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Chapter 48 - Replacement

Since Shizuo had altered the course of events by impregnating several key members of the main cast, including Blake, the original timeline had shifted significantly. Blake, now deeply involved in her new responsibilities as a mother, wouldn't be available to confront Roman Torchwick at the docks as initially planned.

The ripple effects of this change were significant. Without Blake's involvement, Team RWBY wouldn't have the same incentive to investigate the mysterious shipments that Roman had arranged.

The entire sequence of events leading to their discovery of the White Fang's alliance with Roman might be delayed or even missed entirely. Roman, the cunning gentleman thief, would likely be able to carry out his smuggling operation without interference, advancing his plans for supporting Cinder and her larger scheme.

With Blake preoccupied, it was possible that other characters, such as Ruby or Weiss, could stumble upon the operation by accident, but without Blake's personal vendetta against the White Fang, the urgency and emotional drive behind the confrontation would be lacking.

Roman's smuggling operations would go smoother, potentially allowing him to gather more Dust and resources for his future plans. The absence of the conflict at the docks could mean fewer disruptions for his criminal activities, giving him and Cinder a significant advantage in the events leading up to the Fall of Beacon.

This change in the storyline also meant that Team RWBY would have different challenges to face, and their growth as a team could take an entirely new path without Blake's influence during this crucial moment.

Shizuo Heiwajima had a chaotic day ahead of him as he planned to intervene at the docks, something that would inevitably escalate into one of his infamous violent encounters. But before that, he had the unenviable task of escorting his harem on a shopping trip—children included.

It was a sight no one would have expected from the once lone, vending-machine-throwing brawler: a father and partner wrangling multiple kids while trying to keep the peace among the women in his life.

As they strolled, they noticed some people hoisting a banner that read: "Welcome to Vale."

"The Vytal Festival is absolutely wonderful."

Weiss exclaimed, causing Ruby and the others to halt and turn towards her.

"I don't think I've ever seen you smile this much. It's kind of weirding me out."

Ruby whispered.

Shizuo scanned the surroundings with a paranoid gaze, drawing everyone's attention until Yang intervened.

"What's wrong, Tiger?"

Shizuo surveyed the area a while longer before responding.

"Yang, for the last time, I'm a lion, not a tiger. And I'm just ensuring we're not in an alternate timeline because someone must have replaced Weiss."

Weiss puffed up her cheeks as she cradled her twins.

"How can anyone not smile? A festival celebrating world cultures! There will be dances, parades, a tournament! The sheer amount of planning and organization for an event like this is simply breathtaking."

She retorted, still pouting. Making Shizuo shook his head.

"Never mind, this is definitely my Weiss, and we're on the correct timeline."

His smile put everyone at ease, prompting Yang to comment.

"You really know how to make something fun sound so dull."

"Oh, be quiet."

Weiss gestured at Yang.

"So, have we decided which store to visit first, or are we heading to the docks?"

Yang inquired.

"Ugh, no thanks, Yang. The fish smell won't be good for the babies."

Ilia interjected swiftly as she had the most sensitive nose in the group.

"Okay, then Bitch's. We're heading to my family's store first to style my son Latte's siblings."

Coco declared, striking a pose with her stroller.

"Miss Adel, please mind your language. There are children present."

Glynda chided Coco.

"Lighten up, teach. We're not in school. So have some fun, since your young again."

Coco retorted, leading the group to her family's store.

Each woman had her unique connection to Shizuo, and motherhood had added new layers to their relationships. Despite their diverse personalities, they shared a common challenge—balancing the demands of being warriors, mothers, and lovers to the ever-busy Shizuo.

The kids required constant attention, and even the more seasoned fighters like Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora were finding it hard to keep up with their new roles as parents.

Glynda, in particular, stood out. Thanks to the enhancements Shizuo had given her, she was in her late twenties now, radiating youth and vitality. The once-strict professor now moved with the grace and energy of the prime of her life, commanding both attention and respect.

Her youthful appearance matched her newfound confidence, though she still maintained her no-nonsense attitude when dealing with the children's antics. Like the rest of Shizuo's harem, she had received upgrades that made her stronger, more agile, and more capable of handling the many responsibilities she now juggled.

Shopping trips were no small feat when you had toddlers in tow, and Shizuo's harem was no different. The babies demanded attention constantly, and even the fierce warriors from his harem found themselves worn down by the endless diaper changes, sleepless nights, and feeding schedules.

Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang, the once-to-be legendary Team RWBY, had traded their wild adventures for diaper duty and toddler tantrums. Even someone as fearless as Yang found herself occasionally overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood, and the same could be said for the rest of Shizuo's harem.

But amidst this seemingly domestic chaos, there was one figure who remained hidden in the shadows—Neo. The assassin had made sure that the other women didn't know about her presence, nor her relationship with Shizuo.

Unlike the rest, Neo had no interest in being tied down by the responsibilities of motherhood just yet. She was still enjoying the thrill of the hunt, the adrenaline that came with each kill, and the freedom of being unburdened by a child, even if she was still carrying Shizuo's child.

She had spied on the others from a distance and saw how their babies consumed so much of their time, leaving them exhausted and constantly busy. Neo didn't want that. She intended to keep her freedom as long as possible, relishing the idea of continuing her assassin lifestyle until the very last moment before she gave birth.

Her sharp eyes stayed on the others as they fussed over their children, amused by how different her life was from theirs, at least for now.

Shizuo, for his part, was aware of Neo's intentions. He'd long since accepted that she was different from the others, more independent and unwilling to be tied down by the same obligations.

As he prepared for his intervention at the docks, the tension in the air only grew. With the rest of his harem caught up in the demands of their children, and Neo hidden away in the shadows, Shizuo knew that a storm was brewing—one that he would inevitably be at the center of.

Finally given freedom after he upgraded all their accounts with millions. He blames the gold-digging Coco of his harem. Shizuo made it to the docks but encountered a faunus who bumped into him, and laid flat on the ground, his rock-hard abs exposed by his open shirt.

"Ow."

The blond monkey faunus with impressive pectorals yelled.

"Shit, that hurt."

"Shizuo!?"

A soft feminine voice called out from nearby.

"Hello, Miss?"

He struggled to recall the girl in the Beacon uniform, ultimately sighing in defeat. It seemed the universe had introduced another character to replace Blake.

"Sorry 'bout that, bro!"

Apologized the blonde faunus, Sun Wukong, gesticulating wildly while sipping tea from a cup held by his tail. Shizuo watched the tail's movements, musing over what Ozpin would sacrifice for such an ability.

"It's fine."

He conceded, glancing between the monkey faunus and Kate, the less-than-pleased female squirrel faunus from team CAKK Cake, opting to leave.

"I don't want to be a third wheel, so enjoy your date."

"What? It's not a date!"

Kate protested vehemently, recoiling as if offended by the notion. Shizuo noted the other blonde's ego deflate at her rejection.

Shizuo stood there, watching the scene unfold with mild amusement as the blonde monkey Faunus, Sun Wukong, nervously scratched the back of his head. Sun's confidence seemed to take a hit after Kate's sharp rejection of the "date" label. The whole situation felt absurdly awkward, and Shizuo wasn't entirely sure if he should feel bad for Sun or let out a laugh at his expense.

"Right."

Shizuo muttered, trying to decide whether he should just walk away. He didn't belong in this situation, after all. His intervention was never supposed to happen here. The whole confrontation that was supposed to involve Blake now had the energetic Sun and this girl, Kate, standing in for her.

"Hey, wait a second!"

Sun called after him, his tail flicking in agitation.

"You're that Shizuo guy, right? The one who threw a guy like a ragdoll through a wall right?"

His grin was wide, seemingly unfazed by Shizuo's feats.

Shizuo sighed again.

"Yeah, that was me. I wasn't expecting to have fans."

"No worries, bro. You're awesome!"

Sun shrugged it off, like throwing someone around through a wall was just part of every day.

"Kate has issues with the White Fang. Apparently, her older brother was killed by a guy named Adam. So, she and I were just scoping out the docks, looking for any shady activity. But since you're here, how about you give us a hand?"

Kate, who still looked mildly annoyed, crossed her arms.

"We don't need any help. And told you not to tell anyone about my brother."

She stated, but the slight uncertainty in her voice made Shizuo raise an eyebrow. It was clear she was trying to play tough, but something told him she wasn't entirely convinced they could handle whatever Roman Torchwick had planned.

Shizuo rolled his shoulders, the tension easing out.

"I was planning to crash whatever the White Fang's up to anyway."

He said nonchalantly.

"Might as well do it together."

His gaze drifted back to Sun's tail, still holding that mug of tea.

"And maybe you can stop waving that thing around before you spill tea all over yourself."

Sun chuckled and lowered his tail.

"Right, right. So, we team up?"

Kate looked like she wanted to protest but sighed in defeat.

"Fine. But this is not a date."

She reiterated with a glare toward Sun.

Sun raised his hands in surrender, grinning as if her rejection barely phased him.

"Got it! Totally not a date."

Shizuo cracked a small smile, amused by the dynamic between the two. He couldn't help but feel like he'd been thrown into a completely different story, one where the universe kept throwing curveballs at him.

"Let's go."

Shizuo turned his gaze toward the dimly lit warehouse, his expression cool and focused. The night's plans had shifted, but thanks to his arrangement with Roman Torchwick, he was well ahead of the game.

Roman had been working for him as a double agent for some time now, feeding him information on various heists and criminal activities. Tonight's job was no different.

He glanced back at Sun and Kate, who were preparing to follow him. Neither of them had any idea that Roman was already in his pocket, and that made this entire situation much easier to handle.

He needed to make sure they didn't accidentally blow the operation. After all, the last thing he wanted was for either of them to ruin the delicate balance he'd established.

"Stay close."

Shizuo instructed, his tone firm.

"There's going to be a lot of movement inside, and I don't want either of you getting caught up in something messy."

Sun gave him a curious look, while Kate seemed more suspicious.

"How do you know what's going on in there?"

She asked, her brow furrowing as they walked.

Shizuo didn't respond right away, letting the silence linger as they neared the warehouse docks. He needed to play this carefully. Roman's position as a double agent was too valuable to risk, but he also couldn't afford to let these two rookies wander into something dangerous and get hurt.

"Let's just say I've got my sources."

Shizuo finally said, his eyes narrowing as they reached the entrance.

"And trust me, it's better if you both keep your heads down tonight."

Sun nodded, clearly still enthusiastic despite the serious tone.

"Alright, we'll follow your lead, bro! I've got your back."

Kate, on the other hand, crossed her arms, her lips pressed into a thin line. She didn't look entirely convinced but didn't argue further.

As they entered the warehouse docks, Shizuo's sharp eyes quickly scanned the area. Roman had provided detailed intel on the heist—what was being taken, where his men would be stationed, and how to ensure that everything went smoothly. The real trick was making sure Sun and Kate didn't disrupt any of it or get suspicious about Roman's role.

The docks had dim lighting that barely illuminated the scattered crates and shipping containers. The sounds of footsteps echoed in the distance, signaling the presence of Roman's White Fang crew. Shizuo moved silently, gesturing for Sun and Kate to stay back.

"Keep quiet"

He whispered, his voice barely audible.

"This could get ugly if we don't play it right."

He moved forward, his senses alert. Roman had promised that his men would act like they were going through the motions of a heist, but Shizuo knew not everyone in Roman's White Fang crew was aware of the double-agent arrangement. Some might not be as forgiving if they spotted intruders.

Sun and Kate followed closely, with Sun peeking around the corner of a crate.

"There they are."

He whispered excitedly, spotting Roman's crew loading up a shipment.

"We've got to stop them, right?"

Shizuo shook his head.

"Not yet. Wait for my signal."

Kate seemed tense, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the warehouse.

"What's your plan here, Shizuo?"

She asked quietly, clearly growing impatient.

Shizuo glanced over his shoulder at her, then back at the crew.

"Trust me. This is all under control. We're not here to fight—we're here to gather information."

Roman's White Fang moved swiftly, packing up crates of Dust. Shizuo knew the deal was almost complete. He just needed to keep Sun and Kate from getting too involved before the operation wrapped up.

As the minutes ticked by, he could feel the tension rising, especially from Kate, who was itching for action. Sun, meanwhile, still seemed enthusiastic but was thankfully stayed put.

While they were waiting the sound of a Bullhead was heard above them with some winds being pushed in their direction. The Bullhead landed and some White Fang members came out with Roman walking out shortly after.

"Hey, what's the holdup? We're not exactly the most inconspicuous bunch of thieves at the moment, soooo why don't you animals try to pick up the pace."

Roman said disrespectfully.

"Now."

Shizuo said softly, signaling that it was time to move.

He led them forward, carefully positioning them in the shadows, just out of sight of Roman's crew. The heist was nearly finished, and he'd make sure Roman got away without any interference.

Everything was going according to plan. Now, he just had to hope that Sun and Kate wouldn't figure out the truth—or at least, not tonight.

RACE: Lion Faunus

NAME: Shizuo Heiwajima

Semblance: Energy Absorption

LEVEL: A Rank

Aura: A- Rank

Vitality: A- Rank

Endurance: A- Rank

Strength: S- Rank

Dexterity: A- Rank

Perception: A- Rank

Skill: A- Rank

Charisma: A- Rank

Libido: A+ Rank

Virility: B Rank

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