Alright, here it is.

Been going through some rough times but I am going good now, the chapter's going to be relatively short given I am trying to work on other fics, plus the Quirky Tutor fic that I realized needs to be updated.

Enjoy and leave reviews if you like.

Let's go.

[Coruscant]

The grand Senate chamber buzzed with tense energy as senators filed in, their colorful robes swishing as they took their seats. Murmurs and whispers filled the cavernous space, and an undercurrent of anxiety was palpable in the air.

Chancellor Palpatine sat on his seat with Chairman Mas Amedda, who began addressing the thousands of senators in the room, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Senators of the Republic, this emergency session will now be ordered."

The din slowly faded as all eyes turned to the Chancellor. His voice rang out, clear and authoritative: "We are gathered here today to address the evidence put forward by the Intelligence Oversight Committee, which has uncovered information regarding the acts and attempted acts on the planet Kessel against the Yaruba Royal Family." Palpatine began with calm on the Senate floors, "Where dozens of unarmed men and women and numerous security personnel were massacred by members of the extremist militant group known as the Ölüm Partisans - we are here to discuss the deliberation of this evidence and to designate this organization as a terrorist group."

The Senate's first reactions were loud murmurs, as this subject was thought to be put to rest. Instead, it received renewed attention due to the report that was brought in.

The topic discussed The Intelligence Oversight Committee's findings that had uncovered the story about the Ölüm Uprising on the neutral planet of Kessel, that despite it being under the sphere of influence of the Hutts it had been more than just a simple slave uprising. It also found out about the Yaruba Palace, where dozens of bodies were discovered that belonged to people assumed missing. Rich, influential, powerful people, who were found to have been shot and burned.

A few of them were linked to senators in this chamber, which caused some to feel panic.

"The Senator of the Trade Federation, Lott Dod is given the word." Chairman Mas Amedda announced to the chamber.

"I thank you, Chairman Amedda, and the Committee for bringing the truth to the Senate." Lott Dod, the Neimodian, opportunistic, and infamous senator of a large economic powerhouse spoke in such conviction, "It has been proven that these insurgents who have been sanctified as heroes in the past, are to be held accountable for the actions they committed."

The hypocrisy could be felt strongly by those who knew better, having known the past actions of the Trade Federation, it was only by sheer luck that one senator from Naboo was not among them right now due to the assassination attempts on her life, or Lott wouldn't have dared to speak without facing her reaction.

"The details of what the Committee had unveiled are disturbing, to say the least, the people they have massacred were unarmed, men and women of commerce, and above all innocent." The Neimoidian senator of the Trade Federation spoke while addressing the Senate, "It is only just to now mark their leadership and their entire hierarchy with warrants for arrests and to put this organization down as fast as the law allows it to."

"Objection." Another pod, this time that of Jiraiya came forward to confront this, he was joined in his pod by one of the bodyguards, an ANBU Black Ops nin whose identity was concealed, he continued, "This is a senate hearing, not a judicial one."

"Senator Jiraiya, you have no say in this, to say the least of it." Senator Dod responded with a satisfied grin, "We know one of the prime suspects in this massacre is a citizen of your country, so this is an obvious conflict of interest that you have."

"Funny speaking about Conflicts of Interest, senator."

Before Jiraiya could even respond he found himself joined by another pod, with it being Lady Chiyo who Temari accompanied. The old lady glared at the green-skinned senator and did not mince her words.

"If I may bring up some important information about the fact that this committee's findings have most likely been tainted by the biases of the senator right now who is leading it." Chiyo spoke into the microphone, "Biases that can be traced to his connection to some of the people killed in that heavy day of fighting."

"A shameful accusation coming from you, Senator Chiyo." Senator Dod spoke in defense as he pointed at the old Suna lady, denying on the spot, "The Trade Federation wishes for the Law to act!"

"Like as in your Viceroy's actions on Naboo nearly a decade ago?" Lady Chiyo brought up some recent history she had read, frowning, "Funny how big money like your people are speaking of the law while your actions on Naboo have shown what corruption can do to the courts."

"Slander!"

"Order!" Mas Amedda spoke up, "Let's keep it civil."

"I agree," the pod of the senator of Alderaan entered the scene. Bail Organa now spoke, "Squabbling is not needed now, but I do suggest that this committee be reviewed over potential biases and meddling, as this can implicate many innocent people."

"The innocent people in question were murdered-"

"Those who were profiting, directly or indirectly, from the slave labor of escapees must be called out," Bail Organa pointed out, recalling the findings. "If we punish all escaped slaves for the actions of a few, we risk undoing centuries of progress. Is this what the Republic stands for?"

The senator from Alderaan's words resonated strongly with those who had previously been silent on the matter, while some voiced their agreement loudly. Once again, the Senate found itself deeply divided.

A group of Jedi silently observed through the vacant pods as familiar senators delayed the session. Yoda and Windu appeared punctually, followed swiftly by Plo Koon and Shaak Ti.

"Politics never ceases to amaze me." Plo Koon commented dryly, "But I am relieved that this stalemate has brought us here."

"Agreed," Windu added, arms folded across his chest. The committee's findings contradict those of Jiraiya and his team."

"Let us not forget our findings," Shaak Ti interjected, her gaze piercing through the senate members, "This is a clear act of corruption."

"Illegal Slavery is in the Republic, it is," Yoda spoke and grunted in disapproval, "But present it is, unfortunately, donations from them in the senate, investigated they are, rarely."

Plo Koon decided to ask, "I assume they will try to push these findings through nonetheless, but focus more on the leadership of the Ölüm organization. Go by the hierarchy."

"That means the young Naruto will be a potential target?"

"It's not the question if he will be targeted, but how high much of a priority target he will be." Plo Koon responded as he frowned on this, turning to the Togrutan Jedi, "Either he will be put on the same level as his senior commanders or he will be put in as a junior target."

"Which will be unhelpful either way, given we're then making enemies left and right." Windu told the two fellow masters and gave his thoughts on this, "I told the Chancellor we are peacekeepers, not soldiers. Let alone can we not afford to hunt down people who faced cruelty and will be helped by those sympathetic to them."

Yoda nodded at all these arguments made with a simple non-verbal nod, groaning as he turned to his fellow. "Meditate, I shall on this. But also plan, we must."

"Of course."

"Send a Jedi we must, to talk to young Uzumaki."

"We already have, Master Yoda." Shaak Ti said, "She is already trailing his moves."

"Perhaps an unofficial official message should be sent to Naruto Uzumaki," Plo Koon suggested as he brought up, "Aayla Secura, she knows where he is?"

Yoda nods, "Agreed, send her, we must."

"I believe she already has," Windu informed them, "On her terms."

[Tatooine]

At the southern extreme of the Jundland Wastes, an area named the Great Chott salt flat was home to a formidable community that lived here and made their living from the land—moisture farming, with numerous homesteads being only from speeder biker distance away from each other, one homestead had the presence of a large vehicle that was parked a few hundred meters away from the fields.

It was the Sandcrawler and it was both the workplace and home to many Jawas who were watching from a distance the interaction between their leader, who was approaching the man standing outside the property.

"M'um m'aloo!"

"Thank you for coming, Teeka." Naruto smiled shaking the small Jawa's hand, "I appreciate you coming over."

Teeka nodded her head as she briefly turned around to her clan and said something in Jawaese for them to wait, to which they did as the blond and Jawa began entering the homestead.

However, a few Jawas were observing the few droids working on the farmland, some even pointing at a rusty-plated protocol droid that was busy reading something.

"Oh oh oh. Utinni!"

"Oh my, leave me alone!" The droid told them off while making its way back to the homestead, "You scoundrels!"

In the Homestead of the Moisture Farmers' family known as the Lars, a young blonde woman was seen preparing drinks in the kitchen she made, larger than not only the previous four people who lived here with the droids but also the visitation of a few others.

"-While the Senate of the Republic has put the inquiry on hold, the Separatist parliament and the Terran System have come close to their conclusions with their findings."

Bringing the tray into the lounge, her fiance and her father-in-law were seen sitting right across Naruto, who was joined surprisingly by Hera Syndulla and the Terran Adrik Yahontov who had brought in a long-range communication device where they all were listening to the news that was being broadcasted about the current events.

"As heavy debates had continued for days and uninterrupted among many governments, most of the Terran governments, and also of the newly neighboring Shinobi planet governments, have concluded that while the Yaruba Palace had merit, however, the brought up solutions by the advocates by both the Kessel Royal Family and the ambassadors from Zygerria are not considered by the majority of those into consideration.

"What does this mean?" Owen Lars asked confused by this news, "Someone explain."

"It means bad things will happen, really bad things." Cliegg Lars responded to his son's question, sitting next to him, he turned to his guests.

Naruto alongside Hera and Adrik paid close attention to the news that was being broadcasted by their friend and fellow Ölüm survivor, Mugabo, who had built up his own little but vastly popular news broadcast channel for many to hear as he was bringing the news to many across the galaxy, including the three anxious faces sitting right next to the transponder.

"While many governments are currently debating on what to do with these inquiries, they also face the possibility of public backlash given the sympathies the fighters have among the population and prominent politicians, as an example, the most prominent Separatist, Count Dooku, has stated his opposition to universally condemning every escaped slave out of the Ölüm uprising would set up a bad precedent - but that the leadership of the organization should be trialed and told them to turn themselves in for these accusations."

"We're in deep trouble..." Adrik's voice was a mix of resignation and determination as he shook his head. "There's no going back now."

Hera's gaze shifted to her Terran friend, feeling a pang of guilt knowing he was also caught in this dire situation. As a senior commander, Adrik bore the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. But then she turned her attention to the youngest member of their group - Naruto, recently promoted to his position.

Surprisingly, Naruto remained calm as he listened to Mugabo's grim words. His expression gave away nothing as if he had already accepted the worst possible outcome.

"But already at the moment, many Terran governments have agreed to an amnesty option for many low-rank fighters and those who simply participated in this uprising to escape Kessel, those of higher rank will be pursued for said crimes that were brought up, with the following names having been up for upcoming indictments that are to be brought up: with first and foremost the American-Urzik former Marine, commander Tarik 'The Imam' Karim-"

"Fucking bullshit…" One of the Ölüm bodyguards cussed silently while hearing his name being named first, he turned to his friends who agreed.

"Second-in-command, Adrik Yahontov."

Adrik just shook his head in silence and continued listening on.

"Ibrahim Rida of the North African faction and both Jimmy Reygadas and Joseph Ibarra of the Mexican Brigadas-"

"They're perhaps the safest those three," Hera commented, "They've gotten themselves much support in their territories."

"More so than their governments, if I may add that." Adrik said before listening further, "Hear."

"Nathan Kenichi Nilsson, the Canadian Brigade commander who is still missing, and one of the key targets of the Yaruba Palace massacre, Tayuya the Red-"

"Oh, she's going to hate that nickname." Naruto couldn't help but joke, "I can see her ranting about it."

This alleviated some tension in the room as some were laughing about it, even the farmers and Adrik-

"And lastly added in, is Konoha-born Uzumaki Naruto."

The moment it was said no laughter was present in the room as it died out, all looked shocked at the com as Mugabo was continuing to speak.

"Those are the top names who are most likely to be targeted as high-profile cases, but underneath also many in the hundreds if not thousands of names are also facing charges by their places of birth, these eight men and the sole woman are the prime suspects who these governments will set charges up against, with the last two being controversial in general as they are both should fall under a juvenile justice system according to critics and their circumstances should be taken into account, it is already shown that there is little to no interest to take these facts into consideration - stay tuned for more news, I am Mugabo."

Ending the news briefing, the room of the Lars family was silent after hearing this, with the only person who then entered the room to break the silence was the protocol droid C-3PO who was holding a tray of prepared drinks.

"Oh, am I interrupting something?"

Teeka raised her hand up.

...

Later

A few hours passed, and outside by himself was Naruto, who, in time to digest the news of earlier, decided to do the one thing that had helped him in the past to deal with the current situation he found himself in: meditating.

On the sandy ground with all his equipment lying around him from his Mandalorian Beskar armor, the Shinobi tools, and long clothes, he was sitting there in his meditative position with his eyes closed.

'You're taking this news very calmly, kid. Given you're officially a wanted man now.'

Naruto exhaled air through his mouth slowly and responded, "I was prepared to be honest."

'Explain, because having multiple governments, let alone planets, put up targets on your back is not a calming thought.'

'As if I didn't prepare for this. I am at peace.'

'While you are, your friends aren't.'

Only needing to open his eyes and turn his head around, his comrades were in full discussion while standing outside the homestead. Adrik and Hera were talking to Teeka and his entourage, which included Chewbacca. The news did not sit well with some of them. The shouting and clearly verbal disagreements were hard to ignore.

Adrik had just broken the news and while some were saying they would stay like the Wookie, others especially the Terrans wanted to go home as they were being honest with their opinion given amnesty was on the table, but some of them also speculated this could be a trap if not the deal by their respective governments would last. All while Hera tried to calm things down.

In the end, the entourage seems to get into an agreement as Adrik decides to take the Terrans to their speeder bikes and return to the rest of the garrison to break the news, leaving without saying goodbye much to Naruto, who was left with only Chewbacca and Hera who stayed behind, both walking over to Naruto, with the green pilot Twi'lek seen trying to say something.

"Sounded like a heavy discussion, Hera." Naruto smiled at her while still sitting down on the sand, "Seeing Adrik go and all."

"Yeah, well, what do you expect of him? He's a hothead when it comes to this…" Hera said, then tried to tell Naruto, "You need to try to contact your people."

"You know I am also named as a wanted person, so that is going to be impossible," Naruto responded with a heavy sigh. The weight of his past and the consequences of his actions weighed heavily on his shoulders. "The moment I enter my village I will be tried for desertion. They won't listen to any excuses or explanations," He explained to Hera, pain and resignation in his voice.

"But you're still young, surely something can be arranged?" Hera asked with genuine concern for the blond boy. She desperately wanted to help him find a way out of this impossible situation.

"Maybe the Hokage can do something," she suggested, grasping at any glimmer of hope.

"I doubt that," Naruto shook his head, his expression somber as he watched the Jawa Teeka walking over towards the Sandcrawler, its engines rumbling to life. He knew there was no turning back now, and he couldn't help but wonder if he would ever see his village again.

Chewbacca's deep, guttural growl caught the attention of the Twi'lek beside him. She turned to face Naruto, her brightly colored lekku twitching with curiosity.

"Oh, and Naruto...I don't know how to explain it," she began, her voice laced with hesitation, "but there has been another change of management."

Naruto raised an eyebrow in response. "You mean Adrik took over command of my garrison, hasn't he?" he asked with a small smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "I heard everything."

Hera's expression was puzzled as she studied Naruto's nonchalant demeanor. "You're not bothered by it?"

With a confident grin, Naruto replied, "Adrik's more experienced than me, so it makes sense - more so than me taking charge of over 10,000 men on a planet in the Outer Rim." He shifted his gaze towards the twin suns of Tatooine, their warm glow casting a golden light upon his face. "I am still just a teenager after all. But what will happen to me?"

"You'll be reassigned as a junior commander," Hera explained, her hand resting gently on Naruto's shoulder. "But you'll still have a say in whatever is going to be decided." Her eyes held a hint of concern as she added, "They want to keep you away from the worst that is yet to come."

"I'm not worried for what is to come…"

Just then a ship was seen flying, right toward them.

"Visitors?"

The silver-colored sleek J-type 327 Nubian starship descends through Tatooine's dusty atmosphere, its chrome hull glinting in the harsh sunlight of the twin suns. The pilot maneuvers the vessel with precision, aiming for a clear patch of sand near the moisture farm. As the ship approaches, its landing gear extends, and repulsor lifts engage to soften the touchdown.

"That's a Naboo ship…" Hera recognized the ship, "What's it doing here?"

Sand swirls around the starship as it settles into the barren landscape, its engines powering down with a diminishing whine. The vessel's ramp begins to lower, its hydraulics hissing as it touches the gritty surface. The stark contrast between the sleek, advanced starship and the humble dome-shaped structures of the Lars homestead emphasizes the technological disparity between worlds.

Curious eyes peer out from the farm, watching as the ship's occupants prepare to disembark. The air shimmers with heat, creating mirages on the horizon as the newcomers step onto Tatooine's unforgiving terrain.

Coming out was a trio, one was the small astromech droid in blue and white as it waited for the other two, with a woman in a stylish blue coat following the young man in a brown outfit and fitting cloak, looking like a-

"Is that…a Jedi?" Hera recognized the familiar cloak, and then she saw the woman underneath it. "And Senator Amidala?"

Hearing this, Naruto stood up and began walking toward them, with Chewbacca following closely behind. Hera joined them as they approached, and all three were equally surprised by the unexpected reunion.

"Naruto? Naruto Uzumaki?" Padme asked, clearly shocked. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same question, ma'am," Naruto replied with a respectful bow before turning to Anakin. "Nice to see you again, Skywalker. What brings you here?"

"My mother lives here…Shmi Skywalker," Anakin answered cautiously, keeping an eye on their guests as he spoke. He resisted the urge to reach for his lightsaber and continued, "And what about you? Why are you here?"

"The Lars family are close friends of ours," Hera responded calmly, sensing the Jedi's suspicion of their presence. "We have been listening to the Republic's discussions about an inquiry."

"Inquiry?" Padme looked puzzled. "What inquiry are you referring to?"

…

*SLAM!*

"This is outrageous!" Padme slammed her cup of drink to the table after she was told what had happened in the senate during her absence, a rare sight as she was frustrated but continued. "The findings of the inquiry about Kessel were supposed to be debated after the

Military Creation bill, now I hear the Republic is planning on putting targets on the back of escaped slaves?"

In the room, Naruto and Hera were sitting right across from the senator, while Chewbacca was standing behind them. Anakin was sitting next to the Naboo woman. The Lars family was a spectator inside their own home, as they didn't expect a Republic Senator to be among them. Owen and Beru were both paying attention before they noticed their father was gone, so they went on to look for him.

"What's done is done," Hera sighed as she had to say it again, "The vote on the inquiry now luckily is postponed, but the actions in the palace will have repecaussions for many, so that is why many governments are ready to do amnesty for low ranking members-"

Naruto simply shrugged, his expression calm and unwavering. "There's nothing I can do about it, but it's okay."

"It is not okay!" Padme protested, her voice rising. "You're just a child."

Naruto's eyes darkened as he retorted, "I stopped being a child the moment I graduated from the academy. I have served my village as a Shinobi and now I am serving a different cause."

Padme couldn't help but ask, "A cause worth dying for?"

With determination shining in his eyes, Naruto nodded. "Helping my friends is always worth dying for. And I will never abandon them." The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the sacrifices that must be made for those we care about.

Hearing that caused a smile to come on Hera's face, a saddened smile at that determination of her young friend, knowing fully well he meant those words, but she couldn't help but feel sorrow about the fact he wasn't mincing his words.

Padme closed her eyes temporarily as she couldn't argue that, and could as the Twi'lek woman feel sorry for the young man's predicament, as this was in her eyes personally, unjust to victims of everything she was fighting against.

RAWHR!"

Chewbacca slapped its hand on Naruto's shoulder, getting the blond to smile at him.

"Thanks, Chewie."

"I find it foolish…but I respect that."

Everyone in the room turned to Anakin when he said that, he had been silent throughout this whole time and he finally spoke his piece.

"Anakin?"

"I don't know if you were aware of this, but Master Obi-Wan and I watched you and your friends fighting on Terran," Anakin said, locking eyes with the blond in question. "Alongside other escaped slaves, if I remember correctly. You all had a choice to walk away from that fight, yet you decided to help those who escaped the same experience of slavery that you had endured...I respect you for that in more ways than I can express. I truly do."

A flicker of emotion passed across the blond's face at Anakin's words, gratitude mingled with surprise. At that moment, it was clear to everyone in the room just how much Anakin's words meant to them all.

"Well, thanks!"

Naruto gave his trademark grin and stretched his fist out for a bump. This caused Anakin to give a raised eyebrow before he gave a smirk held out his own hand and bumped his fist.

"You're a reckless guy, I give you that - guess we're alike."

Naruto chuckled as then the Lars family returned, with them having concerned looks on their faces, and the one on Cliegg Lars' face was the most noticeable.

"Son, I don't know how to say it to you - but something happened to your mother."