Chapter five: The Smuggler and Master

A/N: Thanks everyone for their reviews so here are couple answers. Yes, I know that I've ignored all my others fics but unfortunately for guys who wish to see them updated, you have to be patient. Because I currently have so much inspiration to write this fic so I will. But don't worry. I can feel it diminishing all the time. I've not forgotten ANY of my fics, including the sequel to MOK. They are all under progress and I will update them soon as they are ready. Bleach and Katekyo are heading towards their climaxes so I need to wait and see how they turn out before I can continue writing. I hate it when I start writing something (like many wrote their own stupid reasons why fox attacked Konoha in canon) and then we find out the truth in manga. That will affect the whole plot. That's why I can't bring myself to write at the moment the bleach because now is the time all the secrets are revealed. Secrets that determine everything! And I can't write if I can't do it right and have my 'facts' correct.

CHAPTER BEGIN

"I'm pleased to tell you that your new droids have proven to be an excellent use to our cause, my dear." Dookus form said nodding respectfully.

"Glad you like them. This is fun for first time to be able to just build, design, improve." Hiina nodded back. "But I don't really care long as I can help my darling in something that he thinks is important." Then she started to feel sick again and crashed into her levitating chair. "I'm sorry…" She muttered, trying to keep what little food she had in her, down. "I've been feeling little sick lately."

Dooku raised an eyebrow as a medical droid hurried to give her a small shot. "How far long are you?"

Hiinas eyes widened in shock. "How did you- I haven't even- nobody-" She stuttered, trying to get all her questions out of her head at the same time.

The old man raised his hand calmingly. "Don't strain yourself, my dear. I've seen a pregnant women before and I know when I see one." Then he crossed his arms cross his chest. "Naruto doesn't know?"

The Twilek shook her head. "I… don't want to… burden him now."

"I understand." Dooku nodded. "And you have my word that I won't reveal anything. Take your time when you're ready." Then he nodded impressed. "I thought that a Twilek couldn't carry a human's child. I was in belief that the two species couldn't interbreed."

Hiina narrowed her eyes. "Are you suggesting that I'm-"

"Of course not." Dooku hurried to assure her. "I'm simply amazed that something like this has happened."

"The chances that a Twilek female can carry a human child are near to null even though there are some documented cases stored in this droids head. Medro, please, explain." She snapped tiredly to the droid who turned to face the Separatists leader.

"The knowledge that two species cannot interbreed is actually inaccurate. Successfully conceiving a fetus is actually very possible and common for these two species, especially when a mother is a Twilek, but lack of certain hormones the fetus requires to grow in the womb will formulate a miscarriage very quickly. It's very common that female doesn't even realize she is pregnant or is having a miscarriage, because unlikely symptoms can be misread as ordinary nausea and cold. This will happen during the first week of pregnancy in 99,8% of the cases and then, during the next menstruation with the bleeding, the dead fetus will exit the body, unnoticed. But there are cases that the fetus actually survives the first week of pregnancy, which will result much severe symptoms as the fetus tries to force the mother to form those hormones so it can survive and grow. Out of these pregnancies 80,7% will end during the second week. Of the remaining pregnancies 40,3% will end during the third week of pregnancy and by this time, most doctors will recommend of terminating any surviving pregnancies as it can be very dangerous to the mother."

"I see." Dooku nodded.

"And I said that I will not let anything to happen to this baby!" Hiina screamed dangerously. She touched her belly gently and rubbed. "I've waited for so long to be able to become a mother and when I fell in love with Naruto, I was ready to let that dream go but some miracle has granted by this child so I am going to make sure it will survive." She pressed few buttons and the chair started moving. "I will finish those MagnaGuards by the end of the week." She exited the room.

"How far is she?"

"18 weeks, master." Medro answered. "It's a medical wonder that she has been able to carry it this far."

"Does she have any chances of survival?" He asked, rubbing his chin.

"There are few documented cases of successful deliveries of healthy children but the chances are slim. I've tried to ease her symptoms by giving her regular dosage of those hormones the fetus would need to grow but I don't think my skills are enough."

Dooku rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "Tell me, can you do some tests to the fetus?"

"Certainly, master." The droid nodded.

"I want you to check its Midi-chlorian count."

((A))

In Alderaan, in deep ravines of the mountains, there was a sound of lightings running wild in the canyons. Every few seconds, like thunder the ravines would scream and flashy lights would go around.

Animals fled from site. People, who lived near the mountains, were scared to do anything as the sounds were multiplied.

In certain ledge, there was a space shuttle landed on the side of the ravine and the ramp was open. Front of the ship there was a silvery protocol droid standing there, looking around shocked. "Master! Are you alright? Should I call for assistance!" It asked.

The droids master didn't bother to answer as he needed to dodge a white glowing blade almost sticking through his head. He turned around and slashed vertically while taking a clockwise step.

There was another clash of thunder when his purple blade hit the white. He took his lightsaber with both hands and pushed forward. Between two blades, there was a face looking at him. "Still trying to act cool, master?" He asked and suddenly took a counter-clockwise step and swept backwards.

His opponent ducked the attack but not fast enough as his long white pony tail was cut off. The old man rolled in the ground and somersaulted to his feet. "Close one, close one!" He exclaimed loudly. "I would've never imagined that you can cut my hair like that, brat."

'Brat' stood up straight and glanced at the large flock of hair in his feet. "I missed." He muttered and raised his lightsaber. "I had wished to make you bald with that move."

The old man brushed his hair. "You're hundred years too early if you wish to skin me, brat. I was thinking of image change anyway. Long hairs are not in currently." He raised his own blade.

The droid looked around shocked. "Oh dear! What is going on! I need to contact Count Dooku immediately-" He turned around to head back into the ship but was blocked by someone very green and lots of head tendrils. "Excuse me, sir but would you mind-" A green lightsaber was lit and pointed an inch away from the unfortunate droids face.

"We are audience and we act accordingly." The second Jedi said with a grinning face. "If you don't mind?"

"O-of course not! We shall see… MASTER! THEY'VE CAPTURED ME! THE JEDI HAVE CAPTURED ME! PLEASE HEL-!" The Nautolan Jedi quickly moved his hand behind the droids neck until he found a switch and pressed it. The droid lumped down.

"That's better." He grinned and turned his attention back to the fight. Neither had even noticed anything. They were exchanging blows so fast and so skillfully that even for this man watching had difficulties to follow the complex move patterns of two lightsabers. He looked at the fighters. Both had their appearance roughed by this battle. The older of the two, former master of the younger had white wild hair that pointed into every direction now. Mans vest was in the ground as it had been cut. His shirt and pants had several cuts and holes in them.

But the boy, former padawan wasn't doing much better either. His brown jacket was in the ground, in halves. His shirt was cut through his chest. But what was really amazing was that neither had any injuries so far.

Then, suddenly they jumped apart and lowered their sabers.

"What is it?" Kit Fisto asked quickly.

He was ignored as Jiraiya smirked and he threw the remains of his shirt away. "You have really come a long way since the time we fought in that hangar."

Naruto did the same. "You mean, the time you allowed me to escape." He raised his lightsaber. "Warm up is over. Regretting now, senile fool?"

"I'm just getting started. And I do not regret doing that." Jiraiya answered as they circled each other. "Although I do regret, not stunning you before entering that senator's office."

Mentioning the old case made Narutos anger spike but he stayed calm. "I do not regret anything I did in that room." He whispered and lowered his stance and reversed his grip. "Or yes, had I known how to do this, I would have used this to finish him off." His blue eyes narrowed.

"What?" Jiraiya looked surprised when deadly lighting shot out of his palm. He raised his lightsaber and blocked it. He was surprised by sheer power of it. "Wohee! Cool trick!" He smirked widely.

"Glad you approve." Naruto muttered and twirled his lightsaber around. "You Jedi never seem to even grasp all the possibilities the Force grants us."

Jiraiya shrugged nonchalantly. "Long as I can pull girls panties down with Force, I'm satisfied."

The boy smirked. "You never change, you old pervert."

"That's just what you say." Jiraiya answered back. "Ready?"

Naruto took his stance and charged at his former master.

Kit had been following this all the time and was slightly confused. Was this a battle between a Jedi and a Sith or a sparring match between a master and apprentice.

Jiraiya and Naruto continued their fight with newly found spirit.

"Do you remember when you became my padawan?" Jiraiya asked as he jumped backwards and somersaulted on his feet.

"Of course, I was there!" Naruto yelled and pushed forward. He leaped forward and blocked another attack as he passed Jiraiyas leg. "Do you know what I thought about you back then?"

"What?" He asked as he tried to stab down while he made a counter-clockwise turn. Naruto rolled out of the way and kicked him into leg.

"That you were one angry old senile." He answered and stood up. "And that's why I was so determined to become your padawan."

Their lightsabers met in the middle.

((A))

"I will not take any more padawans!" Jiraiya yelled angrily at the Council and stormed out. No one could tell him what to do! He had already failed once! He wasn't going to go through that trouble again.

He passed other masters and padawans and younglings but no one dared to stop him. Jiraiya was known for being unnaturally angry for a Jedi but no one could do anything about it expect let him to calm down much as he possibly could like always. That's what he was trying to do now. He was already heading out of the Temple, find a bar, drink himself into oblivion and wake up next to a prostitute like always.

He was on his way out when he passed a training hall where a large group of older younglings had gathered to show their skills and prove their worth to the masters who were looking for a potential padawan to teach. It hurt him inside when he saw that room. The excited children gathered around, when interested masters looked at them. He could remember himself being among them once. Watching certain blond small boy fighting his opponent with amazing skill.

'I can't let you do it, master. I love her. But I will not fight you either.' A voice whispered into his ear and he pressed his eyes shut.

"Jiraiya!" He opened his eyes and saw Tsunade making his way from the other side of the room. "Where are you going?"

The man shrugged. "Nowhere." He stretched the truth. He couldn't say it openly where he was going. Not for her. For some reason, no matter what he did, this blond cow always dragged him around and wouldn't stay away.

"I heard about how you exploded front of the Council, again." She said disapprovingly. "And because of the same stupid thing."

Jiraiya glare hardened. "I don't remember you being there? So don't bud in." He was about to leave when he realized that he was surrounded. "Luminara. Still following your old master around?"

Recently promoted Jedi Knight, Luminara Unduli, bowed her head. "It's been awhile, Master Jiraiya. Actually, I'm heading to meet my new padawan. Would you care to join me?"

So instead of being able to enjoy a company of a drunk, beautiful, loose women, Jiraiya had to watch how some brats beat each other with training lightsabers. Among the stupid brats, there were some who knew how to handle their weapons. Like that kid with a dog like demeanor. His raw power was amazing for someone his age. Or that Juraran brat who tried very hard.

"So, what do you think?" Luminara asked suddenly.

"Lousy show." Jiraiya muttered bitterly. Last time had been in this room was when he had picked his own padawan up. That boy had some real talent. "They aren't even serving drinks here."

"I am talking about my new padawan." She nodded at young girl of the same species as herself. She the diamond shaped tattoos across her face. She was very concentrated and kept a good stance for a youngling.

"What? Did you clone yourself?" Jiraiya asked.

Luminara shot a light glare but didn't comment. "Her name is Barriss Offee. I find her to be the most excellent Jedi Initiate. I've decided to guide her to become a great Jedi Knight."

Jiraiya leaned to the wall uncaring. "Whatever. Have fun."

"What about my padawan." Tsunade asked.

"Didn't you already have one?"He nodded at the Merilian female on his other side.

"But teaching is a duty and a privilege to a Jedi." She said patiently. "It's the one with a pink hair."

Jiraiya glanced at some small girl with a pink hair. She was whimpering front of her opponent. "That?" He asked like had just evaluated a bad piece of meat.

"She has talent." Tsunade nodded firmly. "She just needs a good master to bring it out." Then she looked at him. "What about you? No interests at all?"

"None." He said with a bitter voice. Former master and her padawan shared a concerned looks.

Right then a fight erupted in the middle, breaking masters talk. It seemed that some of the younglings had ganged up on one of them. Three against one. And the one who stood alone was winning. Before masters from all sides of the room rushed to stop this, Jiraiya saw a flash of bright yellow hair and a playful grin in the middle of all this.

'It's him.' He thought angrily. 'Her son. Figures. Like mother like son.' He had been watching that boy for some time to make sure he wasn't following his mother's footsteps. And it wasn't looking good. He was like that woman reborn with a dick. Her manners. Her way of speaking. Her looks. Even her skills with a lightsaber had all passed down to the next generation. And it angered him. Especially, when he grinned widely like that even when facing an overpowering opponent. Did he even realize how much trouble he would be in? The eyes answered for him. Yes, he did understand. Two blue intelligent eyes looked around, waiting. Not only did he understand but he was expecting it. Understood the risk yet proceeded with this fight. Those eyes… they didn't remind him of her but of him. He had eyes like that. Stunning, intelligent eyes when he fought. It was kind of amazing that he hadn't found a master for himself yet.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" Tsunade demanded from the brats who had been broken off. "Do you understand what you just did? You should be ashamed of yourself! Ganging up on your friend! Do you even understand that!"

"It's not our fault!" A boy twilek tried to argue but his voice gave in under her hard glare. "Minato told us to come at him together."

Masters looked at Minato who was looking around bored. "Is this true?" Another master asked.

"Yep." He nodded. "There isn't anyone who can even give me a challenge anymore so I thought maybe multiply opponents would do."

"Anyone would be strong if they got private instructing from a master!" Another youngling argued.

"It's not my fault, if Dooku is only interested teaching someone great as me!" He grinned widely.

"He still doesn't want you as his padawan, does he?" Last of the group sent a snide remark but the boy shrugged.

"He said that when I'm ready for him, he will begin to teach me. I have no hurries." He smirked. "With my skill, I can do anything I want!"

'With my skill, I can do anything I want!' A red headed woman yelled excitedly.

Tsunade was about to snap something to him when Jiraiya spoke suddenly. "Can you really?" He walked through younglings and they stepped aside, making him a way right to Minato. "Do you really think that you're that good, brat?"

Minato looked interested at the man who was standing front of him. Jiraiya the Investigator. "Yeah."

"Master Jiraiya, what are you-" A master was about to ask when with a smooth maneuver he took his lightsaber from his belt and activated it. Younglings all stepped back expect Minato.

"If you're so good, why don't you give me a show?" He pointed his white blade at the young boy who didn't even flinch but kept looking interestedly at Jiraiya. "What is it? Scared?"

"Jiraiya!" Tsunade yelled but Jiraiya raised his hand without taking his eyes off the boy.

Minato shook his head. "There's nothing to be scared off." He said back smugly. This wasn't the first time he had faced a real lightsaber. Dooku had shown his. To make sure that he wouldn't fear when facing one. Not that he understood why bother? Only Jedi had lightsabers, right? "But I'm not interested in facing an old pervert like you." He looked away and muttered, but loud enough for the old guy to hear.

"What?"

"I bet you can't even hold on to that thing. You were lucky to find that activating button so easily."

At the side of the room, Barriss was starting to feel nervous. Her friend was doing it again! Making the wrong people angry at himself! Minato really enjoyed making people angry. And for some reason, Master Jiraiya was his favorite.

"Fine!" Jiraiya barked. "Let's make a bet. If you can land a single hit. Single hit! I will take you as my padawan."

The room erupted with surprised gasps. "Jiraiya! Enough!" Tsunade yelled.

"Let them do it." A new voice interrupted her and Dooku stepped forward, an interested smile on his face.

"You can't be serious, Master Dooku." Luminara tried to argue. "Boy will not stand a chance-"

Dooku ignored her and everyone else who tried to argue. "Perhaps we should give them some room!" He drove the people, even the masters to the sides of the room. "Master Jiraiya, wait patiently." He took the boy to the other side of the ring and knelt next to him. Jiraiya only kept glaring at the brat.

"Are they serious?" Kiba asked. "He is a master? Rat is going to get his ass handed completely."

"Serves him right for being so arrogant all the time." A wookie youngling growled quietly.

Tsunade and other masters exchanged worried expressions. "What is he thinking, master?" Luminara asked.

"I don't know…Jiraiya has a mind of his own." The former master answered worriedly and watched as Dooku whispered some last minute instructions. "Still, it's strange. They look some much like a master and a padawan, don't they?"

Another master nodded. "I agree. The boy is always running wildly and only one who has even slight control over him is Master Dooku. I still don't understand why he won't just take the boy as his padawan."

Nobody said anything.

Meanwhile, Dooku was giving his last advices. "Remember, Naruto, he may appear to be a big oaf but he is actually one of the strongest in the Order. What have I told you?"

"All warfare is based of deception." The boy repeated dutifully. "Feel, don't think."

Dooku nodded proudly. "Good. Remember that maneuver I taught you last month? Use it."

"But he doesn't-" He closed his mouth quickly and nodded. "I understand." The boy, not even ten years old stepped past an old man with confident steps and activated his training lightsaber. To everyone's surprise, he didn't take the beginning stance of Shii-Cho, but pointed his training saber downwards.

"That's… Makashi." Tsunade whispered as she recognized the stance. She herself preferred this style and recognized the opening stance immediately.

"I have shown him few moves." Dooku explained, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Are you crazy? A child could never master a style that complex."

"Who ever said anything about mastering it?"

"Your turn." Jiraiya said confidently, not even pulling his guard up.

((A))

"You remember?" Jiraiya asked as he lowered his lightsaber.

Naruto stepped back and pointed his own downwards. Just like over ten years ago. "Of course."

((A))

Minato made the first move. He swung his lightsaber and stepped forward. It was very well done for a youngling to hold his stance like that while moving.

But Jiraiya wasn't even impressed. He moved his lightsaber and pushed him back roughly without even blinking an eye. "Is that really it?"

Minato growled and stood up again, redoing his stance. This time he tried again the same move and just when he expected Jiraiya to counter, he stepped backwards right before the white lightsaber crossed the air front of him. He then stepped forward and raised his training saber over his head and felt a stunning pain in his arms as the two collided. But he didn't give up.

Then he suddenly gave up and landed on the ground where he kicked into Jiraiyas leg hard as he could, aiming at his kneecap but the man didn't even flinch. Just raised his leg and kicked him away.

((A))

Naruto came from downwards and blocked an attack that was coming from above. Jiraiyas lightsaber landed on top of his. He suddenly pulled back and kicked, aiming at his leg. Jiraiya dodged by leaping upwards. Naruto somersaulted and charged in again.

((A))

The boy was resilient. He kept attacking time after time and again. He used tens of different strategies and attack pattern and they amazed all the masters. But Jiraiya hadn't even moved one inch from his original position. He only raised his hand to block an attack and push the brat back.

And he was getting enough of this and was ready to end it. The boy was coming again and this time, directly from the front. Jiraiya planned to block attack, use Force and throw him to the other side of the room. That was before when Minatos attack was two inches too short and cut air harmlessly. Jiraiya thought that the brat was getting tired when suddenly the boy leaped over him and then landed on the other side where he turned around and using the momentum, he made another attack.

"That was from Ataru!" A master gasped as the boy kept jumping around, with amazing agility kept sending blows and thrust towards an opponent who was also little amazed but not at least half as amazed when he suddenly turned again and this time flying, leg first and lightsaber following.

The attack was so sudden that Jiraiya was forced to take a step to dodge it.

"That was from Vaapad? Master Dooku? Have you taught him something so dangerous?" Tsunade asked but the man only shook his head.

"No such thing." He smirked. "He has a habit of hiding in the vents, as you know. He enjoys watching how different masters fights. He spends hours just watching them training and slowly copies them."

"Then he has… by himself?"

Dooku didn't answer. Just kept his evaluating eyes on the boy. 'Now, show them. Show these people what Kushinas child can do. Show what Mitos grandchild can do…'

Minato kept changing style, using several different attacks from everything he could think of. Counting that and his physical abilities, even Jiraiya had to keep moving to not to lose and be forced to keep his word.

Minato used another diving leap and flew right past Jiraiya. He landed on the floor gracefully and prepared for another attack.

"ENOUGH ALREADY!" He yelled and took his lightsaber with both hands, twisted it around a bit and then knocked the training lightsaber out of the boy's hand. Then he used Force, raised him to air and smacked him to the wall of the training room.

((A))

Naruto took hold of his lightsaber with both hands and twisted around, sending Jiraiyas lightsaber flying away. Then he stepped forward and raised his arms above his head.

((A))

"Minato!" Barriss yelled suddenly and was about to rush to her friend's side but a firm hand stopped her. She looked up to see Dooku standing there, a satisfied smirk on his face.

"Jiraiya! That was out of line!" Tsunade yelled as Jiraiya deactivated his lightsaber and strapped it back to its place.

"Brat needed to learn some humility or-" His eyes shot wide open when he felt it. It was feint and fast but he managed to turn around and activate his lightsaber before his head was cut off by a purple blade. He felt the blade sticking to his forehead, only gracing the skin but still leaving a visible mark.

((A))

Jiraiya hit his former apprentice into his gut and he let go of his lightsaber. Then he used Force to send him flying into distance. He smacked to the wall of the canyon hard and coughed up some liquids.

((A))

Everyone in the training room stood in pure stunning shock. From younglings to oldest masters. Only one who didn't seem to be surprised, were the boy holding a purple lightsaber and a man who had been watching the match from side.

Jiraiya was among the shocked. He had really done it this time. To let a youngling, even good as this, to actually wound him! His forehead would need some bacta or he couldn't show his face in any bar and hope to get something. But that could wait. The boy, who had done this, was standing front of him, holding the purple lightsaber of his old padawan like it was his. Jiraiya had been holding onto it ever since… "I… (pant) win. I'm (pant) your… padawan now." The boy interrupted panting hard.

Jiraiya put his lightsaber away and turned to leave. "No way. I'm not taking a wacko like you as my padawan." He left the room.

"WHAT!" Minato screamed from the top of his lungs. "Yes you will!" He stormed after the man and strapped the lightsaber to his waist.

"No I won't!" A low voice echoed through the corridors.

"Yes you will…"

"No I won…"

The training room was left in stunning silence. "That was… anticlimactic." A master said quietly.

"Should we be worried, master Tsunade?" Luminara leaned to whisper.

"I sure don't know." Tsunade sighed.

((A))

Naruto used Force to summon his lightsaber back and so did Jiraiya and the two blade clashed with another thunderous voice.

((A))

"For the last time: THIS WEAPON IS YOUR LIFE!" Jiraiys voice echoed through the Temple as he scolded his padawan.

"Yada yada yada." Minato raised his arms behind his head and looked away. "You're like a broken record."

"Show me some respect!" Jiraiya yelled and smacked him on the back of his head.

"OW! Why should I! All you do is beat me into my head!" Minato yelled back and clutched his head. "No other master ever hits their padawans you senile pervert!"

"Who are you calling senile!" Jiraiya yelled and was about to smack again when he felt something hitting his crotch. "YAAAH!"

((A))

Jiraiya kicked Narutos leg, trying to tackle him but he leaped over his leg, twirled in the air and landed on his hand, supporting himself. He used his other hand to block another thrust that almost impelled him.

Kit who had been witnessing the whole amazing fight acrobatic show and was simply amazed. Not only by their skills or the fiercenesses of the fight but how equal they were even if Jiraiya was obviously the stronger and more experienced one.

But every time one of them would attack, the other was already countering and the first one was already prepared for that counter with a counter of his own and so forth.

"Master and apprentice." He muttered quietly as he witnessed the fight where both fighters were in perfect sync. Even after four years, both of them were in perfect sync.

((A))

A large group of thugs were running their weapons ready for action. "Kill them!" Someone yelled. They may be Jedi but there's only two! If we gang up on them, we can easily kill them!"

Two lightsabers were activated. "Remember, brat, to watch my back while I take care of them."

"What are you saying, pervert? Aren't you sleepy for missing your nap today?"

"Again, you're mistaking me with you." The white and purple lightsaber were pointed at the horde of enemies.

"Back to back.""Back to back." They said in unison and charged forward.

((A))

It was kind of humorous sight when the two of them were rolling around, their backs facing each other, both of them trying to outsmart the other. Then they suddenly sprung apart of each other and faced each other.

They were both glittering from sweat but Naruto obviously more than his former master. He was also more out of breath than the former but his body didn't waver. His eyes were clear. And his step had no hesitation. His lightsaber didn't falter.

"Ironic." Jiraiya said suddenly and lowered his guard completely. "It's like, where ever I go, that saber is pointing at me."

"What?" Naruto asked.

"You never knew its past, didn't you? Your senior pupils saber."

"Now that you mention… no I don't."

Jiraiya glanced at Kit who was sitting in a meditative position but alert. "We are on a break." He suddenly deactivated his lightsaber and knelt to a meditative position too. "You may sit. I have no desire to fight you now."

Naruto thought for a moment and nodded. Perhaps it would be for the best. He raised his hand and pointed it towards the droid. He turned on the switch. "P ME…!" The droid looked around and saw how the situation had changed. "Master! Are you alright?"

"Of course I am." Naruto muttered. "We are on a break. Go and prepare something to drink."

"A… break, master? Is it even possible?"

"Do as I say you bucket!" Naruto yelled and the droid hurried to rush inside from the ramp. Kit made sure to follow its actions from the corner of his eye. Luckily the droid didn't go anywhere near the communicators but stayed in the living area, preparing for drinks.

Meanwhile, Naruto sat on top of a rock, enough far away from both of the Jedi. He had to accept this 'break'. His mind was still ready to fight but his body had limits and they were closing in fast. Even if it mean for a small time to recover, he would need to take it.

AD offered everyone a cup tea and then hurried to its master side. "Are you sure this is wise, master? Sitting like this when our there are Jedis right next to us?"

Naruto glared up to him and the droid silenced immediately. Then he turned towards Jiraiya. "You were saying, about my senior."

Jiraiya took a zip of his tea and didn't even seem to care if there might have been something more than just tea. "This is good stuff. From Outer Rim I guess." He took another zip and sighed. "I don't know if it's the work out or what, but for some reason, I'm more relaxed than I've been in… four years. What about you?"

"I had better days."

"With that girlfriend of yours?" Jiraiya asked, raising an eyebrow suggestively. "You always favored Twileks above over everyone else."

"Hiina is more than a pairs of peachy buttocks, melons and lekku." Naruto said quietly. "Anyway, enough chitchat. Tell me what you so eagerly wanted to tell."

Jiraiya sighed and put his cup down. "That saber, was constructed in Ilum by my first apprentice when he was twelve." He still remembered that day.

((A))

"Look master!" A boy said and raised his newly made lightsaber. "I made it." A braid that came from neatly cut blond hair was waving as he moved his hand high. "I finished it."

Jiraiya, much younger Jiraiya clapped his hands. "Well done."

The boy activated it and a bright purple flame shot out.

"Purple?" Jiraiya asked disappointed. "Out of all colors possible, purple?"

"I thought it looked nice." The boy answered little awkwardly and smiled. "I guess it kind of reflects how I feel."

"You feel… purple?"

((A))

Naruto nodded. "I see now. Well, good thing he died, eh? I would have needed to build my own lightsaber. And Force knows what how that would've turned out."

"Yeah." Jiraiya said absentmindedly.

Kit took a zip of the tea and listened interested. He had known Jiraiya for couple years now and that man didn't talk much about his own past.

"How did he die?" Naruto asked the innocent question the master had been expecting.

Jiraiya took a quick zip out of his mug. "I killed him." He answered simply.

Naruto almost let go of his cup and Kit's mouth flung open. "Do you have some habit of making your padawans hate you?"

"I guess." Jiraiya whispered. "He… turned against the Order. Helped a known criminal and protected her." He bit his teeth. "Like in Juraran, I trusted a mission unfit for my apprentice which resulted as him turning his back to me and the Order."

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "He broke the first rule?"

Jiraiya looked up surprised. "You remember? My three rules?"

"Three: don't get yourself killed, two: don't forget who you are and the first rule; don't fall in love." Naruto listed the things as he remembered it.

"Yes… he fell in love with her…"

"I see." Naruto said nonchalantly and raised the cup for another zip as Jiraiya fell into his memories.

((A))

"I can't let you do it, master!" A blond man was standing on top of the garbage mountain, facing the white haired master. "I love her." He lowered his lightsaber. "But I won't fight you either." The rain pouring down to them.

Jiraiya stepped forward. "MINATO! That bitch turned you against your friends! Your family! ME! Don't you even feel anything! She caused deaths of many Jedi and killed herself almost as many! Almost caused a civil war that could have destroyed the whole Republic!" A lone drop was falling down his cheek. "Minato, don't do this. Don't do this to me!"

"I'm sorry, master." Minato Namikaze, senior, smiled back.

He bit his teeth and stepped forward. "She is out there, isn't she? I'm going to finish her. Then, I will take you back an-" He stepped back and dodged a slash that almost cut his head off. He looked at his former padawans eyes. They were full of determination… to die here. "If you want to get past me, you have to kill me."

"Why?" Jiraiya whispered. "Why would you go to such lengths for her!"

The blond man closed his eyes and smiled confidently. "Because I haveleft my future into her hands."

((A))

Jiraiya looked up from the ground. He hadn't said anything about that. He couldn't. Not now… not when… Naruto was at edge of the Dark Side. Knowing this would only throw him deeper into the darkness.

"So, you killed him because he didn't step aside?" Kit interrupted. "I had no idea that your padawan was the traitorous Jedi during the Crimson Devil case…" Narutos eyes shot wide open as he realized the connection. Kit stopped when he felt a sudden anger and rage gathering around them. He looked at the former padawan who had been enjoying his tee a second ago, was now standing there, his eyes turned flaming red.

((A))

Deep in space, a Separatists frigate was sailing forward. A man opened his eyes. "It is time." Dooku smirked. He had just felt a great disturbance in the Force. Someone had just revealed the truth about what had happened to Kushina to Naruto. Dookus plan had worked. In the middle of the battle, there would be no time to talk and think. Naruto would need to act. And acting in anger was a certain way to turn to the Dark Side. "Now, son, we will finalize your steps to the Dark Side. I will do what that Akatsuki failed to do and seal you into darkness with me." He pressed a communicator. "Captain! Take us Alderaan! Immediately!" He closed the link. "He might be strong but he is not ready to face his former master."

((A))

Barriss had been meditating in the Gardens, trying to close her mind, and the link that connected her and Minato. She didn't want to but those visions and feelings were getting stronger and stronger and the pain was more and more unbearable.

Then it hit her! She clutched her head and screamed so loudly and suddenly that everyone in the Gardens jumped away in shock. Then, before anyone could do anything, she fell unconscious.

((A))

In Grievouses hideout, Hiina had been working. Today it hadn't been so bad. Nausea was easing up. There hadn't been any vomiting and she could concentrate on her work. Then suddenly she felt her baby starting to move nervously. "What is it?" She asked, trying to rub her stomach calmingly. "Mama's here. Nothing to be scared of. Mama's here." The baby was distressed for some reason. As if it was scared of something. "Medro!" She screamed. "Come in here! Now!"

((A))

Jiraiya raised his lightsaber with Kit as they both faced Naruto now. "You… killed my mother?" He asked quietly. "You were the one who took her life?"

Jiraiya gulped. He had wanted to ease the information in. To avoid a situation like this. But it was too late for now. "You don't understand, I was angry at her. I felt that she had turned your father against me! I acted before I thought! Mi-"

"Shut up!" Naruto screamed and raised his… no, his father's lightsaber and activated it. With an animal like scream, he jumped forward, using the rotating leap, his lightsaber pointed forward. Jiraiya pushed Kit aside and blocked it. The only reason he had managed to anticipate the attack was because he had seen it before. The day he had killed Kushina.

The battle that followed was fierce. No… the battle before was fierce. This wasn't a battle anymore. This was war on one single ledge.

"Stay back!" Jiraiya yelled to Kit. "It's too dangerous!"

"For me or for him?" Nautolan asked as he stepped back, keeping his guard up.

"For both." Jiraiya hissed through his teeth.

This wasn't his apprentice fighting. This style, this rage! Who had done this to him? Then, slowly, his body was being covered by black markings. Tattoos. Sith Tattoos. First his chest and sides. Then his back and arms. And finally, like creeping shadow, they reached for his face, around his red eyes. "Jedi have taken everything from me! And I will take everything back!"

"Listen to yourself!" Jiraiya yelled and tried to fight the boy back when another blade came through. Minato used both his sabers at the same time. "This isn't like you! You never wanted revenge! You never cared about getting back!"

"Shut up!" He yelled and thrust forward. It was too much and Jiraiya saw his chance. With the same move, he swung both lightsabers out of the Siths hands but that didn't stop his charge. He raised his palm and send Jiraiya flying into distance. He hit his back to the wall so hard that he could feel his organs cry in pain. "Damn!" He coughed some blood as he crushed.

"My master has won!" AD screamed excitedly.

"That's what you get for not taking me seriously, master." Naruto said and started closing his fingers. Jiraiya could feel the pain across his body. "You had at least three chances to take me but you ignored them."

Jiraiya floated in the air. Blood was dripping from his lips. "I-I couldn't do it." He whispered and forced a smirk. "To kill you, Minatos son, Naruto. Y-you were his future th-that he so much wanted to protect."

Narutos eyes widened. Never had any Jedi ever used his real name. "You… named me after my father? Did all the Jedi know of this?"

Jiraiya didn't answer, only looked into the sky and smiled. "I… I'm sorry." He whispered.

The young man felt himself getting angry. He was supposed take his revenge! Not to listen any pathetic apologies! He prepared to shot out the lighting and finish the pathetic thing off when he felt something going through his back and chest.

"MASTER!" Droid screamed. "I need to get help!" He screamed pacing around quickly.

Jiraiya fell to the ground when Narutos concentration was broken. He glanced and saw a green blade coming out of his apprentice's chest. "Naruto…" He whispered, trying to reach for him.

Kit Fisto pulled his ligthsaber out of the traitorous Jedi. "Don't worry." He said as Naruto fell to the ground. "I avoided every vital organ. He should be fine if we get him to a bacta tank soon."

"That's good to hear." Kit turned around and Jiraiya looked up to see Dooku standing there, with ten new commando droids and a couple of medical droids and a hovering gurney. "Now, stand aside."

"Count Dooku!" Kit raised his lightsaber.

"Deal with them." Dooku nodded to his droids and they charged at the Nautolan master. He knew that this fight was already lost so he threw his lightsaber at one of the ledges above them and it started coming crashing down. He turned around, grabbed his friend by his hand and threw him over his shoulders and started running as rocks started falling down to them. "R4! Bring our ships to our location! We need to get out of here! Now!" He looked above them and saw a group of vulture droids, circling around them.

Meanwhile, Dooku had used Force to pull his apprentice to the gurney and then simply walked to the landing ship which they had used.

"Wait for me!" AD screamed and run as fast as he could and made it just before the ramp was closed. "Thanks to my maker! We survived!"

The ship took of quickly and flew into the space.

"Will he make it?" Dooku asked from a medical droids who were working on him.

"He has several injuries but none of them should turn fatal as none of his vital organs are injured." The droid explained. "I do suggest that we get him into a bacta tank immediately."

"Excuse me, master Dooku." AD crept closer. "I believe you should have these." He handed two lightsabers he had picked up. "They belong to master Naruto."

Dooku took them and nodded. "Good."

"Excuse me, Count Dooku, sir?" A droid captain came from the cockpit. "Our ship is informing that they have engaged Republic cruisers."

"Tell them to prepare for hyperspace." Dooku said firmly. "Soon as we are onboard, we will leave." He looked at Narutos open eyes. "You did well, son. You did extremely well."

The man slowly closed his eyes as the sedatives took over.

((A))

Naruto opened his eyes slowly. He was looking up a stone roof. He could sense a presence sitting in the chair next to his bed. "Where is this?"

Dooku opened his eyes. He had been meditating as he waited his apprentice to wake up. "Serenno, Royal Palace."

"No wonder I felt so… weird." Minato whispered as he slowly sat up. His body ached but there was no real pain. He touched his chest. Bacta really was a miracle worker. "What happened?"

"That Nautolan Jedi attacked you cowardly." He explained. "I sensed your danger and rushed to your aid before anything happened."

Naruto didn't look at him. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"What? That your father was your former master's first padawan? That he fell in love with your mother and gave up his knighthood because of it? That they lived together and wished to have a family but the Jedi and the Republic couldn't allow it." Naruto looked up to him. "Your mother was strong in Force. And skilled with lightsaber yet her spirit was free."

"There's more to that story than you just told me, isn't there?" Naruto whispered.

"Of course." Dooku stood up. "But to find out the truth, you have to do some research, or give me something in return." He left the room. "When you're ready, come down for dinner."

As he opened the door, AD was walking inside, holding a tray. "Ooh! Thank goodness! Master! Glad to see you fully functional again! I can say that I wasn't worried at all!" He hurried to the room as doors closed after Dooku. The droid ranted all the time while offering something to drink.

While he drank in his new room in the Royal Palace, he walked out to the balcony he had. He took a zip of his tea. "Was it always this green?" He muttered.

"Excuse me, sir?" AD asked. "Did you say something?"

"Nothing." He shook his head. "I'll be heading outside." He glanced at the table at the side of the room and summoned his lightsabers. As he first put his fathers to his belt, he stopped to look at his mothers. The three jewels attached to it. Red, yellow and blue. The strange color choosing. What was his mother thinking? He could ask from Dooku… but then he would need to reveal his own past. Memories of his acts in Akatsuki… he couldn't. Not yet.

Or perhaps… he didn't want to find out who they were. He hadn't been positively excited so far.

"Of course, master." The droid nodded quickly and started walking outside. "Shall I prepare the speeder-?"

"No." Naruto said quickly. "I walk." He jumped of the balcony to the grassy ground of Serenno.

Behind him, in the shadows, couple figures were glaring at his distancing back.

"Whoever brings me his head, will take his place as my apprentice." Dooku said suddenly and two figures quickly followed their target. He himself walked to the edge and smirked. "Now, son, let us see how far you have come."

((A))

"… and we failed." Kit Fistos hologram answered solemnly. "I brought wounded Jiraiya to cruiser where he received the medical attention."

Members of the Jedi Council looked at each other solemnly. "Most discouraging." Yoda sighed sadly.

"Probably the only chance we get with the two of them in one place and they slip through our fingers." Shaak Ti sighed. She had recovered well and had been just released from a bacta tank.

"I'm afraid we only have bad news as well." Obi-Wans hologram spoke up. They were returning from Naboos moon Ohma-D'un and had told of the tragedy that had taken place. "And it doesn't end there."

((A))

Three Jedi had fought against the bounty hunter, Durge when the he had taken the padawan, Zule Xiss as his hostage. Obi-Wan and her master Glaive had managed to free her but then they were surrounded again. Then, out nowhere, a lightsaber had come and decapitated the tall man instantly.

Assajj Ventress had joined the battle.

"I was born from the suffering," She took of her cloak "Only to find out that the Jedi who I had once worshiped were nothing but a weak, misguided fools." She took her lightsabers and activated them. "My master speaks truth! We will purge the Galaxy from the Jedi!"

The fight continued and this assassin proved to be a real challenge. She even took padawan Xiss arm with her. But finally, Anakin and ARC trooper 'Alpha' returned.

"You?" Anakin had yelled. "I saw you fell into that ravine!"

Ventress smirked. "That was long ago. It takes more than that to kill me, padawan. I see you have yourself a new arm already. Perhaps you can give some tips to that girl over there."

"Calm, Zule." Obi-Wan whispered. "Stay calm all of you. She is only trying to anger you."

"I can see why my master thinks so highly of you, Kenobi." She pointed her lightsaber at him. "It will be a joy to take your head as a proof your death."

"I'm pleased to find out that Count Dooku holds me in such high regard."

"Count Dooku? I wasn't talking about him?" Ventress narrowed her eyes. "My master is Naruto Uzumaki. The next Lord of the Sith."

"What?" Obi-Wan and Anakin gasped.

"I will remember your faces, Jedi. Just wait!" She leaped into the air and allowed Durge to carry her away.

((A))

"He has even started teaching a student?" Ki-Adi Mundi asked. "This has got to stop! Every passing day we hear more and more hopeless news about this boy. What next? He will come forward as the Sith Master?"

"He won't." Jiraiya spoke suddenly and everyone looked at his seat where his hogogram was sitting. "Naruto won't raise his weapon against Dooku. I saw it in his eyes when we fought. That boy will give his everything to people who he holds dear. That hasn't changed even if he is now a… Sith."

"You used the name 'Naruto'?" Windu asked. "Why?"

Jiraiya looked up. "Because Minato was never his name really. Anyway, this game of cat and mouse will come to an end soon enough."

"Return to your duties as head of Intelligence you should." Yoda nodded. "Time to think on this you need. Careful you must be."

Jiraiya nodded.

((A))

Serenno wasn't like he had remembered it. It was much greener. Much variety of different life forms. Or it perhaps… it was just that he the garbage mountain he had live in, had been wiped out after Dooku took over the world.

He walked in the forest and smiled. Had he known that there were places like this outside the mountain, he had left the place. He touched a tree gently. What would his life had been if Jiraiya hadn't kill his parents? Would they have been like all those families in the galaxy? Having fights, eating together, making up, father teaching a son his trade, mother keeping the house in order. Would he have siblings? Pets? Would he have ever met Barriss? Hiina? Tenten? Any other of his romantic interests?

The thought had been so sudden that he hadn't had any time to prepare for it. He shook his head.

He would've probably had normal childhood? Having girlfriends, normal friends, 'enemies', people to live with.

He didn't hate his time at the Temple, if he was honest with himself. There he had friends, 'enemies', rivals, people to watch over him. Everything a child could need. It was just something that he hadn't really chosen for himself. Dooku had taken him there where people had immediately started to grow him up to a Jedi and before he knew it, his life had been already determined. The idea was suffocating now that he thought about it. Somebody making plans for his life! It was just something he couldn't accept lying down.

He felt a disturbance in the Force.

He sighed. "If you have something to say, why don't you just get over here?"

Two figures in tree leaped into action immediately. Naruto could hear two lightsabers being activated.

"No manners, what so ever." Naruto said angrily as he had been disturbed by someone.

Two figures prepared to attack and aimed their attacks at his turned back. "Fools." He whispered. "If you've been spotted, the middle of the air is the worst place to be." He remembered how he had a lightsaber stuck in his back. He remembered his fight with Jiraiya. He remembered the truth. His eyes turned into flaming red.

Naruto turned around swiftly and raised his hands, shooting deadly lighting at the two figures. First one was taken by complete surprise and sent flying back into woods as the other used his lightsaber to block the attack and slashed downwards. Naruto simply stepped aside from the attack and used Force to throw him roughly against a tree.

"So, you've finally made your move, Quinlan Vos." He stated as he recognized the man struggling to stand up. "Master Jedi." He glanced at his masters two acolytes. Quinlan Vos and Tol Skorr who was currently withering in pain.

Quinlan forced himself to stand up and raised his lightsaber. "I'm here to kill you!"

Naruto smirked. "Because you want to become the Apprentice, or because you wish to destroy the Sith?"

Master Quinlan attacked and Naruto blocked it. "Do you seriously believe that your insignificant Jedi training is enough to destroy a Sith!" He yelled and they began to fight and as Naruto took the opening stance of Vaapad, he couldn't help but thank his master for such gift. Blowing off some steam was everything he needed right now.

((A))

"My darling, I can't get enough of your love babe~ Girl, I don't know, I don't know why~ Can't get enough of your love babe~ Oh, some things I can't get used to~ No matter how I try~ Just like the more you give, the more I want~ And baby, that's no lie~ Oh no, babe~!" Bad female signing voice echoed through dimly lit bar where a, white, now short and spiky haired man was sitting and zipping some drink.

"He would've loved to watch a Twilek butchering this song." Jiraiya muttered by himself as he raised the glass to his lips and took a zip. "He would have easily ducked this one." He glanced around solemnly. "With his new looks and more serious acts, half of this bar would be ready for him after one minute. And the other half would be ready in two."

"Isn't that kind of pathetic?" Tsunades voice said suddenly as she sat into his table. "Looking like that?"

Jiraiya didn't answer, but gulped down rest of his drink.

"I like your new hair." She said suddenly.

"I thought a little image change was in order." He muttered and brushed his hair and his hand made its way to his neck. Where his pony tail had once been. "His skills are already beyond my control." He raised his glass and a waiter came and took it away.

"Anything for you?" Tsunade was asked but she shook her head.

"I tried not to kill him." He continued his story. "I thought that… I could bring him in, easily. After all, nobody is too strong."

"But you would have! Unless Dooku had shown up, he could have been easily brought back. Well, not easily, since you got your ass handed by him. But since Master Fisto was there, you could have."

Jiraiya shook his head. "We could have apprehended him, true. But the moment he would have recovered, he would have escaped. Somehow, I know he would have." He smirked. "That boy could always surprise everyone. Even could escape a prison." The waiter put down a glass and Jiraiya took it. He looked his own reflections from the liquid. "I remember when he was really captured by Trandoshan pirates. It was his first infiltration mission. He had made his usual mistake and saved a girl in need. Pirates had figured his identity and wanted to make sure about what the Order knew. So they put him into a lockup. And not into just any lockup but they even had those containment fields, self-activating laser cannons, guards armed to teeth. The beauty. When I hurried to his rescue, I had to fight through all those pirates to get to the lockup only to find him to be out of his cell, guards defeated one way or the other, cannons destroyed and the containment field destroyed. When I caught up with him, he only said: 'what took you so long, you perverted senile.' like it was nothing." He took a gulp.

"How did he do it?"

Jiraiya snorted. "I have no idea. When I asked, he only said that he was just that good. I guess that boy just can't be contained. He is truly like a rat that can crawl his way through a grey stone into freedom."

((A))

"GYAAAH!" Tol Skorr screamed as his arm fell off.

Quinlan Vos was withering like a leaf in the wind but still had all his limbs attached. Expect his left ear and same side of the face was burned. He still couldn't believe it had come to this! The same boy who had once used him as a launching board was no outdoing him in a duel! He was supposed to finish the second Sith off to finish this war but he himself was about to be finished.

But Naruto wasn't finished just yet. He charged forward, about to attack and finish them. He was going to start with Quinlan. He charged forward and their lightsaber met above his head. Naruto used Force to throw him backwards and was about to impel him when a red lightsaber came out of nowhere and blocked it. "That's enough, son." Dooku said firmly and looked at his apprentice.

He looked at his master before nodding back. He deactivated his lightsaber and stepped back. Dooku turned to face his two acolytes. "I hope both of you understand now the difference of Jedi and a true Sith." They understood. Both of them understood. They truly understood. Then he turned to face Naruto who had put his lightsaber away. "Are you alright, my apprentice?"

"Of course." He nodded and turned to walk away. "Thanks. I needed this."

"Anytime, son. Anytime."

((A))

"Learn to close your mind you have to, young padawan." Yoda said as he guided Barriss. After her last shock, she had been hurried to learn to close her mind as the attacks became more frequent and severe. "Dangerous a connection between a Sith is."

"I understand, master." She nodded. She could still feel him. He was fighting someone. Someone who he didn't care about. Blowing off some steam.

She took a deep breath and closed her mind. Using Force to enforce that barrier, she slowly started loosing him. But this was far from over. She would need to do this every day. Keep herself braced all the time in case of something happened.

And part of her didn't want to. She wanted to feel him. She wanted to know that he was okay. Where he was. What he was doing. To know that he was still there. And long as she could feel him, there was some (perhaps foolish) hope that he could be saved.

((A))

"Where is he!" A woman screamed angrily and used Force to throw droids and technicians aside. "Master! Where are you!" The doors opened and she walked in.

"Aah! Mistress Ventress!" AD greeted politely. "Glad to see you're alr-" He was pushed aside and she stormed into the room. She saw the figure she had been looking for standing in the balcony, looking at some mountains in the distance. "Master! Are you alright?"

Ventress had returned from Naboo and Queyta, after facing some Jedi with Durge. When she had found out the fate of her master, she had rushed to his side.

Slowly, Naruto stepped inside and the doors of the balcony closed. "I'm fine." He said firmly and sat down. AD hurried to offer some refreshments. He was back on his top form. After Dooku had taken his acolytes away, Naruto had retreated to train the third form of lightsaber combat. Next time, that green octopus head would get a lightsaber stuck into his back, and Naruto would be sure not to miss. "I heard that you were successful on your mission?"

"Yes, master." She bowed her head quickly front of his seat. "But that Skywalker and his master Kenobi survived, the master twice. But I've taken lives of five Jedi since we last me, my master." She presented five lightsabers.

"Well done, Assajj." He nodded approvingly. "And don't worry about Kenobi or his padawan. Their time will come, my apprentice." Naruto said slowly and leaned back on his seat. "The time will come when we will face them together and that time, they won't escape."

Rattak female raised her head. "Master, please, let me chase after the Jedi, Jiraiya! I will avenge you!" She began pleading passionately.

"No." Naruto shook his head. "I will deal with him. My parents would want that. And more so, you're not ready to face a master like him. And lastly, you have your duties. While I have my own."

Ventress looked up. "Master?"

"I will be leave to Haruun Kal to oversee some problems we have there. Meanwhile you will do your orders as presented. We will meet rendezvous in… Jabiim."

"Jabiim?" Ventress asked. "I shall be there, ready to do your bidding, my master."

Naruto stood up and smiled. "You're a good pupil, Ventress and you have much skill. But don't get ahead of yourself. Arrogance is a Jedi weakness."

"Yes, my master."

((A))

"Impressive." Sidious commented. "That boy is growing stronger faster than I had expected."

"I will send him to Haruun Kal to deal with the situation there. I wish to have him fight Depa Billaba who he used to have respect."

"Good. Then, we can start our preparations for the last stages of his turning to Dark Side completely."

"Yes." Dooku nodded. "There is also a matter concerning his Twilek counterpart. He pressed few buttons and in a moment, a smirk started forming into Sidious's face.

"Good. This is turning out better than I had expected again. That boy really is very unpredictable." He commented and his smirk dropped. "His unpredictability might end up as our doom if we are not careful."

"Surely you're not doubting-"

"Lord Tyrannus, I understand your… sentimental attachment to the boy but don't let him abuse such weakness. Some are Jedi. Some are Sith. Some Jedi are just pretending to be Sith and some Sith are just pretending as Jedi. There is only one thing that differs a Jedi from a Sith. It remains to be seen if that boy has that quality in him."

Dooku nodded gloomily. "As you say, my master."

"Rest assured my friend, everything is proceeding as planned. Soon, the Jedi will be at our mercy and you and your apprentice will lead our armies to crush them."

((A))

Naruto was heading towards his new ship as his old one had been buried in the ravine. AD was hurrying behind him. After his last brown jacket was lost in Alderaan, he had gotten himself a new, black long overcoat. Under the open coat he wore a dark shirt. At his waist he had a belt where he had strapped his lightsabers.

AD hurried inside the ship before Naruto stayed behind to take one last look of his home world. A storm was coming up. He could smell it in the air. He raised his hood and stepped inside his ship.

He had a job to do in Haruun Kal.

CHAPTER END

A/N: To see Narutos new overcoat go to www (dot) cosplaymagic (dot) com (slashs) kiheaxco (dot) html. I just saw it and thought it rocked for this!

A/N: Hope you all liked this chapter. REMEMBER TO REVIEW! ! ! ! ! !

The Smuggler and Master