W H I T E // Naruto X Rwby

The events of one fateful night had left Haven Academy and its allies forever changed.

The death of Leonardo Lionheart, the Headmaster of Haven, was announced to the public the following morning.

However, the truth of his betrayal—the lives of countless Huntsmen lost due to his cowardice—was carefully concealed at King's request.

King wanted Leo's decades of service to Remnant to be remembered as noble, not marred by the mistakes of his final days.

To King, Leo was a flawed man who had succumbed to fear, but he also believed in honoring his friend's legacy. The public mourned the loss of a hero, unaware of the darker truths that lay beneath.

The battle also marked a significant turning point for the White Fang.

Many members loyal to Adam Taurus were captured and detained, but Adam himself escaped, his whereabouts unknown.

Despite his absence, his grip on the organization weakened due to their numbers now lower than before.

Sienna Khan, newly resolved after her conversation with Blake, took decisive action.

Inspired by Blake's vision and Ghira's philosophy, she sought to reform the White Fang.

She disbanded the violent remnants of the old guard and began recruiting new members who shared her dream of peaceful coexistence between humans and Faunus.

This transformation was not without resistance, but Sienna's leadership, bolstered by the allies she had made during the battle, proved steadfast.

Her growth as a leader was evident—no longer driven by vengeance, but by hope and determination to heal the scars between humans and Faunus.

Selene's quick thinking during her confrontation with Watts and Hazel bore fruit.

She recovered crucial data from the USB retrieved by the robot she controlled. The files contained detailed plans of Salem's future operations, including potential targets, and logistical routes.

The information was invaluable, allowing Rinko's allies to gain a rare advantage in their fight against Salem.

Though the battle at Haven was a victory, the shadow of Salem loomed ever larger. Adam's escape, the remaining White Fang loyalists, and the loss of one of her Seer Grimm would not deter her.

Instead, Salem's forces would grow more dangerous and unpredictable.

Salem, ever the strategist, would not take this defeat lightly. She had lost a pawn in Lionheart but gained valuable insight into the resolve of Ozpin's allies.

Yamon and Lendy returned to their duties as Huntsmen in Mistral, dedicating themselves to rebuilding the safety and morale of the city after the chaos.

Meanwhile, King made a quiet decision to retire from active fighting. He settled into a life of simplicity, working on a small farm nestled in the outskirts of Mistral.

The once-fierce warrior sought solace in the gentle rhythm of the land, leaving behind the battlefield for the peace of rural life.

A few days had passed since the battle at Haven Academy.

Though the scars of the attack remained, the upper levels of Mistral began to buzz with excitement.

The renowned Mistral Festival had arrived, a long-awaited celebration that brought color and joy to the city.

Upper Levels, Streets

The lively streets of the Mistral Festival bustled with energy, music, and laughter.

Lanterns hung above the cobblestone paths, casting a warm, golden glow over the crowds. The air was filled with the tantalizing aromas of grilled skewers, sweet pastries, and spiced drinks.

For Team RWBY and Team JNPR, it was a rare and much-needed moment of peace. The trials of Haven Academy had been harrowing, but tonight, they could set aside their burdens, if only briefly.

After a quick discussion, the two teams decided to split up to enjoy the festival at their own pace.

Team JNPR headed toward the food stalls and game booths, with Nora already dragging Jaune toward a pie-eating contest. Ren and Pyrrha followed close behind, laughing at Nora's antics.

Rinko, meanwhile, found himself sticking with Team RWBY.

Qrow, not one for loud celebrations, chose to accompany Sienna on her final night in Mistral. The two walked through the quieter parts of the festival, exchanging words that carried the weight of shared responsibilities and their hopes for a better future.

Oscar, seeking solace from the noise, followed Selene.

Over time, the two had formed a bond akin to siblings.

Selene, despite her reserved nature, had a protective streak when it came to Oscar. Their quiet companionship was a comfort to both as they wandered through the less crowded sections of the festival.

Rinko and Team RWBY

The evening festival's main square was a whirlwind of activity.

The group had embraced the festival's cultural theme, each donning outfits inspired by traditional Eastern designs.

Yang stood out in a golden qipao-style dress with intricate patterns that shimmered in the evening light. The high slit at the side allowed for easy movement, and her confident grin made her look as radiant as the sun.

Blake, in contrast, wore a darker version of the same dress. The deep black fabric was adorned with subtle silver details that resembled moonlit leaves. It complemented her quiet elegance, her bow blending seamlessly with her look.

Weiss opted for a white hanbok-inspired outfit. The flowing layers of her dress exuded grace, while the delicate silver embroidery along the edges added a regal touch befitting her demeanor. Her hair was styled in a slightly looser bun than usual, giving her a softer appearance.

Ruby had chosen a yukata-style dress in bright and dark red tones, a perfect blend of her cheerful personality and her role as the team leader. The floral patterns on the fabric seemed to dance as she moved, her energy infectious.

Rinko, ever composed yet effortlessly stylish, wore a pristine white kimono with subtle blue accents along the edges. The simplicity of his attire contrasted with the others yet exuded a dignified charm. The soft fabric flowed as he walked, reminiscent of a calm, moonlit night.

"Guys, look!" Ruby exclaimed, pointing to a booth filled with colorful festival masks. "Let's all pick one out!"

Yang chuckled, leaning against Rinko's shoulder. "What do you think, Rinko? Should I go for the lion mask or the dragon one? You know, something awesome like me."

Rinko smirked, tilting his head in mock contemplation. "Dragon suits you, but maybe go for the tiger—it's fierce and flashy, like your personality."

Yang playfully punched his arm. "Flatterer."

Weiss, meanwhile, inspected the masks with a critical eye. "These are... charming, I suppose. But why would anyone wear a fox mask with such garish colors?"

Blake, holding a subtle black cat mask, raised an eyebrow. "Not everyone prefers muted colors, Weiss."

Rinko chuckled as Weiss and Blake exchanged their usual banter. "Maybe pick something that matches your aura, Weiss. How about this white swan mask?" He handed it to her, and she hesitated before accepting it with a small smile.

As Ruby finally picked a wolf mask, she turned to Rinko. "What about you, Rinko? You can't leave without getting one!"

He scanned the selection before settling on a simple white fox mask with blue accents. "This one works," he said, slipping it over his face.

Yang grinned. "A fox? Fits you. Mysterious, clever, and way too serious sometimes."

They laughed, and for a moment, the weight of their journey felt lighter.

As Team RWBY wandered through the bustling crowds, their laughter and conversation blended with the cheerful ambiance.

Rinko walked slightly behind Yang, his hands tucked casually into his kimono coat, his mask dangling from his waist.

Yang occasionally glanced over her shoulder, flashing him a teasing grin every now and then. Rinko's usual calm demeanor remained, but there was a flicker of softness in his eyes when they met hers.

Ruby ran ahead, dragging Blake and Weiss toward a food stall. "Come on, guys! They've got candied apples!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

Weiss sighed but followed reluctantly. "Ruby, we just ate..."

Blake chuckled softly. "It's Ruby. Did you really think one dinner was going to be enough?"

With the others distracted, Yang slowed her pace, falling back to walk beside Rinko. She bumped her shoulder lightly against his arm. "So, what do you think of the festival so far, Mr. Schnee?" she asked, her tone playful.

Rinko glanced at her from the corner of his eye, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Loud. Crowded. Overpriced food." He paused, his voice softening. "But the company makes it tolerable."

Yang raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Tolerable? That's all I get?"

He tilted his head slightly, his smirk widening. "Well, if you're looking for praise, you do light up the place more than the lanterns."

Yang's cheeks turned faintly pink as she laughed. "Smooth, Schnee. Real smooth."

As they strolled through the quieter part of the festival, Yang slipped her hand into Rinko's, her fingers lacing with his.

She looked up at him, her expression softer now. "You know, it's kind of crazy how much has happened since Beacon. I never thought... I mean, us. Like this."

They kept walking as Rinko turned to face her. His hand gently gripped tighter to Yang's hand. "Life's unpredictable. But I don't regret it."

Yang grinned, leaning closer. "Good, because neither do I."

From a short distance away, Blake, who had been distracted by the festival lights and sounds, finally turned her attention back to her team.

Her gaze landed on Yang and Rinko, her eyes widening as she noticed their fingers intertwined, the easy intimacy between them unmistakable.

Blake froze, her golden eyes darting between the two. The warmth in their exchange was something she hadn't seen before. She instinctively swallowed, unsure how to process what she was witnessing.

"Uhh... Weiss? Ruby?" Blake asked hesitantly, her voice almost drowned out by the lively atmosphere around them.

Weiss turned first, looking slightly annoyed at being interrupted mid-conversation. "What is it, Blake?"

Ruby glanced over as well, her mouth full of candied apple. "Mmhm?" she mumbled before swallowing.

Blake quietly pointed toward Yang and Rinko, who were now walking together, their hands still clasped.

Ruby and Weiss followed Blake's gesture, their eyes landing on the couple. Ruby blinked in surprise, her brain catching up to the sight. "Oh... oh!" she exclaimed softly, her candied apple momentarily forgotten.

Weiss raised an eyebrow, then smirked faintly. "Oh, so she finally noticed."

Blake turned to them, her ears twitching slightly in confusion. "Wait, finally? How long has this been going on?"

Ruby chuckled nervously, scratching the back of her head. "Uh, well... they kinda kissed under the moonlight a while back. You know, real romantic stuff."

Blake's jaw dropped slightly. "Kissed?" she repeated, her tone somewhere between shock and disbelief.

Weiss sighed, crossing her arms. "Honestly, it was bound to happen. I mean, have you seen the way they look at each other? It's nauseating."

Ruby nudged Weiss lightly. "You're just jealous no one's swept you off your feet yet."

"I am not jealous," Weiss huffed, her cheeks tinged pink.

Blake shook her head, her expression softening as she watched Yang and Rinko share a laugh. Despite her initial surprise, a small smile crept onto her face. "I guess... I just didn't expect it. But they look happy."

Ruby grinned, her energy returning in full force. "They really do, huh? And hey, it's Yang—she's gotta pick someone awesome, right?"

Weiss rolled her eyes but didn't disagree. "Well, at least Rinko can keep up with her ridiculous puns. That's probably the most surprising part."

The three girls laughed softly, the surprise beginning to settle as they started to accept the new dynamic within their team.

Blake, however, found her gaze lingering on Yang and Rinko for a moment longer. She watched the way Yang leaned into him with her usual fiery confidence and how Rinko responded with that calm, composed demeanor she had come to appreciate.

A faint smile played on her lips as she silently wished her teammate happiness. Yang deserved this—someone who could match her energy and keep her grounded. But as much as she wanted to feel at peace with the sight before her, there was something... off.

Her chest tightened, and an uneasy weight settled in her stomach. She gripped the edge of her coat, her fingers curling into the fabric. 'What is this? ' she wondered.

The thought nagged at her as her mind drifted back to Beacon. To days in the library after lunch or classes, she's with Rinko, poring over books while the rest of the team goofying around. 

To the way they'd sit in comfortable silence, engrossed in their shared love of reading. 

To the time she had eagerly introduced him to Ninjas of Love, only to find him surprisingly invested in the story. She remembered their quiet moments, their laughter, the easy connection they shared.

He had been her best friend, someone who understood her in a way few did. 

And now, seeing him with Yang—a warmth she wasn't used to seeing in him—it felt... strange.

Blake bit her lip, confused. She should be happy for them, and she was—or at least, she thought she was. But the tightness in her chest said otherwise, and she didn't know why.

'It's fine,' she told herself firmly. 'They're happy. That's all that matters.'

Yet, even as she turned back to Ruby and Weiss, she couldn't quite shake the feeling. A quiet pang of something unspoken lingered in her heart, and for now, Blake wasn't ready to name it.

Qrow & Sienna

Qrow and Sienna sat beneath a sprawling tree at the edge of the festival grounds, their beer bottles clinking softly in their hands.

The vibrant hum of the celebration felt distant here, muffled by the gentle rustle of leaves and the quiet whispers of the wind.

Neither of them had bothered with festival attire—Qrow in his usual tattered cloak, and Sienna in her striking yet practical outfit.

They watched the sky as it transitioned into evening, hues of orange and purple melting into the deepening blue.

"Heh... peace," Qrow muttered, breaking the silence. He took a long swig from his bottle, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Just what we needed after all the chaos, huh?"

Sienna let out a soft chuckle, tipping her bottle toward him. "Agreed. Though... I've been thinking."

Qrow turned his head toward her, curiosity flickering in his red eyes. "That sounds dangerous."

"Very," Sienna quipped with a smirk, but her tone quickly shifted to something more thoughtful. She swirled the liquid in her bottle, her gaze distant. "I've spent so much of my life hating humans, blaming them for every injustice Faunus have faced. But... when I look at how things turned out, I see it differently now."

Qrow raised an eyebrow, taking another sip. "Oh yeah? What changed?"

Sienna exhaled, the weight of her thoughts evident. "You know what? Humans and Faunus... we're not that different. We both make mistakes, both hurt each other, both want to protect what's ours. I used to think coexistence was a dream only weak leaders believed in." She paused, the corners of her mouth tugging into a faint, rueful smile. "But seeing people like Ghira... like Blake... even you, Qrow... it's made me realize something."

"What's that?" Qrow asked, his voice quieter now.

"I hated an entire species because it was easier than admitting the truth," Sienna admitted, her grip tightening on the bottle. "The truth that it's not just humans who've done wrong. Faunus like me... like Adam... we've done just as much harm." Her amber eyes met Qrow's. "But if people like Blake can fight for change without hate, maybe it's time I did too."

Qrow regarded her for a moment before letting out a low whistle. "That's some heavy introspection there, Tiger. Beer usually does the opposite for me."

Sienna rolled her eyes but smirked. "Don't act like you're not impressed."

"Alright, fine, color me impressed," Qrow admitted, raising his bottle. "Here's to figuring stuff out... eventually."

Sienna clinked her bottle against his. "Eventually."

They drank in silence for a moment, letting the conversation settle as the sky darkened.

"Y'know," Qrow said, breaking the quiet, "you're not so bad when you're not trying to claw my throat out."

Sienna snorted. "And you're not so bad when you're not falling over drunk."

"Hey, I resemble that remark," Qrow shot back, grinning.

For a brief moment, they both chuckled softly, their laughter carrying in the cool evening air.

They were two people from vastly different worlds, but here, under the fading light of the day, they found common ground—if only in the shared solace of a drink and the hard truths they were learning to face.

Team JNPR

Team JNPR wandered through the vibrant streets of the festival, each member clad in elegant Eastern-style attire that matched the aesthetic of the celebration.

Jaune, dressed in a dark green yukata with golden accents, walked beside Pyrrha, whose crimson and gold kimono mirrored her signature colors.

Their fingers intertwined, a quiet yet unmistakable display of their lovely relationship.

Ren and Nora followed closely behind, Ren wearing a deep blue haori adorned with intricate silver patterns, while Nora wore a bright pink yukata with floral designs that seemed to reflect her lively personality.

"Jaune, look at that!" Pyrrha exclaimed, pointing at a stall offering beautifully painted fans.

"Do you want one?" Jaune asked, smiling at her enthusiasm.

Pyrrha nodded. "They're so beautiful."

As Jaune bought her a fan, Nora nudged Ren with a grin. "Look at them, Ren! Aren't they adorable?"

Ren smirked faintly. "They are. Though, I have to admit, it's still strange seeing Jaune act so smooth."

Nora laughed. "Right? Who knew he had it in him?"

Jaune overheard and turned back with a sheepish smile. "Hey, I can be romantic!"

Pyrrha chuckled softly, fanning herself with her new gift. "He's doing just fine, Nora."

They continued exploring, stopping at a game stall where Nora insisted on winning a plushie. Despite several failed attempts, Ren stepped in with calm precision and secured the prize for her.

Nora hugged the plushie—a small, pink Beowolf—and declared it her new favorite possession.

"Ren, you're the best!" Nora said, practically bouncing with joy.

"Glad you like it," Ren replied with a soft smile.

The group found themselves near a performance stage, where traditional Mistralian dancers moved gracefully to the rhythm of live music. Pyrrha's eyes lit up as she watched the performance.

"It reminds me of home," she said quietly, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

Jaune placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's beautiful, just like you."

Pyrrha blushed but smiled, leaning slightly into him.

As the evening deepened, Team JNPR gathered at a food stall, sharing skewers and reminiscing about their time at Beacon.

Laughter and warmth filled the air, a much-needed respite after the chaos of Haven.

Nora raised her skewer like a toast. "To us, to our friends, and to kicking Salem's butt when the time comes!"

"Here, here," Ren said, clinking his skewer against hers.

Jaune and Pyrrha joined in, their bond as a team stronger than ever as they savored the moment of peace amidst the storm of their journey.

The Fireworks

As the evening deepened, the group found themselves by the edge of the festival grounds, overlooking the city. The distant hum of festival music was replaced by the tranquil rustle of trees in the cool night breeze.

Suddenly, the first firework shot into the sky, exploding into a cascade of golden light. Ruby gasped in awe, and the others watched in silence as the colors danced across the night.

Blake stood beside Rinko, her gaze on the fireworks but her thoughts were elsewhere. "It's strange, isn't it?" she murmured.

Rinko turned to her, his voice calm. "What is?"

"All of this... how life can go on after everything that's happened. It's almost like the world doesn't stop for anyone."

He considered her words before replying. "It doesn't stop, but it gives moments like this. To remind us why we keep going."

Blake looked at him, a small smile forming. "Wise words from a wise man."

Rinko chuckled softly. "Don't let it go to my head."

As the fireworks painted the sky with vibrant colors, Team RWBY and Rinko stood together, the festive energy surrounding them only magnifying the warmth they felt as a team.

Suddenly, Rinko felt a hand gently grip his palm. He turned to see Yang, her golden eyes shimmering with excitement and the glow of the fireworks, her grin radiating an infectious energy.

"Come on, Rinko! I know just the spot!" Yang said, tugging his hand.

Rinko's smile softened as he nodded. "Alright, lead the way."

Yang's laughter filled the air as she pulled him through the crowd. "SIS, WE'LL BE BACK!" she called over her shoulder, her voice carrying over the festival noise.

Ruby pouted, watching them vanish into the sea of festival-goers. "Aw, man... I wanted to take a picture with everyone!"

Weiss placed a reassuring hand on Ruby's shoulder. "It's alright, Ruby. You still have us."

Blake, standing slightly apart, managed a small smile. "Yeah," she added, lifting Ruby's scroll. "I'll take the picture for us. Let's give Yang and Rinko some space—they deserve it."

Ruby's expression brightened as she turned to Blake. "I guess you're right... At least we have you now, Blake!"

Ruby suddenly wrapped Blake in a warm hug, catching her by surprise. Blake hesitated, then returned the embrace with a soft chuckle.

"Aww, Ruby..." Blake murmured.

As Ruby stepped back, Blake raised the scroll, her earlier unease pushed aside for now. "Alright, everyone, gather around! Let's get a picture!"

Weiss positioned herself next to Ruby, her usual composed demeanor giving way to a faint smile. "Cheese, everyone."

"Cheeseee!" Ruby said, dragging out the word with an exaggerated grin.

Blake glanced at the screen before snapping the picture, her smile soft but genuine.

For now, she focused on the moment, cherishing the time she had with her team, even as unspoken feelings lingered quietly in her heart.

Yang & Rinko

Yang and Rinko strolled away from the bustling festival until they reached a quieter part of the area. Here, the fireworks were even more vivid, their brilliant colors reflecting in the stillness around them.

The distant sounds of laughter and music faded, leaving them in a pocket of peaceful solitude beneath the sparkling sky.

Rinko glanced around, his expression softening as he took in the view. "This spot... it's perfect."

Yang crossed her arms and smirked, clearly pleased with herself. "Heh, like it?"

Rinko turned to her, his demeanor calm but his words sincere. "Love it."

Yang's grin widened, her golden eyes shining as brightly as the fireworks above. "Heh, I knew you would."

The playful energy between them lingered, but there was a quiet intimacy in the moment that neither felt the need to fill with words.

Yang leaned back against a nearby railing, her arms resting casually as she watched the fireworks. She glanced at Rinko, her grin softening into something more genuine.

"You know," she began, her voice quieter now, "I never thought I'd get moments like this. Not with everything going on, and definitely not with... someone like you."

Rinko raised an eyebrow, his usual calm expression showing a hint of curiosity. "Someone like me?"

Yang chuckled, her golden hair glowing faintly in the fireworks' light. "Yeah. Cool exterior... and somehow, the biggest softie when you're with us."

Rinko smirked faintly. "A softie, huh? I suppose you'd know better than most."

"I do," Yang said, stepping closer. She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a playful whisper.

There was a beat of silence as they stood there, the air between them charged with an unspoken connection. The fireworks painted their faces with fleeting colors, and Yang tilted her head, her smile softening further.

"Thanks, by the way," she said.

"For what?" Rinko asked, his tone as calm as ever.

"For being you. For making me feel... I don't know, like I'm not just a fighter all the time. Like I can have moments like this, just for me."

Rinko's gaze lingered on her, his usually unreadable expression now touched with something more. "You deserve moments like this, Yang. All of them."

Yang's breath hitched slightly at his words, and before she could think twice, she closed the distance between them, standing on her toes as she leaned in.

Rinko didn't hesitate.

His hand came to rest gently on her waist, the other brushing against her cheek as he met her halfway. Their lips connected in a soft, lingering kiss, the noise of the festival fading entirely into the background.

When they pulled back, Yang's cheeks were faintly flushed, but her grin was unmistakable. "That was... even better than the fireworks."

Rinko chuckled, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "I'll take your word for it."

They stayed close. For now, nothing else mattered but the two of them and this perfect, fleeting moment.

[End]