Tatoonie arc finished and じゃあね (ja ne) ( goodbye)

7000 words i will post again saturday or sunday 

EXT. MOS ESPA - OUTSIDE WATTO'S SHOP - DAY

Gojo, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Padmé (still in her handmaiden guise), Shmi, Anakin , and the twins stand outside Watto's shop, watching as the parts they had bargained for are being loaded up and prepared for delivery to their ship. The atmosphere is lighter now, with the tension from earlier events starting to fade.

Gojo, with his usual mischievous grin, looks at the group and teases, "You know, we could just heist the entire shop. It would be interesting, don't you think?"

The others exchange glances, some rolling their eyes in a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Obi-Wan, raising an eyebrow, responds with a dry tone, "Really, Gojo?"

Padmé, trying to maintain her composure, just shakes her head slightly, a small smile playing on her lips.

Qui-Gon, ever the voice of reason, steps forward with a calm but firm expression. "Gojo, the Jedi way isn't about taking what we want by force. We must uphold peace and justice, even in the face of adversity."

Gojo shrugs, clearly unfazed by the gentle reprimand. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But you can't say it wouldn't be fun."

Qui-Gon's expression softens slightly, though he remains serious. "I'm more concerned about your use of binding vows. Is it really necessary to impose such harsh penalties? What if one of us were to break a vow—would the consequences be just as severe?"

Gojo's grin fades into a more thoughtful expression as he considers the question. "Binding vows aren't something to be taken lightly, Qui-Gon. They're a way to ensure that everyone plays by the rules, especially in a place like Tatooine, where words can be as cheap as the sand. The penalties are severe, yes, but that's the point. It makes sure people take their promises seriously."

The group falls into a contemplative silence, absorbing Gojo's words. The Jedi, in particular, are left to ponder the balance between their moral code and the harsh realities of the world they find themselves in.

Shmi, always practical, breaks the silence. "What matters is that we've got what we came for. Let's get these parts to the ship and leave this place behind."

Anakin, standing by his mother's side, nods in agreement, his mind still processing everything he's learned from Gojo. He's starting to see the world in a new light, understanding that sometimes, the rules aren't as clear-cut as they seem.

The group begins to move towards the ship, leaving Watto's shop behind. As they walk, Gojo gives a final playful remark, "But seriously, if you ever want to try that heist idea, you know where to find me."

The others chuckle, shaking their heads as they continue on their way, the playful banter lightening the mood once more. The lesson about binding vows lingers in their minds, a reminder of the fine line they walk between their ideals and the realities of the world around them.

EXT. MOS ESPA - STREETS - DAY

The group makes their way through the bustling streets of Mos Espa, the mood lightened by Gojo's earlier teasing. As they walk, Gojo suddenly turns to address the group with his usual nonchalance.

Gojo: "So, anyone want to do more shopping before we head out? Last chance to grab something before we leave this sandpit."

The group exchanges glances, most of them shaking their heads. They've already gotten what they came for, and the prospect of finally leaving Tatooine behind is a relief.

Padmé, however, can't resist a sarcastic quip. With a smirk, she looks at Gojo and says, "Shouldn't we be asking you if you've had enough fun here? Before we head to Coruscant and you somehow manage to turn that planet upside down too?"

Her words draw a laugh from the group, even as she gives Gojo a playful, yet pointed, look. Gojo grins, clearly enjoying the banter, and opens his mouth to tease her back—

But before he can respond, the sound of shuffling feet and murmurs grows louder. They turn to see a large crowd of Tatooine's citizens gathering around them, their faces filled with a mixture of desperation and hope. One by one, the people kneel before Gojo, their voices pleading.

Crowd: "Please, don't leave us, Savior! We need you!"

The sudden display of devotion takes the group by surprise, their earlier amusement quickly fading. Gojo's expression shifts to one of mild irritation, his brows furrowing as he looks down at the kneeling crowd.

Gojo: (a little pissed) "Oi, haven't you all had enough time being slaves? Half your lifetimes, and now you're free. Isn't it your job to start a new life or something?"

His words cut through the air with blunt force, the sharpness of his tone leaving the crowd momentarily stunned. The people look at him with wide eyes, as if his harsh truth is something they hadn't fully considered until this moment.

Gojo: (sighing) "Look, I'm not your savior. I just gave you a chance. What you do with it is up to you. Stop looking to someone else to save you, and start saving yourselves."

The crowd murmurs, a mix of fear, confusion, and dawning realization in their expressions. They slowly begin to rise, some looking ashamed, others thoughtful, as Gojo's words sink in.

The crowd murmured, their earlier desperation giving way to a growing sense of determination. Gojo's words seemed to ignite something within them, a spark of self-reliance that had long been buried beneath years of oppression. Slowly, they began to rise to their feet, some looking ashamed, others thoughtful, as the weight of Gojo's challenge settled in.

Gojo: (his tone shifting to something more commanding) "However, I want to ask you all something. Since I did save your asses, are you slaves... or are you warriors?"

The crowd, still finding their voice, hesitated for a moment before answering.

Crowd: (in unison, but weakly) "Warriors..."

Gojo: (raising his voice, pushing them) "I can't hear you! Louder!"

Crowd: (louder, with more conviction) "Warriors!"

Gojo: (smirking, now shouting) "Louder! Louder!"

Crowd: (with everything they have, shouting at the top of their lungs) "WARRIORS!"

The word echoed through the streets of Mos Espa, the collective shout of the crowd reverberating off the buildings. The once desperate people now stood tall, their chests puffed out with newfound pride. Gojo's grin widened as he took in the sight, satisfied that his words had struck the right chord.

Gojo: (nodding approvingly) "That's more like it. Now go out there and live like warriors. Don't make me come back here and find you've slipped back into the same old habits."

The crowd, now filled with a sense of purpose, began to disperse, their spirits lifted and their minds set on the future. They were no longer just freed slaves—they were warriors, ready to face whatever came next with courage and determination.

As the last of the crowd disappeared into the streets, Gojo turned back to his group, his usual playful demeanor returning.

Gojo: (with a chuckle) "Alright, now that we've had our little motivational session, let's get out of here before they start asking for autographs." And the ones who want to ambush us better come out now."

Suddenly, from the shadows, a lone figure emerged. Darth Maul, his menacing presence undeniable, walked out of his hiding place. The crowd had dispersed, leaving the area eerily quiet as Maul stepped forward, drawing the hilt of his lightsaber with a slow, deliberate motion.

Qui-Gon: (suddenly stepping forward, his gaze narrowing as he sees the lightsaber hilt) "I'll handle this one. He's armed with a lightsaber."

Qui-Gon, unaware of Maul's true identity, moved to intercept the Sith, his calm demeanor masking the readiness of a seasoned Jedi.

Gojo: (his tone turning serious as he orders) "Twins, escort the rest of the group to the ship. We'll handle the situation here."

Suzunami and Yukinami immediately took charge, ushering Obi-Wan, Padmé, Shmi, and Anakin toward the ship. The atmosphere grew tense as the two groups began to separate—one heading for safety, the other preparing for the imminent confrontation with the deadly Sith Lord.

POV - The Group:

As they made their way through the narrow streets of Mos Espa, the group remained on high alert. The tension was palpable, and every shadow seemed to hold a potential threat. Just as they were nearing the outskirts of the city, they were suddenly intercepted by a battalion of B1 battle droids, their cold, mechanical voices issuing orders as they aimed their blasters at the group.

Suzunami: (urgently) "Take cover! Use the nearby buildings!"

The group quickly ducked into the cover of the surrounding buildings, the blaster fire from the droids peppering the walls and ground around them. They crouched low, hearts pounding as they assessed the situation. The battle droids were advancing, their numbers overwhelming.

Yukinami: (keeping her voice low but firm) "Stay close and keep moving. We can't let them pin us down here."

Just as they were about to make a break for it, the distinctive rolling sound of two droidekas—shielded destroyer droids—filled the air. The droidekas rolled swiftly into position, flanking the group and preparing to pinch them from the side.

Obi-Wan: (gritting his teeth as he saw the droidekas unfold and activate their shields) "This just got a lot more complicated."

Suddenly, Suzunami smiled, his expression shifting from tension to confidence as he activated his technique. He touched the nearby building, focusing his energy. In an instant, the side of the building gave way, the structure collapsing and crushing the droidekas before they could react. The heavy debris fell with a resounding crash, taking out the droids in an impressive display of power.

Obi-Wan: (staring blankly at the destruction) "I hope we don't have to pay for the damages..."

Before they could fully process what had just happened, Padmé interrupted their moment of relief, her voice sharp with urgency.

Padmé: "Hey, what about the battalion of droids right in front of us?"

The group turned their attention back to the advancing B1 battle droids, who were still pressing forward despite the destruction of their droideka reinforcements. The situation was still dire, and they needed to act fast if they were going to make it out of Mos Espa in one piece.

Obi-Wan then realized that this might be the perfect opportunity to showcase his skills to the twins. A mischievous thought crossed his mind—it would be a good laugh if he could impress them enough to influence them to tease Gojo later on.

Obi-Wan: (grinning to himself) "Alright, time to show them what a Jedi can do."

With a swift motion, Obi-Wan stepped out of cover and extended his hand, using the Force to push a group of the B1 battle droids back. The droids were thrown through the air like ragdolls, crashing into each other and the surrounding debris.

The remaining droids quickly opened fire, their blasters aimed directly at Obi-Wan. But with practiced ease, he ignited his lightsaber and began deflecting the incoming blaster bolts with precision. He moved with the grace and fluidity of a Jedi trained in Form III: Soresu, the defensive form designed to handle blaster fire. His blade became a blur of blue light as he skillfully redirected the bolts back at the droids, taking them down one by one.

Suzunami and Yukinami: (watching in awe as Obi-Wan dispatched the droids with ease)

Suzunami: (grinning) "Not bad... maybe we should get him to show us a thing or two later."

Yukinami: (smirking) "I think Sensei might get a kick out of seeing us give him a run for his money."

Obi-Wan, still focused on the battle, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as the last of the droids fell. He deactivated his lightsaber and turned back to the group, a confident smile on his face.

Obi-Wan: "Well, that takes care of that. Shall we continue?"

The twins exchanged amused glances, clearly impressed by Obi-Wan's display of skill. The tension of the moment had lifted slightly, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. and they continue to go to royal naboo ship as planned

Meanwhile, back on the streets of Mos Espa, the tension between Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul remained thick, both warriors locked in a deadlock as they assessed each other. The air was heavy with anticipation, the silence only broken by the distant sounds of the bustling city. Both combatants waited, muscles coiled, ready to spring into action at the slightest movement.

Qui-Gon: (thinking to himself) "This one is unlike any opponent I've faced before. He's fast, precise... and clearly well-trained."

Across from him, Maul's yellow eyes glinted with a fierce, predatory focus. He recognized the older Jedi's stance and knew that his opponent was no novice. But that only made the challenge more appealing to him. He was eager to prove himself, to test the limits of his abilities against a seasoned Jedi Knight.

Suddenly, the stalemate was broken by the sound of jetpacks roaring to life. Gojo, sensing the new threat, turned his attention to the skies and spotted a group of Mandalorians descending upon them, their jetpacks leaving trails of smoke as they aimed to attack.

Gojo: (with a bored sigh) "Really? More distractions?"

With a flick of his wrist, Gojo summoned his Blue technique, manipulating the force of attraction. Two of the Mandalorians were yanked violently toward each other, their bodies colliding mid-air with a sickening crunch. The impact was lethal, and both Mandalorians fell lifelessly to the ground.

Gojo: (grinning slightly) "And that's that."

As Gojo casually dispatched the Mandalorians, the battle between Qui-Gon and Maul finally erupted. Maul ignited his lightsaber, revealing a single red blade, and launched himself at Qui-Gon with a flurry of acrobatic attacks. His movements were a blur of speed and precision, characteristic of Form IV: Ataru, which relied heavily on agility and offense.

Qui-Gon met the assault with calm determination, his green blade springing to life as he parried Maul's strikes. The two warriors danced around each other, their lightsabers clashing with a series of sharp, sizzling sounds. Despite his age, Qui-Gon's mastery of Form IV allowed him to keep up with Maul's relentless onslaught, but he quickly realized that his opponent was more than just an agile fighter—he was also cunning and unpredictable.

Qui-Gon: (internally assessing the fight) "He's fast, and he's using Ataru, but there's something more... something darker."

Maul, sensing that his initial attacks weren't enough to overwhelm the Jedi, began to push harder, his strikes growing more aggressive. However, he still held back his second blade, reserving it for when the time was right. For now, he was content to test Qui-Gon, to wear him down and gauge his abilities.

The two combatants exchanged a series of rapid strikes and counters, each probing the other's defenses, neither gaining a clear advantage. Qui-Gon noted the fluidity and athleticism of Maul's style, realizing that this was a foe who had been trained to exploit every weakness in an opponent's guard.

Qui-Gon: (thinking) "I'll need to be cautious. He's skilled, but he's also overconfident. That could be his downfall."

The battle continued with both warriors locked in a fierce, but controlled, exchange. It was clear that neither was fighting at their full potential yet, each sizing up the other in preparation for the inevitable escalation.

As the fierce battle between Qui-Gon and Maul continued, the Sith Lord began to analyze his opponent, realizing that this skirmish might not yield the swift victory he had hoped for. Maul's yellow eyes narrowed as he sensed an opportunity. Drawing upon the Dark Side of the Force, he suddenly disengaged, using the power that Sidious had carefully instilled in him.

A sudden, violent sandstorm erupted over Mos Espa, swirling through the streets with ferocious intensity. The thick wall of sand and dust obscured everything in sight, and within moments, Maul had vanished into the chaos, leaving Qui-Gon alone, his lightsaber still humming in the swirling dust.

Gojo, noticing Maul's disappearance, immediately tensed, ready to give chase. His eyes narrowed, and the familiar feeling of annoyance began to rise within him. But before he could act, Qui-Gon quickly intervened, placing a hand on Gojo's arm.

Qui-Gon: (urgently) "We have other pressing matters. We need to get to Coruscant as soon as possible."

Gojo paused, his frustration evident in the way his jaw tightened. He wasn't one to let an enemy slip away so easily, especially after the chaos Maul had caused. But he also understood the gravity of the situation—they couldn't afford any more delays.

For a moment, Gojo remained silent, wrestling with the urge to pursue Maul. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he relented. But before turning away, he placed a hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder, the gesture both fFor a moment, Gojo remained silent, wrestling with the urge to pursue Maul. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he relented. But before turning away, he placed a hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder, the gesture both firm and familiar.

Qui-Gon: (with a wry smile) "I still never get used to this." (referring to Gojo's teleportation abilities)

Gojo: (grinning) "Well, you'd better get used to it."

In the next instant, Gojo and Qui-Gon both vanished from the streets of Mos Espa, reappearing aboard the royall naboo starship with a seamless teleportation.

 

INT. NABOO SPACECRAFT - HALLWAY

As Gojo and Qui-Gon materialized aboard the Naboo starship, the sudden shift from the chaotic streets of Mos Espa to the quiet corridors of the ship was jarring. Obi-Wan was the first to approach them, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"What was that? Who was that dark warrior?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice steady but laced with tension.

Qui-Gon, still catching his breath from the encounter, shook his head slightly. "I don't know... but he was well-trained in the Jedi arts. My guess is he was after the Queen."

Anakin, who had been lingering nearby, stepped forward, his youthful face creased with worry. "Do you think he'll follow us?"

Before Qui-Gon could respond, Gojo interjected, his tone unusually serious. "No, he won't. But it's time we talk about more pressing matters."

The weight of Gojo's words silenced the group immediately. There was a tension in his voice that was rarely heard, a stark contrast to his usual carefree demeanor. He turned his gaze to Anakin, acknowledging the boy's potential but knowing that this conversation wasn't for him.

"Potential man," Gojo said, his voice firm but not unkind. "Leave us for a bit. But ask Padmé to join us."

Anakin hesitated, sensing the gravity of the situation, but nodded obediently. He cast a final glance at the group before hurrying off to find Padmé.

Once Anakin was out of earshot, Gojo turned back to the others. His expression had hardened, the memories of his recent battle evident in the lines of his face. This was no longer the jovial sorcerer they had come to know—this was a man who had faced something truly formidable and lived to tell the tale.

When Padmé finally joined them, the atmosphere in the hallway was thick with anticipation. Gojo wasted no time, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.

"Okay, it's time I interrogate you both," Gojo began, his tone sharp. "Can you tell me again what the Force is and what the Dark Side of the Force entails? And—" Gojo's voice suddenly rose, filled with a mix of frustration and incredulity—"is there a fucking Dark Side crazy bitch that you didn't tell me about?"

Obi-Wan blinked, taken aback by Gojo's bluntness, but quickly composed himself. "The Force is an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together. The Dark Side is the part of the Force that is fueled by negative emotions—anger, hatred, fear. It's seductive and powerful, but ultimately destructive."

He paused, glancing at Qui-Gon for support before continuing. "The Sith were the most well-known practitioners of the Dark Side. They were believed to have been destroyed a millennium ago."

Gojo's eyes narrowed further, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Oh, really?" His tone dripped with skepticism. "Because from what I just experienced, it seems like the Sith aren't as 'destroyed' as you think. Or maybe it's not a Sith, but a Dark Side entity."

With a wave of his hand, Gojo signaled Tooru, who immediately responded by projecting a visual screen in front of them. The screen flickered to life, displaying the memory of Gojo's battle with the Abeloth spawn. The scene played out, showing the chaotic battle, the intense power struggle, and the overwhelming darkness that surrounded the entity.

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon watched in stunned silence, their expressions growing more serious with each passing moment. The entity's power was unmistakable, its malevolence palpable even through the recording.

When the projection ended, Gojo turned back to the Jedi, his expression unreadable. "So, what do you make of that?" he asked, his tone challenging. "Because whatever that thing was, it's far from being destroyed. And it sure as hell didn't seem like just any Sith."

Gojo leaned back slightly, crossing his arms as he waited for their response. Obi-Wan was the first to speak, his voice measured but tinged with concern. "What you encountered... it's something beyond our current understanding of the Dark Side. The Sith, as dangerous as they were, did not possess power like this. This entity—it could be an ancient force, something that predates even the Sith."

Qui-Gon nodded in agreement, his expression grave. "There have always been legends, whispers of beings so deeply connected to the Dark Side that they become something more—something otherworldly. What you fought might be one of those legends made real."

Before Gojo could respond, Padmé interjected, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Gojo, must you joke even with an enemy that's incredibly stronger than you?" She referred to the memory that had just played, where Gojo had mockingly claimed to be the "upgraded version" of the Abeloth spawn.

Gojo turned to Padmé, his usual smirk creeping onto his face. "Hey, if you're going to fight something that terrifying, you might as well have a little fun with it. Besides, sometimes the best way to throw off your opponent is to keep them guessing." His tone was light, almost casual, but there was an underlying confidence that made it clear he wasn't just joking around.

Padmé sighed, shaking her head slightly. "You're very arrogant ."

"Maybe," Gojo replied with a wink, "but I'm also still standing, and that thing isn't. So I'd say the jokes worked out just fine."

Obi-Wan exchanged a glance with Qui-Gon, a silent understanding passing between them. They knew that Gojo's approach was unorthodox, but there was no denying his effectiveness. Still, the gravity of what they had just witnessed weighed heavily on them.

"This changes everything," Obi-Wan finally said, his tone serious. "If there are entities like this out there, we need to be prepared. The Jedi have to be informed—no one can face something like that alone." He paused, then asked, "Gojo, how did you come to possess Sukuna's shrine?"

As Obi-Wan asked the question, a memory flashed in his mind—he recalled a conversation they had not too long ago.

Flashback:

Gojo had been explaining the intricacies of Sukuna's techniques. "Because it's starting to get very serious," Gojo had said, his tone unusually grave. "Your technique is similar to Sukuna's Shrine. Sukuna's Shrine allows him to cut anything he touches with absolute precision. He has two main techniques: Dismantle and Cleave. Dismantle is an invincible flying basic slashing attack, while Cleave adjusts its power based on the target's toughness, but it needs to touch its target. Your ability has the potential to reach similar heights but will be different since Sukuna is very powerful. You need to refine it further."

Suzunami, curious, had asked, "You know this guy, Gojo-sensei?"

Gojo had nodded. "Only by legends and books. Sukuna, the King of Curses, was a fearsome sorcerer in the past, said to be incredibly powerful and virtually unbeatable. His reputation is that of a monster, both feared and respected in the sorcery society. He was known for his unmatched strength and his terrifying cursed techniques. Even now, sorcerers speak of him with a mixture of awe and dread."

End Flashback

 

 

Gojo's playful demeanor shifted as he noticed the seriousness in Obi-Wan's gaze. His expression hardened, reflecting the gravity of the situation. "I have my own cards to play, Obi-Wan," Gojo began, his voice calm but resolute. "And I know exactly when and how to use them. I'll explain more after we've dealt with this current problem, but for now, just trust that I've got it under control."

Obi-Wan nodded, accepting the need for patience, but he couldn't let go of the question that had been nagging at him. "That attack you used—'World Dismantle,' as you called it—it left a scar in space near Tatooine. How is that possible? What kind of power could do something like that?"

Gojo's eyes flickered with a mix of pride and caution as he considered how to respond. "World Dismantle is... complicated," he admitted. "It's a technique that combines Sukuna's Dismantle with my Limitless, but on a scale that bends the very fabric of reality. When I unleashed it against Abeloth's spawn, the force was so immense that it didn't just destroy the target—it tore through the space around it. Think of it like slicing through both the enemy and the world they exist in. The scar you saw is the result of that power—an echo of the attack's impact on the galaxy itself."

Obi-Wan's expression grew even more serious as he processed Gojo's explanation. "That's an incredible level of power, Gojo. But it's also dangerous. If the Jedi aren't prepared for something like this…"

Before Obi-Wan could finish, Gojo raised a hand. "Don't tell your group about this just yet," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "In fact, I think you all need to keep this under wraps for a while."

Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Padmé exchanged confused glances. Qui-Gon was the first to speak. "Why the secrecy, Gojo? If what you're saying is true, shouldn't the Jedi Council be informed immediately? They need to prepare."

Padmé nodded in agreement. "And if the Republic knew about this, we could mobilize resources, protect other planets—"

Gojo cut them off with a wave of his hand. "That's exactly why I'm telling you to keep it quiet," he said, his voice lowering as he leaned in slightly. "Think about it—right now, Abeloth is only targeting me. She's drawn to my cursed energy, and that's what's keeping her focused. But what happens if that crazy bitch decides to shift her attention to Coruscant or Naboo?"

The room fell silent as the implications of Gojo's words sank in. Obi-Wan's eyes widened slightly as he considered the possibility. "If Abeloth's power is as vast as you suggest, and if she's drawn to cursed energy…"

"Then the last thing we want," Gojo continued, "is to give her a reason to go after the heart of the Republic. Right now, she's locked onto me, and I'm more than capable of handling her. But if we start spreading word about what she's capable of, we might inadvertently make her aware of other targets—targets that won't stand a chance against her."

Qui-Gon nodded slowly, understanding Gojo's reasoning. "So, you're suggesting we keep this contained—to prevent any unnecessary attention?"

"Exactly," Gojo confirmed. "I can handle this, but I need you all to trust me on this. The fewer people who know, the less chance there is of Abeloth deciding to broaden her focus."

Padmé still looked concerned, but she sighed and nodded. "I don't like it, but I understand. We need to protect the people, and if this is the best way to do it…"

Obi-Wan hesitated but then finally agreed, "We'll keep it under wraps for now. But Gojo, if things start to escalate—"

"You'll be the first to know," Gojo assured him with a serious nod. "But for now, let me do what I do best. Trust me, I've got this."

Padmé crossed her arms, giving Gojo a wry look. "You know, Gojo, this crazy Dark Side lady might have been minding her own business or even thinking about retreating, but no, you just had to pull her back and punch her with your Black Flash, didn't you?" Her tone dripped with sarcasm, mirroring the way Sukuna often mocked Gojo.

Gojo couldn't help but chuckle at the remark, catching the playful jab. "What can I say? I have a knack for making sure my opponents know who they're dealing with. Besides, if she was thinking of running, it's only because she realized she was outmatched." He flashed a grin, clearly unfazed by the sarcasm.

Padmé shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the seriousness of the situation. "Just try not to drag us all into your next brawl with an ancient evil, okay?"

"No promises," Gojo shot back, his grin widening. "But I'll do my best to keep the fireworks contained. Also, I might need to leave this ship for a bit—I need to train, just in case something like this happens again very soon."

Padmé, her expression turning more serious, responded, "Your exclusive broadcast certainly made the Trade Federation scared of you, but the aftermath is still playing out in the Senate debate with Chancellor Valorum. You need to be there when we arrive on Coruscant."

Gojo considered this for a moment, then turned to Qui-Gon. "How long will it take to travel from Tatooine to Coruscant using this spacecraft?"

Qui-Gon, sensing the urgency in Gojo's tone, replied, "The journey from Tatooine to Coruscant typically takes a few days, depending on hyperspace routes and any potential delays. It's a considerable distance."

Gojo nodded thoughtfully. "Good to know. I'll make the most of that time." He then flashed a reassuring smile at Padmé. "Don't worry, I'll be ready for whatever the Senate throws my way—and whatever else might come up."

Padmé sighed, clearly still concerned but trusting Gojo's instincts. "Just make sure you're prepared, Gojo. The Senate can be just as dangerous as any battlefield."

Gojo's grin softened into something more genuine. "I'll be ready, Padmé. We'll handle this together

Padmé, her expression softening slightly, added, "You still need to say something to the twins and Anakin. They admire you, Gojo. You've made quite an impression on them."

Gojo's playful grin faded into a more thoughtful expression. "Yeah, I suppose I should," he agreed, nodding. "They've been through a lot, and if they're looking up to me, I need to make sure I'm setting the right example."

He glanced toward the corridor where the twins and Anakin were likely waiting, their minds undoubtedly buzzing with questions and admiration. "I'll talk to them before I start my training," Gojo said, his tone a mix of determination and responsibility. "They deserve that much, at least."

Padmé smiled approvingly. "They'll appreciate that. You've given them hope, Gojo. Don't underestimate how much that means."

Gojo returned her smile, a flicker of warmth in his usually carefree eyes. "I won't, Padmé. I'll make sure they know they're not alone in all this."

With that, Gojo turned and headed toward the area where the twins and Anakin were, ready to share some words of wisdom and encouragement before resuming his training. As he approached, the trio looked up, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Kids," Gojo began, his tone gentle yet firm, "I'm going to start my training and leave this ship for a bit."

Suzunami was the first to respond, his voice laced with worry. "Sensei, isn't the binding vow with Sukuna enough?"

Anakin, still trying to grasp the situation, looked between Gojo and Suzunami, his brow furrowed. "What binding vow? I've seen how terrifying they can be, but... who is Sukuna?"

Gojo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked at the eager faces in front of him. "No, it isn't enough, Suzunami. The binding vow with Sukuna is something I needed to do to gain more power, and it also involves a promise—a pretty big task that I need to accomplish." He paused, his expression growing more serious. "It's something only I can handle, and even after I train very hard, there's no guarantee I'll make it out alive."

Suzunami's eyes filled with determination as he stepped forward. "Can I help, Sensei? I'm willing to sacrifice my life if it means—"

Before Suzunami could finish, Gojo shook his head firmly, cutting him off. "No, Suzunami. You can't do anything about it. I appreciate your bravery, but this is something I have to deal with on my own. When I fought in space above Tatooine, I realized I'm running out of options."

At these words, both Suzunami and Yukinami's eyes welled up with tears. They couldn't hold back their emotions any longer and rushed forward, wrapping their arms around Gojo in a tight embrace. "Sensei," they cried in unison, their voices filled with fear and worry.

Gojo's expression softened as he placed a hand on each of their heads, gently comforting them. "It's okay, you two. I'm not going anywhere permanently. I just need to get stronger so that I can protect all of you—and everyone else—from what's coming. But I need you to be strong too. Can you do that for me?"

The twins nodded through their tears, still clinging to Gojo. "We will, Sensei," Yukinami whispered, her voice trembling.

Gojo smiled down at them, his own heart heavy with the responsibility he carried. "That's all I ask. Stay strong, and take care of each other while I'm gone. I'll be back before you know it."

Anakin watched the scene unfold, his eyes wide with both admiration and a newfound understanding of the weight Gojo carried. "We'll be here, waiting," he said quietly, his voice filled with determination. "Just... come back safe, Gojo."

Gojo looked up at Anakin, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "Oh ya not 'idiot sensei' or 'old man'? Since you really like calling me those nicknames," he laughed, his playful tone cutting through the heavy atmosphere.

Anakin's serious expression faltered for a moment, and then, despite himself, he began to laugh too. The sound was a mix of relief and lingering worry, and before he knew it, tears were welling up in his eyes as well. "You're not that old... and you're not that much of an idiot either," he managed to say through his laughter, wiping at his eyes.

Gojo chuckled, ruffling Anakin's hair affectionately. "That's more like it, potential man . I'll be back soon, and when I am, we'll see who's really the strongest around here, okay?"

Anakin nodded, his tears still flowing but a genuine smile on his face now. "Okay, Gojo... I'll be waiting."

Gojo gave the twins and Anakin one last reassuring nod before stepping back. He knew that leaving them was hard, but it was necessary. The future battles would require everything he had, and he needed to be ready.

As Gojo stepped outside, he paused, sensing the presence of others nearby. With a knowing smile, he called out, "I know you all were listening."

Suddenly, Shmi, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Padmé stepped out from the shadows, their expressions a mix of concern and understanding. Padmé approached him first, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "What kind of vow did you make, Gojo?" she asked softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Gojo met her gaze, his usual playful demeanor tempered by the gravity of the situation. "It's a binding vow with Sukuna," he began, his tone serious. "It's a promise that requires a great deal of power and comes with immense risks. The details... well, let's just say it's something I have to face alone. It's not just about power; it's about survival and the consequences that come with breaking such a vow."

Padmé's tears finally fell as she looked at him, her voice thick with emotion. "You're shouldering so much, Gojo. It's not fair that you have to do this alone."

Gojo, seeing the deep concern in her eyes, tried to lighten the mood with a grin. He turned to the Jedi and quipped, "Hey, monks," his tone playful despite the dangerous situation, "if somehow after all this crisis ended and it's not me who shows up, convince everyone in the galaxy to open fire on me. I mean it. If not… well, there goes your galaxy."

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of seriousness and slight amusement at Gojo's attempt to make light of the situation. Qui-Gon was the first to respond, his voice calm but firm. "We'll do what we can, Gojo. But we're hoping it won't come to that."

Obi-Wan nodded in agreement. "You're strong, Gojo. We believe you'll make it through this. But if things take a turn... we'll be ready."

Gojo's grin softened, appreciating their words. "Just remember, I'm not planning on losing. But if the worst happens, don't hesitate. It's better for everyone."

Padmé wiped her tears and tried to muster a smile. "You're a damn troublemaker Gojo. But I suppose that's why we're all counting on you."

Gojo gave her a reassuring nod. "And I won't let you down. Just keep an eye on things while I'm gone. I've got some training to do."

With that, he turned and began to walk away, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him, but also the knowledge that he had people who believed in him

As Gojo began to walk away, he paused for a moment, sensing a lingering presence. He turned back to the group, his gaze falling on Shmi, who had remained quiet throughout the conversation. Her eyes met his, and he could see that there was something she wanted to say but hadn't yet found the words.

"Shmi," Gojo said softly, his tone gentle, "is there something you wanted to talk about before I leave? I can tell you've been holding back, but if there's anything on your mind, now's the time."

Shmi hesitated for a moment, glancing at the others before taking a deep breath. She stepped forward, her hands clasped together nervously. "Gojo, I just... I wanted to thank you," she began, her voice filled with sincerity. "You've done so much for Anakin, for all of us. But I'm worried about him. He looks up to you so much, and with everything you're facing... I just want to make sure he stays on the right path."

Gojo nodded, understanding the depth of her concern. "I get it, Shmi. Anakin's got a lot of potential, but he's still a kid. I'll do my best to guide him, even while I'm dealing with all this. I'm not planning on leaving him in the dark."

Shmi smiled, though there was still a hint of worry in her eyes. "Thank you, Gojo. I just... I don't want to lose him to something he doesn't fully understand."

"You won't," Gojo reassured her, his tone firm. "I'll keep an eye on him, make sure he knows what's important. You've raised a good kid, Shmi. He's strong, and he's going to do great things."

Shmi's eyes softened, and she nodded. "I hope so. Just... be careful, Gojo. We're all counting on you, but more than that, we care about you."

Gojo smiled warmly at her words, appreciating the genuine concern she had for him. "I will," he said, ready to turn and leave when suddenly Obi-Wan spoke up.

"Wait, Gojo. There's someone I want to talk to you about—Darth Nihilus," Obi-Wan said, his tone serious.

Gojo paused, his curiosity piqued. "What about him?"

Obi-Wan took a deep breath before describing Darth Nihilus's powers. "Darth Nihilus was a Sith Lord who possessed the ability to drain the life force from entire planets, consuming everything in his path. His hunger was insatiable, and it gave him a kind of power that was both terrifying and uncontrollable. But... he's already dead."

Gojo raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of intrigue and confusion. "Why would you describe someone like that to me if he's already dead?"

Obi-Wan met Gojo's gaze, his voice calm but laden with concern. "Because even though he's gone, the kind of power he wielded—a power that feeds on the very essence of life—reminds me of what you described encountering with Abeloth. It's not the same, but it's similar enough that it worries me. If there's another being out there with that kind of destructive potential, we need to be cautious. I wanted to make sure you're aware of the dangers, not just for your sake, but for everyone's."

Gojo considered Obi-Wan's words carefully, the weight of the comparison settling in. "I see what you're getting at," he finally said, his tone more thoughtful. "Nihilus's power was all-consuming, just like Abeloth's could be. It's a warning to be careful with what I'm dealing with. Thanks for the heads-up, Obi-Wan. I'll keep it in mind."

Obi-Wan nodded, relieved that Gojo understood the gravity of the situation. "I know you're powerful, Gojo, but we've seen what happens when that kind of power goes unchecked."

Gojo nodded, a serious expression on his face. "Yeah, I will."

Just then, the group gathered around—Qui-Gon, Anakin, the twins, Shmi, Padmé, and Obi-Wan—watching Gojo one last time before he left. Gojo looked at each of them, his gaze lingering for a moment, before he smiled and said, "Now… じゃあね (Ja ne)," his voice carrying a hint of fondness as he spoke in Japanese, meaning "see you later."

In the next instant, Gojo disappeared, leaving the group with the weight of his words and the hope that he would return safely.