Here's the Tenth chapter! Thank you for all the reviews and comments.

Happy New Year to all

Author's Note at the End:

Date: January 1 2025

Chapter 10: Discussions

Coruscant, Jedi Council Chambers

The Jedi Council chambers were unusually tense. Most of the members of the Jedi Council were present, seated in a semi-circle around the room. The breach at the Temple earlier that day had left the Jedi Order shaken, not from the damage caused, but from the implications of the attack.

Master Mace Windu and Master Shaak Ti stood in the center of the room, addressing their fellow council members. Both bore the calm and composed demeanor of experienced Jedi, but the implications of their report was evident in their serious expressions.

Mace Windu began, his deep voice resonating in the quiet chamber. "It has been a few hours since the incident, and our investigation is ongoing. All civilians present at the time of the breach have been escorted safely outside the Temple grounds. This includes the members of the tour groups and visitors, none of whom were harmed."

Shaak Ti nodded, her lekku twitching slightly with restrained tension as she addressed the Jedi Council. "The civilians at the gates and those who entered with visitor passes have been checked. All came back clean," she reported, her calm voice masking the undercurrent of concern. "It is now clear that their presence was a distraction, carefully orchestrated to divert our attention while the mercenaries infiltrated deeper into the Temple."

Her sharp eyes swept the room, meeting the gazes of her fellow Council members. "However," she continued, "what remains troubling is how these infiltrators bypassed our security entirely. Security footage reveals no sign of them entering through any of the primary or secondary entrances. Their presence only became evident after the smoke explosions, appearing suddenly within the inner corridors amidst the chaos."

The murmurs that followed her statement were heavy with unease. Master Plo Koon leaned forward, his mechanical breathing steady but deliberate as he spoke. "The precision of their timing suggests they had an intimate knowledge of the Temple's layout. This was no random act—it was planned with care. Any casualties?"

"No fatalities," Shaak Ti replied. "A few Padawans, Knights, and even one Master sustained injuries during the encounter, but nothing life-threatening. The attackers were skilled, but their methods suggest they were not aiming to kill."

Master Ki-Adi-Mundi furrowed his brow, leaning forward in his seat. "If not to kill, then what was their purpose? It is as though they were testing our strength."

Shaak Ti exchanged a glance with Mace before continuing. "That's what it appears to be. They avoided using lethal force, even when they had the opportunity. Their tactics were precise but restrained. Whoever they were, they were proficient, more so than most mercenaries or raiders we've encountered. Master Windu, you fought one of them directly. Perhaps you can shed more light?"

Mace Windu, nodded solemnly. "Yes, I engaged one of the attackers personally," he began, his voice steady but laced with underlying tension. "At first glance, they appeared to be mercenaries—rough attire, crude weapons—but the way they moved... it was far from crude."

He leaned forward slightly, his intense gaze sweeping across the Council. "The one I fought anticipated every strike. It wasn't just skill; it was as though he could read my moves before I made them. Even my fastest maneuvers, the ones that catch most opponents off guard, didn't surprise him. It was as if I were an open book."

The room fell silent as Mace Windu recounted the encounter. "When I engaged, I expected it to be quick. I've dealt with raiders and mercenaries before, and most of them crumble after a few well-placed strikes. This one didn't. He parried my blows with uncanny precision, almost as though he'd fought me before."

Windu's hands tightened slightly on the armrests of his chair. "At first, I thought it was a coincidence, a well-trained opponent who'd studied Jedi combat techniques. But as the fight continued, it became clear—he wasn't just skilled. He was toying with me. Every move I made, he had an answer for. It wasn't about winning or losing; it was about testing."

Master Plo Koon tilted his head, his voice deep and contemplative. "Testing your strength, perhaps. But to what end?"

Windu nodded. "That's the question. He didn't press for a decisive strike, even when he had the chance. It was as if he was gauging how far he could push me, how I would respond under pressure. And when the moment came for him to disengage, he did so effortlessly. No hesitation, no panic. It was as though that was his plan from the start."

Master Yoda, seated at the center of the Council, tapped his gimer stick lightly against the floor. His eyes, half-closed in thought, opened as he spoke. "Troubling, troubling, this is. A test, perhaps, yes. Seek something from us, they do. What, we know not."

The room fell silent as the Council absorbed Yoda's words. The Grand Master's visions were respected, often hinting at truths that eluded even the wisest Jedi.

The aged Jedi's words carried a weight that settled over the room. "Precise, their tactics were. A message sent, or knowledge sought. Either, dangerous it is."

Shaak Ti chimed in, her voice measured but concerned. "If they were testing us, it means they intend to strike again—or worse, they've already learned what they needed to."

"Do you believe this could be tied to the dark side?" asked Master Saesee Tiin, his tone heavy with concern.

"Shrouded, the answer is," Yoda replied. "The Force, clouded it remains. A storm brewing, feel it I do."

Master Ki-Adi-Mundi leaned forward, his fingers steepled. "If they can breach the Temple and challenge even our best fighters without leaving any fatalities, then their capabilities are far beyond what we've encountered before. We must consider the possibility that this was a precursor to something larger."

Mace Windu's expression hardened. "The Senate has already demanded answers. They see this as a failure of our security and are questioning our ability to protect the Republic. They want a report by tomorrow."

Master Kit Fisto, ever the optimist, leaned back slightly in his seat. "Surely they understand the complexity of what we face. A breach of this magnitude is unprecedented, but we managed to prevent major harm."

"Understanding is not what the Senate seeks," Mace replied sharply. "They seek reassurance. They want to know we remain capable, even as the galaxy descends further into chaos."

Master Ki-Adi-Mundi folded his hands in his lap. "It is imperative that we present ourselves as unified and confident. Any sign of doubt will only fuel the growing dissent among the Senate factions."

Yoda's gaze shifted to Mace, his ears twitching slightly. "Handle this, you will?"

Mace nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I'll deliver the report. The Council cannot afford to appear fractured or uncertain. I'll make it clear that the breach, while significant, has not weakened us."

Shaak Ti added, "We should emphasize the lack of casualties and the swift response from our Knights. It's important the Senate understands that our Order is not vulnerable, even in the face of such an unexpected attack."

Yoda inclined his head slightly. "Careful, you must be. Truths, share them. But not all truths, the Senate needs."

Master Plo Koon spoke up. "The fact that these attackers managed to breach the Temple at all is concerning. If their goal was reconnaissance, we must consider what they learned, or what they were looking for."

"That's assuming they found anything," Shaak Ti said thoughtfully. "But even the attempt is enough to cause ripples throughout the galaxy. The Jedi Temple is seen as an impenetrable bastion. This attack changes that perception."

Master Adi Gallia frowned. "It is imperative that we uncover their identity. If they strike again, we must be prepared."

"Agreed," Mace said. "For now, we focus on reinforcing our security and gathering intelligence. The Senate will be appeased, but we cannot let our guard down."

Yoda tapped his gimer stick once more, signaling the discussion's conclusion. "A long path ahead, we face. Watchful, we must remain. Together, strong we are."

The Council members nodded in agreement, their resolve firm as they prepared for the challenges ahead. Mace Windu and Shaak Ti departed to finalize the report for the Senate, their steps echoing through the chamber as the weight of their task settled on their shoulders.

Underground Cells, Naruto's Palace, Tatooine

Anakin's eyes fluttered open, his senses gradually returning as a dull ache radiated through his body. The cold, unyielding surface beneath him, a stone slab that served as a makeshift bed, did little to ease his discomfort. He shifted slightly, his body stiff from his earlier exertions. The room was dimly lit, illuminated only by a faint glow panel embedded in the ceiling. The air was dry, carrying the faint scent of sand, rust, and metal.

Blinking a few times to adjust to the low light, he took in his surroundings. The walls were smooth but worn, with crude carvings and remnants of grime that hinted at the cell's history under Jabba the Hutt's reign. Opposite him, a single durasteel door stood sealed, its solid frame an ominous reminder of his captivity.

Anakin sat up slowly, wincing as his head throbbed in protest. Memories of Mos Espa flooded back, the fierce fighters, the overwhelming power that had subdued him, the crushing sand that had immobilized him. Instinctively, his hand moved to his belt, searching for his lightsaber. His fingers found only air.

"Great," he muttered, rubbing his temple in frustration. "Captured by desert mercenaries. Just what I needed."

Leaning casually against the wall outside the cell stood one of Naruto's clones, this one disguised as Kiba. He wore light armor over his tunic, a scarf loosely draped around his neck. His fox-faced mask was tilted slightly to the side, revealing sharp, canine-like markings etched onto his cheek. His posture appeared relaxed, but his sharp eyes never left the small viewport, keenly observing every movement inside the cell.

Kiba's lips curled into a smirk as he noticed Anakin stirring. "About time you woke up," he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with amusement.

Anakin pushed himself off the slab, rolling his shoulders as he assessed his situation. Frustration boiled within him as he approached the durasteel door, his fist connecting with it in a sharp, echoing bang. "Hey!" he shouted. "I know someone's out there. Open this door and let me out!"

Outside, Kiba straightened, his smirk widening into a toothy grin. He tapped the control panel near the door, activating the intercom. "Well, well," he drawled, his voice crackling slightly through the speaker. "Look who's finally up. Jedi Knight, huh? Or is it Padawan? Either way, you're a guest of the Fox Lord now."

Anakin stepped closer to the door, his glare burning through the small viewport. "I didn't come here to fight," he said, his tone controlled but tense. "I'm looking for someone, my mother. Let me speak to whoever's in charge."

Kiba let out a low chuckle, leaning against the wall once more. "Strange," he mused, his tone dripping with mockery. "You say that, but you were the one attacking my comrades. Anyway, you'll get to meet the boss eventually, when he decides it's time. For now? You can cool off in there."

Anakin's fists clenched, his frustration mounting. "You have no idea what you're dealing with," he said, his voice low and threatening. "If you don't let me out, "

"What?" Kiba interrupted, his grin widening. "You'll what? Cut me down with your fancy laser sword? Oh, wait, " he feigned a gasp, slapping a hand to his forehead in mock realization. "You don't have it anymore. My bad."

Inside the cell, Anakin took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. The Jedi teachings echoed faintly in his mind, urging restraint, but the thought of his mother's safety drowned out much of that wisdom. He pressed his palm against the cool surface of the door, his voice steadier now but no less firm. "You're making a mistake. I didn't come here to harm anyone. Let me go, and I'll leave peacefully."

Kiba tilted his head, pretending to consider the offer. "Hmm. Tempting. But no. You see, you've caused quite the mess already, and letting you out just like that? Not gonna happen."

Anakin exhaled sharply, his patience thinning. "I will find a way out of here," he said, the conviction in his voice unmistakable.

Kiba raised an eyebrow behind his mask, genuinely impressed by the determination in the Jedi's tone. "You're welcome to try," he said with a casual shrug. "But trust me, that cell isn't going to give. So, save your energy. You're gonna need it when you meet the boss."

With that, Kiba deactivated the intercom, leaving Anakin alone in the silence of his cell. Outside, Kiba leaned back against the wall, still smirking as he kept an eye on the viewport.

Anakin slammed his fist against the door again, his frustration and anger fueling the Force as it swirled chaotically around him. The door vibrated slightly under the pressure, but the reinforced durasteel held firm, unyielding against his efforts.

Outside, Kiba smirked, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed. "This one's feisty," he muttered to himself, amusement clear in his tone.

Tapping the intercom again, Kiba's voice crackled into the cell. "You know," he began, his tone laced with mockery, "you Jedi types are all the same. Always so quick to gear up for violence for people who are supposed to preach peace. Not exactly helping your case, buddy." he remembered memories from Jiraiya's intrusion in temple

Anakin glared at the door, his breathing heavy. He took a moment, forcing himself to calm down. Slamming his fists and raging wouldn't solve anything. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, steadying his thoughts. He had to think clearly, strategically. Losing his temper wouldn't bring him any closer to finding his mother.

These people weren't ordinary mercenaries, he'd realized that during the fight. Their movements, their coordination, and, most importantly, their connection to the Force were unlike anything he'd encountered. They didn't follow the traditional methods of the Jedi or Sith, yet their power was undeniable.

"They're something else entirely," he muttered to himself, pacing the small confines of the cell. His mind raced. Who were these people, and why were they here, on Tatooine, of all places? It wasn't exactly a galactic hub for Force users. And if they were tied to this enigmatic "Fox Lord," what did that mean for his mission and his mother?

Anakin stopped pacing, facing the door as another thought crept into his mind. 'Did they sense something from my mother?' he wondered, dread curling in his chest. He shook his head, trying to focus. His mother was strong; she'd survived Tatooine's harshness for years. But if these people had any inkling of her connection to him, they might use her against him.

"What do you want with me?" Anakin finally asked, his tone sharp but measured.

Kiba, still lounging outside, tilted his head. "Not my call," he replied nonchalantly. "My job's to make sure you don't try anything stupid until the boss decides what to do with you."

Anakin resumed his pacing, his mind a flurry of thoughts. Time was slipping away, and every moment spent here was a moment lost in his search for his mother. He had to act, but how? The cell was reinforced, and the dampening fields weakened his connection to the Force. Still, he wasn't entirely powerless.

He reached out tentatively, feeling for the lock mechanism, hoping to manipulate it with the Force. It was a delicate balance, too much, and the dampening field would suppress his efforts entirely; too little, and he'd accomplish nothing.

Kiba, noticing the shift in Anakin's demeanor, straightened, his tone suddenly serious. "Don't even think about it," he said, his sharp eyes narrowing behind the fox mask. "These cells are reinforced with dampening fields. Whatever Jedi tricks you're planning, they won't work here."

He leaned casually against the wall but kept his gaze locked on the viewport, watching Anakin's every move. "You're not the first Force user to end up in one of these cells, you know. Jabba the Hutt had a habit of capturing Force sensitives, mercenaries, wanderers, even a rogue Jedi or two. We learned a thing or two from his operations."

Kiba chuckled, though there was little humor in his voice. "When we took over this place, we found plenty of interesting things. Some of Jabba's former guards were... cooperative when encouraged. They had all sorts of stories, like how Jabba kept a few 'special' prisoners locked away. Turns out, these cells were outfitted to suppress their abilities."

He tapped the control panel next to the cell door, the faint hum of the dampening field becoming more audible. "Not bad for a crime lord, huh? He knew better than to underestimate people like you. And now? Well, let's just say you're not going anywhere anytime soon."

Inside the cell, Anakin's jaw tightened, frustration clear on his face. He could feel the oppressive energy of the dampening field, cutting him off from the Force like a heavy fog. It wasn't impossible to push through, but it would take far more effort than he could afford in his current state.

Kiba smirked, sensing the Jedi's struggle. "Face it, kid. You're stuck. Might as well get comfortable."

Anakin's brow furrowed, his irritation bubbling over. "I'm not a kid, and you seem about the same age as me, maybe even younger," he retorted, his voice sharp with frustration.

Kiba chuckled, folding his arms casually. "Age doesn't matter when you're on the winning side, does it?" he quipped, the smugness in his tone only adding fuel to Anakin's simmering anger.

Anakin's eyes narrowed as he leaned closer to the small viewport. "You seem to know a lot about Jedi," he said, his voice measured, suspicion lacing his words.

Kiba tapped his temple with a gloved finger, his smirk widening. "Let's just say we've done our homework," he replied. "Unlike some people, we don't walk into situations blind. You Jedi may think you're all-powerful, but you're not as unpredictable as you'd like to believe."

As the moments stretched on, Anakin closed his eyes and tried to center himself, inhaling deeply in an effort to regain control. The Force flowed faintly around him, but the dampening field in the cell made it feel distant, muted. His thoughts, however, refused to settle. They kept circling back to the one thing that truly mattered: his mother. Was she safe? Was she even alive? The uncertainty gnawed at him, an unrelenting ache that fueled his frustration and clouded his judgment.

Outside the cell, Kiba leaned against the wall, his arms crossed casually over his chest. Behind the fox mask, his expression was one of mild amusement mixed with genuine curiosity. Though he was a clone, and his own experiences were limited but they all were drawn from Naruto's fragmented memories, he could feel the Jedi's emotions radiating through the air like heat waves off the Tatooine sands.

'So much emotion,' Kiba thought, shaking his head slightly. 'Jedi are supposed to be all calm and collected, right? Guess not this one or everyone is like that?'

Finally, Kiba sighed, breaking the tense silence as he pressed the intercom button again. "Look," he began, his tone almost sympathetic. "You'll get your answers soon enough. Just sit tight. The boss is a lot more reasonable than you think. Just don't attack or do anything stupid."

Anakin turned toward the door, his expression hardening as he approached the small viewport. His voice was steady, but the fire behind his words was unmistakable. "You have no idea what I'm capable of. If you think this cell can hold me forever, you're wrong."

Kiba chuckled, his tone light. "We'll see about that."

Command center, Naruto's Palace, Tatooine

Shikamaru, stood with an air of calm authority in the softly lit command center. His sharp eyes were fixed on the screen before him, displaying the three figures walking alongside Iruka as they moved toward the guest quarters. The room buzzed faintly with activity, though Shikamaru remained the center of stillness amidst the hum of machinery and soft voices of subordinates exchanging updates.

Captain Gregor, the leader of the small Republic contingent, was at the forefront. As he walked, he removed his helmet, revealing a rugged face marked by faint scars and an expression that spoke of discipline and experience on the battlefield. The other two clone troopers followed his lead, taking off their helmets as well. Their faces were strikingly similar to Gregor's, sharp jawlines, piercing eyes, and short-cropped hair, but the minor differences in scars, expressions, and subtle mannerisms set them apart.

Shikamaru leaned back slightly against the console behind him, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his black cloak. His posture was relaxed, but his sharp eyes missed nothing. Every detail, no matter how small, was logged and analyzed with the precision of a master tactician.

'So, these are the Republic's famous clones,' he thought, his mind already working through what he was seeing. 'They're clearly mass-produced, but the individuality is... unexpected. The minor differences in their faces and behavior make them distinct, almost as if the process wasn't just mechanical but had room for natural variance.'

Shikamaru's gaze lingered on their faces for a moment longer before flicking to their body language. Their movements were synchronized, purposeful, and efficient. 'Disciplined and predictable,' he mused. 'That's both their strength and their weakness.'

The concept of mass production on such a scale intrigued Shikamaru. His analytical mind began to explore the implications. 'Clones, created in labs and trained to fight. No chakra, no Force sensitivity, just raw physical ability and conditioning. They're effective, sure, but they lack the unpredictability that comes with individuality, or the power that comes from a direct connection to the boss, like we have.'

His thoughts shifted to Jiraiya's recent report on the Republic's cloning facilities. The scale of their operation was impressive, but it left him with questions. 'If the Republic can produce clones like this, why haven't the Jedi adopted similar methods? Surely they could create Force-sensitive clones, ones capable of harnessing the same powers as their original. Or is there some limitation I'm missing? Can't they use Force like Boss to create clones ?'

The idea of creating an army of Force-chakra-sensitive clones seemed both fascinating and dangerous. Shikamaru's mind raced through the possibilities. 'Is it a moral issue? Or perhaps a practical one? Cloning a Force user like these clones might not be as straightforward as cloning a regular person. Maybe there's a risk of instability, or worse. But why haven't they tried clones like us?'

He let out a small sigh, brushing the thought aside for now. There were too many unknowns, and speculating wouldn't get him any closer to answers. Still, the efficiency of the Republic's system was undeniable. 'Even without chakra or Force abilities, they've built an army capable of holding its own. That alone is worth studying.'

Shikamaru pushed off the console with a slight stretch, his gaze still fixed on the screen. The clones and Iruka were nearing the guest quarters. He decided to join them, his curiosity piqued.

When he reached the corridor leading to the guest quarters, Shikamaru slowed his pace, observing the scene ahead. Gregor and his men were inspecting the quarters with a critical eye, while Iruka stood nearby, engaging them in light conversation. The Republic clones' body language remained professional but betrayed a hint of tension.

As Shikamaru reaches a nearby group he hears Iruka's voice, "Informed?" his voice cut through the room, his tone sharp yet measured. "Interesting choice of words. Who, exactly, informed you that the Jedi in question would be here? How did you trace him?"

Gregor exchanged a glance with his men before responding, "We followed his trajectory from the start, and his Jedi Master was aware of his destination." His tone was steady, but there was a guarded edge to it.

Shikamaru stepped closer, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. His relaxed stance was deceptive, masking the razor-sharp analysis going on in his mind. "And how do we know you're not here under false pretenses?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of challenge. "For all we know, you could be enemies posing as allies to capture him."

Gregor stiffened slightly at the implication but kept his voice calm. "We are loyal to the Republic and serve under the Jedi Order. The Jedi in question is our assigned commander, and it's our duty to ensure his well-being. If there's any suspicion, we're more than willing to prove our allegiance."

Shikamaru studied the captain's face for a moment, noting the steadiness in his expression. Gregor was good at maintaining his composure, but Shikamaru wasn't ready to drop his guard just yet. "Fair enough," he said after a pause, straightening slightly. "But here's the thing: your so-called commander violated the rules of this planet. The Fox Lord doesn't take kindly to uninvited guests causing chaos. If you expect us to release him just like that, it's not going to happen."

Gregor's brow furrowed slightly, but he remained composed. "Then at least let us meet him. We need to confirm his condition and ensure he's unharmed. That's our responsibility."

Shikamaru sighed, tilting his head back slightly as though weighing his options. "You do realize the position you're in, right?" he asked, his tone deceptively casual. "You're standing in a room controlled by the Fox Lord, asking for the release of someone who stormed in without permission, caused a scene, and violated local rules. If the situation were reversed, would the Republic hand someone over so easily?"

The tension in the room thickened as Gregor considered his response. After a moment, he said, "We understand the circumstances, but Commander's presence here is... unique. He didn't come to cause harm, he came to find someone."

Shikamaru's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained neutral. "And who exactly is he looking for?"

Gregor hesitated, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face before he replied, "That's not information I'm at liberty to share. But I can assure you, his intentions weren't malicious."

Shikamaru let out a low chuckle, though it lacked humor. "Intentions don't mean much when actions cause chaos," he said, his tone pointed. "Here's the deal: the Fox Lord will decide what happens to him. Until then, you're free to stay, but you won't meet him, or take him, until the boss says so."

Gregor's jaw tightened slightly, his frustration evident. "Understood," he said carefully. "But if I may, holding a Jedi Padawan, especially one like Commander, might attract more attention than you want."

Shikamaru's expression didn't shift, but his tone grew sharper. "Let us worry about that," he said. He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "And speaking of attention... If you fail to retrieve him, what happens? Does the Republic send more troops? More Jedi? Or perhaps someone with less patience?"

Gregor's gaze didn't waver. "We're not here to escalate anything. Our only goal is to ensure our commander's safety."

Shikamaru regarded the trio before him thoughtfully, his mind racing through scenarios. 'Disciplined, loyal, and calm under pressure. If the Republic's entire army is like this, they're more formidable than I expected. But their limits are obvious, no Force, no chakra. Just humans, bred and trained to follow orders.'

He couldn't help but compare them to the clones Naruto created. 'Our clones carry the essence of the boss. They think independently, but they share a unified purpose. These Republic clones... they're efficient tools, but they lack that edge. If the Jedi made clones like ours, the Republic's enemies wouldn't stand a chance. Based on information so I far I can guess they can't or something is stopping them'

Shikamaru's sharp eyes flicked back to Gregor. "Look, Captain," he said, his tone softening slightly. "I get that you're just doing your job. But so am I. The Fox Lord doesn't make rash decisions. Until he meets your commander and decides what to do, nothing's changing."

Gregor met Shikamaru's gaze, his resolve unshaken. "Then I request that we be allowed to stay nearby until that meeting happens."

Shikamaru nodded slowly. "Fair enough. We'll set up quarters for you and your men. But let me make one thing clear, if any of you step out of line or try anything... well, let's just say your Jedi Commander won't be the only one in a cell."

Gregor nodded curtly. "Understood."

As the meeting concluded and the clones were escorted out by masked guards, Iruka turned to Shikamaru, his expression thoughtful. "Disciplined. I'll give them that," he said, glancing toward the door.

Shikamaru shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "They're soldiers, good ones. But they're not us."

Iruka chuckled. "Hardly anyone is. Still, this is becoming more trouble than it's worth."

Shikamaru sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Troublesome. So troublesome."

As they walked through the halls, Shikamaru's thoughts continued to churn. "The Jedi and the Republic rely on this army, but they're still just tools, no different from the droids the Separatists seemingly use, really. The main difference is their loyalty. These clones don't just follow orders; they believe in their cause."

Shikamaru's sharp gaze softened slightly as he leaned against the wall as he neared the doors of the command center, "Efficient, loyal, and disciplined. But predictable. That's their flaw. They don't act outside the boundaries of their training. We might need to throw a mission to the factory or labs where they are produced to get more in depth details or perhaps Jiraiya can find something in Coruscant".

"Our clones are more than just copies," Iruka added, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "They're an extension of the boss's will. That's something these lab-grown soldiers could never match."

Shikamaru nodded, and pushed himself off the wall and walked inside the center with Iruka in tow. "There is still much to learn, and I intend to uncover every piece of the puzzle. Troublesome, as always," he mused. "But fascinating. Let's see what Naruko got…"

TBC.

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