Chapter 4

The return to Beacon was a seismic shift. Team JNPR, once the underdogs, now moved with an aura of invincibility, their bodies sculpted into formidable weapons during their training in the Freljord. Jaune, once the lanky, awkward strategist, was now a powerhouse, capable of feats of strength that bordered on the absurd. Pyrrha radiated confidence, finally owning the champion title she had always strived for, and pairing with Jaune in the arena made them an unstoppable force. Ren's movements were so fluid and precise, it was like watching water carve stone, and Nora, well, Nora was just Nora, but with power levels that threatened to rival the Arc lineage.

Their arrival was met with stunned silence, immediately broken by the whispering buzz of gossip. The fur-trimmed armor, a tangible symbol of their Freljordian training, was a stark contrast to the polished uniforms of the other students. The change in their physiques was undeniable.

It wasn't long before someone, eager to prove Jaune's supposed weakness, tried to shoulder him in the hallway. The attempt backfired spectacularly, the student bouncing off Jaune like he'd run into a brick wall and landing hard on his rear.

"Are you alright?" Jaune asked, genuine concern in his voice despite the simmering undercurrent.

The student, humiliated and enraged, spat out a threat, "I'LL HAVE YOU EXPELLED!"

Joan, Jaune's surprisingly strong cousin and the newest addition to their team, raised an eyebrow. "For...bouncing off of him?"

Nora chimed in, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yeah, there were witnesses."

Pyrrha subtly pointed to a nearby wall plastered with "Heart of Freljord" posters. The artwork featured Jaune and Braum, back-to-back, their shields raised against a backdrop of icy blue. It was an imposing image, radiating power and resolve. "And I don't think the other students are going to have your back."

Jaune stepped forward, his voice a low rumble. "So, yeah, want to tell that lie again?"

The student, fueled by more than just bruised pride, stood his ground, "I shall have you expelled!"

Jaune's gaze hardened. "Because your father is on the council? I'm a F* Mothering Prince and just supremely better than you!"

The student sputtered, rendered momentarily speechless.

"Goodwitch's class," Jaune continued, his voice laced with challenge. "You want to prove me a liar? Face me in Goodwitch's class. Or are you a bitch?"

The offer hung in the air, a public gauntlet thrown down. The student, caught off guard and desperate to salvage his reputation, had no choice but to accept. The other students, now a captivated audience, buzzed with anticipation. This wasn't part of his plan. He was supposed to humiliate Jaune, destabilize his team, and get him expelled from Beacon.

Jaune stepped closer, his voice dropping to a low, menacing whisper. "I know why you want me gone so badly, and it's not going to work." He leaned in further, the words sharp and clear. "Tell your Daddy that. Oh yeah, tell your girlfriend she even thinks about getting the Fall Maiden's powers, it's going to be a 'Harsh Winter'." With that, he turned and walked away, his team following in his wake, leaving the student reeling.

The next morning dawned with the rhythmic thud of running feet. Team JNPR pounded the Beacon grounds, Jaune shirtless, displaying a physique that drew gasps of admiration and envy. Nora and Pyrrha, clad in sports bras, kept pace beside him, while Ren, in a tank top, moved with his usual disciplined grace. They were on their thousandth lap as the sun crested the horizon.

"Okay team," Jaune announced, his breath barely ragged. "That's it, let's hit the showers."

As the others cleaned up, Jaune remained, sparring against the powerful jets, his movements a blur of controlled power.

At breakfast, the reactions were even more pronounced. Double takes, dropped trays, and hushed whispers followed Team JNPR as they approached their table. "Holy crap!" "Is that JNPR?" "What happened over the weekend?" "How did they get so big?"

They settled at their usual spot, Jaune consuming an all-meat omelet and coffee, Nora devouring a mountain of pancakes, Pyrrha enjoying a balanced breakfast of eggs and bacon, and Ren sipping miso soup with a croissant.

Nora was recounting her experiences with Illaoi. "Yeah, she likes me, though."

"That's because you're the embodiment of chaos, Nora," Pyrrha replied, smiling.

Just then, the student from the previous day stormed up to their table. "Alright," he declared, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and fury. "You're on!"

"Goodwitch's class?" Jaune inquired, calmly taking a sip of his coffee.

"Yes!"

"Okay, see you then." Jaune was about to take another sip when the student lunged, attempting to knock the mug out of his hand. The mug didn't budge. "What are you doing? Trying to get killed? Look, whatever you got planned ain't going to work."

The student growled, his face contorted with rage, and stomped away.

Goodwitch's class was packed. The air thrummed with anticipation. "Class," she announced, her voice cutting through the noise. "Our first match shall be Alister Kuroko vs. Jaune Arc."

A collective gasp swept through the room. Alister, clad in full armor and wielding a gleaming sword, looked every part the seasoned warrior. Then Jaune strolled out, carrying only his shield.

"HAH!" Alister sneered. "Why don't you use your weapon, weakling?"

The class collectively thought one thing: This dumbass.

"Don't need them," Jaune replied, a smirk playing on his lips. "Not to beat you. Let's play."

Goodwitch signaled the start of the match, and Jaune charged. A wall of ice, three inches thick, slammed into Alister. Jaune then proceeded to pummel him, each blow echoing through the room. He slammed Alister against the arena wall, then flipped away, picked up his door-sized shield, and tackled him to the ground. "I'm going to beat on your skull until I hit tonsils," Jaune growled, drawing back his fist.

"STOP!" Goodwitch yelled, her voice filled with urgency. "You've won, Mr. Arc!"

Jaune remained on top of Alister, his arm still cocked back. He crossed his arms, the picture of barely contained power. "Tell your father, he wants to mess with the Arcs, he'll get the wraith of Arcdia." He stood up and turned to leave, at that moment Alister, fueled by desperation and humiliation, lunged at him from behind.

"DIE ARC!" he screamed.

Jaune reacted instantly. He grabbed Alister by the throat, lifted him into the air, and slammed him back down with bone-jarring force. As Alister lay gasping, Jaune knelt, his fist planted firmly on Alister's chest. He broke Alister, snapping his sternum. Blood welled up in Alister's mouth.

"You First!" Jaune said, and rose. "You might need to take him to the hospital right now." Alister was immediately rushed to the infirmary.

Later, Jaune found himself in Ozpin's office, recounting the events of the day. Ozpin sighed, shaking his head. "I'll talk to his Father. Rachel is not going to be pleased."

"You telling me," Jaune agreed, a hint of a smile on his face.

"You're dismissed, Jaune."

"Thank you, sir."

The gauntlet had been thrown down. The forces arrayed against Jaune Arc and his team had underestimated them, and the consequences were only just beginning to unfold.