Hey guys, back with chapter 12. Enjoy!

The moon hung low in the sky, casting its pale light over the Placidium as the village settled into the quiet stillness of the night. The battle with the Brotherhood had left its mark—streets were scattered with debris, and the eerie calm that followed such violent conflict seemed to hang over every corner of the village.

But inside a small, warmly lit chamber, there was a different kind of quiet. Irelia knelt beside the girl she came to see as a sister, Seira, carefully wrapping the last of the bandages around her arm. Her face was set in a mask of concentration, but her eyes betrayed the deep worry that gnawed at her.

"Are you okay?" Irelia asked softly, not looking up from her task. Her voice was filled with a tenderness that Seira hadn't heard in a long time.

Seira, despite her injuries, smiled faintly. "I'm fine, Relia. I've been through worse."

"You shouldn't have had to go through any of this," Irelia murmured, her hands trembling slightly as she tied the bandage in place. "If I had gotten there sooner, you wouldn't—"

"Stop," Seira interrupted, reaching out to gently grasp Irelia's hand. "This isn't your fault. Zel was ruthless. He wanted to break you by using me." She winced slightly but maintained her calm expression. "And he didn't succeed, did he?"

Irelia looked away, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill over. "No. He didn't."

For a moment, the two sat in silence, the weight of the battle still hanging over them. Irelia's heart ached, not just from the physical toll of the fight but from the fear she had felt when she saw Seira bound and bloodied at the mercy of the Brotherhood. The thought of losing her Seira had nearly broken her resolve.

Seira's voice cut through the silence. "You've become so strong, Irelia. Stronger than I could have imagined. Seeing you fight out there… you were like a force of nature."

Irelia laughed softly, though it was tinged with sadness. "I've had to be strong. Ever since the war, I haven't had a choice."

"Don't lose yourself in that strength," Seira said, her tone serious. "You've always had a heart, Irelia. That's what makes you different from the Brotherhood. Don't let them take that away from you."

Irelia swallowed hard and nodded. "I won't."

The door to the chamber creaked open, and both the girls turned to see Naruto standing in the doorway. His usual bright grin was subdued, and his eyes were filled with concern. "I hope I'm not interrupting," he said softly.

Irelia stood up slowly, her heart beating a little faster at the sight of him. "No, it's fine. We were just finishing up."

Seira smiled at Naruto, her voice teasing despite her injuries. "Come to check on us hero?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. "Irelia's the real hero here. I just backed her up."

Irelia rolled her eyes, but there was a soft smile on her lips. "You were more than just backup, Naruto. You saved me. Twice."

Naruto's cheeks flushed a little, but he shrugged it off with his usual carefree attitude. "Hey, it's what I do. We're all in this together, right?"

Irelia's smile lingered as she glanced at Seira, who was watching the two of them with a knowing expression. "I'll let you two talk," Seira said, waving them off with her good hand. "I could use some sleep anyway."

Irelia gave her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder before leading Naruto outside. They walked in silence for a while, the cool night air wrapping around them as they made their way through the now-empty streets of the village.

"You sure Seira's gonna be okay?" Naruto asked after a few moments, his concern evident in his voice.

"She'll be fine," Irelia replied, though her voice was quiet. "Physically, at least. It's going to take time for her to heal from whatever the Brotherhood did."

Naruto nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon as they walked. "I'm glad she has you. You're a great friend."

Irelia glanced at him, her heart warming at his words. "Thank you," she said softly. "You've been a good friend, Naruto. To me, and to my people."

Naruto stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "Irelia… I just want you to know that I'm here for you. No matter what happens with the Brotherhood or with the council. I've got your back."

His words hung in the air between them, heavy with sincerity. Irelia's heart skipped a beat as she looked into his eyes. She'd been so focused on the battle, on protecting Ionia, that she hadn't realized just how much Naruto's presence had come to mean to her. He wasn't just an ally. He was something more.

"Naruto," Irelia began, her voice unsteady, "I—"

But before she could finish, the sound of footsteps interrupted them. They both turned to see Yasuo approaching from the shadows, his usual scowl firmly in place.

"Thought I'd find you two sneaking off somewhere," Yasuo muttered, crossing his arms. "We've got work to do."

Naruto's awkward grin returned. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Can't let things get too peaceful, right?"

Yasuo rolled his eyes. "Come on, kid. You said you wanted to train. Let's get to it."

Naruto's eyes lit up, and he turned to Irelia with a playful smirk. "Don't worry, I won't let him beat me too badly this time."

Irelia smiled, though the moment they had shared still lingered in the back of her mind. "Good luck," she said softly.

With a final glance, Naruto followed Yasuo to the training grounds.

The night air was crisp as Naruto and Yasuo stood opposite each other in the training grounds. The tension from the recent battle seemed to hang over both of them, but Naruto's mind was a mixture of thoughts—his concern for Irelia, his growing anger toward the Brotherhood, and his determination to protect this land, much like he had protected his own home.

"You're distracted," Yasuo observed, his sharp eyes narrowing as he watched Naruto fumble with the grip on his sword.

Naruto sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah, I guess. A lot's happened today."

Yasuo scoffed. "You think you can afford to be distracted in battle? Focus, kid. Your enemies won't wait for you to clear your head."

Naruto's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword, and he squared his shoulders. "I know. I just—"

"Stop talking and show me what you've learned," Yasuo cut in, his voice hard but not unkind. "Let's see if you've improved."

With a nod, Naruto raised his sword, his eyes sharpening as he focused on Yasuo. The wind stirred around them, carrying the faint scent of the nearby trees. Naruto's chakra flared slightly as he prepared himself for Yasuo's next move.

In an instant, Yasuo dashed forward, his sword cutting through the air with practiced ease. Naruto moved to block, their blades clashing with a sharp clang. The force of Yasuo's strike pushed Naruto back slightly, but he held his ground, gritting his teeth as he adjusted his stance.

"Good," Yasuo muttered, pulling back before launching another series of rapid strikes. "You're stronger than the last time. But strength alone won't win you a fight."

Naruto's movements were quick, his reflexes heightened by Sage Mode. He countered each of Yasuo's strikes, his chakra infusing his blade with added power. But Yasuo was relentless, his speed and precision forcing Naruto to stay on the defensive.

"Come on, Naruto," Yasuo taunted as their blades locked once more. "Is that all you've got?"

Naruto grinned, his breath coming in short bursts. "Not even close."

In a burst of chakra, Naruto broke the lock and spun around, bringing his sword down in a powerful arc. Yasuo dodged to the side, but the force of the attack sent a gust of wind rippling through the air.

For a brief moment, they stood apart, both of them breathing heavily as they sized each other up.

"You've gotten faster," Yasuo admitted, sheathing his sword. "But you're still too emotional. You're thinking too much about the people around you. If you let that cloud your mind, you'll hesitate when it matters most."

Naruto wiped the sweat from his brow, his gaze steady. "Maybe. But I fight because I care about the people around me. That's what gives me strength."

Yasuo's eyes softened slightly, though his expression remained unreadable. "Just don't let it get you killed. That's kind of thinking is very fatal for a swordsman."

Naruto nodded, understanding the warning hidden in Yasuo's words.

After the training session, Naruto wandered back to the village, his body aching from the strain but his mind clearer. Yasuo's words echoed in his head—about being too emotional, about caring too much. But that was who he was. He had always drawn his strength from the bonds he forged, the people he protected. That wouldn't change.

The night was quiet as he made his way toward the edge of the village. The battle with Zel had left its mark on all of them, but even in the aftermath, life was starting to return to normal. The villagers had already begun cleaning up, their resilience a testament to their strength.

As Naruto passed by a small garden overlooking the Placidium, he spotted Irelia sitting alone on a stone bench, her gaze fixed on the stars above. She seemed lost in thought, her usual confident posture softened by the weight of everything that had happened.

Naruto hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to approach her. But something in the way she sat, in the quiet vulnerability she allowed herself in this moment, drew him closer.

He walked over to her, his footsteps light on the cobblestone path. "Mind if I sit?" he asked softly.

Irelia glanced up, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the moon. She offered him a small, tired smile and nodded. "Of course."

Naruto took a seat beside her, the night air cool against his skin. For a while, neither of them spoke. They simply sat together in the quiet, listening to the distant hum of the village and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

"It's strange, isn't it?" Irelia finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "How peaceful it can be, even after everything that's happened."

Naruto nodded, his gaze following hers up to the sky. "Yeah. It's like… the world just keeps moving. No matter what we go through, it doesn't stop for anyone."

Irelia sighed, leaning back slightly. "Sometimes I wonder if it's all worth it. The fighting, the sacrifice. No matter how hard we try, the Brotherhood is still out there, and they're not going to stop. What if we never win?"

Naruto turned to her, his expression serious. "You can't think like that, Irelia. We will win. We've already come this far, and we're stronger together. The Brotherhood can throw whatever they want at us, but we'll fight back. And we'll keep fighting until we protect the people we care about."

Irelia looked at him, her eyes searching his face for a moment. "You really believe that, don't you?"

"Of course I do," Naruto said, his voice filled with conviction. "I've been through stuff like this before. Back home, we had our own wars, our own battles. I lost people—good people. But I kept going because I knew that protecting others was worth it. And it's the same here. I won't let the Brotherhood take away what you've fought for."

Irelia's heart swelled at his words, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a flicker of hope that wasn't weighed down by doubt. Naruto's unwavering belief, his strength, and his warmth—it was like a light in the darkness she'd been fighting for so long.

"I don't know how you do it," Irelia whispered, her voice soft but filled with admiration. "Even after everything, you still have so much hope. You're still so… full of life."

Naruto chuckled lightly, scratching the back of his head. "Well, I guess it's just who I am. I don't know any other way to be."

Irelia smiled at that, but the smile quickly faded as her thoughts drifted back to the battle. "I almost lost everything today, Naruto. Seira… If something had happened to her—"

"But it didn't," Naruto interrupted gently, turning toward her fully. "You saved her. You fought for her. And she's alive because of you."

Irelia looked down at her hands, her fingers trembling slightly. "I was scared, Naruto. Really scared. I've fought in so many battles, but seeing Seira like that, knowing that I could lose her… it made me feel helpless."

"You're not helpless," Naruto said firmly. "You're one of the strongest people I've ever met, Irelia. And you don't have to carry all of this on your own. We're in this together, remember?"

Irelia lifted her gaze to meet his, and for a moment, the world seemed to slow down. The connection between them, the bond they had built over these weeks, felt stronger than ever. And in that quiet moment, Irelia realized something—she wasn't alone anymore. She didn't have to be.

"I've been trying to be strong for so long," Irelia said, her voice wavering slightly. "I've been trying to carry all of this weight by myself because I thought I had to. But being with you, fighting alongside you… it's different. You make me feel like I don't have to carry it all alone."

Naruto blinked, surprised by her honesty, but then his usual grin returned. "You don't have to. I'm here, Irelia. I'll always have your back."

Irelia's heart pounded in her chest, and before she could stop herself, she reached out, placing her hand over his. The warmth of his skin against hers sent a rush of emotion through her, and she swallowed hard, trying to steady her breath.

"Naruto," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, "I… I think I'm falling for you."

Naruto's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. For a moment, he was stunned into silence. But then, his lips curled into a soft smile, and he gently squeezed her hand.

"Irelia," he began, his voice soft and filled with warmth, "I've felt something different too. Ever since we started fighting together, I've felt it. I wasn't sure what it was, but now… I know."

Irelia's heart raced, her face flushing as Naruto's words sank in. She hadn't expected him to feel the same way, but hearing him say it aloud, it made her realize just how much he had come to mean to her.

Naruto chuckled, his cheeks turning pink. "Kurama even said you're everything my mom would've wanted for me in a girl."

Irelia's face turned a deeper shade of red, and before Naruto could finish his sentence, she grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pulled him toward her, pressing her lips against his. The kiss was soft, hesitant at first, but quickly deepened as Naruto recovered from his initial shock.

Fireworks erupted in the distance, lighting up the night sky behind them, but neither of them noticed. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the two of them and the warmth they shared.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them breathless, Naruto grinned sheepishly. "I… I guess that confirms that huh?"

Irelia laughed softly, her heart soaring. "Yeah. I think it does."

For a moment, they sat there in comfortable silence, their hands still intertwined. The night seemed brighter, the future less uncertain, and for the first time in a long while, Irelia allowed herself to feel something other than fear—she allowed herself to feel happiness.

The next morning came quickly, and with it, a renewed sense of purpose. The group gathered in the courtyard of the Placidium, the morning light casting long shadows as Karma, Irelia, Naruto, Yasuo, and Ahri prepared to discuss the next steps in their fight against the Brotherhood.

Karma stood at the center of the group, her expression calm but serious. "We've bought ourselves some time by defeating Zel, but the Brotherhood won't wait long before striking again. They're likely regrouping as we speak, and we need to be ready."

"We should focus on their strongholds," Yasuo suggested, crossing his arms. "Take out their leadership before they can rally more forces. If we cut off the head, the rest will crumble."

Irelia nodded, though her thoughts were still clouded by the events of the previous night. She had shared something deeply personal with Naruto, and though it gave her strength, it also left her feeling vulnerable. But now wasn't the time to dwell on her emotions—there was a war to win.

"We need to gather more information before we make our move," Irelia said, her voice steady. "Zel mentioned a ritual, but we don't know how many more of them are planning to use that dark magic."

Ahri's eyes flickered with concern. "That kind of magic is dangerous. If the Brotherhood has access to it, they could do serious damage. We need to be cautious."

Karma stepped forward, her gaze focused and determined. "I'll send out scouts to gather intelligence on the Brotherhood's movements. In the meantime, we should strengthen our defenses here at the Placidium. The Brotherhood knows we're here, and they'll likely target us again."

Naruto's fists clenched at his sides, his expression serious. "Then let's be ready. We'll hit them harder than they hit

As the meeting in the courtyard dispersed, Naruto found himself walking alone along one of the many scenic paths that wound through the Placidium. The sun had fully risen now, casting golden light over the mountains and trees. Despite the beauty of the landscape, Naruto's mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of the battles ahead and the lives already lost in the struggle against the Brotherhood.

He felt the weight of the responsibility growing heavier with every step he took. Irelia's fight was now his fight too, and the stakes were higher than ever. They couldn't afford to lose.

"You're being unusually quiet," Kurama's deep voice rumbled in his mind, pulling Naruto out of his thoughts.

Naruto sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he continued walking. "I'm just thinking about everything that's happened. About the Brotherhood, the Resistance, and what we're all fighting for."

Kurama remained silent for a moment, sensing the seriousness of Naruto's thoughts. Finally, the great fox spoke again. "You're thinking about the past, aren't you? About Akatsuki?"

Naruto flinched slightly, but he knew Kurama had hit the mark. "Yeah," he admitted, his voice quiet. "Back then, Akatsuki started with the idea of peace. Nagato and the others believed in it, even if they went about it the wrong way. They wanted to end the wars, just like I do. And now, here in Ionia, I feel like it's all happening again."

"You're thinking about starting something similar, aren't you?" Kurama's voice was calm, but there was a hint of concern beneath the surface.

Naruto stopped walking, standing at the edge of a cliff overlooking the vast expanse of the First Lands. The breeze tugged at his hair as he stared out at the horizon, his thoughts racing. "Yeah," he admitted. "I've been thinking… maybe there's another way to bring peace to Ionia. The Brotherhood wants power, the Resistance wants to protect the land, but they're both stuck in this cycle of violence. I don't want to be part of another endless war. Especially when they have even finished the war with Noxus."

Kurama grunted. "And what do you propose, kid? You're not seriously thinking of reforming Akatsuki, are you?"

Naruto shook his head. "No, not Akatsuki. But something similar. A group that could bring people together, one that could unite Ionia without bloodshed. Not like the Resistance or the Brotherhood, but something new—something built on peace and protection."

"A noble idea," Kurama mused, though his tone remained skeptical. "But do you really think it'll work? Ionia is already fractured. The people are either siding with the Brotherhood's promise of strength or clinging to the Resistance's ideals. Forming a new group… it won't be easy."

Naruto clenched his fists, determination filling his voice. "I know it won't be easy. But I've seen what happens when people lose hope, when they feel like the only way forward is through war and bloodshed. That's not the world I want to live in, Kurama. And I don't think that's the world Irelia wants either."

Kurama was silent for a moment, considering Naruto's words. The great fox had seen the worst of humanity, the cruelty, the endless cycle of hatred. But he had also seen the good in people, especially through Naruto. He had witnessed how one person's determination could change the course of history.

"If anyone can make it happen, it's you, kid," Kurama finally said, his voice softening. "But this won't be like back in Konoha. Ionia is different. These people have deep scars, old wounds that may never heal. Even if you form this group, you'll have to be prepared for what comes next. Not everyone will agree with your way of thinking."

Naruto nodded, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. "I know. But if there's a chance—just a small chance—that we can stop the fighting and bring Ionia together, I'm willing to try. I won't let this land fall into chaos like Akatsuki did. We'll do it the right way this time. No manipulation, no violence. Just real peace."

"Real peace," Kurama repeated, the words heavy with meaning. "You've always been stubborn, Naruto. But maybe that's what Ionia needs—someone who won't back down, someone who believes in the impossible."

Naruto smiled, his heart lightening just a little. "Thanks, Kurama. I knew you'd understand."

"Don't get soft on me, kid," Kurama grumbled, though there was warmth in his voice. "You've got work to do. If you really want to make this happen, you need to start thinking about how to bring people to your side."

Naruto's mind raced as Kurama's words sank in. If he was serious about forming this new group, he'd need to gather allies—people who believed in his vision for a united Ionia, one free from the grip of the Brotherhood and the endless fighting for the Resistance. But where would he start? Who would be willing to take that risk?

Irelia, he thought immediately. She would understand. After everything they had been through together, Naruto knew that Irelia was fighting for the same thing—a future where Ionia could stand on its own without the need for constant war.

But beyond her… who else?

"Ahri's with you," Kurama pointed out, his voice cutting into Naruto's thoughts. "She's always been a wild card, but she follows you. And Yasuo—well, that guy has a chip on his shoulder, but I think he might just come around."

Naruto nodded. "You're right. Ahri and Yasuo—they'd understand. They've been fighting for peace in their own way, just like Irelia. If we can convince others to join us, maybe we can make this happen."

But even as Naruto said the words aloud, he knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. The Brotherhood's reach was deep, and the Resistance was entrenched in their ways. Convincing others to join a new movement—a third path—would take more than just words. It would take action, proof that a different way was possible.

"You're already thinking about it, aren't you?" Kurama teased, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Naruto grinned. "Yeah. I've got a plan. But first… I need to talk to Irelia."

Naruto made his way back to the village, his heart pounding with both excitement and uncertainty. The idea of forming a new group, one that could bring real peace to Ionia, was still fresh in his mind. But he needed to talk to Irelia first. She was the key. Without her support, this idea would never get off the ground.

He found her near the training grounds, speaking quietly with Yasuo. As he approached, Yasuo gave Naruto a knowing glance before nodding to Irelia and walking off, leaving the two of them alone.

"Naruto?" Irelia said, surprised to see him. "Is everything okay?"

Naruto took a deep breath, his mind racing. He had faced countless battles, fought against impossible odds, but somehow this felt different. This wasn't just about winning a fight—this was about changing the course of history.

"Irelia," Naruto began, his voice steady, "I've been thinking… What if there's another way to end this? Not just by fighting the Brotherhood, but by bringing people together. What if we formed a group—a new group—that wasn't about war or power, but about real peace?"

Irelia blinked, her expression caught between surprise and curiosity. "A new group? What do you mean?"

Naruto's words spilled out, his passion clear. "Back in my world, there was a group called Akatsuki. They started out wanting peace, but things went wrong, and they ended up causing more pain than they stopped. But I've learned from that. What if we could do it the right way this time? What if we could bring people from both sides together and show them that peace is possible without violence?"

Irelia listened carefully, her eyes softening as Naruto spoke. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the determination that had carried him through so many battles. And as he talked, something inside her stirred. His vision—this idea of peace—was exactly what she had always wanted for Ionia.

"You really think it could work?" she asked quietly, her voice filled with hope and uncertainty.

Naruto nodded firmly. "I do. And I know it won't be easy. But if we don't try, then all of this fighting, all of these lives lost… it'll just keep going. We can't let the Brotherhood win, and we can't keep relying on war to protect Ionia. We have to do something different."

Irelia looked away for a moment, her thoughts swirling. The Resistance had been her life for so long since the invasion, and the Brotherhood's threat had always been a shadow over their struggle. But Naruto's words, his belief in something greater, something beyond just winning or losing—it struck a chord deep within her. She had always longed for peace, for an end to the fighting, but she had never imagined it could be achieved in any way other than through battle.

Now, here was Naruto, offering her a different path, one that might actually bring the peace she had always dreamed of.

"I…" she began, her voice hesitant. "I want to believe it can work. But how? How do we bring these people together when all they've ever known is fighting?"

Naruto smiled, that same warm, hopeful smile that had carried him through every challenge he had faced. "We start with ourselves," he said. "You, me, Yasuo, Ahri—together, we can be the example. We show them that it's possible, that we're not just fighting for power or control, but for something bigger. And we don't have to do it alone. We'll find others who believe in this, too."

Irelia let his words sink in, feeling the weight of them, but also the lightness of hope that came with them. She had spent so long carrying the burden of her people's future, and now, for the first time, it felt like she didn't have to carry it alone.

"I trust you, Naruto," Irelia said softly, her gaze locking with his. "If you think this can work… then I'll stand with you. We'll build something new, something better. And we'll do it together."

Naruto's heart swelled with gratitude and relief. Irelia's support meant everything. He had felt it from the beginning, that their bond was more than just fighting side by side. It was built on something deeper—trust, respect, and a shared vision for the future.

He reached out, taking her hand in his, squeezing it gently. "We'll make it work. I promise."

Irelia smiled, and for the first time in what felt like forever, it wasn't burdened with worry or doubt. It was filled with hope.

Before either of them could say more, Ahri appeared from around the corner, her ears twitching as she approached with a playful smile. "Well, well," she teased, her voice light but knowing. "Am I interrupting something?"

Naruto's cheeks flushed red, but he quickly cleared his throat. "We were, uh, just talking about something important."

Ahri raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced but amused. "Important, huh?"

Irelia laughed softly, stepping back from Naruto but feeling the warmth of his hand lingering in hers. "Actually, yes. We're talking about forming a new group, one that can unite Ionia."

Ahri's playful expression shifted to one of curiosity. "A new group? You're serious?"

Naruto nodded, his excitement returning. "Yeah. Not like the Brotherhood or the Resistance, but something different. Something focused on protecting Ionia and bringing real peace."

Ahri considered this for a moment, her tails swishing thoughtfully behind her. "Hmm. It's a risky idea… but I like it. It's bold. And if anyone can pull it off, it's you, Naruto." She smiled, her eyes glinting with a mixture of mischief and admiration. "Count me in."

Naruto grinned. "I knew we could count on you, Ahri."

"Don't make me regret it," she teased, though there was a genuine warmth in her voice.

Just then, Yasuo approached from behind, his arms crossed and a skeptical look on his face. "So, what's this I hear about a new group?"

Naruto turned to him, his enthusiasm undeterred. "We're going to form a group to bring peace to Ionia, Yasuo. No more endless fighting, no more chasing power. Just real unity."

Yasuo raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "And you think this is going to work?"

Naruto stood tall, his eyes filled with resolve. "I do. And I think we can do it together. We've been through enough to know that just fighting for the sake of it isn't the answer. There's got to be another way."

For a moment, Yasuo said nothing, his sharp eyes studying Naruto and the others. Finally, he sighed and shook his head. "You're a stubborn one, Naruto. But you've got guts, I'll give you that."

Naruto grinned, feeling the familiar sense of camaraderie returning. "So, does that mean you're with us?"

Yasuo uncrossed his arms and shrugged. "Yeah, fine. I'm in. But don't expect me to hold hands and sing songs about peace."

Ahri laughed, nudging Yasuo playfully. "No one's asking for that. Just don't stab anyone when we're trying to negotiate."

"Can't make any promises," Yasuo muttered, though the hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Naruto chuckled, feeling a surge of hope and energy flow through him. This was the beginning of something new, something different. Together, with Irelia, Ahri, Yasuo, and the others who would surely join them, they could create a path toward peace that wasn't defined by violence or power struggles.

They would form a new group, one that could unite Ionia.

I finally am happy to get Irelia and Naruto this moment. I been waiting to finally get them into that next stage of their relationship. Thanks for reading!