Few Days Later, Police BaseThe hum of old computers and the soft clatter of typing filled the dimly lit room. An officer, slouched in his chair, stretched with a groan, his posture betraying the monotony of another routine day. His eyes remained glued to the screen, fingers lazily tapping at the keyboard as he yawned.The door creaked open, letting in a rush of cool air that carried the faint noise of the bustling streets outside. He barely reacted, not even sparing a glance."What's your concern?" he mumbled, disinterest dripping from his tone as he continued typing.The sharp, deliberate click of heels echoed across the room, breaking the mundane rhythm. Three figures stepped inside: Rinko, Weiss, and Selene. Their presence was magnetic, pulling the attention of everyone nearby, even those lost in their tasks.Rinko's voice, calm yet steeped in authority, cut through the stagnant air like a blade. "We're here to speak with your commanding officer. It's urgent."The officer froze mid-keystroke, his head snapping up as if jolted awake. His weary gaze met Rinko's piercing blue eyes, framed by an air of quiet confidence that left no room for doubt. Weiss stood just behind him, her composed and regal demeanor only amplifying their commanding presence.The officer's breath hitched, his recognition immediate and palpable. His eyes widened, his voice faltering as he stammered, "S-Schnees?!"The hum of the room seemed to fade as the weight of that single word settled over everyone. A heavy silence fell, broken only by the faint rustle of papers as the officer scrambled to his feet, his earlier indifference dissolving into hurried deference.Rinko's reputation had preceded him, casting a long shadow even here in Mistral, far from Atlas's icy borders. The nicknames whispered with awe and wariness painted the image of a man impossible to ignore: The White Devil, Jacques' Bastard Son, and The Hero Among the Students. Tales of his performance during the Vytal Festival Tournament just months prior had spread like wildfire, solidifying his presence in the minds of many across the kingdoms.Yet it wasn't just his accolades or the names that followed him. His connections to his elder sister, Winter Schnee—a Specialist and high-ranking officer within the Atlas Military—cemented his standing in circles both military and civilian. Winter's occasional involvement in joint training exercises with Mistral's forces had already earned her their respect, and by extension, Rinko carried that same authority with him.The officer swallowed hard, his voice unsteady. "I—I'll inform the commander immediately!"Weiss's icy demeanor remained unwavering as she observed the officer's flustered reaction, her presence as commanding as ever. She didn't need to say a word; her mere presence alongside Rinko spoke volumes.Selene, quiet but composed, adjusted her glasses with practiced precision, her sharp gaze scanning the room as if she were already evaluating the situation. Her calm intensity only added to the unspoken pressure that seemed to hang in the air.Rinko stood in the center, his blue eyes steady, his expression unreadable save for the faint trace of a smirk. "Good," he said simply, his tone carrying a weight that left no room for argument.As the officer hurried off to fulfill their request, the rest of the room seemed to hold its collective breath, the trio's commanding aura lingering like an unspoken challenge.Later, Main OfficeRinko and Weiss sat on a sleek leather sofa in the Superintendent's office, their postures formal but composed. Selene stood behind them, her hands clasped neatly in front of her, a silent guardian adding weight to their presence.Superintendent Yami sat at his desk, a solid figure of authority with graying hair and sharp, discerning eyes. The room, though simple, exuded an air of control—filing cabinets packed with reports, medals of service on display, and a faint scent of coffee lingering in the air.Yami cleared his throat, breaking the thick silence that had enveloped the room since their arrival. "Schnees in Mistral. That's not something you see every day." He leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on the desk. "With the borders closing and communications being spotty, I can't help but wonder—what brings you this far from Atlas? What's so urgent that it couldn't wait?"Weiss exchanged a quick glance with Rinko, who gave her a slight nod before leaning forward. His piercing blue eyes met Yami's unflinchingly."The situation here is worse than it looks, Superintendent," Rinko began, his tone calm yet firm. "Huntsmen numbers are dwindling, and yet no one seems to be asking the right questions."Yami raised an eyebrow, his fingers steepling as he listened. "We've noticed the drop in Huntsmen activity, yes, but the reasons are... unclear. Most of them are overworked, others have disappeared entirely. But that still doesnt answered my question; why are you here?"Rinko and Weiss exchanged another glance, a silent exchange of understanding. Weiss leaned forward, her voice steady but carrying an edge of urgency."We're here for your collaboration, Superintendent," she stated firmly."Collaboration?" Yami repeated, his tone laced with skepticism. "With all due respect, Schnee, my officers are already stretched thin. We're dealing with increased crime rates, unrest in the lower districts, and resource shortages. What exactly do you expect from us?"Rinko leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes narrowing slightly, his tone taking on a sharper edge. "I understand your challenges, Superintendent, but there's a deeper reason for your current struggles. Allow me to explain."Reaching into his coat, Rinko pulled out his scroll, tapping its screen a few times before turning it to face Yami. A high-definition image displayed two familiar faces: Mercury Black and Emerald Sustrai."Do you recognize these individuals?" Rinko asked calmly.Yami's expression darkened, his sharp eyes narrowing as he nodded. "Yes, I recognize them. They're internationally wanted criminals—key players in the attack on Beacon Academy.""Exactly," Rinko said, his voice cool and steady. "But here's the part that might interest you more." He zoomed out on the image, revealing a wider shot of Mercury and Emerald walking openly through the upper levels of Mistral.Yami's eyes widened, his face betraying a mix of shock and anger. He leaned forward, studying the image carefully."How recent is this?" Yami demanded, his voice now tinged with urgency.Rinko leaned back slightly, allowing a small smirk to creep across his face. "Judging by your reaction, it seems you understand where I'm going with this. The image was taken less than forty-eight hours ago. These two criminals, notorious for their roles in Beacon's downfall, are not just in Mistral—they're operating in your backyard."The photo was shot by Raven herself.Yami clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "And you're saying they're connected to the escalating problems here?""That's precisely what I'm saying," Rinko replied, his tone unyielding. "Their presence isn't a coincidence. They thrive in chaos, and the unrest you're seeing in the lower districts? That's just the beginning. If we don't act, Mistral's stability will continue to erode."Weiss leaned in, her voice carrying the practiced authority of a Schnee. "Superintendent Yami, this is your chance to not only protect Mistral but to prevent a larger catastrophe. Collaborating with us isn't a risk—it's a necessity."Yami exhaled sharply, his brows furrowing as he processed the weight of Weiss's words. He ran a hand through his graying hair, the room heavy with tension. After a long moment, he leaned back in his chair, his expression resolute."You've got your reasons, I'm sure," Yami finally said, his voice laced with skepticism. "But I can't help but wonder—why are you doing this? You're a Schnee. People in your position don't just throw themselves into something like this."Rinko's expression shifted in an instant. His usual calm demeanor tightened, his fist clenching with barely contained emotion. "Sir," he began, his voice colder now, "they've killed students, children. Innocent lives lost. I've seen it—felt it—up close. The Fall of Beacon, I was there—fighting for everyone and led the students, leading them with the sole purpose of order and survival."The words hung heavy in the air, a sharp edge to Rinko's declaration that left no room for doubt."Ozpin... He's gone, taken from us by these monsters and I'd be a fool if I were to just stand by and let them get away with it."The words hung heavy in the air, a sharp edge to Rinko's declaration that left no room for doubt. The room fell into a thick silence, each individual absorbed by the weight of his words. Even the normally stoic Selene seemed to carry the gravity of Rinko's emotions.Yami sat back, his gaze steady now, no longer dismissive but instead filled with a hard-earned understanding. The resolve in his eyes flickered—faint but undeniable. After a long pause, he spoke again, his voice steady but with a new layer of determination. "All right," he said, his tone more resolute than before. "You've got my attention."The quiet tension in the room began to lift, replaced by the beginning of something far more potent—an unspoken agreement between them, one that would bind them together.Rinko's lips curled into a faint smirk, a glimmer of satisfaction in his sharp blue eyes. "Good," he said. "Then let me make this clearer—those two are just the tip of the iceberg. There are others like them already operating within Mistral, all working toward goals that will only destabilize the kingdom further."Yami's gaze hardened. "You're telling me there's more?""Precisely," Rinko replied. "And I have intel that could expose some of their movements. With your cooperation, we can turn the tide before their plans take root."The conversation stretched for what felt like hours as Rinko laid out his case with precision. He spoke of sightings, patterns in the rising criminal activities, and potential locations where these operatives might be hiding. Weiss supported him, her polished demeanor and strategic insights adding weight to their arguments. Selene remained silent, her imposing presence alone enough to reinforce the gravity of their words.By the end of their discussion, Yami was leaning forward, his elbows on his desk, his eyes sharp and focused. "You've convinced me, Schnee. We'll mobilize. But understand this—we're putting our faith in you. If this intel of yours doesn't pan out—""It will," Rinko interrupted, his voice unwavering. "You'll see."Yami gave a slow nod, then stood, extending a hand. "Very well. The Mistral Police Force is with you."Rinko shook Superintendent Yami's hand firmly, his grip steady and resolute. "You won't regret it."In the end, Rinko had successfully persuaded the head officer of the largest police department in Mistral to align with his cause. This department, strategically located near Haven Academy, was an invaluable ally in the fight that was about to unfold.After the tense but ultimately productive meeting, Rinko, Weiss, and Selene stepped out of the police station into the cool, crisp air. The mountain breeze swept through the streets, cool and refreshing, carrying the scent of pine and the earthy aroma of the surrounding wilderness. The noise of Mistral's bustling city life felt distant here, as if they had stepped into a different world, far removed from the tension of the meeting they'd just had.Weiss adjusted the hem of her dress, her voice breaking the silence. "Well, that went better than I expected."Rinko, his gaze steady and focused as always, nodded in agreement. "We'll need every advantage we can get. This isn't going to be easy."They continued their walk through the vibrant streets of Mistral. The air was thick with the promise of change, of alliances forged in the fires of necessity.Haven Academy, Leo's OfficeLeo, seated behind his cluttered desk, looked up, his surprise evident. "What?! The Fall Maiden?"Qrow, maintaining his usual nonchalance, took a swig from his flask before responding, "Yep. You heard me right."Leo's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "The Fall Maiden... where?"Qrow exchanged a brief look with Ruby and Yang, both standing just behind him. Their faces betrayed no hint of their true intentions, only a carefully practiced calm. Team JNPR stood a few paces away, listening intently, their expressions neutral but watchful. Every word spoken here was part of their plan, and they couldn't afford a single misstep.Qrow activated his scroll, the holographic map illuminating the dim office. A marker blinked over a remote area near Mistral. "Here," he said, his tone sharp and deliberate. "This is where she's been spotted. We need to move fast, Leo. If Salem's forces get to her first, we're screwed."Leo leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied the map. A flicker of something crossed his face—alarm? Anxiety? It was quickly masked with a neutral expression. "I understand the urgency, Qrow," he said, his voice measured, "but we can't just charge in without proper preparation. You know how delicate the situation with the Council is right now. They'll want to approve any large-scale operation like this."Ruby frowned slightly but quickly masked it with a nod. "If that's what it takes," she said, her voice soft and convincing. "The last thing we want is to make things worse."Leo offered her a reassuring smile. "Exactly, Miss Rose. Rushing in could cause more harm than good. Let me speak with the Council and request additional support. If we're going to do this, we need all the Huntsmen we can muster."Yang stepped forward, her tone edging on impatience. "We don't have time to wait on the Council. If we sit around, Salem's forces will—""I understand." Leo interrupted, his tone firm but calm, "I assure you, I understand the stakes. But I can't authorize this without their input. You have my word—I'll make this my top priority."Qrow let out a slow breath, faking resignation. "Fine. You handle the Council, but don't drag your feet, Leo. Time isn't on our side.""Of course," Leo replied, offering a practiced smile. "In the meantime, you should rest. You've all been through a lot. I'll contact you the moment I have approval."The group exchanged subtle glances, their plan unfolding as expected. Leo's stalling tactics were predictable, and they knew he'd use this time to warn Salem's forces. But that was exactly what they wanted—for Leo to believe he was still in control while they worked to rally more Huntsmen behind the scenes.As they left the office, Ruby whispered under her breath to Qrow, "Think he bought it?""Oh, he bought it," Qrow muttered back, his tone laced with quiet amusement. "Hook, line, and sinker."HouseAs the evening settled over Mistral, the warm glow of lanterns illuminated the cozy interior of the house where everyone had gathered. The room buzzed with a mix of relief and anticipation. Rinko's squad had successfully brought the police on their side, a significant step forward in their plans, while Qrow's carefully executed deception had ensured Leo remained distracted, buying them precious time to act.Rinko stood near the window, arms crossed, his sharp blue eyes scanning the distant skyline of Mistral. He exhaled slowly, the weight of the day's events lingering on his shoulders. "The police are with us," he said, breaking the silence. "That's one piece of the puzzle. Now we focus on the next step."Weiss, seated on the plush sofa, sipped her tea with a composed expression. "And thanks to Qrow, Leo's too preoccupied to interfere. He thinks we're putting all our hopes on the Fall Maiden lead."Qrow, lounging in an armchair, smirked and raised his flask. "Always happy to play the bad guy's fool. Let's just hope he doesn't catch on too soon."Ruby leaned against the armrest of the couch, her silver eyes shining with determination. "With the police on our side and Leo distracted, we've got a real shot at pulling this off. But we need to move fast. If Salem's forces figure out what we're doing..."Yang, perched on the edge of the coffee table, cracked her knuckles. "Then we hit them harder than they expect. They've been playing dirty for too long. It's about time someone pushed back."Jaune chimed in from the corner, where Team JNPR was huddled together. "If we can rally the Huntsmen—or anyone, we might actually have a chance."Pyrrha nodded in agreement. "But we have to be careful. One wrong move, and the entire plan could collapse."Selene stood quietly near the door, her gaze fixed on Rinko. "Master Rinko, what's our next step?"Rinko turned, his expression calm but resolute. "We strike while we have the advantage. Tomorrow, we start reaching out to Huntsmen in the surrounding areas. The police will help cover our movements. Every ally we gain is another blow to Salem's plans."The group exchanged determined looks, the weight of their shared mission uniting them. The night was quiet, but beneath that calm, the storm of what lay ahead brewed. There was no turning back now.After their brief meeting, the group began to settle into the house's quiet rhythm. A few minutes later, the comforting aroma of food wafted through the air as Selene and Ren worked side by side in the kitchen.Ren, ever focused, moved with practiced precision as he chopped vegetables and stirred the pot simmering on the stove. His calm demeanor was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions lingering in the house.Selene stood by the open cabinets, scanning the dwindling stock of supplies. Adjusting her glasses, she spoke in her usual matter-of-fact tone. "We're low on spices. Onions, too," she said, closing the cabinet with a soft click that seemed to echo in the quiet kitchen.Ren glanced up from the stove, his brow furrowing slightly. "That's not ideal," he remarked, his voice steady. "We'll need to restock soon if we want to keep everyone fed properly."Selene nodded, her gaze drifting to the scattered ingredients on the counter. Her sharp mind quickly assessed their options. "It's fine," she said after a moment. "I can head out now and pick them up. It's evening, but it's still early enough. Some stores should still be open."Ren's hands paused mid-motion as he stirred the pot. He turned toward her, offering a faint but genuine smile. He acknowledged her strength, so he doesn't really have to worry for her. Ren nodded.She turned and made her way toward the living room. There, Ruby, Yang, Weiss, and Nora were engrossed in a lively board game, their laughter filling the cozy space. Across the room, Rinko sat comfortably in a chair, deeply absorbed in reading Ninja of Love: Volume 10. Jaune and Pyrrha's muffled training sounds echoed faintly from another part of the house.The moment Selene entered, Ruby's sharp eyes caught her movement. "Selene! Where ya going?" she called out, drawing the others' attention.Selene paused, her hands resting lightly at her sides. "I'm just heading out to pick up some ingredients. It won't take long," she explained, her tone calm and straightforward.Ruby frowned slightly, her playful demeanor shifting to concern. "You're going outside alone? Are you sure about that?"Selene offered her a soft, reassuring smile. Before she could respond, Weiss set down her game piece with a sly smirk. "You know," Weiss began, her tone brimming with mischief, "Rinko could go with you."At that, Rinko's head snapped up, his blue eyes narrowing at Weiss over the top of his book. He slowly closed it with a deliberate thud and leveled her with a pointed stare.'Seriously? Just let me read in peace,' Kakashi's voice echoed internally, his irritation palpable.Weiss giggled at his reaction, clearly enjoying the opportunity to poke at him. Selene caught the subtle exchange and raised a brow, her expression both amused and apologetic. "It's okay. I can handle myself, Miss Weiss. But thank you for the consideration—"Weiss cut her off with a dramatic wave of her hand. "Nonsense! Rinko should go with you," she declared with faux seriousness, her smile betraying her true intent.The rest of the group burst into laughter, catching onto Weiss's playful trolling. Even Selene allowed herself a small chuckle, her usually composed demeanor softening.Rinko let out a long sigh, leaning back in his chair. "Fine," he said at last, his tone flat but tinged with resignation. "But if we're going, we're leaving now."Weiss gave him a mock-innocent look. "Oh, thank you, dear brother. How kind of you."Rinko rolled his eyes, standing up and tucking his book under one arm. "Let's just go before someone decides to make this even more of a spectacle."Selene adjusted her glasses, concealing a small smile. "Thank you, Master Rinko. Let's make this quick."Rinko sighed lightly but said nothing, opening the door for her as they stepped into the cool evening air. Behind them, the sound of laughter followed, along with Weiss's triumphant giggles.As the door clicked shut, Nora leaned back on the couch with a wide grin. "Man, Ice Queen over here has thawed significantly over the past few months!" she teased, her voice brimming with playful energy.Ruby burst into laughter. "HAHAHAHAHA, Ice Queen! Classic!"Yang chuckled, shooting Weiss a knowing look. Weiss, meanwhile, rolled her eyes with a small, reluctant smirk tugging at her lips.Nora caught sight of Weiss's rare display of warmth and gasped dramatically. "Oh my gosh, what happened to you while you were gone? Did something actually warm your icy heart?"Weiss crossed her arms, a hint of pink dusting her cheeks. "Hey! You make it sound like I used to be terrible!"Nora waved her off with a mischievous grin. "Meh. You were just... a lot to deal with all at once.""Hmph!" Weiss huffed, her nose in the air. "Let's just finish this board game, shall we? I'm dying to beat every one of you!"Ruby raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk spreading across her face. "Big words, Weiss. Let's see if you can actually back them up.""Yeah," Yang added, cracking her knuckles as she leaned forward, "we'll see who's really queen of this board."Nora cackled, moving her piece with exaggerated flair. "Bring it on, Ice Queen! I'll melt your smug little crown right off!"Weiss's smirk sharpened as she rolled the dice. "Oh, please. You're all about to witness a true display of strategy and brilliance."The friendly banter filled the room as the game continued, laughter echoing in the cozy space and lightening the mood after an otherwise heavy day.Mistral Evening StreetsThe streets of Mistral were alive with the subtle hum of evening activity. Lanterns glowed softly along the winding paths, their warm light casting long shadows against the walls of traditional Mistralian architecture. The faint scent of street food wafted through the air, mingling with the cool mountain breeze.Rinko and Selene strolled side by side in comfortable silence. Rinko's face, however, still bore a slight scowl from Weiss's rare—and, in his opinion, irritating—display of tomfoolery back at the house.Breaking the quiet, Selene glanced at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "Master Rinko," she began gently, "you can always go back to the house. You don't really have to come with me. I can handle this on my own."Rinko's sharp blue eyes flicked toward her, his expression softening slightly. "That may be true, but if anything were to happen, I'd rather be here to deal with it. You're capable, Selene, but I'm not the kind of person to just sit back when there's even a small risk."Selene adjusted her glasses, her smile deepening. "I appreciate that, but you do know this is just a spice run, right? Hardly the stuff of epic battles."Rinko smirked faintly, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. "You'd be surprised how quickly a mundane trip can turn into chaos in our line of work."Selene chuckled softly, the sound light and rare. "Fair point. Let's just hope we don't run into any chaos tonight. I'd like to finish cooking without any detours involving international criminals.""Agreed," Rinko replied, his tone carrying a touch of humor.As they continued down the cobbled streets, Selene glanced at him again, catching the faint traces of annoyance still lingering on his face from Weiss's earlier antics. "You know," she said, her tone teasing now, "You could've just stayed back and finished your book."Rinko smirked again, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. "I'll finish it later. Besides, if you got lost, I'd never hear the end of it from her."Selene chuckled again, shaking her head. "Lost? In Mistral? Master Rinko, I'm more capable than I look.""Oh, I know that," Rinko said, glancing at her with an almost playful glint in his eyes. "But Weiss doesn't. And we both know she'd find a way to blame me anyway."The thought made Selene laugh—a rare, genuine sound that caught even Rinko slightly off guard."Fair point," she admitted, her voice lighter now. "I can picture her scolding you for not escorting me, even if I came back perfectly fine."The two continued down the softly glowing streets, their banter and shared ease momentarily lifting the weight of the missions and responsibilities looming over them.As they reached the shop, the faint aroma of spices greeted them. Selene's eyes lit up slightly as she scanned the shelves, quickly making a mental inventory of what they needed."I'll grab the onions," she said, heading toward a corner."Don't forget the garlic," Rinko called after her, picking up a small jar of peppercorns.Selene returned with a small basket in hand, her eyes briefly flicking over his selection. "Peppercorns? Didn't Ren just restock those last week?""You can never have too much pepper," Rinko replied nonchalantly, earning a slight shake of her head.As they continued browsing the shelves, Selene stopped in front of a display of herbs, picking up a bundle of thyme. She glanced at Rinko, a playful glint in her eye. "Did you ever cook for yourself when you were younger?"Rinko paused, his gaze momentarily distant. The memories of his past life as Kakashi Hatake rushed forward—living alone after his father's death, learning to survive and fend for himself. But there was nothing in those memories about Rinko Schnee's childhood."Nah," he finally said, shaking his head slightly. "But I know how."Selene raised an eyebrow, amused. "Really? Well, I'll take your word for it. What kind of things did you cook?"Rinko smirked faintly, the corners of his lips twitching. "Basic survival food. Nothing fancy. It was about keeping things simple."Selene raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with amusement. "Basic survival food? You live in a mansion."Rinko's eyes widened for a split second, caught off guard by the remark. He quickly recovered, letting out a sigh. "Oh... yeah, I may have lived in a mansion, but I still know how to cook!"Selene grinned, clearly enjoying the rare slip-up. "Well, I guess everyone has their humble beginnings, right?" she teased.Rinko rolled his eyes, though there was a flicker of humor in his gaze. "Heh... Right."Selene stood, holding a small jar of cumin. "Cumin—yes or no?"Rinko glanced at the jar and shrugged. "Sure, why not? But grab the bigger one. I'm not making a second trip here if we run out again."Selene shook her head, amused, and swapped the jar for a larger one. As they moved further into the store, their casual banter flowed easily, as though the past months of tension had never existed.Rinko stretched his back, a slight wince crossing his face as he did so. Selene paused, noticing the subtle movement."My back's a bit sore," Rinko said, his hand instinctively resting on the spot where Selene's blade had once struck him.Selene's eyes flickered to the area but she said nothing, simply nodding in understanding.They continued browsing, the silence comfortable for a moment, before Selene spoke again."By the way," she said, glancing sideways at him, "You've really changed."Rinko paused, meeting her gaze. Her words hung in the air for a moment before he responded, his voice quieter now."The Rinko you tried to kill... He's not the one standing here with you," he said softly. "I've done a lot of things I regret. But I've... changed."He didn't say it outright, but it was clear—the transformation wasn't just from a shift in attitude. It wasn't just about his choices. It was deeper than that.Selene looked at him, a mixture of empathy and understanding in her eyes. "I know. You've truly changed for the better. It's... hard to imagine the person you were before."With Kakashi's mind and soul inhabiting Rinko's body, the man before her was different. Stronger. Wiser. And, despite the past, capable of compassion.Rinko gave a wry smile, though there was an underlying sadness in his eyes. "Maybe it's not so much that I've changed. Maybe I just had to... become who I was meant to be."Selene was silent for a moment, contemplating his words. She didn't know the full truth of what had happened, or what Rinko had gone through, but she knew enough to see how different he was. And for the first time in a long time, she felt like there was someone standing beside her who could understand what it meant to truly change."Well, whatever it is," Selene said after a beat, her voice softer now, "I'm glad you're here."Rinko nodded, his eyes locking with hers for a brief moment before they both turned back to the shelves, resuming their search for the spices they needed. Though they didn't speak it aloud, there was a quiet understanding between them, a shared sense of camaraderie born from their long and complicated journey together.Just as they were about to head to the counter, the door to the shop opened with a soft chime. A young boy stepped in, scanning the aisles, his eyes briefly landing on Rinko and Selene.A sudden, sharp recognition flashed in the boy's eyes—Oscar Pines, though he didn't fully understand why.He was originally there to buy something to eat, but never expected him to be here too.'Rinko Schnee...' A voice echoed in his mind, the sound almost like a whisper, though its weight was undeniable.Oscar froze for a moment, his thoughts racing. 'Rinko Schnee...? You... You know him?''Yes... He's... like me. Or should I say... like us,' came the response, the voice—Ozpin's—calm and steady within his mind.'Like us...?' Oscar thought, his confusion deepening. He felt a strange sense of connection, though he couldn't explain why. Something about Rinko Schnee, the man standing just ahead, seemed familiar, like a thread weaving between past and present.'Make your way over to him,' Ozpin's voice guided gently.Oscar hesitated for a moment, caught between the strange impulse to approach and the uncertainty he felt. Still, the pull was undeniable, and with a quiet nod, he composed himself and took a few careful steps forward.He moved toward the counter, where Rinko and Selene were preparing to check out. His gaze lingered on Rinko for a moment longer than usual, though he couldn't quite put into words what was stirring within him.Rinko and Selene were in the midst of finishing their transaction when Rinko suddenly felt the soft sound of footsteps approaching from behind. Rinko glanced over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow as he caught sight of the young boy standing just behind them, hesitant and unsure.Selene, noticing Rinko's shift in demeanor, glanced up from the counter. She could tell something was different, though she couldn't quite place it. The air between them seemed to tighten with unspoken tension.The boy in front of them looked like he wanted to say something but was clearly unsure of how to approach it. His eyes flicked nervously between Rinko and Selene before he finally spoke, his voice trembling slightly with uncertainty."Uhh... Hi, there... Um... I'm supposed to tell you... How are you, Kakashi Hatake...?" Oscar stammered, his words laced with hesitation and confusion. It was clear that this message hadn't come from him entirely, but from someone else—someone he trusted.The words hit Rinko like a shockwave. For a split second, his eyes widened, and he felt a sharp recognition cut through him, his mind racing to make sense of the boy's strange greeting. Kakashi Hatake. The name, the voice... It was all too familiar. A connection he couldn't quite explain tugged at the edges of his mind.'How does this boy know that name?' Rinko's thoughts whirled.Selene, still confused, glanced at Rinko, trying to catch his attention. The shift in his expression was unlike anything she'd seen before. She could tell something significant was happening, but she couldn't understand what it was.Then, before Oscar could even react, Rinko's eyes locked onto him, and with a sudden burst of recognition, he stepped forward and grabbed the boy's shoulders, his hands tight but not unkind. His voice, laced with a mixture of surprise and delight, cut through the stunned silence."Ozpin?!" Rinko exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder. He couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. "Ozpin, is that you?!"Selene blinked, completely thrown off by the sudden outburst. She had never seen Rinko—Kakashi—react like this. 'Ozpin...?' Selene thought, confusion brewing in her mind."That would be 92 Lien." The cashier said, breaking Selene's thoughts."Ah—yes." She replied, taking out cash as she paid for the spices.After the transaction, she turned to Rinko.His expression was one of genuine joy, something that contrasted sharply with his usual stoic demeanor. She looked at the boy standing before them, still uncertain about what was going on, and then back at Rinko, searching for some sort of explanation.Oscar, meanwhile, seemed completely caught off guard by the intensity of Rinko's reaction. His nerves only deepened as Rinko's hands gripped his shoulders. The young boy could barely find his voice as he hesitated, unsure of how to respond.He opened his mouth, closed it, then nodded once, slowly, as if confirming something in his own mind. "Uh... Y-yeah..." he muttered, his voice shaking. "It's... me."Rinko's smile widened at the confirmation, and a flash of something deeper—something ancient—crossed his eyes. The bond between them, though unexplained, was undeniable. Oscar felt like an echo, like a piece of a past that had been lost but was now returning in some way.Selene stood there, still trying to make sense of the situation. "Kakashi?" she whispered to herself, glancing back at Rinko with growing curiosity. "Who's Kakashi?"But Rinko's attention was entirely on Oscar now, his expression softening as a surge of recognition washed over him. His voice, usually firm and composed, carried an uncharacteristic warmth. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?" he said quietly, as if the weight of memories from another life were catching up with him. "I didn't expect you to find me here... But it's good to see you, Ozpin."Oscar hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowed in uncertainty as he processed Rinko's words. Then, he stepped back slightly, his voice still laced with hesitation. "I—I'm not exactly him right now... You can call me Oscar," he said, his eyes flickering nervously.Rinko's gaze sharpened with understanding, and for a moment, he didn't speak, instead taking a mental note of Oscar's words. 'He's not fully Ozpin, but Ozpin is still in there—watching,' Rinko thought. He couldn't quite explain it, but something about the boy's presence felt like an echo of something far older, something that had been dormant but was now stirring."I see," Rinko said at last, his voice steady, though a hint of something deeper lingered beneath the surface. He released his grip on Oscar's shoulder, offering the boy a small but genuine smile. "It's... good to meet you, Oscar."Oscar, still unsure how to fully navigate this strange encounter, nodded awkwardly, his eyes darting to Selene, who was standing a few paces behind them. She looked just as confused as before, her brows knitted in thought.Rinko noticed the glance but didn't address it, instead motioning toward the door. "We should get going," he said, his tone light, though there was a subtle shift in his demeanor now. Something had changed between them, something unspoken that still hung in the air.With that, Rinko, Oscar, and Selene stepped out of the store together, the quiet hum of Mistral's evening streets enveloping them as they walked into the night. Oscar fell in step with Rinko and Selene, glancing at Rinko every now and then, uncertain of how to break the silence. There was an unspoken understanding between them, an odd bond that neither of them could fully explain, but both felt deep within.As they walked down the dimly lit street, the air seemed to thicken, as though the weight of their pasts—and whatever future lay ahead—was beginning to press down on them, just out of reach of full comprehension."So, Oscar Pines," Rinko began, his smile steady and calm, "what brings you to Mistral?"Oscar hesitated for a moment before responding. "Oh, um... I'm looking for someone named 'Qrow.' I just got here, and I've been searching for him for a few hours now."Selene, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "Qrow, you say? We know exactly where he is."Oscar's eyes widened. "R-really?!" His voice was tinged with hope."Yeah, we're actually staying in the same house," Rinko said, his chuckle light. "I'm sure he'll be as surprised as I am to see you."Oscar let out a small, nervous laugh, scratching the back of his head. "This night just got a lot more bizarre..." he muttered, still processing the strange turn of events.Rinko and Selene exchanged a glance, both silently acknowledging the oddity of their paths crossing like this.[End]