Hi everyone I apologise if this chapter isn't up to standard been kind of rushing it whenever I get spots of wifi. I'm currently on holiday and if anyone can guess where in the comments section they get a shoutout and a character named after them in a new story.
The clue is: the land of wood and water.
Let us begin
Coruscant
Word travelled fast about more defections from the Republic, most recently of two Jedi; Shaak Ti, and Aayla Secura. This had been a dangerous blow to morale for the Republic, as both took valuable information with them. However, the most pressing concern for the Jedi Order was that the people were beginning to question them. Was the Order even effective at what it did? Could they be trusted?
These questions began to worry the Jedi. First, they had a former Jedi become a warlord, and now they had a Master and a Knight rebel. The faith in the Order was beginning to wane even with the clone troopers for any of them could defect, going AWOL and joining the Mandalorians.
However, today was different, for today would see negotiations between the Republic and the Mandalorian Commonwealth. The Mandalore would arrive within the hour, for the negotiations to begin. Most people hoped that the negotiations would go well, knowing that the Mandalorians themselves were incredibly dangerous; The years of the Mandalorian crusades were burned into the annals of the Republic's long and graphic history.
However, those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.
"I don't like this at all," Anakin stated as he, along with Ahsoka and Obi-Wan, stood outside the Senate Chamber building by the docks. Almost a hundred Jedi and senate guards were stationed in, or around, the Senate building.
They had to make sure everything went smoothly. They couldn't afford an attack during the peace talks, it would ruin everything more so than that of the separatist talks.
"Like it or not Anakin, our job is to ensure nothing goes wrong," Obi-Wan told his former student with a sigh. Recently, Anakin had pushed for the Republic to go on the offensive against Mandalore, pushing for them to take advantage of the Mandalorians' thin defences. His aggressive nature towards Naruto was starting to affect him.
"But he's a traitor! not only did he allow his clones to be killed, he now has a countless number of worlds under his rule." Anakin shouted as Obi-Wan sighed once more.
It was true, too many worlds had opted to switch alliances and join the Mandalorians, even some of the Separatist worlds. Not only that, but the Mandalore now commanded a league of 450 neutral systems, all of which were now part of the Mandalorian Empire. Almost overnight, large portions of the galactic map began to turn bright orange, the colour given to identify the Mandalorians on the strategic maps.
The planets forgotten in the outer rim and mid rims had been practically been gifted to the Mandalorians, the warriors having liberated nearly all the planets within the pockets.
"Master, the Republic is already stretched too thin. We simply cannot afford to fight a war on two fronts. Plus a peace agreement would allow us to rebuild." Ahsoka spoke up. Ahsoka herself had hardly gotten a wink of sleep, between the war and her other projects she had rarely had time to herself.
"Well, whatever it may be, we cannot undo it now. Now prepare yourselves he should be arriving soon." Obi-Wan said with his humour clearly on show.
The republic friendship party watched practically awestruck as 3 massive Venators floated down toward the Senate docks; these were no normal warships; these were heavily modified and prepared for war.
The centre warship floated close to the docks, floating close and letting down a large wide gangplank. First to come down the ramp were heavily armed Mandalorians, their blue and white armour scheme reminiscent of that of the 501st which stood opposite to them, mixed in with these Mandalorians were tall and heavily armoured aliens easily the height of wookies and covered in purplish black armour each carrying a heavy blaster rifle, these intimidating beings seemed to stare through the clones.
Following behind them came 2 lines of golden armoured soldiers, they carried long pikes with them and their red cloaks flowed behind in the light city breeze. Then came the procession of the Mandalore himself, the first figure to make themselves seen was that of Bo Katan her armour replaced for regal robes which she looked decidedly uncomfortable in. Beside her stood the former Jedi, his golden armour practically glowed in the sunlight as he marched down the gangplank. Around his shoulders was a light grey furred cloak that seemed to accentuate his armour's gold.
Some slight stubble grew on his cheeks and chin framing his face and thunderous blue eyes. However, that was not the only surprise, as behind Naruto came the two criminals themselves. Shaak Ti and Aayla were both kitted out in red and blue Mandalorian armour respectively each modified for their species quirks yet they were not the only surprise to the gathered crowd.
A large wide-brimmed hat covered his dark light blue skin from the sun, two silver pipes moved from his cheeks; a long overcoat covered his skinny yet muscular body, the coat moved slightly showing off the twin pistols hidden at his sides. There was only one person this could be.
Cad Bane.
The senate guards and Clone shock troopers all immediately drew their weapons training them on the notorious bounty hunter and Jedi traitors. The Mandalorians acted immediately despite being outnumbered; they raised their weapons in response.
Naruto raised a single arm. "Tell your men to lower their arms. He is a Mandalorian Pathfinder and as such under my protection." Nothing more needed to be said as both sides knew what the words meant.
With a single wave from Palpatine, the clones and senate guards reluctantly lowered their weapons, their Mandalorian peers doing the same. Naruto and Bo Katan alongside their procession continued to walk till they were face to face with the Chancellor himself.
"Greetings Mandalore, I welcome you to Coruscant." Palpatine welcomed the former Jedi with a smile, though internally he seethed at the Man no boy before him. This man alone had derailed so many of his plans. Naruto narrowed his eyes but nodded.
"Thank you, however, we are not here for pleasantries so let us begin the discussions," Naruto commented as he started to walk towards the Senate building, his guards following him, along with the old man and his group, though they were quite displeased by his blunt disregard of them.
"Come now; let us see the drama inside," Obi-Wan said with a chuckle. He wasn't a fan of politics, but he did enjoy the drama it created. Anakin rolled his eyes and followed. Obi-Wan had a strange sense of humour.
None noticed Ahsoka lightly tapping her communicator.
About an Hour Later:
The Senate had just started, with Palpatine starting it off with high levels of bureaucracy the Republic had to deal with before the subject regarding Mandalore was finally approached.
"As you all know, recent events have forced the Republic to hold peace talks with the Mandalorian Empire. We are graced with the presence of the Mandalore Himself who has arrived to negotiate with the Senate." Palpatine stated he was burning with anger in his mind. Decades of planning were washed down the drain by this worthless pawn. No matter, if he waited this long, he can wait a bit more.
"Thank you, Chancellor. However we are not the Mandalorian Empire, we are the commonwealth of Mandalorian states." Naruto, or as most knew him, Mandalore spoke up as his repulsor pod floated near the centre of the senate chamber. Naruto knew Palpatine was a schemer the man had gotten to power through those same schemes.
"First off, I commend the Senate for holding these peace talks. It truly shows the democratic ideals that the Republic upholds." Naruto started, he scoffed at that in his thoughts. The Republic was as corrupt as you could get. They were no better than the Separatists/
"My name is Naruto, Mandalore of the Mandalorian Commonwealth. I have come forth to ensure that these peace talks are met with results that all parties may find beneficial." Naruto went on as another repulsor pod floated down. He looked at the Senator, his face blank, however within he was a storm of emotion knowing exactly who this was.
"And what would you be offering? As much as we wish for the end of this war there are concessions which still must be met." Padme questioned as Naruto rolled his eyes. She was determined to get in his way at every path. Sighing to himself, he pressed a few buttons, and at the centre of the Senate chambers, appeared a map of the galaxy, with territories of the Republic, Separatists and the Mandalorian Empire outlined.
"As you are all aware, Mandalore has rapidly expanded and has gained valuable worlds key to the Republic. My offer is simple, the Republic and the Mandalorian Empire sign a nonaggression treaty. Both parties shall cease hostilities immediately."He paused for a moment knowing that what he would say next would make or break the treaty.
"Furthermore, Mandalore shall retain the territories it has conquered, and the 450 neutral systems shall be officially recognized as systems within the Mandalorian Commonwealth and as such gain the protections such a title offers." Naruto finished as shouting erupted.
This was an outrageous offer! Not only did the Mandalorian Commonwealth get away with everything with this deal, their territory while not large would be strategically dangerous.
"That deal is not fair to either party, not only does the Commonwealth gain a large boon what does the Republic as a whole get in response to this outrageous deal.." Padme started but was stopped by Naruto.
"The Commonwealth's parliament led by myself shall decide upon further terms, however, this is the only deal which can benefit us both. Or would you rather we create a deal with the separatists?" Naruto questioned as she looked at him in shock.
"The Separatist alliance attacked the Republic and declared war. If they wanted to leave, talks could have been held. And should you create any negotiations with them that would annul the deal created between the Senate and the Commonwealth's Parliament " She stated as Naruto shook his head, how naive she was.
"Do not seek to threaten me. I was still a Jedi in your ranks when the Talks were held. And I seem to remember that they didn't have any end, so they took matters into their own hand, much like how Mandalore and the 450 leagues of neutral systems have done." Naruto stated as some saw the logic behind this, but many called for war.
Padme frowned in annoyance knowing that Naruto's previous experiences allowed him to run this debate.
"The Senate demands that the Mandalorian Commonwealth withdraw all forces from captured regions and the handover of the defectors. As well as allowing republic trading ships to pass through their territory. A return to the previous de-militarisation and return to power of the previous leader." Padme stated. To the Republic, that was the only deal they wanted, even after Padme tried to change their mind regarding it. Naruto chuckled at that.
"No deal." He simply stated they wanted to disarm him and throw him from power. Padme looked at him in mild shock. While she hadn't expected him to agree she also had not expected a full refusal.
"Then you would have a war between the both of us? The Mandalorian Commonwealth might have warships, but you do not have the capacity to keep them reinforced. The Republic is formed of thousands of systems." Padme paused, staring Naruto deep in the eyes trying to make him see her truths.
"No matter how Martial the Mandalorians may be, they will be destroyed, you must see reason Naruto and not fall to the madness which befell Dooku." She was breathing heavily, the once loud senate room had now gone deadly silent.
While she wasn't the one to use military threats, she would have to in these times.
Naruto raised a single eyebrow.
"Is that what you think? Millions have volunteered to join the Mandalorian military, and the league of neutral systems is happy to supply us with warships and supplies. Furthermore, the Pantorans have been building a vast number of droid warships for the Mandalorian Commonwealth. The Thuringian system helps us modify our ships."He paused for a moment allowing the thoughts to settle in.
"We can keep fighting this war and many more will die, or we can end it here." Naruto offered as his repulsor pod floated back to the balcony then he and his bodyguards stepped off the pod. He then left the Senate room in complete meltdown making his way to his assigned room.
He would let the Senate talk it out regarding his offer. As he entered, he spotted Chuchi waiting for him in his room. He raised his eyebrow, what was she doing here?
"Chuchi, what are you doing here?" He questioned her as she jumped, a bit startled by him.
"A-Ah! N-Naruto! I was just coming to give you the reports regarding the new Droid Fleet!" She said with a light blush as she handed him a data pad. Naruto could see that the usual outfit she wore was replaced with a light red dress which stuck close to her body. Framing her curves and showing her off in a way Naruto hadn't seen before.
"Thank you Chuchi, it has been too long since we last saw each other. You're looking absolutely gorgeous today." He told her, that Chuchis's face had gone an almost full crimson red at this point, however, she had promised herself that she would see this through.
"Chuchi, if you'd come back later when I have left my armour, we can truly catch up." He questioned, the Pantoran nodded, not trusting her voice, she then turned on her heel and was about to walk away something stopped her.
He heard a chuckle from behind him. Turning around, he spotted Bo with her armour and helmet off, having slipped out of the ceremonial robes as quickly as possible.
"What?" He questioned as she shook her head. He wasn't the brightest when it came to the opposite gender but he knew his stuff.
"Naruto, do you truly know why Chuchi is reacting as she did?" She questioned as he raised an eyebrow, what did that mean?! Chuchi behind him was practically jumping and waving trying her best to stop the older woman from divulging her secret.
"She couldn't speak very well when you got close to her, she shuttered around you, and she blushed around you and couldn't even make eye contact. Now, what does that mean?" Bo questioned as Naruto frowned.
"I think I might know what this is but explain it to me?" He questioned seriously as Bo facepalmed. By the Force, how dense was this guy!?
"Naruto… she likes you!" Bo pointed out as Naruto's eyes widened as he turned to her as she blushed and looked away.
"Chuchi… is it true?" He questioned as she shyly nodded, the bright blush practically causing her to glow brightly.
"Yes, I have liked you for quite a while even when you were a Jedi…" She commented as Naruto was, again, left shocked. To think that Chuchi liked him for that long, He sighed as he closed his eyes and walked up to the window.
"What a fool I have been. To think I had someone so close to me without even realizing." Naruto commented while staring out into the massive city. Indeed, he was a fool. Turning around, he steeled himself.
"Chuchi… I know you like me, but I am already in a relationship with someone…" Naruto started as Chuchi's eyes widened. She was too late a second time it seems. She heard Bo, Naruto's bodyguard, chuckle. Bo walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder
"Don't worry Naruto, you are in the clear," Bo commented as Naruto looked at her in shock, while Chuchi looked confused.
"W-What are you talking about!?" Naruto questioned as his face reddened. Bo rolled her eyes.
"You can have her if you want, duh. I am perfectly fine with it." Bo answered as Chuchi's eyes widened again. Was she the one he was in a relationship with? Naruto coughed as he caught her attention.
"Seeing how… Bo here is so open about it, I guess I can give it a chance. I can't say the feeling is mutual, but we can try." Naruto stated and immediately he was tackled by the senator.
"Thank you!" Chuchi stated with tears in her eyes. Naruto sighed softly and kissed her forehead, a sign of blessing between the Mandalorian peoples of love and care.
"While I like that you got the man you wanted, the Senate has come to a decision," Bo spoke up.
The Senate had come to a decision long ago, and she just didn't care about what they thought. Those fat cats could wait. However, She realized that she alone could never fill the hole in his heart. The betrayal of his first love had left him damaged, damage that would take time to heal.
Senate Chamber:
Once again, he found himself in the Senate Chambers. His pod floated towards the centre as the Senate calmed down. Then, Palpatine stood up to speak on the Senate's behalf.
"The Senate, after a lengthy discussion, has agreed to your terms. However, the matter of the Jedi that betrayed the order still stands. The Order would like you to hand them back." Palpatine stated.
"After all if a Mandalorian betrayed the Commonwealth you would wish for their recapture no?" the little smirk that he gave did nothing but annoy the Mandalore.
It took every fibre of Sheev's being to not leap forward and slice through that damn Mandalore! Years of planning, years of hiding in the shadows, and years of plotting the Jedi's downfall were wasted. Bah! He had to deal with that incompetent Gungan! What was his name? Jar something.
"While I am grateful that the Senate has agreed to my terms, the two former Jedi left of their own accord and are now citizens of the Commonwealth. If the order thinks otherwise, then they can try, on the battlefield. My men would be willing to ensure those who wish to separate our leaders would be eradicated." Naruto stated as everyone gasped.
They had just achieved a peace treaty and he was already raising the tension! Seeing their reaction, Naruto scoffed.
"The Jedi Order as you all have come to know Is no more. The Order was established to maintain peace in the galaxy, not to train Jedi Generals that would wage war. They have lost sight of who they are. The old Masters would be rolling in their graves if they saw what has become of their order, and I am not talking about being war leaders, but rather the overall practices." Naruto stated, leaving the Senate confused. Seeing their confusion, he decided to push on.
"The Jedi's of the past used emotions to protect the galaxy. After all, one's passion for protection drives one forward against all odds. The Jedi of today say that such emotions are a path to the Dark Side and yes, such emotions are, but only if they are compromised. If one can control their emotions, then one can fight off the Dark Side, however, the Jedi now seek to eradicate all forms of emotions. How can they protect the galaxy if they can't even understand the people? I'll say it again; the Jedi have become weak and sloppy in terms of their original objective and tenets. Controlling one's emotions is harder than suppressing." Naruto stated as his pod retreated, leaving quite a few Jedi offended or a bit enlightened by his words. In the end, he got what he came here for, now it was time to leave. However, as soon as his pod made it back, one of his guards approached him.
"My lord, we have a problem." The guard whispered as Naruto raised an eyebrow. He gestured for the guard to go on.
"The liberation of Ryloth has stalled." He whispered as Naruto narrowed his eyes. So, they chose to resist? No matter, he will crush this little rebellion with an iron fist.
"Well then, prepare the fleet for action, we shall crack the Separatist hold out," Naruto commented. Time to teach those Separatist bastards that one does not simply defy the Mandalore and get away with it.
As he was leaving the Grand convocation room, a new Mandalorian approached him. This was a Togruta their armour coloured brightly, a long cloak stretched from their shoulders covering most of their armour. The modified helmet was covered by a hood however the facial designs could still be seen and the way the hood stood showed some sort of addition in height.
The said Mandalorian saddled up next to the Mandalore, their body despite being covered by a cloak was easily seen to be female. Two Sangheili blocked her path however as soon as they saw the helmet and designs they cleared the way giving the woman a clear path to her Mandalore.
"Fulgrim of clan Fett answering the call lord Mandalore." her voice called out as she stood side by side with Naruto, they both continued to walk toward the hangar surrounded by guards and gawking civilians.
He called for Cad bane, the tall Duros male slinking over and walking beside the Mandalore.
"Cad Bane, I want you to take some clones with you and find a way into Kamino. We might have a peace agreement but I want any advantage we can get over them," he whispered the Duros nodded, grudgingly accepting the mission.
Naruto saw the slight bits of annoyance and hesitation. "Remember the Oath you swore, you were trained by a son of Mandalore and you promised to answer its call. If I need to put you down ill do it myself."
The harsh whisper seemed to do the trick as the man turned and left, nothing but a sneer slashed across his face, and two fett clan members followed behind.
Ryloth
The Mandalorian fleet had stalled somewhat, the battle space above the planet was filled with warships of both sides cutting through and destroying each other. The Mandalorian fleet despite being quite a bit smaller than the separatists had made up for the size difference through their skill at arms, the better-trained Mandalorians using their tactics and surprise strategy to roll over the lesser thinking droids.
The Mandalorian flagship Crimson Fist smashed its way through the defensive screen of Munificent class frigates the warships pushed their way through the main guns firing away and reducing everything around it to fine dust debris. Behind it, 3 frigates thundered through the now open gap their original mission having been sundered by the separatist reinforcements.
The Crimson Fist turned bearing its hefty broadsides to the enemies which remained.
"Send them to hell."
Ryloth
Dooku stood over the bodies of the rebels. The Twileks led by Cham Syndulla had tried their best to rise up against their oppressors, however where usually the only menace to fight would be a droid brain however that paled in comparison to the sheer brutality and effectiveness of the count and his cyborg attack dog. However, they still fought.
For who would fight for them if they could not fight for themselves?
Dooku cared little for this however, as such every time a new rebel attack would start he would lead his legions into battle, these fools could not kill him.
In the corner of his eye, he spotted the shape of a recon droid floating over to his position. Around him, Grievous led the droids on another crusade throughout a smaller city west of its capital.
The droids data slate slipped into his hand, reading it quickly he grinned, it seemed the Mandalorians were closer than he had anticipated it seemed his Grand nephew would give him a challenge.
Turning to his iron soldier he spoke. "Grievous. Prepare yourself for the arrival of the Mandalore."
Fin
Sorry for how long this took however I'm currently on holiday and don't have the best connection anywhere really so updates are far and few between however do have some new content coming including some stuff for one piece and MHA as well as GATE.