Talia let out a tired sigh as she read over the reports in front of her. It had been several days since Naruto had taken command of the pilots and she had received complaints from all the pilots on his training method. She opened the next report and saw that it stated that Naruto would appear at random times near the pilots and throw rubber balls at them, he said it was for dodging training. Unfortunately after three days of this Shinn had tried to attack Naruto, which led to him spending the next two days in the medical bay.

Talia set the report down and ran her hand through her hair tiredly, "Why does he do this things?" she asked herself as thought of the Blonde Mercenary that was onboard. He was certainly different from anyone she had met, he was playful, flirtatious, and overall a carefree man, yet he was serious, dangerous, and very sharp as well. To her it always seemed liked he was five steps ahead of everyone in everything.

Her desk com rang and she picked up the receiver, "Yes," she said in a authoritatively.

"Hi Talia!" the happy voice of Naruto said on the other end of the com. "How are you?"

Talia was silent for a moment, wondering how he got access to her private com channel. "I am doing well Naruto," she replied neutrally as she sat up in her desk. "May I ask the reason for your call?"

"Would you please come join me here on the outer deck to enjoy a wonderful sunrise?" He asked.

Talia pondered this question, she needed to get more information on the Blonde for the chairmen, yet she was also needed on the bridge because that was the day they were leaving for the next base. After a few more moments of thinking she came to her decision.

"I am sorry Naruto," she replied in a calmly as she got up from her desk. "I have to get to the bridge."

"If you come I promise you won't regret it," he stated in a knowing tone. She could picture in her mind the large smile that was on his face.

Talia sighed and looked at the clock; she could spend a little time with him on the outer deck and get more information on him as well. "I will come, but I can only stay for 15 minutes," she replied.

"That is all I need," he said in an excited tone, "See you soon!"

Talia hung up the com and finished getting ready for the day. She walked out of her room with her captain hat in her hand. She past many of the crew members, and they saluted her as she past. She would return the salute as well and soon the door to the outer deck came into view. She mentally prepared herself and walked onto the deck. She saw Naruto standing near the end of the rail, a table a few away from him. He wore his usual clothing except his weapons were nowhere to be seen.

He turned to look at Talia and gave her a warm smile. "I am happy you could join me Talia," he said, the look of happiness and joy on his face.

Talia just nodded letting a small nearly unnoticeable smile grace her face. Naruto lead her over to the table where a delicious looking breakfast was prepared. He pulled out a seat and she sat down. It was still slightly dark outside so the only light that helped to illuminate the table was two candles.

"Where did you get such a wonderful meal?" she asked as she looked over the different foods before her. Most of them couldn't be found on the ship.

Naruto just gave her a cheeky smile, "I have my ways." he replied as he picked up his fork and knife.

Talia gave him a questioning look, "And those ways are?" she asked.

Naruto just kept on smiling, "Now that would be telling. "He replied as he cut into some of his food.

"If you brought contraband on my ship I will have you removed," She said with authority as she watched Naruto. He just kept on smiling as he looked back at her.

"I promise I haven't brought anything that is bad on the ship." he stated simply, he set his utensils down and rested his elbows on the table, resting his chin on his fists. "You can trust me."

Talia gave him a neutral look, "For next time please inform me you will be bringing things on the ship ok." she replied and Naruto's face brightened up even more.

"Next time. Well if you insist Captain, but it will be dinner then" he said as he picked up his fork and knife again. Taila just gave him a small glare a slight blush to her cheeks.

-SB-

Naruto just sat at his desk reviewing more of the battle data for the pilots. He worked on different simulations he wanted them to go through to help them with their teamwork. They had a basic defense plan to protect the ship; usually they would have Rey and Luna stay on or near the ship while Shinn and Athrun went out to take out the main forces of the enemy. It had worked well so far but if they enemy is numerous they would be overrun. Such as with the battle that happened near the nation of Orb.

Now that he and Heine were on the ship it provided better formations and battle plans for the upcoming battles. He did have some emotional issues he needed to fix as well with his pilots, specifically Shinn. Shinn had a large grudge against Orb and wanted to blame all his problems on Orb, he was reckless and emotional letting things that no longer matter bother him. He didn't think much for himself and seemed to trust all the words of the Chairman and Ray. He needed to confront his problems and come to understand things happen to good people and to let his family's death drop from his shoulders. Next was Ray, he was the poster child of following the Chairman. He was smart and cunning, yet there was something off about him. He seemed to set himself in a role that he in the end cannot live up to.

The rest of his pilots were fairly normal in the sense. Athrun was a great fighter and worked well with the other pilots. He hated to fight friends without a reason and such. Heine was just a normal person and worked his hardest to help others; also he helped to bring more of a balance to the group beside Athrun. Lastly there was Lunaimara, she was a strong willed girl and did her best at all things. She had a strong sense of what is right and wrong.

Overall they were great individuals and had a good grasp of team work, yet they needed more of it to truly be great. He closes his computer as he let the simulations build; he turned in his chair and saw Meer sitting on her bed playing with her Haro. She had spent most of her time since they had returned to the ship in the room, not asking to go see Athrun or do anything.

She looked up at him for a moment before quickly looking away, a look of fear evident in her eyes. Naruto let out a understanding sigh and stood up, walking over to Meer.

"Can I take a seat?" he asked her in a calm voice, his hands at his sides. Meer looked up at him and slowly nodded and he slipped down next to her. He watched her as she looked down at her Haro, trying to form the best thing to say. Finally it came to him.

"Meer," he said simply, "I am sorry."

Meer turned to look at him, the hurt evident in her eyes. "Why were you so cold to me?" she asked.

Naruto gave her a serious look, "You forced me into a situation I did not wish to be in." he replied, the tiredness evident in his voice. "I did not want to get involved any more in this war then I already am."

"You're not involved," she replied in a slightly confused tone. "All you're doing is training the pilots to be better."

Naruto just sighed, "There is more than just training them Meer," he said as he looked her in the eyes. "I will be in battle, fighting to protect you this new job puts you more at risk and as your protector I have to make sure you are safe."

Meer just nodded, "That's ok," she said simply. "You're just fighting the Earth Forces that's all. They are the ones who started this."

Naruto held in the anger that was building at Meer's comments. He understood that she really didn't understand the true meaning of war and was coming at it from the Chairman's perspective. He looked away from her for a moment gathering his thoughts. "They are not just the Earth Forces," he replied, "They're people. Just like you and me, fighting for what they believe is right."

"Well what they are fighting for is wrong, the Chairman wants to bring peace and they keep on wanting to fight." She stated with surety. "If they would listen to the Chairman everything would be all right."

Naruto stood up and walked toward the door. "Meer, just know that I am sorry for the way I treated you earlier," he said calmly, "but just remember there is more to this war then meets the eye."

Naruto walked out of the room and left Meer to ponder his words. She looked down at Haro and wondered what Naruto meant. She looked over at Kyuubi who was sleeping on his dog bed hoping to talk with him but he was out. She sighed and sang quietly to herself as she pondered her protector's words.

-SB-

Naruto walked down the hallway toward the hanger, having just left Meer in their room. He wished she was more willing to listen to him and see this conflict from another perspective but she was not ready. It would take a bit more time for her to come around. He ran a hand through his hair as he walked into the hanger, many of the workers going about.

He watched them all as they did their best, knowing that all of them were full of hope for a better future. Yet many would not see it or would come to know the price of that future, just like he had. He let that thought drop as he walked over to his machine, it stood tall and mighty next to the Zakus and Goof. He got on the lift pad and rode it up to the cockpit of the machine quickly entering. He began to run tests on the systems and such.

He had installed Tenten earlier to check for any hidden kill switches in the system but she had found none. He still went over every inch of the Senaju to make sure, can never be too careful. He soon got lost in his work as he went over system after system; it helped to calm his nerves about all that was going on. He finished running the checks and stretched his arms above his head, letting out a satisfied sigh.

"Commander Naruto!" A voice called from outside his machine. Naruto stepped out and looked down. He saw one of the mechanics standing there.

He ignored the commander part and headed down to the mechanic, "what is it?" He asked as he stepped level to him.

The mechanic fidgeted a bit under Naruto's gaze, "well, we were wondering..." His voice trailed off.

"Wondering what?" Naruto asked wanting answers and a craving of ramen was coming upon him.

The mechanic couldn't find his words so his friend came to his rescue. "He was wondering if you could as Miss. Lacus if she would be willing to sing a song for us." He said simply. "We think a lot of the crew would like it."

Naruto simply nodded and pondered it for a minute. It might help to get Meer in a better mood and to brighten the mood on the ship. "I think Lacus would be fine to sing for you a bit but you have to get it cleared by the Captain first." He stated.

The mechanics nodded and smiled, "We will ask her right away!" they both stated and rushed away, talking furiously to each other. Naruto just smiled at this and turned to head back to his room when he saw Shinn up in the pilots locker room. Naruto saw that he was alone and decided to go and speak with his young hot head. He walked toward the elevator and made his way up to the locker room. Shinn sat on one of the benches looking out into the hanger, in his hand rested a pink cell phone.

Naruto walked over to him and plopped down next to him. Shinn turned his head and glared at Naruto, the hate evident in his eyes. "What do you want." he asked gruffly.

Naruto just looked out into the hanger, "Can't I speak to one of my pilots." he said in a fake offended tone.

"I am not one of your pilots I am a pilot for ZAFT," he stated civilly, his left hand slowly balling into a fist.

Naruto just chuckled, "Your one of my pilots as well," he countered as he leaned back, bracing his arms against the other bench. "I am your trainer after all."

Shinn looked away from Naruto and focused his eyes on his machine. Naruto watched him for a few more moments before sitting up straight once again. "Shinn," he started, "Why did you become a pilot?"

Shinn was slightly caught off guard by this question but that quickly went away. "I joined ZAFT to stop war." he stated with conviction. "To stop tragedies from happening to good people."

Naruto nodded, glad at least Shinn's heart was in the right place. "I can get behind that," he replied warmly. "but here is another question, does that mean stopping tragedies for only the people you care for and causing it for others, or to stop it for all people?"

A look of deep thinking spread across Shinn's face. Naruto slowly stood up and stretched, he gave Shinn a simple look. "When you have an answer for that question let me know ok." he said, giving him a small wave as he walked toward the elevator.

-SB-

Naruto stood outside the simulators as the pilots worked on the simulations he had made for them. They were currently working on the new formation he had made for them after accessing all their skills. The formation was this, Athrun, Heine, and Luna would be the frontline fighters going directly at the enemy, leaving Rey, Shinn, and himself to guard the ship.

Shinn was not happy with this formation but Naruto stated it was either this formation or he wouldn't sortie. As he watched the simulation he was pleased to note that Luna was proving to be a very capable frontline fighter and had taken out the most of the enemy in the simulator. She had a few close calls but Heine had come to her aid, Athrun covered the left side of the battle field and like always showed everyone why he is one of the best pilots there.

He looked toward Shinn and could see that in the way he fought he was not happy sticking to the Minerva. His movements showed his anger and whenever an enemy came into his firing range he took them out without mercy. A sigh escaped Naruto's lips as he turned and looked toward Ray as he did his job with precision. Overall they had improved and most of them had settled into their new roles.

Naruto typed quickly on the computer ending the simulation and waited for the pilots to join him. Everyone filed out of their respective simulators and stood in front of him.

"Good job everyone," he said professionally crossing his arms across his chest. "You did well in the simulator keep it up and you'll be ready for a real fight in no time. Luna you had the most enemy shot down which is great but you had a few moments where you could have been taken out yourself, remember to communicate when you are pushing ok. Other than that you all did great. Dismissed."

The pilots saluted and filed out, but as the started to leave the battle alarm sounded. The pilots were off like lighting to their machines and soon all were aboard. Naruto boarded his Sinanju and got on the coms.

He contacted the bridge and Mayrin appeared on his screen. "What's the situation?" he asked as he maneuvered his machine to the back of the Minerva to cover that area.

"A large fleet of ships have been detected in the area." she stated quickly, pulling up a map of the area. "We have identified them as a fleet of Orb Union ships and Earth Forces."

Naruto frowned; this was something he was not happy to see. Now it seemed that Orb was working with the Earth Forces and it meant more enemies to fight. Also Shinn would be more inclined to disobey and strike out on his own.

"Those bastards," he heard Shinn say over the coms, and looked to him. On Shinn's face was disgust and hate. "I'll destroy them all."

Naruto looked directly at Shinn, a battle hardened look on his face. "You will do as we have planned, you will protect the ship and not leave It." he ordered. "Is that understood?"

Shinn glared at Naruto, a low growl emanated from his throat, "Yes sir." he replied through his teeth and cut his connection to Naruto.

Naruto turned his com to Rey and gave him a stern look. "You are to make sure he does as order." he stated civilly, closing his eyes so he couldn't see the anger

Rey nodded, "Understood sir." he replied. Naruto nodded and opened his eyes a reassured look on his face.

"Now everyone," he said to all the other pilots, "The enemy we are facing are many but we can win the day, also don't die on me got it!" He got confirmation from all the pilots.

Naruto sealed his helmet as he suit was loaded onto the catapult. "Naruto Uzumaki launching!" he called and shot out of the ship, he flew out into the sunlight the red color of his Sinanju. He took his position at the rear of the Minerva and waited for everyone to get into position.

-With Earth Forces-

Neil stood on the bridge of his ship as he watched the Minerva in front of them. They had combined with a fleet from Orb to once and for all destroy that ship. Stella and the other pilots were in their machines. The Orb forces were in position and were awaiting orders. Yuna Sayran was the commanding officer for their forces and seemed very eager to fight this battle.

Neil on the other hand was a bit apprehensive about this upcoming battle. He couldn't shake the feeling that something on the Minerva had changed. He zoomed in on the Minerva and saw its mobile suits come out. He saw the four he had fought before but two new ones had joined the group as well.

The orange machine was not one he worried about too much. It was a newer model but nothing his forces couldn't handle. The red suit on the other hand, is what gave him a bad feeling, like a monster had come and they should run.

He dismissed the thought from his mind and focused his attention on the battlefield. "Have all machines launch!" he ordered, "Have Stella and the other focus on taking out the mobile suits. All other machines are to attack the ship directly."

-With the Minerva-

Talia watched as the enemy mobile suits launched and come toward the Minerva. The Chaos and Gaia were among the units and soon they were joined by the Orb mobile suits. She was saddened by the addition on Orb as an enemy but it wouldn't stop her from carrying out her duty.

"Load Tanhozer, Have Tirsten and Esolde primed and ready to fire." she commanded and the bridge came to life.

Arthur sat at his chair, Kyuubi standing beside him. Kyuubi had told him that he was going to be helping and Arthur remembered what happened last time and agreed begrudgingly. Kyuubi picked two ships on the side to focus their first volley.

"Fire!" Arthur stated as the targets were entered in the computer. The Minerva's main guns roared to life firing their powerful shots. The enemy ships took several direct hits and one of the two was sunk and the other was badly damaged. They watched as the damage ship drew back but their attention was drawn to the fire of other ships in the area.

-With the Pilots-

Luna hovered in the air, thanks to the flight unit now attached to her unit, as she aimed her beam rifle at the enemy. They fired at her and she dodged many of the shots, firing back and taking out two wingdoms. She was forced to dodge to the side as two Orb Musumes flew past.

She spun quickly and unleashed another wave of beams at them, destroying them. Suddenly she felt the urge to dodge and she did. As she moved she saw three blast of beam pass through where she once was.

"I guess Naruto's dodging training has helped." she thought to herself as she shot down three more mobile suits.

"Luna," said the voice of Athrun over the coms, "Watch out for the Gaia."

Luna nodded, "Thanks Athrun, I will." she replied as she launched a barrage of missiles at another squadron of wingdoms.

While this was going on Shinn stood on the right side of the Minerva, his beam rifle taking out enemies left and right. He would always take out the Orb suits first then move onto the wingdoms. His anger grew and grew with each shot.

"These Bastards," he stated to himself as he blocked some beams with his shields.

He primed his thrusters and was about to take off into the main fray of the battle when Ray came on the coms. "Shinn, remember you are to protect the ship."

Shinn just growled at this. "I know that." he replied, as his hands tightened on the controls. The memories of his family's death coming to the forefront of his mind. He released his grip on the controls and focused on the task at hand.

Naruto had listened to the exchange and was glad Ray was able to get Shinn to focus once again. He shot a few mobile suits down as he watched the rest of the battle unfold. Luna was doing great and providing great cover for the middle, Athrun and Heine held their positions well and only a few mobile suits got through. When they did get through Shinn and Ray would take them out quickly, one that was lucky to get past them met an end with him.

-On the Bridge-

Talia watched the battle and was happy with the way it was turning out. With the addition of Heine and Naruto the ship seemed more than ready to face this enemy. She focused her attention on the fleet and a determined look appeared on her face.

"Let's blast through them." she ordered, "Arthur fire the Lohangrin."

Arthur just nodded, "Yes Ma'Am." he replied, prepping the Lohangrin to fire.

Soon the Lohangrin was ready to fire and Talia looked at the enemies in front of her. "FIRE!"

-With Naruto-

He shot down another Wingdom as it flew past, when he saw that the Lohangrin was about to fire. Suddenly he saw a flash of white, blue, and black fly past, he quickly turned and saw it fire at the side of the Lohangrin, stopping it from firing. This caused a huge explosion to happen at the front of the ship, knocked Ray into the water.

"What the hell." Naruto demanded as he got a good look at the machine. It was the Freedom; this made Naruto frown even more. He knew the pilot very well, he was dating his daughter. "Yamato!" he shouted as he began to lift off and face the Freedom.

The Freedom had all it guns trained on all the mobile suits in the area when Naruto came at it side, bashing his shield into it and sending it flying down. He turned and saw another mobile suit that was red coming towards him, a large twin legged ship behind it. He dodged the red mobile suits attack with ease and kicked them away.

As he floated there he sent out a chakra pulse. He soon felt the presence of Lacus aboard the twin legged ship as well as two people who seemed to be using chakra. This threw him off slightly and his eyes narrowed.

"No one should be using Chakra." he stated to himself as he pinpointed the two chakra signatures. The first was in the black mobile suit that could change and the other was in the green mobile suit with the two deployable guns. He made a mental note to find out how they were using chakra but first he turned his attention to the unwanted guest.

"Naruto what is going on?" Talia demanded as he stood in the middle of the battlefield facing the new enemy.

"I am about to find out." he replied, the anger evident in his voice. "You and the others focus on the battle; I want all suits to stay away from the black and green mobile suits. Is that understood?"

"Roger," he got from all the pilots except Shinn.

He was about to contact Shinn when the Freedom came up fired it beams at him. Naruto spun past the first two and then blocked the rest with his shield. He looked at the Freedom and let out a snarl.

"You better explain yourself Yamato," he stated as he charged forward, beam saber drawn.

-On the Ark Angel-

Captain Marrue Romeus sat in her chair and watched as Kira dove into the fight with Cagalli close behind. When they had heard of this upcoming battle Cagalli had nearly lost her mind, and begged for their help to stop it. They had agreed and had come as quickly as possible to stop the fight between the two sides.

She watched as Kira was able to successfully stop the Minerva from firing it Tanhozer at the Earth Forces fleet but he was soon blindsided by a red mobile suit. It was different from any models that they have seen. Cagalli tried to attack it but it kicked her aside.

The Red mobile suit floated in the air, its thrusters holding steady. Suddenly she heard a small gasp come from Lacus. She turned and saw a look of surprise and fear spread across her face.

"Lacus," Marrue said with concern. "What is wrong?"

Lacus covered her right hand with her left, "I know who the pilot of that red mobile suit is." she stated.

Marrue nodded; surprised on how Lacus could come to know who their opponent was so quickly. "Who is it?"

"It's Naruto." she stated and the entirety of the crew stopped.

"You don't mean..." Marrue replied with shock, slightly shaking.

Lacus nodded, "Yes, that is my father all right." she replied as she watched as Kira attacked Naruto.

-With Naruto-

Naruto blocked the Freedom's attack with his beam saber and kicked him away. He brought his blade down onto the Freedom's arm but Kira managed to dodge the attack just in time.

The Freedom flew back to create some space between him and Naruto. Naruto began to type quickly and opened a line of communication with the Freedom. "What the Hell, Yamato."

Kira Yamato looked into the angered face of Naruto, the Father of Lacus Clyne. "Naruto!" he stated in surprise the color draining from his face.

End of Chapter 8