Hey we finally hit 20 chapters in! This is the most chapters I've ever gotten in a fiction. Enjoy!

The journey north toward the Kinkou monastery took Naruto and Irelia deeper into the dense Ionia forests, where the path narrowed and towering trees blocked out the sky. The air was crisp, and a faint mist clung to the underbrush, giving the forest an almost mystical quality. The thick canopy above allowed only specks of sunlight through, which created a dance of shadows as they walked. The sounds of rustling leaves and the distant calls of unseen creatures filled the silence, and Naruto couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. The prospect of meeting the Kinkou Order, with its mysterious protectors of balance, was something he had been eagerly looking forward to.

Irelia walked slightly ahead, her senses keenly aware of their surroundings. The deeper they went into the forest, the more she felt they were being watched. Her eyes scanned the area, taking in every subtle shift and movement. Naruto, too, began to feel it—a presence, several of them, moving with stealth and precision. They were not alone.

"Naruto," Irelia whispered, glancing back at him. "We're about to have company."

Naruto's eyes widened briefly before narrowing in determination, his body tensing. A moment later, a group of masked figures emerged from the treetops, landing silently in front of them. They wore dark blue uniforms, each marked with the distinctive insignia of the Kinkou. Their faces were covered, only their eyes visible, and they moved with an air of calm authority.

"State your purpose here," one of the ninja said, their voice even but firm. The leader of the group stepped forward, their hand resting on the hilt of a short blade.

Irelia moved her hand slowly, showing no threat, her voice calm and clear. "We come seeking an audience with Shen of the Kinkou Order. I am Irelia, the Blade Dancer of Ionia, and this is Naruto, a representative of the Akatsuki of Ionia. We sent word ahead."

The eyes of the Kinkou ninja widened slightly, and they exchanged glances with one another. The leader's eyes lingered on Irelia, then shifted to Naruto, his gaze appraising, as if sizing him up.

After a moment of silence, the leader spoke again, his tone now respectful. "We have been expecting you. Please, follow us. We will escort you to the monastery." He gestured for them to follow, and the other ninjas fell into formation around Irelia and Naruto, moving as one.

As they walked, Naruto glanced at Irelia, a grin tugging at his lips. "Always a dramatic entrance with these guys, huh?" he murmured.

Irelia gave him a small smile, though her eyes remained alert. "The Kinkou are careful. They guard the balance, and they take no risks."

The group led them through the twisting forest path, and soon the monastery came into view—its dark wooden structures rising from the mountainside, framed by towering cliffs and waterfalls. The monastery was built to blend into its surroundings, its architecture elegant yet subdued, almost as if it had grown from the mountain itself. As they approached, Naruto marveled at the tranquility of the place—the sound of flowing water, the rustling leaves, and the distant chimes of bells.

Once they entered the main courtyard, the escorting ninjas departed silently, leaving Irelia and Naruto to take in their surroundings. Naruto's gaze was immediately drawn to the sight of several young monks practicing their forms in the training yard, their movements disciplined and fluid.

"Looks like fun," Naruto muttered under his breath, already itching for a chance to join them.

"Don't get any ideas just yet," a voice interrupted, amused. Naruto turned to see Akali approaching, her masked face barely concealing her smirk. She had been watching from one of the nearby rooftops and now dropped down with effortless grace.

"Akali!" Naruto said brightly, his grin wide. "You ready for a spar? I was hoping to see Tajira too, maybe see if I can kick his butt again."

Akali laughed, her eyes glinting. "Tajira's on guard rotation today, so it looks like you'll have to deal with me if you're that eager for a fight." She eyed him with a mixture of challenge and amusement. "But I think Shen wants a word with you both first."

Irelia nodded, stepping forward. "Is Shen aware of the message we sent?" she asked, her voice even.

Akali's smirk faded, replaced with a more serious expression. "Yes, he is. Shen's been preparing for this meeting. He's waiting in the main hall. Follow me." She turned and led them through the winding pathways of the monastery.

As they walked, Naruto glanced around, taking in the sights and feeling the energy of the place. There was something ancient here—something powerful yet subdued. He felt a hum of chakra in the air, as if the very ground was alive with the essence of balance and spirit.

"These monks," Kurama's voice echoed in his mind, his tone analytical, "they're not just any warriors. The one they call Shen… there's power in him. Controlled, disciplined, but it runs deep."

Naruto nodded slightly, mentally responding to the great fox. "Yeah, I get that sense too. He's not just any leader—he feels like someone who understands the weight of what he's doing."

"He may be worth watching," Kurama mused, his voice tinged with curiosity. "His strength isn't just physical. He seems… connected. Be cautious."

Naruto appreciated the advice. Kurama had an uncanny ability to assess others, and his insight was always valuable.

xxx

They soon reached the grand hall, a vast space adorned with ancient banners and symbols of balance. Shen stood at the center, his presence both imposing and serene. He was taller than Naruto had expected, his muscular form covered in dark blue armor with a silver trim, his face mostly obscured by his mask, except for his piercing white-blue eyes that seemed to glow faintly with power. The ethereal glow was unmistakable—a manifestation of the spirit magic that Shen wielded.

Akali stepped aside, bowing respectfully to Shen. "Master Shen, Irelia and Naruto have arrived."

Shen inclined his head towards Akali before focusing on Irelia and Naruto. His gaze was calm, his expression unreadable. "Irelia, Naruto. Welcome to the Kinkou monastery. I understand you have come to discuss matters of importance."

Irelia stepped forward, her posture confident and respectful. "Yes, Shen. We have come on behalf of the Akatsuki of Ionia. Our movement is growing, but we need allies who understand the importance of balance. The Brotherhood's influence continues to spread, and their actions are leading Ionia into chaos. We seek your counsel and your support in helping us maintain the harmony of this land."

Shen was silent for a moment, his gaze never leaving Irelia's. His eyes then shifted to Naruto, studying him, assessing him. "Naruto," Shen said, his voice measured, "you are not of this land, and yet you choose to fight for it. You must understand that balance is not simply about opposing forces—it is about the harmony of all things. What is your role in this movement?"

Naruto met Shen's gaze without hesitation, his voice sincere. "I understand that I'm an outsider here, but I care about Ionia. I've seen how beautiful and strong this place can be, and I've also seen the pain and division that's been tearing it apart. I want to help protect it and the people who call it home. I'm not here to conquer or to force my ways—I'm here to fight for peace and unity, however I can."

Shen studied him for a long moment, and Naruto could feel the weight of that gaze—a gaze that saw beyond the surface, that seemed to peer into the very essence of who he was.

"You speak with conviction," Shen said finally, his voice calm. "But conviction alone does not bring balance. Your actions must align with your words, and you must be prepared to face the consequences of those actions. The Brotherhood represents an extreme, a force that threatens to disrupt the equilibrium of Ionia. If we were to support your Akatsuki, what would be your plan to ensure that balance is maintained?"

Irelia stepped forward, her voice firm. "Our goal is not to create another faction to fight for power, Shen. The Akatsuki of Ionia is about uniting those who seek to protect the land, not for conquest but for harmony. We want to work with the Kinkou, not just for your strength but for your wisdom. We need guidance on how to proceed in a way that does not tip the scales into chaos."

Shen's gaze softened slightly, and he nodded. "The Kinkou's role has always been to act in the shadows, to preserve balance without drawing attention. But I see now that times are changing. The balance of Ionia is being threatened from multiple sides, and perhaps it is time for us to act more openly."

He looked at Naruto once more, his eyes glowing faintly. "Naruto, you wield a great power—one that is not of this world. I sense the presence within you, a force that could tip the scales if not kept in check. How do you intend to control this power while fighting for the balance of Ionia?"

Naruto met Shen's eyes, his expression earnest. He knew what Shen was referring to. The presence within him—Kurama, the Nine-Tails—was a force of immense power, one that had the potential for both creation and destruction. It was something that had been feared, misunderstood, and even hated by those who did not know it.

Naruto placed a hand over his chest, where he could feel Kurama's chakra, always present. He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice steady. "You're right, Shen. The power I carry isn't from here, and it isn't something that should be taken lightly. I know what Kurama is capable of. I've seen the destruction that unchecked power can cause, and I've felt the anger and hatred that comes from it." He paused, his voice growing softer, more personal. "But I also know that this power can be used for good. Kurama and I… we're partners. We understand each other now, and we're working towards the same goal—protecting those who can't protect themselves and ensuring that no one else has to suffer the way we once did."

Shen's eyes narrowed slightly, as if assessing Naruto's sincerity, and for a moment, the hall fell silent. Finally, Shen nodded, his expression relaxing. "You speak of partnership and understanding. Such a connection is not easily forged, especially with a power as volatile as the one within you. If you truly believe that you can use this power for the good of Ionia, then it is a risk I am willing to consider."

Naruto bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Shen. I promise I won't let you down."

Shen then turned his attention back to Irelia. "Irelia, you have always fought for Ionia—for its people, for its freedom. You have seen the worst of what our land has faced, and yet you continue to stand strong. What is it that you hope to achieve with the Akatsuki of Ionia?"

Irelia took a deep breath, her gaze steady and unwavering. "What I want, Shen, is to see Ionia united—not under the banner of conquest or power, but under the banner of peace. We've been divided for too long—by the Noxian invasion, by the Brotherhood's extremism, and by our own internal strife. The Akatsuki of Ionia is about bringing people together, about showing them that we don't have to fight each other to protect what we love."

She paused, her voice softening, a hint of vulnerability showing. "I've lost so much, Shen. My family, my home, friends who were dear to me. I don't want anyone else to have to go through that. I want to protect what's left of Ionia—to rebuild it, to make it stronger, not through force, but through unity. That's why I need your help. The Kinkou have always been protectors of balance. We need that balance now, more than ever."

Shen was silent for a long moment, his gaze shifting between Naruto and Irelia. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm and measured. "The Kinkou Order has long operated in the shadows, maintaining the equilibrium of Ionia without drawing attention to ourselves. It is not our way to involve ourselves in political movements or conflicts of power." He paused, his eyes meeting Irelia's. "But I see the truth in your words. The Brotherhood threatens the very balance we have sought to protect, and Ionia cannot endure more division. The people need a symbol of hope—a way forward that does not rely on fear and control."

Shen took a step forward, his gaze intense. "I will offer the Kinkou's support to your cause. Not openly, for we must still protect the balance from the shadows, but we will stand by you. I will speak to my people, and those who are willing will aid you in your endeavors."

Irelia bowed deeply, gratitude evident in her expression. "Thank you, Shen. Your support means more than you know."

Naruto's eyes lit up, his face breaking into a wide grin. "That's amazing! Thank you, Shen! We won't let you down!"

Shen's expression remained calm, though there was a glint of warmth in his eyes. "Be mindful, Naruto. This path you have chosen will not be easy. The Brotherhood will not sit idly by while you gather strength. They will seek to undermine you, to destroy what you are building."

Naruto's grin faded slightly, replaced by a look of determination. "We know. And we're ready for whatever they throw at us."

Shen nodded approvingly, then gestured toward Akali, who had been listening silently, her eyes flicking between the three. "Akali will assist you during your stay here. Learn what you can from our ways. The Kinkou are not just fighters—we are guardians of Ionia's spirit, its harmony. If you wish to unite Ionia, you must understand what it means to preserve that harmony."

Akali smirked, giving Naruto a challenging look. "Looks like you'll be sticking around for a bit, huh? Maybe now you can show me what you're really made of."

Naruto's grin returned, his eyes bright with excitement. "You bet! I've been looking forward to this."

Irelia placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, her eyes meeting his, filled with both warmth and caution. "Remember, Naruto, this is about understanding and learning. The Kinkou's strength comes from their balance. Try not to forget that in your eagerness to spar."

Naruto nodded, his expression growing more serious. "I get it. Balance, harmony, all that. I promise, I'll take this seriously."

Shen watched the exchange, and for a moment, a faint smile touched his lips—barely perceptible, but there. "Very well. Irelia, Naruto, you have our attention. Let us see where this path takes us."

With that, Shen turned and began to walk away, his steps purposeful and his aura calm, disappearing into the shadows of the monastery. Naruto watched him go, then turned to Irelia, his face filled with excitement and anticipation.

"Looks like we're finally getting some real support," he said, his voice filled with hope. "This is gonna make a huge difference, Irelia."

Irelia nodded, her heart swelling with a mixture of relief and determination. She looked at Naruto, her gaze softening as she spoke. "Yes, it will. But we still have a lot to do. The Brotherhood won't stop, and neither can we."

Naruto reached out, gently taking her hand in his, his voice filled with warmth. "No matter what, I'm with you, Irelia. We've got this."

Irelia squeezed his hand, her heart full. She knew there were still countless challenges ahead, but in that moment, surrounded by the serenity of the monastery and with Naruto by her side, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. They were no longer alone in this fight. With the Kinkou's support, they had taken a significant step toward realizing their vision—a unified, peaceful Ionia, free from the shadows of division and fear.

Akali cleared her throat, breaking the tender moment. "Alright, enough with the mushy stuff," she said, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Naruto, you still owe me a match. Let's see if you're as tough as you talk."

Naruto laughed, releasing Irelia's hand as he turned to face Akali, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "You're on, Akali. Let's see what you've got."

Irelia watched as the two made their way to the training grounds, a smile on her face. She felt hope—true hope—for the first time in a long while. They had allies now, people who believed in their cause, and with each passing day, the Akatsuki of Ionia was growing stronger.

Thanks for reading!