"Ladies and gentleman, are you all ready!?"
The question that boomed out from the sound system that was built into each of Beacon Academy's arenas was answered by a roar of applause and general noise making. Very few of the people watching took any stake in either of the competitors, only being there to see what would no doubt be an entertaining fight and knowing who was fighting, how could it not be?
On one side was Naruto Uzumaki who had begun to make a name for himself at the prestigious academic institution. Many knew him as the carefree and goofy blond who could make a joke out of most anything. There was also a large portion of the male populace, and some of the female students, who envied him for being so close with Pyrrha Nikos.
Despite all that though, many also knew the blond was not one to be messed with. It was proven time and time again in the various battle oriented classes that the blond was a surprisingly genius strategist and was more than capable of holding his own against both Grimm and fellow Huntsmen.
Cardin, while not as seemingly intelligent as his blond opponent, was still the captain of his team and such a position was not so easily gained with people like Ozpin and Glynda being the deciding factors on how teams were formed.
Regardless of who won, the ensuing fight was sure to be entertaining.
The announcer, a nondescript older male student who had volunteered for the job, rallied the crowd of teens with another booming call, "I said! Are! You! READY!?"
The arena near shook from the volume of the applause and shouting the crowd let loose in response. In the observation deck that looked down on both the audience and the actual battlefield, the professors of Beacon sat, watching as their students let out their inner teenager.
Glynda Goodwitch, the stern woman that she was, held a displeased frown on her face. She had been against Ozpin's decision to turn the young Uzumaki and Winchester's "punishment" into a sporting event, but loathe as she was to admit it, Ozpin was her boss and held final say in all matters regarding Beacon and its students, within reason of course.
Ozpin himself stood, leaning against his ever present cane, sipping on his mug of coffee. His face betrayed nothing, his silver orbs trained intently on the, as of now, empty field below.
Many of his staff had questioned his decision to allow something like this to take place, none more vocal in their protests than his old friend and vice-principal, Glynda. Of course many took this as Ozpin's eccentricities rearing their head, but this was far from the truth.
Ozpin was many things, but foolish was not one of them. He was keenly aware of the delicate situation that had consumed the Faunus people. Personally he would love to see the illogical discrimination against Faunus gone, but as the head of Beacon and a key player in Vale and her politics, he knew he could not make his opinions vocal. Not with the White Fang being so prominent at least.
Still he was less than happy with one of his students, a bright and strong Huntress to be at that, being treated in such a manner. He was also less than pleased with the manner in which his own staff members handled the situation, but that was a talk for another time.
If he could he would have actually liked to give young Naruto a pat on the back for acting in defense of a fellow student. Unfortunately due to his position he could not do so and so Ozpin decided to settle for the next best thing, giving the blond enigma the chance to finish what Glynda had stopped.
In this way not only would he allow those who wished to see Cardin get his comeuppance, himself included, see just that, but it would also make it seem like he didn't condone the young Uzumaki's brash actions without actually having to punish said teen. A win-win situation for all really.
Well except for Cardin, but he deserved what was coming to him so that didn't matter really.
"First up is Cardin Winchester, captain of team CRDL (Cardinal)!"
The crowd of teens clapped, though there was no real vigor to it, none either liking the smug looking teen or not wanting to reveal their own prejudices against Faunus.
Despite the lack luster greeting, the tall brunette teen managed to look as cocky as was possible, his weapon, a mace, situated on his shoulder. Garbed in armor that looked reminiscent of the kind worn in the days of the Knights, the teen managed to at least look the part of a warrior.
"His opponent tonight is Naruto Uzumaki, leader of team NNPR!"
:::
Book available to download.
You can now access all my latest crossover stories and exclusive content on Ko-fi! Visit ko-fi.com/queenofkings2000 to dive into new adventures and support my writing journey.
Thank you for your amazing support!