Beacon Academy was alive with activity as students trained, studied, and prepared for their futures as Huntsmen and Huntresses. Among them, Team RWBY and Team JNPR walked through the halls, still buzzing with excitement after their first Gunpla battle the previous week. Each member now had their own Gunpla and a GP Base, granting them access to the battle system. Today, they were heading to the GBSC to officially test their machines in combat.
Excitement and Anticipation
"I can't wait to try it out! The weapons, the movement, the customizations—there are so many options!" Ruby gushed, practically vibrating with excitement.
Yang chuckled and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Easy there, sis. I'm excited too. After seeing Vomit Boy put on a show, I want to test my Gunpla against his." She smirked, nudging Jaune, who was busy trying not to succumb to motion sickness.
Jaune groaned. "Can we not talk about battle while I'm trying to keep my breakfast down?"
As the group boarded a Bullhead bound for Vale, Weiss crossed her arms, her businesslike demeanor slipping into the conversation. "I'm more interested in those 'Plavsky Particles' we saw during our first battle. There's something… unique about them."
Blake arched a brow. "You just want to find out if they can be used for profit, don't you?"
Weiss was about to argue, but Ruby quickly intervened. "Alright, alright! We're all curious, but let's focus on what matters—fighting!"
"Yeah!" Nora cheered, raising a fist in agreement.
---
Arriving at the store, the group was greeted by Kazuma, who led them to an elevator. The team, minus Jaune, exchanged confused glances as the elevator descended.
"Well, I know you're all eager to start fighting," Kazuma said, pressing a button for the lower floors. "But first, since I didn't give you a proper orientation last time, we'll go over the basics before jumping into battle."
Groans of disappointment filled the elevator, except from Weiss and Ren, who seemed intrigued. The doors opened to reveal a futuristic-looking room with a glass observation window, a cafeteria-style seating area with floating chairs, and a massive screen displaying the store's logo. At the center of the room, Alina stood waiting at her station.
The group took their seats as Kazuma began the presentation.
Gunpla 101: Kazuma Ichigo's Presentation
The cafeteria-style seating area of the GBSC was dimly lit, the only bright source of illumination coming from the massive screen at the front of the room. It was a state-of-the-art display, built not just for videos but for interactive presentations, capable of rendering 3D models and animations in real-time.
Seated in the front row were Team JNPR and RWBY, some looking eager, some confused, and one already struggling to stay awake.
Kazuma Ichigo stood confidently before them, his arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his face. Jaune Arc, seated near the front, already had an inkling of what was coming. He had done his research, after all. But the rest of his team? They were about to be introduced to a world of plastic models, customization, and high-speed battles unlike anything they had ever seen.
Kazuma cleared his throat and tapped on a sleek control panel beside him.
"Alright, rookies. Welcome to your crash course on Gunpla."
The screen flared to life, displaying the word GUNPLA in bold, stylized letters. Below it, an image of the RX-78-2 Gundam spun slowly, showcasing its detailed plastic parts and panel lining.
"First thing's first: What is Gunpla?" Kazuma began, gesturing toward the image. "It's short for 'Gundam Plastic Model.' These are highly customizable model kits based on Mobile Suits from the legendary Gundam franchise. You build them, you paint them, and if you're feeling bold, you battle with them in a system called Gunpla Battle."
A simple animation played on the screen, showing the step-by-step building process of a model kit. The plastic runners detached into individual parts, snapped together to form a mobile suit, and then were detailed with markers and decals.
At the back, Yang let out a small yawn, her eyelids already drooping. Ruby, on the other hand, was on the edge of her seat, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Whoa! So you're telling me these things aren't just models? You can actually fight with them?" she asked eagerly.
Kazuma chuckled. "That's right. In Gunpla Battle, these models aren't just for display—they become real combat units thanks to Plavsky Particles, which allow them to move just like in the anime."
The screen shifted, showing an animated Gunpla battle, featuring a custom Gundam dodging laser fire, drawing a beam saber, and clashing against an enemy Mobile Suit. The animation was so fluid and lifelike that it felt like they were watching real combat footage.
"Of course," Kazuma continued, "building a Gunpla isn't just about putting pieces together. You have to customize it to match your style. That means choosing the right Mobile Suit base, weapons, and even paint jobs. The more effort you put into your Gunpla, the better it will perform in battle."
The screen now displayed different customization options: weapon modifications, added armor, and unique color schemes.
Weiss, arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "So it's not just about fighting? There's an artistic element to it as well?"
Kazuma nodded. "Exactly. Some people enjoy collecting and displaying Gunpla rather than battling with them. Others prefer heavy modifications, adding custom weapons, new parts, and even entirely original designs. It's all about creativity."
At the back, Yang's head dipped slightly, her breathing slowing as she leaned back in her seat. Blake glanced at her with a small smirk before returning her attention to the screen.
Kazuma then pointed to Jaune. "Arc here already knows the basics, but for the rest of you, I'm going to give you a proper introduction to the Gundam universe."
The screen shifted again, displaying an epic montage of iconic Mobile Suits:
The RX-78-2 Gundam, standing tall against a backdrop of space.
The Zaku II, its mono-eye glowing menacingly.
The Wing Gundam, its wings spread out in a battle-ready stance.
The Strike Gundam, wielding a massive sword.
The Unicorn Gundam, glowing with its NT-D system activated.
"The Gundam franchise is vast," Kazuma explained. "It started in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam, but since then, it has expanded into countless universes—each with different stories, different factions, and, most importantly, different Mobile Suits."
The montage continued, showcasing famous battles, tragic moments, and legendary duels from across the Gundam timeline.
Nora leaned forward, wide-eyed. "So you're telling me there are entire universes based on giant robots fighting in space? And we get to build our own versions?"
Kazuma smirked. "Now you're getting it."
A small snore came from the back.
Everyone turned to look at Yang, who had completely dozed off, her head resting on her crossed arms. A quiet giggle came from Ruby, while Weiss sighed in mild exasperation. Blake simply gave a knowing shake of her head.
Kazuma sighed and tapped the screen, causing a loud explosion sound effect to blast through the room.
"Huh—wha—?!" Yang jolted awake, eyes wide as she quickly sat up, blinking in confusion. "We under attack!?"
Kazuma smirked. "Glad to have you back with us, Yang. You wouldn't want to miss the next part: an introduction to Gunpla battle mechanics."
Yang groaned, rubbing her face. "Ugh, I swear if this is another long lecture—"
The screen flickered, displaying a 3D battlefield simulation of a Gunpla fight. Two Mobile Suits soared through space, dodging beams and engaging in melee combat.
Kazuma grinned. "Oh, don't worry. This next part? It's all about action."
And with that, the real fun was about to begin.
Gunpla Battle Initiation
After the orientation—where Yang notably dozed off—the team made their way to their designated battle stations, placing their GP Bases into the consoles. Each pilot positioned their Gunpla before the GP Projector.
Gunpla Battle Combat Mode: Start Up!
Model Damage Level: Set to C.
Beginning Plavsky Particle Dispersal.
Field 1: Space.
As the battlefield projected around them, the team found themselves in the vast emptiness of space, surrounded by floating asteroids. For most of them, the concept of zero gravity was entirely new.
"Oh my Oum!" Ruby gasped. "Look at all the stars! This is amazing!"
A pop-up screen appeared, showing Jaune's smirking face. "Yeah, that was my reaction the first time too. The battlefield changes every match."
A second screen opened, showing a flustered Yang. "Uhhh… I think I made a mistake."
"What's wrong?" Ruby asked.
Yang hesitated before answering. "I might regret making my Gunpla mostly melee-based…"
The team watched as Yang's Solar Blaze Gundam bounced off asteroids every time she activated her thrusters, earning laughter from Ruby and Nora, amused chuckles from Pyrrha and Jaune, and even smirks from Weiss, Ren, and Blake.
"Hey! It's not funny! My puns are supposed to be funny, not this!"
Weiss rolled her eyes. "Perhaps if you had paid attention during the orientation instead of sleeping, you wouldn't be struggling right now."
"Yeah, yeah, my bad. Someone help me out here?"
A jetpack suddenly appeared in front of Yang, its color scheme immediately familiar.
"Hop on," Blake's voice came through the comms. She maneuvered her Hellcat Gundam next to Yang's unit, offering support.
With a thankful nod, Yang grabbed onto the jetpack, stabilizing her movement.
Kazuma's voice chimed in through the battle system. "Now that you're all adjusted to space combat, let's go over your mission. You're currently positioned within an asteroid belt. Your objective is to intercept an enemy fleet consisting of an Agamemnon-class carrier, two Zamouth Nada-class battleships, and multiple Mock units—unmanned enemy suits. Your mission is to prevent them from delivering a prototype mobile weapon."
A holographic map appeared on their screens, showing their positions as white dots and the incoming enemy ships as red dots.
"This is an ambush mission," Pyrrha noted.
"Correct. You have five minutes to plan your attack before the enemy arrives. Model Damage Level is set to C, so while you can fight aggressively, stay vigilant. Good luck."
The screen disappeared, leaving the team to strategize. After a moment, all eyes turned to Jaune.
Jaune sighed. "Alright, fine. Here's the plan…"
---
The Battle Begins
As the enemy fleet entered the asteroid belt, a barrage of beam fire erupted from the rocky terrain. Explosions tore through the incoming Mocks as Death Rose, Asgard, Hellcat, and Rōtasu charged into the fray, while Schneesturm and Solar Blaze moved to intercept.
"Now's our time to shine, guys!" Ruby shouted.
"Let's break some legs!" Nora cackled.
The battlefield erupted into chaos as the two teams engaged the enemy forces. Pyrrha and Jaune worked together to push a massive asteroid into the carrier's launch bay, blocking reinforcements.
"Now that's one way to keep them shut," Jaune said.
But before they could celebrate, a massive yellow beam shot through the battlefield, obliterating the asteroid and forcing the team to scatter.
"What was that!?" Pyrrha gasped.
Jaune's expression turned serious. "Everyone, take cover behind the asteroids—now!"
A hulking Mobile Armor emerged from the wreckage—a Dendrobium. Its heavy missile pods, long-barreled beam cannon, and massive size dwarfed their Gunpla.
"What is that?" Ruby asked.
Jaune tightened his grip on the controls. "That's not a Mobile Suit. That's a Mobile Armor. And trust me… it's bad news."
The Dendrobium's missile pods began to open.
"Plan, fearless leader?" Yang asked.
Jaune smirked. "You're really not gonna like it."
---
Outside the battle, Kazuma watched the fight unfold on a monitor, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"Heh… No wonder you're such a good leader, Jaune."
Just then, the elevator behind him dinged. The doors slid open, revealing a new arrival.
Kazuma turned slightly, grinning. "Well now… wasn't expecting you to show up."
---
To Be Continued...
---
Omake 1: Yang's Space Troubles—Extended Version
As Yang struggled with her melee-focused Solar Blaze Gundam in zero gravity, she continued bouncing off asteroids like a pinball.
"Okay, this is getting ridiculous!" she grumbled as her Gunpla ricocheted off yet another asteroid, spinning wildly.
On the comms, Nora burst into laughter. "Yang! You're like a shooting star! Make a wish, everybody!"
Ruby, holding back her own laughter, offered some advice. "Try using your verniers to counter the movement!"
"Yeah, sure! Lemme just—WOAH!" Yang fired her thrusters, only to send herself hurtling in the opposite direction, barely missing Blake's Hellcat Gundam.
Blake sighed. "This is why you shouldn't sleep through training."
Meanwhile, Jaune—already used to space combat—watched the chaos unfold and muttered, "You know… I'm actually feeling better about my own piloting skills now."
---
Omake 2: Weiss's Gunpla Gets 'Refinements'
After their first battle, Weiss examined her Schneesturm Gundam, adjusting minor details with precise brush strokes.
"Schneesturm is already an elegant masterpiece, but there is always room for refinement," she mused.
That's when Ruby snuck up behind her. "Ohhh, Weiss~ What if you gave it a cute little cape? Or—OH!—what about a tiara?"
Weiss glared. "Ruby, Gunpla customization is a delicate art. This is not a child's plaything."
"Well, I think it'd look cool with bunny ears," Nora chimed in, suddenly appearing.
Weiss turned to argue, only to find Jaune nodding in agreement. "Actually, a cape could work if it functions as extra armor plating—like the Crossbone Gundam's ABC Mantle."
Weiss paused, eyes narrowing as she considered it. "...Alright. Maybe a functional cape. But absolutely no bunny ears!"
Nora and Ruby shared a knowing smirk.
---
Omake 3: Ren's Unexpected Hobby
While everyone else focused on customizing their Gunpla for combat, Ren sat quietly in a corner, working diligently on his own Gunpla.
Curious, Pyrrha walked over. "What are you working on, Ren?"
Ren turned his Gunpla around, revealing a perfectly detailed, beautifully painted, non-combat display model of the MG Sazabi Ver. Ka.
The room went silent.
"Wait, you're not even using that in battle?!" Yang exclaimed.
Ren calmly placed a final decal on the model. "Gunpla is about more than just fighting. The artistry and craftsmanship are equally important."
Kazuma, passing by, gave an approving nod. "Respect."
Jaune leaned in. "So, uh… how long did that take you?"
Ren took a sip of his tea. "Seventy-two hours. Give or take."
Weiss, seeing the perfectly panel-lined and expertly weathered Gunpla, muttered under her breath, "Okay… I hate to admit it, but that's impressive."
Ruby, meanwhile, was still stuck on one thing. "Ren… when do you even sleep?"
Ren simply smiled.
---
Omake 4: Ruby vs. The Stickers
Back at the GBSC, Ruby was attempting to apply decals to her Gunpla, the Death Rose.
"Okay, just gotta… line it up… and—AGH!" The tiny sticker folded in on itself.
Blake, passing by, glanced at Ruby's struggle. "Why don't you use tweezers?"
"I am using tweezers!" Ruby whined, holding up the minuscule tool in frustration. "This is a NIGHTMARE!"
Kazuma smirked from behind the counter. "Welcome to the true test of patience: Gunpla stickers."
Two hours later, Ruby had successfully placed a single decal… only to realize it was slightly crooked.
The entire store heard her agonized scream.
---
Omake 5: Jaune's 'Inspirational' Speech Goes Wrong
As the team prepared for their next Gunpla battle, Jaune, fully embracing his role as strategist, tried to rally the group.
"Alright, everyone! Remember, we fight together, we cover each other's weaknesses, and we—"
Mid-speech, a pop-up alert appeared in front of him:
"Connection Error: Your GP Base has Disconnected. Please Reinsert the GP Base."
Everyone turned to stare as Jaune fumbled with the device. "Uh… w-wait a sec! I got this!"
Yang cackled. "Oh man, way to kill the momentum, Fearless Leader!"
Weiss sighed. "And here I thought we were about to have a serious strategy meeting."
Jaune groaned. "Just—just give me a second! I swear this never happens!"
The team collectively lost it.
---