Jedi Archive Entry
GO044-JS

A Jedi's position is that of a peacemaker, and an enforcer of peace as per the agreement of the Order and the Senate. As such, there are limitations that Jedi must adhere to when in contact with Senators. One such limitation is the separation of the Order Member and the Senate. This means, that while the Order has a space to speak to the Senate and may as a whole influence policy in ways that the Force dictates, it shall not be as a voting member/body. No Jedi can hold the office of Senator, nor can they hold any office baring those granted by the Senate. This separation includes the teachings of the Jedi or any other teaching that a Jedi may learn through their training. This caveat was decreed and requested by the earliest Galactic Republic as a necessary requirement to the continued partnership between the Senate and the Jedi Order.

Other limitations are-REDACTED

All further knowledge can be accessed with approval from the Council of First Knowledge.

Plo Koon mediated in his chamber after a monumental meeting within the Council Chambers. While he had been a master on the council for many years, rare was the meeting that forced him to meditate on the decisions of his fellow Masters. Yet here he was, meditating in the Force, trying to understand what had happened. His mind drifted back to the meeting itself.

The Council sat in silence as they meditated for a moment after Obi-wan's report on the events that occurred mere hours previous. An attempt on a Senator's life was not common, not rare by any means, but not common. However, for there to be two attempts on a Senator's life was something the Jedi would be forced to handle delicately. That the perpetrator was killed before being interrogated by a Jedi Master and his padawan was something unheard of.

"The Senator needs constant protection. Protection that you are capable of but will not be available for Master Kenobi." Mace Windu spoke with a sigh as he rubbed his forehead. The Battlemaster of the order thought of the multiple issues that the galaxy was facing that was forcing the hands of the Order. The most obvious of this were the assassination attempts on Padme Amidala and the struggles of the Trade Federation against various pirates and other forces for control of various pockets of space. However, unknown to the general public were the continued attacks on Jedi by various Dark Side Practicers. While none had resulted in the death of the intended victims, none had ended in the capture of the three known assailants. All three of the situations seemed unconnected, but himself and the Grandmaster believed after intense meditation that they were connected in some manner. Which was the reason for most Jedi being out of the Temple; safety in action was a Jedi philosophy that was well practiced.

Obi-wan nodded, as he too thought of the mission he had been tasked. He was to travel to Kamino to question about a bounty hunter that had taken residence in the capital of the planet. If he was lucky, and the Force willing, he would gain valuable insight into how such an attack would be orchestrated, as the bounty hunter had a history of playing well with the Order.

"Leaves us a decision it does. Protect the Senator, to who we assign?" Yoda spoke softly, prompting Obi-wan to answer.

"I believe Anakin to be capable of the protection of the Senator, even if I am not present." Several Master's shock was slightly visible. Kit Fisto spoke next, his eyes having widened by the comment.

"Are you suggesting that we assign a lone padawan as the bodyguard of a Senator? Regardless of the padawan's pedigree and capabilities, of which there is no question, Skywalker still remains a padawan."

Obi-wan opened his mouth to counter, with an argument he had put forth in previous meetings. Mace Windu interrupted. "Skywalker is a padawan and shall remain one for now." Looking over at Obi-wan, Windu continued. "The Council is aware of the arguments made for Skywalker's attempt at the trials, however such an attempt has not been authorized and thus makes the point moot. Master Fisto is correct. Assigning a lone padawan to the protection of a Senator, especially a Senator with two attempts on her life, would not look well for the Order."

Ki-Adi-Mundi hummed softly as he looked at his holopad, gaining the attention of the other council members. "Shelving this discussion for the moment, there is a matter of the Trials on our docket for this meeting. Master Plo Koon, could you explain more?"

"As you are aware, my padawan Naruto Uzumaki has made a full recovery and, as before the previous mission, was nominated as a candidate for the Knight Trials along side Padawan Skywalker. While Skywalker's nomination was rejected due to various factors, Padawan Uzumaki's was held in absence, as I nominated us for our previous mission. On this mission, as you are aware, Padawan Uzumaki was captured and then escaped from a Dark Sider under command of Fallen Jedi Count Dooku. It is my proposition to state that the Trials of Flesh, Skill and Courage were passed by this confrontation."

Instantly the other council members started to whisper amongst themselves. Several remained silent however, such as Obi-wan who merely looked thoughtful. Before another council member could object, the Grand Master spoke.

"Accepted, your proposal is. The conflict, seen I have in the flows of the Force. Courage and skill demonstrated well they were. As was the trial of Spirit. Was it not, Master Plo Koon?" The grandmaster's eyes locked with Plo Koon's, and instantly the master knew that the grandmaster referred to the conversation that Plo Koon and Naruto held on the trip back to the temple mere minutes ago.

They were flying together and had just entered the last hyperspace jump to head to Coruscant when Naruto spoke. Plo rarely kept secrets from his padawan, especially about his history and condition as a shinobi and a Jedi. A waste of talent, trust and time was what he told Naruto, when asked why he didn't hide things from him.

"The Kyubi is… not asleep anymore." Naruto's voice was level, and it was only due to decades of experience with the Force and with his padawan that Plo detected the fear within him. Glancing over at his padawan, Plo took in all the information he knew of the situation.

"It healed your injuries, yet that is not what makes you believe it is awake. What happened?"

Naruto took a deep breath. "I think… I think it showed me its history, or its memories or something. I don't think it was intentional either." Naruto placed his hand on his stomach, over where the seal was located that housed the titanic beast. "It only awoke after I saw it get sealed inside me. Sensei… I don't think the galaxy is capable of handling the Kyubi. We… we spoke."

Plo Koon motioned for Naruto to continue. After a moment of silence to gather his thoughts, Naruto did just that.

"Hello Fox." Naruto spoke with a voice that didn't shake even as the aura of the Nine Tailed Fox erupted around him.

"Human." The word was spat, the fox's voice ending in a growl. The hatred in that one word was the worst aspect, as the eyes of the Fox appeared in the gloom. Eyes that did not trust him, did not view his life as anything other than a threat to its existence. Yet those eyes held knowledge and wisdom and intelligence of which Naruto could barely skim the surface. Looking into the Fox's eyes, he knew that if he lived to be Grand Master's Yoda's age, he would only have experienced a fraction of what the beast had seen.

The fox stared into his eyes, and their gaze never waivered even as Naruto's fear of the primordial being increased. A huff escaped its snout. "You are not the weakest human I have ever met. I have seen your past. You, an orphan, a brat, a prankster was chosen to become a Jedi." The Kyuubi's slit pupils shrank even further as he gazed at the Jedi in which he was imprisoned. "I hate that. I hate that my prison is in the galactic spotlight. I loathe that you will attract enemies that would be nuisances to even myself." The unspoken statement that Naruto was infinitesimally weaker than the fox was one that Naruto refused to acknowledge. Strength was nothing in comparison to the Force. The fox grinned, as the pressure in the room skyrocketed. Naruto drew himself into the Force, as utterly as he could, yet still was forced to his knees as the mere presence of the Beast was unleashed.

"The Force. I knew of that before your kind walked the planet of Shin'o. Remember this brat, in the galaxy at large, all the major forces use the Force in some way. It is why it is most dangerous. Master its use and you will become a large player in the grand games of the galaxy." The fox started to chuckle as he retreated to his cage.

"Speak to me only if you are about to die. Or you have mastered yourself to the point where you can at least stand before me." A flick of one of his nine tails forced Naruto out of his mental prison and back to consciousness.

Plo Koon stroked his chin as he reflected on what his padawan spoke. "The fox… does not seem to hate you as much as he could. That is a good thing. He also gave some decent advice for you."

"Sensei?" Naruto questioned as he thought over what the fox said. Jiraiya always told him to never trust the fox, as it was always going to attempt to get free.

"He said that all the major players in the galaxy utilize the Force in some manner. And he is right. It has been my belief for a while now that someone in the senate is a force user, and I know that other powerful groups within the Galaxy utilize the Force in some manner even if it is for hired muscle. It would do you well to remember that the movements of the Force permeate the entirety of life itself. There is never a moment where the Force is not present, even if you cannot feel it."

The two were silent for a moment before Naruto spoke. "That is more of that Jedi are the best thing ever created. Just saying Sensei." The Jedi Master nodded and looked out over galaxy. He thought of things long past; of conversations with another blond that he both respected and viewed as family.

"As you know Naruto, I was raised to be a jedi. Your father and I had only one argument in the entirety of our knowing each other, and it was due to what you just pointed out. Minato claimed that the Jedi Order indoctrinated me to believe that the Jedi Order is the one true path to positivity." Plo Koon looked at his padawan. "I have trained you as my master did me, and as Minato would have wanted. I refused to allow the concept that the Jedi are the only path to be shown to you. Minato said in our argument that the reason every single one of the Jedi that Fell did so was because they were never given the Choice."

"Choice sensei?" Naruto asked as he heard the capitalization of the word with how much gravitas that Plo Koon said it.

"In the Jedi Order, once you become a Padawan the order believes that you have made the choice to follow the Order. You may leave yes, that is possible. However, you will never not be a jedi in the eyes of the Galaxy. Your father said that was wrong. A child, taught fed and housed by an order will of course beg to be apart of the order. It is the natural reaction; children are biologically inclined to follow behind their positive influences in some manner. Minato believed that every Fallen Jedi did so because they, either consciously or subconsciously believed that the Order was not living up to the expectations that were enforced into their psyche at a young age. If that is accurate… we have been wrong to train our younglings as we do. It is why I insisted on allowing you to have your shinobi training." Naruto's eyebrows rose in surprise, something his master picked up on. "Do not mistake me, Naruto, I would have done so even if I was not of this mindset as it was a promise to you and your parents. I mean that the reasons I fought so harshly for your treatment with the Council was for this reason. Otherwise, I would have had you trained in Shin'o arts in secret by a Jiraiya. You were given the opportunity to see the world through multiple lenses; allowing you to see the Galaxy as it is, and not as the Jedi Order would have you. It is a lesson I learned the hard way, with my time in the Buran Do and with your people."

Naruto nodded, as he thought of the endless number of arguments that his master had had with various members of the Council, often only backed by the Grand Master. Often forced to compromise and prioritize the Jedi way over the Shinobi teachings of Master Jiraiya, it was only because of Naruto's talent at learning the Force that allowed him so much time to learn from his godfather.

Switching topics as his padawan's silence stretched on, Plo Koon spoke again. "I am proud of you Naruto. You have accomplished much in the last years and I believe that you are ready for your final steps. Go and meditate on the Trials. I would like an answer to if you accept by the time we return to the temple."

"Yes sensei." The blonde smiled as he stood and walked towards the sleeping area of the shuttle. While no jedi needed comfort to meditate and dwell in the force, if it was available no jedi would say no. And the bedroll in his cot was surprisingly thick this time.

As he felt Naruto sink into the Force, Plo Koon activated the Holocommunicator.

"I apologize for my tardiness."

The memory flashed in Plo Koon's mind, as he sat still. The grandmaster nodded at the Jedi's silence. "Decided it is. Of his other Trials, does the Council have insight?"

Ka-Adi-Mundi spoke, his voice quivering with indignation. "I do find it… vexing, that the Grand Master of the Order just proclaimed that a decision was made without having the Council vote upon the matter. Furthermore, I am appalled that the concept of a fifteen year old Knight is even being considered. At least Skywalker is 19. I am not convinced that the boy has experienced enough to be a Knight of our prestigious order."

Mace Windu spoke up immediately," The Grandmaster has the ability to make decisions of rank based solely on their own judgement. That is one of the powers of the position. Are you suggesting that Grandmaster Yoda is unfit for the position?" The silence in the room answered Mace's question and he nodded as he continued. "While it is not usual for Grandmaster Yoda to exercise his abilities within this Chamber, I feel it must be stated that as Grandmaster, all promotions of rank within the Order are within his power to grant. He also could veto any major vote that the council decides, baring wartime action. There is also a reminder that as Head of the Council, and as Battle Master, that any conflict within this chamber falls to me to correct." With his final words said, Mace Windu sat back in his chair and stared at Ka-Adi-Mundi. The Jedi master perched his lips before he too sat back.

"Appreciated your input is. However, decided I have upon the promotion of Uzumaki." Grandmaster Yoda continued as though the interruptions never occurred. Looking to Master Plo Koon,"Deemed I have, Uzumaki to have passed the trails of Knighthood through his tribulations of his previous mission. Upon returning to the Temple, undergo the customary night of mediation he shall." Turning to Kenobi, he continued. "Ready yet, Padawan Skywalker is not. The Trials of Spirit and Flesh, dangerous they are. Crush his will, the Council does not wish."

Kenobi nodded before speaking to Plo Koon. "Congratulations on Naruto's Knighthood. This would be your third to rise to knighthood would it not?"

"Yes, my third. While the congratulations are appreciated Master Kenobi, I would instead like to shift our attention to the new solution that Naruto's knighting has presented to our previous dilemma. Naruto possesses combat capabilities that few in the Order can match and due to his people's teachings he is uniquely qualified to protect a valued target." As Plo Koon spoke, Yoda and Windu both nodded along. Kit Fisto smiled slightly as his friend finished before speaking.

"I agree with you Master Plo. Having trained with Uzumaki, I can state with certainty that his abilities are nothing that the Senate would frown upon. Not only that, but if his mind is anything like his masters' he would be capable of performing solo guard duties."

Plo Koon shook his head," I was not suggesting that Naruto protect Senator Almidala alone. I was suggesting that he join Padawan Skywalker in his protection duties as Mission leader reporting directly the Council. During my mediations, I sensed a possible connection between Count Dooku and the recent attempts on Senator Almidala's life. Should that be accurate, I am certain that together, even Count Dooku himself would not be able to succeed in assassinating the Senator."

Kenobi frowned before addressing Plo Koon. "While I am certain Anakin is a gifted if not prodigious jedi, I know he is not ready to face someone of Dooku's level. Do you actually believe that Naruto is capable?"

"Master Kit has sparred with him the most outside of myself. What would you say on the matter?" Plo Koon redirected the question, knowing that any answer he gave would be bias. Alongside the fact that he never engaged in any sparring match or even engaged in many missions with Dooku, his reference of information would be questioned. Kit Fisto leaned back as he thought on the fighting style of the blonde Jedi. As one of the few Jedi to spar consistently with Dooku before he left the Order, he was the de facto expert on the count's abilities with a lightsaber.

"I think that if Dooku's style of lightsaber combat has not changed significantly in the last years, Uzumaki could, with luck and the Force willing, land a decisive blow. Uzumaki fights in a manner that most Jedi would struggle with, and it is a constantly improving style. If Uzumaki and Skywalker synergize well in combat, I do not foresee a situation in which Dooku is able to successfully bypass them to assassinate the Senator." The council was silent at that; the main objection for placing the Order's newest knight clearly evaporated.

"The Council is agreed then. Knight Uzumaki will take over as primary guard alongside Padawan Skywalker of Senator Amidala, at least until such time as Master Kenobi can rejoin his padawan." Mace spoke in his most official tone, gaining nods from each of the masters present, even if they initially disagreed with the decision. Once a decision was made by the council, the entire council would support it as was the Jedi way.

"Masters Kenobi, Plo Koon and Ki-Aldi-Mundi, stay behind will you. Discuss we must of comments made today." The grandmaster spoke softly, even as holograms of the other masters began to faze out.

Soon, only Yoda and the mentioned masters remained, as Mace Windu exited the chamber. Yoda looked at Ki-Aldi-Mundi, and spoke.

"Understand I do, your position. Wish only for the best suited to be Knights in these treacherous times you do. Object you did, not out of knowledge or influence but fear." The grandmaster sighed. "Fear… fear is the one true path to the Dark Side. Faith. In our next generation, faith we must have. To surpass us, they could."

"Does that not also bestow arrogance upon us grandmaster? After all, if they are to surpass us, that means we must have taught them to do so." Ki-Aldi spoke with his spine straight. His eyes flicked towards the other two masters in the room. "It is only through the teaching of the Jedi that the will of the Force is evident after all."

The Grandmaster sighed yet again. This sigh however was one of patience tested by the ignorant children; of a teacher having to repeat themselves for the dozenth time knowing that their lesson will fall on deaf ears. "A slope you slip upon, to decide the will of the Force." Yoda shut his eyes and settled into a more comfortable position. "Dangerous that slope can be, as the cliff ends in bottomless dark. Thank you I do for speaking with me." The dismissal was clear, even though the master did not move.

Ki-Adi-Mundi slumped slightly. "I do not mean to insult you or the Order, or to question Uzumaki's abilities. I do fear that a young knight is a dangerous idea in these times. I worry that we do not put forth enough caution in who we make representatives of our Order, and that puts us and the galaxy at risk." He straightened his robes, and stood. "I still hold the opinion that he is too young. He is not ready for it, not when there is war on the horizon. None of our padawans are ready for war." The master walked out of the chamber, leaving his words hanging in the air.

"Force willing, I hope Master Ki-Adi-Mundi is wrong. War is not something I would wish upon anyone." Plo Koon spoke before turning to the grandmaster. "What is it that you wish to discuss Master Yoda?"

"Speak you did on your Padawans' abilities to counter my fallen apprentice. To debase you of these notions I shall. Dooku, a master he was, and a Fallen he now is. Lucky the Order is, satisfied he seems to be working in the shadows." Yoda spoke softly yet with confidence in his assessment.

"If you don't believe them capable, why did you have them assigned the mission?" Obi-wan asked in confusion as he stood and started to pace the room. "It is not the Jedi way to push our youth into death traps Master Yoda!"

"It isn't a death trap. I highly doubt that Dooku will appear in person." Plo Koon interjected before Obi-wan's rant could escalate. "While it would nearly ensure the success in her assassination, it would obviously reveal that Dooku was involved in a manner that could not be hidden behind his silvered tongue." The other two Masters looked at him and motioned for him to continue. "I doubt that even Dooku can explain his wanton murder of a Galactic Senator to his various contacts, especially considering the intelligence that Lord Jiraiya has passed on stating he is meeting with the various Separatist factions. I am also hopeful that Naruto and Anakin would both benefit from Senator Amidala's proximity. Often, when paired with dignitaries, the Jedi do learn political acumen which could serve them well."

Padme Amidala was a woman who had worn many hats in the service of her people. She had been queen of Naboo, one of the youngest in history. She was a known powerhouse in the Galactic Senate, and she knew many Jedi by name, a feat of itself. She was one of the few who understood exactly what it meant when she was informed that she would be receiving a new jedi for protection.

It was why she was guarded when the Knight entered the room, his hood up and moving with grace that even Padme found unusual. While all jedi were graceful, catlike and fluid, they still moved as if they were careful, mindful and prepared for an issue. This jedi walked as if the world was a potential battle field, each step measured and precise. There was no wasted motion, and if Padme was pressed, she would admit that this Knight made her feel as safe just by walking in the room as she did the entire time under the gaze of Master Kenobi.

Behind the new knight, Anakin entered, his face carefully blank. With a look to each side Anakin nodded at the guards in the room as the Knight walked up to the Senator. With a bow, the hood was removed in a fluid motion and a smiling teen with blue eyes the color of the skies of Naboo was revealed.

"Greetings Senator. My name is Naruto Uzumaki, a Knight for the Jedi Order. I shall be serving as point for your security." His voice was slightly higher than Anakin's, and while Anakin spoke with a soft tilt to his Basic from his time as a slave, this Knight spoke with a rush, as if his native tongue was spoken with harsher lip movements. His words registered a second after, largely due to her confusion on his barely noticeable accent. As the meaning of his name hit her, she scrabbled backwards, her hand reaching for the blaster that was hidden in the drawer beside her. His eyes sparkled with amusement as Padme held the blaster to his face.

"Get out." The anger in her voice was palpable, as was the fear she radiated in the Force. Naruto cocked his head and nodded.

"Anakin. Serve as personal guard. I shall be proximity. We will meet up in 800 for a briefing. Senator, we shall be leaving Coruscant within the day, for a secure location where you can continue to do your work without the constant risks." With his smile never leaving, even as his eyes danced in merriment he turned and started to walk out of the room. As he reached the door, he turned back. "If you are so afraid of my people… it contradicts your very ideals. I hope we can learn from each other Senator. Have a good night."

The door shut and the tension in the room dropped as if it were a cliff. Padme placed the blaster beside her and sighed. Looking back up when she noticed Anakin move to the window, she stood to join him.

Anakin was silent as Padme joined him by the window. "I am sorry about him. The council insisted that I was not enough to protect you without my Master present."

Padme looked over the endless cityscape and ran a hand through her hair. "Politically, they aren't wrong. The Order is under a ton of pressure due to all the happenings of the Galaxy. I just don't understand why he was picked." There was a slight amount of disdain in her voice as she spoke of Naruto. For the last decade, she had heard nothing of shadowy tales of the Shinobi of Shin'o. However, Anakin understood the emotions under the surface were more fearful and curious than anything else.

"I don't know what you were told about him," Anakin began and continued quickly when Padme looked to answer, "and I do not wish to know. I don't know anything about his history, or his planetary affiliation. It's not a Padawan's place to worry about such things. No… I can only speak on what I know of Naruto Uzumaki the Jedi." Anakin leaned against the window, and watched the speeders and ships move through the city.

"He is without a doubt the best the Jedi have available. The youngest Knight in centuries, abilities that I don't even know, and the confidence of the Jedi Council. His instructions and reasons behind them are spot on for foiling an assassination, and for the improvement of all of us." Anakin smiled slightly as Padme perked up.

"He is willing yes. As soon as we leave the capital, he will train you to defend yourself properly if you allow him."

Padme stumbled into her quarters on the ship, her legs and arms aching horridly even though no part of her was free from the throbbing. When she showed up to her training, she was excited as she opened the door to the cargo hold. That was until she saw the way Naruto and Anakin had moved the containers that housed all her required materials in Naboo. She had mentally scuffed when they were loaded; the Naboolians would never allow her to not have the items needed for her positions as the Senate worried. However the law existed for a reason; any time a Senator decided to leave the Capital for an extended period, they were required to take all necessary items for their position with them, including redundancies such as a desk. However, Naruto and Anakin had turned the cargo hold containing the containers of those items into a pseudo-obstacle course.

By the door, a crate was located with three weapons. A training Lightsaber, an oddly shaped knife, and a blaster. The blaster's setting was set to stun, the knife was black metal, with four sides that created a diamond like shape, and its handle was wrapped in linen and ended in a circular holed pommel.

Naruto spoke up, his face unreadable as he looked at the senator. "Pick your weapon." Anakin froze as he lowered the final crate into position, his body growing stiff at the blatant rule breaking that Naruto was doing. Agreeing to teach her to fight was one thing, teaching her how to use a weapon was another. The rules against Jedi teaching Senators were absolutely clear; complete separation was required from the senatorial class and the Jedi classes so as to ensure the safety of all.

Without much hesitation, Padme grabbed the blaster and before she even fully aimed, she was tapped on the throat by her instructor. She froze. She had never seen a jedi move like that. It was only from the corner of her vision, but he had blurred forward, covering the meters between them faster than her body could even comprehend, not even react.

"Dead." The soft voice in her ear caused her to shiver at his closeness. As the word left his lips, he stepped away and smiled gently as she turned to look at him. He explained," You took your attention from me. The test was not to see what weapon you preferred, we both know that all ready, it was to see if you had enough attention to grab it, and be prepared for an attack. I can teach you to use any weapon in the Galaxy, if I can teach you to use this." He tapped the side of his head. He turned around and started to walk back to his place.

Padme grabbed the blaster and shot him. Well, shot at his center mass as she was taught; slimming her profile, and moving to the left towards the nearest cover even as, without looking, Naruto dodged to the right. The blasterbolt soared through the space his body was mere moments ago, only to be deflected by Anakin's lightsaber at the last second.

"Your task Senator is to either hit one of us, or surrender. Anakin, since you lit that saber, you and I can have some fun." Naruto spoke loudly as he lit his saber with a flourish. In a blur of motion, the knight and the padawan attacked each other, blue clashing with purple with each flash of motion. Without warning a blaster bolt flew towards them, and Naruto used the connected blades to deflect it upward with a simple shifting of his wrist.

"Nice try Princess!" The senator's reply was three rapid fire blasts each that were deflected towards Anakin who deflected them to the floor while advancing forward. The training continued like this for several minutes; each attack on one of the Jedi from Padme was deflected, possibly even back at her, while any attack from Anakin was met with the lightsaber of the smiling Knight. Slowly, however, after what had to have been the hundredth clash of their sabers, Naruto's smile started to fall. Within the next several exchanges, Naruto was actually frowning. It was with a sigh that during the next clash, Naruto flicked his wrist, blasting Anakin backwards with a Force push, before turning and flicking a blaster bolt back towards Padme with such accuracy and speed that it slammed into her face. She fell, unconscious from her perch behind a crate only to be caught by a casual use of the Force.

When Padme awake, she was back at the beginning, and this time, only the knife was available. "Again Princess." Looking at Anakin, she could see how his training had not ceased even though she was unconscious. His robes had slight tears, his hair was awry and his body was covered in sweat and rapidly darkening bruises. Her instructor had his fair share of nicks, she noticed, but hardly any other signs of further training.

"I don't know how to use a knife." She admitted even as she picked it up, her eyes never leaving Naruto. A small smile appeared.

"Finally. Progress. You see princess, the purpose of these trainings is to help you learn to fight. In a fight, you have to use what you know, and what you don't know, to your advantage. Our last encounter, you used a blaster that you are extremely familiar with, in a space you were moderately familiar with to handle the objective of either hitting us or surrendering. Why did you not surrender after the first failures?" Naruto asked patiently as he leaned against a crate, gesturing for Anakin to take a rest as well.

"I thought the point was to either hit you or fail. I didn't think about-" Padme stopped as her eyes widened. "The point wasn't to hit you. It was to realize that the best option was to not fight. Anakin was fighting you, and keeping you busy. So it was my duty to "surrender" or show that I was safely away from the threat, because it wasn't necessary for me to fight." Anakin looked at Naruto who nodded.

"Correct. You see, I did my research into how a Queen of Naboo would be taught. You were taught to use a blaster, to aim for the torso or center mass, while moving to the nearest cover. You were taught that if you are fighting the only option is for you to fight. But they didn't cover how you got to that point because then it wasn't your problem. This is shown even in your politics." Padme bristled even as Naruto waved her down and casually dismissed her anger. "You are an idealist princess. Nothing bad about it. But you do fight every single battle. However, if you are fighting every battle, how are you winning any?" Naruto's question made her pause as the implications hit her.

"You think that fighting every battle has me stretched thin. That this mentality is from when I was queen, and taught that the only way to fight was full on." Padme paced as she twisted the knife in her hand. Idly she realized that the knife felt right to her. "If that is accurate, that means that I am fighting inefficiently. But how do you fight efficiently? What does that mean?" She looked up at Naruto and cocked her head.

"On my planet, the weapon you hold is called a kunai. And it is one of the most dangerous things ever invented in the galaxy." Padme looked at the little knife in her hands in detached shock." You are asking yourself, how can a little knife be one of the most dangerous things in the galaxy? It is a concept that is hard to accept, in a galaxy of blasters and lightsabers and ships that can eliminate planets of sentient life. The fact is a kunai itself is not the danger. It is the versatility and the idea it provides." From his robes, Naruto pulled a knife identical to the one Padme held. "This knife, this weapon, is much like a lightsaber. It is meant to inspire something. Where as the lightsaber inspires hope for a future of peace, the kunai has always represented the versatility needed to survive. Originally, it was created to be used in gardens and to shave bark from a tree. It was necessary to the survival of the Shin'o people that it became a weapon. Ironically, the weapon that is responsible for the most death on the planet."

Padme flinched at the thought of the little knife in her hands ending a life. She barely registered that Naruto continued. "It is also the weapon that has saved the most life. By definition, a weapon that takes a life, saves one as well. It is a weapon that visualizes the struggle of existence. While a blaster is the future; a hand-held effort to mitigate waste and effort with as precise an appliance of force as possible, it still lacks when stacked against hope even versatility." With a barely perceived nod, Anakin raised the blaster that she previously held and let loose a blast. A blast that Padme dodged and with a motion that she didn't even realize she knew, threw the knife towards the threat. The knife hovered an inch from Anakin's eye as Naruto casually caught it.

"Fighting efficiently is understanding this. Understanding what you are and are not willing to do to survive, to strive and to lead. Just a moment ago, you subconsciously decided that you were more willing to live than you were to die. A fight is just that. A battle of wills." With a gesture, the knife moved away from Anakin and back towards the frozen Senator.

"In this room, we will focus on what you can do. The physical aspects and the willpower. It will be hellish in here. We will work your body and your mind furiously. But if you quit… you will die out there. Maybe not physically. But the world will tear you down and that is a fate worse than death."

Padme accepted and embraced her training hell. Physical training consisted of running, jumping, movement through out various terrains, Survival skills, press-ups, sit-ups, weightlifting along with knife training. She remembered vividly Naruto handing back her knife and saying that it was hers if she learned to use it.

After a week, when Naruto finally said that they would be headed towards Naboo and that any tails they would have would assume they are headed toward Dantooine, the switch was made. Hopefully any tails they had would be behind them and as they loaded into the smaller ship, would be completely surprised by the sudden hyperspace speed increase. Padme hardly even noticed the shift, other than being asked to move her space into the new ship.

As they exited hyperspace outside Garq, the new ship exited the old, and immediately entered a hyperspace jump. In her mind, Padme remembered one of the first lessons from the Jedi, "Smooth is speed."

It was another two weeks of near constant jumps before they reached Naboolian space, and a break in the daily training. By this point, Padme had visibly improved with her knife skills, and her tactical decision making. It was to the point that Naruto had assigned Anakin to play strategy games against her, with various objectives. With swift fingers he would grant a handicap to one party or assign a time limit to move decisions on the control pad and then leave the two to their games.

Finally, the day came when the group made their way to the hidden palace on Naboo after a week in Theed. Naruto smiled as he settled into a servant's quarters that was attached to the master bedroom. It was not his bed, but it would work for him. He grabbed a swift shower, practiced his usual water manipulation, and went out into the hallway, pulling on a tunic as he exited.

Feeling out with his senses, he felt Anakin with Padme, and he smirked slightly. Those two were more flirtatious than some of the hired hands he had seen in some brothels in the galaxy. He shook his head. It wasn't his place to reprimand someone about the order when he himself didn't follow the same code. Not only that, but so long as they handled themselves well, the Force loved their pairing according to all mediations he had engaged when he first saw them flirting during a game.

He smiled as he exited onto a terrace of the palace and looked over the beautiful Naboo scene.

"I know you are there." He spoke softly, so that it carried with the wind. A soft thump announced the arrival of his guest who joined him on the railing.

Lord Jiraiya smiled at his grandson in all but blood. "I thought I had you brat. You didn't even react when you passed me in the hallway."

"I knew you were on the planet as soon as we landed. I could feel you. Just as I can feel them. I don't know exactly where they are, or how many, but there are definitely Dark Siders here." Naruto shrugged as he turned to his master. Jiraiya looked older than his 53 years, as the lines of his face were deepened and the darkness that always hid itself in his eyes was closer to the surface.

"I see. Well, I am merely keeping you in the loop. There is a large possibility that I finally tracked down Dooku. I believe he is headed to Genosis. I also am going to talk to the Jedi. This separatist movement is official, and they needed warned."

"How bad are we talking Sensei?" Naruto asked as he crossed his arms.

"Civil war. The separatist movement have the backing of the Trade Federation… which means droids. Master Obi-wan is looking into something major as well, though I don't know what." Jiraiya sighed as he looked at the sunset with his godson. The silence between the too was comfortable, until Jiraiya slumped slightly and glanced over at Naruto.

"I'll be honest kid. I don't think I am getting out of this one. My body isn't as quick as it used to be and Dooku hasn't been slacking. If I have a chance, I need to go all out." He was blunt with his confession, and he felt the strong hand of his godson grasp his shoulder.

"I trust you. You will do your best. But you also taught me to prepare for the worst. So. What is you have for me?" Naruto fought to keep his emotions down. He knew that his godfather would not rest until the mission was complete or he failed. It wasn't in his nature to do otherwise. So when he pulled from his sleeve a scroll, he took it without a word.

"Read that only after my death. It also has a few seals on it. Storage as you know. Also, you already signed the Toad Contract, so please… Toad Send-off. You know the deal." Jiraiya spoke firmly as he pulled his godson into a hug.

"I love you kid. I am so proud as well. You… your folks would be so proud as well. Kushina would be over the moon, her little boy a strong Jedi Knight. Your dad would want to spar, to see if you were stronger than he was at your age." Jiraiya smiled stupidly. "Spoiler kid, I think you are. But never stop growing. Your old man didn't, your master doesn't and I sure didn't."

"We could spar really quick and check Sensei." The cheeky grin of Naruto slipped off his face when his Master shook his head.

"Kid, you know I already left." And with a puff of smoke, the Shadow Clone of Master Jiraiya left. Before the cloud of smoke cleared, Naruto was moving, his lightsaber lit.

Someone was in the palace, and they were fighting towards his charge. He had made it half way down the corridor before he was stopped by the wall to the left of him swiftly having a circular opening cut into it by a red bladed lightsaber.

Stepping through the entry, a blue skinned male smiled, showing off sharpened teeth. "So you are Naruto Uzumaki? Severance sends her regards and has instructed that you are not survive. My deepest apologies."

Anakin frowned as he blocked a bolt from a droid, before cutting it in half. Swiftly banishing the debris back towards the ten others who stormed the room, he smiled as Padme shot three of them perfectly. However, his smile left his face as the last droids were crushed mercilessly with an application of the Force by a hooded man. Standing beside a woman with blue skin and a horribly scarred left side, with some bionics attached, the man was beautiful after he let his hood down. His ivory skin was flawless, and the only negative were the shockingly mad yellow eyes in his skull.

The woman spoke, her voice was raspy and held a tinny note to it. "Dalos, we need them alive."

The man replied with a musical tone, his voice a symphony promising pain. "I'm certain Lord Dooku can handle it if I remove a limb." With a hiss, his red lightsaber ignited.

An: So, the Attack of the Clones portion of this story is officially happening. Now, according to all research, the max amount of time that Anakin and Padme spent together before Geonosis was 3 weeks. I have stuck to that faithfully. Also, anything that I don't show, or mention in the story you can assume Canon occured. So at this moment, Obi-wan is likley fighting Jango on Kamino, losing him and his spawn and chasing him to Geonosis and then being captured by Dooku and his ilk.

That being said, while canon is happening right now, there are aspects of canon that are added and expanded on. We see Anakin and Naruto spar here and some observers will notice some things. We also see the start of Padme becoming tactically trained. In canon she was taught to use a blaster as queen, and then that fell off until presumedly Anakin taught her in the Clone Wars more combat focused concepts. We see this in the evolution of Padme's character in the series, along with the evolution of her character in Revenge of the Sith. Instead of the idealist she appears to be in Attack of the Clones, she is more reserved. Still an Idealist, but picking her battles carefully. When the Senate is reorganized into the Empire, she doesn't fight it directly instead opting to, in the books, put the thought of rebellion into Bail Organa's mind.

I can tell you that the meat of this story is the Clone Wars. Originally an idea of Jedi Naruto in the Clone Wars, the thoughts spiraled into what we have here. Also, just so you know the two people with Severance are OCs, based off of general ideas of Dark Siders Pre-Geonosis, and how they would be very militaristic and focused on the tasks of their leadership.

Sincerely,
Zero