Love & Bounty Hunting

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Wars

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Here is Chapter 21. Enjoy!

{ } Signifies an alien language

…

Last time:

21 BBY

Senate District, Senator Padmė Amidala's Apartment

The blonde finished his first week of duty with the Republic Strategic Command and decided to see his friend, Senator Padmė Amidala regarding Advisor Sate Pestage's track record. 'She has access to things I don't.' thought the blonde.

Padmė was very happy to see Naruto again and asked, "How did you end up at Republic Strategic Command?"

The blonde shrugged. "I just got unlucky I guess. I'll be stuck here on Coruscant for a little while."

She smiled warmly and said, "That's not an all-bad thing. We could… spend some time together."

Naruto asked as he leaned in, "Are you sure you'd want to be seen with a rogue of a Jedi?"

The Senator leaned in and answered, "I've come to appreciate your roguish qualities."

Their lips met in a kiss that quickly turned fiery. It wasn't long before Naruto forgot why he'd come there to begin with. All that he had in his mind was Padmė…

…

Chapter 21

Year 21 BBY

Core Worlds, Corusca Sector, Planet Coruscant, Senator Padmė Amidala's Apartment

Naruto awoke with Padmė sleeping peacefully in his arms. They'd made love all the last night. Contrary to her peaceful disposition, Padmė was a very fierce lover and wasn't gentle at all. It had been so intense and passionate that Naruto was afraid he'd get burned.

She stirred slightly and whispered his name before nuzzling him and burying her face back in the crook of his neck. The blonde held her close to him and Padmė fell back to sleep. He glanced over at the wall where a mirror was. 'She looks so peaceful there laying on top of me.' he thought absentmindedly.

Then he remembered going up and down like a tidal wave on her the night before. 'Padmė looks good in any position.' thought Naruto with a perverse smile. He kissed her forehead. 'She's on fire…'

…

Later, the young couple was eating breakfast together and she beamed at him. "Who would have thought I would fall for a Jedi warrior?" she asked rhetorically. "Especially a perverted one."

Naruto smiled. "You just have poor taste in men."

"I don't think so." answered the Senator. "You have a few good points… though I can't think of any right now."

Naruto shook his head and replied, "Have mercy. To think I came over yesterday evening just to ask for some Senatorial advice."

Her eyebrows rose, "Seriously? You never mentioned it."

"I kind of forgot when I saw your brown eyes so close." said the blonde. "My mind was totally shut down."

Padmė smiled and stated, "Well, you have my complete attention now Jedi Master Uzumaki."

The Renatasian chuckled. "Thank you, Senator Amidala. I ran into the Supreme Chancellor's Advisor Sate Pestage at the Republic Strategic Command… He is deathly afraid of me for some reason. He's tinged with the Dark Side as well. I have to wonder about Sheev Palpatine and the company he keeps."

She thought for a few moments and said, "Sate Pestage is probably terrified of you because of what happened to Janus Greejatus. As far as I know he's been an associate of the Supreme Chancellor since way back when Palpatine was a Senator on Naboo. I don't know much else about the man honestly."

Naruto pondered over Padmė's words. "I'll just keep an eye on him then. If he hasn't done anything overt, then I can't do anything regardless."

…

Later that morning, Padmė and Naruto kissed each other goodbye so he could return to the Jedi Temple. She asked, "What are you doing after your term at Republic Strategic Command?"

The blonde shrugged. "I have a couple of weeks to myself actually. Why do you ask?"

"I'm going back to Lake Country on Naboo." she explained. "I was wondering if you'd join me."

He was a bit shocked but said, "I'm like to Padmė, I want to but I'm not sure I can leave Coruscant."

The Senator nodded a little sadly. "I understand, we both have our own obligations."

…

Galactic Senate Building, Supreme Chancellor's Quarters

Darth Sidious was taking some headache pain medicine and a shot of Riosian liqueur*① to wash it down as he listened to his old friend Sate Pestage carry on about Sith Lord Naruto Uzumaki breathing down his neck all week. The Supreme Chancellor finally asked, "Sate, you are being spineless as a jellyfish! What is wrong with you?"

The Advisor quivered. "What's wrong with me? I've spent my years leading a double life for you and others doing espionage and illicit deals behind the scenes all the while pretending to be your advisor. Now I'm dealing with someone who can see right through me Sheev! I remember the look he had in his eye just before he killed Janus Greejatus. I don't stand a chance in hell against that boy! He is a pit viper poised to strike!"

Palpatine wanted to groan at his Advisor as the man had a mental meltdown. He mentally hissed, 'Pestage is absolutely worthless to me in such a state! All I can do is pull him off the Advisory Board temporarily for health problems.' He sighed. "I think I need to have another drink."

…

Grand Jedi Temple, Jedi Master Naruto Uzumaki's Quarters

Naruto was in a somber mood when he returned to the Temple that afternoon. He went to his quarters to reflect upon his situation. He would have two weeks to himself after his stint with the Republic Strategic Command. He had planned to spend time with his daughter but now he wanted to spend time with Padmė as well.

Pulling the strings to leave Coruscant with a youngling would be unusual (He was planning to teach her water walking) but not impossible. He just had to figure out how to get the lovely Padmė to let him and Natasi join her on this little trip. That's when the blonde got an idea…

He headed down to the Jedi Squall Clan Quarters to see his little daughter Natasi playing with her Wookiee friend Gungi. The lilac haired girl saw her father and raced over to see him. "Naruto!" she exclaimed.

The whisker faced blonde picked up his daughter and said, "Natasi! How's my favorite youngling today?"

"Playing with Gungi!" she said.

Naruto chuckled. "Where's Master Sinube, Natasi? I need to talk to him."

The little girl led her Father over to Jedi Master Tera Sinube who was the head of the Squall Clan now. The elderly Cosian bowed in greetings to Naruto who returned the gesture along with Natasi. Tera grinned at the whiskered duo and asked, "What can I do for you today Master Uzumaki?"

"I wish to take young Natasi with me on a short training trip." explained Naruto. "I need to teach her a chakra exercise called water walking away from the Temple in some place secluded."

"Such as...?" asked the Cosian Master.

"Planet Naboo if I can arrange it. There is a quiet place there called Lake Country that would be perfect for that particular exercise." answered Naruto.

Fortunately for Naruto, Tera Sinube was sympathetic towards Naruto's unusual circumstances with his daughter. The old Master said, "Such specialized training is important. Get your plans finalized and I will see about granting them."

Naruto bowed again. "Thank you Master Sinube. It means a great deal to me."

Tera nodded. "Just try to stay out of trouble Naruto."

…

Senator Padmė Amidala's Apartment

Padmė was surprised to hear from Naruto via holographic projection. She was afraid that he was calling her to say he wouldn't be coming over that night. Instead he said, "Greetings Senator Amidala, are you busy?"

After making sure she had privacy; Padmė asked worriedly, "What's going on Naruto?"

"I was wondering if your invitation to go to Lake Country in a week was still open." said Naruto.

She immediately brightened up. "Of course it is."

"Marvelous." replied the blond. "Is it all right if I bring an extra guest along? She's a very special youngling that needs extra training. I want you to meet her."

The Senator could tell this was very important to Naruto but wondered why. "Who is she?" asked Padmė.

"I'll tell you in person." he replied.

For her part, Padmė was puzzled, "Okay Naruto; will I see you later for dinner?"

"I wouldn't miss it." said the blonde excitedly.

…

Naruto came to Padmė's apartment that evening and was welcomed by his lover with a passionate kiss. Her brown eyes were full of fire when she said, "…Let's talk about things after breakfast…" The blonde couldn't say no to an invitation like that and followed her to the bedroom…

…

In the morning Padmė woke up feeling totally sated in her lover's arms. She woke him with a fiery kiss and he ran his hands down her lithe body leaving trails of pure electricity wherever he touched. She said, "God's I'm sore. I really want another encore performance but I don't think my body can handle it."

Naruto kissed her and whispered, "You are a dangerous vixen. I want you so much right now."

She smiled impishly and said, "Why don't you tell me about this child you want to take on our little getaway? Then maybe I can talk you out of it."

The blonde Jedi kissed Padmė's nose and said, "You're so bad Senator." She giggled as he pointed at his robes on the floor nearby and levitated a small holographic communicator out of them. He activated it and showed her a hologram. "This is Natasi Roche." he said.

Padmė looked at the image and thought aloud, "What a darling little girl." Then she noticed the whisker marks. "Naruto, is she-"

"Natasi is my daughter." replied the Renatasian." "I only found out about her recently. She's about five years old now. My little girl is a Jedi youngling and needs extra training that only I can give. I want to be close to both of you and forget about duty for a couple of weeks."

"Who is her Mother?" asked Padmė with worry in her voice.

Naruto explained, "Natasi's Mother was a woman I had an enormous crush on when I was a teenager. She was my squadron commander…"

"What exactly happened?" asked the brunette.

"She spent a couple of nights with me and left me." said the blonde. "It turned out she was married and I felt sick inside. I never saw her again. Then I rejoined the Jedi Order after that and left her in the past. Years later I found out I had a daughter in the creche at the Jedi Temple. They never told me."

Padmė gently put a hand on his cheek. "I'm sorry. But why didn't they tell you?"

"We Jedi are supposed to lead monistic lives without emotional attachments." explained Naruto. "In other words; I'm breaking the rules with both you and Natasi."

"What will you do if the Jedi Order finds out?" she asked.

"I'll continue to love as I see fit." said the Renatasian. "I believe that having love, family and a support system is better than being alone and basing everything on the Jedi Code. That's how it was over a thousand years ago. Besides, one of the Masters on the Council has a family. I fail to see why I can't as well."

The brunette smiled softly and said, "You are a brave man Naruto Uzumaki. You amaze me. …Tell me about your little daughter."

Naruto's eyes lit up. "Natasi is mischief personified. Her best friend is a Wookiee youngling named Gungi The pair of them are constantly up to something. She even stole Grandmaster Yoda's walking stick once so she could learn what kind of wood it was made of. Yoda had to chase her all over the temple before he got it back from what I heard."

"Pffft! She sounds like you all over again." laughed the Senator.

"I really hope you like each other." replied the blonde.

Padmė smiled and said, "Of course I'll like her; she's a part of you."

…

Federal District, Republic Center for Military Operations, Republic Strategic Command

Jedi General Naruto Uzumaki was in a great mood. Sate Pestage had called in sick for the week and Operation Peacemaker (The Invasion of the Tion Cluster) was fully in motion. The Fleets were assembled. Just as importantly the ships under Jedi Command were areas where Jedi were required creating diversions and surgical strikes in areas where their expertise was needed.

The blonde was assuring that the Republic Army and Navy's joint operation was unhampered by Jedi whose ideals would interfere with what needed to be done. Naruto was intent on taking Planet Felucia by the time the campaign was over. The general orders were to hopscotch across the unimportant systems and capture strategically important systems first and foremost.

The Jedi High Council was less than thrilled about the Jedi Forces being left out of a major offensive but Naruto countered that Dooku and his Acolytes should be their primary concern, not the day to day operations of the war. Besides, one of the Flagships in Operation Peacemaker was Jedi General Anakin Skywalker's Resolute.

As the week progressed, more and more Republic Star Destroyers made their way from the core towards the Outer Rim in the most massive offensive seen yet in the Clone Wars… Operation Peacemaker would cleave a trail towards the end of the war no matter what Dooku did,,,

…

Grand Jedi Temple, Jedi High Council Chambers

Grandmaster Yoda was speaking to Naruto alone about his radical strategy of basically pulling the Jedi out of the front lines. "Concerned is the Council, about your recent actions."

Naruto looked Yoda straight in the eye and said, "Master, I believe one of the Sith's goals in this war is to destroy the Jedi Order. They want to disillusion the Jedi Knights and weaken us before crushing us entirely. By letting the Republic Navy and Army run this operation this war won't last as long as it would with the Jedi in charge. We must bastion our forces for the inevitable clash with the Sith Forces."

The diminutive Grandmaster looked out over the horizon for a long time. Then he said, "Losses at Geonosis were great, likewise many have fallen into darkness due to the war… But worse they would have been if we had not followed your advice. Young you are but wise are your words. Discuss this with the Council I shall. Stay out of the war for now, the Jedi will."

"Thank you for trusting in me Master." said Naruto with a bow.

"Kept in the war, certain Jedi like young Skywalker… Why?" asked Yoda.

"Anakin is my friend… He's supposed to be the Chosen One isn't he?" asked Naruto. "I believe he could take Dooku should it come to that."

Yoda got a gleam in his eye, "And what of Dooku's Master?"

Naruto answered, "Only together can the Jedi destroy Darth Sidious. He is pulling the strings. If only I could see who he is…"

The Grandmaster nodded, "Hidden well, is Sidious. But not all is lost. Foresee great things in you, I do. Gently removing the Jedi from this war, it is clear now…"

The blonde said "I'm taking Natasi Roche on a short training trip. I assume Master Tera Sinube informed you."

"He did." stated Yoda. "Young Natasi, so strong in the force. What kind of training will she receive?"

"I'm teaching her to walk on water as she does on walls. It is a skill as well as an exercise to control one's chakra."

Yoda face faulted. "Walking on water?! The death of me, that child will be!"

Naruto's laughter echoed throughout the chamber…

…

Naboo Senatorial Docking Port, Senator Amidala's H-Type Nubian Yacht

The Senator of Naboo was eagerly awaiting her guests aboard her yacht When she saw Naruto coming with his hood up hiding most of his features. Walking along beside him in near identical garb was little Natasi who was holding his hand as she looked around curiously.

Naruto said quietly, "See the silver ship over there Natasi? That's the one we're going to."

"The shiny one?" asked Natasi.

The blonde nodded. "Yes, the shiny one."

She giggled happily. "It's pretty!"

"Yes it is." replied Naruto as he picked her up. The force strong pair soon walked up to the yacht where they were greeted by the handmaidens Teckla and Moteė. Naruto sat his daughter back on her own feet and both the Master and youngling bowed identically.

When they came aboard, Natasi gasped a said, "Wow!" at the ship's luxurious interior. She was about to take off running but Naruto caught the little girl before she could begin to pillage and destroy.

Padmė came into view as the boarding ramp closed behind them. She said, "Welcome Naruto. This must be your daughter." She gently lowered the little girl's hood to see her face and said, "Aren't you the cutest little thing? "I'm Padmė, what's your name?"

The lilac haired girl gave a toothy grin and said, "I'm Natasi!"

That made Padmė smile. "I'm happy to meet you Natasi. Welcome aboard my ship."

…The Nubian yacht was soon spaceborne and Natasi was very excited. Using the Force to feel around her, the lilac haired little girl could feel the tiny dots of life sprinkled among the millions of stars. "Naruto...?" she asked.

"The life of the galaxy flows through everything Natasi." said Naruto. "What you feel is the very essence of the Force itself." She seemed enraptured by his words. Naruto kissed the crown of her head and said, "The Force is strong in our family. Never forget this."

Padmė smiled at the pair as they spoke in soft tones. 'Naruto is such a good Father. Natasi is very lucky that he is so dedicated. I wonder if he and I could have children one day…'

…

Mid Rim, Chommell Sector, Planet Naboo, Lake Country, Varykino Villa

Padmė's yacht landed in the Capital city of planet Naboo, Theed. From there they took a transport to Varykino Villa in Lake Country where the Naberrie family*② lived. She was explaining to Naruto, "My actual name is Padmė Naberrie. I adopted the regional name of Amidala when I was elected Queen to keep my family safe in case there was political dissension."

"That makes sense." said Naruto. "Natasi uses her Mother's name Roche for her protection… just in case."

…

Outside of Varykino Villa was the (in)famous Duros*③ bounty hunter Cad Bane*④ who had been hired specifically to take out Naruto Uzumaki by Count Dooku. Dooku's reasoning on the matter was fairly sound. Force sensitives seemed incapable of tracking Uzumaki but a bounty hunter of Cad Bane's caliber who had faced off with likes of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-wan Kenobi certainly could.

The question now was whether or not Bane could succeed in killing Uzumaki…

…Flashback

Count Dooku was showing Cad Bane a hologram of a blonde-haired human with whisker marks tattooed on his face. "This is your target Bane; a master Jedi Knight named Uzumaki Naruto. Sora Bulq failed to kill him in a one-on-one light saber duel. He is both cunning and sly. Given the amount of money I'm offering; I believe you are the only one aside of Jango Fett that can do this job."

"So you've hired Fett as well?" asked the Duros.

"He is performing a different task for me." replied the Separatist leader.

Bane waved his hand unconcerned. "It doesn't really matter as long as I get paid."

…Flashback end

Cad Bane had been trailing Naruto ever since Operation Roulette had ended. The blonde had been travelling between the Grand Jedi Temple, the Republic Center for Military Operations and Senator Padmė Amidala's Apartment.

The first two were very well protected but the Senator's apartment was questionable. 'Uzumaki could be guarding her for all I know. On the other hand, they could be lovers or something. I don't think Jedi are supposed to do that sort of thing but it's of no importance.'

Now Bane had tracked Uzumaki and Amidala and possibly their child(?) to Naboo and decided it was time to make his move. He'd carefully observed his target for nearly a week now. 'It's obvious that Uzumaki is training that child and it has something to do with water. It's also a fact that he's romantically involved with the Senator.'

Bane rubbed his chin. 'If Uzumaki turns out to be too much to handle then either the Senator or the child could be used as a hostage. Everyone has a weakness.'

…

Naruto was having a grand time teaching Natasi water walking and spending time with Padmė. He'd nearly let his guard down when he sensed something was off. Natasi did as well. Her little eyes sparked with chakra and Naruto said telepathically, 'Natasi, water walk over to Padmė.'

The little girl nodded and carefully walked over to the shallows where Padmė was relaxing and sunning herself a bit. Then Naruto started towards Padmė himself and loudly said, "Lunchtime!"

That's when Cad Bane pulled his twin blasters and shot. Naruto deflected the blaster bolts bare handed using the Force which took Bane of guard. Then the bounty hunter rapidly fired a couple of shots in Padmė and Natasi's direction while keeping Naruto pinned down. Naruto body flickered over in front of Padmė and Natasi and blocked the shots.

Using the Force, Naruto retrieved his lightsaber from where Padmė was sitting and activated in in silence. He then made two shadow clones to protect Natasi and Padmė. Bane saw all three Naruto's moving around and didn't know which one to shoot.

'The one coming towards me with the saber hilt is the biggest threat.' thought the bounty hunter analytically. He opened fire at the real Naruto who blocked with his Ghostfire blade. Bane saw the afterimages of the near invisible blade as the end of it sliced the barrel off of one of his blasters. "SHIT!" yelled bane as he activated his wrist mounted flamethrowers sending flames and steam everywhere. Then he realized Naruto had vanished.

Naruto was underwater but could see Bane looking around on the shore wildly with his two flamethrowers ready to fire. Naruto thought, 'Water whip jutsu!' and a tendril of water reached up and coiled around Bane's left foot and pulled the bounty hunter down into the water. Bane unexpectedly lost his other blaster in the process.

Cad Bane's red eyes widened as he was pulled into the deep water with Naruto. The blonde's eyes were alight with chakra as he grabbed Bane by the throat and started crushing his windpipe. Bane knew his rebreathing tubes would keep him from drowning but his trachea was being crushed in the blonde's fearsome grip.

The bounty hunter kicked and punched the Jedi repeatedly to try to get loose but it was to no avail. Cad Bane felt something give and his windpipe was brutally crushed. His red eyes were full of fear as he saw his green blood filling the water around him. Them he felt something burning straight through his heart. Naruto had killed him with his light saber.

…

Padmė aand Natasi saw Naruto come up out of the water dragging the obviously dead body of Cad Bane out with him. The blonde was coated in green blood and was a bit beat up. Natasi hugged Padmė and said, "Naruto's okay." in a tired voice.

The two girls came closer and Padmė recognized the Duros by the wide brimmed hat hanging loosely around his broken neck. "That's Cad Bane!" she exclaimed.

"He's dead Padmė." said Naruto. "He can't hurt anyone ever again." The two shadow clones dispersed at that point.

The Senator asked, "Which one of us was he after?"

Naruto picked up a holographic disk and said, "Let's find out." He activated the disk and saw an image of himself. The he heard Dooku's voice on the speaker. "…a master Jedi Knight named Uzumaki Naruto. Sora Bulq failed to kill him in a one-on-one light saber duel. He is both cunning and sly. Given the amount of money I'm offering; I believe you are the only one aside of Jango Fett that can do this job."

Naruto growled, "So Dooku sent him. I might have known. …And Jango Fett is still alive. I knew he lost an arm to Master Mace Windu back on Geonosis. I guess he's still in the business. I need to report this to the Jedi Council."

…

Core Worlds, Planet Coruscant, Grand Jedi Temple, Jedi High Council Chambers

The High Council was a bit stunned to find out Cad Bane was dead. "…Count Dooku sent Cad Bane after me and I was forced to kill him in self-defense." said Naruto. "The recording on him that I found includes a chip on me and information that Jango Fett is still alive. I guess he survived losing an arm to you Master Windu."

Mace Windu frowned slightly, "I can't say I'm surprised Master Naruto. Jango Fett is a tenacious man and not to be underestimated."

Obi-wan added, "The same could be said of Cad Bane. How did you defeat him Naruto?"

"I had to pull him underwater and crushed his throat with my bare hand." said the blonde. "I finished him with my light saber to end his suffering."

Kenobi winced. "Sorry I asked. That's a rather brutal way to die."

"Such is the way of the bounty hunter." said Ki-Adi-Mundi. "Bounty hunters tend to die as they've lived."

Yoda said, "Return to Coruscant, you must. Further danger to young Natasi, a risk we cannot afford."

Naruto bowed. "Yes Master. Natasi and I will be returning posthaste."

…

Outer Rim Territories, D'Astan Sector, Planet Serenno, Dooku's Palace

Darth Tyranus was pondering what to do next. The Galactic Republic's Operation Peacemaker was moving like rolling thunder through the Tion Cluster. The CIS had suffered a crushing defeat and it had all been engineered by the Sith Lord Naruto Uzumaki. That's when the Renatasian appeared in a hologram on Dooku's personal line.

Naruto had pulled out all the stops for this particular visit. He had his hood up and most of his features were concealed. His glowing eyes showed up well though. Naruto hissed in his best imitation of Darth Zannah yet, "Hello Tyranus. I have something here I believe you lost." He held up the very dead Cad Bane's head and said, "Sending a bounty hunter after me was very poor form Dooku."

Dooku cringed and Naruto said, "He didn't have much to say when I crushed the life out of him with my bare hands." Then he dropped Cad Bane's body and it hit the ground with a lifeless thud. "Sending this insect after me shows you are losing your mind as badly as you are losing the war." snarled the blonde.

"I assure you I was just testing your mettle." said the sweating Dooku. "If we are to be allies then I need to know you are capable Lord Naruto."

"I'm more than capable of destroying you Tyranus." growled the Renatasian. "You'd best remember that when we do meet again face to face." he motioned down to Cad Bane's corpse. "Otherwise, you might end up looking like your little friend here."

Then Naruto cut the transmission and the hologram faded out.

Dooku was sweating heavily. "Perhaps it's time I contact Lord Sidious for instructions on this matter. The boy is growing more powerful with every moment that passes…"

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Riosian liqueur -It is a type of alcoholic beverage from the planet Riosia. It's noted as being noxious stuff.

*②: Naberrie family - The Naberrie family is a human family native to the planet Naboo. Though of humble beginnings, a member of the family, Padmė Naberrie became a prominent political figure of the Galactic Republic.

*③: Duros are a humanoid species native to Duro a planet located in the Duro Sector of the galaxy's Core Worlds They have smooth blue-green skin, red eyes, lipless mouths, and long thin noseless faces with green blood.

*④: Cad Bane is a male Duros bounty hunter and mercenary. Bane is considered one of the best and most experienced bounty hunters in the galaxy.

Well, Cade Bane is dead and Jango Fett is confirmed as alive. See you next time. Blue out. 3/23/24