W H I T E // Naruto X Rwby

Night Time, House

Night fell over the quiet house, the faint hum of nocturnal insects the only sound outside. Inside his room, Rinko meticulously packed for tomorrow's mission to search for Huntsmen. The weight of their task hung heavy, but his movements were calm and deliberate.

A knock on the door interrupted his focus. He glanced toward it briefly. "Come in," he called out.

The door creaked open, revealing Ruby, who peeked inside nervously. "Um—Hi, Rinko!" she greeted, offering a small, awkward wave.

Rinko turned fully to face her, raising an eyebrow. "Ruby, what can I do for you?"

Ruby stepped into the room, carefully closing the door behind her. "I-It's just... I wanted to say—" As she moved, her elbow accidentally knocked into a vase perched on a nearby shelf.

"OH—!" Ruby lunged, catching the vase just before it hit the ground.

Rinko stared for a moment, his lips twitching before he let out a soft chuckle. "You were saying?" he asked, an amused smile on his face.

Ruby exhaled in relief, animatedly placing the vase back in its spot. 

She turned to Rinko, scratching the back of her head sheepishly. "S-Sorry! I'm just here to thank you for everything you've done, that's all!" Her cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment.

Rinko waved a hand dismissively as he turned back to his packing. "Ruby, it's okay. You don't have to thank me."

"But... you've done so much!" Ruby protested, stepping closer. "I think without you here, we wouldn't have been able to come up with a proper plan!"

Rinko paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face before he turned to her again. "Thanks, Ruby, but I think you give me too much credit. You guys would have figured it out. Yang found Raven first, didn't she? Even without Weiss and me here, she probably would've convinced Raven to teleport her to you and then worked out a plan together."

"S-Still!" Ruby insisted, stepping closer with a determined look.

Rinko's smile softened as he looked at her. "Ruby, what you don't realize is that you're the one who holds everyone together. It's your leadership, your heart, that makes all of this possible. I'm just... here to support you all."

Ruby blinked, her resolve faltering for a moment. "I-I don't know about that..." she mumbled, glancing away.

"You should." Rinko—old, wise Kakashi's tone was firm but kind. "You've come so far, Ruby. And you're stronger than you think. Never forget that."

Ruby's eyes widened slightly before a small, grateful smile spread across her face. "Thanks, Rinko... That means a lot."

Rinko nodded and returned to his packing. "Now, get some rest. Tomorrow's a big day."

Ruby lingered for a moment longer before stepping back toward the door. "Goodnight, Rinko."

"Goodnight, Ruby," Rinko replied, his voice steady and reassuring.

As the door clicked shut behind her, he paused, his gaze lingering on the door for a moment. A faint smile tugged at his lips, a flicker of warmth breaking through his typically stoic demeanor. 

He turned back to his preparations, the weight of their mission feeling just a little lighter.

His eyes fell on the large map spread out on the table before him. The city of Mistral was meticulously detailed, with various locations marked in red—spots Qrow had identified as potential places where Huntsmen might still be found.

But as Rinko studied the map, a grim reality loomed over him. 

What Qrow meant by "no Huntsmen" wasn't an exaggeration. The once-abundant freelancers—those who operated outside the government's direct purview—were nowhere to be found in the city's upper levels.

It was unsettling. Mistral, with its sprawling upper echelon, had once been a haven for Huntsmen.

Yet Qrow's search among the elite districts had turned up nothing. None of the prominent or well-established freelance Huntsmen were present. 

The only ones remaining were government-affiliated Huntsmen, bound by their service to Mistral's council. Asking for their help was out of the question; their loyalty lay with the council, not the cause.

It had been Leonardo's responsibility to recruit council's Huntsmen to Haven's defense, but his betrayal had shattered that possibility.

Whether the freelancers had been silenced, scattered, or simply vanished, the blame rested squarely on Leonardo Lionheart's shoulders.

And it was a deeply troubling matter.

Rinko's gaze shifted to the lower and middle districts of Mistral. These areas, often overlooked by the government and avoided by the affluent, held a different kind of resilience. If there were any Huntsmen left to recruit, they would likely be found here. 

The freelancers who worked these parts of the city were often scrappy and resourceful—qualities that could prove invaluable in the fight ahead.

Still, the task was daunting. Navigating the labyrinthine streets of the lower city, with its dense crowds and hidden dangers, would require precision and caution. And even if they found potential allies, there was no guarantee they would be willing to join their cause.

Rinko leaned over the map, tracing a path with his finger. Every decision from this point forward would be critical. Their success depended not just on numbers but on strategy—and luck.

With a sigh, he straightened up, closing his eyes briefly to center himself. "One step at a time," he murmured.

Tomorrow would bring its challenges, but Rinko was determined. They couldn't afford to fail.

Tomorrow

The following day, the group divided into two teams.

Team JNPR, along with Qrow and Oscar, headed toward the middle section of Mistral. Their goal was to scour the bustling markets and residential areas for any sign of freelance Huntsmen who might be willing to join their cause.

Meanwhile, the remaining members of Team RWBY, Rinko, and Selene—made up the second group. They descended into the lower districts of Mistral, where the shadows grew longer, and the streets carried the weight of struggle and survival.

"Good luck, guys," Jaune said, giving a reassuring nod to Rinko's group.

"You too, Jaune!" Ruby replied with a wave, her usual optimism shining through despite the grim task ahead.

With that, the two groups set off in opposite directions, each determined to find allies in this sprawling city.

Team RWRYS (Ruby, Weiss, Yang, Rinko, and Selene) made their way down the steep staircases that connected the levels of Mistral, the architecture shifting from the grandeur of the upper districts to the worn and weathered look of the lower parts. 

The air grew denser, filled with the smells of street food and the hum of crowded alleyways.

As they stepped into the heart of the lower district, Weiss glanced around, her expression tight. "I hope we find someone willing to help. This place doesn't exactly scream 'Huntsmen central.'"

Rinko adjusted the strap of his bag, his sharp gaze sweeping over their surroundings. "The lower districts may not seem promising, but desperation often breeds strength. Let's see what we can uncover."

"Stay sharp," Yang added, her voice steady but laced with caution. Her lilac eyes scanned the streets for any sign of trouble. "This area has a reputation for a reason."

Ruby nodded, her silver eyes gleaming with resolve. "Got it. Let's stick together and keep moving."

Selene remained silent, her sharp eyes methodically observing every alley, doorway, and shadow. She seemed to melt into the environment, her quiet nature lending her an edge in staying aware of their surroundings.

As the group descended further into Mistral's lower levels, the air grew heavier, tinged with the scent of damp stone and smoke from distant chimneys. The chatter of street vendors and the occasional clatter of a cart echoed around them, a stark contrast to the more refined upper districts.

Rinko paused, unfolding his map. His fingers traced the route to their first destination before pointing to a marked red dot. "We're headed here. It's not far now."

The group gathered around him briefly before continuing down a narrow cobblestone path. The noise from the streets lessened as they moved toward their target.

Finally, they arrived at a dimly lit tavern wedged between two leaning buildings. Its wooden sign hung askew, the faint sound of music and muffled voices leaking out.

"Our first stop," Rinko announced, exhaling deeply. His sharp blue eyes lingered on the establishment as if assessing its potential. "Let's see what we're dealing with."

Yang smirked, cracking her knuckles. "A tavern, huh? Bet we'll find some interesting characters here."

Ruby tilted her head. "Do you think any Huntsmen will actually be here?"

Selene glanced at the entrance, her voice calm. "If they are, we'll know soon enough."

Rinko adjusted his coat and pushed the door open. "Let's find out. Hopefully, Qrow's intel is right."

With that, the group stepped inside—Ruby, Weiss, Rinko, Yang, and Selene—the faint light of the tavern casting long shadows on their determined faces. 

The air was thick with the smell of stale ale and smoke, and the low hum of conversations blended with the occasional burst of laughter or the clink of mugs.

The interior was dimly lit, with a few flickering lanterns hanging from the walls and a roaring hearth at the far end of the room. Rough-hewn wooden tables were scattered haphazardly, most occupied by grizzled patrons nursing their drinks or speaking in hushed tones.

Rinko took the lead, his sharp gaze sweeping the room.

Weiss wrinkled her nose slightly as she surveyed the tavern, her voice crisp. " Are we sure this is the right place?"

Yang crossed her arms, her smirk unwavering. "Heh, In a place like this, trouble usually finds you."

Ruby nudged her sister with a playful grin. "Let's try to keep a low profile, okay?"

Selene remained quiet, her keen eyes scanning the room for anything—or anyone—of interest.

Rinko approached the bar, gesturing for the others to stay close. The barkeep, a burly Faunus with a scar running across his face, eyed the newcomers warily as he wiped down a mug.

"We're looking for Huntsmen," Rinko said, his voice calm but firm. "Know of anyone who might be interested in a fight worth their time?"

The barkeep snorted, setting his mug down with a heavy thud. "Huntsmen? Hmm... Can't say I do, pal. Ain't exactly the neighborhood for 'em—"

Rinko didn't let him finish. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a handful of lien. He placed it on the counter, the coins clinking softly as they caught the dim light of the tavern.

Information isn't free, after all. And for Rinko, a Schnee, money wasn't a concern.

The bartender's expression shifted instantly, a greedy smile spreading across his face. "Now we're talking." He snatched up the lien, counting it quickly before tucking it away.

Ruby, standing nearby, looked momentarily puzzled, then quickly pieced it together. "Ohhh... It's for the info," she muttered to herself, her eyes lighting up in understanding.

The barkeep leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to show he was getting serious. "Not many of 'em left down here. But... there's a few who might fit the bill."

As he spoke, the air in the tavern seemed to shift. A few patrons turned their attention toward the group, their gazes lingering—some with curiosity, others with something less pleasant. Rinko's sharp eyes caught a few particularly unwelcome stares aimed at the girls.

His gaze hardened, a subtle but clear warning.

The barkeep noticed and raised his hands in mock innocence. "Relax, pal. No one here wants trouble... least not with you." He gestured toward a shadowy corner of the room. "You'll want to talk to 'em."

The team followed his gesture, their eyes landing on a lone figure seated at a table. A hood obscured most of their face, but there was an air of quiet strength about them.

Rinko straightened and gave a small nod to the group. "Let's go."

As they moved through the room, the ambient noise seemed to dim, the weight of curious eyes following their every step. Still, the team pressed forward with purpose, ready to face whatever awaited them at that table.

The faint flicker of candlelight danced across the figure's hood as the group approached, the tension in the air thick enough to cut.

As they stopped at the table, the hooded figure slowly turned toward them, meeting Rinko's gaze with a pair of sharp, piercing eyes. The quiet confidence in their posture suggested they weren't just any drifter.

Rinko slid into the seat across from the figure without hesitation, his movements calm and deliberate. The rest of the group followed suit, with Ruby and Weiss sitting on either side of him. Yang, ever-watchful, leaned against the back of an adjacent chair, her arms crossed. Selene remained standing just behind Rinko, her silent presence radiating caution.

The figure remained motionless, the hood casting shadows over their features. After a moment, they spoke, their voice low but unmistakably commanding.

"You've come to the wrong place if you're looking for heroes." the figure said, a hint of disdain in their tone. 

Rinko didn't flinch. "We're looking for Huntsmen. Fighters who can handle more than just the occasional bar scuffle. Someone who's willing to take a stand."

The hooded figure leaned back slightly, their posture relaxing, though the intensity in their eyes didn't waver. "And you think you'll find that here? In this forgotten corner of Mistral?"

"We've heard whispers," Rinko replied evenly. "Whispers of people who haven't lost their fire. People who still care."

A bitter chuckle escaped the figure. They reached up, slowly lowering their hood to reveal a face. 

Sienna Khan.

Her sharp, feline features were illuminated by the dim light, her eyes narrowing as she studied the group. The air seemed to thicken as her gaze moved from one person to the next, taking in their every detail.

Everyone observed the Faunus woman, her presence commanding and intense. Rinko's unwavering gaze met hers, unshaken by the scrutiny.

The woman's eyes flicked to Rinko, her lips curling into a faint, knowing smirk.

"You're a Schnee," she said, her voice laced with recognition. "Rinko Schnee, correct?"

Her gaze shifted to Weiss, and she tilted her head slightly. "And you're Weiss Schnee."

Rinko remained unfazed, his expression unreadable. He held her gaze, the tension between them thickening.

"We're Schnees," Rinko said calmly, his voice steady, almost too composed for the charged atmosphere. "But we're not here for family politics. We need help. People who care about the world—people who are willing to fight for it."

The woman's sharp eyes softened for just a moment, but her guarded demeanor remained. She leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, her fingers drumming lightly against the wood.

"You've come a long way for nothing," she said, her voice colder now, laced with a bitter edge. "This part of Mistral isn't a place for idealists. Especially not for Schnees like you, who've turned their backs on the Faunus and treated them like lesser beings."

Rinko's expression didn't shift. His gaze remained steady, unwavering.

"Let me guess, you're a White Fang idealist? Or at least a former member?" Rinko said, his tone cool and calculated. "The White Fang seems to see us all the same."

Sienna's grip on her mug tightened, and she leaned forward, her eyes burning with fury.

"Fuckers like you should burn in hell," she spat, venom dripping from her words as she took a swig of her beer. "Ahh..." She wiped her lips with the back of her hand, the bitterness lingering in the air.

The rest of the group shifted uncomfortably, exchanging uncertain glances. Ruby looked taken aback, and Weiss clenched her fists, clearly unsettled by Sienna's words. Yang, however, appeared unfazed—her calm, protective gaze resting on Rinko. 

Only Rinko and Selene seemed composed enough to endure the awkward tension.

"Hmph. You're blind if you think we're still like that," Rinko said evenly, his voice firm and unyielding. He remained unreadable, unbothered by Sienna's hostile tone. "At least, not anymore."

Sienna's face twisted in frustration, her voice rising. "What do you know about our suffering? You and your kind pushed us to the brink, forced us into hardships!"

Before Rinko could respond, Selene stepped forward, her calm demeanor unwavering despite the intensity of the conversation.

"They've changed," she interjected, her voice carrying weight.

Everyone's gaze turned to Selene, and even Sienna paused, a sneer still on her lips.

Sienna's eyes widened in disbelief, her voice rising in drunken anger. "Huh?!"

In response, Selene tugged at the edge of her maid's headband, pulling it back to reveal the two horns on her head—one of which was noticeably shorter than the other. The horns were both partially cut down, scars of her past evident in the half-destroyed stubs.

Ruby gasped as Yang's eyes widened. They didn't know Selene was a Faunus.

"I'm a Faunus," Selene said firmly, her voice cutting through the tension. "I've been around them long enough to know—they're not like what you think. They're not the people you still see them as." She pointed to one of her horns, her eyes unwavering. "This is the pain they caused me when I was younger. But I've spent enough time with them to say—they're not the same."

For a moment, the room fell silent. Sienna's eyes flickered between Selene's scarred horns and the calm faces of Rinko and the others, her expression hardening.

Rinko gave a small nod, his gaze unwavering as he met Sienna's cold eyes. "You're right to be angry. But not all of us are guilty of the past. Some of us have moved on. It's time you do too."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words pressing down on them. Sienna's gaze flickered momentarily, her icy exterior faltering as she took another long swig of her beer.

"Ahh..." she exhaled deeply, the anger in her eyes softening, if only for a moment. She set the mug down with a sharp clink, her posture relaxing slightly. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice steady, though still tinged with suspicion.

Rinko met her gaze with a level of certainty that matched his calm demeanor. "Capable fighters. Haven Academy is on the brink of disaster, and we need people willing to fight for our cause—a cause for order, peace, and the protection of the innocent."

He paused, his eyes assessing her carefully. "And you seem to be a capable fighter."

The words hung in the air, a subtle challenge that seemed to stir something deeper within Sienna. Her sharp features hardened once more, the brief flicker of vulnerability quickly buried beneath the familiar coldness of her resolve.

"If you want my help, Schnee," Sienna said, her tone sharp and guarded, "you'd better have more to offer than idealistic promises."

Rinko leaned in slightly, his voice unwavering as he spoke with quiet conviction. "We both know the world's falling apart. Do you want to do something about it, or keep hiding in the shadows? Your call."

Her gaze locked onto his, the challenge clear in her eyes.

She ruffled her hair in frustration, her annoyance evident. "You're one troublesome bag of shit, aren't you?" She sighed dramatically. "Fine. You're right about one thing—I was a member—a leader in fact—of the White Fang." She held her hands in the air for emphasis, her voice thick with drunken bitterness. "A leader!"

"A leader?" Rinko repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, yes, I was. This new leader of theirs, Adam—he's the one who doomed the organization. They—"

"Wait, you're a former leader of the White Fang?!" Yang interrupted, her surprise mirrored by the others.

"Yes, now let me finish, sugar-tits." Sienna shot a playful yet venomous glare at Yang before continuing.

"Adam banished me from the White Fang—the organization I poured my heart and soul into! Can you believe it?! That ungrateful piece of trash—I'd strangle him myself if I had the chance!" Her drunken outburst rang out through the tavern, echoing off the walls.

A pair of large figures emerged from behind Sienna, their bulk looming over her. "Hey, lady," one of them growled, his voice low with a threatening edge. "Keep that voice down."

Sienna turned to face the figures, her eyes narrowing and a smirk curling at the corners of her lips. "What you gonna do about it, dickhead?" she sneered, unfazed by their looming presence.

The tension in the tavern was palpable, the weight of impending violence hanging in the air. Everyone's gaze shifted between Sienna and the two towering figures, waiting for something to break.

But just as things seemed ready to escalate, Selene stepped forward, a calm smile on her face as she quietly offered the men a handful of lien. "Please, don't mind us," she said, her voice serene. "Enjoy these, on us." She adjusted her glasses with an almost imperceptible flick, her tone a perfect mix of politeness and calm authority.

The figures exchanged a look, their threatening stance easing as they wordlessly took the lien and returned to their seats, the tension diffusing just as quickly as it had risen.

Sienna, still fuming, took another long swig of her beer and exhaled with a sharp hiss. "Ahh..." she muttered, slamming the empty mug onto the table. 

"Now here I am, stuck in the lower parts, doing my own thing, 'cause EVERYTHING I WORKED FOR is GONE in a matter of seconds!" She struck the table again with a force that made the others jump slightly. "Thanks to this brat, Adam!" She took another drink, clearly numbing herself to her frustrations.

Her gaze turned distant, a mix of bitterness and resignation seeping into her voice as she continued, "The White Fang will attack, sure. But they'll just dig their own grave, and Humanity will fight back. The people of Mistral, both Faunus and human alike."

She let out a long, defeated sigh, her shoulders sagging with the weight of her words. "What a bunch of morons..."

The group remained still, absorbing the weight of Sienna's words, the tension in the air thick with unspoken understanding. 

Sienna's anger was more than just resentment—it was a storm of lost dreams, shattered ideals, and the sting of betrayal.

Rinko, his gaze unwavering, leaned forward, his tone steady but filled with conviction. "I see. That's exactly what we're trying to prevent. The White Fang's cause is leading us down a path of destruction. It's a cycle that only ends in chaos and bloodshed."

He paused for a moment, letting the gravity of his words settle before extending his hand toward her. "You were the leader of the White Fang once. I know you've fallen from grace, but that doesn't mean it's the end for you. Don't let your past define your future. Come with us. Join our cause, and maybe, just maybe, you'll find your purpose again."

His words hung in the air, simple yet heavy with sincerity. The others watched, a mix of hope and apprehension playing on their faces. The offer was genuine, but it was still a leap of faith—one that could either redeem or destroy them all.

Sienna sat still, her eyes flickering between Rinko's outstretched hand and his calm, unwavering expression. The silence stretched, thick with the weight of her past, her pride, and the possibility of redemption. 

Everything hung in the balance.

Then, without warning, Sienna's hand shot forward. In a swift, unexpected motion, she gripped Rinko's palm violently and yanked him closer to the table.

The group tensed, bracing for what might come next. But Rinko remained unfazed, his expression neutral and steady.

Their faces were mere inches apart, Sienna's gaze boring into his blue eyes, searching for any hint of deception, any sign of a lie. The intensity of her stare was unyielding—she would not be betrayed again, not by anyone.

Weiss, Yang, and Ruby rose from their seats, ready to intervene, but Rinko gave them a subtle gesture, signaling them to remain calm.

Time seemed to stretch as Sienna held his gaze, her eyes searching for any crack in his resolve. The seconds dragged on, each one heavier than the last. Finally, with a sharp exhale, she released his hand, shoving him back with a force that was more final than aggressive.

Her eyes lingered on Rinko's face for a moment longer, as if weighing the sincerity of his offer. Then, with a resigned sigh, she took another swig from her beer. "Seems genuine enough," she muttered, the tension in the air easing ever so slightly.

Rinko sat back down, his composure unwavering, as if the brief confrontation hadn't phased him in the slightest. He allowed a small smirk to tug at the corner of his mouth.

"Ahh... Fine. I'll join your cause." Sienna's voice was still rough, but there was an edge of acceptance in it now. "But first, you owe me a drink." She slouched back in her seat, her earlier aggression replaced by a more careless, almost playful demeanor.

Rinko's smirk deepened, his eyes glinting with quiet amusement. "Deal."

The tension in the room seemed to dissipate as Sienna relaxed into her chair, her earlier aggression fading into something more approachable. The remainder of Team RWBY collectively let out a breath, their shoulders visibly relaxing.

"I really thought the tension was going to escalate there..." Ruby sighed, her voice a little shaky from the nerves.

"Yeah, it was suffocating," Yang added, a hand still hovering near her weapon as if ready to act, even though it was no longer necessary.

Weiss nodded in agreement, her expression softening as the air lightened. "That was... intense."

Rinko leaned back in his chair, giving them a reassuring nod. "It's done. Let's focus on the next step."

The group exchanged relieved glances, silently acknowledging the weight that had just been lifted. Sienna was with them now.

[End]