AN: I don't own Naruto/Star Wars: Legends


4:9:5 (BBY 31)


Slogging across the swamp water, trying to ignore what had already gotten into her boots until she had a moment to actually get them off and dry them. Admittedly, the fact she was able to walk more-or-less across the top of the water had helped already exponentially. More-or-less, as she was not actually walking, and more quickly sliding her feet through the top of the water. Some of her foot was still technically in the water, but that was fine. Everything about it was fine, and she could handle that.

"You are doing well. Just, take a moment, and you'll feel it."

Zao on the other hand, was trying to help, his footsteps far slower than her own, clearly wanting each to keep his feet atop the water entirely. It was a much slower pace than her own, but unlike her, he kept his pace at what he apparently thought was 'good enough'. That made it so each step he took look like he was casual and calm, while hers appeared clunky and as though she were a learner being guided by him.

She hated it.

It made her feel unskilled, lesser, and she hated it. She was a top tier, high pay, bounty hunter. There were a few who could do more, but those were people who had been in the game for longer than her. She'd been trained, molded, and formed into a powerful asset to the galaxy, and this one blind Jedi was treating her like she was a child again, needing to be taught the basics again.

As she moved, she grit her teeth. Hearing him hum, she snapped her head around to glare at him pointlessly. He was blind, he couldn't see her. It made her feel better at least.

"Have you found the rhythm of the waves? I haven't yet, but then this place is full of turmoil. Hm..." Zao pressed his food against the water, feeling it sink against the waves. "He made it seem so easy, did he not? Just, walking across the water without a second thought."

"... yeah," She admitted after a moment. Naruto had just walked atop the water, not bothering to do more than notice it before pressing onward. It had startled her, and made her perhaps a tad jealous, but then she also didn't know how to do it. Then, when he'd offered, she'd said she could do it herself, when she had simply no idea what she was doing.

"You are lucky." Again, Zao spoke to her, causing her to grit her teeth. What rottenly sweet drenched wisdom did he have for her this time? "He was immediately willing to reach out to you and offer help. That must make you very special to him."

The words were indeed covered in sickly sweet words, but the somber tone and the words themselves still cut through her attempts to ignore them, forcing them to the forefront of her mind. He had reached out, offered her help, and then when she'd said no he'd stepped back. Did that mean that she could do it herself? Clearly she could, as she was wading through the water. Yet, it was not near as well as Zao, or remotely as close as the effortlessness of Naruto. Of them, who was it she should have asked for help?

Coming to a slower stop, she slowly sighed and tried not to sound like she was spitting her teeth at the Jedi Master. Had she the ability she might, but he was being nothing but kind and concerned with them. "I get it. I should've taken his help."

"Then why didn't you?"

"I -" She inhaled slowly, quickly wishing she hadn't with the damp, humid stench of the swamp. Exhaling sharply in a pointless effort to expel the moisture from her lungs, she shook her head. "I can take care of myself."

Zao smiled faintly, moving slowly up next to her. Holding out his hand, he stared forwards and nodded. "Ah. I see. Even with that which you have never learnt before?"

Aurra clicked her teeth, staring at Zao's hand. She could just ignore it. While he had the advantage of balance, she was faster, and could at least skim through the water at a rate that would move them forward with some speed. Naruto would need them ahead, and away from where they were in the most danger. And yet, she found herself slowly wearing down, feeling like the help could be useful.

She ignored that feeling, pushing onward and grunting faintly as Zao put his hand down and hummed. It wasn't blowing hot air when she'd said she could handle herself, and she would. Whether he understood that or not, she didn't care anymore. He could huff and hum all he wanted, she just needed to figure it out as she went.

While she was grumbling and muttering, she struggled to pay attention to much through the slogging and noises of the water parting around her feet. As such, she was caught flatfooted when she began to hear a much stronger sound of something in the air making their way towards them. The sound caused her to backpedal, cursing as she lost her footing and slipped more than partly under the water. Her arm half submerged, she struggled to get back to a better position as Zao shifted, preparing his lightsaber staff for a moment before slowly tilting his head and quirking his ears slowly.

"... ah, it is Naruto."

Aurra fished around for a better position to balance herself with, pulling out her slugthrower before registering what was said. Naruto? Shifting about, she pulled off the scope of the slugthrower to peer through the woods towards the noise. It took a bit of searching about, making sure to catch sight of where it was as well as what it was. The what was rather simple once she caught sight of it; a bathwa, flying its way through the swamp with an ease that made it look as though it were gliding and more hovering than fully flying through the air over the water. And, sitting atop its back, was Naruto... and a Neti.

She was no fool to the galaxy. The Neti certainly, and definitely had existed, in some form at least. All who were recorded had been sensitive to the Force in some way, and had caused some change in some part of the galaxy that drew attention both to their people, and themselves as a whole. Some called them world shakers, others thought of them as people who were in some manner capable of simply reshaping the world itself to their whims. The truth was out there, and now it appeared before her, like a figment of mystery unveiling itself.

Watching as the bathwa slowed to a stop near them, they two stared up towards those riding the bathwa as it slowed to a landing. There was no harness, or other way to hold atop it, yet both sat as though it were both comfortable and there were no way to slip off. It couldn't be that easy, but with how they smiled down at the pair, one might've thought otherwise.

"Uh, Kiffex public transport, ready and awaiting boarding." Naruto intoned, patting the bathwa's back as it lightly bubbled in the water beneath him. "Oh you're doing great. Besides, you said you could carry so many of those others. Two more strangers won't be that bad."

"... you did the thing again." Aurra slowly dragged her hand down her face, before quickly flicking her wrist and making noises of disgust as she got swamp water on her face.

"The 'friend of animals' thing? Uh... kinda, yeah." Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, then the top of the bathwa's head. "They're not bad, just easily influenced by the Anzati. Apparently they're very, very simple minded, but they can get across points easy enough to direct the bathwa. Except for... one."

"One?" Aurra shifted, climbing up on the bathwa, leaning back and exhaling in discontent. "Who? Did it tell you that much?" Slowly looking at the Neti, who had locked eyes with her as well, Aurra slowly waved her hand towards her slowly. "And, who's your other friend?"

"Hm?" Naruto glanced back at her, then to the Neti. "Ah, this is T'ra Saa, Jedi Master, and she's looking for someone on the planet who's supposed to be in one of the prisons here..." His face slowly twisted, and he glanced to T'ra with a worried look. "... and she thinks that Aayla was influenced to release them from their stasis field."

"... and how is this connected?"

"The man who I'm looking for is Volfe Karkko, an old Anzat fallen Jedi."

Aurra slowly let her gaze slip to stare up at the sky, exhaling and humming slowly. "... Naruto?"

"... yeah?"

"You owe me when we're back on ship."

Naruto shrunk a bit in embarrassment, opening and closing his mouth before simply turning forward and rubbing the bathwa's head to coax it to get going. He had no words to say to that; it was a clear request, rather than a threat, but at the same time part of him felt he was mildly in trouble for something he couldn't piece together.

Meanwhile, Zao introduced himself to T'ra Saa, smiling as he noted the interaction between them, seeing Aurra suddenly seem to become more open and relaxed despite the addition of another Jedi Master. Yes. Yes Naruto cared something deeply for this woman, and she for him. Yet, despite every Jedi warning, it appeared that they somehow had themselves in a point where it was not a conflict for them, but a benefit, calming and keeping both collected and happy between them. Curious. Simply curious.

[=-x-=]

Aayla knelt before Volfe, feeling him run his hand across her head slowly before moving it under her chin to lift her gaze to his. There was some small tension in the air, held back only by some thin, invisible thread. His fingers curled more into her chin, hooked and holding her completely still, the nail of her thumb across her cheek, digging in just enough to leave a faint impression against her cheek with it giving the impression of it breaking the skin, yet leaving her untouched.

"Let me hear it again."

The words were so soft, like he was listening to the whispers of his closest confidant. Closing her eyes, she felt the brush against her deeper, in the Force, like a siren's call. Made her feel at peace, comfortable, basking in the warmth he provided with how close he was.

"I led them against the people as you said, bringing back as many alive as we could," Her voice was a whisper, shaking and unsteady, trying to think and refocus. He'd wanted her to speak, to tell her what happened. She needed to focus. "While attempting an ambush within one of the buildings, we caught up near an exit and a man began holding us back. I attempted to duel with them, they wielded a short lightsaber, and took complete control of the building. Those who leapt upon him fell, and... he forced us back. Forgive me Dreamer... master..."

"You do not need forgiveness." He said, his voice causing her to twinge and curl back further as he tilted her head back and caused her to arch towards him as he continued. "There was nothing you did wrong. He was an outlier that couldn't have been accounted for..."

And I didn't account for him.

The words went unspoken, and caused Aayla to exhale and forget to breathe for a moment, completely pinned by Karkko's own anger at himself, and the strained anger at her. "I understand. We will be wiser next time."

"Yes... but we need to be more next time."

Suddenly releasing her, Aayla felt to the floor, bowed completely before Volfe as she tried to think again, completely at a loss for words or feelings as she stared at the floor. There was something else that came to her mind, staring at the floor, trying desperately to process it as she tried to push herself upright. Volfe didn't stop her, but there was a hand on her back, keeping her from thinking, from moving. Glancing back, she stared at the guardian, trying to get it to step back, as it continued to ignore and hover over her.

She remembered a place. Sandy, and stretching forever. The man, the killer of her uncle, the one called Quinlan Vos. He had been on that world. She had been on that world, and had done something there. Something that had led her to a face; the face of the man who had dueled her. Stretching, her mind came across a name. A word. A place. Through the blankness of her mind, the memories still pressed through.

"Master..." Her voice strained, trying to form words. She could almost feel him pause, as she looked up she felt his surprise. At what? She couldn't decide, and so she pressed on. "Where is Abbaji?"

"Abbaji? I know of the world. In the Kalee system." he narrowed his eyes slowly, crossing his arms and seeming to loom over her. "What do you know of it?"

"The... man. He came from there."

"A Kalee?"

"No. He just, came from there."

Volfe slowly exhaled deeply through his nose, his eyes hard, and dangerous. Slowly, he motioned to her to go on. As he did so, the blood guardian removed it's hand from comforting her, and she felt her mind opening further. A small part of her was suddenly on edge from the feeling, but she ignored it to try and pull up more information. Her master was awaiting her.

Drawing forth the information she could recall, she tried to give as much information as she could, with each piece another memory she herself recalled. Her, seated and listening to the man with so many scars; barely a man, yet with such eyes, haunted and worn, that he could have been placed on anyone older and seemed to fit in without question. The words of one who had such a lost look, as he'd spoken of a child lost, one he was hoping to help, to teach, to show the stars. Gone, in a look like he was staring straight back into a ball of fire as a ship fell, and his world collapsed. A man who her master later told him had gone against the first Sith in a century, and captured them.

Volfe laughed at that, with a maliciousness that silenced her after she'd said that. "My people knew the first Sith - many of whom are still alive, or were before I was wrongfully imprisoned. I knew of the Sith, fought many, and knew of their failings more so than many else. I read their teachings, and am far, far more than any other he's faced. If he wishes to come, then perhaps letting him see a true lord, one who understand the Force better than he ever could. I have feasted on the soup of Jedi. He is just another child in the Force by comparison.

"You though, my queen." He wrapped his hands around her face and lifted her up, once more sending a shiver through her as she let herself follow his grip to stand before him. "You will be more. Are more. Already. But to be more than them, we will have to prepare. The Anzati under us will keep them from us, to give us some time, and allow us to prepare you further. My queen, are you ready?"

"... no..." She whispered. Part of her didn't know where it had come from, but it was the truth. Rather than take it as just that, Volfe slowly grinned.

"Good. Then you will find that this will prepare you more than you will ever need. Now, take up your arms. We shall prepare you ten fold for what is to come."

[=-x-=]

4:9:11

Shouting, Naruto dove through the sky, landing on yet another bathwa and throwing the Anzat who rode atop it to the ground below, gripping atop the beast as it slowly tried to shake him off. Taking that as his cue to leave, he moved over and leapt onto a tree, holding to it with the Force before throwing himself backwards and feet first into another as they went screaming off their mount as well.

With his actions, he could sense that his companions were continuing further forwards. It had been like this for days now. They'd get some distance, then fall into an ambush of Anzati on bathwa's, with increasing numbers. The more that they encountered, the harder it was for them to be able to simply move through the trees without some form of ambush. Many would drop from the trees, ride out on bathwa's, or attempt any other form of attack upon them as they badgered and assailed them.

Of the group, it was obvious who was under the most strain. The bathwa flew on, with Aurra picking off who she could with her ranged weaponry, and the two Jedi masters taking out those who came within striking range. Naruto did not wait for the later, and instead brought himself upon them. Blaster fire until he'd begun to run low of ammunition, then the Force to simply pull dead sticks, stones, and other such natural weaponry to face down the foes. His own two fists and feet if need be, just to throw them off and keep them away.

By this point he was growing tired. Even with some rest upon the bathwa when they had time, he was fighting a battle where every subsequent fight he felt his body strain and shout at him. His eyes were regaining an old hardness to them, and he was feeling an old beating in his chest.

He was back in a warzone.

Different. The swampland, mountains, plains. It didn't matter what place it was, how far he'd gone, it was back. The itch, the dark part of him that rose up and simply floated across the surface of his mind as he fought to keep himself from going back that way again. Staring into the trees, he slowly closed his eyes, trying to regain his composure yet again.

"Better than your time in that one place. Abbaji."

"Yeah..." Slowly opening his eyes, he slowly sighed. "Haven't started lashing out at the people trying to make sure I stay alive, or turning to... other means."

"You've considered though. The thought of taking my power again."

"Of course I have. You could end so much, but doing so would be disrespecting your desire to stay out of these affairs. They're not your problems Kurama, and I won't drag you into it."

They stood there in silence, staring at the world before them. It was startlingly peaceful, when the screams of Anzati battle cries and attempts to stay alive against enemies that simply held no regard for their own lives or those around them. War was a mad place, and this place had managed to bring back that feeling all to well, all to fast. They were a force that had him breathing heavily from exertion, and trying to refocus as he steadied himself.

"... you're a better man than you think you are Naruto." Jiraiya's voice was soft, and kind. "I wish I could've seen you grow into this man. There's little I can say but... I respect you for the choices you're making. Even if I don't know if I agree."

Naruto snorted. It wasn't for Jiraiya's opinions, or gratification that he was doing it. He was...

He shook his head. Simply disregarding, or dismissing the backhanded compliment wasn't necessary. Jiraiya had meant it as a compliment, simply trying to state he thought that there was other ways to do it, but that Naruto's methods were working. No hidden daggers in his words. If he kept looking for them Naruto knew he'd find them, but they'd be ones that would be ones his mind would have made.

Dragging himself into a calm, he slowly shifted his weight before throwing himself through the air, letting the Force wrap around himself to allow him to gain extra distance between each branch, utilizing it to begin making a rapid return to his group ahead. It was certainly faster than walking, and while he hated flying in spacecrafts, this feeling of "flying" in its own way was liberating.

They came into view rapidly, their bathwa flying through the trees, seeming to be idly at peace despite the dangers that had been occurring around it. Each of those atop it were watching out for another ambush. Aurra kept her slugthrower nearby, utilizing her scope to look around slowly, ensuring to peak around closer on occasion to make certain that nothing had gotten closer during her moment looking further out. Master T'ra Saa kept the bathwa focused on flying forwards, though still had a hand on her lightsaber, keeping it close in case they were ambushed by enemies unseen. Meanwhile Zao kept his staff across his knees, humming and shifting idly as he kept himself carefully focused on what was around them. It was subtle, but those who felt the Force would know that he had opened his senses as sharply as he could to attempt to find those who were attempting to confront them. It made it easier for the two to find each other, though it likely also made them a flying target for any Anzat who was capable of sensing them through the Force.

Launching himself forwards, he was landed in their midst with no sound whatsoever, and yet each of them - without looking - gave their own form of acknowledgement of his return. T'ra shifting to give him room to seat himself as needed, Zao with a short but quick nod, and Aurra who leaned back as he landed and shifted her hand atop his, gently squeezing his hand. He could sense her worry, and gently reaffirmed his presence to her, and his safety. Leaning gently into her back, he glanced to the other two Jedi masters.

Both seemed to ignore their interactions, though both had made vague comments that had implied that they had caught on to what was going on. It wasn't like Naruto had been attempting to do as such. He wasn't good at hiding his emotions, let alone how much he cared for people before this. Hiding it now would be the most obvious thing, and if he attempted to lie his way through it, he imagined he'd get a far further with them by being honest with who he was, and how he felt.

That had apparently also made Aurra rather happy as well. He'd been confused by it at first, but the nights they'd spent, with her moving over to ask for his presence, needing it to sleep, he'd begun to understand. They slept find on their own, but when they slept next to each other, the Force seemed to ward them, envelop and fill them with something neither were used to. Peace. And something like that, if taken away, would feel like a void, and an emptiness. One filled by any manner of emotion that neither wished for.

He himself shifted his hand, interlocking his fingers with hers for a moment before shifting and holding his other hand over to her. Silently, she handed the scope back to him, allowing him to take a peak at the world outside his normal view. Peaking through, he paused as he glanced to Master Saa, who watched them with an idle smile. "... yes?"

"You hold no fear of judgement, or reproach." Her voice was soft, and Naruto felt Aurra lean back against him, fingers tightening against his own. "There is some fear, perhaps, but not from you."

"Why should I fear reproach?" Naruto's own voice was soft, causing Aurra to tilt her head to glance at him despite being directly against him. Shifting slowly, he seemed to present himself more so for her to look him over, and attempt such. "I am a Jedi Knight... I'm expected to make choices, following the will of the Force, and more importantly my own judgement. I don't feel I've made a choice I regret."

"Time is the oldest of teachers." Zao intoned, running his fingers across his staff slowly. "Whether we know if it is a good or bad choice, only that time will tell."

"I didn't say if it was a good or bad choice. It's a choice. I've made it. Regretting it for being good or bad implies I didn't feel it was a choice worth making."

The silence between the Masters and Aurra was palpable, seeming to stretch out and caused Aurra to begin shifting and tightening her grip on Naruto. Once more, he felt her appreciation and he sat; resolute, resolved, and feeling each moment of the battles over the last few days begin to once more melt away and leave him more himself than he'd felt in a long time.

Then, the silence was broken by a soft chuckle from Zao, followed by a very small one from Master Saa. "I see. Then you are wiser than your years give you credit Knight Uzumaki. Truly the council was wise in their decision to appoint Knighthood. You feel love, but you face it with your chin high with an understanding. Like a tree you will grow, but beware you do not draw too deep and forget yourself. Pride will topple you should care not be taken in these matter."

Naruto exhaled and stared at her, the words coming back to him yet again from Master Elymas. They had been so stark, so pointed, and certain. The fact he recalled it with perfect clarity made him pause each time the subject came up.

Do you know your weakness? Your pride. One day, you will reach too far from what grounds you, and you will wish for death.

Master Elymas had spoken it like he had he had seen through into the future, and the past that had been discussed regarding him kept him wary. The future was malleable, but this wasn't so much a prediction of the future, as much as it was a discussion of character. The future he could change with every choice, but his personality and choices were all things that were more unconscious than even he could often realize or react to. Each time he considered it, he had to reconsider his character, and try to reevaluate his actions.

Slowly, he nodded solemnly. "I know Masters. I keep... it's reminded to me often. This is one I've thought over. Many times. Each time I worry more about what will come, rather than these choices. I've made it, and it's a choice that makes me more worried since I... don't know what comes next. The Jedi don't teach that."

Another pause, giving the two Master's further consideration. He wasn't wrong in the slightest, as most would obey the rules the Jedi of old had set out for them, and thus the Jedi had no way to council them fully. Many would go to reasons as to why one shouldn't get into such a connection, but it wasn't one that Naruto was considering as one that broke the rules of the Jedi, and it wasn't their place to call for or against that ruling. However, other than telling him to follow the will of the Force, or to meditate further on his decision, there was little else that they themselves felt they had to say in regards to what was before them.

Instead, Aurra lightly elbowed Naruto, getting a startled grunt from him as she gave him a side-eye. "Then don't think so hard on what comes next. That's something we can discuss together... later."

As she said that, the peace on Naruto's face returned, and he nodded, pulling up the scope to view the surroundings. Idly, both the Jedi Masters turned to look at Aurra with a brief consideration. They'd had no words to help Naruto with his quandary, no way that the Jedi would have taught them to help others. Yet with a few simple words, Aurra had shifted his entire disposition, and allowed him to present an aura of peace. Both Masters internally nodded, returning to their lookout and direction of the bathwa. He was a Jedi Knight, and an adult. He would make his own choices, and while they could advise him and consider his choices through their own eyes, ultimately they could only watch and hope he would learn and grow to his greatest heights by doing so.

There was a lull between conversation, allowing them to all grow more comfortable for a brief period of time. After passing the scope back and forth a few more times throughout the day, eventually Aurra leaned forward, looking off in the distance.

"Hey, what's that over there?"

Handing the scope to Master Saa, she looked through it towards what she was indicating. Taking a moment to observe it, eventually she shifted to get a better view of it. At first she's assumed it to be a mound, or a collections of shadows, or rocks. However, with the zoom of the scope, they were able to more easily see that it was stones, carved and crafted in such a way as to form the foundation of construction. Stack up on stack, built into that of a building - a temple, straight out near the edge of the swamp, hidden away from the sight of the world. The perfect place in some ways for hiding someone or something away from the world or even galaxy at large. A prison. A sanctuary. A temple.

And, as with any temple Master Saa had known of, it had its share of worshipers. For across the steps and stones of the temple, were ranks of feral Anzati.


Omake: Probably a Bad Idea... Part 4

"What happened here?!"

The transport had managed to touch down with surprising gentleness, and then completely gave out once it had been turned off as it let out a weak, fading wail before going silent. It had done its job, and done it well. Now it could rest and wait until someone had the wherewithal to fix it up.

"Well," Naruto had his hand on the driver's collar, keeping them from scampering away as they continued to sob upon seeing the security forces that had come to see what was going on with the high speed vehicle. "Why don't you tell them? You're the one who dragged us into this mess."

"I can't!" They wailed louder, now breaking fully down into sobbing as they attempted to pull a blaster. The action was immediately disarmed by Naruto, who kept the blaster pointed at the ground before flipping the man down and pinning them. "They'll kill me!"

"Then just tell them what happened, because I am still busy with something!" Naruto growled, finishing his removal of their blaster and handing it to the security guard. "... long story short, they're trafficking people, and attempted to do so with Jedi younglings."

The security guards glanced to each other, then moved to quickly pick the man up, binding them and hauling them off. Naruto idly considered how that had gone so well, when another man stepped up, catching his attention. "Senator Antilles."

Bail Antilles, the senator of Alderaan, a human with dark slicked back hair and dressed in a white suit having a pair of tassels hang from his shoulders, stepped up, looking over Naruto and the group of children. "You were supposed to be here an hour ago, and I heard there was some commotion outside. I do hope none of you are harmed." Seeing Naruto shake his head, the man visibly shifted and nodded to himself, relaxing. "That's good. I was beginning to worry... and with good reason it seems."

"Yeah," Naruto glanced to the driver, who was flailing, spittle flailing from their mouth as they were dragged out of sight. "Sadly, it's simply another fact of life that we all have to remember and learn to overcome. Some people will do anything for a few credits."

"Indeed." Bail Antilles shook his head. "I hope that Chancellor Palpatine will have success in removing such corruption from this city, but he truly has no way to do so on his own. Were I to be in his place, I could not fault him for dealing with the galaxy at large, but I can see about speaking with the Coruscant senator about this."

"Thank you." Naruto perked up, surprised by the how genuine he sounded by that. "For the sake of... well, not just the younglings."

"Of course." Turning to them, Bail Antilles sighed, then smiled as much as he could. "I suppose it is time to show them around?"

"Yeah, they were supposed to meet a few Senators and get a feel for how things occur here."

"I see." Smiling, he waved in greeting to the small gaggle that stared up with happy, if wide eyed expressions. "Hello there, I am Senator Bail Antilles. I'm sorry to hear about your transport, but if you'll come this way, we can show you around."

The younglings began shuffling about, Anakin with them as he moved up next to Naruto. His face was a tad dirty, but as the two glanced to each other, neither of them could contain the grin on their face.

"You did good."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." Naruto tousled Anakin's hair, getting the young man to swat at Naruto's arm. "It was a bad, terrible idea. But we either had that, or fight. And as much as I'm willing to fight, I didn't want to get the younglings in danger."

"You could've taken them." Anakin muttered, frowning when Naruto snorted at the comment.

"Can do, and want to, are different things. I can throw things around if I wanted. I don't want to, and most people wouldn't either. So we take the path that is more peaceful if we can. When no other option is available, then we fight. Peace should always be our first option, if we can help it."

"... yes ma -" Anakin bit his tongue, noting Naruto's quick snap to him. "Sen... sei? Sensei."

Smiling, Naruto rubbed his back. "You'll get it eventually. It's something I'm still learning. Now..." Stretching, Naruto exhaled and shook his head. "As long as I didn't scar the younglings for the rest of their lives, or act as a bad influence, I think we'll have done a good job."

"Me?"

"Yeah. You and that bad, brilliant idea of yours."

Up ahead, one of the guards was motioning them along. As he did so, he looked over them and tried to get their attention. "Hey, eyes up here kids, we're moving this way."

"Hey!" A young Togruta child stomped her foot, staring up at the guard with puffed out, indignant cheeks. "We're Jedi younglings, and we will be disrespected as such!"

There was a long, drawn out pause at that. The senator slowly peaked to the guard, who looked like he was thrown completely off balance by the comment. Then, from the back of the group, Naruto and Anakin burst out into raucous laughter, soon getting all the younglings joining in with them.


AN: We approach Volfe Karkko and Aayla Secura, with some time going by, discussions, and the preparations for a raid the likes of which need for us to follow in the age old wisdom... or perhaps it will be the youthful intellect that will get them through. Perhaps. But we shall certainly have a great time seeing what Naruto will do against the Dark Jedi who took Quinlan Vos mind melding with three other Jedi Masters to defeat.

... yeah, I had to double, then triple check that one. Volfe Karkko is/was no pushover. Which means I'm going to push beyond what was given in canon to match both Naruto and the hype and height that Legends has pushed my expectations. Gotta have a good damn time with all this after all!

Thank you all for your reviews, they are always great to read. If you haven't seen, there's a poll to go over the pairing options for Naruto for everyone, as well as those new to the story on my Profile. I look forward to seeing who you choose, and how I'll be able to consider and use it through the building story.

May this chapter find you well, and may the Force be with you.