W H I T E // Naruto X Rwby

The crisp morning air carried the faint chirping of birds as Yang and Rinko stood in the open training area of Maria's camp, surrounded by dense forest.

The ground was slightly damp, the earthy scent mingling with the cool breeze.

The sounds of distant conversation from Ruby, Maria, and Weiss in the nearby tent created a faint backdrop to the sparring match about to unfold.

Yang cracked her knuckles and grinned. "You ready for this, Rinko? Or should I take it easy on you?" she teased, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet.

Rinko, with his usual calm demeanor, raised his hands into a loose guard. "You talk too much. Let's see if you can keep up," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of playful challenge.

Yang darted forward, launching a quick jab toward Rinko's face.

He sidestepped effortlessly, his sharp movements showing the precision of years of experience.

Before she could react, Rinko closed the distance, throwing a quick combination of punches aimed at her torso.

Yang blocked them with her forearms, her grin widening. "Not bad," she said before retaliating with a powerful roundhouse kick.

Rinko ducked under the strike, his movements fluid.

As he came back up, he delivered a low sweeping kick aimed at Yang's legs. She jumped back just in time, creating distance between them.

"Quick on your feet, huh?" Yang said, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. She shifted her stance, her golden hair catching the sunlight.

"Quicker than you," Rinko replied coolly.

Yang chuckled as she charged again, throwing a barrage of punches. Rinko weaved through her strikes with ease, his body moving like water.

He countered with a spinning kick aimed at her side. Yang managed to block it but winced slightly at the impact.

"That's all you've got, pretty boy?" Yang taunted, her smirk unwavering.

Rinko didn't reply but smirked.

From the tent, Weiss peeked out, momentarily distracted from Ruby's training. She watched the sparring match with narrowed eyes.

"They're really going at it," she muttered.

Rinko surged forward with a series of kicks and punches, his strikes calculated and relentless.

Yang matched him blow for blow, her aura shimmering faintly as she absorbed the hits.

She planted her feet firmly and threw a heavy punch aimed at Rinko's chest.

Rinko caught her wrist mid-strike, twisting slightly to redirect her momentum.

Using the opportunity, he spun behind her and placed his hand lightly on her shoulder.

"Hmph," he said, stepping back to reset the spar.

Yang turned, clearly impressed but unwilling to back down. "Lucky move," she admitted, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She launched into a high kick, her leg cutting through the air with precision.

Rinko leaned back just enough for the kick to miss, his feet pivoting as he closed the gap.

He feinted a jab, forcing Yang to raise her guard, before sweeping her legs out from under her.

Yang landed on her back with a grunt, the wind momentarily knocked out of her.

Rinko extended a hand to help her up. "You're strong, but your form's a bit sloppy when you get too aggressive," he said, his tone more instructive than mocking.

Yang took Rinko's hand, letting out a breath as she pulled herself up. "Sloppy, huh? I'll show you sloppy!" she said, laughing as she playfully threw a light punch at his shoulder.

Rinko shook his head, his usual calm demeanor unwavering. "Maybe next time, you'll actually land a hit."

Weiss, peeking from the tent, observed the growing camaraderie between them.

Her brows furrowed as she noted Yang's bright smile lingering a little longer when directed at Rinko.

It was obvious to her that Yang had feelings for him. But when Weiss shifted her gaze to Rinko, all she saw was an air of calm warmth.

She pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering under her breath, "Rinko and Yang? Really? How is this even...?"

Nearby, Ruby slumped back onto the ground, rubbing her eyes dramatically. "Miss Maria... my eyes hurt," she whined.

Maria, standing beside her, let out a chuckle. "Of course they hurt. This is the first time your powers have been pushed this far. Don't worry—it's just a strain, nothing permanent. You'll live," she said, patting Ruby's back with a comforting smile.

Ruby nodded and grabbed her water bottle, taking a long drink. Feeling a bit refreshed, she turned around and caught sight of Weiss, peering outside the tent like a hawk.

"Watcha doing?" Ruby asked from behind, startling Weiss out of her thoughts.

Weiss stiffened and quickly composed herself. "Nothing… just watching our older siblings spar. Don't you think they're… perfectly matched?" she said, glancing back outside.

Ruby tilted her head, then shrugged. "Mmm, I don't know. But if you say so, I guess."

Weiss sighed and gestured toward the sparring duo. "Think about it. Rinko's icy, stoic demeanor perfectly balances Yang's fiery, passionate nature. Opposites attract, after all. In a way, they complement each other."

Ruby leaned to peek through the curtains, her eyes narrowing in thought before a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Oh! I've got an idea! Let's encourage Yang even more! Maybe she'll finally make a move on Rinko!"

Weiss turned to Ruby, her expression teetering between disbelief and amusement. "Are you serious? That's meddling, Ruby."

Ruby just grinned wider. "C'mon, Weiss !Don't tell me you're not even a little curious to see how this plays out!"

Weiss groaned but couldn't entirely dismiss the idea.

After all, the sparks between Yang and Rinko were hard to ignore.

"Fine," Weiss said as she rolled her eyes, smiling.

White Fang Base – Adam

Adam sat rigidly in his armchair, his voice low and sharp. "What...?"

Hazel stood before him, his expression calm but firm. "Yes. Our plans will be delayed for a while. Watts needs more time to repair their ship."

Adam's grip on the armrest tightened. "Why not go to them directly and bring them here ourselves?"

Hazel shook his head. "That's not possible. The police have significantly increased their patrols in the air and on the ground. They're halting any ship they encounter for inspections, and without Watts' camouflage systems, any movement we make would be flagged immediately."

Adam's eyes narrowed. "And why, exactly, are they suddenly so paranoid?"

Hazel shrugged slightly. "That's unclear. Perhaps they've received intelligence about activity in the area. Either way, we can't risk exposing ourselves unnecessarily."

What Hazel didn't know, and what Adam couldn't suspect, was that this heightened vigilance was thanks to Rinko.

Rinko Schnee had quietly persuaded the superintendent to increase patrols in response to credible threats, citing the presence of dangerous operatives tied to the Fall of Beacon.

Adam leaned back, the leather of his chair creaking under the strain of his tightened grip.

"Fine. Then we wait." His voice was cold but restrained.

Hazel nodded, turning to leave.

The room fell into silence, Adam's thoughts simmering with frustration as he calculated how much longer he'd have to endure this setback.

"Fancy chair you've got there," a voice echoed from behind.

Adam stiffened, his hand instinctively moving toward the hilt of his sword as he recognized the voice. He stood and turned to face Raven Branwen, her presence as imposing as ever, standing casually behind his throne.

Raven's gaze flicked to his hand, her expression unreadable but her tone sharp. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Adam's eyes narrowed. "And why's that?"

Raven stepped closer, her movements deliberate, her voice laced with a cold edge.

"Because we're on the same team now. And because I could cut your arm off as easily as you did to my daughter." Her eyes darted pointedly to Adam's arm, her meaning crystal clear.

Adam's grip on his weapon tightened, his voice dripping with venom. "Is that a threat?"

Raven closed the distance between them, standing face to face with the younger man.

Her gaze was piercing, her presence overwhelming as she leaned in slightly.

"This isn't a threat," she said calmly, her tone almost conversational, but her words razor-sharp. "This is a promise. If you ever lay a hand on my daughter again, I will cut you into pieces myself."

Adam stared at her, his jaw tightening as the tension in the room grew palpable.

For a moment, he said nothing, his mind calculating the risk and reward of confrontation.

Finally, he smirked, his defiance shining through. "I'd like to see you try."

Raven didn't flinch. She held his gaze, her confidence unwavering, before turning her back to him.

"You'll find out soon enough if you give me a reason," she said over her shoulder, her voice calm but laced with warning as she sliced the air behind her making a portal to Vernal's.

Adam remained rooted in place, his hand still on his sword, his thoughts simmering once more—but this time, it wasn't just frustration he felt.

It was the realization that Raven Branwen wasn't a threat he could easily dismiss.

She walked over the portal, leaving him alone again in his empty throne room.

Qrow, Lower Mistral

Qrow flew low over the quiet outskirts of Mistral in his bird form, his sharp eyes scanning the landscape below.

After a few minutes, he spotted Selene standing outside Maria Calavera's house, waiting as instructed.

Earlier that morning, Rinko had told Qrow to call Selene's scroll once he reached the lower parts, ensuring she'd be ready.

Rinko and Yang would head back early because Qrow had suggested that they should meet Sienna Khan and bring her to their main house.

While Weiss, she insisted that she would be left here in the camp to look out for Ruby Rose.

Selene stood poised, her keen gaze catching sight of the approaching crow.

Her expression betrayed a flicker of surprise as the bird swooped down, transitioning seamlessly into Qrow's human form in a move that seemed almost magical.

She blinked, momentarily taken aback, but quickly composed herself as Qrow straightened and approached her with his characteristic swagger.

"Hello, Selene," Qrow greeted, his gravelly voice casual but friendly.

"Good afternoon, Qrow. How was your trip?" she asked politely.

"Good, I guess," he replied with a shrug, his tone nonchalant.

Selene nodded and stepped aside, opening the door to Maria's house. They entered, the quiet coziness of the interior contrasting with the rugged demeanor of its new guest.

"Huh," Qrow muttered as he looked around. "Maria Calavera's place is... decent."

"I agree," Selene said with a small smile. Then, almost out of nowhere, she appeared with a tray of glasses filled with drinks. "Refreshments?"

Qrow raised an eyebrow at the sudden offer but waved it off. "It's fine, Selene. I'm more of an alcohol guy."

Selene tilted her head slightly, "Who said these drinks aren't spiked?"

Qrow's brows lifted in surprise before his expression melted into an amused smirk as he took the drink.

"You sure know how to brighten someone's day. Rinko and Weiss are lucky to have you around."

"Practicing flattery now, are we?" Selene quipped, her tone light but tinged with amusement.

"Don't get used to it," Qrow shot back with a wink, his smirk widening.

Selene chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"Noted."

After a few minutes of idle waiting, Qrow's scroll buzzed in his pocket, drawing his attention. He pulled it out and answered the call.

"Kid? Where ya at now?" Qrow asked.

"Outside," Rinko's calm voice replied.

Qrow exchanged a glance with Selene, both nodding before heading toward the door.

Stepping outside, they saw Yang and Rinko approaching, Rinko lowering his scroll as he ended the call.

"Uncle Qrow!" Yang called out, her voice bright as she waved.

Qrow nodded in greeting, his sharp eyes scanning the duo.

"You're here alone?" Rinko asked as he studied Qrow's expression.

"Yeah," Qrow replied with a shrug, scratching the back of his head "Ozpin's got the kids in training, and we've double checked through the upper and middle levels of Mistral looking for Huntsmen. No dice—there's no one left to recruit."

Rinko and Yang exchanged a brief glance, their expressions hardening in unison.

"Understood," Rinko said with a nod, his tone firm. "Let's move now. Sienna Khan's been staying at the tavern's inn for some time. It's time we pay her a visit."

"Right," Qrow replied, his expression turning serious as the group prepared to set out.

Lower Mistral, Tavern

Sienna Khan sat on the edge of a small, weathered bed in the dimly lit tavern room.

The air smelled faintly of damp wood and stale alcohol, mingling with the quiet murmur of patrons downstairs.

She cradled a bottle of alcohol in her hand, its surface catching the faint glow of the lantern hanging from the ceiling.

The distorted reflection of her face stared back at her from the glass, a fractured image that mirrored her state of mind.

Her eyes, once fierce and unyielding, now carried a dull sheen of fatigue.

The memories of her banishment played on an endless loop in her mind—accusations thrown like daggers, the scorn of those she once trusted, and the weight of her own choices pressing down on her like an unshakable burden.

A low sigh escaped her lips as she tipped the bottle slightly, watching the liquid inside swirl aimlessly.

'What have I become?' she wondered, her thoughts bitter.

She had once commanded respect, leading the White Fang with the belief that unity and strength could bring about meaningful change.

But her ideals had been betrayed, twisted into something unrecognizable.

Her banishment left her not just alone but hollow.

A leader without a cause.

A warrior without a fight.

The faint noise of laughter and clinking glasses drifted up from the tavern below, a cruel reminder of the world moving on without her.

Sienna tilted her head back, letting her eyes rest on the cracked ceiling as her grip on the bottle loosened.

"Is this all there is now?" she muttered to herself, her voice barely above a whisper.

She closed her eyes, the weight of her solitude sinking deeper into her chest.

Sienna Khan, once a symbol of determination and strength, now sat alone in a rented room, her purpose as fractured as the reflection in her bottle.

Her brooding thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a sharp knock at the door.

The sound was followed by a low, impatient voice, roughened by years of bitterness.

She rose slowly, setting the bottle on the creaky bedside table.

Her eyes narrowed as she approached the door, a sense of foreboding prickling at the edges of her mind.

When she opened it, her instincts proved true.

A glint of steel was the only warning she received. A machete came slashing toward her with lethal intent.

Sienna reacted on pure reflex, her muscles honed from years of combat.

She leaped back, the blade missing her by inches and slicing into the wooden doorframe instead.

Standing in the doorway was the tavern owner, his face twisted with anger. Behind him loomed a handful of his men, each armed with clubs and a thirst for violence.

"It's been two days, and you still haven't paid your stay!" the owner barked, pointing his machete at her. "Pay up now, or I'll take it out of your hide!"

Sienna didn't respond. She didn't flinch. She didn't even blink.

The fire that had once burned brightly within her seemed extinguished, replaced by a cold, unfeeling void.

She stood slowly, her movements deliberate and calm, as if the scene before her were nothing more than a mild inconvenience.

Without a word, she reached for the bottle on the table.

In a swift motion, she slammed it down onto the edge of the table, shattering it into jagged shards.

The broken glass glinted menacingly in the dim light as she held it firmly in her grasp, the makeshift weapon dripping with the remnants of its contents.

Her original weapon rested within her waist, but she ignored it for now. She didn't need it—not for this.

The tavern owner hesitated, his bravado faltering as he met her cold, unyielding gaze.

The quiet menace in Sienna's stance was more terrifying than any shout or threat could have been. 

The owner gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on the machete.

He pointed it at her with a snarl.

"Go at her, boys! Rough her up!" he barked, his bravado masking a flicker of hesitation. 

His men hesitated for only a heartbeat before charging forward, their crude weapons raised. 

Sienna didn't wait for them to close the gap.

As the first man swung his club, she sidestepped with practiced ease, her movements fluid and precise.

Without missing a beat, she drove the jagged neck of the broken bottle deep into his side. 

"Argh!" the man groaned, stumbling as the improvised weapon pierced him.

Sienna's expression remained stoic as she twisted the bottle, ensuring he dropped to the floor. 

As he fell, she snatched the club from his slackened grip in one swift motion. 

The remaining men barely had time to react before Sienna launched herself at them, a whirlwind of calculated strikes.

She swung the club with ruthless efficiency, disarming one attacker while planting a well-placed kick to another's chest, sending him crashing into the wall. 

Her movements were a symphony of violence, each attack flowing seamlessly into the next. The small, confined room became her battleground, and in mere moments, the tavern owner's men were reduced to groaning heaps on the floor. 

The last man standing dropped his weapon and stumbled back, his courage evaporating. "She's a demon!" he stammered, fleeing out the door. 

Sienna stood in the aftermath, her breathing steady, her stance unwavering.

She turned her gaze toward the tavern owner, who now looked at her with wide eyes, his earlier confidence shattered. 

"You were saying?" she asked coldly, tossing the bloodied club to the ground with a resounding thud.

The tavern owner dropped his machete, he couldn't stop sweating, immediately, he ran to the side, intending to escape.

Sienna dashed forward after him as she snatched the machete from the ground.

As the tavern owner bolted for the stairs, Sienna's blade was already poised, inches from his back.

Before she could strike, a firm hand caught her wrist in mid-swing. She hadn't even noticed the movement.

The grip was ironclad, unyielding. Sienna tried to pull back, but when she turned to see who had stopped her, her eyes locked onto Rinko Schnee.

Behind him stood Yang and Qrow, their expressions a mix of surprise and wariness.

Even Rinko looked momentarily taken aback, his gaze hardening as he realized what Sienna had been about to do.

"Sienna, what are you—?" Rinko began, but she cut him off, venom dripping from her voice.

"Let. Go."

The tavern owner, still trembling, shouted, "That woman's insane!"

"Shut it, maggot!" Sienna snapped, her voice sharp and threatening. She turned her focus back to Rinko, eyes blazing. "I said, LET GO!"

Rinko, calm but firm, didn't release her. "Sienna, you're drunk."

Her laugh was bitter, almost unhinged. "So what? He brought his men with clubs! They were going to kill me!"

Rinko's grip remained steady as he turned to the owner, his tone cold and measured. "Is that true?"

The man stammered, his sweat betraying his fear. "Because... she's a Faunus! They're unpredictable! This isn't the first time something like this has happened to me!"

Rinko's eyes narrowed at the admission, his expression unreadable.

Before he could say another word, Sienna's free hand shot forward in a furious punch aimed at his face. Without missing a beat, Rinko let go of her wrist and caught her other hand mid-strike, his reflexes impressively quick.

"I said let go!" Sienna growled, her voice filled with rage.

Rinko's eyes hardened further as he gestured for Yang and Qrow to stay back, his calm demeanor unnerving them both.

"What? You're siding with them? With HIM?!" she spat, her voice rising in anger. "He hates Faunus! He's just like all the others!"

"Sienna, please," Rinko said evenly, his voice a stark contrast to her fury. "You're drunk, and—"

"Shut up, Schnee!" she hissed, her teeth bared. With a sharp motion, she swung her machete at him.

Rinko sidestepped effortlessly, her blade slicing through empty air.

"Sienna," Rinko said, his tone calm yet firm, "you're better than this—"

The fire in Sienna's eyes blazed on, her grip on the machete as tight as ever.

Rinko realized that reasoning with her was futile for now. She was too far gone, her anger and alcohol clouding her judgment.

He made a quick decision: she needed to be subdued before someone got seriously hurt.

As Sienna swung her blade, it bit into the wooden wall with a dull thud, momentarily leaving her open. Seizing the opportunity, Rinko delivered a precise liver punch, making her gasp and stagger. Before she could recover, he followed up with a sharp hook to her jaw.

The impact sent her reeling, her head hitting the wooden wall with a dull knock. Her body went limp as she slid down, unconscious.

The tavern owner, pale and trembling, looked at Rinko with a mixture of fear and gratitude.

"T-thank you! You saved me! Those Faunuses should all be left to rot," he muttered, his voice shaking.

Rinko froze for a moment, his jaw tightening. As he bent down to lift Sienna's unconscious body into his arms then to his shoulder, he turned to the tavern owner, his gaze cold and filled with disdain.

Without a word, he walked past the man, his disgust palpable.

Qrow followed behind Rinko, glancing at the tavern owner with a sigh of indifference. "Not worth the effort," he muttered to himself.

Yang, however, didn't share Qrow's apathy. Her fists clenched at the man's words, her simmering anger finally boiling over.

As Rinko and Qrow moved ahead, the sound of a solid punch echoed through the hallway.

Qrow stopped in his tracks, turning just in time to see the tavern owner crumple to the floor, blood dripping from his nose, unconscious.

Yang shook out her hand and jogged to catch up with the others, her expression calm but her eyes still stormy.

"Feel better?" Qrow asked with a raised brow, his tone dry.

Yang shrugged. "A little."

Rinko didn't look back, his steps steady as he carried Sienna. "Let's just go," he said quietly, his voice betraying a tinge of weariness.

The group moved on, leaving the tavern behind, the faint scent of alcohol and conflict lingering in the air.

[End]