KG: Whew, been a long time, but I'm back! For my own health, I left League for a little bit. Love the game and the lore, but the community drains you hard. Anyway, back to fun times. I do still say, this is my favorite story for personal reasons. Anyway...expect this one to be updated for quite a while.

Music: Ain't No Grave by Hidden Citizens.

Quote: "I think good art does come from a dark place," by Rick Springfield.

"A C-rank mission?! But you just got back from a war! Can't you rest some more?" Isaribi asked. It was a valid question seeing as how much fighting Naruto had done since his time in Ionia. However, the blonde twirled a kunai around his finger in thought as he went over the details that just happened a few moments ago.

The blonde jonin then sighed. "No real point in helping it. I didn't tell Jiji about all the things I did over there. As far as Konoha knows, I could have just been goofing off. I'm sure Jiji knows I wouldn't do that, but it's not like I didn't get a break. I should be well-prepared to handle a C-rank mission. Besides, depending on the length, it could be as short as a week or as long as two months," Naruto answered.

Isaribi grumbled, but she had to admit that it didn't sound so bad. That didn't make her any less worried though. "I still don't like it," she remarked.

This caused Naruto to laugh before he turned to Mei. He saw how worried she looked and chuckled as he rubbed the top of her head. "Sorry Mei, I don't think I'll be allowed to take you with me. I'll try and get it done as fast as possible dattebayo!" he stated.

Naturally, he was afraid to leave Mei alone for so long. Unlike in Ionia, the only person who would be watching her would be Isaribi unless he managed to find someone else. Unfortunately, the number of people he thought he could trust with someone as...delicate as Mei was very small. He could probably ask Teuchi and Ayame to do it when they had the time.

"Will we be staying behind as well? I'd rather not cause any distractions," Irelia said.

Naruto went over that question a few times in his head. True, he did wish to take Irelia, and perhaps Akali, out of the village, but this was not so easy unlike the world of Ionia. One could not just go as they pleased, especially not these two who were under his jurisdiction during their stay here. Then again, Irelia was technically classified as a summon...sort of. Akali was...something else.

"Look, I don't even know the specifics of the mission yet. I'll make sure none of us are in the dark before I leave. For now, I'm gonna need to go back into the village and get all the tools I lost while helping Irelia and Ionia during the Noxus invasion. I also want to go back over there, it's not hard to see that they will try again down the line," Naruto replied.

The last Xan inhaled and exhaled. It was true that this was always a possibility. Actually, it was almost too easy to call it a certainty. "Agreed. Noxus has never been a nation for a lack of ambition. This is a mere setback and we will need to be ready. Though, it is a shame that I shall miss the Spirit Blossom Festival this year," Irelia said.

"Spirit Blossom Festival?" Isaribi asked. She, Naruto, and Mei saw the lips on Irelia curve upwards. They were even surprised that the former Fist of Shadow seemed entertained by the topic.

"Yes, Ionia has held one every year since the Noxian War had ended until...recently. It is a time to honor those who have fallen. It is a time to reflect on the spirits of those we have loved. It is a time that loved ones once thought gone can return to the living for one moment, to make amends, to set the heart at ease, and to dispel worry from the souls of those with regrets. I had always wished to see my O-ma and the rest of my family again, but...my prayers have since not been answered," she replied.

"When is it supposed to start?" Naruto asked.

"I am sure time flows differently between our two lands, but if we were back in Ionia then it would probably be three or four months from now," she answered.

Naruto could feel the buried sadness deep within the Will of Blades' chest. His runic heart called out to her own and his spirit quickly mingled with her own to calm her. It must have worked because her face brightened when she looked at him. Perhaps, as the protector of Ionia, he could try to make some arrangements to go back if time allowed him to do so.

As everyone settled into silence, Akali leaned off the wall she had been on. "Someone's here," she warned.

The others seemed surprised at her statement before they heard a shout over the clan doors.

"Uzumaki Naruto-san, are you home?! We would like to speak with you! Are you there?"

A raised eyebrow, Naruto pushed himself from his chair and walked out of the head building of his clan grounds. He then walked outside and appeared in front of the large fence doors. He saw a young man of teenage years and a young girl who was probably around his age.

It felt rather odd. The closer he walked to them, the stronger the blood within his runic heart felt. He did not know why, but he felt a rather strong force of life that connected him to these two. It seemed that they knew it too because both their eyes widened when they saw him and he could see their restless breath.

A thousand images rushed through his mind of times that he did not remember. They were going so fast that before he could focus on one of them another ten had passed him by. This feeling...was almost no different from when he had first used the summoning technique from the Forbidden Scroll.

Ever since he had done that, visions of Mount Targon and other unknown lands within the world of Runeterra flooded his mind again, and again, and again. Now, here these two stood. They gave him the same thing.

"Kuroma-niisama, I was right. He...he is the one we were searching for. I...I can feel it. He's...he's different!" the young girl said.

Naruto turned to her. Confusion rested upon his face before the older sibling cleared his throat.

"Sorry for the intrusion, Naruto-sama, but...we have traveled a long distance to meet you. It would be the highest honor to serve you for the rest of our days," the one named Kuroma said. He then bowed his head which allowed Naruto to see the...small horns protruding from his grey hair. He then heard the girl squeak before she bowed her head as well.

The blonde looked at the both of them. By all accounts, this should have concerned him, but he oddly felt very pleased by their declaration even if he didn't know why. He had to fight to resist the urge to place his hands on top of their heads and grant them their wish of serving him.

It took as much control as he could muster to draw his hand away and give about three deep exhales.

"Look, just...come inside before someone sees you guys. This is embarrassing dattebayo," he said. He then opened the gate and allowed them inside.

Both entered and marveled at the state of his home before he took them into the main room. The three were rather quiet toward each other before Naruto offered them some seats.

Both accepted graciously before they realized that the young dragon wasn't living alone. They quickly spotted Irelia who greeted them along with Isaribi and Mei for the brief hello and wave. Akali gave them a glance but offered nothing else to show that she would be interested in speaking with them.

In the meantime, Naruto decided to work on the disciplines of being a good host. He served his two guests some tea which, surprisingly, Mei had made. Then again, it's not like the former Mizukage was completely inept. In terms of how the world viewed it, she was still much more powerful than he was. Of course, she still had a severe trauma that Naruto and Soraka had been helping her with, but...knowing that she would safe to use the household appliances was...a thankful thing to see.

Once everyone was settled, Naruto decided that he might as well get this out of the way before he went out.

"Alright, let's start from the beginning. What's this all about? Why are you two talking about serving me? I don't even know you," the blonde said. Both siblings nodded before the elder picked up the drink that had been offered to him.

"Yeah, to be honest, we don't really know you either, but...our blood...does?" Kuroma said, but more like asked. He wasn't exactly sure how to explain it himself.

The three fell into another silence before Irelia broke this unease that began to fester.

"It is possible, such as when we met, Naruto. We had not known each other, yet we danced in the fields as if we had been friends our whole life. As Ionia teaches, sometimes understanding transcends the physical realm. You might not know them, but somewhere within you does or at least sees them as allies. Come on, you've trained your Perception in Ionia for the last two months I believe. What does it tell you?" the Last Xan asked.

Ah, there was a thought, Naruto figured. He then closed his eyes and exhaled. He placed his focus on his surroundings and those in his immediate vicinity. Once he opened them, he noticed that what Irelia had said was true. There the Blade Dancer stood just as familiar to him as he figured. Her, Isaribi, and Mei were all ones he regarded as close.

Next was Akali. She was not exactly a threat, but she was not what he would consider an ally either.

Then came these two. It seemed odd to the blonde that his senses had colored them closer to him than even Akali was. He had quite a bit of time to get used to the former Kinkou assassin before even coming to Konoha. Yet, these two whom he had just met were more regarded by him as welcoming than even the woman specifically assigned to be his...guardian?

Either way, when Naruto realized this he grumbled to himself. "Damn dragon powers. I bet the Inuzuka clan didn't have to put up with this with the number of wild beasts out in the world," he thought to himself before he wordlessly urged for Kuroma and his sister to begin...whatever explanation they had.

"Right, well I suppose I can say that Akari was right. You...are the one we've been searching for, but perhaps I should begin with where it started. You see, my sister and I...are the last of the Ryū clan. We are the guardians of the five Genryū and the Ryūjin, the Dragon Blade. The Genryū has been described as the Five Dragons of the Elements. Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, and Lightning. They assisted in forming and fertilizing the land of the Ryū clan before the First Great Shinobi War. It has been stated that...if all five Genryū merge together then they form...a Light Genryū, a Light Dragon," the teen said.

Naruto's eyes narrowed as did Akali's. However, Isaribi, Mei, and Irelia were all equally as surprised as the last.

"So wait, a person like Naruto is the result of like...five different Narutos?" Isaribi asked.

"No, or at the very least I doubt it. It's what makes the situation so strange. You see, the Ryū clan have been bound as Dragon Guardians not so dissimilar to the monks of the Fire Temple. However, because of the power of the Genryū and the fear of us, we were hated and our clan was driven to extinction. Our mother, our father, all our family members...they are all gone. They've been wiped out because people are too ignorant to know better! They treat us like monsters! Like savage beasts!" he said.

Kuroma clenched his knuckles as he seethed with rage. Such rage made Irelia worried for the young man, but what made her even more worried was the look on Naruto's face. She could feel that same rage resonating within the young dragon. It was the same...as what she felt for Noxus.

Akari placed a hand over her brother which forced the burning rage in his voice to cool down until it was gone.

"Akari and I continued to guard the Dragon Blade...until about Four or Five months ago. We felt the draconic blood in our veins awaken. Strength beyond words ran through our bodies. The sky darkened. Glowing halos of pure light appeared in the sky and the barriers between heaven and earth were opened. I think on that day in those months, the Five Great Nations experienced every form of natural disaster known to their region. Stars fell from the sky, lightning flashed through the air, and...the sun and moon appeared at the same time. They shined rays of light in the direction of Kirigakure, and the majesty we felt was just as great, if not greater than even the Five Genryū. It...it had to be a sign that my little sister and I were to serve as the guardians of this overwhelming being," he said before he allowed himself the luxury of air from his lengthy words.

Isaribi and Mei quickly became aware of what was being discussed. Naruto was no different. It was obvious that Kuroma was talking about when Naruto had fought against Jinpachi and Kushimaru. That time everyone felt the shift in the world order nearly snap to pieces and the very corners of the celestial realm quiver. All for the maturity of a very young divine dragon.

However, no one was expecting Irelia and Akali to be shocked as well. Yet, the words from the Will of Blades moved those around the room.

"This...happened in Ionia as well," she said. Everyone turned to her, but it was Akali who spoke.

"She's right. The sun shined within the firmament of the night sky. The spirits of the land sparkled with such vibrant color, and the ground shook so hard, that one could only think that the physical and spiritual worlds had become truly connected to one being. Trees, the spirits within, so connected were they that none could uproot them by human hands were torn from the ground and toppled over. Bahrl Jays flew into the sky, and a chorus sang itself from their beaks. No, it's better to say...all life roared...in unison," she spoke.

Again, the room fell into silence. The lone tick of a grandfather clock in the side of the living room was all that made a sound.

Naruto was beside himself. What did all this mean? So someone was basically telling him that he had not only affected Konoha, but also Runeterra itself. Now, here came this clan of Dragon Guardians, if you count a clan as two people, coming to be alongside him.

It was odd. For so many years, Naruto had ignored the scathing looks, the disregarding murmurs, and the spiteful comments sent in his direction. He did not think he could make people like him. To be honest, somewhere he had stopped caring. Perhaps, if he had kept trying maybe he would have gotten happier, or maybe he would have gone utterly insane. Either way, the him of now had moved on and now countless people kept coming into his life.

So...why? Why was he even given these things? Why did he have to keep fighting for so damn long? What...did he even want from all of this?

"Naruto-san, we hope that...by serving you we might be able to fulfill the duties of our clan fully. If you cannot accept us immediately, then we understand. We will diligently work until you come to recognize us," Akari Tatsushiro said. Her voice was filled with honesty and respect. Both of these things Naruto was not used to.

Irelia could feel the things within the young dragon's chest. She could feel his joy, sadness, and confusion. Each and every emotion swirled around her spirit like a dancing flower blown in the wind. His aura was like a melancholy song that urged for her own to reach out and console it.

Perhaps it was because of those things that she understood the history that he felt. The isolation, the pain, the disappointment that comes when one can't even find the strength to care anymore. So long you reach out and beg for something to grab you and pull you forward. Instead, there is nothing but a cold reminder that there was nothing to keep you grounded except for yourself.

"Perhaps it would be within the interests of everyone to return to this conversation another time. Naruto has a mission to think about. That will give him time to think. Until then, you are welcome to stay in our household," Irelia said with a smile. She hoped she did not overstep her bounds, but seeing as Naruto offered no retort then she figured this was without trespass.

"Umm, thank you, but that's okay. Hokage-sama has graciously allowed us to settle into Naruto-san's old apartment for the time being. Additionally, Akari and I are still being monitored for suspicious activity. Two of the last survivors of a clan coming to Konoha? I would be worried as well. We will take our leave, Naruto-sama!" Kuroma said.

The siblings were then escorted off the premises by Akali.

Meanwhile, Mei, Isaribi, and Irelia watched Naruto remain in his seat in silence.

"Naruto, are you…," Isaribi didn't get to finish. The reason being was that Naruto had gotten up from his seat and spoke.

"I...I need to go out," he said. He then walked out the door and then out from his main house's courtyard. He closed the door behind him and entered the streets.

For the rest of the day, Naruto now understood the term of an out-of-body experience. He paid for his equipment. He purchased kunai, shuriken, scrolls, and anything else that he might need. However, nothing seemed to register to him for too long.

It was odd.

No matter how far he walked, he could see anything and everything around him. Like a playing screen of television, he watched people from afar offer him their snarky comments and their hateful glares, too cowardly to do it without hiding. Yet, when the occasional stone was thrown at him, he watched as his body weaved from its path without mention. His mind constantly remained as a drifting cloud among the various thoughts which could make up a sky.

The young blonde thought of Ionia. He thought of his mother. He thought of his father. He thought...of himself. Even as he spoke or exchanged pleasantries with Kiba, Shino, Hinata, Chouji, Shikamaru, and perhaps Ino, he couldn't say that he remembered much of any of them. He thought he had received secret congratulations from Yuhi Kurenai, the jonin sensei of Team 8, and Sarutobi Asuma, the jonin sensei of Team on his jonin promotion. Though, that might as well have gone through one ear and out the other. He wasn't even sure if he thanked them or not.

It seemed like one after the other, there came more and more people begging, nay pleading that he be some kind of divine authority of things which he knew nothing about. Where...was it all leading him? Why was he even born this way? Him, a supposedly half-divine beast half-Uzumaki bloodline child, all while housing the very embodiment of Konoha's destruction twelve years ago.

Naruto wondered if he laughed at the absurdity of it. Heaven and hell, divine and demon, both housed within his body. Like two doors...waiting there for him to open each to some path that I knew nothing about. Now someone was telling him he was potentially from a line of Genryū from a Dragon Clan. Was that also related to his father? If his father was from Runeterra, then where did these dragons come from?

Perhaps for the second time in his life, Naruto...envied Sakura. A plain girl with plain dreams. Was there a world...where he got to be like that? No Kyuubi, no divine lineage, no nothing. Just...him?

By the time Naruto was aware of himself, the moon had held itself in the sky and he stared at it from the rooftops of his house. He stared at the moon without words. His knees tucked against his chest, his head on his shoulders, and his eyes trained forward, he felt the aura of the moon soothe him so well of his worries and his fears. Perhaps...this was also what he missed. Staring at the sun and moon as they both calmed him, and sought to reassure him of whatever troubled him so much.

The window door behind him opened and he need not turn around to know that it was Irelia. Mei was currently resting in his bed while Isaribi slept in her own room. He didn't exactly know what Akali was doing, but he didn't care to know.

Instead, he felt the gentle, yet firm aura of the blade dancer behind him. As if he looked upon the surface of the moon itself, her aura soothed him just as easily as those planets in the sky. She sat next to him but spoke not a word. She stared at the moon with him and that oddly made his runic heart soar with joy. Had he not these powers or knowledge of this lineage then he would not have come to know the calming serenity that came to him when he basked in the glow of Ahri and Irelia.

Perhaps he was too young to truly understand the concept or complexities of love, but if this was how it felt then...given that he had kissed them both, could he not say that they held special places within the confines of his lonely chest?

"There are times when...I wonder where I would be had I not taken the resolve to fight against the Noxian expanse. When I rallied the people, it was because I did not want to see the lands of our ancestors trampled upon by those with no concept of respect for what has been our livelihood. Yet, I became something more to the people. I became a leader. I became a symbol. I became...the hope of the Ionian people. I became the voice for men and women to take up arms, leave their families, and charge to their deaths. It...was not something I asked for," Irelia said.

She paused for a moment.

"But then...Karma, in her great wisdom, advised me…,"

"You seem...troubled, Irelia. What causes your mind such distress?" Karma asked as she stood with the last Xan atop a mighty hill overlooking the great city of Navori.

"There are no problems. I don't seem to have the time for problems," Irelia said. She touched her hair as a warm breeze brushed through it.

Despite herself, Karma chuckled as she looked on. "Time is no one's to have. It moves whether we desire or not. Same with the issues which plague the great spirit. Everyone has their problems, from the mightest authority to the lowest sentient creatures upon the ground. They be small for now, but they take root and grow until they consume the very fabric of the mind. Tell me. I shall tell no other what we discuss here," the dark-skinned woman replied.

Irelia exhaled. "Why do these people expect so much of me? They are making me out to be more than I am. Some say I...have been called to bring Ionia forth into these turbulent times of the nation's reflection. The inner peace and teachings which have guided us for centuries are now being threatened by anger, violence, and hatred. Others seek vengeance against Noxus. I...cannot fault their thoughts. I have dreamt...wished for the same, but I know better. When I lead by peace, I am assumed to be weak, an idealist, a clinger to the old ways and resistant to change. All I desired...was my freedom which Noxus took from us," she finally finished.

Karma remained silent for a moment.

"Weak. Is it a weakness to forgive your enemies? No, it is hard. It is very hard. It is so hard that it rips the mind into pieces. Yet, I find men to be weaker when they give in to the hate. They give in...to what is easy. Yes, the weight of expectation is heavy. I know it well. However, very rarely will we ever get the things we wish for, but...what we need will always come to us when we wish for it," she answered.

Naruto listened well.

"Very rarely will we ever get the things we wish for, but...what we need will always come to us when we wish for it, eh?" he said to himself.

The jonin turned his head to the Ionian warrior. Under the light of the moon, she looked just as beautiful as ever.

"Perhaps you weren't what I wished for at first, but...you were definitely what I needed dattebayo. Now, I don't think I could have wished for much better," he said.

Irelia stiffened and turned her head away. How odd that despite how much she had kissed the young shinobi, she still felt a tad awkward and flushed at his praise of her. Her chest was full of glorious fire and her aura was graced with a sense of calm that knew no other. Perhaps for the first time in a long while...she was truly happy.

"You were definitely not what I wished for. Even now I feel hesitant about what I am supposed to do as a Xan, from a family used to serving the great dragons, but...I could not have wished for better either," she answered.

Both stayed up into the night until the sleep was too much for them. For a long time, that might have been the best sleep that Naruto ever had.

The morning sun rose over Konoha and Team Seven stood before the Sandaime Hokage and Umino Iruka.

"Team Seven here to request a C-rank mission," Kakashi said.

Hiruzen and Iruka frowned behind their desk as they stared at the team of two young boys, one girl, and one adult male.

"So soon, Kakashi? Naruto has just gotten back. Should there not be time for them to integrate back together? Are you sure they can handle it?" Sarutobi asked.

Kakashi laughed as he rubbed the back of his head. How could the Hokage ask that after everything the team had been through?

The jonin of the team cleared his throat. "It's okay, Hokage-sama. I believe in them. Plus, it would give Sasuke and Sakura some time out of the village. It's also beneficial to Naruto as well. It would aid in his future development. Don't you think, Hokage-sama?" the jonin asked.

It did not take the Sandaime even a second to understand where the Team Seven leader was going with that statement. True, it would be a good time to actually put Konoha's young jonin to the test. Clearly, the council was still on the fence of whether or not to rescind the promotion. Naturally, Hiruzen didn't want that. Now would be a good time to see if that special D-rank had not been just a fluke by a young genin. Though, it was clear in anyone's eyes that to defeat two A-rank missing-nin was more than just a fluke.

"I see, and what do you three think?" Hiruzen asked, his attention now turned to the three young shinobi in front of him.

Sasuke shrugged. "I don't care. It's just another assignment. We'll get it done," the heir to the Uchiha clan answered.

"I...I agree with Sasuke-kun. We've faced tougher. We can handle a simple C-rank mission," Sakura said.

Hiruzen then turned to Naruto. The young dragon shrugged his shoulders.

"If Kakashi-sensei thinks we can do it, then I don't wanna make him a liar," he answered.

Hiruzen glanced between the members of the team before he turned to Iruka. The academy teacher seemed unsure, but he gave a folder to the Hokage anyway.

"Well said all of you. Very well, I have a C-rank mission that is sure to give you a break from the norm. It will also prove to be a very...rewarding experience. Iruka-kun, please send for the client," Sarutobi said.

The chunin stood up, bowed, and walked away. In about two minutes, he returned with the client for Team Seven's C-rank mission. Of all the things the team had been expecting, a drunkard was not one of them.

Bottle in one hand, eyeglasses on the face, pointed hat on a head, and a stench that could ring the nose, a man of average size, yet a not so average gut, walked into the room. The alcohol within his body sloshed back and forth before it fell from its home and into his waiting mouth.

"What the hell is this? I ask for shinobi and all I get is brats?! Tch, just look at the shorty. He barely reaches my kneecaps! You sure he's not an academy student or something?" he asked.

Annoyance expressed itself through a twitch of Naruto's eyebrow. He already knew the insult was directed at him. Of course, Naruto was aware he was a bit on the shorter side due to an imbalanced diet. He did not like vegetables, no matter how important he knew they were. That didn't stop him from putting up with them in very recent meals, especially since Ionian food seemed to include some time of green in almost every meal.

Regardless, he ignored the comment. Though, he did entertain the thought of blowing up the alcohol in that bottle with a blast of fire. Though, that probably wouldn't work too well for his already low public image.

"Have no fear, sir. These are my cute little genin. They can handle anything you can throw at them. Plus, you'll have me accompanying them as well. We'll definitely protect you," Kakashi replied.

The man grunted but slowly nodded. "You'd better. The most awesome bridge builder, Tazuna, won't go easy on you just because you're kids!" he exclaimed.

Sasuke snorted while Sakura rolled her eyes in annoyance. Meanwhile, Naruto continued to observe the mannerisms of their client for a little while.

Once enough had been said, Hiruzen cleared his throat.

"Yes, well, introductions aside, this is Tazuna from the Land of Waves. He needs protection from bandits while his bridge is being built. You have already accepted so I don't think there is much more to say. I shall pray for the success of your mission as you hold to the standards that exemplify Konoha shinobi," the leader over the village stated.

"Hai, Hokage-sama," the genin chorused like this had been rehearsed over a thousand times...which it kinda had back in the academy.

"Very good. You are dismissed. Ah, Naruto-kun, would you mind staying for a moment longer?" Hiruzen asked.

Naruto agreed.

Sasuke and Sakura quickly left along with Kakashi. Tazuna was escorted out by Iruka, which left Naruto and Hiruzen alone. The Sandaime moved some papers around for a moment before clearing his throat.

"So...what do you think?" the aged Kage asked.

"He's lying partially. The bandits part is probably true, but that's not all we're going to face out there. When he saw us, he wasn't looking at kids who could take down simple bandits. He was looking like he saw shinobi walking to their deaths, I guess. If he's lying then it's most likely either because he felt he had to or because he wanted to," Naruto replied.

Sarutobi slowly nodded. "I agree. I had that impression as well. Please, take a look at this folder," he said setting a yellow folder filled with files on the table.

Naruto took the folder and opened it. What he saw surprised him a little bit. "So the Land of Waves has basically become a corrupt businessman's playground, dattebayo. Human trafficking, drug smuggling, arms dealing, extortion, from this report, Noxus would love a guy like this," Naruto said though he mumbled the last bit to himself.

"Yes, and we've had missions to deal with him before, but...they haven't born any fruit. In fact, some would call him the impregnable businessman. It' not just Konoha, but all Five of the Hidden Villages have taken various assignments to see him killed. You can see how well this has gone," Hiruzen replied.

"A regular two-legged cockroach,"

"Exactly. The council seems fit to think that this should be a good test of your jonin-rank. Many have tried, all have failed. Uzumaki Naruto, I am assigning you the A-rank mission of killing Gato, the shipping magnate. Failure is naturally a demotion from jonin-rank. Do you accept?" Hiruzen asked.

"Hokage-sama, before I accept, I have a question,"

"Proceed,"

Naruto continued to look over the files in question.

"He knows we'll be coming for him, doesn't he?" Naruto asked.

Sarutobi took a deep breath of tobacco from his pipe and exhaled. The long stream of smoke filled the air around the mission room.

"Be prepared for anything, Naruto-kun. The man hasn't survived this long by being stupid. Good luck," The Hokage said.

Naruto's mouth thinned, but he looked over the folder one more time before he returned it back to Hiruzen. He then bowed and walked out.

Once the young jonin was out of the Hokage's office, he noticed his team there waiting for him.

"What did Hokage-sama have to talk to you about?" his lone female teammate asked.

"Just some stuffy about my new house," Naruto answered. A look with Kakashi told both jonin what they had been thinking.

The lead jonin of Team Seven then clapped his hands. "Alright, I think that went rather well. Everyone be prepared to set out at 0800. We have a long walk ahead of us. Pack for a maximum of two or three months. Don't be late," He said, a smile on his face.

A look of annoyance rushed through the faces of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura at the utter hypocrisy of their jonin sensei, but he was gone before they could offer any form of retort.

Sakura tried to ask Sasuke if they could shop for supplies together, but he quickly brushed her off. Meanwhile, Naruto headed back home.

As soon as Naruto stepped through the door, he spoke and explained the details of his mission.

"Change of plans. Akali, Irelia, Isaribi, you're coming with me. I hope Yozora-san won't mind staying here to watch Mei while I'm gone," Naruto said.

"Mei's not coming with us?" Isaribi asked.

"The Land of Waves is too close to Kirigakure. I'd rather no mistakenly run into Kirigakure shinobi since Mei is, by all means, still a wanted kunoichi. Plus, I'd rather steer of the trauma. She's been doing better, but...I'm not risking that," he replied.

"So what is this assignment?" Irelia asked.

Naruto inhaled and then exhaled. "My team, Team Seven, has a mission of protecting a bridge builder from a corrupt businessman trying to monopolize the entire land. As for my jonin status, I'll be assassinating said corrupt businessman to make sure he doesn't do anything like this again," he answered.

Irelia rolled these words around in her head for a little while. "Greed manifests itself no matter the world one resides in. Why do these people not fight back?" Irelia asked.

"They did. Well, they did for a little bit. Yet, if I know who Naruto is talking about, then it's most likely Gato. He helped Ameyur, Jinpachi, and Kushimaru with their war on Kirigakure by providing funding. He was...is the most ruthless civilian you could ever meet. If the Land of Waves was Ionia and he was Noxus, then he crushed it before someone like you was born to give anyone hope. I bet that place...has no hope left," Isaribi said.

Irelia fell silent. Her hands clenched and Naruto could feel the rising flames within her heart. In truth, he had been concerned about bringing Irelia along. No doubt she would sympathize with the oppressed people from the Land of Wave. He only hoped she could curb it for now. Unfortunately, this...was not Ionia.

Oddly enough, Irelia seemed to feel what Naruto was concerned about with her. She gave him a silent nod that she understood.

"How many forces?"

Everyone was surprised that Akali was the one to speak. Her gaze pierced the room like a sharp blade. Yet, Naruto returned her glare with one of his own.

"Don't know. He's a businessman after all. He could have hundreds of guards. It's why I'll specifically need you, Akali. You've got the best tracking and espionage skills out of everyone here, dattebayo. I really need you," he said.

Though her face did not show it, the former Kinkou assassin felt tiny shivers run through her arms from the blonde's fierce gaze. The gaze of a warrior. There seemed to be something deep, something unfathomable in his gaze. Try as she might to turn away, her eyes stayed with his and she felt something stir within her chest. She did not know how to take this ridiculous feeling.

"...I see. By my Sacred Duty, instruct me as you wish," she replied, though her throat was a bit drier than she would have liked.

For the rest of the day, Naruto began making plans with Irelia, Isaribi, and Akali. He provided them with as many tools as he felt they would need while Isaribi quickly began instructing both Ionian warriors into the weaponry that shinobi of the Elemental Nations used. It was a tiresome day that effectively drained everyone.

Naruto was slowly finishing up on his plans with Irelia. Both rubbed their eyes under the lamplight.

"So you assume that you are likely to encounter superior enemy forces than just mere bandits?" the Will of Blades asked.

Naruto quickly nodded. "Yeah, the thing about rich men with people and ruthlessness like Gato, they are all cowards. Behind their money and hired muscle, they are just men screaming at others. He couldn't take over a place like Wave with just mere bandits. He's more than likely got some missing-nin under his payroll," he answered.

"I see. Then I would advise Akali, Isaribi, and I come from this side at least three or four miles off. I suggest that we travel about half a day behind your team. They would not expect an amateur cell to have reinforcements," she returned.

Naruto wholeheartedly agreed. With so much planning done, he turned off the lamp and placed the map away. However, before Irelia could leave, Naruto took her hand and held it as close to his chest as he could. She turned back to him, confused.

The Kyuubi jinchuuriki struggled to find his words for a moment, but when he did he made sure to stare into her wonderful eyes as he spoke.

"Irelia, this…I hope this is the only time I'll ask anything unreasonable of you. Whatever you see in the Land of Waves, please…just hold it in. If what Isaribi told me is right, and I have no reason to doubt that it isn't, then it will be bad there. The best way to help that country is…," Naruto was stopped by the Last Xan taking his hands into her own.

"Naruto, I am a warrior as well. I understand what you are telling me. I already know that I will not enjoy what I see, but...I am not illusioned by the suffering caused by greed. The war with Noxus has continued to teach me more and more about the world, people, and myself. I will do what must be done," she answered. She then left him without another word.

Naruto watched her leave and he clenched his beating chest. He walked out of the meeting room and into his bedroom. There Mei slept as blissfully unaware of his growing male hormones. He looked at her beautiful body and grumbled to himself.

"And here I thought I wouldn't be dealing with this after that ship voyage," he thought to himself. No, it did not get any easier. Yet, he got in the bed and felt Mei snuggle up to him. He then prayed to the sun and moon to let him fall asleep fast. Thankfully, they did just that for him.

-x-

Ahri frowned as she noticed Rakan and Xayah behind her. Both Lhotlans had continued to trail her ever since Naruto had left from the Ionian lands. She didn't know why they were doing this, but it was beginning to grate on her nerves.

Ahri stopped walking. "What do you want?" she asked.

"Why did you help us? I don't like feeling indebted to people, least of all you. If you helped us out of some sense of obligation or guilty conscience then you can save your breath. Even now you don't fight for our people! This changes nothing!" Xayah exclaimed.

The Nine-tailed Fox stopped walking. She then turned around and faced both warriors.

"Perhaps we should clear the air between us. I am not on your side. I am not on Ionia's side. There is only one side I'm on and that is Naruto's. You can continue your little revolt without me. Just know that while you continue this...crusade of yours, Noxus will come marching on the First Lands again, and just like before we'll be caught because you're too busy fighting each other. Now, how about you take your boy toy to the right while I walk to the left?" Ahri asked before she suggested.

Before Xayah or Rakan could offer her a retort, she dashed into the trees. If there was anything Ahri was confident about then it was her speed. Added with the effects of divine magic flowing through her body, it was quickly apparent that the two birds couldn't keep up with her.

However, it was also evident that someone could keep up with her. Through the rushing wind against her face and the shifting of trees, Ahri could feel the corresponding magical aura of Kinkou Order forces.

"Elder Ahri, do you have a moment?" one of them asked.

"I seem to be making time for everyone today, so why not," she replied as they continued running through the trees.

"Yes, Elder. The Navori Council wishes to get together once again and they ask that you join as a representative and spokesperson for Naruto Uzumaki from the Lands of Fire. There are...rising concerns since Noxus has been pushed back," this person said.

Ahri stopped. "What kind of concerns?" she asked.

The Sūra of Naruto's Passion was not sure why she ought to be concerned with the state of the world's affairs. She never had been before, but then again she found herself doing a lot of things she wouldn't have done if she met the young dragon. Of all things, she never assumed that a few days ago she would be given the honorary title of Elder. Usually, such a title was only granted to those of great wisdom or scholarly intellect.

Given that there were about five Kinkou members surrounding her, and all of them showed visible signs of distress, Ahri had a feeling that she wasn't going to like what they had to say.

"Elder Ahri, there are tales in the wind and words on the lips of men. Have you ever heard of...Khada Jhin?"

-x-

Art. Such a concept has woven itself into the great tapestry of time as the depiction of how people view and interact with the world. Yet, some are more in tune with the world than others. They work tirelessly. They work endlessly. They work carefully. All...to seek the great pleasures of the stage that will allow everyone to admire the world as they do.

Unfortunately, some artists are misunderstood. Some can only see the beauty in the chaos. Some can only see...the thrill...in death. It is those few who can show the world the way it must truly be seen. It is they who must teach the world to abhor its imperfections and seek...purity.

That is what he saw.

Blank canvases just waiting for the touch of god to descend upon them and strip away every nook, cranny, and flaw that made them so wretched.

When he looked up, he saw beauty. The beauty of a family ascending into heaven. A father to the left. A mother to the right. A child right in the middle. All of them ready for the grand ascension. Trails and drips of divine light fall from them and back to this earth just waiting for the lonely four souls below with their hands outstretched to catch them.

Yes, it was perfect. Truly...perfect.

"It's...beautiful," someone said.

"Yes, yes it is, but...even perfection...needs perfection. I am glad you can be here to appreciate my work, but something...is missing," 'he' said. His head tilted to the side curiously. What was missing? What...could add a breath of life to this perfection? What...could bring even more beauty to this completed canvas?

"How could something be missing from that? It's so real. You could just...touch it," the person said.

'He' quickly stirred and grabbed the person's arm.

"Don't Touch! What would you do if you ruined it?!" 'He' exclaimed.

The person lowered their arm and shrugged. "Right, well…we have a new assignment for you. The Noxian vanguard has been destroyed and its forces have continuously been pushed out of Ionian territory. Have you heard of the Savior of Ionia?" the person asked.

"I have no time for tales. Continue this story later. I must work! I must create! I must attain perfection! I will be back," 'He' said. He then walked away from his glorious art piece. In almost no time, there was no trace that he was even in the room.

Meanwhile, the informant walked around the room. His eyes constantly eyed the piece of spectacular art like it was fit to belong in the Piltover Museums. How strange that the leaders had told him to be carefully wary of this man he was meeting. He didn't know why.

Was this man really an assassin? Hell, he could make a living just based on his skill in the arts. Piltovians enjoy this kind of stuffy, artsy…stuff.

He continued to stare...and stare...and stare.

Yes, it looked perfect. It looked...amazing. It looked wonderful. What could make it better, this picture of divine salvation and ascension? Did...that man even know what he was talking about? It...couldn't be more perfect than this. Perfection like this...could go for a lot of money. If it were showcased to the world...one could be...the greatest artist ever born.

Unknown to the informant, he had paced around the living painting over twenty times. Each time he got closer and closer. Each step brought more and more details into the light that he had not seen before. He stood in front of this magnificent sculpture. Surely, surely just one touch would not hurt. Art...was meant to captivate and what could better captivate than a touch?

The informant...reached out and touched the mother. Her skin felt cold. Then, the informant...closed his eyes and opened them again. When he did, his eyes widened, the hairs on his body stuff up, and the edges of his mind, like fine glass, broke into pieces.

He stared at his hands...covered in copious amounts of blood as the grand artistry had given way to the gruesome, macabre scene of death. Three corpses hung by their necks to the ceiling, floated in the air. Two were the size and shape of adults while one...was...was...was…

The informant couldn't speak. He turned his head down to the group of five who had been showing such awe at the ascension of a family.

It…was no better.

Four corpses, ripped of their skin, held their arms in the air thanks to the aid of puppet strings. Blood and all the things within the human body from the hung bodies dripped down into their waiting, bony paws. Their crooked, broken jaws laid open as more of the drips that had formerly been divine, sparkling aura flowed into their mouths and down their forgotten stomachs. It stained the floor like a thousand stormy puddles.

This…this…this wasn't art. This was…madness! This was…a sick perversion and disrespect of the dead that all Ionia had abhorred. How…how could they let such a man live?! How could they let such a man free to do their bidding?!

So this…was the Virtuoso...of Death. This…was the work…of Khada Jhin!

The informant stood up, but he felt something cold against the back of his head.

"It's ruined. You ruined it. You have ruined my art!"

"P-P-Please…I'm sorry. I was just too captivated. I-I-It's beautiful. It's perfection. It can't be ruined! I…I can see your vision, Jhin!" the informant said.

The man named Jhin watched as this pathetic canvas trembled in front of him, but he loved its words. Yes, it could finally see the same thing he saw. Sure, it was ruined, but all art is never perfect. It must continue forming. It must continue shaping. It must continue evolving. On then, could it attain better heights than one could ever foretell.

"I see. Yes, you understand. You understand the vision. You understand the piece. You understand what I am trying to accomplish. You also understand…what I must do!" Jhin said, his breath was rough, yet soft at the same time. His voice was like a fine composer. He spoke with elegance and grace not befitting a man of his brutal nature.

The informant, scared for his life, trembling like a leaf, tears falling down his face like rain from the clouds, nodded again and again. "Y-Yes, I know what I must do. I must tell others about your work. E-E-Everyone deserves to see this. I-I must live on to bring others to see what I see. You must...complete the piece," he said.

He didn't know what things were coming out of his mouth. He was too scared, he was too frantic, he was too afraid to think. A cornucopia of the informant's worst nightmares came forward. His life flashed before his eyes.

He was just a young scholar. His parents had died early. He needed money in order to survive. The leaders came to him, promised him great wealth, and from them on he took more and more jobs as an informant. He had gone to lands as far as the Freljord. Now, here he was, tormented by the two-legged demon behind him just praying to the divine hosts above to let him see tomorrow.

"Yes, you understand. That is what you must do. That is what I must do. Ionia, Bilgewater, Noxus, Piltover, Zaun, Demacia, Freljord, Shurima, we must show them all. Everyone deserves to appreciate this. Yes, you will live on…," Jhin said.

"...T-Thank you. I'll make sure everyone knows," the informant said with gasped sobs.

"...for art…is eternal. Whether a brief flash or a lasting image, it resonates in the minds of everyone until the day they die. That art will make them sing. That art will make them dance. That art will make them live. That art...will make them die. But you...you will live on. Who better than to welcome the ascending mother, father, and child into heaven than...the one who knows it all. Let the mortals below see you...in eternity!" Jhin whispered.

"No...no, please. Don't do this. I'm sorry I ruined your piece. Please don't kill me. I-I-I don't wish to die!" the informant cried.

"Shhhh. The first shot...is always the most painful, but art...is worth the pain!"

The sound of the trigger, the click of the bullet chamber, the sound of the traveling bullet, and...the silent screams of his canvas resonated within Jhin's mind. In his eyes, he watched the informant laugh as he flew into the air. He floated next to the ascending family, his clothes of pure white so bright that even Jhin had to squint at them. A tear fell from his eyes as he watched the informant guide the family into heaven while the mortals below watched.

"Yes, this is what it was missing. Four divine beings and four mortals. Now, it's perfect!" Jhin thought to himself.

He knelt down and picked up a folder than the informant had dropped. When he opened it there was a list of orders to be filled out. Yet, the one at the very bottom intrigued him the most.

Naruto Uzumaki, the Last Light Dragon, the Savior of Ionia, and…The Salvation of Runeterra.

"Mmm, such grand titles to be bestowed upon a young man. Yes, he...is the ultimate art. I will make him...perfect! The picture art...for a Dragon, a true divine being!" Jhin said.

Yes, because only perfection was suitable to become…art.

KG: Ugh, I read the Zed comic and played Jhin enough to give me nightmares. I need a damn cream soda! If only SOMEONE wasn't keeping it hostage.

Wifey: It's good for you in the long run.

KG: Gag me!

Wifey: I thought you'd never ask.

KG: UGH! Anyway, that's all for now. Stay Breezy, protect what's important to you, review, and...GIMME CREAM SODA!