Another snippet that has been rummaging in my head for a while. Finally decided to write a starting point to it.

Plan is Naruto and Ruby, but Blake might get added into the mix as she starts to learn the similarities to Naruto and The Man With Two Souls. We'll see if this gets a good reception and gets a full release.

Let's get to it!

Life moves on.

Death is inevitable.

Young. Old. Somewhere in between. Eventually, life comes to an end for everyone.

It doesn't matter who you are. Whether or not your deeds were good or wrong. If you were rich or poor. It didn't matter if you were a street bum or someone who saved the world.

Time moves ever forward, and everyone meets their end.

…But sometimes, a certain soul comes along. One that shines so brightly that the universe stops and takes notice.

A pure and simple soul capable of grand things beyond the scope of humanity. A brilliant soul that lingers on.

And sometimes, it comes back when the universe needs it again.

"Naruto!"

"What?" A young sparkling blonde fox Faunus retorted, annoyed as he stopped moments after exiting a petite, wooden abode in the snow-coated forest. Hearing his name, he turned back and leered before wincing at two emerald eyes sharply pierced into his from high above. "Ahk, sorry Mom! I was just getting ready to go out and meet my friends and…"

"I am aware. It's Ms. Rose's birthday, is it not?" The strict gaze his mother gave him softened with a faint smile. Her hand outstretched toward him, holding a Scroll in her hand. "But if you are going to stay in contact with everyone, you need your scroll."

"Ah!" Naruto blanched before reaching out and taking his scroll. "How do I keep forgetting it? This is the second time this week!"

"Third," His mother smirked as her son scowled. Sighing, Glynda Goodwitch pushed her glasses off the bridge of her nose as she crossed her arms and gave her son a judging glare. "Or are you forgetting it purposely so you can get into mischief with Ms. Rose again?"

"Ah, that's not it!" Naruto nervously chuckled, scratching the back of his head. His mom was onto him…

"Don't forget, I know her father and have his contact information. We used to work together." Glynda sharply studied her son. She knew what he was up to. He was a natural prankster and loved to cause trouble.

Light-hearted trouble, thankfully. His heart was in the right place. He just… Let his emotions get the better of him and sometimes cause trouble with people he really shouldn't be messing with…

"Yeah, I know, I know!" Naruto retorted, trying not to let his annoyance show. He sheepishly combed his spiky locks before smiling. "But I gotta get going! Ruby is gonna to wonder where… Ow! Really!"

"I taught you proper English; I expect you to use it." Glynda glowered as she slid her riding crop back onto her waistband. "I have to leave as well. You didn't forget your keys, did you?"

"Nah, I've got them." Naruto scrunched his nose before patting his pants pocket to be sure he had them. Didn't want to look like a fool again. What was more curious… "You are working tonight? Are you preparing for Fall classes or something?"

"Like I tried to imprint onto you, preparation is the key to success." Glynda nodded as she closed the door behind her. "Just as I raised and prepared you, I must prepare our future students for the life they will soon take on. Prepare them for the dangers that lie ahead to ensure the future of humanity continues to thrive."

"I know." Naruto lowered his head, biting his lip at the thought.

The Grimm problem had only increased over the recent years. Their attacks had increased in frequency. New Grimm were appearing across all of Remnant.

It felt as if something was coming…

"Go enjoy your friend's birthday." Glynda faintly smiled, nudging Naruto forward and toward the snow-covered road again. "I thought you said Ms. Rose would be worried if you were late?"

"Ah! I gotta go!" Naruto panicked, sprinting recklessly ahead, waving goodbye to his mother.

"Don't forget to call if you will be late returning home!" Glynda called ahead, watching her son fade into the distance. She sighed, exasperatedly gazing toward where he once was. "Or call if you're in trouble…"

"I have a hunch something is going to happen tonight."

The streets of Vale were vibrant and full of life. Less so at night… But that was a good thing for tonight.

Meant they were less likely to get caught.

"About time you arrived!" Ruby leapt down from above the store, gracefully landing and grinning ear to ear. "Did your mom give you an earful again? Or was she like Dad and gave you the talk?"

"Ugh, no! I don't want to hear that one again!" Naruto grunted, twisting his face before grunting. "You're my friend. I don't see you like that at all!"

"Ah, is that so?" Ruby pouted, her lips quivering as she inched uncomfortably close to Naruto, gazing up into his eyes with misty eyes. "And here I thought you invited me out to a romantic tryst…"

"Say what now?!" Naruto leaned back, horrified at seeing Ruby look at him so pitifully.

Did she want that kind of relationship? Did he? Did he like her that way? She was kind of…

"Ha, ha! Just kidding with you!" Ruby laughed, tapping Naruto on the chest before motioning toward several paint cans in front of the store. "Come on. It's time to paint the town red!"

Naruto glowered. Did Ruby just take advantage of his feelings? He knew she wasn't innocent, but that was mean even for her!

But hearing that laugh, seeing that smile and those twinkle in her eyes…

He could forgive her.

"Heck, yeah!" Naruto hoisted the cans over his shoulders, his grin matching Ruby's.

"Let's make this a birthday never to forget!"

Hehe… Kept you waiting?

It's time to go wild, kid.

Hope you enjoyed it. Is this a yes? Is it a no? Let me know what you think. And if you didn't see it due to the sight glitching yesterday, check out my Genshin Impact Concepts for a new concept with Mavuika being Naruto's mother.

Until next time my friends, Peace.