What was she going to do with the girl?
Kushina exhaled. She admitted her fault in the problem. She had come in and turned Cinder's world upside down. And given how she encouraged Naruto to chase her since she was cute, she had to accept that problem.
She had a dangerous attachment to her son— a seemingly violent connection. The girl possessed nasty negative energy. She needed a positive influence in her life. She also needed counseling, but she wasn't sure Cinder would accept it.
There was a hint of insanity in those intense, burning amber eyes. And Kushina couldn't blame her. She harbored such hatred for so long it was bound to eat away at her. And if anyone was good at taking someone's hate and forcing a change of heart... It was her son.
He had made Kurama tolerable, in part due to his infectious personality. Then there was Adam... The boy sought vengeance against humanity for all the atrocities in his life. And yet, Naruto could reach through that anger and contempt he had and reason with him. Temper his rage.
So maybe he was what she needed?
"Maybe Rhodes can help?" Kushina groaned, drawing her scroll out to contact the man. She knew his words held a lot of weight in Atlas. Especially with James. If he could put in a word for Cinder...
Kushina shot up, her azure gaze scanning the campsite. Cold droplets of sweat broke out instantaneously as her body shivered. "Kurama..."
It's the same as yesterday. This darkness. Hmm, it must be what those puny men fear. Kurama growled deeply. It's nearby, but not close. This time, it's not trying to hide itself. And that feeling... It is almost as if it is... Beckoning us. Calling out and wanting us to come to it.
Kushina gnashed her teeth, and her eyelids slitted. Kurama was correct. The presence was far away. But it felt like a beacon and was drawing her to it. "It has to be. I've never felt such a negative energy before..."
I have... When we first came to this world. Kurama bit back a snarl. This is smaller in scale than the other sensation. Perhaps it has been lurking within that darkness.
"Kurama, you better damn well tell me what you know!" Kushina hissed, enraged. "Is this the darkness you mention you could feel? Why haven't you said anything more about it until now?!"
For I didn't know anything more than its existence. The negative zone was so thick that I couldn't see through it. This entity must come from that negative zone and has absorbed so much energy I cannot pierce its shroud. Kurama responded indignantly. It was always in this distance, looming but never close. As much as I loathe to say this, perhaps it was analyzing us, waiting until they were confident it could deal with us.
"Deal with me?" Kushina clenched her fist, gazing and focusing on the distance where the energy was calling to her. "Hardly. I make them regret thinking..."
You are misinterpreting my words. Us doesn't mean you, woman. It's calling for Ashura, woman. And that cannot be good that, whatever this darkness is, if it is confident, it can handle the heir of my father's power.
"Mom?" Kushina's blood ran cold. She slowly turned to see Naruto rapidly waking from his sleep, prepared for a fight despite his pale features. He could sense it as well. "This is the same feeling I felt yesterday... But more malevolent..."
"What the hell is it?"
[ X ]
It was a frigid and windy morning. She had never spent the night outdoors before. It was... Unique. If she were honest, she preferred being indoors. Cinder could handle this kind of environment. However, this tent did nothing! This was Atlas! They were located in the coldest continent in all of Remnant, Solitas! How was she supposed to stay warm in this thing?! Especially when his mother made him rough it outside.
He was supposed to keep her warm... And maybe do more with a bit of coaxing. Much, much more...
"Mah, I still don't see the point." She could hear Naruto's voice outside the tent. Her eyes honed in through the slit of the tent, observing him sitting by the campfire with his mother.
Cinder frowned before her face fell. They were picking up the conversation they started last night. About him attending the Atlas Academy. What was she going to do...
How could she follow him?
"It's to continue your education, dattebane." Kushina rolled her eyes at her son, stoking the fire before sending a flat glare at him. "Naruto, I know that you are aware how much stronger you are than everyone else... But strength has its limits, especially when you don't know what you are up against. Knowledge is just as important."
"I get that... But I've learned so much from you. Wouldn't bypassing the test and getting my Huntsman license make sense? I know there are ways to do that. Wouldn't it be better if we stuck together? " Naruto asked, checking on the kettle boiling over the fire.
Cinder's eyes flickered wide. Yes! That would be perfect! He'd just skip the necessity of going through school and become a Huntsman! Then, perhaps, they could travel together. Cinder grinned. Rhodes had trained her well enough. And at his side, she knew she could be even better.
Kushina exhaled, causing Cinder to shoot a dark glare at her through the slit of the tent. But to her surprise, her eyes sharply crossed hers, causing Cinder to lean back before Kushina flatly gazed at her boy. "I have thought about this for a long time, Naruto... Dear, as much as I want you with me, there is only so much you can grow while staying by my side. I still don't know so much about this world, and I can only teach you what I know from what I've experienced. It's time to experience things I haven't and learn from them. Become better and learn from those who know this world better than I do."
A long pause followed her words. Cinder's shoulders slumped as she watched from the tent. The weight of her words hung heavily on her. It almost felt like... The last time she spoke with her mother.
The tenderness. The care... The vulnerability. Cinder grimaced. She almost felt sympathy for Kushina. Almost.
She was still someone she couldn't trust. She may have been kind to her, but saving her was a byproduct of why she had arrived. How could she trust someone like that? Forgive someone of that?
But without her, would she have ever met Naruto? Would she have fallen like this? She suspected not. And then there was that strange interaction with that woman.
Cinder's eyes snapped back toward the woman. Wait, what was she saying? It almost sounded like she was talking like she knew of other wor...
"I guess," Naruto broke the silence, his expression downtrodden. "But I really don't want to leave my friends behind. I'd miss hanging out with Ilia. Messing with Adam to keep the darkness from swallowing him whole... And then what about Cinder? Her whole life was just flipped upside down. Can't just leave her, ya know?"
Cinder deeply flushed. He was thinking of her well-being! Her heart fluttered, and she felt woozy. Oh, if he only knew what those words meant to her!
Her features faded and slumped. He seemed to be thinking about attending Atlas Academy but was hesitant. She was already lost. Without a direction or a cause. She didn't know what she wanted to do. She never gave it thought before. All she had wanted was to be free from Madame's clutches, and now she was.
She wanted to follow him, but did she honestly wish for the same thing? She wasn't sure. Becoming a Huntress? It did sound glamorous... But she saw firsthand how much a Huntsman could really do. How long had Rhodes known about her living conditions but could not do anything besides training her...
But what if some harlot got their hands on Naruto if she wasn't there... Images flashed before her mind. Girls would flock to him once others realized what a gem he was! She couldn't allow that! She'd kill them if they dared lay a hand on him!
Cinder snarled, gazing out of the tent at Naruto. How would she follow him? She had no idea what the acceptance rate for Atlas Academy was... Or how to apply? Ugh! She didn't have time for this!
He was supposed to meet with the General today! Cinder glowered. She had to find a way to be accepted into that academy! No matter the cost!
"I wouldn't worry about that," Kushina's words registered through the haze of Cinder's thoughts. Cinder frowned. Why was she looking straight through the tent and at her? "I already took care of everything."
"Just trust me, would ya?"
[ X ]
This place was intimidating. This was the reception hall, and it was bland and lifeless! It was so white, cold, and metallic! What would the rest of the Academy look like?! If it was as intimidating as the general...
Who now slowly paced toward them in an unnerving, staunch manner.
"Good morning, James. How are you?" Kushina greeted James with a light bow toward the staunch man.
At that moment, he stopped before Kushina, and his intimidating aura shattered. James faintly smiled. He took Kushina's hand gently, lifting it and planting a gentle kiss before letting her hand settle. "It has been too long, Kushina. It's always a blessing to be graced by your appearance... I could do without the chaos, but what is life without a little spice?"
"I'm gonna kill him..." Naruto snarled, seething at the sight. He dared court his mother? In front of him! Oh, he was gonna make him pay... Why couldn't his mom just like the guy he picked out for her?! The unlucky bird was cool!
"Naruto..." Kushina hissed, hiding the elbow she shoved into his ribs while flushing at General Ironwood. "I apologize for any hardships my business may have caused. But it was a necessity to clean out the filth."
"I wholeheartedly agree." James respectfully nodded and turned his attention to Naruto, a faint smirk crossing his expression. "He definitely inherited your temper, I see. Another loose cannon."
"You wanna say that again!" Naruto dared the General, holding up his fist.
"I wish he had inherited less..." Kushina darkly mumbled while holding Naruto back.
Cinder glowered and shot daggers at Kushina. What did that mean? He was perfect as he was!
Kushina's expression blanched. Now she was starting? Did her mood simply feed off of Naruto's...
"It is quite alright. He is still young and has yet to be tempered and forged by the world as we have." James observed Naruto confidently. "But I can make something more of him if he allows it. I'm afraid I may have come off too strong of a greeting. He is protective of those he cherishes, an excellent trait for any Huntsman."
Naruto's expression soured. His eyes slit, and he crossed his arms. "Mah, this feels a little too easy. Isn't getting accepted into the Huntsman Academies supposed to be difficult?"
"For one with a resume such as yourself, no." James placed his arms behind his back while shaking his head. "I'd be a fool not to offer you admission despite your age. I am sure any of my fellow headmasters would agree."
"Quite so." Another man's voice resonated, the gentle tapping of a cane approaching. All focus shifted to a man with silver hair leisurely strolling toward them. "We are in desperate need of Huntsman and Huntresses with the talent and skill you possess. Perhaps, with talent such as yours, you could become like the heroes and heroines of yore."
"Ozpin," Kushina scrunched her face toward the approaching man but greeted him nonetheless.
"Frigid as always," Oz exhaled, shaking his head. His gaze then shifted to Naruto, and softly smiled. "Regardless, seeing you here and treating this seriously is a pleasure to see. My offer still stands if you wish to attend Beacon. Oh, and who is this lovely young lady? A girlfriend, maybe?"
"Cinder Fall." Cinder flushed at the compliment but nervously fidgeted, realizing this was the Headmaster of Beacon Academy in Vale. But her mind blanked, and her gaze shifted to Naruto. Oh, she wanted to be nothing more! He was hers...
And he was flushed as she was! Her heart skipped a beat! Did that mean...
"Ah, you are the young lady Rhodes took as his apprentice." Cinder's gaze rapidly turned to the General. How did he know of her? Wait, he called her Rhodes' apprentice? Did he... Speak to the General about her? But when... And Rhodes saw her as his apprentice? He did help train her every night he was available... And why was that slight smirk still on the General's face? "If I were to be so bold, the door to my academy is open for a talent such as yourself."
Cinder's stomach fluttered. Her gaze sharply turned to Naruto. She had never thought it would be this easy. She had been scheming the entire time, attempting to find a way to convince him to let her join if Naruto had been accepted... And he had been...
"Huh? Seriously? It's that easy." Naruto raised his eyebrow suspiciously.
Cinder glowered. What did that mean? Was he doubting her... No! He could never! He must be suspicious of the reason why! Of course! It was odd that she was being offered an invitation to the Academy. And by word of mouth? Shouldn't there be a test...
"Rhodes spoke for her skill," James responded. "I am not usually one to go by word of mouth, but I trust Rhodes and his assessment. If he believes she could defeat him, she is quite talented and deserves a chance to prove herself during initiation, just as you will have to do."
Cinder froze. Rhodes spoke for her? And he had said that? Glancing down at her hands, once delicate, forged by training scars. Her expression darkened. Why hadn't he said so before? Why tell her this way that she was ready if she had been ready all this time?
Her eyes narrowed. What did he say? Naruto was more than worthy! Why did he have to prove himself?! He was perfect! She repressed a snarl. Doubting him was paramount to insulting her!
Oh, she would prove him wrong!
"We accept," Cinder growled, eyes burning with a fierce resolution.
"We what now?" Naruto jerked his head towards Cinder. "Wait, wait, wait. Can we give this a moment..."
"Very good," Ironwood couldn't repress his smirk, causing Oz to scowl. "Our doors open two weeks after the conclusion of the Vytal Festival. Enjoy the festivities until then."
"I look forward to seeing you soon."
[ X ]
"Ha. Now that's funny. At least I'm not the only one to suffer."
Naruto glowered as Adam took a bite of his lunch, amused at Naruto's dismay. Cinder shot darts toward him, but her gaze turned to the diner they sat in. It was pretty lovely. The red trimmings were gorgeous. She really liked the color. Not to mention, the servers were kind and courteous. She was honestly surprised as many signs throughout Atlas said they didn't serve Faunus. Yet here, there was no problem.
Cinder hid her rage. If anyone dared upset him, she would make them burn!
Her foul gaze shifted to the black-haired Faunus sitting in between Naruto and Adam. While she was on Naruto's other flank, this girl was too daring! Why was she so close to him? She didn't feel this level of jealousy with Ilia, who sat beside her... Oddly enough. There was just something about her she didn't like.
It also didn't help that Kushina was discussing something rather quietly with the girl's parents and the Tiger Faunus... Whom she now knew were the leaders of the White Fang. So this girl thought she could use her status to push herself onto him? Cinder gnashed her teeth.
She had another thing coming!
"Shut up, ya bastard," Naruto grumbled at Adam's amusement at his plight, drawing Cinder from her thoughts. "And what does that even mean? What are you suffering from? I didn't see you get volunteered to join an Academy."
Cinder sheepishly hung her head. That was her fault. She had been so in the moment that she hadn't considered Naruto's plans. What Academy did he want to attend, if he did at all! She was so insulted for him that she lost her grasp of the situation.
"Who says I wasn't?" Adam scowled, crossing his arms.
"When? I just met the man! How did you get an interview with him before me!" Naruto replied with squinted eyes.
"Figure it out for yourself," Adam scoffed, sending a discrete glare to the adults' table.
Naruto scowled and picked at the food he had ordered. He shot another glare at Adam before Naruto followed his gaze. And seeing who he was sneering at, his expression softened. "Oh... That makes sense. Forgot about that."
"Indeed," Adam responded, his contempt palpable. "This, apparently, is about keeping good relations and trust with Atlas while the White Fang is undergoing this change of leadership and direction. And I'm the scapegoat to ensure and keep the peace."
Cinder pursed her lips, followed their gaze, and traced it to the tiger Faunus. Her expression soured, and her gaze returned to Adam. Scapegoat? Keep the peace? Was there something she was missing?
"Mah, it's not like that." Naruto frowned, shaking his head. "I think you are thinking about this in the wrong manner. Don't ya think it's because she trusts you? And from that trust, she placed this task on you because she believes you are capable of following through and leading."
Adam snarled, shooting a seething glare toward Naruto. However, the steadfast gaze of an undeterred Naruto met his gaze and held it up. Through that gaze, his features withered, and his brow furrowed. He huffed and turned his attention back to his lunch without another word.
Cinder pursed her lips. It felt like if Naruto was anyone else, Adam would have spitefully responded. Instead, he seemed to listen to his friend's advice, albeit unwillingly. Cinder smugly gloated, seeing just the kind of force her Naruto was. He was special.
"You're leaving too?" Cinder's gaze indignantly snapped toward the Faunus girl who dared sit by Naruto. Her sympathetic and sullen tone only sharpened her anger toward her. Who did she think she was?
"For now, yes." Adam nodded, showing a rare display of affection as he placed his hand on Blake's shoulders. "But fear not. We shall still see each other. I will continue training you in the way of the sword."
"And I'm gonna make sure you keep up on your ninja skills whenever possible! Can't let you slack in your training while mom is busy!" Naruto added with a grin.
Blake's ears perked, and her sullen mood lifted to excitement. "Really? You promise?"
"Hell ya, I do." Naruto chirped while Adam had to repress a scowl and nod. "And you know I don't break my promises!"
"Unfortunately true..." Adam muttered, looking over toward Ilia. "Keep an eye on her?"
"Who do you think I am? Of course, I will." Ilia scoffed before flashing a bright smile at Blake. "And look at this way, Blake! We now get time for some quality girl time without the boys!"
"You ain't joining us?" Naruto raised his eyebrow, looking between Adam and Ilia.
"I'm not even old enough to join the White Fang! You think your mom or Lady Sienna would let me try out for an Academy?" Ilia spat, crossing her arms before scoffing and finally turning her gaze at Cinder. "Keep these two out of trouble! They're both magnets for it, I swear!"
Adam snarled while Naruto nervously laughed, scratching the back of his head. Cinder repressed her urge to lash out for calling Naruto trouble. However, Ilia did have a point. As soon as Naruto arrived, things became very hectic. Was that necessarily a bad thing? It did keep things rather exciting.
"I will." The tiniest sliver of a smile crept onto Cinder's expression. Oh, she would keep a close eye on Naruto. A very close eye... Why had he suddenly become so pale?
"Naruto? Is something wrong?" Cinder expressed her concern at the sudden shift in his appearance. He looked... Terrified?
"Guys, I gotta go..." Naruto evaded the question, his gaze darting to the exit as he attempted to excuse himself from the table.
"No, you will not." Kushina sharply reprimanded, suddenly approaching their table and placing her hand on her son's shoulder. His gaze flickered as it met hers, and she flashed a reassuring smile. "Stay here with your friends and celebrate. I know what you forgot. Let me handle it."
"Mom..." Naruto nervously responded. His reaction, along with his mother's timely response, was something everyone immediately caught. Cinder especially noted the change of attitude. That didn't seem quite right. And something was amiss with his mother.
It was almost as if his mother was putting on a faux demeanor to calm whatever spooked Naruto. One that Cinder quickly so through.
"Kushina, is everything alright?" Sienna saw through her friend's demeanor, a hint of worry in her voice.
"Nah, nothing much!" Kushina's laugh felt hollow to Cinder, rubbing the back of her head similarly to how Naruto did. "Forgot there was something important we had planned a few days ago that needed to be picked up! But since this is supposed to be about the boys getting into Atlas Academy, Naruto should stay here! I'll go and handle it. I'll be back shortly."
As Naruto glowered and Sienna and Blake's parents looked unconvinced, Cinder's eyes sharpened. She stared at the retreating back of Kushina as she retreated before her gaze shifted to Naruto. Everything about this was odd.
What frightened them to have this kind of reaction?
[ X ]
Back here again?
This unsettling sensation had drawn her to return here. It was almost unnerving. What could cause the Nine-Tails to call her to follow this presence?
And who was this robed woman sitting at the scum's desk, looking quite amused? "Kushina Uzumaki. Mother of the handsome and charming Naruto Uzumaki and to be second-in-command of the White Fang. Traveler from another world. How lovely it is to see you face to face. You've ruined several of my efforts over this last decade."
Kushina's gaze narrowed as the woman with platinum blonde hair flipped the hood of her robe over her head. That information was not known to the public. Only a select few individuals knew she had accepted that position, and she was just in the room with all of them! And her stomach curled. The affectionate way she spoke of her son...
Careful woman, Kurama snarled, voicing his concern to keep Kushina calm. The veil has finally lifted. The shadow isn't hiding any longer. Let's not do anything rash. This feels like a trap.
I know. Kushina internally hissed, keeping her unwavering gaze on the woman. With a smirk, she confidently stepped forward despite her nerves. "So you must be the one who James and Oz fear?"
"Oh, they told you of me?" The woman's eyes danced, meeting Kushina's stare with amusement.
"Nah," Kushina responded, hand on her hip. "I already knew a shadow existed. I've felt you ever since I came to this world. Something you have come to learn. Dare I ask how?"
"Because I summoned you to this world." Salem laughed, and her platinum blonde hair and fair skin shifted, turning demonic and ghostly pale, with her veins throbbing through her skin. Kushina stumbled, and the blood drained from her features, a sense of terror knotted in her stomach. "Oh, my dear! Your features are almost as pale as mine! Did you think it was just an accident that you came to this world? It was more purposeful than you can imagine!"
"YOU BITCH!" Kushina struck, cutting through the shadowy figure, her body cloaked in golden chakra. Her eyes sharpened as the woman's laugh only increased in volume, and she turned into vapor despite the contact she made. That blow was fatal... What was this?
"You have something I desire." Salem's menacing voice resonated around her as the mist hovered in the air and slowly retreated. "Alas, you can dance very well. But despite your magic and skills, I will inevitably get what I want when I want it."
The vapor faded, seeping out of the window. But Salem's following words sent a shiver down Kushina's spine as the presence left. "Today was just a courtesy. After all, I was a mother once. I understand what it means to lose someone you love. I will be taking him someday soon."
"And when that day comes, you can do nothing about it!"