A/N

Update - I had fix somethings!

Hello everyone!

Back again with another update and on Christmas, no less! So, Merry Christmas to all of you.

This chapter was one of my absolute favourites to write, so I really hope you all enjoy it.

We've got juicy moments, epic battles, and so much more.

I'll be answering reviews in the next couple of updates since I'm a little ahead on writing right now.

For now, sit back, enjoy your time with your families, and when you have a moment, give this chapter a read.

Enjoy, and have a wonderful holiday!

Chapter 19 – Stillwater Prison Act 4

Naruto stood on the roof of the Last Drop, the night air breezing across his skin as he gripped his new bladed staff. The weapon's blades shined under the faint light of Zaun's industrial skyline, reflecting the chaos of the world below. He spun the weapon in fluid motions, slicing through the air with precision as he practiced. Each strike, each movement, was a calculated effort.

Zaun was far from the bustling, chaotic refuge it had once been. Now, it simmered with rebellion and unrest. From his vantage point, Naruto could see the distant glow of Piltover's towering structures, a stark reminder of the world that sought to crush Zaun under its heel. He exhaled slowly, his breath visible in the night air.

The plans for the Stillwater prison break loomed over his mind. It was more than just a mission it was a declaration. He would free those who had been unjustly imprisoned, the people who had suffered at the hands of Piltover's enforcers and Noxian soldiers alike. It was a message that Zaun was no longer a collection of scattered factions and broken dreams. It was a force to be reckoned with.

Behind him, the city buzzed with whispers of rebellion. The Jinxers and Demons had become the face of the movement, their bold defiance catching the attention of both Piltover and Zaun alike. The Jinxers dyed their hair blue, mimicking Jinx's trademark look, while the Demons donned dark clothes and blue sunglasses, a nod to Naruto's chilling, glowing eyes. They were more than just factions they were symbols of resistance.

Naruto had chosen not to interfere with these groups, even as countless members were arrested and interrogated. He understood their importance, their value in the grand scheme of things. They weren't just reckless radicals they were the pawns that would someday help turn the tide. Every time one was captured, it only fuelled the fires of anger and resistance in Zaun's people.

As he twirled his weapon in a final flourish, Naruto stopped and rested it against the roof. He stared at Piltover, his sharp eyes narrowing as determination settled over him like a heavy cloak.

"They think they can crush us," he muttered under his breath. "But they don't know what's coming."

Jinx's voice broke through his thoughts, snapping him out of his focus. She was climbing up to the roof, wearing the necklace Naruto had gave her. she had grin plastered across her face as she held something in her hands. "Practicing again, huh? You're gonna wear that thing out before you even get to use it."

Naruto turned to her, smirking slightly. "You can't wear out perfection."

Jinx rolled her eyes, leaning against the rooftop's edge next to him. "You ready for Stillwater?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Naruto said, his tone serious. "This isn't just about freeing people, Jinx. It's about sending a message."

Jinx's grin widened, her pink eyes glinting mischievously. "Oh, I'm all about messages. Especially the ones that blow up." She held up a small grenade, twirling it between her fingers. "Think they'll hear us all the way in Piltover?"

"They'll hear us," Naruto said firmly, looking back toward the towering city. "And when they do, they'll know Zaun isn't just a shadow anymore."

As the two stood there, the wind carrying their resolve across the rooftops of Zaun, they both knew the storm was coming. The world had underestimated them for too long. The time for rebellion was near, and Naruto would lead Zaun into the light or into chaos.

Because in the end, he thought, a pawn could become a king. And Zaun wasn't playing by anyone else's rules anymore.

Caitlyn sat upright in her bed, the faint glow of Piltover's skyline casting long shadows across the room. Her mind raced, replaying the events of the day the escalating conflict with Zaun, the ever elusive hunt for Naruto and Jinx, and the growing pressure from the remaining Council and the military. Despite the city's cold stillness, her heart pounded with the weight of her decisions.

Beside her, Maddie stirred, propping herself up on one elbow. Her Blue gray eyes studied Caitlyn's tense form, concern etched into her face. "You're still thinking about them, aren't you?" she asked softly.

Caitlyn sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I can't stop," she admitted. "Every move they make, every attack… it's like they're always one step ahead. And Zaun… it's chaos down there. Every day, more people die because of this war. I have to stop them."

Maddie sat up fully, placing a reassuring hand on Caitlyn's arm. "You've done more than anyone else could have, Cait. Piltover is holding strong because of you. Maybe… maybe it's time to pull back. Rebuild the Council. Focus on healing the city."

Caitlyn turned to her, her blue eyes filled with a storm of emotion. "I can't," she said, her voice firm. "Not until I find them. Not until I bring them both to justice."

Maddie's brow furrowed. "This isn't just about Piltover anymore, is it? It's personal."

Caitlyn didn't answer immediately, her gaze drifting toward the window. "Naruto could've stopped Jinx," she said quietly. "He could've stopped her, and instead, he chose to let it all happen. He's just as much to blame for this war as she is. Maybe more."

Maddie hesitated, then spoke with caution. "But is this obsession with them worth tearing yourself apart for? You've lost so much already your mother, the Council, even Vi…"

At the mention of Vi, Caitlyn's expression darkened. "Vi made her choice," she said bitterly. "She chose Zaun over Piltover. Over me. I won't let anyone else slip through my fingers."

Maddie reached out, cupping Caitlyn's face gently. "You're not alone in this," she said softly. "But you have to be careful, Cait. You're carrying the weight of this entire city on your shoulders. Don't let it crush you."

Caitlyn closed her eyes, leaning into Maddie's touch. For a brief moment, the tension in her body eased. "I can't stop," she whispered. "Not yet. They need to be stopped. Zaun needs to be held accountable."

Maddie pulled Caitlyn closer, wrapping her arms around her. "Then I'll stand by you," she said. "But promise me you won't lose yourself in this fight."

Caitlyn didn't respond immediately, her mind still fixated on Naruto and Jinx. But as Maddie held her. "I'll come back to bed soon," she said standing up and leaving Maddie alone.

Ambessa stood with her arms crossed, her imposing frame towering over the scene as she watched the hapless Piltovan scientist approach the experimental hextech core. The air crackled with unstable energy, the faint hum of the device growing louder with every second. Rictus, leaned casually against a wall nearby.

The scientist, trembling, placed his hands on the hextech apparatus, his eyes darting nervously to the readings on a nearby console. Ambessa's sharp gaze never left him as she muttered, "Fools. They think brilliance can be forced."

Rictus chuckled darkly. "Well, he's either brilliant or suicidal. Pretty thin line there, wouldn't you say?"

The core surged violently, emitting a blinding flash of light. The scientist screamed, his body contorting unnaturally as arcs of energy enveloped him. In an instant, he was gone disintegrated into a shower of ash that dissipated into the cold air. The hextech core sputtered and fell silent, its faint glow extinguished.

Ambessa let out a low growl of frustration. "Another failure," she muttered, her voice carrying a mixture of anger and disdain. "These scientists are little more than alchemists playing with forces they don't understand."

Rictus shrugged, his grin unwavering. "Guess that's what happens when you mess with things meant for brighter minds. Pity about Jayce and Heimerdinger, though."

Ambessa's expression darkened at the mention of their names. "Jayce has vanished like a coward," she said, her tone laced with contempt. "And Heimerdinger—" She clenched her fists, her knuckles whitening. "—has retreated to the shadows."

Rictus raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And the Black Rose? Think they're the ones who've got their claws in Heimerdinger and Jayce? Or are they playing a different game?"

Ambessa turned to him, her piercing eyes reflecting the simmering rage beneath her composed exterior. "The Black Rose are always playing their own game. I have no doubt they're responsible for Mel's disappearance as well. They've been lurking in the shadows, undermining my efforts at every turn."

Rictus straightened, his casual demeanor giving way to a more serious tone. "If they've got Mel, they're sending a message."

Ambessa nodded, her jaw tight. "A message that they still control the pieces on the board. But they underestimate me. They always have."

Rictus smirked. "So, what's the play, General?"

Ambessa turned her gaze back to the ruins of the lab, the wind scattering the ashes of the failed experiment. "We regroup. We find someone—anyone—who can crack the secrets of hextech. If Jayce and Heimerdinger are beyond our reach, we'll turn to other minds. There are always those willing to bargain their knowledge for power."

"And the Black Rose?" Rictus pressed.

Ambessa's eyes gleamed with fierce determination. "They'll regret taking Mel from me. When the time comes, I'll burn their shadows away and tear their empire apart, root by root."

Rictus chuckled, a dangerous glint in his eye. "That's the General I know."

The checkpoint was a fortress of despair, a grim reminder of Piltover's tightening grip over the Undercity. Barricades stretched endlessly, guarded by enforcers and Noxian soldiers armed to the teeth. The Zaunites shuffled forward, shoulders hunched against the cold, their faces etched with fear and resentment. It was a daily ritual of humiliation IDs checked, belongings searched, and hope slowly ground to dust.

Rictus prowled among them, his presence radiating menace. The towering Noxian had a way of commanding attention, his every step a reminder that defiance would be met with brutality. He scanned the line, his sharp eyes cutting through the crowd like a knife.

His gaze locked onto a man wearing a tattered hat, hunched and trying to shrink into the shadows. Rictus's grin widened, a wolf scenting blood. With a swift movement, he yanked the man's hat off, revealing streaks of blue hair underneath.

"Well, well," Rictus drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. "Another one of Jinx's little sycophants. You lot just can't help yourselves, can you?" He grabbed the man by his collar and lifted him off the ground with ease, his strength as much a statement as his words. "You think this pathetic display of loyalty is going to save her? Or him?"

The crowd froze, tension thick in the air. Fear mingled with the smallest flicker of defiance. Some exchanged wary glances, but no one dared speak.

"You're all complicit," Rictus growled, his voice rising. "Hiding the demon and his queen, letting them tear this city apart. But make no mistake Zaun will pay for every inch of ground they think they've gained."

Before he could continue, the loudspeakers crackled to life, cutting through the oppressive silence. Then came the music a deafening, chaotic melody, the kind that could only be described as rebellion itself. The notes were jagged and raw, amplified to shake the very ground beneath their feet.

"What the hell is that?" Rictus barked, releasing his grip on the man and spinning toward the source of the sound.

The sky erupted in an explosion of colour. Fireworks streaked overhead, bursting into dazzling displays of light that painted the checkpoint in hues of red, blue, and green. The smoke from the explosions mixed with the ever present smog, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.

Then came the paint bombs. They struck like artillery fire, splattering the barricades and soldiers in vibrant colours. Red splashed across armoured chest plates, green covered the checkpoints' gray walls, and blue rained down like defiant tears. Chaos erupted as the Zaunites seized the moment, surging forward against the enforcers and soldiers. The mob was armed with whatever they could find pipes, boards, and sheer fury.

"Hold the line!" Rictus bellowed, but his voice was lost in the cacophony.

It was then that the temperature in the air shifted, a static charge rippling through the chaos. Rictus barely had time to process the sensation before a blinding flash of blue electricity streaked across the scene. The shockwave knocked him back, the raw energy crackling and dancing as it hurled enforcers and Zaunites alike to the ground.

In the smoke filled chaos, a figure darted through the fray, moving with an unnatural speed and precision. A blur of blue lightning and shadow, cutting through the checkpoint like a knife. Rictus's eyes narrowed as recognition set in.

"Naruto," he hissed, his grin now replaced with a grimace.

The next moment, an explosion rocked the checkpoint. Flames erupted from hidden charges planted along the barriers. The ground trembled as fire consumed the barricades, and the enforcers scrambled to retreat. Smoke billowed into the air, thick and acrid, mingling with the colourful chaos of the paint bombs.

The Zaunites, emboldened by the spectacle, began chanting through the smoke. Their voices rang out, filled with defiance.

"It was them! The demon and Jinx! They were here with us!"

Rictus, coughing through the haze, signalled his men to retreat. Grabbing one of the subdued "Demons" by the collar, he dragged the Zaunite away from the inferno, his mind racing. Naruto and Jinx's presence wasn't just a nuisance it was a challenge, a declaration of war painted in neon hues and fire.

As the checkpoint burned behind him, Rictus clenched his fists. This wasn't just defiance. It was a calculated attack, a message written in fire and blood. Naruto and Jinx had declared open war, and Rictus knew the next time they crossed paths, only one side would walk away.

The room was tense, the weight of recent events bearing down on Caitlyn as she examined the devices laid out before her. The intricate mechanisms, the paint splattered designs, and the crude yet brilliant engineering screamed of Jinx's handiwork. Yet something gnawed at Caitlyn a feeling that perhaps, this time, the chaos wasn't entirely her doing.

Maddie leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, her expression thoughtful. "You're sure this is Jinx?" she asked, her tone probing but not dismissive.

Caitlyn nodded, her gaze never leaving the twisted remains of the explosives and traps. "It's her style, her craft. Every line, every weld it all points back to her."

Maddie tilted her head. "Or someone who wants it to point back to her. You've seen it yourself Zaun is desperate. These people are latching onto whatever symbol they can. The Jinxers, the Demons... They'd copy her if they thought it would spark rebellion."

Caitlyn's jaw tightened. The idea wasn't far fetched, but it didn't sit right. "This level of precision isn't something you just mimic," she argued. "It's her. I know it."

Before Maddie could respond, the heavy door creaked open, revealing Ambessa. Her imposing frame and air of authority commanded attention as she stepped inside. Her gaze swept over the room, landing on Caitlyn. "A moment, Commander," she said, her voice firm yet oddly respectful.

Caitlyn glanced at Maddie, who hesitated before nodding and leaving the room. As the door closed, Caitlyn turned to Ambessa, her hands resting on the edge of the table.

"What is it?" Caitlyn asked, her tone guarded.

Ambessa wasted no time. "Naruto and Jinx have made their move. They're no longer operating in the shadows. That makes them vulnerable easier to track."

Caitlyn's eyes narrowed. "Vulnerable? They just orchestrated a near perfect attack. People are dead, Piltover is in chaos, and you think they're vulnerable?"

Ambessa met her gaze evenly. "They're emboldened, yes. But with boldness comes recklessness. It's time to strike back hard. More arrests, more pressure. Someone knows where they are, and we'll find them."

Caitlyn stepped away from the table, crossing her arms. "Pressure? Is that what you call it? Rictus's actions at the checkpoint weren't pressure they were provocation. He's escalating this conflict."

"And you think Naruto and Jinx weren't already escalating it?" Ambessa countered. "They've declared war, Commander. You won't rest until they're found, and neither will Piltover."

Caitlyn's voice rose, her frustration boiling over. "I'm not Rictus. I won't terrorize Zaunites into submission. There has to be another way something better than dragging innocent people into this."

Ambessa stepped closer, her towering presence making the room feel smaller. "You're a soldier now, Caitlyn. There are no clean solutions in war. You can choose to act decisively, or you can let them dictate the terms of this fight. The choice is yours."

With that, Ambessa turned and walked to the door, her final words lingering in the air. "But know this you'll never find peace until you stop them."

The door closed behind her, leaving Caitlyn alone in the suffocating silence. Her thoughts churned, the weight of her decisions pressing down like a physical force.

Elsewhere in Piltover, the opulence of Salo's chambers was a stark contrast to the tension gripping the city. Salo sat shirtless, his weathered skin glistening under the dim light as Lest meticulously painted intricate designs across his chest and arms using a shimmer infused brush.

Salo inhaled sharply as the shimmer seeped into his skin, the lines glowing faintly before fading. "Exquisite work, as always," he murmured, his voice tinged with satisfaction. "But the effects... they don't last as long as they used to."

Lest didn't look up, his focus entirely on his art. "That's the nature of shimmer, Councilor. Its potency diminishes with repeated use. Overexposure... it changes things."

Salo frowned. "Then we'll need to meet more frequently. I can't afford to lose the edge it gives me."

Lest paused, his brush hovering over Salo's skin. "There are other ways. Riskier, perhaps, but more... permanent."

Salo's interest piqued, his brows raising. "Go on."

"There's talk of a healer in the Undercity," Lest said, returning to his work. "A miracle worker, they say. They use shimmer in ways we've never seen before. If the rumors are true, they could offer something... transformative."

Salo's lips curled into a sly smile. "Interesting. And what do you think, Lest? Should I seek out this miracle worker?"

Lest met his gaze for the first time, his eyes unreadable. "That depends, Councilor. How far are you willing to go for power?"

The question lingered in the air, heavy with implication. Salo's smile widened, a glint of ambition in his eyes. "As far as it takes."

The atmosphere in the lair was tense yet charged with anticipation as Sevika stepped through the doorway. Her sharp eyes scanned the room, taking in Naruto and Jinx lounging on the couch, with Isha sitting cross legged on the floor, tinkering with a small gadget. Isha's new look was impossible to miss her blue hair and sunglasses were a deliberate homage to her idols, a clear declaration of her loyalty.

Sevika crossed her arms and cut straight to the point. "I assume that little spectacle at the checkpoint was your doing."

Naruto leaned back, his bladed staff resting against the wall beside him. "It was necessary," he said calmly, meeting Sevika's gaze. "It's time."

Jinx grinned, spinning one of her custom pistols on her finger. "Finally," she said with a gleeful glint in her eye. "I was starting to think you'd never stop playing the long game."

Sevika snorted. "Good. Because I'm tired of sitting on my hands, waiting for orders."

Naruto's expression softened slightly as he nodded. "Same here," he admitted, his voice steady but tinged with the weight of responsibility. "Tomorrow night, we hit Stillwater."

Jinx's grin widened, her excitement almost palpable. "Oh, this is gonna be fun," she said, leaning forward like a predator ready to pounce.

Naruto's gaze shifted to Sevika. "But first, I need you to do something."

Sevika raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Lead a rally, I have planned," Naruto said, his tone serious. "At Vander's statue. It's something big and loud. We need the people to show up in numbers."

Sevika's expression darkened with concern. "You know Noxian soldiers will be all over that. They'll see it as an open invitation to attack."

Naruto nodded, his eyes narrowing with determination. "Exactly. Let them attack first. Zaun is their playground, their so called territory. We're going to show them that ends now."

Jinx's laughter filled the room. "Oh, I like this. Let them come, they'll regret it."

Sevika looked at Naruto for a long moment before sighing. "Fine. You're the boss, after all." She glanced at Jinx, then back at Naruto. "But this better work. No more half measures."

Naruto stood, walking over to her with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Sevika. I couldn't have done any of this without you."

She scoffed, but there was a flicker of pride in her eyes. "Don't get all sentimental on me, kid. Just make it count."

As Sevika left, the room fell quiet for a moment, save for the faint hum of Isha's gadget. Naruto's gaze lingered on her, taking in her new look. Her blue hair and sunglasses were a bold statement, a reflection of the movements growing in Zaun. She noticed his stare and looked up, tilting her head.

"You look good" Naruto said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Isha nodded, a shy smile spreading across her face as she adjusted her sunglasses. Jinx leaned back on the couch, watching the interaction with an amused grin.

"She's the real number one fan," Jinx teased. "Jinxers and Demons combined."

Naruto chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Well, I guess it suits you."

Isha beamed, going back to her tinkering while Naruto turned to Jinx. "We have a lot to do tomorrow. You ready?"

Jinx smirked, leaning over to plant a quick kiss on his cheek. "I was born ready."

Naruto couldn't help but smile. He glanced back at Isha, then at Jinx. "Tomorrow, we show them what Zaun is made of."

In a dark room echoed with the sickening sound of flesh meeting metal as Rictus swung his gauntleted fist once again, driving it into the battered face of the captive Demon. The man, his face swollen and bloodied, sagged against his restraints but still managed a defiant glare through one barely open eye.

"You think this is over?" the Demon rasped, his voice ragged but laced with a stubborn conviction. Blood dripped from his split lip as he spat, "The Demon of Zaun will come for you all. You won't stand a chance."

Rictus sneered, his breath misting in the cold, damp air. He straightened, towering over his captive, his imposing frame illuminated by the single, flickering overhead light. The room reeked of blood and sweat, a stifling testament to the hours that had passed since the interrogation began.

"Your precious 'Demon' doesn't scare me," Rictus growled, his voice low and venomous. "He's just a kid playing king in a sewer. And you?" He grabbed the man by his hair, yanking his head back to meet his cold, unrelenting gaze. "You're nothing but a pawn."

The Demon coughed, a sickening gurgle escaping his throat as he tried to laugh. "You… don't get it," he muttered. "He's not playing. He's the real deal. And he's coming."

Rictus's patience was wearing thin. With a snarl, he slammed the man's head back against the wall, leaving a crimson smear. "Enough of your worship. Tell me where he is."

The Demon chuckled weakly, his defiance refusing to waver. "You think beating me will change anything? He'll find you. He'll find all of you."

Rictus's eyes darkened, his jaw clenching. He drove his fist into the man's stomach, doubling him over in his restraints. "You don't get to decide how this ends," he hissed. "Talk, or I'll make you wish you had."

The Demon coughed again, blood speckling his lips. He wheezed, his strength clearly fading, but his voice carried a new weight, almost resigned. "They'll be at Vander's statue… all of them. The rally… it's happening."

Rictus froze for a moment, his brow furrowing. "A rally?" he repeated, his tone skeptical but intrigued. "What kind of rally?"

The Demon grinned through the pain, his teeth stained red. "The kind you'll regret letting happen."

Rictus stepped back, his fists clenching at his sides as he processed the information. His lips curled into a cruel smile. "We'll see about that."

Turning away, Rictus gestured to the guards standing silently in the shadows. "Clean up this mess," he ordered coldly, his voice devoid of empathy. "I've got plans to make."

As he strode out of the room, the Demon slumped in his restraints, his ragged breaths the only sound left in the dim space. His defiance flickered, but the glint in his swollen eye remained a spark of belief that the Demon of Zaun would deliver the reckoning they all awaited.

The rally at Vander's statue had become a sea of chaos and energy. Demons in their dark attire and blue sunglasses stood shoulder to shoulder with Firelights, and Jinxers, their hair dyed in various shades of blue, waved crude banners and shouted chants. Chembaron gangsters, clad in rough, patchwork gear, formed a protective circle around the edges, their loyalty rooted in their own survival.

At the centre of it all stood Sevika, her towering presence commanding the crowd's attention. She slammed her prosthetic fist against the base of the statue, the echo cutting through the noise.

"We're all here because we've had enough!" Sevika bellowed, her voice rough and passionate. "Zaun has been their playground for too long! We've fought each other for scraps while Piltover pushes us into the dirt! But now... now we stand united! Together, we can take back what's ours!"

The crowd roared in agreement, but there was an undercurrent of unease. Someone shouted from the back, "Where's the demon? Where's Jinx?" Others echoed the sentiment, their voices a mixture of hope and demand.

Sevika raised her hand for quiet, but the noise persisted. That's when Isha climbed atop the statue, a small figure with a presence that commanded attention. She lit a blue flare, the light casting shadows over the crowd. Slowly, fists began to rise, the signal spreading like wildfire through the gathered masses. Even the hesitant ones joined in, their determination bolstered by the unity of the moment.

Sevika grinned and raised her prosthetic arm high, her pride evident. "You see that?" she yelled. "Zaun stands together! We fight together!"

Her words were cut short by the sudden whistle of something slicing through the air. Sevika barely had time to react as Rictus's massive glaive embedded itself into her prosthetic arm, pinning it to the statue with a metallic clang. The crowd gasped, and for a brief second, all movement ceased.

"Stand together? What a joke," Rictus growled, stepping into the light. His voice was dripping with disdain, his massive frame imposing as his soldiers and enforcers swarmed the square. "You're all under arrest. Surrender now, or face the consequences."

Chaos erupted as the crowd surged against the soldiers. The Firelights took a fighting stance. Chembaron gangsters clashed with enforcers in brutal hand to hand combat. Jinxers hurled smoke bombs and painted graffiti on enforcer shields before being dragged away. The Demons moved like shadows, trying to calculate strikes aimed at the enforcer's weakest points.

Isha, leapt down from the statue, a makeshift blade in her hand. She charged at Rictus, her small frame dwarfed by his sheer size. He smirked, amused by her audacity, but before he could react, a flash of blue lightning streaked through the air.

Naruto appeared in front of Isha, blades drawn, with Jinx perched on his back, her signature grin plastered on her face. The crowd paused, as if the sight of the two legends had recharged their spirits.

"Well, well," Naruto said, his voice calm but dangerous as his glowing eyes locked onto Rictus. "Looks like you made it to the party. I've been hoping to test myself against the so called second in command."

Rictus sneered but gripped his glaive tightly, yanking it free from Sevika's arm with a brutal tug. "You think you're ready for me, boy? Let's see what you've got."

Jinx slid off Naruto's back, her eyes darting toward Isha. She knelt in front of the girl, grabbing her shoulders. "Reckless. So reckless," she muttered, her tone somewhere between frustration and admiration. "Good thing I showed up just in time. But seriously don't do that again."

The crowd, now emboldened by Naruto and Jinx's presence, rallied. They surged forward with renewed vigour, chanting the names of their protectors as they pushed back against the enforcers.

Meanwhile, Singed stood at the edge of the chaos, cornered by a group of enforcers. "Drop the scalpel!" one barked, their weapon trained on him.

Singed, nodded slowly. "As you wish," he said, his voice dripping with eerie calm. He opened his hand, letting the scalpel fall to the ground, but not before dragging it across his palm. Blood dripped from his hand and onto the ground, pooling ominously.

Far away, in the shadows of his lab, a massive form stirred. Warwick's glowing eyes flickered open, and a low growl rumbled through the air.

Back at the statue, Jinx and Naruto stood side by side, the blue flare still burning brightly in the distance. Their presence galvanized the crowd, turning the tide of the skirmish. As Naruto's blades clashed with Rictus's glaive and Jinx's laughter echoed through the air, it became clear to everyone.

The battle for Zaun's soul had only just begun...

The air hung heavy with smoke, electrified bolts, and the sound of desperate skirmishes echoing across the square. Naruto moved with fluid precision, his bladed staff slicing through the air as though it were an extension of himself. He squared off against Rictus, who loomed like a mountain of muscle.

Rictus snarled, his lips curling back to reveal gritted teeth. "You think you're something special, huh? Just because you're fast?" He lunged, his massive glaive coming down with enough force to split the stone beneath their feet.

Naruto sidestepped effortlessly, his feet gliding across the ground as his weapon struck out in a blur of motion. The blade kissed Rictus's leg, slicing through his pants and leaving a crimson line in its wake. Rictus staggered, his balance faltering as pain radiated up his thigh.

"You're slower than I expected," Naruto said, his voice cool and taunting. He spun his staff, the blade catching what little light there was and casting brief reflections across Rictus's furious face. "You're supposed to be Ambessa's right hand man? This is disappointing."

"Shut your mouth!" Rictus roared, swinging his glaive in a wide arc. Naruto bent backward in a move almost too fast to see, the glaive passing mere inches from his torso. He retaliated with a sharp thrust of his staff into Rictus's ribs, the impact reverberating with a sickening thud.

Rictus grunted in pain but refused to back down. He charged again, his movements more reckless as his frustration mounted. Naruto danced around him, each motion calculated, every strike precise. The Zaunites watching from the edges of the battlefield began to cheer, their voices rising in unison.

"You're embarrassing yourself," Naruto continued, his tone calm but biting. "I'm giving you a chance to leave with some dignity. Take it while you can."

Rictus's response was a guttural roar, his glaive coming down again in a desperate attempt to land a blow. Naruto twisted his staff, catching the glaive handle and diverting its path. He swept Rictus's legs out from under him, sending the hulking man crashing to the ground.

As Rictus scrambled to his feet, Naruto stepped closer, his glowing blue eyes locking onto his opponent's. "Leave," he said, his voice low but cutting. "Before you lose more than just this fight."

Meanwhile, across the square, Jinx was wreaking havoc among the enforcers. Her modified pistol spat crackling bolts of electric energy, each shot finding its mark with devastating precision. Enforcers fell back, their weapons sparking and malfunctioning under the assault. Jinx laughed, the sound wild and unrestrained as she twirled her pistol like a showman.

"Did you really think you could take us on?" she shouted, firing another bolt that struck an enforcer square in the chest. He convulsed briefly before crumpling to the ground. "Guess again, losers!"

The tide of the battle was turning. The enforcers, battered and outmanoeuvred, began to falter. Seeing their forces dwindle, Rictus barked a desperate order. "Retreat! Pull back!"

Naruto stood tall, his staff spinning idly in his hand as he watched the enforcers begin their hasty withdrawal. "Smart choice," he called out, his voice carrying across the square. "Run away like the dog you are."

Rictus glared at Naruto, his face a mask of fury and humiliation. He limped backward, clutching his wounded leg, but said nothing.

"Tell your owner I'll be waiting," Naruto added, his tone steady but laced with menace. "Let her know the Blue Eyed Demon isn't going anywhere."

The enforcers disappeared into the haze, dragging their prisoners with them, including Singed. The Zaunites roared in victory, their chants filling the air as they rallied around the statues and banners that bore their symbols.

Jinx appeared beside Naruto, brushing ash off her shoulder as she holstered her pistol. "Well, that was fun," she said with a grin. "Think they'll come back?"

"Oh, they'll be back," Naruto replied, his eyes fixed on the direction Rictus had fled. "But next time, they won't be so lucky."

Jinx smirked, nudging him with her elbow. "Not bad for a guy with a stick."

Naruto glanced at his staff, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Not bad for a girl with a toy gun."

Jinx laughed, the sound echoing through the smoke and rubble as she turned toward the crowd. The people of Zaun cheered louder, their voices rising in unison as hope ignited in their eyes.

Naruto raised his staff high, the glowing blade catching the light as he spoke. "Zaun stands united! Together, we will protect our home!"

The crowd erupted into applause, their fists raised high. For the first time in a long while, Zaun felt like a city ready to fight back.

Naruto paced the room in Jinx's lair, his mind buzzing with the events of the rally and the next stage of their plan. His voice broke through the heavy silence. "It all went well," he said, a faint but determined grin tugging at his lips. "Now, we need to break them out of there."

Sevika leaned against the wall, with one arm again. "About time," she said, her voice steady and eager. "We've been waiting for this."

Jinx, perched on her workbench, smirked. "Yeah, let's blow Stillwater wide open," she said, her excitement barely contained. "Let's do it."

Naruto turned his gaze toward Isha, who was quietly observing from the corner of the room. Her blue sunglasses caught the light, but it was the determined expression on her young face that caught his attention. He crouched in front of her, signing carefully.

"You're staying here," Naruto signed, his expression firm yet kind.

Isha's brows furrowed as she quickly responded with sharp, deliberate motions. I don't want to stay here alone.

Naruto paused, then placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "Home is where you're safe," he signed, his blue eyes locking onto hers. "And that is here."

Isha's lips pressed into a thin line as she shook her head and pointed to Naruto and Jinx. No, she signed back. Home is with you and Jinx, with both of you.

Naruto sighed deeply, a mix of frustration and admiration washing over him. He lifted her up and placed her on the workbench beside Jinx, who looked on with a softened expression. Signing with deliberate care, Naruto promised her, "We will come back. I promise."

Jinx chimed in, her usual manic energy dialled back as she signed alongside her words. "Yeah, kiddo. We promise. Stay here and keep it safe for us, okay?"

Isha hesitated, then nodded slowly, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She gave a small thumbs up, her movements stiff but determined.

Naruto exhaled in relief and turned to Jinx and Sevika, his tone sharpening. "Alright, time to get this show on the road," he said. His gaze flickered down to his worn jacket and battle-scarred gear. A faint smirk crossed his face. "But first, I need a new look."

Jinx raised an eyebrow, her grin returning as she tilted her head. "A new look, huh?" she teased. "Oh, this is gonna be good."

Sevika crossed her arms, an amused glint in her eyes. "What're you thinking, boss?"

Naruto's smirk grew as he glanced toward the racks of supplies and gear scattered around the lair. "Something that says I'm not just a demon of Zaun," he said.

The tunnels echoed with the sound of heavy, relentless footsteps as Warwick charged through the darkened pathways of Zaun. His breath was ragged, a guttural growl reverberating from deep within his chest as the scent of blood drove him forward. The metallic tang of Singed's blood filled his nostrils, and his glowing eyes narrowed with a singular purpose.

To hunt.

Warwick's claws scraped against the cold stone as he skidded to a halt before Vander's statue. The towering figure, a symbol of a bygone era, stood as a silent sentinel amidst the chaos of Zaun. Blood from the recent conflict pooled around its base, gleaming faintly under the flickering light of a nearby lamppost.

The scent of Singed's blood sharpened in his nostrils, yanking him back into the present. Warwick's claws dug into the stone floor as he let out a feral howl, the sound echoing through the cavern and sending shivers down the spines of those who might have heard it. He crouched low, muscles coiling as he prepared to launch himself forward.

Without hesitation, Warwick surged onward, his powerful limbs propelling him through the winding tunnels of Zaun. The scent grew stronger, leading him through a maze of passageways. Each step brought him closer to his creator, the one who had transformed him into this monstrous form. His claws scraped against the walls, leaving jagged marks as he thundered through the darkness.

Naruto peered through the telescope, his gaze fixed on the cable cars leading to Stillwater Prison. The steel lines hummed faintly in the cold air, ferrying cargo and guards to the fortress like structure. Beside him, Jinx leaned against the railing, her feet dangling off the edge as she lazily twisted a strand of her blue hair around her finger.

"There," Naruto said, his tone sharp but quiet. He gestured subtly toward an enforcer a few hundred feet away. The guard was young, clearly bored, and pacing around with their weapon slung lazily over one shoulder. Occasionally, they would jump out from behind a corner as if pretending to ambush an imaginary enemy.

"That's the one," Naruto continued, handing the telescope to Jinx. "We need their uniform."

Jinx squinted through the lens, then grinned. "That one?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement. "They look like they're playing hide and seek."

"Exactly," Naruto replied. "They'll be easy to catch off guard. Go make some noise."

Jinx tossed the telescope back to him with a smirk. "Fine," she said, cracking her knuckles. "But don't laugh."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, a small grin tugging at his lips. "No promises."

Sevika leaned against the wall nearby, watching the exchange with her usual stoic expression. "Try not to blow up the whole area," she muttered as Jinx skipped off toward the enforcer.

"I make no guarantees!" Jinx called over her shoulder, her voice sing-song and full of mischief.

Jinx strolled casually toward the enforcer, who was still leaping around corners, pretending to be in the middle of an action movie. She stopped a few feet away, tilted her head, and struck a dramatic pose.

"Ha!" she declared, pointing a finger at the enforcer. "It's me! Your vile villainess! The author of your nightmares, the dread of your existence—"

The enforcer spun around, startled, and blinked at her. "Uh… who are you?"

Naruto nearly choked on his laughter, disguising it as a cough. Jinx froze mid pose, blinking in disbelief. "Excuse me?" she hissed, clutching at her hair as if physically pained by the question. "I just told you who I am. I'm Jinx!"

The enforcer raised an eyebrow, her tone flat. "Yeah, never heard of that one before."

Naruto covered his mouth with his hand, his shoulders shaking. Sevika sighed audibly, muttering, "This is painful."

Jinx's eye twitched. "Never heard of me?" she repeated, her voice rising in pitch. "The dread of your existence? Your worst nightmare? Hello?!"

The enforcer looked her up and down, unimpressed. "You expect me to believe Jinx the master criminal, the scourge of Piltover wears pants like that?"

Jinx glanced down at her outfit, momentarily thrown off. "What's wrong with my pants?" she asked, indignant.

Naruto snorted, unable to hold it in any longer. He leaned closer to Sevika and whispered, "This is gold."

Sevika glared at him, unimpressed. "Your plan, genius."

Jinx, meanwhile, had taken a step closer to the enforcer, her irritation growing by the second. "You're not even gonna try to arrest me? Claim the big prize? Be the hero?" she challenged, holding her arms out wide, practically inviting an attack.

The enforcer shifted awkwardly, clearly unsure how to respond. "Look, lady, you look like an half eaten circus tent. "

Jinx clutched her braids, her frustration reaching a boiling point. "Do you want me to blow something up? Is that what you want? Would that make me scary enough for you?"

Naruto sighed, stepping forward as Jinx's temper began to flare again. "Alright, alright," he said, holding up his hands as if to calm both her and the enforcer. "Let's not turn this into a fashion critique, alright?"

Jinx shot him an incredulous look. "Fashion critique?! She insulted my pants, Naruto!" she huffed, pointing dramatically at the enforcer. "Do you know how much effort I put into this look?"

Naruto chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. "You look great, Jinx," he said casually, glancing at her outfit. "As always."

The enforcer, still on edge, glanced nervously between Naruto and Jinx. She then fixed her gaze on Naruto's face, narrowing her eyes. "Wait a second…" she muttered. "Let me guess you're the Demon of Zaun, aren't you?"

Naruto tilted his head, feigning surprise. "Me?" he asked, gesturing to himself. "The Demon of Zaun? No way." He tugged at his white long sleeved shirt and adjusted his black sunglasses. "I mean, come on. This disguise is fool proof. Black pants, white shirt, sunglasses who could possibly see through that?"

The enforcer looked unimpressed, her confidence growing for a brief moment. "Yeah, sure," she muttered. "Real subtle. What do you want?"

Naruto sighed dramatically, lowering his sunglasses slightly to reveal the faint glow of his blue eyes. "Here's the thing," he began, his voice growing colder, sharper. "We actually do need something from you."

The enforcer instinctively stepped back, her grip tightening on her weapon. "W-what do you mean?"

Naruto took another step forward, his posture shifting as a faint aura of energy flickered around him. "And it's not up for debate."

Jinx, catching on to Naruto's tone, grinned and pulled out a small smoke bomb. "What he means is… we're gonna borrow your uniform," she said, her grin widening.

The enforcer's bravado faltered completely. "What? You can't just—"

Before she could finish, Sevika appeared silently behind her and delivered a swift, solid blow to the back of her head. The enforcer crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

"Well," Naruto said, glancing at the enforcer with mild amusement. "That works too."

Jinx stomped her foot, kicking lightly at the enforcer's leg. "And for the record," she muttered, glaring at the unconscious woman, "I am Jinx. How do you not know that?!"

Naruto bit back a laugh as he knelt to inspect the uniform. "Relax, Jinx," he said with a smirk. "She's out cold. Not like she can argue anymore."

Jinx crossed her arms, pouting. "Still doesn't explain what's wrong with my pants," she grumbled.

Naruto straightened up, holding the uniform over one shoulder. He gave her an appraising look, then smiled. "Nothing's wrong with your pants," he said simply. "You look good. Better than good, actually."

Jinx blinked, momentarily stunned by the compliment. Then she quickly turned away, her cheeks faintly pink. "Whatever," she muttered. "Let's just get this over with."

Sevika, standing to the side, smirked and crossed her single arm. "You two done flirting?" she asked dryly.

Naruto shrugged, turning toward the cable cars. "Let's move. We've got a prison to break into."

As the cable car swayed gently on its journey, Jinx adjusted her enforcer helmet, doing her best to blend in. Beside her, Naruto and Sevika played their roles as prisoners perfectly or almost perfectly. Naruto stood tall, his hands cuffed in front of him, a faint smirk tugging at his lips despite the situation. Sevika, her imposing figure restrained only by Jinx due to her one arm.

The other enforcers inside barely gave them a second glance, too engrossed in their chatter about recent assignments. However, one enforcer, a wiry man with a crooked grin, couldn't keep his eyes off Jinx. He sidled up to her, leaning against the side of the car and giving her what he must have thought was a charming smirk.

"Hey there," the man began, his tone dripping with overconfidence. "Haven't seen you around before. New transfer?"

Jinx tilted her head, doing her best to mimic a stern enforcer demeanour. "Yup," she said curtly, her voice slightly muffled by the helmet.

The enforcer wasn't deterred. "Well, welcome to the team," he said, leaning in closer. "If you ever need a tour of the city or, you know, some company you just let me know."

Naruto, standing a few feet away in his "cuffs," clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. His glowing blue eyes flickered faintly, even through the dark lenses of his sunglasses. He took a step forward, ready to drop the act and wipe that smirk off the enforcer's face, but Jinx subtly raised a hand, signalling him to stay put.

The enforcer continued, oblivious to the tension in the air. "You know, you've got this… vibe about you. Mysterious. I like that."

Jinx sighed dramatically, pulling out her new modification to her middle finger a metal replacement with extra flair. Without missing a beat, she raised it directly in the man's face. The intricate engravings on the finger gleamed as it extended fully, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

The enforcer blinked, startled, and took a step back as his colleagues burst into laughter. "Damn, she's got your number!" one of them called, slapping him on the shoulder.

"Rejected!" another added, their laughter echoing through the car.

Naruto, his hands still cuffed, couldn't help but chuckle. He leaned slightly toward Sevika and muttered, "That's one way to handle it."

Sevika smirked, her gaze locked on Jinx. "She's got more guts than most of these clowns combined," she said under her breath.

The rejected enforcer muttered something about "rookies" before retreating to the other side of the car, his bruised ego clear for all to see. Jinx turned slightly toward Naruto and Sevika, her smirk hidden under the helmet but unmistakable in her voice.

"See? I've got this," she whispered confidently.

Naruto tilted his head, the faintest hint of amusement in his glowing blue eyes, barely concealed by the dark sunglasses he wore. "I'm starting to think you might not need us at all," he murmured.

"Damn right she doesn't," Sevika added dryly, though her smirk betrayed a hint of pride.

As the cable car continued its ascent toward Stillwater Prison, the tension inside was palpable. The enforcers remained mostly oblivious to the ruse, but the trio knew the hard part was yet to come. Jinx glanced at her "prisoners," her mind racing with plans for their next move.

Naruto stepped off the cable car last, his presence unassuming as he trailed slightly behind Jinx and Sevika. His eyes scanned the area, sharp and calculating, as he waited for the right moment. As the others moved ahead, he subtly raised a hand, giving Jinx a small signal. She caught it instantly, a brief nod the only acknowledgment she gave before continuing forward. In a flash of blue electricity, Naruto zapped away, disappearing into the shadows unnoticed.

At the prison entrance, Jinx and Sevika approached the clerk's desk. The weary clerk glanced up briefly, his eyes lazily taking in Jinx's disguised figure. "You two headed to cell block C?" he asked, tapping a few keys on his terminal.

"Yes, sir," Jinx replied, keeping her voice clipped and professional.

"Go on through," the clerk said, returning his attention to the screen. He waved them past without a second glance.

As they got ready to leave, a towering figure stepped into view. Ambessa, her imposing frame and sharp, calculating gaze seemed to dominate the hallway. Jinx's heart jumped as she felt her hair shift slightly under the helmet.

Ambessa's eyes lingered on Jinx for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. But then she continued walking, her attention seemingly elsewhere. Jinx exhaled softly, tension leaving her shoulders as she glanced at Sevika.

"That was way too close," Jinx muttered as they entered the elevator, her voice low. Alone in the small space.

"We've got bigger things to worry about," Sevika said, her tone firm. "Naruto's out there, and if he spots Ambessa…"

"He'll attack," Jinx finished, her voice tinged with worry. She fiddled with her pistol, her fingers tightening on the grip. "He won't hold back."

"Focus on the mission," Sevika said, her voice cutting through Jinx's anxiety. "Naruto's out there making sure we get out alive. He's put his faith in you, so maybe it's time you did the same."

Jinx sighed, a small, determined smile forming on her lips. "I always believe in Naruto," she said softly, her confidence returning. "No matter what."

The elevator dinged, the doors sliding open to reveal cell block C. The harsh fluorescent lights illuminated rows of cells, and the faint sound of voices drifted through the air. At the end of the hallway, two guards were hunched over a tabletop game, their focus entirely on the miniature battlefield in front of them.

Jinx and Sevika moved swiftly. Sevika approached the guards first, her heavy footsteps deliberately soft. Before the guards could react, she grabbed one by the back of his collar, slamming him into the wall with a dull thud. The other guard barely had time to register what was happening before Jinx fired her pistol into the light above, shattering it in a burst of sparks. Disoriented, the guard stumbled, only for Sevika to deliver a precise blow that knocked him unconscious.

"Easy," Jinx quipped, twirling her pistol as she surveyed the controls in front of her. Rows of levers were neatly labelled with cell numbers, their handles worn from use. "Now, let's wake up the neighbourhood."

Sevika moved to the first set of levers, gripping the handles effortlessly. One by one, they began to pull, the loud clang of cell doors sliding open echoing through the block. Confused murmurs filled the air as prisoners hesitantly stepped into the hallway, their eyes adjusting to the harsh light.

The clamour of opened cells and the shuffling of footsteps filled the air as the prisoners, mostly Jinxers and Demons, stumbled out of their confinement into the dimly lit corridors. For a moment, confusion reigned, with murmurs rippling through the crowd. Then, standing atop an overturned table with her pistol held high, Jinx raised her voice.

"Alright, listen up!" she yelled, her voice echoing through the cell block. "Your big, fat hero is here! That's right, me! The one and only Jinx!"

The crowd's attention snapped to her, their mutters of confusion silencing as dozens of wide-eyed faces stared at her in awe. A spark of recognition rippled through the group, particularly among the Jinxers and Demons. They whispered her name reverently, their disbelief slowly giving way to joy and admiration.

One of the Jinxers, a young man with streaks of blue dye in his hair, hesitantly stepped forward. His gaze was filled with both wonder and hesitance. Tentatively, he reached out and placed a hand on Jinx's shoulder, as though confirming she was real. Jinx froze for a split second, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. Then her grin returned, sharper and more confident than ever.

"Yeah, that's right," she said, tilting her head with playful pride. "Go ahead, touch the hero. Just don't smudge the paint."

Her quip seemed to embolden the rest. Slowly, others began to approach, gently laying their hands on her shoulder in silent reverence as they passed. The symbolic gesture spread like wildfire through the group. Even those who weren't Jinxers joined in, their expressions a mixture of gratitude and awe.

"See?" Jinx said with a wide grin, glancing back at Sevika, who was busy keeping an eye on the doors. "Told you I was a big deal."

Sevika rolled her eyes, muttering, "Sure, princess."

Scar, a firelight and respected figure among the underground movement, stepped forward from the crowd.

"Well done," Scar said simply, his gravelly voice carrying a rare warmth. "You've given them hope... even me."

"Aw, stop," Jinx replied with a wave of her hand.

Then Babette, an older woman with streaks of gray in her hair, approached. Unlike the others, she didn't hesitate. She reached out and warmly patted Jinx's hand, her kind eyes sparkling.

"You've done good, kid," Babette said with a smile that felt like a rare sunrise in the bleakness of the prison. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

For once, Jinx was speechless. She simply nodded, her grin softening into something more genuine as Babette turned to join the others heading toward freedom.

The crowd surged forward, their energy palpable as they moved toward the path Jinx and Sevika had cleared. Jinx watched them go, her chest swelling with a mix of pride and something deeper something she rarely let herself feel. She glanced over her shoulder at Sevika.

"See? Told you I'd make a great hero," she said, her tone teasing but her eyes unusually bright.

Sevika smirked, tilting her head toward the exit. "Let's not get carried away, hero. We've still got work to do."

"Yeah, yeah," Jinx replied, hopping down from her perch. She took a moment to adjust her pistol, her gaze sweeping over the dispersing crowd. "But you gotta admit, that was pretty awesome."

Sevika shook her head, muttering something under her breath as she led the way. Jinx lingered for a moment, letting the warmth of the moment settle in before following, her grin firmly back in place.

The chilling air around the prison crackled with tension as Ambessa stood at the edge of the main path, her heavy Armor gleaming faintly under the moonlight. Two Noxian soldiers flanked her, silent and vigilant. Her mind churned with frustration and strategy.

"Too many loose ends," Ambessa muttered, her hand tightening around the hilt of her blade. She turned abruptly, intending to head back toward the prison.

But she stopped dead in her tracks.

Standing in the shadow of the outer wall was a figure she recognized immediately. His casual stance belied the dangerous energy radiating from him. Naruto. His black and white ensemble reflected the glow of the perimeter lights, but it was his sunglasses, shielding the infamous blue glow of his eyes, that seemed to glint with a knowing smirk.

"Yo," Naruto said, his voice smooth and calm, the casual greeting cutting through the silence like a blade. Slowly, deliberately, he reached for his staff, the weapon glinting as he unsnapped it, the satisfying click echoing as it transformed into twin daggers, each blade gleaming menacingly.

Ambessa let out a short, humourless laugh, her eyes narrowing behind her imposing mask. "So, the boy finally comes to face his fate." Her voice was like the growl of a predator about to strike. She motioned for her soldiers to hold their positions. "Do you think your little blades can match a Noxian warlord, child?"

Naruto's smirk deepened as he twirled one of his daggers in his hand. "I think they're more than enough for the company you brought."

Before Ambessa could respond, Naruto blurred into motion. He appeared before one of the soldiers in the blink of an eye, his dagger slicing cleanly through their chest armor. The soldier gasped, a shocked gurgle escaping his lips as he crumpled to the ground.

The second soldier barely had time to raise their weapon before Naruto was behind them. With a swift upward slash, his blade cut through their backplate, dropping them instantly. Their weapon clattered uselessly to the ground as Naruto flicked the blood off his dagger with a fluid motion.

Ambessa's face hardened as her soldiers fell like dominoes. "You've grown faster," she admitted. "But you've yet to face me."

Naruto adjusted his grip on his daggers, the graffiti on the blades catching the moonlight. "Oh, don't worry, your turn's coming," he said, his voice low and sharp. He took a moment to glance down at the etched "N J" on his weapon and grinned slightly, as if drawing strength from it.

Ambessa's eyes darted to the graffiti as well, and her lip curled. "Childish sentiment. I'll carve that off myself."

Naruto laughed, his voice echoing in the cold night. "You can try, but I'm not the one who's going to bleed tonight."

Ambessa roared, raising her massive blade and charging. Naruto leapt back, narrowly avoiding her strike as it smashed into the ground, leaving a deep gash in the earth. He retaliated with a series of quick slashes, each one aimed at the gaps in her armour. Ambessa deflected most of them, her blade moving like a steel wall.

But Naruto wasn't done. Using his speed, he darted around her, his daggers slicing at her legs. One hit home, cutting through the joint of her greaves and drawing blood. Ambessa let out a sharp hiss of pain but turned with a vicious swipe that forced Naruto to leap back.

"You're quicker than I thought," she growled. "But speed won't save you."

Naruto flipped one of his daggers in the air, catching it deftly as he smirked. "Guess we'll find out."

Their battle intensified, each strike more ferocious than the last. Ambessa's heavy swings created shockwaves that shook the ground, while Naruto's agility and precision made him a blur of motion, his daggers like extensions of his will. The graffiti on his blades seemed to glow faintly in the moonlight, a defiant symbol of his connection to Jinx and the life he fought to protect.

As they clashed, Ambessa's strikes became more calculated, her experience showing as she forced Naruto onto the defensive. But he wasn't backing down. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance, his daggers aiming for her exposed side.

Ambessa twisted at the last moment, catching one dagger with her blade while the other nicked her shoulder. She snarled, driving him back with a powerful kick that sent him skidding across the ground.

Naruto wiped blood from the corner of his mouth, his smirk unfazed. "Not bad, old lady," he said, flipping his daggers into a reverse grip. "But I'm just getting warmed up."

Ambessa's eyes burned with fury behind her mask as she readied her blade. "Then show me, boy. Show me what makes you the Demon of Zaun."

Naruto's eyes glowed faintly beneath his sunglasses as he launched himself at her again, their battle far from over.

Naruto's crimson electricity danced wildly across his bladed staff as it reformed, the raw energy illuminating the battlefield. The hum of the red current echoed like a warning, as if the weapon itself anticipated the intensity of what was to come. Ambessa smirked at the display, her grip tightening around her blade. "Not bad, boy," she admitted. "You've learned a thing or two."

Naruto's reply was cut short by the screeching sound of metal grinding against metal. Both combatants turned their attention to the approaching cable car. Its sparking frame glowed in the dim light. The vehicle jerked violently against the cable, swaying as if the tension was moments away from snapping. The sound of tearing metal grew louder as the car came closer.

"What the hell…?" Naruto muttered, his grip on the staff tightening as he stared at the approaching chaos.

Ambessa's confident smirk faded, her seasoned instincts kicking in. "That's not one of mine…" she said, her voice low and cautious.

The cable car's shattered doors flung open with a deafening screech, revealing a hulking figure crouched inside. Its glowing red eyes pierced through the darkness, locking onto Naruto and Ambessa. Clawed hands gripped the sides of the ruined car, and a low, guttural growl reverberated through the air.

Naruto's heart sank as the creature stepped into the light. The figure was monstrous, its massive, sinewy frame was a terrifying blend of man and beast, scars crisscrossing its muscled body. Gleaming claws extended from its hands, glinting ominously in the flickering light.

"Fuck.…" Naruto whispered.

Warwick snarled, a guttural growl that sent shivers down Naruto's spine. The beast charged with the force of a train, claws gleaming as they sliced through the air.

Naruto barely had time to raise his staff, the crimson electricity sparking in anticipation of the collision. Warwick's claws slammed into the staff, sending a violent shockwave that forced Naruto back several feet. His feet slid against the ground, and he gritted his teeth as the impact reverberated through his arms.

Ambessa lunged in from the side, her blade gleaming in the dim light. "Over here, beast!" she roared, slashing at Warwick's side. Her strike drew blood, but it was far from enough to slow the creature down. Warwick turned on her with a roar, claws swiping in a flurry of savage attacks.

The Noxian general met his strikes head on, her blade clashing against his claws in a symphony of metal against bone. But Warwick's strength was monstrous, each attack battering her defences. With a powerful swipe, he sent Ambessa flying into a nearby wall, the impact cracking the stone and leaving her momentarily stunned.

"Stay down, old lady!" Naruto shouted, darting in to land a spinning strike with his staff. The crimson electricity crackled as it connected with Warwick's back, earning a howl of rage from the beast. But it wasn't enough to stop him.

Warwick's claws lashed out, catching Naruto across the chest. The blow sent him tumbling to the ground, his staff clattering beside him. Naruto hissed in pain, his core pulsing erratically as blood seeped through his torn shirt. He forced himself to his feet, his eyes glowing fiercely.

"You're one hell of a pain," Naruto muttered, gripping his staff tightly. He flicked his wrist, and the weapon split back into twin daggers. "Let's dance."

Warwick didn't need an invitation. The beast lunged at Naruto, claws slicing through the air with deadly precision. Naruto spun and dodged, his daggers flashing as he landed quick, calculated strikes. But for every hit he landed, Warwick retaliated with raw, savage power.

Ambessa rejoined the fray, her armour battered but her resolve unshaken. She landed a heavy blow to Warwick's shoulder, causing the beast to stagger. "Focus, boy!" she barked. "Or we'll both die here."

"Maybe if you stopped swinging at me!" Naruto snapped back, deflecting another of Warwick's attacks. He jabbed one of his daggers into the beast's leg, only to be backhanded with enough force to send him sprawling.

Warwick roared, his claws slashing wildly as he battered both Naruto and Ambessa. The ground beneath them was stained with blood, their own mingling with the beast's. Despite their combined efforts, Warwick seemed unstoppable, a force of nature driven by rage and instinct.

Naruto and Ambessa found themselves back-to-back, panting heavily as Warwick circled them like a predator sizing up his prey.

"Still want to kill me?" Naruto asked, spitting blood onto the ground.

"Always," Ambessa growled, her grip tightening on her blade. "But this thing comes first."

Warwick didn't wait for their banter to end. He lunged with terrifying speed, his claws catching Ambessa and slamming her into the ground. Naruto used the opportunity to leap onto Warwick's back, his daggers slicing into the beast's flesh. But Warwick bucked violently, throwing him off before delivering a brutal kick that sent Naruto crashing into a wall.

The beast roared triumphantly before darting away, its glowing eyes locked on the prison entrance.

Naruto's eyes widened in horror as realization dawned on him. "Jinx!" he shouted, his voice raw with urgency. Ignoring the pain coursing through his body, he scrambled to his feet and zapped after Warwick, his heart pounding.

Ambessa groaned as she forced herself to stand, watching Naruto vanish into the prison after the beast. She gritted her teeth, wiping blood from her face. "Damn fool," she muttered, gripping her sword, sitting down hoping the beast would kill Naruto and Jinx.

Inside the prison, the carnage was overwhelming. Bodies of enforcers lay sprawled across the cold, blood-slicked floors, their weapons discarded and useless against the unrelenting force of Warwick's rampage. The air was thick with the metallic tang of blood and the echoing screams of those unlucky enough to encounter the beast. Naruto pushed forward, his shirt soaked in blood, his glowing blue eyes unhidden now that his sunglasses were lost somewhere in the chaos. He limped slightly, his body battered from his earlier fight with Ambessa and Warwick.

"Not now… not yet," Naruto muttered under his breath, forcing himself to keep moving. Every step was agony, but he didn't care. His only thought was reaching Jinx and Sevika before it was too late.

The sound of grinding metal screeched through the cell block as the elevator doors groaned, trying to hold back the force hammering against them. Jinx and Sevika turned toward the sound, their expressions shifting from alarm to outright panic.

The enforcers who had just emerged from another elevator looked toward the noise, their riot shields raised and batons ready. The banging grew louder, more relentless, until the doors finally gave way in an explosion of steel and fury.

Warwick burst through the shattered doors, his glowing red eyes blazing with unbridled rage. His claws tore into the air as he howled, a chilling, guttural sound that froze the enforcers in place for a brief moment just long enough for Warwick to pounce.

Chaos erupted as Warwick descended upon the enforcers with terrifying speed. Riot shields crumpled under his strikes, his claws ripping through them as if they were paper. Blood splattered across the walls as enforcers screamed, some trying to retreat while others futilely swung their batons at the unstoppable beast.

Sevika's jaw clenched as she instinctively reached for her weapon. "We need to move!" she barked, turning to Jinx.

But Jinx stood frozen, watching the horrific scene unfold before her. For all her bravado, even she couldn't mask the flicker of fear in her eyes as Warwick tore through the squad of enforcers like a force of nature. Blood pooled at his feet as his victims fell, one after another, their screams echoing through the prison.

"Jinx!" Sevika shouted, grabbing her arm. "Snap out of it! We have to go now!"

Jinx shook her head, her hands tightening around her pistol. "I can't leave him! I won't leave Naruto!"

A loud crash echoed as Warwick tossed one of the enforcers against the far wall, their body crumpling lifelessly to the ground. The beast turned its glowing red gaze toward Jinx and Sevika, its snarl low and guttural. It crouched, readying to pounce.

"Run!" Jinx screamed, shoving Sevika toward the exit. "Go now!"

Sevika hesitated for a moment, her instincts warring against the command. But one look at Warwick, and she knew staying would mean certain death. With a curse under her breath, she turned and sprinted toward the corridor, glancing back only once to see Jinx raise her pistol and aim it at the advancing beast.

The prison walls echoed with chaos as Jinx moved like a ghost among the debris, her pistol blazing with deadly precision. The shimmer coursing through her veins amplified her movements, giving her the speed and agility to narrowly dodge Warwick's relentless attacks. But despite her best efforts, the beast was relentless, clawing through steel and stone as if it were paper.

"Come on, you overgrown mutt!" Jinx shouted, her voice both taunting and strained as she narrowly evaded another swipe of Warwick's massive claws. The beast let out a guttural roar, its red eyes locked onto her, burning with savage intent. Jinx fired another volley of electric bolts from her pistol, momentarily halting the creature's advance.

But then her luck ran out. Backpedalling, Jinx found herself cornered, her back pressed against the cold stone wall. Warwick crouched low, his limbs tensing as he prepared to lunge. His jaws opened wide, revealing rows of razor sharp teeth. Jinx's hands trembled as she tried to aim, but she knew she was out of time.

In a blur of motion, Naruto appeared between them, his face twisted in determination. "Jinx, MOVE!" he shouted, pushing her out of the way with all the strength he could muster.

The world seemed to slow as Warwick's jaws closed around Naruto's left arm. A sickening crunch echoed through the chamber as Warwick tore through flesh and bone. Naruto's scream tore through the chaos, filled with raw pain and defiance. Blood spurted from the wound as he staggered, clutching the stump of his arm.

"Naruto!" Jinx screamed, scrambling to her feet as tears streamed down her face. She raised her pistol, firing wildly at the beast, but Warwick was undeterred. He swatted her aside like a ragdoll, sending her crashing into a pile of rubble.

"Get out of here, Jinx!" Naruto yelled, his voice hoarse with agony. "Just go!"

"I'm not leaving you!" Jinx cried, her voice breaking as she tried to stand. Her body shook with equal parts rage and despair as she aimed her pistol again, but Warwick was too fast. The beast was upon her in an instant, pinning her to the wall with one massive paw. Her pistol clattered to the ground, useless.

Warwick loomed over Jinx, his jaws opening wide, ready to end her. But then, something changed. His glowing red eyes flickered, shifting to a mix of blue and green. He froze, his snarling replaced by a low, guttural growl. The tension in his body eased as he leaned closer, studying her face with a strange, almost haunted recognition.

"Powder," the beast rumbled, his voice distorted but unmistakably mournful. The name hung in the air like a ghost, sending a shiver down Jinx's spine. Her breath hitched as her wide, tear-filled eyes met Warwick's.

"Vander?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her mind swirled with fragmented memories, her thoughts a chaotic storm. The way he said her old name… it was impossible, wasn't it? And yet, there was something in his gaze, something achingly familiar.

Naruto, bleeding heavily and barely conscious, saw the hesitation in Warwick. Summoning what strength he had left, he stumbled toward Jinx and the beast. "No... not like this..." he murmured, dragging his feet through the bloodied floor.

With a final burst of determination, Naruto grabbed Jinx by the arm and pulled her free from Warwick's grasp. The beast made no move to stop them, still frozen in place, staring at Jinx with those sorrowful eyes. Naruto didn't wait to find out why. He pushed forward, ignoring the searing pain in his mutilated arm, until they were far enough away to collapse onto the cold floor.

Jinx knelt beside Naruto, her hands trembling as she tried to stop the bleeding from his severed arm. Tears streamed down her face as she pressed his shirt against the wound, desperately trying to stem the flow of blood.

"Stay with me, okay?" she whispered, her voice shaky. "You can't leave me, Naruto. Not now. Not ever."

But her mind wasn't entirely focused on Naruto. It kept circling back to the beast, to the name it had spoken. "Powder," she murmured, her voice barely audible. The memories of her childhood clawed their way to the surface memories of Vander, of the man who had once been her protector.

"Why did it… why did he call me that?" Jinx muttered, her voice breaking. She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away, but they clung to her like shadows.

Chapter 19 – Stillwater Prison Act 4 End

A/N

And that's the ending…

Our boy is down to one arm now… damn.

Did everyone enjoy the battles?

I really wanted to keep the Jinx part in with her pants because it's just so funny, lol. Adding Naruto to it made me laugh even more.

The next couple of chapters are going to be rough expect some sadness before we dive into the AU.

I'm sorry in advance... Truly...

Thanks so much for reading.

Have a great day smile, relax, and enjoy the holidays.

Merry Christmas!

Until next time,

byebye!