Chereads / W H I T E // Naruto X Rwby / Chapter 37 - Glyphs

Chapter 37 - Glyphs

Winter's gaze hardened, her hands clenched at her sides. "What monstrosity is this..?" she muttered under her breath, her usual composure visibly faltering as her eye twitched. Her gaze swept across the room, noting Weiss' pristine, neatly organized bed. It was, of course, immaculate-just as expected from her little sister.However, it was glaringly overshadowed by the chaotic mess surrounding it.Blake and Yang's bunk bed loomed to one side, precariously balanced on a teetering stack of books that groaned under the weight. Winter couldn't decide if she was more horrified at the sheer impracticality of it or the misuse of what appeared to be classic literature.Ruby's bunk, on the other hand, was a masterpiece of reckless engineering. Suspended above Weiss' bed with ropes and questionable decorations, it swayed slightly with each movement, as though daring gravity to test its patience.The entire setup felt like a direct affront to the Schnee family's ideals of order and elegance.Rinko, standing off to the side, smirked, clearly enjoying Winter's internal struggle. "Creative, isn't it?" she quipped, her tone as sharp as the edge of a blade."Creative?" Winter hissed, her tone laced with disbelief, her piercing gaze darting between the precarious bunk beds and her sister.Weiss, standing nearby, smiled sweetly despite the chaotic backdrop. "So... what do you think, Winter?" she asked, a hint of mischief in her tone. It was rare for her to tease, but seeing Winter's composure crack was a rare treat.Winter's lips pressed into a thin line as she took another measured look at the dorm. The swaying bunk bed above Weiss' pristine bed seemed to taunt her, while the books propping up Blake and Yang's structure threatened to collapse at any moment."I think..." Winter began, her words slow and deliberate, "that I have stepped into some kind of poorly organized circus. And you, Weiss, are willingly living in it."Weiss chuckled softly, shaking her head. "It's not that bad. Besides, it's... home now.""Home?" Winter's voice pitched slightly. "Weiss, home doesn't come with an imminent threat of structural failure."Rinko stifled a laugh. "I think she's trying to say she loves it, Weiss."Winter shot Rinko a sharp glare. "I would never associate myself with such... madness."But even as she said it, Weiss could detect the faintest hint of a smile tugging at Winter's lips. She cared, even if her icy façade wouldn't let her admit it outright.Winter straightened her posture, brushing imaginary dust off her pristine uniform. "Let's move on to Rinko's room," she said, her tone clipped and commanding. "Hopefully, it won't be such a disaster.""Disaster?" Rinko said, raising an eyebrow and adjusting his scarf with a lazy grin. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed casually. "Come now, Winter. Have a little faith in me."Winter's gaze narrowed. "Hmph."Rinko chuckled softly, "I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."The trio made their way down the Beacon dormitory hallway, Winter walking with her usual stiff, commanding posture, Weiss trailing behind her.Rinko led the way with a casual air, his hands in his pockets and his stride relaxed, as though nothing in the world could rattle him. A few students passing by greeted him, and he nodded back with an easy smile.When they reached his door, Rinko paused, turning to glance at them with an amused twinkle in his eye."Ready?" he asked, his tone light but teasing, as though he were about to unveil some great mystery.Winter crossed her arms. "Just open it."With a shrug, Rinko pushed the door open, revealing a room so immaculate it could have been staged for a magazine shoot. Winter froze, momentarily caught off guard by the sight.The room was practically pristine. The bookshelves against the wall held fewer than ten volumes, each one neatly aligned.However, their contents caused Winter's expression to sour. Every book was a volume of Ninja of Love and Whirlpool of Love. The vibrant, romantic covers gleamed in the afternoon sunlight pouring through a spotless window, which framed a picturesque view of Beacon's courtyard.A modest dining table sat in the corner, its surface gleaming from a recent polish. The singular bed was impeccably made, the corners tucked in with military precision.Everything about the room radiated a sense of calm organization-except for the eccentric choice of reading material.Weiss let out a small sigh of relief. "This is... unexpectedly well-kept."Winter's eyes darted over the bookshelves. "Impressive cleanliness," she admitted grudgingly, "but your reading material is..." She trailed off, glaring at the romantic novels."Questionable.." Weiss finished as she understood Winter's reaction.Rinko closed the door behind them and walked over to the bookshelf, picking up a volume of Ninja of Love.He flipped it open, his expression one of feigned seriousness. "I'll have you know these books are masterpieces of storytelling. A perfect balance of intrigue, emotion, and... tasteful romance.""Tasteful?" Winter echoed, her tone dripping with skepticism."Absolutely," Rinko said with an amused glint in his eye. "You'd love it. The main character is stoic, duty-bound, and secretly caring. Reminds me of someone."Winter's lips tightened into a thin line. "I'll pass."Rinko simply shrugged, returning the book to its place with an air of exaggerated grace. "Your loss."Weiss wandered over to the window, her gaze softening as she took in the view. "I'll admit, Rinko, your room is... quite nice. I didn't expect this level of organization.""Why, thank you, Weiss," Rinko said, giving her a small bow. "A tidy space reflects a tidy mind. Or so they say."Winter, however, was less impressed. She inspected the dining table, running a gloved finger along its edge. "At least someone in this school understands discipline," she muttered.Rinko grinned beneath his scarf. "Discipline, sure. But what's discipline without a little flair?" He gestured toward the bookshelves. "Life's too short to be boring, Winter. You should give it a shot."Winter didn't say anything as she rolled her eyes, straightening and heading toward the door.The trio left the dorm, the crisp afternoon air of Beacon's courtyard providing a welcome reprieve. As they walked, Weiss broke the silence, her voice light but thoughtful."Around the courtyard, there's a food stall that sells tea! I've tried it before, and the taste kind of reminds me of Klein's tea," Weiss suggested with a small smile.Winter and Rinko exchanged glances. Winter gave a soft nod, her usual stern demeanor easing just slightly. "I think tea sounds lovely," she agreed."Lead the way, then," Rinko said, his tone as relaxed as ever, hands still tucked casually in his pockets.The trio made their way to the stall, where the warm aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air.After a few minutes, they each held a teacup in hand and settled at a small garden house nestled within Beacon's grounds.The peaceful setting, bathed in the golden glow of the late afternoon sun, seemed to lull them into a rare moment of quiet.They sat in unison, sipping their tea. Rinko leaned back in his chair, his posture utterly casual.One arm rested behind the chair as he flipped open Whirlpool of Love yet again, his eyes skimming the pages with a faint smile of amusement.The sight made Winter's eye twitch. She exhaled a long, slow sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose as though to steel herself. Eventually, she broke the silence."Since the fight earlier, Rinko, I've noticed something," she began, her tone sharp but probing. "Why weren't you using your Glyphs?"Rinko's brow furrowed slightly as he looked up from his book. "Glyphs?" he repeated, his tone neutral, almost as if the term was unfamiliar."Our Schnee Semblance—Glyphs! Duh," Weiss interjected, leaning forward slightly as if to emphasize the obvious.Winter elaborated, her voice calm but precise. "The Glyphs are our family's signature Semblance, passed down through generations. Earlier, during that intense match, you could have used them to enhance your speed or gain an advantage. So why didn't you use them?"Rinko took a slow sip of his tea, letting the question hang in the air for a moment. Then, setting his cup down, he shrugged. "Oh... well," he began, his tone as nonchalant as ever, "the answer's pretty simple, really..."Weiss and Winter leaned forward slightly, waiting for his response."I haven't unlocked them," Rinko said, his tone as casual as if he were commenting on the weather.The room fell silent for a moment, and Winter paused. Her sharp blue eyes fixed on him as she carefully placed the teacup back on the table."What...?" Winter said, her voice laced with mild disbelief.Weiss, sitting beside her, blinked in surprise, turning to look at her brother. "Wait, seriously? You've never unlocked your Semblance?""Never," Rinko replied, leaning back in his chair with an air of nonchalance.Weiss frowned, her thoughts racing. "Now that I think about it... you've never used Glyphs in any of the missions we've been on. I just assumed you were holding back, but..." She trailed off, a mix of confusion and curiosity crossing her face.Then a small, almost mischievous smile tugged at her lips. 'So, there's something the great Rinko Schnee can't do after all.'Winter, however, wasn't as amused. She leaned forward, her brows furrowing as she regarded him with a mix of incredulity and concern. "With all the skill and talent you've demonstrated, you mean to tell me you've never even trained to unlock your Semblance? Not once?"Rinko shrugged, his expression as calm as ever. "Never got around to it."Winter's jaw tightened. "Rinko, do you have any idea how rare and valuable a Schnee Semblance is? The Glyphs are not just a family hallmark; they are a symbol of our legacy, our strength."Rinko met her gaze evenly, unbothered by her sharp tone. "Doesn't seem to have slowed me down, has it?"Weiss winced, glancing nervously between them. "Winter, he has been effective in combat. He relies on his other skills—he's decisive, nibble, and has excellent technique.""That is not the point, Weiss," Winter said sternly, her focus unwavering on Rinko. "For a Schnee to go this long without unlocking their Glyphs is... unheard of. It's not just about combat effectiveness—it's about discipline, tradition, and understanding your own potential."Rinko resisted the urge to sigh.He couldn't exactly explain the truth: that he wasn't actually Rinko Schnee, but Kakashi Hatake inhabiting this body. Unlocking a Semblance, let alone Glyphs, was an enigma to him.For all he knew, Rinko might have already unlocked them before Kakashi Hatake took over control—he just didn't know how to access them.Instead, he shrugged again, his tone light. "Maybe I just haven't felt the need. My other skills seem to get the job done."Winter's icy gaze didn't waver. "That's a poor excuse. If you truly consider yourself a Schnee, you will take this seriously. Glyphs are not just a family inheritance—they're a responsibility. You owe it to yourself and the Schnee name to awaken your potential."Rinko gave her a small smirk, his calm demeanor unwavering. "Well, I guess I'll add that to my to-do list."Winter narrowed her eyes but didn't press further, though her disapproval was clear.Weiss, sensing the tension, quickly changed the subject. "Maybe we can help him!" she offered, her voice bright. "I mean, if anyone can guide him through unlocking his Semblance, it's you, Winter!"Winter considered Weiss's suggestion, her expression softening slightly. "Perhaps. If he's willing to take the matter seriously.""Sure," Rinko said, his tone casual but with a faint glimmer of intrigue in his eyes. "I'll give it a shot. Who knows? Maybe I'll surprise you."Winter sighed and rose to her feet, her military precision apparent in the way she straightened her posture. "Alright, come here, Rinko. If you're so confident, I'll teach you now."Rinko blinked, caught off guard by her sudden decisiveness. "Wait—now?""Yes, now." Winter's tone left no room for argument as she gestured for him to join her.Weiss perked up, watching with eager curiosity. "Oh, this is going to be interesting!" she said, clasping her hands together as she scooted her chair back for a better view.Rinko sighed, dragging himself to his feet. "Alright, if you say so." He approached Winter, his hands stuffed casually in his pockets.When he reached her, Winter placed a firm hand on his shoulder. Her touch was steady but not overly harsh—a soldier's precision coupled with a sister's care. "Now, I want you to reach out your hand," she instructed, her voice calm but commanding. "It will help focus your energy and make the process smoother."Rinko raised an eyebrow but complied, extending his hand in front of him. "Like this?""Yes," Winter said with a nod. She stepped beside him, her own hand hovering near his. "Now, listen closely. Unlocking your Semblance is about more than just brute force or talent. It requires focus, intention, and a deep connection to yourself. The Glyphs are an extension of your will—they respond to your inner strength and clarity of purpose."Rinko resisted the urge to sigh. 'Inner strength and clarity, huh? Sounds like chakra control all over again.' He glanced at Weiss, who was watching intently, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So... what's step two?"Winter ignored his flippant tone. "Close your eyes," she instructed."Alright," Rinko said, closing them."Good. Now, focus on your breathing. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Let everything else fall away—your doubts, distractions, even your surroundings."Rinko followed her instructions, his breaths steady and calm. It wasn't difficult; years of combat experience had trained him to remain composed under pressure.Winter's voice softened slightly, becoming more patient. "The Schnee Glyphs are tied to discipline and heritage. They are born from the strength within us and our will to manifest that strength. Visualize a symbol—one that represents your resolve, your purpose. Imagine it forming in front of you."Rinko furrowed his brow. A symbol? His mind instinctively tried to conjure something, but nothing concrete appeared. He sighed inwardly, frustration creeping in.Winter, sensing his hesitation, added, "Don't force it. The Glyph will come to you when you're ready. Focus on what drives you, what pushes you forward. Think about why you fight."Her words struck a chord, and Rinko's mind drifted. Why did he fight? For survival? For himself? To protect those around him?The image of Weiss and Winter flickered in his thoughts, followed by memories of his time at Beacon-the friends he made along the way, his missions, the camaraderie he hadn't realized he'd grown to appreciate.Then, a faint shimmer appeared before his closed eyes."There," Winter said suddenly, her tone almost excited. "Do you feel it?"Rinko's hand tingled slightly, and when he opened his eyes, a faint Glyph-small and incomplete—flickered in the air before him.Weiss gasped. "He did it!"Winter's lips curved into a rare, approving smile. "Not bad for a first attempt, Rinko. But there's still work to be done. The Glyph is weak—you'll need to practice if you want to use it effectively."Rinko stared at the faint Glyph, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small smirk, he glanced at Winter. "Guess I did surprise you, huh?"Winter rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered. "Don't get cocky. This is only the beginning."Weiss clapped her hands, beaming. "You're amazing, Rinko! I knew you could do it!"Rinko shrugged, his smirk softening into something almost genuine. "Well, I had a good teacher."Winter raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "Indeed. Now, let's see if you can do it again."Rinko sighed but stepped back into position. 'Guess there's no escaping this 'big sister' training now.'Winter's expression shifted, her cool demeanor returning as she took a step closer. "Now, I want you to make it bigger," she instructed, her tone edged with both challenge and expectation.Rinko arched an eyebrow at her. "Bigger? You're not going to let me celebrate my first Glyph for even five seconds?""You'll celebrate when you've earned it," Winter said sharply, though her voice held a trace of amusement. "The Glyph you conjured is just the start. If you want it to be a weapon and not a parlor trick, you need to push harder. Make it larger. More stable. More yours.""Alright, alright. Bigger Glyph, coming up." He raised his hand again, closing his eyes to focus.Winter stepped to his side, watching closely. "This time, don't just visualize the Glyph. Visualize the energy flowing through you—how it builds, how it expands. Channel it outward, but keep it controlled. The larger the Glyph, the more disciplined you must be."Rinko inhaled deeply, centering himself. He imagined the shimmering Glyph from before, its faint light pulsing in the air. Slowly, he envisioned it growing, expanding outward like ripples in water.At first, nothing happened. The air around his hand remained still."Focus, Rinko," Winter said, her voice calm but firm.For a moment, he felt something stir-something deep within, a connection he hadn't fully acknowledged before.A soft hum filled the air, and the faint Glyph began to reappear, larger this time. The light around it grew brighter, its edges more defined.Weiss gasped. "He's doing it!"Winter's sharp eyes softened slightly as she nodded. "Good. Now hold it. Keep it steady."The Glyph wavered for a moment, flickering as if it might collapse. Rinko frowned, pouring more focus into it.His breathing slowed, each inhale and exhale deliberate. Gradually, the Glyph stabilized, its form solidifying into something unmistakably Schnee.Weiss, who had been watching intently, tilted her head, her expression a mix of curiosity and disbelief. "It still baffles me," she muttered, half to herself, "with all that skill, you still haven't unlocked your Semblance..."Rinko glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "You're not going to let that go, are you?""Well, can you blame me?" Weiss shot back, crossing her arms. "You're absurdly skilled in combat, have better reflexes than most trained Huntsmen, and somehow manage to adapt to nearly any situation. It's as if you don't even need a Semblance. But... it's just strange. For a Schnee, I mean."Winter nodded in agreement, her analytical gaze settling firmly on Rinko. "She's right. The Schnee bloodline is renowned for its Glyph-based Semblances. Unlocking and mastering it isn't just a skill—it's a rite of passage for our family. That you haven't yet..." She paused, her tone sharpening. "...is highly unusual."Rinko shrugged, his posture deliberately casual, as if the weight of her words barely registered. "I guess I'm just different," he said, his voice carrying a faint note of humor, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper."Different or not," Winter countered sharply, her tone brooking no argument, "you are still a Schnee. Mastering your Glyphs isn't optional—it's a necessity. It's a symbol of who we are, our legacy, and the power that sets us apart."Rinko held Winter's gaze, unflinching. "Legacy, huh?" he echoed, his tone even but laced with a hint of skepticism.Winter's sharp eyes remained locked on him, unwavering, her posture straight.The air between them was thick with expectation, but Rinko wasn't about to let it faze him.Rinko sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he looked off to the side. 'This family sure loves their expectations...' he thought wryly, but kept the amusement from spilling into his voice.Instead, he kept his expression calm, one eyebrow slightly raised in mock challenge. "Alright, Winter—I'll master my glyphs. Happy now?"Winter's expression softened, a glint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. "That's all I wanted to hear," she replied, her voice warm but still firm. She stepped forward and placed her palm lightly on his shoulder, offering a silent but resolute support.Rinko huffed in response, shaking his head slightly. "You two are relentless..." he muttered, though there was no malice behind his words, just a touch of humor.Weiss, who had been watching the exchange with a faint smile, let out a small chuckle."You know, Rinko," she teased, her tone light but full of affection, "it's a Schnee thing. Relentlessness is practically a family trait!"Winter smirked, her gaze never leaving Rinko. "If you can't handle it, maybe you're not cut out to be part of the legacy."Rinko rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress the small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Guess I'll just have to keep up then, won't I?" he said, his voice playful yet sincere.Winter's smirk turned into a satisfied smile, and Weiss, still chuckling, gave a nod of approval. "Now you're getting it," she added.With that, the conversation settled into a more comfortable rhythm, the tension easing as Rinko silently acknowledged the quiet challenge and the unspoken bond between them. Whether or not he liked it, he was part of this legacy, and he was beginning to accept the responsibility that came with it.[End]