Hey guys,it's been a really long time. I never meant to go on such a long break, but life had gotten busy. I also had major writers block, as you can tell this chapter alone was hard. I didn't hava direction on where I was gonna go with this story. Especially because this is all an original plot I came up with. However as of late, I had gotten back into writing again. I went back and reread the story and all my notes. I got my route tnow! This chapter is really short, but the next chapter I gotten back into the flow of things. Enjoy!

The journey had been long and arduous, but as Naruto stood at the edge of the mountain pass, his breath caught in his throat. The Placidium of Navori stretched out before him, a breathtaking masterpiece of architecture and nature woven together in perfect harmony. Nestled within the vibrant mountains, it was as though the land itself had grown these towers from the very earth. Vibrant colors of reds, greens, and golds painted the horizon as the setting sun cast long shadows over the valley below.

For a moment, Naruto could do nothing but stare. "Wow… this place is unbelievable," he murmured, more to himself than to anyone else. He felt the presence of powerful magic in the air, like a pulse under the surface, reminding him of sacred places back home—yet here, the magic felt ancient, unrelenting, and alive.

Ahri, standing beside him, let out a soft sigh of wonder. "Why did I never come here sooner? It's like walking into a dream." Her eyes glistened, the emotion welling up inside her at the sheer beauty of the place.

Yasuo, ever the stoic, grunted quietly, though Naruto could see the flicker of recognition in his eyes. This place, this sacred space, was a living memory of the legends Yasuo's master had spoken of. The wind that whispered through the valley carried with it the history of a thousand lifetimes.

Irelia smiled at the reaction from her companions, a warmth spreading through her chest. This was home. "Welcome to the Placidium of Navori," she said softly, her voice carrying both pride and reverence. "This is one of our most sacred places—where the heart of Ionia still beats strong. It's a place of both beauty and power, but also one scarred by the weight of history."

Naruto glanced at her, grinning broadly. "It's amazing, Irelia. It feels like a fairy tale." His eyes twinkled as he nudged her with his elbow. "So… do you think there's a ramen stand somewhere around here?"

Irelia rolled her eyes, but couldn't suppress the laugh that bubbled up from her chest. "Only you, Naruto, would come to a sacred place like this and think about food."

"Hey, I can't help it! I've gotta eat," he retorted, throwing his hands behind his head. "Besides, traveling with a celebrity has its perks, right? Maybe they'll give us a discount."

Ahri giggled at Naruto's antics, but Yasuo remained silent, his eyes scanning the path ahead warily. He could feel the weight of every gaze upon them, the subtle murmurs and whispers of the villagers as they passed through the streets of the Placidium. Their group drew attention—especially Naruto and Ahri, who were clearly outsiders in this land. The curiosity was palpable, though not unkind.

"They're bowing to you, Irelia," Naruto noted as they walked, observing the respectful nods and gestures from the villagers. "No matter where we go, people treat you like royalty."

"Only because of the battles we've fought," Irelia said, a tinge of regret in her voice. "But I'd trade all of this for peace." She fell silent for a moment before shaking off the weight of the past. "Come on, we should head up to the council. There's much to discuss."

As they climbed the steep, winding path toward the twin towers of the Placidium, the village below grew smaller, and the air seemed to hum with energy. At the gates, a warrior clad in white garb and a straw hat blocked their path, his posture rigid, his expression unreadable.

"State your name and business," the warrior intoned.

"Irelia Xan," she replied with authority. "I'm here to meet with the Elders of the Placidium. We need to discuss the outcome of the battle at Nafori."

The warrior's expression softened as he recognized her, and with a bow, he stepped aside. "You may enter, Lady Irelia."

As they passed through the gates and into the sacred grounds, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The cobblestone beneath their feet seemed to glow faintly in the fading light, as though the ground itself remembered the battles fought here, the lives lost, and the hope that had been rekindled in the aftermath.

At the top of the stairs, a dark-skinned woman awaited them, her aura calm and composed. She was dressed in elegant white robes streaked with teal and purple, her short dark hair framing a face that exuded wisdom and strength. Standing beside her was an older man, his eyes kind but knowing.

"You've returned to us, Irelia," the older man said warmly. "It's good to see you again. Welcome back to the Placidium."

Irelia smiled and bowed respectfully. "Elder Hirana, Karma, it's an honor to see you both again."

Karma, the woman beside him, regarded Irelia with a gentle smile. "You've been gone for too long, Irelia. The Placidium has missed you."

Irelia chuckled softly. "I've missed it too. Though, as you can see, I've brought some friends along." She gestured toward Naruto and the others. "This is Naruto, the ninja who helped us at Nafori. And these are Ahri and Yasuo, allies who have been with me through much of this journey."

Karma's gaze shifted to Yasuo, her expression hardening slightly. "I know who you are, Yasuo," she said, her voice cooling. "I'm surprised to see you here."

Yasuo met her gaze without flinching. "I'm not here to cause trouble," he replied evenly. "I'm here to help, if I can."

Naruto could feel the tension in the air, but before the situation could escalate, Elder Hirana spoke up. "There will be time for all of this later. For now, we should prepare for the council meeting. Irelia, I understand you have urgent matters to discuss."

Irelia nodded, her expression growing serious. "Yes, I do. The Navori Brotherhood is growing bolder by the day. I fear that if we don't act soon, they'll tear Ionia apart from within."

Elder Hirana frowned deeply. "Then we must act quickly. Come, let us discuss these matters in the council chamber."

As Irelia prepared to follow the elders inside, she turned to Naruto, Ahri, and Yasuo. "I may be tied up for a while. Why don't you all explore the village? Naruto, I'm sure you'll find that ramen stand you're looking for."

Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'm on it!" he declared, saluting with enthusiasm. "Don't worry, we'll be just fine."

Ahri smiled softly as she watched him go. "He never changes, does he?"

As they wandered away from the Placidium, Naruto looked around at the bustling village. Music filled the air, and the laughter of children echoed through the streets. Despite the heavy matters on their minds, the atmosphere here was one of celebration and life—a stark contrast to the battles they had fought so recently.

"Irelia really is amazing," Naruto said after a moment, his thoughts wandering. "I can't imagine having so many people look up to me like that."

Ahri chuckled. "You're not so different, Naruto. You've earned your own share of admirers. Whether you know it or not."

Naruto blinked in surprise but didn't argue. Deep down, though, he felt the truth of her words. He had found a place here, among these people—among these friends.

Thanks for reading!