Hello everyone, and here's the next update of AJD. And sorry it took so long, but its finally here. The end of the Ölüm Arc.
Hopefully a lot of reviews will come and many more chapters will follow.
Enjoy!
The Yaruba Palace was built off of the hands and backs of a thousand slaves. It took approximately one month for its completion, and has stood tall and proud for several generations.
It only took one day for it to fall.
The garden outside used to be strictly maintained; each flower not out of place, each weed pulled and clipped, and every square inch of it scrubbed clean. Now, it was all burnt down, the beautiful statues and outdoor furniture now reduced to rubble and firewood. The once sweet fragrance of flowers was now replaced by gunpowder, metal, and smoke.
The one beautiful palace was now a burnt shell of its former state. It was hard to believe that only a few hours ago, a lavish party was held in the now ash-covered castle, its now bloodied and corpse-riddled halls once roamed by the rich and powerful.
This was especially the case in the ballroom, where an unfazed Tayuya munched on whatever food and drinks somehow survived the carnage as she gazed down at the results of the much-needed justice that needed to be done.
She scoffed, spitting out a seed at a nearby corpse which looked to be still begging for her life. Seeing the pitiful expression on her face made her clench her teeth, and she resorted to giving it a brutal kick to avoid wasting a bullet.
She swore as her boots splashed on the ever-growing crimson puddle on the floor, nearly making her slip on the ocean of cocktail of blood and wine.
"Boss."
Whirling around, she was greeted by the sight of one of her many followers who were part of her group from the very beginning. Her group was carrying something large and heavy with them.
"That the fuel?" she asked. "Where'd you get it?"
"It's fuel alright," her second in command confirmed, holding up the feul can. "Siphoned it from some of the empty scouting bikes."
Turning back to the corpses, she took a moment to appreciate their handiwork, knowing very well that they had made plenty of enemies somewhere in this vast galaxy.
"Burn them all."
"You sure?"
"Do it." Tayuya ordered as she walked out into the hallway.
Saying nothing in return, they quickly opened up the cans and started pouring out the liquid fuel. They knew that it wouldn't completely destroy all traces of their presence, but it would still send a message - a message of revenge.
And that revenge was just getting started.
Landing Platform
"Just sit still kid, you've done enough."
Naruto was yet again being bandaged, although thankfully he needed less of it this time. Despite his near suicidal charge, he managed to (technically) single-handedly push back and crush the opposition, playing an essential role of securing the landing platform with all the ships that were still there.
Despite this, they still suffered heavy casualties, with one good reminder being laid out in front of him.
Maroi was one of the few people he could trust with his life, seeing as how he saved his multiple times. He had even gotten rid of the seal that locked his chakra, which ultimately helped them conquer the palace.
Staring down at his body, he couldn't help but be bombarded by guilt and questions. Clearly, Maori knew more than he let on, and clearly he was here for him, but whatever questions he had for him would now never be answered.
"I'm sorry, Maroi."
Pulling a cover over the fallen Shinobi's body. Naruto's eyes lingered on the blaster burn over his chest - a lucky shot from a Pyke who was aiming for his head. Maroi was unlucky to have leapt in the way, taking the hit for him while his Kyuubi Cloak had fallen temporarily.
His jaw clenched tightly, his canines digging into his lower lip as he struggled to choke down a scream.
"Stop blaming yourself, kid. There was nothing you could've done."
I shouldn't have rushed in like that, what the hell was I thinking?
"Time was of the essence. Would you have preferred to lose the ships, and thus, the whole point of the raid?"
Yeah, but at what cost?
"That's an answer you got to see for yourself."
"There was nothing we could've done for him."
Bellatrix's voice yanked him back from his trance. She was currently speaking with Idel, who was burying her face into her hands.
"He died upon impact."
"...I know," Idel let out a lifeless sigh. "Just another casualty…a life erased among us."
"To the galaxy, perhaps," Bellatrix let out. "But not to us."
They heard someone step up to them, and they looked up to see a weary Naruto.
"Take him away," he said quietly, "and keep him covered."
They just nodded before they got to work. Gently placing the covered Maroi onto a makeshift stretcher, before they proceeded to carry him away to place amongst the other fallen.
Many partisans stepped aside to allow them to walk through, bowing, nodding, saluting, or falling silent for their fallen friend. A couple of them even moved to help the two nurses.
"Kid."
A gloved hand touched Naruto's shoulder. Turning his head around, he saw Jango's black visors staring back at him, his weary face reflecting back at him. The shiny armor was covered in dust and spice.
"You doing alright?"
Naruto just turned his head, staring blankly into the horizon.
Jango stood there, staring at the boy uncomfortably. He was good at a lot of things, but breaking the awkward silence was not one of them.
"Jango, come here."
The bounty hunter let out a small sigh of relief as he turned around. Cad Bane and the other bounty hunters had landed their ships onto the platform, the Slave I included.
He moved quickly towards them, and quickly noticed that Hera and Tarik were among them. He frowned a little upon seeing their expressions.
"What is it?" Jango asked bluntly. "I don't like the looks on your faces, so spill."
Hera and Tarik looked at each other, with Tarik giving her a quick nod.
"We've got a problem," Hera began. "There's not enough ships for all of us, and they only have enough fuel for a one way trip to maybe two or three nearby systems."
"A little better than expected," Jango motioned. "It's a miracle that none of the ships were destroyed, so take comfort in that."
"That's not the only bad news, Jango," Cad Bane growled. "Aurra?"
All eyes turned to Aurra, whose usual playful demeanor was locked into a stern frown alongside Boba.
"A distress beacon was activated."
Not a word was spoken as Boba pulled out a miniature comm device, pushing a button with his thumb.
"This is the Yaruba Palace. Unknown enemies have breached the palace. Requesting heavy backup- GAH!"
The miniature hologram of the Zygerrian was gunned down by an unknown figure, cutting the recording off on the spot. Hera's lekku twitched nervously.
"That message was sent over an hour ago," Cad Bane said. "That means we've got very little time left before more people show up, so we're leaving with or without your new friends."
"That won't be a problem."
Both bounty hunters turned to look at Tarik, who released a deep sigh as he was doing something that he wasn't supposed to do in his state of health.
TCHK!
He lightened up a cigarette, an odd scene coming from the coughing man himself, as he now had taken medicine that was looted from the palace, as he addressed the others.
"We've already predicted this possibility, so we've initiated Plan B. The women, children, elderly, and the wounded are to be prioritized on sending them off this planet. The rest of us will stay here and stand our ground."
The bounty hunters looked at the Earthling and the commanders with astonishment, as they seem to be having lost their mind at wanting to stay at this place.
"Are you out of your mind? Staying on Kessel is suicide."
"There are still other Ölüm survivors out there, scattered around the forest who we need to brought in. Nor do they know what happened here." Tarik told his reason. "We cannot abandon them, so we'll go and try to find them."
"That still leaves you here, on Kessel, sick man." Zam argued with her greening skin. "You have a death wish or something?"
Tarik pointing to the Green Twi'lek commander.
"We've made our decisions already."
Sugi asked. "Who will stay?"
"Myself and the rest of the lieutenants decided to stay. While Hera, Zeb and Idel will be leaving, with everyone else who's unable to fight."
"Does that conclude Naruto?"
Tarik turned to the Mandalorian bounty hunter and saw he was still interested in the boy.
"He's already gotten himself beat up badly. So there's no use of endangering his life further in his state." Tarik stated as he crossed his arms. "Besides, you kept your end of the deal - and there's one thing I've learned about Naruto."
"And that is?"
"He doesn't break his promises, that's not his nature."
Meanwhile
"Everybody move up! We'll be leaving in thirty minutes!"
A bit of a chaotic state was present on the landing platform as a crowd had emerged on it. As it had been almost an hour ever since the final orders were given:
Anybody who wasn't able to fight was to be evacuated, while those who were, often without a choice, had to stay.
Naruto was one of those who wasn't moving, as he instead was seen sitting at the entrance of the Slave I. Alone, as he was watching the ships slowly preparing to take off with whoever managed to get onboard.
"Move aside! Move aside! Wounded here!"
A path was being cleared as one of the ships that was being used, with it being a few partisans seen carrying a stretcher with a half burned fighter on it, being evacuated out.
"Hey isn't that Adrik?"
"Yeah, caught a grenade explosion in the kitchen."
Adrik Yahontov, the Second-in-Command of the uprising, now was too wounded to be of any help to the rest of the fighters, as he now was being loaded into Hera's ship with the help of Joseph and Jimmy with Zeb helping enter the poor bastard into the ship
"Has he awaken yet?"
"Nah, he's been out cold for a few hours, for the better I guess" Jimmy said loading the man up the entrance "Imagine if he woke up and found out?"
"Please don't jinx it."
Watching on, Naruto didn't pay attention as a feminine hand laid rest on his shoulder.
"Naruto."
Feeling that hand, Naruto didn't move as he knew who it was.
"Sabine."
The Wren girl without her helmet, went on to lay it down and embraced her arms around Naruto's neck and laid her own on top of his head, not minding his blonde hair.
"You've been silent."
"I don't have much to say now….sorry."
Only able to nod in silence, she then heard him out.
"All this time…he was the only other person from my home planet…" Naruto stated with no emotion at all. "And I didn't even know until the very end…"
Seeing he was still effected by it, she kept her hand over his hair and tried to comfort him.
"He didn't die in vain, Naruto. He gave his life up like the others, so they can escape."
Both set of eyes happened to lay on a group of children, human and sentient from some ages, were being escorted to a former spice freighter ship that was prioritized for them and the women and elderly.
One of those children, a young dark blue Rodian, either by coincidence or not, happened to spot Naruto and Sabine, with the child noticing Naruto's bandages:
The child waved at them, much to their surprise, as he innocently waited for a reply from them.
Naruto's mouth grew a small but honest smile as he just needed that, and smiled before waving back at the child, with Sabine also giving a small wave back.
The child then proceeded to follow the rest of the group. Ending the short but morale-boosting moment.
"Perhaps, we can honor their memories by keeping them safe."
"We can, and we should." Sabine agreed with him. "We will."
A pair of boots then walked up behind them.
"Kid."
Naruto's half covered face turned around, and saw that it was Jango who walked up to him.
"Your friends want to say goodbye."
(Half hour later)
*FWSSSSSH!*
With another freighter ship seen taking off, it was one of the last ships to have left the Yaruba Palace's platform, the evacuations have gone through well, despite the hastiness and often chaotic conditions that they were in.
Almost over a thousand former slaves from Ölüm, mainly women and children and the wounded have managed to leave the spice planet hell - Even when it didn't sound much, it was a goal worth taking for two reasons.
For one, they managed to now have some sort of lifeline with Hera and the other pilots now being able to help them bring weaponry, supplies or even evacuate more slaves from out of the planet.
But the second reason, perhaps the most valid one, was the message they've managed to send - that revenge was coming for them: one way or another.
Now on the platform, even when the time was short, over a hundred partisan fighters had assembled, while down below in and around the gardens, more were guarding and waiting for their orders to move.
Tarik was seen hugging Hera as they both tapped each other's back, with now the Twi'lek been given the responsibility of bringing the ships to safety.
"We're all counting on you Hera." Tarik said breaking the hug. "Just get those folks safe first."
"I will." Hera assured him. "We'll come back as soon as we can."
"You better be, because we only got supplies for a few weeks, tops."
Other partisan members were seen giving out anything they found, from blaster rifles to food and water, with some even having taken the cloaks and shoes from the dead guards as they were very low on equipment.
But among the group of fighters, Tayuya looked less worried about the logistics issue as she has gotten herself a long brown coat, taken it of course, as she had already gotten what she wants.
If she had turned around, the redhead could've noticed the youngest of the partisans, who's managed to lie low during the evacuations, seen carrying boxes of ammunition and supplies on his back.
She then happened to spot Nathan, the man who helped him, smiling, she walked over to his position.
Also standing among the fighters, were surprisingly the two bounty hunters Sugi and Embo, both now seen saying their goodbyes to Mugabo.
"Are you sure you want to stay here? You don't even carry a gun." Sugi asked the African.
The Rwandan man had made his decision and he stood by it, still holding the camera he valued.
"Someone has to got to stay here and make evidence." Mugabo stated to them. "Even when its unlikely justice will ever be served. The actions of these men, cannot be forgotten or be erased."
Embo then was heard saying something with his friend Marrok, the Anooba seen standing besides him.
"He's saying you got a good heart, my friend. Just keep it from turning cold."
"I won't."
Sugi shook Mugabo's hand as they both then departed also from the group towards their ship. With these two bounty hunters haven been given a good impression by what they've seen.
Meanwhile, at the center of all this, it was Naruto who then was seen saying his goodbyes, being surrounded by his old cellmates/friends who were seeing him off.
"Stay safe, kid. I want to see you again after this is all over." Ibrahim said chuckling to his younger friend. "Maybe I'll see you and Sabine getting hitched."
"Hey, come on I-"
"Don't tease him, Ibrahim." Yasser, the old man, said to the younger Libyan. "He's still young, he can decide when he'll make an honest woman out of the girl."
"Thanks, old man-"
"But at least wait until you're old enough to get married." Yasser cut him off. "Because you're too young to become a father already."
Felt even more embarrassed, Naruto just rubbed the back of his head. As his 'night' with Sabine somehow got a bit of attraction. But luckily most just teased him for it.
"S-Sure-Ugh!" Naruto's head got locked inside an hold. "Z-Zeb!"
"Don't think you'll be going without seeing me, kid." Zeb chuckled as he ruffled a bit with Naruto's hair. "Once we're all off this planet, I'll come and visit you, alright?"
"Good, that's a promise."
*GROWL!*
Then getting grabbed again, Naruto felt pressed against the chest of the fur of Chewbacca, who now was hugging Naruto. To which he could only do in return.
"I promise to see you soon too, Chewie," Naruto smiled at the furball. "I don't break my promise."
In the back, the women were watching at the boys having themselves a moment. Hera, Sabine, Bellatrix and Idel were glad to see their morale wasn't as low as it first was.
No words were spoken, as only glances were directed. With Idel's own glances being seen directed at the leader of the whole thing, Tarik seen walking up to Naruto.
"Naruto."
Turning around, the blonde faced. "Yes?"
"... Be safe out there, with the bounty hunter I mean." The Arab man advised him as he extended his hand. "And good luck in finding out more about your family."
Naruto smiled and shook the sicken-ridden, but strong and willing leader, with the respect that each one had given.
"Thank you, for everything."
Then it happened.
The Slave I was seen departing the landing platform at the same time. As then it happened to be greeted by a small crowd of a dozen fighters giving their farewells.
It would be seen as one of the last ships leaving from the burning Yaruba Palace, the flames that would be seen around the Galaxy.
Kessel Orbit
As the Slave I was making its way out of the planet. In the cockpit, Jango and his son Boba were seen making the preparations to jump into Hyperspace.
"Everything set, Boba?" Jango asked his son.
"Navigation computer is set and coordinates are accurate, dad." The young Boba said pushing the final buttons. "Hyperdrive's ready also. Waiting for you."
Taking a moment to them to look around, the bounty hunter noticed that the area looked clear, with no ships in sight of any backup the palace had called in for.
"We're going"
"Right." Boba said hovering his finger over the final button. "To Elementia."
"Wait, Jango."
It then happened that the hijacked slave ship was flying over them, with the voice over the comms being the green Twi'lek Hera herself.
"Hera Syndulla. What is it?"
"Hun, there's no need for the formalities, just call me Hera." She warned him over the comms as she then proceeded. "I just wanted to say personally, thank you, for everything back there. It wouldn't have been possible without you and your friends.'
"They're not my friends, more like acquaintances in the business." Jango cleared it. "Don't mention it, they were just doing what they were paid for."
"Even so, you have my gratitude, you, your son, and all the other bounty hunters. Even that guy Bane."
A chuckle couldn't help but be heard from under Jango's helmet. "I'll tell him that. Good luck with your little uprising."
"Thank you, oh, and one thing."
"Yes?" Jango asked. "What is it?"
"Tell the lovebirds to be careful."
Jango made an unusual chuckle, even gaining a raised eyebrow from his son before he then responded.
"Will do. Good luck." Jango then added. "And may the Force be with you."
"And you."
Hera's ship then took off first into hyperspace, leaving then for Boba to do the same.
"Let's go dad."
Turning the switch, the Slave I then also left the orbit of Kessel, going into hyperspace and going towards its next destination.
Cargo haul
Inside the cargo bay, things were silent for the moment, as it has been ever since the ship left the plant, even when both Naruto and Sabine were currently hauled up in this area with time of their own.
What was Sabine doing? She was sitting on an empty freight box while observing what Naruto was doing: meditating.
Sitting in what assumed is how Jedi meditate, Naruto has his legs crossed, hands laid in the center and his eyes closed with a bowed head, having been in this position ever since the ship left the planet.
For the Mandalorian young teenager, it was the first time seeing something like this, and it made an impression on her. Sabine dared not to say a word, thinking if she did so, she'd thought that it would break Naruto's concentration.
"You two doing okay?"
Sabine's head turned rightwards, seeing Jango coming to them, she held her guard up a bit, but also did not do anything to make herself look suspicious.
"... We're doing fine." Sabine responded, not even facing him as she went to grab from out of nowhere a rag and began cleaning her twin blasters.
Jango could already guess what the young Wren was attempting to do, to which he could at least point out. She clearly was attempting to avoid any type of conversation with him, mainly due to their previous confrontation at the camp.
"Mind if I sit?"
"This is your ship." Sabine replied a bit harshly while focused on her guns. "Not like I got much of a choice…"
Jango sat on the crate next to her and then began to observe the meditating form of Naruto, seeing he looked like he wasn't bothered by the noise.
"Look, Wren, let's put aside the pettiness." Jango began. "We need to talk."
Sabine stopped for a moment with her rag, and she responded slowly, but hostile.
"About what?"
"You're smart enough what I'm wanting to talk about." Jango told her while turning his face towards the opposite side. "About him…"
Turning their sights to the meditating Naruto, the topic had finally started for the two Mandalorian warriors.
At first, the Wren girl wanted to just shut down this conversation at once. But for some reason, she just sighed and went along and allowed him.
"Let me guess….it's about Naruto's clan, isn't it?"
"You and I are currently sitting in the same room with a remnant of Mandalore's infamous clans." Jango wasted no time on it and went straight to the point. "This alone is what many warriors alone can picture through their imagination. Yet here we are sitting across of him like its nothing."
"Yeah, I can get that." Sabine admitted. Having even thought of the prospect of her own family finding out a descendant of the former House being alive.
They'd be overwhelmed with reactions that they'd be sharing with all the Mandalorian people. The news of this gratitude would cause a shock wave across the galaxy
Jango turned his head towards the Wren girl.
"Look, the kid seems to trust you, so that pretty much leaves me to think you're reliable."
"Well, I am. I've been with him ever since he's been in the same spice mines like me." Sabine mentioned nonchalantly. "We first didn't start out good. I thought he was some bastard trying to feast of the name."
"Understandable." Jango responded. Honestly, he'd have the same response if he didn't find out the crucial links between the boy and the place he grew up with. "But how did you two end to settle up your differences?"
This…is where things were getting a bit uncomfortable. As she then began to explain the story for a bit.
Naruto at the moment, was having a conversation of himself.
In the seal
Opening his eyes up slowly, Naruto was in the same position as he was in the ship, as he now turned his eyes up and saw he was in front of the large sealed up gate that Kurama was stuck in from behind.
"Took you long enough." Kurama stated, appearing from the shadows as he stepped closer to the closed cage as he lowered his head to his Jinchuuriki's level. "Now what is it that you want to discuss? Because I don't have all day, I'm taking a nap."
Naruto's eyes raised in suspicion. "You do nothing else but taking a nap."
"I've been up and watching the whole thing tonight. Seeing an slaver's palace burn isn't something I want to miss." Kurama told him as he stretches his paws and body inside the cage like the fox he was. "It's been a while honestly, seeing palaces burn, slave armies getting some revenge. Boy, do I have stories for you to know."
"Given you've lived for that long, it doesn't surprise me." Naruto admitted his belief to Kurama's claims. "But I actually wanted to come here and discuss with you about something."
"About what?"
"My powers - your power: Being a Jinchuuriki as a whole." Naruto. "You told me once I was one of nine, and that they were across my home planet."
Hearing this question, Kurama's eyes opened up slightly more. As this was something he expected the kid to ask later when he was fully healed and safe.
"You also explained to me once that Chakra is basically a physical manifestation of the Force. That we are connected to it, yet have never developed it much or even tried to."
"That I didn't say. I said we, as the Tailed Beasts are connected to the Force, while it's the people of the Shinobi World who have Chakra which is a manifestation and less powerful version of it." Kurama went on to correct Naruto's assumptions. "But it is true that you are fully able to use the Force, mainly because of your mere but strong connected to the Uzumaki Clan, of which you aren't the only one from your planet."
"Hmmm? I'm not the only one…"
"You're not the last Uzumaki to be alive, that's what I'm saying. Kid." Kurama confessed another revelation to the young Shinobi. "Believe it or not, but I know for a fact there are still a few walking around, with some I suspect being related to your mother, or being mere descendants themselves."
"But why didn't you tell me?" Naruto asked, understandably shocked by this news of family roaming around somewhere. "Why tell me now?"
"For one, you didn't ask me, and number two is perhaps you had a bigger priority at the time like surviving that hellhole of a spice mine." Kurama growled as he needed to remind the kid. "Besides, Its still a suspicion, so I cannot ratify if they are fully Uzumakis, or if they're even alive now at this point. I once tried to sense some of them through the Force, and only a bare few were having that same energy like your mothers'..."
"And that was when?"
"Right before you got snatched up from your planet by your now rescuer friend named Jango."
The time that happened was months ago, possible a half year or so. And with that time in the Shinobi World. The chances of finding them would be low, lower than previously thought.
Naruto sighs and scratches the back of his head before he then apologizes.
"I'm sorry."
Kurama sighs as he responded. "No need to. It's understandable given the circumstances. We've only been able to talk about this right now. So it's only fair I at least will talk to you about the Jinchuuriki - but…"
When Kurama suddenly began to be silent, it caught Naruto's curiosity.
"But what?"
"Well, I don't know how this happened but once we have landed, I will explain. Now try and make sure for now your girlfriend doesn't start a shootout with that Jango guy."
Naruto questioned. "What? You expect them to go into a fight or something?"
"Given they're Mandalorians, you and them aren't that much different to one another."
It took the blonde a moment to realize what the fox meant by with that, and he slightly frowned before responding.
"... I'll take that as an complement."
Meanwhile
Jango sat there in silence as Sabine just told him the whole story about what happened between Naruto and herself in the past few months.
"And that's….how me and Naruto made amends…"
Once she finished, the Wren girl was glad to know she decided to put on her helmet, as she decided to leave out one particular moment that she genuinely hoped to not talk about.
The bounty hunter, was left (out of the lack of better terms) stunned by the fact the relationship the Uzumaki and Wren began went from that side of the spectrum of hating each other to that of having entered an mutual relationship that seem genuine.
And it got him to ask the question that had ended up in his mind the moment he figured out how far their relationship had gone to.
"Listen, I want you to answer the question I have." Jango said, wanting confirmation. "I know its a private matter but it's important."
"Uhm….okay…" Sabine hesitated and then followed. "What is it?..."
"Have you two become intimate?"
With even the most polite way to have asked that question, even Sabine knew what he exactly wanted to know.
She sighed and responded. "Does it really matter?"
"Personally, I don't care. You two are old enough to make your own decisions. Given the circumstances." Jango started on that but then continued. "But the matter of fact is that this might cause unwanted attention to the two of you."
"Like…"
"The fact your clan is with House Vizsla and you're actively in a romantic relationship with a descendant of the Uzumakis." Jango told her. "If this gets out, you'll be in big trouble, let alone your family clan."
A clear scoff then came out the Wren's mouth as a reply, a clear statement for the Fett.
"Something wrong?"
"Sorry, as much I am a proud Mandalorian to the core, I don't give much of a damn about politics." Sabine stated with her arms crossed while looking down to the floor. "They're just as the Republic, all care about status, territory and power….such a shame."
Jango could clearly see by her body language that with what she said, might've caused her to be this.
"Ever since Duchess Satine came to power…I believe we're forgetting who we are. Our culture and our history." Sabine said as she expressed her own thoughts. "She's so busy making this Pacifist dream of hers true around our home planet that even carrying a blaster is considered uncivilized. And don't even get me started about Death Watch…"
Hearing Sabine say that name in spite, Jango could insinuate she wasn't much happier about them neither.
"What about them?"
"They are worse, If I say." Sabine held no words back. "Speaking about Mandalorian's history in such an untrue way, and obviously skewered to House Vizsla's way, that it made me turn my stomach…. I guess that's why I decided to run away instead of joining them."
Jango's head was turned for a moment before that last point made him focus back, sparking his curiosity.
"Short story, me and another volunteer sneaked out one night and stole a ship." Sabine said as she recounted. "We decided to do some bounty hunting to get some funds before a botched hunt occurred and…"
"You happened to end up here in Ölüm, correct?" Jango concluded as the story seem to fit but then asked. "What happened to the other volunteer?"
"I don't know, perhaps she escaped or got killed. Maybe even a slave somewhere else." Sabine suggested as she breathed out. "Anyway, that's how I ended up there, in the woods, and now here…"
She paused staring at the meditating Naruto who happened to be still in the position.
"And now, I'm only wondering one thing," Sabine turned her head towards Jango. "Perhaps this thought had crossed your mind also."
Jango asked. "And that is?"
"Do you think by any chance, the Force somehow was responsible for use to meet an actual descendant of Mandalore?"
Jango, the man who was prepared for most scenarios he had gone through in his life, was thinking for the answer to this question.
"Honestly, I do not know how to answer that question."
"Dad!" Boba's voice was heard from the cockpit. "We're nearly there, can you come?"
"I'm coming, son. Give me a minute." Jango stood back up and turned to Sabine. "Want to come up?"
"Sure, why not." Sabine said as she followed up and went along with the notorious bounty hunter.
"We're nearing Elementia."
When Boba said that the two hurried up to climb up the stairs to reach the cockpit.
Elementia Orbit
Flying over the mostly green and blue planet of the Shinobi world, the Slave I was making flybys around the planet that was in rapid development.
As they now were flying over the side of where the night had already settled, the evidence could be seen of the uncountable amount of lights being visible from space, mainly from the mainland in and around the Five Great Shinobi Nations.
"Wow, they work fast." Sabine noted at what she saw. "They already have started construction?"
"Been like this for months." Jango mentioned. Seen sitting in his pilot seat. "The Republic and the Separatists are putting money in these countries to win over favors. Building spaceports and infrastructure. In exchange for allegiance…. In case of the worst…"
"What do you mean?" Sabine asked, not have wanted to ask this, but had to.
Boba instead answered. "War maybe, espionage. Anything really."
"Unfortunately, he's right."
The incoming voice was from Naruto, who entered the already crowded cockpit and just got out from his meditation. Seen still having the bandages on him without feeling the pain anymore.
"Good evening kid." Jango said while focused on the ship's steering. "Welcome back to your old home planet. Surely this is new for you to see."
"Honestly, I'm not surprised after what I've seen this past year." Naruto said watching the planet as he was slightly astonished. "... I however am surprised that they manage to do this so fast."
"How so?"
Going back on memory lane, Naruto could only really bring up the old memory of back at the Land of Waves, how Tazuna the bridge builder and many others were struggling to keep the bridge up to connect to the mainland despite the pressure from Gato and his thugs.
Zabuza and Haku came to Naruto's mind, those two who were the first Shinobi he came across and made an impact on him. A profound one.
"In this world, even the simplest of building like a bridge, could cost people's lives."
The vague answer alone made Jango and Boba wondering what he was talking about, while Sabine knew what he meant by.
Her hand went over to touch his bandaged one, and in response his own grabbed hers. With Sabine trying to comfort Naruto for his return.
A return back home an be quite scary, especially when you survived an ordeal like theirs.
Uzushiogakure
While the surrounding areas like the mainland and even the neighboring nations were being accompanied by the light, one part of the Elemental Nations was still left in the dark - and yet that was for the good.
Now seen walking down the path of debris that belonged to the old buildings of the former Shinobi Village, Naruto, Sabine, Boba and Jango were seen going through the area as the night luckily covered the ship that landed in a secluded area, hidden away.
As they walked, it was Jango who was leading them. While he knew the youngsters were staring at the many symbols and remnants of the buildings that were now leveled down decades ago.
Naruto himself was seen staring at the many symbols that were damaged but still imprinted on the walls. It fascinated him, of course. Yet it also was an depressing moment for him to realize.
Realize he might've had a extended family, but like his parents, they also perished without his knowledge. Knowledge that was kept away from him.
'All of it was here while I carry that name around…'
"Hey, you alright?" Sabine asked. Being a little concerned by the look on his face. "Naruto?"
Turning back to her, Naruto gave his humble but honest smile to her.
"Just….taking it all in, that's all.
"You really never knew your family?" Boba asked Naruto, curious. "How come?"
"I don't know, honestly." Naruto responded to the young Boba, while ruffling his hair. "But I can know now. Thanks to you and your old man."
Boba was trying to escape the grasp of Naruto while Sabine was trying to withhold the giggle in her mouth, watching as if an older brother was teasing the younger one.
All while Jango couldn't help but grow a smile on his own, one of a few.
…
"We're here."
Standing in front of the massive wall, with ancient writings and carvings on them and the large spiral whirlpool in the middle. It was the same wall that Jango had come across not that long ago. Only it was closed again, and even that wasn't going to the last thing that will overwhelm these kids.
"Wow…." Sabine uttered at the sight. The carvings were almost like that of her Family household but older and different. "Unbelievable."
"Yes, I had that same impression. Quite fascinating." Jango stated as he could understand the Wren girl. "Looks like the door is closed, figures."
"Door, what door?" Boba was confused and looked around. "Dad, what are you talking about?"
"Uhm, yeah Jango, I see no door." Sabine agreed with the kid.
"Simple, there's a door that's only opened in one way…" Jango turned around. "Naruto."
"Hmm?" Naruto reacted and asked. "What is it?"
"You wearing that crystal necklace still?"
Naruto was confused but then decided to pull it out, the necklace Granny Tsunade gave him, was luckily still intact and not stolen. With sheer luck as he kept it with him during the whole tormenting year.
"Go to that spiral Whirlpool over there." Jango pointed out to it. "And put it in."
"Huh? Hold on." Sabine stopped. "What-"
"Sabine, let him." Jango interrupted her. "Let him…this is important."
Naruto became silent as he approached the large, dark-colored spiral and saw the surrounding texts were in both his native language and that of Mandalorian that were carved in, and that alone gave away this might be an old site.
And as he pulled the crystal to head level, he spotted the small hole in the middle of the spiral, it pretty much gave away what he needed to do.
Yet his arms laid frozen like if he paralyzed by Shikamaru's Shadow Possession technique, his body seemed to be having a mind of his own, but controlled by fear.
But his fear then went away, and his hand then pushed the crystal into the hole.
A bright light then erupted across the room as the wall began to glow bright blue that nearly blinded everyone.
"Ah, my eyes!" Boba yelled covering them.
"What the kriff!" Sabine said covering her vizors. "My vizors!"
"Yeah, they don't work at first, they're bright alright." Jango told her whole having held his hand over his own.
Naruto however was just standing there and watched directly into the light, before it started to expand.
Like water streams being filled, they were slowly filling the room in a patron of light. All coming from the center of the whirlpool, before quickly spreading to the rest of the wall.
Then the light had covered all of the bodies, with Sabine and Boba noticing Jango being covered by it.
"Dad?"
"Oh, it is nothing." Jango pulled out his own crystal as it was glowing. "It's the crystal's power I believe."
They all then turned to face Naruto, who wasn't moving at all, but wasn't showing any emotions either.
And then-
"Look!" Boba pointed out. "Its opening.
Slowly the stone glowing spiral drawing began to open unravel, the hole in the middle growing bigger, opening up in the direction of the spiral itself as it turned into a hole that was large enough for it to be an open tunnel to walk into.
The moment the whirlpool stopped expanding, the giant hole was complete as the glowing stopped.
"A door." Sabine said. Utterly surprised by even her own words. "What is it?"
"These are the ancient ways of the Uzumakis…unheard and secrets that only a few now know of."
Naruto said nothing as he walked up to the hole and started to walk through it without hesitation. Not hearing what the others were saying behind him, he was focused on wanting to know what was on the other end of this tunnel.
Because those lights, bright as the stars in the skies, might reveal old secrets in a new world. And after the entrance again was closed right behind the group, with the others following up behind, Naruto decided to go through what he needed to know.
Discover those Old Truths.
Aaaaand a Cliffhanger!
I know. Lol.
Now, I hope you all liked it and stay with me for the journey up ahead.
Good night.
Peace!