RWBY Doesn't belong to me, All ownership is to Roosterteeth,

'Leader? Me?' a young, Thirteen year old Yusaku questioned with uncertainty in his voice, he looked up at the taller man, a man with long, snow white hair, and dark, emotionless blue eyes. The man merely placed a hand atop of Yusaku's head.

'Of course, Your fitting of the title strong, fearless, and analytic, even without your semblance you can easily fell Hundreds, if not millions of Grimm on your own! You've fought those…Corrupted Huntsmen and slain them every time, the position is yours."

Yusaku's uncertainty faded away as he gave a toothy innocent smile as light filtered into the chamber revealing the bodies of guards who once protected the chamber all thrown about with the dull grey, Nameless clutched in Yusaku's right hand, blood lightly dripping from the tip of the blade.

"Yeah! I can do it, Master Isaac!" He smiled.

Chapter 3- Hardships of a leader.

Yusaku suddenly awoke letting out a small groan, his dark onyx eyes soon adjusting to the sun light that leaked into his room. He looked at palm of his right hand clenching it before letting a mild curse to escape his lips.

"Dammit…why did I have to remember that?" He muttered bitterly, his thoughts were soon cut as a loud whistle blared across the hall of the suite.

"Good morning, team RWBYY!" Ruby's voice filled the room.

'Of course…'

"What in the world is wrong with you?" Weiss' outcry soon followed.

'Damn you Ozpin for throwing me with those two…' Yusaku soon forced himself out of his bed and walked to his school uniform soon getting ready for the day.

"Now that you're awake, we can officially begin our first order of business."

"What about Yusaku!? And what first order of business!?"

"I mean…we can't exactly bust into a young man's room, he needs his privacy." Yang smiled. "Plus! Decorating!" Yang soon added and lifting an unknown amount of items

"What?!"

Blake soon added with lifting her suit case "We still have to unpack." The suitcase then opens, spilling its contents all over the floor of Weiss' room. "Aaaand clean."

Weiss does not look enthusiastic, especially when Ruby knocks her back again with the blow of her whistle.

"Aaaalright! Weiss, Blake, Yang, and their fearless leader Ruby have begun their first mission!" And with a fist in the air exclaimed "Banzai!" with Blake and Yang doing the same at her sides "Banzai!" They turn at an angle as Weiss lays on the floor while Yusaku stepped into the door way holding a coffee mug in his hands and dressed in his uniform.

"…Well…You have fun." He muttered only to have his sleeve caught by the heiress. "I suffer, you suffer!" She hissed. Yusaku let out a long groan as Yang soon began to play happy and upbeat music.

"Dammit…it's a montage scene…" He muttered.

Yang placed a poster of six guys in various poses named "THE ACHIEVE MEN" in her room just above her bed while Weiss positions the painting of the Forever Fall forest to perfection and walks away. Blake is busy putting away her books on the shelves, picking up a copy of Ninjas of Love and widening her eyes as she warily looks around before putting it back. Ruby positions Crescent Rose at an exact angle against the curtains, in the common room, so she can perfectly slash a diagonal portion off. A quick zoom around the rooms and common room.

"That…was…rather painless." Yusaku muttered with his hands stuffed into his pockets.

"Objective: Complete!" Ruby chirped happily jumping in joy next to Yusaku. "Allllright! Our second order of business iiiiiiiis...!" The room spins until she lands on the couch and a book lands in her lap, "Classes..." She suddenly pulls out a pencil "Now, we have a few classes together today. At 9, we've got to be-"

Yusaku and Weiss jolted with the young man soon looking down at his watch and pointing at it, showing the time to the heiress

"What?! Did you say 9 o'clock?"

"Uuuum..."

"It's 8:55, you dunce!"

Weiss is the first rushing out of the room and down the hall, the members of RWBYY and JNPR peeking out from their doorways to look at her go.

Ruby stood flabbergasted until Yusaku followed after his teammate, Ruby soon exclaimed "To class!"

Ruby runs out, followed by Yang, and Blake.

"Class...?" Jaune gulped soon losing his balance and ends up toppling Nora Valkyrie, Pyrrha Nikos, and Lie Ren on top of him. He manages to get out from under them and start dashing.

"We're gonna be late!"

In the courtyard, Professor Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch watch the two teams hurry through the school. Glynda looks at her watch, and Ozpin simply sips his coffee. "Never expected Yusaku to pull a close call on the first day of school."

The sight of an axe-blunderbuss weapon pans down to the boards displaying various species of Grimm - King Taijitu, Death Stalker, Beowolf, Boarbatusk, Nevermore, Murdock and Ursa - behind an elderly teacher named Peter Port.

"Monsters! Deeeemons... Prowlers of the night! Yes, the creatures of Grimm have many names, but I merely refer to them as prey! Ha-ha!"

The members of RWBYY, seated on the front row, are in varying stages of interest; Blake and Yang are sitting up and paying attention, Weiss and Yusaku are taking notes, and Ruby has her head propped in her hand as she takes a quick nap until she is woken back up by Port's bad joke, which receives a cricket-filled silence as a result.

"Uhhhh... And you shall too, upon graduating from this prestigious academy! Now, as I was saying: Vale, as well as the other three kingdoms, are safe havens in an otherwise treacherous world! Our planet is absolutely teeming with creatures that would love nothing more than to tear you to pieces! And that's where we come in. Huntsmen! Huntresses..." The man soon gives Yang a wink, which she groans uncomfortably at. "Individuals who have sworn to protect those who cannot protect themselves! From what, you ask? Why, the very world!"

At this moment a random Student in the back raises his fist "Ayyyy-yep!" stands like this for a moment as everyone looks at him strangely before sitting down, embarrassed

"That is what you are training to become. But first: A story. A tale of a young, handsome man... Me! When I was a boy..."

His words fade into the background and a series of "blah"s when Weiss notices Ruby is very focused on penciling the paper in front of her.

"...Despite smelling of cabbages, my grandfather was a wise man. 'Peter', he told me..."

The speech evolves into more "blah"s as Ruby chuckles at her creation and shows it to her teammates: a ball-with-limbs-and-a-head drawing of the teacher with stink lines coming from him and "Professor Poop" written underneath. Ruby blows a quick raspberry. Blake and Yang laugh, Yusaku merely ignored it but Weiss looks annoyed.

"Ah-heh-hem!" He waits until he has their attention again "In the end, the Beowolf was no match for my sheer tenacity, and I returned to my village with the beast in captivity and my head held high, celebrated as a hero!" The teacher takes a bow as Weiss slowly gets more and more frustrated with Ruby's antics.

"The moral of this story? A true Huntsman must be honorable!"

Ruby is balancing an apple on a book with her pencil held only by her finger while making a silly face.

"A true Huntsman must be dependable!"

Ruby has fallen asleep again in the first class of the year.

"A true Huntsman must be strategic, well-educated, and wise!"

Ruby is not-so-subtly picking her nose, much to Weiss' building anger.

"So, who among you believes themselves to be the embodiment of these traits?"

Weiss still angry, she raises her hand, Yusaku let out a small huff knowing what was going to come next "I do, sir!"

"Well, then, let's find out!" he turns to gesture at the glowing red eyes surrounded by shadow shaking the cage that traps it "Step forward, and face your opponent!"

Weiss Schnee, now back in her regular attire, readying her Myrtenaster at the growling creature in the cage barely seen as it's body was concealed by shadows. Her teammates cheer her on from their seats in the front row.

Yang threw her first into the air calling out "Goooo, Weiss!"

Blake on the other hand was waving a small flag saying "RWBY"."Fight well!"

Ruby Rose soon gushed "Yeah, represent Teeeeam RWBY!"

Weiss lowering her sword and looking over at her "leader" and shouted "Ruby! I'm trying to focus!"

Ruby looking sheepish muttered "Oh, um... Sorry..."

Yusaku's eyes narrowing slightly, soon folding his arms with his right hand resting on Nameless, which hung from his side.

"Allllright!" Port exclaimed next to the cage, pulling out Blowhard "Let the match... begin!"

The professor swings down and breaks the lock, dropping the cage door and revealing the Boarbatusk inside, which immediately charges at Weiss. She uses Myrtenaster to deflect its attack and roll to the side, readying herself for its next move. The Grimm stands a distance away from its enemy, studying her.

"Ha-ha! Wasn't expecting that, were you?"

"Hang in there, Weiss!"

Weiss is now speeding towards the oncoming Boarbatusk, sticking her blade straight at its skull until they meet and Myrtenaster is trapped in the beast's tusks. Weiss is still hanging on to the hilt, and is tossed around as she struggles to get the rapier back.

"Bold, new approach. I like it!"

"Come on, Weiss, show it who's boss!"

Weiss turns to glare at Ruby, only for the Boarbatusk to turn its head and rip the sword from her grip. Myrtenaster lands far away from its master, who is knocked back by the creature's tusks.

Yusaku's head lowered a little while he analyzed Weiss' style, 'You're losing focus Schnee…your letting that temper of yours get to you…'

"Oh-ho! Now what will you do without your weapon?"

Weiss looks up just in time to see the Boarbatusk charge again, rolling out of the way just in time to avoid getting trampled and make it crash into a desk. Weiss rushes at her sword and slides to get it back in her hand.

"Weiss! Go for its belly! There's no armor underneath-"

Weiss turning to Ruby then yelled "Stop telling me what to do!"

Ruby looks hurt at Weiss' rebuttal. Meanwhile, the Boarbatusk leaps into the air and rolls into a ball, spinning rapidly in the air and landing on the ground, consistently gaining speed until it launches itself at Weiss. It comes closer and closer, but Weiss activates one of her blue-white glyphs and blocks the roll, leaping up into the now-black snowflake glyph and turning it blue again so she can drive the blade into the Boarbatusk's stomach. It squeals and falls silent while Weiss gasps in relief.

"Bravo! Bra-vo! It appears we are indeed in the presence of a true Huntress-in-training!" As Weiss stands up at attention from her exhausted position and Ruby continues to frown, "I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today. Be sure to cover the assigned readings, and... stay vigilant! Class dismissed!"

Weiss glares and turns away, walking hurriedly to the exit past her teammates.

Jaune soon approached Yusaku then questioned "Sheesh, what's with her?"

"The same problem I used to have…" He replied, The remaining members of Team RWBY look at Yusaku with worried expressions, He let out a small breath. "I'll meet you back at the dorm…Don't wait up."

"Hmm... Now that didn't seem to go very well." Ozpin said, seemingly appearing out of nowhere

Ruby looking doubtful, even on the verge of tears "Professor…Did you make a mistake?"

Ozpin laughing slightly "That remains to be seen."

Weiss is still walking around the halls until she comes across a balcony with a view of the sunset over Beacon Academy's rooftops.

"Gotta admit, Ice queen, you managed to impress me." Weiss soon jolted finding Yusaku walking over to her and joining her in watching the view.

"R-Really?" Weiss questioned with her pale face gaining a rosy dusting across her cheeks.

The young man gave a nod resting his left on the hilt of Nameless. "Your moves are faster, you're also good at improvising without a weapon, obviously well trained."

"So…do you think I would make a better leader then Ruby?" Weiss questioned with a small sheepish smile across her lips, realizing this was her first 'Normal' conversation with Yusaku,

"Probably not." He said rather bluntly shattering Weiss' initial 'He's really a great guy after all' impression

"What do you mean?" Ruby questioned

"I mean, it's only been one day. Ruby... I've made more mistakes than any man, woman, and child on this planet. But at this moment, I would not consider your appointment to leader to be one of them." Leans in so he can look more directly at Ruby "Do you?"

Weiss now angry at the taller swordsmen "Excuse me?!" she snapped her hands finding their way to her hips.

"I haven't known Ozpin for long, but I can tell he has his reasons for his choices."

"So you would just blindly accept his decision even after seeing how exceptional I am!?" Weiss hissed.

"With all due respect, your exceptional skill on the battlefield is matched only by your poor attitude."

She was seething now "How dare you!"

"See what I mean, All I see right now is a girl who's gotten everything she's wanted in life."

Weiss crossing her arms, looking defiant "That's not even remotely true!" She soon caught Yusaku's sharp gaze and reluctantly relents. "Well... not entirely true."

"Being a team leader isn't just a title you carry into battle, but a badge you wear constantly. If you're not always performing at your absolute best, then what reason do you give others to follow you?"

Ruby looks thoughtful with Ozpin's words, then smiles at him.

"Sure, you didn't become leader. Do you really believe that acting out like a child would cause those in power to reconsider their decision?" As Weiss finally calms down and looks at him again "Hone your skills, perfect every technique, and don't worry about being the best leader, but the best person you can be. Protect not just innocent people, but also your comrades…believe me…They can disappear just as quickly as they appeared." Yusaku said giving her a small smile, a surprise for the heiress, but nonetheless she returned the smile.

Ozpin turning back on Ruby, still talking to her "You've been burdened with a daunting responsibility, Ruby. I advise you take some time, to think about how you will uphold it."

Ruby, with a last look of consideration, turns and walks away. She comes to the balcony where Yusaku and Weiss seemed to be talking, with the heiress smiling happily at the young man, who mere scoffed waving offer her words. Ruby smiled at her two partners soon leaving the two.

"Ah Dammit," Yusaku muttered noticing the time.

"What's wrong? Weiss asked.

"I have to go meet with Ozpin today, You go on ahead, I'll catch up later." He replied before leaving the girl.

"Ah! Y-Yusaku wait!" Weiss called out catching his much larger hand.

"What is it?" He questioned, Weiss realized her actions quickly backing off her facing becoming bright red. "I-I…Um…You spoke...Like You were a leader..."

Yusaku remained silent merely scratching the back of his head before letting out a small breath. "Ozpin can wait...I was at one point, but...without getting into detail...I was to inexperienced...just like Ruby...unlike her...because of certain situations and events, we had to fight for our lives...one by one they died...one by one...I failed them...I couldn't save any of them...I think the reason Ozpin placed me on your team is to act as an advisor of some sorts...I've had real combat experience, not simulated or controlled for safety..." He spoke his dull onyx eyes falling to the ground before tracing over to the blade that rests on his hip.

"I've failed before, but all I can do is move forward, and make sure you don't do the same mistakes like I did...I was to hot headed, to prideful...we thought we were invincible...and because of that...we payed the price of our mistakes..."

The full moon shines over the green lights of Beacon, and in the room of Team RWBY, the door opens and Weiss' shadow is seen against the hall's light. Blake is fast asleep in the recliner, Yang is spread out on the couch and snoring, her right hand soon moving to scratch her belly, and when Weiss passes Ruby's room, she finds the occupant with her head resting on notes, a pencil in her hand, and open books all around her. Weiss, looking amazed at Ruby's determination, clears her throat and gently shakes the other girl awake, who takes a second to regain consciousness and start flailing in surprise.'

"Weiss! I-I was studying, and then I fell asleep! I'm sorry..." Weiss places a hand over Ruby's mouth and puts a finger to her own so Ruby understands the need for lowering her voice. Weiss looks near Ruby's pillow and spots an empty Beacon coffee mug.

Lowering her hand Weiss then asks "How do you take your coffee?"

"I... I don't..."

getting irritated Weiss hisses at her "Answer the question!"

"Uhh, cream and five sugars!"

Weiss sighs "Don't move." She ducks out of the room and soon comes back with the mug full of coffee and hands it off to the girl. "Here."

"Um... Thanks, Weiss."

Weiss smiles, then looks apologetic "Ruby, I think you have what it takes to be a good leader." Ruby smiles appreciatively "Just know that I am going to be the best teammate you'll ever have!" They share a smile "Good luck studying!" Weiss then ducks out the room once again, only to come back and point at one of Ruby's papers "That's wrong, by the way."

"Hey Ruby?" Her voice this time coming from the doorway

"Uh-huh?"

"I've…always wanted to decorate a room as a kid."

Yusaku smiles having returned from his meeting with Ozpin mere moments ago, he turned to walk to his room only for his faint smile to fade replaced with a sharp scowled, and for a the familiar deadly, crimson glow to return to his eyes.

Authors Note

Phew howdy y'all, been awhile huh? Greets aside, things happened and I had to write this chapter a few times, these next few chapter's will set up the relationships between Yusaku and the rest of RWBY, at the same time building up Yusaku's past all leading to a confrontation with a member of his past, until then, I hope everyone stays safe with everything going on in the world. See y'all in the next chapter!