Here's the sixth chapter! Thank you for all the reviews and comments. This story has crossed 100 favourites . sorry for the delay
Author's Note at the End:
Date: 11 December 2024
Chapter 6: Here we go
Jabba's Palace, Tatooine
The twin suns of Tatooine bore down relentlessly as the Separatist shuttle descended, its engines humming a low, menacing tune. The ship touched down on the scorched landing pad that once belonged to Jabba the Hutt. Now repurposed, it served as the main docking bay for Tatooine's fledgling government.
The shuttle's ramp lowered with a hiss, and the Separatist envoy emerged. Leading the party was Senator Voe Atell, representative of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Her face, sharp and angular, reflected a practiced political charm that was almost immediately undermined by the subtle malice in her narrowed eyes. Behind her marched a squad of B1 battle droids, their metallic frames gleaming under the harsh desert light.
At the base of the ramp, a figure stood waiting a man dressed in formal black pants with white shirt, his calm demeanor offset by the warm smile on his face. This was Naruto's clone, more specifically transformed and disguised as Iruka Umino.
"Welcome to Tatooine," Iruka said, his voice steady and pleasant, the smile on his face. "I am Iruka, core commander and councilmember of Tatooine's newly established government. I trust your journey was uneventful?"
Voe Atell descended the ramp, her sharp eyes immediately scanning the surroundings. Her voice was smooth but carried a faint edge of condescension. "Uneventful, yes. Though I must admit, I did not expect Tatooine to have evolved beyond a Hutt-controlled backwater. It seems your… leader has been busy." She spoke as she looked around the ramp and the masked clones behind Iruka. If she was perturbed by the leader of this new government not welcoming her, she didn't show it on her face. But Iruka could feel her annoyance.
Iruka chuckled politely. "Indeed, Senator. We've made strides in turning Tatooine into a more equitable and prosperous world. The people have suffered enough under the Hutts' rule, and we're determined to chart a new course."
The senator's lip twitched slightly, a gesture that didn't escape Iruka's sharp eyes. "A noble goal, no doubt," Atell said, her tone neutral. "Which brings me to the purpose of my visit. The Confederacy of Independent Systems is most interested in fostering a… partnership with your government. Cooperation could benefit both our parties immensely."
Iruka's polite smile never wavered, but internally, his senses were on high alert. The faint traces of negativity emanating from Atell were impossible to ignore an oily, the aura that spoke of deceit and hidden agendas.
'She doesn't believe a word she's saying,' Iruka thought, keeping his expression neutral. 'This is no diplomat. She's a predator sizing up her prey.'
"Well," Iruka said, his tone as cordial as ever, "we are, of course, open to hearing proposals that benefit the people of Tatooine. I'm certain our leader will be most interested in what you have to offer. Unfortunately, he's currently tied up with other matters, but I'd be more than happy to give you a tour of our facilities while you wait."
Atell's eyes narrowed slightly, her patience already thinning. "I would prefer to meet with your leader directly. I am not in the habit of conducting diplomacy with underlings."
Iruka's smile widened ever so slightly. "Oh, I assure you, Senator, this is no ordinary tour. You'll find that we've made significant changes to Tatooine's infrastructure changes I'm certain you'll find fascinating."
Iruka gestured toward the sprawling palace that once belonged to Jabba the Hutt, now repurposed into Tatooine's core administrative center. "This way, Senator," he said, turning on his heel with an air of practiced professionalism.
As the group walked, the battle droids trailed behind Atell in a loose formation, their footsteps adding a mechanical rhythm to the oppressive heat. Iruka led them through the grand, sand-worn gates into the main hall of the palace. The interior, though still retaining traces of its former opulence, had been temporarily transformed into a functional government hub. Desks and terminals now occupied spaces that once hosted decadent feasts and sordid deals. There were some clones and civilians working . Of course, not all of the workforce were Naruto's clones; some were civilians as well, working in the hope of doing something constructive for the downtrodden planet. Some were here to payback Naruto or The Fox lord as thanks.
'We really need to rename this place,' Iruka thought as he glanced at the towering arches. 'I'll put it on the agenda for the next council meeting.'
"This was once Jabba the Hutt's palace," Iruka began, his tone light. "As you can see, we've made significant progress. What was once a symbol of oppression is now the beating heart of Tatooine's new government."
Atell's gaze swept the room, her expression unreadable. "Impressive," she said, though the flatness of her tone suggested otherwise. "I assume the Hutts' resources played no small part in financing these changes?"
Iruka's smile didn't falter. "The resources left behind by the Hutt were indeed… useful. However, the true driving force behind these changes is the will of the people. With guidance from our leader, of course."
As they continued through the palace, Atell occasionally glanced at her datapad, clearly impatient. "Commander Iruka," she said abruptly, "while this tour is… enlightening, I must insist on discussing matters of greater importance. The Confederacy's proposal is not something to be delayed."
Iruka stopped, turning to face Atell with an apologetic smile. "And I assure you, Senator, your proposal will be given the attention it deserves. But as you can imagine, Tatooine's transformation is a monumental task, and our leader's time is in high demand. I promise, he'll join us soon."
Atell's eyes narrowed, her irritation barely concealed. "You speak as though Tatooine is a power to be reckoned with. Let me remind you, Commander, that the Confederacy does not take kindly to delays or disrespect."
Iruka inclined his head slightly, feigning deference. "And I wouldn't dream of showing disrespect, Senator. But surely, as a seasoned diplomat, you understand the importance of context. A partnership between our government and the Confederacy must be built on mutual understanding, don't you agree?"
Atell's expression darkened, but she said nothing, her hand tightening slightly around her datapad. The droids behind her shifted uneasily, their mechanical limbs clicking faintly.
Iruka resumed the tour, leading the group toward the former throne room, now repurposed as a council chamber. He gestured toward the high ceilings and the intricate carvings that remained from the palace's original design. "This chamber serves as the meeting place for Tatooine's council. It's where we discuss policies, address the needs of our citizens, and plan for the future."
Atell's gaze lingered on the room, her sharp eyes scanning every detail. "And what role does your leader play in this council?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity and a hint of suspicion.
"Our leader serves as the guiding force behind our decisions," Iruka replied smoothly. "He values collaboration and ensures that every voice is heard. It's a refreshing change from the autocratic rule of the Hutts, wouldn't you agree?"
Atell's lips twitched into a faint, insincere smile. "Indeed."
As they moved through the chamber, Iruka's mind raced. He could feel the senator's growing impatience and frustration, but he maintained his composure. The longer he could stall, the more time Boss would have.
Soon the tour concluded back at the main hall as Iruka got a signal from Naruto, where Iruka turned to face Atell with a polite bow. "Thank you for your patience, Senator. I trust you've gained some insight into the progress we've made."
Atell's smile was thin and cold. "Insight, yes. But I would appreciate it if your leader would not keep me waiting much longer. I would like to leave planet soon"
Iruka straightened, his smile never wavering. "Of course, Senator. I'll notify him immediately. You can take some time to refresh"
As Atell nodded, a clone with a mask came to guide them to their temporary quarters. As Atell and his droids departed toward their temporary quarters, Iruka exhaled slowly, his polite mask slipping for just a moment. 'That senator thinks she has a plan,' he thought, his eyes now playful . 'She wants to create a mess. She doesn't know what she playing with' he thought as a smirk formed on his face
Near Tatooine Outer space.
The endless swirl of hyperspace shifted abruptly into the familiar pinpricks of distant stars as Anakin Skywalker's interceptor exited hyperspace. Before him, the dusty, desolate orb of Tatooine loomed large. The twin suns blazed brightly, their golden glow reflecting off the desert planet's surface, a sight that stirred an ache deep in his chest.
Tatooine. His home. His prison.
As Anakin adjusted the controls to guide his ship toward the planet, memories began to flood his mind. The suffocating heat of the twin suns baking the sand. The oppressive weight of slavery, both physical and emotional. But above all, the comforting warmth of his mother's presence. Shmi Skywalker, the one who had sacrificed everything to keep him safe and loved.
"She's still here," he muttered under his breath. "She has to be."
But his determination was shadowed by a gnawing worry. The war had brought chaos to so many worlds. If the Separatists were targeting the Fox Lord, would they also bring ruin to Tatooine? And his mother, what if she was caught in the crossfire?
Anakin's thoughts spiraled as he tightened his grip on the controls. "I should've come sooner," he murmured again. "I should never have left her here."
R2-D2 let out a soft whistle of concern from his compartment, but Anakin didn't respond.
The familiar hum of the ship's comm system interrupted his thoughts. Anakin hesitated, glancing at the blinking console. It was a transmission, and the frequency was unmistakable.
Anakin's jaw tightened as he reached for the comm switch, reluctantly answering the call. The holographic image of Obi-Wan Kenobi flickered to life, standing tall and composed, his expression a mix of frustration and concern.
"Anakin," Obi-Wan began, his tone firm. "You will explain to me right now why you abandoned your post and why you're heading to Tatooine without authorization."
Anakin sighed, avoiding Obi-Wan's piercing gaze. "Master, I had no choice. The Separatists are targeting Tatooine. I have to stop them before they bring more destruction."
"And you think charging off on your own is the solution?" Obi-Wan's voice was sharp, but there was an underlying weariness. "You're not just disobeying orders, you're putting yourself and the Republic's mission at risk."
"I'm not putting anyone at risk!" Anakin shot back, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "I can handle this. I'm already here, there's no point in turning back."
Obi-Wan's brow furrowed. "I've sent clones to bring you back. They'll ensure you return safely."
Anakin froze at the mention of clones, his mind racing. "You sent clones after me?" he said, incredulous. "What do you think I am, some kind of deserter?"
"No," Obi-Wan said evenly. "But your impulsiveness has consequences, Anakin. The Council won't overlook this."
"I don't care what the Council thinks, they are doing nothing." Anakin snapped. "It's too late, Master. I'm about to land."
"Anakin, listen to me " Obi-Wan began, but Anakin cut the call, his jaw clenched in frustration. The hologram blinked out, leaving only silence.
R2-D2 chirped sharply, a cascade of beeps filling the cockpit.
"I don't need a lecture from you, too," Anakin muttered, adjusting the ship's trajectory.
The droid whistled insistently, and Anakin couldn't help but smirk despite himself. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm reckless. But I've got this, R2. Trust me."
R2 let out a low, disapproving tone, and Anakin chuckled dryly. "What's the worst that could happen?"
The droid's responding trill was an exasperated series of beeps that could only be interpreted as: Don't tempt fate.
As the interceptor pierced through Tatooine's atmosphere, the comm system beeped again. Anakin frowned and activated the link. This time, the voice that greeted him was unfamiliar.
"Unidentified vessel, this is Tatooine Defense. State your name and purpose."
Anakin raised an eyebrow, surprised by the professional tone. Tatooine had a defense force now? That was new.
"This is just a wandering trader," he said, his tone brisk. "I'm here on personal business."
The voice on the other end paused before responding. "Trader or not, you're entering restricted airspace. Identify your business and request clearance, or we will be forced to take action."
Anakin rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for this." Without another word, he cut the transmission.
R2-D2 let out a panicked squeal, his dome swiveling as the ship's sensors lit up with warnings.
The planet's defenses, rudimentary but functional, came to life. A turret-mounted blaster cannon fired at Anakin's ship, the red bolts streaking past his starfighter.
"Seriously?" Anakin muttered, gripping the controls as he twisted the ship into evasive maneuvers. The interceptor banked hard, narrowly dodging the incoming fire.
"Alright, they've got some fight in them," Anakin said, impressed despite himself. "But they're not enough to take me down."
The turret fired again, but Anakin's superior piloting skills allowed him to evade the shots with ease. With a final burst of speed, he broke free of the firing range and headed toward the desert.
Anakin set the ship down on a remote stretch of sand, far from the settlement and the prying eyes of Tatooine Defense. The landing ramp lowered, and Anakin strode out, his boots crunching against the sand. R2-D2 trundled down after him, chirping an annoyed string of beeps.
"I know, I know," Anakin said, waving a hand dismissively. "Reckless. Impulsive. Irresponsible. You've made your point."
The droid let out a sharp whistle, as if to say: Even I can't save you if this keeps up.
Anakin chuckled softly. "Relax, R2. I'll be fine."
As Anakin retrieved his speeder from the ship's cargo hold and prepared to set off, a wave of energy washed over him. He froze, his hand tightening on the speeder's handlebars. It wasn't just a single Force presence, it was dozens, maybe hundreds, spread across the planet. All of them eerily similar, yet distinct.
"By the Force…" he whispered, his breath catching in his throat. "What's happening here?"
The sheer intensity of the presences was overwhelming, but he didn't have time to process it. Another, closer presence suddenly flared on the edges of his awareness, someone was moving toward him fast.
Shaking off the unease, Anakin climbed onto the speeder and activated it with a low hum. "I'll see you soon, R2," he said, his voice firm. "Stay here and keep the ship ready."
R2-D2 beeped nervously, but Anakin didn't wait for a response. With a burst of acceleration, the speeder shot off across the sands, kicking up a plume of dust in its wake. He headed toward the place that haunted his dreams, the last place he had seen his mother.
Jabba's Palace, Tatooine
It wasn't just Anakin that sensed Naruto, a chill of unease swept through Naruto and his clones. The tension in the air was evident, as if the Force itself had become unbalanced.
Naruto stood in the central hall, dressed for his meeting with the Separatist envoy. His robes were simple but carried an air of authority, designed to show that Tatooine's new ruler was not to be underestimated. He was about to step toward the doors leading to the audience chamber when he froze mid-stride, his body going rigid.
It wasn't just him. The clones stationed around the palace paused, their heads snapping up as if responding to a silent alarm. Their faces, each unique in its disguise, Kakashi with his signature mask, Gai with his ever-energetic stance, and Itachi with his calm, brooding demeanor , reflected the same realization.
Naruto turned slowly, his gaze shifting to the central dais where his most trusted clones were stationed. "Did you feel that?" he asked, his voice low but sharp.
Kakashi was the first to speak, his visible eye narrowing beneath his mask. "It's strong. Definitely a Force user. But not like the others Jiraiya described from Coruscant." His voice carried an edge of caution, though his casual demeanor remained intact. "This one's definitely different. Unlike the calm one from Jiraiya's memories ."
"Reckless is an understatement," Itachi added quietly, his arms crossed. "Whoever this is, they're not bothering to hide their presence. They're practically broadcasting it to the entire planet. And it feels much more potent than any of Jiraiya felt"
Gai's fists tightened at his sides, his usual exuberance replaced by a rare seriousness. "Such a bold display! Their youth must burn brightly with energy! We should respond with equal vigor."
Naruto raised a hand to silence them, his expression unreadable. Inside, though, his thoughts were racing. The presence was new and not hiding themselves. It wasn't just the sheer strength , it was raw, unrefined, and almost... familiar.
'Who is this?' Naruto thought, his brow furrowing. His clones, too, were on edge. The sensation was chaotic, disrupting the delicate flow of their shared memories. Jiraiya's memories of sensing other Force users in Coruscant had been controlled, like faint ripples in a pond. But this... this was like a tidal wave crashing against the shores of their minds.
Naruto straightened, "Kakashi, Gai, Itachi," he said, his tone commanding yet calm. "I'm assigning you three to lead this operation. Whoever this 'forceful' intruder is, " he chuckled briefly at his pun, " bring them to me."
Kakashi tilted his head slightly, his casual demeanor returning as he gave a mock salute. "Understood, boss. Capture, not kill, right?"
"Exactly," Naruto replied, his gaze flickering to Itachi. "We need answers. Find out who they are, what they want, and why they're here. If they're hostile, subdue them. If not... well, that's your call."
Itachi nodded, his expression neutral. "Understood. I'll handle the strategy."
Gai's hand shot up in a fist, his energy surging. "And I'll handle the youthful vigor! We'll bring this intruder to you before they can cause any harm."
Naruto couldn't help but grin at Gai's enthusiasm. "Just don't blow up half the desert in the process."
Kakashi stepped forward, his voice more serious now. "Do we have any intel on their location?"
A Shikamaru clone, stationed at a nearby console, turned to face the group. "We're tracking them. They've landed in the desert not far from Nar Shaddaa's old trading post. They're moving fast, probably on a speeder. We should intercept them before they get too close to any settlements. In fact I think Gaara is already there"
"Good ask Gaara to keep tabs on him." Naruto spoke as his commanders prepared to depart. He couldn't shake the feeling that this intruder was something more than just a random Force user.
'It's familiar…...' Naruto paused, his brow furrowing. 'Who could they be ? someone from his fragmented past.'
He shook his head, pushing the thought aside. There was no use speculating until the intruder was brought before him. But the unease gnawed at him, refusing to be silenced.
Shaking his headl, Naruto turned back toward the audience chamber where the Separatist envoy awaited. He sighed heavily, running a hand through his spiky blonde hair. The day was already complicated enough without the arrival of a mysterious Force user.
"First the Separatists, now this," he muttered. "Whoever you are, you sure picked a great time to show up."
He began pacing, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Was this intruder connected to the Separatists, or were they something else entirely? The idea that they might be a rogue Jedi, a dark Force user, or a Sith as the Jedi called them, according to Jiraiya's newly acquired knowledge, briefly crossed his mind, but he dismissed it. The energy was too wild, too untamed, yet not dark or tainted, as Jiraiya had read in some texts he had come across in the Senate.
Naruto glanced at the holographic map projected on the nearby console, showing the intruder's approximate location. His clones were already en route, He trusted them implicitly, but the nagging curiosity wouldn't leave him.
'Who are you?' Naruto thought, his gaze fixed on the map. 'And why does your presence feel so…..familiar?
TBC.
Well, here's the sixth chapter! I had a bit of difficulty writing this. Do leave reviews—I would love to hear your thoughts and have a discussion. Feel free to join my Discord server if you'd like to discuss it further!
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