Thanks to all who Reviewed!

Leaf Ranger: Yes, regrettably, you suspicions are true, but if you want a good Naruto/Aayla fic, then I'd highly recommend The Good Left Undone. It's a fantastic Star Wars/Naruto fic that blends everything together so superbly that I've fallen in love with the story itself.

Blaze1992: Oh, no, I don't much care for such scenes as that, though I can allude to them, I'm incapable of writing them.

DragonPony022: You can't wait to see more? Look below!

Kneel before Zod: Sorry, but no chakra, or Chakra canon in this story, I'll be using mostly Star Wars tech.

Guest: To be honest, there's one other that's titled the Grey Jedi, but I don't know if it pertains to the Imperial Knights, or not as I haven't had a chance to read it.

coduss: Thanks for pointing that out, I've gone back and fixed that particular problem.

BiGTsOLaS: I try to update as frequently as my job allows me, that, or whenever inspiration kicks me in the ass. :p

2: The Council of Elders


Ahsoka plastered herself against the windows of the ship as they came out of hyper space...into empty, wild space. "I thought we were going to land on your planet?" She asked, looking at Sai, who was sitting in the pilot's seat, "There's nothing but open space out here."

The Nagai slave ship they had taken had taken two hours for them to reach their destination thanks beacons they had thrown out along the way. But as the ship exited, the young Padawan found nothing.

Sai chuckled, "Our planet's cloaked with the aid of a modified planetary deflector shield." The young man said, "Our elders wanted to keep our people safe until we were able to properly train our people up again before we revealed ourselves again."

Anakin crossed his arms as he noted that there was indeed something out in space, "Why isn't your shield gate cloaked like the rest of your planet, then?" He asked, gesturing out the window where Ahsoka had also spotted the device.

Ino answered this time, "It's because the cloak messes with out communications systems," she said, "Any ships we send out for supplies or missions to liberate slave like the ones on this ship wouldn't be able get any links back home if we covered the shield gate in a cloak, so we have no choice but to leave it bare until all of our ships come back."

Anakin nodded in understanding, "So you're not totally isolated," he said, "That explains a few things, but still, how did you manage to stay hidden for so long?"

The woman shrugged, "Most if no all our Knights are trained in a few mind-based Force techniques, like the one I used on those slavers down in hold," she said, holding up her fore and middle fingers, "All I have to do is use the Force to enter the minds of my targets, and find any and all memories that could incriminate us, and erase them." She said, "Best thing is, it doesn't hurt my target, and they don't remember meeting us at all."

"But it requires physical contact," Anakin said, remembering how she had to touch the slavers' foreheads, "So unless you knock them out, or make sure they can't move, you can't use it, right?"

"More or less," Ino shrugged.

"You're more than welcome to learn a few things from our people if the Elders don't have use wipe you after the meeting," Sai put in, "With all of the families we have down there, many of the children born are Force-sensitive."

Ahsoka gave the pale teen a surprised look, "Wouldn't that be like us stealing from your people?"

"We don't discriminate," Ino said whilst cleaning her nails, "Besides, from what I understand, our Order only came about by us learning from both the Jedi, and the Sith." She noticed the looks of disbelief on the two Jedi's faces, "What, it's true. Our people take the best of both worlds and combine them equally. We border on the edge of the Dark Side, but just so we border on the edge of the Light. It's why they called us Grey Jedi."

Anakin remained thoughtful as he took in the information, 'So they're warriors with powers from both the Jedi and the Sith,' the Jedi Knight thought, 'Master Yoda was right, they are dangerous. But I don't think they mean anyone any harm.'

"We don't," Ino said suddenly, looking at Anakin, smiling, "I can read minds, just so you know."

Anakin stiffened, "Oh, uh..."

"Don't worry," the blonde smiled, waving off his concerns, "any secrets you have are safe with me...so long as I don't see any reason to expose them." Anakin did not feel any better from her assurance, "But you're more like us than you think, both of you." She said, looking at Ahsoka. "Your emotions are very strong, even if you try to hide them." She said, looking the girl square in the eyes, "You, for example, feel fear. You're afraid you won't amount to a Jedi Knight. Not because of who your teacher is, but because of yourself. Doubt and fear that you will be your own downfall."

Ahsoka turned away, rubbing her arms shyly as Anakin looked at her in surprise, "Snips, is that true?" He frowned when the girl nodded, "Oh, come on, Ahsoka, you know I wasn't the model student as a Padawan! You're doing just fine."

"If she remains your apprentice, you might stand to mention that a little more," Ino put in, "after that first battle when the two of you met, you have no idea how much your words to Master Yoda meant to her when you said she would amount to something." And then she stepped forward and jabbed him in the chest, making him scowl, "And you also tend to treat her like a youngling when she's just passed sixteen." She gestured to herself, then, "I've only just turned seventeen, and been a Knight for two years, same as my husband over there."

"Yo," Sai said from the controls.

That was another thing the young Torgruta noticed. The way Ino and Sai moved around each other. They seemed to gravitate toward each other in ways that she knew were strictly taboo for Jedi. The fact that she said that they were married made sense, considering how they acted, and how Sai would refer to her as 'dearest' at times.

"Sai, how long until they let us in?" Ino asked, taking a seat next to him.

Sai gave a shrug, "Not sure. Apparently they're arguing again." He said, frowning, "Honestly, why Masters Sarutobi and Jiraiya put up with Danzo and his harping is beyond me. I may have studied under the man, but even I have to admit his line of thinking is way outdated."

Ino giggled and draped herself across his shoulders, much to the two Jedi's discomfort at seeing such an intimate contact. "This coming from the man that used to hang on every word he said, eh, ner kar'taylir darasuum?"

Anakin gulped.

"What did she say?" Ahsoka whispered.

"My love," Ino repeated in Basic, grinning at the girl, and tapping her head, "Mind reader, remember?"

Ahsoka had the decency to blush, "Sorry."

"No you're not," Anakin muttered.

"Oh, bite me!"

Ino giggled, tempted to say something about the man's wife, but kept it to herself. 'Perhaps I can have a little fun with her.' She thought, and extended her mind out toward the girl's. Ahsoka, young as she was, wasn't able to sense her presence in her mind at all. What Ino found was typical of any Jedi Padawan. She had a strong sense of loyalty to a Jedi Master named Plo Koon, as well as to the Order itself. She found she was quite aggressive and snarky, but she was also a caring young woman, and kind.

Something sparked the blonde's interest though. Buried deep were the images of her friend, Naruto. To Tano, the moment she saw the large blond male, she had been awestruck. Not only by his handsome looks, to Ino's amusement, but his prowess with the lightsaber. She was, shamefully, attracted to the man, even though she knew that it was strictly forbidden to form such bonds with others. Ino noticed that her own affections toward her husband had sparked the girl's interest. Not only were the actions frowned upon by the Order to which she belonged, but such displays were scandalous in some of her Masters' points of view.

Master Windu in particular would have razed a storm about such actions.

Ino found it cute that the girl was interested in Naruto, but slightly upset that she was suppressing her feelings and curiosity. 'Though I doubt Naruto would actually pay her any mind,' she thought, sighing, 'Matter of fact, he'd probably stay as far away from her as possible.'

Still, Ino thought it would be good for the man to start giving in to his old self again. The girl, if she could convince her to branch out a little, could possibly bring her old friend back, but...that would mean really putting her nose where it didn't belong.

"If you don't mind my asking," Anakin said, bringing the blonde out of her thoughts, "What's the story with you other friend? Naruto I think his name was?"

Ahsoka, none the wiser to the prodding she'd just gotten, looked up in interest, "Hey, yeah, he seemed really upset when he found out we were Jedi," she said, "he was even able to sense it by taking my hand earlier."

"What I want to know is how and why he knows Count Dooku and General Grievous," the Jedi Knight said, crossing his arms, "When I asked him if he was in league with the man, he swore that he'd kill both of them if he ever found them. So what's his deal?"

Sai looked back at him uncomfortably, "That...really isn't our tale to tell."

Ino smirked, knowing that the blonde in question was deep within the bowels of the ship tending to the slaves, "That being said, we've got time before he comes back."

"Ino," Sai groaned, knowing there was no way that he was going to stop her. A secret his wife could keep, but get her going, and there was no stopping her whatsoever.

Ino stuck her tongue out at him, "They'll find out sooner, or later, darling, so there's no need to skirt around the issue like he does," she reasoned, smiling, and looking back at the pair, "Now, before I start, you have to promise...that you did not hear this from me!" She said seriously.

Anakin raised his brow, "Is it that bad?"

"I don't want to be on the receiving end of Naruto's lightsaber," Ino said, crossing her arms, "Besides, if he finds out I told you, he'd feed me to a saber-toothed cat back home."

"A what?" Ahsoka frowned.

"Never mind," the woman sighed, "Anyway, you guys will understand when I tell you." She said, and took a deep, calming breath, "Okay, listen up. About four months ago, Naruto was really just coming into his rank as a Master. He was already highly skilled, and considered a candidate for a council member, even as young as he is." She said, gaining looks of disbelief from the two Jedi, "Anyway, he was always taking missions away from home with his team, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Hinata Hyuuga. He and Hinata were married by then, had been for about two years, and - "

"Hang on," Ahsoka said, holding up her hands, "Wouldn't that make him about fourteen or so? That's a little young."

"Naruto and Hinata were both fifteen by the time they married," Ino explained, frowning at the interruption, "Any way, the trouble started when they went on a supply run. It was a military planet called Vega, I think, and under Sepratist control. It was going to be an easy run, grab a few shield generators, some fuel cells, maybe steal a few freighters if they could get their hands on them...but it all went south when they happened to run into a Jedi, and a Jedi Hunter."

"Dooku and Grievous," Anakin growled.

Ino nodded, "Naruto and Sasuke managed to hold him off, but when Grievous got involved, they were out matched. Hinata, Naruto's wife, saw them about to strike Naruto down and went to intervene." She sighed, and tucked her legs against her chest, "If any of us had known what we do now, we never would've let her go with them. Grievous killed her right in front of Naruto...it was only later that we found out that she'd been a month along in pregnancy."

Ahsoka looked horrified. Anakin clenched his fists, the stump of his right arm aching. "That's why he hates them so much." The Jedi Knight frowned. "They literally took everything from him, didn't they?"

"Yeah, everything," Ino said, "And he hasn't been the same since then. Even those that aren't strong in the Force back home could see the change in him. He laughed less, he barely smiled, and he started taking on only the most dangerous of jobs." She said, shaking her head, "But he wasn't fooling anyone. He was looking for them. And he still is."

"Don't be surprised if Naruto tries to come with you two if you're allowed to leave with your memories intact," Sai put in, looking back at them, "Since the Republic is at war with Dooku and the Sepratists, he'll take the chance to leave and go after them himself. It's only blind luck that he's stayed with us this long."

"Blind luck, and the idea of becoming a godfather to Sasuke's child," Ino piped up, smiling, "It's why he's not with us right now, since he and Sakura are expecting in about four to five more months."

Anakin smiled, "I'm honestly looking forward to seeing this home of yours."

"It sounds a lot like Coruscant," Ahsoka put in.

Sai chuckled, "Nothing like it at all," he said as something came through on the communications line. "Ah, they're letting us through."

=x=

The planet of Kawloon was much like the world of Kashyyyk. The forest hosted giant trees so big someone could build a home in them. Which many had, as Ahsoka found that there were homes built into the branches while children swung from ropes and swings. Most of the people, the young Togruta noted, were species that were widely considered slaves by the Hutts. Twil'ek, and human females were in large numbers here. There were even a fairly large number of Wookies, many of whom had come to greet the ones Naruto now led out of the slave ship.

While Ino and Sai were greeted by a man and woman that were obviously related to the young woman, the tall blond was greeted by no one. 'Is he really all alone?' She asked herself, wondering why no one was greeting him.

Her worries, however, were short lived as a man and woman around his age came up to him. The woman, showing the round belly of pregnancy, wrapped the blond in a hug while the other man shook his hand, smiling.

Though she was out of earshot, she assumed that these were to two partners that Ino had mentioned earlier. Anakin brought her out of her musings by placing a hand on her shoulder, "Stay close, Snips," he told her, "I don't want you wandering off." He took note that most, if not all of the people that were armed with blasters or lightsabers. All of them were a danger to him.

But they needn't have worried. Naruto came up to them only a few moments later. "Come on, the old men are waiting for us," he said, a frown marring his face again that made Ahsoka take a step back. He was so intimidating when he did that it even got to Anakin.

He led them through a happy, bustling village where people were selling their wares of fine cloth, fruits, vegetables, and stall vendors were cooking up meals for the taking. A large hairy animal lumbered down the streets pulling a large cart behind it. The thing reminded Ahsoka of an Ortolan, save for that it was far larger, had massive tusks, and was covered from head to tail in thick, woolly fur. It gave trumpeting roar from its long trunk as it passed them by.

"What in the galaxy is that?" Anakin asked in wonder of the large animal.

"It's called a mammoth," the blond supplied, "We use them as beasts of burden as well as a source of meat and wool."

Ahsoka giggled as another, smaller mammoth trudged behind the adult, and took an interest in her when it raised its trunk to take in her scent. The rumbling sound the animal made reminded her of a purr from some of the felines she had encountered. "They're so cute," the girl said, reaching out to pet the creature.

"Cute, but loud," Anakin noted as the larger animal trumpeted again, reaching back with its trunk to tug the little one along. "Why is it that everything you think is cute is either loud, or smelly, or both?"

Ahsoka huffed as they continued down the streets, taking in the sights of the village. Other strange animals caught their attention, even the creature she assumed was the saber-toothed cat that Ino had mentioned. She had to admit, those teeth didn't look like they would be any fun.

"Are all of these people former slaves?" Anakin asked as they passed by a group of Wookies, "None of them wanted to go home?"

Naruto looked at him as they neared the center of the village, "Most of the people were sold into slavery by their own kind, like the Twi'leks, and some humans, but the Wookies were all taken forcibly. The fights they put up with killed many of their own before they were taken prisoner. So they saw no reason to return home when most if not all of their friends and family were destroyed." He said, raising his hand in greeting to a grey-furred Wookie that hooted at him, "Greyback, there lost his son when his village was attacked, but managed to save his grandchild when they were taken. They both live here now as leaders of the tribe that's grown here little by little."

"What about you?" Ahsoka asked, "Were you brought here, too?"

"I was born and raised here," he said, smiling a little, making Ahsoka blush lightly before he looked back ahead of them, "Lately, though, even as large as this planet is compared to those in the Inner, Mid,and Outer Rims, it feels suffocating."

They came to a small building with a domed roof. Naruto knocked on the door, and waited for a moment before it was opened from the inside. No one stood to greet them, but Naruto stepped inside, "They're waiting for us."

Anakin and Ahsoka followed him inside cautiously. Once inside the building, they found themselves surrounded by Elders. Each one sat at their own desk, further back, across from the hall they had entered from, sat two figures. One was a younger man, though he was far older than Anakin, around fifty years old, or so. Like Naruto, he was a big man, standing at little over six feet tall, with wild white hair.

Next to him was a shorter man, though he was no less imposing than his companion. He was the oldest, by far, Ahsoka could tell. Though he wasn't anywhere near Yoda's age, there was a pressure about him that exuded age, and strength.

"Ah, young Master Naruto," the Elder spoke, smiling pleasantly, "We've been expecting you, and these two young ones you've brought into our midst."

Naruto gave a short bow of his head, "It's good to see you again, Master Sarutobi," he said, giving another bow to the man beside him, "Staying out of trouble, I hope, Master Jiraiya?"

The big man chuckled, the pronounced laugh lines on his face putting the young Tano at ease. "You know me better than that, my former apprentice," he laughed, looking past him, and at the young Padawan, "Now, why don't you introduce your new friends to us. It's been a long time since we've had Jedi within our midst."

"Yes," sneered another Elder from the right side of the room, "Do please tell us why you thought it wise to bring these Jedi into our ranks, and we may decide to let you keep your blade."

Naruto gave the man a cold look that silenced any other supporters he might have had, but the man's sneer remained as Naruto's hand went right to his lightsaber, "Take it from me if you dare, Elder Danzo." He said, holding the tool out in front of him, his thumb primed on the ignition. "It'll be a cold day in hell before I give this over to a war monger like you."

"Why you insolent little -!"

"Enough!" Sarutobi roared, raising from his seat, "Danzo, control yourself! And Master Uzumaki, there will be no dueling within these walls!"

Only when the man stood did Anakin notice the elongated saberstaff at his hip. This man was not to be trifled with. Naruto, however, simply placed his saber back at his hip. "I was only stating a fact. If he wants a duel, we can step outside, and have at it while the rest of you deal with these two Jedi."

"If you're going to trounce Danzo, I'd like a front row seat," stated a younger red-haired man with coal markings around his eyes, "It's been a long time since someone on the council has dueled anyone."

"Yourself included, Master Gaara?" An elder woman asked, smiling.

"There will be no dueling," Sarutobi sighed, retaking his seat, "Now, let us get down to the matters at hand. I assume that one of these two is a Jedi Knight, and the other a Padawan learner?"

Anakin stepped forward, "I am Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, and this," he gestured to Ahsoka, "Is my Padawan, Ahsoka Tano."

There were murmurs of surprise all around the council room before Jiraiya spoke up, "I've heard of you, Knight Skywalker," he said, smiling, "You are considered one of the best pilots the Republic has seen in a long time." Jiraiya said, making the younger man nod in thanks, "But I have also heard that you are reckless, hard-headed, and have a blatant disregard for the rules, and direct orders."

"That's my master," Ahsoka pipped up, smiling at her master's scowl.

"Quiet, Snips," Anakin frowned. "I'll admit that I'm not the typical Jedi, but I assure you that - "

"I am not calling your loyalties into question," Jiraiya smiled, "I actually wish that more Jedi were like you. Yes, very much like you." He said.

Sarutobi smiled in response to the man's words, "The Jedi Order is different than what we are, Master Jiraiya," he said, looking at the young Knight, "But we are getting off topic. Knight Skywalker, I would ask you what your views are on our culture. From what you have seen with your own eyes, I ask, do you believe that we pose a threat?"

Anakin was slightly stunned at the outright question. Yes, he believed that, if they were pushed, the Grey Jedi could indeed pose a threat, but they seemed peaceful compared to what Master Yoda had told him. The only ones that he thought would need watching were the ones known as Danzo, and perhaps Gaara, seeing as how he seemed to enjoy watching conflict.

"Grand Master Yoda asked that I extend a hand in friendship," Anakin said, relaying his master's words, "In these times of conflict, where people like Count Dooku, and General Grievous plot against the Republic, no one is safe. If we are to survive the Droid armies, then we need to pull together in order to defeat the threat."

Sarutobi hummed in thought, "And when Dooku and Grievous are defeated, what then?" He asked, throwing the young Jedi off, "Hearken to me, young Skywalker, for many years ago, when I was young and foolish, I believed that the Order of the Imperial Knights and the Jedi Order could live in harmony. When our Order fought alongside them to defeat Darth Krayt, our men were always on the front lines, dying against the forces of the Sith when the Jedi held back, and watched us die. Tell me, what's to stop that same thing from happening again?"

"The Order isn't like that anymore," Ahsoka said, but there was uncertainty in her voice. Something that Naruto could hear very clearly. "There are so few of us left now that even Padawans like me are sent to the front lines to fight. Clones and Jedi have been fighting and dying for nearly three years, the worst of it being on Geonosis when so many of the Order died down in that arena."

One of the women in the room smiled at the young girl, "You speak with uncertainty, yet you still try to convince us of the change in the Order." She was a woman with long auburn hair, and brown eyes. "You're a strong one, little Padawan." She rose from her seat, "Master Sarutobi, I move that we give the Jedi a chance. Send a few of our warriors to their temple, so that they may assess their worth. If they prove themselves to be trustworthy, then let us come out of hiding, but if not, then we remain where we are."

Sarutobi nodded in agreement, "Mistress Terumi has put forth the motion of setting forth, and stepping out of the shadows," he said, smiling at the younger woman, "This is indeed a great risk, but a risk that is necessary." He looked back to the three youngsters in the room, "Naruto, please take our guests and wait outside as we put this to a vote."

"Yes, Master Sarutobi." Naruto bowed, and turned on his heel, leading the duo out. As they stepped outside, he turned to the young Togruta, "That was well spoken. You should be proud."

Ahsoka blushed under his praise. "Thank you, Master Naruto."

"Do you think they'll vote in favor of this course of action?" Anakin asked, slightly miffed that his Padawan had addressed the blond as a master.

Naruto shrugged, "Even if they don't, I intend to leave here with you two." He said, smirking, "You two are my best bet at getting a crack at Count Dooku and Grievous. Even if I have to abandon my home to do it, I'm not going to pass that up."

"How far have you traveled, anyway?" Ahsoka asked, "Have you been to Coruscant before?"

"I've only ever traveled through Hutt Space, and a few times to Geonosis to pick up weapons, and to free slaves, or even steal a few ships for our use," Naruto said, shrugging his shoulders slightly, "Most of the food we need is grown and raised here, the same can be said for the cloth we produce. This planet has a large species of silk worm that produces enough silk for countless bolts of cloth with only a few cocoons. The moths they turn into, however, can be dangerous."

"Were there any other inhabitants of this planet?" She asked, curious to know if any other races lived on the planet.

"A few Zebraks called this place home, but they left when we started liberating slaves," Naruto said, frowning, "Master Gaara is actually one fourth Zabrak on his father's side, though he doesn't show it, he does have two hearts, like they do."

"What about you?" Anakin asked, smirking, "You part Wookie, or something?"

Naruto arched his brow, "How could you tell?" He asked, completely serious.

"What?!" Ahsoka yelped, "You're part Wookie?!"

Naruto leaned over and looked her dead in the eyes, "No, I was kidding."

"Would've explained the shaggy hair, though," Anakin put in while Ahsoka fumed.

"Laugh it up, Skyguy," the girl said huffily, and crossed her arms, "Next time you need saving, you can find someone else to do it."

Naruto chuckled, "Sorry, but that was just too easy." He said, as the door came open, and Master Jiraiya walked out, "What's the verdict, Master?"

Jiraiya sighed, and crossed his arms, "It wasn't an easy decision, but in the end, we voted that you would accompany these two back to their temple, and meet with Grand Master Yoda as a representative of our people."

Naruto grinned feraly, "That suites me just fine," he grinned, "When do we leave."

"Tonight, you will rest, and allow the Jedi to recover," Jiraiya said, "And at first light, you will depart."


And so, the Jedi Order will meet with the Order of Imperial Knights. And the Knight to meet them is none other than Naruto himself.

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