W H I T E // Naruto X Rwby

Chapter 45: Restoring Order



Rinko Schnee clutched his weapon tightly, his knuckles pale against the cold steel. His breath came in shallow bursts as his mind raced, trying to process the magnitude of what had just happened.
"No...!" he muttered, his voice barely audible over the chaos around him. His eyes remained fixed on the distant figure of the Amity Colosseum, now a shattered ruin lying on Vale's soil, surrounded by rising plumes of smoke and fire.
The grim reality began to set in.
"I-Is Atlas... taking over Vale?" someone nearby asked in a shaky voice.
"T-This is a nightmare!" another cried.
"What's going on...?"
The murmurs around him grew louder, cascading into a cacophony of panic and fear. Students from Beacon, Haven, and Shade alike spoke in hurried whispers, their voices heavy with disbelief and growing despair. 
The air seemed to thicken with each passing second, and the tension was palpable. 
But to Rinko, the noise faded into the background as a singular, painful realization took hold: The City of Vale is becoming a battleground.
Above, the skies brimmed with Grimm, drawn by the collective fear radiating from the collapsing city. Their shadowy forms swarmed like locusts, a grim reminder of the chaos yet to come. The devastation of the Colosseum had unleashed more than physical destruction—it had sent a ripple of hopelessness through everyone watching, and now the consequences were descending from the heavens.
Meanwhile, at the Vale medical facilities, Weiss lay unconscious, her face pale and her breathing shallow. 
The facility was overflowing with injured students and civilians, some clutching bloodied bandages, others sobbing quietly. Huntsmen-in-training from every school huddled together in clusters, though tension flared in the building.
Atlas students sat isolated in the corner, casting wary glances as whispers of blame echoed through the room. Some glares were filled with venom, a tangible hatred for what they believed Atlas had done.
Jaune Arc sat beside Weiss, his hands fidgeting as he adjusted the blanket covering her. His face was grim, his usual optimism buried beneath layers of guilt and worry.
Back on the Beacon campus, Rinko Schnee stood amidst the chaos, his mind a tempest of thoughts. 
He tightened his grip on his blade and took a deep breath. The despair in the air was suffocating, but he knew what needed to be done. 'If no one steps up... we'll fall apart.'
The former Hokage squaring his shoulders, jumped to a higher vantage point—a section of scaffolding overlooking the panicked crowd of students. 
As he reached the top, the winds tugged at his belt, and he unsheathed his sword, its blade gleaming in the dim light.
Raising the weapon high, he slammed it against the steel of the platform, the metallic clang ringing out like a thunderclap. The sound cut through the noise, drawing startled gazes toward him.
"HEY!" he shouted, his voice firm and commanding. "Everyone!"
The murmurs gradually quieted as the students turned their attention to him. 
Faces of all ages and backgrounds—fearful, angry, and uncertain—looked up at Rinko, their desperation evident. The silence stretched, and he let it linger for a moment, meeting their gazes one by one.
They recognized Rinko Schnee, the one-man team. They recognized his strength. 
He has all their attention, and they're willing to listen to him.
"This is not the time to fall apart!" Rinko began, his voice clear and unwavering. "Look around you! We're surrounded by chaos, and Vale is counting on us! Are you going to let this fear consume you? Are you going to let the Grimm win?"
His words hit like a spark in the dark, igniting a glimmer of resolve in some of the faces below.
"I know what you're feeling," Rinko continued, stepping closer to the edge of the platform. "You're scared. Angry. Confused. We've lost friends. Family. Our faith has been shaken, but I'll tell you this—we cannot let that be the end of us!"
He pointed his blade toward the ruins of the Amity Colosseum, still visible in the distance. 
"That was meant to break us, to make us turn on each other. But do you know what I see?" Rinko's voice rang out, clear and firm. "I see students from every kingdom standing here together. Beacon. Haven. Shade... Atlas. You're here because you believe in what it means to be a Huntsman or Huntress. Don't let them take that from you!"
For a moment, the crowd seemed to steady, but the fragile unity was quickly shattered.
One of the students, a young man clad in Haven Academy's uniform, stepped forward and shouted, "These Atlas students are enemies! Atlas is invading Vale!" He pointed his weapon at a nervous-looking Atlas student, who instinctively raised his own weapon in defense.
"We didn't know anything about this!" the Atlas student protested, his voice edged with panic.
"Oh yeah? I doubt that!" the Haven student snapped, his grip tightening on his weapon. "This is your fault! You Atlassian scum are traitors!"
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd as tensions began to rise once more. 
Rinko, still standing above them on his elevated platform, sighed deeply and shook his head. He stepped forward, raising his voice again to cut through the clamor.
"No, they're not enemies!" Rinko declared, his tone commanding yet calm. "We're all on the same side!"
For a moment, his words seemed to hold no sway. But then another voice rang out, silencing the crowd.
"He's right!"
All eyes turned toward the source of the voice. It was Pyrrha Nikos, her presence radiating calm and strength even amidst the chaos. 
She stepped forward from the gathering, her red hair gleaming in the light, and addressed the group with her characteristic poise.
"It wasn't Atlas's fault," Pyrrha said, her voice steady but filled with urgency. "They're being framed."
Skepticism rippled through the crowd. Many students exchanged glances, uncertain, while others glared at the Atlas students with renewed suspicion.
"You can't prove that!" a student from Shade Academy shouted, her voice sharp and defiant. She stepped forward, pointing an accusatory finger at one of the Atlas students. "It's obvious this was their doing! Their soldiers, their ships, their tech!"
The crowd murmured in agreement, and the tension was palpable. The Shade student's voice grew louder, fueled by the group's unease. "They're the ones who caused this! Look at what happened to the Amity Colosseum! To Vale! They've brought nothing but destruction!"
The Atlas student she had accused stepped forward, anger flashing in his eyes. "You don't know what you're talking about! We didn't have anything to do with this!"
"Liar!" the Shade student shouted back, and the confrontation teetered on the edge of violence.
Rinko took a deep breath and leaped from the platform, landing between the two students with precision. 
He planted himself firmly, his weapon held at his side but ready to intervene. His presence was commanding, his expression resolute.
"Enough!" Rinko's voice boomed, silencing the crowd once again. "This is exactly what they want! The one behind this attack is trying to divide us, to turn us against each other. Don't you see? If we fight each other, we lose. All of us."
He turned to the Shade student, his gaze steady but firm. "I understand your anger, but they're standing here, just like you, fighting to survive. Fighting for Vale. That makes them our allies."
Rinko then faced the Atlas student. "Prove to them with your actions that you're here to help."
The Atlas student fell silent as he nodded.
Rinko took another breath, his expression hardening. 
Pyrrha stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Rinko's shoulder. "He's right," she said, her voice soft but filled with conviction. "The Grimm are coming. If we keep fighting each other, we'll all be overwhelmed. We need to trust each other, even if it's difficult."
The murmurs softened as Pyrrha's words began to resonate with the crowd. Slowly, the Shade student lowered her weapon, though her expression remained wary. The Atlas student followed suit, lowering his as well.
Rinko Schnee scanned the crowd of shaken students, his voice cutting through the murmurs of uncertainty.
"This isn't about kingdoms or blame," he said, his tone firm yet compelling. "This is about something far greater than any of us! If you can't bring yourselves to trust them," he gestured toward the Atlas students, "then trust me." His hand pressed against his chest, eyes blazing with determination. "Trust Pyrrha!" He pointed toward her, her calm but resolute stance lending silent support. "Trust the fact that we're still standing here, together! We TRAINED for this moment. We CHOSE this path. Now it's time to stand united!"
The crowd stilled, his words hanging in the air like a lifeline.
"This is the fight we prepared for!" Rinko's voice grew louder, echoing across the courtyard. "No more blaming! No more fear! We are Huntsmen and Huntresses—not because it's easy, but because it's right! So if you're with me, let's show the world what we're made of!"
...
Raising his blade high, its surface gleaming in the fractured moonlight, he shouted, "Follow my lead, and I'll lead us to victory! NOW, WHO'S WITH ME?!"
For a moment, silence reigned. Then, a voice pierced through the quiet.
"I'll follow your lead!" Blake Belladonna stepped forward, Gambol Shroud raised high, her voice unwavering.
Yang and Ruby exchanged a glance, their determination rekindled. "We're in!" they yelled in unison, Crescent Rose and Ember Celica gleaming as they joined Blake.
Pyrrha Nikos, standing tall, thrust her weapon into the air. "We're with you!"
Her declaration was swiftly echoed by Nora and Ren, their weapons held high. "For Beacon!" Nora cheered.
One by one, students from every corner of the courtyard began to rise.
"Yeah!"

"We're in!"

"I'll fight with you!"

Weapons gleamed as they were raised high into the night, reflecting the shattered moon above. Encouraged by Rinko's unwavering resolve, the students of Beacon, Haven, Shade, and even Atlas chose to set aside their differences.
As a wave of unity surged through the crowd, Rinko stood at the forefront, his heart swelling with hope and determination. 
This was just the beginning, but for now, the first step toward solidarity had been taken—a beacon of light shining through the encroaching darkness.
For Remnant. For each other.
Suddenly, a roar came from Rinko's rear. Grimm. They breached in Beacon Academy.
"INCOMING!" Nora yelled as every student prepared their weapons as they anticipated the Grimm wave incoming.
Crashed Large Atlas Ship, Winter
Winter coughed, her lungs burning as thick smoke filled the control room. Her vision blurred, and her ears rang with the echoes of the ship's alarms and explosions. The memories of the attack rushed back like a crashing wave—the sudden assault on the tournament, the chaos, the ship spiraling out of control.
"No!" she gasped, forcing herself upright. Her heart sank as her eyes swept over the control room. Bodies lay strewn across the charred floor, her crew... her comrades. All of them were gone.
Pressing a handkerchief over her nose and mouth, Winter stifled her coughs as the smoke thickened around her. The heat was suffocating, flames licking at the shattered remains of the consoles. She steadied herself, activating her Aura to shield against the surrounding damage. Without hesitation, she sprinted toward the shattered window.
With a determined leap, Winter dove through the opening, glass shards catching in her Aura and clinking harmlessly to the ground. She landed heavily on Vale's grassy soil, collapsing to her knees as she sucked in the fresh air. Her hands clawed at the ground, her breaths ragged as the world spun around her.
Winter raised her head and blinked through the haze. Nearby, a few survivors were being treated by a lone medic, their injuries severe but not fatal. The sounds of groans and hurried instructions filled the air, but it was a fragile semblance of order amidst chaos.
"Specialist Schnee!" a voice called urgently.
Winter turned to see a group of soldiers rushing toward her. One officer stepped forward, his expression torn between relief and concern as he helped her to her feet.
"Ma'am, are you alright?" the officer asked, steadying her as she staggered slightly.
Winter coughed again, shaking her head to clear the dizziness. "I'll be fine," she said, her voice hoarse but resolute. "Status report."
The officer saluted before speaking. "We've received reports from the General, Ma'am. He's confirmed that an enemy operative, identified as Cinder Fall, orchestrated the attack. Their goal is to frame Atlas for the destruction of Vale. There's also something about the White Fang, they're part of this as well!"
Winter's jaw tightened, her mind racing. "The White Fang?" she asked sharply.
"Yes, ma'am! They've disguised themselves as Atlas soldiers," the officer continued. "General Ironwood has ordered us to spread the truth—make it clear that Atlas is not responsible for this attack."
Winter absorbed the information, her hands clenching into fists. Her gaze swept over the wreckage, the rising smoke, and the distant cries of battle. The devastation was unimaginable, and yet, there was no time to grieve or dwell on it.
"Understood," Winter said, straightening her posture despite the pain gnawing at her body. Her voice gained strength, though her eyes carried the weight of her loss. "Gather the survivors. Tend to the wounded. Spread the word to anyone who will listen. We cannot let Cinder succeed in dividing us."
"Yes, Ma'am!" the soldiers responded in unison, saluting before rushing off to carry out her orders.
Winter exhaled deeply, her hand resting briefly on the hilt of her weapon to her side, as she turned her gaze toward the horizon. 
The city of Vale was now a battleground, but she refused to let despair take root. There was still a chance to turn the tide—and she intended to see it through.
Crashed Amity Colosseum
Glynda leaned heavily against a broken pillar, her semblance flickering around her as she steadied a chunk of falling debris to protect a group of students. 
Her entire body ached, her aura drained, but she refused to rest.
"Get to the evacuation points!" she barked at a group of frightened students who were huddling nearby. Her tone was sharp, and commanding, but her eyes betrayed the sorrow beneath.
She scanned the wreckage, her heart breaking at the sheer devastation. 'So much destruction... so many lives lost.' 
For years, she had prided herself on her ability to maintain order, to be the calm in the storm. But this was beyond her.
"We need to regroup," she said firmly, though her voice trembled ever so slightly. "The students... the civilians... they're panicking. The Grimm are closing in."
"And they will keep coming," Ozpin said, his tone heavy with meaning. "Until we show them there is still hope."
Glynda tightened her grip on her riding crop, her resolve hardening. 
"Hope won't be enough if the people believe Atlas is responsible for this," she said bitterly, glancing at Ironwood, who was pacing like a caged lion nearby.
"We'll clear Atlas' name," Ironwood snapped, overhearing her. His eyes burned with determination. "And we'll stop.. Cinder Fall. I swear it."
"Swearing won't undo what's happened," Glynda said coldly. She gestured toward the destruction, her voice rising. "Look at this, James. Look at what they've done. This will take more than words to fix."
Ironwood's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
The three stood amidst the ruins, the weight of their failure bearing down on them. Around them, the screams of the wounded and the cries of the frightened continued a grim reminder of what had been lost.
But there was no time to grieve. Not yet.
"Let's move, there are still people that need to be evacuated," Ozpin said quietly, his voice steady. 
Suddenly, Ironwood walked away from Ozpin and Glynda, "Where are you going?" Glynda asked, Ironwood didn't look but simply replied.
"I'm taking back my damn ship," Ironwood said with cold fury, he made it to the exit from the different side.
Ozpin and Glynda looked at each other, they nodded as they evacuated more students who were still alive.
Atlassian Large Ship
Cinder stood at the edge of the ship's deck, her eyes gleaming as she surveyed the chaos below. Vale was in shambles. Grimm swarmed the streets like a plague, as the dressed-up White Fang retreated to Vale and then moved to Beacon Academy. 
Grimm was drawn by the despair radiating from the terrified citizens. The air crackled with malice, their energy amplified by her manipulations.
She raised her arms outward, embracing the icy wind that whipped through her hair, a satisfied smirk curling her lips. "Ahh, yes," she purred, her voice carrying through the howling night. "Everything is falling perfectly into place."
Behind her, Emerald cautiously approached, her boots clinking softly against the metallic surface of the deck. A pair of winged Grimm soared past, their piercing shrieks echoing in the distance.
"Are you going after the Maiden?" Emerald reminded her, her voice tinged with unease.
Cinder's smirk faltered slightly, replaced by a gleam of hunger in her eyes as she turned to glance over her shoulder. "The Maiden," she repeated, almost to herself. Her expression shifted, dark and resolute. "Yes... She's weakened. Vulnerable."
Emerald's unease grew as she watched Cinder. "Do you think this is the right time? With all this going on?"
But Cinder had already made up her mind. Without sparing another glance, she leaped from the ship's deck, her body igniting with searing flames as she soared into the night.
Emerald stepped closer to the edge, watching as Cinder disappeared into the chaos below. A storm of emotions swirled within her—admiration, doubt, and fear. She clutched her arms tightly as the distant roars of Grimm filled her ears.
"She always does whatever she wants," Emerald muttered under her breath, her gaze fixed on the shrinking figure of her mentor. A part of her wondered just how far Cinder would go for power—and what the cost would be for everyone else.
Left behind on the ship, Emerald turned her attention back to the unfolding battle below, a sinking feeling settling in her chest as the screams of Vale's citizens echoed through the night.
Beacon Academy, Rinko
Rinko and the rest of the Huntsmen-trainee were fighting off Grimm that breached Beacon. They saw Atlassian Soldiers, but they were aiming at the students as they opened fire, including the Atlas students.
"Immobalize those soldiers!" Rinko yelled, as his command was received by everyone as they took mental notes. Rinko was leading them as they killed off Grimm after Grimm and knocked out White Fang dressed up as Atlas soldiers.
Rinko himself fought with fluid precision, his blade slashing through the encroaching Grimm while his sharp eyes darted between allies and foes. All around him, the students moved like a well-oiled machine, their training shining through even in the midst of battle.
Nora Valkyrie let out a battle cry as her hammer smashed into the ground, sending shockwaves that stunned nearby Grimm. "AUGHHHHHH!" she roared, her sheer strength reverberating through the earth.
Ren darted in right after her, his movements swift and deadly as he sliced through the immobilized creatures with surgical precision. "Keep pushing!" he urged, his calm demeanor steadying those around him.
The White Fang retreated as their numbers dwindled, and some of them were killed off by nearby Grimm.
Grimm were falling in droves, their numbers thinning under the students' relentless assault. At the same time, the White Fang operatives—disguised in stolen Atlas uniforms—were faltering.
"Retreat!" one of the White Fang members shouted, his voice tinged with panic. The operatives began scattering, slipping into the shadows and leaving the Grimm to face the brunt of the Huntsmen's wrath.
Rinko's sharp gaze swept over the battlefield, taking in the sight of the retreating White Fang and the slain Grimm. For now, they had gained the upper hand.
"We... we did it! We won!" Ruby exclaimed, her voice shaky as she gasped for breath, Crescent Rose dripping with the ichor of fallen Grimm.
"You were amazing out there, sis," Yang said, clapping Ruby on the back with a grin, though her own exhaustion was evident.
Rinko, however, wasn't celebrating. His eyes fell on one of the unconscious operatives lying nearby, still clad in an Atlas uniform. Striding purposefully over, he crouched down and grabbed the limp body by the collar.
"We may have won the battle," Rinko said, his voice grave, "but the war isn't over."
With a swift tug, he ripped open the operative's jacket, revealing the unmistakable White Fang insignia beneath. Gasps rippled through the gathered students, their faces a mix of shock and anger.
Rising to his full height, Rinko hoisted the unconscious figure with one hand, holding it high for everyone to see. "These soldiers aren't Atlas!" he declared, his voice ringing with authority. "These are White Fang operatives, disguised to frame Atlas! They're trying to divide us!"
He tossed the unconscious body to the ground with disdain, the symbolic gesture underscoring his point.
A ripple of murmurs spread through the students as the implications of Rinko's words sank in.
"This changes everything," one Haven student muttered.
"Atlas isn't our enemy," said another student, turning toward an Atlas student with a look of regret.
Across the crowd, the tension began to ease. Students who had been wary of the Atlas trainees now exchanged sheepish, apologetic glances. Some even began snapping pictures of the unconscious White Fang operative, evidence of the deception they had uncovered.
One of the Atlas students, visibly shaken, stepped forward hesitantly. "We... we didn't know this was happening," he stammered, his voice thick with emotion. "We would never—"
"We know now," Rinko interjected, his tone both firm and reassuring. His commanding presence demanded attention as he addressed the group. "The truth is out. And now, it's up to us to spread it. We need to show Vale, and the world, that Atlas is being framed. The real enemy is still out there, and they're counting on us to stay divided."
The crowd of students erupted in murmurs of agreement, their initial doubts replaced by resolve. Nearby, a few students began tying up the unconscious White Fang operatives, ensuring they wouldn't escape when they regained consciousness.
Ruby Rose stepped forward, her silver eyes gleaming with determination. "Let's make sure everyone knows the truth," she declared, her voice cutting through the lingering tension like a beacon of hope.
The group, once fractured by suspicion and fear, now stood united under Rinko's leadership. They were ready to act.
"Listen up!" Rinko barked, his tone sharp and authoritative. He pointed toward the Medic Vale Building in the distance, where the wounded were being treated. "I need some of you to spread the word in that building—get the civilians and students inside up to speed. Make sure they know what's really happening. Go!"
A handful of students nodded and hurried off toward the medical facility, determination etched into their faces.
Turning to the remaining group, Rinko continued, "The rest of you, guard this place. Stay vigilant. Kill any Grimm that get too close, and don't let your guard down."
As he finished, Rinko's piercing gaze landed on Team RWBY and Team JNPR, who snapped to attention at his call.
"Team RWBY, Team JNPR," Rinko said, his voice cutting through the air like a blade, "you're with me. We'll scour the area for anyone still trapped or in danger and bring them back to the medical facility. This is an evacuation effort now. Move fast, but stay alert—there's no room for mistakes."
The two teams nodded, their resolve matching Rinko's intensity.
Finally, Rinko turned to one of the Atlas students, who looked up at him with a mix of awe and trepidation. "You," Rinko said, his tone steady and commanding. "Take charge while I'm gone. Organize the others and ensure the perimeter stays secure. We're counting on you."
The Atlas student stiffened, then saluted sharply. "Understood, sir!"
With the plan set and roles assigned, Rinko took a final look at the group. The fear and hesitation that had plagued them before was gone, replaced by unity and purpose.
"Let's move!" Rinko commanded, leading the charge toward the chaos beyond.
[End]


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