AN: And here it is, kiddies! Sorry this one took a while, I had to attend to my three main stories while this one was set to the side temporarily so I could get the others out of the way. Fear not, this is NOT getting abandoned! Now, to address something before you all point it out: Yes, I am rushing this a bit, but that's only because I want to get to the parts you all want to read: Training, the fruits of the training, the end of the Mandalorian War and the events that leads up to KotOR 1 and 2. But enough blathering!

Chapter 2: Do, Or Do Not…

"I know of no other way to explain it to you, Lady Tsunade." Meetra patiently began while taking leisurely sips of the tea she had been given. "There's only so much that I can say to you that you'll understand, seeing as this planet has yet to be uplifted."

"So, you see us as primitives?" Tsunade challenged as she, Gaara, Ay, Mei and Onoki glared her down from their seats at the semi-circular table. "You show up in force with those floating beasts, hold us by the throat with a blade and expect us to hand over one of our ex-Jinchuuriki who could still serve that capacity very handily?"

"And you're saying that you're going to force Naruto to take up that mantle again?" This time the Jedi in front of them rose to the challenge, eyes peering sharply over the rim of her teacup. "What if he should desire to not become a Jinchuuriki? Will you still force it upon an unwilling boy?"

"I see no reason why Naruto would refuse." Onoki spoke up. "He and the Kyuubi were on favorable terms."

"You don't know what it's like to be a Jinchuuriki, Onoki-dono." Gaara mediated, speaking from experience. "Shukaku and I were willing to work together by the time the Akatsuki came for us, it's true, but I wouldn't want to take him back, nor would I wish that life on anyone, willing or otherwise."

"Shouldn't we leave it up to him?" Mei offered. "Surely he can think for himself and come to a decision without out politics interfering?"

"Nonsense." Ay shook his head. "We still need our Jinchuuriki. The boy may be in part a hero for capturing Uchiha Madara alive, but he still has a duty to fulfill and he should be expected to keep his oath as a Shinobi."

"Tread carefully, Lord Raikage." Meetra wisely counseled. "I sense much turmoil within you… I sense anger. Be mindful of those feelings."

"Don't tell me how to live my own life, witch!" He barked, his balled fist slamming down upon the table. "Be thankful we've decided to at least talk this out, as your demands are well out of bounds!"

"I stand with Mei-dono." Gaara once again stepped in. "We should let Naruto decide for himself."

"I agree." Tsunade nodded. "If he wishes to take back the Kyuubi, then so be it."

"And if he doesn't?" Onoki asked.

"Then we must accept his decision." Gaara pointedly stared at the aged man.

"And what about my request to take him?" Meetra decided to test the waters. "Will you at least consider it?"

"If he takes the Kyuubi back, then you may not have him." Ay glared hatefully at the woman. "If it were up to me, you'd not have him at all."

"And the others I mentioned?" She asked. "I sense at least four other Force Sensitives among Naruto's age group. If not him, then what about one of them?" She set her cup down and glanced from one Kage to another. "The war that's being waged in the greater galaxy right now demands that I leave with something to present to Commander Revan."

"Haruno Sakura is my personal apprentice." Tsunade shifted in her seat with a frown. "She will not be going. Neither will Nara Shikamaru or Hyuuga Hinata, as they're the heirs to their respective clans."

"And Uchiha Sasuke is a war criminal that's to be tried and summarily executed for his actions." Onoki folded his arms across his chest.

"So no." Ay smirked victoriously. "You may not have any of them."

"That's up for them to decide, is it not?" Mei once again intervened. "We can't control them and we can't dictate their actions, they have free will."

"I think we've talked enough for one day." Gaara stepped in once he saw Ay scowling at the Mizukage. "I suggest a short recess."

"I agree." Tsunade nodded. "Gaara-dono, will you be the one to go to Naruto with all of this?"

"Of course, Tsunade-dono." Gaara was the first to rise, followed closely by Meetra as the two made their way out of the room.

"Is this council always so… divided?" Meetra asked the redhead as they walked side by side.

"Unfortunately, yes." Gaara sighed and nodded. "And with the war now being over, it seems we've no enemy left to fight but ourselves once again."

"I hope you understand, my Lord…" Meetra began cautiously, blue eyes flickering over to the Kazekage beside her. "My own war demands that I leave with Naruto in toe. The others I can ignore, but not Naruto."

"He's always been special." He chuckled fondly. "And he's always been meant for more than he's been given." As they rounded a corner, he cut his eyes towards the Jedi. "If you can make sure he's given what he rightfully deserves, then you'll have no quarrel from me."

"You must also know…" A bit more caution found its way into Meetra's voice. "I can sense none of those beasts you mentioned, those 'Bijuu'. Naruto can't take his back because there's nothing to take back… they're gone."

"… And you knew." An actual laugh escaped the usually stoic redhead. "Not even a day has gone by and you're already playing the Kage's Summit like a flute."

"The Force is ever a steadfast ally to those who listen to its will." Meetra simply smiled at her underhanded machinations. "And it's as I said: The war demands that I leave with him. He's the single most naturally gifted Force Sensitive I have ever met, save for my Commander, Revan."

"And what exactly is this 'Force' you speak of?" Gaara had finally asked the question that had been nagging at him.

Thankfully for Meetra, they had arrived at Naruto's apartment that had been graciously given to him by Mifune, as the Alliance was making a pit stop in the Land of Iron to rest and recover from the war. Overhead patrols of Republic fighters flew past at regular intervals, the Vanguard sat in high orbit, silhouetted by the moon and flanked by two Hammerhead-class cruisers. The two Interdictor-class cruisers patrolled the mid-orbit skylines alongside four of the Foray-class frigates and the two remaining Hammerhead-classes reinforced the fighter patrols on a low orbit course alongside the other two Foray-classes.

Meetra was used to the sound of engines screaming by overhead, but Gaara wasn't; every time a fighter patrol would pass, his sand would instinctually slither out of his gourd to protect him from harm and would then recede when the patrols passed harmlessly by. As he steadied his breathing once again, Gaara opened the door to Naruto's apartment to find him cross-legged on the floor in meditation.

"Am I interrupting?" Gaara spoke up softly, oblivious to the smile on Meetra's face at seeing the blonde meditating.

"Not at all." Naruto shook his head with his own smile. "Couldn't sleep, so I figured do the next best thing."

"I think everyone's been having trouble sleeping lately, what with our new visitor arriving."

"I apologize for my fleet." Meetra bowed her head. "They're merely doing their duty and following my orders."

"And I apologize for interrupting your meditations, Naruto." Gaara also inclined his head. "I bring news from the Kage Summit."

"They've already come to a decision?" He sighed wearily. "That was fast."

"They ask if you'd be willing to take back Kurama." Gaara clarified. "But…"

"He's gone." Naruto shook his head. "I'd know if he survived what those things up there did." He paused, gesturing out his window to Meetra's ships. "No, he's gone. As are the rest of the Bijuu."

"They also said that if you refused, then you were free to go with Meetra here, should you wish it."

"You, and hopefully a few of your friends." Meetra smiled serenely, which put Naruto at ease. "I have Gaara's support, and hopefully Lady Mei's support as well. Your Hokage, Tsunade, might not object so long as you make it clear that this is what you want."

"Is it what you want?" Gaara asked.

At this question, Naruto let out a long sigh and closed his eyes. That odd feeling returned again, that strange power that welled from inside him; that gave him the ability to match and defeat Madara, was now calling out to the woman who stood beside Gaara; it was the same feeling he got when she first arrived. He felt like he had to stay around to help the reconstruction effort, but deep down, something was screaming at him to go with this woman.

After a few moments, he opened his eyes and regarded the two people in front of him. "I do." He nodded. "I want to go, though with much hesitation… this is my home, after all, and we've just come out of a war."

"I understand." Meetra nodded sagely. "But it is as Gaara stated to me earlier; you're very special, Naruto, and you're meant for greater things. I believe I can help deliver you to your destiny."

"There's nothing more that I can do here, anyway." He sighed. "I'm a hero, sure, but without Kurama, I'm at a disadvantage insofar as my Shinobi career is concerned."

"We'll make sure you're back in fighting shape, Naruto." Meetra reassured the boy. "Now, we must make council with a few more of your friends who have the same latent power that you have."

"I'll take my leave, now." Gaara bowed to the pair, then turned on a heel and left.

"Who are we going to be talking to?" Naruto inquired.

"Sakura, Shikamaru and Hinata." She responded, listing off the names from memory. "We're to ask them if they wish to travel with us."

"Sakura's going to say no." He began walking, but nevertheless kept the conversation going. "The only thing that would have her even remotely consider leaving would probably be Sasuke's death."

"And your other two friends?" Meetra decided against telling him of Sasuke's mock trial.

"Shikamaru's the heir to the Nara clan and I doubt Shikaku would allow his son to just up and leave." He paused for a breath. "Hinata, however, I'm not sure about. She has a sister that could replace her, but she's very hard to read. She might go with us or she might not."

"I sense that she will." Naruto noted that there was a tone suggesting some ulterior motive, but he didn't comment on it. "And I also sense that Sakura will follow us. The only enigma remaining is Shikamaru."

"Your opinion on him?" Naruto asked out of curiosity.

"I think…" And just as Meetra was about to render her opinion, she immediately shut her mouth and her right hand shot up to caress her head. "A disturbance in the Force… something's happened both here and with…" She strained to track the faraway disturbance, but when she did, her eyes became widened. "Revan!"

"What's happened?" At this point, Naruto was completely lost.

"He…" She paused to find her voice. "He actually… lost a battle!"

"It sounds like we can't linger here any longer, then." He reasoned. "I know this place better than you; I can go and collect them together so we can ask them all at once."

"… You won't have to."

As Naruto was about to ask what she meant, Sakura came barreling around a corner, and as soon as she saw him, she ran straight towards him and all but collapsed into his arms, tears streaming down her face and hands balled into the fabric of the front of his jacket.

"He…" She sobbed and sniffled. "Naruto, they…"

"What's happened?!"

"Sasuke-kun…" She continued sobbing. "They killed him!"

"They WHAT?!"

"T-They… they murdered him, right in his cell!" She screamed. "And I… I…"

"Sakura…" The severity of the situation began to dawn on him. "You didn't…"

"I killed his guards; I killed the one who killed him…" Her voice dipped to just above a whisper. "I killed them all…"

"… We have to go." Meetra pressed. "Now."

"Right." Naruto nodded and promptly began leading a distraught Sakura to Meetra's shuttle, where they ran into Hinata, Shikamaru, along with Ino and Konohamaru surprisingly. "Guys?" He regarded them.

"Standing orders are to arrest Sakura on sight and prevent you from leaving, Naruto." Shikamaru took charge of the situation. "But those are orders I cannot and will not follow."

"I'm with you as well, Naruto-kun." Hinata nodded.

"Things have gone to shit around here." Ino huffed. "Besides, if Shika's following you, someone here has to be the responsible one."

"Konohamaru?" He finally regarded the boy.

"I'm still your student, Boss." Konohamaru leveled a determined stare up as his 'sensei'. "I go where you go."

"Well then, we have two extras." He lightly chuckled despite the situation.

"Regardless, we must leave as soon as possible." Meetra pressed. "Revan needs my help; he needs me back in the fight…" As she walked up the loading ramp of her shuttle, she motioned for the group of six to follow.

As soon as they boarded, the two Republic troops flanking the ramp loaded onto it as well, the ramp raising upwards and locking into position after they did so. The shuttle then began to lurch slightly as its engines were powered up, while the group inside took this time to strap in… or in Naruto's group's case, took the time to be strapped in by the Republic soldiers. Almost immediately after they were strapped in, the shuttle lurched once again, its engine roaring to full power as it lifted off the ground and began its flight upwards, the stray kunai and shuriken bouncing harmlessly off of its hull as they made their escape.

"Make for the Vanguard and order ahead to the fleet to break orbit and get into positions." Meetra advised the pilot of the shuttle as she unstrapped herself from her seat. "We make for Jaga's Cluster to meet up with the Commander."

"What of our new additions, General?" The pilot asked at just about the time that dry heaving noises filled the entire shuttle. "Pass around air sickness bags?"

"Immediately." She sighed, completely forgetting that her new guests were not accustomed to extra-orbital flight, let alone flight in general. "Though I want them on the bridge with me when we board; they have to witness us going to lightspeed for themselves."

The flight up to high orbit was rather quick, and about the time the shuttle boarded, the fighters were now all in their respective berths and the fleet had come back together. After recomposing themselves, Naruto and his group merely waited for the back of the shuttle to open as they'd seen a few times before, with Sakura sitting a reasonable distance away from any of them, save for Naruto, who she felt safest around at the moment. The rest of the group, minus Konohamaru, saw and made note of this, figuring they'd give the pinkette some space, seeing as she had just witnessed an execution, killed the people responsible, then had to flee her home planet with a woman she barely knew nor wanted to trust.

Meetra, having felt the girl's anxiety, began subtly pushing a calming aura through the air to not only put her, but the entire group at ease, which seemed to work as when the shuttle opened up, Konohamaru was the first to hop up and run down the loading bay door and onto the Vanguard proper, staring at everything in revered awe. Next to depart was Naruto, followed closely by Sakura, as he too stared around at the hangar bay before wrapping an arm around Sakura's shoulders when she moved into him.

As Shikamaru, Ino and Hinata departed, Meetra passed them on her way out, passed by Naruto Sakura and Konohamaru as well as she began issuing out orders to the bay crew before turning to look up at bay control.

"Lock the hangar down for hyperspace travel and alert the bridge that I'm on my way up." She spoke, knowing bay control would be able to hear her, then regarded her charges. "Follow me, please."

Not wanting to get lost inside this sky beast, Naruto and group wisely followed her closely as she and a few Republic solders led them through the winding halls and up to the turbolift that would take them to the bridge. After being ushered in, the group found themselves shuddering for the second time as the turbolift lurched and began its ascent towards the bridge. Very quickly, the ride was over and they were ushered into a couple more winding hallways, and then… it happened.

They came upon the bridge and if they were amazed before, now they were completely floored by the spacious room and the sweeping view of their planet as seen from on high. Naruto was the first to take a tentative step forwards onto the bridge, as Meetra was purposefully hanging back so he could take it all in; so they all could. A few more steps forward was when Naruto broke into a full run to approach the opposite end of the bridge, whereupon he came to a skidding halt and merely stared at the grand view in front of him, carefully studying the geography of his home in a way that he was sure no one before him had ever seen. It was a moment that deeply touched him, it moved him in a way that only Meetra could sense… he felt like he was more in tune with the Force now that he was off the planet, something that the young Jedi Knight smiled at as she walked the entire distance of the bridge until she came upon the star struck blonde.

It was deathly quiet on the bridge; the only sound being made had previously been the soft footfalls of Meetra's boots upon the metal of the floor. She placed a hand upon his shoulder and shared the experience with him, smile never faltering.

"Take this moment in, Naruto." She advised. "Your first moment in space, seeing the planet you came from… it's a humbling experience, no?"

"This is amazing." Naruto managed to find his voice, his eyes still as wide as saucers.

"It's a moment that will forever be with you." She was speaking from experience. "Take this in, burn it into your brain; for this may be the last time you see this place for a very long time."

"I'll remember the place…" He began. "But not what happened upon its surface, however." He was now frowning.

After nodding in understanding, she turned to her lieutenant. "Bring us about and calculate the jump."

"Destination, General?" The navigator spoke up.

"Jaga's Cluster, to reinforce Commander Revan and Alek."

As the Vanguard turned and faced away from the planet, the rest of the group had approached and were now staring out into the stars, into the infinite expanse that was the universe as a whole… before the stars soon became white and blue lines which then turned into a hole at the end of which seemed like total darkness. Their responses varied.

Ino had fainted, along with Hinata, Shikamaru was still trying to keep his lunch down, Konohamaru was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement, Sakura was still clutching to Naruto for support and Naruto himself felt strangely at peace with it all, like he belonged here. Even when his group were all collected and sent to their temporary quarters, he stood there with Meetra, merely staring into the blue bordered hole that was hyperspace. They didn't know for how long they stood there, but eventually the trip through hyperspace ended and replacing the hole was an Interdictor-class cruiser surrounded by a massive support fleet.

This was when an even greater echo began calling out to Naruto, though he didn't know what it was or why he was feeling it. All he knew was that Meetra was now dragging him off of the bridge and back to the turbolift.

"Are we gonna gather the rest of my friends?" He asked as they entered the turbolift.

"No." Meetra shook her head. "This is a meeting that only you may be present for; my entire reason for arriving at your planet was you, and only you may meet Revan."

"You keep mentioning this 'Revan' person." He noted. "Who exactly is he?"

"My superior officer, a peer within the Jedi Order and a close friend." Was all she said, and for the entire duration of the trip back to the hangar bay, the conversation never picked back up.

Soon enough, they returned to the shuttle and took off once again, their destination being the Interdictor-class cruiser at the very heart of the fleet. It was a rather short trip and it was a rather uneasy walk towards its bridge, as the entire way there Naruto couldn't help but feel an oppressive force throughout the ship, as if there were something hiding among the shadows of the ship, waiting to spring a trap… and this feeling only grew in intensity the closer he got to the bridge. Finally, as the doors to the bridge opened, Naruto froze in his tracks when he saw the individual standing at the far end of the room, arms folded over his chest, brown cloak obscuring most of his form and his face hidden behind some kind of mask.

This man practically radiated power, and when Naruto stared into his mask, it was like looking into the depths of a hurricane. So enraptured was he that he missed Meetra stepping forward, bowing as she did so.

"Revan." She spoke. "I've returned, and my mission was a resounding success."

"So I see." Revan spoke, and even his voice carried a power behind it to Naruto's ears. "This is the source of the echo, then?" He gestured to the boy in question.

"Yes." She nodded, then gestured for Naruto to step up, which he did.

"My name is Naruto Uzumaki, sir." Naruto introduced himself, then bowed much like Meetra.

"Naruto Uzumaki…" Despite his mask, Naruto knew that the man's attention was solely on him, evident when he felt that probing sensation within the back of his mind again. "I see." He finally said after a few moments of contemplative silence. "I can sense your potential, youngling. You'd make a fine Jedi."

"Like Meetra here?" Naruto asked.

"Indeed." Revan nodded. "It was her mission; to seek you out and potentially recruit you into our Order."

"Revan and I both can see your potential, Naruto." Meetra mediated. "Praise like this is not easily given, much less from Revan himself."

"So…" He mulled it over. "I'd be able to do the mind probe thing you two have done to me?"

"By utilizing the Force, yes." She nodded. "Which that's what you'd be doing anyway; learning how to control the Force."

Well, he had come this far; no sense in stepping down now. So, with a shrug, he nodded. "I accept, then."

"Excellent." Revan seemed to be smiling beneath his mask. "Meetra, since you first felt the echo and since you went out of your way to find him, you get the privilege of being his Master."

"Thank you, Revan." Meetra smiled and bowed once again.

"All I ask is that you train him well." Revan then regarded the new addition to the Order. "And you, Naruto, listen to your new Master. She is powerful and deceptively wise; she will be a great teacher and you a great student."

"I'll try my best." Naruto sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.

"There is no try." The masked Jedi wisely counseled the new apprentice. "An old, wise short green fellow used to tell me that all the time."

"Master Vandar?" Meetra managed a giggle. "Of all the masters, you quote him?"

"Would you rather I quote Vrook's endless droning and harping?" Revan retorted. "Or Dorak's history lessons? Or maybe Master Kae would suit you better…?"

"I get it!" She huffed as she turned on a heel. "Come, apprentice!"

"Y-Yes, Master!" Naruto didn't know why he referred to Meetra as such, again it felt natural. "What about my friends?"

"Revan will judge them as well." She explained. "In due time, they'll get their audience with him and he'll deem them fit or unfit to join us."

"And what about me?" He asked.

"We begin your training, apprentice." She flashed him a smile that brought a blush to his cheeks once again.

He had a feeling that this new road that he was on would be a challenging one. He was starting over from square one, a new life among the stars, and he'd have it no other way. Yes, he missed his home, but after the events which led to his departure, a small part of him was glad to be off of that rock… and when he saw his new master smile, something inside of his stirred, as if reassuring him of his decision…

… or that may have been the tent in his pants rearing its head once again. He really had to stop that from happening, dammit!

AN: And done! What did you guys think of this one? Again, to clarify, if it seems like I'm rushing, I'm doing it on purpose, so I hope you can overlook it for now. We now have others in on the Jedi action, meaning more outlets and opportunities for the Dark Side to sink its roots in. Will it happen? Only time will tell!

Now, pairings. After much deliberating with myself, Meetra is definitely in. Question is, should this be a single pairing, or should I add a second girl? Mind you, this will not be a massive harem story, and if I were to add anymore girls, it would only be one more for a threesome. With Meetra in the picture, who do you guys think should be the second girl? Mission? Brianna? Visas? Hell, maybe even Sakura or Ino? Hinata will NOT be an option, as I have plans for her and such plans don't involve a romance subplot with our favorite blonde knucklehead. Give me some good opinions for your choice on girls or why you think it should be a single pairing!

This is ZeroDivisionRaijin, signing off!