The GBSC was quiet now. The battle simulation had long ended, and the energy of Team RWBY and JNPR had faded into the night along with their desperate rush to beat curfew.
Kazuma Ichigo stood with his arms crossed, leaning casually against the counter as he watched the last few status reports from the battle flicker on the holographic screen. Meijin Kawaguchi stood beside him, his posture ever composed, the faintest hint of a smirk playing at his lips.
"You did well with them," Meijin finally said, his voice carrying its usual cool authority.
Kazuma snorted, turning toward him with a lazy smirk. "Oh? And here I thought you were the one giving them the real lesson today."
Meijin exhaled softly. "You laid the foundation. I simply showed them what awaited at the top." He paused, glancing at the now-empty battle pods. "They have potential. If they continue to grow, they may become true Gunpla Fighters someday."
Kazuma chuckled. "Coming from the Meijin, that's basically high praise."
"Hm." Meijin crossed his arms. "Still, I should thank you for allowing me to join in their training. It's rare to see fresh fighters with such untapped talent. It was… entertaining."
Kazuma raised an eyebrow. "Entertaining, huh? Pretty sure you enjoyed wiping the floor with them."
Meijin smirked. "Perhaps. But even I must admit, there's something exhilarating about seeing a new generation learn and adapt."
Kazuma shook his head, grinning. "You really are a Gunpla nerd, y'know that?"
Meijin closed his eyes briefly. "And you are not?"
Kazuma let out a hearty laugh. "Alright, fair point."
A brief silence settled between them, one of mutual respect and understanding. Then, Meijin turned toward the exit, his coat flowing behind him as he stepped forward.
"I'll be watching their progress," he said over his shoulder. "And yours, Kazuma."
Kazuma smirked. "Same here, Meijin."
With that, Meijin Kawaguchi exited the store, his silhouette vanishing into the night.
Kazuma exhaled, rubbing the back of his head.
"Man… those kids have no idea what they're in for."
And with that, he turned back toward the battle arena, already thinking about the next step in their journey.
---
Beacon Academy hadn't changed—but Team RWBY and JNPR had.
Ever since their experience at the GBSC, something was different. Their daily routines, their training, even the way they approached battle—all of it had shifted. Gunpla Battles weren't just games to them anymore. They were tests of skill, strategy, and discipline. Lessons from Meijin Kawaguchi and Kazuma had seeped into their real combat training, and it showed.
Jaune stood at the front of the training room, arms crossed as he analyzed the sparring match between his teammates. Pyrrha and Ren were locked in a fierce exchange, while Nora watched with an eager grin, waiting for her turn.
Before, Jaune would have hesitated to give directions. He second-guessed himself constantly.
Not anymore.
"Pyrrha, switch to a defensive stance for a moment. Ren, try adjusting your footwork—you're favoring your right too much," he instructed, his voice steady and confident.
Ren paused mid-strike but quickly adjusted, shifting his weight evenly. Pyrrha nodded, stepping back to defend.
Jaune's mind worked differently now. In the Gunpla Battle, he had learned the cost of hesitation. He had seen how even the smallest delay could endanger his team. Here, in real combat, it was the same.
Pyrrha smiled at him. "You're getting sharper, Jaune."
Jaune smirked. "I had a good teacher."
Ruby sprinted through the hallways of Beacon, her usual blur of motion. But something had changed—she wasn't just moving fast.
She was calculating her movements.
Training with Death Rose Gundam had shown her the dangers of being too flashy. She had wasted time on unnecessary flourishes, and Meijin Kawaguchi's critique had stuck with her.
She came to a stop in front of Professor Port's classroom, landing lightly without skidding. Yang, who had been walking up normally, raised an eyebrow.
"You didn't nearly crash into the wall this time," Yang teased.
Ruby grinned. "Yeah. I figured out that speed's only as good as how you use it."
Yang chuckled. "Huh. Took you long enough."
During combat class, Weiss found herself analyzing opponents differently.
As she faced off against Cardin Winchester, she didn't just focus on overpowering him. Instead, she assessed his fighting style, looking for weaknesses the same way she had done in Gunpla Battles.
Cardin swung his mace—predictable. Weiss sidestepped easily, then countered with a well-placed rapier strike that sent him stumbling.
From the sidelines, Blake nodded approvingly. "She's fighting smarter."
Weiss smirked. "Confidence is key, after all."
Blake's biggest flaw had been hesitation. The Gunpla Battle had made her realize that fighting to survive wasn't enough—she had to fight to win.
During a team exercise, Blake found herself surrounded by multiple training drones. Before, she would have waited, dodged, looked for an escape.
This time, she attacked first.
With precise, decisive strikes, she cut through the drones in rapid succession. No hesitation. No fear.
Yang, watching from the side, whistled. "Looks like someone finally flipped the switch."
Blake sheathed her weapon. "I just stopped holding back."
Yang had always fought with raw aggression. But after Meijin's words, she realized that passion without control was reckless.
Sparring against Nora, she focused not just on attacking but on precise, measured strikes. When Nora swung her hammer wildly, Yang sidestepped instead of blocking head-on, using her momentum against her.
Nora blinked as she stumbled back. "Whoa. You're not just swinging like crazy anymore."
Yang smirked. "Turns out, fighting smart is just as fun as fighting hard."
Ren had been too rigid—Nora had been too chaotic. The Gunpla Battle had shown them both their flaws.
Now, as they fought together in the training hall, they worked in sync. Ren adjusted more fluidly, reacting instead of over-planning. Nora timed her strikes better, not just relying on brute force.
Jaune, watching them, smiled. "They're finally balancing each other out."
Pyrrha nodded. "They're learning."
The sun was setting over Beacon as the two teams gathered in the courtyard.
"Crazy how much we've changed," Ruby mused.
"Yeah," Jaune agreed. "We went to a shop to play Gunpla… and ended up learning way more than we expected."
Blake nodded. "Tactics, control, confidence… all of it carried over to real combat."
Weiss crossed her arms, smirking. "Meijin was right. Victory isn't mastery."
Yang stretched. "Guess that just means we gotta keep getting better."
As the stars began to twinkle in the sky, the two teams stood together, more united, stronger, and wiser than before.
---
Beacon Academy was no stranger to students improving over time. But in the case of Team RWBY and Team JNPR, the change was swift, precise, and undeniable.
Professor Ozpin, a man not easily surprised, had been observing them for weeks. Their combat performances had grown more refined, their teamwork more synchronized, and—perhaps most notably—their hesitation and recklessness had lessened significantly.
Even outside of battle, their academic performance had subtly improved. Jaune Arc, once struggling in both leadership and tactics, was demonstrating a newfound confidence in both his studies and strategic planning. Ruby Rose, known for her energetic but often unpolished fighting style, had become more composed, balancing her natural speed with control.
The changes hadn't gone unnoticed by Professor Glynda Goodwitch either.
During a training session, she stood with arms crossed, keenly watching as Weiss Schnee dueled Blake Belladonna in a sparring match. Unlike before, Weiss didn't rely solely on textbook techniques—she was adapting. Blake, too, had become more decisive, committing to attacks rather than simply evading.
"They're improving," Goodwitch noted, adjusting her glasses.
Ozpin sipped his ever-present coffee. "Indeed."
Goodwitch's eyes narrowed. "But this level of improvement in such a short time is unusual, even for them."
Ozpin nodded thoughtfully. "Which is why I intend to find out the cause."
---
Later that evening, both teams sat together in the Beacon cafeteria, laughing and sharing stories of the day.
"Man," Yang stretched her arms. "That sparring match today was wild! Weiss, you actually let loose for once."
Weiss huffed. "I wasn't 'holding back' before. I was strategizing."
Blake smirked. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."
Across the table, Jaune, Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora were discussing tactics from their last combat class.
Jaune leaned forward. "I'm just saying, if we had gone with a split formation against the Atlesian Knights, we could've baited them into a crossfire."
Pyrrha nodded. "Your tactical thinking has gotten sharper, Jaune. You've been making calls faster, and they're paying off."
Ren added, "Your confidence in leading us has solidified."
Jaune rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Guess I just started seeing things differently."
It was then that a familiar voice interrupted them.
"A fascinating conversation."
The table fell silent as Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch approached.
Weiss immediately straightened. "Headmaster Ozpin!"
Ruby nearly choked on her drink. "W-What's up, Professor?"
Ozpin smiled, ever calm. "No need to be so tense, Miss Rose. I was merely curious." He took a small sip of coffee before continuing. "I have been observing both teams over the past few weeks. The rate at which you've all improved is… noteworthy."
Goodwitch's piercing gaze swept over them. "Your combat skills, academic performances, and tactical thinking have improved significantly. More than would be expected from simple training."
Jaune felt a bead of sweat form. "Uh… well, we have been practicing a lot."
Ozpin's smile didn't fade. "That much is clear. But the manner in which you've improved suggests something more."
Ruby and Jaune exchanged a glance.
Blake spoke first. "We… had a unique experience that made us see things differently."
Ozpin's eyebrows raised slightly. "Oh?"
Weiss nodded. "It was unconventional, but we learned a lot from it."
Nora grinned. "And it was super fun!"
Ozpin chuckled. "A lesson that is both educational and enjoyable? That is rare."
Goodwitch remained skeptical. "Would you care to elaborate?"
For a moment, the teams hesitated. Explaining Gunpla Battles to the headmaster of Beacon Academy felt strange. Would he understand? Would he approve?
Jaune finally spoke.
"It was a different kind of battle," he admitted. "One that forced us to think about our weaknesses, our strengths, and how we work as a team. We weren't just fighting—we were learning."
Ozpin studied them carefully, his expression unreadable. Then, after a moment, he simply nodded.
"Fascinating." He took another sip of coffee. "Whatever this experience was, it has certainly benefited you all. I encourage you to continue… learning from it."
Goodwitch, though still slightly skeptical, sighed. "So long as it does not interfere with your actual training at Beacon."
The teams exchanged knowing smiles.
"Of course, Professor," Pyrrha said politely.
Ozpin turned to leave but paused. "One last thing."
They all looked at him.
"Whatever you've discovered… don't stop." His smile was subtle but knowing. "Growth comes in many forms. Who am I to stand in the way of progress?"
And with that, he and Goodwitch walked away, leaving the teams relieved yet excited.
Jaune exhaled. "That could've gone way worse."
Yang grinned. "I think Ozpin knows something. He's just playing it cool."
Ruby nodded. "Maybe… but at least we don't have to hide it."
Weiss crossed her arms. "Either way, we keep improving. That's what matters."
Jaune smirked. "Agreed."
As the sun set over Beacon, Team RWBY and JNPR knew one thing for certain—it was only just begun the unavoidable.
---
Inside Beacon Academy's surveillance room, Professor Ozpin stood with his usual calm demeanor, sipping his coffee. Beside him, Professor Glynda Goodwitch adjusted her glasses as she analyzed the footage on the screen before them.
The CCTV footage, taken from Vale's commercial district, displayed something peculiar.
The timestamp showed Team RWBY and Team JNPR entering a seemingly ordinary hobby shop. The GBSC, as the sign read, looked no different from any other model kit or toy shop.
However, what caught Goodwitch's attention wasn't the store itself—it was what happened inside. Or rather, what didn't happen.
The store's interior was completely obscured, the footage inexplicably blurring out anything beyond the entrance. Even with Beacon's advanced security enhancements, no details could be extracted from within.
"This is… unusual," Goodwitch muttered. "I've never encountered a feed distortion like this before."
Ozpin hummed thoughtfully. "Indeed. The footage is intact up until they step inside, but the moment the doors close behind them—"
"The recording fails," Goodwitch finished. "But not due to any signal loss. It's as if something is deliberately preventing any observation from outside."
The most bizarre part, however, was when the students exited the store hours later.
They all held small, unknown devices—rectangular bases with a circular scanner in the center. Each one seemed custom-colored for its respective user.
"These devices…" Goodwitch narrowed her eyes. "I've never seen anything like them."
The footage showed Ruby excitedly talking about something while holding the red device, Weiss inspecting hers carefully, and Jaune handling his with an unusually confident expression.
"Their improvement began after they started visiting this store," Ozpin observed. "And those devices appear to play a role in it."
Goodwitch crossed her arms. "Are we certain this isn't some form of advanced training equipment?"
Ozpin shook his head. "If it were, I would have known. This is something else."
He turned to her with a calm but firm expression.
"I believe it's time we paid this store a visit."
---
Later that afternoon, Ozpin and Goodwitch made their way through Vale's bustling streets. The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden light over the commercial district.
Despite his composed exterior, Ozpin was intrigued.
Beacon Academy had trained Huntsmen and Huntresses for generations. Their methods were effective, tested, and refined over time. Yet here were two teams of students improving at an unnatural rate—all because of a store with an untraceable interior and devices that didn't exist in any official database.
After a short walk, they arrived.
The GBSC stood before them, its neon-lit sign flickering slightly, displaying various Gunpla models in the window. From the outside, it looked completely ordinary.
Yet something about it felt off.
Goodwitch frowned. "It appears to be a simple hobby shop."
Ozpin took a sip of his coffee. "Appearances can be deceiving."
With that, they stepped forward—
And the doors slid open with an eerie smoothness.
The moment they entered, a subtle shift in the atmosphere was felt. It was as if they had passed through an invisible barrier, stepping into a space not quite aligned with the outside world.
The air felt charged, as if filled with energy, and the sound of distant battles—mechanical clashes, explosions, and rapid movements—could be faintly heard, yet no visible source existed.
The store interior was nothing like they expected.
Towering shelves displayed intricately designed mecha models, some assembled and posed dynamically, others still sealed in their packaging. The walls were lined with promotional posters showcasing different machines—each from different universes, yet seamlessly blended together.
And at the center of the store, multiple large battle stations flickered with holographic displays.
Ozpin's eyes narrowed as he spotted a familiar set of students—Team RWBY and Team JNPR—deep in concentration, each holding their mysterious devices entering to an elevator.
In front of them, a video of miniature mechs fought against each other with astonishing fluidity, their movements too complex for simple machines.
Goodwitch stared. "What… is this?"
Before they could step closer, a new voice interrupted.
"Well, well."
From behind the counter, a young man with scraggly raven hair and a casual yet confident demeanor leaned forward. His sharp brown eyes studied them with amusement.
"You must be the ones watching the students."
Ozpin and Goodwitch turned to face him.
Kazuma Ichigo smirked.
"Welcome to the world of Gunpla Battle."
---
Meanwhile an hour ago, Kazuma Ichigo leaned back in his chair behind the counter of GBSC (Gunpla Battle Shop Company), arms crossed behind his head, watching as another satisfied customer left with a fresh Gunpla kit. The chime of the automatic door echoed softly before sealing shut, leaving the shop momentarily quiet.
It had been a good day for business. Profits were up, the shelves were well-stocked, and the battle stations had been occupied almost non-stop.
However, Kazuma wasn't a fool.
He could feel it.
The Beacon Academy Headmaster and his ever-watchful assistant would come soon.
It was only a matter of time.
He smirked to himself. "They must be really curious now."
Still, until they arrived, Kazuma had a business to run.
---
The store bustled with activity. Customers came and went, some eager to get their hands on the latest Gunpla kits, while others were here to test their skills in battle.
A group of first-time players had gathered around one of the battle stations, holding their GP Bases awkwardly. Kazuma had to guide them through the process, smirking at their amazed expressions when their Gunpla came to life on the battlefield.
"Alright, listen up!" he called out, arms crossed. "This isn't just a game. Your Gunpla is an extension of yourself. You built it, you control it, and in battle, every flaw in your craftsmanship or strategy will be exposed."
One of the newbies, a cocky teen, scoffed. "Tch, how hard can it be?"
He barely lasted thirty seconds in his first battle.
Kazuma chuckled as the kid groaned, watching his Gunpla explode into digital dust. "See what I mean?"
---
Of course, not every customer was a pleasure to deal with.
"Hey! This kit is missing a piece!"
Kazuma sighed as a disgruntled man slammed a Gunpla box onto the counter.
"Are you sure?" Kazuma asked, flipping open the box to inspect the contents. "Sometimes, the runners look weird in the packaging—"
"It's missing, alright?! I demand a refund!"
Kazuma rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright, let me check." He grabbed a spare parts manual, running through the inventory list.
Everything was there.
He turned the box toward the customer and pointed at the part in question.
"Here's your 'missing' piece."
The man blinked. "…Oh."
Kazuma smirked. "Yeah. Thought so. Anything else?"
The customer awkwardly took his box and shuffled away without another word.
"Some things never change."
---
Meanwhile, in the back of the store, Ariabella was busy with her routine storage and system maintenance.
Gunpla kits were neatly stacked on towering metal shelves, their colorful packaging gleaming under the cool, artificial lights. Ariabella moved methodically, scanning inventory, restocking shelves, and ensuring the battle simulation system was running at peak performance.
Everything had to be in perfect working order.
She adjusted her glasses, double-checking the store's power systems. Gunpla Battle required immense computational power, and even a slight hiccup could ruin an entire match.
"Alina, status check on Battle Simulator 3," Ariabella called out.
A mechanical voice chirped in response.
"ALL SYSTEMS NOMINAL! HARO! HARO!"
Ariabella smirked. "Good."
She moved to check the order list, but a sudden alert from Alina interrupted her.
"CUSTOMERS ENTERING! HARO! HARO!"
Kazuma, who had been lost in thought, snapped out of his reminiscence.
The automatic doors slid open.
And stepping into the store—exuding an air of quiet authority—were none other than
Headmaster Ozpin and Professor Glynda Goodwitch.
Kazuma leaned against the counter, smirking as he folded his arms.
"Well, well... looks like the real fun is about to begin." Thought inside his head.