RWUBY

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Naruto x Harem

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Story Start

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A blazing sunset blanketed the Xiao Long-Rose household on Patch Island with warm, golden light. Yang Xiao Long stood by the living-room mantel, staring at a photograph of herself, Ruby, and Naruto. In it, the three beamed at the camera, arms linked—happy, inseparable. But now, only a couple of days had passed since Yang's graduation from Signal Academy, and Naruto had vanished without so much as a goodbye.

"I don't get it," Ruby murmured from behind, fiddling anxiously with the ends of her red cloak. "Why would he leave right after you guys graduated, of all times?"

Yang exhaled, her fingers brushing the photo's frame. "Dad and Uncle Qrow say it's 'Huntsman business'—top secret. But you know Naruto. He wouldn't ditch us unless he had no choice."

Their father, Taiyang, entered the room, wearing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You two all set for Vale? You've got a few days before… everything changes."

They knew what he meant: Beacon Academy was on the horizon. Any other time, they'd be over the moon about it. Instead, they felt a dull ache overshadowing their excitement.

Yang's expression hardened. "Dad, we can't just ignore what happened to Naruto. The timing—right after we finished Signal. He's never even hinted at leaving."

Taiyang looked pained, running a hand through his hair. "I know it's tough. But if Qrow says Naruto's involved in something big, we have to trust him. There's nothing we can do right now."

Ruby clenched her fists. "We're not kids anymore, Dad. Don't we deserve to know the truth?"

Taiyang hesitated, and in that silence, the tension in the room felt like a physical weight. "I promise, if I learn anything I can share, I will. But for now, please, focus on yourselves. Naruto would want that."

Yang cast one last look at the photo. "Fine. But this doesn't mean we're giving up."

Later that evening, with the house swathed in dim lamplight, the sisters retreated to the attic, hoping to find some sign—anything—that might reveal where Naruto had gone. They rummaged through boxes labeled Tai's Old Gear, Summer's Keepsakes, and Photo Albums.

Dust motes drifted in the narrow beams of light from the small attic window. Ruby sneezed as she opened a battered box. "Ugh, I always forget how stuffy it is up here."

Yang flipped through an old photo album, heart twisting whenever she spotted Naruto's grin. "He was always in the background, but he was always there, you know?"

Ruby nodded, pulling out a stack of pictures. One showed a much younger Naruto helping Ruby load up her first prototype scythe with training rounds. Another captured him balancing Yang on his shoulders during a family picnic.

"He wasn't just a friend," Ruby said softly. "He was more like… a big brother."

Yang paused on a recent photo—about two years old—showing Naruto talking in hushed tones with Qrow. Both looked solemn. On the back, a date was scrawled in Naruto's messy handwriting. "He and Qrow have been planning something for ages, it seems," she muttered.

Ruby's brow furrowed. "Dad won't say what. Qrow's lips are sealed, too. I hate being left in the dark."

Yang closed the album. "I guess all we can do is keep our eyes open for clues, keep training… and maybe see if Vale has answers."

The next morning, Yang woke up with a restless energy thrumming through her veins. She caught a glimpse of the swirl token Naruto had left behind—just a tiny wooden circle carved with a spiral, symbolizing, in his words, "endless determination."

"I won't just sit around and wait," she muttered, flipping it in her palm. "I'll find out something—anything."

While Ruby was busy organizing a trip to pick up supplies in Vale, Yang made an excuse—she claimed she wanted to visit a "friend" for last-minute gear updates. Instead, she took the ferry to Vale alone with a different plan in mind.

That evening found Yang outside a buzzing nightclub owned by a known figure in Vale's underworld: Junior Xiong. She wore her signature yellow jacket, Ember Celica strapped in their bracer forms on each arm. Neon lights flickered overhead, and a pounding bass rattled the sidewalk.

Two large bouncers glowered at her as she approached the doors. One stepped in front, arms crossed. "You lost, blondie?"

Yang just grinned, not missing a beat. "Heard I can get info here. Step aside."

They didn't budge. One grumbled, "We don't let kids in—"

Before he could finish, Yang flicked her wrist. Click. Her Ember Celica shifted, a faint mechanical whirr. She cracked her knuckles menacingly. "Move."

The bouncers exchanged uncertain looks. Junior's club was no stranger to fights, and Yang's stance spelled trouble. Deciding to avoid a scene outside, they let her in.

Inside, the club's strobe lights bathed the dance floor in chaotic patterns. People crowded the bar, the music thumping loud enough to rattle Yang's teeth. She scanned the sea of faces until she spotted Junior—slick hair, a cigar clenched between his teeth—behind the bar, counting Lien.

She slid onto a barstool. "You're Junior?"

He glanced up, unimpressed. "And who's askin'?"

Yang adopted a faux-friendly tone. "I hear you run a… information exchange. Maybe you've heard something about a blond, spiky hair, whisker marks. Name's Naruto."

Junior arched an eyebrow. "You must be joking. You think I track every random in Vale? Buy a drink or get out."

Yang didn't move. "I'm not leaving until I learn something. Anything."

Junior scowled. "Look, kid, I don't run a charity. If you're not paying, you're not staying."

Yang felt her temper spike. Naruto always said her anger was as potent a weapon as her fists, if used correctly. She forced a smile. "Alright. Let's play this your way." She flicked a small pouch of Lien on the counter. "That's for your time. Now talk."

Junior weighed the pouch, then gave her an insolent grin. "Fine. Rumor has it, there's a hush-hush mission involving some creep cult messing with Grimm. A few top Huntsmen took off from Patch Island, I hear. Could that be your 'Naruto'?"

Yang's heart jumped. She tried to stay calm. "Could be. Any mention of them returning to Vale?"

He shrugged, returning to counting Lien. "If they do, it's not to see me. You want more? That's all I got."

Yang's frustration boiled over. She had the same rumor from other places—nothing concrete, just swirling speculation about a secret mission. She clenched a fist on the bar, and Junior's eyes flicked to Ember Celica.

"Alright, that's enough, sweetheart," he muttered, nodding to a couple of his goons. "Show's over."

A tall man in a slick suit grabbed Yang's shoulder. Her muscles tensed. Naruto's voice echoed in her mind: Don't let your temper run away from you…

Too late.

WHAM! Her elbow drove into the goon's gut. He doubled over, gasping. Another swung at her from behind—she ducked, pivoting with a short, explosive punch. Click-clack—Ember Celica fired off a short-range blast, sending him flying into a table. Shards of glass and chairs scattered.

Junior cursed, pulling out a shotgun from beneath the bar. A hush fell over the stunned club patrons. "You have a death wish, blondie?"

Yang smirked, adrenaline surging. "Just want answers. You're not helping."

He fired once; she dodged, rolling behind an overturned table. Another shot peppered the wood. She popped up, Ember Celica blazing. A single concussive blast knocked the shotgun from Junior's hands.

The rest of his men rushed her at once. The fight played out like a dance. Yang's shotgun-gauntlets boomed, each hit weaving a tapestry of fists and buckshot. Bodies flew. Within minutes, the battered goons lay groaning on the dance floor, leaving Junior scrambling backward in disbelief.

Yang loomed over him. "Next time, be more helpful, or I'll trash this place for real."

He winced, nodding rapidly. "Fine! If I hear anything else, I'll pass it along, okay?!"

Panting, her aura crackling with faint purple sparks from absorbed hits, Yang took a moment to gather herself. Calm down, she reminded herself. This isn't Naruto's way. But desperation had fueled her. She turned on her heel and strode out, ignoring the club's wide-eyed patrons.

Outside, the cool Vale night air hit her flushed cheeks. "Great," she muttered sarcastically, "I'm turning into some vigilante brawler. Naruto would read me the riot act if he saw."

Still, the outcome was the same: next to nothing about his whereabouts. She'd heard the same rumor again—dangerous mission, eastern frontier, hush-hush. This is worthless, she thought.

As neon lights blinked overhead, Yang sank against a lamppost, fists shaking, her heart aching with the raw frustration of not knowing how to bring him home.

While Yang battled her way through Junior's club, Ruby had made her own trip to Vale. She needed Dust supplies for her weapon mod—Crescent Rose.

Under the glow of street lamps, Ruby ambled into a small Dust shop named From Dust Till Dawn. She needed specialized cartridges for her scythe's new recoil system. Inside, the elderly shopkeep greeted her kindly, leading her to a display of red and white Dust crystals.

As Ruby carefully examined the crystals, the bell above the shop door tinkled again. Clunk. Clunk. Heavy footsteps.

A slender man with bright orange hair and a sharp suit strolled in, twirling a silver cane. Behind him, a few goons in black suits spread out around the store.

The shopkeep stiffened. "Excuse me… is there something I can help you with?"

The orange-haired man—Roman Torchwick—flashed a predatory grin. "Oh, just taking some Dust. Robbing you, actually. So, no sudden moves, yeah?" He tapped the cane on the floor, and the goons leveled small firearms.

Ruby froze behind the display, eyes wide. A robbery? Her heart pounded. She spotted the terrified shopkeep raising his hands, helpless.

**Naruto always said… 'If you can help, do it.'

She pulled up her hood, mind racing. But this is real danger, not a school spar. Still, the memory of Naruto's unwavering confidence fueled her. She glanced at Crescent Rose's folded form on her back. I can't just do nothing.

Roman barked orders to his goons: "Fill the briefcases with as much Dust as you can. Move it!"

One thug jumped the counter, pointing a gun at the trembling shopkeep. Ruby inhaled, stepping forward. "Hey, that's enough."

All heads turned. A teenage girl in a red cloak standing defiantly near the shelves of Dust. Roman blinked in surprise—then burst out laughing. "Oh, this is precious. The little girl wants to play hero."

Ruby's cheeks burned, but she kept her voice steady. "I'm not playing anything. Let the shopkeep go."

Roman sighed theatrically. "Boys, deal with Red."

Two goons lunged at Ruby. She backflipped, flicking Crescent Rose's hidden latch. SNAP! In a flash, the weapon unfolded from a compact block into a massive scythe-rifle hybrid. The goons gawked.

"What the—?" one managed before Ruby swept the scythe's blade in an arc, knocking him flat. She fired a single bullet, using the recoil to dash sideways, slamming the blunt side of Crescent Rose into the second goon's chest. He crumpled.

Roman's grin vanished. "Grab the Dust and get out!" he snapped. Another pair of thugs hoisted briefcases of glowing crystals, racing for the door. Ruby pivoted, hitting a lever to shift Crescent Rose into rifle mode. She fired a warning shot at their feet, making them scatter.

In the confusion, Roman dashed for the door. Ruby bolted after him, hair whipping behind her. She was so focused on stopping him that she barely registered the swirl of streetlights and the cool night air as they burst outside.

Roman sprinted down the street. Ruby gave chase, firing a shot to propel herself forward. He ducked into an alley, up a fire escape, and onto the rooftops. She followed, adrenaline surging.

The city spread out below them—glowing signs, quiet streets, the distant rumble of nightlife. Roman whirled around, cane at the ready. "Persistent little brat."

Ruby steeled herself. "I'm not letting you get away with that Dust!"

He swung his cane—CLANG! A hidden blade clashed with Ruby's scythe. The two exchanged a flurry of blows, sparks flying in the moonlight. Ruby's arms trembled; he was faster than she expected. Or maybe she was just nervous fighting a real criminal.

Roman smirked, flicking a button on his cane. A hidden gun barrel emerged from the tip, releasing a blast. Ruby leapt back just in time, the shot whizzing past her shoulder. She fired Crescent Rose downward to create recoil that vaulted her over him, landing gracefully behind.

"I've got you now—!" she cried, but Roman chuckled.

"Not quite, Red."

In a blur, an airship descended above the rooftop, its side door sliding open. Roman dove inside, raising an eyebrow as he pointed the cane at Ruby.

"End of the line, kid." He pulled the trigger.

Before the bullet could connect, a swirling gust of wind and glowing runes crackled between Ruby and the shot. "Enough!" came a woman's voice.

Ruby turned to see Glynda Goodwitch—tall, stern, wielding a riding crop that glowed with aura. She deflected Roman's bullet with practiced ease. Standing beside her, in the shadows, was a silver-haired man with a mug of coffee—Professor Ozpin.

Roman, scowling, signaled the pilot. The airship ascended, disappearing into the night. Ruby felt relief and frustration in equal measure—he got away, but she was alive.

Glynda turned an appraising gaze on Ruby. "A brave performance, but incredibly reckless. You could have been killed."

Ruby swallowed, panting. "I… I just wanted to help the shopkeeper."

Ozpin stepped forward, his eyes unreadable behind his glasses. "And help you did. Miss… Rose, is it?"

She blinked in surprise. "Y-yes, sir. Ruby Rose."

Glynda straightened. "Ruby Rose. You have unusual skill for your age. That weapon… a scythe-rifle? You're a student at Signal Academy, correct?"

Ruby nodded, still breathless. "Yes, but—I just graduated last week."

Ozpin studied her carefully, as though sizing up her very soul. "You fought well, Miss Rose. That level of skill usually belongs to older Huntsmen or Huntresses. Are you interested in attending Beacon Academy?"

Ruby's eyes went wide. "Beacon? But… I'm only fifteen!"

Ozpin took a sip of coffee. "Age is a number. Talent is something else entirely. Would you like to become a Huntress?"

Ruby thought of Naruto—how he always encouraged her, how proud he was of her scythe. She remembered the swirl token in her pocket, symbolizing endless determination.

"Yes," she said softly, then more firmly. "Yes, I want that."

Glynda gave Ozpin a querying look, but he merely smiled. "Then it's settled. You'll begin this semester."

Ruby felt dizzy with excitement and shock. Beacon? Already?

The following morning, Ozpin and Glynda visited Patch to deliver the official Beacon acceptance letter to Ruby Rose. Yang, just returning from her near-disastrous foray at Junior's club, found them on the front porch, speaking with Taiyang.

Taiyang's face was a mixture of pride and mild disbelief. "You really want Ruby enrolled at Beacon now? She's younger than most first-years."

Ozpin sipped from his ever-present mug. "Your daughter has remarkable aptitude. It would be a shame to delay her potential."

Yang arched a brow at Ruby, who gave a small, nervous shrug, hugging her red cloak. "I, uh… had a run-in with a criminal. Professor Ozpin saw me fight."

Glynda nodded crisply. "She demonstrated advanced combat techniques—enough to warrant skipping the usual entrance process."

Yang's mind spun. While I was punching out club bouncers, Ruby was… what, stopping a robbery? Pride and worry swirled in her chest. She cleared her throat, stepping forward. "If Ruby's going to Beacon early, that means she'll be in my class."

Taiyang's gaze flicked between his daughters. "You sure about this, Ruby?"

The younger girl's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yes, Dad. This is everything I've dreamed of." A flicker of uncertainty crossed her face. "…But I also want to find Naruto. Maybe being at Beacon will help us get stronger, or meet people who know something."

Ozpin's brows knitted slightly at the mention of Naruto. He said nothing, but Yang caught the subtle reaction. He knows something, she thought.

Glynda cut in, trying to keep the conversation on track. "We expect Miss Rose to arrive for orientation just like every other first-year. She'll be a few years younger, but it's not unprecedented."

Taiyang exhaled, looking at Ruby. "Alright. If this is what you want, I won't stop you." He smiled—a bit sadly. "Both my girls off to Beacon. Summer and I always knew you'd do great things."

After Glynda and Taiyang moved inside to discuss paperwork, Ozpin lingered with Yang on the porch. She eyed him warily. "You're the Headmaster at Beacon, right?"

He nodded. "Indeed. I look forward to seeing you both there."

Yang chewed on her lip. "Do you… do you know anything about Naruto Uzumaki? Blonde, whisker marks. He's… missing."

Ozpin paused, taking a slow sip of coffee. "I have heard of him. A promising Huntsman candidate."

Her heart pounded. "Then you know where he is?"

"I'm afraid his current endeavors are classified," Ozpin replied calmly. "I imagine Qrow has told you as much."

Yang clenched her fists. "So that's it? We're just supposed to forget he ever existed?"

Ozpin's gaze was compassionate. "Not at all. But sometimes, the best we can do for those on dangerous paths is to make ourselves strong. Strong enough that, if they need us, we'll be ready. Focus on your training, Miss Xiao Long."

His words echoed Naruto's philosophy so much that Yang felt a lump in her throat. She managed a stiff nod. "Fine. But I won't give up on him."

Ozpin gave a small, knowing smile. "No, I suspect you won't."

That evening, after Ozpin and Glynda left, the household on Patch felt simultaneously lighter (Ruby's official acceptance to Beacon!) and heavier (the silent reminder of Naruto's absence). Ruby found Yang in their shared room, lying on her bed, staring at the swirl token in her hand.

Ruby cleared her throat. "So… while you were in Vale, I guess I ran into some criminals. I got recruited. Crazy day, huh?"

Yang let out a soft chuckle, though her voice held a tired edge. "You could say that. I tried to get info about Naruto from some shady club. Ended up punching half the people there."

Ruby's eyes widened. "Yang!"

Yang shrugged. "Got me nowhere, though. They just repeated the rumor that he's on some big secret mission out east." She flipped the token between her fingers. "Dad, Uncle Qrow, Ozpin… they're all telling us to focus on Beacon. It's like they want us out of the loop."

Ruby sat at the edge of the bed, fiddling with a piece of her cloak. "I feel guilty. I'm super excited about Beacon—meeting new people, learning advanced combat—but I also feel like I'm abandoning Naruto."

Yang sighed, staring at the ceiling. "I know. But if Ozpin's right, the best way to help Naruto is to become the best Huntresses we can be. That's what Naruto always said: 'Don't stand still—grow, move forward, or get left behind.'"

Ruby nodded, determination shining in her silver eyes. "Then we train harder than ever. We become real Huntresses, and one day, if he needs us…"

Yang finished the thought. "…we'll be ready."

Two days later, with orientation at Beacon fast approaching, Yang and Ruby found themselves restless again. They decided on one last trip into Vale for final supplies and possibly a last, desperate chance to spot Naruto.

They combed the streets near From Dust Till Dawn, hoping for a second run-in with Roman Torchwick or any shady figure who might blab about secret Huntsman movements. No luck. The city's bustle carried on, oblivious to their concerns.

It was nearing twilight when Ruby spotted a shock of blond hair in the distance. "Yang!" she hissed, grabbing her sister's arm. "Look—down that street!"

They glimpsed a silhouette—a tall, lean figure with messy blond hair.

Yang's heart galloped. "Naruto…?"

They sprinted down the block, weaving through pedestrians. But by the time they reached that spot, he was gone, the street empty except for a stray cat darting under a parked truck.

Ruby's shoulders drooped. "We were too slow."

Yang's jaw clenched, trying to swallow her disappointment. "He was never one to stick around if he didn't want to be found."

Dispirited, they headed toward the docks to catch the ferry back to Patch. As they passed a dimly lit alley, Yang noticed a small envelope pinned to a lamppost. Her name was scribbled on the front.

Nerves jangling, she tore it open. The handwriting inside was unmistakably Naruto's:

Yang, Ruby—stop chasing me. This is bigger than you realize. Now focus on Beacon. I promise, I'll see you again when I can.

—N

Ruby pressed a hand to her mouth, eyes shining with unshed tears. "He's… he's watching us."

Yang felt a rush of conflicting emotions: relief that he cared enough to leave a note, anger that he refused to speak face-to-face. "He says to stop chasing him," she muttered bitterly. "Like I can just… let it go."

Ruby placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. "At least we know he's safe. Maybe it's time to take his advice. We've got Beacon, after all."

Yang didn't reply, simply folding the note and tucking it into her pocket. She gazed into the dark alley, half-hoping he'd step out, grin sheepishly, and say it was all a big misunderstanding. But the only answer was the silent flicker of a broken streetlamp.

Back home on Patch, Taiyang could see the emotional toll on his daughters. Yang was training harder than ever, punching training dummies until her knuckles bled, while Ruby spent hours tinkering with Crescent Rose.

One evening, he found Yang in the backyard after dinner, repeatedly firing Ember Celica at improvised targets. The blasts lit up the darkness.

He approached slowly. "You'll wear yourself out, Firecracker."

She paused, arms shaking. "I can handle it."

He frowned. "That's not what I taught you—pushing yourself is good, but exhaustion leads to mistakes. "

Her fists relaxed, shoulders sagging. She gave a small nod. "Fine, you win. Let's go in."

Meanwhile, Ruby stood in the living room, gazing at a photo of her and Naruto.

Ruby touched the swirl token on her belt. *"If you can't go one more step," Naruto had often said, "that's when you take two." She took a deep breath, determination flaring. In her mind's eye, she imagined telling Naruto she was accepted to Beacon, skipping even the standard age requirement. Would he be proud?

She blinked away tears. I'll make sure you have something to come back to, Naruto.

A day before Beacon orientation, the sisters made one final stop at Signal Academy. The halls were quiet now—no classes in session for them. They just wanted to say goodbye to the place where they'd spent so many years training (and, secretly, to see if Naruto left any final clues).

They wandered into the sparring gym where they'd had their first supervised match together. The memory was still vivid: Naruto on the sidelines, cheering them on.

Yang ran a hand over the padded mats. "Remember when Naruto told me to feint low, then go high? Won that match because of him."

Ruby nodded, smiling faintly. "He believed in our potential even when we didn't see it ourselves."

They checked the locker rooms, rummaged for leftover items, but found nothing new. As they left, Ruby paused in front of a trophy case containing medals from past Vytal Festivals and small relics of Signal's shining students.

She whispered, "Next time we come back, we'll be Beacon students. Maybe then, we'll know more about Naruto."

Yang gently steered Ruby away, the echo of their footsteps resonating with unresolved longing.

That evening, in the Xiao Long-Rose living room, a familiar shape materialized on the porch: Qrow Branwen, looking weathered from travel, sword slung across his back. He knocked softly.

Yang opened the door, eyes immediately narrowing. "Qrow. Come to spill more secrets?"

He gave a lopsided grin. "I just heard from Ozpin that Ruby's officially in. That's quite the jump for a fifteen-year-old."

Ruby peeked around Yang's shoulder. "Um, hi, Uncle Qrow." She tried to sound polite, despite the swirl of emotions roiling inside her.

Qrow let out a weary sigh, stepping in. "Look, I know you're both upset about Naruto. I can't tell you much. But I can say… he's proud of you, from what I hear."

Yang's eyes flashed. "You've spoken to him?"

"In a sense," Qrow admitted, scratching the back of his neck. "We're in contact sometimes. He wants you two safe at Beacon. And… he's sorry he left like that."

Ruby felt her throat tighten. "Then why can't he just come see us?"

Qrow's gaze flicked away. "His mission is complicated. He's in deep cover, and any personal contact could blow it wide open. When it's over, he'll come back. That's all I know."

Yang balled her fists, but forced herself to remain calm. "Fine. We'll go to Beacon. But you'd better tell him that we're not little kids who need coddling."

A hint of a smile curved Qrow's lips. "He knows." He turned to Ruby. "Congrats on Beacon, by the way. Make your old man proud."

Ruby mustered a slight smile. "Thanks."

Qrow gave them both a final nod and left as abruptly as he'd arrived.

Dawn broke over Patch Island, bathing the Xiao Long-Rose household in golden light. The bullhead that would ferry them to Vale—and then on to Beacon—was scheduled for mid-morning.

Yang and Ruby packed up the last of their belongings. Taiyang bustled around, trying to make them a hearty breakfast, but no one had much appetite. A sense of anticipation and melancholy hung in the air.

At the door, Taiyang enveloped them both in a tight hug. "I'm proud of you girls. Study hard, train harder, and don't forget to eat actual meals."

Ruby giggled weakly. "Yes, Dad."

Yang forced a grin. "We'll be fine. We have each other."

Taiyang gave them a serious look. "Remember: Naruto's out there, doing what he thinks is best. Don't let this overshadow your future. Live your lives, and trust he'll come back when he can."

They nodded. In the quiet hush, they could almost feel Naruto's presence—an unspoken encouragement to move forward.

As they lugged their suitcases onto the front porch, a small flutter of hope lingered in Yang's chest: maybe Naruto would appear at the last second, ruffle their hair, and say, "Just kidding! I couldn't leave my favorite girls like that!"

But the yard remained empty, the maple tree silent in the breeze.

A low rumble of engines signaled the bullhead's arrival at the Patch landing pad. Time to go.

Ruby and Yang boarded the bullhead, suitcases in tow. The craft lifted off, the front porch of their home shrinking away below them. Through the window, they spotted Taiyang waving, a small figure with a sad smile.

Ruby swallowed thickly, memories tumbling through her mind: Summer's gentle guidance, Naruto's infectious grin, their father's hard-won pride. "We'll do our best," she whispered, voice trembling with emotion.

Yang placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder. "We have each other's backs, right? Like always."

Ruby turned to her sister, tears in her eyes but a steely determination in her voice. "Right. We'll make Naruto proud, wherever he is."

The bullhead soared over the ocean, engines humming. The horizon yawned before them, Vale's city skyline a distant silhouette. They had a short window to catch the next flight from Vale's port to Beacon Academy—the official start of their new lives as Huntresses-in-training.

Yang rummaged in her jacket pocket, retrieving the swirl token Naruto had carved. She pressed it to her heart. Endless determination, she reminded herself.

Ruby, noticing, quietly touched her own token pinned to her belt. Despite the ache in their hearts, they felt the faintest spark of hope.

They recalled Qrow's promise, Ozpin's counsel, and their father's words. Above all, they remembered Naruto's unwavering belief in them. One day, they'd stand tall enough to face whatever secret conflict held him away—and if it threatened him, they'd be strong enough to fight by his side.

The bullhead dipped as it prepared to land at Vale's port. A swirl of city sounds rose to greet them. People, lights, the bustle of day. They would soon board another transport to the Beacon Academy—a place of renown, where future Huntsmen and Huntresses were forged.

For now, they had to take that next step—together—into the unknown path leading them toward destiny.