Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

A/N: The poll is down due to everything still being close together. I've got a quick poll for this story on if Naruto should learn the Rasenshuriken, the choices are Yes, or No Force, and Jutsu are enough. That'll be up at the very least for 2 updates for each story.

Beta: Chaos-PSD. Contributor: Kuronodono12.

Chapter XXXVI: Sphere of Influence.

A Child Stolen, Is A Hope Lost.

Pantora in peril! The newly elected Chairman of Pantora, Baron Papanoida, is caught in a deadly political game. The Trade Federation has blockaded Pantora and suspended all commerce with the system. Isolated from the rest of the Republic, the people of Pantora are beginning to rally against the Senate, who have seemed unsympathetic to their plight.

To make matters worse, Count Dooku has come forward, offering aid if Pantora joins the Separatist alliance. Chairman Papanoida has dispatched Senator Chuchi to Coruscant with the hope that she can motivate the Senate to act in favor of Pantora before Lott Dod can legitimize the blockade.

Coruscant, Senate Meeting Room.

"The Trade Federation is neutral in this, but Pantora must pay its debt before we can resume commerce with the system." Lott Dod explained from his hover pad.

"That is a lie," Riyo said from hers wearing a red suit shirt and white pants. "It is well known that the Trade Federation is aligned with the Separatists."

"Slanderous!" Lott yelled out. "We are not Separatists simply because we do business with them. How many times must I remind you of the Commerce Treaty of 1647? The Trade Federation is neutral."

"I beg the Senate to listen to our plea. Ignore the Trade Federation's feeble attempt to paint this as a domestic financial issue and allow us to resume trade." Riyo finished getting applause from other senators.

Outside, Naruto in his robes without his armor was walking behind Padmé after getting a report on Ahsoka getting visions of Aurra Sing, who survived her crash trying to assassinate Padmé before she captured the bounty hunter. And how the Council wants Jedi at the Senate meeting for the next several days as a precautionary measure.

"Wait! Senator Chuchi."

Naruto broke from his thoughts as Padmé spoke up as she saw Riyo. "I wanted to compliment you on your speech."

"Thank you, Padmé. Nice to see you, Naruto."

"You as well, Riyo," Naruto said before being elbowed by Padmé. "Ow!"

"Show some respect, Naruto." She said pulling her left arm back. Naruto rubbed his stomach and noticed a tan line on her ring finger before grumbling as Padmé turned to her fellow Senator before they continued walking. "You are very brave."

"The Trade Federation doesn't frighten me."

"I just wanted to let you know that there are many of us in the Senate that support you and Pantora in these difficult times. I know the Separatists have approached you to offer their help. Please do not take it. The Senate will force the Trade Federation to resume trade."

"Don't worry, Senator. There's no way that Pantora will ever have dealings with the Separatists. We'll always be loyal to the Republic. The Chairman of Pantora has just arrived. I must go briefly with him." Riyo said as they walked down the hall before stopping.

"Please, send him my best wishes," Padmé said with a nod before BD looked over Naruto's shoulder and beeped.

"I gotta get going too, the Council wants to see me." Naruto turned and walked away as BD stared at Padmé.

Riyo.

Riyo had walked into her office and saw three Pantorans, one man with a white mustache goatee, a younger man, and two girls.

The older man is wearing a red suit and a hat with flaps on the ends and the younger is wearing a purple one with a hat.

The girls are wearing a purple suit with one wearing a long headdress that went down to her legs.

"Chairman Papanoida." Riyo greeted the man who nodded.

"Senator Chuchi."

"You spoke well on behalf of our people today. I only hope the Senate is truly listening."

"As do I, Chairman."

"Allow me to introduce my family. These are my daughters, Chi Eekway and Che Amanwe, and my son, lon."Baron introduced his children who bowed slightly to Riyo.

"Father, Amanwe, and I are going home," Chi spoke as she turned to her father. "Don't be too late."

"I won't be long. lon and I have some issues to discuss with the Senator first." Baron said as his daughters walked out of the room as Riyo walked to her desk. "Things are deteriorating rapidly, Senator. lon has just brought word from Pantora that things are far worse than we've been led to believe."

"The people are restless." Ion explained as they walked over and stood in front of the desk. "The Trade Federation blockade is causing far more damage and disorder than we predicted."

"We need more time," Riyo said, locking her fingers together on her desk. "The Senate will vote in our favor, I'm sure of it."

"Count Dooku and the Separatists are promising immediate aid and a resolution to the blockade," Baron told Riyo who turned to him.

"You're not suggesting we join them, are you?"

"Certainly not. I merely point out that the wheels of democracy are moving too slowly." Baron explained before Ion spoke.

"Pantorans are rallying for us to leave the Republic and join the Separatists.

"We cannot give up on the Republic Senate! Chairman, you must convince the people to remain loyal to our cause." Riyo said to Baron who nodded.

"I will do what I can, Senator."

Chi Eekway And Che Amanwe.

"What's wrong with the lights?" Che asked, trying to turn the lights on as they walked into their apartment.

Suddenly, a shadow ran past a doorway on the other side. "Did you see that?" Chi asked, looking forward.

"It's nothing, just the shadows playing tricks," Che explained walking in as Chi glanced around. And had a shadow grab her before putting a hand over her mouth. "Don't tell me you are afraid of the dark?" Che asked before looking back and saw she was alone. "Chi? Chi? Stop fooling around." She said before walking back and picked up a small statue.

She then heard a noise before glancing around. "My father's a powerful man. If you hurt me or my sister, you'll be dead!"

She then turned to see a hairy humanoid alien with two horns holding her unconscious sister over his shoulder before picking up a pistol. "Big talk. You're coming with us!"

Che turned to see a male Rodian trying to grab her before hitting him in the head with the statue and cut him. The first alien shot her with a stun beam as the Rodian shook his head. "Hurry! Let's go!" The Rodian said, picking Che up and putting the statue back.

Missing the green blood on the base.

Morning, Senate Building Hanger.

Padmé was walking with Anakin and Rex to a ship before she sighed. "I don't like the situation on Pantora one bit. It reminds me far too much of Naboo's own scarred history."

"Well, that blockade wasn't that bad. It's the reason I met you, after all."

"You certainly have a unique way of looking at things, Ani." She said with a smile.

"Senator Amidala! Master Skywalker!"

They looked to see Ahsoka running up to them. "What is it, Ahsoka?"

"Someone has kidnapped Chairman Papanoida's daughters."

"I was afraid something like this would happen. Anakin?" Padmé asked, turning to the Jedi.

"The Jedi can't get involved. This is a job for the local police." He said, bringing a hand to his chin.

"I'm not so sure local authorities can handle it," Padmé said, glancing down. "The Separatists are putting a lot of pressure on Pantora to join them. I'm afraid this blockade may give the Pantorans no other choice."

"Master, if the Jedi can't officially get involved, let me do this on my own. Senator Chuchi is a good friend of mine." Ahsoka said to Anakin who sighed before nodding.

"All right. With the Separatists involved, I guess it gives you cause to investigate. Go and help Senator Chuchi, but don't get in the way of the local authorities."

"Aren't you going to help?" Ahsoka asked, having Anakin shake his head.

"I said the situation gives 'you' cause to investigate, not 'us'. I need to go back to the Jedi Temple and make sure the Council doesn't find out about your little expedition." He said, crossing his arms having Padmé look at him.

"Should you really proceed without the Council's approval?"

"We do it all the time, don't we, Snips?"

"Yep."

"Well, be careful, Ahsoka. I still can't believe they let you teach." Padmé said to Anakin who smiled.

Riyo's Chambers.

Ion was sitting on a seat talking to Dooku via hologram as Riyo and Baron were talking on the other side of the room. "Give your father my condolences. If you want your sisters back, we're here to help."

Ion then stood up and walked over. "Father, Count Dooku has offered to help us find Chi Eekway and Che Amanwe."

Just then, Ahsoka walked inside. "Chuchi, Senator Amidala sent me to help, if I can. Chairman Papanoida." She finished with a bow.

"This is my good friend Ahsoka."

"Good. A Jedi can always be of help." Baron said, picking up a cane.

"Senator Amidala thinks this may have something to do with the Separatists," Ahsoka explained before Ion looked at her.

"They've already made contact with us. I don't think this is a kidnapping. I think they're holding them hostage."

"A not very subtle attempt to get us to join the Separatists?" Baron said, looking over before Ahsoka spoke.

"If the Separatists are involved, your daughters may be held on the Trade Federation ship blockading your planet."

"That is a possibility. Why don't you and Chuchi pay them a diplomatic visit and see what you can find out? We'll stay here and follow the police investigation." Baron said before they all left.

The two males walked to their apartment where a human man with black hair in the police uniform was walking out with two droids.

"Did you find anything?"

"We've completed a thorough sweep of your apartment, Chairman. No evidence of foul play." He said to the chairman who sighed.

"My daughters' lives are in your hands, Inspector."

"You have nothing to worry about, Your Honor. We are in complete control of the situation." The policeman said before leaving.

The two walked in before Baron saw a statue on a table in the living room before Ion sighed in frustration. "That inspector is useless! They must have left clues somewhere."

"Look here. The icon of the moon goddess." Baron said, picking up the statue. "It should be up on the shrine with the others." He then walked to the door to place it with the others before noticing green blood on the bottom. "Wait a minute! What's this? Blood? It must be what they used to fight off their attackers. But the kidnappers didn't know how to put it back in the right place."

He then pulled a device out to scan the blood before bringing it up. "Information Retrieval, I need you to match this blood sample against known galactic criminals."

A picture of the Rodian came up as Ion looked down." A Rodian. Says here his name's Greedo."

"Looks like he's based on Tatooine."

"Then what are we waiting for?"

Ahsoka And Riyo.

"Naruto!"

Turning, Naruto saw Ahsoka and Riyo running up to him. "Yeah?"

"I was wondering if you have an informant here in that spy ring you have," Riyo explained, having Naruto nod.

"Yeah, in the Underworld. Oola, why?" He asked before the two explained what happened. He then gave Riyo a handful of credits. "Go to Oola's, ask for the Arashi before dropping them down at the bar."

"Thank you Naruto"

Oola's Bar.

Riyo and Ahsoka in hooded cloaks to hide their identities walked into the bar where they saw Oola's dancers dancing on tables and the stage with a pole in the back before seeing Oola at the bar. They walked up to her before she looked up from dropping a glass in front of a human man. "How can I help you?"

"We'd like the Arashi," Ahsoka said, dropping the credits down.

Oola looked to see scratches on the credits before taking it and reached down to take up two glasses. "What do you want to know?" She asked, going to a tap and had clear liquid come out.

"A Chairman's daughter's been kidnapped, know anything?" Riyo asked, pulling her hood up as a dancer leaned by her side to get a drink and had the front of her mesh outfit fall forward revealing her breasts from the side.

"I did hear Greedo, a bounty hunter, talking about something similar, he's kidnapping two women of someone important, taking one to a spaceport on Tatooine and the other to a ship near Pantora."

"Thank you," Ahsoka said before quickly downing her drink so as not to be suspicious.

Only to blink as she drank water. "Naruto doesn't let anyone who's getting info drink. Any regular person that orders it I tell them it's a nonalcoholic sweet drink that I'm out of now and ask if they still want it." Oola explained before the two left.

Trade Federation Ship.

A ship came into the hangar of the ship before Riyo walked out followed by Ahsoka who was still using cloaks and came up to two male Neimoidians.

"Senator Chuchi. To what do we owe this pleasure?" One asked as she stopped by them.

"I brought word from the Chairman of Pantora."

"The Chairman has finally decided to agree to our terms?"

"Not exactly. The Chairman wanted to inform you of an impending alliance between Pantora and the Confederacy of Independent Systems."

"The Chairman is planning to join the Separatist alliance?" One asked her.

"If that were the case, would you remove your blockade of Pantora?" Riyo asked as Ahsoka glanced around.

"If that were the case, the Chairman would have to go to the Senate and renounce the Republic. Then we could discuss how quickly we can resume commerce." He explained as she nodded.

"Very well. I shall contact the Chairman. We can discuss the finer details of the terms later this evening."

"Agreed. Now you and your servant may stay as our honored guests. Come this way to your rooms." He said before walking with them inside the ship.

Tatooine.

Baron and Ion landed their ship by Jabba's palace before walking out. "Be careful, lon. The Hutts are the only law that matters on Tatooine."

"I don't scare easily."

They then walked in to see a Twi'lek dancer dancing in front of Jabba. "Where do we start?"

"We'll have to get a feel for the crowd," Baron said looking around.

"Shouldn't we talk to Jabba directly?"

"No. Remember, we're not sure who's behind this kidnapping yet. Jabba could be involved."

"What if Greedo runs?" Ion asked in a whisper leaning down.

"We'll let Greedo know we're here. That way, he'll come to us." Baron explained, glancing back.

"How are we going to do that?"

"Follow me," Baron said before they walked up to a table of Twi'lek females. "Ladies! Do any of you know Greedo?"

"Who's asking?" One yellow-skinned one asked in Basic after talking in her native tongue.

"We're asking. We're looking to hire a bounty hunter."

"He's not here. But if he comes back, I'll tell him you were asking for him."

"Patience," Barton said to his son who tried to follow her. "If she won't lead us to Greedo, she'll lead Greedo to us."

Ahsoka And Riyo.

Ahsoka without her cloak looked around a door jam to see a man in armor at a desk before using the Force to have an object fall behind him. He turned to fix it as she ran in with Riyo and into the door on the other side before coming into a meeting room with a long table.

"This is the ambassador's office. Maybe we'll find something here." Riyo said before leaning against another door with a vent. And heard voices coming closer to them. "They're coming! Hide!"

They hid under the table as the Neimoidian from earlier and Sib walked in. "We need to know who our supporters are."

"I understand your profit margins with the Separatists can be considerable. However, I object to the kidnapping." The male said to Sib as they stopped in the room.

"The Chairman's children are leveraged. Besides, they're well taken care of."

"Yes, but why on my ship?" The male asked before Riyo gasped.

"What was that?" Sib asked looking back. "Are you certain we're alone?" He asked before looking under the table. And saw nothing as Riyo and Ahsoka ran behind a metal pillar on each side. "I'm sure I heard something."

"All of this scheming with the Separatists is making you paranoid." The male said as Ahsoka jumped up between her pillars then used the Force to pick up Riyo as they walked to her hiding spot.

"Do not worry, the daughters are not to be harmed, at least for now," Sib said before they left and the two dropped down.

"You see? The Trade Federation is behind the kidnapping." Riyo said to Ahsoka in a whisper.

"Let's find the detention area. Come on."

They then ran down the hall before coming up to a guard in front of the cells. "Have you done this before?" Riyo asked Ahsoka who shook her head.

"No. But I've been practicing." They then walked up to the guard.

"The detention block is closed to visitors. Move along."

"You will let me pass," Ahsoka said, waving her hand in front of her.

"I will let you pass."

He stepped out of the way as Ahsoka walked in before he stopped Riyo. "I'm sorry, the detention block is closed to visitors."

"Ahsoka?"

Ahsoka cursed before walking back and waved her hand again. "You will let us both pass."

"I... I will let you both pass."

They then walked down the hall and started to check the cells before Riyo sighed after checking another. "This is the fifth area we've checked, and there's no sign of the Chairman's daughters. Can't you sense where they are? Isn't that something you Jedi can do?" She asked Ahsoka.

"It's not something I can just turn on or off. We'll just have to keep looking."

Tatooine.

The Twi'lek female walked into a room where Greedo was playing a dice game. "Greedo, baby, there you are." She said before kissing him. "There are some men here looking for you. Pantorans."

"They must have found some evidence. We'll have to settle things more permanently." Greedo said before taking out a gun. He then walked up behind Baron before putting the gun to his head. "Looking for someone, Chairman?"

"I was looking for you, Greedo. Tell me where my daughters are or die."

"You were a fool to come here. Let's dispose of them outside." Greedo said to his two men who held Ion.

"I don't want to die on this dust ball."

"We won't have to," Baron said before pulling a knife out and turning to grab Greedo before knocking the pistol out of his hand. "We're going to talk to Jabba about this."

They all then walked over to Jabba who spoke before his droid translated. "Chairman Papanoida, the mighty Jabba wishes to know why you tried to kill one of his bounty hunters."

"Great Jabba, my daughters have been kidnapped. As a father yourself, I know you understand that I will do anything to get them back safely." Baron explained to Jabba who looked at his son who he was holding. "I have evidence that Greedo is responsible, which means that either you are behind it or Greedo is working for someone else. Since we are friends, Jabba, I know you would never do such a thing."

"No! No! He's lying!" Greedo yelled out before Jabba spoke to quiet the bounty hunter.

"We found blood at the scene of the crime. If it matches Greedo's, it will prove he is the kidnapper." Baron said, bringing up his analyzer before Jabba spoke to him.

"Jabba will allow a blood sample to be taken."

"Wait. Wait, no! It's all lies!" Greedo yelled out before Jabba spoke up to hold him. "Okay, okay! I kidnapped them! The Separatists wanted leverage against you." Baron then grabbed him by the collar.

"Where are they, you slime?"

"One of them is here, at Mos Eisley. She's safe, I assure you."

"Take us there!"

Riyo And Ahsoka.

"Let's hope she's in this one," Riyo said, coming to a cell door before Ahsoka took a step back and used the Force to open it.

Revealing Chi and two B1 droids. Ahsoka jumped over and sliced them. "Senator Chuchi? How did you find me?"

"It's a long story. Where's your sister?"

"I don't know. We were separated." Che said as they walked out of the cell.

Mos Eisley

"All right, sleemo, no tricks! We're gonna go inside and find my sister. Nice and easy." Ion said pushing Greedo out of the ship.

"You think they will just hand her over to you?"

"No, but I'll bet they'll hand her over to you." Ion said as they walked to a bar.

"Go get the prisoner," Greedo said to a Weequay male.

"Greedo, what are you doing here?" The alien who helped Greedo asked, walking up.

"There's been a change of plans. We're going to have to move the prisoner."

"On whose orders?"

"Gunray. He contacted me at Jabba's palace." Greedo said, taking a drink that was on the bar.

"Why'd he contact you? And who are those two?"

"They're emissaries of the Trade Federation," Greedo explained as the alien raised an eyebrow.

"Trade Federation? They don't look like a Trade Federation to me." The alien said before Che walked in with the Weequay.

"Father!"

"Father?"

Greedo then jumped away. "They're Pantorans! Blast them!"

The bar started shooting at them before Baron pulled two pistols out and shot, hitting several of the patrons. All three Pantorans got behind a table before shooting the last of the aliens.

Ahsoka And Riyo.

The three walked into a hall before seeing Sib with several super droids. "Stop them."

Ahsoka dashed over and sliced through the droids before turning to place her blade at Lott's throat.

"Surrender, Separatist!" She said before Sib walked in with guards.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"You've been holding the Chairman of Pantora's daughter as a hostage!" Ahsoka said to Lott.

"What? Sib Canay, what is she talking about?"

"I want my litigator."

"We are businessmen! We deal in trade and commerce!" The male said as Riyo walked up.

"Yes, but perhaps your business is war profiteering."

"How dare you!"

"I dare because you claim to have no involvement, and yet here stands the Chairman's daughter on your ship, held by your administrator. I may understand your position, but I doubt the rest of the Senate will." Riyo explained to him.

"Blackmail!"

"No, business. I could, of course, be persuaded to defend your unfortunate circumstances to the Senate. That is if this blockade ends." Riyo said with a smile.

"I'll see what I can do."

Later Senate Meeting.

"It has come to our attention that the ugly head of the Separatist has once again raised itself in the ranks of our very own Trade Federation. Nute Gunray's influence extends farther than we ever imagined. It was Sib Canay, acting on his own accord, who kidnapped the children of Chairman Papanoida. In good faith, we have returned them to him. And also, as a gesture of friendship, we are removing our blockade and reopening trade with the Pantorans."

Lott said as the Pantorans watched from their pad.

Later, as they left, Naruto saw Riyo before walking up. "I see Oola was able to help."

"Yes, thank you Naruto," Riyo said before walking past him and trailed a hand on his chest before walking away having her hips sway a little as he stared.

To Be Continued.

A/N: Thanks for reading and let me know of any mistakes.

Beta: Chaos-PSD. Contributor: Kuronodono12.

The poll is down due to everything still being close together. I've got a quick poll for this story on if Naruto should learn the Rasenshuriken, the choices are Yes, or No Force, and Jutsu are enough. That'll be up at the very least for 2 updates for each story.

Next to be updated will be Hero Rising Next Generation on Friday.

Nothing else to say.

Talk To You Later,

Lone Wolf Out.🐺