Hunting or Bust: The Journey Continues

Dust 7: New Connections and Reconnecting

And another Volume under the belt. Man, what a ride! But I don't want a hiatus again!

Also, it's the 1st anniversary of this story getting published…and it falls on the finale day too. That's…too weird. I swear I didn't plan that.

By the way, remember how Ruby was discussing with Naruto maybe a new name for his Semblance? I thought Manipulation covered it pretty well but that word has such a terrible implication with it that I thought it might be time to change. I have a good one in mind but if you have some thoughts I'd love to hear them.

Some announcements at the end of the chapter. But on with the show!

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"I don't get why you two are so hung up on it."

"You were eaten by a Grimm!"

"It's hard not to be hung up on it!"

"They're right. It was terrifying."

"I still wanna know how you survived!"

"What can I tell you? I just woke up in the forest after that."

"And what happened then?"

"Well…"

The group of reunited friends talked around the table and devoured their feast. All while using the chance to catch up with Weiss and Yang about everything…

"You were attacked?!" Yang yelled in surprise before she gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, "Who did it?! Who dared go after my little sister?! I swear I'm gonna-"

"Don't worry, Yang. We scared him off with Uncle Qrow's help." Ruby calmed her sister down, "And I sliced off a portion of his tail before he could sting him again."

"Whoa, that's hardcore."

"Oh yeah, he ran off screaming."

Weiss and Yang shared a surprised look as Naruto nodded while slurping up some noodles, "Yeah, I was shocked when I heard it too."

"Well, at least you were safe after that."

"Eh, not really. After that Uncle Qrow got sick and we were desperate to move and…"

"Oh man," Nora grinned, "Get ready for this nightmare fuel!"

Most of the appetizers were cleaned out…

Yang sighed, "So you met my mom too?"

Naruto nodded, "How was your reunion?"

"It involved me yelling and arguing with her, barely containing my rage, and then knocking everyone else around me away in a blaze of glory."

The others looked around the table at each other, "Wow…I haven't met her but your mom doesn't sound fun."

"She's extremely infuriating." Weiss commented, "And I'm saying that not even based on the fact she tried to sell me back to Atlas."

Ruby looked at her sister's lowered expression before holding her shoulder, "Yang, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry she wasn't what you expected…and I'm sorry you had to meet her by yourself."

Yang faintly smiled before patting Ruby's hand, "It's okay, Ruby. I'm glad I saw her, if not to get me here, then to at least know I never have to bother with her again. And hey," She looked between Ruby and Naruto, "I think I finally got a chance to show her just how awesome I turned out without her."

They both nodded in agreement, Ruby's eyes watering with pride and relief before she quickly dried them, "I'm glad. And if you're okay…" Her eyes darted down, "Can you show me this swanky new arm?!"

There was a wave of sighing across the table as Yang grinned and flexed her new prosthetic, "Oh little sister, you won't believe the damage this baby can do."

The meal had been finished and the plates collected for wash-

"THEY FOUND YOU IN ATLAS?!"

"Yes," Weiss calmly nodded at everyone's shock, "I was just as surprised. Sasuke and I spotted each other in Mantle, and they made their way up to Atlas to find me. We reunited after I escaped my house and were prepared to leave. But the smuggler carrying me wouldn't allow for everyone, so they told me to go ahead while they found their way here." She looked down into her cup, "I hope they made it out in time."

"Everyone? Do you mean they had others?"

"They're bringing the army!" Nora exclaimed, "Haha, just like they said! I'm so proud of them!"

"Well, I wouldn't exactly call it an army. There were only three other people with them. But they managed to convince two Noble Guards to help them and found another Uchiha survivor to join our fight."

"That's amazing!"

Nora slumped back, "Meh, it's not an army. I'm gonna have to give them a talking to when they make it."

"You saw them." Naruto muttered in disbelief before he pressed the point, "H-How were they? Were they okay? They weren't hurt or anything, were they? Sasuke never lets it show and Kiba would press on-"

"They were fine." Weiss quickly assured him, "Sasuke was getting along quite well. He's been doing his best to adapt and change after what happened at Beacon. It was honestly so…nice to see him." She admitted with a faint pink dusting her cheeks. When she heard the cheeky giggles from Yang and Nora she quickly dispelled her hue, "And Kiba was as insufferable as usual. Except now he has a beard."

"HE HAS A BEARD?!" Nora screeched, rushing away before reappearing with paper and pen, "DRAW IT!"

"Uh-"

"Glad to see you kids reconnecting," Qrow spoke as he and Oscar walked back in with their dirty plates, "But I think we need to move on to the next part of the night."

Yang chuckled, "And what'd that be, Qrow? And who's the kid anyway?"

Oscar looked to Qrow and received a nod. He stepped forward and closed his eyes before his expression changed. When opened his eyes again, Weiss and Yang were surprised to see the change in his demeanor, "Ms. Schnee, Ms. Xiao Long, it's a pleasure to see you both again. Now…we have a lot of catching up to do."

((((((((Hunting))))))))

She was staring out into the forest when Sun and Tenten found her and joined her on the balcony. They didn't say anything, leaning on the railing and staring out over the forest with her.

"So there's a whole desert on the far side of the forest, right? Where no one lives?"

"That's right."

"Have you ever been there?"

"I have, although not for very long and not very far in." Blake said, "I got to see what the desert side of the island was like on a field trip around Menagerie my school did. It was hot and uncomfortable and no end of sand in sight."

"And I'm telling you, you guys could live in that sand if you tried. Wouldn't have to crowd yourselves up on this tiny island if you utilized the rest of the space the best you can!"

"Sun, I told you already; the desert part of the island is uninhabitable and filled with dangerous Grimm and animals."

"Yeah! Do you think Vacuo is a spa?! We make due! And I bet the people of Menagerie are rough and sturdy enough to make it work!"

Blake shook her head while letting out a little giggle. Something about a mindless conversation put her nerves at ease.

"So…kinda sucks what those jerks said about you in front of everyone, right?"

"Sun!"

"What? We had to talk about it."

"Yeah, but you gently break the ice, not come at it with Nora's hammer." Tenten sighed, "I swear we were gonna touch the topic when you were ready."

"C'mon, I like talking about deserts and survival as much as the next guy but there are way more important things to focus on."

"It's alright," Blake spoke up and looked between her friends, "There are more important things to focus on right now."

"Alright," Tenten reluctantly agreed before leaning against the railing with a scowl, "That was such a dirty move heaping the blame on you like that. Where the hell do they get off?! We need to do something. Convince the people you weren't-"

"My public image is hardly the most important thing to worry about. Plus I'm not exactly in a place where I should be arguing about my part in everything that happened." Blake said as she looked back at her home, "What I am worried about is that this is taking away from my parents' message and warning. They're trying to get attention on Mistral and the threat of the White Fang, but instead, now they have to think that they're just trying to make up for the daughter that ran away and came back home."

"It's such bullshit!" Sun cursed, "I wanna give those two smug jerks a taste of their own medicine! We should dig up some dirt on them and run a smudge crusade!"

"A smear campaign?"

"Yeah!"

Both girls sighed at Sun's simplicity before Tenten patted her shoulder, "We'll go back inside and talk with the others about what to do next. Don't stay out for too long, okay?" She nodded and watched Tenten and Sun make their way back inside. She stared out into the wilderness before stepping away-

"I didn't know they were going to do that. I just wanted you to know that."

Blake flinched for a moment…but settled when she recognized the voice. She turned and found a familiar figure standing on the balcony with her, "Hi, Ilia."

"Hey, Blake." She reached for her Grimm mask and slowly removed it, showing her soft and pensive features when she faced her. A total departure from the tired and aggravated look she had on her face when she and Minato chased her down weeks ago.

Blake looked at her old friend sadly, "I didn't think you'd want to see me again."

"Of course I did." Ilia said, "I have a duty to the White Fang, but that doesn't mean I hate you. And I-I didn't have anything to do with that announcement. I-I mean I did, but not the-"

"I know. That man is devoted to Adam and probably has only heard the worst about me from him." Blake nodded, still keeping her guard up and an eye on Ilia, "We weren't lying about Adam. You know that right?"

Ilia silently nodded her head.

"Then if you know what kind of person he is…why are you still following him?"

"Because it's making a difference, Blake. More of a difference than we ever did playing by their rules or trying to even the playing field." Ilia stated, "It might seem awful, but at the end of this things can finally be better for the White Fang. If all the awful stuff we did can be made right in the end, that's worth it."

Blake clenched her fist, "But Ilia, it won't ever be right. Adam isn't going to stop at being equal or gaining the rights we deserve. He's going to drag every Faunus in the world down with him, lashing out at every human that does or doesn't deserve it to satiate his anger."

"I've never met a human that doesn't deserve it." Ilia bitterly answered, "Either treating us like a joke or turning their backs and superficially wishing for better. They're content being where they are, and keeping us where we are."

"No, they aren't." Blake added, "Ilia, I didn't have much faith in people either, but I know that way of thinking is wrong. I've met people that are trying to do better. People we considered enemies for the longest time who want to change and make things right. It's reaching out to those kinds of people and making a difference that will make a change, not just waging war on them. We can't-"

"You met these people after you left?" Ilia asked, her grip tightening around her mask, "You left."

Blake paused before nodding, "I did."

"After you left, Adam became obsessed with pushing on. He worked with all those other people to gain power. He cut off Danzō's head in front of everybody. And I had to watch as it all happened." Ilia looked up at Blake, "If you asked I would have gone with you. If you think there's some better way you could have shown it to us…but you just left instead."

…

"Things are only going to get worse here. The brothers want power and they won't let anyone get in the way." Ilia placed her mask on and jumped up on the railing, "You should leave, Blake. Save yourself. It's what you're best at."

"No. I won't leave. Never again."

Ilia paused before jumping off and disappearing into the foliage of the forest.

Blake watched her vanish before turning away.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"Here's some fire Dust. Please take it."

"But what about you kids-"

"We'll be okay. You just stay warm."

"Hey, the walls are damaged. If something comes in-"

"You hear all that firepower out there? I'm sure they're giving it their all."

"What is Ironwood thinking? Little Bertolt, does you brother have any idea-"

"~Ma'am, told ya once, told ya twice, don't make me do thrice when ya speakin' to me, it's the one and only Killer Bee. Now my brother's a stiff and his stuffiness is hefty, but when it comes to a fight you can trust him with ya safety~."

"Kiba, my momma wanted you guys to have some of our leftovers!"

"Aw, thanks kid! Now get back inside and stay warm."

"Momma looks sad for some reason. Did General Ironwood do something bad?"

Sasuke and the others stood aside as Kiba looked down at the young Faunus girl. Kiba grinned and gently patted her head, "Don't you worry, okay? I'm sure it's gonna be okay. Just go hang with your mom and make sure she's safe, alright?"

"Kay!"

They watched the little girl return home before Kiba joined the others around their makeshift fire and took a bite of the leftovers, "I hate not being straight with that kid."

"Well, what can you tell her?" Shisui shrugged as Kiba passed the leftovers to him, "Your Kingdom has been unceremoniously locked up and everyone is terrified for their safety. Not something to say to a child."

"Deal for transport fell through too." Bee sighed as he stuffed his mouth with surprisingly delicious day-old pasta, "The regular methods for smuggling things out are now closely surveyed by soldiers from every angle. It's going to be a while before they find any new methods to move out this many people at once."

Sasuke immediately passed the food to Fū as he stared up at Atlas, "I don't think we could be in a worse position than right now."

"Hey, look on the bright side," They looked at Fū as she picked at the pasta a little, "We might be stuck inside of a Kingdom we can't escape with panic and Grimm all around us, but at least we got each other."

They hummed their reluctant agreement, "And some good pasta too."

Fū grimaced, "I mean it's okay, but it's missing-"

"Fū, again, sand is not a spice. Stop pining for it."

Sasuke couldn't help but chuckle when he saw Fū pout and puff out her cheeks. After his laugh had finally finished, he scratched his head and looked around at his friends, "Do we have any ideas?"

"Your brother and friends are in the Atlas military, right? Maybe we could reach out to them? See if they'd be willing to offer a hand?" Shisui proposed.

Kiba shrugged, "What if we went to Ironwood himself? He might remember us from Beacon. We defended Amity together before we had to separate. Of course, then we'd have to explain why we're here, why we have a confidential Atlas asset list, and why our arrival matches up so perfectly with Weiss' disappearance."

"Big Bro might be our best connection and way out," Bee raised, before biting his lip and waving his hand, "But something tells me we kinda burned that bridge already."

With convincing his brother to leave, billing a high-rise hotel to his name, and running away after the daughter of the most powerful company in Atlas disappeared, there was a chance reaching back out to Bee's brother would only make things worse.

Kiba blew a raspberry, "Who cares? Your brother's a douche and I don't wanna rely on him for anything." He stated before throwing some small twigs into the fire, "Besides if we have to stick around until we find a way out, I'm glad we can at least try and help these people."

There was a round of hums and agreement on that part. And as they settled around the fire to stay warm and conserve Aura, they heard the distant sounds of Grimm and panic from the city above. Sasuke looked up at the edges of Mantle with a narrowed gaze.

He reached over and took the leftovers from Fū before stuffing his face. Quickly chewing and swallowing, he placed the plate aside and stood up while grabbing his sword, "Sasuke? What are you-"

"We're still here, so the least we can do is help." He said as pointed up at the city, "People are panicking up there. So why don't we help?"

"Go into the city and fight off some invading Grimm? Alright," Kiba smirked and retried his tonfas, "Better that than sitting around all night. I'm in."

"Me too."

"I-I still need some practice with my Semblance, but I'll help where I can!"

"Oh yeah, time to float like a butterfly and sting like a Killer Bee!"

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"And that's what we're dealing with."

Weiss and Yang sat in complete silence as they took in everything the group had to tell them. Yang's head hung from her shoulders as Weiss looked at the others.

"Yeah, we were pretty surprised hearing it too." Jaune nodded, "It's…a lot to take in."

Ren nodded, "Thankfully you don't have to process everything followed by having to carry and care for a slowly dying Qrow."

The grizzled Huntsman stopped his sip, "Oh yeah, hang that over my head for the rest of my life."

"Perhaps we will!" Nora cheekily exclaimed.

"Weiss, Yang, are you okay?" Ruby knelt by the couch and looked between her partner and sister in concern, "I know this is a lot to think about, and if you need time-"

"It's just like she said."

"I can't believe it's real."

"Huh?"

"Raven," Yang said while rubbing her forehead, "She told us this before we came here."

"She told you?!"

"Not everything." Weiss clarified, "Everything about the Maidens and Relics is new to us, but she told us about Salem. And she said Ozpin was still planning even though he was dead…w-we thought she was just being spiteful," She spared a look to Oscar, "But there was more to that than we expected."

"So Raven told you." Qrow groaned, "If she's been blabbing about Salem and other secrets then our job is just gonna be even more of a pain in the ass."

"She told us more, too." Yang said while looking up at Qrow, "She told me what happened to you and her. What Ozpin did to you to get you on his side. She showed it to us too."

Ruby and Naruto looked at each other in confusion before seeing the same look on JNR's faces, "Uh…showed what exactly?"

"Raven told us that you forced the ability to transform into birds on them so that they'd be your allies."

"Y-You can transform into a bird?" Ruby asked Qrow. With a hum and shrug, Ruby's eyes widened in amazement, "That is so cool!"

"I wanna turn into animals!"

As Ren pulled Nora back down, Qrow sighed, "Of course, she would word it like that. Yang, I promise you we weren't coerced into being his allies and he didn't force these abilities on us. I'm sure Raven likes to think back on it and make herself out as the unwilling victim, but I know I chose to accept this ability so I could help the cause."

Ruby looked to Ozpin, "Why turn them into birds?"

"Because in a fight where our enemy's allies are constantly changing, information to know how to respond is key. Animals are left alone by the Grimm, and birds go unnoticed by people as they live their days. Qrow can scout, survey, and learn all about our enemy and where he needs to go without drawing an eye." Ozpin said, "I wanted to make sure that if they were going to act on my behalf, they are as safe as possible when they did."

"He offered us this ability when he asked us to join the fight to stop Salem. I think when Raven took it up she saw a chance to use it for her own sake. And when I did…I thought there might be a chance for me to help. So I cut ties with my tribe while Raven stayed committed and joined Ozpin's fight."

"Why?" Yang asked, "Why did she go and you stayed? What made you change your mind?"

"Raven and I joined the academy to learn how to fight and kill Huntsmen." Qrow said, "We were to learn everything we could and then come back to pass it on to them. Make a tribe of Hunter-killers unmatched by anyone else in Remnant. I don't think Raven ever lost sight of that goal, even as time passed and I thought she did. Me on the other hand…"

Qrow stepped around the couch, "I don't wanna say love and friendship thawed my icy heart, but after a while, I started thinking of what a life away from the tribe would be like. Trying to do some good instead of being the thing generation after generation of Huntsmen and Huntresses strive to stop. Then Ozpin came to us with the truth," He looked over at the young man, "And gave us a choice to help him. I thought Raven and I were of one mind that helping stop the mother of all Grimm from ruining everything was a lot better than just robbing and pillaging people."

"But she didn't." Yang shook her head, "And you stayed?"

"The only reason I had to go back to the tribe wasn't loyalty or commitment but because it was all I'd ever known, and even then I knew it was a shitty life. A chance to help and do good sounded pretty damn nice to hear back then." Qrow pocketed his flask, "Yang, this was a choice we were given. Raven didn't want the fight - honestly, I can't hold that against her - but if she made you think that her leaving and cowering away was because of Ozpin or anything he did, she's wrong. Remember that, okay?"

The blonde fighter sat in silence for a moment before nodding and looking to Ozpin, "So this transformation thing you gave them; are you going to give it to us?"

"Oh, I volunteer!" Nora waved her hand, "If we get a choice I'd like to be a bull! A big raging bull with horns!"

"Nora, bulls are male."

"Don't be close-minded, Ren!"

"Can I be a puppy?" Ruby asked as she shivered with excitement, "Oh my god if I got to run around and play with Zwei as a puppy-"

"You just heard everything your uncle had to say about the responsibility of that power and you want to use it to play?" Weiss sighed, "Honestly you're just-"

"Weiss is a grumpy cat!"

"Hey!"

Ozpin chuckled, holding his cane before shaking his head, "No, Ms. Xiao Long, I don't think I can afford to do that again. Offering Qrow and Raven that ability took a substantial chunk of my remaining magical power to do…and considering she ran off and cut all ties with us afterward, I'm having a difficult time convincing myself to take that chance again."

"Doesn't you Magic come back?"

Ozpin gave a small nod, "It comes back after I use it, much like how your Aura will recharge after it is drained. But when I give someone pieces of it it won't return so easily. I surrendered most of my magic to four young girls millennia ago so they could do better with the power than I could shut away from the rest of the world."

"You?! You gave the Four Maidens the magic power?! B-But that was an old wizard shut away in a house who-"

Ozpin smiled coyly and raised an eyebrow.

The kids all blinked in disbelief, "Wow, you have been around for a while."

"And they weren't the only ones I thought my magic would be of a better use for." He looked across the living room and Naruto sat up in surprise, "Long ago I gave nine individuals pieces of my magic…so they could help their community in a time of crisis."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock, "You…made the Noble Guard? How?"

"I was reincarnated into a Faunus many years ago when the separation was at its most critical and many Faunus were at risk of losing their lives. I met a group that wanted to stand up and protect them, and I felt moved. So I granted them pieces of my magic - not like the Maidens but more like Qrow and Raven - to help protect the population. That, mixed with their Aura, gave them an appearance that would soon become part of the legend."

"W-Wait," Naruto channeled his Semblance over his arms, "Does that mean I have magic?"

Ozpin shook his head, "The way yours and your ancestors' abilities manifest is in homage to your progenitor's power, but it isn't magic. I assure you. Nonetheless, your skills and abilities are already more than a match for the heroes back then. All of you have already proven that. And even though the trails ahead will no doubt be wrought with danger, I think we may be able to win this battle against Salem and her forces."

"Of course!"

"You can count on us, Professor!"

Weiss nodded firmly, "I will help however I can."

Ozpin nodded before looking over the couch, "Ms. Xiao Long?"

Everyone looked to Yang for her answer as the long-haired blonde sat quietly. She stood up and stared directly at Ozpin, "If the others are going to fight then I won't just sit by and do nothing. But if we're going to work together, I just want everything on the table. No bits and pieces. No lies of omission. If we're going to do this, we need to be able to trust each other. Okay?"

"I understand."

Yang sighed in relief before looking around with a grin, "Alright!" She punched her fists together, "How're we gonna take my mom down?"

((((((((Hunting))))))))

The sound of rapid-fire questions and worried tones could be heard through the walls of Belladonna Manor. Many constituents came up to the house to get Ghira's attention and ask questions the community needed answered. They had a lot to say about the White Fang and the accusations brought up against the Belladonnas' guests and daughter.

The one-time Ghira raised his voice loud enough to be heard through the walls made it sound like someone said something about Blake that he didn't agree with.

So Blake and Kali went in to help him deal with the questions and vet any concerns the people might've had. And their guests made sure to stay upstairs and away from the visitors to avoid any problems.

Sun walked back and forth through the halls, "Damn, I hate having to stay up here. And I hate listening to these people talk about trying to ease tensions and concerns by pressuring her with questions! It's bullshit!"

"Shh," Tenten shushed him while the meeting took place a floor below, "Sun, calm down. Blake and her parents are trying to work things out and they don't need us interrupting them." She reached up and pulled on his arm so he sat beside her, "Just catch your breath and try to distract yourself."

The monkey Faunus frowned but crossed his arms and waited with her. Tenten nodded and went back to checking her Scroll as Jiraiya read a book and Minato sharpened his knives on a whetstone. They sat in silence for almost a minute before Jiraiya started counting down from three…

Sun jumped up, "I mean it ain't fair!"

"Like clockwork, this kid."

Tenten sighed as her friend fumed, "Sun, I know how you feel. I think it was despicable throwing out Blake's past like that and blame her for everything. But a lot of people on this island are scared and concerned and they have to be convinced, not just told it isn't true."

"Yeah, I get that. I mean I don't get it but it's just one of those I trust you guys on." The blond boy rubbed his head, "But Blake - she won't even say anything to it! She won't argue against it or speak up! She's just letting these folks think whatever they want about her!"

"Well, there ain't much to be done about that." Jiraiya shrugged, "The people hear news like that and it spreads like a wildfire. We tried to think of a way to counter them and they've already been spreading that spark through the people." The old toad hummed, "It probably doesn't help that she hasn't tried to defend herself."

"And what's with that?" Sun asked indignantly while looking between all of them, "I mean she's just letting these guys talk trash about her? What do they know? All the shit the White Fang has done and they think they can just blame it on her?! And she won't say anything about it?!"

Tenten shook her head, "Maybe she doesn't think they're wrong? I mean think of all the things she blamed herself for-"

"Yeah, but that's her problem! She always blames herself for this stuff! She doesn't think she's earned her forgiveness! But I forgive her!" Sun said, "You forgive her, right? Everyone we met forgave her! So why is she still blaming herself?"

"Because it doesn't matter if everyone else forgave her." Tenten and Sun looked over as Kushina appeared in the hall and walked over, "Sorry for eavesdropping. I just woke up and you aren't exactly quiet."

"S-Sorry about that." Sun stuttered nervously. He was never one to get anxious around people he didn't know, but even he felt like he walking on eggshells around the former White Fang leader, "What do you mean it doesn't matter?"

"You can forgive her. All your friends can forgive her. It doesn't matter if everyone else forgives her because she doesn't forgive herself. She doesn't want to." Kushina answered, "She still holds herself responsible for whatever part she thinks she had in the way the White Fang is now. Until she has that settled, accepting forgiveness or clearing her name are the furthest things on her mind." The red-haired fox shrugged as Sun and Tenten looked disappointed, "She has to settle this herself. Whether that's through helping Menagerie first or taking back the White Fang-"

"Or throwing her life away without a second thought."

The hallway went deathly silent as Minato's sudden addition left them wordless. Kushina was quiet for a moment before continuing, "If that's how she thinks she can make up for what she's done, then that's all there is to it."

Minato dragged the whetstone a little rougher along his knife.

Kushina continued down the hall, passing Minato's seat without saying a word as the rest just watched her-

"Stop!"

The fox Faunus stopped and looked back as Tenten stood up from her seat. The young Huntress marched over and glared down at Minato, "Say something."

"What?"

"Say something! Say something to her now!" She pulled him out of his seat, pointing into his startled face as she berated him, "Don't just sit there a-and mope! Nothing is gonna change unless you do something! And you!"

Tenten marched straight over to Kushina who had also been stunned silent by her sudden outburst, "I know you want to say something to him! I see you spare looks at each other when you think the other one isn't looking! You want to say something but you're both too stubborn to do it!"

"Tenten-"

"No!" She denied them their chance to make an excuse, "I know it's messed up! I know so much went wrong! But you have to talk to each other! If you keep putting it off and waiting for your chance to talk, it's gonna pass you by! You," She caught her breath and paused before shaking her head, "You don't want to miss the opportunity to say what you want to say to the person you care about." Tenten clenched her fists, "Believe me."

…

Minato and Kushina looked at each other…and said nothing before they went their separate ways.

Tenten sighed and hung her head dejectedly. But she slowly raised it when she felt a hand on each shoulder trying to comfort her. She looked up between Jiraiya and Sun before letting out a shuddering breath and turning to her blond friend, "Sorry I told you to calm down. I tell you that and I-"

"Nah, I get it." He grinned and hugged her across the shoulders, "I'm glad someone said it."

((((((((Hunting))))))))

The Grimm of Solitas was a little different from the rest of the world. They were rougher, and it looked like frost started to encroach over their bodies from the harsh environment. The Grimm of the north were some of the most dangerous in the entire world-

"Sasuke! Three kitties coming up on your right!"

But they were dealt with like any other Grimm.

Sasuke rounded the corner and quickly spotted the group of Sabyrs rushing over. They rushed at him but he stayed low to the ground as he swung up, cleaving through their neck in a single swing. On the other side, all three beasts toppled over headless behind him before he rushed to the next group.

"Kiba, on your left! And your right! Oops, they're coming up behind you too! Oh, and in front-"

"Less play-by-play, more heads-up!" Kiba barked up at Fū from her vantage point as he opened fire on the incoming wave. Once the horde had been thinned out, Kiba switched his mags, "Bee! On your six!"

"YEAH!" The bull Faunus leaped over the head of a particularly large Beowolf that was rushing in behind him. He narrowly avoided its snapping maw and shoved one of his short blades through its head and into its jaw it instantly died. Not missing a moment, Bee then flipped onto his hands and started spinning with his legs out to eviscerate any Grimm nearby, "HAHAHA!"

Shisui stood by the empty sidewalk and cocked Sasuke's shotgun sheath before firing at the last Grimm. Giving the street a quick once over, he called to Fū, "Hey, I think we're clear! Where to next?!"

Fū hovered over the streets like a bright green drone. She poked her head over the streets they'd already passed to see if any new trouble arrived. She went ahead and checked it out, "I see some Grimm but there are also soldiers and robots!"

"Leave them be." Sasuke warned, "I don't think we need to interject on their work." They had to imagine interfering with soldiers holding a line would only draw unnecessary attention and questions on them, "Let's keep moving."

Fū flew overhead while the guys followed after her below. They passed many corners and heard Grimm and gunfire as civilians remained inside. Fu's eyes widened before she called out, "Hey, I see something! There are Grimm ahead and people fighting them off!"

"Do they need help?"

"Uh…no? I think they got this."

As they got closer to the source of the commotion, they saw a large swarm of Grimm surrounding a crew of women. They were nearly overwhelmed on all sides by the horde. But the most impressive part was how handily they were taken ping care of the swarming beasts.

Sasuke sped up his rush and met the Grimm first. He jumped onto the back of a Sabyr as it bucked and snarled before he sliced through its spine. Leaping off its back, he landed by a short woman with fluffy white hair and sheep ears. She flinched but kept a firm hand on her staff to fight off Grimm, "Um, who are you?"

"Passing by." Sasuke said while knocking back a Grimm as she filled it with arrows, "Saw Grimm and thought we could help."

"Ha!" A blue-haired woman grunted as she stabbed her staff into the Grimm next to her, "Thanks kid, but don't need help. We have this hand-"

"WRAAHHH-"

"HYAAAHHHH!" Kiba roared as he jumped in and slammed his tonfa on the head of one Grimm drawing near, "Yeah but the more the merrier!"

"Yep," Bee slashed several apart as he slid nearby the strangers, "And I'm always lookin' to help some pretty ladies when I see 'em!"

"Oh great, you." The largest woman groaned while manhandling a Sabyr and slamming it headfirst into the ground, "Just stay out of our way you lyrically-challenged idiot and I'm sure we'll make it through this."

Shisui remained on the outside and picked off any stragglers he spotted. As he watched the Grimm get decimated, he couldn't help but marvel at the skill he saw. He knew Sasuke, Kiba, and Bee were exceptionally skilled, but these other people were keeping up with ease. Their abilities were enough to tell him they weren't just concerned citizens but thoroughly trained warriors.

"HA!" The short Faunus girl released a giant dumpster from a void in her hand that crushed the last Grimm under it. With a sigh, she wiped her cheek and caught her breath before giving a big smile, "Is that my favorite artist I see?"

"There's my favorite rebel!" Bee laughed and swooped the short woman up in a big hug before spinning around, "Fifi, so good ta see ya!" He dropped the dizzy sheep Faunus on her feet before he grinned towards the other two women, "May, you're a sight for sore eyes."

"Heh, and you're still ridiculous."

Bee then straighten his collar and fixed his glasses before strolling up to the giant of a woman, "Johanna, my baby-"

Her hand latched around his face, "Don't you dare." She shoved him back and looked at the others, "Alright Bee, never seen you drag your ass out of that club to help with Grimm before - especially with some plucky fresh-faced kids at your side. What's up?"

"Missed my manners." Bee said with a chuckle before craning his head back, "Fū! Get down here! Meet the best ladies Mantle has to offer!"

The green figure above their heads suddenly plummeted before stopping inches above the ground. The three Huntresses were startled by her appearance before her Aura disappeared and her normal adorable features returned, "I saw how you girls fought off those Grimm! It was so cool!"

"Was that your Aura around you? I-I've never seen something like that on anyone other than Bee."

"Wait," The short Faunus stepped up, "Bee, is she like you?"

"Yep. A Noble Guard or whatever they call it." Bee grinned, "This is Fū, Sasuke, Kiba, and Shisui. The new crew came and picked me to help them with something big. Guys these are Fiona, May, and Johanna. Fiona's family lives down in the crater too, and May came down from Atlas once she realized how much it sucks. Oh man, and Johanna-"

"Don't." The tall woman raised her hand and stopped Bee from yapping. She focused her gaze on the newcomers, making Fū slouch in and Kiba puff out his chest, "Where did these guys even come from? I don't recognize them."

"Cause they ain't from around here. They came from out of the Kingdom to find me for help." Bee said, a bit of smug pride in his voice as he told them.

Fiona nodded, "Oh, that makes sense. I didn't recognize you kids from the school but you're well-trained."

"Well-trained might be being a little too generous." May said with a smirk and crossed arms, "These kids still seem rough around the edges. Like they jumped into the big leagues before finishing their classes."

Kiba chuckled, "Good call. And you're right - we didn't get to finish our classes. You know with Beacon falling and my throat getting torn out by a monster and my friend here losing his hand fighting off terrorists. But sure, keep making jokes."

…

Johanna chuckled before nudging her teammate, "Yeah May, keep going. I'm sure-"

"S-Shut up." She stuttered, "I just - I didn't - shut up."

"Hey, where's the boss?" Bee asked, "Nothing makes me happier-"

"No chance. And she's handling another street further along. Said we should make sure these streets were safe while she checked on the civilians."

Sasuke stepped aside and looked around the street, "I don't think there are any more Grimm around but we should do a sweep. It was nice meeting you-"

"Wait!" They stopped separating when Bee suddenly yelled. The bull Faunus grinned, "This is our chance. Hey, you ladies aren't happy with what's happening now, right?"

"Keh, you mean being trapped in our own Kingdom while Metalhead has a breakdown and drags us all down with him? No, we're not excited about it." May grouses while shaking her head and spitefully looking up at Atlas, "I can't believe the entire Kingdom has to suffer just because Ironwood is losing his marbles."

"Yeah, well we were looking to sneak across the border before, y'know, the walls came crashin' down. So do you think you could help us?"

"Seriously?" Johanna scoffed, "You want to leave now? You're gonna run off with some new friends while your home is suffering like this? Don't you feel any sort of inkling to loyally stick by your nation in a time of crisis?"

"Well, my 'nation' has kinda failed me through every other crisis so meh, not really." Bee remarked and seemed to annoy Johanna to no end as Fiona patted her arm, "But look, you ladies are trying to do some good in the streets, right? I remember hearing Robyn was planning something to challenge Ironwood's rigid restrictions before the ball suddenly dropped. Me and my crew are willing to help out if you could help us."

The Huntresses shared a look, "There's no way to get through a military lockdown like this."

"No, there's always a way." Sasuke said, "Just depends on the resources and angle you take while figuring it out."

"And we don't wanna just sit around and freeze our asses off. If we can do some good for these people and the ones in the crater, I'm up for it." Kiba said while holstering his tonfa.

The Huntresses looked at the five offering their help in this time of need. May looked at Fiona and got an optimistic shrug. She looked up at Johanna and got a dismissive shake of the head. In the end, she sighed and nodded, "Fine, you can talk to Robyn. She'll decide if we can do anything together."

"Cool! That sounds like fun!" Fū beamed with joy, "Is she nice?"

"She's the best…if you're a friend."

((((((((Hunting))))))))

Oscar stretched as he wanted to get a drink downstairs-

"Oscar! There you are!" The young farmhand walked in on the former Beacon students rounded up in the living room. It was all smiles and laughs when they spotted the freckled boy, "What's up?"

"Just getting a drink. Are you guys still talking?"

"Yep!" Ruby grinned while hugging Weiss' arm, "We still have so much catching up to do! I just found out Weiss called out an entire room of Atlas elite during a charity event! And I missed it! How is that fair?!"

"Well I already destroyed my social life and career by doing it, maybe fate is just letting me have a break by not letting you see it?"

"Were there recordings of it?"

Weiss blinked as her friends laughed and cheered, "It's always the recordings that get me."

"Oscar, come sit with us." Naruto grinned while waving him over, "You can tell them a few of the crazy things that happened while we were on the road."

"Um, I'm not sure if I should-"

"Nah, come on." Yang urged him on while scooting on the couch, "We haven't gotten a chance to properly talk with you." Oscar paused for a moment before he smiled and quickly joined them. As he scooched into the couch, Yang looked him over, "Man, you are a little guy. We're gonna have to build some muscle on you."

"I-I used to be a farmhand," He muttered with a blush, "S-So I'm not as small as I look! A-And Naruto and I trained a lot on the road before we got here!"

"But you're still a string bean." The freckled boy frowned and Naruto couldn't stifle his giggles.

Weiss leaned across the couch, "Oscar, Professor Ozpin is in your subconscious, right? Is he with us now?"

"Ozpin rests now and then so it's just me. Do you want me to bring him out?"

"No, there's no need. If you're a part of our group then we should get to know each other better. I'm Weiss Schnee, I'm the former heiress to the Schnee Dust Company-"

"And this is her signing!"

"~My bad, bad-"

Weiss instantly tackled Ruby to the floor and tried to pry her Scroll away. Oscar flinched hearing all the yelling and slamming and periodic laughs coming from their quarrel before looking to Yang and the others, "Are they okay?"

"Ruby laughing and Weiss having fun?" Yang faked a sniffle and dried her eye, "It's absolutely beautiful."

"Hey, Oscar, Weiss and Yang were telling us a little about their experience with the Branwen tribe. Wanna share what you two went through?"

He and Naruto shared a look before they started recounting their tale. It was one they'd already told the others, but with Weiss and Yang finally here, they could listen to the whole thing. About Raven appearing through a hole in the air to retrieve her followers. About them ambushing a nomadic tribe for resources. And how they fought them off before convincing them to retreat. All the while Weiss and Yang sat and contemplated what they heard.

Jaune asked, "What do you think?"

"It has to be that girl, right? The nasty short-haired one that stuck to my mom's side the whole time?"

"Vernal." Weiss snarled, "That girl is one of the most unpleasant people I've ever had the displeasure of meeting. And she seemed fanatically devoted to Raven and her tribe. If anyone could be the Maiden, I believe it'd be her."

"I fought her too. And I noticed the magic happen when she was around." Naruto thought deeply, "Oscar, did Ozpin say anything about her being the Maiden that ran away?"

"No, she didn't look like the Spring Maiden that ran. But that doesn't mean that she couldn't be it. Honestly, Ozpin thought there was too much time missing between the former Maiden running and showing up now for everything to be so clear, but there's a chance the former Maiden was killed and her power went to Vernal."

"They killed the former Maiden?" Nora asked, "I thought these Maiden were like unstoppable powerhouses that couldn't be beaten?"

"No, that's not true." Oscar said, "Ozpin said it wasn't a matter of overpowering them but overwhelming them. They have immense power, but they're still people - they can only handle so much at one time. If a strong force can spread her attention, they would have the best chance at knocking her down."

"Knocking her down?" Yang grinned and slammed her fists together, "Awesome! I want another chance to knock that bitch over!"

"Count me in." Naruto grinned and bumped fists, "That vicious little rat tried to slice me up while I was helping the Hyūga and she deserves a beating."

"Uh-hum," Weiss cleared her throat and got their attention, "I think a third person would round this out well, and unlike you two I had to spend days with that wretched woman. If anyone has a chance to knock her down, it's me."

"A team of Weiss, Yang, and Naruto to fight off a Maiden." Ren nodded in approval, "I don't think any foe could handle a combination like that."

A plan started percolating on how to handle the Maiden during the raid on the Branwen camp. And as ideas were tossed around or immediately denied, Ruby watched it all with a warm smile on her face.

Seeing everyone together like this again felt like a miracle. Even if everyone wasn't here yet…and truth be told it would never be like it was in Beacon…

This still felt like a dream come true.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

Minato turned Squall around in his hand absentmindedly. Tenten's words echoed over and over in his head. And the look he shared with Kushina before they went their separate ways. He thought of all the conflicting feelings and ideas he had since seeing her again for the first time in 5 years.

And the one thing he couldn't deny even after all this time.

He placed Squall aside and made for the door. He opened it-

Only to find a startled Kushina standing just outside.

The pair stared at each other like deer stuck in headlights before Minato realized what was happening. A dry chuckle escaped his throat, "I guess you beat me to it."

"Yeah," She quietly nodded before they stared at each other in silence. She looked past his shoulder, "Can I come in?"

"Yeah." He stepped aside before closing the door to give them some privacy. He watched her back as she looked around the room, her long red hair running down her back and her fox tail curiously rising and falling. He remembered she only did that when she was nervous, same as Naruto's ears, "So I'm guessing you're having the same thoughts I am?"

"Yeah," Kushina agreed while noticing that the room had taken on his scent while he'd been staying here, "It's kind of shameful she had to give us a push, but she was right."

"We haven't talked since seeing each other again." Minato shrugged, "Seems pathetic to not even say a word to each other."

With a hum of agreement, Kushina sat on the bed and bounced a little. Her eyes spotted the short blade in its sheath sitting on the blanket and she quickly picked it up with a giggle, "No way. Did you bring his weapon with you? Why?"

"Well, this was the first mission I'm taking in a long time. And it was the first one after what happened in Vale." He stepped in front of Kushina and she handed him Squall as he held it firmly, "We promised we'd go on missions together once he became a licensed Huntsman…I guess I just wanted to bring him along however I could." He turned it in his hand before chuckling, "I bet if I hadn't brought it along it'd already be back in his hands in Mistral."

Despite herself, Kushina gave a smile that wasn't forced even if it was small, "Funny how things work out like that."

A silent lull hung between them as they had nothing to say. Minato placed Squall on the drawer and sat down on the bed a little ways away from Kushina. It was silent-

"You heard what I plan to do after this is all settled, right?" Kushina asked, "And from your tone earlier I'm guessing you don't agree?"

"How could I agree?"

"Because you don't think I should get out scot-free, do you?" Kushina asked as Minato lowered his head, "What the White Fang did…they did while using my name while I stayed quiet. I didn't stand up or fight back or do anything to stop them before it was too late. I didn't care. I didn't care enough to try and do something and now Remnant is like this. Because I left with Danzo-"

"Don't." Minato quickly interrupted, "Don't say it like you had a choice. That man – t-that thing had a hold on you and threatened us if you didn't follow him. You were afraid for us and yourself-"

"And I let Naruto join him?" Minato's mouth closed and his lips thinned, "I didn't want to be alone so I pushed down any common sense telling me to turn him around and kick him back home to you. He became a member of the White Fang and compromised everything he believed in just to be with me. And even after I helped him get out I stuck around. I-"

"Stop." Minato interrupted, laying his head in his hands as he caught his breath, "Please just stop." She looked at the posture of her former lover and saw just how haggard he was trying to keep up with what she was saying, "I…I can't…"

"When you were working, did you think about what would happen if we faced each other?" Kushina asked.

A heavy breath slipped through Minato's lips as he tried to clear his mind. After a moment he pulled his hands away from his face, "I thought about it so much. I thought about if I finally found you maybe I could swoop in and save you. But as time went on I started thinking that I should do my job as a Huntsman and bring you in. I kept moving back and forth between those options and so many more. I couldn't decide."

"Then let me decide. You know what I did was wrong." Kushina waited for a response but got only silence. She stood off the bed and knew he understood what needed to be done, "Then alright. Once we've secured things here, I'll find a way to-"

"Hehehe." She looked back and saw Minato's shoulders rise and fall. A strangled laugh kept slipping out as he chuckled and shook his head, "I-I can't believe how similar you two are. You're mother and son but – it's baffling."

"What is?"

"How damn stubborn and selfish you can be."

Kushina's tail raised as her eyes narrowed, "What are you talking about?"

"I mean you two always do the same thing. You make these stupid choices go all out, and then when you make a mistake you come up with these asinine logic loops that demand that you suffer or atone for your mistakes. Naruto – after he got sliced up and beaten by those Uchiha, decided he was going to keep being a Huntsman no matter what happened so he could redeem himself – and it nearly got him killed! And now you want to lock yourself up forever – make yourself an enemy of everyone in Remnant – and put an end to your life!"

"What life?!" Kushina raised her voice, annoyance, and indignation filling it as she matched his tone, "Minato, they labeled me the Red Death of the White Fang! There's no police officer, soldier, or Huntsman that doesn't recognize that name around the world! Where would I go? Vacuo? A new identity? On the run?"

"I don't know but it didn't have to be this."

"Minato, that isn't an option. It'd be a life of looking over my shoulder and jumping at shadows and waiting for some retribution-

"And I would have done it with you! If you had asked!" The room went silent after Minato suddenly yelled and made her silent. She stared at the top of his head as he slumped over, his elbows on his knees to keep him up as he mumbled, "After two years Naruto left the White Fang. After Vale, you finally cut ties and decided to try and bring it down. You both were so ashamed of what you'd done that you stayed away and tried to handle your problems on your own. But did it not ever cross your minds…that you could just come back home to me?"

"Minato-"

"I waited years for some kind of answer from you two. Something good. Something bad. Anything. And it never came. But Ozpin finally told me my son was entering with the new batch of students at Beacon. I was happy and proud but so, so heartbroken that I had to be told by someone else instead of him. And he couldn't even look me in the eye when I saw him again because he was so ashamed. He was disappointed in himself and waited for my angry rant about his decisions and stupidity and practically expected me to disown him. Not once did it cross his mind that I would just be happy to have him in my life again. And the same thing happened with you." Minato miserably shook his head, "I know there's so much to deal with that it hurts…but do I have to just sit here and let you vanish from my life without doing anything?"

She looked down at him in stunned silence. The effect her decisions had unfortunately had on the man she loved and cherished was more horrifying than she expected. With a shaky breath and watering eyes, she gently shook her head. She dried her eyes and quickly got on her knees so she could look up at his crestfallen face, "Minato? Minato, please look at me."

As he looked into her eyes she nearly bit her cheek to stop herself from hugging him and letting her resolve crumble. She sharply nodded her head, "I never meant to hurt you, and I don't want you to think I ever forgot about you. Through all the years, all the shit I had to go through with Danzō and the White Fang. Even the times when he tried to condition me into being his perfect puppet - the thought of you and our memories together kept me sane. I-I wanted to run back to you so much that it ached."

Kushina caught her breath, "But you know we can't do that, right? As nice as it would be for me to come home, be a family again, and put it all behind us we can't. Too many people were hurt. Too many people died. It would just be unfair for me to walk away without facing the consequences. You know that, right?"

"No. Because I don't care about the rest of them. Only you-"

"No, but you do." She took his hand and squeezed it, "You can say you don't care but I know you do. It's why you became a Huntsman. Why you were Naruto's hero for so long? Why so many people follow you? Because you care and want to help people, even if it just means helping them resolve their problems and get closure. I-I know this isn't fair," She patted his hand and looked up into his eyes desperately, "But can you tell me this isn't the right thing to do? After everything that's happened and been lost that it wouldn't be good for the leaders of the White Fang to face punishment and incarceration. For the families-"

"Please stop," He whispered, "Don't - don't make me agree. Don't make me say it."

…

"I…" Kushina sniffled and tried to calm her heart, "I didn't come up with the plan to turn myself in. Jiraiya and I came to that decision after a lot of arguing and discussion. And I only chose to do it after I found out about Naruto. Before that, after everything with Adam and Cinder was settled, I was going to…I…"

Even though she couldn't say the words, Minato knew from the heaviness in her voice and the desperation in her eyes just where her thoughts had ended up. To her, even though she'd be throwing away her freedom, it was a better choice than the alternative.

His fingers gently squeezed her hands to get her attention, "Shikaku and the others had someone posted up with me every day after Beacon. They wanted to make sure I never let my thoughts drift down towards…" He didn't say it either but the look between them was enough to convey it, "And I'll be honest…they did."

"I never…I never meant for you to feel like that. If I could-"

"I know. I'm sorry I didn't protect you. There's so much I could have done back then to stop-"

"It's okay."

The two stared at each other before leaning in and hugging tightly. Kushina closed her eyes and leaned into his neck to feel comfortable as he gently ran his hand down her hair. They treasured the feeling of comfort and warmth they hadn't experienced from each other in five years. All their feelings of anger and confusion seem to dull and drop to the wayside as they found relief.

They pulled away from each other and lingered. Faced with their long-lost lover, the two almost couldn't help themselves. They started leaning in, their lips inches from touching before they hesitated, "We can't."

"No, we shouldn't. It'd only make things complicated."

"Right. And I haven't done anything in 5 years since we said goodbye."

"Me neither. Save ourselves the trouble of-"

They weren't sure whose lips lurched in and took the others, but it was in an instant that the fire they were trying to keep a hold of burned out of control. Kushina held his face and wrapped her arms around his neck as his hands settled on her back. She undid his belt while he pulled her jacket off. Their kiss deepened and deepened before they fell back into the bed.

Everything they had to say and do with each other would have to wait.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"So, May, Fiona, and Johanna said you folks did a lot of good work out there. I like that. Always nice to know others are willing to step up and help when the city needs it. But I hear you're looking for a way out of Atlas?"

"And we hear you need help setting protection for Mantle?"

"That's right. What do you say? Help us out here and we'll help you out as best we can."

Sasuke looked around the empty restaurant being used as a base of operations before looking back at his friends. They seemed apprehensive but willing to take the deal as he nodded, "I'm Sasuke."

"Nice to meet you tall, dark, and brooding." The beautiful light-haired woman joked with a smile as she stepped in front of her friends to introduce herself, "I'm Robyn Hill. And I think we can do a lot of good together."

((((((((Extra: Chain Reaction))))))))

Kali paced around the room in a fit as her ears twitched and picked up every little noise. And at the moment the loudest was-

"I can't believe they're doing it in our house." She said in disbelief, "I mean I heard there was an argument sometime earlier and now they're - t-this! I mean wow!"

"Well they have been separated for a long time, and their emotions probably ran very high." Ghira said in a calm and collected tone as he sat on the bed with a book in hand and glasses on his nose, "We should let them have their privacy."

"There's nothing private about it, Ghira! I can hear it through the walls! I'm sure everyone can!"

"Don't be silly. I can't hear them."

"Give it time! They're ramping up!"

"Kali, you don't need to worry. Just put in some earplugs and come to bed. I'm sure in the morning we can ask them to be a little more considerate of others in the house." Ghira waited for an answer from his wife, "Kali?"

He saw her standing at the foot of the bed.

Ghira flinched, "Kali, there's a lot of work to be done tomorrow."

She gripped the end of their bedside and rotated her shoulders.

"Blake and her friends are here. It would be highly inappropriate."

Kali licked her lips and started raring up to pounce.

Ghira covered himself with their sheet, "I-I bruise easy."

"Mine!"

"IYAAAHHHH-"

It was sometime later in the night when Jiraiya made his way back to the manor after enjoying a drink. As he made his way over he found Blake, Tenten, and Sun all sitting outside. He walked over, "Hey, I thought you kids decided against going out while this White Fang crap is going on?"

"Yeah."

"We know what we said."

"We don't care."

He blinked, "What happened?"

Blake grimaced, "I-I don't want to talk about it."

"I thought they would talk," Tenten rocked in the fetal position, "I just wanted them to talk."

"T-The sounds," Sun wept, "The sounds."

He saw the teens acting weird before he walked past them, "Whatever, I'll see you kids inside."

…

A moment later he joined them on the ground, "Never mind. I heard it as I got closer. Not worth it."

The four of them sat outside and risked attack from their enemies rather than go inside and risk the walls not blocking out everything.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

Done

That's not how I thought I'd end this chapter, honestly. But hey, have a little fun!

So, I've reconsidered how to approach this story. First, I'm moving away from the closed POV style I've been using since the end of Volume 3. It was appropriate then because we had to experience the weight of what everyone was going through after the Fall. But now that they're reuniting it just doesn't feel right to stick to one person's perspective with each new section. Also, this was the only story I was doing like that! What's wrong with me? Did I read another fanfic and let myself get mesmerized that this is how it should be written?! I feel like I've been letting this story get so sad and dreary just focused on a person's inner thoughts when it should still be fun and enjoyable!

Second, I'm scrapping my plan to make this entire story a three parter for now. The only reason I did that was because I made Volume 1 such a damn behemoth. The future volumes all seem manageable, with only Volume 7 probably being longer. I'm thinking of trying a thing where I give them more time to handle missions and daily life before getting to story beats.

Also, I realize only now I kinda shot myself in the foot making this a second part. I've lost a lot of the base I made of followers, favorites, and reviewers with this new story. And it's going to take a long time for me to make up for that lost base, if ever. I need to pick up the pace and put in the work to make up for that decision and that's what I'll do.

Anyway, I'm taking off May but I'll be back soon!

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