Pod Race Arc Is Finished yayyyy!!!!

4200 words there will be a double chapter if i kind enough 

As the unknown dimension began to break apart, signaling their return to Tatooine, Suzunami's curiosity got the better of him. He turned to his sensei, the question burning on his lips: How did Gojo end up with Sukuna inside his body? But before he could even voice his thoughts, Gojo, with his usual perceptiveness, cut him off.

"Let's just say," Gojo began, his tone carrying a mix of gravity and nonchalance, "that fight in space—the one that left that big scar you saw in the sky—it involved some binding vows. The worst binding vow in history, to be exact."

Suzunami's eyes widened, the weight of those words sinking in. He didn't need to ask further; the implications were clear. A binding vow with Sukuna was no small matter, and the consequences of such a pact were likely far beyond his understanding.

Gojo leaned in slightly, his expression serious. "And don't tell anyone about this. If people knew... well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty."

Yukinami, standing nearby, exchanged a look with her brother. Both of them understood the gravity of what their sensei had just revealed, and they nodded in unison. This was something they would keep to themselves, a secret too dangerous to share.

Meanwhile, back on the platform where they had first gathered, Qui-Gon Jinn and Padmé, still in her guise as a handmaiden, stood watching the sky, which remained dark and ominous despite Gojo's absence. The air was thick with tension, the remnants of the battle still hanging over them like a storm cloud.

Padmé, her voice tinged with worry, broke the silence. "Has Gojo ever been wounded like that before?"

Before Qui-Gon could respond, Obi-Wan Kenobi, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward. "We've never seen him get touched in battle, Padmé. Not like this."

Qui-Gon nodded in agreement, his gaze still fixed on the sky. "Gojo's abilities are beyond anything we've encountered. But seeing him like this... it's a reminder that even he has limits, and that whatever he faced out there was something truly formidable."

Padmé frowned, her concern deepening. "If Gojo can be hurt like that, what chance do the rest of us have?"

Obi-Wan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Gojo isn't invincible, but he's the best chance we have. Whatever he faced, he survived it—and that means we still have hope."

Qui-Gon, ever the calm presence, added, "We must trust in Gojo's strength, but we also must be prepared for whatever comes next. The darkness in the sky is a sign that this battle is far from over."

Shmi, who had been silently watching the exchange, finally spoke up, her voice filled with quiet confidence. "Gojo has faced impossible odds before, and he always comes through. I've learned to trust him, no matter how dire the situation seems."

The group exchanged glances, taking comfort in Shmi's unwavering faith in Gojo. Her words carried a sense of reassurance that eased some of the tension they all felt.

Suddenly, the sky cleared, the oppressive darkness dissipating as if a weight had been lifted from the planet. The crowd that had been holding its breath erupted into cheers, their collective relief palpable. Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Padmé shared a moment of silent gratitude, their fears momentarily eased by the sudden change.

Obi-Wan smiled faintly, the tension in his shoulders relaxing. "It looks like Gojo pulled through, as always."

Padmé, her heart still heavy with concern but lightened by the clearing sky, nodded. "He's stronger than any of us, but I can't help but worry. We owe him so much."

Qui-Gon placed a reassuring hand on Padmé's shoulder. "Gojo wouldn't want us to worry, Padmé. He'd want us to have faith in him, just as he has faith in us."

Shmi nodded in agreement, her gaze returning to the now-clear sky. "He'll always find a way. That's who he is."

The group stood together, their spirits lifted by the change in the sky, but still aware that the battles ahead were far from over. For now, they allowed themselves a moment of relief, trusting that Gojo, wherever he was, would continue to protect them all.

Suddenly, Gojo and his students reappeared near the platform view, the once-darkened sky above Tatooine now clear and bright, just as Gojo had promised. The crowd erupted into cheers, their relief and gratitude palpable. Gojo's return was met with a wave of applause and shouts of praise, the people of Tatooine rejoicing in the fact that their skies were once again safe.

The announcers of the Boonta Eve Classic, Fode and Beed, both spoke up in their characteristic dual voice, expressing their gratitude to Gojo in a mix of Huttese and English subtitles:

FODE/BEED: "The Bringer of Light, the Savior of Tatooine! We are honored to name Gojo Satoru the—"

(Huttese: "Jee hatkocanh doth bwa'canswa, Jee jila yuna Gojo Satoru uh—")

Before they could finish, Gojo clapped his hands loudly, instantly silencing the crowd. "Alright, that's enough," he said, his tone light but firm, a playful grin on his face. "I've got enough titles for one day. Besides, isn't the main event the race? Not me saving your asses."

His words brought a wave of embarrassed laughter from the crowd. The reminder of the Boonta Eve Classic and Gojo's casual dismissal of the praise shifted the focus back to the race. The people, realizing they had been swept up in the drama of the moment, started to settle down, their excitement now redirected towards the upcoming event.

Padmé, standing alongside Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Shmi, watched Gojo with a mixture of admiration and relief. His ability to defuse the situation with humor and grace, even after everything he had endured, was nothing short of remarkable.

Qui-Gon leaned over to Obi-Wan, a small smile on his face. "He certainly knows how to handle a crowd."

Obi-Wan nodded, his respect for Gojo growing with each passing moment. "He's more than just powerful. He's a leader."

Shmi, her voice filled with quiet pride, added, "And that's why we trust him. He's not just here to fight; he's here to protect."

As the crowd's attention shifted back to the race, the group allowed themselves a moment of calm, knowing that, for now, they were safe under Gojo's watchful eye.

EXT. MOS ESPA - ARENA ANNOUNCER'S BOX - DAY (FX)

FODE/BEED:

B: Start your engines.

The earth-pounding ROAR of the engines revving is deafening, filling the arena with a thunderous sound that shakes the very ground.

EXT. MOS ESPA - ARENA - ROYAL BOX - DAY (FX)

Jabba bites off the head of a frog and spits it at a gong, signaling the start of the race. The gong's resonant CLANG echoes across the arena, and the podracers shoot forward in a burst of speed.

EXT. MOS ESPA - ARENA - STARTING GRID - DAY

While the other racers launch forward with their podracers, Anakin is seen sprinting across the starting grid, his feet pounding against the ground as he runs with everything he has. The crowd murmurs in confusion, wondering why he isn't in his pod.

EXT. MOS ESPA - ARENA - PLATFORM VIEW - DAY

Up in the platform view, Padmé turns to Gojo, her brow furrowed with concern. "Gojo, where's Anakin's podracer?" she asks, her voice filled with worry.

Gojo, ever calm and confident, simply smirks. "Just watch," he replies, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

EXT. MOS ESPA - ARENA - STARTING GRID - DAY

As Anakin continues to sprint, he recalls his intense training with Tooru. "You gotta run first like hell fast, then you put the baton together and break it, and magic shall happen," Tooru had instructed him.

Determined, Anakin reaches into his pocket, pulling out two small batons. He holds them tightly as he runs, his speed increasing with every step. When he reaches the optimal point, he slams the batons together with all his might.

In an instant, there is a flash of light, and the batons transform, materializing into his podracer as if by magic. The sleek, futuristic vehicle assembles itself around him, the parts clicking into place with a mechanical hum reminiscent of the vehicles from Tron: Legacy. The energy fields between the engines flare to life, and the powerful engines rev with a deafening roar, ready to tear through the course.

EXT. MOS ESPA - ARENA - PLATFORM VIEW - DAY

The sudden appearance of Anakin's podracer draws gasps of shock and amazement from the crowd, who had never seen anything like it. Up on the platform, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Padmé, and Shmi are all taken aback by the spectacle.

QUI-GON: (astonished) "One surprise after another with this boy…"

OBI-WAN: (shaking his head in disbelief) "I'm beginning to think I should expect the unexpected with Anakin. This is… remarkable."

SHMI: (filled with pride but also a hint of concern) "Anakin… always so determined. But this… it's beyond anything I've ever imagined."

PADMÉ: (her tone half-joking, half-serious) "Any other surprises I should be aware of, Gojo? Other than the wound on the sky?"

Padmé's words hang in the air, a subtle reference to the massive scar in the sky left by Gojo's World Dismantle. Though she doesn't fully understand what she witnessed, the memory of that moment still lingers in her mind.

EXT. MOS ESPA - ARENA - STARTING GRID – DAY

With a confident grin, Anakin leaps into his newly materialized podracer, his hands gripping the controls. The moment the vehicle began to materialize around him, Anakin knew that the momentum from his sprint would give him a tremendous advantage. Timing it perfectly, he aligns himself in the cockpit just as the final pieces snap into place.

The engines roar to life with a deafening blast, and Anakin is already in motion, capitalizing on the momentum of his sprint. Without missing a beat, he surges forward, his podracer accelerating with explosive speed. The crowd erupts in cheers and gasps of amazement, watching as Anakin seamlessly transitions from a sprint to a full-throttle race, leaving many of his competitors in the dust.

Anakin's face is set in determined concentration, his training with Tooru paying off as he navigates the course with precision. He knows this race is his to win, and with the momentum he's built, he's ready to take on anything that comes his way.

As Anakin's podracer rockets forward, the roaring engines propelling him into the thick of the race, the excitement in the arena reaches a fever pitch. His flawless execution, coupled with the powerful upgrades from Tooru, has already set him apart from the competition.

EXT. MOS ESPA - ARENA ANNOUNCER'S BOX - DAY (FX)

FODE/BEED: "Looks like his sponsor, Gojo Satoru, has given him a guaranteed way to win!" (Their enthusiastic declaration is met with a wave of cheers from the crowd, who are thoroughly impressed by Anakin's performance.)

In the spectator seats, Watto's expression darkens as he watches Anakin's podracer outshine the rest. His mind races, the fear of losing his bet—and thus his grip on Anakin—clawing at him. This is Tatooine, Watto reminds himself, trying to quell his rising panic. Even if Gojo is a hero, there's always a way to turn things in my favor...

EXT. MOS ESPA - ARENA - TRACK - DAY

Anakin's focus sharpens as he maneuvers his podracer through the twists and turns of the track. Up ahead, Sebulba, the notoriously dirty racer, takes notice of Anakin's rapid approach. A sly grin spreads across Sebulba's face as he veers his podracer dangerously close to Anakin's, intent on forcing him off the course.

Sebulba makes his move, ramming his podracer into Anakin's side, expecting to send the young racer spiraling out of control. But to his surprise, Anakin's podracer barely budges. The energy shield, one of the many enhancements made by Tooru, flares to life, absorbing the impact with ease. Sebulba's own podracer jolts from the unexpected resistance, the force of the deflection causing him to momentarily lose control.

Sebulba struggles to regain his balance, the brief miscalculation slowing him down just enough for Anakin to surge ahead. The young Skywalker's heart pounds in his chest, but he remains focused, knowing that every second counts in this race.

The crowd roars with approval as they witness Anakin's skill and the effectiveness of his podracer's upgrades. Sebulba, still reeling from the encounter, grits his teeth in frustration but pushes forward, determined not to be outdone by a slave boy.

Back in the spectator seats, Watto watched the scene unfold with a mix of dread and disbelief. The plan to sabotage Anakin was falling apart before his eyes, and with each passing moment, the realization that Anakin might actually win sank deeper into his gut.

Anakin, now with a clear path ahead, accelerated, his podracer a blur of speed and precision. With his training, upgrades, and sheer determination, he knew that victory was within his grasp, and nothing—not even Sebulba's underhanded tactics—would stand in his way.

But Sebulba, not one to give up easily, managed to catch up to Anakin, his eyes narrowing with determination. He decided to ram Anakin's podracer once more, intending to knock him off balance and reclaim the lead. However, unbeknownst to Sebulba, Anakin's podracer had a secret weapon—an advanced booster installed by Tooru.

Anakin's POV:

As Sebulba drew closer, Anakin's hand hovered over the booster controls, his mind flashing back to Tooru's words during their training. "Use this when you need to leave them in the dust, kid." With a confident smirk, Anakin slammed the booster into action.

The effect was immediate and dramatic. The podracer's engines roared louder than ever, and a surge of power sent Anakin hurtling forward at a blinding speed. Sebulba, who had been mere inches from ramming him, was left in the dust as Anakin's podracer shot ahead, effortlessly pulling away from the competition.

The crowd erupted in astonishment as Anakin blazed through the second lap, the sheer speed of his podracer setting a new record on the course. The excitement was palpable, the cheers echoing through the arena as the young racer maintained his lead.

FODE/BEED:

"Incredible! Anakin Skywalker not only finishes the second lap but also sets a new course record!" The announcers' voices were filled with disbelief and excitement, their dual tones amplifying the intensity of the moment.

Platform View:

Everyone's eyes turned to Gojo Satoru, the man responsible for Anakin's mysterious upgrades. Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Padmé, shmi and the rest of the group watched him with a mixture of amazement and curiosity.

Gojo, ever the picture of calm confidence, merely shrugged and grinned. "If I bet, I always guarantee winning," he said with a playful smirk, clearly enjoying the reaction of those around him.

The group couldn't help but exchange glances of both amusement and respect. Gojo's confidence in Anakin—and the boy's abilities—was clearly not misplaced. The race was far from over, but with Gojo's upgrades and Anakin's skill, the odds were now undeniably in their favor.

Suddenly, the announcers' voices boomed across the arena, causing everyone to turn their attention back to the race.

FODE/BEED:

"Unbelievable! Anakin Skywalker has just finished the race and set a new record, completing the final lap in a staggering 2 minutes! That's the fastest podrace finish in history!"

The group was momentarily stunned, their eyes widening in disbelief. Then, as the realization sank in, they all shouted in unison, "HUHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Their exclamation of astonishment echoed across the platform, blending with the roar of the crowd as they celebrated Anakin's unprecedented victory.

As Anakin crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted into wild cheers. People rushed to greet him, their admiration and pride clear as they celebrated his incredible victory. Anakin's friends, along with his mother Shmi, were among the first to reach him, their faces glowing with pride and happiness. Shmi hugged Anakin tightly, tears of joy streaming down her face as she whispered how proud she was of him.

Back on the platform, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Padmé exchanged looks that ranged from disbelief to amusement. The sheer ridiculousness of what they had just witnessed—Anakin's astonishing victory and Gojo's seemingly effortless involvement—was almost too much to take in.

Jar Jar Binks, standing beside them, was equally overwhelmed. His eyes were wide with amazement, and his jaw practically hit the floor. "Messa... Messa tinkin' dis all be one big dream! Yousa see dat?! Anakin be flyin' like a... like a pod-racin' wizard! Wowsa!"

Obi-Wan shook his head with a grin. "Well, I suppose we should just accept that with Gojo around, we'll be seeing a lot more of the impossible becoming possible."

Padmé, still in her guise as a handmaiden, couldn't help but laugh. "At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if Gojo somehow had a hand in orchestrating the entire galaxy ."

Qui-Gon chuckled, the tension from earlier completely dissolved. "Indeed, it seems Gojo has a way of turning the extraordinary into the everyday. I suppose we'll have to get used to it."

Gojo, hearing their remarks, couldn't resist adding his own comment. "Oh, believe me," he said with a mischievous grin. "We've got a lot more surprises in store in the near future." He chuckled, his tone light, yet carrying a promise of the unexpected.

As the other racers continued pushing their podracers to their limits, they were utterly stunned when the announcement came through that the race was already over. Anakin Skywalker had won, and they hadn't even completed their second lap. Shock and disbelief rippled through the competitors, their pride stinging at being bested so quickly by a mere boy.

Sebulba, in particular, was seething. He had been so confident that he could easily defeat the slave boy, as he had done to so many others in the past. But now, as he glanced at the still-unhealed wound on his arm, a stark reminder of Gojo's earlier encounter with him, fear replaced his usual arrogance. The wound, despite his best efforts, hadn't healed—a clear warning to him. With a bitter scowl, he decided it was best to steer clear of Anakin for now. The humiliation of losing was enough, and he knew better than to provoke someone under Gojo Satoru's protection.

Back at the finish line, Anakin was surrounded by a jubilant crowd, cheering and celebrating his astonishing victory. But the moment was interrupted when Watto, desperate and enraged, pushed his way through the crowd, shouting at the top of his lungs.

"IT'S UNFAIR! IT'S CHEATING!" Watto's voice cut through the celebrations, his face red with fury as he pointed accusingly at Anakin. "This is impossible! He must have cheated!"

Gojo sighed, stepping forward with a casual demeanor. "Well, I guess it's my turn again," he muttered to himself, a hint of annoyance in his voice. He had anticipated something like this from Watto.

The crowd quieted down, eyes turning towards Gojo as he approached Watto. Gojo's expression was calm, almost amused, as he addressed the frantic Toydarian. "Fatdrake, fatdrake... When are you going to learn? There's no cheating here. Just skill, a bit of ingenuity, and a lot of hard work."

Watto, his face contorted in anger, suddenly swore in Huttese, his words filled with venom and frustration. "Doska je un jekola, chakaar!" he spat, his eyes burning with rage. "You've sullied this race with your actions, outlander! You and that boy cheated!"

Before Gojo could respond, a figure materialized next to him—Tooru. With a wave of his hand, Tooru activated a projection screen that appeared above the crowd. The screen began to play a recording, capturing a conversation between Watto and Sebulba. The footage clearly showed Watto bribing Sebulba to cripple Anakin before the race.

The crowd gasped in shock, murmurs of outrage spreading through the onlookers. Watto, realizing he had been caught, tried to bluster his way out. "This is Tatooine, outlander! Everything is possible here! It's the way of things!" he shouted, his voice betraying his desperation.

One of the Tatooine citizens, angered by Watto's actions, suddenly stepped forward, pulling out a blaster with a clear intent to kill the deceitful Toydarian. The tension in the air thickened, the crowd growing more hostile as they turned on Watto.

But before the situation could escalate further, Gojo raised his hand, making a subtle gesture for the citizen to stand down. The man hesitated, but after seeing the calm authority in Gojo's eyes, he nodded and lowered his weapon, stepping back into the crowd.

Gojo then turned his gaze towards the royal box where Jabba the Hutt sat, watching the events unfold. "Stay out of this," Gojo said firmly, his voice carrying across the arena. "I'll handle it." Jabba, recognizing the power in Gojo's words, merely nodded, signaling his agreement.

Gojo then looked back at Watto, his expression unyielding. "Shmi, Anakin," he called out, his tone softer, "is there anything you wish to say to your former slaver? This might be the last time he speaks."

Shmi stepped forward, her eyes filled with a quiet strength. "You've lost, Watto," she said firmly. "You've lost more than just a bet today. You've lost everything that made you powerful in this world."

Anakin, standing beside his mother, looked up at Watto with a mixture of pity and defiance. "You treated us like we were nothing, but look where we are now. Free. And it's because you underestimated us."

Gojo nodded in approval. "Those are nice words. I expected something more like a mock or a curse, but all right."

Then Gojo's expression turned menacing as he looked at Watto. "Watto, do you admit your defeat and agree to the terms of the binding vow we made, or not? Think very carefully, because this is not a joke."

Watto, still seething with rage, shouted back, "You're a hero, right, outlander? You're supposed to give me something I want, and—" But before he could finish, the binding vow activated.

Watto let out a cry of pain as his wings suddenly crumpled, the muscles and bones within them snapping. His mouth twisted unnaturally as if some invisible force had paralyzed his jaw, and his spine seemed to stiffen, leaving him crippled and helpless.

Gojo's voice was cold and final as he spoke. "You know, I'm not a hero. It's just a title that people give me. I go where the side is interesting, and as I expected, an alien like you can't keep his word, huh? Stay in your place, Watto. You're a disappointment."

The crowd fell silent, the weight of Gojo's words and the sight of Watto's downfall leaving a deep impression on everyone present. The once arrogant and cunning Toydarian was now reduced to a pitiable state, and the message was clear—Gojo Satoru was not to be crossed.

Shmi and Anakin exchanged a glance, their eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and unease. They both knew Gojo's methods well enough by now—he had a penchant for making binding vows, and they understood that what they had just witnessed was the harsh penalty for breaking such a vow. Though the sight of Watto's twisted and crippled form was terrible, they couldn't help but acknowledge that it was the natural consequence of trying to cheat Gojo Satoru.

Shmi and Anakin exchanged a glance, the weight of what they had just witnessed settling in their minds.

Shmi's Thoughts: This is the way of Tatooine—where strength and cunning are the only real currencies. Promises mean little without power to enforce them. It's harsh, but necessary to survive in this world.

Anakin's Thoughts: Even though I'm free now, I'm starting to understand that freedom here comes with a price. Promises alone can't be trusted, not in a place like this. You need something stronger to back them up.

The sight of Watto's twisted form was terrible, but both mother and son knew it was the natural consequence of breaking a vow with someone like Gojo. The reality of Tatooine was harsh, but they couldn't deny its logic.

Before they could voice their thoughts, Gojo, ever perceptive, spoke up. "Promises on paper or words alone—you can't trust them," he said, his tone pragmatic. "It's better to use an external source to ensure things go your way, even if it means winning the game by different rules."

Shmi and Anakin silently agreed, understanding the lesson Gojo had imparted. This was a place where trust was earned not through words, but through power and actions.

 

 

 Chapter 25, Anakin's podracer receives significant upgrades thanks to Tooru's technology manipulation abilities. Here's a summary of the enhancements:

State-of-the-Art Engines: The podracer's engines are upgraded to the latest models, providing much more thrust and efficiency. This would give Anakin a considerable speed advantage in the race.

Reinforced Structural Frame: The podracer's frame is reinforced with lightweight yet durable materials, improving stability and control, which is crucial for navigating the dangerous Tatooine podracing tracks.

Energy Shield: A shimmering energy shield is added to the podracer, which would protect Anakin from debris and potential attacks during the race, giving him a significant edge in terms of safety.

Advanced Navigation Systems: Tooru integrates advanced navigation systems and a heads-up display (HUD) into the podracer's control panel. This provides Anakin with real-time data on his speed, engine performance, and the positions of other racers, helping him make tactical decisions during the race.

Enhanced Cooling System: The cooling system is improved to prevent the podracer from overheating during the intense race, ensuring that the engines run at peak performance throughout.