Opening theme:
Black Rover (Black Clover opening 3)
Visuals: The camera pans from the sky down to just above Beacon Academy as a bird perches on top of the Beacon Tower's Spire as the title card Flame and Crimson flashes upon the screen. Following this, it opens up to Teams NDTSA and RWBY walking alongside each other and laughing before Weiss begins to chase Daikon for some comment he no doubt made. It flashes to a panel of JNPR, some of the other Vytal Tournament Participants and Beacon's faculty before it zooms in on Ozpin briefly.
The bridge is a compilation of the Saiyan characters and team rwby training against each other before the screen darkens with Cinder, Emerald, Neo and others smirking darkly before rushing into the screen. The chorus is a scene of the main cast fighting back against a horde of Grimm invaders before transitioning to a scene of Nova and Turuk fighting Cinder with their ki surrounding them. Nova kneels briefly and breathes in slowly as a menacing shadow of an oozaru (Saiyan Great Ape) is seen behind him as he charges towards cinder again.
The song ends with Ruby and Nova entwining their hands together as they stare at the sunset.
Chapter 26: Rest, Relaxation, & Training? Part II
RWBY: The Saiyan Chronicles
Growing Pains: Ruby's Transformation
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across Beacon Academy's courtyard as Ruby and Aiko landed gently on the grass after their flying practice. Ruby wobbled slightly as her feet touched down, her new tail swishing behind her to help maintain balance.
"That was amazing!" Ruby exclaimed, her silver eyes bright with excitement. "I've never felt so... free before!"
Aiko smiled shyly, pleased with her student's progress. "Y-You're doing really well, Ruby. Much better than I did when I first started learning."
Ruby beamed at the praise, but her expression quickly shifted to one of discomfort as she rubbed her shoulders. "Is it normal to feel so... achy, though? It's like my muscles are trying to rearrange themselves."
Aiko nodded knowingly. "That's p-part of the transition. Your body is adapting to your Saiyan physiology." She hesitated before continuing, "The changes aren't just physical, Ruby. You'll notice other differences too."
"Like the hunger?" Ruby asked, remembering how she'd devoured six plates at breakfast that morning, much to Weiss's horror.
"Yes, and..." Aiko's voice grew softer, "...your emotions might feel more intense. Especially anger or excitement during battle."
Ruby's hand unconsciously went to her chest, where she'd felt an unfamiliar heat building during their practice sparring. "I did notice something different when we were training. It was like... like I wanted to push harder, to see how far I could go."
"That's your Saiyan instinct," Aiko explained. "It drives us to seek stronger opponents, to test our limits." She looked at Ruby with concern. "But unlike me, who was born this way, your transformation was... sudden. The psychological adjustment might be more challenging."
Ruby's tail drooped slightly as the reality of her situation sank in. "I guess I never really thought about what it means to not be human anymore. I mean, I'm still me, right?"
Aiko placed a gentle hand on Ruby's shoulder. "Of course you are! Being a Saiyan doesn't change who you are inside. It just... adds something new."
Ruby smiled gratefully, but Aiko could see the questions lingering in her eyes.
"Ruby, can I ask you something personal?" When Ruby nodded, Aiko continued, "H-How do you feel about Nova? Now that you know he's responsible for your change?"
A faint blush colored Ruby's cheeks. "I... I don't blame him. If anything, I feel closer to him now. Like we share something special that no one else can understand."
Aiko's tail wagged happily behind her. "That's good. In Saiyan culture, such a bond is... significant."
"What do you mean?" Ruby asked curiously.
Before Aiko could answer, a sudden explosion from the training grounds caught their attention. They exchanged worried glances before rushing toward the source.
The First Breakthrough: Yang's Power Unleashed
The explosion had come from the secluded area where Scarlett had been training Yang. As Ruby and Aiko approached, they saw a small crater in the ground, with Yang standing at its center, her golden hair glowing intensely, her newly-acquired tail bristling with energy.
"That was... incredible," Scarlett said, wiping dust from her face. "You're a natural, Yang."
Yang was staring at her hands in amazement, golden energy still crackling between her fingers. "I just... felt it. Like something clicked into place."
"Yang!" Ruby called out, rushing to her sister. "Are you okay? What happened?"
Yang turned to Ruby, her eyes still flickering between lilac and teal. "Ruby! I did it! I controlled my ki!" She demonstrated by forming a small energy sphere in her palm.
"Wow," Ruby breathed, watching the golden light dance across her sister's features.
Scarlett crossed her arms, clearly pleased with her student's progress. "She's advancing faster than I expected. Her Saiyan blood might have been dormant, but it's making up for lost time."
"It feels right," Yang said, letting the energy dissipate. "Like I've found a part of myself that was missing." She looked at her sister with newfound understanding. "Ruby, are you going through this too?"
Ruby nodded, her own tail swishing nervously. "Yeah, but it's different for me. I wasn't born with Saiyan blood like you were."
Yang's expression softened as she pulled Ruby into a hug. "Hey, we'll figure this out together, okay? That's what sisters do."
As they embraced, their tails unconsciously intertwined – an instinctive gesture of familial bonding that made both Scarlett and Aiko exchange knowing smiles.
"Speaking of figuring things out," Scarlett interjected, "Turuk was asking about you earlier, Yang."
Yang immediately stiffened, her tail separating from Ruby's and wrapping around her waist – a gesture she hadn't consciously learned yet. "He was? What did he say?"
"Just that he'd like you to join him and Nova for training with Tarro tomorrow," Scarlett replied with a smirk. "Something about tail conditioning."
Yang's face flushed. "My tail? But I've barely gotten used to having it!"
"All the more reason to learn how to use it properly," Scarlett said. "Besides, Tarro knows more about Saiyan physiology than any of us. He could help you understand your transformation better."
Yang looked uncertain. "I don't know if I'm ready to face Turuk yet. Not after... what happened in Tenkawa."
Ruby squeezed her sister's hand supportively. "We all saw what happened, Yang. No one blames you for losing control. Especially not Turuk."
"If anything," Aiko added softly, "he's been worried about you."
Yang's tail unconsciously uncurled slightly from her waist. "Really?"
Scarlett chuckled. "My cousin isn't exactly subtle with his feelings. Trust me, he's been driving Nova crazy with his concern for you."
A small smile tugged at Yang's lips. "Maybe I will join their training tomorrow."
"Good," Scarlett nodded approvingly. "Because there's something else you all need to prepare for – the Vytal Tournament is coming up, and after what happened in Tenkawa, I have a feeling it's going to be more than just a friendly competition this year."
The girls exchanged serious glances, remembering their encounter with Turles and his warnings about others coming. The tournament would bring fighters from all across Remnant – and perhaps beyond.
Shadows of the Past: Tarro's Revelation
As twilight descended upon Beacon, Tarro Koizumi stood alone on the academy's highest tower, looking out across the kingdom of Vale. His mind was troubled by the events unfolding – more Saiyans appearing on Remnant couldn't be coincidence.
"You still come up here to think, I see."
Tarro didn't need to turn to recognize Ozpin's voice. "Some habits are hard to break, old friend."
Ozpin stepped forward to stand beside him, coffee mug in hand. "How are your new students progressing?"
"Remarkably well," Tarro admitted. "Especially Nova and Yang. Their potential exceeds even my expectations."
"And that concerns you," Ozpin observed.
Tarro's tail tightened around his waist. "You know what happened the last time Saiyans of such potential appeared. The legends of the Super Saiyan aren't just stories, Ozpin."
"You believe one of them could achieve that transformation?"
"All of them could, under the right circumstances," Tarro said grimly. "And that's what worries me. The emotional trigger required for such a transformation... it often comes from great loss or rage."
Ozpin sipped his coffee thoughtfully. "Then we must ensure they learn control before such circumstances arise."
"It may already be too late," Tarro said. "Yang's episode in Tenkawa was dangerously close to a transformation. And Ruby's artificial conversion to Saiyan physiology introduces variables we can't predict."
"What about the others? The ones who attacked in Tenkawa?"
Tarro's expression darkened. "Turles was always ambitious, even as a child. If he's found allies here on Remnant..." He left the implication hanging.
"Salem," Ozpin whispered.
"Possibly," Tarro acknowledged. "A being of such power would naturally be drawn to the potential Saiyans represent. And if she learns about the legend..."
"Then we must prepare our students," Ozpin said decisively. "The Vytal Tournament will provide the perfect opportunity to assess not only our students but those coming from other kingdoms."
Tarro nodded, his gaze turning toward the distant training grounds where his students had practiced earlier. "There's something else, Ozpin. Something I haven't told the others yet."
"Oh?"
"The blood tests from Ruby's transformation showed anomalies that can't be explained by Saiyan DNA alone. There's something else at work – something tied to her silver eyes."
Ozpin's grip on his mug tightened imperceptibly. "A combination of Saiyan power and silver-eyed warrior heritage..."
"Could be either our salvation or our downfall," Tarro finished. "Which is why I've decided to accelerate their training. The tournament begins in two weeks, but I fear our real enemies won't wait that long to make their move."
As if in answer to his fears, a shooting star streaked across the darkening sky – except both men recognized it wasn't a star at all, but something entering Remnant's atmosphere at high speed.
"It seems," Ozpin said quietly, "that our timeline has just been shortened."
Tarro's eyes narrowed as he tracked the object's descent toward the Emerald Forest. "Gather the teams. We'll need all of them for what's coming."
The night sky continued to fill with stars as both men stood in silence, watching as more "shooting stars" began to appear on the horizon. The battle for Remnant was about to begin in earnest.
Another P.O.V of Ozpin & Tarro's conversation...
As twilight descended upon Beacon, Tarro Koizumi stood alone on the academy's highest tower, looking out across the kingdom of Vale. His mind was troubled by the events unfolding – more Saiyans appearing on Remnant couldn't be coincidence.
"You still come up here to think, I see."
Tarro didn't need to turn to recognize Ozpin's voice. "Some habits are hard to break, old friend."
Ozpin stepped forward to stand beside him, coffee mug in hand. "How is Nova progressing?"
The question hung in the air, weighted with unspoken significance. Both men knew they weren't discussing just any student.
"His power grows daily," Tarro answered carefully. "The potential within him... it's unlike anything I've ever sensed before. The legends were true."
"And the others don't suspect?"
Tarro shook his head. "No. To them, he's just an exceptionally gifted Saiyan. Only those of us who know the ancient prophecies would recognize what he truly is."
Ozpin took a deliberate sip from his mug. "Remnant's incarnation of the legendary Super Saiyan. A power that could either save our world or destroy it."
"Which is precisely why we agreed to keep it secret," Tarro said grimly. "If Salem were to learn of his true identity..."
"She would stop at nothing to either control him or eliminate him," Ozpin finished. "And his relationship with young Ruby only complicates matters further."
Tarro's expression darkened. "The blood tests from Ruby's transformation showed anomalies that can't be explained by Saiyan DNA alone. There's something else at work – something tied to her silver eyes."
"A silver-eyed warrior with Saiyan power, bonded to the legendary Super Saiyan..." Ozpin's grip on his mug tightened. "The implications are... concerning."
"It's more than that," Tarro added. "Nova's accidental transfer of Saiyan blood to Ruby wasn't entirely accidental. On some level, the power within him recognized something in her – a complementary force."
"You believe their destinies are intertwined?"
"I believe the ancient texts spoke of not one, but two warriors who would rise when darkness threatened to consume all," Tarro replied. "What if Nova is only half of the prophecy?"
Ozpin looked troubled. "Salem's allies would exploit this knowledge if they discovered it. Turles already seems aware of Nova's unusual power, even if he doesn't understand its true nature."
"Which is why I've decided to accelerate their training," Tarro said. "The tournament begins in two weeks, but I fear our real enemies won't wait that long to make their move."
As if in answer to his fears, a shooting star streaked across the darkening sky – except both men recognized it wasn't a star at all, but something entering Remnant's atmosphere at high speed.
"It seems," Ozpin said quietly, "that our timeline has just been shortened."
Tarro's eyes narrowed as he tracked the object's descent toward the Emerald Forest. "Gather the teams. We'll need all of them for what's coming."
The night sky continued to fill with stars as both men stood in silence, watching as more "shooting stars" began to appear on the horizon. Whatever – or whoever – was arriving, they could only hope that Nova was ready to embrace his destiny as Remnant's legendary Super Saiyan. The battle for Remnant was about to begin in earnest.
RWBY: The Saiyan Chronicles
Shadows of the Past: Tarro's Revelation (Continued)
The night breeze carried the scent of distant forests as Tarro and Ozpin continued their somber conversation atop Beacon's highest tower, watching as more objects streaked across the darkening sky.
"Who else knows about Nova's true identity?" Ozpin asked, his voice low despite their isolation.
Tarro's tail tightened around his waist – a gesture of tension familiar to all Saiyans. "Only those who absolutely need to. His team, of course – NDTSA couldn't function effectively if they were kept in the dark about their leader's potential."
"Team RWBY as well, I presume?" Ozpin inquired.
"Yes," Tarro confirmed. "After the events in Tenkawa, keeping it from them would have been impossible – especially with Ruby's transformation. Team JNPR knows too; they've fought alongside Nova too many times not to notice the difference in his power compared to other Saiyans."
Ozpin nodded thoughtfully. "And beyond Beacon's walls?"
"His parents – both sets," Tarro replied, his expression softening slightly. "Ghira and Kali Belladonna have raised him since he arrived on Remnant. They've always known he was special, even before we understood what it meant to be the legendary Super Saiyan of prophecy."
"They've protected that secret well," Ozpin acknowledged. "The White Fang would have approached his power very differently had they known."
"As for his birth parents," Tarro continued, "Rhubar and Sala have been instrumental in helping him understand his heritage. When they found their way to Remnant and discovered their sons alive..." He paused, remembering the emotional reunion he had witnessed. "Let's just say they recognized the signs immediately. The power signature is unmistakable to those who know the ancient legends."
"So the secret remains contained within a trusted circle," Ozpin summarized. "But for how long? Salem has spies everywhere."
Tarro's gaze returned to the meteor-like objects still entering Remnant's atmosphere. "That's what concerns me, Ozpin. Turles may have been defeated, but he hinted at others coming – others who might recognize what Nova truly is."
"And if Salem were to learn of his identity through these new arrivals..."
"She would stop at nothing to either control or destroy him," Tarro finished grimly. "The prophecy states clearly that the legendary Super Saiyan has the power to either save Remnant or reduce it to ashes. For someone like Salem, such power would be irresistible."
Ozpin set down his coffee mug on the stone parapet. "There's something else troubling you, isn't there?"
Tarro hesitated before responding. "Nova's power is growing faster than I anticipated. The bond he shares with Ruby – it's accelerating his development in ways I hadn't foreseen. And with her transformation into a Saiyan..."
"You fear they might trigger something in each other," Ozpin surmised.
"The ancient texts speak of catalysts – events or connections that can awaken the full potential of the legendary Super Saiyan," Tarro explained. "Love is perhaps the most powerful catalyst of all. More powerful than rage, more enduring than pride."
"And more dangerous if manipulated by our enemies," Ozpin added.
Tarro nodded solemnly. "Which is why we must prepare them – all of them – for what's coming. The Vytal Tournament will draw attention from across Remnant. If these new arrivals are hunting for Nova..."
"Then the tournament could become a battleground," Ozpin concluded. He straightened his posture, decision made. "Very well. Authorize whatever training methods you deem necessary. I'll inform Glynda and the other professors to be on high alert without revealing Nova's secret."
"Rhubar and Sala should be notified as well," Tarro suggested. "Their experience fighting alongside the original legendary Super Saiyan generations ago could prove invaluable."
"Do you think they'll come?" Ozpin asked.
Tarro allowed himself a small smile. "To protect their sons? Without hesitation. Saiyans may be warriors first, but the bond between family members runs deep – especially for those raised away from the old empire's influence."
As if punctuating his statement, the largest of the falling objects crashed somewhere in the Emerald Forest, sending a visible shockwave through the trees. Both men turned toward the impact site.
"It appears our visitors have arrived," Ozpin observed calmly, though his hand tightened around his cane.
"I'll gather the teams," Tarro said, already moving toward the stairwell. "And Ozpin – perhaps it's time we considered telling Nova the full prophecy. He knows he's the legendary Super Saiyan of Remnant, but he doesn't understand what that truly means."
"The burden of knowing one's destiny can be heavier than the destiny itself," Ozpin cautioned. "Are you certain he's ready?"
Tarro paused at the doorway, his silhouette framed against the warm light from within. "No one is ever ready to learn they might be responsible for saving or destroying an entire world. But if anyone has the strength of character to bear that knowledge, it's Nova."
As Tarro disappeared down the stairwell, Ozpin returned his gaze to the horizon, where smoke now rose from multiple impact sites throughout the Emerald Forest. Whatever – or whoever – had arrived, the time for preparation was over. The battle for Remnant was about to begin, with a young Saiyan's destiny at its center.
Midnight Council: Teams Assemble
The emergency meeting room beneath Beacon Academy buzzed with tense energy as teams RWBY, JNPR, and NDTSA gathered around the large holographic display table. Professor Goodwitch manipulated the controls, zooming in on thermal images of the impact sites in the Emerald Forest.
"We've identified five distinct crash sites," she explained, her voice crisp and professional despite the late hour. "Each appears to contain technology consistent with Saiyan space pods."
Nova stood at the head of the table, his normally cheerful demeanor replaced by focused determination. At his side, Ruby looked both excited and nervous, her new tail swishing behind her in unconscious mimicry of Nova's own controlled movements.
"Five pods," Turuk muttered, standing close to Yang whose golden tail was now wrapped properly around her waist after their earlier training. "That's more than just a scouting party."
"It's a hunting party," Scarlett concluded grimly. "The question is, what – or who – are they hunting?"
All eyes briefly turned to Nova, though no one voiced the obvious concern. Those in the room knew his secret, but the weight of it seemed heavier now with unknown Saiyans landing so close to Beacon.
Daikon, the technological expert of team NDTSA, studied the readings with a frown. "These energy signatures... they're much higher than Turles and his crew. Whoever these Saiyans are, they're in a completely different league."
"Can we identify them?" Blake asked, her cat ears flattened with concern for her adopted brothers.
"Not yet," Professor Goodwitch replied. "But Professor Koizumi should be joining us shortly with more information."
As if on cue, the elevator doors slid open, revealing Tarro and Ozpin. The Saiyan professor's expression was grim as he approached the table.
"I've analyzed the pod configurations and energy signatures," he announced without preamble. "These are not ordinary Saiyans. They're the Imperial Guard."
A tense silence fell over the room.
"What exactly is the Imperial Guard?" Weiss finally asked, voicing what many were thinking.
"The elite warriors who serve directly under the Saiyan Royal Family," Rhubar's voice answered from the doorway as he and Sala entered the room. Nova and Turuk's birth parents moved with the fluid grace of experienced warriors, their tails wrapped tightly around their waists in formal military style.
"Mom, Dad," Nova acknowledged, his expression brightening slightly at the unexpected arrival of his birth parents.
Sala moved to stand beside her sons, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. Despite her relatively small stature compared to most Saiyans, her presence radiated power and authority. "The Imperial Guard only deploys for missions of the highest priority. If they're here on Remnant..."
"Then they're looking for something extremely valuable to the Empire," Rhubar finished, his stern features set in a concerned frown. "Or someone."
Again, unspoken awareness passed through the room as gazes flickered toward Nova.
"Do they know?" Ruby asked quietly, her hand finding Nova's under the table. "About who Nova really is?"
"It's hard to say," Tarro responded. "The legend of the Super Saiyan is known throughout Saiyan culture, but most consider it just that – a legend. Only the royal family and their closest advisors know the full prophecy and would be able to identify the signs."
"Which means we need to proceed with caution," Ozpin interjected. "These Imperial Guards may simply be here on a different mission entirely."
"Yeah, right," Yang scoffed, her eyes briefly flashing red. "Five elite Saiyans just happen to crash-land near Beacon right after Turles gets his butt kicked by Nova? That's one heck of a coincidence."
"Yang's right," Jaune spoke up, surprising some around the table. "We should prepare for the worst-case scenario. If they are here for Nova, what's our plan?"
Pyrrha nodded in agreement with her team leader. "Beacon isn't equipped to withstand an assault from five elite Saiyan warriors."
"No," Rhubar agreed, "but we are." He gestured to himself, Sala, and Tarro. "Three full-blooded Saiyan warriors with decades of combat experience."
"Plus two teams of huntsmen-in-training with Saiyan blood," Nora added enthusiastically, bouncing slightly on her toes. "And team JNPR, of course! We may not have fancy tails, but we can still fight!"
Despite the tension, several smiles broke out around the table at Nora's characteristic enthusiasm.
Nova finally spoke, his voice steady and resolute. "We don't hide. We don't run. If they're here for me, then I'll face them." He looked around at his friends and family. "But no one fights alone. That's not how we do things at Beacon."
Ruby squeezed his hand supportively, her silver eyes shining with determination. "Together."
"There's one more thing you should all be aware of," Tarro said, his tone causing everyone to focus on him again. "The Imperial Guard doesn't leave witnesses. If they're here on a classified mission, they'll consider everyone on Remnant expendable."
"Then we have no choice," Turuk said, stepping forward. "We intercept them before they reach populated areas."
"Agreed," Ozpin nodded. "Teams will deploy at first light. Professor Koizumi, Mr. and Mrs. Belladonna, and Mr. and Mrs...." he hesitated, looking toward Nova and Turuk's birth parents.
"Just Rhubar and Sala is fine," Sala said with a small smile.
"Very well," Ozpin continued. "Our Saiyan allies will coordinate the response. Get some rest while you can, students. Tomorrow, we make contact with our visitors."
As the meeting broke up, Nova hung back, catching Tarro's attention. "Professor, there's something you're not telling us, isn't there? About why the Imperial Guard would be looking for me specifically?"
Tarro exchanged a glance with Rhubar and Sala before sighing. "You're right, Nova. There is more to the prophecy of the legendary Super Saiyan than you've been told. And I think it's time you learned the whole truth."
The four Saiyans, along with Ruby who refused to leave Nova's side, moved to a quieter corner of the room. The time for secrets was over. If Nova was to face what was coming, he needed to understand exactly what it meant to be the legendary Super Saiyan of Remnant.
To be continued in Chapter 25: The Saiyan Imperial Guard