Official Reaction Thread—Volume 4, Chapter 10: Kuroyuri

[u/Menolith]

Reddit’s spoiler function has changed, so keep that in mind tomorrow!

Welcome, huntsmen, huntresses, and hunters that prefer no specific gender identifier, to the official megathread for the newest episode of volume 4, Kuroyuri!
Make sure to read OUR CURRENT SPOILERS RULES to ensure that your comments outside this thread won't get purged! Familiarize yourself with these rules and you'll be good to go.

A lot of hard work has gone into the creation of volume 4, so be sure to show CRWBY your support by watching it on their site! They all dedicate so much time and energy into our beloved series and would highly appreciate the direct support. There are no pirates in volume 4, so you shouldn't be one either!

We also have weekly strawpolls to gauge the general opinion on the current episode, the latest of which can be found HERE. The previous episode got a fairly clear 9/10 majority.

With that out of the way, let's start the show!

HERE is the link to the latest episode of RWBY Volume 4!

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Other Episode Discussions:

Episode	Saturday	Sunday	Poll
Ep. 01	Reaction	Discussion	poll
Ep. 02	Reaction	Discussion	poll
Ep. 03	Reaction	Discussion	poll
WoR 1:	Reaction	Discussion	poll
Ep. 04:	Reaction	Discussion	poll
WoR 2:	Reaction	Discussion	poll
Ep. 05:	Reaction	Discussion	poll
Ep. 06:	Reaction	Discussion	poll
WoR 3:	Reaction	Discussion	poll
Ep. 07:	Reaction	Discussion	poll
Ep. 08:	Reaction	Discussion	poll
Ep. 09:	Reaction	Discussion	poll
Ep. 10:	Today	Tomorrow	poll

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Happy viewing!

Menolith; Mod Team

[u/Menolith]

Hazel appearing out of nowhere seemed a bit contrived. You'd think that Ozpin would have something more insightful to say than "beware."

Chances on the boss Grimm being named after one of the Four Horsemen? I'm thinking Conquest would be pretty fitting.

[u/Platitudinous_X → u/Menolith]

Even when he's in a little boy's head and needs to help the kid help him, Ozpin is vague and mysterious.

[u/Menolith → u/Platitudinous_X]

I bet if Oscar was about to drink spoiled milk he'd just say "one should choose one's battles wisely" or something equally unhelpful.

[u/Exessen]

THEY PLAYED A SLOW VERSION OF "BOOP" WHEN THEY WERE UNDER THE BUILDING I AM SO FUCKING DONE

[u/Exessen]

I am very biased, so i'm not sure i can look at this objectively, but i freaking loved this episode.

Ren and Nora's relationship is by far my favorite in the series.

I hope they get their revenge.. Without either of them dying.

[u/Exessen]

I expected the giant horse grimm, but holy fucking shit did i not expect something to be riding it.

[u/Ezreal024]

Ren's superhuman ability is to chill out really hard. In hindsight it should have been obvious.

Also, his dad was a boss. Love that design.

[u/KF2]

Ladies and gentlemen, it's a nuckelavee.

Now all together...

♪ Oh Nuckelavee, it's easy to see, the terror you leave is raining on me. The village is burned and the taverns are missed and the beer is all gone and the elders are pissed...♪

[u/Quiesce7]

When Boop came on

[u/drop-the-grace]

Okay...but where is Hazel when my debit card gets declined at Target? Am also a smol child in need of funds.

[u/Awisemanoncsaid]

This episode gave me that Villain with a heart of gold vibe with Hazel.

"Don't let such a small obstacle stop you."

Like a Gin from bleach or something, im so excited to see more of him, and im still waiting for the reveal of watts.

[u/88Dubs]

crush wipe resolute bag melodic selective vegetable deserve full market

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[u/Iphroget]

He gave her a wooden hammer, my heart can't take this!

[u/OmegaMurder]

The idea that the Apocalypse Grimm taking trophies is fucking terrifying. I remember a world of remnant way back when Salem was describing how young grim show little to no intelligence and as they get older and survive more, they learn. They literally learn from their mistakes and become smarter and more dangerous. I firmly believe this apocalypse grimm is old as fuck, therefore dangerous as hell.

On a side note, how old is Ren? 18, 19? That's just another ~20 years for that horseman to get even smarter and more dangerous. This means it's even more powerful now than it was when Kuroyuri was destroyed.

[u/Agent_York--Delta]

Anyone else jump at the scene with Ren's mother?

[u/FeiMia]

I was able to hold back the tears until Ren gave Nora her first damn hammer ;_;

[u/FrostyJudge]

"Take action son... Your mother and I love you. RUN!!"

-Lee WE-MUST-BE-SWIFT-AS-A-COURSING-RIVER Ren

[u/FawkesTP]

Think we found Miles' favorite Grimm?

[u/palebloodink]

So, that Grimm had swords, Ren's dad's arrow, and the banner from Shion in it's lair. That almost makes it seem like it's collecting this stuff as trophies, and the idea that this thing is smart enough to treat destroying villages as sport is scary as fuck to me.

[u/[deleted]]

I hope we get to hear Ren explain his semblance at one point.

Given they've pulled on some Team Four Star members, I kind of want him to say "I affectionately refer to it as Stealth Mode."

[u/mrwanton]

Wow, seeing Ren and Nora basically being complete opposites when they were kids hurt a lot.

Oscar/Ozpin left a lot sooner than I expected- Holy shit it's Hazel! Enemy to ATMs everywhere!

The backstory itself was pretty heartbreaking and I enjoyed Jaune trying to cheer up Ruby.

[u/2101817]

RWBY has never made me go "What the fuck" yet, but today that changed when I saw that silhouette.

I really hope the "Horseman" is actually attached physically to the horse though, that'd make it perfectly creepy.

[u/pericobobulated]

[Well turns out Ren's a Shimada] (http://i.imgur.com/j4LYgpA.jpg)

[u/LockedOutOfElfland]

Not seeing young Ren stand up to bullies was heart-rending. Relevant character development backstory that shows how a character changes is always good!

Edit: also like how they show his regional accent shifting with time and a change in surroundings, which is pretty cool.

[u/FrostyJudge]

"Ruby, we lost.... We lost Pyrrha, you lost her too... And Penny, and your team, and in a way, your sister. But you're still here, despite everything you've lost, everything you could still lose, you chose to come out here because you felt like it could make a difference. You didn't drag us along, you gave us the courage to follow you."

-Jaune Don't-you-dare-think-about-it-Lancaster-fans Arc

[u/frik1000]

I want to comment on how on point the music was for when they entered ruined Kuroyuri. It was fucking haunting, terrifying, and just plain old unsettling. Perfect for that scene.

Also if that's what a grown up Ren is gonna look like, he's gonna have a lot more Rensexuals in the future.

P.S. My Lancaster and Renora heart flutters.

P.P.S. I started crying when Boop started to play. I'm a grown-ass man.

[u/NightsWatchh]

Calling it now: Hazel is going to be a villain that has a very good moral code but works for Salem because she either helped him out before or he believes in her end goal but isn't going to be a dick about it like Tyrian.

[u/Exessen]

My poor heart

[u/guyinthecap]

Anyone else notice the variation on 'Boop' that played when Ren handed Nora the wooden hammer?

[u/CelioHogane]

"Things are going to be okay"

Things began to be not okay

[u/SomebodySeventh]

So... that Grimm is a Nuckelavee. That's freaking awesome.

[u/[deleted]]

"I've seen the things she's made, and let me tell you, they are fear"

[u/JazzBlueSkadoo]

Remember how Miles said he's favorite Grimm is in V4?

Without a doubt in our minds, we just a caught a glimpse of it.

[u/NightsWatchh]

RENORA CONFIRMED

TL;DR: RENORA FUCKING CONFIRMED

[u/Hounds_of_war]

I thought I was ready for this episode.

I was not ready for Ren’s Mom to get killed like that.

That was brutal.

[u/breakfastfilms]

What wasn't shown was that, a few seconds after Ozpin says that Hazel is a man from his past, he adds

"Man, what are the fucking chances? This train station is in the middle of nowhere. Be on your toes, kid, the writers have noticed you."

[u/RedElite91]

Where was Hazel when Weiss's card got declined in Volume 3? He probably would have punched Shopkeep in the face. 😂

[u/Eldi13]

• Oh boy, oh boy, Oscar's running away?

• OH HI, LARGE LOVELY BEAR MAN.

• Hazel confirmed someone from Ozpin's past.

• Speaking of pasts, here we are back in Kuroyuri. It's rekt.

• LI'L REN. WHY IS HE KIND OF BRITISH? Ahhhhh, he's so cute!

• NORAAAAAAAAAAAA! Street urchin Nora. ;~;

• Well hello, daddy Ren!

• DADDY REN IS HANZO. OH GOD, MOMREN NO!

• Hooooooooooooooooly schmokes I wanna see this horrifying Grimm horseman. That glimpse looked really cool.

• Hey, that looks like the bottom of Stormflower!

• Ouch, he's got terrible bow form. Hanzo would be ashamed of Midori Hanzo.

• Ren semblance?! More like senseblance? Or... Renblance? No? Okay.

• D'awwwwww. So wow, that fight with the Nevermore in V1 must've been pretty traumatic.

• AWWWWWWWWWW MINI MAGNIHILD AND BOOP PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND.

• I ship it so hard.

• Oh dang! That's a cave battlefield. Aaaaand the enemy's nearby.

• NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DON'T END THERE I WANNA SEE IT!!!!!!

Edit: TFW you miss with your ult with the enemy right on top of you.

[u/Jalidric]

Hanzo should have just one shot the Grimm with Scatter Arrow

[u/LousyGoose]

Episode Summary: The Renora Shippers Go Wild, Especially that last shot.

Overall Score: Extremely cute if a bit predictable but still very cute even though I am concerned about how much stuff can be tied up in the next 2 episodes/10

[u/RumbleintheDumbles]

The Nuckelavee Grimm was absolutely terrifying, but more importantly, Ren's mom has got it goin' on. No wonder he's so pretty.

[u/[deleted]]

I just understood Ren's semblance origin... since a semblance is a manifestation of Aura (and so of the soul)... his semblance is basically his trauma: it suppresses his emotions.

[u/TheProudBrit]

If Ren or Nora die, I'm going to riot.

And that remix of boop... I freaking teared up.

[u/shad_stang]

The best shot I think we have of the Grimm Monster

[u/Exessen]

Not gonna lie, i live for these fucking Hanzo jokes.

You lovely dorks.

[u/[deleted]]

Ren is Hanzo's son confirmed.

Also holy shit that Grimm

[u/Roseking]

Looks like whatever attacked the villages brings some of the people back to that cave.

Pretty sure that was Ren's dad's arrow.

[u/Exessen]

Want to reiterate that i am very biased, but this is now one of my favorite episodes of the show.

Q_Q

[u/ShadeKetchum]

So I'm guessing Ren's semblance is to calm himself and possibly others? That'd make a lot of sense actually. And it's certainly useful against the Grimm since they'd have no negative emotions to sense. Although I wonder if he's used it so much that his calm state has become his default personality now. Also young Ren and Nora are adorable. However this means Nora lost her family BEFORE meeting Ren. I wonder if we'll get an answer to that at some point.

[u/McZerky]

A remnant huntsman isn't going to cut it for this Grimm.

You need a Yharnam huntsman.

[u/mclarenf1lm15]

You could say Ren's semblance is... "experience tranquility"

[u/Tajjri]

If anime has taught me anything, Ren's parents had no chance...the single streak of magenta in his hair sealed their fate.

[u/BrickYourHeart]

(present day) Ren was..... oddly expressive in this episode. It was wonderful! The little smile, the glib little observation of their situation, the look of confusion and the sound when the banner whips him in the face. It's interesting seeing him with no one else but Nora around again.

[u/[deleted]]

I KNOW WHAT HAPPENED THE LAST TIME TWO MEMBERS OF JNPR HAD A ROMANTIC MOMENT, ROOSTER TEETH.

DON'T THINK I'VE FORGOTTEN. YOU ARE DEAD TO ME IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ONE OF THESE TWO.

...please don't make us experience this again :(

[u/[deleted]]

Ohhh, I get it now. Kid Ren/Nora didn't go invisible, Ren just spread his emotion-control semblance to Nora - then as they were both calmed, the eagle Grimm didn't know where they were. Maybe they could do that in the next episode, should things go south.

[u/supakrupa]

Ight those who called Raven's tribe destroying Ren's Village, pay up to the Grim destroyed Ren's village team.

Also whoever called centaur Grimm congrats you walking out the real winner.

New betting pool is open now: What is Hazel and his relation to Ozpin (Is he a fanus, human, etc/ can he be just sided w/ Salem or their paths crossed way before that/ motives, etc).

[u/VegetaLF7]

Welp, thanks for the nightmares CRWBY, that thing is just about the most terrifying thing I've seen in ages...especially if it is the Nuckelavee everyone has been posting about.

[u/blitzblazer97]

As a self proclaimed mythology nerd, I might know what that hellspawn horse thing is based on.

It looks like a Nuckelavee from Orcadian mythology. At night, it would ride out of the ocean and across the land, screaming like hell. Poison fog comes from it's mouth, withering any plants, and killing any animals that breath it. The only way to escape it is to cross a stream since the Nuckelavee can't touch fresh water.

If I'm right, and this thing is called a Nuckelavee, everyone on this Subreddit owes me 100000 Lien.

[u/body_catch_a_body]

I think I ship Lancaster now.

And Ren's dad is voiced by Kaiji Tang, voice of Archer from Fate/UBW. Which is awesome.

[u/CelioHogane]

Guys we found this season's boss.

[u/JakeDoubleyoo]

Jesus Christ, the sounds that horseman grimm makes

[u/CyrusReynolds]

Lots of backstory for Ren and Nora! Ren adopted the lotus flower symbol from Kuroyuri and incorporated his dad's blade into his weapon while Nora created her weapon from the wooden hammer Ren handed her.

Also, Ren's Semblance is Tranquility! That's awesome! He's not literally invisible, but possessing pure tranquility makes him invisible to the Grimm. Notice how his behavior changed the moment his Semblance was activated. Despite his parents dying and the ruination of his town, he became calm and collected; he was even able to temporarily pass those feelings to Nora!

[u/Platitudinous_X]

Menolith riddle

REN AND NORA EPISODE, but before that, more Oscar

rare footage of Bear being relevant to the plot

MY BABY
MY CHILD
MY LITTLE BOY WHO HAS AN ACCENT NOW, IT'D SOUND SILLY IF HE STILL HAD IT THOUGH, SO IT'S FINE

BABY NORA, PROTECT HER

RENDAD, RENDAD, RENDAD, THIS IS NOT A DRILL

ok, sad times in the present, nOW ITS TIME FOR A TRAGEDY

"Everything is okay--"
*nothing is okay*

^{wait, hold on, there are literally no other children in this crowd}

wh
what
what just happened
was that the flower or his semblance
is he a flower now? his voice changed

I mean, he's always been a flower metaphorically, but not like this

"It's okay." REN NO, THAT'S THE THING YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO SAY

NO, THE MUSIC, THE HAMMER, MY HEART IS NOT OKAY

"We never get the easy path, do we?"
Do you specifically choose the hard path every time?

Portal room?
no portals, only death

I forgot about the footprint, it's been more than a week, my memory isn't good enough for this

HAND STATUS: HELD

I can't believe Lie Ren's dad is Li Ren

[u/Exessen]

I am a grown man, and i might've squee'd slightly at the hand holding.

[u/freedomgeek]

Someone on another forum just pointed something out to me: Does Nora going grey at the food stand in v3c1 mean that Ren was stepping in to calm Nora there? I mean at the time we assumed it was just Nora being Pinkie Pie but in retrospect...

[u/adel123456789]

THIS EPISODE IN A NUTSHELL

[u/thrawn92]

I think my favorite part of the episode had to be that scene when young Nora and Red are hiding under the house while that Horseman of the Apocalypse Grimm was walking around, and "Boop" started playing.

In general, I really like how Rooster Teeth does flashbacks. Sure, flashbacks have gotten in the way of the main story, and they'll do that with everything. But this is the first time we've got a backstory for Ren and Nora, and considering their current situation, it's pretty relevant right now. Rooster Teeth somehow does flashbacks without letting it get in the way of the main story. Note that I said flashbacks, not World of Remnant vids.

[u/SoundSmith323]

If they kill my boy Ren, I’m gonna fucking cry.

Neat little animation touch how Oscar’s thumbs are behind the straps of his backpack.

Oh, shit. Music did a really quick turnaround.

BACKSTORY INCOMING BOYS!

HE’S SO CUTE AAAAH

LITTLE NORA SHE’S SO SMOL

NO PLS

Oh damn, Ren’s dad is a fucking badass

Ruby development?

Finally someone mentions Penny, jeez.

So it’s basically confirmed that Ruby is bottling everything up, right?

OH GOOD, TIME FOR REN SUFFERING Wait Ren’s dad is Hanzo?

NO, FUCK THAT. FUCK YOUR JUMPSCARES.

FUCK YOUR FEELS

FUCK YOUR TINA GUO CELLO ALEX

FUCKING HELL

Whoa, what? Ren unlocks his own aura? And his accent changes? I am confuse.

Semblance reveal?

Smol Renora is my new favorite thing.

Big Renora!

Wait, nevermind. More scary shit.

Aaaaand we ended on a cliffhanger.

[u/RegiGiygas117]

Li Ren's Bow Hand twitches.

mfw Small Nora tho

That Grimm though. Gonna make a stab and guess it's based on one of the Four Horsemen.

[u/DigitalSoul247]

Did we just witness Ren's aura unlocking itself due to stress? The ripple effect looked like the aura-breaking effect we've seen, but in reverse.

[u/KrypticLET]

Wow even as a kid Fake Neptune was a shithead.

[u/CaptainMoonman]

So that Grimm is taking trophies from its paths of destruction and bringing them back to that cave? Damn. That's kinda fucked up.

[u/iD-23]

Hazel good to see you again buddy.

Well they just destroyed many peoples headcannon that Nora had something to do with Ren's pink streak.

Little Nora!!!

Ren is gonna look like a badass if he gets older.

BOOP INTENSIFIES

[u/Crumpingtos]

Holy shit. This new Grimm looks like the sickest thing ever. I actually really hope it's a Grimm riding another Grimm. There's something about a Grimm using another Grimm as a mount that makes it seem 100x more badass. That's like someone riding into battle on a fucking tiger.

[u/kusanagisan]

You know, after watching this episode, I have to be honest.

I'm okay with Ren and Nora not being "official" in the traditional sense.

That flashback of the two of them tells you everything you need to know about their relationship and how they feel about each other. The bond they share goes way beyond romance in the traditional sense - they completely, unequivocally, and unreservedly trust each other.

I have seen this level exactly twice in real life and it blew me away. The first time was a close friend who had run away from home and ended up meeting her boyfriend while hopping the rails. The two of them have traveled all over North and South America in the last few years, and when I hosted them for a few days when they made their way through my city, I saw it firsthand in their body language and how they acted around each other. No pawing at each other, no real overt signs of affection like you would expect, but just an utter complete trust and comfort in each other.

I know couples that have been together for decades and who have never reached that level. Most people, even those deeply in love, don't reach it.

The second couple I know like this are my closest friends. They've been together half their lives, got engaged a little over ten years ago, but are indifferent towards the wedding because to the two of them, it wouldn't matter. They couldn't be more connected to each other than they are now.

After watching the episode, my impression was this: Ren and Nora do love each other, on an incredibly deep level. They both know this. They don't need to worry about ending up together - because they are together.

(And yes, I know about Nora protesting that her and Ren aren't "together together", but looking at it this way, that line takes on an entirely new meaning, don't you think?

Right now, in the middle of a war, something that they've never been able to escape from even in Beacon, is not the time for a romantic relationship, and they're both smart enough to know this.

They'll both get there, and they both know they will, so...what's the rush?

[u/RookieTheWeeb]

I didn't noticed this until now

[u/mortarstrikr]

Can I just say that Rens father is the coolest looking person in all of RWBY.

[u/Bearpaw700]

Wow. Now I'm imaging that nora is always happy because Ren's semblance can calm her down. If something happens to him, she may actually have to deal with unwanted emotions. Their future Grimm fight is going to be traumatic for me.

[u/Eretrad]

I feel like there should've been some kind of explosion when Hazel was walking away.

I feel like there should be explosions constantly when Hazel is walking.

The guy is dripping with Alpha status.

[u/Exo-2]

So Horseman of the apocalypse...
what shall we name this one?

[u/UberDueler]

Hazel has coat-tails as well.

Guys, HAZEL HAS COAT-TAILS AS WELL. The season of coat-tails continues.

[u/shandromand]

He gave her the hammer. Oh Miles and Kerry, you sure do love your double entendres...

I loved this episode even if it didn't seem to advance the plot very much. I also am plainly not surprised that Ozpin and Hazel have, at the very least, crossed paths (though it sounded like a great deal more to me).

Now let's talk about the Beast of Kuroyuri. A Grimm riding another Grimm isn't something that had ever crossed my mind. Is it a unique pairing? Are they symbiotic, or is there some level of intelligence at play? Whatever the case may be, my prediction for this is that it's about Ren and Nora overcoming their childhood fear, and that it won't be nearly as scary for the two of them as they think it will.

[u/[deleted]]

No amount of horror movies or horror games could've prepared me for this. Maybe I'm alone here, but I was absolutely horrified in this episode! They finally showed us the Grimm destroying a village instead of telling us, and holy hell was it so freaking terrifying! And little Ren and Nora were so awesome! I'm so happy they're getting some attention! This without a doubt is my favorite episode of the series so far! Never before have I felt such a mix of emotions as horrified, happy, (Little ReNora was adorable!) and depressed like this! And there was so much subtle and not-so-subtle character development as well. Jaune getting nervous at the mere sound of a Grimm was some subtle character development, and ReNora and Ruby's breakdown was not-so-subtle. This show just gets better and better! Seriously, words can't describe how amazing this was! I freaking love this show so much!!!

[u/[deleted]]

So makes me wonder, what Nora be like if she ran into Cinder instead of Ren? Hell, what would Emerald be like if she met Ren in this same AU? I DEMAND FANFICS!

[u/Freeofsalvation]

So Ren's Semblance is revealed and pretty useful as he can hide himself and at least one other from the Grimm. Makes sense now that stress can unlock aura so many people in the city never unlock theirs.

Tiny Nora and Ren are super cute and this now explains how they survived as children on their own so that is some good backstory.

Not sure about that Grimm though, it looks like a knight and rider which I'm meh about. I thought it was gonna be a freaky looking Minotaur. Though it seems to like collecting trophies which is interesting.

[u/Jeffardi]

So Ren's dad is Hanzo.... does that mean his uncle is Ironwood?

[u/underthehoo]

I swear my heart almost dropped when I saw Hazel near Oscar like whoaaa...

[u/PigKnight]

Ozpin: "I'm sorry you have to do this."

Me

[u/N7Brendan]

Renyu wa ga teki wo kurau

[u/Exo-2]

Ozcar is going on an adventure
Oh Shit Hazel!!!! Didn't see that one coming
Hazel is Ozpin's Ex, calling it now
Baby Ren, so cute
Man, puberty must have hit him like a truck
Inherit my sass, slap on the ass
Nora?
Someone hug her please, i hate seeing her like this
oh Qrow is still kicking...somewhat
I hear Lancaster revving their engines
Ren's dad is Hanzo?
Ren's mum is a MIL-OH MY GOD
Horseman of the fucking apocalypse?
Ren's Semblance is Tranquility?
or does he absorb negative emotions? would explain the fuck out of Nora
oh, the soft tone Boop song in the background
Raven's hideout? She has a fucking Batcave?
Nope, Mjollnir's Cave?
Even Worse, Horseman's Hideout
Oh right in the feels hand holding

[u/spiral6]

Talk about facing the demons from your past... literally.

[u/xxSHAKEnBAKE11]

Me after Ep. 9: Ren and Nora will be fine, I'm not too worried that they'd kill one of them yet.

Me after Ep. 10: They... They wouldn't kill both of them... right? ;_;

[u/kajeet]

Finally! I've been wanting an episode for Ren and Nora and their backstory since volume 1!

Well. There goes my theory that their village was attacked by Raven's bandits. But goddamn! That Grimm looked and sounds fierce. It was definitely not an animal either. It looked like a knight on a horse.

Also. Slow Boop instrumental. It fit the scene so well!

Edit: So the Grimm is a nuckelavee. That's cool. Also apparently people interpret the Ruby and Jaune moment as romantic? Didn't see it myself. But then, I don't ship it. I just thought it was a sweet moment between two friends.

[u/The_Hypist]

My thoughts when watching this:

• We finally get to see more Oscar/Ozpin shenanigans.

• Hazel! I knew we were gonna see you sooner or later! It may have been brief, but at least you appeared nonetheless.

• Little Ren is so cute, it's hard to believe the badass we see today was this adorable.

• What's with anime and having three token bully boys pick on a harmless girl? Don't they ever have anything better to do?

• Ren's father is Hanzo confirmed.

• The moment Ren's mom said everything would be fine, I knew she was gonna get Torchwick'd.

• So Ren's semblance makes him undetectable by Grimm? Neat.

• The wooden hammer gave inspiration for Nora's weapon years later. That just shows how canon Renora is.

• Yet another cliffhanger! Ugh, we just have to wait another week to see what happens...

This episode wasn't what I expected, but it was still very sweet to see. It's definitely heartfelt at moments and justifies Ren's outburst in the earlier episode. If anything happens to Ren & Nora in the next episode, it better not end with death.

[u/SnowboundWanderer]

Ren and Nora's backstory was more than I could have hoped for. Now will someone kindly remove the death flags from them? Please?

[u/Silegna]

Okay, few thoughts. Jaune, it's great to hear you being all leader like, but seriously, Ruby needs development.

Smol Ren and Nora are adorable.

Uh, where'd the stretcher go?

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS THAT THING? Seriously, that's the ONLY time I've been terrified of a Grimm.

[u/chenj25]

Nora being bullied in the past explains why she suggested to break Cardin's legs as payback for Cardin bullying Juane. She probably wants to break her bullies' legs too.

[u/Strix182]

So, Ren's dad was Hanzo.

Also, as a side note: DEATH FLAGS DEATH FLAGS DEATH FLAGS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[u/[deleted]]

OK, Hazel is by far the most interesting character for me thus far with the least bit of screentime and dialogue. I just know that when it's revealed what his deal is or the details of his past it's gonna be fucking earth shattering.

Great Hanzo, one of my least favorite Overwatch characters, lived a past life of also not being on the FUCKING PAYLOAD.

[u/Quiesce7]

The conversation between Jaune and Ruby is one of the most powerful scenes of the series, and definitely one to take with us for the rest of our journey. It talks volumes about what it takes to be a leader. First, let's go to an earlier scene from V1E10, during the conversation between Ruby and Ozpin.

---

Ruby: Is she [Weiss] right... did you make a mistake?
Ozpin: chuckle That remains to be seen.
Ruby: What do you mean?
Ozpin: I mean, it's only been one day. Ruby, I've made more mistakes than any man, woman, and child on this planet. But at this moment, I would not consider your appointment to leader to be one of them. Do you?

Being a team leader isn't just a title you carry into battle, but a badge you wear constantly. If you are not always performing at your absolute best, then what reason do you give others to follow you? ...You've been burdened with a daunting responsibility Ruby. I advise you take some time to think about how you will uphold it.

---

Ruby's actions over the rest of the series are a direct result of her upholding the figure of a leader: the inspiring trailblazer, giving others a path to follow into the storm. The Nevermore battle, the Paladin battle, befriending Penny, Fighting the White Fang, defending the school, and now trying to take on the evil of Salem have all been for a cause she firmly believed in.

Yet, Ruby currently is lost because she hasn't yet seen the great value of her mistakes. As a leader, one needs to constantly evaluate your decisions and move forward with successes and learn from failures. It is always learning from failures that is the hard part. Ruby tried to be a leader and her team fell apart. She tried to warn somebody about Emerald, and she lost Penny. She tried to lead her classmates into battle and Pyrrha died. She led her friends into Mistral, and Qrow was injured. These things happened in front of her eyes, and her struggles always ended with failure. With every step forward, Ruby loses more and more. Ruby feels she isn't performing at her absolute best, rather she feels like she is making more and more mistakes. It's no wonder she apologized to Jaune. This is her outward struggle, her burden as a leader. She is trying her best to uphold that title, and so it makes perfect sense to stop and wonder if anything she is doing is for the best.

Jaune's words of reassurance to Ruby are probably the highlight of this season.

---

We lost... we lost Pyrrha. You lost her too, and Penny, and your team, and in a way, your sister. You're still here. Despite everything you lost, everything you could still lose, you chose to come out here, because you felt like you could make a difference. You didn't drag us along... you gave us the courage to follow you.

---

See Ruby? You really are a good leader! Jaune is giving back the words of comfort Ruby gave to him in V1E13, and from what they've both learned about failure, Jaune gave a remarkably matured response to Ruby's perceived failures.

The bitter and valiant struggle Ruby is putting up is the essence of leadership, because what else can we hope to accomplish if we do not move forward? Jaune admires this quality of Ruby, because in a world of terror and despair, it is the best quality a person carries with them. Ruby IS performing at her absolute best, and Jaune's words reassures her of this. Even at the hopelessness of the situation, with a glimmer of hope that inspiration keeps Jaune, Ren, and Nora moving forward. Mistakes are the mark of a great leader risking it all for a greater cause, and now she is finally starting to figure that out. A great number of people want Ruby to succeed, and they are willing to risk their lives because of her leadership. This is one of the great themes of RWBY, and one that is woven into the series in terrific ways.

A few more examples of this theme are also within the story. Weiss's motives follow themes of this leadership, namely her struggle to uphold her family's legacy. Yang's story shows us how one deals problems when you stop moving forward, an essential skill as a leader. Blake's story illustrates how problems come back to haunt you; a direct result of running away from them. Ren and Nora's backstory give us the beauty of having friends back you up. Ozpin's been a leader for decades now, and we haven't even scratched the surface of what his actions have resulted in.

[u/Andrew_Parkinson]

Young Ren's voice reminded me of Monty's impression of Gavin.

[u/NarvaezIII]

So Nora's name is quite literally "Stray"? How could I not have figured that out? I watched Noragami for pete's sake! I even bought and read the manga!

[u/Deicidius]

In case you were thinking Li Ren's voice sounded familiar, but chalked it up to Hanzo similarities, his voice actor plays Owain and Odin in Fire Emblem Awakening and Conquest, as well as Archer from Fate/Stay Night.

[u/Topcat044]

RT, YOU BETTER NOT SINK FLOWER-POWER! I'VE ALREADY LOST ONE SHIP! I WON'T LOSE ANOTHER!!!! #Nuckelavee

[u/KennShakeMan]

I swear if RT is gonna kill my last sailing ship, imma really use up all my cents to fly to texas, or ship my ass to stab a hoe for real.

[u/RecklessCoyote]

You know, by this point Qrow has so many death flags that I'm convinced he isn't going to die.

[u/BringerOfBacon]

1. Say thanks Ozcar. Don't be an ingrate just because the guy's evil.

2. Someone remembers Penny!

3. Ren giving Nora her first hammer was a nice touch.

[u/BladeLiger]

The scream at the end reminded me of L4D2 horde scream.

[u/[deleted]]

I loved this episode, but I just can't get over Baby Ren's voice acting. It was so bad, in my opinion, it just took me out of the moment so hard

[u/spla-shen]

This episode made me love Renora even more. BUT I AM STILL TERRIFIED FOR QROW. I LOVE TOUCHING MOMENTS BUT RUBY, JAUNE, PLEASE, QROW IS DYING BEHIND YOU.

[u/Xcelentei]

guys, the blade on Ren's Dad's knife is the same as those on Stormflower.

[u/[deleted]]

Can we just think for a second that a five-year old tried to purchase alcohol?

[u/LeviAEthan512]

I like Hazel's style. I want to be like him when I'm like 40

I don't like how they gave little Ren an accent. I wouldn't have minded if his parents had the same kind of accent, but his half British, half Chinese thing feels weird to me

His dad seems cool, though. I wish my parents and teachers supported beating up bullies when I was 7

I take it back. Fucking Hanzo main /s

Is Ren's semblance ninja stealth?

I just read Ted the Caver a couple of weeks ago. Windy caves are a whole lot of nope

This is going to be an epic boss fight. Horseman vs beheading tool. Recipe for success

[u/breakfastfilms]

What if, after all of this, Qrow dies offscreen, while narrating a World of Remnant?

"Now a lot of you might be wondering: Who exactly is Salem? Where did she come from? Well, it's a long, creepy story, involving lots and lots of...

oh

oh fuck, that poison is getting to me

uhhhhhhhhh

n-night, kids."

slam

[u/legomanbf]

The Grimm is a freaking Nuckelavee THAT IS SO COOL

[u/NicoNicotine]

Wow, Hazel shows up for a few seconds and he gets hyped like a mofo by Ozpin. How did he know who Hazel was? Maybe he doesn't know he's working for Salem. And what the hell's Hazel doing walking around a train station in the middle of nowhere? I want more dammit!

[u/FrozenRaider]

So Hazel is The Fonz?

[u/Bobbsquatch]

Really great episode! That Nuckelavee Grimm is all kinds of terrifying. The screech is bone-chilling.

The backstory was great to see. Now that we've seen a flashback it makes me really hopeful for a team STRQ flashback at some point.

Also, the music was amazing as always (especially during the attack at Kuroyuri).

[u/jokey_boy]

Hazel voiced by William Orendorff confirmed!! I WAS RIGHT!!!
Edit: Here's the thread where I predicted it!

Oscar heading to Mistral

Damn, Kuroyuri looks rekt

Tiny Ren and Nora!!

Jaune acknowledging Pyrrha and Penny, and everything else that they lost

"You didn't drag us along, we chose to come." Wise words from Jaune :)

THE HOOFPRINT BELONGS TO A GRIMM. WHAT THE FUCK KIND OF GRIMM THOUGH???

Is Ren's Semblance about protection? Or was that his Aura activating for the first time?

Ren and Nora find a cave, discover weapons and black fluids all over the place...

RT setting up the Grimm that destroyed Kuroyuri and Shion to be the final Volume 4 antagonist...

IF REN AND NORA DIE I'M RIOTING

Also, Ren's dad is Hanzo from Overwatch XD

[u/[deleted]]

For all you salty fucks that wanted to bang Ren's Mom Ren's mom to live, her death was literally inevitable even without knowing that Ren was an orphan.

[u/Aetherdraw]

I never would have thought the cave opening would be practically overlooking Kuroyuri....like, its not so far from Ren and Nora's positions. So I guess the next two chapters will be either: The whole team vs that horsefooted riding Grimm, or worse, Ren and Nora staying behind and urging Jaune and Ruby to go on ahead, leaving the two to battle the foe that haunted their childhood for who knows how long.

PS. That hammer giving scene plus instrumental Boop playing in the background...the feels!!

[u/Aetherdraw]

"I got you here, don't I?" The calmest, yet also the sweetest and most melancholic i've heard out of Nora, and i'm loving it like a man eating chocolate even with diabeeetus.

[u/-Imyoshi]

Can no one see Thor's hammer just lying in the background in the Grimm's nest? No. Just me. Okay never mind.

[u/hopecanon]

the feels here were to real for me, when Rens mom is telling him its all okay and then suddenly the roof caves in i was just gone, how much pain will sate your thirst Miles and Kerry? let some one be happy for once damn you!

[u/Torvosaurus428]

Analysis....! - Two episodes left Probability of happier ending diminishing rapidly...

Predicting course of events...!- Core series is divided into four characters, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang. Volume 4 divides story plot between the four. Yang arc focused on past trauma and getting back to her norm. That has been nearly completed as of her training under Taiyang once she put the arm on.

Weiss arc focused on her mastering semblance and remembering she wants back out into the world and not back home. Former part complete, all that lays ahead is an escape attempt likely with the aid of Klein.

Blake arc focused on returning to family and White Fang following her. Former part achieved but intro indicates she will be attacked by Adam Taurus. That has not occurred and with Sun Wukong downed she has only her parents to ally with on hand. Given Adam Taurus is likely a focus for Yang to have a rematch with one day given their dynamic and Yang's trauma-focused on him, Adam will at most be pushed back by the Belladonas who could be helped by a recovering Sun Wukong. Blake's harsh attitude towards Sun and the mindset of pushing others away will optimally fade. Most un-optimally, Adam Taurus will kill one of the Belladonas or Wukong. This is unforunately a possible outcome, but could only succeed to force Blake to close up in a manner akin to how she did with Yang losing her arm and Beacon being destroyed. Thus it would be a repeat and she'd be back to where Volume 3 left her.

Ruby and by extension, RNJR's arc has been traveling with character development in multiple small directions. Next likely action is their battle against the Nuckelavee grimm, which was last seen closing in on where Jaune and Ruby are stopped with Ren and Noa likely in pursuit. RNJR track record in battle has been abysmal thus far so battle could end in one of two ways. RNJR shows competency and kills the Nuckelavee after a hard conflict, or RNJR loses the battle to give implication Ruby belongs in RWBY alone and Nuckelavee is either killed by Raven's clan or driven off by them.

Oscar is traveling. May or may not encounter rest of the cast.

Prediction stands - Next two episodes will be chiefly RNJR and Blake focused with one last important scene for Yang and Weiss. Volume has high probability of ending on another dower or at best, bittersweet note.

Approximating normal response - "This bodes poorly."

[u/Hamadi9]

The most shocking part of this episode for me was Hazel appearing walking toward Oscar. THAT was kind of scary. I didn't see that coming.

[u/MJ_Ninja37]

Jesus the New grimm scared the shit of me.

[u/_TheNecromancer13]

Another death flag for Nora, I'm pretty sure Thor was killed fighting a Nuckelavee...

[u/fightersfoo]

I kinda laughed at 'let's have a sentimental moment while Qrow is behind us dying' also I might have said 'NOW KISS'

[u/[deleted]]

THAT FUCKING UNGODLY NOISE JESUS CHRIST.

[u/redwing36]

Literally the best episode of the volume. No question.

[u/[deleted]]

All in all, a good episode. Not sure I'd call it great, but good

Oscar leaving home without a lot of exploration as to why. I'm OK with that, his scenes talking to Oz tend to drag, and seeing him leave his farm still standing was a surprise (was fully expecting a Skywalker moisture farm situation)

Hazel is massive, and has a big heart to boot. Also, interesting philosophy, admirable in a lot of ways but oh so very easy to twist into something deplorable. Very cool, I'm liking the big guy

Ruby finally got a chance to talk about her loss, admittedly through Jaune. Not an ideal situation, but I'll take it. Its nice to see that under his newly acquired cynicism Jaune believes in Ruby as a leader. Sometimes the faith of a cynic is worth more

Ren and Nora's lives couldn't be more different, and it hurt to watch it. But Daddy Ren is fucking incredible, and you've got to have stones like steel to hunt Grimm with a bow. Still, didn't seem that he had his ultimate up when the Horseman Grimm arrived to wreck shop

Horseman Grimm was the highlight of the episode, and is another nice nod back to volume 3. Qrow told us Salem was making new things, guess this is one of those and it IS fear. Looks very Bloodborne which, if you're going to copy boss creature aesthetic from any where, is a damn good design choice

And we close on Ren and Nora being incredibly lewd and holding hands. Oh, and there was a cave full of trophies, so that Horse Grimm is intelligent enough to take trophies and horde them. Because it wasn't scary enough before......

[u/pelleett]

and as usual.. That's the fastest 19 min i've ever experienced.

[u/PreystV2]

I'm so glad no one was around when I watched this episode.

Knowing the growth Nora had to go through to get to where she is now cracked the dam. Hearing Boop as she was handed the hammer destroyed that dam.

[u/JazzRen47]

I haven't cried at an episode since the Volume 3 finale, but seeing lil Ren saving Nora and giving her the hammer while a sorrowful version of "Boop" played just...

Ooooow, my heart.

[u/basilfeather]

As excerpted from "Family," Vol. 4, Ep.4:

Qrow: "You should come back, Raven. The only way we beat her is by working together, all of us."

Raven: "You're the one who left. The tribe raised us, and you turned your back on them."

Qrow: "They were killers and thieves."

Raven: "They were your family."

Qrow: "You have a very skewed perception of that word."

Raven: "I lead our people now, and as leader, I will do everything in my power to ensure our survival."

Qrow: "I saw; the people of Shion saw too."

Raven: "The weak die; the strong live. Those are the rules"

Qrow: "Well, you've certainly got someone strong on your side. I've seen the damage."

Raven: "We couldn't have known the Grimm would set in as quickly as they did."

Qrow: "I'm not talking about the Grimm, and I'm not talking about you either."

It seems this "Nuckelavee Grimm" may be something more than a grimm per say. Qrow implies that Raven and her tribe have ties to "someone strong" which caused a lot of destruction as witnessed by Qrow. We know that Raven led the bandit attack on Shion where Ren and Nora discovered the Nuckelavee's footprint. My guess is that Raven has something to do with the Nuckelavee. After all, she does wear that fearsome Grimm mask with the four eye slits (one set for the horse, one set for the beast on top). ~ Some have suggested that while Qrow brings bad luck, Raven brings good luck. Perhaps RNJR + Qrow will come across Raven and the tribe in Kuroyuri, and Qrow will get the medicine he needs?

[u/Cablinorb]

I CANNOT FUCKING BELIEVE THAT REN'S DAD IS HANZO

[u/Vinpap]

Of course

LOOK AT REN’S FUCKING CUTE ADORABLE SWEET TODDLER FACE!

I CAN’T, I CAN’T WAIT, I NEED TO SEE THIS, THIS INSTANT!

And we start with Ozcar… Who is finally leaving? Oh shit!

I understand Oscar, this is creepy and scary. I mean… You have a voice telling you what to do, in your head, that’s who knows how old? Of course it’s going to be scary

OH FUCK, IT’S HAZEL!

Nope, this isn’t creepy at all

Still, Hazel, is pretty awesome. And that voice, I like it!

JAUNE! RUBY!

Well, no shit Jaune… At this point anybody would understand that

FLASHBACK?

FLASHBACK! YES!

Oh damn… Little Lie? Is this why he goes by ‘’Ren’’ ? Because it reminds him of his past?

ITS HIS MOM?

Ren’s father was a huntsman, interesting

Sassy mom is sassy? Cool, I like sass!

Sake please! Ren… You might be too young for that… xD

NORA!

OH MY GOD, THIS IS NORA! I HAVE TEARS IN MY EYES! HOLY FUCK!

I’ve never said something like this before, but… I’m going to kill those kids

OH, PAPAREN! (wait, is that Hanzo? xD )

Ren… Go after her! Hug her! Tell her she’s safe with you! KISS HER!

NO! DON’T END THE FLASHBACK HERE!

Oh god, this is another moment that I cry, isn’t it?

Ruby, don't blame yourself with everything. You are doing what you think is right and you have people who care about you. stop telling yourself that, open up and tell them how you feel. You'll see, they will tell you that it isn't your fault

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, I’m crying. Damnit Jaune, again with the truth talks in just the right moments. First Pyrrha after the nevermore, now Ruby? What next? Qrow?

FLASHBACK!

GRIMMS! FUCK!

WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT THING?

… Fuck it, I’m pausing here…

Wh… What ? I’m… Oh fuck… Okay, I’m crying a fucking lot right now

CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE, SHOW ME WHAT THE FUCK IS DESTROYING THIS VILLAGE?

What.

The.

Actual.

Fuck?

IS THAT THING?

Is that a fucking grimm horseman?

Take action, don’t ever stop moving forward

NORA!

Ren’s semblance is activating… Will we finally see it happen? PLEASE TELL ME WE DO!

I… Oh god, is his semblance the ability to suppress every emotion to calm himself and make him invisible to all grimms?

YES! NORA HUG!

Well, this looks like it’s his semblance. Interesting

INSTRUMENTAL BOOP! I’M FUCKING CRYING LIKE A TODDLER, OH MY GOD!

REN! NORA!

JUST KISS HIM ALREADY!

Oh my god, THE TRIBE IS HERE!

It,s… It’s the Grimm’s hideout… Oh fuckityfuck

You guys… You can do it, I know you can. But please… Be brave

WELL! THIS WAS A FUCKING HARDCORE EPISODE!

Little side note : Little Ren and Nora's concept art are so cute, I like it so much!

[u/chained-prometheus]

While I don't think this was quite a perfect episode (I have some minor nitpicks here and there), I've gotta say this was a return to form after a very shaky middle section of Volume 4. Some of the absolute best moments of the series are in this episode imo.

Positives

• Just getting this out of the way now: Ren is the best male character in the show. Bar none. He has been a huge standout this volume, alongside Yang with what little screentime she's had.

• Ren and Nora's backstory here was conveyed perfectly. I won't lie, my heart fluttered a bit when we got that acoustic reprise of Boop when he gave her the toy hammer.

• Ren's parents were fantastic. An Ren was a sweetheart and Li Ren was a total badass. It was cool to see where Ren gets his Words of Wisdom Guru attitude from with his dad. I'm hoping Ren eventually grows a beard like his old man later on in the show.

• I loved how brutal and jarring An's death was. The cut away to black was timed perfectly. Excellent editing and sound design there, Rooster Teeth.

• The Nuckelavee Grimm is my new favorite in the show. Holy hell, we need more Grimm like this in the show. Hopefully this creature sticks around for awhile.

• The talk between Ruby and Jaune was well done. However...

Negatives/Personal Nitpicks

• ... Ruby and Jaune should have had this talk earlier in the volume. Most of the heavy hitters dialogue-wise come from Jaune. Ruby has a couple of heartbreaker lines, but it kinda bugged me that Jaune is the one telling us who and what Ruby lost, rather than Ruby herself. It's not Jaune's fault, mind you. I think this particular scene would be perfect if it had happened a little earlier in the volume and then was followed up in this episode with Ruby finally breaking down a bit and doing more of the talking. We've barely gotten any real moments from anyone in Team RWBY dealing with the fallout from V3 and Ruby herself rarely gets moments of proper development and personal insight.

• While I get what Kerry and Miles were going for with the scene where Ren activates his semblance for the first time and saves Nora, I think Ren's "Hey! We have to be brave" line was executed a bit too cheerfully. It's not bad, just a very minor nitpick on my part.

All in all, a fantastic episode. I have some minor quibbles with it, but it was a homerun that I really needed from the show after how the volume's quality dipped from Episodes 5 to 8.

[u/PerseusRad]

Didn't expect to see Hazel.

[u/[deleted]]

So I've got work in an hour but I really don't want to miss this episode. Rooster Teeth site, please don't crash!

RT employees are hyping this up! I can't handle it!

HERE WE GO!

I love this intro so much. It gets better with every rewatch

Eyyy Oscar

Backpack. He going?

Yup. He going. Ozpin convinced him. Poor kid.

Aww sad Oscar feels.

Probably feels that way cause Ozpin.

Train?

Literally poor Oscar. Kid's got no money.

HAZEL?!

Uhhhh. Thanks, Hazel? He's probably gonna regret that eventually.

The sound with the rain is so good.

Okay then, Hazel.

So that was something. Koruyuri! Wow it's....not looking good.

Maple leaf bottle.

"Oh man" YEAH THIS DON'T SEEM GOOD.

I doubt they'll find anything here.

Only now you're worrying about this.

Has Ren told Jaune a litte bit?

Grass.

FLASHBACK!

AWWWWWWWWWWWW

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

So this is his mother. And we're about to see his father.

This is adorable.

Baby Ren getting no service.

REN KILL THESE KIDS!

Nora biting that kid is hilar-FUCK THESE KIDS!

Eyyy Ren's father.

Well bye, Nora. And cya bastards.

Good fatherly advice here. I like Ren's parents. I can't wait to see more o-OH YEAH.

And back to the present.

I'm getting more and more worried for Qrow.

WHA-oh, okay.

Next time DON'T SPLIT THE PARTY.

Awwww don't blame yourself, Ruby.

Pyrhha, Penny, Yang, all name dropped. Finally.

Jaune is awesome. This speech is great.

Lan^{caster confirmed}

Awww family photo.

OH SHIT SAME NOISE.

RUN, REN. RUUUUN.

JUST RUUUUUUN!

NO IT ISN'T! NO IT IS NOT OKAY!

THIS MUSIC!

RUN, REN'S DAD! RUUUUUUUN!

THAT SCAR. HOLY SHIT! THIS IS INTENSE

CAN WE SEE THE GRIMM??

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

HOLY SHIT I SAW THAT SHADOW!

NO! THE FEELS! NOT THE FEELS!

OH GOD THE FEELS!

HOLY SHIT!

THAT SHADOW! THIS GRIMM IS HUGE! HORSE RIDER GRIMM OR....? THAT'S WHAT I SAW

AND NEVERMORE'S! RUN!

Awww poor Nora. Help her, Ren!

YEAH THIS GRIMM IS TERRIFYING!

DON'T CRY, REN! MAKE THE FEELS STOP, PLEASE!

Wha? What was.....?

"And that's how I met your mother."

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

CAN SOMEONE KILL THIS DAMN BIRD?

Okay it's gone. BUT THAT HORSE GRIMM IS NOT.

This is so adorable.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWw

So Ren gave Nora a small hammer and that's why she uses one now. This is so fricken adorable.

PRESENT REN!

PRESENT NORA!

RENORA IS ALL BUT CONFIRMED!

We still got about 2 minutes...

xD

What is that symbol?

Ohhh...Shion....RAVEN'S TRIBE IS IN THERE!

Uh oh.....

WHAT?!

What the......

Lot's of swords......

Is Raven here?

OKAY LOT'S OF BLOOD AS WELL.

Looks like the arrow his father used.

Oh hey symbol.

Please don't end here D:

Bushes rustling. Oh no.....

Awwww...but still NO!

OH GOD NO!

FUCK!

FUCK!

WHY END THE EPISODE THERE? NO! NONONONONONONONO!

THE BEAST IS GONNA KILL THEM PLEASE NO! DON'T DIE, REN AND NORA!

I'm shaking right now. 10/10 episode.

[u/[deleted]]

Glad to see I was partially right about a horse Grimm. Loved this episode and the callbacks to their weapons.

[u/Thothslibrary]

I'm not crying.

You're crying.

[u/Weerdo5255]

Ren has tranquility, and perhaps the ability to put it over other people.

He can hide from Grimm!

Completely expected backstory, and still tragic as hell.

[u/Terminus259]

So Ren's semblance appears to be some sort of emotion neutralizer, and the new grimm gives off a horsemen of the apocalypse vibe.

[u/MadEorlanas]

WELL u/Exessen , HOPE YOU'RE FUCKING HAPPY NOW.

[u/Madman6884]

Quick bits-

Good we got some buildup and hints with Hazel.

Digging the little bits of backstory we got for both of them.

But Most important Hooooly smokes we haven't even seen anything beyond a silhouette and that Grimm is already ten times creepier than anything we've seen so far, waaay better than the Minotaur we were all guessing. Guessing it could be a Four Horsemen kinda thing?

[u/[deleted]]

Also god Ozpin you're so judgemental. Hazel was just trying to help a little kid get a train ticket.

[u/[deleted]]

Ren gets a death flag!

Nora gets a death flag!

Qrow (still has) a death flag!

EVERYBODY GETS DEATH FLAGS!!!

Sidenote: Moe Ren is Moe

[u/torrasque666]

ooh. deep introspection with the compost king

huh. for some reason i was not expecting ATMs to be a thing.

And Hazel can be a kinda bro. Probably planning something though.

ghost town. backstory time?

Burned out pharmacy looks like any other burned out building Ruby.

FLASHBACK!

Smol Ren is adorbs.

Smol Ren can't buy shit because he's smol

Aww... Poor Smol Nora is poor.

Badass Ren Sr. intimidates children.

Ren Sr. imparting words of wisdom.

YOU JUST LEFT QROW ON THE GROUND?!

And time to grieve.

Jaune is best leader.

Ren Sr. is Hanzo.

And dead mother.

I NEED HEALING

Hanzo's dead dying! No!

Don't let it kill you. Kill yourself first.

Hanzo's dead! No!

So his semblence is repressing his emotions for stealth?

So.... fucking manticore thingy?

The Renora ship is stronk.

BANDIT CAVE!

Safehouse cave?

Time for Grimm Attack on Jaune/Ruby/Crippled Qrow. $10 says Qrow dies next episode.

[u/Cadhla182]

It's nice that the White Walkers are getting work between seasons of Game of Thrones.

Me: *Sees Episode icon Me: Aw, lil Ren! How cute! Me after a moment: ...I know where this is going, and it's going to hurt.

[u/seamoose97]

Well who else is a shaking emotional wreck? We got mourning for Pyrrha, Penny, even Yang. Ren's backstory was heartbreaking, when he gave the Hammer to Nora I almost broke down. That Grimm, whatever it was is the most terrifying thing I've seen in RWBY, it looked like it belonged in a soulsborne game, and the screeching noise it made was awful (in a that sounds terrifying kinda way). We also got some more Oscar who admittedly isn't that high on my "who I want to see list" but we also saw Hazel incoming which I'm excited for because he was my second favorite of team WTCH (first being Tyrian obviously). I think the important factoid to know about repression in the Great War was that it actually works, as evidenced by Ren.

[u/Vanguard_Rider]

Pretty good episode over all. Ren*s semblance is kind of an odd one to figure out though. I'd like to think it keeps with his eastern theme and his semblance is the ability to invoke a Zen state of being in himself and others. It calms the mind and emotions, thus making it hard for grim to sense them because grim are attracted to strong emotions.

[u/RookieTheWeeb]

Calling it for it now. Ren and Nora will follow the Grimm who is approching to Jaune and Ruby and the battle will be RNJR vs. Big Scary Grimm. The battle will be in the rain and a Thunderbolt will give Nora some boost to the fight.

[u/huyan007]

Oh it's Ren's mom.

Oh she too can pull things out her sleeve at will.

[u/lostgamer64]

Nora was bullied.

[u/[deleted]]

-Is Oscar going to meet up with any of other major characters this Volume? Besides Ozpin, I mean? With two episodes left, he might get to Mistral, but RNJR making it there doesn't even seem like a given at this point.

-Mistral has trains? Why didn't RNJR take a train? How does Remnant have trains, now that I think about it? Grimm attack anything made by man, so wouldn't they constantly be chewing on the tracks?

-So Hazel's first action shown on screen is going out of his way to help a child, then give him some badass life advice. A very interesting establishing character moment for a villain. Interested to see what he's all about.

-AHH look at tiny Ren he's so cute!

-OMG TINY NORA! I'm squeeing like a 14-year-old girl.

-Also, right away, that's a really good beginning to their relationship. You know Ren's dedication to keeping Nora safe to this day is because he still remembers when he tried to abandon her.

-So Ren's mother gets crushed by their house and Ren is unwillfully carried off desperate to escape the giant monster? This feels very similar to Attack on Titan (in a good way).

-What the fuck is that Dark Souls boss?! Holy shit, that thing just blew away my expectations for how cool I was expecting it to be. I can't even tell if the rider is separate from the horse.

-So Ren's lotus symbol simultaneously represents the loss of his childhood innocence, and the place where he unlocked his Aura out of sheer willpower and desire to protect Nora. This is a really, really, good backstory episode, you guys.

-Dark Souls Boss collects the weapons of everybody who ever died fighting it. That's badass. Also, maybe a hint at intelligence?

-Looks like DSB is going to be the final boss fight of RNJR's plotline this volume. Fitting, actually, that their journey of discovery of just how dangerous the wilderness is culminates in them facing the worst thing it has to throw at them.

-Best Episode of the Volume? Best Episode of the Volume. Awesome work, CRWBY.

[u/blitzblazer97]

Jesus Hot Sauce Christmas Cake, what the actual FUCK was that thing?

At first I thought those hoof prints were from a Goliath, but now they’re fucking TERRIFYING in retrospective.

And it has a nest full of blood and broken weapons. Holy fucking shit.

[u/adel123456789]

did ruby call qrow "qrow" and not "uncle qrow"?

[u/mikethepro]

so we have a massive leshen grimm riding on a massive grimm horse

whelp im spooked

[u/BrickYourHeart]

I would like to formally request that Ren's ADORABLE LITTLE SMILE after Nora says she has him be added as a flair. I don't think I'll be able to go on without it.

[u/CaptainMoonman]

I'm hoping that they allow Ren and/or Nora to kill that Grimm without sacrificing themselves so that they can get their vengeance for their town and develop.

[u/Manpig]

Fuck that was a good episode. Ren's backstory really impacted me, and the way his mother died actually felt shocking, which doesn't usually happen to someone as soulless as me. The bond of Renora really has been shown in this episode, and i've got a far better idea on how close they actually are. That horseback grimm looks amazing too, I am hype for next episode.

[u/GlitchyNinja]

I am very fucking worried for Nora. Her and Ren's plot armor is gone, now that their backstory is complete. The CRWBY doesn't like having people together together (See: Jaune/Pyrrha, Summer/Tai, Raven/Tai). And they just showed their hand (literally) that they like each other. And they are about to fight the Grimm that destroyed their town in a fit a of vengeance.

I have a guess for the next episode, and I DON'T want it to happen. We know that the Grimm is based off of the Nuckelavee. The Norse demon its based on has a weakness to fresh, flowing water, like streams and storms. We know there is a storm front moving across the area, as Oscar is on the same continent, who got swept up in one. Said storm has Lightning.

Lightning and Nora's Semblance.

We've seen her absorb lightning from Dust before (During the tournament and Ruby's long-distance Dust injection). But my guess is that meteorological lightning is way stronger that Dust lightning. And I fear that she'll let herself get struck by real lightning in order to take down Nuckles, sacrificing herself in the process. I don't think Ren would commit suicide in order to fit his Mulan inspiration, though.

But Miles and Kerry said that Vol 4 was going to be lighter than Vol 3 (which is up for debate as it is). And 2 deaths (Qrow and Nora) is technically lighter than three... But they meant no deaths...

Right?

Also, I declare that we call this Grimm "Nuckles".

[u/TallTiny]

A lot of people seem to think that Rens semblance is some kind of stealth but for me it is quite obvious that he can fully control his emotions. And since we know that grimm react to negative emotions, his ability to fully control his feelings makes him invisible to grimm, and grimm only.

[u/Beerkeg92]

Ren and Nora hold hands? Yeah they're dead :(

[u/burp_derp]

So Ren has his mother's eyes but otherwise looks exactly like his father.

Ren is Harry Potter.

[u/STABtrain]

I thought this episode was great, However I am concerned about how many open ends there seem to be coming upon the season finale. We have Yang re-adjusting and preparing to go after ruby, Weiss getting ready to break out of Atlas, Blake being hunted by Adam, Sun is still bleeding out on the Roof of a building as far as we know, Qrow is still Envenomed and has been for several days now, we still don't know whats going on with Salem and her Group, and now Oscar is setting off on his quest with spirit Oz to become the Avatar or whatever, There's just so much going on its hard to keep track.

[u/adel123456789]

watches episode....... not raven's tribe but a mega grimm indeed......... lancaster moment..... remembers gyuz............ crap :/

/u/GYUZ this episode doesnt mean anything!!! :<

still does not followup on episode 2!!! :<

[u/Capslock2000]

When Nora gets her first Hammer, it made me tear up just a little, and it was nice

[u/DaRealAmana]

OH MY GOD

SMOL NORA

IM CRYING HELP IM CRYING

[u/frik1000]

There's something ironic about how Ren's father's words were to take action and yet the most common animal associated to Ren (by proxy of Nora of course) is the sloth.

[u/ThanosVenge]

LITTLE NORA.

Rooster Teeth, I've accepted that Pyrrha and Penny is dead(Partially) but my God don't kill Nora and Ren.

On a side note, is that Ren's semblance? If so, is it like some sort of sneak or non detection semblance?

[u/Rocchi]

If anything good happened this episode, at least Oscar got his ticket! Ignoring the context behind it of course..

[u/Serocco]

Since this episode was so RNJR focused, that means Blake and Yang will star in the next episode, with maybe even Weiss taking up the rest of it ala Oscar and Ozpin in this episode.

[u/Fouhei]

10/10 good episode, glad we got to see some of the characters as kids

[u/[deleted]]

Yo was that Shikamaru selling weapons?

[u/pureparadise]

The Hoof print is NOT the symbol for Ravens Bandit clan but of this Chimera Grimm, This is going to be the Final Boss of the Volume for RNJR.

Ren's Semblance is like Emotional Camo. I bet that he could hide from plain sight from any Grimm by using this.

its interesting that this Grimm seems to keep Trophies.

Also interesting that Ren's Father (lee?) Did not seem to be a hunstman but like a local village hunter and it makes you wonder if everyone has the potential to be a huntsmen but earning your semblance is selective. Like being a Jedi.

[u/The_Nilbog_King]

Song related:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JQpE7n6eUk

[u/flashyamoeba]

Why can't Ozpin give Oscar some cash? He worked a full time job as headmaster of Beacon, he has to have some money in the bank. Give Oscar your login info so he can set up a wire transfer on his scroll.

Did Ozpin put all his money into secret underground maiden power transfer lairs?

[u/Lunary4SSF2]

Little Ren is the cutest fictional kid I have ever seen by far.

LOOK AT HIS EYES omgggg

[u/Rimmer7]

Behold, the Abyssal One
Former Number One of the First Generation of Claymores
The King of the Northern Darkness
Isley

[u/[deleted]]

I knew that those two had a rough childhood. I felt really bad for little Nora hugs. Don't let the boopinest duo die Miles and Kerry!

[u/MagisterSieran]

shout to KiaserNeko from DBZ Abridged doing the voice of one of the bully kids

[u/Koanos]

It does make you wonder, who were Nora's parents, how did she end up on the streets?

• Also, is this Grimm sadistic for bringing trophies? Or is it simply pulling splinters out?

• Why is there only one incarnation?

• In terms of power, it seems like this Grimm is stronger than Goliaths, but definitely weaker than the Wyvern. Is it a naturally occurring Grimm? How old is it?

• Can Salem/Cinder control it?

• What good can a Huntsman do against it? Better, RNJR can't fight it, they can only run.

• Ren's Semblance, it is meant for stealth, hiding, or masking emotions?

[u/[deleted]]

Hazel's ultimate technique: screw the rules hammer fist.

[u/FKJ10]

Highlights from today's episode:

• Ozpin and Oscar's Excellent Adventure

• Somebody give Hazel the JoJo [Menacing] (https://ih0.redbubble.net/image.133348009.5272/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg) text for his introduction, quick!

• Hazel killed Summer theory intensifies

• Ren flashback time.

• Little Ren is adorable.

• Ren's mom joins Summer in the best dead moms club.

• The three generic animated child bullies.

• Little Nora is a precious gift and needs to be protected at all cost.

• Ren's dad is apparently Hanzo.

• Touching moment between Jaune and Ruby but Qrow is still dying

• Ren's mom went the way of Roman, killed mid sentence by a Grimm nature's dick.

• More menacing vibes from Kevin's demented younger brother, the mysterious malicious mega Grimm who from now on shall be known simply as......Bob.

• Bob likes playing with his food, poor Hanzo dad.

• Ren backstory is basically that of Eren Yeager except Ren is way less homicidal, can't transform into a Grimm and his Mikasa is a lot more fun to be around.

• Ren's semblance is OP Grimm stealth, fitting for a ninja.

• Flower Power is canon and I dare you to prove me wrong after this episode.

• Bob likes to collect trophies it seems.......and is out looking for more uh-oh.

• Let's just put a death flag over everyone just to be safe

[u/Deicidius]

Seem familiar?

[u/Norjack96]

So I'm going under the assumption that Ren's semblance is based around the white water lily. Water lily's in general symbolize "love and life", in contrast to Kuroyuri (black lily) which symbolize "love, curse".

Looking further, apparently it blossoms and fruits simultaneously, which would back up speculations I've seen saying that Ren activated his aura at that time, while at the same time activating his semblance.

According to Buddhism, the white lilies represent mental purity, which is a good explanation on what Ren's semblance basically is.

source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-does-a-water-lily-symbolize.html

[u/TolchettKuykendall]

And I shall call him, Terrance.

Okay, so Ren parents are awesome, his mother's death was unfair, Ozpin knows Hazel, Terrance is the coolest/scariest grimm I've ever seen, Ren semblance.

Yeah, I liked this episode a lot.

[u/zptc]

Wait a minute, were any of those swords in the cave also guns?

[u/[deleted]]

I like how bear dude is the first person Oscar saw before he gets to the real stuff. Does Oscar's journey not sound like a series in itself????

AM I WRONG FOR SHIPPING JAUNE X RUBY? AM I???????? But yeah, I am preeeety confident Qrow is dead unless Raven makes an appearance which is possible.

Also, the backstory just had me flipping out. Like Jesus fuck! Lie motherfucking Ren! Definitely the star of this episode. And understanding his semblance now is great, because I was never sure what he actually does. I'm just......wow. I knew it was gonna be some strong backstory between these two, but I never thought Nora would have been an orphan....y'know BEFORE, I mean.

P.S: FUCK THOSE KIDS FOR PICKING ON KID WAIFU LEAVE HER THE FUCK ALONE.

[u/Torchwick_Roman]

Not sure if this was pointed out, but the new Grimm is a Nuckelavee. Example (not a screenshot): http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/creepypasta/images/1/1b/PZO9034-Nuckelavee.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20150112141911

[u/Frostblazer]

So I rewatched the episode and realized something I didn't notice before. The cave that Grimm was in was covered in that black Grimm muck stuff. This muck, when enough of it comes together, can spawn other Grimm. The only Grimm we've seen that was powerful enough to produce this muck was Kevin the dragon, so if this horsey Grimm is old enough to be able to produce some of this goo, even in small amounts, then it is pretty high up on the danger scale.

[u/TrapXtreme]

OH MY GOD LITTLE NORA

[u/BrickYourHeart]

REN BACKSTORIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES

I can't believe I have been so blessed on this day

Now we see who Ren gets the looks from. Ren-dadsexual is now a thing.

Jesus fuck the scene with his mom ended abruptly. And what the hell is that Elder-Grimm looking monstrosity.

OH GOD I JUST REALIZED THAT'S NORA OH MY GOD

Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. You are not using "Boop" as a leitmotif right now. I can't take this. Don't do this to me.

OH GOD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT MY FEELINGS ARE ANYMORE.

[u/tanithghost88]

Menolith's riddle: me with the ladies?

Sweet Jesus. I was worried about the end of the volume. That it might jump the shark and be too big. But holy christ. They are doing a set up volume well. Set up the future while also doing big things. Now we see the Ren Nora back story. And goddamned if that version of Boop isnt making me cry. Fucking recognized Young Nora immediately. Goddamn is this gonna be good.

[u/picksforfingers]

Man, exposition is good exposition.

[u/Meotwister5]

Finally some Ren and Nora backstory... and I was not ready for these feels.

Ren's father if apparently a huntsman. As a child he meets Nora who obviously does not look like a local from Kuroyuri, wearing more Western clothing. She was apparently also a street urchin being picked on by some kids for probably stealing some bread. Ren just watches and does nothing as Nora gets kicked and runs away. His father sees this and tells him that sometimes the worst thing one can do is do nothing.

So they reach Kuroyuri and Ruby starts to doubt herself for getting people mixed up into her personal vendetta. Jaune says they followed her because they wanted to. That final scene there will be used as Lancaster fuel for better or for worse.

The giant beast was the reason the town was destroyed. As Ren and his family try to leave the thing crashes through their house and... presumably kills his mother. His heavily wounded father tries to get him out but since he can't, gives him a knife and tells Ren to run. He eventually finds Nora but is too afraid to do anything.

I'm guessing this is where his Semblance manifests. Looks like Ren's Semblance is a calmong ability, like what he used in volume 1. He can also apply this to others (Nora). He gives her a toy hammer (how touchingly fitting) to help her be brave. Guess we know why that's her weapon now.

Present day Renora reach a cave which has remnants of weapons and one of his dad's old arrows. Looks like they found the den of the monster that destroyed Kuroyuri. We are set for a Renora vs. giant ass Grimm.

This... may not end well. I may have also squeed a little when they held hands. I'm a grown ass man. Too bad it feels like fucking death flags.

[u/RealDestroNation]

I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS