22 Dunpaeg Village.

When Renzo heard Karya words, he couldn't help but agree with her. Tahru could only cover them with little things about some herbs and the likes, however they needed a skilled healer for their group.

"I'll see what can we do, although I don't know if someone would want to travel with us during these times." He answered to her.

Healers were rare to come by, much more in these days were they where highly required in each place.

Renzo looked briefly at Karya who continue grabbing her things and analyze for a moment if her magic was trainable for healing magic.

However, once he took in account the many variables, he just shook his head and decided to think of champions or places were he could find one.

There was Karma but after all these days here he knew that she wouldn't agree to leave the Lasting Altar. She was literally the most important person in Ionia.

'Maybe Ahri? Or that tree champion, I think he was in the Ionia map when I looked last time.' Renzo thought to himself while seeing the group finishing up.

Sighing deeply he let his mind think about it later on as he started to lament about the ink for his tattoo.

After ordering the group to advance, they made their way southwest towards the Dunpaeg Village. There Renzo would be searching for the place he first appeared.

He currently is still carrying the six fruits and the remaining part from the seven.

'If I can find that forest and get more fruits, I can probably nurture some people to become powerhouses on my side for the future battles.' Renzo thought to himself.

He pondered before about the chances of him eating more, however he rejected the idea in the meantime. Not only becase he didn't wanted to bet anything before confirming some of his suspicion. But also because of the mess that would be using more powers.

Yeah, maybe Blackbeard was able to pull out such stunt, however he didn't even squeeze more strength from his current fruit and he wanted to divide further his time training another one?

It would take time, time that he could ensure himself after defeating the Noxian troops and establishing himself in Ionia.

Mostly because he needed money to travel towards the continent were Noxus and Demacia were in.

There were various steps necessaries if he wanted to explore this world without too many worries.

At such, his current objectives were eliminating the remaining Noxian troops, establishing relationship with various champs in Ionia, giving himself a foothold in case of danger. And getting enough funds to properly move around the various places in this world.

'Becoming an underground lord wouldn't be bad idea.' He thought to himself while looking at the scenery around him.

They were walking along a narrow path in a hill, at their left side was a river a few dozen meters below.

"...This land surely it's beyond beautiful.." Renzo couldn't help but mutter while appreciated the azure farms in the other side of the River down below.

The red grass like plant filled the whole field, giving and fantastical scenery to feast their eyes.

"Right? And we're not even in the more magical places, once we have time I'll take you to the Rainbowed Canyons of Shi,the Lake of Lighted Lilies or the Shojin Monastery!" Said Karya with a bright look on her eyes as she started to tell him the various locations on Ionia.

As the rest of the group heard her words, they also started to talk about other locations.

It ended up with everyone agreeing that the coastal lands around Ionia were the first place he should take a look, and since they would eventually head towards the entire coast of Ionia to kill the remaining Noxians it didn't crash with their objectives, after a while they started to talk about other things.

The Dunpaeg Village was at one day away of walking, but with the group in not so good condition, the travel might take a little bit longer.

Luckily along the path, Tahru was able to hunt a few animals that would ensure their food for the remaining of the journey. With nothing to worry about in that aspect, the group walked in peace while greeting the occasional groups heading towards the Placidium.

Be it farmers, apprentices, youngsters who wished to join the militia, or people who wished to repent their mistakes, they all passed them while exchanging greetings.

This was one of the things that make Renzo likes this land, the people here were pretty nice.

Unless one does not take into account certain attitudes and customs slightly reprehensible for Renzo's taste.

But even then, all societies had negative traits, and for Renzo's taste the people on the land were even nicer than back home.

For example, they could leave their things in the Placidium and no one would steal for them. They would also lent you a hand if you needed help.

Thus, he couldn't help but like the people from this land, it was due to this that he could somehow be at ease with his actions after all this time.

By no means he enjoyed or was proud of it, but he could find himself stepping up on their defense by his own will.

As time passed, the group quickly found themselves passing through a mountain path, Renzo was slightly surprised since from here he actually spotted in the faraway the canyon he created back then.

As he signaled the group his finding, they explained Irelia the story behind it and was slightly stunned by it.

She couldn't understand how he was able to create such thing, and Renzo wasn't willing to destroy the mystic behind it by telling the whole thing.

Thus, the team continue walking forward and by dusk they decided to call it for a day after descending from the mountain.

They decided to camp alongside the road and roasted the meat hunted by Tahru.

While the group was eating their part, Renzo was slowly cooking the meat like the asado from his homeland, it was until one hour later and telling everyone that his meat wasnt burn that he enjoyed himself with the food.

Seeing him eating with such delighted expression, Hyuna couldn't help but ask him for a piece. Renzo, feeling proud of cooking the meat well didnt minded and let her have a chew.

Hyuna who never tasted the meat being cooked in such way, was lost in the rich taste invading her mouth.

Seeing her face, Renzo said proudly "I like the meat slightly more burned, so the sour taste can mix with the rest of the meat. I can cook you later on like how it is supposed to be done." He said to Hyuna who nodded her head in agreement after hearing Karya.

Renzo noted himself to buy more salt later on so he can have a reserve for such occasion.

The rest of the group interest was also picked but Renzo refused to give his meat, thus after eating to his heart content, he decided to lay on the piece of clothes that was acting as a bed and enjoyed the warm embrace of Hyuna who shamelessly started praising his cooking skills.

As Tahru decided to act as guard, with Ymir taking his position later on, the group went to sleep once again.

This time with Karya sleeping alongside Irelia and Ymir as she was angry at Renzo for not sharing the food with her.

Meanwhile Renzo and Hyuna hugged each other.

Like that the night passed and with Ymir now acting as guard, Renzo was the first waking up.

The group quickly prepared for the rest of the journey as thirty minutes later they were again on the road.

Along the way they started to see some previous razed villages starting the being reconstructed. Those who were working on the various buildings quickly recognized Irelia and started showing their gratefulness towards her and the rest of the team.

Due to Irelia using that armor and her beauty, she was easily recognized, more so when someone looked at the various blades resting on her waist.

After refilling their water cans, and getting the news, they group continue their path.

Along the path Renzo remembered using Karya's help for recognizing a plant. He was suspicious of that plant being marijuana, thus he wanted to know if the Ionian considered poisonous or something.

Imagine his surprise when he heard them saying that it was only used as a healing herb. Thus without minding the looks he started to pick the various flowers and seedings from the mature ones.

As he explained briefly at Karya about said plants uses, she was slightly surprised and helped him gathering more.

It wasn't until they've got three bags filled with it that they returned with the team and Renzo let the bags dry a bit.

"So, he basically wanted to start farms of these herbs?" Ymir asked after Karya telling them Renzo idea for gathering them.

"Yes, he basically wanted to use them to fund our group and whatever we wanted to do." Karya aswered while walking, Renzo who was at front nodded his head and said to her.

"Tell them that with just a few farms we'll be able to sell them a good price once we find the right people to sell. It's better if we already have the final product for them to test it and then share the word." Hearing Renzo's words, Karya conveyed them to the group.

"I can't believe that we'll start selling drugs." Said Hyuna under her breath while smiling at such notion.

With the team speaking about the future enterprise from their faction, they made their way through the path.

By noon they were at least at two more hours away from the Dunpaeg Village, and Hyuna didn't got better idea to start pestering Renzo for training.

It was after the efforts from Karya and Tahru that she understood they weren't in position to continue training.

Not if they wanted to stay weeks in the same place before they could move up again.

Thus, after a quick lunch the group rushed their way towards the Dunpaeg Village and after an hour and half of walking they finally saw the remaining of the village.

The various treehouses that acted as building were still charred black and the area around was slowly recovering.

For Renzo it seemed like a long time since he departed from this place, at that time he was still at lost in what place he was, alone and with various questions about his future.

Now, he has a group of people he could trust, and a goal to accomplish.

"Let's go, theres something I need to search for." He said as he walked in.

Looking over the large patch of ground that was the current grave of the various villagers, Renzo couldn't help but sigh deeply in respect.

Seeing that he wasn't stopping in the village as he seemed to head to the forest, the group followed behind him with questioning looks on their faces while letting behind the cart.

Irelia looked briefly around and couldn't help but feel a slight pang of pain on her chest remembering her village and family.

As the group head deeper in the forest, they couldn't help but ask him "Where are we heading towards?" Ymir voice sounded.

Renzo remained silent for a moment until he said while looking at Karya "To the place where I first appeared." As Karya relayed his words, the group silent nodded and keep walking.

Nearly thirty minutes later and after pondering a lot along the way, Renzo finally reached the spot where he was supposed to first met Zan Zhei, however what was in front of him was literally a large spot of open grass.

When the group saw this, they were surprised, mostly because the forest stopped so suddenly and large patch of grassland was all they could see.

"...This.. is the place?" Katya couldn't help but ask.

Renzo sighed deeply and closed his eyes.

' Obviously it wouldn't be that easy or simple' He said to himself.

"Near, but this grassland wasn't here a few days ago, it was also part of a forest with only a small opening of grass, and in that opening was were I first appeared." He sighed while saying the latter.

He then decided to continue walking as he wanted to see just how much the terrain changed in these days.

He walked near twenty minutes until he could distinguish trees once again in the distance.

He was flabbergasted, he couldn't believe the amount of land that was changed in this short time.

"This place doesn't make any sense." Ymir couldn't help but said. There was nothing around, only grass.

Not even rocks, nor other plants were around, just grass in a open expense.

"I believe in you now that something strange happened with you." Said Karya while looking around with a frown.

Renzo rubbed his temple with his hands as he sighed deeply. He was disappointed by the outcome.

Now, the only slight clue about his appearance in this world was nowhere to be found, and worse yet, there wasn't any tree with devil fruits in the surrounding.

Everything was lost.

Not letting himself be affected by it he said to the team "Let's go." While heading backwards to the village.

The team looked around once again and decided to return were they came from, it was most likely they would now head towards the Kiheji village in search for Elder Souma.

The group remained in silence along the path, mostly due to the clear annoyed expression on Renzo face.

After returning on their tracks, they were once again in the Dunpaeg Village and took their cart while heading towards north west.

The group chatted among each other while Renzo remained silent during the whole day.

It was only at night when he speak on again, this time asking the team if they wanted their pieces of asado. With everyone saying a clear "Yes" he spend nearly two hours cooking the meat while hearing their conversation.

After another batch of surprised expression and praises regarding the meat taste from the rest of the group, they went to sleep.

This time Renzo stayed up for the first shift as Hyuna would take the next shift.

Bored through the night, he only was alarmed two times when two caravans passed by. By the time Hyuna went to his position, he didn't noticed how fast time passed and decided to accompany her for a while.

"Go to sleep dummy, if not by the time we have to continue travelling you'll be dragging us back." She said with a gentle tone while slapping his leg.

Renzo just shook his head and accompany her for a while. They chatted a bit withing the limits of Renzo until he finally was able to get sleepy and went to rest.

By the time everyone was ready, they continue walking along the path where they met more and more groups of people from different villages and schools moving to different directions.

They exchanged information as some people didn't heard yet the news regarding of the "Victory" in Ionia City.

They also didn't waste time and also started sharing the news of their recruitment.

The whole recruitment idea was mostly due to the group wish, as they didn't wanted to be caught off guard by the Noxians once again.

There was also the sense of wanting to continue protecting the land, but within their own means and limits.

Back in the Brotherhood some of them weren't okay with some of the actions the group took before. Although Renzo didnt partake in the murder of "traitors" he didn't wish to this faction follow this path.

Thus, Renzo agreed with them regarding the creation of the faction, but was adamant in establishing first a good line of logistics and funds for themselves.

It was due to this that they relayed the message with the one month time frame.

That was the time Karya said to him they would take to convince the different villages around the Navori to help them in the first months before they could start relaying on themselves.

Returning to the information exchange.

They also got news regarding various events going around in various villages and other islands.

Although news from other continents couldn't reach them due to Noxus blockade, the internal news from the Ionia Archipelago was enough for them.

It was due to this that Renzo got a wind of news somewhat concerning regarding a demonic being in Pallas.

There wasn't detailed information but he remembered to not forget the news, as he knew that it was most likely related to some champion.

After all, such strange occurrence only happens to important characters in the lore.

Like this, the group continue travelling two more days until they reached the periphery of the Kiheji Village.

Just a couple minutes ago they stumbled with a group of swordman that were from the village, after chatting for a while they knew that these people were from the from the Kiheji swordsman school and were now heading to help with the resistance.

'Where are the Noxians I wonder?' Renzo asked himself with irony, during their whole journey they didn't stumbled with neither brigands nor Noxians.

"Well, we're already here Renzo, let's hope this time we didn't traveled here for nothing." Said Ymir while the team agreed.

"I hope for the same." Muttered Renzo as they made their way into the village.

The village wasn't remarkable as it was like many others around Navori. Only the furnaces from the blacksmith were the most notable aspect.

"Lets try to get closer with the villagers later on, they could provide with weapons." Whispered Renzo to Karya while the latter nodded.

Along the path they did this with all the villages, writing down the notable features of each one and the probability of receiving food from them.

As they walked past the various buildings while receiving the curious gazes from the villagers, they made their way to the northern part of the village, were a large building with various other facilities formed the Kiheji Wind School.

As they approached the entrance, they were welcomed by various disciples in the entrance that were on duty.

"This is the Wind School from Kiheji, what are you business here?" Suddenly asked one guard to them while eyeing to their weapons and things.

The group moved their gaze towards Irelia who was previously designed to be their spokesperson.

"Greetings, I am Irelia Xan and alongside my companions we're here looking for Elder Souma." She said with a firm tone while slightly bowing in respect.

When the various people around hear her name, their expression changed quickly and smiles could be seen on their faces.

The guard also showed a surprised and delighted expression but quickly remembered his duty and said "I'll be relaying the message to Elder Souma, in the meantime please wait here."

After saying that he practically run away searching for Elder Souma while the various apprentices were looking with stars on their eyes at the war hero.

Many of their brothers were inspired by her actions alongside The Fist of Ionia and Master Yi, and decided to unite into the cause.

Thus, seeing a literal idol in front of them many were hardly containing themselves for not moving towards them and shame themselves.

After two minutes the same guard ran at the front as he bowed his head informing "Lady Irelia, Elder Souma is already on his way here, in the meantime we can take your luggage so you can all make your way inside." He signaled to the other apprentices who respectfully took their cart and moved on the side while the group accepted the man generosity.

Passing through the doors they were welcomed by a simple architecture along thr path. The floor was made from a brown color wooden, the walls with ash grey color made the building seem more bigger than it was.

They headed towards a room with various seats and a calming atmosphere while the guard remained at the door.

The group sat on the various seats as they started chatting among each other "This place looks good, I didn't knew that disciples for the various school could enjoy such things." Said Hyuna while looking with curiosity the decoration.

"They aren't rogue swordsman, Hyuna, obviously they would have more things." Answered Ymir with a nonchalant expression, Tahru who was sitting beside her added "It was due to this that many sought to enter the various school across Navori."

Renzo maintained himself on silence while enjoying the atmosphere in the room, pondering various things.

He was about to meet Yasuo after all.

A couple minutes later they heard footsteps across the paper door, and moments later the figure of an old man with ponytail in a blue robes with a sword on his waist greeted them.

He was followed behind a tall swordsman with long hair in a ponytail and shoulder armor. He was also carrying a sword on his waist.

Seeing the two figures, Renzo heart started beating a little bit faster, still he maintained a calm expression as an amiable smile spread to his face.

Yasuo didn't carried the same clothes as he saw in the various splash arts, he still have a blue robe on him with the armor on his shoulder.

"I apologize for making you all wait" The voice of Elder Souma make Renzo pay attention to him "I was lecturing a few youngsters until I head that the war heroine herself, The Blade Dancer Irelia Xan was asking for my presence." Said the elder while smiling at Irelia who bowed her head slightly at him.

The rest stand up and did the same, greeting Elder Souma.

"Greeting Elder Souma, sorry for troubling you at this time." Said Irelia with a calm voice while the Elder Souma smiled at her and answered "Welcome to our humble school, don't worry child, I can always make my time for receiving such esteemed guests. Tell me, how can I help you?"

As he said that he signaled everyone to took seat while himself sat on a pillow.

As the group took seat, Renzo took a brief look once again at Yasuo, something that didn't pass unperceived by Karya who give him a questioning look.

Renzo didn't minded and continue hearing Irelia talking with the elder.

"First of all, I would like to say that Master Baijo send his regards towards you and the school, it was due to him that we were able to know your location." Said Irelia while the Elder Souma showed a warm smile "Thank you for conveying his message, I guess I'll be heading towards the Placidium in the future to pay a visit to him and the various sages."

Said Elder Souma, then he showed a curious look on his face as he asked "Still, what is the reason for such an arduous search and travel to met me, young Irelia?"

When Irelia heard his question, she stole a glance at Renzo who was sitting beside her and breathed deeply while answering " As you may know I was a member of the Brotherhood of Navori, however due to various reasons, I, alongside my friends with me" she gestured to the group sitting with her "Decided to form our own group. It's due to this that we are currently looking for possible allies and partner so in the future we can unite ourselves against The Noxus Empire."

As she finished her words, Elder Souma face showed a slight smile while nodding his head "I understand" As he said that he moved his gaze towards Yasuo who seemed eager for something. Knowing what was his disciple thinking, Elder Souma smiled at the group and said.

"I'm glad and honored that you held our school with such regards. Still, I can't help but ask my self, why us?"

When Irelia heard his question, she gulped down and thrown another look at Renzo for reassurance. Elder Souma noticed this action for a second time and noted to himself.

"We heard rumors about your wind technique, it was due to this that we decided to first approach you in our travel for more allies to join our cause." While saying this Irelia noticed that Elder Souma smile fade away, quickly noticing that he may misunderstood her he added "By no means we expect you to share your technique or something among those lines, we just wanted to establish relationships with you so in the future we may receive your help as you deemed necessary."

Elder Souma expression seemed to improve a bit after hearing her saying this. "During the course of the invasion, we couldn't help but notice the lack of powerful figures and technique user such as yourself, to help in the various fronts." She said with a regretful expression on her face.

Elder Souma nodded his head in agreement with her statement, he himself knew that the difficulties that the resistance faced before the ascension of The Fist of Ionia and Master Yi.

The resistance were fighting bitterly against the various battalions and paying heavy price for inflicting some damage, all of this prior to the news regarding the two figures that destroyed entire armies with their techniques.

"I can understand your reasoning, still young Irelia you surely know that although I'm the user of the wind technique, I can't decide for the whole school with such serious request, I need to inform the other elders and decide alongside them." Elder Souma said while showing a slight smile on his face.

Irelia nodded her head while saying "I understand Elder Souma, in the meantime we'll be waiting in the village until you can give us your answer."

When Elder Souma hear her words he shook his head while saying "No,no, please stay in our school in the meantime, it's the least we can do for yourself and your friends." He answered while he moved his head to Yasuo and said.

"Yasuo, make sure that they are well accommodate and no one bother them." Yasuo nodded his head as he opened the door and relayed the message to the guard outside.

Meanwhile Elder Souma smiled and said "Oh I forgot to present you all with my disciple, Yasuo. He's been under my tutelage for a while and he's a talented youngster." The group could see the proud smile on Elder Souma face while saying this.

The group nodded their head and shoot glances towards the tall swordsman that returned to his previous position.

"Well, that's all for now, the meals will be delivered to your rooms and if you want to explore our school, please inform the guards so you can move freely." As Elder Souma said this, he stand up and after exchanging pleasantries with Irelia he exited the room with Yasuo.

Seeing this, the various members sighed deeply in relief, they were tense during the whole time as they didn't know how things will go.

"What now Renzo?" Irelia couldn't help but ask, her eyes seemingly looking for approval.

Renzo patted her shoulder while smiling, he then moved his gaze towards Karya and said "Now we'll wait and take a look at what this school could provide in the future."

When the group heard this they just simply nodded and moved towards the exit.

Meanwhile Renzo was thinking to himself ' I'll hope with my actions I can prevent Elder Souma death.'

The whole assistance thing was the best he could come up with without being too shady. After all the wind technique was somewhat renowned and it make sense for them to look for allying with them.

However, Renzo was looking for a reason to have either Elder Souma or Yasuo moving with their faction and prevent the accident with Riven to happen.

'Still, I wonder if Riven is still alive.' He couldn't help but be worried about such thing, after all it was quite possible that he already killed her without him knowing it.

Nonetheless, he finally met Yasuo. And he was excited for the posible outcome of this.

"...Gotta see the weed if it's already dried enough..." He muttered to himself.

It seemed that first he would have to test his product before looking around the school.

Priorities first ...