W H I T E // Naruto X Rwby

Vale Mountains, Mid-night, Train
Team RWBY and Rinko sat huddled in the dimly lit cabin of a train car, its rhythmic clatter filling the silence as they sped toward the base hidden behind the mountains. Somehow, they had managed to sneak aboard the moving train, a feat Ruby was especially proud of, and their trip would now be faster and less exhausting.
Yang leaned back, sitting beside Ruby as she stretched her arms above her head. "Well, since we're here, might as well have something to eat," she said with a grin, glancing at her teammates.
Blake gave a small, approving nod, her eyes already glancing over the bag of snacks she'd brought. "A little midnight snack wouldn't hurt," she agreed as she sat at the other side of Ruby's table.
Ruby, already pulling out a cookie from her backpack, nodded enthusiastically. "I'm starving anyway!" she said, joining in on the impromptu feast.
Meanwhile, at the table behind them, Rinko and Weiss sat with a map spread across the table, their conversation far more serious.
Rinko traced his finger along a specific section near the mountains, tapping lightly. "We're currently here," he said quietly, his voice barely audible over the train's rumbling. "Once we're behind the mountain, we'll be within striking distance of their main camp—the spot marked by the red dot."
Weiss studied the map intently, nodding as she took in every detail. "Right. It sounds straightforward enough… but it's bound to be well-guarded."
Rinko gave a slight nod, his gaze focused. "We'll need to stay sharp. This isn't just a bandit hideout—it's their stronghold. Once we're in, getting out will be the real challenge."
A brief silence settled between them as the weight of their task loomed. Then, after a pause, Weiss broke the quiet, her voice softer. "Rinko… when we save Father, what happens next?" She hesitated before continuing, glancing down at her hands. "Do you still plan on becoming a Huntsman? Or will you… follow father again and treat me like I'm worthless?"
Rinko's gaze softened, sensing the unspoken worry beneath her words. "Weiss…"
"I know why you joined Beacon," she said quietly, her tone a mix of frustration and sadness. "You did it because of Father, because of the mission. And you knew exactly where to find what you were looking for—the Raven Bandits, all of it." She took a shaky breath, her voice dropping to a whisper. "But will you leave me again after this? Are you going to keep treating me like some… stranger? Like an enemy?"
Weiss's expression shifted, a hint of pain flickering in her eyes, and Rinko felt a pang of guilt. Although, the pain that Weiss felt was not from him, but from the Original Rinko Schnee's actions, but still couldn't help but feel guilty.
She looked down, her hands clenching slightly, as if bracing for the worst.
Rinko reached out, his hand covering hers. "No, Weiss. I won't leave you—not this time." His voice was firm, his tone filled with sincerity. "I know I haven't given you much reason to trust me, not after everything that happened… before. But I'm here now. I'm your brother, and I won't just walk away."
Weiss glanced up, her expression softening as she absorbed his words. There was a glimmer of something—hope, maybe—replacing the pain in her eyes. "You mean that?" she asked quietly, as if afraid to believe it.
"I do." Rinko gave her hand a gentle squeeze, a small but reassuring gesture. "I understand what Rinko.. I put you through, what you've endured because of all this. But I'm here to stay, Weiss. Not just for the mission, but for you. I won't turn my back on you again."
For a moment, they sat there, a quiet understanding passing between them, healing wounds that had lingered for far too long. Weiss's shoulders relaxed, a small but genuine smile forming on her face.
At the next table, Ruby, who had been discreetly eavesdropping while pretending to rummage for snacks, suddenly perked up. "Hey, Weiss," she called, breaking the quiet. "Don't worry! We're a team, right? So Rinko's basically an honorary member of Team RWBY at this point."
Weiss and Blake chuckled from Ruby's remark.
For a second, Yang's cheerful expression faded, her posture stiffening. The room seemed to go still, her tension palpable. She turned to Rinko and Weiss's table, her gaze sharp.
"Did you say… we're going to the Raven Bandits?" Her voice was low, and beneath her calm tone, there was an edge of something stronger—something far more personal.
Rinko and Weiss exchanged glances, both raising an eyebrow at her reaction.
Blake's eyes narrowed, noticing the shift, and Ruby, who had been smiling seconds ago, began to piece together the unspoken tension as well. Her eyes widened as understanding dawned on her. "Oh… wait…!" Ruby murmured, glancing at her sister, realization sinking in.
Blake leaned forward slightly, glancing between Yang and Ruby. "What's going on? Why is this such a big deal?"
Yang exhaled slowly, crossing her arms as she looked down, as if gathering her thoughts. "The Raven Bandits… they aren't just any group of thieves and mercenaries. They're… family." Her voice softened on the last word, filled with an unmistakable mix of resentment and pain. "My family."
Ruby nodded slowly, understanding the weight of her words. "Yang's biological mom, Raven Branwen, she… she's the leader of that tribe," she explained to the others. "We haven't really talked about it much, but… it's complicated."
Weiss's eyes widened slightly, her gaze flicking over to Yang. "Your mother? So… that's why you reacted that way."
Rinko stayed silent, he couldn't believe this: Her Mother, captured his Father.
Yang nodded, her jaw set. "Raven left us when we were little. She didn't want anything to do with me, or with Ruby, or even with Dad. She chose the bandit life over us." Her fists clenched, and her voice grew tight with anger. "So yeah, the idea of walking right into her camp… it hits a little close to home."
Rinko listened silently, a thoughtful look crossing his face. He'd known that this mission wouldn't be easy for anyone, but he hadn't anticipated the personal stakes for Yang. "Yang… I didn't know. If this is too much, you don't have to come. I wouldn't ask you to face something like that."
Yang shook her head, her eyes fierce. "No. I'm coming. If there's even a chance of finally getting answers from her… of understanding why she left… then I want to be there. I need to be there... And.. I'm sorry for what my mother had done to you and your father." Yang apologised to Weiss and Rinko's.
Rinko sat in silence.
The Raven Bandits, the very group that held Jacques Schnee captive, was led by Yang's mother. His mind spun with the implications of it all. 'Her mother… captured my father,' he thought. The layers of complexity suddenly felt overwhelming.
But as he glanced at Yang, who looked more vulnerable than he'd ever seen her, Rinko felt—empathy.
He didn't feel resentment. If anything, he understood all too well what it was like to be caught up in the consequences of one's family, to face the shadows cast by their choices.
He took a steadying breath and looked back at Yang, his expression softening. "Yang… you don't have to worry about me blaming you. The actions of our parents don't define us, and they sure don't make it our fault. We're responsible for our own choices."
Yang's shoulders relaxed slightly, as if a weight had lifted. She met his gaze with a grateful, almost surprised look. "Thanks, Rinko... I appreciate it."
Weiss crossed her arms, nodding in agreement. "He's right, Yang. None of us are responsible for the lives our parents chose—only the ones we choose. That's what this is about. We're here for each other."
Blake reached out, placing a gentle hand on Yang's shoulder. "You don't have to do this alone, Yang. Whatever happens, we're with you. This isn't just about you—it's about all of us."
Weiss nodded in agreement. "And whatever answers you're looking for… we'll help you find them. That's what a team does, right?"
Yang's expression softened, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. She gave a small nod, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot."
Raven Camp, Team RWBY, Rinko
As everyone followed Rinko's carefully marked tracks, trusting his exceptional navigation skills, the forest began to thin, revealing patches of moonlit clearing. After hours of meticulous searching, Rinko finally signaled, his finger pointing toward a faint glow in the distance.
"Camp's around there," he whispered, nodding toward the lights ahead.
The rest of Team RWBY exchanged determined glances before silently slipping through the underbrush, their movements as fluid and deliberate as Rinko's. The tension was palpable, each member acutely aware of the stakes involved.
They soon reached a vantage point overlooking Raven Bandit's main camp, situated at the base of a rugged cliffside. The camp sprawled out below them, significantly larger than the small encampment they had infiltrated earlier. Five times the size, it was a sprawling hub of activity, with numerous tents, makeshift barriers, and patrols that suggested a formidable presence.
Rinko crouched closer to the edge, adjusting his binoculars to get a better view.
"The camp's there! Let's move out—" Yang began, but Rinko placed a firm hand on her shoulder, cutting her off.
"Not yet," Rinko replied calmly, his eyes never leaving the camp as he scanned for potential threats. "Let's not march in recklessly."
They spent several more minutes observing, counting the number of bandits patrolling the area. Rinko's keen eyes estimated over 500 men guarding the perimeter, a number far greater than he had anticipated. The mission was proving to be more daunting than he had initially thought.
As Rinko continued his surveillance, his gaze fell upon a familiar figure within one of the tents. There, slumped against a wall, was Jacques Schnee, his father, looking visibly malnourished and lost in deep thought. Rinko felt a surge of determination mixed with concern.
"Rinko… did you see Father?" Weiss asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned closer to Rinko.
Rinko lowered the binoculars, meeting Weiss's intense gaze with a solemn nod. "He doesn't look too good."
Before they could strategize further, Blake pointed toward the camp's entrance. "Something's coming over there." Her sharp eyes followed the movement as a convoy of trucks rolled into the camp, their insignias unmistakably marked with the White Fang emblem.
The trucks came to a halt in the center of the camp, and their doors swung open to reveal Adam Taurus, flanked by several high-ranking White Fang members.
Rinko's heart pounded as Blake's enhanced vision caught sight of a familiar face among the newcomers.
With a mixture of shock and recognition, Blake whispered, "Adam?!" Her eyes widened in disbelief as she took in the sight of her former lover, partner, and friend standing amidst the hostile forces.
Yang tensed beside her, her protective instincts kicking in. "This just got a lot more complicated," she murmured, eyes darting between Adam and Rinko.
Rinko took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Everything changes. We need to act quickly," he said, his voice low and urgent. "If Adam is here, it means the White Fang is intensifying their efforts. We can't afford to lose focus now."
Weiss stepped forward, her expression hardening with resolve. "We have to rescue Father and put an end to this once and for all," she declared, her voice unwavering despite the chaos unfolding around them.
Yang nodded, her fists clenched in determination. "Let's move out. We don't have much time."
Blake, ever the strategist, quickly assessed the situation. "We need to create a diversion to draw their attention away from Jacques' location."
Rinko nodded in agreement, formulating a plan in his mind. But was quickly interrupted by Yang.
"I have a plan," Yang smiled. Everyone turned to her, anticipating her next move.
Raven Camp, Adam and Raven
Inside the dimly lit tent, Raven Branwen sat in the shadows, arms crossed, her eyes as sharp as ever as Adam Taurus entered, accompanied by two White Fang guards.
They tried to appear confident, but the tension in the air was palpable—this wasn't friendly territory for the White Fang.
Vernal, positioned behind Raven, watched the newcomers with a steely glare, her hand resting subtly on the hilt of her weapon.
Adam gave a slow, appraising look around the camp before his gaze settled on Raven. He offered a small, sarcastic smile. "Quite the setup you've got here, Raven. Rustic, but... effective."
Raven's expression didn't change. "Spare me the small talk, Taurus. You didn't come here to admire my camp. State your business."
Adam's smirk faded, replaced by a hardened look. "Fine. We both know you're holding Jacques Schnee. The White Fang has a vested interest in him. I'm here to make you an offer."
Raven's eyebrow arched slightly, a glint of intrigue flickering in her gaze. "An offer? This should be good... Go on."
Adam leaned forward, his voice dropping to a serious tone. "Hand him over to us, and in return, we'll arm your tribe with top-grade Dust weaponry and intel on Atlas's most guarded supply routes. Your people will be more than just bandits scraping by in the wilderness. We're talking true power."
A silence settled over the tent as Raven considered his words, though her expression betrayed nothing. Beside her, Vernal's eyes widened slightly, the potential of such an alliance flashing through her mind.
"So, that's your pitch?" Raven's voice was calm but laced with skepticism. "We hand over the CEO of the Schnee Dust Company, and in return, you supply us with weapons and intel? You think I can't get those things myself?"
Adam's eyes narrowed, his tone unwavering. "Perhaps. But not on the scale we're offering. We're talking about weapons powerful enough to take on Atlas's best, and a network that can keep you ahead of any retaliation. Imagine the control your tribe could have over these territories."
Vernal, her curiosity piqued, leaned in slightly. "With those kinds of supplies, we could expand further, strike harder… maybe even push into areas Atlas wouldn't expect."
Raven nodded, her gaze still locked on Adam. "And what exactly do you plan to do with Jacques? He's not just some pawn you can use and discard without repercussions."
Adam's face darkened, a flash of contempt crossing his features. "Jacques Schnee has exploited my people for years. He's built his empire on the suffering of Faunus. He deserves to face justice, and the White Fang will make sure he gets it."
Raven's gaze softened slightly, though only for a moment. "Justice? Or revenge?" She paused, letting her question linger. "Either way, it's not my concern. I only care about what I get out of this."
Adam, undeterred, took a step closer. "Think of it as an investment. With Schnee in our custody, we send a message—a warning to anyone who dares to oppress us. And in exchange, your tribe will be equipped to take control of these lands. Imagine the power, Raven. The reach you could have."
Raven allowed a small smirk to cross her lips. "Tempting. But if I'm risking my people, I'll need more than a handful of guns and maps. I want triple the weaponry, and a year's worth of information on Atlas's most secure movements."
Adam's jaw tightened at her demand, a momentary flash of irritation crossing his face. He weighed her words, but finally extended his hand. "Deal. Jacques Schnee for weapons, intel, and the resources you're asking for."
Their handshake barely concluded, a fierce and silent acknowledgment of shared risk, when a sudden commotion erupted just beyond the tent.
"Capture her!"
"Ahhh—!"
Adam's head snapped toward the tent's entrance, suspicion flashing across his face. He turned back to Raven, his voice edged with accusation. "What's going on? Are you betraying us already?"
Raven's expression hardened, her tone icy as she shut him down. "No. This isn't my doing." She pushed past him and strode out of the tent, followed closely by Vernal and then, reluctantly, Adam.
Stepping outside, Raven took in the scene unfolding in the heart of her camp. Bandits and White Fang members scrambled to contain a figure who was fighting them off with relentless energy. Even in the dim light, her unmistakable blonde hair caught Raven's attention like a beacon.
Raven's heart twisted at the sight, and her expression faltered. "Yang?"
The single word slipped from her lips, louder than she intended, betraying a hint of emotion she rarely showed. She hadn't expected to see her daughter here—especially not in the dead of night, crashing through her camp in an unplanned assault.
Yang spun around, her eyes blazing with fierce determination and hurt. For a moment, her gaze locked onto Raven's, and a complicated storm of emotions passed between them—anger, pain, and something Raven could only describe as disappointment.
"Mom," Yang said, her voice dripping with bitterness as she continued fending off the bandits. "I came looking for answers, but of course, I find you hiding out here... working with the White Fang, of all people."
Adam crossed his arms, his expression quickly shifting to one of interest. "So, this is your daughter, Raven?" He smirked, studying Yang with a dangerous glint in his eye. "Interesting."
Raven shot him a warning look. "Stay out of this, Taurus. This is family business."
Adam chuckled, but there was no warmth in it. "Family? From the looks of it, I'd say she's more an intruder."
Yang scoffed, taking a defiant step forward as she eyed Adam, Vernal, and then finally her mother. "So, this is where you've been hiding. Scheming with people who terrorize the innocent." Her voice was thick with betrayal. "And I thought… maybe there was a reason you left. But you're just as selfish as everyone warned me."
Raven took a breath, keeping her voice low but resolute. "I made choices to survive. Choices you wouldn't understand, Yang."
Yang shook her head, her fists clenched. "No, you ran away. From me, from Dad, from everything. All you care about is yourself and this stupid tribe." Her eyes glistened, the hurt so raw it cut deeper than any weapon could. "I came here hoping maybe you'd have changed… but I was wrong."
Vernal, sensing the tension escalating, stepped closer to Raven, her eyes flicking warily toward Yang. "Raven, do you want us to take care of her?"
Raven's hand shot up, halting Vernal. "No. She's my daughter."
Adam's smirk only widened. "Then deal with her, or I will." His hand twitched toward his weapon, but Raven's glare was fierce enough to stop him in his tracks.
"Touch her, and this alliance ends now," she warned, her voice ice-cold.
Yang's fiery gaze shifted to Adam, then back to Raven, her fists trembling. "So, what now, Mom? Are you going to defend your new 'allies' over your own daughter?"
Raven hesitated, the question striking a nerve. For the first time in a long time, she found herself truly at a loss. The carefully constructed walls she'd built around herself—around her decisions, her justifications—wavered as Yang stared at her, waiting for an answer.
"Yang… I did what I had to do. For myself, and yes, for this tribe." Her voice softened, almost pleading. "You don't understand what it's like, living a life where every day could be your last, where betrayal is the norm, and the only loyalty you have is to your own survival."
Yang shook her head, the anger flaring again. "Don't try to explain yourself to me, Raven. If you cared about anyone but yourself, you would've been there for me. For Dad." Her voice cracked, revealing the vulnerability beneath her fury. "But you weren't."
The air hung heavy with words unspoken, the weight of years of abandonment and resentment pressing down on both mother and daughter. Vernal's eyes flicked back and forth between them, tense and unsure whether to intervene or let the storm between them play out. Adam, standing at the edge of the standoff, watched with barely concealed satisfaction, his eyes glinting with perverse amusement at the family's unraveling tension.
As Yang continued her bitter tirade, weaving a distraction through her confrontation with Raven, Team RWBY and Rinko quietly slipped into the camp, blending into the shadows and maneuvering through the crowd. Their cloaks kept their identities hidden as they crept closer to their goal.
Rinko carefully separated from the group, moving stealthily along the camp's perimeter. As he walked, he dropped small pebble-sized smoke bombs around the walls, each one quietly rolling into place. He moved with precision, ensuring the smoke would cover the entire area when it erupted.
Meanwhile, Ruby, Weiss, and Blake slipped through the camp toward Jacques' cage on the far side, careful to avoid drawing any attention. The cage was tucked away behind a cluster of tents, its occupant oblivious to their approach.
Jacques Schnee sat inside, his usual arrogance worn down by weeks of captivity. He was lost in thought, his gaunt face revealing a hint of vulnerability he rarely showed. But his expression changed abruptly when he noticed three cloaked figures approaching the cage. His eyes narrowed suspiciously until he caught sight of a familiar weapon gleaming in the dim light.
Weiss lifted her rapier, summoning her glyphs with precision. A crackling sound echoed as she destroyed the cage's lock in one swift motion, the sharp clang making Jacques startle.
His eyes widened, recognition dawning on his face. "Weiss...? Is that...?"
"Shh!" Weiss whispered urgently, glancing over her shoulder to ensure they hadn't drawn any attention. "Let's get you out of here before they notice."
Ruby nodded in agreement. "Blake, keep watch. If anyone sees us…"
Blake's eyes scanned the area, tense and alert. "We'd better hurry. Yang's running out of time with that distraction."
Meanwhile, at the heart of the camp, Raven took a hesitant step toward Yang, her hand reaching out slightly, wavering. "Yang, please. I know you're angry, but… I left because I thought it was the only way to survive. You don't understand. I never expected you to come here… not like this."
Yang's expression softened for a brief moment, her resolve cracking under the weight of her mother's words. Part of her wanted to believe that Raven still cared, that there was a shred of humanity left in her. But then, she glanced over at Adam and the White Fang members around them, and the illusion shattered. This wasn't survival—it was selfishness.
"This isn't survival, Mom. You're a coward," she said, her words cutting deeper than any weapon.
But before Raven could respond, a burst of smoke exploded around the camp's perimeter, thick clouds quickly filling the air and engulfing the entire area.
"W-what the hell?!" Adam coughed, his voice filled with frustration as he squinted through the smoke. The camp erupted into chaos, bandits and White Fang soldiers stumbling around blindly, trying to make sense of the sudden attack.
Raven spun, her eyes wide with shock as she tried to see through the thick fog enveloping the camp. "What is this?!" She turned back to where Yang had been standing moments ago, but her daughter had already slipped away, disappearing into the cover of smoke.
Outside the camp, Team RWBY and Rinko dashed through the dense forest, barely sparing a glance back at the chaos they'd left behind. Rinko supported Jacques, who looked paler and frailer than they remembered, his body trembling slightly from the strain of captivity.
"R-Rinko…" Jacques rasped, trying to speak through his weakened voice.
"Shh," Rinko interrupted gently, his hand steadying his father. "Just rest. We'll get you to safety."
As they reached the forest's edge, a furious scream echoed from within the camp, piercing through the night air. Raven's voice, raw with frustration and rage, chased after them like a ghostly echo.
Yang shot a glance back, her expression hardening. She had waited for this moment—a chance to finally get Jacques out of her mother's clutches. And now, there was no turning back.
"Let's keep moving," Weiss urged. "We don't have much time before they regroup."
The group sprinted deeper into the forest, leaving the camp behind.
[End]