Hunting or Bust: The Journey Continues

Dust 11: Who We Used To Be

Man, this sucks. I have a goal I want to reach with all of my strokes before year end, but the closer it arrives the more I think I probably won't make it. There's a chance this volume won't end until sometime the beginning of next year and I kick myself for that.

Oh well, no point whining about it. Gotta buckle down and press on!

Enjoy!

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

"Argus Base, this is Cargo 4-7. Arriving now. Checking if LZ is clear for arrival."

("Cargo 4-7, this is Argus Base. We read you. Coming in quick there. Is there a problem?")

"Burning through more fuel than expected. Might just be a wrong reading with my equipment but best not to risk it. Coming in now."

At the northernmost part of Anima, cresting the ocean between it and Solitas was one of the largest cities in the world. Argus was a beautiful mix of Mistral's life and culture touched by Atlas' advanced technology and revolutionary growth. Not only was it the largest trading city in Mistral but it also housed the largest Atlas military base outside of its own Kingdom.

The Cargo Airship slowly hovered over the landing pad and safely docked on the ground. Several members of staff quickly checked the ship and made sure everything was up to code. The pilot quickly got out of his seat, sliding down into the cargo compartment, and opening the hull door to step outside. He shared a quick salute with the landing crew, "Welcome to Argus Base! We understand there was some worry about fuel?"

"Just burned a little faster than expected." The pilot answered. He'd done this run countless times during his service in the military, and he knew what the fuel gauge usually looked like when he finally touched down. The difference wasn't staggering, but it was something to note, "We should probably check that the internal systems are all running to specs."

"Roger. We can start unloading the cargo too while we're at it."

"Roger. You can check the inventory if you want but everything is up to-"

There was a flicker in the air before everything returned to normal again.

"What was that?" The pilot asked after noticing the strange occurrence. He turned back to the cargo in his ship and noticed a large space between some boxes that should have been filled with cargo, "Wait what? Why is there a box-"

"Cargo 4-7! Explain yourself!"

Everyone immediately stood at attention and saluted as a diminutive and extremely irritable woman marched over with two soldiers flanking her, "S-Special Operative Cordovan! I-I'm sorry ma'am! I'm not sure what-"

"Why is your ship's fuel drained faster than normal?! Can you not even properly prepare your ship for takeoff before arriving here?! And - and is that a missing space in your cargo?! Did you forget part of your delivery?! And you call yourself a pilot of the revered Atlas Military?!"

"M-Ma'am, I'm not sure what happened-"

"I don't want excuses! I want answers!"

While Cordovan continued to dress down the confused pilot and the soldiers of Argus Base went about their duties, nobody noticed the second flicker of air around them. And they didn't spot the group of five people that appeared halfway down the bridge and sprinting towards the city proper.

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

Yang came down the stairs to see things were mostly calm and easy like they usually were. Qrow was lounging back with a newspaper and his flask while Ruby was merrily reading a comic book. She'd heard Oscar, Ren, and Jaune had gone out to buy the groceries for the day. And she could hear Nora's maniacal laughter outside as she swung her hammer around and helped Weiss with her summon training.

And again Yang was left feeling listless as there was nothing else for her to do.

They had decided altogether to put a hold on taking jobs and missions until after the meetup with Professor Lionheart was finished. After that last job had left them all feeling rather stressed out, they had each gone about trying to unwind in their ways. Switching between chores, personal time, or training.

Yang however was left feeling rather drained and spent after the events of their joint mission. Even after a job well done and everything was settled, she couldn't help but remember how angry she'd gotten in the middle of it. Forgoing all the tricks and techniques her dad had tried to teach her to stay calm and not let her emotions run wild in the heat of the moment.

What a colossal waste of all those months of training and preparing for her journey back into the world.

It seemed all that was needed to set her off was thinking about what Raven said, remembering the ways she had been weak, and considering what would happen if Blake ever came home.

So now, even with all the free time and relief they had gotten with the reprieve from missions, Yang didn't know what to do. She pulled in her jacket and prepared to go for a walk through Mistral-

"Alright!" She, Qrow, and Ruby looked over as Naruto jumped down the stairs and into the living room, "I'm off!" With a grin, he headed to the door, "I'll be back for dinner!"

Ruby perked up, "Oh, you gonna go do that thing you talked about?"

"Yep!"

"What thing?" Qrow grumbled as he sat up, "I didn't hear about a thing."

Naruto frowned at the older Huntsman, "Do you even care?"

"No. Just thought I should be involved."

The blond fox shrugged, "I'm going out for a bit to run errands. Happy?"

"Honestly?" Qrow blew a raspberry, "I was expecting something more fun."

Naruto waved the grouchy Huntsman's grievance off and made for the door. Yang watched him go before quickly jogging after him, "Hey, Naruto, mind if I tag along?"

His ears raised curiously, "Sure, but why?"

"Just bored. I was about to go on a walk but doing something else sounds like it'd be more fun."

He grinned as his ears raised eagerly, "Alright! Let's have fun!"

Feeling a little more excited about what the day had to offer, Yang faintly smiled as she followed the Faunus out of the house and down the road. She caught up to his side and looked around, "So what are we doing anyway?"

"Something I've been meaning to handle." Naruto said, "Doing my rounds."

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

Carrying Calad Bolg back to the manor without Tenten with them felt wrong. So wrong that no one could sit still or just wait around when they finally arrived home.

Sun and Jiraiya immediately took back out to the streets. Either to keep searching for any clues to where she might be or to interrogate any White Fang members that crossed their paths. It was almost worth feeling pity for those poor souls if not for their possible inclusion in the recent attacks and kidnapping.

Minato had been hysterical and almost inconsolable. He kept bringing up how it was his fault for letting her come on this mission. That he had tasked himself with protecting and guarding her while she was on the island, and that he hadn't fulfilled that duty. If Kushina hadn't quickly found him and helped him calm down he might have suffered a panic attack. Now the redhead fox was running a hand through his hair and telling him it wasn't too late.

Kali and Ghira had finished speaking with the community and were off trying to handle other matters. Kali was returning home while Ghira pressed on with ordering his most trustworthy guards to either watch the manor or keep their patrols up.

And after staring at the combat sticks of her lost friend for some time, Blake finally stomped out of the house and stood on the balcony, "Ilia! Ilia, come out here now!" She called out to her former friend, "If you're watching us, I need to talk with you! We can make a deal! What do you want for Tenten?! Please!" She pleaded into the open air, waiting for some kind of response from the chameleon. As silence was her only answer, Blake grit her teeth and nearly dragged her fingernails against the railing, "AGH!"

"You think she's still watching?"

Blake snapped up in fright before looking back at her mother. Kali walked up to stand by her side at the edge of the balcony as Blake sighed, "I don't know. She always showed up here before so I thought there might be a chance."

"We've heightened security since you told us about her last visit."

"Yeah, but that wouldn't stop her." Blake said, "She's resilient like that."

"You sound like you admire her." Kali gently hugged her daughter's shoulders, drawing Blake in and letting her rest on her neck, "You still see her as a friend, right?"

"She's angry, Mom. And she has such a good reason to be angry and spiteful at the world. At humans. But I know she's a good person inside. Still a friend." Blake whispered, "I-I wish I had talked with her more. Tried to convince her that this wasn't the right way. Maybe tell her I was leaving and we-"

"Blake," Kali interrupted her daughter's musing, gently running a hand between her ears and down her hair, "Sweetheart, you can't do that. You can't put every person's decisions and paths on yourself to change. Maybe you could have convinced this girl to leave the White Fang…or maybe she would have stayed anyway."

"I just don't want to believe it, Mom." Blake sighed, "I know she's angry and she's with the White Fang, but I don't want to believe she'd hurt Tenten. And I…I don't want Tenten to have to suffer because of their anger." She clenched her teeth, "It's not fair. It's…"

Kali gently shushed her and ran a hand over her daughter's back to soothe her fears. But still, Blake felt uneasy and tense.

Until a message came up on her Scroll. She pulled away from her mother and checked her texts.

HELP!

"It's from Tenten!" She rushed into the house and called through the halls. In seconds Minato showed up to meet her, "I've got a message from her! And a location!"

"C'mon!" Minato hooked an arm around her stomach, "I'll get us there!"

Blake quickly sent the same info to Sun and Jiraiya before they disappeared in a yellow flash. The buildings of Kuo Kuana blurred underneath them in several rapid transports through the air before they reached their destination. Blake and Minato turned down the alley to find their friend.

And immediately drew their weapons when they found someone else.

"Whoa, easy." Yagura raised his hands defensively while waving the Scroll around, "I just found this abandoned on the ground over there. Thought it might belong to someone who missed it." He said with a smarmy smile. As they glared at him he chuckled, "Sorry, did that touch a nerve?"

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

"Mmmghhhhh." Tenten groaned into the grass and dirt as she started to stir awake. As her blurry vision struggled to clear, she thought back to the last thing she remembered.

Running through Kuo Kuana. Stopping the radicals from attacking. Then splitting up from Blake and Sun to handle more of the attacks before they could escalate.

She chased a pair of radicals down an alleyway. There she found herself surrounded by shadows jumping over her. She got some good hits in but also had to ward off some strikes on her blindside. Between her Aura tanking the blows and her Steel chipping their weapons when they swung, Tenten had faith the battle would turn in her favor.

But suddenly gas filled the alley and she couldn't see or breathe. Something hit her and she dropped before waking up.

With a groan, the young Huntress shifted and sat up. Her arms were bound to her chest with rope, chains, and some kind of sticky substance she couldn't explain. And the faint calling of birds in the trees as sunlight seeped through leaves lingered over her.

"Look who finally woke up."

Tenten tiredly blinked her eyes and looked over to see a white-haired man and a short girl with a long, curly ponytail sitting around a small fire cooking food. She instantly recognized them as Mizuki and Ilia from the White Fang. The faces of the rogue cells causing trouble across the island.

As Mizuki whistled towards the trees, Tenten quickly tried to free herself. She spread her Steel along her arms and tried to force her way out, only for the sounds of her metal and the chains to scrap against each other. The ponytailed fighter looked around frantically, "Where are we?"

"A little island off the coast of Menagerie. We left your Scroll and your toothpicks behind for your buddies to find." Mizuki mockingly said with a vile smirk as he walked over to her. The tiger Faunus leaned down and lorded over her, "You've got nothing here."

Tenten scowled up at the sadistic man before she heard the rustling of new arrivals. A man with large bat wings and a woman with discolored forearms walked over to join Ilia around the fire. Trifa spotted their furious guest and giggled, "Oh, look who finally decided to join us."

With a groan Tenten tried to stand up, "I swear if you- GAH!"

"Stay down!" Mizuki's fist lashed down and struck Tenten's face, sending her back to the ground, "You talk only when we let you, human. " Pressing his foot down on her shoulder to keep her pinned, Mizuki glared down at her spitefully, "You think this was your little resort to run away to? A vacation to have in a place where you aren't welcome? You should've left a long time ago."

"Couldn't. My friend can't get out of her own damn way." Tenten smirked, "And a bunch of masked assholes started throwing a fit-"

Mizuki's foot came flying into her stomach. Even with her Aura up she grunted and took the blow as he walked back over to the others. Tenten groaned and sat back up as Yuma grabbed a snack to eat, "She's pretty sassy considering the position she's in."

Trifa slumped by the fire, "Wish I could sit in my ass and do nothing."

"That's what you always do."

The spider Faunus frowned at Ilia's snarky remark while Mizuki came stomping over. He snatched some of their food away and poured it into his gullet, "None of us are sitting on our asses or wasting time. We're not humans!" He announced back as if to spurn Tenten, "We stay here until we get word from the mainland."

"And what exactly are you hoping to happen?"

"I told you not to talk."

"Then stick a sock in my mouth." Tenten snapped back, "What's the point in taking me hostage?"

"Gonna force the Chieftain's hand." Yuma stated, "He and his family seem more engrossed with housing humans than doing their jobs anyway. Might as well open the seat up."

"We're gonna give Chieftain Belladonna the order to hand in his resignation." Tenten's eyes widened as Trifa giggled, "We've already got the population questioning if he and his family deserve to lead Menagerie. One sudden resignation in shame and all trust in the Belladonna name will fall apart."

Tenten scowled, "And let me guess; someone new will fill the space? Maybe a brother with certain fox features?" She scoffed, "So you gain full control of Menagerie, and then what? A safe zone for all White Fang to come to? Giant training facility? Something that madman Taurus can retreat to-"

"Don't say his name." Mizuki sharply hissed, snarling at the Huntress as his claws extended, "You say it again and I'll gouge out a few more hitches in your shoulders." The white-haired lunatic stalked over to her, "You have no idea the great plans Adam has for all of Remnant."

"I know what he helped do in Vale and Beacon. I was there. We're all suffering for it." Tenten growled, "You hand this island over to him and you might as well sink the whole damn thing."

…

"I bet that little Belladonna bitch convinced you he was an enemy, right?" Mizuki scoffed, "Got sick of sharing the bed with him and now she'll go around convincing everyone he's a monster and she's the saint." Ilia lowered her gaze and shifted uncomfortably while listening to Mizuki's raving, "And I bet that redhead traitor whore told you he had to be stopped too. Any Faunus that shacks up with a human and produces an abomination like that blond twerp deserves to be killed."

Mizuki clenched his metallic fist while staring down at Tenten, "Did you know he cost me my arm? Didn't have the stomach to do the job and lashed out at me. When I found out he was still alive and walking around, I promised that I'd find him and kill him. But now I find his mother, his father, his friends, and all the people he loves instead. I can't help but feel this is a sign that I should get retribution for my arm on all of you before I finally reach him."

Even as Mizuki's threat was made clear, Tenten just chuckled, "You know, Naruto told me the story of what he did to you. It was hard to hear. But meeting you now?" She shrugged, "You got off easy with just an arm."

…

Mizuki kicked Tenten directly under the neck. She gagged and coughed as the air rushed out and she toppled over. The tiger Faunus stood over her, "You know after I lost my arm, I finally discovered what my Semblance was thanks to that little bastard." He kicked Tenten again, "It's called Wrath. It takes all my emotions - calmness, happiness, fear, etc. - and feeds them into my anger." He kicked her across the cheek, "So even if you might have tried to hurt my feelings just now, all you've helped me do…"

He knelt, grabbed her collar, and started punching her in the face, "IS GET! EVEN ANGRIER!"

The other Faunus turned away and tried to ignore the sounds of Mizuki's angry yelling as his blows landed against their hostage. And Ilia couldn't help but flinch and clutch her food tighter with every impact she heard.

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

There was something about watching a person's reaction to a new environment that was so captivating. And it was something that Sasuke and the others got to experience with Fū many times on their travels.

The green-haired Faunus was nearly plastered to the glass and stared out in amazement at Mistral's sprawling landscape. Watching as their train rushed through the snowy north to the lush green valleys southward, all while mountains chained the land together in the distance. The young Noble Guard gasped, "It's so beautiful. And it's like nothing the other places had to offer."

"The most I ever saw were the plains and fields of Vytal." Shisui said while looking out as well, "I always heard about how beautiful Mistral's land was but that doesn't do it justice."

"Nicer than concrete and tundra." Bee pulled out a notepad and started jotting down some inspiration.

Kiba looked over at his friends' wonderment and smiled. He then looked over at Sasuke, staring out the other window but with a wistful and content expression. He scoffed and earned his partner's attention, "We got by the skin of our teeth."

"But we did get out, and we weren't caught."

"I expected a more thought-out plan from you of all people." Kiba snickered, "I guess our fearless leader imparted some of his reckless idiocy on you without you realizing." They shared a laugh as Kiba looked outside, "We'll probably hit Mistral before midnight. And if we want we can start looking for everyone tomorrow morning." Sasuke nodded with a faint smile, "Looking forward to seeing everyone again?"

"You ready for a hug from Nora that'll shatter all your ribs?"

Kiba groaned, "I'm more prepared for her disappointment when we don't arrive with an army." He looked at the others, "No offense guys."

Fū leaned over in her seat, pulling back when someone walked by, "I'm looking forward to meeting all your friends! And Weiss again! I hope she remembers me!" Her cheeks slightly darkened, "I might be a little excited to see her again."

"I'm shocked you think it's just a little."

Shisui sighed in his seat as more people urgently walked by, "I'm preparing for whatever we might end up facing when we get there. The stories of the enemies you faced while in Beacon…they're unsettling."

Bee smirked, "I think they're badass! Kingpins and terrorists and Grimm people and a bone guy! Don't get fun like that back in Atlas!"

"And who knows what else we'll get when we're there." Kiba grumbled, "I hear a lot of bad shit goes down in this Kingdom. And we still don't know everything the people behind Beacon are capable of."

"We'll stick together and meet back up with Weiss and everyone else. Then whatever comes next we'll be able to prepare for together. That's the best we can hope for." They still felt uneasy about the unknown enemies they could face, but agreed with Sasuke's statement. However, the young Uchiha looked preoccupied as he sat up in his seat and looked down the aisle, "Where did those people go?"

"Who?"

"The people that were leaving their seats and walking through the aisle." Sasuke stood out of his seat and cautiously looked around, "There are bathrooms in this car, but they passed them when they walked by. Where are they going?"

"D-Does it matter?"

Maybe not. Maybe it was just him jumping at shadows. But something about their movements dredged up his own experiences.

Surveying a target.

Staying inconspicuous.

Separating to cover the most ground.

It felt like-

The train car's door suddenly slid open followed by a deafening sound of gunfire. The other people in the car screamed and flinched as Sasuke's eyes widened. Several people dressed in demon masks rushed in, tossing a beaten man who looked like a guard down on the floor.

"Everyone, shut up! Get out your belongings and money and put your hands in the air! The Devils of Kunohashi are taking over this train!"

Sasuke clicked his tongue, cursing that his gut feeling was right.

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

Yang didn't know what she was expecting when she followed Naruto out of the house to handle his errands. She'd initially thought he might do some shopping or go stuff his face with ramen like he did sometimes back in Beacon.

Instead, they first stopped off at a house he said was his father's. When they walked in and she looked around she saw an empty home filled with pictures of Minato, Naruto, and their family. She'd never seen her before, but Yang had to guess that the pretty red-haired lady in the frame was the elusive mother she'd heard so much about. Naruto said he was going to do some cleaning up, and when Yang realized he was trying to keep the place tidy for when they finally came home, she offered a hand.

They then stopped off at Tamura Weapons to visit Tenten's father. The greying man was shocked to see Naruto alive and well, and the poor blond quickly had to field all the confused and rambling questions he had to ask. After Yang introduced herself, they were invited in to talk with him about some things. What they had been doing since Vale. What Tenten had been like since coming home. Naruto even apologized for losing the special arm guards Tyvetyve crafted for him.

Seeing him made Yang hope her dad and Zwei were doing well back home.

After that they went to Skyggen, checking up on everyone and making sure things were okay while they were taking a break. Tsunade immediately waved them off and told them to go home, although she was glad to see they were alright. But the main purpose of the visit was to check up on Shikamaru, Ino, and Chōji while they still waited for any news about their fathers. Naruto tried to console them and be there with them hoping for the best.

As someone who waited a long time for any words about a missing parent, Yang could empathize.

Overall, it was a day out Yang wasn't expecting to have with Naruto.

Especially when their last visit was to a graveyard standing over a headstone that said Naruto Uzumaki.

Naruto and Yang stared down at the headstone in quiet disbelief. Naruto's ears had flattened on his head while Yang sent an uncomfortable look between it and the silent blond.

…

"This is weird, right?"

"Yep." Naruto curtly nodded, thankful she finally broke the silence as he shook his head, "This is weird. I heard Tenten visits here a lot so I thought I'd come to see what it was like. But…" He sucked his lip in, "Yeah, just weird."

"Do - do you get to keep it?" Yang awkwardly asked, "Like does it just keep your name until you finally," She cut across her throat and rolled her eyes back, "Or do you have to give it back?"

"I-I don't know." He scratched his head, "I mean it's empty so I'm sure they're gonna want it back." Naruto looked around, "I don't know if I need to talk to someone about that."

"This was a weird last place to visit."

"Yeah." Naruto sighed and plopped down on the ground, crossing his legs as he stared at his headstone. Yang saw he was getting comfortable on the ground and sat down by his side. The young Faunus stared at his name for a bit before asking, "What was it like when you saw me again?"

"Back at the house?" Yang asked as he quietly nodded, "I mean honestly I thought I was seeing things at first. For the last few months, I've had to come to terms with a lot of things. And one of those was that you," Yang nodded at the headstone, "So it was a shock. A good one - I'm glad you're alive - but still a shock."

"Yeah, I get it. Honestly, I thought most of you were dead too." Naruto leaned back on his hands, "It wasn't until I saw Ruby and the others with my own eyes that I realized it was real. I found out that everyone was alive…but they all thought I was dead."

Yang clicked her teeth, "Yeah, gotta imagine how much that sucks."

"Do you think they'd be…disappointed?"

Yang blinked in confusion. She looked over at him as he stared at the headstone, "What? Disappointed? Why would they be disappointed? Disappointed that you're alive? Are you crazy?!"

"Did you hear about my little moment with Jaune and Oscar during the mission?" He asked as Yang just shrugged and nodded, "Yeah, bet that got around."

"I-I'm sorry, what does that have to do with this? Why would you think people would be disappointed that you're alive?!"

"I didn't mean it like-"

"Sounded like you did!"

Naruto groaned, roughly running a hand through his hair and against his ears as he spared Yang a look. When he saw her lavender eyes narrowed frustratingly at him, he sighed, "Just…I'm not the guy they remember me being." He nodded at the headstone, "I don't feel like him anymore."

Yang looked confused, "What do you mean?"

He struggled to find the words, "I feel like I've changed too much. From the me that was fighting off Grimm and White Fang and charging in to save the lives of people I cared about at Beacon…I've degraded. I almost left people to suffer because I was too scared. I can't work on a team with others like I did before. I ran away from my friends because I was convinced that someone was watching us in the trees." He shook his head, "I can barely sleep in a bed. I can't eat like I did in Beacon. And I'm stuck using a machete I stole from a monster." Naruto sighed, "I mean I knew it was bad while I was by myself and I thought I managed. But it-it got so bad sometimes. I feel like if the people I knew saw me right now…they'd be disappointed in what happened to me."

…

"You wanna talk about feeling like you've become worse?" He looked over as Yang scoffed and raised her arm, "I'm less than what I was back at school."

"Oh. S-Sorry, I guess I-"

"No, I get it." Yang rotated her mechanical arm, "This arm has helped a lot but I feel different too. I remember making stupid jokes and laughing all the time. I remember facing down everything we fought and never once letting my fear show. I remember always being ready to step up and defend others. And I remember knowing I would never give up until I found and faced my mother. Now? I feel like I'm putting on a smile. I shake and lose focus when I'm in a tough situation. I yelled at Ruby and Weiss because I was angry at Blake. I remember all the things she went through and had to deal with but I still feel…indignant, I guess?" She shrugged, "And just thinking about Raven makes my blood boil."

"Well, that's understandable." That earned a chuckle from them both.

"So I get not feeling like yourself anymore. Like everything's changed for you." Yang weakly smiled, "But that feeling that people would be disappointed in seeing you again…that's bullshit." She said firmly while glaring at him, "I was happy to see you again and I promise everyone else will be too. And this feeling you have of not measuring up to who you were? No one but us gets to decide that." She knocked his shoulder with her fist, "We might never feel like the people we were before. And I think that's fine. We just…have to come to terms with who we are now…and go from there."

…

"I need to pull it together. I said I would be better by the team I find my team again…I had to be better."

"I'll be better too. Faster. Stronger." She scoffed, "Hell, I'm probably already good enough to beat you."

"Okay, don't get ahead of yourself."

"I'm not. Have you seen how awesome I've gotten in a fight?"

"Have you seen how good I've gotten with my Semblance?"

"Meh, not impressed."

"You will be when I've got you knocked on the floor crying about your defeat again."

The two blondes shared a laugh and some barbs in front of the empty grave.

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

Yagura smiled, "Can you please lower your-"

"No." Blake snapped, keeping her gun trained on him as Minato stepped up and snatched the Scroll right out of his hand, "Why do you have this?"

"I told you I found it on the ground. I was going to take it to lost and found like a good guard captain. I feel-"

Yagura grunted as Minato grabbed his collar and slammed him into the wall. The short guard looked up at Minato's furious and threatening glare with total indifference, "Stop lying. No more games. Where is Tenten?"

Yagura sighed, grabbed Minato's hand, and pulled his collar out of his grip, "Well, I can't say the games are over, but if you want we can cut out the preamble," The turtle Faunus stepped aside, "We have your friend and we have some demands."

Minato raised his knife as Blake extended her katana, "If you think we won't just get the answer out of you-"

"You'd be wasting your time. Even if you did beat me – which I don't think you can – I don't know where they took her." Yagura shrugged carelessly at their furious expressions, "I'm just the messenger this time. If you want your friend back safely, you and your family need to step down from your positions here in Menagerie. Do that, and you'll get your human back safe and sound."

"What do you get out of this?" Minato harshly asked, "This island is filled with civilians and non-combatants. And the geography can hardly handle enough as a layover for your cells and armies."

Yagura shrugged, "Don't ask me. I'm not in the politics game. Something about having a foothold in two major Faunus worldwide organizations being too good to pass up or something." He flippantly said as Blake's ears fell in her hair and Minato hissed in disgust. Yagura turned and waved them goodbye, "When Chieftain Belladonna wants to stand down, let us know-"

"Why are you doing this?"

Yagura looked back at Blake quizzically as she stepped forward, "Uh, because it's my job? The benefit of Faunus everywhere-"

"But you don't believe that, do you?"

Blake cut him off while staring the strange Noble Guard down. In all her years in the White Fang, she had met many people who joined the cause for their reasons. Angry at the world for the way they were treated. Fanatically devoted to the teachings or leadership of those in charge. Selfishly wanting power and influence. Even joining for the sake of family or believing it was the right thing.

But she got none of that from Yagura.

"All I hear from you are lies and just trying to stir people up with exactly what they need to hear." Blake scowled at the Huntsman, "There's no passion or heart when you talk. No emotion whatsoever." Her fists clenched at her side, "Why are you here helping them if you don't believe in what they're doing?"

And in an instant, Yagura's eyes changed in a way that startled Blake. His expression seemed to go hollow and lifeless as if a mask had slipped off to reveal the blank slate underneath. It was so unnerving that Blake let out a small gasp and Minato clutched his knife.

"I'm bored."

"Y-You're what?"

"I'm bored. I was bored. I get bored easily. I walked around my home and got bored. I graduated as a Huntsman and got bored. Had a wife and child and got bored. Now I'm here and not bored yet." He looked around, "Something about twisting the story and playing around with people is pretty interesting."

Blake and Minato stared at Yagura in utter disgust. The blond Huntsman muttered, "Y-You joined the White Fang and did all this just because you're bored?"

"I'm avoiding boredom." Yagura clarified, "That's the whole reason you do anything."

"B-But this is an issue that affects everyone! Everyone on this island! Faunus all around the world!" Blake cried out, "You're advocating for the side that wants to turn Faunus against humanity and wage war! Split Remnant in half!"

"Yeah, they get very heated about stuff like that." Yagura looked baffled by the concept, "I just don't get it. They realize they can just kill the humans that bother them, right? That's what I did."

"You…you're crazy."

"Not crazy. Just don't care about what everyone else considers important." He pointed between them, "You have to consider throwing away position and power just to save the life of a mediocre Huntress that probably won't amount to anything. And you call me crazy?" Yagura scoffed and turned, "Like I said-"

"Take that back."

Yagura stopped and looked back after Minato's demand. The turtle looked up and tilted his head, "Which part?"

"You called her mediocre." Minato raised his knife, "You take that back now."

"It's the truth. I've seen countless Huntsmen and Huntresses like her. Barely good enough with her weapon. Struggling to climb the plateau in their abilities. Probably barely passes missions against Grimm or people. She'll end up like the rest of the uninspired-"

A golden flash made Yagura draw his hook and swing, clashing against Minato's knife and separating them again. Blake flinched and immediately raised her weapon again as Minato snarled at the Noble Guard, "Don't talk about her like that."

"I'm just stating the truth."

"You think that's all Huntsmen and Huntresses are?"

"Of course." Yagura mindlessly nodded, "What else is the point of a Huntsman than fighting and killing things?"

Blake's eyes lowered sadly before she looked at Minato. The older blond stared Yagura down fiercely before shaking his head, "You have no idea. No idea what Huntsmen and Huntresses mean to people around them."

"They're the first line of bodies against the things that hurt them. What's there to figure out?"

"They're not. They're so much more." Minato slowly stood up, no longer ready to engage in a fight as Yagura eased as well. The two Huntsmen glared each other down before the blond spoke, "Even if they can't fight every battle…even if they can't stop every criminal and monster…"

Blake's ear twitched as she heard oncoming footsteps and looked back. She spotted Jiraiya and Sun running their way, finally arriving at the spot where Tenten's signal had originated.

Minato spared a look back and saw Jiraiya approaching. A faint smile came to his face as he remembered the man who had taken him in and given him a life when his world crumbled around him.

Minato turned back to Yagura and smirked, "They're the ones that inspire us to stand up and keep going. To try and make things better. That there's something even after the worst of it. That's what they've always done. And that girl you think is useless…" He chuckled, "She's a much better Hunter than you could ever hope to be."

…

"Whatever!" Yagura's fake smile was plastered over his face as he walked and waved them goodbye, "Tell the Chieftain to consider the offer!"

A moment after Yagura was gone, Sun and Jiraiya stepped closer and asked what happened. As Blake relayed what they had been told, Minato looked ahead with narrowed eyes and clutched his knife tightly.

Tenten…she could handle herself. He knew she could.

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

Ilia dumped the dry leaves and sticks into the fire to give it some life. She pulled out her rapier and gently nudged the firewood around to keep the flame alive while the others were gone. She spared a look over…

Tenten lay on the ground, her face in the dirt and grass with some specks of blood by her mouth after Mizuki's fierce beating. It had taken Yuma and Trifa to pull him away before he could've beaten the girl to death. Now they were off getting an update from the brothers while she stood guard. Just staring at the young Huntress they had bound…

Should she have stepped in and joined? Or pulled him away before going too far?

She almost spoke up while Mizuki was talking and ridiculing her for the people she worked with. But she knew she had to keep her mouth shut.

This was hard…but it was the only way.

Ilia's stomach grumbled and she looked for another pack of food-

"There enough to share?"

Ilia flinched and turned back to see Tenten smirking on the ground as she carefully balanced herself and lifted herself. The chameleon Faunus glared as the human girl got back into a seated position, "I thought you were knocked out."

"Don't tell your friend but his punches hit like feathers." Tenten tried not to flinch as she got comfortable and ignored the aches over her body. She projected her Aura to try and ease the pain as she sniffed the air, "That smells good. Think you can-"

Tenten flinched as the end of Ilia's blade lashed out like a whip and cut the trunk by her head. It slid back into her hand as the whole thing retracted into the handle, "You're not a guest or a friend. You're our hostage. Shut your mouth and don't talk."

Tenten closed her lips and ran her fingers over them like a zipper. Ilia narrowed her eyes irritably before going back to check on their supplies. She started counting-

"This is a lovely island. Menagerie is so beautiful. I'm glad I came here and-"

"Hey!" Ilia snapped, turning with a glare back at Tenten, "What did I just say?!"

"That we aren't friends? I think we could be-"

"You! Are! A hostage! Shut up!" Ilia yelled, causing Tenten to flinch back in response. The chameleon Faunus grumbled before getting back-

"Y'know, my friend Naruto, couldn't stand how bland and tasteless those food packs are. He'd search for ingredients and spices anywhere he could and throw them in. I swear it was like eating a whole new-"

"AH!" Ilia yelled in anger as she marched over and glared at Tenten, "Do you ever shut up?! Do you not understand what is happening here?!"

"I understand we're talking," Tenten smiled, "Like you and Blake used to do, right?" Ilia didn't approach any closer, but her eyes narrowed with spite at the ponytailed Huntress. She turned back around as Tenten continued, "You're Ilia, right? Her friend from back when she was in the White Fang? She told us about you." Ilia went back to the fire and prodded the firewood with a stick, "She said you were one of her only friends back then. Someone she trusted and talked with about everything. You-"

"I was her friend if I was ever even that much to her." Ilia cut off, her voice filled with bitter resentment as she glared at the bonfire, "For someone she called a friend she sure didn't spare me much thought when she ran off."

"I don't think she made the choice with much planning. She just…knew she had to go."

"Right. And she joined sides with a bunch of humans and a Schnee of all people. Stood in the way of her former group to stop everything we worked on. And now she's here, betraying us."

"She helped people through the worst moments of attacks they were caught up in. And your group was behind most of them. Do you not get that? Do you understand the pain and fear the White Fang-"

"What do you know about pain and fear?" Ilia cut in hatefully, turning back to Tenten as her skin turned red, "Do you have any idea what it is like walking through the streets of anywhere in the world and feeling people stare at you like you're less? Like you should be quartered away and forced to live out of sight until you just disappear?"

"I-"

"What about the pain of knowing you can't live your life how you deserve to?! Or the fear that the one moment you let down your guard, you'll become the next horror story they tell you about going into the world and not being prepared for the humans?! You're afraid and hurt and cowering?! Welcome to how we've had to live our whole lives! About time you got a taste of it!"

Tenten was shocked by the fury in Ilia's voice, and the Faunus had to quickly catch her breath before turning away again. She crouched by the fire, more to focus on the flame and ignore anything else Tenten could say to her as her eyes slowly changed from red to their natural brown.

"I…you're right. We don't know what it's like for Faunus." She looked back and saw Tenten close her eyes, "My whole life I lived in Mistral, and I didn't know how bad it could be for Faunus. I just…thought that was how life was everywhere." Tenten admitted, "But when I got to Vale, got to see what life was like for Faunus through Blake and my leader Naruto, I started seeing things in a new light. And when I got back to Mistral I was horrified by how they were treated there…and how much worse it has gotten." Tenten glared at Ilia, "Do you have any idea what things are like off this island? How Faunus are being treated after the attack in Beacon? They're being ostracized and blamed more than ever."

Ilia clenched her fist, "Things will get worse before they get better."

"You can't believe that!"

"How is it wrong?! We're finally getting the recognition we deserve and not just the scorn!"

"People are afraid of Faunus! They're separating from them completely! What kind of world is it going to make if we're just staying away from each other all the time?!"

"What makes you think that's only happening now?! You're standing on an island that's proof that humans wanted Faunus out of sight and mind!"

"But you're helping them destroy the world! Everyone is getting hurt! The CCT fell and everyone is suffering for it - Faunus included! And think of all the innocent people that will be dragged into it! My father is in Mistral! He doesn't deserve to die!"

"AND MY PARENTS DID?!" Tenten was left silent at Ilia's sudden scream. Her skin started to steadily change color as she grabbed the handle of her weapon again and looked down, "My parents wanted the best life for me. In Atlas, that meant hiding the fact I was a Faunus from people around me. I-I could do it so well, and my parents were so proud of me. They simply wanted the best life I could have - didn't matter if it meant hiding what I was for others. Even if it meant staying silent as they mocked and joked about the Faunus. I bit my tongue and joined in…until…"

Her shoulders started to tremble in anger as her body went through a spectrum of colors, "I heard there was a collapse in an SDC mine, with many workers crushed and killed. Many of them Faunus. It was the mine…I knew my parents were in." Ilia gritted her death, "My parents were gone…and I heard the people around me laugh and mock them. And I turned blue, weeping and crying for my lost family. They shirked back in fear and disgust, and I knew there was no hiding what I was anymore. So I didn't." Ilia turned with a snarl, "I beat them, and made them swallow their-"

Ilia's eyes widened and all the shifting colors settled into a light blue and green of shock as she looked down at Tenten, "W-What are you doing?"

"What?"

"You're…crying?"

Tenten clicked her teeth and quickly dried her eyes, "Yeah, so what?"

"Why…why are you…"

"What? It's a sad story. Should I not-"

"A-Are you mocking me?"

"Huh? No, I'm not-"

"That's it, isn't it?! You're toying with me!" Ilia's face twisted in anger, "Laughing at the sob story and thinking it's what I deserve!"

"I wouldn't-"

"You're all the same! It's just some joke, isn't it?! It happened to a Faunus so-"

"I WOULD NEVER LAUGH AT SOMEONE WHO LOST THEIR PARENTS!"

Ilia was so stunned by the sudden intensity in Tenten's voice that she went silent. But more than anything she was startled by how raw and ernest her glare seemed to be. The Faunus' shoulders slowly lowered, the tension leaving her body as she caught her breath.

"'Bye Mom, I'll come by tomorrow before I go to school. I love you.'" Ilia blinked and looked back, seeing Tenten look at her as she dried her eyes, "That was the last thing I said to my Mom…before she passed the next morning." She took a breath, "So I know how that feels."

…

"Ilia, please reconsider." Tenten said, "The attack in Mistral isn't going to go through. We already sent word to Sienna Khan and others in positions of power in Mistral. If you try to-"

"Sienna Khan is dead and Adam took her place already. We got confirmation from him recently. And the messengers sent by the Chieftain were silenced before they could even get to Anima. No one there knows about the attack."

Tenten's eyes widened in horror. She thought they would be safe as long as word got to people in Mistral. If they were still in the dark…

Tenten quelled the dread in her chest and looked up at the short Faunus girl, "Ilia, we have to stop this. You know this is wrong!" Ilia closed her eyes and tried to tune her out, "Think about all the people who will get hurt! Not just in Mistral but here too! If they get their hands on Menagerie-"

"When - when we come out the other side, it'll all be worth it."

"Not for all the people who die! I promise when this is over, however it ends, in your eyes it'll be tainted! Think of the children you'll leave orphaned! Lives destroyed! What would Blake think if you-"

"Don't bring up Blake!" Ilia harshly snapped, "She isn't a part of this! She made her choice and left! And I told her to leave - to go and save herself! But she just won't listen! She has to stick around and fight! Because of course she does! S-So no matter what happens - there's nothing more I can do! E-Even if she gets hurt - anyone gets hurt - I-I just - I'll have to-"

"Oh."

Ilia blinked and whipped back to look at Tenten. She saw a look of realization on Tenten's face that confused her, "What? Why'd you say that?"

"Just…"

"Just what?!"

"I get it." Tenten whispered, "It…it hurts…when they don't look at us the way we look at them."

…

Ilia shook her head and stepped back, her breathing more ragged than she thought. This human was trying to get in her head. Trying to mess with her. She…she was-

"Ilia, you're in pain." Tenten said, "There is so much that has hurt you and it is swirling around. The pain of how people have treated you and your kind. The loss of your parents. Fighting in the White Fang and Blake not being there to share it with you. I know all that pain must be agonizing. And doing something – anything at all – rather than face it must feel like a relief." She thought back to the hours she spent working in Skyggen so she didn't think about everyone else, "But…it's not right. And hurting all of these people…Blake and her family…it's not right."

"I…" Ilia took a shaky breath, "I don't know what else to do."

"Ilia-"

"What's going on here?" They were interrupted when Mizuki and the others finally came back. The white-haired man immediately noticed Tenten was awake and rushed over, "When did she wake up? I told you to tell me when she awoke!"

"You thought I was asleep?" Mizuki turned to Tenten's smug smile, "Well, I guess I can see that. Your punches were like a massage they were so light. If errand boy doesn't work out for you, you should consider being a masseur."

A furious growl tore through Mizuki as he made his way over. Ilia panicked and grabbed his arm before he could, "W-Wait, we should-"

"What are you doing?" Mizuki yanked his arm out of her grasp and glared down at the chameleon, "Are you protecting her?"

"N-No! No, I-I was-"

"You must be losing your stomach, Amitola." Mizuki grumbled, baring down on the shorter Faunus, "We have a job to do. To keep this human bitch here until the Belladonnas cooperate. And once they do, I expect you to take your weapon and – GAH!"

Tenten kicked the back of his knees and made him tumble over. She rolled and quickly jumped up to her feet before dashing into the trees. Ilia was the first to react, only being shocked for a moment before she gave chase to their hostage.

Tenten rushed through the forest as fast as she could, not wasting a moment to look back at whoever was following her. She heard curses and yells, but knew if she stopped now then she'd never escape. She had to reach everyone else, tell them what was happening, and get the word out before it was too late.

She rushed and pushed on before she had to come to a stop at the edge of a cliff. The young brunette caught her breath and looked over the edge to see the crashing waves hammering the cliffside. Tenten looked down at the chains and webs that bound her and how dangerous this was.

With the stop of footfalls behind her, Tenten looked back and saw a confused and frightened Ilia looking at her as the others quickly started approaching. Tenten looked into Ilia's frantic eyes and gave her a soft smile.

Ilia gasped as she watched Tenten jump off the side and into the sea below. The others quickly followed behind her, rushing to the side and looking over to see if there was any sign of her in the water.

"Dammit! FUCK!"

"It's alright, isn't it?"

"The brothers told us we were going to kill her anyway-"

"But we needed her alive to pressure the Belladonnas! Now nothing is forcing their hands!" Mizuki turned and grabbed Ilia by the collar, "This is your fault! You were supposed to stop her!"

"I-I-"

"We're never going to earn our independence while the Belladonnas are in charge! And you cost us a way to get them out! If we fail because of you-"

"SHUT UP!"

Ilia shrieked and pulled herself free, pushing away from Mizuki as she made her way back to the campfire.

The thoughts of Tenten's words and her smile as the idea of what Blake would do after finding out…

She couldn't catch her breath even as she leaned against a tree for support.

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

"Everyone, empty your pockets and turn over all valuables and Lien you have on you! Now! Do it and nobody gets hurt!"

Kiba groaned into his hands while the Demon gang members brandished weapons and caused panic throughout the train. Even during such a tense situation, the tattooed Huntsman grumbled and ran his hands over his face, "Because of course. Of course this would happen. We get locked in Atlas. We had to escape however we could. And now here, on the goddamn rail to Mistral, we get held up by some stupid gang." He groaned, "Fucking typical."

"This does seem to be our luck." Shisui bemoaned, "Maybe we were cursed never to get to Mistral the easy way?"

"Nah, no such thing as curses." Bee said, lounging back and paying no attention to the thugs robbing their car, "I think everything happens for a reason. Like how I got diarrhea the night I was supposed to work, took the day off and came back the next day instead, and ended up getting into a fight with Kiba. All for a reason."

Fū flinched when she heard some loud yelling in the next car over. She leaned in towards Kiba, "Do we need to be worried about this?"

Kiba shrugged, "Doubt it. They haven't even noticed-"

"Hey!" One member in a twisted mask stepped up and pointed a gun toward them, "We said pull out your wallets! Don't make us ask twice!"

Kiba sighed and reached into his pocket to recover his wallet. Before handing it over he looked up at the thug, "Hey, aren't you guys worried about Hunters posted on this train? They might be hiding for the perfect chance to jump you guys."

"You must not be paying attention. The train company can only afford Hunters for certain rides. Their hazard pay must be getting too high." Kiba pulled back from handing over his wallet, "Hey-"

"Hazard pay? What are you talking about? There's always a Huntsman posted up on travels like this. That's standard practice."

"Well, the Huntsmen and Huntresses of Anima are wearing thin, and they can't spare the numbers. Leaving us ample time to-"

"Hey, what are you doing?" Another Demon walked over, "Don't talk with them! Just grab their stuff and - wait, wasn't there another guy with them? Some kid with black hair."

Kiba scoffed, "About time you noticed."

"Where-"

The sound of grunting and gunshots from the car next door drew everyone's attention. Kiba nodded, "Alright, that sounds like a signal." His foot lashed out and knocked one of the Demons back into the wall hard enough to crack it. Before the other member could react, Kiba grabbed his wrist and forced it down before uppercutting him in the chin and knocking him through the train car. Kiba tossed the gun he snatched aside and reached up to retrieve their weapons. As he grabbed his tonfa and Bee's knife system, he tossed Vollmond Reflexion to Shisui, "We're gonna make our way to the top of the train. Can you help Sasuke?"

Shisui quickly drew the katana and cocked the shotgun, "You got it."

"Secure the citizens' safety, send them upfront to us, and clear out any thugs along the way."

"M-Mr. Huntsman," They looked over as a frightened passenger spoke up for the other terrified people looking at them, "A-Are you and your friends going to take back the train?"

"That's the idea, sir." Kiba's Red Fangs extended along his arms, "You can follow us as we retake the front but keep your distance and stay safe. Bee, Fū," He turned to his friends, "Stay mindful of the people along the way but otherwise…go nuts."

"On it!" Bee immediately cloaked himself in his purple Aura and rushed into the next car with a laugh, beating up the crooks along the way. Fū let out a small breath and focused, coating her arm in a green Aura as she built up wind and followed after him.

Shisui went in the opposite direction, making his way to the caboose to help Sasuke. As he stepped into the next car, he had to stick to the wall to avoid the rush of people trying to make their way to safety. Once they cleared, the older Uchiha noticed the unconscious gang members strewn across the floor after their swift beating. Looks like Sasuke has already handled things well enough. But he had to hurry up to help his friend.

Shisui rushed into the next car and spotted Sasuke kicking away a Demon's gun before leaning back from a swing of a bat. He started weaving and dodging out of the way as he lost ground-

"Sasuke!" Shisui threw his katana across the car and Sasuke caught it midair, slicing the bat in two before knocking the Demon back with a kick. Shisui immediately took aim with the shotgun sheath, firing a shot at the next one's feet to unbalance them as Sasuke rushed in and put him down. Once they were beaten, Shisui looked around at the civilians, "Everyone, please move into the next car! Our friends are clearing the way and securing safe spaces for you!"

"The others?" Sasuke asked as they walked together into the back car.

"Making their way forward." They breached the door, attacked the Demon members, and secured a path for the passengers to take as they continued back, "The gang members mentioned that there was no Huntsman or Huntress posted on this ride. Is that natural?"

"No, something about that is wrong. Especially when we were coming from Argus." Sasuke noted between rushing in and neutralizing the threats, "I think something's happening here in Mistral."

After clearing out all the other cars, the two Uchiha finally reached the caboose. And the moment they opened the door, they had to duck aside to avoid the rapid spray of bullets that flew towards them.

The Demon lieutenant firing at them stepped away from the caboose's exit and lowered his machine gun, "What happened to the rest of my crew?"

"Groaning and napping on the floor!"

"Unless you want to join them I suggest you lower the weapon and surrender!"

"Not happening!" The man hissed, looking out the windows at the forests and flat plains they rushed by as they would probably approach the next station within the next couple of minutes. He clicked his tongue, "Dammit."

"None of your crew are coming, and this heist is a bust!" Sasuke called out, "You should just surrender now and accept your loss." His answer came in a sudden burst of gunfire, "Suit yourself." Shisui fired a warning shot to stave off the bandit's gunfire, and Sasuke rushed into the caboose, jumping off the wall and avoiding the spray of bullets that were trying to follow him. He swiped at the lieutenant and forced him back as Shisui rushed in and quickly joined his side, "So what are you planning now? Were you and your crew going to stop the train and run? No, that would leave you too exposed. You have to have a pickup somewhere around here. Maybe a car or truck or-"

The rush of wind through the exit drew their attention outside as they saw an Airship fly into view. It lowered itself to follow behind the train in anticipation of when it would slow down.

"Or something a little more ostentatious." Shisui noted, "Were you going to slow the train, or were you going to board that while it was still moving?"

"Dammit! There weren't supposed to be any Huntsman on this trip!"

"And why is that?" Sasuke asked, "Did you bribe someone not to pay for protection? Intimidate the crew not to hire someone?"

"You think I need to? When Hunters are becoming a rarity across the Kingdom?" The gang member grumbled as he slowly edged towards the exit, "I'm not going to go down because of you pricks. One way or another we'll make you pay for-"

"GRRRAAAOOWWWWW!"

They all flinched when deep guttural bellows howled through the air as something crashed into the Airship. They looked up and saw a swarm of Sphinx latching onto it, clawing at the hull and pulling on the wings. The sound of cleaving metal quickly followed the rise of smoke from the engines as the Airship started to tilt.

The Airship crashed forward, exploding in a flaming fireball that sent shrapnel and wreckage in every direction. The three men quickly dropped to the ground as they heard the shrapnel whizz through and riddle the train car. Something struck the bottom side of the car and the entire ride started to get bumpy. An ear-splitting alarm sounded through the cabin as Shisui stumbled to the back.

"Some of the shrapnel bent the wheels! We're off-axis! What do - WHOA!"

He jumped back as another Sphinx landed on the back of the caboose and snapped for his head. He fired into its mouth and Sasuke quickly jumped in to slash it away. Looking outside they found a horde of Sphinx following behind and scratching at the train, following it as they sensed the fear and negativity inside.

Every few seconds the caboose would buck wildly as it ran along the rails unevenly. At this rate, the caboose would derail and drag the rest of the train off with it.

"Come on!" Sasuke yelled, urging Shisui and the Demon member to follow him, "We have to get off and cut the-"

"GRRAAOOOWWW!"

"AAAHHHH!"

A Sphinx broke into the car and tackled the Demon member to the ground. He shrieked and tried to push it off but to no avail. Sasuke immediately jumped in, slashing its body and making it cry before it turned and bit at him. Sasuke blocked its jaw with his katana but was pinned to the wall by its weight.

A chunk of its shoulder disappeared with a shot from Shisui before the car bucked again. He had to turn and fire at the swarm of Sphinx trying to bust through the door. They were being pressed-

"SASUKE!"

He heard Fū call out his name and spared a look back through the hall. The others were rushing back to the caboose after hearing the commotion followed by the alarm. Sasuke gritted his teeth and pushed back against the Sphinx's snapping maw.

"Cut the caboose!" He yelled out to the others, "It'll derail the train and endanger everyone! We'll catch up!"

It was a reactionary call, but if they just cut the caboose and ran into the next car, the Sphinxes would follow as well. And they'd be dragging behind a swarm of them into the next station with people in it. It was too risky.

They'd catch up. He, Shisui, and if they had to they'd force the Demon member to thin the herd enough until they could follow up to the next station. That was enough. Until then-

He felt the slack of the car being cut stop the dragging of the caboose, and the next moment he saw a blur charge into the Sphinx and tackle it down. Fū rushed over to Shisui's side and blew the Sphinxes out of the exit they were cluttering.

As the train carried off into the distance and the broken caboose slowed to a stop with them in it, Kiba walked over to Sasuke's side, "Whatever roadblocks we hit, we're not separating again. Not until we reach Mistral."

Then whatever they might run into…they dealt with it as a team.

They made their stand and started carving through the Sphinxes swarming around the caboose.

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

"Mmm,~," Yang licked her lips with satisfaction, "Ice cream was the right choice to finish up the day. And holy crap there were so many choices!"

"I know, right?" Naruto grinned around his icy treat, "Dad showed me this place when I was first staying here. Glad I remembered where it was on the way back." He opened the door and they walked back in, "We're home!"

"Welcome back - you got ice cream?! I want ice cream!"

"Sorry Sis," Yang apologized with a big grin, "I would've gotten you something, but I definitely would've just eaten it."

"Not fair!" Ruby whined while kicking out her feet.

"What's the ruckus about?" Weiss and Nora walked into the room as they cooled down from their intense workout. The Schnee noticed the two returning blonds and frowned, "Oh, look who finally made it back. I thought we had set aside a time for us to all train together, remember?"

"Did we?"

"Yes! To work on our combination in facing the Spring Maiden!"

Naruto and Yang looked at each other before shrugging, "Well, we're here now. Let's get to it."

"Wha- I've been training all day!" Weiss exclaimed, "My arms and legs are jelly from fighting Nora! She hits like an Atlesian Paladin!"

Nora flexed her arms, "I hate to disappoint."

"I'm not gonna train now just because you two lazy bums finally make it back!"

"Okay, if you say so." They shrugged and walked on by, "I was sure you'd be up for fine-tuning our attacks and strategies. But I guess that was too much to ask. Here I thought you'd still be…um, what's the word? Yang, what's the word for what Weiss was back in school?"

"Studious."

"E-Excuse me?!" Weiss indignantly squawked, "I'm still studious! I was always focused on my training! Y-You two were - I-I can't - ugh!" She stomped her foot and seethed for a second before marching away, "Be ready in five minutes! I'm grabbing my sword!"

The blonds shared a cheeky smirk before bumping knuckles and heading out into the yard.

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

They passed on the message from Yagura and the White Fang to her parents. To no surprise, they were appalled and infuriated to find out their former brothers and sisters would stoop to such reprehensible methods as kidnapping and ransom.

What was surprising was that Ghira was considering it. All the dangers to the citizens to make a point and now endangering Tenten just to force their hand…

Kali and the others were trying to convince him otherwise. There was no guarantee that even if he did stand down, they would halt their destructive activities to come after them.

Ghira countered that ignoring the wishes of the people and holding command against their wishes would be tyrannical, even if it was egged on by the White Fang.

There were a lot of discussions about what to do next before Blake walked away.

She stopped by Tenten's room, looking over at the sticks they left on her bed and wondering if her friend was okay. Her fist tightened at her side angrily.

"Hey," Sun walked over after noticing her, "She'll be okay, right? She's tough."

"But just how long can she wait for us?"

"So what do we do?"

Blake clenched her eyes shut before they slowly opened, narrowed, and filled with determination.

If the White Fang was going to resort to this…then it was time to meet them head-on.

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

On the coast of Menagerie's desert, the sea's waves crashed into the sandy bank. Under the veil of night and in the moon's light, a figure rolled onto shore from the water.

Tenten took desperate breaths and dragged her way further up the coast. Once she was far enough that the waves only reached her shoes, she rested and started hacking up water. With a groggy moan she laid on her back, "I-I'm never going swimming again."

She knew it was a stupid move to jump into the water like that while she was tied up, but dear gods was it idiotic! She could barely stay afloat with just her legs! Swimming had never been her strong suit!

Thankfully the spider webbing had dissolved in the sea water. And the ropes were easy to cut. As the chains…

Well, she wasn't sure what happened to it. She had been struggling and gasping for air trying to stay afloat before her fingers wrapped around part of the chain. And before she knew it the whole thing had gone slack and her arms were free enough for her to swim. She didn't know how it happened but she wasn't complaining.

After lying in the sand trying to regain some energy, Tenten pulled herself up and looked out at the vast sandy wasteland that stretched out in front of her. She sighed, "I doubt I swam to Vacuo, so I guess I'm on the other side of the island."

The young Huntress looked down at her wristbands before she clenched her fists. When she did that, her combat sticks would magnetically pull towards her wristbands and come towards her. Unfortunately, she was too far away for the signal to reach them.

But the markers on her wristbands lit up when she tried and pointed in the direction of where her sticks would be.

Tenten stood up, feeling the exhaustion in her arms and legs as she looked in the direction of where Kuo Kuana would be. Looking out over the vast desert in between her and civilization, she sighed and started making her way over. The sounds of far-off creatures singing in the night were her only solace as she weathered the dunes of Menagerie with her goal in mind.

Get back to the others…and finish this fight with the White Fang.

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

Done

A heart to heart between Naruto and Yang. Problems with Blake and the White Fang. Tenten trying to reach out to Ilia. And Sasuke's group in a magnet for trouble. We're ramping up to the end here.

So someone recently pointed out that this story is being stretched thin by so many POV happening around the world. Honestly, I might have fallen into the same pitfalls as Volume 5 did it seems. But it is all important and I promise it's all closing in as we speak. I'm already working on the finale and I hope to close this volume out by end of year or beginning of next.

Man, I need to stop playing games and buckle down.

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