Rinko stood in his dorm as evening light cast within the window, focused and silent as he examined the map of Vale hanging on the wall. Small red and blue pins dotted key locations, marking old and new intelligence he'd gathered on the movement of bandit camps. With a thoughtful hum, he traced his finger along a path leading through a dense forest toward an open field—a likely place for a new camp, he suspected."Their last known camp was here," Rinko muttered to himself, pressing a red pin onto the map. "Destroyed by Grimm, but with limited options for new hideouts, they'd stick close by. This plain bordered by thick forest... ideal for cover." He tapped the location thoughtfully, committing it to memory.With a plan forming, Rinko packed his gear, his movements precise and purposeful. His new longsword was strapped securely across his back, and his kunai and smoke bombs fit snugly into compartments along his belt. A quick glance over his shoulder at the map was his final check, and then he closed the door behind him, ready to head out.Ozpin TowerAs the elevator doors slid open to Ozpin's office, Rinko stepped inside, only to be met with an unexpected sight. General Ironwood stood across from Ozpin and Glynda, his commanding presence filling the room. The trio turned to acknowledge Rinko's entrance, the brief pause of silence thick with anticipation.Rinko kept his expression neutral, though he couldn't help but note the sharp, assessing gaze Ironwood gave him. The general was no stranger to him—Rinko had only met him once before, back when his father had brought him along on a business trip.His father had only grumbled about some minor issue to the general before they had left. Now, here they were again, face to face, with a much different kind of interaction ahead."Sorry for the intrusion," Rinko said calmly, his voice even as he gave a slight, respectful nod."No need to apologize, Rinko," Ozpin reassured him, his voice warm, though there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "You look prepared. Sword and all.""Yes... I'm heading outside of Vale," Rinko replied, the faintest edge of seriousness in his tone. "I thought I should inform you before I leave."Ozpin's expression remained to understand. "Very well."Rinko's gaze shifted briefly to Ironwood. The general's steely eyes locked with his, and for a moment, the past seemed to weigh heavily between them.Ironwood was the last person Rinko had expected to see here today, but the man's presence made it clear that this wasn't just a casual visit. Ironwood, with his intense scrutiny, was here for a reason."Rinko Schnee," Ironwood began, his voice low but authoritative, "I never imagined you'd take up arms like this. You've clearly prepared yourself well."He paused, letting the words settle before continuing, "I understand you're investigating bandit activity near Vale. Given the escalating security threats, I'd like to know more about your... objective."Rinko hesitated for only a moment, feeling the weight of their combined gaze. He then spoke, his voice calm but firm. "I've pinpointed several potential locations for their camps outside the city. I intend to investigate them. I suspect some of the bandits are still holding my father, and I won't rest until I find him." The words came out flat but with underlying determination. "Ozpin has given me authorization to search."Ironwood's expression softened ever so slightly at the mention of Rinko's father, but his sharp, calculating gaze remained. "And you're planning to go alone?"Rinko nodded. "Yes. It'll be faster and quieter that way."Ozpin exchanged a brief look with Glynda, who stepped forward, her expression serious and concerned. "It's dangerous to face a bandit camp alone, even with your training," she cautioned.Rinko met her gaze without hesitation, his voice unwavering. "I'm prepared, Professor Goodwitch. This mission isn't just about rescuing my father—it's about stopping them from spreading their influence further before they can reach Vale."Ironwood crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he considered Rinko's words. "I see," he murmured, the weight of the situation settling in. "Very well. If you require assistance, the Atlas military will be at your disposal. But don't underestimate the danger. Bandits like Raven's tribe don't follow any rules, and they will do whatever it takes to keep their hold."Ozpin nodded his usual calm demeanor in place. "Stay safe, Rinko. And remember to keep us informed."Rinko nodded back, grateful for their support, even if it didn't lessen the weight on his shoulders. Without another word, he turned and exited the office, his mind already on the mission ahead.The weight of Ozpin's, Ironwood's, and Glynda's expectations settled heavily on Rinko's shoulders as he left their presence. Though their words had been supportive, he couldn't shake the feeling that something much larger loomed ahead of him.His mission to find his father and uncover the bandits' secret hideouts was one he had to pursue alone—despite the risk.His determination was resolute, but the silence of the empty hallways of Beacon felt different now. The sound of his boots against the floor echoed in the otherwise still air, a reminder of the unknown challenges waiting just outside the gates.Meanwhile, back in Ozpin's office, the tension remained thick."I still can't believe we're letting him go out there... ALONE." Glynda's frustration was clear, her palm pressing against her forehead in disbelief. The weight of her concern had her pacing across the room. "He's not some seasoned warrior—he's a business man! He's always been more suited to the boardroom, not a battlefield!"Ironwood, standing near the window, crossed his arms thoughtfully. "Glynda's right," he said, his deep voice tinged with a rare uncertainty. "As far as I know, Rinko has little experience in actual combat. This could be a dangerous decision." His eyes narrowed. "I'll have some of my troops shadow him. We'll stay out of sight but keep an eye on him, just in case everything goes wrong."Glynda, visibly relieved at the idea of backup, nodded but still looked uneasy. "That would be for the best," she muttered under her breath, still unconvinced that Rinko was truly prepared for the task at hand.Ozpin, who had been silently observing, finally rose from his chair. His calm, unwavering demeanor was a sharp contrast to the tense atmosphere. He walked over to the large window in his office, gazing out at the distant hills of Vale. The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the vast land beyond Beacon's walls."He's far more capable than you all might think," Ozpin remarked, his voice soft but filled with a quiet confidence that seemed to settle the room. He turned back to face the others, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Rinko has been prepared for this moment long before any of us knew it. Sometimes, the greatest challenges demand a leap of faith."Ironwood looked at Ozpin, brow raised. "You truly believe he can handle this on his own?"Ozpin didn't answer immediately, as though contemplating the true nature of the risks involved. "We all grow through adversity," he finally said. "He may not have had the traditional training that others here have, but Rinko possesses something that cannot be measured by conventional means. His resolve, his understanding of people, and his ability to think beyond the battlefield are qualities that will serve him well on this mission."Glynda wasn't entirely convinced, but she could sense the sincerity in Ozpin's words. "And you believe this 'leap of faith' will bring him back safely?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.Ozpin's gaze shifted, his smile faint but certain. "Sometimes the only way to grow is to step into the unknown, to face what lies ahead without knowing how it will end. I trust Rinko will return stronger, no matter the outcome."Ironwood, though still concerned, nodded in understanding. "Very well," he said. "But if anything goes wrong, I'll be ready. We'll stay on standby."With that, the conversation ended, though the air remained thick with anticipation. Ozpin returned to his desk, his expression unreadable. Glynda, after a long silence, finally spoke."I hope you're right, Ozpin. I truly do."Ozpin gave a small, reassuring nod. "I am," he said simply, turning back to the window as the final rays of the day dipped below the horizon, leaving Vale to the dark of night.[End]