"What do you mean we're being hailed?" Naruto rubbed his eyes and yawned, stepping onto the bridge and glowering.
They were just about to arrive at Vale, and someone messaged them?
"It's from Beacon. I believe it is the headmaster, wishing for a meeting." Penny pursed her lips as she turned from the command console and greeted Naruto with a wave.
"Think it is a trap?" Neo scrunched her brow and glowered, memories of the man bad-mouthing Roman over the news flashing in her mind.
"I highly doubt it. Ozpin has given you guys considerable trust and allowed you to take the Relic of Knowledge. Given what he said about you that set James off, I imagine he wants to talk things over and get an idea of your plans... Something I also wish to know, considering you are going after them." Qrow stated, leaning against the back wall of the bridge.
Naruto furrowed his brow at what Qrow stated before he frowned. It sounded like Ozpin gave them the information he had, which may have made James overreact.
"Fine, let's go see what he has to say. He hasn't given me a reason not to trust him. I don't think this is a trap. At worst, he'll want the relic back, and that ain't going to happen. I made Jinn a promise, and I keep those." Naruto shook his head, glancing over at Neo as a gentle, feminine whisper washed over him.
Almost as if Jinn was expressing her thanks.
"I guess... But I still don't trust him." Neo scowled, returning to the pilot seat. "Penny, deactivate the autopilot. I'll coast us in for a landing."
"On it." Penny saluted, her eyes giving an electric glow for a brief moment. "Control is all yours!"
"Yeah, let's go figure out what that bastard wants," Neo rolled her eyes and responded sarcastically, glancing back at Naruto, giving a slight glare.
If she weren't so sure he could get them out of any trouble, she would never...
[ X ]
"It's good to see you again," Ozpin greeted, standing outside the exit offramp for their airship and grimaced. "Can't imagine James is too happy about..."
Before Ozpin could finish his sentence, Qrow stepped toward him and swiftly decked his jaw. A meaty thunk followed as Ozpin's face turned from the blow and his glasses cracked.
Naruto simply raised his brow as Ozpin exhaled, reaching up and plucking his glasses from his face before gently handing them to Glynda at his side. "Feel better now?"
"A little bit. Might need to do it again later. I still have a few more receipts to dish out for all you've withheld from us." Qrow scowled at Ozpin's nonchalant reactions after shaking his hand.
"Charming," Glynda snorted, fixing Ozpin's glasses before handing them back. "At least I didn't hold back when I did it."
"That explains why his Aura didn't absorb the blow like I thought," Qrow snorted before he shrugged his shoulders and relaxed. "And as I said, might need to do it again. I'm just not sure if I'm gonna throw that one, or I'm gonna let Tai get his lick in."
"I've more than earned it. I'll be waiting for it." Ozpin exhaled, turning his attention to Naruto. "I apologize for calling you. I imagine your trust has been dampened by what happened with James. I understand if you don't entirely trust any part of our order, but I appreciate giving Qrow a ride home despite the circumstances."
"Our goals are still aligned. He wants to take care of the rest of that group she has, I want to draw her back out... And I have a few things I want to ask you about." Naruto stated, stepping forward.
"Ah, I should have expected that... The issue with that is that I'll be busy for most of the day. Today is when all the new students arrive for initiation. My team is unfortunately quite limited." Ozpin nervously chuckled while scratching his chin.
"We called you here for a favor." Glynda crossed her arms over her chest, a hint of genuine concern crossing her expression. "The person you are after... Did something to one of our own at the same time you arrived."
"A favor?" Naruto pursed his lips, jolting upon hearing the reason.
But before he could say anything, Neo put her arm in front of Naruto and glared at the Professor.
"Everything costs a price. If you want his help, what do we get out of it?" Neo bargained as she held Naruto back.
Naruto scowled, squinting harshly at Neo. He was not that predictable! He wasn't going to immediately help without asking what they were willing to offer...
He knew not to sell his services without a price. Money was important... But sometimes a favor could be more valuable.
"I'm sure we can make some kind of arrangement. But I think you should see her condition first." Ozpin responded before even he sighed.
"For her condition may be even beyond your powers."
[ X ]
It was weird being on the campus of Beacon, watching as airships flew in and dropped off the new students from all over the world as she stood on their airpad before their ship.
Two months ago, she was offered the chance to attend the Academy to become a Huntress. It was funny how much time had changed, where when she was given the opportunity, Blake was heavily considering it. Now...
It was the last thing on her mind.
Blake didn't really care about it anymore. She had considered that as an option to find a safe place to run from Adam and the White Fang. Now, Blake didn't feel that was necessary, and it wasn't necessarily because of Naruto's presence...
Although that definitely was a factor...
No, her motive had changed. Blake didn't fear Adam. She wanted to go after him. To reach through that thick skull of his and show him just how wrong he was.
Follow in Naruto's example and face that darkness and take that burden onto her shoulders.
"Oum, how much have I changed since then?" Blake muttered as she glanced over at the tower where Naruto had left with Ozpin, Glynda, and Qrow to check on this injured individual.
It had been gradual. She had been concerned for her own well-being when she first decided to stay with Naruto, but the longer she spent around him, the more Blake felt she adopted idealisms from him. While he was charismatic, it was more because she genuinely shared many of his beliefs.
And now, seeing a portion of his life with her own eyes...
"Yo! Fancy meeting you here!" A boisterous voice shouted from a distance yet caused Blake's ears to ring from their volume.
A voice she somewhat recognized...
"Oh, it's you two." Blake turned and lowered upon seeing a bouncy, bubbly blonde and a girl in a black dress, corset, and a red cape approach.
"Oiy! What'd you mean by that? I was just saying hi! Nice to see you here!" Yang threw shaded daggers toward Blake and scowled.
"Well, our meeting last time wasn't under the greatest of circumstances..." Ruby nervously laughed as she rubbed the back of her head. Then, with a genuine bright smile, she met Blake's gaze. "It is good to see you, regardless. Guess that means you received an offer to attend school here?"
"I did, two months ago. But that's not why I'm here. I didn't accept the invitation." Blake responded with a shake of her head.
"Huh? You didn't?!" Ruby's eyes flickered wide, surprised anyone would refuse such an offer.
"I have more important battles to fight. Other things I need to do." Blake firmly stated before glancing over toward the tower.
"Oh... Well, that sucks. I thought you might make a great partner." Yang gave a disappointed frown before she glanced around. "Which reminds me, where's your boyfriend? Did you guys break up or something?"
"The headmaster had a favor to ask of him. That's why we are here. I'm waiting for him to return with the rest of our crew." Blake replied as she glanced back over toward Ruby and Yang.
"So you guys are a couple... Damn." Yang snapped her fingers before frowning. "Wait, you said crew?"
"And a favor from the Headmaster?" Ruby's eyes sparkled, amazed at the idea of someone so young capable of commanding such respect from someone of Ozpin's position.
"Yes, crew." Neo's melodic voice drew Ruby and Yang's horrified attention toward her as she strutted toward them, descending the ramp upon hearing the commotion. She conceitedly grinned as she stopped before them. "Hello, darlings. Good to see you again."
"Ah, you again!" Ruby and Yang quickly drew their weapons and prepared for a fight.
Blake exhaled, palming her face in exasperation. She shouldn't have expected anything less...
"It's good to know you're antagonistic with everyone you meet. Not just me." Weiss huffed as she stepped down the exit ramp.
"Princess, I hate to admit this to you, I hate almost everyone equally. Consider yourself lucky that you aren't one of those special few I loathe." Neo smirked as she looked back toward Weiss with a smirk.
"I don't think I would want to be. I've seen how sadistic you can be..." Weiss recoiled and leaned away from Neo, shivering as she recalled the fight at Haven.
"I have so many questions... What's going on?" Yang relaxed to an extent, her gauntlets sliding back on her wrists, scratching her head.
"Same. She's a renowned criminal here." Ruby frowned, lowering her scythe but keeping a weary eye on Neo.
"Things change. We have a common enemy. She's been a valuable ally to have." Blake shrugged as she gave a simple answer.
"And I get what I want out of this, too. We all win." Neo gave a frighteningly wicked grin toward Ruby and Yang.
"Okay... Sounds like you guys have been dealing with... A lot." Yang leaned back while Ruby's eyes bulged.
"You have no idea." Weiss hung her head and darkly muttered to herself.
Ruby and Yang shared a look before Ruby anxiously spoke. "Well, it seems like you guys have had a rough go of things..."
"But we just saw you and wanted to say hi. We should be going now. Gotta get head in, drop off our stuff, and find the auditorium... Bye!" Yang followed her sister's lead, giving off the same anxious energy before giving a wave and bolting away.
"Oh, I doubt this will be the last time we see each other, darlings! See you soon!" Neo waved back to them, her smirk almost doubled in size since she stepped off the airship.
"You are evil," Weiss squinted and wearily glanced in Neo's direction.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Neo slyly retorted. "But I have to say, I am surprised. Thought you would be taking the opportunity to join them. Weren't you accepted to go to school here, princess?"
"I... It's complicated." Weiss grimaced, biting her lips as she turned away.
"Oh? Now that's interesting." Neo mused, raising her brow toward Weiss. She would have pursued it further, but her attention shifted, noting Blake had begun to walk away. "And where are you going?"
"While we are here, we might as well use the CCT to our advantage. I wanted to check out the news and see what's happened here since we left. Find clues on what your boyfriend and the White Fang have been up to since we were in Vale. I want to see if there is anything of note." Blake stopped momentarily to glance back and reply.
"Is that so?" Neo raised her brow, seeing straight through Blake. "Well, I leave you to it. I know I've hated being separated from my special guy. Go check on him."
Blake glowered as she threw a nasty glare at snarky Neo before scoffing as she turned away and made her way toward the tower. But even as she moved away, her ears twitched, and the agitation set in.
"You think they actually are going out now? She hasn't been denying lately..." Weiss posed her question.
"Oh, I know they are. She was glowing last night. Think they might have had some fun... Now, the bigger question is: what do you mean by complicated? I want the deets." Neo snorted before redirecting the conversation.
Blake simply scowled before shaking her head. Now she was going to have to deal with that kind of teasing. Wonderful.
"Oum, give me strength... I'm gonna need it." Blake muttered, massaging her temples in the palm of her hands.
[ X ]
This was only the start.
Beyond his powers was an understatement. Naruto wasn't sure what he could do in this circumstance.
"Is it as bad as I fear it is?" Ozpin exhaled as Naruto examined Amber through the strange device she was encased in.
"I quite frankly am surprised she's alive. What the hell happened to her? Someone damaged her soul! That's not something you can just recover from." Naruto grimaced as he broke his attention from Amber, his eyes shifting from a golden state to their typical cerulean hues as he focused on Ozpin.
"It's as we feared then... She's lost." Ozpin sighed weakly as Glynda remorsefully hung her head, and Qrow's lips quivered into a snarl as he gnashed his teeth.
"Mah, that's not what I said." Naruto glowered, crossing his arms over his chest. "From what I felt, the Yin of the soul is damaged, but it is intact. In theory, if I restore her Yang portion of her, basically her body, she could wake up. That's the case scenario, though. My abilities were more focused on how the soul affects the body, while my partners could deal directly with the soul."
Naruto winced as he finished his statement. With the Rinnegan, Sasuke could affect the soul. If it were anything like what happened after his fight with Nagato, souls could be returned to their bodies. Perhaps it was possible to return a portion of a soul...
But the only person who could perhaps do that with enough time and training would be...
"Kid, if you could restore the body, why do you go around with one arm?" Qrow inquisitively raised his brow.
"As I said, I can recover the body. You saw my final fight with my partner. That final attack was loaded with every ounce of spirit, and it ripped our arms apart and destroyed them on the spiritual level. And that kind of damage never recovers. She's lucky. Her spirit is still intact. That means, it is possible she can recover." Naruto explained, exhaling as he glanced over at his lack of an arm.
It wasn't like he hadn't tried. It was something that was beyond his power. Maybe in combination with Sasuke, they could have, but even then, they would have likely resorted to Tsunade for help...
...Maybe even from that snake...
"We addressed all her ailments and injuries. If that was the case, wouldn't she have already woken up?" Glynda frowned.
"Not all. There is a disconnect between her body and soul. So maybe... Can you open this up so I can try something?" Naruto turned back to Amber, pursing his lips as he gazed upon her.
"Do you think you can restore her?" Ozpin asked as he walked over to the machine, tapping a few strange buttons.
A hissing noise escaped the tube that Amber was in as the pressure inside released as the hatch opened. Naruto frowned as she lay limply in the device. "I've seen something similar before. With my power, I might be able to replicate it... But it's based on the idea that the place where the soul and the body meet is the mind."
Taking a deep breath as he recalled the memory of what Tsunade did for Kakashi, Naruto drew forth the power he was given. His eyes turned gold as he reached out and gently grasped Amber's temple.
The silence was deafening in the room as Naruto removed his hand from Amber. All attention was on the Maiden as for the first time in months her eyes began to flicker open.
"Amber?!" Glynda gasped as she rushed to her side.
"Ugh, Glynda, is that you?" Amber muttered, groggy as she rapidly blinked, looking around the room. "Where am I? And more importantly..."
"Where is that bitch and her friends that attacked me? What happened to them?"
[ X ]
Blake felt bored as she mindlessly surfed the net on the computers here in Vale's tower. Naruto still hadn't returned. While she thought they would have been in the office so she could have joined them, Blake was disappointed. Apparently, they were in an inaccessible part of the tower.
Ironically, much to her chagrin at Neo being right about why she had left, Blake was now trying to stay productive and look at the news before she started browsing plots of land. If Naruto wanted to start a Kingdom/Village of his own, he was going to need something he could claim for himself...
But everything was so expensive.
And the news cycle already had Blake on edge! Dust theft was on the rise, and it wasn't just Roman doing it. The White Fang had jumped into the mix and had been reported to be stealing Dust in mass.
Joy. Adam had been busy while she was away.
Blake would deal with him soon enough. It was funny, at the start of all this, all Blake desired was to get away from him. Find a safe place and forge her own path, keeping a wary eye on the road behind her.
Now, she wanted to face all because of Naruto...
"Alright, how long did you know about it?" Ilia sat on the table next to Blake and glanced down at her mindless surfing.
"Know about what?" Blake raised her brow at Ilia, noticing Neo, Penny, and Weiss joining them.
"About him wanting to build his own village. About wanting to ask us to join?" Weiss scoffed as she sat down beside Blake, glancing at what Blake was searching and glowering. "Seems like you've known about it for a while..."
"Oh, are those plots of land? That's a lot of zeroes..." Penny excitedly scanned the screen.
"I'm not paying for that. You lot are lucky I paid for a room for ya!" Neo scowled.
"You have that much money? How?" Weiss recoiled, staring at Neo with wide eyes.
That sort of money was something even her father would think twice about!
"You aren't the only heiress here, princess. My father simply wasn't as influential as your dear daddy is... And he is long gone. Burned away in our family home." Neo flatly glanced at Weiss, for once not in a sarcastic manner.
Her tone was, in fact, almost... Remorseful?
And did her tuft of white hair expand?
"Are you okay?" Blake asked, sensing the shift in tone.
"Great, actually. He was a bastard. Kept me trapped at home my entire life, even locked me in my room for three years." Neo answered honestly, her false bravado attempting to hide her dour mood.
"Okay then..." Ilia sat up straight while Blake felt the hair on the back of her neck rise from Neo's comment. Ilia slowly turned her attention back to Black, trying to get the conversation back under control. "What we came over here about was that apparently, some time last night, he approached Ice Princess here and asked if he wanted her to join a Kingdom he was trying to build. We figured to ask you as you are sweet on him..."
"It's been something on his mind since we separated in Atlas, and he first realized... The truth." Blake exhaled, turning her attention to Weiss. "But I am surprised he approached you first. I thought it would have been Ilia."
"Huh? Me? Not Penny? Or Neo?" Ilia jolted back, her surprise evident as she scanned the others.
"I'm not committing to anything without talking to Roman, and he knows that. Even if the offer was tempting..." Neo scoffed before shaking her head side to side as she gave thought to it. "Wouldn't be the worst thing in the world... Might be able to start over again after all this."
"I assume friend Naruto simply thought I would say yes, and he would be correct. I would love to see how a new village would be made. It would be a great learning experience!" Penny brightly beamed.
"I'm still trying to figure out why he asked me... I barely know him. It can't just be that simple that he considers me a friend." Weiss furrowed her brow intensely, unable to comprehend his motives.
"You'd be surprised. He treated me like a friend right from the start when I found him. Gave Neo and Ilia a chance without blinking. That's just the kind of person he is." Blake commented with a slight smirk.
"He didn't even know me when he gave me the ability to talk. Just noticed I was mute and did his thing... Which I stabbed him for. No one touches me but Roman." Neo added, widely smirking as everyone's eyes widened.
All except Penny, who pursed her lips in confusion. "It pierced through his aura? I guess it matters what aura he is using, but I wouldn't think anything we are capable of could penetrate and harm him in anything beyond his base aura."
"You're thinking too hard about it. It just sort of happened." Naruto waved off as he made his way toward them.
"All good? Can we go now? And please tell me we got paid. You're gonna need money to afford the plots of land she was looking up." Neo tiredly scowled, her boredom and anxiety evident.
She desired to return to Vale to see Roman.
"Mah, I got something better. Each of you might want to check your scrolls later tonight. You're all official Huntresses. We can operate legally for now." Naruto broadly grinned.
"We're what?" Ilia recoiled and leaned back.
"You seriously convinced him to do that? After I just told you it wasn't that simple!" Weiss exclaimed with her jaw agape.
"Oh, ho, ho! I am going to abuse that privilege!" Neo deviously smirked, thinking of all the possibilities that had now opened for her.
"Is that everything?" Blake raised her brow, feeling Naruto wasn't quite finished.
There was something about his smile of his...
"A few things, yeah. One thing I'm gonna have to check out later. Has to deal with what you are browsing... And about my home." Naruto nodded, glancing over at the computer and noticing what Blake had on the holo screen.
"You're kidding me." Blake couldn't contain her shock and looked dumbfounded at Naruto.
About her searching for plots of land? And about his home?
Did that mean...
"There is no rush. We can check that later. There's a lot of stuff to get you caught up on. A few things to move over to the ship. Got a pod for Penny so she can rest, that needs to be brought to the ship." Naruto smiled as he turned to Penny.
"How wonderful! I was beginning to worry about that with what happened last night. I haven't defragmented and stored my data in some time!" Penny brightly beamed.
"And one last thing. We have a new crewmate to add to the team." Naruto added, his eyes shifting as the elevator rose from below.
And as it opened, a lone dark skinned individual with a flowing green cape stepped out. Her gaze locked and focused as she approached Naruto. "This is Amber. She's just like Raven..."
"And she decided she wants to join us to repay the favor of reviving her from a comatose state!"