"Speaking"

'Thinking'

"Attacking/Beast"

Volume 0: Chapter 3. The Demon

(With Naruto)

Staggering out of Pietro's lab and coming onto the streets of Mantle, Naruto stopped dead in the center of the road and began to survey his surroundings. His heart pounding within his ears, as blood poured from his open wounds. Though oddly enough Naruto didn't feel any intense pain like he knew he should. Something that the blond simply explained to himself as his adrenaline pushing him forward. Since he was intelligent enough to know his injuries were quite serious, but for some reason he wasn't in any critical condition. However, he still had enough pain to be conscious of his wounds and his body was feeling the repercussions of his injuries. Considering his movements were not as refined and fluid as they normally were. Though considering he should be laying dead from his wounds instead of only being slightly slowed down, Naruto didn't question much.

Instead his eyes, which were now a deep red crimson were scanning every inch of the surrounding buildings for any sign of Arthur. At first he only caught glimpses of random pedestrians around him, as his head was on a swivel. However, luckily enough Naruto managed to briefly spot Arthur rounding a street corner in the distance. This instantly caused Naruto to rush forward after the man in a hot pursuit, while pushing past anyone who managed to get within Naruto's way.

"Arthur!" Naruto yelled loudly in anger, as he tried his hardest to catch the man. Unfortunately, Naruto was still slowed from his injuries and wasn't gaining any distance on the man. In fact it looked like the gap between Naruto and Arthur was only growing larger.

Though several blocks away from Naruto's location was Winter. Who was completely unaware of her best friend's current situation and was walking with her head down, while a conflicted look covered her face.

"Ok Winter, you can do this." The girl began to herself, while she fumbled with the sleeves of her jacket nervously. "All you have to say is that you thought over your previous conversation and are willing to accept an apology."

Her feet crunching the snow beneath her, Winter sighed and shook her head. "No, no that's not making this better. You're trying to make amends not start another fight, but then again he should owe me an apology!"

Groaning in frustration, Winter was currently making her way to Doctor Polendina's lab. Considering she hated how she left her previous conversation with Naruto and wanted to settle things out properly. Sadly for Winter, she was coming to realize one crucial thing.

"Gwah! Why is it so hard for me to apologize to that imbecile?" Winter yelled in frustration, as she continued to stomp forward.

Shouting and screaming coming from the distance, Winter paid no attention to her surroundings and simply walked forward. Considering she was more invested in her own personal dilemma than the happenstance around her.

"I mean I'm certainly mad at him and I have a right to be, but at the same time I want Naruto to be happy. Even if that happiness excludes me."

Stopping in her tracks and closing her eyes, Winter frowned. "I guess that's the real reason I'm upset, not because he didn't tell me, but because I want to be with him. Because I have certain feelings about him, feelings I don't always share with him. So maybe I should just tell him that?"

Blushing a deep shade of crimson, Winter clenched her fists. "But what if he never talks to me again!"

Turning around and snarling, Winter's expression almost looked as if another person had taken over. "Then I'll kill him!"

However, almost instantly Winter turned back around and went back to a more reserved and flustered personality. "But I would never really hurt him."

"Buts he's an idiot."

"And my best friend."

"He's always driving me crazy."

"While also being my biggest supporter!"

"I hate him."

"I also love him."

Coming to a complete stop, Winter's eyes went wide and she clutched her head with her hands. "Oh no." Winter mumbled in a dead voice void of all emotion, as she realized the gravity of her words. "I actually said it. . . I'm in love with that moron."

Taking a deep breath and massaging her head, Winter simply took a moment to compose herself. "Ok I need to calm down and remember who I am. I'm Winter Schnee, I don't get flustered or nervous around anyone over anything. Especially that imbecile. I can handle this situation with grace and confidence."

Her mind in a slight better place, Winter smiled and nodded with a steady resolve. "For now I'll take things slow and simply apologize to Naruto for my reaction earlier. I'll explain to him that I reacted the way I did because of my feelings towards him. Then afterwards I'll immediately demand he apologize to me for being an idiot and making me admit I have feelings for him!"

Having her plan made up, Winter stepped forward to continue towards Doctor Polendina's lab. However, as she rounded a street corner and came face to face with Arthur Watts. Winter was momentarily caught off guard by the man who was obviously in a rush.

"Out of my way!" Arthur yelled in anger, as he shoved Winter down against a building and ran past the girl.

Her aura slightly flickering from the damage, Winter groaned and looked at the fleeing man. "Asshole!" The normally uptight and proper girl shouted, as she slightly emulated Naruto's personality. "I can see why Naruto always says you're a piece of shit!"

Getting no response from Arthur, Winter slowly stood to her feet and dusted her uniform from all the snow and dirt she collected from her fall. She had half a mind to run after Arthur and give the man a piece of her mind for the stunt he pulled. However, Winter had more important matters to tend to and continued back towards the direction where she knew Naruto would be. Though like mere moments ago, Winter once again found herself knocked onto the ground from someone who was obviously in a rush.

"Okay, what is with people today!" Winter yelled in frustration, as she was currently on her backside and her aura was flickering near its breaking point. Considering this collision packed much more force than her previous one. "Can no one properly walk- . . ."

Her voice trailing off, as her eyes finally saw who had knocked her over. That of course being the exact person she was currently trying to find, Naruto. Chills then ran down her spine, as she saw Naruto standing over her with two crimson slitted eyes looking her over. Eyes that were filled with so much hatred and rage, but as they continued to gaze over Winter there was a small flicker of concern.

"I'm in a hurry." Naruto began in a firm and aggressive tone, as he reached down and grabbed Winter's hands. Then with ease he hoisted the girl up onto her feet, but in doing so allowed Winter clear sight of his injuries.

"Naruto you're hurt! What happened?" Winter quickly asked, as she discarded everything happening and brought her attention completely onto the condition of the boy before her.

Trying to go left and then right, Naruto seemed more interested in continuing his chase than talking to Winter.

"I don't have time to talk." Naruto grumbled, as he tried to move around Winter.

Shaking her head and firmly grasping Naruto's arms, Winter saw the blood coming from his chest and shoulder. "Naruto, were you shot? There is a lot of blood! Talk to me!"

His eyes turning completely hostile, Naruto glared at Winter with pure rage. "I said I don't have time!" The blond snapped, which made Winter recoil back in fear and step away.

Seeing the look of horror on Winter's face, as she was actually afraid of Naruto. The blond slightly tightened his fists and looked away, as he didn't want to continue their conversation anymore. Then without saying anything more he took off in a sprint towards where Arthur had gone. Winter, too stunned to even watch the blond run away, collapsed onto her knees and took a deep breath, as she had never felt so afraid with Naruto before.

"I feel like I was being suffocated just by his gaze alone." Winter mumbled in a shaken voice, while she brought her hands up for inspection. Both of which were still trembling in fear.

Staying in this state for a brief moment, her mind eventually clicked back to Naruto's injuries and this made her stand upright. Then taking a deep swallow, Winter turned her body already in the direction that Naruto had taken off down. "I don't know what's going on, but Naruto is hurt and I'm going to help him. Then I'm going to strangle him for scaring me like that!"

Slightly fumbling with her scroll, Winter started to dial a number. "But first I need to make a call."

(With James)

Approaching a Manta airship, James was currently looking through his scroll at the multiple reports coming through regarding their current situation.

"Looks like Clover's response has managed to repel back a large crowd of Grimm." James muttered in a low voice, while he entered the airship and kept his eyes on the motion trackers around the city. "But it seems like a large majority are running an odd pathing. They are clearly trying to get into Mantle, but it looks like they are trying to find the quickest route to something in particular. There aren't any riots or groupings of people that could attract these Grimm is there?"

"General, where are we going?" The pilot asked, as they looked back to the man.

Rubbing his chin and looking over his scroll, James walked forward and held the device to the pilot. "Clover and his team have this area covered, can you follow this pack of Grimm here?"

"Would you like me to follow the pack and observe the situation or get an up close landing sir?"

"Just get me within a close proximity of the Grimm, I need to assess the threat before I make any orders to mobilize more of our forces."

The pilot nodded and turned to their controls. "Understood sir, hold on tight. I'm gonna get you up close to that pack faster than you know it!"

Nodding with a pleased expression, James walked to a seat and was about to call Clover for an update. However, as his scroll suddenly started to ring the General answered the call with a skeptical eye.

"Schnee if you're looking for my son now is not the- . . . Wait, say that again?"

(With Naruto)

Running with all his strength dedicated to tracking Watts down, Naruto chased the man for blocks and was surprised to find himself gaining some ground on the man. It wasn't a close chase by any means, as the man still had a good distance on Naruto. However, the blond could tell the distance was growing shorter. Meaning either Naruto was getting faster, which shouldn't be possible or Watts was slowing down in exhaustion.

"Watts!" Naruto roared loudly, as he could see the man flinch at his voice. "I'm going to rip you apart for what you did!"

Holding his gun outward and pointing at Naruto, Arthur fired a few more shots to either slow the boy down or kill him. Unfortunately for Watts he wasn't a great shot and the distance was too large for him to accurately hit Naruto. Despite that as bullets ricocheted around the streets, Naruto growled in anger. Since Arthur was now placing random bystanders in danger with his actions.

This only caused more anger to swell up inside Naruto and a faint veil of red to slowly leak from his body, as his rage was hitting new found heights. However, as Arthur rounded a corner and Naruto followed. The young teenager realized the man was currently running to an airship loading bay, which meant the man was planning to escape through the skies.

"Damnit!" Naruto roared in frustration, as he knew of Arthur's capability to hack devices and security measures on a whim. A skill the man displayed as the security gate blocking outsiders from entering the area opened for Arthur before quickly shutting closed. "You think that will stop me!"

Running as fast as possible, Naruto lowered his central mass and took an athletic leap over the security gate blocking his way. Resulting in the blond clearing the twelve foot tall gate by a large margin, which ended with Naruto landing onto the ground and staggering a few more feet forward in surprise. Then as he glanced over his shoulder to the distance between himself and the gate, Naruto was slightly shocked by his jump.

"I've never jumped that high or far in my life. I was planning on jumping up and climbing over, not clearing the entire gate." Naruto gasped softly, as by his injuries he should have collapsed on the street blocks ago. However, instead he had just achieved another superhuman feat. Despite this, Naruto quickly jerked his head at the sound of an engine firing up. "Oh no you don't!"

Taking off in the direction of where the sound originated from, Naruto spotted an airship already preparing to take off. So finally approaching the airship, Naruto tried to open the side door only to find it sealed shut. This only furthered Naruto's rage as he began to pound the steel door.

"Watts open this door and come out here!" The boy demanded, but growled the moment he heard muffled laughter. Something that caused Naruto to rear back and punch the door, creating a fist sized dent in the metal and slightly injuring Naruto's hand from the impact. However, this just made Naruto more frustrated and his canines began to grow sharper, while his facial features turned feral. "I said open this door bastard!"

With new found strength and a red cloak radiating off his body, Naruto punched his fist straight through the metal door. Creating a fist sized hole that Naruto could now see through.

"What!" The voice of Arthur yelled in shock, as he could now be heard through the hole in the door.

"There is nowhere left to run!" Naruto roared loudly, as he began to punch more and more holes into the ship's door.

"I beg to differ!" Arthur replied back, as the airship suddenly took up into the skies at a rapid pace.

Feeling the ship move upwards, Naruto grabbed tightly onto the holes he had punched into the door. Then as he felt his feet dangling with no solid footing, he realized the ship was already several feet above the ground. Moving upwards at such a rapid pace that Naruto could feel himself being pushed downward with a strong force. To Naruto's merit he didn't buckle or let go, instead as the ship momentarily stopped and leveled out to fly he began to punch the door once more.

"You're not getting away from me!" Naruto declared loudly, as he was starting to tear the door apart with his fists.

Arthur gritting his teeth as he saw Naruto tearing his way into the ship suddenly began to twist and turn the vessel on its side. Trying his hardest to shake Naruto off and send the blond falling down to his death. Unfortunately for Watts, Naruto had managed to dig his sharpened and elongated nails into the ship. Ensuring that no matter how hard Arthur tried to shake Naruto off, the blond wasn't going anywhere.

"You've always been an annoying little thorn in my side, but let's see how much longer that can last!" Arthur yelled in frustration, as he continued his best to throw Naruto off the ship.

Naruto holding on as tightly as he could had his torso and legs jerked violently in every which direction. His body took a slight beating, as he was constantly smacking against the airship. However, as the freezing cold Atlas air blew across his face Naruto didn't falter at all. In fact his current situation only added to his continuing rage, as two red tails grew from the veil that coated his body.

"Arthur!" Naruto yelled with pure hatred, as he let go with one hand and tried to rip an entrance into the ship. "I'm going to kill you!"

Arthur hearing the metal of the airship tearing, looked over his shoulders with disbelief. His eyes focused on the blond in his current state, one which was enough to frighten the scientist. Who swore he could see a manifestation of some sort of crimson fox behind Naruto. "Just what kind of monster are you?"

Naruto ignored the man's question and grinned as he was slowly making an entrance he could climb through. Something that was causing Arthur to panic and forced the man to grab his pistol and take aim at Naruto.

"Shit." Naruto cursed as he was suddenly forced to back off and avoid a shot that was aimed right for his head. Unfortunately avoiding Arthur's bullet proved problematic for Naruto, as he was now out of Arthur's direct line of sight, but he was now dangling off the ship with only one hand keeping him from falling off.

Feeling the ship quickly drift to the side, Naruto held his grip firm and managed to keep still. However, his eyes looking down allowed Naruto to see that the airship was flying past the walls of Mantle and into the frozen landscape around them. Then with slight disbelief, Naruto noticed a massive horde of Grimm was currently running parallel with the walls of Mantle and right in his direction.

"What is going on?" Naruto mumbled to himself, as he looked out to the massive horde. The latter of which contained dozens of different Grimm species that could be found around the harsh snowy environment. "From what I've learned in combat school, massive gathering of Grimm from various types isn't a common occurrence."

The airship suddenly levelled out and kept flying further and further from the walls of Mantle, Naruto was too confused to take an opportunity to attempt to climb into the airship. This was because he noticed the Grimm horde quickly shift their direction and attention onto his location.

"They are chasing after us?" Naruto began in a confused voice, as he was too consumed with his thoughts to feel the airship steer off its path or hear the stomping of feet against the steel flooring.

This proved to be Naruto's undoing, as a strong kick from the other side of the door removed Naruto's last hold on the door. Resulting in the blond falling down to the snow filled ground below, but not before turning his eyes up to the ship. Allowing his crimson eyes one final look at Arthur Watts, as the man smugly smiled before returning to the airship's controls.

"Arthur!" Naruto bellowed in pure hatred, as a third tail came to life from behind Naruto's back. Then as gravity pulled Naruto downward, the teenager crashed into the snow covered earth below.

Laying on his backside, Naruto was completely fine and glaring angrily at the fleeing airship. So standing up to his feet and preparing to run after Arthur's ship, Naruto began to stalk forward and didn't even question how he managed to shrug off his fall. However, as the three tails behind Naruto whipped around the air, Naruto was suddenly tackled by a Beowolf from behind. Causing the teen to grunt and go rolling forward, but showing his raw instincts and years of training. Naruto quickly kicked the Grimm off his body and sent the beast flying backwards from where it came.

Shifting his line of sight to the Grimm that attacked him, Naruto realized the horde of Grimm was now quickly surrounding his location. So lowering himself down onto all fours, Naruto snarled as he looked at the Grimm that were slowly entrapping him. Then unleashing a loud and rage filled roar, Naruto leaped forward and began to rip into the Grimm with his elongated nails and despite their sheer numbers, Naruto didn't falter. Considering the three tails protruding from Naruto's body subconsciously protected his body from any blindsided attacks, while also extending out and taking the offensive by impaling any Grimm out of Naruto's reach.

However, as Naruto fought off the Grimm, his eyes kept constantly moving back to Arthur's airship. The latter of which was growing smaller and smaller as it disappeared off into the distance. This caused Naruto to move forward a few times in desperation to keep his pursuit on Arthur, but the massive numbers of Grimm swarming his location made it incredibly difficult for Naruto to find an opening to break free. So with no option left besides hold his ground and fight, Naruto did just that.

(Moments earlier with James)

Flying over the city of Mantle, James was seated within his airship and his gaze was fixated on the individual seated directly across from him. The individual was obviously nervous, as their legs were tightly pressed together and they were fumbling around with their fingers. However, considering this individual was Winter Schnee, who was worried about her best friend. James could understand why the normally strong and composed girl was such a mess.

"Winter." James began in a calm and relaxing voice, as the girl looked up to the General. "Are you okay? If you would like there is still time for me to drop you off somewhere safe within the city."

Shaking her head and biting her lip, Winter interlocked her fingers and pressed her hands together to relax herself. "No, I've already wasted some of your time by asking you to pick me up. Besides, Naruto needs help and I want to be there for him."

"I understand completely, but you do realize things could get dangerous? We don't know what's wrong with Naruto and we are in a minor Grimm crisis."

Winter nodded without hesitation. "I'm aware, but as a future huntress my entire future will involve taking risks and jumping into danger."

"That's good, but remember this Winter. Any order I give you is to be followed exactly as I say, no exceptions. I don't need you getting yourself in harm's way. Our goal is to make sure Naruto is okay and then I will return to commanding my troops against the Grimm."

"Don't worry General, I'm only here to help locate and extract Naruto. I won't step out of line."

"That's good." James began as he quickly felt the airship take a hard turn. The rapid change in trajectory forced both James and Winter to grab side railings in order to avoid being thrashed around the fuselage. "Soldier what's going on?"

"It's your son sir. I'm tracking his location from his scroll like you asked, but his position suddenly changed!"

Standing to his feet and walking over to the pilot, James rested one hand on the side of the ship and looked over the pilot's shoulder and to the monitor showing Naruto's location. Seeing the dot that represented Naruto's scroll was moving at a rapid pace through Mantle.

"He's heading in the direction of Mantle's walls at a remarkable pace."

The pilot nodded. "That he is sir, by his route and speed I would say he's traveling through the air much like we are."

"But that doesn't make any sense!" James yelled in frustration, as he grabbed his scroll and tried to call his son for what felt like the hundredth time. However, just like all the times before the General didn't get any response. "Argh, why is it so hard to answer you damn scroll!"

Winter hearing the General gritted her teeth and closed her eyes, her stomach turning as she thought about Naruto. It made her sick to know he could be in trouble and she wanted nothing more than to help him.

"Sir there is another issue." The pilot began, which made Winter snap her eyes upwards.

"What?" James asked in a stern voice.

"It's the horde of Grimm you wanted to investigate before we changed priorities and went after your son. It seems both your son and the Grimm are heading in a direct overlapping path."

Looking over the various monitors before him, James' mind began to go into overdrive thinking over every little thing possible. Considering the man had dozens of questions and twice as many concerns. As a leader his responsibility was to the safety of those serving under his command and the civilians that depend upon him. However, at the same time that sense of duty and responsibility was currently being overshadowed by his role as a father.

"Schnee." The General began in a hurried tone, as he looked back to the girl within the fuselage. "Would you have any idea why my son would be traveling towards the Mantle walls inside an airship?"

Shaking her head and looking at the man with worry all over her face, Winter frowned. "I don't have a clue, all I know was that Naruto was injured and running after Arthur Watts. Who looked to be in somewhat of a hurry, but the same could be said about Naruto."

James gritted his teeth and punched the side of the ship, as Winter's information could imply dozens of different scenarios. "If that bastard has done anything to my son I'll kill him."

"Sir your son's signal. It's stopped moving." The pilot began, as the General instantly placed his attention to the monitors. "And he's-. . ."

"I'm aware of what's happening soldier, I have eyes!" James yelled in frustration, as he tightened his fists and felt his stomach turn. "Just get me to my son before it's too late."

Winter hearing the General and pilot talk felt a sensation of fear sweep through her body. Considering she had heard enough to conclude that Naruto had stopped moving and was about to be swarmed by a massive horde of Grimm. A death sentence for any lone huntsman, let alone a weaponless teenager who hasn't even finished their training. That's why as Winter brought her hands to her chest she shed a single tear.

"Please be okay." The white haired girl mumbled to herself.

Over with James, the General of the Atlas military was watching the monitors before him with a calculated gaze. His concerns were identical to Winter's except the difference between the two was that James couldn't let those feelings cloud his judgment any further. Because if he did, James wouldn't be any help to his son. However, as James stood in silence his scroll started to ring. Making the man grab the device instantly hoping for his son, but only grew disheartened to see Clover calling him. Regardless James was aware of the current situation and picked up the call.

"Do you have an update for me Clover?"

A heavy breath coming from the other end, James could easily tell his second in command was exhausted. There were even the faint snarls of Grimm in the background, showing the man was still fighting off the beasts from entering their city.

"Sir we were engaging the Grimm around the city, but once they started to flee in masses me and my team pursued. However, once we caught up to the horde- . . . I-. . . You'll just have to see for yourself sir."

"I'm sorry Clover, but I need details. I'm trying to repel this attack and find my son at the same time. I don't have time for-. . ."

"Naruto is here sir, me and my team are watching him right now."

Winter stood to her feet at this declaration, while James narrowed his eyes.

"What do you mean Naruto is there?"

(With the Ace Ops)

Clover along with his subordinates Vine Zeki, Harriet Bree and the newly recruited Marrow Amin. All stood off in the distance in disbelief, as a mere hundred feet away was Naruto Ironwood. Who was cloaked from head to toe in some sort of red aura, while three red tails of the same aura whipped wildly around the air. Yet this wasn't the most surprising observation to be made about the teenager. No, what left the four members of General Ironwood's elite team in complete shock, was how Naruto was ripping through an entire horde of Grimm alone with his bare hands.

"Is that really the same little brat that would prank us?" Harriet asked in a low voice, as she slightly twitched at the sheer animal-like ferocity of the blond.

"It surely isn't anyone else." Vine began, as he watched Naruto rip apart two Grimm twice his size simultaneously. "But I've never seen him like that before. Clover you train with Naruto from time to time. Is this his semblance we are seeing?"

Clover watching the teenager fight on all fours felt uneasy about the look he saw in Naruto's eyes. Considering it was a wild look that was filled with blind hatred. "Naruto has never shown a sign of aura or a semblance since he was a baby. So that might be what we are seeing, but I really have no idea."

Holding his hands out, Marrow stepped forward. "Well shouldn't we go help the kid instead of just watching him?"

"Do you really wanna get in his way?" Harriet asked, as she looked at Naruto and shuddered. "Besides it doesn't look like the brat needs our help."

"That might be the case." Clover began in a firm voice, as he looked to Naruto. Who was quickly thinning the number of Grimm without any trouble. "But we are still Special Operatives in the Atlas military. It would be pathetic for us to stand by and let a civilian fight our battles for us."

Clover's words resonated with each of his subordinates, but before anyone could respond or take action. They were suddenly distracted by the airship landing by their side. An airship that General Ironwood quickly jumped out of and was followed by Winter Schnee.

"Just what in the hell is going on here!" James demanded, as he looked among his elite force. "I want a status report now!"

"Like I told you over the scroll sir, we arrived and found your son slaughtering the Grimm we were chasing." Clover began, while Winter ignored the man and slowly walked forward in a trance like state.

Currently the young teenager wasn't thinking rationally at all, as her attention was completely on Naruto. A small shiver tingling down her spine as she looked at the boy she had known since childhood. Finding it hard to believe that the individual before her was Naruto, as she had never seen the boy in such a state before and she had to admit it frightened her. However, she repressed those feelings and slowly inched closer towards Naruto. The latter of whom was almost done killing the last survivors of the Grimm horde.

Meanwhile over with James, the General was too busy looking over his subordinates to even notice where Winter was. "So tell me again why you four haven't jumped in to help my son?"

Striking a salute, Clover stepped forward. "I take full responsibility sir. We were momentarily shocked by how we found Naruto and were about to assist, but you arrived before we could take action."

"But we can still help instead of pointing blame." Marrow chimed in, as the group all nodded in agreement and turned towards Naruto. Where they could see Winter growing closer and closer to Naruto's location.

"What is that kid doing? She's unarmed and in a combat zone!" Harriet shouted, while James began to run forward.

"Schnee get back here this instant!" James ordered in a loud tone, while chasing after the girl. However, Winter didn't show any response to the man's instructions and instead kept her full attention onto the rampaging teenager.

"Naruto!" Winter called out loudly, as her normal collected and confident personality came on full display. "Naruto I'm here to help you!"

Hearing a faint voice in the distance, Naruto momentarily paused and glanced to the side. His mind was a muddled mess and he couldn't focus properly, as he felt overwhelmed by his own emotions and surroundings. Despite his current situation, Naruto was able to look in the direction of the voice calling out his name. Yet Naruto's vision was blurred from his rage and found identifying the individual difficult. Especially when a Grimm blindsighted Naruto from the side and tackled the teenager to the ground. It's snarling jaws trying to desperately rip out Naruto's throat.

"Naruto!" Winter shrieked in sudden fear, as she began to pick up her pace and run forward.

Naruto, not even being phased by the Grimm trying to eat him alive, finally recognized the voice yelling out to him.

'Winter?' The blond thought to himself, as he felt like he was drowning within his own mind and being completely consumed. 'What is she doing here? It's dangerous!'

"Schnee I gave you an order!" James spoke up again, this time catching up to the girl and grabbing tightly onto her wrist. Using his strength to hold the girl back and forcing her back towards their airship. "Stay back and let me handle this!"

Winter, slightly resisting the man's pull, tried to stand her ground and move towards Naruto. Who was just now brushing the Grimm off his body with little effort and making his way back to his feet. Allowing his crimson eyes to see Winter struggling against something in the distance. Naruto couldn't properly identify everything going around him, but he knew two things. First was that his current location was filled with creatures of Grimm, while the second was that Winter was for some reason there as well. Leading Naruto to quickly assume that the girl he cared so much for was in danger.

That's why as Naruto lowered his body close to the ground to pounce, his anger began to rise. As just the mere thought of something happening to Winter was enough to send his anger far beyond anything else. James seeing his son directing all his attention right towards his location was enough to slightly concern the man. Considering the teens face and body language was obviously hostile. Yet this wasn't the only thing that concerned James, as he saw a fourth tail begin to form behind his son. Followed by the blond's skin peeling and a deep blood red crimson to coat his body.

This process caught the entire Ace Ops off guard, as they couldn't comprehend what they were seeing. It especially didn't help their confusion as they watched the remaining Grimm around Naruto passively lower their bodies and retreat in response to Naruto's sudden actions.

Winter watching this transformation was at a loss for words, as her best friend was slowly morphing into some crimson four tailed beast. That if she didn't know better could have been mistaken for some sort of dark red Grimm.

"Winter." James mumbled softly, as he tugged slowly on the girl's arm. "I want you to run back to the airship."

Being surprised by the General's words, Winter was about to argue the man's order and ask why she would do such a thing. Yet she never got the chance to speak, as the transformed Naruto unleashed a bellowing roar that pierced through the Atlas tundra and disoriented everyone present. Forcing a majority of the present onlookers to collapse onto their knees and hold their hands to their ears. However, there were a few expectations like Clover and James. Both of whom managed to stand tall and grit their teeth through the experience. Despite this, James showed the best fortitude in the situation, as the General was acting as a pillar of support to help Winter stand upright.

However, as the four tailed Naruto ceased his bone chilling roar. He immediately shifted his eyes directly at James, which were no longer their slitted crimson color nor were they Naruto's usual cerulean blue. Instead James let a bead of sweat trickle down his neck, while he gazed into the white eyes of his son. Eyes that were completely void of all emotion or any sign that the boy he had raised all these years was even still present. Winter recovered enough to see Naruto felt more scared than she had ever been before, as she couldn't recognize the boy she loved at all.

"N-Naruto?" Winter began in a weak voice, while her body tensed the moment she saw Naruto dash forward at incredible speeds.

James had a much different reaction to Naruto's sudden movements and threw Winter to his side. Then what followed next was a moment that Winter swore lasted for minutes, but was only a few short seconds. This was because as Winter slowly fell towards the ground, she locked eyes with the General for a mere instance. Seeing the confident and friendly expression upon his face. Displaying his effort to stay calm and collected in his current situation. Then as a crimson blur blew past Winter's vision, she was greeted with the pain stricken face of James Ironwood. Who's right side was now completely ripped open and his arm was flying through the air with a spray of blood following behind.

Naruto coming to a sliding stop a couple feet behind James turned to his father. The latter of whom had already collapsed to the ground in pain. Winter frozen in fear looked at James and watched the snow around his body slowly turn red, while Naruto stalked forward to finish the man off.

"Na-na." Winter choked on her words, as her eyes filled with tears and fear looked at the transformed teen.

Hearing Winter, Naruto snapped his line of sight almost robotically to her position. A sinister grin appearing upon his face, while he changed his focus completely onto her. Winter, too afraid to move, let alone make a noise, sat in the snow and watched the four tailed beast known as Naruto approach her. Then as Naruto loomed over top of Winter, he lifted up a hand from the ground to strike the girl. Showing that Naruto wasn't even conscious of who he was hurting anymore.

"Stay!" Was the booming voice of Marrow that suddenly echoed throughout the Atlas tundra. Displaying the use of his Semblance Freeze Command, which froze the attacking and transformed Naruto in place.

Though as Winter looked to the special operative, she was completely shocked by the young man's condition. This was because Marrow was trembling and on the verge of collapsing, as he tried his hardest to keep his hold over Naruto and lock the boy in place. Luckily enough for Marrow, he was quickly assisted by Vine. Who used his semblance to wrap Naruto in aura constructs that tightly bound Naruto's body and tails together. Yet even this tag team effort seemed rather shaky at best, as both special operatives were sweating and struggling greatly to keep Naruto at bay.

Things then only got worse, as Naruto forcefully opened his jaw and an orb of unknown energy began to form within his mouth. Clover quickly identified this as a potential threat and used his weapon to wrap a line around Naruto's mouth. Then tightly pulling back, Clover clamped Naruto's mouth shut and jerked his head back.

Winter had her full attention on Naruto, who was being held back by three special operatives. Didn't even notice Harriet running by James' side to check over her leader.

"Listen kid." Harriet began in a stern voice, as she carefully wrapped James open wounds to stop the bleeding. "I'm going to use my semblance to run the General to safety and prepare him for transport. If you can move, follow me, if not I'll be back to extract you as well."

Watching Harriet lift the General up into her arms, the special operative wasted no time carrying the man to his airship. However, as Winter was left alone she looked up to Naruto. The latter of whom was still trying to free himself from his restraints and no doubt continue his rampage.

"Naruto." Winter began softly, while standing to her feet and moving closer to the four tailed beast. "Are you still in there?"

Clover watching Winter from a distance gritted his teeth, as he was placing every ounce of his strength to holding Naruto down along with Vine and Marrow. "Winter run away from Naruto! He's dangerous right now!"

Shaking from head to toe, Winter knew she had to do something to help Naruto. So swallowing her fear and trying the only approach she knew, Winter slowly reached up with her hands. "Are you ignoring me, you imbecile? I'm trying to make sure you're okay."

Trying her hardest to fake her normal personality and repress her fear, Winter placed her hands against Naruto's cheeks. Instantly gritting her teeth in pain as Naruto's current body felt like a searing hot pan. Despite that this was pain she forced herself to endure, as it was for the person she loved.

"Naruto stop this!"

(Within Naruto's mind)

Floating within a large body of water, Naruto merely remained motionless as the only part of his body that hasn't been submerged completely was his head. Yet the blond could feel himself slowly sinking further and his senses were deteriorating as a result. It was an odd sensation that Naruto had never experienced before and felt so real.

'What's going on?' Naruto thought to himself, while his ears sank below the water. Muffling the sounds of someone crying out to him in desperation.

'Is someone there?' Naruto wondered as his head began to slowly sink further and further.

"Nar-. . ."

'I know that voice.' Naruto thought to himself, while his body stopped sinking and he focused onto the person trying to reach him.

"Naru-. . ."

'It's so familiar, but why are my thoughts so cloudy?' Naruto asked himself, as he tried to twitch his body and swim upwards.

"Please stop this!"

'They sound in trouble!' Naruto observed, as he was now pulling his body up and out of the water he was drowning in mere moments ago.

"Naruto, please stop this! You're hurting me!"

His mind finally clicking, Naruto recognized the voice and pulled his body completely out of the water. Then in the most bizarre experience of his life, Naruto stood atop the water like it was a solid surface. However, Naruto didn't pay much attention to this, as his mind was filled with other concerns.

"Winter!" The blond called out in worry, as he spun around his current location trying to find the girl. "Where are you!"

Unfortunately Naruto found no sight of the girl, but with his senses returning he was able to observe his current location. This being some sort of underground sewer with large pipes along each side of the walls, while a dark and murky water was underneath his feet. The most notable and surprising thing however, was the large iron gate, which Naruto saw looming over him in the distance. A gate that held some kind of ripped paper in the center, but despite the noticeable damage of the paper. Naruto could identify some kind of strange writing on the portions that weren't damaged.

"What the hell?" Naruto mumbled softly, as he walked cautiously up to the massive gate before him.

Suddenly Naruto stumbled onto his backside, as two massive crimson slitted eyes burst to life within the gate. Then as a loud roar shook the entire area, Naruto heard a voice that would haunt his dreams for years to come.

"Ningen!"

"Naruto!"

Hearing Winter's voice from behind, Naruto turned his back and found a light at the end of the sewer he was in. Seeing this made the blond shoot upright and run away from the gate. Heading straight for where he knew he would be safe.

(With Winter)

Fighting through the pain of her hands being burned, Winter refused to stop trying to reach Naruto.

"Please Naruto stop this!" Winter begged with tears in her eyes, as she was trembling in pain and wanted to scream at the top of her lungs. Yet all this pain couldn't even compare to the pain her heart was feeling at the moment.

"Kid what are you doing?" Harriet shouted, as she had finally returned to the girl's side. "You have to get out of here!"

Feeling the special operative pulling on her side to try and remove her, Winter refused to budge and kept herself rooted in place. "Stop, I can help him!"

"You're going to get yourself killed!" Harriet yelled in response, as she tugged on the girl harder. "You have to understand that-. . ."

"Arghh!" Naruto cried in anguish, while cutting Harriet off in a voice that was clearly his.

Winter hearing Naruto's voice was filled with hope and pulled herself closer to the boy. "Naruto can you hear me? It's me Winter! I'm here for you!"

Yelling at the top of his lungs in pain, Naruto slowly began to return to his original self as the shroud of his transformation began to fade. Revealing a bloody and burnt Naruto, who had already fallen unconscious from the mental and physical strain on his body. The Ace Ops seeing Naruto return to his normal self released their holds on the boy, which caused him to collapse forward. Though before he could hit the ground, Winter caught Naruto within her arms and cradled him close to her chest, while falling to her own knees in the process.

Then as Winter felt Naruto's heartbeat along with the steady flow of his breathing, she began to cry and hold the teenager tight. "You're okay. You're okay."

(Four days later, with James)

It has been four days since Naruto had gone on a rampage, which left the blond in an unconscious state. Meanwhile James, who had been injured by his own son finally recovered from his wounds. Yet as the man staggered towards his desk it was clear that James was still in a great amount of pain. However, as the General reached his chair he momentarily paused. Normally he would pull his chair out with his right hand, but with his entire right arm missing. The man awkwardly reached out with his left hand and pulled his chair back. Then gritting his teeth in pain, James slowly lowered his body into the chair.

"Fuck it all." The man cursed in a pain riddled voice, while reaching for a bottle of pills on his desk.

Grabbing the bottle, James fiddled with opening the lid with his left hand. Though after a few frustrating minutes of failing to twist the bottle open. The one armed huntsman brought the bottle to his teeth and twisted the container open. Then by spitting the lid out to the floor, James spilled the bottle on his desk and grabbed a few pills before tossing them into his mouth and swallowing them instantly.

With that done, James took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Hoping that the pills would dull the pain that was still sweeping through his body. He knew that with his current condition he was in no shape to be out of a hospital bed, but his stubbornness and sense of duty overshadowed any rational thoughts.

"I might as well get this over with." James mumbled softly, as he brushed the pills scattered around his desk into a pile. Then by clicking a button a holographic screen appeared before him. Next by pressing another button, the screen began to show that James was calling someone. An individual who answered the General's call almost immediately.

"James." The voice of Ozpin began, as the man could be seen over a video feed. "I'm glad to see you're okay."

"Tell me Ozpin, how informed are you on the last few days?" James asked, as he wasted no time with formalities or beating around the bush.

"Very little, your second in command Clover made me aware that you had been injured. Yet he withheld a great deal of information and explained he would be overseeing Atlas Academy until you recovered. He told me this was your personal contingency plan and that you would fill the gaps upon your recovery."

James nodded his head. "Well exactly four days ago a large horde of Grimm had been spotted making their way for the walls of Mantle. It was larger than anything we had seen before and caused a slight alarm. In response I mobilized my Special Operatives to repel back a potential invasion of Grimm."

"Do you believe Salem was behind this?" Ozpin asked, his voice on edge and nervous at the idea of the woman making moves against humanity.

"At first the idea crossed my mind, but I believe there was a different trigger."

Ozpin narrowed his eyes and interlocked his fingers. "What do you mean?"

"While the horde of Grimm was moving towards Mantle. One of my former scientists Arthur Watts had beaten and crippled another scientist Pietro Polendina. My son Naruto had found Pietro and was shot twice by Arthur Watts. Yet despite my son's injuries I learned he had chased after Arthur who was trying to flee the city."

"Don't take this as me not showing concern for your son, but I'm not connecting the dots James. How is the Grimm and the events around this Arthur Watts relevant to each other?"

James sighed heavily. "My son chased Arthur throughout the city until the scientist stole an airship. We don't know all the details yet, but using traffic cameras and eyewitness reports we have gathered a good amount of information. During the chase my son had grabbed onto the airship and tried to stop Arthur, but eventually fell off the airship a few miles outside the walls of Mantle."

"James is your son-. . ."

"He's alive, but unconscious." James cut in, knowing what the man was getting at. "However, we quickly learned the horde of Grimm was trying to get to something. That something was my son."

"James what do you mean?"

"What I'm about to show you is recorded footage taken from the front camera on the airship I used to locate my son. It's footage that I've kept in secret and anyone who saw what transpired was sworn to secrecy."

Ozpin sat in silence, as for the next few minutes he watched everything. From Naruto fighting off the creatures of Grimm to his inevitable four tailed transformation and rampage. James himself had already combed over this footage dozens of times and didn't play close attention. Instead he merely watched the expressions of shock and disbelief dance across the face of Beacon's headmaster. Then as the video ended, both men sat in silence for a moment. Ozpin himself had lived centuries and over his many lives had seen gods, magic and more than anyone could imagine. Yet he was at a loss for words at what he was now seeing before him. Something that James quickly picked up on.

"You know Ozpin, when I first told you about how I found Naruto you didn't have the slightest clue as to where he came from. When I shared with you my concerns about his lack of aura and semblance you had no guidance, but I can tell without asking. You're just in the dark to what Naruto did as I am."

"It's that obvious?" The man asked softly, as he received a simple nod of the head from James.

"Yes."

"I'm sorry James, but I've never seen anything like this."

The General nodded his head and reclined back in his chair, while making a gesture with his remaining hand. "Then humor me for a moment Ozpin, if you were to make a guess as to what you saw. What would it be?"

"It could be anything from a powerful semblance manifesting to even Salem using magic to twist your son long before you found him. Perhaps even a mixture of both."

"You really think she could be responsible for Naruto's-. . . well for ease of conversation let's refer to it as his semblance."

Ozpin merely shrugged his shoulders and grabbed a cup of coffee. "Magic is a versatile gift from the two Gods themselves. Anything is possible and Salem has the ability to make such a feat possible, but I know the woman better than anyone. As such I do feel it's highly unlikely she has any connection to your son. Twisting humans and leaving them as ticking time bombs isn't something she would do. She's much more direct with any approach she takes. Thus why I have no real explanation for what you showed me. However, now I would like you to humor me James."

Watching the man sip his coffee, James kept a stoic face. "How so?"

"Now that you've seen this side of your son. What will you do?"

"Naruto displayed raw strength and even regeneration unlike anything I've seen before and once he underwent his four tailed transformation the Grimm actually seemed afraid of him and fled. So the General in me wants to weaponize that power to defend humanity and fight Salem. Yet as the man who holds a position on the Atlas council I can clearly identify the potential threat Naruto holds to everyone he's around. However, I find both of these ways of thinking overshadowed completely by something else." James then gave Ozpin a deathly serious gaze and tightened his single fist. "Considering my duty as a father weighs heavy on my heart more than anything. I don't want to weaponize or imprison my son, but help him."

"And how do you plan going about that?" Ozpin asked.

At this question James gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. "Before the incident four days ago with Naruto. He shared with me his desire to attend a huntsman academy that wasn't Atlas Academy. We talked and eventually came to the conclusion that he should apply to Beacon Academy. So now I'm asking you Ozpin, knowing everything you do. Can you help my son? Because I'm not strong enough to do what needs to be done if the situation calls for it."

Ozpin was surprised by the man's request, as this was James swallowing his pride and asking for help. Yet his words held another meaning, a meaning that Ozpin understood completely. Since James wasn't asking Ozpin to help him because he was the only one of the two that could help Naruto. No, James made this request because if Naruto needed to be stopped with lethal force. That was a choice as a father James could never make, but Ozpin could.

"I can see where you're coming from James, but I would be placing so many people in danger." Ozpin tried to reason, which made the General lower his head. "I don't know if I can allow Naruto within my school."

"He's a good boy Ozpin, I should know. I've raised him for almost seventeen years. He isn't a monster, just a boy who needs someone to help him control the overwhelming power he has. Please don't make me beg."

Ozpin remained silent and observed the General with a calculated gaze. James was never one in the past to swallow his pride or beg, he was always a man of action and confidence. That was among the many reasons Ozpin brought the man into his inner circle. However, now more than anytime before, Ozpin could see the results being a father had on the man.

"If I were to allow Naruto into my school boundaries need to be established." Ozpin began with a long winded sigh. "The most important of which is that Naruto must be aware of the dangers of his semblance. I can't have him causing mass destruction on my school grounds. Furthermore in the time leading up to his enrollment in my school I want him monitored. If he shows any signs of losing control again I won't allow him anywhere near my school. Finally I want you to accept if Naruto goes berserk again while at Beacon I will meet him with the appropriate amount of force needed."

James took a hard swallow. "I can accept those terms, as long as you promise you will do everything in your power to help my boy."

"I promise James, I will guide Naruto to the best of my abilities."

Lowering his head against his desk in gratitude, James spoke so softly that Ozpin could hardly hear him. "Thank you."

Nodding his head, Ozpin smirked. "You know James, Theo and Leo always said you were too heartless to be a headmaster. I would argue that claim however, as I feel being a father has made you find your heart."

James slightly smiling looked up to Ozpin. "You know when you talk behind someone's back you're not supposed to tell them about it."

"Oh really? How careless of me, but I must get back to my duties. I look forward to hearing from you soon James."

Saying that and nothing more, Ozpin ended the call. Leaving James alone with nothing besides silence and his own thoughts.

"I promise you Naruto." James mumbled to himself, as his eyes glanced to the corner of his desk. Where a framed picture of Naruto when he was younger with James by his side sat. "I will help you no matter what."

(One day later, with Naruto)

Softly groaning, Naruto slowly began to come to his senses and open his eyes for the first time in five days. Doing so allowed the blond to notice he wasn't in a room he was familiar with, but a rather blank white room with what appeared to be windows along the walls in front of him. However, these windows were reflective so Naruto couldn't see through them. Instantly making the teenager wonder if they were one sided glass, which slightly confused Naruto. Because if that was true it would mean someone would be watching him. However, he began to suspect his concerns to be true the moment he found his wrists handcuffed to the bed he was on.

"Hey what is going on here! Why am I handcuffed to a bed and where am I!" Naruto yelled out, as he began to struggle and tug on his restraints. "Somebody answer me dammit!"

Struggling to break himself free, Naruto paused for a moment and began to recall the last thing he remembered. Since it might help him explain his current situation. He remembered chasing after Arthur and fighting a horde of Grimm, but after that his mind was completely jumbled and he couldn't remember what happened from there. This was frustrating of course and only caused Naruto to slightly panic, as he didn't know what was happening to him.

However, as a wall panel slid open revealing an exit to the room. Naruto was surprised to see his father slowly walking into the room before the panel closed behind him. Though as Naruto saw his father's condition, he was shocked to his very core.

"D-dad what happened to your arm!" Naruto yelled loudly, as he watched the man slowly approach his side.

"It's good to see you're awake Naruto." James began in a calm voice, while grabbing a small stool to sit by his son's side. "Tell me what's the last thing you remember?"

"Dad I have so many questions! What's going on!" Naruto asked in a frantic tone, which caused the man to sigh.

"I know Naruto and you'll get your answers, but first I need to know what you remember."

"Well I was chasing Arthur Watts because he had shot Doctor Polendina, but during my chase that bastard got away and I ended up getting swarmed by a bunch of Grimm. After that everything is pretty fuzzy. Mind giving me some answers?"

James nodded and took a deep breath. "Well for starters you should know Pietro is alive, but Arthur did leave him crippled. Then speaking of Arthur, I was able to locate the ship he stole, it crashed on the continent south west of Atlas. However, if he survived he won't last long as that location is a Grimm hotspot."

"Well good riddance then, but that doesn't explain what happened to you or my current situation."

James frowned and grabbed his scroll. "Naruto what I'm about to show you is footage of what you don't remember. Please try to avoid overreacting."

Taking the scroll in hand, Naruto watched with wide eyes as he saw everything transpire. His mind in disbelief as he saw his transformation and all the bloodshed he caused. Tears flowing down his eyes the moment he realized he was the one who caused his father's wounds and almost attacked Winter.

"I did all of that?"

"Yes you did, but you clearly were not in control of your actions. I believe you have finally unlocked your semblance, which gives you an insane amount of durability and strength at the cost going berserk."

"I'm a monster." Naruto mumbled in a dry voice, while flinching the moment James smacked him over the head.

"You are no such thing."

"But look what I did to you Dad! I ripped off your arm! No wonder I'm handcuffed in this room! I need to be locked away for good!" Naruto argued, as suddenly his mind clicked. "What about Winter? Is she okay!"

"She has burns on both hands from coming into contact with you, but she will recover. You on the other hand need to understand something important. Naruto, you have an ability that's dangerous, but that doesn't make you a monster. It merely means you need to learn proper control. You understand the risks clearly and now you must learn to use your semblance."

"Dad I don't even know what I did! All I remember was being angry, really really angry and then everything just blurred together. I don't think I can control this!"

"Well if that's the case perhaps your semblance is based on an emotional trigger like your rage? Or maybe even a survival response to taking serious injuries. I know you had taken multiple injuries prior to your rampage, but within a couple days you're completely healed. It's remarkable really."

Naruto shook his head and tears were flowing down his face. "Dad, you're acting way too casual about this! What I did was unthinkable I need- . . ."

"That's enough." James interrupted with stern and absolute authority. "You're not a monster you're my son! You don't need imprisonment or punishment, but instead you need help. I've already talked to Professor Ozpin and showed him the same video I've shown you. He's agreed to accept you into Beacon Academy and help you control your semblance."

"Dad I-. . ."

"Of course he has requirements." The General cut in, which made Naruto lower his head. "First you must be aware of your semblance and it's dangers, which you clearly are. Then you must avoid having any more incidents before the first day of classes begin, as any more rampages and Ozpin will refuse you. Finally if you do lose control within Beacon, Ozpin will stop you with deadly force."

"Dad!" Naruto yelled loudly, as he clenched his restrained fists. "How can you be okay with this? With everything I've done?"

Reaching out with his hand, James merely rested his palm on Naruto's messy blond locks and smiled. "Because you're my son. You might not understand my feelings or reasons, but I will always do everything in my power for you. I will never abandon you Naruto, you're the heart that keeps me human. So that's why I need you to promise me that you'll control this power you have. Don't let it overtake you."

"Dad- . . ."

"Promise me." James ordered firmly, as a moment of weakness was shown on the man's face. "I can't lose you."

"Okay Dad I promise, I'll control this semblance."

Smiling James clicked a button and freed Naruto from his restraints. "Well now that settled, let's get out of here and-. . ."

"Thank you." Naruto began, as he surprised his father by wrapping the man into a hug. One which the General awkwardly returned with his single arm.

"It's what a father does."

(A few weeks later)

A few weeks have gone by and life in Atlas has returned to as normal as it could be. Since Naruto's incident the blond had finished the last few weeks of combat school from home, which was something he requested from his father to authorize. Naruto said it was to focus on a project he was working on with Doctor Polendina, but in reality it was to avoid Winter. Considering ever since his rampage, Naruto has avoided all contact with the girl, as he was too ashamed to even speak to her. Winter herself had tried multiple avenues in order to speak with Naruto, but unfortunately the blond knew her well enough to avoid anything she tried.

Despite his now strained relationship with Winter, Naruto did manage to speak to a few members of the Ace Ops over the last few weeks. Surprised to find that both Clover and Marrow shared similar reactions and mindsets to his father. Leading Naruto to think that maybe he should speak to Winter, but at the moment he just wasn't in the right mentality to do so.

Currently Naruto was within Pietro's lab. A wrench in hand as he twisted a bolt into a robotic arm. Yet this wasn't any robotic arm, as it was attached to his father, James Ironwood. Who was watching his son work on his new prosthetic with a smile. Since this arm was the project Naruto and Pietro had been working on together.

"And that should do it." Naruto began softly, while watching his father move his new arm for inspection. "How is it? Are the calibrations off? Is there any discomfort? Is the arm too heavy? Do you hate the color? I can- . . ."

Naruto was stopped the moment James lightly punched him over the head. "Well I still can give a strong right hook." James began before using his new found arm to bring Naruto into a strong embrace. "But even more I can give my son a stronger hug."

Pietro watching from the side within a wheel chair smiled at the father and son duo. He was now paralyzed from the hip down, but that didn't stop the man at all. In fact it only inspired the man to work harder, as with his disability and the eventuality of losing his assistant to Beacon Academy. Pietro knew he had a long road before him with completing his life's work.

"I have no doubt that's the best prosthetic arm in Atlas!" Pietro boasted with a booming laughter, as the two Ironwood men glanced down at him. "After all, my young assistant worked tirelessly to perfect it!"

"It shows." James replied softly, while Naruto rubbed his head awkwardly.

"It's the least I could do ya know?"

James merely patted Naruto's shoulder. "It's more than enough."

Watching James slowly dress himself back into his uniform, Pietro slowly wheeled past the man. "I couldn't agree more."

"Well I'll need to collect some data over the next few days. If there are any issues with your new arm I can make adjustments."

"That sounds fine, but if you'll excuse me I have to get back to my work. With new students coming in the next few months I have too many preparations to make."

"Alright Dad, I'll see you later tonight."

James merely nodded before walking out of the lab, leaving Naruto and Pietro alone. The latter of whom simply watched his young assistant clean the mess from working on the General's arm quietly. Something that wasn't usual for the normally larger than life teenager.

"You know Naruto." Pietro began, as he slowly helped the boy collect different tools and instruments. "Your little friend Winter stopped by the other day."

"Oh, is that so?" Naruto asked in an offhand voice, while not sparing his mentor a glance.

Peitro nodded, as he was somewhat aware of what transpired with Naruto and Winter. Considering that Naruto worked closely with the Doctor, so James shared the dangers of Naruto's semblance out of common curiosity. Even going as far to say that if Pietro was too afraid to work with Naruto he would understand. Yet the Doctor laughed at that, as he knew his young assistant and would never abandon the boy for anything.

"Yes apparently she has been trying to find you for some time. When I told her you requested to shift your work schedule she had a very odd reaction. I always knew little Winter to be somewhat aggressive, but she seemed more depressed and disheartened."

Naruto took a pause, while his fingers tightened around a screwdriver. "Did you tell her my new schedule?"

Pietro merely laughed and shook his head. "Well thinking back to that, it seems my age is catching up to me! I may have told Winter that I didn't make your new schedule yet, but it must have slipped my mind. Since you and I know we adjusted your schedule the same day you requested a change."

Naruto finally glanced at the Doctor with a look of gratitude, fully knowing what the man had done for him. "Thank you."

"I don't know why you're thanking me! However, I do have a question for you my boy!"

"And what's your question?"

"Why are you avoiding Winter? From what I've observed you two have always been inseparable."

At this question, Naruto glanced to the side. Showing his obvious discomfort for where the conversation is going. "You know the answer Doctor. After all, I know my Dad showed you the same footage he showed me. I'm a monster that almost killed my own father and best friend without any hesitation. I just can't face her right now knowing what I did."

"But you were not in control of your actions, as you would never bring harm to anyone especially your father or Winter. You must realize you're not a monster Naruto."

"You only say that because I was stopped before things grew out of hand. I mean just think for a second, I only seriously injured my Dad, but what if I killed an Atlas Civilian? I would have been imprisoned or even killed, but instead I'm being shipped off to a huntsman academy. I don't deserve to be let off so easy."

"Naruto, I understand you're afraid of what you're capable of, but let me show you something." Pietro began, as he motioned for Naruto to come closer to his location.

Naruto complying slowly got within Pietro's reach and before he could react was smacked over the head by the man. Causing the blond to recoil back and grab his now throbbing head.

"Oh what the hell?" Naruto yelled, as he watched the cripple smirk and cross his arms over his chest.

"Is that all? You're gonna whine because you got hit by a cripple! Hmm some monster you are!" The man chuckled in a low voice, as Naruto lowered his guard.

"This isn't funny!"

"But to me it is my boy! You call yourself a monster and are afraid of hurting people. Though in reality you're the same goofy assistant I've known all these years! You're Doctor Naruto Ironwood, Atlas scientist and future huntsman of the people!"

Naruto smiled softly at the man's words, but his eyes quickly went wide the moment he realized what the man had said. "Wait what do you mean Doctor Naruto Ironwood!?"

Laughing loudly and slapping his knee, Pietro slowly moved his wheelchair to a small desk. Where a framed document was placed face down. "Well I don't have much longer with you before you are sent off to Beacon. So I think it's time I give you this."

Naruto was at a loss for words, as he was given a framed certificate. One that was not only signed by his father, but Pietro as well. A document that officially certified the young assistant as a full fledged Doctor.

"I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything my boy! It's high time your hard work over these years gets rewarded, but just promise me that you'll help this old fool from time to time when you can."

"I promise Doctor Polendina. Whenever I'm not at Beacon Academy I'll be here to help you."

"I appreciate that, Doctor Ironwood."

(Three months later)

Three months have gone by and it was finally time for Naruto to depart for Beacon Academy. In the past three months Naruto had shown no signs of his semblance and everything seemed relatively normal for the blond. However, despite Naruto's life going about in a more familiar manner. The young blond had still avoided all contact with Winter, which eventually caused the girl to grow disheartened. Yet her stubbornness and feelings made it to where Winter would not give up.

Unfortunately for Winter it was about to be impossible for the girl to speak with him, as he was going to be in a completely different kingdom soon enough. Though before Naruto departed for Beacon there was still one person he wanted to visit. That's why currently the young Doctor was within an Atlas cemetery with his father.

Naruto was standing with luggage in hand, while his vision was placed onto a small tombstone before him. This of course was where Naruto's true birth mother had been buried, but her tombstone held false information. Since James knew nothing about the woman and had her tombstone inscribed as Suyin Ironwood.

"Do you think she would be proud of me?"

James hearing his son nodded and rested his robotic arm onto the boy. "Incredibly so."

There was a slight pause, as Naruto looked forward in a trance. However, after a moment the blond looked up to his father.

"You know, I never hear you speak of Mom."

James sighed at this. "Is that so?"

Naruto nodded. "What was she like?"

At this James was silent for a moment, his mind choosing his next words with caution. "She was a lot like you. A kind and cheerful soul with the most gorgeous smile you could imagine. You also get your blue eyes and blond hair from her, but you could probably guess that."

"She sounds amazing. I wish I could have known her."

"Yeah." James replied as he slowly turned his body and motioned for Naruto to follow him. "Come on, let's go. You don't want to be late for your orientation."

Giving his mother's grave one final glance, Naruto turned his body and followed his father. Moving towards the next stage of his life in Beacon Academy.

(Chapter end)

Thanks: Like always thanks for the support of this story! I hope to keep providing good chapters that you all enjoy!

AN: Just a quick thing to all the readers of this fic, I have recently joined a discord server that acts as a sounding board for Readers, Writers, and Betas alike. So if you love my story and want to talk with me or other members on how we can improve our stories, join!

Also all writers with Active Stories get their own channel that they can control on the Server.

Here is the link:

/NhyMyqr

Any further questions ask myself or the admin of the server TheSlySage.

Beacon: Well Naruto is off to Beacon now and will get a team. Some have already guessed who would be a part of his team, but maybe I'll give you a hint. Naruto's team will have two male members and two female members.

Anyways: hopefully I can get another update out soon, if you have any questions PM me and I'll see you next time.