章 44: CORUSCANT ARC : Calm Before Coruscant Showdown Or Incident
As Yoda and Gojo stood outside the Senatorial Rotunda, the tension between them seemed to dissipate slightly. Yoda's eyes were filled with curiosity and respect as he regarded Gojo, who remained with only his right arm intact after their intense duel.
Yoda, still catching his breath, broke the silence. "That Force Breaker technique… designed, it was, for one like me?"
Gojo grinned, his usual playful demeanor returning despite the exhaustion evident on his face. "Yep," he replied casually, "your ethereal connection to the Force is stronger than any normal Jedi. To sever that, even temporarily, I needed to use… drastic measures."
Yoda nodded thoughtfully, his expression contemplative. "Combine it, you did, with your Curse Zone: Limited… to deplete my reserves."
Gojo's grin widened, and he nodded in confirmation. "Exactly. Force Breaker alone wouldn't have been enough against someone like you. By combining it with my zone, I could not only cut your connection but also drain your reserves."
Yoda remained silent for a moment, then his lips curled into a slight smile. "Honored, I am, to be tested so… thoroughly."
Gojo chuckled, "Glad to hear you took it that way, Master Yoda." His tone turned more serious. "But you know what this means, right?"
Yoda's eyes narrowed slightly, but there was a knowing look in them. "The binding vow… imposed it has been, on all Jedi here, now that our duel you have won."
Gojo nodded, his expression turning more serious. "Right. The terms are clear, Master Yoda. You and the Jedi Order cannot interfere with my actions, no matter how destructive or chaotic they may appear, unless I become a direct threat to the Jedi Order or the Republic itself."
Yoda sighed, accepting the gravity of the situation. "Difficult, this will be, for many to accept… but the vow, honor it we—"
Suddenly, Gojo moved with blinding speed, slashing toward Yoda with his remaining arm. The unexpected action caused a gasp to ripple through the gathered Jedi—Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Mace Windu, Yaddle, Kit Fisto, Saesee Tiin, and Agen Kolar—all instinctively reaching for their lightsabers, their eyes wide with shock.
"Master Yoda!" Obi-Wan shouted, his voice filled with alarm.
Mace Windu's eyes narrowed, his hand gripping his lightsaber tightly. "Is he attacking Yoda?" he muttered, preparing to intervene.
"Madness, this is…" Yaddle whispered, her expression tense as she gauged Gojo's intentions.
Kit Fisto, reacting quickly, took a step forward. "Stop!" he called out, ready to defend his fellow Jedi.
But just as quickly, they all froze. Yoda was unharmed. Instead, the ethereal chains of the binding vow, which had been wrapped around the Jedi, began to crack and shatter, disintegrating into nothingness. The oppressive weight of the vow lifted instantly, and the air around them seemed to vibrate with released energy.
Obi-Wan's expression shifted from alarm to stunned realization. "He… destroyed the binding vow?"
Mace Windu, still gripping his lightsaber, relaxed his stance slightly, his brows furrowed in confusion and reluctant admiration. "He severed it… just like that?"
Yaddle blinked, her surprise evident. "Freed us, he has… from the vow."
Kit Fisto's wide grin returned, mixed with astonishment. "That… was unexpected," he said, relieved.
Qui-Gon Jinn's lips curled into a thoughtful smile. "An unusual ally," he murmured, understanding Gojo's intent to spare them from the vow's restrictions.
Saesee Tiin and Agen Kolar exchanged relieved glances, their postures relaxing. "I've never seen anyone do that…" Saesee Tiin whispered.
Mace Windu shook his head, a mix of frustration and respect in his eyes. "Reckless… and brilliant. A dangerous combination."
Yoda looked up at Gojo, a small smile forming on his lips. "Unexpected, your actions are," he acknowledged. "Grateful, we must be."
Gojo smirked, his playful demeanor returning. "Next time, don't make a binding vow against someone like me." His voice carried a teasing tone. "You can't bind someone who understands the fabric of such vows better than the ones who create them."
Yoda nodded, his expression filled with newfound respect. "A burden, you have lifted… and a lesson, we have learned."
The Jedi collectively exhaled, the tension giving way to cautious peace. Gojo had not only won their duel but had managed to do so without binding them to his victory—a move they could not have anticipated but were relieved to accept.
Gojo's smirk widened as he looked around at the gathered Jedi. "Now, to my curiosity," he began, turning his gaze back to Yoda, "Why are you not accepting Anakin as a Padawan in the Jedi Order?"
Yoda's expression shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated his answer. Mace Windu stepped forward, his demeanor serious, echoing the concerns that had already been voiced in private. "Anakin is… dangerous," Mace began, his voice steady but firm. "He is strong with the Force, stronger than any we have seen in generations, but there is much fear in him—fear that could lead him down a dark path."
Yoda nodded, his gaze turning to Gojo. "Grave danger, we sense in his training," he added, his tone calm but filled with the weight of his words. "The future, clouded it is. Fear, anger… strong they are in him. To darkness, these emotions lead."
Gojo listened, his playful demeanor fading into one of contemplation. "So, you're afraid he'll fall to the dark side?" he asked, his tone probing, as if testing the Jedi's conviction.
Mace Windu nodded. "His future is uncertain. And his attachment to his mother, his fear of loss… these are strong emotions that the dark side can exploit."
Yoda continued, "The Chosen One, he may be, but balance in the Force, he may not bring. A risk, it is, to train him as a Jedi."
Mace's expression tightened slightly, sensing the challenge in Gojo's words. "It's not fear of his power alone," he clarified. "It's the potential for that power to be corrupted. We must be cautious with someone of his magnitude."
Gojo raised an eyebrow, considering their words. "So, your solution is to… avoid the problem by not training him properly?" His tone was light, but the implication was clear.
"All right," Gojo continued, his expression shifting into one of playful mischief. "I've got some proof that his impulsiveness might actually save this Republic intact. You don't need to answer my question… just watch. All right?"
The Jedi exchanged uncertain glances, but they nodded in agreement, sensing there was more to come. Qui-Gon, however, stepped forward and offered Gojo a sincere bow of gratitude. "Thank you, Gojo, for releasing us from the binding vow," he said softly. "And for giving Anakin a chance… a real chance to become a Jedi."
Gojo waved his hand dismissively, his grin returning. "You can thank me later, Qui-Gon… after we get out of this predicament," he replied. His three pupils seemed to swirl with a strange energy as he looked around, surveying their surroundings. His gaze settled back on Qui-Gon, and his smile widened. "There's something interesting about to happen soon," he remarked cryptically.
Qui-Gon, sensing the unusual energy around Gojo, raised an eyebrow but decided not to press further.
As Gojo finished his cryptic remark, the atmosphere was suddenly shattered by the loud, mechanical footsteps of droids marching into view. Senator Lott Dod emerged from behind the droid army, holding Chancellor Valorum as a hostage. The tension in the air thickened instantly.
"Gojo Satoru, surrender now," Lott Dod demanded, his voice cold and commanding, "or we will execute every senator inside the Grand Convocation Chamber."
Gojo, unfazed, merely smirked. "Go ahead, kill—"
But before he could finish, Mace Windu stepped forward, cutting him off sharply. "Gojo, wait! This is not a time for reckless behavior. Innocent lives are at stake!"
Obi-Wan quickly joined in, his tone urgent. "We must handle this carefully, Gojo. There are countless senators inside. A rash action could lead to their deaths."
Kit Fisto added, his voice steady but pleading, "Think of the consequences. This is about more than just proving a point."
Yoda, eyes narrowed, spoke with a tone that carried both command and concern. "Patience, we must have. A different approach, we must find. The price, too high, it would be."
Gojo's grin faded slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "You Jedi always choose the cautious route, huh?" he muttered, glancing back at the chamber.
Gojo's grin turned into a full-blown smirk as he glanced at Senator Lott Dod. "Hey, third-rate senator," he mocked, "are your droids looking a bit… unhealthy?"
Lott Dod's face flushed with anger. "Do you think I'm bluffing, Gojo?!" he shouted, his grip tightening on Valorum. But before he could continue, a strange sound filled the air—a metallic groaning, followed by the sputtering of malfunctioning circuits.
Suddenly, all of the Trade Federation droids began to twitch and convulse, their weapons dropping to the ground as sparks flew from their joints. Within seconds, the entire droid battalion was rendered useless, their systems failing one by one. Even the systems within the Grand Convocation Chamber seemed to short-circuit, the lights flickering wildly before plunging into darkness.
Gojo turned his head slightly, nodding in approval. "Wonder of U," he praised, a satisfied grin on his face.
Wonder of U, holding the turtle-shaped Coco Jumbo stand, nodded back, its expression unreadable. "As you requested," it replied calmly. Then, with a casual motion, it gave the stand a gentle shake. "Now… spit them out."
One by one, the passengers were ejected from Coco Jumbo, tumbling onto the ground in a rather undignified manner.
Queen Amidala (Sabe in disguise) was the first to recover, quickly regaining her composure. "That was… an unusual mode of transport," she muttered, brushing herself off. She glanced around and spotted the droids, now lifeless. "It appears Gojo has once again saved the day… in his unique style," she remarked wryly.
Anakin scrambled to his feet, eyes wide with excitement. "That was insane!" he exclaimed, looking between Gojo and Wonder of U. "How did you do that? And… can we do it again?"
Padmé, still catching her breath, shot him a look. "Anakin! This is not the time to be excited!" she chided, though a small smile played on her lips, betraying her amusement at his enthusiasm.
Suzunami, with a hand on his head, slowly stood up. "I think I'm going to be sick," he grumbled, wobbling slightly. "That was… not what I expected from a strange turtle ."
Yukinami, standing beside him, nodded, her face a bit pale. "Sensei… always has a way of surprising us," she muttered, trying to steady herself.
Reika, still slightly dazed from the sudden expulsion, straightened up and glanced at Gojo. "Couldn't you have warned us before doing… whatever that was?" she asked, half annoyed, half impressed.
Shmi, who had managed to land somewhat gracefully, sighed with a mixture of relief and bewilderment. "I've lived a simple life on Tatooine, and now… this," she muttered. "I'm starting to see why you call him 'idiot sensei,' Anakin."
Ahsoka, having tumbled out last, quickly regained her footing. "Okay, that was… different," she said, eyes wide. "I've seen some strange things, but a turtle spitting people out is a first." She turned to Anakin, grinning. "Guess it's never boring around your 'idiot sensei,' huh?"
Gojo, watching the scene unfold, chuckled to himself. "Welcome back, everyone," he said, his tone light and teasing. "Hope you enjoyed the ride!"
As Gojo began to move towards Lott Dod, a palpable fear spread across the Neimoidian's face. Lott Dod stumbled backward, his voice breaking into a desperate yell. "Please, Chancellor Valorum! Someone anyone stop him! He's a madman!"
Valorum, still trying to maintain his composure despite the chaos, raised his voice with authority. "Gojo Satoru, this is not the way! Criminals like him must face justice properly, through the courts of the Republic!"
But Gojo, ever unfazed, merely smirked. "Justice, huh?" With a casual flick of his wrist, he activated his Blue technique, and a crushing force enveloped Lott Dod's leg. There was a sickening crack as the Neimoidian screamed in agony, dropping to the ground.
Wonder of U immediately followed Gojo's command and projected the scene onto a massive screen that appeared in the skies above Coruscant. The image of Lott Dod's suffering face filled the skyline as Gojo's voice boomed, amplified for all to hear. "Should you fuck off now?" he taunted, his three-eyed gaze piercing through the Neimoidian's soul.
Valorum, eyes wide with horror, turned frantically toward the Jedi. "Masters of the Jedi Council, I implore you… help us restore order! Stop this madness!"
But the Jedi remained still, their expressions unreadable. Yoda stepped forward first, his tone calm and unwavering. "A lesson, we have learned. Interfere, we must not."
Mace Windu nodded in agreement, crossing his arms over his chest. "The binding vow has been lifted, but Gojo… he's made his point. We won't stand in his way."
Obi-Wan added, "We are grateful for being released from the vow, but… Gojo has proven he operates by his own code, and for now, it aligns with peace."
Kit Fisto's normally lighthearted demeanor was tinged with solemnity. "We respect our agreement. Whatever Gojo decides to do now is beyond our interference."
Saesee Tiin and Agen Kolar exchanged a brief look before Agen spoke up, "The Force has its own will. We cannot force it… or him."
As the Jedi maintained their stance, Qui-Gon Jinn, who had been observing with a thoughtful expression, finally spoke up. "There is wisdom in allowing Gojo to follow his own path. The Force moves in mysterious ways, and perhaps, Gojo's actions, however unconventional, will serve a purpose we do not yet understand."
Yaddle, her voice soft but resolute, added, "This matter, leave we must, to Gojo."
Chancellor Valorum, his face pale with fear, looked up at the live broadcast on the Coruscant skyline, where Gojo stood with a menacing grin. "If you Jedi don't stop this madness," he pleaded, his voice rising in panic, "the Republic will be destroyed by this… this anarchy!"
Suddenly, Anakin stepped forward, moving between Lott Dod and Gojo, his young face determined. "Stop," he said, his voice firm. "If you want to kill him, do it," he continued, surprising everyone. "But don't torture anyone anymore, Gojo." This time, he used Gojo's name directly, his tone lacking the usual reverence.
Gojo's eyes widened slightly in amusement. "Hooh… the brat has grown some spine, huh?" He chuckled, a playful grin spreading across his face. "You do know I just saved your ass from some horrifying times, right?"
Anakin stood his ground, unwavering. "I know," he replied. "But torturing people… it's wrong, no matter who does it."
Gojo's smile became sharper, almost predatory. "You know," he began, his voice low, "you're just a kid suspected of having potential, nothing more. The Jedi threw you away like trash because they're afraid of what you could become. And now, you think you can stand between me and him?"
Anakin, unyielding, stared back at Gojo with determination. "Yes. If it means stopping you from becoming like them. Someone has to show you there's another way."
Gojo's grin widened, clearly amused by Anakin's defiance. "Oh? The brat speaks with conviction," he teased, his tone light but edged with a hint of seriousness. "You're actually standing up to me, knowing full well that I could kill you where you stand?"
Anakin didn't flinch. "If it means keeping you from torturing anyone else, then yes. I'll stand up to you," he declared, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
Shmi, watching the exchange with worry, instinctively moved to intervene, but Yukinami gently held her back, understanding Gojo's methods better than most. "Wait," she whispered to Shmi, her eyes fixed on the scene. "He's testing him."
Gojo's smirk remained, and with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he began to chant. "Phase… Paramita… Pillar of Light… Reversal …" His voice grew louder with each word, and a small, crimson orb of energy started to form in his hand, glowing brighter and brighter.
The Jedi Masters—Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Mace Windu, and Yoda—watched intently, their expressions tense.
Obi-Wan squinted at the growing orb. "Is that… a red energy? But it's… it feels different, unlike any his usual technique I've sensed before," he muttered.
Mace Windu's brow furrowed. "Whatever it is, it's powerful… but its nature is… off."
Yoda, ever calm, observed quietly. "Dangerous, this might be… Or perhaps, a bluff, it is," he murmured, his eyes narrowing.
As the red light grew even brighter, Shmi, unable to bear the tension any longer, broke free from Yukinami's gentle hold and ran toward Anakin, her face filled with worry. "Anakin!"
But just as quickly as it had flared, the crimson orb in Gojo's hand flickered and died out completely. It vanished, as if snuffed out by an invisible force.
Anakin let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his shoulders relaxing. Before he could process what had happened, he felt a gentle yet firm pat on his head. He looked up, surprised to see Gojo smiling down at him. "Well done, kid," Gojo said, his voice filled with a rare note of genuine approval. "You just saved the Republic in your own way."
Gojo turned, glancing back at the gathered Jedi, his grin growing wider. "How about that, you bunch of monks?" he mocked playfully. "The kid's got more guts than you gave him credit for."
Qui-Gon nodded, stepping forward with a warm smile. "Indeed, Gojo," he said gratefully, "your test has proven that Anakin's heart is in the right place. Sometimes, a challenge reveals more than caution ever could."
Mace Windu, arms crossed, gave a small nod of acknowledgment. "You've made your point, Gojo. The boy has courage, and perhaps... potential we underestimated."
Obi-Wan added, "He's shown strength, not just in the Force, but in spirit. We will not dismiss that lightly."
Yoda, his eyes twinkling, spoke with a hint of approval. "Tested, young Skywalker was… and strong, he stood. A lesson, valuable this is… for us all."
Gojo laughed, clearly enjoying the moment. "See? Even you Jedi can be reasonable when you're pushed hard enough."
Qui-Gon smiled. "Thank you, Gojo, for your... unconventional methods. They've reminded us of what truly matters."
Suddenly, Senator Lott Dod, desperate and enraged, pulled a hidden blaster from his robes, aiming it directly at the group. His eyes were wild with fear and fury as he prepared to pull the trigger.
But before anyone could react, a vehicle came hurtling out of nowhere, crashing straight into Lott Dod with a thunderous impact. The senator was thrown to the ground, lifeless, as the vehicle skidded to a halt, smoke billowing from its sides. The entire gathering stared, stunned by the unexpected turn of events.
Gojo, barely containing his amusement, turned to the crowd with a mocking grin. "Accidents happen all the time, don't they?" he quipped, his tone light and almost casual, as if he had seen it coming all along.
Chancellor Valorum, still shaken and bewildered, glanced from the wreckage to Gojo, a look of disbelief on his face. "Yes… accidents…" he mumbled, nodding slightly, clearly deciding that he would rather not delve deeper into whatever had just occurred. "And… perhaps… it's best I don't know what's really going on here."
The Jedi exchanged glances, some amused, others bewildered, but most of them resigned to the bizarre series of events that seemed to follow Gojo wherever he went.
Obi-Wan leaned in closer to Qui-Gon and whispered, "Is it just me, or does trouble follow Gojo wherever he goes?"
Qui-Gon chuckled softly. "It seems he has a knack for attracting… interesting situations."
Yoda nodded slowly, his expression contemplative. "An unexpected end, this is… but one we shall accept."
Mace Windu gave a slight nod, his serious demeanor softening slightly. "We've learned to expect the unexpected where Gojo is concerned… and it seems we're not done learning yet."
Gojo laughed, clearly enjoying the chaos he'd created. "Guess the universe just loves to keep things interesting around me," he teased, casting a sly glance at the Jedi.
Valorum, glancing up at the live broadcast being displayed across Coruscant's sky, decided he had seen enough. "Very well, Gojo," he muttered under his breath, "whatever… happens next, happens." His voice was filled with a weary acceptance, realizing that perhaps, just maybe, he was better off not knowing what lay ahead in Gojo's unpredictable wake.
As the chaos settled, Shmi rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Anakin in a tight hug. "Thank you, Gojo," she murmured, her eyes filled with gratitude. Anakin, still processing the whirlwind of events, looked up at Gojo, noticing something amiss. "Sensei," he began hesitantly, "your left hand… it's severed."
Gojo glanced down at his missing limb and let out a small chuckle, seemingly unfazed. "Oh, that?" he said lightly, as if it were a minor inconvenience.
Yoda stepped forward, his expression filled with both regret and respect. "My fault, it is," he admitted. "A duel, we had—the strongest in this place—and won, Gojo did. But merciful, he was… lifted the penalty, he did, from us all."
Qui-Gon nodded, concern etching his features. "Without both hands, you can't summon your wheel, can you?" he asked, referring to Gojo's unique techniques. A hint of guilt washed over his face, shared by the other Jedi.
Mace Windu, his usually stern expression softened, took a deep breath and spoke with his characteristic seriousness. "I apologize, Gojo. Your actions were unconventional, but you spared us from the binding vow and upheld your side of the duel. For that, we owe you more than we can say."
Gojo waved them off dismissively, his grin still in place. "No need for your apologies or help," he replied, his tone carrying a hint of defiance.
Then, his expression turned focused, and the air around him seemed to grow thick with an unseen force. Darkness began to swirl, shadows gathering at his feet, and a thousand eyes appeared within the void, staring in all directions. The eyes covered the ground like a carpet of darkness, before suddenly converging on Gojo, wrapping around him like a cocoon.
For a moment, the entire area seemed to be swallowed by the dark mass, the eyes blinking in unison, before it all flowed into Gojo's severed arm. In an instant, his arm was restored, the flesh knitting back together seamlessly as if nothing had ever happened. Gojo flexed his newly healed hand, his grin widening.
"Shouldn't the final boss always need a hero to stop them?" he teased, his gaze shifting directly to Anakin, his three pupils gleaming with an almost hypnotic intensity. His voice carried a challenge and a hint of amusement.
Gojo then turned his focus to Yoda, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "If you want to be on equal ground with me next time, I'll give you a hint," he said, his voice carrying both a challenge and a bit of friendly advice. "Train that potential man," he continued, his focus returning to Anakin.
Yoda's ears perked up, and his eyes widened slightly at the mention of Anakin.
Gojo smirked, pointing casually at Anakin with his newly restored hand. "This kid," he began, "can't be affected by my Force Breaker or Curse Zone: Limited. His reserves regenerate without the need for an ethereal cable like the rest of you Jedi. His essence… or soul, if you will, produces it naturally. Maybe not infinitely, but fast enough that it might as well be."
The Jedi exchanged glances, absorbing Gojo's words with a mix of surprise and intrigue.
Mace Windu's brow furrowed, sensing both the danger and potential in Gojo's statement. "Immune to your Force Breaker and Curse Zone: Limited?" he asked, his tone cautious yet intrigued. "That's… remarkable. Even more reason to be careful with his training."
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin with a newfound understanding. "If Anakin is truly beyond these techniques, it suggests a resilience we've underestimated. Perhaps… there is more to his potential than we've given credit for."
Yaddle, her voice filled with quiet awe, added, "A gift, this immunity may be… but also, a test for us all. Handle it wisely, we must."
Kit Fisto's expression brightened with a mix of pride and wonder. "Immunity to such powerful techniques is no small feat," he said, nodding toward Anakin. "I've always believed there was something special about him, and this confirms it."
Qui-Gon, his smile broadening, stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Anakin's shoulder. "See, my young Padawan," he began, his voice filled with warmth, "you are destined for great things. Your uniqueness is not something to fear but to embrace. Gojo's test proves what I've believed all along—there is something extraordinary about you."
Anakin, still processing, asked cautiously, "So… does that mean you'll train me now?"
Gojo laughed, clearly enjoying the exchange. "Maybe they will, maybe they won't. But just know, kid, my heart and my soul screamed at me… to kill this 'potential man' right here and now," he said with a playful grin, causing a ripple of tension to pass through the Jedi.
"But," Gojo continued, his grin softening slightly, "something inside me says there's a reason to let you live. You're a wildcard, and every game needs one to keep things interesting."
He raised the pendant that Anakin give to him , his eyes never leaving Anakin's. "One day, you'll have to take this back," he declared, his voice growing serious, "and when that time comes, we'll see who wins. Me—the invincible sorcerer… or you, the one who dares to challenge Gojo Satoru, the strongest."
Anakin's tears welled up, flowing freely down his cheeks, but his gaze was unwavering. "I swear," he said, his voice filled with emotion and determination, "I will become the one who defeats you, Gojo Satoru! I will train, I will learn… I will surpass you! I will prove that I am not just a potential threat… but the one who can stand against you and win!"
Gojo's smile softened into a rare look of pride. "That's the spirit, kid," he replied, his tone almost gentle. "Hold onto that fire. You're gonna need it."
The Jedi watched, some with pride, others with newfound respect. Yoda's eyes twinkled with admiration. "Great strength, in him, I sense… a will unbreakable."
Mace Windu nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "The boy has courage. And conviction. Traits that can be shaped into something great."
Qui-Gon's heart swelled with pride as he watched Anakin stand firm. "I've always known there was something special about you, Anakin," he said warmly. "Now, it's time to show the galaxy what you're truly made of."
Obi-Wan placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder, his expression serious but supportive. "We'll help you, Anakin. You have a long road ahead, but you won't walk it alone."
Anakin nodded. "I won't let any of you down," he vowed.
Gojo, still smiling, added, "Just make sure you're ready… for whatever comes next." His eyes gleamed with a mixture of challenge and encouragement, knowing that this was only the beginning of something greater.
Gojo's smile shifted back to his usual playful smirk as he turned his gaze to the gathered Jedi. "Oh, and Jedi," he continued with a teasing tone, "I've found another interesting case, just like our 'potential man' here."
The Jedi, already caught off guard by Anakin's bold declaration, watched Gojo closely.
Gojo gestured to Reika, the red-skinned Twi'lek, standing beside him. "Reika, show them what you've got," he instructed casually.
Without missing a beat, Reika's hand shot out, and in an instant, Mace Windu's lightsaber was forcefully pulled from his belt, flying straight into her hand. The move was so swift and unexpected that Mace, known for his sharp reflexes, barely had time to react. His eyes widened in surprise.
Gojo chuckled. "I've only trained her for about five or six hours—no meditation required—and she's already capable of force pulling a weapon from one of your best. Probably the fastest learner I've ever seen," he added with a touch of pride.
The Jedi were visibly stunned. Qui-Gon, his face a mix of surprise and curiosity, stepped forward. "Remarkable… For one to learn such a technique so swiftly, without formal training or even the basics… it's almost unheard of," he mused, his voice filled with genuine awe.
Obi-Wan's eyebrows shot up, and he exchanged a glance with Mace. "Force abilities in such a short time? That's… astonishing," he admitted.
Mace Windu, still somewhat caught off guard, managed to recover his composure. "Impressive," he acknowledged, nodding toward Reika. "But also… concerning. The Force can be a dangerous ally when wielded by those untrained in its deeper currents."
Yoda, looking thoughtfully at Reika, added, "Much potential, I sense. But reckless, this could be. Caution, we must exercise."
Kit Fisto's eyes widened, and he smiled broadly. "I'm always up for a challenge, but this… This is something I've never seen before!"
Yaddle nodded, her expression one of contemplation. "Rare, this is. Natural talent… but guidance, it will need."
Qui-Gon's gaze shifted from Reika to Gojo. "It seems you have a talent for finding and nurturing potential, Gojo. But be careful. Talent without understanding can be as dangerous as any enemy."
Gojo grinned wider. "Oh, don't worry, Qui-Gon. I know exactly what I'm doing… most of the time." He shot a playful wink toward Reika, who stood confidently with the lightsaber in her grasp.
Reika, emboldened by the Jedi's reactions, nodded. "I'll prove myself, too… just like Anakin," she declared, her voice strong and steady.
Mace Windu, still regaining his composure, asked with a hint of dry humor, "Oh, and Reika, could you give that back?" He held out his hand expectantly.
Reika, without missing a beat, used the Force to guide the lightsaber smoothly back into Mace's grasp. The precision of her control impressed even him, and he nodded in appreciation.
Gojo's grin grew wider. "Not bad, Reika. Your regeneration force is slower than Anakin's, by about 0.5 seconds," he commented, his tone analytical yet approving. "That makes you the second person with the potential to kill me, just below our potential man here," he added, nodding toward Anakin. "But you're a fast learner, and that's what you'll be best at."
The Jedi looked perplexed, sharing glances at Gojo's strange metric for assessing talent. Yoda, his curiosity piqued, tilted his head slightly. "Why count such a thing, do you? Especially so precisely?" he inquired, his voice carrying both intrigue and skepticism.
Gojo leaned back slightly, his expression turning serious for a moment. "Even a fraction of a second, Master Yoda—0.1 seconds, 0.5 seconds—can turn the tide of battle if used correctly," he explained, his voice reflecting an unexpected depth of understanding. His mind briefly flashed back to his battle with Abeloth in space, recalling how every split-second decision had determined the difference between victory and defeat.
He kept his thoughts to himself but continued, "In the heat of combat, every moment counts. A delay, a hesitation, can mean life or death. That's why I measure things that way. It's not just about raw power or talent; it's about how fast you adapt, react, and grow."
The Jedi, though still somewhat puzzled by his unique perspective, seemed to consider his words carefully. Mace Windu gave a thoughtful nod, recognizing the strategic value in Gojo's approach, while Obi-Wan looked at Anakin and Reika with newfound respect for their rapid development under Gojo's unconventional training.
Yoda, after a moment of reflection, finally spoke, "Unorthodox, your methods are… but much truth, in your words, there is." He nodded slowly, his expression one of cautious admiration.
Gojo, sensing the weight of the moment, gave a lighthearted shrug. "I guess you could say I have my own style," he said with a chuckle. "And who knows, maybe one day, one of these fast learners will surprise even me."
Yaddle interrupted Gojo with a gentle laugh, her voice light and warm. "Hmm, Gojo, a thought I have... Will you, one day, join us as a guide? Help us recruiters, including myself, in finding these, hmm… 'potential persons to kill you'?" She chuckled, clearly amused by the idea.
Gojo's grin widened at the unexpected joke. "If I wanted to, I could just teleport anywhere and everywhere," he replied playfully. "But so far, I've only found two—Reika and our 'potential man' here," he gestured to Anakin. "They're special because they have something unique—an inner force regeneration that sets them apart."
Yaddle's eyes sparkled with interest, her expression thoughtful. "Special, they are indeed," she agreed. "But curious, I am… how many more, like them, could there be?"
Gojo shrugged, his demeanor casual. "Who knows? The universe is vast. But finding them isn't the hard part," he added, his tone turning more serious. "It's training them, shaping them to harness that potential without losing themselves."
Obi-Wan nodded, his voice contemplative. "A delicate balance, that is. Strength without discipline can lead to chaos."
Mace Windu chimed in, "And with someone like you guiding them, Gojo… they could either become our greatest allies or our worst nightmares."
Gojo laughed. "Guess that's what makes it fun, right? Always a risk, always a challenge. But I'm not exactly the guiding type. I prefer to see what happens when people are pushed to their limits."
Reika looked at Gojo, smiling with determination. "Then we'll just have to show you how we can handle it," she declared confidently.
Suddenly, Gojo turned his attention to Chancellor Valorum, his expression shifting from playful to serious. "Since the vote of no confidence has happened, do you still have any authority, Valorum?"
Valorum, still recovering from the chaos, looked at Gojo with a mix of confusion and concern. "The vote of no confidence has been called," he answered slowly. "While it's being debated, my authority is… limited. I still hold the title of Chancellor, but my ability to command is greatly diminished."
Gojo raised an eyebrow, processing the explanation with amusement. "So, you're in charge… but not really?" he chuckled.
Valorum nodded, weariness showing on his face. "Yes, that's… essentially correct."
Gojo leaned in, his tone more intense. "Alright, then," he began, "can you evacuate everyone within a 100-kilometer radius of any location—both above and below?"
Valorum blinked, clearly taken aback. "Evacuate… 100 kilometers? Above and below? That would cover a huge portion of Coruscant… Why—?"
Gojo cut him off with a grin. "Doesn't matter why. Any area will do, as long as it's in Coruscant," he insisted. "I need to make sure there's no one around. Can you manage that with what little authority you have left?"
Valorum hesitated, glancing at the Jedi and then back at Gojo. "I… I could issue an emergency order to clear a sector, but it would raise a lot of questions. Why do you need such a large area cleared?"
Gojo's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "Let's just say I'm planning something… big. Better safe than sorry, right?"
The Jedi exchanged uneasy glances, sensing a new tension in the air. Valorum, caught between the last vestiges of his authority and the unpredictable nature of Gojo, weighed his options, unsure of what was about to unfold.
Gojo's grin grew wider as he turned his gaze toward Padmé, a spark of curiosity mixed with amusement in his eyes. "So, you know about it?" he asked, his tone teasing but laced with a hint of seriousness.
Padmé, her face a mix of worry, frustration, and something softer—something almost like love—responded with a sigh. "Yes, Gojo, I very much know about it," she admitted, her voice strained. "And I'm not exactly thrilled about whatever you're planning."
Gojo chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Ah, I see… Wonder of U spilled something that wasn't supposed to be said, huh?" He shot a glance at Wonder of U, who remained as inscrutable and unaffected as ever.
"Well, what can I say," Wonder of U replied in its calm, almost detached manner. "Information tends to find its way out… eventually."
Gojo waved his hand dismissively, turning his attention back to the group. "Alright, alright, enough of that," he said with a grin. "Now, does anyone know of a good café around here where I can talk with my group?" He looked around, half-expecting someone to offer a suggestion.
Obi-Wan, still trying to piece together what Gojo was up to, raised an eyebrow. "You want a café… in the middle of all this?" he asked incredulously.
Gojo shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, even in the midst of chaos, a good cup of coffee goes a long way," he replied, clearly unbothered by the absurdity of the situation. "Plus, I need a place to sit and talk with my people."
Valorum, still looking bewildered, hesitated before replying, "Well, there's… a place not far from here. The Senate Annex has a lounge area with refreshments. It might be suitable."
Gojo clapped his hands together. "Perfect! Lead the way," he said, almost too cheerfully.
The Jedi exchanged glances, trying to decide if they were relieved or even more worried about whatever Gojo was planning next. Padmé just shook her head, torn between exasperation and a reluctant smile.
As they made their way to the Senate Annex, Gojo walked with a confident stride, his eyes flicking around the room. When they entered, he immediately spotted his group—Anakin, Padmé, Queen Amidala (Sabe in disguise), Suzunami, Yukinami, Reika, Shmi, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan—all gathered together. He couldn't help but grin at the sight of them, feeling a mix of amusement and satisfaction.
However, his grin faltered slightly when he noticed that Yoda, Mace Windu, and Yaddle had also decided to tag along, entering the lounge area with their usual calm yet watchful presence. And to top it all off, even Chancellor Valorum had decided to join them, looking somewhat lost but determined to maintain a semblance of authority.
Gojo raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Well, well… this is quite the party," he remarked, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. "I didn't realize my little gathering would attract such esteemed company."
Yoda, his expression unreadable, gave a slight nod. "Curious, we are, he began, his gaze steady on Gojo, trying to gauge his intentions.
Gojo's playful demeanor shifted into something more serious. He turned to Padmé, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Alright, Padmé," he said, his voice carrying a weight that made everyone in the room pay attention, "how much do you know about me and Sukuna?"
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