Man, it took us a while - but Lucius Walker did it again and we got a 9K chapter, people, for you all to read.
Thank you for reading it, but also thank Lucius Walker for editing this, couldn't done it without him
The word is yours, LW, address the readers:
LW: Thanks for reading this lovely project. If you want to check out some of my projects on or ao3, feel free. Mind the tags, though.
Enjoy the fic, people. Also, here's the discord link of The Goat Server where I frequently hang out: tqpGWVC4
Let's begin!
Flashback - 23 BBY (Keelia)
"HE HAS RETURNED!"
Overjoy took over the small village in the Keelia system. Out of all of them, the village elder's granddaughter Haru was the most joyous upon seeing the young blond, embracing Naruto by leaping into his arms right on the spot.
Naruto chuckled as he hugged her back. "Easy, Haru. I told you I'd come back."
The entire village was more than glad to see the blond Uzumaki returning relatively well and alive from the war he volunteered in. They were, however, wary of the company he brought alongside him.
"Everyone, allow me to introduce you to my friends," Naruto smiled at them and turned to his buddies. "Guys, these are Asu's people, remember?"
"So these are Asu's people, huh…" Tayuya smirked after examining the native people of Keelia. "Hope you don't mind if we crash here for a while, old man."
"Of course not, a friend of Naruto is a friend of ours," the village elder laughed before announcing, "We shall feast!"
Cheers filled the air as Naruto began to introduce the girl to someone dear to him.
"Haru, I would like for you to meet Sabine Wren."
The village girl was astonished to finally meet a Mandalorian warrior, much less one of her age and sex. Seeing that she was a capable fighter, she smiled and bowed her head towards her.
"Sabine, this is Haru, Asu's former bride and…someone who helped me through rough times."
Hearing that caused Haru to blush slightly but then the blush turned into that of embarrassment when it was spotted by Sabine, who then offered her a few kind words.
"Thank you for looking after him – let's eat first, shall we?"
…
The feast went into full swing, the villagers having prepared a large variety of food, drinks, and music as fast as they could for their esteemed guests.
Among those guests were Chewbacca and Mutani, the two that stood out the most from the rest of the fighters, the children sneaking peeks at them in interest. Chewie wasn't afraid to tease the younglings who laughed in return, and Mutani was having fun discussing the Tusken culture and even allowing a small girl to play with his Gaderffii Stick.
Tayuya and Hera were seen sharing drinks while Zeb was enjoying the food with some of the other fighters, whose hands were constantly full with plates of food.
Meanwhile, Naruto sat in the corner with his back against a tree, his belly full and his body exhausted. His arms crossed and his eyes closed, he was about to nap.
"So, you love him?"
The near-distance conversation was being held between Sabine and Haru, who sat side-by-side away from the party, allowing them to converse with some privacy.
Haru nodded to the female Mandalorian. "I can't deny that I've grown strong feelings for him, yes." She poured another round into Sabine's cup. "It was soon after my betrothed was buried…"
"You mean Asu?"
"Yes, him." Haru closed her eyes upon the mention of his name. Despite the sadness in her eyes, she smiled in peace and replied, "I know he'd want me to move on with my life, and I wish to do so…"
"Even when you know that Naruto and I have been…" Sabine trailed off as she struggled to find the right words for the situation. "...intimate."
Haru simply nodded, seemingly unbothered by the fact that the Mandalorian girl and the Uzumaki weren't virgins. Her cheeks flushed, glowing even through her white makeup.
"I just want to be close…"
Hearing this, Naruto remained where he was and pretended to not pay attention to their words, awaiting Sabine's response.
He didn't need to wait long, for that familiar mischievous smirk on her face stretched across her lips.
"Let's go somewhere private…"
…
(Lemon)
The festival was still going on, with few people choosing to return to their homes. However, in one such house, there was a different sort of party going on.
"~Ah!"
This was a party of three, one filled with love and passion.
A feminine hand grabbed for the bed sheet underneath. That hand belonged to Haru, who was struggling to keep her moans indoors. Sweat covering her face, it was safe to say that she was flustered.
"Ah…Ah…"
Behind her, a pair of lips reached Haru's ear.
"Ssssh, just breathe and enjoy~" Sabine whispered, smiling as Haru looked like she was about to reach her breaking point.
"*Hmmp!*"
Gasping, Haru looked back down between her legs, the source of her current struggle, where Naruto was seen latching onto her pussy with his mouth. He lay there, eating out Haru while holding onto her waist. Her clothes were gone, leaving behind the bindings that covered her well-sized breasts that he stared at in wonder. Sabine, meanwhile, was riding his dick, gasping and panting as his member resized her tight canal.
The blue-haired girl couldn't help but run her hands through the cream-colored hair of the inexperienced young woman, pecking her neck and moaning in satisfaction from her boyfriend's cock. Sabine herself was also nearly naked, save for her blaster belt and her boots.
"You need to relax, let it all go…"
"I…I can't…"
Naruto's mouth happened to then go deeper into Haru's crotch, automatically causing the girl's legs to react but Naruto kept going, licking her insides.
"N-Naruto!"
Haru came with a squeal, drenching Naruto's face with her juices. Naruto stopped and pulled off of her snatch to look at his lover.
"I-I'm sorry." Haru was embarrassed and tried to apologize, "I just couldn't, and I-"
"Fuck!"
Taken by surprise, Haru turned to see Sabine's head shoot back from the intensity of her orgasm, her sweat-glossed figure now also sticky from Naruto's baby-batter that just exploded inside her snatch, which was now leaking from all sides.
The view alone made the Keelia native's crotch and cheeks burn again. She always prepared her heart to be married and to have intercourse with a male, but then again, one is always prepared for war until they're actually in it. And besides, this was new territory! Watching and bearing near a fellow girl getting inseminated like that?
"Ah, damn it, Naruto," Sabine sounded like she was about to complain as she wiped the sweat off her forehead. "Couldn't have given me a war–HMMPH!"
This time, it was Haru who took the initiative. Her lips planted against those of Sabine, it took the warrior girl and the young man by surprise.
The kiss was intense as if a new passion had entered Haru. Her bust pressed up against Sabine's and she was battling it out with the Wren girl, not paying attention to her surroundings or even the young man who stopped eating her out to gaze at her in awe.
Then their mouths separated, a string of saliva connected's departed lips as they stared at one another, their minds still processing what they had just done.
"I…I…"
"...Well someone's a daring girl, aren't ya?" Sabine said with a smile. Her eyes, which were twinkling in amazement, looked down at the girl's binders. "Let's get rid of these."
Sabine's hands reached out to Haru's tanned back, her fingers loosening the white binders. They fell off easily, showing her toned, modest chest that must've been a B-Cup she hid well under that traditional garment.
"Just relax…"
Haru yelped when somebody grabbed her from behind. It was Naruto, who was holding her ass from behind while Sabine cornered her from the front, playing with her breasts.
"Look at me…Haru-chan…"
Turning her head around, the cream-haired girl matched eyes to the blond-haired boy she fell in love with.
"Lay down…"
Doing so without question, Haru laid her head on Sabine's lap. Staring, she saw Naruto's member close to the lower half of her body, close to entering her. She tried to brace herself–
"FUCK!"
Naruto was inside her now and she could feel it. Gritting her teeth, her nails were digging into his back, the pain lessening as she began to relax. This prompted Naruto to take action.
Slowly rocking back and forth, the pain turned into pleasure as their sexes kissed one another. Despite the throbbing pain that still lingered from losing her virginity, Haru was determined to do her part where she would satisfy the man she had fallen in love with.
Their pace quickened, their hips smashing and grinding each other with wet slops and juices mixing. It wouldn't be until a few minutes before they would finally reach their limits.
"Naruto…"
"Don't worry…me too…prepare to-"
"CUM!" / "CUM!"
Opening his eyes, Naruto's first view of Coruscant was the vast landscape filled with nothing but large towers and skies filled with vehicles going in all different directions.
The descriptions and photos didn't do this system any justice. It was indeed a forest of metal and machinery.
"I don't like it here."
"Why so?"
Jiraiya was the one who asked. He was accompanied by the Jedi Knight Aayla Secura who sat next to him. All three of them were in the Jedi shuttle bus that was taking them to the Jedi Temple.
"There's no nature here," Naruto frowned, almost as if he was getting motion sickness. "No green fields. No trees. No rivers. Not even a desert."
"You're probably the first person to prefer Tatooine over Coruscant," Jiraiya joked, even if he couldn't help but agree. The entire system was nearly devoid of life, and if not for the population of varying species, Jiraiya would've thought that this was a dead system.
The lone Jedi on the ship could understand their dislike for this planet's urban environment. The Force was significantly weaker here than, say, Naboo. Also, she enjoyed it whenever she got to explore different planets with their vast amounts of flora and fauna. She loved nature and exploring all life within it.
"I assume you wish to meditate in a place that's closer to nature?"
"Yeah. Why?" Naruto asked in return.
"There is an area in the Jedi Temple where most go to meditate," Aayla told him. "Perhaps you would like to go there to find some peace? I can bring you there."
This brought a smile to the blond's face. "It would be my pleasure."
Jiraiya looked in between the two and couldn't help but suppress a grin. The lucky brat got asked out on a date and doesn't even know it. Oh, Minato, he certainly got your charm.
His smile disappeared when she spotted multiple speeder bikes surrounding the shuttle bus, with two of the bikers eying them.
No, I'm not eyeing them. Eyeing at Naruto through their masks, bandanas, and helmets. Fixated on the blond, one of them raised a hand from over the holster of their blaster–
– to give him a wave.
Seeing this, Naruto gave them a nod before they went away, leaving as quickly as they came. This got the Jedi and the Senator to look at the blond.
"Friends of mine, word got out from Tatooine faster than I expected," Naruto explained before he took another look. "Looks like we're here."
Before any more questions could be asked, the Jedi Temple towered over their view, the small vehicle making its way to the central home of the Order.
Jedi Temple
The hallways of the Jedi Temple were silent, more so than usual, with all eyes falling on the new arrival that was walking among them.
That was to be expected, since Naruto, despite his brown cloak, stood out like a sore thumb. Disheveled and still reeking of blaster plasma and oil, the cloak did little to conceal the Mandalorian armor that looked as if stolen out of a museum.
Many of the younger ones were looking at him with amazement or curiosity while the padawans were merely staring at him. The Knights and the Masters were the ones giving him cautious glances. Something his partner definitely noticed.
"They're afraid of me…"
"Not surprising given they felt your strong use of the Force all those years ago."
"It's kind of weird, but these stares are really creeping me out."
"Is it the lack of cursing you out?"
"...Yeah, actually."
"Master Secura!"
The trio stopped and turned around to see a teenage girl who ran up to the Twi'lek knight. A Togrutan girl, she was close to Naruto's age and looked to be just as energetic as he once was. She bowed to her in respect, seemingly not noticing the stranger next to them.
"Ah, Padawan Tano, it's nice to see you," Aayla smiled at the young girl. "Have you finished your training?"
"Yup! It ended early too!" Ahsoka Tano chirped. "I know you just came back but is it possible for you to continue training with me today? Master Plo's not available because of the council."
"Oh, I'm sorry young Tano, but I'm going to be busy today with our guest."
"Who?"
"...Over here."
Ahsoka blinked as she finally noticed the elephant in the room. To be more precise, that elephant was both the pervert the female masters deposed and nowayisthat-?
Naruto Uzumaki gave his old trademark grin and gave her a quiet wave. "Sup?"
"You're the-"
"Yes, Ahsoka, it is him, but let's be welcoming now, yes?"
Aayla suddenly got an idea. "Tell you what, would you like to join us in the Garden? We'll be waiting there until the Jedi Council summons us."
Ahsoka was still in shock for another minute before she quickly nodded. "It'd be my honor."
The four of them proceeded to the gardens of the Jedi Temple, still under observation of those from the sidelines to those upon the balconies looking down on the infamous blond.
Among those watching were the Jedi Masters Plo Koon, Mace Windu, and Grand Master Yoda.
"It seems young Ahsoka has already made her acquaintance to young Uzumaki," Plo Koon commented.
"Shall we summon the rest of the council now?" Windu turned to the grand master.
"Hmm, wait an hour, we should," Yoda suggested whilst watching. "Observe his connection to the Force, I must find out."
"I don't think it can hurt," Plo Koon agreed, before turning to the dark-skinned Jedi. "What do you think, Master Windu?"
Windu frowned at the blond but slowly nodded.
"Fine, but I'm keeping watch."
Later
Jedi Temple - Meditation Garden
The Jedi Temple Garden was a part of nature you couldn't find anywhere else in Coruscant. Green and full of lively sights, it was also home to living beings that made the place feel like it was a different planet.
Stepping foot into the garden, Naruto couldn't help but feel amazed by what he observed, a sentiment shared by his sensei. Almost as if created by magic, this slice of wonderland on an urban planet looked to be a hidden, magical world untouched by people. Green lands that were well preserved, fertile soil that could sustain life, and a pond with clear, flowing water, Naruto couldn't help but think that this sacred area could help heal one's mind just by being in it.
"Wow," Naruto breathed, looking around in astonishment. "Certainly a sight for sore eyes."
"Not something you'd expect in a planet made of steel, right?" Jiraiya said to his pupil. "How about we both go meditate there for a while?"
"Sure, I can do that." Naruto then turned to the Twi'lek Jedi. "I hope you don't mind."
"No problem," Aayla smiled. "It'll take a while for the Council will be ready, so feel free."
…
(One Hour Later)
Aayla realized just how full the meditation garden was. Granted, it wasn't that uncommon for it to get packed at times, but never this packed.
A large number of Jedi and younglings were standing around observing something. No, someone.
They were focused on the pond where Jiraiya the Sannin and Naruto Uzumaki were meditating. The sight of the older senator meditating here wasn't anything new, but it was the blond that caught everyone's attention. Butterflies and birds from the nearby conservatory flocked to the young Uzumaki's side, being at ease with his presence. The idea that this young man once tapped into the dark side was unfathomable.
"Amazing."
"He's like Master Yoda."
"Don't say that."
"But it's true, look how peaceful he is."
"You think he's strong?"
"He's got to be."
"His whiskers look cute, like an animal."
Hearing the younglings talk got Aayla to chuckle as she walked through the curious crowd, approaching the pair who themselves were in their little conversation.
"Looks like you got yourself an audience," Jiraiya spoke, his eyes still closed. "I'm glad to see you've taken your training seriously – your impatience seems to have disappeared."
"Some time in the mines and trenches beats the brat out of anyone I guess," Naruto responded calmly, opening his eyes as he noticed the small birds on his shoulders. "Have to give it to you, this is nice."
"You mean meditating or you mean your connection to the Force?"
Naruto slowly turns his head to his master and replies. "Both, and in more ways than you realize, Pervy Sage."
Jiraiya finally opened his eyes as he shot him an irritated look. "How many times I got to tell you to not call me–"
"Senator Jiraiya, Naruto Uzumaki."
The two Konoha natives looked up to see it was Aayla. Giving them a quick bow, she said, "The Council is ready."
Slowly standing up, the two of them moved to join her when Naruto paused.
"Something wrong?" Jiraiya asked.
"...Just a bad feeling…" Naruto finally decided with a small shrug. He looked back at the garden, then down at the temple floor, before he continued walking after them.
Council Room
Standing in the middle of the council room of the Jedi Order, Naruto shuffled a little awkwardly beside his old mentor while Aayla stood at the closed door to observe the whole conversation. With the Jedi Masters finally having met the young blond firsthand, some were more impressed than others while some stared at him with a blank expression.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, young Uzumaki," a Jedi finally spoke, deciding to break the ice. "I am Jedi Master Plo Koon."
Naruto blinked as he stared at the nonhuman.
"You're a Kel Dor."
"I am indeed," Plo Koon confirmed with a nod. "You know about my species."
"I met a few of them. Hard on the eyes, but good people. Some of whom fought till the very end saving others," Naruto nodded solemnly, before he bowed his head. "It is an honor to meet you, Master Plo Koon."
"You're not at all what some of the public paints you as, young Uzumaki," another council member stated. It was the Togrutan female Shaak Ti who gave him a small smile. "I'm quite surprised that you mentored under Senator Jiraiya."
"Lemme guess – you found out about his writings, didn't you?"
"That, and more."
"Not surprised. Pervy Sage and his reputation gets around.'
"Oi, watch it, brat!"
"Hmhmhm~"
Everyone paused as Yoda gave an unashamed chuckle, causing some of the masters to look at him. While it wasn't unusual for the Grand Master to be laid-back enough to laugh at certain matters, he had been acting more unorthodox lately when the blond was mentioned.
"Interesting bond you two share. Both not so different from other Jedi, I notice," Yoda began to talk. "A Padawan and Master, the relationship you both have, hm?"
"Well, it's a bit more than just that. He's actually supposed to be my godfather from what I was told," Naruto added. "But we only met each other a month before the Chunin Exams, teaching me a thing or two…"
"And yet, you've managed to wield the power of the Tailed Beast, yes?" Windu asked abruptly. "From what Master Jiraiya's told us, you've used the Nine-Tailed creature's power multiple times."
"It's Kurama."
Everyone blinked at this, a stunned silence momentarily filling the air.
"Excuse me?"
"His name is Kurama," Naruto clarified. "He's kind of scary at first, but he's not so bad once you take the time to get to know him."
"I can say the same of you, brat."
"And to answer your question, yes, I did use his powers, with and without his approval, but lately I've been on better speaking terms with him," Naruto answered openly. "We've been smoothing things out."
"Smoothing things out?" The Jedi Master named Saesee Tiin asked. "How does one smooth things out with a creature of the Dark Side?"
Naruto kept his smile, but his eye twitched slightly at the careless insult thrown at one of his closest friends.
"Befriended Kurama you have, have you?"
Naruto's head turned back to the little green sentient man, whose power was the calm, tempered, maelstrom of power tamed and refined through years of meditation and practice.
"You can trust him, kid. That's all I can say for now."
"Yes, Kurama and I are acquainted," Naruto confirmed the Jedi's answer. "It did take a while for us to make peace with one another. We both hated each other at first, but over time we learned to coexist peacefully."
This caused a wave of murmurs and whispers as the Jedi talked and debated about this amongst one another. The likes of Ki-Adi-Mundi eyed him with a level of caution.
"Depending on the Dark Side is a dangerous path, young man. It will consume you and destroy everything you hold dear."
"No offense, old man, but there are things out there that seek to destroy my life, dark side or not," Naruto grunted back. "When your hands are tied, you take whatever power you can get to break free."
"You don't know what you are talking about–"
"Try burying your fellow slaves and comrades, then we'll preach about the lines we cross."
"Naruto–"
"No, sensei, no." Naruto shot back, before returning to the big-headed Jedi. "I don't know where you lot have been throughout the galaxy, but I'm gonna guess that you've never even seen a picture of a spice mine, have you?"
"I haven't, but I've heard all about it," Mundi responded coolly. "The conditions the prisoners were in, of course, are appalling–"
"Slaves. Not prisoners, slaves," Naruto gritted his teeth.
"Enough!"
Before things could escalate further, Mace Windu stepped in to become the voice of reason. The Haruun Kal native took a deep breath, carefully choosing his next words.
"Allow us to get to the point, young Uzumaki. I am not entirely convinced your usage of the Tailed Beast's power is safe both for you and the people around you. Frankly, I believe you could be a threat if you grow too reliant on its power."
"Dick, but at least he's a bit more reasonable so far."
"I can understand that," Naruto nodded.
Mace briefly looked at Yoda, who gave him a nod, and he turned back to the blond warrior.
"However, Master Yoda here says that he has spoken to this…Kurama, as well as the other Tailed Beasts, trusts them. I do not doubt his words, nor his experience with the Force. So allow me to ask you this one question."
"That being?"
"Have you ever been tempted by the Dark Side?"
The anticipated question now given, the room fell into silence as all ears were opened towards the source of the powerful surges of the Dark Side.
And yet, despite all eyes being on him, Naruto answered without even much of a second thought.
"I've used it, yes. Did I enjoy it? …Maybe to a certain degree. Have I used it recently? Yeah."
"When?"
"The last day of the Zygerrian-Terran War."
The Council once again murmured amongst themselves. While the end of that war was certainly the last time they felt this surge, it was another thing to have the man responsible for it confesses unashamedly.
"You admit to using the Dark Side," Plo Koon started. "The question is for what purpose did you tap into the Dark Side? Better yet, what made you use the Dark Side on multiple occasions?"
Naruto's grim look turned more somber as he was bombarded with memories. Jiraiya gently patted his pupil's shoulder, recognizing that thousand-yard stare anywhere.
"Take your time," he murmured. "It's okay."
Naruto let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, letting out a harsh cough. Sucking in a deep breath, he finally managed to look the Jedi Council members in the eyes again.
"I guess it all started when I fought with the girl I would soon call my girlfriend…"
Meanwhile
Skyscraper ledge - night
Her speeder parked on top of a skyscraper ledge, Zam Wesell walked to a corner concealed by shadows.
"I hit the ship, but they used a decoy."
Saying nothing at first, Jango Fett walked around the corner to reveal himself. His shining armor glistened in the sea of artificial lights, his expression remained hidden under his t-visor as he sighed.
"As expected, she's been tipped off."
"Tipped off? Are you sure? Come on, Jango, be reasonable. It must've been procedure," Zam scoffed before she continued. "So what now? Got another plan?"
Unsure, Jango took another look at the center of the Republic, where the target was residing in the Senate District, where the Senate Building and the Jedi Temple were also located.
"Jango?"
"We'll have to try something more subtle this time, Zam," Jango said, turning to her. "My client is getting impatient."
Fett then handed her a transparent tube about a foot long containing centipede-like Kouhuns.
"Take these. Be careful. They're very poisonous."
Zam attaches her veil across the bottom of her face. She turns to leave, but Fett calls her back.
"Zam, there can be no mistakes this time," Jango told her. "Once the job is done, meet me at these coordinates."
"Coordinates?"
Saying nothing else, Jango flew away on his jetpack, although not before Zam received a message on her gauntlet. Opening it, it gave the coordinates to a location called "The Outlander Club".
(The Jedi Temple)
A somber hour passed on by as the members of the Jedi High Council were seen making their way out of the chamber, with Naruto and Jiraiya leaving as the first pair with the voluntary escort of the Jedi Knight Aayla Secura.
"Forgive me but as the person who brought you to Coruscant, it would only make sense that I will continue to escort you across the planet as long as you wish," Aayla spoke politely as she followed them. "I hope that is no problem."
Naruto smiled at her, "Of course not, I appreciate it."
The blue Twi'lek smiled and asked, "So where do you wish to go now?"
"Yeah, now thinking about it, I could use a drink," Jiraiya said before he remembered something. "I know, shall we go visit Senator Amidala."
"The Senator of Naboo? I heard she recently arrived back on Coruscant," Aayla recalled. "But not under the best circumstances."
"If you mean an attempt on her life…"
"So, shall we?"
"Of course, I see no reason why not," Naruto replied. "Let's go now."
"Mind if I join in?"
The person who suggested joining in was someone the three turned around to - that person being Hinata Hyuuga herself.
In her white Jedi outfit, Hinata bowed her head to them and offered her service.
"If you allow me, of course."
"Of course, why not?" Naruto smiled and greeted back with a bow. "Nice to see you again, Hinata-chan."
It was an odd, yet heartwarming moment between the two that was swiftly broken as Aayla reminded them that they needed to keep moving.
The group began descending the stairs with the intent of making their way to the port. They were observed from a distance by Master Windu, Yoda, and Mundi alongside Plo Koon who were watching the blond specifically.
"The boy is hiding something from us," Mundi spoke first, closing his arms. "I sense deception in his presence."
"As a Shinobi, that is his expertise, Master Mundi," Plo Koon reminded him. "But if you are referring to his recent promotion that he didn't mention, then that is a point to be made."
"Promotion?" Mundi asked, "What promotion are you talking about?"
"The one inside the Ölüm paramilitary organization," Plo Koon answered to his fellow Jedi. "He as of recently is now the Field Commander of all current Ölüm Battalions across the galaxy, having authority over the captains and their cells."
"Field Commander, you say?" Windu pondered this.
The idea of that young man leading a large force of warriors was a frightening one, especially if he were to join the Dark Side.
"He's not their overall leader if it eases your thoughts. There are people above him he answers to, such as the Karim 'The Imam' Tarik, who is the actual leader of Ölüm," Plo Koon spoke. "He is under house arrest in his hometown on Earth awaiting trial."
"If the true leader's under house arrest, how does he take orders from him?" Mundi questioned.
"Apparently – and this is just a rumor," Plo Koon replied, "some governments, both on Earth and from the Galactic Senate, want this organization to continue functioning."
Yoda just listened as he watched the blond speaking to the Hyuga girl, who was giggling at his presence as the door closed behind them.
"How did you even acquire such information, Master Plo?" Mundi asked him. "This must be important."
Plo Koon shook his head. "This is on the HoloNet. Word has spread across the underground." He then picked at his mask as a thought came across his mind, "I can see him later on visiting the cells on Coruscant."
"Wish to follow him, Hmm?" Yoda asked, turning to his wise friend. "Master Plo?"
The decision was already made with several nods and left to the Grand Master for the final say.
"Discrete, you must be."
Later
Senate Apartment Complex
The night still young, the Senator of Naboo had her handmaidens and other staff prepare the living room for a small gathering that was now in full swing.
"Senator Amidala, it is nice seeing you again."
"Likewise, Commander Uzumaki."
The two shook hands, the warrior and the politician under the same roof. The spotlight was on the famous war hero, their faces somber yet somewhat hopeful.
"I wish our reunion was under better circumstances," Padme said to him with sincerity. "Given what just happened…"
"You mean the attempt on your life?" Naruto asked gently. "My condolences to your crew."
"Much appreciated."
From the sidelines stood the Jedi among the guests, watching and drinking while observing the host of the party and the guest of honor. Both Obi-Wan Kenobi and his padawan Anakin Skywalker stood guard to protect Padme's life.
Obi-Wan took notice of his padawan staring at the senator who was making small talk to the young blond, and he was particularly paying attention to her in her dress.
"Make sure your eyes don't fall off, padawan."
"I'm sorry, Master," Anakin responded, his face turning a little red upon being caught staring too much. "I am just concerned, that's all."
A small chuckle was exchanged between the two as Naruto made a remark that made the Naboo senator smile.
"Fascinating, isn't he?"
Anakin turned to his right to see who spoke and bowed his head, "Master Secura."
"Nice to see you again, young Skywalker," Aayla Secura replied and did so to his master. "Master Kenobi, also glad to have you back on Coruscant."
"Likewise, Aayla, likewise," Obi-Wan responded. "I assume you are the one who finally got young Uzumaki to come to the Jedi Temple, correct?"
"That I did, with hard convincing of course, with the help of…"
*SLAP!*
Speaking of the Devil, Jiraiya's face sported a red handmark as one of Amidala's handmaidens stormed off, throwing a certain orange book into the trash.
"Senator Jiraiya?"
"...Yes, he helped me track down Uzumaki," Aayla slowly replied. "But, of course, I also needed help diplomatically, so…"
They watched as the young senator Riyo Chuchi approached the blond with a small bow and a small plate of food she offered, looking a little nervous as Naruto thanked her and took a bite.
The small party would resume until late in the night.
…
Several hours later
Once the small party had concluded and the staff had cleaned up the apartment, the only people left were the handmaidens, the security staff, the Jedi Knights, and Naruto.
Naruto made use of his short time with familiar faces, holding a small reunion with Hinata. After Aayla and Hinata left, the two male Jedi who had just finished their mission on Ansion were now guarding the former Queen of Naboo.
"So you knew my mother?"
"Shmi? Yeah, I met her," Naruto smiled at Anakin. "I met her and her family on a farm when we were looking for water. Good people."
"They are, yes," Anakin agreed with him. "They're not very successful moist farmers, but they are good people. I just wish I could send more credits to them…"
Obi-Wan and Naruto fell silent as they looked at the padawan.
"She hasn't been doing well lately. My stepbrother tells me she's doing alright, but I can't help but admit that I'm growing worried."
"It's just what a good son does," Naruto smiled.
Anakin just nodded. "I often get these dreams about her…"
"Dreams pass in time," Obi-Wan spoke.
"I'd rather dream of Padme," Anakin admitted. "Just being around her again is…intoxicating, yet comforting."
"Mind your feelings, Anakin, they betray you," Obi-Wan advised his padawan once again. "You've committed to the Jedi Order–"
*Growl!*
Obi-Wan's lecture was cut short by Naruto's stomach, whose face turned red.
Naruto nervously laughed. "Sorry, but I need to go to the restroom."
"No problem, use the one in the hallway," Anakin pointed his thumb out, a small smirk on his part. "The staff uses them mostly, we'll wait."
"Thanks," Naruto said before he hastily made his way.
*FLUSH!*
Once finished with his business Naruto walked out of the stall and began to clean his hands with water, the toilet in the hall was quite a distance from the senator's apartment.
"Quite the feast, wasn't it?"
"If you mean the food and drinks, I wouldn't know," Naruto responded while washing his hands. "I barely touched anything from it."
"You lost your appetite? I wouldn't blame you. From what I saw, it looks more like decorations than any real food that I've seen. But let us focus on something else."
"Like what?"
"Like the girl who's sneaking up on you."
His eyes narrowing at the woman in the handmaiden's orange dress, he scolded himself for lowering his guard. If not for Kurama, she would've made it behind him completely undetected. Whoever this woman was, she was no amateur.
"Can I help you?"
The handmaiden said nothing as she quickly drew a dagger and charged at him.
"...Really?"
*CLASH!*
Her blade met his own, a kunai hidden under his gauntlet, he frowned upon having to struggle against her strength.
"Why do I have to break my promise again…"
His assailant raised an eyebrow at this–
*SMACK!*
Naruto gave the assassin a right hook across her face, making her stumble backward as he watched her fall back against the wall.
Her robe fell off, exposing to him a beautiful woman in her late 20s who wore a red sweater that hugged her feminine body alongside a gun holster. The woman had black hair and eyes that of a predator.
Naruto quickly drew out his blaster and pushed a button on his gauntlet, dialing the emergency number. His eyes never leaving the woman, he demanded:
"Speak."
"Heh, funny."
"What?
"I could've sworn you a gentleman considering how you acted around the senators," the woman grimaced, holding her bruised face.
"Yeah yeah, equal rights and all that," Naruto scoffed. "So let's get this over with. Who are you?"
*BAM BAM BAM!*
Just then, the bathroom door was heard being banged on as the guards tried their best to get inside.
"Mr. Uzumaki, we got your distress signal! Give us a minute!"
That was Senator Amidala's head of security Captain Typho speaking, with several more men heard approaching the sealed door, trying to pry it open.
"So you sealed the doors from the inside? Big deal. You're the cornered one now."
Saying nothing in response, the woman pulled out something out of nowhere and flung it to the ground.
*POOF!*
A large cloud of smoke and a flash of light, and Naruto stepped backward as he readied his knife, anticipating another assault from the cover of the smoke.
This woman is no Shinobi, but she's deadly.
"You can say that again."
…What do you mean?
"Look at your arm."
Naruto looked down and noticed that his right arm was bleeding. In that split second, she managed to cut him through a chink of the armor left exposed.
"Whoever she is, I think we might see her again."
The door then finally flung open, the smoke already clearing itself up as Captain Typho's men entered with their blasters ready to fire. Scanning the area, Typho himself made sure the blond was alright.
"Uzumaki, you're hurt…"
"It's fine, nothing deep," Naruto waved it off as he looked around. "I believe my assailant has escaped."
"We found one of Senator Amidala's handmaidens unconscious without her robes, so we suspected something," Captain Typho explained. "I have my men go through the building and search for this killer-"
"Here you are!" The two's conversation ended with Anakin Skywalker having found them, standing by the door. "Naruto, we need your help!"
"What happened?"
"An assassination attempt on Senator Amidala was prevented just moments ago, and Master Obi-Wan is holding onto the droid." Skywalker briefed. "Come on, we got to go!"
On the busy lanes of Coruscant, Obi-Wan struggled to hold onto the assassin droid that was fleeing the scene after it dumped venomous creatures that failed to kill the senator of Naboo.
As Kenobi hung on for dear life, he was thanking the Force that they weren't going into direct traffic, or else it would be over for him. Still, he was hoping that Anakin would come along soon to help him; he could already feel his fingers beginning to slip.
Unbeknownst to him, his rescue party was on the way. Both Anakin and Naruto already made their way to the garage where the speeders were, with Anakin hopping inside a yellow XJ-6 Airspeeder.
Naruto looked surprised, "An XJ-6?"
"Yeah, it's brand new," Anakin responded as he began reversing. "You know your speeders?"
"Yeah, but let's get to the point," Naruto hoped in the shotgun seat. "Go!"
The airspeeder took off fast, going for the last direction where Obi-Wan was last seen, with them not taking long to notice the man dandling for his life over the droid that was trying to shake him off.
"There he is!"
Anakin tried to get the airspeeder closer to the droid, but upcoming traffic would be an obstacle that forced him to dodge or take turns to not cause a collision–
*POW!*
A blaster bolt zipped out of nowhere, destroying the droid in a masterful shot. With the droid dead, Obi-Wan began to fall, with Anakin diving down maximum speed to try to catch his master–
"Good catch, Anakin!" Naruto complimented.
Thank the Force he was caught, landing perfectly next to Anakin. Since there were no backseats, Naruto had to scoot over in time to share in this cramped space.
"Thanks!"
"What took you so long?" Obi-Wan asked, then added, "And couldn't you get an airspeeder with more room?"
"Didn't have the time to grab one, Master Kenobi!" Naruto shouted, before pointing out: "That ship over there!"
A Koro-2 airspeeder was frantically dodging the incoming vehicles, zooming away from the scene of the crime.
"Hit the pedal!"
Anakin wasted no time doing so and took up a notch of speed, going after the assassin of the senator. Catching the person was now their top priority.
The Koro-2 took a nose-dive, with Anakin following suit. The speeders were forced to chase through the busy traffic before a large freighter ship suddenly stood in their way.
"Pull up, Anakin!"
"Pull up!"
Forced to take evasive action, it resulted in them widening their distance from the suspect's speeder.
"You know I don't like it when you do that," Obi-Wan told his padawan.
"Sorry, Master." Anakin again apologized. "I forgot you don't like flying."
"I don't mind flying, but what you're doing is suicide." Obi-Wan responded, barely avoiding a commuter's ship that they went by, "What would our unfortunate guest say?"
"Impressive piloting, Skywalker," Naruto smirked under his helmet. "Stay on his tail!"
"Don't indulge him," Obi-Wan advised. "Please."
At this point the chase continued with them entering the industrial district, with no traffic to halt them, Anakin could start gaining again on the assassin.
*PEW!* *PEW!* *PEW!*
The trio suddenly found themselves dodging a hail of blaster fire from their target. Before Naruto could have a chance to pull out his own blaster, the target then aimed at a power coupling before flying past it.
"Anakin! How many times have I told you–"
Their airspeeder flew through the now electrified field, shocking the three of them inside the yellow speeder for a few seconds.
"Motherfucker!" Naruto cried out. Shaking his head from the shock, he yelled out, "I take it back!"
Their painful ordeal was quickly over, Anakin was still on the target's tail, who then dove into a tunnel entrance. Anakin drove closer – only to bypass it, surprising the two of them.
"Where are you going? He went that way."
Anakin reasoned, "Master, if we keep this chase going any longer, that creep is gonna end up deep-fried, and personally I'd very much like to find out who he is and who he's working for. This is a shortcut…I think."
Naruto heard that and found himself looking at the tunnel entrance before they fully bypassed it, seeing the rationale in the padawan's words, this chase could only end one way, so he decided to do his part…
Pulling out a scroll from his sleeve, he was going to use some tech he hadn't used in a while.
Once they reached the other side of the tunnel, the busy intersection of traffic was enough for Zam to disappear into, something that the Jedi came to realize when they found themselves stuck in the middle, with them looking around for the vehicle.
Obi-Wan shook his head in disappointment. "Well, you've lost him."
"I'm deeply sorry, master." Anakin apologized.
Naruto, meanwhile, was scanning his surroundings when he spotted something below…
"That was some shortcut, Anakin," Obi-Wan began to tell his padawan of his mistakes, "He went completely the other way, once again you've proved–"
"Thanks for the ride!"
The two Jedi turned to see Naruto having jumped off the speeder, falling straight down in a nose dive. It was then that they noticed the assassin's speeder down below.
"Is he wearing–?"
"Yes," Obi-Wan answered. "Yes, he is."
Zam finally allowed herself to breathe. Those two Jedi were relentless, but she finally managed to shake them. Letting out a puff of air, she rested her head against her seat.
*THUMP!*
"What the–!" Zam looked up, and her eyes widened.
Nearly face-to-face was a Mandalorian helmet painted orange, black, and red. Beskar covering his body and a jetpack on his back, he was holding a blaster aimed to her head.
"Zam?" the Mandalorian sounded taken aback before he shook his head. "Stop!"
Zam did not stop. She stepped on the pedal, accelerating her vehicle to try to shake him off, but the Mandalorian warrior clung on stubbornly.
"Goddammit!"
*PEW!* *PEW!*
The Mandalorian warrior fired at the engines, causing them to plummet right to the ground.
Zam tried desperately to keep the speeder running, but the damage was too great, so she was forced to make an emergency landing right down into the Uscru Entertainment District.
The crowd below scattered, not failing to see the burning airspeeder threatening to crush them from above.
The Mandalorian leaped off the speeder just as it made an impact with the ground, activating his jetpack to stop his fall. He watched as Zam's speeder crashed through the walking path that was now fortunately void of citizens, leaving behind a trail of sparks and metal.
*CRASH!*
With a loud crash, the Koro-2 made its final stop against a metal wall, with Zam swiftly exiting her escape vehicle just as a crowd was starting to form around the crash site.
"Stop!" Naruto cried out.
Doing quite the opposite, Zam took off running and disappeared into the crowd.
"Ugh…" Naruto pulled down his rangefinder on his helmet and ran after her. Locating his target quickly, he punched a couple of buttons on his wrist to activate his jetpack, which launched him skyward in pursuit of the bounty hunter.
The rangefinder was a very valuable tool, able to lock onto any specific target within milliseconds, but even the computer was struggling to keep a lock on Zam as she pushed through the large plethora of aliens, droids, and the occasional rare group of upper-class tourists coming down these lower levels.
Among the crowd were a few cloaked figures in the corners watching everything that was unfolding.
…
The yellow airspeeder parked quickly onto the side, with both Jedi joining the chase. They didn't have to search too hard, since it was hard to miss the Mandalorian warrior flying through the air.
The three of them eventually reunited in front of the Outlander Club, one of the most popular establishments in this district.
"Skywalker. Kenobi."
"Narut-"
"Shhh, don't say my name," Naruto hushed them, putting a finger in front of his helmet. "I can't let people know I'm here."
"Ah, right, I forgot you're quite popular around these parts," Kenobi nodded, before looking inside the club. "Did he run inside?"
"She, and yes, she ran inside," Naruto confirmed, putting his blaster away and adjusting his cloak to cover his jetpack. "Bounty Hunter, Zam Wesell."
"Wesell?" Obi-Wan stroked his beard in thought. "Where have I heard that name before?"
"It doesn't matter, she's inside this nightclub," Anakin said while looking inside anxiously. "We need to go in."
"Patience. Use the Force, Anakin. Think." Obi-Wan told Anakin, reasoning, "She went in there to hide."
"And we'll go seek," Naruto confirmed. "I'll go inside first, you two try to not look suspicious."
Stepping inside first, the two Jedi followed suit after a few moments, although not before Kenobi muttered, "Says the one in Mandalorian armor…"
The Outlander Club
Inside one of the lower levels' most popular gambling establishments and nightclubs, the crowds were busy either watching their games being played on the big screens or they were drinking their losses away with whatever was offered at the bar.
As he walked in, Naruto ignored the many looks the people gave him as he walked and gently pushed by.
"Pretty sure you've been made, kid. That woman definitely knows where you are now."
'I know, but better me than the Jedi; those are the ones who need to stay out of plain sight.'
"And that woman isn't dumb enough to try and kill you unless she fell out with Fett," Kurama muttered, thinking it through. "If I were you, I'd just go and take a drink and mingle with the crowd."
'Good idea.'
Taking his friend's advice, Naruto proceeded to walk over to the bar, where the other patrons ignored his presence until he spoke up.
"One, please."
A few faces turned around to see him with his helmet still on, the bartender turned around and saw who asked.
A few faces turned to give him a look, with the bartender raising an eyebrow.
"What do you want?"
"Surprise me," he replied coolly. "I'm not a picky drinker."
"Give him what I had, mister."
Naruto turned, and was thanking the Force that the helmet covered his face. Standing next to him, leaning with one arm against the bar was a chalk-white/purple Twi'lek woman. Wearing a leather one-piece suit that covered only the most intimate areas while leaving much of the skin available, leather braces covered both arms, and a leather headpiece was used to hold her lekku in place.
"Eyes up, handsome."
"My apologies." Naruto nodded to her. "I am just not used to seeing this attire in the open."
"Ah, how cute, but that's my job as a singer, honey," the Twi'lek said with a smirk, giving him a flirty look as she looked closer. "My name is Lyn Me, what is yours?"
"Call me Kitsune."
As the conversation was taking place at the bar, Zam wasn't far off, and was among the crowd watching the Mandalorian. Her footsteps muffled by the partying, she slowly began approaching the bar.
With her hand on her holster, she switched her blaster's safety off…
Naruto quickly found himself enjoying Lyn Me's company, who was also enjoying his. Lyn Me in particular was quickly growing very fond of the Mandalorian, who was quickly living up to the noble, suave, warrior image.
Just then, they were interrupted by a humanoid alien with antennas growing from his head. Funny enough, he actually sort of looked like Anakin.
"You wanna buy some death-sticks?"
Giving the young man a look, Naruto waved his fingers at him as he said: "You don't want to sell me death sticks."
The dealer quickly repeated: "I don't want to sell you death-sticks," as he withdrew the said drug.
"You want to go home and rethink your life."
"I want to go home and rethink my life," the dealer repeated as he swiftly left to do just that.
Lyn Me raised an eyebrow as she looked between the retreating dealer, and then at the Mandalorian before she finally connected the dots.
"Wait a minute…"
Naruto turned back to the Twi'lek, his eyes widening, and he grabbed for his blaster–
*SHHHHHKT!* *SLASH!*
Falling down with a shrill scream, Zam found herself on the floor with her arm slashed off. Obi-Wan deactivated his lightsaber and kicked her blaster away.
Naruto's hand moved away from his holster, his other arm moving away from Lyn Me, who was understandably rattled at the sudden act of violence.
"Oh my…"
"Naruto, mind helping me?"
Ignoring the round of gasps heard from his name, Naruto tossed down a few credits, gave the Twi'lek a nod, and then moved to help Zam out of the bar as Anakin came by to ease the crowd.
"Easy... official Jedi business. Go back to your drinks."
Leaving, everyone watched the Mandalorian walk out with two Jedi, with a particular Twi'lek being more than surprised to hear that infamous name…
Carrying the wounded Zam into a nearby alley, Anakin shut the door behind them as Naruto removed his helmet.
"Zam."
"Naruto…my arm…"
"Got it right here. We'll get it reattached as soon as you answer some questions, alright?"
"Keep the reunion for later, you two," Obi-Wan dropped her to the ground and stood beside her, asking, "Do you know who it was you were trying to kill?"
Zam grunted, "A senator from Naboo."
"You know it wasn't just some senator, Zam," Naruto told her, looking at her before demanding, "Who contracted the hit?"
Glaring at him, Zam just replied with venom. "It was just a job."
At this point, Anakin was growing impatient and stepped in to ask the questions. "Who hired you?! Tell us!"
Zam looked around, the pain from her arm and the look of three dangerous men making her crack.
"Tell us now!"
"It was a bounty hunter called–"
*ZIIIIP!*
Something flew through the air, flying into the bounty hunter's neck, showing the three of them as they quickly looked around for the source–
*PEW!*
And just then, a blaster bolt flew out of nowhere as well, hitting Zam in the middle of her forehead, killing her instantly with deadly precision.
"Sniper!"
Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Naruto took a distance from the bounty hunter's body and turned to the rooftops.
While one figure was seen flying away in what looked like a jetpack, another was seen speeding away on a bike. Two assassins.
Turning back to the body, a wicked-shaped dart was what Obi-Wan was seen pulling out of the now Clawdite form of the late Zam.
"Poison dart…"
Anakin proceeded to then check on the blaster shot that was on her face and was surprised by its precision.
"Sniper…not a bad one either."
The Jedi were now left with more questions; questions that Naruto had a feeling he knew the answers to. His helmet already back on, he proceeded to look up in the sky.
"You know who they were."
Saying nothing in return, he let out a sigh as he knew it was time to pay some visits to some old friends.
Hope you guys liked it, and leave a comment/review at least.
Till next time.