W H I T E // Naruto X Rwby

Chapter 12: Schnee Trial



Morning sunlight streamed through the window as Rinko's alarm buzzed loudly, snapping him awake. He quickly silenced it, rubbing his eyes as he sat up in bed, blinking at the unfamiliar surroundings of his new dorm room. After a moment of gathering his thoughts, he swung his legs over the side and got to his feet.
He moved through his morning routine swiftly—brushing his teeth, washing his face, and tidying up his bed. The cold water helped clear away the remnants of sleep, sharpening his senses for the day ahead. He changed into a fresh set of clothes, opting for something more suited for the early morning exercise he had planned.
Stepping outside the dormitory, Rinko inhaled deeply, the crisp morning air filling his lungs. The campus was already buzzing with activity. He wasn't the only one with the idea of jogging at dawn; several students were scattered around, some stretching, others already running along the paths.
He joined in, setting a steady pace as his feet hit the ground rhythmically. Despite being new, Rinko felt a sense of calm as he jogged around the grounds, taking in the serene beauty of Beacon Academy in the morning light. It was a different kind of tranquility from the Schnee estate—a freedom that came with his own choices and his own mission.
As he passed a few familiar faces from the day before, he gave a polite nod, silently observing their movements, behaviors, and the camaraderie that seemed to come naturally to the other students.
"Focus," Rinko reminded himself once again as he continued his workout routine. After completing a few minutes of cardio, he transitioned smoothly into stretching, loosening up his arms and legs before getting down into a pushup position.
He powered through a set of regular pushups before switching to more advanced variations—Archer pushups, one-handed pushups, and diamond pushups. His body strained with each rep, muscles burning, but he kept going, pushing himself harder with every set.
Some of the students passing by gave him curious glances, but Rinko paid them no mind. He wasn't here for attention. He was here to get stronger, both for himself and for the mission ahead. Each pushup, each drop of sweat, brought him closer to the strength he needed to find his father and protect his sister.
After several rounds, his arms trembled from the effort, and he felt himself hit his limit. Finally, Rinko allowed himself a brief rest, collapsing onto the grass as he caught his breath. The morning sun had fully risen by now, casting a golden glow over Beacon Academy, and for a moment, he let the peaceful atmosphere wash over him.
But there was no time to relax. He still had a long day ahead.
"It's time to go back," he muttered to himself, shaking off the last remnants of his workout. Rinko got to his feet, took a few moments to cool down, and started making his way back to the dormitory. He felt refreshed, but his mind was sharp, focusing on the challenges that lay ahead. He knew that Beacon was just the beginning of his journey.
After a long, invigorating shower, he emerged feeling like a new person. As he dried off and dressed, he noticed a notification from his scroll on the table. Curious, he quickly tidied up his area and reached for it.
It was from Ozpin. The series of tests were ready. Rinko hadn't expected them to come so soon, but he couldn't afford to falter now. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come, and left his room.
After some time of walking, Kakashi turned at the corner, the dorm right next to his dorm opened.
"Ruby, you better be prepared for our presentation later! Professor Port won't be happy if you keep stuttering when speaking in front of the class!"
The voice belonged to Weiss, her tone half-teasing, half-serious.
"Yeah, I know! I practiced all night! Don't worry about me, Weiss!" Ruby replied, her voice bright and somewhat anxious.
"Sis, don't overthink it! It's funny when you report!" Yang chimed in, clearly enjoying the moment.
"Not funny, Yang!" Weiss retorted, exasperation lacing her words.
Unbeknownst to Kakashi, Weiss' and her team's dorm are just right next to his.
By the time Team RWBY went out, Kakashi was already heading towards where Ozpin sent his coordinates..
To his office.
Ozpin's Office
Rinko arrived at Ozpin's office, his mind shifting back to the task at hand. The doors creaked open as he stepped inside, finding the headmaster already waiting, his ever-present mug of coffee resting on the desk. The atmosphere in the room was heavy with purpose, and Rinko could feel the weight of what was about to begin.
"Mr. Schnee," Ozpin began, his voice smooth but firm. "I trust you are ready for the trials ahead."
"I am," Rinko replied, his voice steady, his eyes locked on Ozpin.
Ozpin smiled faintly, his eyes glinting with that familiar mysteriousness. "Then let us begin with your first challenge: the Cerebral Test."
Cerebral Challenge
Basically, the Cerebral test is just a knowledge test.
Without further explanation, Ozpin motioned toward a nearby device. The room shifted, and the walls around Rinko seemed to melt away, revealing a large circular arena filled with various puzzles and artifacts.
Rinko felt a tingling sensation at the back of his neck. He was now standing in a simulated environment—a space where his intellect, problem-solving abilities, and strategic thinking would be tested.
"This test," Ozpin's voice echoed from seemingly nowhere, "is designed to assess how well you can think under pressure. You'll face several puzzles, but remember, the answers aren't always straightforward."
Rinko glanced around, assessing his surroundings. The first challenge was clear: a set of symbols engraved on the floor, each one glowing faintly. In the distance, a gate barred his path. He needed to figure out the correct sequence to unlock it.
He knelt down, studying the symbols. Grimm runes, old and complex. His mind raced, pulling from his knowledge of history and Grimm patterns. Slowly, he began tracing the connections between the symbols, noticing subtle patterns in the glow.
With precise movements, he activated the correct sequence, the gate opening with a low rumble.
From there, the puzzles increased in complexity—riddles that tested not only his knowledge but his ability to stay calm under the pressure of time.
One required him to manipulate elements using only his scroll to access obscure pieces of lore about the Grimm. Another demanded quick mental arithmetic while illusions of Grimm closed in around him.
He passed those challenges with flying colours.
Finally, the last challenge appeared: a test of moral clarity. A projection of Beacon stood before him, under attack by Grimm. But within this illusion, Rinko was given a choice—save a team of Huntsmen classmates in danger or stop the destruction of the school.
He hesitated for a brief moment, the weight of the choice pressing down on him. But when he saw Weiss among the Huntsmen students in peril, his decision became clear.
At one point, a Beowolf lunged at Weiss, nearly overwhelming her. But before it could land a blow, Rinko appeared in a blur, delivering a powerful kick that sent the Beowolf flying. Weiss blinked, startled, but quickly recovered, nodding her thanks as they continued the fight side by side.
As the final Grimm fell, the simulation froze, and the environment around them faded away, leaving only silence.
Ozpin's voice returned, calm yet thoughtful. "Interesting choice, Mr. Schnee. Can you tell me why you made this choice?"
Rinko paused, turning to face Ozpin. His expression was serious, his eyes filled with conviction.
"Breaking the rules makes you scum," he began, his voice steady, he turned to Ozpin, "But leaving your friends behind... Is worse than scum."
The words were a quote, something deeply ingrained in him from his past—a lesson he had learned from Obito, one that shaped his beliefs to this day.
"..."
Ozpin regarded him for a moment, a smile slowly forming on his lips.
Ozpin didn't reply immediately, allowing the silence to settle between them. Finally, he nodded. "You have passed the first test. Congratulations."
Rinko exhaled softly, knowing that this was only the beginning. The trials would continue, and he would face even greater challenges ahead. But for now, he passed the first hurdle—and that was enough.
Emerald Forest
The dense wilderness of the Emerald Forest stretched endlessly before Rinko, the trees casting long, ominous shadows. Ozpin's voice echoed in his mind:
"Retrieve the artifact hidden deep within the forest, and remember, this test is not only about combat, but about your ability to survive and strategize. You will have to rely on your wit, not just your strength."
Rinko adjusted his backpack, which contained only the bare essentials—some food, a canteen, and a few basic tools.
His weapon rested at his side, but he knew that charging headfirst into battle wouldn't be enough to complete this test.
It was just a short sword, similar of his Father's sword in his past life. The White Fang of the Leaf.
The artifact lay somewhere deep in Grimm territory, and the forest was thick with dangers, both seen and unseen.
He had to be smarter than that.
As he entered the forest, the silence was unnerving. The rustle of leaves underfoot was the only sound that accompanied him.
The deeper he ventured, the more his senses heightened, and soon, he began to notice the subtle signs of Grimm presence—claw marks on trees, disturbed dirt on the ground. He crouched down, studying the tracks.
"Beowolves," he muttered to himself. "And a lot of them."
He wasn't going to fight them all; that would be suicide. Instead, he carefully jumped from tree to tree, his slim figure managed to slip through the Grimm unnoticed.
"This isn't about brute force. Think. Outsmart them."
Hours had passed, and every step Rinko took through the forest was deliberate, measured. He had encountered countless threats along the way—traps of nature, roaming Beowolves, and the omnipresent sense of being hunted by unseen eyes.
His muscles ached from constantly being on guard, and his breath was shallow, but his mind remained sharp. He couldn't afford to lose focus now.
Finally, after hours of navigating the dense wilderness, dodging ambushes, and using every bit of tactical knowledge he possessed, Rinko reached the artifact's location.
The mountainside loomed before him, jagged and steep, and there it was—embedded in the rock. A glowing crystal, pulsing with an ethereal light, its soft hum resonating in the still air.
"There you are," Rinko muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. His eyes locked onto the artifact, but as his hand inched closer to claim it, a low, menacing growl echoed from behind him.
He froze, his instincts screaming danger. Slowly, he turned his head, eyes narrowing as he saw it—a lone Alpha Beowolf, its hulking form emerging from the shadows, red eyes gleaming with malice.
The tension in the air was thick, like the calm before a storm. The creature's gaze flickered between Rinko and the crystal, as if it too understood the value of what lay before them.
"Of course," Rinko sighed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's never easy, is it?"
The Beowolf snarled, muscles coiling, and then it lunged. Rinko's reflexes kicked in, his body moving on instinct. He dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the creature's deadly claws as they sliced into the stone where he had just stood. The force of the impact sent shards of rock flying.
Rolling to his feet, Rinko glanced back at the crystal, realizing he had only seconds to make a decision.
Fighting the Alpha head-on wasn't an option—its size and strength far outweighed his. He needed to outthink it, fast.
His eyes darted to the rock ledge above the Beowolf, and in a flash of inspiration, he grabbed a sharp rock from the ground.
With pinpoint accuracy, he hurled the stone at the ledge, striking it hard. The brittle rock cracked, sending a cascade of loose stones tumbling down onto the Alpha Beowolf's head.
The beast howled in confusion as the debris struck it, momentarily stunned. Rinko seized the opportunity, sprinting toward the crystal.
His fingers wrapped around the artifact and, as soon as he touched it, a surge of power pulsed through him. The hum grew louder, vibrating in sync with his heartbeat.
But there was no time to admire the crystal. The Alpha Beowolf had already recovered, its roar echoing through the mountains as it shook off the stones. Rinko tightened his grip on the artifact and dashed back down the path, adrenaline flooding his system.
As he ran, smaller Beowolves began emerging from the trees, drawn by the commotion.
Their red eyes locked onto him, and they started to close in, snarling as they flanked him on both sides. Rinko's pace quickened, his mind racing as he dodged their strikes, weaving between the trees with agility and precision. He could hear the heavy footsteps of the Alpha not far behind him.
'Not good,' he thought grimly, glancing over his shoulder. The Alpha Beowolf had joined the pack, leading the charge, its massive form barreling through the underbrush like a freight train.
Ahead of him, a narrow cave came into view. It wasn't much, but it was something. His slim build would allow him to squeeze through, while the larger Beowolves would struggle to follow. It was his only option.
Without hesitation, Rinko leapt toward the cave entrance, twisting his body mid-air to fit into the tight opening. He landed inside with a soft thud, immediately pushing himself deeper into the darkness.
Just as he expected, the Beowolves slammed into the entrance behind him, snarling in frustration as their massive forms struggled to fit through the narrow gap.
They clumped together, claws scraping the stone walls in a desperate attempt to reach him.
Rinko watched them for a moment, his breath steadying. The Grimm were relentless, their hands swiping at the cave's entrance, trying in vain to claw their way inside.
Their eyes burned with fury and hunger, but they couldn't breach the barrier between them.
He let out a slow, controlled breath, his mind assessing the situation. He was safe for now, but this wasn't over. The cave was a temporary refuge, and the Alpha Beowolf was smart—it wouldn't give up easily. But at least, for the moment, he had bought himself time.
"Persistent, aren't you?" Rinko muttered, watching the Beowolves continue their futile attempts to force their way into the cave.
The snarls and growls of the Grimm echoed through the narrow opening, their frustration clear, but Rinko remained calm. His eyes narrowed as he calculated his next move, analyzing every detail. He wasn't out of the woods yet, but at least he had a temporary edge.
With the glowing artifact in hand, its ethereal light cast long shadows against the cave walls, Rinko ventured deeper inside.
The path ahead was uneven, jagged rocks lining the upward slope. He used the crystal as a makeshift torch, its light illuminating the way as the incline steepened. The soft hum of the artifact reverberated through the stone, a constant reminder of its power.
Glancing back one final time at the snarling beasts, Rinko smirked faintly, feeling a surge of confidence. The Grimm were powerful, but they lacked intelligence.
They were animals, driven purely by instinct. His advantage was his mind, and he planned to use it.
As he climbed higher, the cave narrowed until it became a vertical passage, just wide enough for him to climb. He wedged his hands and feet into the rocky crevices, using his agility to pull himself upward.
Sweat dripped down his face, his muscles burning from the effort, but he pressed on, determined.
Minutes later, he emerged from the hole above the cave's entrance, his body aching but his spirit resolute. He crouched at the edge, peering down at the Beowolves still clawing uselessly at the narrow gap below. They hadn't noticed him yet, their attention entirely focused on the cave entrance.
Rinko surveyed his surroundings, his sharp gaze quickly locking onto a large tree just ahead. Its sturdy branches stretched out, offering a perfect path forward. Without hesitation, he crouched low, calculating the distance.
In one fluid motion, he leaped from the rock, his hands reaching for the nearest branch. His fingers gripped the rough bark tightly as he swung himself up, landing silently on the thick branch.
He glanced back once more at the Grimm below. Still clueless.
"Sorry, not today," he whispered, turning his attention back to the forest ahead. There was no time to waste. With the artifact secured and the Grimm temporarily thwarted, he needed to keep moving.
Rinko moved swiftly through the treetops, leaping from branch to branch with the ease of a seasoned Huntsman. His slim build allowed him to navigate the dense canopy without much effort, and the higher vantage point gave him a clearer view of the terrain ahead.
The forest stretched out endlessly before him, but he knew he was close to completing this part of the test. Ozpin's words echoed in his mind:
'It's not just about survival, but how you adapt under pressure, how you use the world around you to your advantage.'
Rinko smirked. He was doing just that.
As he moved, the eerie silence of the forest settled in once again, but Rinko's mind remained sharp. Every sound, every rustle of leaves was analyzed and assessed. He couldn't afford to drop his guard now.
The Alpha Beowolf may have been delayed, but it wasn't far behind. The Grimm never gave up easily, but Rinko had gained enough of a lead to make his escape. He pressed forward, the glowing artifact still clenched tightly in his hand, as he leapt from tree to tree, the dark canopy of the forest thinning ahead.
Finally, after what felt like hours of tense survival, he emerged from the dense wilderness, his body battered, clothing torn, and exhaustion gnawing at his limbs. But he was victorious. He had the artifact.
Standing at the edge of the woods, waiting with his usual calm and composed expression, was none other than Ozpin.
His sharp eyes tracked Rinko's approach, betraying no surprise. It was as though he had expected the young Huntsman to succeed all along.
Rinko stumbled forward, catching his breath as he approached Ozpin. The artifact's soft glow flickered in his hand, casting eerie shadows across the forest floor.
"You retrieved the artifact," Ozpin remarked, his tone even, though there was an undertone of approval in his words. "Well done, Mr. Schnee."
Rinko gave a small nod, still catching his breath. "It wasn't easy," he said, wiping a bit of sweat from his forehead. "But I made it out."
Ozpin regarded him carefully, folding his hands behind his back. "Tell me," he continued, his voice thoughtful, "how did you find the experience? What did you learn?"
Rinko exhaled deeply, reflecting on the grueling journey through the forest. "The Grimm... they're relentless, but predictable," he said slowly. "You can use their instincts against them if you stay calm and think ahead. And the forest—it's a tool if you know how to use it."
Ozpin gave a slight nod, clearly pleased with Rinko's response. "Indeed, adaptation is key," he remarked, his voice carrying a tone of approval. "You displayed quick thinking and resourcefulness under pressure—two traits essential to any Huntsman."
Rinko, still catching his breath, silently acknowledged the praise. These were skills he had honed long before, back in his days as an Anbu.
The forest trial had felt like familiar ground—a test of both physical and mental endurance, much like the missions that had once defined his life.
"You must remember, Rinko," Ozpin went on, "the Grimm are not your only enemies here." His eyes, sharp and discerning, met Rinko's. "In the world of Huntsmen, you will face trials where brute force alone won't carry you through. There will be moments when your strength will fail you, when the path forward seems impossible."
Rinko remained silent, absorbing the words.
"In those moments," Ozpin continued, "you must be clever. You must think on your feet, use the resources around you, and adapt to survive. Huntsmen are not only warriors—they are protectors, strategists, and survivors. This test was designed to reveal not just your physical strength, but your capacity to endure when faced with impossible odds."
Rinko straightened up, feeling the weight of Ozpin's words. The physical toll of the trial was one thing, but the real challenge had been keeping his mind sharp despite the dangers lurking around every corner.
"I understand," Rinko replied. "But... what about the Alpha? It's still out there."
Ozpin's gaze turned toward the dark forest behind them. "The Alpha Beowolf is a test you may face again in the future," he said cryptically. "But for now, your task is complete. Return to Beacon, and recover your strength. We will discuss the next phase of your training soon."
Rinko nodded once more, glancing back at the forest where the Beowolf still prowled. This was only the beginning, and he knew more challenges awaited him.
But for now, he had passed. And that was enough.
[End]


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