serious tone this time. "Alright, enough about eating contests. But what exactly are you? You've mentioned these… abilities." She studied him intently. "And you said you can't tell us everything. If you're going to be here, we'd like to know more. We need to know what we're dealing with."
The weight of her question stilled him. He glanced down at his plate, the humor of the earlier moment fading as he considered how to answer. He had to tread carefully in revealing too much—there were rules even he needed to abide by, and the last thing he wanted was to overstep boundaries with people he barely knew. "How about I show you after I eat?" he suggested earnestly. "That way, I can explain without saying too much."
Weiss regarded him with a careful gaze, her eyes narrowing slightly, but after a moment, she gave a small nod. "Fair enough," she said, her voice carrying a cautious tone. "But don't make us wait too long. We're not known for our patience."
Ruby's eyes sparkled with excitement, leaning forward. "Ooh, a demonstration! This is going to be so cool!" She grinned widely, practically jumping in her seat. "You're really going to show us what you can do?" Her face lit up with a new idea. "If we're doing demos, we should show you what we can do too!"
Curious, Gohan tilted his head. "What do you mean?"
Ruby sprang up, nearly knocking over her drink in her excitement but catching it just in time. "I'm talking about our weapons!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with pride. "I've got a scythe! It's called Crescent Rose, and it's totally awesome!" With a flourish, she pulled the weapon from her back, displaying the sleek, red scythe like an artist revealing a masterpiece. Its blade gleamed in the cafeteria light, beautifully contrasted by its dark frame. "And it transforms into a gun, too!" Pulling a lever with a smooth, practiced motion, the scythe folded into a compact, high-powered sniper rifle. Beaming, she tilted her head, as if asking, "What do you think?"
Gohan's eyes widened at the impressive design, his surprise genuine. "Wow, that's… incredible," he said, awed by how effortlessly it shifted forms. Examining its intricate details, he noticed a resemblance to Qrow's weapon. "It looks a bit like Qrow's weapon," he remarked thoughtfully. "Is it related?"
Ruby's grin softened into a more nostalgic smile, a warm glint in her eyes. "Yeah," she began, her tone fond. "I built Crescent Rose when I was at Signal Academy, just like the rest of the students. I actually based it on my Uncle Qrow's weapon, Harbinger. He was one of the teachers there and taught me scythe fighting."
Yang chuckled, watching her sister with fond amusement. "Yeah, Ruby's got that whole 'make it look cool' thing down to an art," she added, sharing a knowing smile with Gohan.
As Gohan finished his final bite, leaning back in his chair, he let out a contented sigh and noticed that Ruby's excitement hadn't waned at all. She practically buzzed in place, barely able to contain herself. "Well, that hit the spot," he said with a grateful smile, taking in their amused expressions.
Yang stretched her arms above her head and grinned. "Alright, then—let's go grab Blake, and then we can head to the training hall." Ruby nodded, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Yeah! She has to see this too," she said, bouncing out of her chair. "Besides, Blake loves a good demonstration, even if she won't admit it!"
Weiss gave an approving nod as she stood up. "Yes, let's not keep her waiting. And I'd like to see just what you're capable of as well," she added, her tone a bit less skeptical now that she'd seen how straightforward Gohan was.
As they walked through the halls toward the library, Gohan's mind raced. He had never been in a situation where he needed to explain his abilities before, and now, he was about to demonstrate powers that felt like second nature to him, yet completely foreign to everyone around him. The weight of his mixed feelings settled in, the advice from both Qrow and Ozpin echoing in his mind. They had both told him to be cautious, to keep his abilities under wraps as much as possible. But they also said it was ultimately up to him.
He knew he had to tread carefully—showing just enough to impress without revealing too much. It was a delicate balance, one where he needed to satisfy curiosity while staying vague enough to avoid raising any further questions.
As they neared the library, he steeled himself, taking a deep breath. Whatever came next, he'd handle it—just like everything else in his life.
The training hall hummed with anticipation as Team RWBY and Gohan stepped into the sunlit space, its walls echoing with past battles and lessons. For Gohan, the energy in the air felt electrifying and unnerving; he could feel the weight of his friends' curious stares, expectant yet tempered by skepticism. It was a quiet but undeniable pressure, one that stirred something deep within him—a silent force of strength and restraint he held carefully at bay.
Ruby bounced with excitement, her eyes wide with wonder as she spun around, taking in the vast training space. "Isn't this amazing?" she beamed, her voice echoing in the hall. "We do most of our training here! It's got everything!"
Yang smirked, her usual confidence shining through as she cracked her knuckles and threw a playful glance in Gohan's direction. "And today, it's all yours to show us what you've got, Gohan!"
As Gohan stepped into the center of the training hall, his gaze drifted across the room, taking in the confident stances of his friends. Each one held an expression that mingled curiosity with a bit of healthy doubt. Taking a steadying breath, he prepared himself—not for the limits of his power, but for the challenge of showing only the basics. He wasn't here to overwhelm, just to give them a glimpse of what he could do.
With a nod, he took his stance, planting his feet firmly as he focused his energy inward. His first demonstration would be a simple show of strength. Approaching one of the reinforced dummies, he clenched his fist, feeling his power surge with controlled intensity. He let out a quick breath, then struck.
The impact echoed across the hall as the dummy flew backward, skidding across the polished floor before crashing against the far wall. A stunned silence followed, and Gohan looked up to see the wide-eyed expressions on his friends' faces.
Ruby's mouth dropped open, her awe as clear as the sunlight streaming into the hall. "Whoa!" she gasped, practically bouncing with excitement. "You barely even tried, and that dummy just went flying!"
Yang let out a low whistle, nodding in approval. "That's some serious strength, Gohan! Remind me not to get on your bad side."
Weiss, ever the critical thinker, narrowed her gaze thoughtfully. "Impressive," she murmured, though a hint of surprise softened her calculating stare. "That's no ordinary strength… even for a huntsman." She studied him carefully, her eyes assessing the ease with which he had launched the heavy dummy.
Blake watched in silence, her expression unreadable but attentive. Her gaze shifted from the dummy back to Gohan, noting the way he seemed almost embarrassed by their reactions, as if he'd shown more than he meant to. But she could see the control behind his actions, the restraint that hinted at something much larger than just brute strength.
Gohan felt a flicker of reassurance at their reactions, but he kept his expression steady, focused. This was only one part of his demonstration, and there was something more he needed to show them. "Alright," he said, glancing at them with a faint, almost sheepish smile. "That was strength… but fighting's also about speed."
Taking a step back, he shifted his focus to his legs, channeling his energy to the muscles in a practiced flow that felt second nature. Without warning, he pushed off, blurring across the hall with a speed that left only a faint streak in the air. In a heartbeat, he was on the opposite side of the room.
When he reappeared, the hall was quiet again, Team RWBY's faces alight with amazement. Ruby's hands clapped together excitedly, her eyes gleaming. "Oh my gosh, did you guys see that? He was just… gone!"
Yang grinned widely, a spark of excitement flickering in her gaze. "That's what I'm talking about! Now that's some real speed, Gohan!"
Even Weiss couldn't hide her surprise, her eyebrows raised as she looked at him with a newfound respect. "That's… impressive," she admitted, her tone softer but still contemplative. "I don't think even Ruby's that fast."
Blake simply nodded, her quiet smile indicating she shared their sentiments. "It's hard to believe."
Gohan chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head, a slight blush creeping up his neck. "Well… there's more to speed than just moving fast."
"Alright, that was… impressive," Weiss admitted, though her tone remained cautious. "But dummies and demonstrations are one thing; real fights are different."
Gohan's chest tightened at her words. She wasn't wrong. Demonstrations of power were controlled, easy to manage, but a real fight was far messier. He nodded, trying to appear untroubled. "You're right. It's different in a real fight. But speed and power can still be useful."
Yang grinned, a spark of challenge lighting her eyes. "Ready to show us what you're really made of, Gohan?"
The challenge stirred something in him, but a knot of hesitation formed deep inside. He had to be careful. His strength, his speed—his power—wasn't something he could let loose without consequences. He wasn't about to make the same mistake again.
Yang didn't wait for an answer. With a determined grin, she launched herself toward Gohan, her speed and ferocity forcing him to focus. Gohan's body tensed instinctively, honed by years of reflex training.
He dodged.
In a blur, Gohan moved, his body reacting almost before he could think. Each step flowed effortlessly into the next, his years of training guiding every dodge with precision. As he weaved through Yang's fierce strikes, his movements remained smooth, yet he felt a strain—not from her attacks, but from the effort of holding back his own strength.
Yang's punches came harder and faster, her fierce energy pushing her onward as she sought to close the distance. Gohan continued to evade, his focus narrowing. It was almost painful to keep himself from responding with his true strength. He knew he had to keep his power in check, but each dodge made the effort more taxing.
"Come on, Gohan! Keep up!" Yang taunted, her excitement ringing through the air.
Her challenge stirred something within him, making his restraint waver as his reflexes tightened. But Blake, watching from the sidelines, could sense his struggle. She noticed the slight tremor in his form, the tension that hinted at something more powerful he was holding back.
"Gohan's not even using his full strength," Blake murmured, understanding the strain beneath his control.
Meanwhile, Ruby was transfixed, wide-eyed with awe. "He's amazing!" she cheered. "It's like he's barely even there!"
Yet, Yang's grin began to fade, her frustration flaring as she threw another hard punch, hoping to finally catch him off guard. Gohan, focused solely on dodging, instinctively raised his arm to deflect, catching her blow—but at the last second, his hand slipped slightly as he held back his strength, his block not landing as planned.
Yang staggered back, and a hush fell over the hall. Her breathing grew heavier, but there was no sign of injury; instead, her defiance seemed to burn even brighter. Gohan blinked, confused, expecting her to be hurt.
But Yang only grinned wider. "You're strong, Gohan," she said, her voice low, a fire blazing in her eyes as she steadied herself. "But I'm just getting started."
In an instant, her entire demeanor shifted as her hair began to glow with a golden light, her aura blazing around her with an intensity he hadn't expected.
Gohan froze, captivated by the transformation. He'd seen fighters power up before, but this was different. Yang's eyes glowed a fierce red, her hair ignited with a brilliant, fiery hue, and her entire aura seemed to radiate raw power. She took a step forward, the ground cracking beneath her feet.
"What… what is this?" he murmured, not comprehending the change in her. Her energy felt different—not like anything he'd sensed in other fighters.
Ruby called out, "Gohan, be careful! Yang's Semblance lets her turn the damage she takes into strength. The more you hit her, the stronger she gets!"
Gohan's eyes widened as her words sank in. Yang dashed forward, faster than before, her strikes stronger and more intense. With a powerful swing, Yang struck at his shoulder.
Gohan stood, momentarily stunned, as the shockwave from Yang's punch radiated outward, knocking Ruby, Weiss, and Blake off their feet. The impact had been immense, far more powerful than he'd anticipated, yet his body remained unharmed. He barely felt the strike, but Yang's power—and the energy behind her blow—was undeniable.
Yang's breathing was heavy, and the fierce glow in her eyes burned with a mixture of exhilaration and determination. "Not bad," she panted, watching Gohan closely. "Guess you can take a hit after all."
Gohan's eyes softened as he took in her battle-worn expression, feeling a surge of respect for her. "Yang… that was incredible," he said sincerely, his voice filled with admiration. "You really know how to use your power."
Yang grinned, her stance still steady despite her exhaustion. "This? This is nothing. But it looks like you're tougher than I thought." She clenched her fists, the energy in her aura dimming slightly as the adrenaline began to subside.
Ruby scrambled to her feet, eyes wide with amazement. "Wow, you two are awesome! Yang, that punch could've taken down a tank!"
Weiss dusted herself off, casting an incredulous glance at Gohan. "And you… just stood there like it was nothing. Are you even human?"
Gohan chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess I just train a lot. I didn't mean to take that hit on purpose—it just… sort of happened." He glanced at Yang, his expression shifting to one of concern. "Are you alright? That must have taken a lot out of you."
Yang nodded, breathing heavily, though her grin stayed wide. But as she lowered her arm, she winced slightly, her gaze flickering down. A dark bruise was forming on her left arm where Gohan's reflexive block had connected.
"Ah," she muttered, shifting to hide it, though Gohan's sharp eyes caught the movement.
"Yang… your arm." His tone was filled with concern, his gaze focused on the bruise. "I didn't mean to hit you that hard. Are you sure you're okay?"
Yang waved it off, attempting to act nonchalant despite the pain. "This? Psh, it's nothing. Just part of the game, right?" She forced a smirk, though her breath hitched when she tried to move her arm. The semblance's strength boost may have let her push through the pain, but the aftermath was catching up to her.
Ruby stepped up beside her sister, her eyes wide with worry. "Yang, that's not 'nothing.' Maybe you should see the nurse?"
Ruby and Weiss had just left to take Yang to the nurse, and as Gohan moved to follow, Blake stepped in front of him, her stance calm but firm. She wasn't angry, but the quiet intensity in her eyes made him stop in his tracks.
"Blake?" he asked, uncertain. She didn't usually ask questions or get in anyone's way like this, and something about her made him hesitate.
Blake held his gaze, her expression unreadable. "Gohan," she began, her voice soft but unwavering, "I can tell you're hiding something. You're strong—stronger than most people I've ever met. And that tail of yours... Who are you, really?"
Gohan felt his heart skip a beat. Her words cut sharply through the air, slicing straight to the thing he'd tried so hard to conceal. His tail, still loosely hanging behind him, instinctively curled closer, and he shifted, his eyes drifting down. He'd grown so used to hiding his true self, yet Blake's steady gaze was starting to unravel him.
"I…" Gohan began, the words catching in his throat. He didn't know where to start or what to say. For years, he'd kept his origin hidden, mostly out of habit, and partly out of fear. But Blake wasn't judging him—she seemed genuinely concerned, maybe even curious. It softened the knot of anxiety in his chest, just a little.
"I'm not from around here," he said carefully, his voice low. "I come from a place… far away. And I was trained in combat since I was a kid, but…" he hesitated, glancing at her to gauge her reaction, "…my training was probably different from what you'd expect."
Blake listened, her expression calm and focused. "And your tail?" she asked softly.
Gohan glanced back at it, coiled tensely now. "I'm a Faunus," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Blake's eyes narrowed just a fraction, though her expression remained thoughtful. She crossed her arms, scrutinizing him. "I might believe that, Gohan," she said, her tone steady, "if I didn't know a lot about Faunus."
His heart raced as he processed her words. He'd thought his story would be believable, yet Blake saw through it with a quiet, discerning clarity that left him uneasy.
"What do you mean?" he asked, his voice carrying a note of uncertainty.
Blake's gaze sharpened, though it held no accusation—only a quiet insistence. "I know what it's like to hide parts of yourself, to pretend to be something others understand. And I've known a lot of Faunus who've had to do just that." She gestured toward his tail, flicking anxiously behind him. "But you're not like them, Gohan. So, what are you not telling us?"
Gohan's mind scrambled for a way to deflect her question, but Blake's keen gaze held him in place, as if waiting for the truth to rise to the surface. The pressure built, and his tail curled tighter in response, mirroring his discomfort.
"I don't… really know much about it," he finally said, the lie thin but laced with just enough truth to keep him grounded. "I grew up somewhere else, somewhere where Faunus weren't accepted. My father… he didn't want me to know too much about where I come from." His voice softened, a flicker of vulnerability he hadn't meant to show slipping through. "I don't even know if I'm like other Faunus. I've been trained to control myself, to hold back my strength."
Blake's expression softened just slightly, her eyes filled with a quiet understanding. "You were raised to hide your power," she murmured. "To hold it back so it wouldn't hurt anyone."
He nodded, feeling a mix of relief and tension. He'd already revealed more than he'd planned, but Blake didn't push for more. She seemed content with the part-truth he'd shared, at least for now.
"Yeah," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me. That's why I keep my tail hidden, why I don't show everything I can do."
Blake stepped a little closer, her eyes softening. "I get it," she said gently. "But you can't keep hiding forever, Gohan. The longer you do, the harder it'll be to let anyone in."
Her words hung in the air as she turned away, her steps deliberate and calm. "We're a team. Trust goes both ways—even when it's hard."
As she walked off, her words lingered, settling over him like a weight. She was right, but the thought of letting anyone in, of risking the truth, made his pulse quicken.
As Gohan walked back to his room, lost in thought, he was unexpectedly bumped into by someone. His reflexes kicked in immediately, and he reached out to steady the figure before they could fall.
"Ah! Sorry about that," Gohan said, his voice filled with a bit of surprise as he looked down to see a girl dressed in a Haven uniform. Her eyes widened for a moment before a mischievous smile tugged at her lips.
Emerald's reaction was immediate. "You... didn't budge," she remarked, clearly startled. She had expected her little trick to at least make him stagger, but he hadn't moved an inch.
Gohan stood up straight, a little confused, but quickly masked it with a casual response. "Guess I'm a little sturdier than I look," he said, trying to downplay the situation.
Emerald gave him a playful, skeptical look as she stood up. "I guess so," she said, processing the unexpected outcome with a hint of curiosity.
Behind her, Mercury and Cinder slowly approached, their expressions unreadable. Mercury smirked lazily, his posture relaxed but with an edge, while Cinder's piercing gaze was far more calculating, watching the exchange like a hawk.
"You okay, Emerald?" Mercury asked, his voice lacking interest but still carrying a subtle note of possessiveness.
Emerald accepted Gohan's hand, brushing herself off and adjusting the collar of her uniform. She cleared her throat, and a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "Yeah, I'm good," she said, looking up at him with an almost playful smirk. "Anyway, I'm Emerald, and these are my teammates." She gestured toward the others with a casual wave. "That's Mercury," she said, nodding toward the stoic teen who gave a half-smirk in return. "And the one who's been watching us is Cinder," she added, her voice dropping slightly with a note of respect for the more intimidating figure standing behind her.
Gohan smiled politely and gave a slight bow. "My name is Gohan," he said, his tone neutral, maintaining a polite distance.
Emerald's eyes gleamed as she said his name, almost like she was savoring it. "Gohan, huh?" she repeated with a teasing lilt. "Nice to meet you," she added, her voice laced with an edge of playful curiosity, as though she was sizing him up.
Mercury didn't speak but simply raised an eyebrow, his posture still relaxed, though Gohan couldn't help but notice the faint shift in his stance—something that seemed almost predatory. Cinder, however, remained silent, her gaze sharp and calculating as she sized up Gohan, her eyes flicking back and forth between him and Emerald. She gave nothing away, only offering a brief nod in acknowledgment.
Emerald's tone remained playful, but there was something else underneath it. "So, as you can see, we're from Haven," she said, glancing over at her teammates. "We're here for the festival, actually." Her grin grew a little more sly, a knowing look exchanged between the three.
Gohan couldn't shake the odd tension in the air. Emerald's bright, almost infectious energy felt at odds with the darker, more ominous vibe radiating from Mercury and Cinder. The smiles were there, but they didn't quite reach their eyes. There was something... off about the whole situation.
"That's cool. I guess you'll be competing then?" Gohan asked, his voice quieter now, tinged with suspicion. He had overheard enough to know about the festival.
Emerald noticed the shift in his tone, but it didn't seem to bother her. If anything, it seemed to amuse her. "Yeah, we'll be competing," she said brightly, but the words came with a slightly darker undertone. "But it's not just about that. The festival is... more than just tournaments. It's an experience," she added with a wink. Her cheerfulness stayed intact, but Gohan could sense the way she was holding something back—something important.
"Maybe we should hang out sometime," Emerald suggested, leaning in slightly with a playful grin, her voice light and casual. But Gohan couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to her words.
He took a half step back, his discomfort apparent as he maintained a polite distance. "Uh yeah, maybe," he said, his voice slightly tight. He wasn't sure if she was trying to be friendly or if there was something more insidious behind her suggestion, but the tension he felt made him wary of getting too close.
Emerald's grin widened just a little, though she seemed to take no offense. "Sure, whenever you're ready," she said, her tone light but with an almost teasing edge. It was as if she were testing him, seeing how far she could push before he cracked.
Behind her, Mercury and Cinder exchanged glances. Mercury's lips curled into an almost imperceptible smirk, his eyes narrowing just slightly, watching Gohan with quiet interest. Cinder, as always, remained silent, her gaze intense and calculating, weighing him with her unreadable stare.
"Well, we should probably get going," Mercury interjected, his tone cutting through the moment. He uncrossed his arms and gave Gohan one last glance, this time a little sharper.
Emerald glanced back at him, the playful glint in her eyes fading just a little. She shrugged nonchalantly. "Fine, fine. Let's go," she said, clearly not bothered by the shift in atmosphere. But Gohan noticed the subtle change—her playful attitude seemed to be masking something more serious, something far less innocent.
As the trio started to move off, Gohan stood there for a moment, the unsettling feeling lingering as he watched them walk away. Emerald's bright persona was hard to ignore, but it was clear to him now that there was something darker beneath the surface. Something about them didn't sit right.
With a quiet breath, Gohan turned in the opposite direction, continuing down the hallway. The weight of the encounter hung over him, a sense of unease growing in the pit of his stomach. Whatever their true intentions were, he had a feeling that they were far more than just competitors in a festival.
As the trio walked away from Gohan, Emerald's playful expression dropped into something far more serious. She glanced at Mercury, then back at Cinder, her voice lowering as she spoke.
Emerald nodded, her earlier playfulness now replaced by a sharper focus. "Yeah, that's him. The kid's been tagging along with the guy who saved the Maiden," she confirmed, her voice low, tinged with a mix of curiosity and caution.
Mercury's smirk remained, but there was a glint of something darker in his eyes now. "Didn't take him for the type to get mixed up with someone like that," he said with a hint of amusement. "But if he's with the Maiden's savior... things just got a whole lot more interesting."
Cinder's gaze remained intense, her mind working quickly as she processed the new information. "He's not just some innocent kid. If he's connected to the Maiden's savior, he could be a key player in whatever comes next," she said, her voice steady, carrying the weight of a decision. "We need to move carefully with him. We can't afford to let him get too close or slip through our fingers."
Mercury chuckled darkly, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall, a hint of excitement in his voice. "It's like we've got ourselves a hidden wildcard."
Emerald shot him a look, then turned her attention back to Cinder, her gaze hardened with purpose. "He didn't seem like much, but something tells me he's hiding more than he lets on," she muttered. "I can get closer to him, make him comfortable. The kid doesn't know what he's up against." Her tone was steady but laced with something sharper, a plan already forming in her mind.
Cinder nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "Do it. I want to know everything he knows" Her gaze sharpened, voice cold. "We'll deal with him accordingly."
The dorm room was unusually quiet as Team RWBY sat scattered around, each lost in thought. Yang lay sprawled across her bed, gingerly adjusting her freshly bandaged arm after the sparring match with Gohan. She winced as she shifted to find a comfortable position. Ruby sat cross-legged on the floor nearby, her usual cheer subdued as she fiddled with her cape, her mind drifting between thoughts of their mysterious new classmate and the troubling news around Vale.
Weiss stood near the window, her arms crossed tightly, her gaze focused outside. A mix of suspicion and unease weighed on her as she considered both Gohan's unexpected strength and the latest, increasingly brazen moves by the White Fang.
Blake, who had been sitting quietly near the door, finally stood and moved toward it, her shoulders tense and her expression shadowed with concern. Before she could turn the handle, Weiss's voice cut through the silence, firm but laced with a quiet urgency. "Blake, stop."
Blake's hand froze on the doorknob, and she turned back to face Weiss, her expression narrowing in wary confusion.
Weiss, still standing with her arms crossed, held Blake's gaze, her voice steady. "You've been even quieter and more distant than usual. You promised us you'd tell us if something was wrong. And now… something's wrong. So talk to us."
Yang tried to break the tension with a light-hearted smirk. "Uh, Weiss, have you met Blake?" she joked, earning a weak smile from Ruby.
But Weiss didn't budge, her expression serious. "This isn't about being quiet. This is about us being a team, and there's too much going on for us to sit here in the dark."
Blake glanced around the room, catching her teammates' concerned gazes. She took a steadying breath, her voice low and conflicted. "I just… I don't understand how everyone can be so calm. There's Torchwick, the White Fang, these strange Grimm attacks… and now Gohan." She hesitated, her tone becoming cautious. "He's powerful—beyond anything we've seen—but he's also a complete unknown. How do we know we can trust him?"
Weiss's expression softened slightly, her arms dropping to her sides as she took a small step toward Blake. "There is a lot of uncertainty right now, but Gohan isn't the enemy. He's just… different. Yes, he's powerful, but he hasn't done anything to make us think he's a threat." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "We've fought alongside people we didn't fully understand before. We have to trust our instincts, Blake. And right now, my instincts are telling me Gohan is on our side."
Yang sat up, leaning forward. "We've all got our secrets. I mean, my Semblance isn't exactly all rainbows and sunshine. But we don't turn on each other just because something's a little different. Gohan's probably just figuring himself out, like the rest of us."
Ruby nodded, her voice soft but hopeful. "We've always made it through because we trusted each other. And Gohan seems like someone who'd protect us if he had to. He's just… trying to find his place."
Blake's gaze dropped to the floor, her shoulders tense. She wanted to trust Gohan, but a gnawing doubt remained, the same fear that had kept her guarded for so long. "I'm not saying I don't trust him," she murmured. "I just… don't understand him. And I can't shake the feeling that there's more to him than what we see on the surface."
Weiss stepped a bit closer, her voice gentle. "Sometimes we don't get all the answers right away, Blake. But we can't let fear hold us back from giving people a chance. Gohan's with us now, and for better or worse, we have to trust him." She placed a reassuring hand on Blake's shoulder. "Trust us too. You don't have to carry this alone."
Blake exhaled slowly, her expression softening slightly. "I'm not trying to carry it alone. I just… I just want to be sure we're doing the right thing. I've seen too much to blindly trust anyone."
Yang's smirk softened into something more genuine as she looked over at Blake. "We get it, Blake. You've always been the cautious one." She gave Blake a playful nudge but kept her voice sincere. "But if it makes you feel better, I'll keep an eye on him. Deal?"
Blake hesitated, her gaze dropping before she finally nodded, her voice quiet and thoughtful. "Fine."
There was a weight in her words, a hint of unease that Yang couldn't ignore. Blake crossed her arms and looked away, her tone sharpening. "Torchwick, the White Fang... it feels like it's all building up to something big. And we're just sitting here, going to classes, like it's nothing."
Yang shifted on her bed, her own expression turning serious as she considered Blake's words. "Look, I get it. But Ozpin told us not to worry, right? He said they've got it covered—between the Huntsmen and the police." She tried to sound reassuring, though even she had her doubts.
Blake's voice took on a frustrated edge. "But they don't know the White Fang like I do. They don't understand how far the organization has fallen… and how dangerous they're willing to be."
Weiss sighed, rubbing her temple. "We're still students, Blake. This isn't our responsibility. We're not ready for this."
Blake's eyes met Weiss's, her voice resolute. "And we may never be. Our enemies aren't waiting for us to graduate, Weiss. They're out there, planning their next move. And we can't just sit back and do nothing."
Ruby's face lit up with a spark of determination, raising her hand as she looked around at her team. "Okay, all in favor of becoming the youngest Huntresses to take on a corrupt organization and protect Vale… say aye!"
Yang's grin returned, her eyes bright with excitement. "Heck yeah!"
Weiss exhaled, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "Well… I suppose if we're going to get involved, we'll do it together."
Ruby's shoulders initially drooped at her teammates' lack of compliance, her silver eyes dimming with exaggerated disappointment. "None of you said 'aye,'" she muttered, pouting dramatically. Before motioning for them to huddle. "Alright, team—let's figure this out."