In a Mistral Airship CommuteThe steady hum of the airship's engines filled the cool air, mingling with the faint rush of wind as the vessel soared through the skies. The gang had left Raven's camp behind, the tension from the earlier meeting lingering like an unspoken weight.Rinko stood at the edge of the airship's deck, gripping the cold metal railing as he stared at the horizon. The setting sun painted the sky in warm hues of amber and crimson, casting long shadows across the distant mountains. His silver hair shifted in the breeze, but his expression remained calm, almost unreadable.The sound of approaching footsteps reached him, breaking his quiet contemplation. Without turning, he already knew who it was.Qrow stopped beside him, leaning casually against the railing with his flask in hand. He took a swig, his sharp eyes fixed on the same horizon."You had that plan figured out before the meeting, didn't you?" Qrow's tone was calm, but there was a thread of curiosity and a hint of grudging respect.Rinko finally turned his head slightly, giving a small nod. "Mhm. Playing the slow game gives us ground. Moving in haste risks the entirety of the plan. Once they decide to bite..." He turned his silver gaze fully to Qrow, his voice cool but firm. "We'll bite back—harder."Qrow chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "Guess I underestimated you, Schnee. You've got the mind for this kind of thing."Rinko smirked faintly but didn't respond, turning his attention back to the horizon.Qrow exhaled, taking another swig from his flask. "And, well... surprisingly enough, my sister went along with it. That's not something I expected to see in my lifetime."There was a pause as the older Huntsman glanced at Rinko. His voice grew quieter, tinged with curiosity and something else—a distant pain. "You and Raven... you've got history, don't you? The whole Jacques kidnapping mess and all that..."Rinko's expression didn't falter, but there was a flicker of something beneath his calm exterior. "If her actions are driven to protect Yang," he said after a moment, his voice measured, "then she had no choice but to accept. Even Raven knows that much."Qrow studied him for a moment, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "Hmph. You sure are something else. You're nothing like your father."Rinko didn't respond, his gaze returning to the horizon.Qrow pushed off the railing with a sigh, heading back into the airship's cabin. Rinko remained where he was, the vast expanse of the sky reflecting in his steady blue eyes.Hours Earlier, Raven's Camp"Alright," Rinko—the former Anbu leader—began, his calm voice cutting through the gathered group's tension. His tone was measured but deliberate, commanding attention. "If we're going to keep Salem's forces off balance, we need to split into specialized teams. Each team will have a clear objective, minimizing risks while maximizing efficiency. This will require precision, misdirection, and—most importantly—subtlety."He turned slightly, addressing the group as a whole. "Here's the breakdown. First, we'll need a spy embedded within Salem's forces—someone who can feed us intel about their plans and movements. Second, we'll need a team to work with Mistral's police force to coordinate ambushes and secure key locations. Third, a false information campaign. Leo can't know we're onto him; feeding him misdirection will be critical. Finally, we need boots on the ground to locate and rally any Huntsmen left in Mistral—IF—there's even any."Rinko paused, his blue eyes landing squarely on Raven. "Are you willing to play your part, Raven?"Raven didn't flinch under his intense gaze. Her crimson eyes narrowed slightly as she regarded him, a slow, calculating expression crossing her face. She turned briefly to Yang, who met her gaze with silent resolve, then back to Rinko.After a beat, Raven gave a curt nod. "I'll do what's necessary. But don't think for a second that I'm doing this for any of you."Rinko's lips curved into a faint, knowing smirk. "Understood."Rinko's piercing gaze lingered on Raven, "You'll be our spy, Raven. You know how Salem's people operate, and you've already had contact with them. Your role is to gather intel, find out when and where they plan to strike. We're not going to move until they do. No preemptive aggression—Salem's forces aren't amateurs. Even if we know where they're hiding, chances are they've already moved."Rinko paused as he sighed, "They're always on the move. This will be a waiting game, and patience will be our greatest asset."Turning back to the group, he continued. "Second, Weiss, Selene, and I will coordinate with Mistral's police force. As Schnees, our name carries weight in certain circles—military and police included. We'll use that influence to bring them to our side by any means necessary."His attention shifted to Qrow, his voice calm yet deliberate. "Qrow, you'll handle misinformation. Tell him a convincing rumor that the Fall Maiden's power has been found elsewhere. It's a lead Leo won't be able to ignore. Feed him just enough false trails to keep him chasing shadows, distracted from what we're really doing. We can't afford to let him suspect we're onto his betrayal."Qrow smirked faintly, tilting his flask toward Rinko in a mock toast. "Heh. Consider it done."Rinko gave a slight nod, his focus turning to the rest of the group. "Team JNPR, Ruby, and Yang—you'll accompany Qrow to keep up appearances. A larger group makes it look like we're still scrambling, divided, and disorganized. It'll keep them from piecing together the truth of what we're planning."The group nodded, but Ruby hesitated before raising her hand. "Um, if Raven's spying on Salem and already knows where they are... wouldn't it be more practical to just go straight to them and take them out?"Her suggestion hung in the air as the group processed it. For a moment, it almost seemed like a solid plan. Almost.Rinko remained unfazed, his calm demeanor steady as ever. "We can't."Ruby blinked, surprised by the flat response. "But—why not? Sounds like a solid plan to me!" Nora spoke as she cracked her knuckles."They'll just run," Rinko continued, his tone firm yet patient. "Just as I said, they're always on the move. And.. If next time we try to attack, they'll be prepared. If we strike now without a full understanding of their movements and resources, we'll lose the element of surprise and gain nothing but a setback."His blue eyes swept across the room, his gaze sharp and deliberate. "The more practical and efficient approach is to wait for them to make the first move. Haven is already compromised because of Leo's allegiance to Salem. As long as he holds the position of headmaster, he has influence over Mistral's people—far more than we do. If we act recklessly, Leo will spin the narrative against us, and we'll lose public support before we even begin."The room fell silent, the weight of Rinko's words sinking in.Yang crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. "So... we're just supposed to sit back and wait for them to attack?"Rinko shook his head slightly. "Not sit back—prepare. Every move we make must serve a purpose. Every step must position us closer to victory. This isn't just about fighting Salem's forces; it's about dismantling their advantage piece by piece."Qrow raised his flask in a mock toast. "Well, when you put it like that, makes me wonder why you aren't running the whole operation."Rinko's lips curved into a faint smirk. "I'll leave the theatrics to you, Qrow. You're better at it."A small chuckle rippled through the group, easing the tension. But even as they shared a fleeting moment of levity, the gravity of the plan remained clear. Every decision mattered now. There was no room for error.Current Time, AirshipRinko sat silently, his gaze fixed on the horizon as the wind swept across the deck. The vast expanse of sky stretched endlessly before him, a stark contrast to the weight of the thoughts swirling in his mind.The sound of approaching footsteps pulled him from his contemplation. Turning his head slightly, he saw Yang step into view, her golden hair catching the light as she walked toward him."Sup, Rinko," she greeted, her tone casual yet friendly.Rinko—once known as Kakashi—gave her a small, easy smile. "Yo."Yang leaned forward, resting her elbows on the railing beside him. She let out a sigh, her lilac eyes scanning the endless blue sky."Y'know," she started, her voice soft but laced with curiosity, "I didn't think I'd see you two here with Qrow." She tilted her head slightly, her gaze flicking toward Rinko. "You and Weiss, I mean. You Schnees usually keep to your own thing."Rinko turned to her, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "And yet, here we are. Strange times, huh?"Yang chuckled lightly, nodding. "Yeah, no kidding. I mean, it's not every day you see a Schnee working with Raven's tribe or taking orders from uncle Qrow. It's... different. Not bad, just... unexpected."Rinko's smirk deepened, a glimmer of amusement in his blue eyes. "Life has a way of throwing curveballs. Adapt or fall behind, right?"Yang chuckled, her grin widening. "Heh, still the same Rinko I remember from Beacon!"Before he could respond, she stepped closer and ruffled his hair playfully. "Showoff."Rinko let her ruffle his hair, his expression softening with a faint chuckle. It was a small, lighthearted moment, a brief escape from the weight of their mission. But as his gaze shifted, it landed on her arm—the smooth metal of her prosthetic glinting faintly in the sunlight.His smile faded slightly, replaced by a quiet, thoughtful look. The sight brought back the memory of Adam's attack cutting through flesh, the moment that changed Yang's life forever.Yang noticed his gaze and pulled her hand back, resting it on the railing. Her tone turned casual, but there was a slight edge to it, as if she were trying to shrug off the heaviness of the subject. "It's alright, y'know. You can ask about it if you want. Most people just try to avoid looking."Rinko's blue eyes met hers, calm and steady. "I wasn't avoiding it," he said simply. "I was... remembering."Yang raised an eyebrow. "Remembering, huh? Let me guess—thinking about how I got it, right?"Rinko nodded slightly. "And how you've moved forward since then. It's not something everyone can do."She leaned back against the railing, crossing her arms. "Yeah, well... took a while to get here. Wasn't easy, but... I had people who helped me along the way—especially dad."Her gaze softened as she flexed her prosthetic fingers absently. "It's part of me now, just like everything else that's happened. Can't change it, so I might as well own it, right?"Rinko nodded again, a faint smile returning to his face. "Spoken like someone who's grown stronger, not just in body, but in spirit."She smirked, nudging him lightly with her elbow. "Don't get all sappy on me now, Hot-shot! You'll ruin your cool vibe!"Rinko chuckled, the moment of seriousness easing into a lighter atmosphere. "Noted. No sap, just compliments."Yang laughed and leaned back on the railing again, the somber tension between them melting away as they shared a quiet, comfortable moment. The hum of the airship and the faint whistle of wind filled the silence, creating a rare sense of calm amidst the chaos they faced.After a moment, Yang turned her gaze to Rinko, her expression softer, more sincere. "Thank you for coming back... for Ruby and all of us."Rinko—Kakashi—shifted his attention to Yang, his calm blue eyes meeting hers. For a moment, he simply studied her, as if weighing her words. Then, a faint, knowing smirk tugged at his lips."Wouldn't miss it," he replied, his tone light but carrying a depth that showed he understood the weight behind her gratitude.Yang held his gaze for a beat longer than necessary, something unspoken lingering between them. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words faltered. Instead, she settled for a small laugh, brushing her hair back.The wind picked up slightly, ruffling their hair and clothes. Yang leaned back on the railing, her fingers tapping against the metal as if trying to find the right words. "Y'know, for someone who's been through so much, you're annoyingly composed. It's like nothing phases you."Rinko chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. "Is that your way of calling me boring, or are you fishing for compliments?"Yang shot him a smirk, playfully nudging his arm with her elbow. "Neither. Just... curious, I guess. You always seem like you've got everything figured out. It's a little intimidating."Rinko glanced at her, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. "Trust me, Yang. Nobody has everything figured out. I just... hide it well."Yang tilted her head, studying him with a mix of amusement and something more thoughtful. "Hiding things, huh? Sounds like you and Raven have more in common than you think.""Touché," Rinko replied, his smirk deepening. "But unlike her, I don't run from things. I face them head-on, even when it's messy."Yang's playful demeanor softened as her eyes lingered on him. "Messy doesn't scare you, does it?"Rinko turned to the horizon, his expression thoughtful. "Nah. Sometimes the mess is where the good stuff is hidden."Yang felt a strange flutter in her chest at his words, and before she could stop herself, she spoke. "Like right now?"Rinko glanced at her, the question catching him off guard. For a moment, his composed facade cracked, and he looked at her—not just as a teammate or ally, but as someone worth noticing. His smirk softened into a genuine smile."Maybe," he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of something unspoken.The air between them shifted, charged but not uncomfortable. Yang broke eye contact first, laughing softly to herself as she turned back to the horizon. "Careful, Rinko. Keep talking like that, and people might think you've got a heart under all that cool exterior."Rinko chuckled, leaning his arms on the railing beside her as he winked. "Maybe I do. You just have to know where to look."They stood there in companionable silence, the unspoken connection between them deepening. Though neither said anything more, the weight of their words—and the quiet moments in between—lingered, leaving a question neither was quite ready to answer yet.House"Ahh! Sweet home!" Nora exclaimed, darting into the living room with uncontainable energy."Careful, Nora," Ren called out, trailing behind her with a patient but resigned expression.The rest of the group followed, taking in the cozy, modest house they had rented."Well, not bad," Yang remarked, slinging her backpack off her shoulder as she glanced around. "You guys picked a decent place."Everyone nodded in agreement, appreciating the warmth and comfort of their temporary home.Selene stepped forward with a polite smile. "Let me take your things for you, Yang. That way, you can spend more time with everyone."Yang hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Selene, right? Thank you!" She handed over her bag, and Selene carried it with an air of quiet efficiency."You're always welcome." She nodded before turning away.Yang plopped onto the sofa, stretching her arms over her head. "Not bad at all," she muttered with a satisfied grin."I say we cook something!" Nora announced suddenly, throwing her hands up as she spun around to face the group. "I'm starving!""You're always starving," Jaune groaned, rubbing his temple as if bracing himself for another round of Nora's antics. Pyrrha chuckled behind Jaune."You've got a point," Nora admitted with a shrug. "But this time, it's serious! Like, I could eat a Death Stalker serious!"Selene returned to the room, her movements swift and efficient. "I'll handle the cooking," she offered, already heading toward the kitchen.Ren, who had been the unofficial house cook until the new arrivals joined, raised an eyebrow. "I'll help," he said, stepping forward to join Selene in the kitchen.Selene glanced at him briefly, her tone polite but firm. "Don't worry about it. I've got it covered."Ren stood his ground, folding his arms. "I insist. Besides, two pairs of hands make the work faster."Selene paused, then gave a small nod. "Alright, if you're sure."The two moved seamlessly into their roles, an unspoken understanding guiding their cooperation.Meanwhile, in the living room, the others began to settle in. Yang stretched her legs across the couch, nudging Ruby's side with her foot."You good, little sis?" Yang asked, a playful grin spreading across her face.Ruby, who had been poking around the room like she was on a treasure hunt, turned with a sheepish laugh. "Yeah, just checking for secret doors! You never know in Mistral!"Jaune leaned against the armrest of the couch, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Ruby, it's a rental. Pretty sure secret doors aren't part of the package."Weiss, seated primly on a chair nearby, let out a soft sigh. "This is what we're working with? Secret doors and starving stomachs? Truly the height of sophistication."Nora popped up from behind the couch, her eyes alight with mischief. "Oh, come on, Weiss! You know you missed this chaos. Admit it!"Weiss shot her a glance, her lips pursed in mock disdain, but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.From the kitchen, the rhythmic clatter of utensils and the sizzle of pans filled the air. Aromas of spices and freshly cooked ingredients began to waft into the room, stirring their appetites.The lively conversations in the living room shifted as one by one, their gazes drifted toward the dining table being set by Selene and Ren.Qrow, who had been leaning against the wall, observed them quietly before slipping into his room without a word."Food's ready!" Selene called out, her voice cutting through the chatter.Nora was the first to sprint to the table, practically bouncing in her seat. "Finally! My stomach was about to start eating itself!"Jaune groaned as he followed. "Nora, you're the only person I know who makes starvation sound dramatic."Ren and Selene brought out the dishes, placing them neatly on the table. The aroma of the meal filled the room—a blend of hearty spices and freshly cooked vegetables that brought an instant sense of warmth and comfort.The group gathered around, plates in hand, and began serving themselves. As they dug in, the weariness of their journey started to fade, replaced by a sense of ease that only good food and better company could provide."Mmm!" Ruby exclaimed, her eyes lighting up after the first bite."Delicious!" Nora yelled, her voice muffled as she practically inhaled a piece of steak.The rest of the group ate with quieter appreciation, nodding in agreement as the flavors of the meal hit just right."Man, these are really good! I could eat this forever!" Yang said between bites, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied grin."I agree," Pyrrha chimed in, her gentle voice carrying genuine praise. She glanced at Ren and Selene. "You two really outdid yourselves. Everything is delicious."Jaune, seated beside Pyrrha, gave an approving nod. "Yeah, seriously. This is top-notch. Thanks, you two."Ren inclined his head modestly while Selene offered a small smile. "It's nothing. Just something simple to keep everyone energized."As the meal continued, the conversation ebbed and flowed naturally, punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter or the sound of silverware clinking against plates.Eventually, the chatter gave way to a comfortable silence as everyone focused on finishing their food.Nora, always one to keep things lively, seized the quiet moment to speak up. She leaned forward, her gaze fixed on Yang's cybernetic arm. "You know, Yang," she began, her tone curious but unfiltered, "that new arm of yours is pretty badass. Does it, like, shoot lasers or something?"Yang blinked, caught off guard by the sudden comment, but quickly grinned. "Lasers? Nah, nothing that fancy. It's just strong enough to punch through metal if I need to." She flexed her prosthetic arm for effect, the mechanical components gleaming faintly in the light."Oh yeah?!" Nora placed her arm on the table, ready to arm-wrestle.Yang raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Oh, you wanna arm-wrestle me, huh? With this bad boy?" She flexed her prosthetic arm again for emphasis, the metallic whir of its joints audible in the quiet dining room.Nora leaned forward, her eyes alight with competitive fire. "You bet I do! Let's see if that shiny new arm's just as strong as the old one!"Yang grinned, her confidence unwavering. "Oh, you're so gonna lose!" She clenched her fist, her prosthetic arm clicking into place as she prepared to fight back against Nora's strength."Crap—They're already starting!" Ruby called out, her eyes wide with excitement. She quickly scrambled to get a better view, with the rest of the group crowding around the table in anticipation.Rinko and Weiss, standing side by side, exchanged knowing glances. Both had their attention drawn to Selene, who was watching the match with an amused smirk. She had a reputation for strength, one that could rival even the strongest in their group.Rinko couldn't help but remember that time she had caught that massive boulder with ease, her sheer power putting even his calculations to the test. Weiss glanced over at Rinko, silently acknowledging the shared thought.But for now, they both focused back on the arm-wrestling match, the tension building with each passing second."RAGHHH!" Nora yelled as both of them pushed against each other with all their might, neither willing to give an inch. The table creaked under the pressure, and the room was filled with the sound of straining muscles. Despite their differing builds, both women were locked in a fierce stalemate, neither one seeming to gain the upper hand."Is that all you've got?!" Yang teased, her voice dripping with mock superiority. She flexed her prosthetic arm, pushing harder against Nora's, her grin widening as she taunted her friend."OH, THERE'S STILL MORE!" Nora shot back with a fiery determination, red-faced with effort. Her eyes sparkled with that usual, unrelenting enthusiasm as she dug in, refusing to be beaten.The group around them gasped and cheered, caught up in the drama of it all. Yang and Nora's playful rivalry had everyone on the edge of their seats, the tension thick in the air. The match was no longer just about raw strength, but about pride—who would break first? Would Yang's mechanical advantage be the deciding factor, or would Nora's unrelenting power prove superior?Both Yang and Nora let out strained grunts as they pushed against each other, the force of their effort vibrating through the room."They're gonna break the table," Pyrrha commented, her smirk widening as she watched the two go at it. The intensity in their eyes matched the force of their arms, and it was clear that neither was backing down.Finally, with a burst of effort, Yang pushed Nora's arm down, winning the match with a triumphant smirk.Nora groaned, slumping dramatically in defeat. "Ughh... That thing's strong!" She shot a glare at Yang's prosthetic arm, rubbing her sore wrist. "Guess I underestimated the tech."Yang leaned back, arms crossed triumphantly. "Told ya you'd lose!" Her grin was as wide as ever, and she gave Nora a playful nudge. "Maybe next time, huh?"Nora rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. "Yeah, yeah... You win this round."The room erupted into laughter, the playful energy lifting everyone's spirits. For a moment, it felt like everything was normal again—just a group of friends enjoying each other's company.Rinko, his voice low and teasing, leaned forward with a smirk. "I may have a contender that could rival that tech of yours, Yang."Yang's eyes lit up, her competitive edge reigniting. "Oh yeah?! Bring it on!" she said, cracking her knuckles and raising her prosthetic arm in challenge.Weiss' eyes widened, a mix of amusement and dread crossing her face. "Oh no, this is not going to end well..."Rinko caught her expression and grinned even wider. "Selene?" He said the name like a challenge, his gaze flicking over to the quiet woman who had been watching the whole exchange.There was a brief, heavy silence in the room as Selene met Rinko's gaze. Her usual composed demeanor didn't falter, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes—something playful yet serious."Understood, Master Rinko," she said with a slight nod, knowing the assignment as her voice steady and neutral.The room went silent for a beat as everyone processed what was happening. Then, Nora burst into laughter, clapping her hands in excitement. "Oh, this is gonna be good!"With a mutual nod, Selene and Yang locked hands, both their grips firm and determined."GO!" Nora shouted, her voice filled with anticipation, as the rest of the group watched with bated breath."Go Yang, gooo!" Ruby cheered from behind her sister, her voice high-pitched with excitement."You can do it, Selene!" Jaune's voice rang out from behind the other woman, his tone equally enthusiastic.Yang gritted her teeth, muscles straining as she pushed with all her might, but to her surprise, Selene's hand didn't budge. It was as if Selene was rooted to the ground, unwavering.Selene's face remained as unreadable as ever, her eyes focused and calm, betraying none of the effort it took to resist Yang's strength."Remarkable strength, Selene!" Pyrrha commented, leaning forward with genuine admiration as she observed the contest."This is crazy!" Yang grunted, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Her prosthetic arm hummed faintly, the servos working overtime, but it still didn't give an inch.Selene didn't break a sweat. "I'm sorry, Miss Yang, but it's Master Rinko's orders." Her voice was as calm and composed as always, though her next action was anything but.With a swift, almost effortless motion, Selene used her free hand to adjust her glasses, a casual gesture that only made the scene more surreal. Then, in one fluid motion, she slammed Yang's prosthetic arm to the table with ease."OOOHHH!" The room collectively gasped, except for Rinko and Weiss, who exchanged amused glances, seemingly unsurprised by the outcome.Yang blinked in disbelief, her jaw slightly slack. "What the—?!"Rinko casually leaned back, watching the scene unfold with a bemused expression. "I'd say that's game, Selene.""Wow—just wow!" Yang said, her disbelief quickly morphing into admiration. She smirked, clearly impressed. At that moment, a new layer of respect for Selene washed over everyone."Selene, you did it! I never knew you were this strong!" Ruby exclaimed, her wide eyes sparkling with awe."Yeah! Weiss and Rinko are one lucky bunch!" Jaune added, grinning as he playfully shot a glance toward Rinko and Weiss."Well played, guys!" Pyrrha chimed in, her voice filled with genuine admiration.Ren smiled quietly, nodding in agreement, as if he'd known all along just how formidable Selene could be.Selene adjusted her glasses, giving a small, almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgment.Nora, her eyes still wide with astonishment, leaned forward, a mischievous grin on her face. "Jeez, lady! How much do you bench?"The group burst into laughter, the earlier tension forgotten as they reveled in the camaraderie of the moment. Even Selene couldn't help but crack a small, rare smile at the playful question.[End]