Disclaimer: I don't own either Naruto Shippuden or Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Hello my loyal readers, time for the next chapter of Naruto: Jedi or Sith. I don't have much to say, but I would like it if you guys give me some ideas for missions that aren't in the Clone Wars.
I've got one in mind where Naruto, Obi-Wan, and Aayla go on a with Commander Cody and some clones go on a mission to bring down either a crime lord or warlord and his gang from kidnapping random women for their… questionable intentions. I'm thinking of a Nikto leader with assassin droids and Weequay.
Anyway, let's get to the story.
Chapter 7: Council Meetings and Surprising Reunions
(Jedi Temple: Council Chambers)
Naruto and Aayla had walked for a while throughout the temple. Lucky for Naruto, not many guards knew what he looked like. During their walk, they had started a conversation that they both enjoyed. Naruto actually learned that the guy in the photos with back in her room was Aayla's former master, Quinlan Vos.
While Aayla still believed him to be Kit Uzuki, she did enjoy his company. To her, he was just as free spirited as her former master and just as humorous as either Kenobi or Skywalker. Aayla would never admit this to anyone, but she was glad that she met Kit. Some might not have approved of how they met, but she would say otherwise.
They soon made it to the council chambers. When they opened the doors, they were greeted to the sight of twelve people of various races, with two of them as holograms, sitting in a circle of chairs. However, Naruto saw that some of them were glaring at him while others were giving him a calculating look. Looking around more, Naruto recognized Shaak Ti, who was giving him a small smile.
Naruto and Aayla soon stepped inside and closed the doors behind them. They both bowed to the council before raising back up.
"Hello Masters. I'm sorry to disturb you, but my new friend Kit Uzuki here wished to speak to you." Aayla said, indicating to Naruto, who nodded.
The masters all looked at each other before turning back to the two.
"Well, it's nice to meet you Kit Uzuki, but I think that it would be kind of you to tell us your real name rather then your fake one." Obi-Wan said, making Aayla raise a brow and Naruto sweat.
"Real name? Kit, what are they talking about?" Aayla asked, not understanding why the one she'd been talking to had a fake name the whole time.
"Uh, well… don't get mad or anything Master Secura, but I haven't been entirely truthful with you." Naruto said as he rubbed the back of his head as Aayla gave him a wary look. "My name isn't Kit Uzuki, it's Naruto Uzumaki."
At his words, Aayla's eyes widened in shock. The one she had been talking to this whole time was the Sith that she had heard about. How could she not have none? He was right next to her, but even then she couldn't feel anything dark surrounding him, only the light of the Force.
"Y-You're the Sith? But, you're not at all what I had expected." Aayla said, making Naruto rub the back of his head.
"Yeah, well, I guess since the secrets out I might as well have told you the truth now rather then later. If you want to hit me, you're more then welcome to." Naruto stated, making Aayla's eyes widen.
'He's actually willing to let me hit him? But, why? Hmm, well, since he hasn't done anything to me that I wouldn't appreciate…' Aayla thought before shaking her head.
"No, I couldn't. E-Even though you're the Sith I've heard about, I have heard some good things about you." Aayla said, trying to avoid hitting someone in front of the entire council, but she also wouldn't do it for some other reason that she couldn't figure out.
At that time, Master Yoda spoke up.
"Indeed, a Sith you, may be, but have the heart of a Jedi, you do." Yoda stated, making Naruto rub the back of his head.
"With a due respect Master Yoda, I'm not a Jedi. I'm a Sith and as a Sith I'm not anything like a Jedi." Naruto stated.
"Indeed." Obi-Wan said, getting their attentions. "But, I believe that Master Shaak Ti might say otherwise."
Shaak Ti nodded before a hologram appeared in the center of the room showing Naruto helping fight the nest of Acklay's. Everyone watched in curiosity as the hologram played. It played up to after the part where Naruto saved Shaak Ti, which she had thanked him for again before the hologram ended.
"As you all can see, not only does the Sith rescue me, but also the rest of my men as well." Shaak Ti stated.
"That may be, but never the less, he could have done so with alternative motives." Mace stated, getting nods from some of the other masters.
"True, this may be. However, asked for nothing in return, he did not. Left peacefully, he did." Yoda stated, getting agreeing nods from the masters.
"Master Yoda has a point. If the young Sith here wanted anything, he would have asked or just taken it. Not to mention that he could have just let the Ackaly's kill Master Shaak Ti, but did not." Plo said, getting an agreeing nod from said master.
Before anyone could say something else, Anakin and Ahsoka walked in.
"I'm sorry Masters, but we've been unable to find the Sith." Anakin stated, him and Ahsoka looking ashamed before they heard a Chuckle.
"Oh, you mean the Sith that's standing right in front of you?" Obi-Wan asked, making Anakin and Ahsoka shoot their heads up in surprise and came face to face with Naruto.
"Yo, what's up Skywalker, Ahsoka?" Naruto said with a friendly wave and smile.
"Naruto? Where… how…" Ahsoka tried to say, but couldn't figure out the right thing to ask.
"Heh, what can I say, I'm not one to stay in one place for hours on end. Which reminds me, you guys need speed up your appointments with people." Naruto said with amusement and chuckles from two or three of the Jedi present.
"Noted. Now, if we can get back to the matter at hand?" Mace asked, getting everyone's attention. "Good, now, I'm sure the rest of the council has this on their minds. What precisely is your view of the Jedi Code?"
The room grew silent at the question. No one had planned on asking that until later, but now seemed like the best time to find out just what the Sith before them thought. Even Anakin and Aayla listened very intently. Though, Ahsoka was a little worried about what Naruto would say. His words would determine his fate.
"Before I answer that, I have a question of my own. None of you have to answer this now, or ever for that matter. But, know that none your responses will change my point of view toward the Jedi Code." Naruto stated calmly, wanting to know just how they felt about their own code.
"Very well, ask your question." Mace said, curious to see what the blonde would ask, but had a feeling he already knew.
"Thank you. You Jedi claim to be peacekeepers. You claim to not to have certain emotions or form attachments." Naruto began, making Ahsoka sweat.
'Oh no! He's not going to say the same thing he said to me, is he?! Naruto, I hope you know what you're doing, because if you don't, the council will have you… oh, I don't even want to think about it.' Ahsoka thought in fear of what he was about to say.
"Well, to me, you're all hypocrites to your own ways." Naruto stated, making some of the Jed lightly gasp in surprise while others either glared at him or stayed neutral.
One Jedi spoke up with obvious anger in his voice.
"And pray tell boy, just how are we hypocrites?" Jedi Master Even Piell asked in his rough voice.
"I don't mean to affend, but what I say is true. Tell me Jedi, how are you peacekeepers if you fight in a galactic war, when you're leading an army of clones? How can you say that you forbid emotions, when you all know well and good that you can't stop yourselves from having them? And how can you say that you don't form attachments, when each and every one of you know damn well that you form attachments with either your men, friends, and even your fellow Jedi?" Naruto questioned and waited for an answer.
The were all wide eyed at his words and tried to think of a way to answer his questions. Sadly, all of them were unable to even come up with some way to argue with his words. Even Master Yoda couldn't think of a way to argue with the blonde. Though, he had a feeling that his speech didn't end there.
"Before I ask my next question, let me continue. If any of you say have something say about what I said, then say it now. If not, then stay silent and listen." Naruto waited, but saw that none of the masters had anything to say. "No? No one at all? good. None of you can be called peacekeepers if you fight in a war and take people's lives. None of you can stop someone from having emotions, because emotians are what separates living beings from droids. And now the part that makes you weak. If you don't form attachments, then what is there to fight for? If you die, what would it have been worth? If you don't have something to protect, fight for, or die for, then who would remember you? To me, it sounds more like you're nothing but tools that are only used until you've out lived your usefulness. Man, that's so wrong, just so wrong. That is not balance."
At this point, all of the Jedi in the room had looks of realization, surprise, and shame on their faces. Each and every word he spoke, cut deeply into their very souls. Everything he said was true. How could they say that they were not tools without sounding desperate? What was the point of them fighting if they die for a war that has no end? Without emotions, could they really say that they were nothing like droids?
'So, that's what he thinks of the Jedi Code. I never would have thought of it like that before.' Ahsoka thought, along with several of the masters.
"Now for my question. Can any of you actually sit in your seat and say, without any hesitation or doubt, that you would continue to follow your Jedi Code if it ment that you become nothing more then shadows of yourselves? In short, to give up life itself for a corrupted code?" Naruto asked with complete seriousness. "You ask me what I think of you code. What I think, no, what I know is that the Jedi are tied down by their code and can't really see the big picture, even when it's right in front of them. Someone once told me, that if a person wants to protect something that is precious to them, that is went they can become truly strong. I took his their words to heart and chose to protect everyone that is precious to me. You Jedi might think that's silly, but what would any of you possibly know since you say that you don't form attachments? If I'm wrong to believe that I can protect anyone precious to me, then I don't care to know what right is.
All of the Jedi actually had to think on Naruto's words, but nobody said anything. They had all just been silenced by one person and with nothing but his words. Then finally, Master Yoda spoke.
"Naruto Uzumaki, an interesting one, you are. Powerful with both your words and the Force, you are. Intrigued by your words, we are. Sure, I am, have your own view of the Sith Code, you do. For now Naruto Uzumaki, a discussion, the council must have. Wait outside, if you, Master Skywalker, Master Secura, and padawan Tano will?" Yoda asked, getting a nod from them before they left.
Once they were gone, Obi-Wan turned to Yoda and Mace.
"Well, he certainly has a way with words." Obi-Wan quipped.
"Indeed." Mace agreed.
While they spoke, Shaak Ti had channeled them out to think to herself.
'My, you most certainly are not a regular person Naruto Uzumaki. No one has ever spoken to the council in such a way and silenced them. Someone speaking with such conviction, heart, and power is to both admired and feared. Naruto Uzumaki, when I get the chance, I'll take you up on that date.' Shaak Ti thought while keeping her emotions in check.
A few minutes later, Naruto and the rest had been called back inside the council room.
"Naruto Uzumaki, the Jedi Council has come to a decision, which will soon be decided after a few simple questions." Mace stated, getting a nod from Naruto. "Good. First, do you hold any malicious intentions towards the Jedi Order?"
"No." Naruto said simply.
"If we ask you for any vital information on the whereabouts of Count Dooku, will answer?" Mace asked.
"Yes." Naruto said simply again.
"Lastly, if you have any secrets that are important for us to know about, would you be willing to tell us?" Mace asked.
"Not now. Like you have little trust toward me, you haven't fully earned my trust." Naruto stated.
The council all looked to each other before turning back to the blonde while Mace spoke.
"Very well, all those in favor of making Naruto Uzumaki a Jedi, say aye. All those opposed, say nay." Mace stated, surprising Naruto, Ahsoka, Aayla, and Anakin.
"Aye." Shaak Ti said first.
"Aye." Obi-Wan Kenobi said second.
"Nay." Oppo Rancisis said third.
"Aye." Plo Koon said fourth.
"Nay." Saesee Tiin said fifth.
"Aye." Kit Fisto said sixth in his holographic form.
"Nay." Eeth Koth said seventh.
"Nay." Even Piell said eighth.
"Aye." Adi Gallia said ninth.
"Aye." Ki-Adi-Mundi said tenth in his holographic form.
"Decided, it is. Naruto Uzumaki, from this day on, a Jedi of the Republic, you shall be." Yoda stated.
Anakin, Ahsoka, and Aayla were shocked to hear this, but on the in, Ahsoka and Aayla were ecstatic, but they had no idea why. Naruto on the other hand was the most shocked. Not too long ago he was a Sith and now he's becoming a Jedi! He was actually happy that this news ment he could be on the same side as Ahsoka and the other few Jedi women that caught his eye. However, he did have some conditions.
"I'm surprised by this news Masters and I'm honored that you'd go out of your ways to do such a thing for me, but… I do have a few demands." Naruto stated seriously.
"And what are your demands?" Obi-Wan asked.
"One, to not be restrained by the Jedi Code. I may be made a Jedi, but I refuse to be limited to my full abilities. Second, to keep my lightsaber. And lastly, to meet with a certain senator, to apologize for what happened on the Malevolence." Naruto stated with seriousness.
The council members looked at each other before nodding in agreement.
"Very well, we will agree to your terms Uzumaki, but we will decide upon Jedi Master to watch over you." Mace stated with his own seriousness, getting a nod from the blonde.
"Adjourned, this meeting is." Yoda said.
As the masters left, the ones who agreed to make Naruto a Jedi past him with smiles and congrats while the ones that said otherwise mostly ignored him. Naruto didn't care though, because he knew it would take time before they came to like him and he was determined to earn their respect over time.
Ahsoka then walked over and lightly punched Naruto in the arm, getting his attention.
"Well, you had me worried there for minute Naruto." Ahsoka said, getting a chuckle from him.
"Heh, yeah, you and me both. I thought that they would have tried to kill me for what I said, but you know what, it would've been worth it. As far as I'm concerned, someone needed to say something to the Jedi Council to open their eyes." Naruto said while rubbing his arm.
"True, but try to keep in mind that the council won't just change their ways from your words." Anakin said as they began to walk out.
"I see you know what I have in mind for the council Master Skywalker. However, you do have a point. It will take more then just words to make them change their ways, but I'm willing to take as much time as possible to do just that." Naruto said, getting smiles from Ahsoka, Aayla, and even Anakin had to smile at the blondes words.
"Well Naruto, I'm sure that if anyone can change the ways of the Jedi Order, it's you." Aayla said kindly.
Don't get her wrong, she believes in the Jedi Code very strongly, but after hearing the former Sith's words, she couldn't help but hope that he could change their ways. Not only because she feels something for him that she can't explain, but also because she doesn't want to lose anyone precious to her, like her former master or anyone else close to her.
"Heh, thanks Master Secura. Now, how do I get to the Senate Building?" Naruto asked before finding Ahsoka and Aayla on his arms and dragging him down the hall.
"Sorry Naruto, but if you're going to apologize to Senator Amidala and be walking among us Jedi, then you need to dress like one." Ahsoka stated as she and Aayla dragged him away, leaving Anakin to laugh.
"Heh, well, I can tell that he's going to make things interesting around here." Anakin said as he walked away.
(Senate Building: Hallway)
Later, after Ahsoka and Aayla had gotten through with Naruto, he now wore new clothes. He replaced the red of his tunic with orange, but kept the black half of it and his black pants. He also replaced his black boots with brown one's that looked like Mace Windu's. He now wore clone trooper fingerless gloves and gauntlets with a tribal fox head painted on each one. He also kept his mask, but left it off, saying that he would only wear it for missions that involved stealth.
He, along with Anakin, Ahsoka, and Aayla were currently walking down a hallway inside the Senate Building. They were talking about some of the things that the Senate discussed, being it about making treaties between other worlds or peace between other planetary systems.
Though, as they walked, neither Naruto or even Anakin noticed either Ahsoka or Aayla staring at Naruto's back as they walked. They thought he was even more handsome then before, but neither of them would ever admit that out loud.
"So, is Senator Amidala a reasonable woman? Cause if I'm ever on a mission with her in any way, I'd rather there not be any bad blood between us." Naruto asked, hoping that he and the senator can become friends, or at the very least bury the hatchet.
"She is, but I think it might take her some time to get used to being around a former Sith." Anakin answered, though he was going to watch Naruto and make sure he didn't do anything he didn't like.
"Relax Naruto, I'm sure she'll forgive you. After all, you were only following orders and she can't blame you for that." Ahsoka said as they stopped in front of a door.
"I hope you're right Ahsoka. The last thing I want is to have a senator treat me like a monster if I ever have to guard her on a mission." Naruto said with a sigh as he knocked on the door.
When the door opened, they were met by a Rodian wearing a purple coat and green pants. He looked at Naruto before looking to the one Jedi he reconized, Anakin.
"Greetings Master Jedi, what brings you hear?" The Rodian asked kindly.
"Greetings Senator Farr, we're here because our friend Naruto wanted to speak with Senator Amidala about something important." Anakin answered as he gestured to Naruto, who nodded.
"I see, then please come in." Onaconda said as he let them inside the room. "Padmé, a Jedi named Naruto is here to speak to you."
When Padmé and a certain super pervert heard this name and turned to see said person walk inside, their eyes widened in shock, but for different reasons. When Naruto turned to her, his eyes widened in shock as well at the sight of Jiraiya among the senators.
"P-Pervy Sage?" Naruto whispered.
"N-Naruto?" Jiraiya whispered.
They both stared at each other, neither noticing the other senators or Jedi in the room looking at them back and forth. They all were surprised when both of their eyes rolled up in the back of their heads before falling back unconceincous.
"Naruto!?" Ahsoka said as she kneeled by his side.
"Lord Jiraiya!?" Padmé said as she and Bail Organa did the same as Ahsoka.
A few minutes later, both men came to and saw that they were surrounded by both the Jedi and senators. They then looked at each other before their eyes widened and they jumped to their feet and pointed at each other.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE PERVY SAGE?!" Naruto yelled.
"I SHOULD BE ASKING YOU THAT QUESTION IDIOT!" Jiraiya yelled back.
Everyone in the room watched in confusion until Padmé spoke up.
"Uh, do you two know each other?" Padmé asked, getting their attentions.
"Yeah, as a matter of fact, we do. Everyone, this is Naruto Uzumaki, a former Shinobi from my world who was thought to be dead." Jiraiya answered, making everyone turn to Naruto.
"Yeah, and the old man here is the pervert who taught me the Rasengan you guys saw in the hologram back in the council chambers." Naruto said, ticking off Jiraiya.
"I told you idiot, I'm not a pervert, I'm a super pervert!" Jiraiya yelled, making everyone in the room sweat drop.
"No offense Lord Jiraiya, but you just proved his point." Senator Riyo Chuchi stated, getting Naruto to turn to her.
"Thank you. At least someone agrees with me." Naruto said as he gave his his foxy grin, making her blush.
'My, he's quite the handsome one.' Riyo thought, but quickly shook that thought out of her mind. 'What am I saying, he's a Jedi. Everyone knows that Jedi can't form attachments or have romantic relationships. Still, he is handsome none the less.'
"Whatever. So tell me Naruto, where've you been for the last three years?" Jiraiya asked making Naruto sigh.
"Well, it's a very long story. You might want to sit down, this going to take awhile." Naruto said as he rubbed the back of his head. "Man, this day is just one surprise after another."
Naruto then sat on the seat behind him before speaking.
"It all started the day Sasuke left the village." Naruto began.
After an hour, Naruto had finished speaking and everyone were shocked to hear his story as to how he came to be the way he is now. In some parts of the story, the women in the room had to suppress their tears from hearing some of the training the blonde went through. The men on the hand were beyond outraged at what they heard.
Naruto's training over the years involved him having to be forced to fight beast after beast of various species. Not only that, but whenever Naruto messed something up or said something that his master found disrespectful, he would shock him with Force lightening to near death. In the end, everyone was surprised that the blonde came out of it unchanged or even without becoming like a Sith should. Hell, how he stayed sane was beyond them. Though, Naruto left out any parts that involved him using Kurama's chakra. He wasn't ready to tell anyone about that yet, but knew that Jiraiya knew about those parts and understood why he did it.
"Anyway, after that, the Jedi Council made me a Jedi an hour ago and here we are." Naruto said ending his story.
"Well, that is quite the story Naruto. I must say, I couldn't possibly imagine anyone having to go through any of that." Aayla said as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Indeed. I can't even imagine the pain you went through just stay sane. I gotta say Naruto, I've heard heart breaking stories before, but that one takes the cake." Jiraiya said sympathetically, but inside, wished he had killed Dooku when he had the chance that day when they met.
"Thanks, but, I can't say that in the end it was all bad. After all, I wouldn't have seen the galaxy, become as strong as I am now, or met some very attractive women like Ahsoka or Aayla here." Naruto said, making both mentioned blush and Jiraiya grin while secretly grabbing his note book and writing, God only knows what inside, while Naruto's eyes widened. "Oh crap, did I really just say that last part out loud?! What hell is wrong with me?!"
"Well kid, you might have a crush on those two hotties next to you. I got to say, I'm so proud that you gave me some very good inspiration." Jiraiya stated, making Naruto, Aayla, and Ahsoka blush before glaring daggers at him.
"Inspiration for what, exactly?" Aayla growled out.
"Yeah, and how are we involved?" Ahsoka asked with her own glare.
"If it's for what I think it is Pervy Sage, I'm going to beat you to a bloody pulp." Naruto stated while cracking his knuckles.
At this, everyone backed away from a sweating Jiraiya. After finishing his writing and putting away his note pad, Jiraiya stood up, took a deep breath, and… ran like a bat out of hell as Naruto, Ahsoka, and Aayla chased him down. Everyone watched with amusement at their antics and couldn't decide whether to help the old pervert or leave him to his fate.
To Be Continued…
And there's the end of the latest chapter. Next, Naruto gets his first mission as a Jedi. What will happen? Will he ever earn the councils trust? Will he be able to finally see his friends back home again? Find out in later chapters! Read and review, peace.
