The pair walked through the woods, remaining on the paved footpath before them. The two continued in conversation with one another for a couple hours, waving through topics such as Sekiro's endeavours in pursuit of the Immortal blade, to stories of how Isshin kicked the Great Shinobi Owl's ass once in a fight deriving from alcohol.

"You fought dishonourably, Wolf, just as I expected".

"Didn't you… pull a gun on me?"

"Ha! Victory by any means, Sekiro. I recall you utilizing a dozen shuriken. It was only fair that I reveal a ranged weapon of my own."

"Fairness? That spear was anything but fair... I don't recall it's usage anywhere in the Ashina texts."

The Sword Saint let out a small laugh, "Yes, I've only ever revealed such a weapon to the foes most worthy during my younger years. Ah, the last time I'd wielded it was against that senile sculptor."

Senile? You are one to talk. He didn't express the thought.

"The same one at the temple, on the outskirts of Ashina castle?" He questioned.

"Yes… The same one," the old man replied, eyes drooped "he was known as the Orangutang Shinobi, for he donned an orange robe, and was as agile as a monkey. He'd have thrown his excrement if he had been one, for the blasted man utilised every underhanded trick in the book. Went for my eyes, threw sand, feigned surrender despite aiming a dagger in my neck a moment later" he spat, a smile tugging the edges of his lips.

Sekiro knew the delight of such a tactic. It would've gotten him too, but he had known of the Owl's use of such tricks beforehand.

"For all my years of combat, never have I encountered such a dishonourable foe!" he exclaimed, "Even amongst the Shinobi's, they were tame compared to the fearsome Orangutang. However, it was admirable. The need to achieve victory by any means necessary… I can respect that."

The sword saint looked towards Sekiro once more, "and imagine my delight when you fought the same way. Hmmph. You were like the spitting image of the man. Thank goodness you did not follow the same footsteps."

"You mentioned this before". Sekiro recalled his conversations over Sake with the man, one which talked of Shura. He also recalled the same thoughts from his disciple; Emma.

She was never a woman that was good at hiding secrets, it seemed. Talks of demons from both master and disciple? Shura was undoubtedly a threat, one which he was not aware of, one that could not be beaten with the blade of his own, but humanity. And he'd seen the likes of someone losing their humanity, succumbing to rage, pure hatred. The sculptor.

I should have known... The many seals littered on the walls of the temple, the many Buddha to seal his rage. When the siege on Ashina castle went way, and ammunition found the temple, the burning of the seals proved enough to release his rage.

"His hatred was similar to yours."

"Those who go on killing will eventually become Shura. They don't even remember why. Simply enraptured; they kill solely for the joy it brings them...I see it in your eyes too. The shadow of Shura" he said, pausing for a moment, sullen yet focused eyes glared at the Wolf, "Give me cause, and I will kill you. It would do you well to remember that".

The threat of being overcome by the demon was no longer. But the old man's diagnosis surprised him… Hatred? Yes… Perhaps that was the feeling he held in all those years.

Witnessing the severed head of his father on the spikes of his home.

Watching his mother being cut apart, body defiled by the soldiers of the warring clans in his young years.

Years of obedience to his surrogate father. Failure towards his Lord. And to add to that, the hatred he felt towards the enemies that have slain him, fuelling the fire even more. Dying time and time again. It was was a great boon, as to how fast he garnered knowledge in battle… how to evade devastating attacks, how to see an opponents move five steps ahead, but it was also a great curse for the implications on his wrath.

Their conversation drifted to silence not solely due to contemplation, but for unannounced noise. It resembled the crushing branches and leaves. An average person would not have heard such movement, for their footpath was also cluttered, but their keen sense of hearing, forged by the experience of battle alerted them.

The footpath was narrow, fit for three-persons side to side, the Wolf noting that this would be a perfect ambush, for one could not see past the many trees and bushes.

Sekiro's hand was placed on Kusabimaru's sheath, his thumb extended forward. A breadth of Iron shone from the sheath, letting out a silent hiss of metal.

The two remained as still as water, in anticipation for an encroaching enemy. Twigs snapped to their left, and a great roar emerged, alerting their presence to a blackened beast charging through the shrubbery.

The wolf-like creature sailed through the air, swiping downwards with both paws towards the old man next to him.

Its claws did not meet Isshin, not at all, for its front limbs were severed before it even touched the ground. Sekiro barely witnessed the second mortal blade of Isshin's being drawn, a testament to how quick he was.

The beast writhed in agony as it was grounded, flailing on the ground. The creature let out screams of pain, akin to a whining dog, soon dissipating, as Isshin lodged his blade into its back, leaving black motes in the air.

"Pathetic…" the old man spat, as he sheathed his blade, "you'd think such a beast of that size would pose at least a hint of strength".

"Your definition of weak would likely be vastly different to the normal person, Isshin," Sekiro remarked, glancing around, still weary more enemies. It seemed to be clear after a moment of watch "but if you desire a fight, it seems we have some work cut out for us."

While this world was different to Japan, it seemed that creatures willing to kill were still apparent, and conflict was ever so present, for embers of flames flew towards their directions, smoke and ash invading their sense of smell... It was a familiar scent, one he detested much so.

The Sword Saint let out a small chuckle in anticipation as they crept out of the forests, spotting the source of the smoke; fires wrapped around the massive settlement, with wooden walls, and spikes, as if to fend off not human, but larger foes.

Bodies were littered outside, the path most likely leading to another settlement lay ridden with dead bodies, the remains impaled, slashed, decapitated and… chewed?

Not a moment was spared thereafter, as the pair dashed through a gap in the fortifications, with the flames leaving holes in the wood structure for an entry route.

The two sprinted through the village, heads glancing upwards and noting the strange structures made out of immaculate stone and brick, fitting for a different world. The context did not dictate an architectural analysis, however, and the pair rushed towards the screams afar.

As they approached the main town square, dozens of black beasts roamed throughout in between the buildings.

The threat of a dozen beasts afar didn't draw their attention, however.

A horrifying scream was let out by a woman a dozen metres away, clutching a child in her hands.

Sekiro saw it many times. Innocents slain in the crossfire of conflict between warring clans. Usually, a shinobi didn't take sides or save the innocents; however, this wasn't a war between clans; it was one between people and beasts.

And as far as definitions went, he was no longer a shinobi of the Iron Code and wasn't so apathetic to ignore a life that could've been saved.

Sekiro tightly gripped the hilt of Kusabimaru, gritting his teeth in anger at the hateful foe before him. The One-Armed Wolf angled himself downwards in an instance, pushing himself with tremendous force off the ground beneath him towards the wolf-like creature. His blade struck the animal's forearms, piercing through the fur and skin. It let out a screech.

Sekiro, in its moments of pain, placed his leg on its forearms, leaping upwards and delivering a swift deathblow upon his descent, lodging Kusabimaru in the neck of the beast.

He twisted the blade, and as if pulling a lever, dislodged the head off the blackened wolf.

There was no mercy or hesitation in his strike, with the remnants of the creature resembling the works of an expert butchery, showing for a slight second before dissolving into the ground beneath him.

Sekiro looked towards Isshin, already amidst conflict with a dozen creatures, a mix of wolves and boar-like creatures. He was expertly controlling the field with no trouble, most likely toying with the pack. There was no concern for him. His interest lay elsewhere.

"Are you alright"?

"Y-yes… thank you, thank you" she replied, looking towards the dirt below, holding her child before her tightly as the boy whimpered; no more than the age of three. Such an execution would be traumatic, she seemed to calm down after a moment, releasing the tight grip, reassured by the man's presence.

"You're a huntsman, aren't you"? She questioned,

Huntsman? Perhaps a class of warriors, similar to Samurai?

"Yes".

"Thank goodness" she relaxed and exhaled slowly.

"Let's get you out of here."

"No..." she exclaimed, "Survivors. The-there… they've all evacuated to the town hall," she gestured behind him, towards the great cloud of smoke. No, it was green smoke. Unnaturally green resembling a smoke flare. "the big building, near the middle".

"There's a team of huntsman and militiamen there already. I-I think it's safe".

He doubted that, but if the fighting force were situated by the town hall, it would be safer than venturing into the woodlands again, if the trail of dead outside the exits was any signal.

Even then, he couldn't leave this devastated town. Time was of the essence, and he couldn't deliver the mother and child before him to safety, and get to the town hall in time to do the same.

It was a gamble.

"Alright", he said after a few moments of contemplation, "stay close by, don't run away. I won't be able to help you if you're afar".

Sekiro jogged slowly, as to not distance himself too far from his slower escorts.

Isshin seemed to be finished, surrounded by six beasts before deciding he'd had enough, grasping an object beneath him, emerging a spear from his robes. He jumped backwards in evasion, swiping horizontally in a swift, great strike, tearing through the creatures with ease.

The Shinobi usually acted alone, however having aid in the form of Isshin Ashina was something he could get used to.

The man in question turned towards him.

"What news do you bring, compassionate Wolf"?

"The town hall, where the green smoke is holds survivors and other fighters" he replied.

"Lead the way, Wolf", gesturing towards the two before him "I'll stay close behind and cull those who seek to harm them".

Chaos… he thought. It was just as it was in Kuroyuri, destroyed buildings, and fearful survivors. He could not… Would not let such a massacre happen again; it was the reason why he'd decided to become a huntsman, to protect innocents from the Grimm.

Yet here he was, amid battle, slaying Grimm all alike; however, he felt as if his efforts were moot.

His feelings of inadequacy were pulled away, as he evaded the claws of a swiping Beowulf, jumping over and slicing its neck all while pumping a hail of bullets in its body. He moved onto the next target, maneuvering closer to Professor Port and Nora who seemed to be having more trouble with the waves of boarbatusks and an Ursa as opposed to Pyrrha and Jaune, guarding the main entrance to the town hall from stragglers, just barely managing.

The creatures did not seem to stop. His eyes widened, and his heart dropped as an Ursa Major joined the fray, tearing through the blockade of fire towards Jaune's flank.

"No!" He shouted, "Pyrrha, Jaune, to your left!"

The two shared a nod of acknowledgement and automatically prepared for the attack on the call alone. Such a quick response. It was a testament to how far they've come as a team. However, teamwork would not help them here, it seemed. Their team could not simultaneously handle a horde of Grimm, and an Ursa major alone.

Teamwork could not prevail as it had before.

There was a pause of nothingness in his mind, a subconscious use of his semblance as helplessness attempted to cloud his mind. A plead escaped him… and it was answered to his surprise.

It came in the form of a devastating attack from the Ursa Major's rear, an orange figure colliding with the Ursa with great force, leaping off its hind legs, slashing downwards as gravity took its effect on the man.

The Ursa flailed in agony, and anger in response to the man, swiping backwards.

The orange figure expertly redirected the great claws, delivering a swift strike in response to the ligaments on the back of the beast's hind legs, severing the muscles. He exploited the staggered state, lodging a blade in its neck, an axe that emerged from his left arm, severing the beast in mere moments.

Before he could even process how quick the elder Grimm was disposed of, he bore witness to the old man, donning an immensely large spear. He dashed quickly to Nora and Professor Port, faster than even Ruby herself, and substantially reduced the horde of Grimm to a sizeable amount with devastating sweeping attacks, expertly thrusting, and pulling back, utilizing the blades nearing the tip to deliver a backside blow on the unfortunate creatures.

Ren snapped out of his stupor, helping Pyrrha and Jaune finish off the Grimm by the town hall entrance. It seemed to be clear, and the three quickly rushed to where the remaining Grimm was.

He looked at his scroll and noted that his aura was in the red. No matter. This wouldn't take long.

It didn't take too long at all. With most efforts being taken care of. The Grimm were quickly disposed of, thanks to the help of the two men who came with a lady and child in need of safety.

After their immediate checks on the populace of Eilor, medicinal supply deliveries, his team, along with their Professor aiding them on their first mission walked towards the two.

Their professor stroked his chin as he walked up, "Not bad, I daresay, you two did well. Not as good as me, of course!" he let out a boisterous laugh.

Of course… You'd think after a close battle like that, professor Port would be more… well… less like Port. It wasn't as if he was a bad Huntsman, his age was a testament to how experienced he was, and no student could compare to him. It's just that when you compared the man to the strangers before himself, there wasn't much that could be said at all.

The two fought unlike any other, with the speed and strength that was most likely unmatched by even the top Huntsman. He'd seen Ruby Rose tear through a pack of Grimm in mere seconds with her semblance, however the old man, and likely his son before him would do the same in mere milliseconds.

It was art, and Ren had enough knowledge in martial arts to recognise such skill. Is this the top class of Huntsman?

"Of course" the old man responded, releasing a smile, and laughing along with Port.

He took note of the large scar to the left of his eye. It seemed he was no stranger to combat.

Ren acknowledged the strange attire he had, for he wore a strange helmet, similar to Mistralian origins, however unlike anything he'd seen. He also noted the lower half of his strange attire, blue cloth surrounded the man, leaving a generous amount of skin for show.

Strange, but then again, it wasn't as if his attire was anything conventional.

"We were glad to be of assistance," the younger man said in correspondence. His attire was more practical, donning an orange robe over his sufficiently armoured body. He noticed the obvious, his left arm, holding wicked contraptions, it was prosthetic he'd never seen the likes of before.

Usually, it would be mechanical, thanks to the Atlas tech, but this was more… deadly?

Despite its lack of technological components, it was more than sufficient he mused.

"T-thanks," the blonde leader beside him said, "you really saved our butts out there".

Ren internally sighed for Jaune… even after training, becoming a good combatant, and already being a great leader, his confidence hasn't improved at all. We'd have to change that. Without threatening to break his leg, he shared a glare to Nora as she'd suggested before.

"Yes. We are truly thankful. We wouldn't have been able to save most of the villagers if you hadn't assisted us" Pyrrha injected, seeing Jaune's state of unease. Ever the diplomat, recognising unfavourable social cues. I guess it comes naturally, no doubt she'd been to a fair amount of political gatherings.

"Yeah! You were like, swish-splat and he-yahhhhh!" Nora said, making fantastical gestures not seeing Jaune's state of unease at all, and just being… Nora.

"Yes, your help was greatly appreciated," he bowed, "thank you".

"It is no problem. We have you to thanks for safely gathering the villagers and sending off that flare" the younger man said, arms extended towards the team.

That was Jaune's doing, off to his side he could feel the beaming. It was a good decision, he thought, one he wouldn't have thought of amid battle. Jaune was good at that, having a clear, tactical mind. Hopefu-

His thoughts were interrupted by the Bullhead's propellors drawing closer, louder than before. A dozen appeared, resembling specks, enlargening as they closed the distance.

It was their ticket home, as well as the survivors. They couldn't live in this place any longer. It was destroyed, just like Kuroyuri.

But at least they were alive. That was all that counted.

"As much as I'd like to converse," the professor interrupted "we've got a mission."

They all nodded, in preparation for assisting the wounded, and directing those who were uninjured.

"And you two," Port glanced to "excuse me, I haven't offered the manners to ask your name. I am Peter Port of Beacon Academy, and this is team JNPR".

"I am Sekiro" the younger man stated

"Isshin Ashina", the older man replied, bowing to the Huntsman.

"Well then, Sekiro and Isshin, would you like an escort to the city of Vale, we can hash out monetary compensation for your efforts, be assured. No doubt you'd like to leave this devastated settlement"?

"I would appreciate your help" he replied.

Sekiro did not know to what he agreed to, but he was not opposed to being paid for his efforts despite his actions being based on a desire to help innocents only. He was keen to visit this city; however, wanting to learn more about this land, Huntsman, as they so called themselves, glancing to the team of children before him.

And Isshin. Well. Perhaps there'd be alcohol in this city 'Vale'.

What could go wrong?

Author's review replies:

PardonMySkillz chapter 2

so... what combat arts will be present?

Hmm... everything you'd expect after a full playthrough tbh. I don't really have a list of them and arts such as shadowrush will be replaced by pure speed and agility, as It's sort of hard to write in combat arts.

Both Sekiro and Isshin's feats won't be as distinguishable in the game as it is in my writing, however, they'll be present nonetheless.

For example:

Ichimonji combat art -

'the rad sword dude used ichimonji strike on the temple of this madlad who dared approached him' will be replaced by 'Sekiro delivered a debilitating strike from overhead, with enough force to shatter the tempered steel before him. Another strike was delivered in the same motion, piercing through the aura of the unfortunate opponent, rendering him immobile in just two strokes of the blade.'

Marco Geddes chapter 2

I love the premise so far, with both Sekiro and Isshin in the work of RWBY. Yoooo, I could just imagine both of them messing shit up, I'm so hyped! Just reading about when isshin goes full boss mode would be sooo cool along with seeing sekiro having a boss mode to maybe? He certainly is like playing like a boss with his revives and how he can switch weapons and art at a moment's notice. Anyway you got me as a follower, good luck writing!

Thanks for your feedback, I'm glad you're enjoying it. And yeah, of course, Sekiro will be getting some highlights, and I can't wait to write in prosthetic weaponry in addition.

He won't be getting revived though, he's severed the ties of immortality right now, so the threat of death is present.

Author's notes:

I know I said I'll be busy with University, however, it seems that I can get in an hour or two of writing every day which is great. Another chapter, another adventure with these two. Hope you enjoyed.

And on another note. Sekiro and Isshin are from Japan. They're not speaking Japanese here for the sole fact that it's convenient lmao.

I would NOT enjoy writing a translation arc, and plus I did English VAs for my playthrough so it's fine (don't me)

How hilarious would it be if they just spoke to them in English, expressing their thanks and they're just like "Nan-to iimashita ka?"

And just a heads up -There'll be a couple of days break, maybe even a week between chapters as I'm aiming for 5-7k word count each chapter.

There'll most likely be no chapter this week or next week though, as I am preparing for a law exam.

Thanks for reading!