Here is third chapter

Date : 1 December 2024

Chapter 3: Reflections of a Fox Lord

Jabba's Palace, Tatooine

The grand hall of what had once been Jabba the Hutt's palace loomed around him, a mixture of crude architecture and imposing grandeur. The sandstone walls were etched with grime, remnants of a tyrant's reign. Naruto sat at a sturdy table in the middle of the room, the flickering light from overhead sconces casting shadows on the polished surface. He wasn't alone. Surrounding him were nearly a dozen figures, all clad in similar outfits: black jackets, orange pants, and dark red cloaks. Each wore the same fox-faced mask, but they weren't just soldiers or guards, they were him.

Naruto felt a strange sense of satisfaction. His memories might be fractured, his past a mystery, but here, in this moment, he had purpose. The people of Tatooine looked up to him, the Fox Lord, the one who had freed them from Jabba's rule and brought a measure of order to the chaos. He wasn't perfect, and he didn't have all the answers, but he had made a difference at least he thought so.

Naruto sat unmasked, his vibrant blonde hair catching the light and his sharp blue eyes surveying the room. The mask lay beside him, forgotten for the moment. His clones, or "Clone Commanders," as he had taken to calling them, stood or lounged around him, awaiting orders.

He glanced at them, an odd mixture of pride and confusion bubbling within him. These clones weren't like the ones he remembered from his fragmented dreams and hazy memories. Back there, his clones had been fragile, easy to dispel with a single hit. These, however, were far more durable, capable of taking significant damage before vanishing in a puff of smoke.

'I don't get it,' Naruto thought, breaking the silence. He leaned back in his chair, his arms folded across his chest.

"You guys aren't supposed to be this strong. At least... not from what I remember or get from memory and dreams." he spoke out loud.

One of the clones, sitting casually with his feet propped up on the table, chuckled. "Maybe you just didn't know how awesome we were back then, Boss."

Naruto rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "Yeah, right."

When he'd first demonstrated the technique to Shmi, her reaction had been one of shock and awe. It was she who had planted the first seed of an idea in his mind, an idea that still puzzled him.

"You're a Force user," she had told him, her voice tinged with wonder.

The Force. Naruto had heard the term now so many times, but he didn't truly understand it. Shmi herself didn't seem to know much, only that it was an energy field that connected all living things, and that certain individuals, Force Sensitives, could tap into it.

Naruto had scoffed at the time, calling it some "space mumbo jumbo," but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. His ability to create clones and do other things, his heightened senses, his uncanny reflexes, they didn't fit into the normal mold of what others on Tatooine could do. And there was more.

His "overlordly" ability, as he called it in jest, was one he couldn't explain. He could feel people. Not just their presence, but their intent, their emotions. He could sense goodness and malice like ripples in the air. It wasn't like the danger-sensing reflexes he remembered from his vague dreams of the past; it was something deeper, more intrinsic.

And yet, even after eighteen months in this world, he was no closer to understanding it.

"Still thinking about that Force stuff?" another clone asked, breaking into his thoughts.

Naruto glanced at him, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah. Shmi said it's what makes me... different. But I've never met anyone who actually knows how it works. If it's really connected to me or my abilities, then I need answers."

One of the clones perched by the door spoke up, his tone cautious. "You know what that means, right? If you want to learn more about the Force, you're gonna have to find one of those Jedi or Sith people."

Naruto frowned. "Jedi, huh? They're supposed to be strong, right?"

"Strong, but uptight," the clone quipped. "From what I've heard, they're all about rules and peace. Not sure how they'd handle someone like you."

Naruto smirked. "Yeah, I don't think I'd fit in with a bunch of rule-followers."

Despite his humor, the thought lingered. If this Force was truly the key to understanding himself, his powers and perhaps even his fragmented past, he needed to find someone who could teach him about it or he would get to know more of this himself. The problem was, he hadn't encountered any Jedi or Sith since arriving here. The galaxy was vast, and Tatooine, while central to some shady dealings, wasn't exactly a hub of galactic knowledge. Fortunately he had plans in motion.

He leaned forward, resting his chin on his folded hands. "Until I meet one, I'll just have to keep figuring things out on my own." as his gaze sweeping across the room. "Anyway, let's start the meeting."

At once, the clones around him straightened. The casual banter faded, replaced by an almost reverent silence. One by one, they began to unmask themselves, revealing faces Naruto hadn't fully prepared himself to see.

Some wore his own face, albeit altered slightly, different hairstyles, scars, or bandanas tied in unique ways. But others were faces he hadn't seen since his fragmented dreams and memories. Kakashi, Yamato, Iruka, Asuma, even Sasuke, the faces of his past life stared back at him, reincarnated as his clones.

Naruto felt his throat tighten. It was both a salute to his lost world, memories and a practical necessity. These clones had adopted these faces and identities as a tribute to his broken memories while also serving as the masks of his so-called army and generals.

The Kakashi clone, sitting nonchalantly with his usual air of calm, gave him a small nod. "We've stabilized most of the planet, Boss. The slave trade's almost entirely eradicated, and most of the major slave owners have been given clear ultimatums about the new laws. Compliance or exile."

Yamato's clone added, "The infrastructure's coming along too. Trade routes are being secured, and the free zones are thriving. It's a lot of work, but Tatooine's starting to feel less like a cesspool and more like... well, a place people might want to live."

Iruka clone leaned forward, his expression more serious. "We've been focusing on integrating the freed slaves into society. It's not easy, most of them have nothing and nowhere to go, but we've managed to set up a few hubs where they can start rebuilding their lives."

Asuma clone, with his characteristic air of quiet confidence, crossed his arms. "The bigger issue is security. We've driven out the smaller gangs and syndicates, but there are still a few holdouts causing trouble. The Black Sun and Red Key Raiders are entrenched in some of the outer settlements. And then there's the biggest problem... the Tusken Raiders and the Hutt Cartel remnants."

At the mention of the Tuskens, Naruto's hands clenched into fists. His eyes darkened as his mind replayed the moment that had defined his resolve to take over this planet.

It had been just months after he arrived. Shmi had gone missing while gathering supplies, and Naruto had felt something wrong in the pit of his stomach. He had tracked her down, finding her surrounded by Tuskens. They had already beaten her badly, their laughter echoing in the dunes as they debated her fate.

Naruto had erupted with a fury he didn't know he possessed, his clones materializing in a storm of anger for the first time. The bandits didn't stand a chance. He tore through them, fists flying and jutsu erupting with a raw, almost feral power. By the time the dust settled, the ground was littered with bodies, and Shmi was alive, barely.

That moment had solidified everything for him. Tatooine was a land of chaos, ruled by cruelty and fear. If the galaxy's governments wouldn't step in to fix it, then he would. He vowed that day to eliminate every last member of groups like the Tusken Raiders, Kintan Striders, the Black Sun, and the Hutt loyalists. He would root them out, no matter how long it took.

Naruto snapped back to the present, his clones watching him closely. He leaned forward, his voice firm. "Tusken Raiders, The Black Sun, the Red Key Raiders, and the Kintan Striders, they're not just problems. They're targets. I want every last one of them gone."

Kakashi clone nodded, his tone as casual as ever but laced with purpose. "We're already working on it. The Striders are on the run after what you did, but the Black Sun's a tougher nut to crack. They've got resources and connections, but we've started chipping away at their supply lines."

Iruka clone added, "We've also been spreading word about the new laws. People are starting to believe in Free Tatooine, but the fear of these groups still lingers. We'll need to keep hitting them hard if we want that fear to go away."

Naruto looked around at his generals, his clones, and felt a surge of pride. They were all him or a part of him and his fragmented memories and turned them into something tangible, something real. Together, they were transforming this desolate world into something worth protecting.

Naruto then leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in thought. "What about the mission to Coruscant? Did we get any details on the Jedi and the so-called Republic Senate?" he asked, his curiosity evident. It was something he had tasked a clones to explore, information that could help him understand this galaxy and its systems of power.

"It's been taken care of, Naruto-sama," a smooth, feminine voice replied.

Naruto's eye twitched as he turned toward the speaker. One of the clones, lounging casually against the wall, had adopted his female form. The sight always brought a mix of irritation and resignation. Naruto's fractured dreams had shown all too well the ridiculous pranks he had pulled using his "Harem Jutsu", turning into a nude female form to fluster his opponents. But now, in this world, with his fractured memories and evolving sense of self, he found it pervy and god forbid if Shmi came to know about it. He didn't even know if Shmi had met with clone yet.

The said clone, refusing to be called anything but a she, wore her female form with confidence, her appearance striking enough to make even the most hot-blooded men falter. She had taken the guise as her identity, much to Naruto's dismay, but her usefulness outweighed his discomfort. He refused to refer to her as anything other than "the clone," though she seemed indifferent to his opinion.

Naruto controlled the urge to dispel the clone outright and focused instead on the matter at hand. "Update me on the status," he asked, keeping his tone steady.

The clone nodded, her tone crisp and professional despite her appearance. "Commander Jiraiya has taken the mission to Coruscant, as you know. He was deemed the best suited for this task. He's traveling under the guise of a wandering merchant and should reach Coruscant soon. He passed through Naboo and Corellia on his route, keeping his cover intact."

Naruto nodded approvingly, Ah yes Jiraiay from what he understood, that was the name of his teacher and was the best spy. It was kind of poetic, the best of his clones in snooping taking on the name and appearance of Jiraiya.

The route made sense. Naboo and Corellia were well-traveled trade hubs, making it easier to blend in. "Good," he said.

The female clone, Naruto refused to call her "she", nodded again, her long blonde hair swaying slightly. "Hai, Boss. Commander Jiraiya will create a clone the moment he gathers major intel on Coruscant, so we'll get the information directly."

Naruto nodded in approval and then looked around at his generals, his clones, and felt a surge of pride. They had taken his fragmented memories and turned them into something tangible, something real. Each of them had carved out identities and roles, supporting him in ways he hadn't anticipated. Together, they were transforming this desolate world into something worth protecting.

"Normally, we'd just use the memory-transfer method to pass on information, but this is better. Talking like this... it feels more real. And it helps me keep our sense of self together." he spoke as all clones smiled and nodded in understanding.

He stood, his chair scraping against the floor as he pushed it back. The room fell silent, all eyes on him. "Keep the pressure on. Remember Tatooine doesn't need gangs or slavers. It needs hope. Let's give it to them."

The clones stood in unison, saluting with precision and respect. For all their quirks and individuality, they were united in purpose. Naruto placed his mask back over his face. The Fox Lord wasn't just a title. It was a promise.

Aboard a Merchant Freighter

The metallic hum of the freighter's engines resonated through the ship, steady and monotonous. A broad big white haired man reclined in his seat within the cramped quarters, one leg casually resting over the other. He glanced at his reflection in the polished steel of a nearby bulkhead and adjusted the worn leather hat perched on his head. His outfit, a simple brown duster coat over a patched tunic, with a utility belt and scuffed boots, screamed "wandering merchant." A blaster pistol dangled at his side, completing the look. A loose scarf covered part of his face, further obscuring his identity.

His appearance was intentionally nondescript, designed to blend in with the countless traders and smugglers crisscrossing the galaxy. But beneath the surface, Jiraiya, Naruto's clone, was anything but ordinary. He carried memories, strength, and purpose bestowed upon him by the Fox Lord. His mission was clear: to reach Coruscant, gather intel on the Jedi and the Republic Senate, and uncover any insight into the mysterious Force.

The journey from Tatooine had been an eye-opener. His first stop was Naboo, a planet that seemed like a dream compared to the harsh, arid wastelands of Tatooine. Green meadows stretched endlessly under a clear blue sky, and shimmering lakes reflected towering cities of elegant architecture. He spent little time there, keeping his cover intact, but he couldn't help but marvel at the stark contrast.

So this is what a world untouched by the Hutts looks like, he thought, suppressing a pang of envy for the people who lived in such comfort.

The next leg of the journey took him to Corellia, a bustling industrial hub. The planet's skies were crowded with freighters, transports, and sleek starships. On the surface, urban sprawl sprawled endlessly, its streets filled with traders, mercenaries, and mechanics. It reminded him somewhat of Mos Eisley but on a much grander scale.

Not as pretty as Naboo, he mused, but the people here seem... driven. Focused.

Everywhere he went, he kept his ears open, blending seamlessly into the crowds. His cover as a wandering merchant worked well enough, though he avoided drawing too much attention. A stray comment here, a hushed rumor there, it painted a picture of a galaxy teetering on the brink of war.

Finally, the freighter emerged from hyperspace, and Coruscant loomed into view.

Jiraiya's breath caught for a moment as he gazed out of the viewport. The planet wasn't a planet at all, or at least, not in the way he understood them. It was a city. A world-spanning city of glittering spires, crisscrossing skylanes, and endless lights. The sheer scale of it was overwhelming, and for a brief moment, he felt a flicker of inadequacy.

How does anyone rule something like this? he wondered.

The freighter weaved through the dense traffic of starships, its navigation systems expertly avoiding the endless stream of transports, luxury cruisers, and military vessels. The closer they got to the planet's surface, the more details emerged: colossal skyscrapers with landing platforms jutting out like limbs, neon signs advertising everything from entertainment to weapons, and countless beings moving through the chaos of Coruscant life.

As they entered the lower levels, the light dimmed. The bright spires gave way to the shadows of underlevels, where grime and industry replaced the glamour of the upper city. The freighter docked at a small, unassuming port, one of countless places where traders could unload their goods without too many questions.

Jiraiya disembarked, his boots hitting the metallic landing pad with a faint thud. As he stepped out, he felt it, an invisible ripple through the air, like a whisper brushing against his senses. He froze for a moment, his hand instinctively hovering near the blaster at his side.

What was that?

He closed his eyes and focused. It was faint but unmistakable. A presence, or rather, several presences, shimmered in the distance, distinct yet interconnected. It wasn't like sensing the intent, a skill he had honed to near-perfection. This was deeper, older, and far more overwhelming.

His breathing slowed as he collected himself. So, this is what Shmi called the Force. He had felt hints of it before, usually in moments of intense focus or desperation, but this was the first time it had radiated so clearly. And the source... the source was close.

He took a deep breath and steadied his thoughts. He couldn't afford to let himself be distracted, not when the mission had just begun.

As he stepped into the bustling streets of Coruscant, he let his gaze wander. His eyes caught on two points of interest. To the east, silhouetted against the city's skyline, stood the elegant spires of the Jedi Temple, not that he knew what it was called but he could sense a lot of this "Force" presence there. Even from this distance, he could feel the concentrated power of the Force emanating from it, a nexus of energy unlike anything he had encountered.

To the west, the sprawling Senate complex dominated the horizon, its domed structure a stark contrast to the Temple's pointed towers. It was pretty clear what it represented. It was a symbol of power, politics, and the so-called order that governed the galaxy.

'So these are my targets' the clone mused and smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "The Force on one side, politics on the other," he muttered to himself. "Well, this is going to be interesting."

Adjusting his hat and tightening the scarf around his neck, he melted into the crowd, his mind already spinning with plans.

TBC.

Well, here's the third chapter!
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