#shout out to my littlest sister for adding the explosions

[lunarcrown]

This meme had me in a GRIP

[setsunatama3]

AN/ i would like to thank those of you who voted, and the results favored my plan and I intend to follow through. I hope you like the results.

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Chapter 23: Investigations, Rituals and Infiltration

 It was easy to sneak out of the room where Cinder and Emerald rested. Replacing himself with a clone, Naruto used the Hiraishin and in a flash he was back in his room at Beacon. 

It exhausted him, creating a Biju was one of the most exhausting things he had ever done. It was a wonder that he still had the energy to shower and made it to bed.

He however did not have long to rest as he heard a knock at his door.

Throughout her life Yang thought she knew what she wanted. Her goals set. A clear path in mind to get there. That was what she had thought, at least until she had almost died. On that dock. 

Had it not been for Sarada, she knew she would have been dead. She was far from the group. In the fight’s midst. She reveled in the battle and had fought her way closest to the containers. Roman had shot. 

It was in the moments before the explosion happened. Yang had heard the gunshot before she felt the heat. As she braced herself for her likely death. It all happened so fast. Her thoughts went out to her family, then to Naruto. The first person who was not family she had ever loved in the way she did. Then she felt a force pull her back faster than she could blink.

Her life was spared from death. As the gravely injured Sarada had saved her life at what she had believed was a great personal cost.

It struck a nerve within the girl. She was weak and naïve. What she had done. No, what they had tried to do was utterly foolish. And she knew it. Though it galled her to admit it.

Despite all of her progress. All her power she was still weak.

It was this revelation that had almost shattered her resolve. Combined with her first real taste of a near death. Almost…

It hadn’t been her goals that had stopped Yang from giving up. No, it had been her thoughts of her friends and family, her little sister. That she could not let go on this path alone. Everything she had done was for her sister. Ever since her mother left and Summer had died. 

She wanted to be stronger. No, Yang knew she needed to be stronger. It was why she was at his door, even at this time of night.

Naruto was the first unattached boy she had met that was not her father. Who saw her as a person foremost. 

As she knocked on his door. She waited in the hall’s silence. Fidgeting with nervous energy. Hands clasped behind herself in an effort. To prevent her from playing with her hair. A habit she swore she would break. It made her too easy to read.

It distracted Yang, her deep contemplation of the night's events. And the harsh reality it forced upon her.

While Yang wanted to be strong. Yang couldn’t deny what she wanted if only for one night. She just wanted to be an ordinary girl and be comforted by the man she loved.

Until she heard a sound. It drew Yang’s attention back outward as she directed her focus. To the sound of footfalls on the other side of the door.

When the door opened and Yang looked upon Naruto and his haggard form. And his steadily growing smile despite how tired he was. When he looked upon her.

It surprised Yang when she heard a gasp from behind her. When she turned to the noise, she found that it was Weiss and Pyhrra.

“Hey what-” Before she could even finish her sentence.

 Yang found herself along with Weiss, along with Pyrrha. Stripped down somehow and into their nightclothes and pulled into his room as the bed grew and underneath the covers with the other three.

As if reading their minds amidst the confusion. Naruto said, “hush now, we all need sleep, we can talk in the morning.”

It sent a shiver up her spine and made her belly tingle when he pulled her into his embrace. And as she snuggled deeper into the embrace. Yang couldn’t help but think as she quickly drifted off into sleep. “This is where I belong...”

]|[

  It had been four days, four interminable days of looking for the ever elusive blonde and his team. And for one Coco Adel, she had thought Naruto and his teammates were avoiding her and the members of team CFVY. That was at least until she had caved and asked one of her underclassmen. Why they and teams RWBY, AACM,  SLVR were not in class.

The answer she had gotten was less than pleasing. It was not the fact that the answer had made Coco mad. In fact, it had impressed her that her underclassmen had taken the time to get extra training outside of classes. And had worked it out with the headmaster to have permission to take the week to improve. 

Coco’s only annoyance was that she and her team had checked all the training halls, combed the Emerald forest, and checked every classroom for them. And still they had yet to find them.

So left with no other option, Coco and her team had gotten up early. To meet them at their dorm room.

As Coco, Velvet, Yatsuhashi, and Fox  walked down the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side of first-year dorms to catch team NNPR. before they disappeared to god knows where.

Velvet couldn’ help but think back to the rumours she had heard about these floors occupants. One of the many rumors she had heard was. That the headmaster himself in order to cadre to the schnee heiress had remodeled the floor. Then there was this wild rumor about the leader of team NNPR. and his lustful urges that could not be sated with just one girl. So he seduced the heiress and her blonde teammate of RWBY.

While he seemed like a good person and she knew that they were just wild rumors. Velvet also knew that even with rumors there was some truth. But even with that small bit of truth, velvet’s team had dismissed them out of hand knowing. At least for the moment it did not matter.

Once they found the rooms they were looking for. Coco knocked on the door waiting for a moment hoping that someone would be there.

Moments later her wish was answered when a rumpled Ruby opened the door. Dressed in shorts and a white tank top that was cut so it bared a bit of her midriff. And while it was an ensemble, that left little to the imagination. Sex appeal was not the purpose of this outfit. Or at least that was Coco’s opinion based on Ruby’s poor state. She was covered from head to toe in dirt and debris. And there were minor cuts that littered the smaller girls' arms and legs. Along with a rather enormous bruise forming on her side. 

With an exhausted tone Ruby asked, “can I help you?”

Putting aside her immediate concern for the red reaper’s condition. In favor of her goal. “Ah, yes, this is the NNPR team room right?” Coco asked.

“Yes.” the littlest reaper replied, gaining a haunted look in her eyes.

“Good, I Am looking for their team leader. Can you tell me where he is?” Coco inquired.

The question made her posture stiffen as the haunted look only grew as Ruby answered with a scowl gracing her face. “He’s with the others in the training room.”

she opened the door fully as with a full body shudder Ruby added on, “I’ll show you the way.”

As they entered all of team CFVY couldn’t help but gawk at the space curiously glancing about. The rather large flat expressions ranging from disbelief to envy.

As They passed the kitchen and living room they came upon a set of stairs much to Coco and her team's disbelief one set lead up and the other took them down. 

They headed down two flights of stairs to a hallway with a single door at the end.

Once Ruby opened the door. They were met with a massive training ground surrounded by forest with no end in sight. And in the distance at the center of the grounds they could make out a battle between two blondes.  

Ruby led them to said clearing in short order. Taking them past a waterfall and several smaller clearings where they could see the members of teams AACM, RWBY, and SLVR all working hard at improving their skills. The only ones missing were Naruto and his team, and Yang. 

They heard what sounded like an explosion and someone shouts, “get down!!!” It was only years of training and instinct that lead Coco and her team. To dive to the ground preventing them from being flattened by the very blonde they were looking for. Ruby however did not even bother to dodge, much to the horror of team CFVY. 

They had expected to see the poor exhausted girl splattered all over the trees behind them. This was not what had happened. 

Because of what Ruby would consider a week of hell training. It had forced her to learn one of the fundamental rules of fighting to a ludicrous degree. In that week of hell, she learned one thing only how to dodge. Force to run an obstacle course until she could clear it in under a minute. Something she had yet to do all while being attacked at all hours. Even while she slept. It caused her to adapt or fail. And since failure meant not only pain but embarrassment. Ruby found that her sembalence was not just speed, it was so much more. 

An aspect  of which she displayed as Naruto passed right through her body. As she broke apart into petals. Reforming quickly after with a sigh and a shudder. 

The sensation of dispersing her body on command still left Ruby with a chill running down her back. It was something she knew she would have to get used to.

The shocked members of team CFVY looked from Ruby to the pile of trees Yang had just sent Naruto through with a bit of disbelief. It was something that would normally put someone down for the count. But not Naruto as he pushed one of the felled trees off of his person. Looking only a little worse for wear. With a grin splitting his face and a glimmer of joy in his eyes. 

He grabbed one of the fallen trees and tossed it like a javelin toward yang. Leaping back into the fray to engage in combat with. The blonde brawler who just shattered the tree into splinters.

The two were so caught up in battle that they did not even stop their fight for their guest. When the two locked fists once more Naruto’s partner walked up to Ruby and team CFVY greeting them. 

“Hello, sorry about that. Those two are getting a bit out of hand.” Pyrrha said, offering Coco a hand.

Taking the proffered hand up, Coco wondered just what their definition of normal was. If this was a “bit” out of hand for them.

Coco couldn’t help but shake her head in disbelief  as she let out an exaggerated sigh. “I-it’s fine.” She said. 

We came here looking for team RWBY and your team. Coco said remembering why they had come here.

As if on some unspoken cue, Yang and Naruto delivered a powerful blow to one another just as their sage modes ran out. Both had delivered a right cross to the other's face. At the same time, the two collapsed to the ground. 

Naruto lay there on the ground, stunned by Yang’s sudden growth. He knew that one's semblance reflected one’s soul. And thus it evolved and changed in subtle ways, as the person in question did. It was why Naruto thought Yang was so suited to be a sage. 

In fact, he knew that there had to be a reason she gained a sage transformation so soon. It threw his original thoughts out the window. With this last spar they had just had. The power problem that Yang had was solved somewhat. While Naruto lay there pondering about this sudden growth in power Yang had undergone. Yang was contemplating the same thing.

As Yang lay there on the ground a bruise quickly forming on her cheek. She pondered on just what was going on. It was only the other day that sage mode did not even last her more than a minute. And her transformation even less than that. Intent on finding out just what had changed, she closed her eyes. To gather nature energy delving into a deep meditation.

As she achieved the sage transformation she searched for the familiar hum of her power.

The ever present fire that she held in her breast. When Yang found it this time, it was different instead of the fire she had expected to find it was an inferno.  Formed into the shape of a brilliant serpentine dragon.

It was so captivating that Yang couldn’t help but reach out for it in a trance. As if to respond to her it coiled its body around her. Its head now level with her own. Only separated by mere inches at this point. Tempting her to take the final step and reach out.

It was at then that Yang realized what this was. The dragon represented a test of sorts. To grow all she had to do was reach out and touch the dragon. 

She hesitated only for a moment, fear of the unknown settling in her gut. Before pushing aside her fear and self doubt. As Yang took that step forward she swore to herself that she would never hesitate or hold on to any regrets again. It only took the slightest of contact for the dragon to burst into flames. When Yang’s hand touched it. It took a new form once they made contact. The flames that made up its form coalesced into a form mirroring her own. Only with red eyes to Yang’s violet. 

With their hands touching it gave a fond smile, the flames dimming that made up its form. As Yang’s own glowed with that same ethereal flame. She could not help but mirror that same smile. It was like reuniting with an old friend she had forgotten. 

When her copies, flames finally guttered out and what remained absorbed by Yang. it filled her with an instinctive knowledge of how her semblance worked. 

Her semblance, Burn, was in its base form the ability to absorb power from damage taken and redirect it with twice as much force. Yet some part of her knew that was just the tip of the iceberg. That from here on out she would only grow stronger.

Eyes blinking open, Yang was the first to get up. And with a grin, despite the forming bruise on her cheek. She leapt onto the distracted sage with vigour. Wrapping her arms around Uzumaki’s neck and embracing him in a passionate hug. For his aid in her latest success.

As adorable as their display of affection was. They were met with the sound of a certain redhead clearing her throat. Gaining their attention and stopping the two before Yang took things too far.Yang couldn’t help but flush with embarrassment for not noticing their audience. Yet despite that, she stayed straddling Naruto. Doing her best to smother the other blonde in her ample bosom. Giving Naruto’s partner a withering glare, she huffed out, “what.”

Pyrrha let out a sigh of exasperation at Yang's current addition. While yes she interrupted what would have been a steamy make-out session. Between the two. One that if she was honest, she would have joined in on. Had they not had an audience.

“Yang I don't know if you know this but we have guests.” Pyrrha said sarcasm plainly to hear from her tone.

In response, the shameless blonde gave them a jaunty wave, “oh, hey.” She then went back to accomplishing her task of attempting to smother Naruto in her cleavage and a make-out session. 

Naruto however stopped  this attempt. Sensing that this was not the time for the current display of affection. Basing his decision on the fact that he could practically feel the waves of annoyance coming from his red-headed partner. 

Griping Yang by her shoulders, he leaned in and whispered into her ear so only she would hear. “Not right now besides we will have all day for that tomorrow.”

The reminder of their upcoming date and the fact that it is coming up so soon has Yang flushing red. As she timidly got off of Naruto, giddy with glee and nerves.

They hadn’t had the time between classes, exams, and team training to just be teens and have fun in a long time. Because of the course load first years have. So Yang was understandably flustered. and excited all at the same time.

Standing up and brushing himself off. Naruto gave the members of team CVFY a wave, “yo.”

Naruto was not surprised when the brash leader of CFVY strode forwards. “You know you are a hard bunch to find.” immediately voicing her displeasure at just how hard it was to find them.

“But now that I have found you I would like to see just what you and your team can do. Are you up for a spar?”

A challenge to a spar from one of Beacons top teams was not something to take lightly, Naruto knew this. Yet he could not help the grin that spread to his face as he accepted this challenge. “But how about we reschedule it for noon? I’ll even treat you guys to breakfast. It’s the least I can do since you came all the way down here.”

Coco knowing that even she would not turn down a free meal agreed. “Yea ok, we can wait.”

“Great, just let me gather the others.” Naruto said. 

He stopped just as he was about to do just that and noticed Ruby standing there. The haunted look on her face made him question just what was wrong. Knowing that he had assigned a clone to the Red Reaper. Specifically, to train her earlier in the week. And it had yet to dispel itself. So he had assumed that things were going to plan. 

It was with a simple thought as he leapt into the trees he dispelled all the clones he had in the training ground. Getting flashes of Ruby’s training. Naruto had to let out a sigh of exasperation. Her training while simple. Was definitely influenced by his more devilish prankster influences. And he knew that thanks to his clones, he would need to make it up to the girl.

Within moments, he returned with his team and the others.when they had started to head back up to the dorms. As mind bending as that was for the members of team CFVY. who had collectively agreed that this entire space warping thing was to be named an Uzumaki thing. For the sake of their collective sanity, if anything else.

Coco had thought they would head to the cafeteria once they had entered the apartment above. But rather than go there, they had opted to head to the kitchen. What the members of team CVFY had expected when they had. Taken up the whiskered blonde offer was a basic breakfast. Not a gourmet experience they were about to have once the blonde had started cooking. The others quickly follow his lead. And within twenty minutes the meal would be ready. And were ready to eat what would be one of the best meals CFVY had.

]|[

It had been an interminable night and a longer day still; the headmaster thought as he took a sip of his coffee. It had taken all night working with the V.P.D investigation as the representative for his students. It was only thanks to his position as headmaster of Beacon that the police did not ask to question his students. But in the big picture he knew this incident had put a target on their backs.

Relaxing back into his chair, Ozpin knew that this was just the beginning of his long, long day. It was likely that the council had heard of the latest actions of the White Fang and of his students.

It was almost assured that they would bring this up at the meeting this afternoon.

With another lengthy sigh, knowing that this would not last forever, he got up to refill his mug. As he waited for his coffee to brew. Ozpin found his eyes wandering to the photo on his desk. With a sense of longing and profound loss. 

In the photo was a faded picture. The woman in the picture was faded beyond recognition. But the small child and her crimson tresses streaked with hints of black whereas clear as day. It was a photo of the family he started in this incarnation of life. Despite his attempts to distance himself in this life from any bonds. She had wormed her way into his heart. One of the many regrets in his eternal life was letting the woman who had inspired him to live for the first time in centuries die. 

He kept this lone photo to remind himself of what he was fighting for. Even when she was gone he swore on that day he would not stop fighting. That was the promise he had made to her on the altar. 

It was the pleasant aroma of coffee and the caw of a crow that broke him out of his darkening thoughts. About a past he wished he could forget and of a time of peace he wished would have lasted longer.

Looking at the crow perched on the windowsill, the headmaster was not surprised when the bird's body shifted and morphed. To take on the form of a man with black hair and red eyes. 

Based on the smell of alcohol wafting from him. Either he had completed his task, or he had failed to gather the information he had asked about kitsune.

While he knew about ironwood’s approach. He also knew that James was anything but subtle. And among those in his inner circle the man before him was the best of the best at infiltration, information gathering. And if need be assassination.

As the headmaster refilled his mug, Qrow for it could be no other man. Based on the scent of alcohol wafting off the man. Strode to one of the two chairs in front of his desk and took a seat. 

Qrow waited for the headmaster to sit before he went over his findings. “So I did as you asked, I looked into the backgrounds of the members of the teams you wanted. For teams, RWBY, and AACM. things check out mostly.”

It was clear just by his tone he was not happy looking into his Niece’s team. Even if it was Ozpin who asked.

“You already know about Ruby and Yang so I will skip them. And head straight to Weiss schnee. Despite coming from an influential family. With both parents still living, things are not as they seem. Her mother from what I know is an alcoholic recluse. And her father is just as much a bastard as you think. He’s corrupt and willing to do anything to get what he wants.” Qrow said before taking another swig from his flask. Making it clear to the headmaster that sobriety was not an option today.

That also meant that what he had just said was the tip of the iceberg and that things would just get worse from here. It was easy to gauge how unpleasant things got by how drunk Qrow was. And right now the man was only slightly buzzed for him. Which meant shit faced for a civilian.

Qrow let out a sigh before continuing, “While there is no proof, Jacques was under investigation for the lax safety conditions that caused the preventable mine collapse just outside of the mining town of Latere.”

“I see, I had suspected things weren't right for a long time now. But we will need to take a wait and see approach. He is a powerful man.” 

“Now here is where things are interesting Oz. Blake Belladonna, parents are Girha Belladonna and Kali Belladonna. Both were founding members of the White Fang. with Girha leading them during their peaceful protest days. It wasn’t long after her father stepped down that all records of her stop. And my bet is that she joined up with the new regime. From there we can guess where things went for the girl. The kid is a child soldier who escaped the indoctrination of radical extremists.”

The headmaster had to grimace at that; he knew based on her background that she had some dealings with the Fang. But it was likely that she had some real scars when it came to that organization.

“I would recommend counseling for Blake based on the recent incident at the docks. She might react rashly once again if she feels that nothing is being done about the Fang. as far as Weiss goes, she is handling things well on her own. But i would recommend watching her for now.”

It was not any surprise there for the headmaster. He had intended for Belladonna to receive counseling based on what she had done at the docks. But when he had considered the facts, he now knew about her parentage. It’s really no surprise that Qrow of all people would recommend she seeks counseling for her issues.

“The outlier of team AACM is the Arc boy. While he has records, none of them are from a combat school. It's likely that he forged his documentation to get into the school. But you knew that, didn’t you?”

The accusation Qrow had levied was phrased as more of a statement than a question.

“Yes, I did Qrow it was a favor from his Grandfather to accept him into this institution.” Ozpin stated placidly. Intentionally leaving the statement open for interpretation.

Knowing that Ozpin had his own reasons for doing this, Qrow dropped the matter entirely. Not wanting to get involved in the political games played between the headmaster and the patriarch of the Arc family.

“Right so, let's cut to the chase there were only four people you wanted me to really look into out of the teams you gave me to investigate. Naruto Uzumaki, Sarada Uchiha, Lie Ren, and Nora Valkyrie. Of the last two teams I looked into, only those four had discrepancies in their records.” Qrow said, glaring at the headmaster. As he took another pull from his flask.

“Had you not informed me of the Ren family's hereditary semblance that manifests alongside personal semblance. I would have thought someone forged the boy’s records. Looking into the past of his family a semblance that allows them to shape-shift and choose what they look like. Explains why the family was so prominent. That they had the funds to start their own village outside of Mistral. And why there are no birth records for a Lie Ren born male.”

Not said was this ability made the family extremely well versed in infiltration and espionage. It gave the family influence in Mistral politics. On which they made a majority of their money. At least until the collapse of the village they founded Kuroyuri. 

“I also wish you would have told me about Nora. It took me forever to even get a scrap of information about her.” Qrow said with a sigh.

“But once I did, it was easy to track down where she came from. The girl is the daughter of Sigurd Völsunga and Brunhild. The damned valkyrie and the wise man.”

While he did not show it this information however shocked the headmaster to his core, he knew of the two warriors belonging to the Sigrdrífa tribe. From the rumors, the two had died under mysterious circumstances. And that since the passing of the two, the tribe's leader Sigrun was looking for her granddaughter and heir. It was just a good thing that unlike most tribes the Sigrdrífa were mercenaries and huntsmen foremost. Working closely with the kingdoms. The headmaster was just thankful that this tribe was a force for good. Believing that honor and valor can only be gained through righteous means.

“The only two I hit a dead end were Uzumaki and Uchiha with no records of their existence. Prior to two years ago. Before that, it was like they never existed.” Qrow said, a frown gracing his usually placid face. His easy going attitude nowhere to be seen. 

Given just how thorough Qrow was with his findings. It took the headmaster back at this lack of information. 

Accepting this, they moved onto what information they had. Comprising very little aside from forged documentation, it was practically flawless. That their village they claimed to have come from was outside of the kingdoms was not unusual. That they were the only survivors was not unusual. But what had struck the headmaster as odd was the fact that such prodigies as Naruto and Sarada had not been heard of until they had walked into his office. It was the very reason he accepted the two into Beacon so readily. Even if he had his doubts about them Ozpin knew he needed to have them on his side. No matter what it took.

]|[

In one of the lower rooms of her castle, Salem was gathering the ingredients needed for the upcoming ritual. It was barren aside from the pedestal that held a dagger and four basins. One of which she was already at work filling with her life’s blood.

“Blood to represent air” Salem thought to herself. As scarlet rivulets of blood flowed down her arm and into the basin, Salem held to prepare for a ritual to elevate the newest of her devotees.

“Next bile to represent fire.” she thought as she stuck her fingers down her throat, forcing herself to vomit.

With that task done, she slipped out of her dress and grabbed the dagger resting on the pedestal. With no hesitation plunged the dagger into her stomach. Wrenching it to the side widening the wound. Her body wracked with shudders as she focused on her task. Forcing her hand into the cavity. Rooting around her own organs for her prize. 

Once fingers wrapped around it. With significant effort she withdrew her hand prize in tow, ripping out her own liver. Dropping it into another basin before passing out and succumbing to blood loss moments after.

It was to this scene that Laruam arrived to witness. Fading from the shadows of the room. As if sensing them she stirred moments later.

Her wounds rapidly closing and with a gasp she took a breath. Rolling over, her eyes met theirs. 

They knelt once their gazes met hers. In a raspy altered voice they spoke. “My lady, we received your orders. And we felt that it was necessary for me to return to your side at once.”

Getting to her feet with a wave of her hand, she vanished the spilt blood. Ignoring Laruam’s presence until she had gotten dressed. 

“Thank you for coming so soon, Laruam. Since you are here, I have a task for you.” she said as she walked to the center of the room.

 With a negligent wave of her hand, a stone dais rose from the ground. While laying on her side on the plinth she began her explanation. “I need spinal fluid for the last humor you see and I Am in need of some assistance.”

With no need for further explanation Laruam strode forwards to the raised platform and where a long hollow needle lay about eight inches long. With steady hands they inserted the needle into her lower back. Just between the vertebrae and removed the stopper from the end as Laraum allowed for the fluid to drip into a vial. 

For several minutes the two waited in silence as the vial filled. It was all too soon that it was filled to the brim. And Laraum set it down on the pedestal with the other basins.

“Come follow me,” Salem said now that her task was done for the moment.

As the ritual could not progress without a sacrifice from the one ready to be elevated. Laraum knew this all too well when they burned their entire town to the ground as a tribute to the mother. They knew that the sacrifices had to be made without the use of magic on both ends for the ritual to work. They also knew that the better the sacrifice, the greater the power gained. It was how they gained the name Laraum.

It was not long before the two made it to the parlor of her castle. With the walls painted earthy shades of brown. One couch towards the back wall and a loveseat resting right before the fireplace and off to the left hand corner was a pair of lounge chairs. Between them a small table with a tea tray resting on it. 

With a wave of her hand after sitting down in one chair. Salem dispelled the shadows clinging to Laraum like a second skin. Hiding their form from sight. Revealing, they had a rather masculine form. Covered by a simple, well worn traveling cloak. Underneath that was a black double-breasted coat with an intricate golden sigil on the right breast and a high collar. with shin length coat tails, cargo pants and a pair of shin length boots. 

Idly taking a sip of the prepared tea. Salem stared them down. As Laraum glared back with a scowl. 

“Sit” she commanded.

Laraum’s scowl quickly shifted to a pout as they sat down. Crossing their arms above their chest. “You know I hate it when you do that.”

Salem quirked a brow in amusement. “But why hide your beauty Laraum? You know I accept you for you. No matter how you appear.”

A flush spread across Laraum’s face as they looked away. Trying to hide away from Salem's gaze.

With a wave of her hand Salem summoned a tea tray and kettle and poured a cup for herself and Laruam. 

“After your work is done in Lower Carn, I would like for you to investigate the source of the Power that hides Vale from my sight. You can take who or whatever you need, of course,” Salem said. Idly taking a sip of her tea.

Laraum’s form shifted, their once masculine features taking on a more feminine form. Curves appearing where was once toned muscle. Once cropped hair of raven locks shifted to red, elongating to a bob cut. Once gray eyes shifting to a pink hue. “Of course my lady.” Laraum said as they spoke with a lighter, more angelic lilt. The raspy distorted tone nowhere to be found. 

Salem smiled, knowing that her will soon be done. As the two conversed about the outside world. Catching up with one of her most favored pillars.

]|[

It was a late night or rather early morning and yet for Sienna Khan, high ruler of the White Fang. She still had work to do. Having spent the night and well into the morning going over the reports from the cells in Mistral, Vacuo, and Atlas. And the Faunus homeland. Everything seemed in order. Yet after getting the same reports back from Vale. for the better part of six months. Reports that in fact did not match the rumors coming out of Vale. Rumors of the Fang clashing in several major ways with the very protectors of Vale. who eliminated the human supremacist group the Knights of Walpurgis. Thus improving the lives of the faunas in the kingdom of Vale.

Her trust in Adam was the only reason that Sienna had not come to Vale herself. She knew that despite his bull headed approach to things. Adam was one of the few who knew how to get things done. 

Yet she could not get over the feeling that something was very, very wrong with the situation in Vale. frustrated with the incongruity of the whole situation she got up from her desk. Scattering her reports and knocking most of the items off her desk in a fit of peek. Stalking over to the liquor cabinet and grabbed a bottle of vodka. Taking a pull straight from the bottle, Sienna grimaced at the burn. Scowling at the strewn paperwork now gracing the floor. She let out a growl of frustration, drinking more of the hard liquor.

The tantrum she had had not gone unnoticed as the door was opened by one of her guards. “Lady Sienna is-” was as far as the guard had gotten. Forced to duck the vase thrown at his head.

“Get out!” Senna said as she seethed in her anger.

Hearing the commotion, Menma, a clone Naruto had created bearing a striking resemblance to the original. Where the two diverged was instead of blue eyes and blond hair. Menma had eyes the color of scarlet and a spiky mane of hair as black as pitch tied off into a small ponytail. Gracing the top of his head were a pair of fox ears. He was dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a sleeveless shirt that showed off his arms. Since it was so late he had opted to dress casually.

 As he stepped into the room, ducking under a thrown bottle. He couldn’t help but let out a sigh at the sight of the room. In her anger Sienna had broken her chair. Four vases, and most of the decorative china  in the room. It was fortunate that the reason for all the crockery was for her to break. Rather than take her anger out on the staff.

“Get out!” she practically hissed.

He caught the next thrown bottle and set it down on the desk. Ducking under a thrown teacup and a biscuit tin. He swiftly made his way to Sienna. 

Wresting the bottle of alcohol from her grip, “how can I help?” he asked.

As Sienna turned scarlet with drunken embarrassment. She couldn’t help  but reflect briefly on how she got to this point.  She hated to admit it, but she was no leader. No, in her heart of hearts sienna knew what she was. She was a soldier. If there was one thing she knew she was good at it was fighting. It was how she gained her skills fighting in the pits for her “masters” having been sold into slavery at a young age. They only ever gave her two choices in that life before the fang before Girha. Either spread her legs and make them money on her back or fight. The mere suggestion to be split open and allow men to rape her more than twice her age. Sent a shudder down her spine.

At the time she was only seven. And yet her human masters almost expected it. No wanted to pimp her out to men old enough to be her grandfather. All because they saw her as less than human. Just more meat for the grinder. It was this harsh reality check that forced the young Sienna on the path she now walked. She swore to herself that she would never break. Not like the others. And so she fought in the pits, against her fate, and soon against the ones who thought her an animal, her so-called masters. She eventually became their best fighter. never losing, not even once. For a single loss meant more degrading punishment and rape.

It was also why she hated the responsibilities that came with leading the White Fang. under the stress, knowing that she sent men to their deaths in her name. Every decision she made could cost lives. But there was no one else who would step up. In Ghira’s absence when the man stepped down.

In her own opinion, Ghira was the leader they needed. But he was a coward, some would say. But not Sienna, never her; he had her loyalty from the moment he freed her from that life. Ghira just couldn’t handle the lengths the more militant members of the Fang were willing to go. 

So she stepped up, focusing the more radical members on the slave and sex trafficking rings around the world. Knowing that at least if they were aimed at people who truly deserved to die. Then nobody would complain. And her conscience would be clean.

All while directing the peaceful protests in an orderly fashion. It was all a delicate balancing act she had to perform. This was a fact Sienna knew all too well. 

Her fears were that Tarus was hiding something from her. When she had sent Adam to Vale it was to act as a support for the strike and boycott against the SDC mining operation. She had thought after his last mission, a raid against a sex trafficking ring that sold human and faunas alike. It had gone rather poorly. And that was all sienna was willing to think on that matter. 

This would be an agreeable change of pace for the young bull Faunus. 

So when she received conflicting reports and rumors of the Fang committing raids. Rather than supporting protests. And that Adam opted to hide his activities from her, no from the Fang as a whole. It utterly incensed her. Yet she knew that Adam was well liked in the White Fang, and to accuse him without proof it was the epitome of foolishness.

So when Menma, a man she knew for barely more than a year. Offered her his aid. A part of her was eager. A part she crushed and donned the guise of the high leader of the White Fang. For if only in his eyes Sienna wanted to be strong. “I need you to go to Vale, in secret observe what has been going on in Vale and report back to me. There are rumors I am sure are nothing, but I need to know the truth.”

“Of course, I will head out right away” Menma said, taking his orders. Leaving to prepare for his upcoming mission.

As Sienna let out a sigh of relief, the butterflies she always got in her stomach when she interacted with Menma subsided for the moment. She knew she should not feel this way about a subordinate yet; she did. It was something that Sienna knew could never happen; she was his leader, and she had to separate herself from him. For those who wish to rule like her, they often lead a solitary life, scorned by critics and supporters alike for every choice they make. 

Feeling rather melancholic over what she had just asked, Sienna took another swig from her bottle. Hoping that her instincts were wrong, and it was just paranoia. Hoping to drown the feeling she had in liquor.

]|[

All things considered, the infiltration of Beacon was easy. Having been of the right age to be entered into an academy. It was rather easy for Uzushio to have their documents sent to Haven academy. Entering the team has first years. So for all intents and purposes, they were first-year students at Shade academy. One of five teams sent to Beacon, in fact. 

Despite her rather short stature, her long crimson locks and amber-colored eyes. Fae like appearance with her cat ears and tail. Bakeneko knew what she saw when she entered the Beacon dorms for first years. Seals and seal script covered the dorms. Even if the script was not visible, it was there. It was then she knew they were in the Right place. She knew that like her, the rest of her team could feel the chakra of this seal master. Who could be no other than Kitsune. It was like basking under the sun on a bright summer day.

It was rather fortunate that these seals were designed for fortification, reinforcement, and protection. It made the dorm one of the most heavily guarded places on the campus. So long as one did not have any intent on harming any of those that dwelled within these walls. Something that was rather fortunate for Bakeneko and her team.

Being the most sensitive to the powers that others held, Bakeneko froze in her tracks. As they headed to the second floor to their assigned room, she felt the power just flowing off of the seals that warded the door next to theirs. 

It was odd. As if sensing them the door opened, and a whiskered blonde stepped out to greet them. “Oh, well, it looks like we will be neighbors. It's nice to meet you.”

It was rather fortunate for Bakeneko that her partner Tengu stepped in to introduce his teammates for her. Frozen as she was by Naruto’s very presence. 

Taking off the hood of his fur-lined jacket, Tengu reveals his  shaggy sandy blonde hair. Cut short in the back and a length of his bangs tied, so it was out of his vibrant purple eyes. Began his introductions starting with himself, “I Am August Rush, and this is my team leader Kohaku Arashi.” August emphasised this by placing his hand on her shoulder.

It was more than enough to break Kohaku from her daze. Just in time for her more boisterous teammate to introduce herself. “Nice to meet ya, I’m Rio McLaurin!” 

Rio was well Rio, there was no other way to describe the girl other than a force of nature with a bubbly personality to match. The excitable blonde with wild hair tied into pigtails was one who never let things get her down. And was one prone to show off whenever she could. From the way she liked to dress. To her very personality.

If there was only one complaint that Kohaku would say she had. It was the way Rio dressed. Like today, for example.Currently she was wearing a backless two toned dress white at the top and shifted to black just under her rather large bust.the fabric shifted back to white at the skirt where it allowed for her to bare her hips.she finished her outfit with a pair of white knee high stockings and shin length high heeled brown boots adorned with bows on the side

Yet in truth she was like an older sister to the entire team. One they knew as a whole they would never trade for anyone.

The next to introduce themselves was Nuraihyon, “hello, I Am Robbin, Robin Highmore.”

In direct contrast to her partner Rio, Robin was an elegant beauty with high aristocratic cheekbones. Hair as black as coal, and long legs. Along with an ample bust that only seemed to complement her whole figure. All wrapped up in a blouse with short flared out sleeves and gloves. With a black double breasted bodice and a black pleated skirt. Finishing her outfit with opaque black thigh high stockings attached to a garter belt. And a pair of ankle high-heeled boots in black.

In contrast to her more feminine dress of her female teammates Kohaku despite her fae like appearance. With her amber-colored eyes and scarlet red locks. An adorable button nose. Her petite frame making her the shortest one on her team.

She absolutely hated dresses. She could admit that it had something to do with Rio’s constant need to try to make her wear frilly dresses. Like some kind of doll and her other teammates tacit approval of Rio’s attempts. And with mutual enjoyment they got out of the experience. 

It was why most of her wardrobe comprised clothes similar to what she was wearing. Comprising a purple spaghetti strap crop top that bared her midriff. A pair of denim short shorts that bared plenty of leg. That she covered with a pair of striped knee-high socks in purple and black and a pair of sneakers.

So when she heard the complaints of the little reaper. Kohaku could not help but be amused as she watched on with her team. “Coome onn Naruto I’m hungry!” ruby whined.

If it wasn’t for the fact that Kohaku and her team found it rather funny. The smaller girl was latched onto Naruto’s arm like a limpet. 

It was only disturbed by the other blonde clearly attracted by the noise at the door. Snaking her arms under Naruto’s and snuggling into the already comical embrace. And hugging him from behind. Yang poked her head out from behind Naruto to give a wave to the new students.

“Sup,”

The ever enthusiastic Rio gave a wave back. As Naruto scratched a whiskered cheek with his one free limb. “So would you guys like to come eat with us?”

It was an interesting question, one that seemed innocent at first to the shinobi of Uzu. but a covenant way to observe. The one who might just be their target was invaluable. The offer seemed genuine as well to top things off. Making the decision easy. 

“Yes, we would love to!” Rio exclaimed. Latching onto Naruto’s free hand. As he led them inside for what would be a rather enjoyable meal. 

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