Hopeful beginning Chapter 16, a RWBY + Naruto Crossover fanfic

chapter 16: Naira

-fuck". Biju/Talking Beast.

- "because I did it" The character thought.

- "How are you?" Biju/Summon/Beast Thoughts.

- "I fell in love with." , character speaking.

This fanfic is bigust for fun, I don't own any characters from Naruto or the rwby series. I hope you enjoy reading this story I created

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Words are the echo of the soul; With them, you can ignite a spark of joy or fan the flames of discord. In the heart of the tumult Adam Taurus, with his voice resounding like thunder, demanded action and diligence. —"What are you doing?!, move, we don't have all day!" he exclaimed impatiently.

The clatter of a box crashing to the ground cut through the air. Taurus, with his fixed, piercing gaze, identified the culprit: an unfortunate member of the White Fang who had stumbled in his haste. With measured, heavy steps, he approached the fallen man and, without a shred of mercy, fractured his ribs. The pain was so intense that the man gritted his teeth, suppressing a scream that threatened to escape.

—"Get up now!" commanded Taurus, his voice echoing through the confines of the warehouse. Some members of the White Fang, witnesses to the brutality, dropped their charges and approached their leader.

—"What are you doing, go back to work!" cried Adam, but his words were lost in the void of his challenged authority.

Tension grew; Adam, frustrated by the disobedience, grabbed the handle of his sword and began to draw it slowly. But at that moment, he was surprised by an unexpected hug from Sasuke.

—"Hello, how are you buddy, what's going on here?" he asked with disconcerting calm.

—"Let go of me," Adam demanded, his voice low and laden with menace, like the growl of a cornered beast.

Sasuke, unfazed by Adam's wrath, continued in his conciliatory tone, —"Ease up, buddy."

Addressing the group, Sasuke asked, —"What's going on here?"

—"Mr. Adam hit one of our members. He just slipped, it was just a mistake," explained one member of the White Fang, his voice rising above the murmur of the crowd.

—"Oh, I see," Sasuke replied, touching his chin thoughtfully.

—"Don't worry." With a casual gesture, he pointed to a member of the group and ordered the wounded man to be taken to rest. The chosen one nodded and carefully helped the injured man away.

However, before they could walk away, Adam grabbed the wounded man by the arm.— "Do you think I'm going to let you leave after what you did?" he snapped dismissively.

The wounded man, fearful, sought Sasuke's gaze, silently begging for his intervention.

Sasuke, with the serenity of a mediator, interjected, —"He's hurt, Adam, please let him go. If it is not recovered, this work will be further hindered." His advice hung in the air, full of reason and compassion.

Adam, his expression indecipherable behind the shadow of his fury, held Sasuke's gaze. Finally, he let go of the wounded man's arm abruptly and walked away, leaving behind a trail of mixed tension and relief.

Sasuke, with the grace of an uncrowned leader, clapped his hands to capture everyone's attention. —"Well, guys, please don't worry. Mr. Adam carries a heavy burden on his shoulders; You have to understand that. He harbors no ill will towards you...", he began in a calm voice, but was abruptly interrupted by the angry voice of a member of the group.

—"No! Of course not! That doesn't justify it!" he exclaimed vehemently. "I'm exhausted. I came from Menagerie hoping to make a difference, to support my brothers, but we are always treated just as harshly. There's no excuse for that," added another, his voice echoing with the force of truth. A chorus of assent rose among them; Taurus' rigidity was unbearable, and his treatment did not differ much from that of humans.

— "Ssshh, guys, please lower your voice, don't make a fuss", Sasuke tried to calm things down, and succeeded. Everyone paid attention to him, seduced by the promise of his tone. —"Listen, I understand you're under a lot of pressure, but we have a mission to accomplish. Don't fret, I know you're exhausted and hungry. I'll go get supplies so they can regain their strength. Stay calm". he assured them.

Gratitude was reflected on the faces of those present. —"Thank you, Mr. Sasuke. I wish you were our leader," one of them said, and many nodded in agreement.

—"Yes, why don't you lead us, Adam is a tyrant. Why do we tolerate it?" they asked.

Voices were raised, unanimous in their desire for Sasuke to take the reins of the White Fang cell. With him, they felt valued and respected, and their operations always ended successfully, unlike those led by Adam, who would not hesitate to sacrifice them if the situation called for it. They were painfully aware of this reality.

—"Please, guys, don't get carried away by rash ideas. I have no intention of undermining Adam's authority. It was chosen by you, and you must endure it to the end," Sasuke reminded them, trying to dissuade them.

—"No, we don't have to put up with it. What if we talked to Sienna Khan about giving him a spot in the White Fang as a leader, we can advocate for you," another member fervently proposed.

—"I think they're exaggerating" , Sasuke replied, his voice tinged with a modesty that was nothing more than a facade. It was a well-rehearsed act.

The words, those whispers of the soul that have the power to build or destroy, echoed in the charged air of the room. Weariness was palpable on every face, in every sigh that escaped the lips of the members of the White Fang. —"We're not exaggerating. Adam only orders us to act, to plan a robbery, but you are the one who really organizes it and you accompany us. He just stays in his office, and the few times he does come out it's just to yell at us and put us down. We're fed up," they said with a fatigue that transcended the physical.

Sasuke, hidden behind the mask that was his shield and his mystery, sighed deeply. It was a sigh that seemed to carry with it the weight of unspoken expectations. "Guys, you're going to make me blush," he said with feigned humility, touching the back of his neck in a gesture of false embarrassment. Despite the mask, his body language gave away his performance, and a wave of laughter spread between them, a brief respite in the tension of the moment.

—"Mr. Sasuke, there is no one more capable than you," said one, his voice filled with a confidence that seemed to encourage the rest.

—"Even if it were true that I wanted to be your leader, I don't think Sienna would accept," Sasuke replied, his tone mixing resignation with a hint of hidden desire.

—"But of course he's going to accept if we tell him everything you've achieved and you have a lot of support. Most of us support you," insisted another, his voice heavy with hope for change.

—"I-really?" asked Sasuke, his surprise barely veiled by the mask he wore.

—"Yes!" exclaimed another, his affirmation echoing like an echo of solidarity.

—"Well, that's fine. We're going to talk about this later, but let's finish the job first, shall we? Go back to your posts," Sasuke concluded, and as if his words were the balm everyone needed, they returned to their duties with a renewed sense of purpose.

Words are powerful, they are the breath of life and the essence of human connection. With them you can destroy, you can hurt and you can manipulate. Words are the closest thing to magic, the spell we weave into the tapestry of our lives.

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Rejection echoed through the room, an echo of closed doors and denied opportunities.— "What's going on here?" asked Ruby, her voice tinged with confusion and curiosity.

Weiss, with the clarity of someone who sees beyond appearances, replied, —"Isn't it obvious, Ruby? These are missions meant for second and third-year students. They won't allow us to undertake them."

Yang, with a sigh that carried with it the heaviness of disappointment, lamented,— "Haaau, I wanted to immerse myself in the thrill of hunting Grimm."

It was then that Naruto, with the authority of someone who knows his worth well, captured the attention of the RWBY team.— "So, young warriors, what challenge are you looking forward to facing as a mission?"

Nora, with the innocence of one who knows no bounds, suggested, —"How about we go into the darkness to exterminate Grimm?"

Blake, with the wisdom of one who has read a thousand endings in the pages of countless books, warned, —"Fools, that feat is not within our reach. It's a privilege reserved for sophomores."

But then, like a ray of light in the gloom, the word "《Accepted" illuminated their hopes.

Team RWBY, united in amazement and excitement, rushed towards Naruto. —"Naruto! How did you accomplish such a feat?!" exclaimed Ruby, her voice a song of incredulity and admiration.

Naruto, with the confidence of one who has been touched by fortune, replied,— "What can I say, my dear companions. The director, in his wisdom, has recognized the brilliance of talent. With that, I say goodbye."

Weiss, with the determination of one who seeks the truth behind the curtains of the theater, stopped Naruto. —"No, no, no, no, no," she insisted, holding him firmly. "What trick have you used?"

—"Nothing out of the ordinary," Naruto replied with a smile that hid more than it revealed.

Weiss, with the insight of one who knows the intricacies of the human soul, was not deceived. —"No, no. I know your tricks. There's always a mystery behind your actions", he said with a scrutiny that defied any attempt at concealment.

Naruto, with the mischievousness of a cunning fox, joked,— "You know me so well, Weiss. Sometimes, in the recesses of my mind, I imagine that we are bound together by bonds stronger than camaraderie."

Weiss, surprised and disarmed by the insinuation, stammered,— "Wh-what… Na-Naruto."

—"Relax, I was just joking with you. The truth is, I spoke with the vice principal, and she considered that maybe she could entrust me with a more significant mission. And so, they accepted. So, surprise, teammates. Sometimes, the key is to raise your voice and be heard," Naruto revealed with a triumphant smile.

And as he walked away from the assignment room, he stopped and reflected, —"You know what? You also possess extraordinary abilities. It's absurd that you're limited to lesser missions. Join me; let's talk to the director. Perhaps, for you, he'll be willing to bend the rules."

With these words, Naruto extended an invitation to challenge the status quo, to seek together a greater destiny, a path that would lead them to the greatness they deserved.

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Ruby's gratitude overflowed like a river in spring, her embrace of Naruto a sweet testament to her effusive appreciation.

—"There's no need to thank me! It has been an honor to help," Naruto replied with the grace of one who has done a good deed.

—"Shit, yes!", Yang and Nora's joy was contagious; Their hands met in a triumphant clash, celebrating the promise of adventure that awaited them.,

—"Our mission begins at dawn," Naruto announced with the serenity of a warrior before the battle. —"Get your saddlebags ready, brave comrades."

The team responded with a unison shout, a confirmation of their willingness and courage. Ruby's expression, however, was tinged with sweet melancholy.

—"What a fortune of yours, Naruto. Our mission doesn't set sail for another three days."

—"Do not envy the wind that blows in my favor, Ruby. This twist of fate is also a blessing for you. Upon my return, perhaps I'll share with you the pearls of wisdom gathered on my journey," Naruto consoled, his voice a balm for Ruby's disheartenment.

They moved together in complicit silence towards their quarters, each step a prelude to the stories yet to be written.

In the privacy of his mind, Naruto heard Kurama's voice, a murmur of suspicion and curiosity. —"Doesn't all this seem strange to you?" inquired the nine-tailed fox.

—"Of course, it does. Although I mentioned it in jest, the acceptance was surprisingly quick. Ozpin shows blatant favoritism towards team RWBY," Naruto reflected, his mind a whirlwind of unanswered questions.

—"Don't you intend to investigate further? To discover the truth?" challenged Kurama, his tone a challenge to Naruto's inquisitive spirit.

—"And why should I? It's none of my business," Naruto replied, though a spark of curiosity burned within him.

—"Of course, it's not your problem, but curiosity is a fire that burns in you," smiled Kurama, aware of Naruto's inquisitive nature.

—"It's true, curiosity gnaws at me, but that doesn't mean I should meddle... although I can't deny that it's highly suspicious," Naruto admitted, his thoughts a reflection of his internal conflict.

Kurama laughed with delight, knowing that Naruto couldn't resist the temptation of a mystery. —"First, there was the incident at the docks, then the altercation with the Atlesian paladin. Any other student would have been expelled from the academy long ago. Yang came close, but not because of the incident itself, but because her aura was blocked, preventing her from facing the Grimm as an ordinary civilian. And now, this favoritism could be linked to Ozpin having been a mentor to team STRQ," speculated Naruto.

—"It's plausible, Summer Rose, Ruby's progenitor and former leader of STRQ, left a legacy of mysteries... But why such magnanimity with team RWBY? Unless, like you, Naruto, they are pieces of a chess game yet to be revealed, tools forged for a future purpose," mused Kurama, his tone a murmur of conjecture.

—"Perhaps Ozpin merely aspires to shape them into heroines, figures of legend and hope," suggested Naruto, his voice a thread of optimism in the fabric of doubts.

—"Yet, you, with your feats and skills, eclipse your peers. Why aren't you the favored one? In Ozpin's eyes, you seem to be just another student," questioned Kurama, his inquiry an echo of the perceived injustice.

—"They favor me, in my own way. I have achieved much here on my own merit. The trust of the teachers, the outstanding grades, my skills... All are the fruits of my effort. But team RWBY... they do not stand out in the same way. They get wrapped up in trouble and yet emerge unscathed. It's an enigma," Naruto admitted, his tone one of acknowledgment of his own achievements and the anomalies surrounding his companions.

—"Something murky stirs in the shadows of the Vale kingdom. The dust thefts, the disappearance of the White Fang... Where have they vanished to? And then there's General Ironwood's arsenal. Though I'm not opposed to caution, this surplus of weaponry is alarming. It's as if they anticipate an invasion. And most unsettling of all, that strange pulse of energy throbbing beneath Beacon," revealed Kurama, his voice a harbinger of storms to come.

Naruto, with a countenance as grave as the sky before a storm, walks towards his sanctuary of solitude. His comrades, witnesses to his gravity, opt for silence, a tacit pact of respect for his ruminations. —"We will discuss this enigma after the mission," he declares with a voice carrying the weight of determination.

—"If the shadow of threat looms over Ruby or our allies, I will not hesitate to unsheathe my sword to protect them."

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The Bullheads, the ships that would transport the students to their assigned destinations, were beginning to land softly on the ground. The excitement was palpable among the crowd of young men who, like Naruto, were about to embark on their missions. Anticipation was mixed with a hint of nervousness; After all, they wouldn't meet their mentor until the very day of the mission's start.

Naruto, with his usual air of confidence, addressed his companions.— "Are you ready?" he asked, making sure that nothing essential was missing for the adventure that awaited them.

—"Yes, we have everything we need," Pyrrha replied, though she couldn't help but cast an inquisitive glance at Naruto's luggage. —"But what about you? It seems that you have brought... quite a bit."

Naruto followed his gaze to the three huge suitcases beside him. —"This, it's just precaution," he said with a nonchalant smile.

Pyrrha frowned slightly. —"Don't you think a little... excessive?"

—"On missions like this, you can never be too prepared," Naruto replied, his tone serious for a moment.

Pyrrha sighed, resigned. She was used to this level of preparation, almost bordering on her leader's paranoia.

It was then that Nora, unable to contain her excitement, interrupted. —"Naruto, what do we know about our mission?"

—"Grimm's extermination," Naruto replied, —"though details are scarce."

Nora nodded, her energy barely contained, like a spring ready to be unleashed at any moment.

It was in that moment of tense calm that an unfamiliar voice rang out. "Are you the NNPR team?"

Everyone turned to find the source of the question. A man of imposing presence, with black hair dotted with gray and reddish eyes, approached. His red cloak, worn by countless battles, fluttered behind him. He dressed elegantly, despite the informality of his demeanor, and the rings that adorned his fingers and the cross-shaped pendant that hung from his neck did not go unnoticed.

—"Hello, boys," he said with a crooked smile, raising a canteen to his lips and taking a long swig. The students exchanged looks of bewilderment.

—"Let's put aside the formalities. I'm Q..."

—"Qrow Branwen," Naruto interrupted, recognizing him instantly.— "So you will be our guide."

Qrow assessed Naruto with a sharp gaze, his brow slightly furrowed into an expression of analysis.

—"Interesting," the blond murmured.— "The legendary Qrow Branwen will guide us. Is... flattering, I guess," Naruto said, his voice tinged with feigned boredom.

Qrow smiled at the young man's response.— "So you know me, boy?"

—"Anyone who bothers to search will find your name on the net," Naruto replied with a shrug, his casual tone belipping his curiosity about the man who would lead them on their next mission.

Qrow's smile widened at Naruto's response.— "So you've been researching me, boy?" His tone was one of fun mixed with a touch of respect.

Naruto nodded confidently. —"Of course, why wouldn't he? His team has been the most prominent in Beacon, across all generations. And my goal is to surpass that mark," His voice carried the weight of an unspoken challenge, a promise of future greatness.

Qrow watched him in silence, his gaze piercing and evaluating. Naruto felt a twinge of nervousness under that intense scrutiny, but he stood his ground.

—"Is there anything that worries you, sir?" asked Naruto, trying to diffuse the tension.

—"No, nothing," Qrow replied nonchalantly, turning on his heel and walking toward the Bullhead. —"But before I leave, I will inform you about our mission. It's about the extermination of Grimm who has been ravaging a border town called Brennendes Herz."

—"Really?" exclaimed Naruto, his interest clearly piqued. —"That's great."

Qrow stopped and looked over his shoulder. —"And why do you think it's 'cool'?"

—"I have spent some time there during my travels; I know the place pretty well." Naruto explained, his knowledge of the terrain gave him a tactical advantage that he hoped to exploit.

Qrow nodded slowly. —"Well, that's the mission. There's nothing complicated about it," he said, though his tone suggested that appearances could be deceiving.

Naruto's frown was marked with concern. —"Shouldn't we have specific guidelines to follow, sir?" he asked, seeking clarity on his mission.

—"Nothing in particular," Qrow replied in a nonchalant tone, taking another sip from his canteen.— "It is a simple question of extermination. We're not here to play bodyguards for politicians. Our work may be harder, but it's definitely more direct."

Naruto approached, his countenance reflecting seriousness.— "A gentleman's advice, sir, too much alcohol is harmful to health," he warned respectfully.

Qrow's gaze mingled with surprise and a hint of annoyance. —"You're not in a position to give me orders, young man."

—"You're right," Naruto agreed, showing the canteen he'd stolen from Qrow. Qrow's look of bewilderment was evident. At what point had his drink disappeared?

—"As long as you command this mission, I will obey your orders," Naruto said with conviction. —"But I need it to be in optimal condition. And as long as I'm around, I won't tolerate your consuming alcohol." His voice was firm, and his eyes flashed with the determination of a natural leader.

With a determined step, Naruto made his way towards the Bullhead. Qrow, frowning more than ever, muttered under his breath,— "I barely know him and he drives me crazy, he's just as irritating as that one."

Upon boarding the Bullhead, Naruto was met with a pleasant surprise. Jaune and his team were there, as well as Miss Fall's team.

—"Jaune, what a pleasant coincidence. Do you also begin your mission today?" Naruto asked with a smile.

—"That's right," Jaune replied, glancing furtively at Cinder.

Accompanying the two teams were Professor Port and a teacher from Atlas Academy, who would serve as guides.

—"Hahaha, Mr. Uzumaki, young people, come up! Today we are embarking on a great adventure," exclaimed Port with a contagious laugh.

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Just five minutes after the Bullhead took off, the atmosphere was already one of pure fun. Naruto felt completely at ease, enjoying the murmur of conversations among his friends. I watched, not without a hint of amusement, as Jaune tried, unsuccessfully, to start a dialogue with Cinder. Normally, Jaune was an open book, but in front of her, he was reduced to a fearful puppy.

—"Jaune," Flynt called, catching his attention.

—"Yes, yes, yes," Jaune replied resignedly, extending his right hand. Flynt placed handcuffs on him, prompting murmurs from the crowd. The situation became even more curious when Flynt handcuffed himself to the other end of the four-meter chain.

—"What does this mean?" asked Naruto, his tone betraying his amusement.

—"It's a precautionary measure," Neon explained, his look complicated.

—"Caution? Why?" Ren asked, as intrigued as Naruto.

—"Friend Penny, could you explain to me what's going on? ". Naruto turned to Penny, waiting for an explanation. Knowing his willingness to respond, Penny was quick to satisfy his curiosity.

—"Jaune has a knack for finding himself in trouble when he's alone. It's almost like I defy the laws of probability."

Flynt, with an anguished expression, added,— "You have no idea what a mess he's gotten himself into. He's incredibly impressionable. Did you know that he even got married once?"

The revelation blew everyone's mind, including Qrow, who was now listening with interest. —"Really, boy?" he asked, incredulous.

—"Yes," Flynt continued, "after surviving his second mission, we decided to celebrate. We ended up at a bar in Atlas... And well, what happened next is history. We drank, we had fun, and suddenly, Jaune disappeared. We didn't hear from him until the next morning, when he called us, hysterical, telling us he was married."

The silence that followed was absolute, everyone processing the absurd story they had just heard.

Cinder's laughter broke the tension like a ray of sunshine through the clouds.— "Unbelievable, Jaune. You've always had a knack for attracting chaos, but this... this is a masterpiece of improbability, how did you manage to outdo yourself?'" he said, his smile lighting up his face with a mixture of disbelief and amusement.

Jaune, with a smile that reflected his resignation to his reputation as a trouble-seeker, responded with a simplicity that bordered on comedy. —"I don't have the faintest idea. It seems like the problems are looking for me, not the other way around."

Cinder, still smiling, pressed for more details.— "But tell us, how did you manage to get rid of that... unexpected commitment?"

—"The same way I got into it." Jaune replied with a mischievous smile.

Cinder let out another laugh, her disbelief evident. —"I can't believe it."

—"It's the truth. I got her drunk and we got an express divorce," Jaune explained, prompting another wave of laughter from the crowd.

The trip continued in an atmosphere of camaraderie and humor. Jaune and Cinder, destined for a joint mission, stood behind, contemplating the road ahead. Jaune was tasked with protecting a mayor in a quaint town, while Cinder would take on a role in the local police force. Their collaboration was inevitable, a duet forged by fate and circumstance.

—"Get ready, we've arrived," Qrow announced, his voice cutting through the air with authority. Everyone nodded, their movements reflecting a tacit understanding of the seriousness of their mission.

The Bullhead descended gently, like a leaf blown by the wind, to the ground that would soon be the scene of his bravery. The students, heroes in the making, gathered their belongings with a mixture of anxiety and determination. The land that greeted them was a tapestry of stories yet to be woven, and they were about to add their own threads to the plot.

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—"Brats," Qrow muttered in a tone of boredom and exasperation that echoed in the air, his desire for a spirit unsatisfied on the long journey.

—"Let us pause our journey and find an inn to rest during the days of this mission." Qrow's proposal was like a spark that ignited the action, and everyone set out to seek shelter. However, Naruto, with a determined gesture, stopped the group's advance.

—"Before I go any further, there's someone I need to visit, someone I haven't seen in a while."

—"Of course," they replied in unison, though Qrow resisted.

—"No, brat, we must first find an inn to stay in."

Naruto, with the confidence that came from knowledge of the place, replied, —"Let me take care of it, it won't be difficult to find a suitable inn, I know many in this area." At Naruto's insistence, Qrow could only breathe a resigned sigh and nod.

The town was a portrait of everyday life, with its cobblestone streets, modestly erected wooden and concrete houses, and scattered parks that dotted the landscape with green. To Ren, it was an echo of his lost home, a whisper of memories around every corner.

—"We've arrived," Naruto announced, pointing to an inn that seemed to embrace the stories of those crossing its threshold.

—"So the person you wanted to visit owns an inn?" asked Ren curiously.

Upon entering, they were greeted by the imposing presence of a black-bearded gentleman, whose corpulence was only surpassed by the warmth of his smile at the sight of Naruto.— "Jojo, boy, how long it has been no see!" he exclaimed cheerfully.

—"Carlos, how have you been, it's been an eternity," Naruto replied, his stature now eclipsing the man who once seemed like a giant to him. Time had woven its history into both, changing far more than just their heights.

—"Boy," the old man said, patting Naruto on the back. —"To what do I owe the honour of your visit?"

—"I'm here on a mission," Naruto revealed.

—"A mission?" repeated Charles, his confusion dispelled by the light of pride.

—"Yes, I've been accepted into Beacon," Naruto announced, his voice full of accomplishments and dreams.

—"Congratulations, my boy!" cried Charles, his congratulations echoing through the walls of the inn.

—"Thank you. And now, I need a place to stay for a few days."

—"Don't worry, this is your home as much as mine," Carlos said generously.

—"Thank you very much, Carlos," Naruto thanked, just as a female voice interrupted the calm.

—"Love, what's all this fuss?" The question was accompanied by a middle-aged woman, whose smile was as radiant as the morning sun. As he laid eyes on Naruto, his joy overflowed into a hug that spoke of years of affection.

—"Oh, my dear boy, how have you been?"

—"It's been a long time, Martha," Naruto said, his smile a reflection of the bonds they have rediscovered.

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—"So you're looking for an inn?" asked Marta with a mixture of surprise and hospitality.

—"It's going to be a short stay, we're just here to exterminate some Grimms," Naruto explained, his voice calm and confident.

Marta frowned, worry streaming across her face.— "But, Naruto, isn't that an assignment for third-year students?" she asked, her tone revealing the restlessness of a motherly heart.

—"There's no reason to be alarmed," Naruto said, nodding at Qrow. —"We have a teacher who will guide us and protect us from any danger."

Marta nodded slowly, her trust in Naruto as firm as ever. —"Okay, I trust you. After all, you are the hero who saved us," he said with an affection that transcended words.

Naruto smiled, his humility shining through his gesture. —"You don't need to remind me all the time; I did it with pleasure."

Curiosity flashed in Nora's eyes, and she couldn't help asking, "What are they talking about?"

Marta took a deep breath, her gaze lost in memories. —"Once upon a time, this place was besieged by thieves, former members of the Branwen tribe. They plundered and exacted exorbitant tribute... until Naruto came along," he said, his smile reflecting the gratitude of the entire village. —"And he drove them out of here."

Naruto blushed slightly at the tale, while his friends shared knowing smiles. Beyond his nonchalance, Naruto was a noble soul, always willing to extend his hand to those in need.

Carlos interrupted the moment with a practical tone.— "Here are the keys. They will have three bedrooms, they will be accommodated in pairs."

Naruto nodded with a smile of sincere appreciation upon receiving the keys.— "The same old room?" he asked in a light tone, waiting for the affirmative answer.

—"Of course," replied Carlos, his voice imbued with a familiarity and respect that spoke of the trust forged over time.

—"Okay, here you go, Ren," Naruto said, throwing a wrench into the air that Ren caught nimbly. —"You will share with Nora, and I with Pyrrha. And Qrow," Naruto continued, throwing another key at him, —"you will have your personal sanctuary.

Qrow let out a hoarse laugh, his voice echoing with a mocking tone.— "Like there's some other option, brat."

The calm was broken when Pyrrha raised her voice, a note of panic in her tone. —"Wait, wait, Naruto, we can't share a room," he exclaimed, stopping Naruto in his tracks.

Naruto turned to her, a playful smile adorning his face.— "Why is that?" he asked curiously, his smile widening at Pyrrha's apparent shyness.

Pyrrha looked away, her voice a whisper that barely managed to hide her nervousness. —"Not that I think you'd do anything wrong, but... It would be awkward, extremely uncomfortable," he admitted, his confession barely audible in the tension-laden air.

Naruto put a hand to the back of his head, his smile disappearing as an expression of understanding crossed his face. —"I understand," he said softly.— "Then how about you sleep with Ren and I sleep with Nora?"

The suggestion was met with a cry of horror from Ren.— "That would be even worse!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in protest.

Naruto stretched out his arms in a dramatic gesture, as if he were performing on stage. —"Come on, guys, they're putting me between a rock and a hard place. What am I supposed to do?"

Ren frowned, his determination clear in his expression. —"Then you will sleep with me," he declared firmly.

Naruto recoiled, his expression one of feigned scandal. —"I'm sorry, my friend, but even I have my limits. Don't get me wrong, you're a good-looking guy, but I prefer the sweetness of papaya, not the astringency of eggplant," Naruto joked, covering his hands in a theatrical gesture as he walked away from Ren.

Ren couldn't contain his frustration and lunged at Naruto, initiating a battle.

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—"Come on, Ren, it was just a joke. Of course I'll share a room with you. Why was I going to sleep with one of my classmates? That would be completely inappropriate, I just wanted to make you a little uncomfortable," Naruto said to mocking and provocative laughter.

Ren snorted, his irritation evident.— "You're a complete idiot," he replied in a tone of disgust.

Changing the subject, Naruto addressed the two men present.— "By the way, where's Naira?" he asked curiously.

—"He went to get provisions. He'll be back soon," Carlos replied calmly.

—"Then, for now, we're going to settle into the rooms," Qrow announced authoritatively.

The young men made their way to their respective rooms. Ren and Naruto began to unpack. Naruto lay on his bed, fiddling with a necklace in his right hand. The green gem hanging from it shone brightly, its beauty was mesmerizing.

In another room, Nora and Pyrrha did the same, quietly unpacking their belongings. Meanwhile, Qrow sat alone, staring out the window. His hands trembled slightly, a sign of his internal struggle with alcohol withdrawal.

Suddenly, a call from the floor below broke the silence. They descended the stairs, and Naruto, the last in line, set foot on the top step just as Naira appeared before them.

Naira, with her light brown hair pulled back in a ponytail that fell over her left shoulder, was the embodiment of grace. Her hair, soft and shiny, looked like a river of liquid chocolate cascading onto the fabric of her dress. His eyes, of a deep, luminous green, sparkled with the vivacity of fireflies dancing in the darkness of a summer night, lighting the way of dreamers. The freckles that adorned her cheeks were like tiny islands of enchantment, scattered over a sea of soft skin, adding a touch of youthful innocence to her face.

Her outfit, pure and ethereal white, brushed her ankles with every movement, flowing around her like a cloud made into a dress. The fabric, thin and light, played with the breeze, creating an aura of mysticism around it. His smile, pearly and serene, was the reflection of a peaceful soul, a smile that spoke of pure and innocent dreams, of hopes and desires unsullied by the harshness of the world. It was a smile that could calm the fiercest storms, that could bring peace to the most turbulent heart.

She walked with an elegance that defied gravity, every step a poem, every gesture a song. The light seemed to play in her surroundings, creating golden halos that enveloped her as if she were an ancient deity, an eternal, immaculate presence in an ever-changing world. His presence was a balm for tired eyes, a vision of what could be if the world stopped for a moment to breathe beauty in its purest form.

Naira was, in essence, a living memory of times gone by, a promise of what could still be. In her, eternity found a face, innocence a sanctuary. It was as if nature itself had decided to take human form, not to flaunt its power, but to remind us of the simplicity of being, the purity of existence without the complications that we mortals usually weave around our lives.

Seeing her, he couldn't help but smile with joy, although she didn't seem to recognize him right away. However, he quickly walked over and wrapped her in a warm, effusive embrace, lifting her into the air as if she were a little girl, twirling with her in a whirlwind of laughter. As he lowered her, he hugged her again.

—"Naira, how have you been? It's been so long," he exclaimed with a smile that lit up his face.

She, surprised at first, soon recognized his voice.— "N-Naruto?" he muttered with a mixture of disbelief and glee.

With a smile that almost split his face in two, Naruto spoke sweetly. —"How have you been? I see you changed, even more beautiful than I remembered."

She, blushing slightly, took his face in her hands, gently caressing the distinctive marks on her skin. —"You've changed too. You've become very handsome," he said in a voice that exuded affection.

—"And you're still as charming as ever. Your voice... I've missed her so much," he confessed, his tone full of nostalgia.

She let go of his face and began to explore his chest and arms with a dreamy look. — "Wow, you've grown a lot and your muscles... they have become stronger," he said admiringly.

—"Thank you," he replied with a humble smile. —"I used to be much shorter than you, but now I beat you by almost two heads."

She then hugged him tightly, breathing deeply, as if trying to memorize his essence. —"I've missed you so much. Where have you been all this time?" he asked in a whisper full of emotion.

—"I have so many stories to tell you, Naira," he said, returning the embrace tenderly and stroking her hair gently.

The scene was sweet, almost to the point of cloying. They whispered in each other's ears, sharing secrets and smiles that reflected genuine joy.

Pyrrha, watching from the side, couldn't hide her annoyance. Although he understood Naruto's affection for Naira, the closeness between them was uncomfortable. He interrupted the scene with a forced cough.

—"Ahem! Ahem! Naruto, you should give him some space," he said with a warning tone.

—"Why?" he asked, his innocence apparent in his voice.

—"Naruto, stay away from my daughter now," Naira's father interjected in a low but firm voice.

—"But we're not doing anything wrong," he began, but Naira, realizing the situation, slowly pulled away, her face tinged a deep red.

—"I'm sorry, Naruto... I think I overdid it," she murmured, her voice trembling.

—"You don't have to apologize," he said with a comforting smile, brushing it off as if it were unimportant.

Naruto gently hugged her shoulders and led her to his team.— "Come, I want you to meet my friends. There's so much I want to share with you."

/-/

Naruto had always considered that luck smiled on him when he had such exciting missions. Unlike others who might have ended up in monotonous jobs, his skills had made him a favorite of many. However, there was something about the educational system in his world that did not convince him, the indulgence towards students. In a place besieged by monsters and constant threats, I would expect the demand to be greater.

Although he was not opposed to a certain indulgence, after all, children deserve a happy childhood, in this world plagued by beasts, laxity had no place. So when the test to enter Beacon turned out to be just crossing a forest, it seemed absurd to him, especially compared to the rigorous ninja exams he'd faced. Walking through a forest was nothing to him.

His only option was to voice his discontent, but he also decided that his team would not rely on luck like so many others in Remnant's history. He would train them to be exceptional, even if they resisted at first. Naruto felt frustration growing inside him, but he understood that they were not used to such rigor. Reluctantly, he relented.

Minimizing the situation brought with it a worrisome complacency that even the fox perceived. Naruto had begun to relax, worrying more about his friends than training. It wasn't a bad thing per se, but he wasn't like everyone else, he was a ninja, and that attitude could have long-term consequences for Naruto Uzumaki. The complacency he had tolerated might, one day, turn against him.

At the dining room table, Naruto was watching his companions and broke the silence: — "We're going to start this mission. Tell me more, Qrow."

Qrow replied listlessly,— "North of here is a group of Grimms. We'll go and eliminate them."

Naruto, with a serious expression, sighed and spread out a map on the table.— "If the Grimms are to the north, they must cross the forest to get here. Then, Ren, you will do the reconnaissance; Pyrrha, remote support." Pyrrha nodded. —"Nora, you'll be our gunner." Nora nodded too.

—"And I'll act as a decoy." The others nodded, accepting their roles.

Naruto's determination to become the decoy left Qrow perplexed, not by the strategy itself, but by the young man's willingness to risk his own safety. —"Well, if you're all set," Qrow conceded with a nonchalant turn, —"then let's go."

But Naruto raised a hand, stopping Qrow and the rest of the team. —"Wait," he said seriously,— "first of all, are you sure you're ready?"

The companions exchanged confused glances. —"What do you mean?" they asked in unison.

—"I want to know how much ammo you have," Naruto asked, his tone indicating that it was not a mere formality.

—"Our reserve is sufficient," Nora replied with contagious optimism.

—"Yes, but 'enough' is an ambiguous word. Have you considered how difficult it is now to get dust after the price hike?" asked Naruto, his question hanging in the air like a sword of Damocles.

The faces of his companions reflected the complication of the situation.

—"So, how many cartridges do you have exactly?" insisted Naruto.

Qrow interjected, —"I think we'll have what it takes for combat."

Naruto nodded slowly. —"I expected so. These missions are designed to test our skills, and as you've seen, previous teams came back exhausted and worn out. As a leader, it's my responsibility to minimize any damage and ensure we come back in optimal condition." Naruto let his words settle before continuing.

He walked over to three suitcases and opened them, revealing their contents to everyone. Inside, an arsenal of weapons was waiting to be discovered. Naruto pulled one out and placed it on the table.

— "A WALTHER P99 AS. Common? "Maybe," he said, —"but effective." He set it down on the table with a deliberate gesture.

— "The M24 shotgun... Although, forget that, we're not here to hunt," he said sarcastically, and placed it next to the gun.

—"And here we have the FN FS2000. Awesome, isn't it?" He placed it carefully, attracting everyone's gaze, especially Nora's, whose eyes shone with interest.

— "The 40 mm MILKOR MGL AIRSOFT grenade launcher, useful in any situation... especially the violent ones," Naruto said, a playful smile poking across his lips as he added it to the collection.

—"And finally, the M134. I nickname him 'the dismemberer,' capable of shattering any structure that stands in the way."

Pyrrha's voice trembled as she asked,— "N-Naruto, where did you get all these weapons?"

Before he could answer, Qrow interrupted,— "I've handled a lot of guns in my life, but I've never seen anything like this."

Naruto smiled proudly. —"They are my inventions, inspired by the ingenuity of other weapons, which makes them unique pieces."

Qrow, with a look of astonishment, mused quietly, —"Ozpin was right to say that you are a prodigy, one in a hundred million. This is really impressive."

—"It's remarkable, no doubt," Qrow admitted, his curiosity piqued, —"but how does this solve our shortage of ammunition?"

With a theatrical gesture, Naruto pulled a small jar from his pocket and accurately tossed it to Qrow, who caught it on the fly and examined it closely. Inside, a black powder settled at the bottom of the glass.

—"What is this?" he asked.

—"Gunpowder," Naruto replied simply.

The others exchanged puzzled looks. —"Gunpowder?" they repeated, their confusion evident.

—"Yes, it's an artifact from the past, not very common these days. A Mistral scientist once created an explosive from potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur," Naruto explained, his voice charged with respect for ancient knowledge.

Qrow frowned, "And that's enough to take the Grimms against them?"

—"Of course," Naruto said confidently. — "Gunpowder may not be as versatile as dust, but in terms of projectiles, it's more than capable of penetrating the Grimm's bone armor."

Naruto then showed a golden bullet, its glow capturing the light of the room. —"And these are the munitions I've designed." Curiosity filled the eyes of his companions, none of whom had ever seen such a component before.

/-/

Naruto advanced towards the exit, and his companions followed silently. They were heading north, into the thick forest that promised danger and challenge. However, just before Naruto resumed his march, something caught his attention. A sign on the side of the road showed the face of a young woman with the word "Missing" written in large, gloomy letters. Curiosity flashed in Naruto's eyes, but with a sigh, he decided that it was not the time for distractions. The mission required all his concentration.

The sign fluttered lightly in the breeze, as if whispering a mystery known only to the wind. The image of the missing girl seemed to stare back at them with a silent plea, an untold story fading into the morning air. Naruto felt a brief flash of sympathy, but the urgency of his task pushed him forward. Responsibility weighed on his shoulders like an invisible cloak, reminding him that every second counted.

The team continued on their way, Naruto's boots leaving firm footprints on the dusty ground. The sun was beginning to rise in the sky, bathing the world in warm, golden hues. In the distance, the forest loomed like a sleeping giant, its tall, dark trees forming an impenetrable wall that dared travelers to enter.

With each step, the tension grew. The sounds of the forest, normally soothing, now seemed full of foreboding. The rustling of a branch, the rustling of leaves, the distant song of a bird; Everything contributed to the symphony of a nature that concealed both beauty and danger.

/-/

Naruto executed a precise slash on a Goliath's head, its blade impregnated with the chakra of the wind, slicing through the Grimm's breastplate with unearthly ease.

—"13," Nora said, as her sledgehammer slammed into another enemy's skull. A Grimm crept up from behind, but was quickly felled by a well-aimed projectile. Ren and Pyrrha, hidden among the fronds, provided life support from a distance.

—"I've got 13 kills, Naruto!" Nora proclaimed, her voice rumbling defiantly as her sledgehammer descended on the fractured head of another bold Grimm.

Naruto, with a smile on his lips, spun around, decapitating an Ursa with a fluid movement.— "It's not a competition, Nora," he replied, —"but if it were, I'd have 24."

Nora's frown only foreshadowed an even fiercer offensive on her part.

—"If it wasn't for Naruto, I'd be worried about her," Ren remarked, firing another shot that found its target in a distant Ursa.

—"These weapons are formidable," Pyrrha added, admiring the effectiveness of their arsenal.

—"At the rate we're going, we'll finish tomorrow," Ren said, watching his opponents dwindle.

—"The mayor was a little... peculiar," he continued, recalling the treatment he received.

— "A complete idiot," Pyrrha interjected, her language reflecting the mayor's lack of courtesy. Her attitude had been strange, almost as if she didn't want them to be there, but they decided not to care.

—"That sword cuts like no other," Pyrrha observed, admiring Naruto's weapon.

—"I wonder what that hissing sound it sometimes makes," Ren mused, intrigued by the peculiar sound that accompanied the blade's every movement.

Naruto, in an act of dexterity, blocked a Beowolf's attack and repelled it with a powerful shove. He threw his katana like a dart, impaling the stunned Grimm by the neck. Without giving him time to recover, he rushed to the beast, retrieved his sword, and snapped it in two, from the neck down.

With a hand signal, Naruto signaled to Pyrrha and Ren that it was time to relieve Nora, who was showing signs of fatigue.

—"We'll have to replace her soon, who's going to go?" asked Pyrrha.

—"You go," Ren suggested. —"Of all of us, I'm the one with the least resistance... But how come Naruto has so much energy?" he wondered aloud, marveling at his leader's inexhaustible vitality.

Pyrrha nodded, sharing the same curiosity. They had never seen Naruto exhausted, except for the time he fainted, but never during combat or training. His endurance seemed to defy human limits, an enigma that added even more mystery to his already impressive figure.

Hours after the battle, Naruto allowed himself a satisfied smile. Despite the fatigue that crept in his companions, it was evident that they still had reserves of energy; The rigorous training he had subjected them to had paid off.

—"Yes! Tomorrow we'll finish this task!" exclaimed Nora, her voice vibrating with enthusiasm.

However, Pyrrha expressed a concern that hung in the air, — "Aren't you worried that the Grimms might lay siege to the village during the night?"

Naruto, with the calmness of someone with an ace up his sleeve, replied, —"There is no reason to be alarmed. I've set traps. They won't even come close to our borders."

Intrigued, Pyrrha inquired, —"What kind of traps have you set up?"

With a discreet gesture, Naruto patted the seal in his pocket, assuring, — "These are security measures that I have designed, don't worry

/-/

In a cozy restaurant, a group of friends were celebrating a day full of accomplishments. The conversation flowed with the lightness of the everyday, wandering between trivialities and future dreams.

—"And for that reason, Naruto, I need you to give me the grenade launcher," Nora pleaded with a mixture of seriousness and playfulness.

Naruto, the Uzumaki, took a sip of his juice, contemplating the request with a silent refusal.

—"Please," she insisted, and he shook his head again.

—"Please," Nora repeated, her eyes shining with innocent pleading, her face imitating that of a helpless puppy.

Naruto tried to resist, but to no avail. He didn't understand why, but indulging his friends' desires had become a daily routine, especially when it came to Nora and Pyrrha. I just couldn't deny them anything.

—"It's all right, Nora. It's all yours." He finally relented.

—"Yes! She exclaimed, her joy echoing in the air. Naruto was smiling inwardly; To see her happy was his discreet delight. However, his attention was diverted when a close conversation captured his interest.

—"I'm serious," a voice came from another table.

—"Are you serious? ". I can't believe it. replied another, incredulous.

—"I'm serious, Ishval has disappeared, as if the earth had swallowed him."

—"That's crazy, man."

—"And it wasn't a Grimm attack."

—"Are you serious? ".

—"Yes, there is no structure left, no foundation; it pretty much vanished."

—"What happened? ".

—"I don't know, man, maybe it never existed."

—"That's absurd, I went there all the time."

Naruto turned his gaze to his companions. —"Guys, you saw the posters, didn't you? ".

—"Yes," replied Pyrrha with a grave expression. "Five girls have disappeared."

Ren sighed, but his smile was evident. —"You want to help, don't you? ".

—"Yes," Naruto said with a determined smile. —"Let's go to the police right now to see if they'll let us investigate this.

—"Yes! ". Nora shouted excitedly, "We have another mission!"

—"Yes..." Ren seemed less animated. Although he was willing to help, the extra work wasn't his thing.

/-/

In the dim light of the police station, an exhausted officer looked up from his mountain of papers. The shadows of fatigue were drawn under his eyes, witnesses to the weight of countless hours spent on a case that seemed to consume him.

—"What do you want, young people? He asked in a voice that betrayed the weariness of his soul.

—"Let me introduce myself, I'm Naruto Uzumaki and he's my mentor, Qrow Branwen," Naruto said with a respect that contrasted with his youthful energy.

—"Well?", The officer asked, his tone tinged with resignation..

—"We are apprentice hunters and he is an accomplished hunter. We have come to offer our support in this investigation." Naruto explained, as the officer raised an eyebrow in skepticism.

—"I don't need any more people here, please get out," the officer replied firmly.

—"Listen, sir," Naruto interjected, his voice carrying the determination of someone who won't take no for an answer. —"You are visibly exhausted and any help is valuable right now. We have come to ask for special permission to collaborate, but if he does not grant it, we will find a way to act anyway."

The officer sighed, a silent surrender to the persistence of the young men.— "Hunters always think they are above everything... Go ahead, come in," he finally conceded, making way for the sanctuary of archives and documents.

The office was almost deserted, reflecting the smallness of the town. The officer handed them a series of files worn out by use.— "These are the reports of the missing persons, study them."

The young people immersed themselves in reading, passing the sheets from hand to hand, their faces illuminated by the light of determination.— "We'll investigate, we'll search every corner as long as time allows," Naruto declared, and everyone nodded in tacit agreement.

—"There's nothing useful here", Qrow muttered, his voice a whisper of frustration.

—"We have enough... I think," Naruto said, his eyes narrowing, scrutinizing the printed words, —"They're all between 18 and 20 years old and share the same date of birth, September 20th."

The revelation left everyone open-mouthed; It was a detail that had gone unnoticed until that moment. Naruto sighed, aware of the insignificance of that piece of information without a broader context.— "Let's get out of here," he proposed, his voice carrying an echo of decision.

As they left the police station, Naruto couldn't ignore the inquisitive gaze of one of the officers. There was something about the tension in his posture that was familiar. He recalled the times when, when he mentioned the disappearances in the streets, he noticed how some residents became nervous. I was beginning to suspect that there was more than a single culprit behind all this; Maybe a network of civilians and the odd corrupt official. Even the mayor, whose cold sweat had not gone unnoticed by the shrewd Uzumaki, seemed to want to get rid of them as soon as possible.

—"Come on, guys, we must conclude our mission tomorrow," Naruto said, leading the way into the unknown.

/-/

The next day he maintained the same tone of excellence, if I may say so. The Grimms were defeated so quickly that, by the time the sun reached its zenith, the group was resting in a clearing in the forest. There, in the serenity of the place, they were just sitting, enjoying the well-deserved rest, while Naira approached, carrying food for everyone.

Ren, Nora, and Pyrrha were nestled on a blanket of grass, while Naruto lay under the protective shade of a tree, lying on Naira's lap. With gestures of tenderness, she stroked his hair, drawing a smile on his face. A pleasant conversation flowed between them, punctuated by laughter that spread until it reached the group of friends.

Pyrrha, with a mixture of frustration and envy barely contained, couldn't take her eyes off the scene. —"Look at that fool ... How he lets himself be enraptured by this woman... What's so special about him?... It's not that she's a dazzling beauty," he muttered to himself, as his sandwich lost all ability to appease his uneasiness.

Ren and Nora's smile, wide and genuine, reflected the amusement they felt at Pyrrha's barely concealed jealousy.

—"I don't know," Nora said with a hint of complicity, —"I think they're lovely together."

—"That's right, they're an admirable couple," Ren agreed, adding his perspective to the conversation.

Pyrrha, with a gesture of disgust, ended her snack. —"You know what, she should go... Her mother will surely be waiting to reprimand her if she is not by her side, helping with the housework."

With a determined step, Pyrrha headed towards where Naruto and Naira were.— "Hello, Naira," he greeted, trying hard to hide his embarrassment at his presence.

—"Hello, Pyrrha! How are you?" replied Naira, radiating happiness.

—"Here it is again, that irritatingly innocent smile", thought Pyrrha, unable to hide her annoyance. —" I think you should go. Your mother might be in need of your help and you don't want her to be mad at you," he suggested in a tone that was meant to be kind.

—"I don't think that worries you in the least," Naira replied calmly.

Pyrrha, persistent, replied, —"I'm sure so. Plus, you have to have a lot of backlog of work."

Naira, with a look that exuded understanding, nodded softly. —"You're right, I should be with her. Naruto, I'm saying goodbye for now."

With a farewell gesture, Naira walked away, leaving behind a trail of melancholy that hung in the air. Pyrrha, with a blank stare, contemplated the scene with a bittersweet feeling that oscillated between relief and remorse.

Naruto, with a heavy sigh, said goodbye to Naira. —"Take care, we'll talk later."

Loneliness hung over him, Naira was gone, and though he was surrounded by company, his desire was to be with her. The uncertainty of when they would meet again weighed on his spirits. —"Pyrrha," he called in a faint voice.

—"Yes?" she answered, coming closer.

—"Come and sit here." Pyrrha took a seat and Naruto rested on her lap. She, her cheeks aflame with a deep blush, opted for silence and began to stroke her golden hair with the same sweetness that Naira had shown. A feeling of comfort came over her, and a smile spread across her face.

—"How are you, Naruto?" Pyrrha asked softly.

—"I'm fine, now that you're here with me," he replied, with a smile that reflected gratitude.

—"It's a comfort to have these quiet moments," Pyrrha confessed, her smile lighting up the clearing.

—"Yes, it's fortunate that we finished early. In addition, Naira has provided us with food, and I am deeply grateful to her," Naruto said, his gaze lost in a dream.

Pyrrha frowned, annoyed by the change of subject. —"Tell me, how did you get to this town?" he asked, trying to divert the conversation.

—"Well, I came here three years ago looking for a job, and that's when Naira found me. She was much taller than me back then...", Naruto immersed himself in his memories, his voice becoming nostalgic.

—"Again!" thought Pyrrha, her irritation growing like a storm. Every conversation seemed to revolve around Naira.

—"Enough is enough! "Always Naira this, Naira that!, you do nothing but talk about her!" Pyrrha burst out, unable to contain her frustration.

Naruto, surprised by the outburst, pulled away from her lap and stared at her. —"heh, it's not true, are you... jealous?" she asked, a glint of amusement in her eyes.

—"N-no," she stammered, her voice betraying her denial.

—"For Kami's sake, you're jealous. Is it because of Naira? "Pyrrha, please tell me it's not serious" , Naruto said, his smile widening at the revelation.

Pyrrha, in a whirlwind of feelings, finally faced the truth. —"What does it matter if I am?" she replied with a mixture of defiance and vulnerability that she could barely conceal. The feelings she harbored for Naruto had blossomed in secret, fueled by the passage of time, and now, in the face of the inescapable reality, she could only acknowledge the deep love she felt for him.

Naruto, with a smile that radiated calm, invited her to open his heart.— "Come on, Pyrrha, tell me what you're worried about."

She hesitated, her voice revealing the internal struggle. —"It's just that you keep talking about it and... I feel like you're leaving us out." Admitting this was painful to him, as if he were using his friends to hide his real concern.

Naruto, with a sympathetic look, tried to ease his uneasiness.— "Look, I haven't seen her for a long time, and yet here I am, with you and with the others. You have all my time."

—"Yes, but that doesn't comfort me," Pyrrha acts like she's a wayward child

—"So, let's make a deal." Naruto proposed, a spark of complicity in his eyes.— "Ask me for something, anything, and it will be yours."

She, with a mischievous smile, accepted the challenge. —"I want a date."

Surprise was painted on Naruto's face, and a faint blush tinged his cheeks. —"Ah... Okay, although I didn't expect it."

—"Won't you grant my wish?"

—"Of course, just tell me when and where, and I'll be there."

—"No, not like that," Pyrrha protested, crossing her arms impatiently. —"I want you to be the one to organize everything. I want to go to a lovely restaurant, come with flowers and dedicate a song to me."

Naruto, faced with the demand, could only nod. —"You're picky, but... It's okay."

At that moment, Nora's voice echoed in the distance. — "Hey, lovebirds! It's time to go!"

—"yes," Naruto replied with an affirmative shout and, without further ado, lifted Pyrrha in his arms, leading her to meet her companions in bridal style. She didn't protest; On the contrary, she let herself go, flooded with happiness. He smiled, enjoying the moment, wishing in the depths of his being that this instant would last forever.

/-/

I never imagined that love could be reborn with such force, like a flame that is rekindled by the breath of a memory. It's madness, a whirlwind of emotions that defies logic and reason. Love, that mysterious traveler, arrives without announcement, without permission, and settles in the heart with the softness of a whisper.

And that's how it came, unexpectedly, invading every corner of his being. There was no possible defense; She appeared, and her mere presence was enough to alter his world. There was Cinder Fall, the sight of her figure setting off a whirlwind of forgotten feelings.

—"Cinder Fall, how are you?" asked Flynt in a voice that echoed in the silence, as she watched him with a look that exuded boredom, though a subtle, enigmatic smile was drawn on her lips.

—"Flynt, how's it going?" she replied, turning her attention to Jaune, who was trying to hide her nervousness. —"Jaune, how's the job?"

With an effort of bravery, he faced her gaze, those eyes that were like two jewels shining in the gloom. —"Cindy, how have you been?"

She stopped, as if time had frozen, and then, with a warm, surprising smile, answered.— "I asked first," he said playfully, as Jaune shrugged.

—"Everything is going well, I've just finished my shift with Flynt, and now we plan to explore the town," Jaune replied, her voice reflecting a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

—"Oh, I understand, can I join you?" asked Cinder, her voice a melody floating in the air.

—"Of course, there's no problem," Flynt interjected gleefully, but was abruptly interrupted by Jaune.

—"Flynt, I think you should go," he said firmly, his seriousness contrasting with the lightness of the moment.

—"Why?" asked Flynt, his confusion evident.

—"You've got unfinished business," Jaune insisted, his tone leaving little room for debate.

—"No, I'm sure I have nothing," Flynt replied, but his words vanished before Jaune's determined gaze.

—"I'm sure you do," Jaune insisted, and at that moment Flynt understood the unspoken message: he must leave them alone. However, he resisted, not because he didn't want to, but out of concern.

—"I'm sorry, but we're bound together by these handcuffs, so I'll follow you wherever you go," Flynt said, pointing to the chains that bound them.

—"No problem," Jaune replied, pulling out a key that Flynt always carried with him. Flynt's surprise was palpable. When had Jaune taken the key? With a swift gesture, he freed Flynt and, in a symbolic act, joined his own hand to Cinder's.

The scene unfolded like a dance, every movement and word wove a story of love and desire, of encounters and farewells. The characters, each with their own melody, created a symphony of emotions that echoed in the air, a love song that only they could hear.

/-/

Lost in the labyrinth of nameless streets, Cinder and Jaune wandered with uncertainty as their only company. The silence between them was an invisible wall, each deep in thought, unable to cross the gap between them. Despite the emotional distance, Jaune knew that Cinder was the missing piece in the puzzle of his heart.

Jaune, normally brave, found in love an adversary that intimidated him more than any previous challenge. His voice was lost in his throat, and the words dissolved before he was born.

—"It seems like some things never change, you still have your childish tastes," Cinder said, his smile a ray of sunshine in the dim light of their interaction.

—"You mean the T-shirt?" asked Jaune, pointing to the image of a rabbit on his chest. —"It's special to me, it evokes happy memories. But you... You've changed a lot since those childhood days, when you were so fragile and delicate."

Cinder frowned, and in a flash of speed, she lunged forward, dragging Jaune with the chain that bound them. Seeing him fall, she stopped and watched Jaune on the ground. Her laugh, clear and genuine, filled the air.

—"Ha-ha-ha, I see you're still as vengeful as ever."

Lying on the cool pavement, Jaune lifted his gaze to the sky, searching the mosaic of clouds for a sign to calm the whirlwind of his soul. Beside him, Cinder approached, her silhouette outlined against the sky, watching him from her height, like a goddess contemplating a mortal. Jaune, enchanted by her aura, pondered the ephemeral nature of love, a feeling that had sprung in his chest with the force of an overflowing river.

A memory made its way through his thoughts, a starry night of confessions and promises. His lips curved in a gesture of nostalgia. "Cinder, that day I..."

She interrupted him with a gesture of her hand, her voice was a whip. —"I don't want to hear it," she said firmly.

—"Sorry."

—"There's no need for apologies. We were just children, exploring a world bigger than our dreams."

Gently, Cinder knelt and cradled Jaune's face in her hands, their eyes met and for a moment, time seemed to stop. But the magic broke with the arrival of a third voice.

—"C-Cinder," stammered Emerald, interrupting the moment.

Cinder frowned, clearly annoyed, but chose not to show her irritation. —"It's time to go, right?"

—"Yes," Emerald replied.

Jaune felt an unexpected relief at the interruption. For a brief moment, he had considered the possibility of a kiss, a gesture that would seal their renewed connection. The gratitude for the interruption was palpable.

Cinder detached herself from Jaune and walked away with Emerald, her figure outlined against the village landscape, a shadow among the light. Emerald followed Cinder with a complicated look, a mix of concern and darkness. Something was not right, and in all the years she had known Cinder, she had never seen her so alive, so radiant. Jaune had awakened something in her, and jealousy began to consume Emerald.

—"Cinder," began Emerald, her voice trembling. —"That boy, Jaune, you..."

Cinder cut her off with an icy look.— "That's none of your business," she said authoritatively. —"Focus and follow my orders. How are things going?"

—"Everything is in order," Emerald replied, her voice submissive, reflecting the hierarchy between them.

The village, with its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses, was the stage for this story of love and jealousy.

/-/

In the twilight of a day marked by chaos, cries of despair echoed in the air, a symphony of grief that only those with hardened hearts could ignore. She, accustomed to such sounds, remained motionless, her steely will unshakable in the face of the suffering of others. The heart-rending screams and the echo of fracturing bones were the backdrop to a macabre scene, but not enough to spur her into action.

Suddenly, a figure collapsed at his feet; it was Ilia Amitola, his face contorted with pain, his arm at an unnatural angle. Tears welled up in her eyes like rivers of anguish before the darkness of fainting claimed her.

From the gloom, a presence approached with an eerie calm. A man wrapped in a black robe, his face hidden behind a pristine white mask, approached her. His posture radiated confidence, and as he reached his side, he bowed in a respectful bow.

—"Good afternoon, Miss Sienna Khan. I regret my audacity," he said in a voice that carried the weight of authority.

Sienna, whose gaze was as piercing as ever, examined him closely. —"Who are you?" he asked in a tone that brooked no evasion.

—"Oh, excuse my lack of courtesy. My name is... Sasuke," he replied, rising gracefully.

She stood, her towering figure emanating power. —"I am Sienna Khan, leader of the White Fang," he declared firmly.

—"I'm aware, miss. And I must say that the rumors don't do it justice. Your charm surpasses the stories I've heard about you," he remarked, trying to soften the mood with a compliment.

Sienna kept her composure, unfazed by compliments. His voice was a sharp edge, a tool for uncovering hidden truths. —"What's your purpose here?" he asked with a look that cut through the air like an arrow.

—"I appreciate candor. I have come to request an audience with you," the visitor said, his tone respectful but firm.

—"You break into my domain, you wreak havoc among my ranks, and you expect me to bestow such an honor upon you?" replied Sienna, her voice a thunderclap in the stillness.

—"My apologies for the intrusion. I tried a peaceful approach, but your men refused to listen. Patience has its limits, and mine were overcome," he explained, his posture being that of someone accustomed to confrontation.

Sienna circled him, studying him with the meticulousness of a strategist. —"What are you looking for in these lands?" he asked curiously.

—"A hearing, as I have already mentioned," he insisted.

—"No, tell me what you really want," Sienna pressed, her voice a whip that sought to wring out the truth.

—"A safe passage, so to speak," he revealed, his gaze direct and defiant.

—"So you're just seeking refuge here, you don't need anything else from me, then," Sienna deduced, her tone one of disdain.

—"Yes, I could settle here on my own. However, I am not alone in this journey. There are others who accompany me, and I want you to guarantee their safety, as the White Fang dictates the law here," he explained, his voice carrying a tinge of urgency.

—"Are they human?" Sienna asked, her voice a whisper laden with venom.

—"Unfortunately, yes," he admitted.

—"Then you know my answer, a resounding no," Sienna said, her decision unwavering.

—"Please listen. If you grant me what I ask for, I can offer you what you most desire. Tell me, what do you long for?" he proposed, his gesture bold and calculating.

—"I wish to see mankind prostrate," Sienna declared with a triumphant smile.

—"So it will be, then," he agreed.

—"Do you think it's that simple, we fauns have fought for years, and yet, nothing has changed," Sienna objected, her skepticism a suit of armor.

—"It is true, but subduing does not always mean conquering or annihilating. Sometimes, it's enough to see them humiliated, defeated in spirit," he argued, his voice a whisper that promised revolution.

Sasuke turned away from Sienna, turning his back on her as he raised his arms to the sky, as if trying to embrace the uncertain future he described. —"The world is at a turning point, Miss Khan. Soon, the known kingdoms will crumble, and their people, lost and desperate, will seek a light in the darkness. Menagerie will be that beacon, the last bastion of hope and unity in a fractured world," he said in a voice that echoed with the certainty of prophecies.

Sienna, with a laugh of disbelief and her arms folded over her chest, challenged him. —"And how do you intend to accomplish such a feat? Do you have the power to overthrow entire kingdoms?"

—"I don't need such power. There are forces in motion that will take care of it. I have a feeling that Vale won't be the last to fall," he murmured, his voice low as the wind that portends a storm.

—"But when that day comes, you will be ready, because I will be at your side to assist you."

—"I don't require your help," she replied firmly, rejecting the offer with a wave of her hand.

—"I think he does. Years of struggle and still, the White Fang has not seen the desired change. With me, things will be different. I do not seek to usurp his position or lead; I only ask for refuge for myself and those who accompany me. Aren't you tired, Miss Khan?" he asked, his voice soft but full of meaning.

—"I'm fine, though the paperwork can be overwhelming," she admitted, her voice revealing a hint of fatigue.

—"... Yes, of course it is." With a protective gesture, he put his arm around her and led her out of the camp. There, the sight of his fallen men, writhing on the ground, was a mute testimony to the recent conflict.

Sasuke, with the patience of a master waiting for a revelation, questioned Sienna.— "Miss Khan, tell me, what do you observe at the moment?"

Sienna, whose voice was tinged with unexpected melancholy, responded. —"I behold my vanquished warriors, a mirror of the fragility of our cause."

—"Beyond that, what else does she perceive in this vast landscape?" continued Sasuke, urging her to look beyond.

She scanned the horizon, where Menagerie stretched out before them, a land of stark contrasts. — "I only see a barren land, an arid land that offers little"

—"Isn't she exhausted from this reality, tired of procuring weapons in the shadows to protect her people, isn't she?" asked Sasuke, her voice an echo of the truth she knew well.

—"That's right," she admitted, her fury growing with each word.

—"I can provide you with the weapons you need. Aren't you tired of seeing your people struggle day after day for a scarce livelihood, due to the barrenness of this land?" he proposed, offering solutions to their hardships.

—"Yes," she said, her anger palpable in the air.

—"I have the capacity to provide you with food and resources. Don't you wish to free yourself from this isolation? From being incommunicado, distant from the Kingdoms, marginalized from the world."

—"Yes," she said, her voice hardening with each affirmation.

—"I can bring the world to your doorstep. And isn't she weary of seeing her people bow down to the Kingdoms, begging for recognition?" asked Sasuke, her offer a balm to her wounded pride.

—"Yes, I'm exhausted!" she exclaimed, her cry a storm of frustration.

—"Then, if you will allow me to take refuge here, I will deliver the world to your feet," Sasuke promised, his offer as tempting as an oasis in the desert.

/-/

In the warm glow of the dining room, Naira watched with a smile as Naruto tasted the dish he had prepared with such care.

—"AAA, mmm," Naruto murmured, his mouth full of flavors that reminded him of distant homes and simpler times.

—"Do you like it?" asked Naira, her eyes shining with the anticipation of the response.

—"It's delicious, did you make it yourself?" replied Naruto, his voice tinged with genuine appreciation.

—"Yes, with all my love, especially for you. Try this, I hope it's to your liking," she said, offering him another bite.

Naruto nodded, his heart warming with every gesture of attention. —"If it's made by you, I'm sure I'll love it. Food always tastes better in good company," he said with a smile.

From across the table, Qrow watched the scene with a mixture of exasperation and amusement.

—"If you say so, brat," he said, remembering his old friend Tai. Naruto had that same natural charm, that ease of connecting with people, albeit often without realizing it.

Charles, the protective father, could not hide his discontent. He knew the day would come when his daughter would find love, but as a father, he felt it was his duty to protect her from any potential pain. —"My dear, could you please bring me the sauce from the kitchen?" she asked, looking for an excuse to interrupt the moment.

—"Sure, no problem," Naira replied, her voice full of joy as she made her way to the kitchen.

Taking advantage of his daughter's absence, Carlos confronted Naruto, his hands firmly on the table. —"What are you trying to do, Naruto?" he asked sternly.

Naruto, confused, replied innocently.— "I'm not trying to do anything, why are you asking?"

—"You're obviously trying to win my daughter over!" exclaimed Carlos, his voice rising with the fury of a worried father.

—"What?!" exclaimed Naruto, surprised and offended.— "How can you think that of me? I wouldn't do such a thing."

Qrow chimed in, adding fuel to the fire.— "I wouldn't believe you, sir. Guys like Naruto tend to break hearts unintentionally. I wouldn't be surprised if she already has some female fans at Vale."

Naruto frowned, annoyed. —"You're making things worse, Qrow. Please, friends, tell her that I have no intention of Naira."

Nora smiled mischievously.— "I don't know, sometimes I've seen you pretty flirtatious with her."

Ren laughed softly.— "You should listen to the stories we have of Naruto in Beacon. They're worthy of a youth series."

Frustrated, Naruto stood up. —"You know what, I'm going to go with Naira. At least she treats me well."

As he made his way to the kitchen, the sound of laughter from his friends filled the room, all except Carlos and Pyrrha, who watched the scene with mixed feelings.

/-/

—"Oh, Naira."

—"Yes, Naruto?"

—"Did you find the sauce?" ".

—"No, it doesn't look like it's even there."

—"Don't worry, I'll help you look for her."

Naruto and Naira were on a joint quest, a small act of complicity that extended beyond the simple task of finding the lost sauce.

—"Tell me, Naira, when are you celebrating your birthday?" asked Naruto with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

The question seemed to surprise her, and with a shy smile, she replied, —"Why do you ask?"

—"I'd like to know. If he comes over, I might prepare something special for you before we leave," Naruto explained, his voice carrying a tone of sincerity that needed no embellishments.

—"Oh, that's very sweet of you. My birthday is September 20," Naira revealed, her voice rising with a note of joy.

—"That's the day after tomorrow," Naruto muttered to himself, a plan beginning to form in his mind.

In the privacy of his thoughts, Naruto was having a conversation with Kurama, his lifelong companion.

—"Are you really going to do this, Naruto?" asked Kurama.

—"Since when do you care so much about her," Naruto replied.

—"I don't do it, but if something happens and guilt consumes you, I fear how you might react," warned Kurama, his voice a reminder of the consequences that could follow.

—"I've done my best, Kurama. I deployed clones to monitor each suspect, installed hidden cameras, but they were all discovered. They know I'm looking for them. I'll use Naira as a decoy... it's a risk I'm willing to take," Naruto confessed, his voice full of doubt and determination.

With a smile that hid the pain of the decisions he had made, Naruto turned to Naira.

—"Naira, what do you think if tomorrow we go through the village together, just you and me? I would like to enjoy these last moments with you before leaving for the kingdom of Vale," he proposed, his smile was a veil over the storm that was brewing inside him.

She, oblivious to the storms stirring in Naruto's heart, smiled broadly and nodded happily, excited at the prospect of spending time alone with him.

/-/

In the shadows of the intrigue, a tension-laden conversation was unfolding between Mayor Alexander Smith and a mysterious figure.

—"How's the search going?" asked the voice on the other end of the line, its tone imbued with authority and expectation.

—"Sir, we're only two girls short," replied the mayor, his voice firm but betrayed by a barely perceptible tremor.

—"And what about the hunters-in-training?" the voice asked, his interest evident.

—"They'll leave tomorrow. They finished their mission today; I don't think we need to worry, sir," the mayor said, trying to instill confidence in his report.

—"The reward will be great if you do well what I ask of you," the voice promised, its tone now tinged with the promise of an opulent reward.

—"Yes, sir," said the mayor, and the call was cut off, leaving Alexander Smith deep in thought. A month ago, the man had come to town with tempting promises, and he, facing the twilight of his life and the fear of death, accepted without hesitation.

Alone, the mayor allowed himself a wicked laugh, a thunderous sound echoing in the stillness of his office.

—"It's about time. There are only two girls left and I'll be able to do it... Hahaha, HAHAHA!"

His laughter was a dark omen of nefarious plans. The unfortunate events of the past had not allowed his plans to materialize, but now, with the townspeople so susceptible to persuasion, he made the most of the opportunity presented to him.

/-/

The sunrise in the RWBY team's dormitory was always an adventure, especially when Ruby was excited. The sound of his whistle was the most effective and often the least welcome alarm.

—"What the hell is wrong with you?!" exclaimed Weiss, his voice a thread of irritation and surprise.

—"We've got a mission to do, girls," Ruby announced, her enthusiasm bubbling like a fountain of soda.

—"It's not time yet, is it? "There's still time," yawned Yang, his voice tinged with annoyance and sleep.

—"Yes, but I can't help but get excited. We'll finally have our own mission," Ruby said, though her smile faded into a disappointed expression. —"Naruto didn't come. I guess he won't be able to give me any advice."

Blake calmly interjected, —"Don't worry. Perhaps his mission was more complicated than he expected. You know, it was a Grimm extermination."

Weiss nodded, offering words of comfort. —"Yes, we don't have to worry. He always comes out of these situations well," she said, her smile an attempt to hide her own concern.

Weiss's attention shifted to Zwei, the team's dog, who was resting peacefully. She walked up to him and knelt down, —"How did my little one, my beautiful one wake up?" she murmured, cooing him affectionately.

—"I still can't stand it," Blake murmured from his bunk bed, his voice barely a whisper in the room.

—"Don't listen to him, Zwei. She's bitter," Yang replied, continuing to pet the dog.

Weiss's curiosity was captured by a huge box near Ruby's bed. —"And what's that?" he asked, pointing to the mysterious package.

—"Oh, this?" cried Ruby, with a joy that lit up her face. —"It's coming, it's coming, it's coming! " Look, Yang!"

—"What do you mean?" asked Weiss, looking at the two sisters in confusion.

—"Well, every now and then we get a present," Ruby explained, her voice a song of anticipation.

—"And don't you wonder how he got here? Just like that. Don't you think it's suspicious?" Weiss argued, his tone one of caution and suspicion.

—"Don't worry about that. Things always have a way of showing up," he said with a relaxed smile.

Ruby, her hands trembling with excitement, carefully placed the box on her bed and opened it. A collective gasp of astonishment filled the room, even Weiss couldn't hide his surprise at the contents: highly refined powder.

—"It's dust, just what I needed for this mission! How lucky!" exclaimed Ruby. His eyes fell on an attached note and he read aloud,

—"For your future mission, please use it carefully and don't cause too much trouble. Sincerely, I love you very much." Ruby melted into a coo. —"Aaaw, that's so sweet."

—"Who sent it to you?" asked Blake, intrigued.

—"Our dad," Yang replied for his sister. —"He thinks we don't realize it, but we know it's him," she said with a smile full of affection.

The RWBY team meticulously prepared for the mission.

When it was time to leave, they made their way to the rendezvous point where the Bullheads would pick them up. As they walked, they observed other students embarking on or returning from their missions. That's when they stumbled upon the CFVY team.

—"Velvet!" cried Ruby excitedly, stopping the aforementioned woman, who stopped and smiled, happy to see her friends.

—"Hi, Ruby and girls, how have you been?" said Velvet.

—"Very well, what about you? "You've been on a mission for a week," Ruby said.

—"Yes... there were quite a few," Velvet replied in a tired tone. —"Don't worry, I'm just going to rest."

With a mischievous smile, Yang whispered,— "It looks like Cardin is somewhat disturbed."

Velvet, the rabbit-eared faun, replied bewilderedly, —"I really don't know what you mean," trying to change the subject.

—"But he talked about you often, perhaps more than usual. You should go see him, he seems to be mired in melancholy," Yang continued, urging.

Velvet's response was a nervous babble, —"Now... I-I... suppose I should go see him," her face flushed with intense redness, showing her embarrassment.

—"What are they talking about?" asked Ruby, her confusion palpable.

Blake, with a gesture of comfort, placed his hand on Ruby's shoulder. —"Don't worry about it, Ruby. It's just trivialities." He tried to downplay the situation gently.

—"Oh, I understand," Ruby agreed, though not entirely convinced.

—"So how are we going to approach this mission? I have a feeling that it will be a challenge, our experience is limited," Weiss said with some trepidation.

—"There is no reason to be alarmed," the leader assured firmly, —"we will be accompanied by an experienced hunter."

Unexpectedly, the doors of the waiting bullhead opened, and a silhouette emerged from within. The person who appeared was not who they anticipated.

—"Greetings, ladies. Are you ready to embark on a mission?" asked the ever-effervescent Professor Bartholomew Oobleck enthusiastically.

/-/

—"I didn't know you read Sasuke?

—"I love reading a good book. Sasuke, with a book in his hands, looked up at Roman's voice, who had settled down beside him curiously

—"What is it about?"

—"It's a collection of stories from the Remnant." Sasuke explained, —"There's one in particular about a knight and a lady in a tower that I find fascinating."

Roman frowned, —"I'm not familiar with that story, and frankly, I don't have time to spare to immerse myself in every tale in this world."

Sasuke smiled, —"It's a captivating narrative, a lovely princess confined to a tower and rescued by an honorable knight."

Román laughed, —"That sounds like a crappy story."

—"Maybe it is," Sasuke admitted, sharing the laugh,— "but there's something valuable about these stories. I am a firm believer in the existence of heroes who, against all odds, emerge victorious at the end of the day."

Roman's taunt was immediate, —"That's absurd, Sasuke. Heroes are relics of the past, if they ever existed in our era."

Sasuke looked at Roman with a mixture of surprise and understanding,— "It looks like you're convinced of that."

—"Of course I am. Do you consider hunters heroes?"

With a sneer, Sasuke replied, —"No, they are mere workers, serving the highest bidder. Although they would not stoop to stealing or destroying villages, with the right incentive... There are no limits to what they could do."

Roman nodded in satisfaction,— "Exactly! "In this world there are no heroes, only individuals making decisions."

—"Heroes are an echo of the past, Sasuke. They've vanished... Or maybe they never existed. They were just a naïve hope in my heart."

Sasuke kept his gaze fixed on Roman, not to mock, but to better understand the man in front of him, the thief known as Roman.

With a wistful sigh, Roman stroked his cane,— "There was a time when I considered myself a hero too, boy."

—"Really, tell me more about that," Sasuke urged, eager to know the story behind Roman's words.

—"... My origins are humble, I was born in a tiny village in the shadow of the kingdom of Mistral. The son of a woman of the night and raised in poverty, my existence changed drastically the day a client, consumed by rage, took my mother's life. From that moment on, everything came crashing down."

—"I burned what little I had and set off for the Kingdom of Mistral. There, amidst sporadic jobs and studies, I managed to enter a prestigious academy for hunter training. It was a hard-fought battle, but I triumphed. I couldn't settle; I felt fortune smiling upon me, presenting me with an unparalleled opportunity to transcend my origins. My life had been hell, but I was determined to prevent others from suffering the same fate. So I left for Vale and joined Beacon."

—"¿Beacon? "

—"That's right, Sasuke. It was eons ago..."

He looked away and sighed, overwhelmed by nostalgia for those golden times,— "I joined the BROK team, that's what we were called. We were under the command of... an honorable man," he said with barely contained resentment.

—Years ago, the Kingdom of Vale announced expansion plans. The news of enlarging the kingdom was greeted with jubilation. When the construction was completed and the boom came, happiness flooded the people. But then, tragedy befell us."

—"The Grimms," interrupted Sasuke.

—"Yes, those monsters broke into the village and razed it to the ground. My team and I went to evacuate the inhabitants, as did other teams, but... "

—"《Wait! We must return! Our comrades are over there!》"

—"《No, it's too late. If we don't seal the tunnels, the Grimms will reach Vale. We can't allow it, damn it!》"

Roman grabbed his leader by the throat.

—"《Don't do this, I implore you. Don't utter the command. I don't want to hurt you!》"

—"《It's... The only... exit. Do you think I want this?》"

—"《There's still time!, Please give me a few minutes. I'll go get them.》

—"《You won't be able to. It's useless》," the leader punched Roman's stomach, knocking him out of breath, and knocked him out with a punch to the temple. Roman, slowly recovering, was exhausted from the incessant combat against the Grimms.

—"《Please!》," he pleaded,— "《 Don't do it!》"

He saw the hesitation in his leader's eyes and for a moment hoped that he would come to his senses, but immediately, his leader straightened up and firmly declared, —"《Activation, Command 001》."

¡BOOM!

All the tunnels collapsed.

Guilt and shame devoured his soul. Interestingly, where they were, it didn't even shake. At that moment, Roman wished he was crushed by a rock so he wouldn't hear the desperate screams echoing behind the stone walls. He felt helpless.

Tears began to flow in Roman as he recalled that painful memory.

He stood up, clenching his fists tightly, —"That day! When we should... evacuate people... "

Roman gasped, his chest heaving to the rhythm of a heart consumed by anger. —"No more than thirty minutes passed! Just half an hour!" he exclaimed with a broken voice, strength leaving his being.

—"And then... then the Council of Vale decided all was lost. My leader, the one in charge of that fatal decision, condemned thousands to death, my friends, our team. He didn't fight, he didn't deign to battle."

With a burning gaze, Roman faced Sasuke, his eyes reflecting the image of his former leader.— "I would have gone back for them!" he shouted, fury vibrating in every word.

—"I could have saved them, but you... you closed the tunnels! I couldn't do anything!"

Wiping away tears, Roman hardened his expression. —"That's why I tell you, Sasuke, heroes are a myth. A true hero wouldn't have allowed those lives to be lost in vain. They would have fought to the end, no matter how desperate the situation..., I would have."

—"All those years of training, of effort, were in vain. I didn't save anyone," His voice turned bitter, and with a look of disdain, he continued. —"That's why I chose the path of the thief. It is preferable to be this than to be a false savior who only protects the interests of the powerful. No, never."

Turning around, Roman began to walk away with slow, heavy steps. —"Take my advice, Sasuke. Don't try to be a hero. It's a path to nowhere."

Sasuke, with a voice tinged with melancholy, replied, —"I already know that, Mr. Roman. I understand that being a hero may seem futile... but still, I would like to try," His words were a whisper, almost lost in the wind.

At that moment, Sasuke felt a flood of memories invade him. —"Now I have a place where they can be at peace," he said with disguised laughter,— "it seems that, after all, the essence of a hero is still alive in me."

/-/

Naruto was deep in thought, torn between duty and desire to enjoy the moment. Despite Naira's company, his mind was elsewhere, hatching a plan that bordered on madness.

—"After all, I ended up in the hands of the police; my options were limited," he shared with Naira, trying to hide his concern.

He had invited Naira to explore the village early in the morning, but the joy and enthusiasm that should have marked her day was conspicuous by its absence. He was acting, faking every smile, every laugh, all out of the need to identify the suspects hiding in the crowd.

—"When is your birthday?" asked Naruto.

—"Naruto, you've already asked me seven times, do you forget it so quickly?" replied Naira with a laugh.

—"It's the emotion of the moment, I'm sorry," Naruto apologized, though his attention was fixed on a man sitting in a nearby café. Sensing Naruto's gaze, the man tensed up and returned his gaze directly to Naira.

—"I have found another; it's twenty," Naruto murmured to the nine-tailed fox that resided inside.

—"Why don't you confront the mayor directly and threaten him?" suggested Kurama in an impatient tone.

—"Because he's just a suspect. I can't go around threatening anyone who seems suspicious to me. Also, I've been keeping an eye on him with my clones for days and he hasn't done anything remotely suspicious," Naruto explained, his voice reflecting a mixture of frustration and determination.

—"You've become too soft," Kurama accused, his voice echoing in Naruto's mind.

Naruto's relaxed posture and carefree smile could fool anyone, making them believe that he fully enjoyed casual conversation with Naira. However, in the depths of his being, his mind was in a state of analytical, paranoid hyperactivity. He was on the verge of taking an action he never had imagined possible, an act so radical that it had the potential to alter his destiny forever.

—"It's interesting that you're a partner of Pyrrha Nikos; I must admit that I feel a hint of envy," Naira confessed with a playful look.

—"Envy? She's pretty ordinary, not as spectacular as she is portrayed in interviews," Naruto replied, minimizing the situation with a nonchalant gesture.

—"I disagree with you. She is exceptional, as well as possessing breathtaking beauty," Naira replied, her admiration for Pyrrha evident in her tone of voice.

—"You're right about that," Naruto admitted, his smile was genuine this time.

The conversation became more personal, and Naira inquired curiously:

—"And how are things going between you and her?"

—"Okay, they're going well," Naruto said simply.

—"I mean, if you've tried anything else... romantic with her."

Naruto raised an eyebrow and waved his hand indifferently.

—"No, of course not. She would never give me a chance."

—"Really? Why haven't you tried?"

—"I could try, but I don't think I have much chance. Look at me," Naruto said, pointing to himself with a self-deprecating smile, —"I'm nothing to write home about."

Naira let out a soft laugh and, taking graceful steps forward, turned on herself and fixed her gaze on Naruto's.

—"I don't agree. I think you have a better chance than you imagine."

—"Really, and how would you know?"

—"Intuition," she replied with a mysterious smile.

/-/

Alexander was in the dim light of the room when the door opened with a whisper and the imposing figure of Argo was outlined against the light of the corridor. With a deep bow, Alexander bowed to him, his voice barely a respectful murmur.

—"Mr. Argo, how are you? I did not expect to have the honor of your presence."

Argo, with a gaze that pierced the shadows, answered in a voice that was as much a whisper as a thunder.— "I know, Alexander, and I wasn't planning to visit you either... But tell me, why do those hunters still roam these parts?"

Complicity and concern were intertwined in Alexander's gaze. —"Lord, I have done all in my power, but I cannot drive them out... They just wander around, exploring the terrain, like mere tourists."

—"Don't you understand the danger this represents?" Argo inquired, his tone as sharp as steel.

Alexander, with a forced calm, replied, —"They are not a threat. Once the ritual is complete, the raptures will cease, fading into oblivion. The tears of the families will dry up, and time will heal their wounds."

Argo sat down at the mayor's desk, his fingers brushing the pen with an almost sacred delicacy. —"Remember, Alexander, when I presented this vision to you, when I seduced others with promises of greatness, assured them of power, don't you feel all-powerful now?"

—"Yes," Alexander admitted, his aura vibrating with newfound power, a feeling he had never experienced before.

Argo continued, —"And as for eternal life, that ritual is the only means of granting you the promised immortality. You will witness the flow of time, unalterable, eternal. So I implore you, do not fail."

—"Of course, my lord," said Alexander, his gaze rising to Argo. Despite his youthful appearance, no more than thirty years old, Alexander knew that Argo was a being more than three centuries old. Her hair was as black as night and her eyes, blue as the deep ocean, shone with a light that was not of this world. Her face, free of any marks or scars, was the epitome of beauty lost to time. He wore a simple white shirt, but on his chest shone the emblem of a golden sword and shield, symbols of an order of chivalry from an ancient and forgotten kingdom.

/-/

The construction of the base had consumed two whole weeks, a negligible amount of time for someone with his capabilities. With a mere thought, he could erect such a structure over and over again; The task was trivial to his power. Expansion, however, became imperative, for though its strength seemed inexhaustible, its vital essence gradually faded. The voracity of his being demanded an ever-increasing tribute: what began with the absorption of two souls, soon multiplied to five, then to ten, and so on, in an alarming progression. To complete the ritual that would promise him immortality, to keep his spirit from wearing out to extinction, he needed more lives, more souls. And to do so, it required a larger space, an operation of unprecedented magnitude.

The air was filled with an almost imperceptible whisper, the sound of souls crying out in silence, as he gazed at the horizon of his domain. The base, a marvel of architecture and magic, stood as a monument to his boundless ambition. The walls, imbued with arcane energies, vibrated with the echo of consumed destinies. Each stone was a testament to his power, each shadow a reminder of his dark pact.

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Lately, Naruto had noticed something unsettling: Qrow's gaze. It wasn't so much the way he watched her, but his scrutiny towards Pyrrha. Each interaction, each response from her, was followed by a nod of his head, as if validating every word and action, as if unraveling the threads of her being. This was not only suspicious to Naruto, but he also saw a shadow of Ozpin in it, as if both were orchestrating a plan with their friends as pawns in a game of uncertain consequences.

Nora, on the other hand, couldn't contain her amusement. The seriousness with which Naruto analyzed Qrow was unexpected. He watched as Qrow moved closer and closer to the redhead, and with a knowing elbow, drew Ren's attention to the situation. Ren, with a sly smile, joined the observation game.

—"Naaaaaruuuutooo", Nora hummed, trying to get his attention.

—"Nora," Naruto replied, without taking his eyes off the object of his study.

—"Why do you study Qrow so much?" Nora asked, with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

—"I don't study it... I keep an eye on it," Naruto stated firmly.

—"But why?" insisted Nora, seeking to delve deeper into her reasons.

—"Because of things," was Naruto's elusive reply, keeping his suspicions a secret.

Ren stood next to Naruto, patting him on the back in a sign of camaraderie.

—"It seems that Pyrrha is really captivated by Mr. Qrow. No surprise, after all, he is a man of the world, with enviable status and an exceptional hunter. It's natural for me to feel admiration for him," he said in a tone that mixed mockery with observation.

Naruto's laughter resounded with a tone of mockery.— "Come on, don't take me for naïve. I appreciate his renown and prowess as a hunter, but Qrow is not someone who can be trusted, that's for sure," he said with a confidence that belied his contempt for Qrow's ulterior motives.

Ren raised his hands in a soothing gesture. —"Wow, you've gotten defensive too quickly," he said.

Naruto replied vehemently, —"It's not defensive, it's caution. And that's irrelevant now. Don't you see the obvious? It's strange that I'm always by her side."

Nora laughed lightly. —"I think it's lovely that a teacher cares so much about his students."

—"He's not our mentor, and what worries me is that he's not here with us, but always with her," Naruto replied with a suspicious tone.

Nora chimed in with a sly smile. —"Let it be. I'd rather he keep an eye on Pyrrha alone and leave me alone. I don't want him to evaluate my behavior."

Naruto frowned. —"That's absurd. He should be here, supervising all of us, not showing favoritism for a single student."

Ren looked at Naruto with a wry smile, sensing the embarrassment in his friend. —"You seem restless, mate," he said in a tone that bordered on mockery.

Naruto, confused and slightly irritated, replied, —"What do you mean?"

With a playful smile, Ren teased Naruto even more.— "I get the impression that you might be experiencing a hint of... jealousy, perhaps?"

Naruto's reaction was instantaneous; A sigh of surprise escaped her lips and an unexpected blush colored her cheeks. —"How ridiculous! I've never been jealous of anyone... except, perhaps, Sasuke, but that's another story."

—"What nonsense, I'd never be jealous, much less someone like that. Don't you realize he's an alcoholic?" exclaimed Naruto, his voice rising in an attempt to deny his friends' provocations.

—"Your voice rises, which makes me think you're a little upset. You should try to calm down," Ren said, his smile now wider and more evident.

—"I'm perfectly calm!" protested Naruto, though his voice rose even higher.

—"Come on, Naruto, there's no shame in admitting it. We all experience jealousy at some point," Ren insisted, clearly enjoying his friend's awkwardness.

—"Guys, I'm really starting to get annoyed," Naruto was about to continue, still with his frustration growing, when he was abruptly interrupted by the sound of an incoming call on his scroll.

—"Yes?" he asked, and instantly, Naira's trembling voice filled the air, her fear palpable even through the distance.

Quickly pressing the speaker, Naira's voice, broken by sobs, resounded desperately,— "Naruto, someone is trying to force entry into my room, they are banging on the door hard, they are coming for me."

Worry was painted on everyone's faces, Naira was in imminent danger.— "Listen, Naira, stay calm, I'm coming to you," Naruto said, his voice a beacon of hope in Naira's storm of panic.

As he ran, keeping the call, he knew that no matter his speed, he wouldn't make it in time.— "Listen to me, when they find you, shout every detail you can catch of them: tattoos, eye color, beard, features, everything," he instructed urgently.

Then, the sound of the door giving way mingled with Naira's terrified scream at being discovered.

—"A tattoo on my left hand, a spider!" she exclaimed.

—"He's missing a finger!" he continued, his voice trembling.

—"He has a gray beard and blue eyes!" she cried, describing her captor.

—"Please, Naruto, help me, find me!" he pleaded desperately.

—"I'm coming, Naira!" he cried, desperation tinging every word. An ominous laugh echoed on the other end of the line.

—"Good luck finding her."

Naruto paused, his gaze fixed on the scroll, his brow furrowed in concentration. He took a deep breath, his fists clenched tightly, then relaxed; He was trying to calm his nerves, but anger boiled inside him, uncontrollable.

The air was charged with the tension of the situation, every second was crucial, and at that moment, Naruto's resolve became stronger than ever. He was ready to face whatever came his way, to save his friend, to defy the fate that hung over them with menacing darkness.

I hope you liked this chapter as much as I did.

I want to apologize for any spelling errors this text may have. It's the first fanfic I've written and I would love to receive your feedback with tips and suggestions to improve my story. This is the English version of my Spanish story, which has some changes from the original. I don't know English, I used a damn translator and I must say that this story does not respect the original canon of the RWBY series.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to your opinions.