CORUSCANT ARC : Aftermath And Pool Of Knowledge

Gojo scanned the room, his three-pupil eyes gleaming ominously as they settled on the group before him. "Looks like things got pretty grim," he remarked, his tone almost casual but edged with something far more serious. "So, what's the plan? I figure I should drag you all out of this mess before it gets worse."

Padmé stepped forward, her heart racing as she took in the sight of Gojo's altered appearance. The eyes—each filled with unsettling depth and power—met hers, and for a moment, she hesitated. She had always known Gojo as an ally, even a protector, but now… now he seemed like something else entirely.

Gathering her resolve, Padmé spoke, her voice steady but laced with emotion. "Gojo, I think it's time I introduce myself properly, though you already know," she began, her gaze unwavering. "I am Queen Amidala, not just the senator you've seen, but the true leader of Naboo." Her revelation sent ripples of surprise through the group, each member processing the new layer of trust and truth unveiled.

Gojo raised an eyebrow, clearly amused yet unsurprised, but his demeanor remained solemn, the gravity of their collective situation clear in his stance.

Padmé continued, her expression shifting to one of genuine concern as she stepped closer to Gojo. "But there's something more important right now," she said, her voice softening as she gazed at the ominous eyes on his face and the dark eye on the back of his right hand. "I've seen you grow stronger, Gojo, and I've watched you fight for us all. But these… these eyes, and the darkness that comes with them… You're becoming more like a monster than the man I admired." Her voice trembled slightly, the weight of her words carrying the fear she had for him. "I love you, Gojo. Not just for what you can do, but for who you are. But can you still see that person beneath all this power? Or have you lost yourself to it?"

The room fell into a heavy silence, all eyes on Gojo as Padmé's confession hung in the air. Her declaration was not just a plea for understanding but a desperate hope that the Gojo she knew was still in there, fighting alongside them, not just above them.

Gojo, for once, seemed caught off guard. His usual confident smirk wavered, replaced by a flicker of something more vulnerable. The room waited, breath held, as Gojo processed her words. He took a slow, deliberate step forward, the intensity of his three-pupil eyes softening just a fraction as he met Padmé's gaze.

"Padmé," he began, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "I haven't forgotten who I am. Or what I fight for. These powers—they're just tools, weapons to protect what I care about. But I'll admit… it's hard not to feel like I'm losing myself sometimes."

He paused, glancing down at his right hand, the eye staring back at him, a constant reminder of the power he wielded. "I'm still me," Gojo said, lifting his gaze back to her. "I'm still here. And as long as I have people like you reminding me of that… I think I can keep the darkness at bay."

Padmé nodded, tears glistening in her eyes as she reached out, placing a hand on his cheek. "Then don't let go, Gojo. Don't let this power take away who you are."

Gojo nodded, a rare, sincere smile crossing his face as he covered her hand with his own. "I won't. Not as long as you're here to keep me grounded."

Gojo held Padmé's hand for a moment longer, the warmth of the connection grounding him amidst the swirling uncertainties of his newfound powers. His eyes, still bearing the unsettling three pupils, softened as he looked at her, the brief flicker of vulnerability transforming into something more playful.

With a sly grin, Gojo leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper, "Well, my little princess, I guess it's up to you to keep me in check."

Padmé's eyes widened in surprise at the playful nickname, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and amusement. She hadn't expected Gojo to pivot so quickly from the gravity of their exchange to this familiar, almost flirty demeanor. Despite the heavy atmosphere, she couldn't help but laugh, a light, melodic sound that cut through the tension in the room.

"Really, Gojo?" she said, trying to maintain her composure despite the smile tugging at her lips. "You can't go five minutes without turning things into a joke, can you?"

Gojo chuckled, his smirk widening as he leaned back, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Gotta keep things interesting, right? Besides," he added, giving her a quick wink, "it's hard to be too serious when I've got you around. Your worried face is too cute to ignore."

Padmé rolled her eyes, though the smile on her face remained, her earlier fears momentarily eased by Gojo's light-heartedness. "Well, you're impossible," she said, shaking her head but unable to hide the warmth in her gaze. "But I guess that's part of your charm."

Gojo gave a mock bow, his grin unyielding. "Glad to be of service, Your Highness."

The room, though still heavy with the weight of their situation, seemed to breathe easier for a moment. Gojo's teasing and Padmé's laughter served as a small reminder that amidst the battles and the burdens of power, there was still room for light, human connection. The others watched, some with amused smiles, others with subtle nods of approval, as they saw a glimpse of the man beneath the formidable powers Gojo wielded—a man who, despite everything, still knew how to find joy in the little moments.

The room, still reeling from the series of revelations and the raw emotion laid bare before them, found a brief respite in the unspoken understanding that, despite everything, Gojo was still on their side.

As Palpatine's holo communicator beeped, his thoughts turned sharp and frustrated, though his outward expression remained impeccably composed. Plagueis… what now? he thought bitterly, recognizing the urgency in the Sith Lord's summons. The Trade Federation's coup, the clumsy revelation of Sith influence… all of this mess falls on me. Another of his 'tests,' no doubt, to see if I can pull us from the brink of exposure. I have to fix this.

He glanced at the holo communicator again, feeling the weight of his master's impatience even from afar. Plagueis is slipping—growing reckless in his old age. And yet, his demands are as relentless as ever. Always pushing, always testing. As if I don't already walk a tightrope every day, balancing my public facade as a senator with our grander, hidden schemes. And now this—so close to the brink of discovery. The frustration churned beneath his polished exterior, but he knew better than to let it show.

This is not a request, Palpatine reminded himself, his irritation masked by the calm detachment that he had mastered over the years. Ignore it, and I'll face more than just his wrath. I have to play the dutiful apprentice… for now. No matter how tired I am of his senility, of cleaning up after him. Today, that balance teeters closer to exposure than ever before.

Clearing his throat, Palpatine effortlessly slipped back into his role, the mask of the composed and courteous senator firmly in place. "I apologize, everyone," he said, his voice smooth and unflinching. "It appears I have received an urgent message that requires my immediate attention. Please, continue without me."

With a courteous nod, Palpatine excused himself from the chamber, his exit as graceful and unassuming as always.

As Palpatine exited the chamber, maintaining his calm and collected facade, Gojo watched him go, a sly grin creeping onto his face. He couldn't resist making a quip as the door closed behind the Senator. "Well, if I had an Oscar to give, Palpatine would've won it by now," Gojo said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Greatest actor in the entire galaxy—what a performance."

The group exchanged uneasy glances, still processing the layers of deception they were navigating. Qui-Gon, however, focused on Gojo, his expression filled with genuine concern. "Gojo, are you alright? If you're exhausted from your fight with Sukuna, maybe you should—"

Gojo raised a hand, cutting Qui-Gon off with a dismissive wave. "I'm fine," he said, though a playful glimmer danced in his eyes as his thoughts drifted back to his earlier confrontation with Plagueis. I just bullied his master and mocked him in his face, he thought to himself, amused by the memory of making the Sith Lord squirm. But no need to get into that now. Out loud, he continued, "Nah, don't worry about it. No matter what happens, I'll always find a way to bounce back."

Before he could say more, Reika and Yukinami hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, their eyes red from crying. Like Padmé, they were deeply concerned about their sensei—not just his physical wellbeing, but the changes they'd seen in him, especially with the ominous presence of the three-pupil eyes and the dark eye on the back of his right hand.

Yukinami spoke first, her voice small and trembling. "Sensei, it's not just about you fighting and winning. We've watched you grow stronger, but… those eyes… and that thing on your hand." She gestured nervously to Gojo's right hand, her gaze fixed on the unsettling eye that blinked back at them. "They're not like anything we've ever seen before. They're… they're changing you, aren't they?"

Reika nodded, stepping closer, her expression a mix of fear and determination. "We're scared, Sensei," she confessed, her voice breaking slightly. "Not just of what you're facing out there, but of what's happening to you. These powers—they're not like your other abilities. They feel… darker, more dangerous. Like they're trying to take over."

Gojo looked at his disciples, their concern mirroring Padmé's earlier words. For a brief moment, the weight of their worries pressed against his usually light-hearted nature. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, the playful glint in his eyes dimming as he considered their fears.

"Reika, Yukinami," Gojo began, his voice softer, more serious than usual. "I get it. These eyes, this hand… they're not exactly comforting to look at. And yeah, they're different from anything I've dealt with before. But they're still mine. I'm the one in control here, not the other way around."

He offered them a reassuring smile, though the weight of their concerns lingered in his eyes. "Look, I'm not gonna lie and say I've got all this figured out. These powers come with their own risks, and I won't pretend they don't mess with me sometimes. But you've seen what we're up against. I need every edge I can get to protect all of you."

Reika shook her head, her tears flowing again. "But Sensei, it's not just about having an edge. We don't want you to lose yourself. We've seen you laugh, joke, even be an idiot—but we've also seen how far you'll go for those you care about. We don't want that part of you to disappear."

Yukinami added, her voice a soft plea, "We're afraid that one day, those eyes and that hand will change you into someone we don't recognize. Someone who isn't our sensei anymore."

Gojo's smirk softened, replaced by a rare expression of vulnerability. He pulled both Reika and Yukinami closer, letting them feel the warmth of his presence. "Hey, you two," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "No matter what changes, or what powers I gain, I'm still Gojo Satoru. Your sensei, the guy who's too stubborn to quit and too reckless to fall. As long as you're with me, I promise I won't let these powers turn me into something I'm not."

He gave them a light, teasing squeeze. "Besides, who else is gonna put up with my idiocy if not you two? You keep me grounded, just like Padmé and the others. As long as you remind me of who I am, I'll be fine. So don't worry too much, alright?"

Reika and Yukinami exchanged a tearful but relieved smile, their fears not completely gone but eased by Gojo's reassurance. They clung to him a moment longer, comforted by the presence of their sensei, who despite his growing powers, still showed the same warmth they had always known. Gojo then turned to Yaddle, his gaze shifting as he prepared to fulfill his earlier promise.

"Alright, Yaddle, time to fulfill my promise and answer your question," Gojo said, his eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and sincerity. "You're probably wondering how I seem to know so much about all of you, even before we officially met."

Yaddle nodded, curiosity sparking in her ancient eyes.

Gojo took a step back, folding his arms with a casual ease that belied the weight of what he was about to say. "Let me ask you something—have any of you ever heard of the Pool of Knowledge?"

The room fell silent as Gojo's question hung in the air, each person glancing at the other, confusion and curiosity evident on their faces. The Jedi, in particular, exchanged uncertain looks; this was not a concept widely known even among their ranks.

Mace Windu was the first to respond, his expression one of skepticism. "The Pool of Knowledge? I've never heard of such a thing," he admitted, crossing his arms as he regarded Gojo with a wary eye. "What exactly are you talking about?"

Gojo smirked, enjoying the rare moment of having the upper hand in a room full of seasoned warriors and leaders. "The Pool of Knowledge is said to be an ancient source of insight," he explained, leaning casually against a nearby pillar. "A place that reveals glimpses of the past, present, and possible futures. It's not exactly common knowledge, even among the most learned."

Yoda, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully, tilted his head slightly. "A legend, this is, or truth? Know of it, I do not," he confessed, his curiosity piqued. "A secret, perhaps, to those beyond our order's reach."

Gojo nodded, meeting Yoda's gaze. "It's not something you'd find in any Jedi archive or Sith holocron," he said. "But it's real enough. I've… had the chance to drink from it, so to speak. I drank some of it during our training. Found it on Tatooine, and then I drank from it on Naboo. Risky? Sure. But I'm nothing if not reckless. It gave me only names and faces—the ones I will walk with and how my story will smoothly continue."

Gojo's smirk softened into a more contemplative expression as he gauged the reactions around him. Each response from his allies revealed a mix of awe, concern, and curiosity, but it was clear they were all grappling with the weight of his revelations.

Padmé's eyes flickered with a mix of concern and awe as she stepped closer to Gojo. "You drank from it, and it showed you more than just paths?" she asked, her voice tinged with a deeper, personal concern. Her feelings for Gojo ran deeper than she often admitted, even to herself, and the idea that he had glimpsed something beyond their current struggles weighed heavily on her. She searched his face, trying to understand the extent of his insight and what it meant for them all.

Gojo met her gaze, his expression softening slightly at her concern, but he didn't elaborate further, keeping his true understanding from the Pool of Knowledge—a memory of his past life and the realization of being in the Star Wars universe—locked away even from her.

Anakin, still young and not yet fully embraced by the Jedi path, looked at Gojo with wide eyes, filled with both admiration and a hint of fear. He had met Gojo before on Tatooine, but the idea that Gojo now held deeper knowledge of the future was both unsettling and intriguing. "You mean, you saw us differently?" Anakin asked, the curiosity of a boy whose life had just begun to expand beyond the deserts of Tatooine evident in his tone.

Suzunami and Yukinami exchanged a look of pride mixed with apprehension. Suzunami's confident facade wavered as he spoke. "Sensei… you already knew so much when we met. But if you saw even more after… then you've been carrying even more weight than we realized," he said, his voice unusually serious.

Yukinami nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You always make it seem so easy, Sensei, but now… knowing that you've seen more than just what's in front of us—it must be lonely."

Qui-Gon Jinn, ever the seeker of deeper truths, observed Gojo with a contemplative gaze. "The paths you speak of… they suggest a predestined nature, yet also free will. When we met, you seemed to act with a freedom that belied this knowledge. Balancing on that edge… it's a difficult task."

Obi-Wan Kenobi, always the pragmatist, watched Gojo closely. "We've already faced many challenges together, Gojo. If the Pool of Knowledge shows possible futures, then it's a tool of immense power, but also immense risk. You've seen the dangers of knowing too much—just tread carefully."

Mace Windu, his skepticism clear but tempered with respect for Gojo's abilities, crossed his arms and spoke with a measured tone. "You're dealing with forces that can disrupt the balance we strive to maintain. Even before drinking from that pool, you played a pivotal role in shifting tides. Understanding them is one thing; using them wisely is another."

Yaddle, with her soft but perceptive gaze, nodded thoughtfully. "Paths unknown, seen you have. Clarity, always fleeting. But in the Force, balance is sought. Trust in your own path, you must, as we do."

Reika, standing close to Gojo, echoed the sentiments of the group with quiet determination. "Sensei, you've always guided us, even before these revelations. If this is what you've seen, then we're with you. No matter what the future holds."

Shmi Skywalker, her maternal instincts stirred, stepped forward with gentle resolve. "You carry so much, Gojo. Even when we first met, it was clear you had seen more than most. Just remember that you're not alone in this. We're here to walk these paths with you."

Yoda, his wise and ancient eyes narrowing in deep thought, added his own perspective. "Seen, the paths of many, you have. But shrouded, still, the future remains. The Pool of Knowledge guides but does not dictate. Careful, you must be, Gojo Satoru. A force of change, you are, but balance, the Force seeks always. Stray too far, and unforeseen, the consequences may be."

Gojo gave a small nod of acknowledgment, appreciating the trust and concern from those around him. The gravity of his knowledge was a heavy burden, but seeing the commitment and understanding in the eyes of his allies gave him a renewed sense of purpose.

Gojo's demeanor shifted, his playful smirk fading into a more serious expression. He called out into the ether, his voice carrying a weight that silenced the room. "Abeloth, I know you can hear me. Ever since we clashed in space over Tatooine, I've known you've been watching. I drank from your cup—the Font of Power mixed with the Pool of Knowledge. Now, my question is simple: Are you only interested in me, or have you started targeting my group as well?"

The air grew colder, and dark tendrils of mist began to swirl in the center of the chamber. Abeloth's ghostly form materialized, her presence filling the room with a chilling aura that sent shivers down the spines of everyone present.

Padmé took a step back, her eyes wide with fear and recognition. "So this is Abeloth… the creature that Gojo fought in space," she whispered, her voice tinged with both awe and dread. "The one that nearly killed him…"

Qui-Gon Jinn, his usually calm demeanor giving way to visible concern, watched Abeloth with wary eyes. "An ancient evil… unlike anything we've faced before. This is no ordinary foe."

Obi-Wan's hand instinctively moved closer to his lightsaber, his gaze fixed on the spectral figure. "I can't believe Gojo managed to survive a battle against something like this. The power she exudes… it's beyond anything in our realm of understanding."

Yaddle, her voice soft but steady, observed Abeloth's ghostly form with a knowing look. "Ancient evil, this is. In its true form, fought Gojo did, in space. A presence not fully of this world, yet bound to it."

Yoda's expression grew even more contemplative as he studied Abeloth. "Darkness, she is. An entity of chaos and corruption, unlike any Sith or dark force we know."

Mace Windu's brow furrowed, his usual confidence tempered by the enormity of what they were facing. "If this is what Gojo fought… then he was facing something truly beyond our understanding."

Abeloth's ethereal form floated, her gaze settling on the group with a dismissive air. She spoke, her voice echoing like a haunting melody. "I have no interest in invalids—these Jedi, and the fakes—the Sith," she said, her tone dripping with disdain. Her gaze shifted to Gojo, an amused glint in her eyes. "Gojo's cursed energy is a natural progression of the dark side. It's not just power; it's evolution."

She turned her focus back to Gojo, her form flickering slightly as if to test his resolve. "You absorbed part of the dark side when you drank from my cup, Gojo. At least a small piece of it is now yours. It was an experiment, nothing more. But I never imagined someone like you could make it your own."

Abeloth's gaze roamed over Gojo, her amusement growing. "And look at you now—more muscular, more powerful. That right-hand eye and those three-pupil eyes… you've introduced new concepts to this galaxy, Gojo Satoru. You are no longer just a man; you are becoming a force unto yourself."

Gojo smirked, unshaken by her words, his eyes meeting hers with unwavering confidence. "Flattery won't get you anywhere, Abeloth. You can watch, you can judge, but don't think for a second I don't know what you're after."

Abeloth's form shimmered ominously, her presence permeating the room like a creeping shadow. Yet, behind the malice in her eyes was a distinct flicker of admiration, a rare acknowledgment from a being that viewed most others with disdain. Before she could respond, Yoda stepped forward, his keen eyes observing the ancient entity with a blend of caution and curiosity.

"Hmmm, recognize you do, what others have not," Yoda said, his voice a calm but probing whisper in the charged air. "Cursed energy, an evolution of the dark side, you call it. First, you are, to see it so."

Abeloth's dark eyes glinted with an eerie amusement, her spectral form coiling gracefully as if savoring the attention. "Ah, the wise and ancient Yoda. For centuries, you have strived for balance, fought against the dark side like a relentless tide. But Gojo… he's not merely wielding darkness. He's reshaping it, twisting it into something far more refined. The Jedi cling to the Force's light, and the Sith to its darkness, but Gojo—he has found a way to transcend it all."

Yoda's gaze remained steady, his expression reflecting the deep wisdom of countless years. "Transcendence, an enticing path it is. But all paths, danger they hold. Understand, you do, Abeloth—of chaos, born, you are. Yet, wisdom, you speak. Why?"

Abeloth's smile widened, revealing the hauntingly human side of her malevolence. "I speak as one who has seen the limits of the Force, Yoda. Light, dark—it's all the same cycle, endlessly repeating. Gojo represents a break from that. He does not wield the dark side; he commands it, refines it into cursed energy that neither corrupts nor falters. It is power without the shackles of tradition or morality. And that, Yoda, is something even you should recognize as extraordinary."

Yoda's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, his mind working through Abeloth's words with the precision of a blade. "Extraordinary, perhaps. But power, without wisdom, a path to ruin it often is. Gojo's strength, seen I have, and respect it, I do. But without balance, where does it lead?"

Abeloth floated closer, her form almost tangible as she loomed over Yoda, her voice lowering to a whisper that seemed to curl into his very thoughts. "Balance is an illusion, Master Yoda. A comforting lie. The truth is that power is only held by those willing to take it. Gojo understands this. He doesn't bend to the will of the Force—he bends the Force to his will. That is why he fascinates me. He is the first I have seen to truly break free of the Force's dichotomy."

Yoda's expression remained inscrutable, but the weight of Abeloth's words clearly settled upon him. "A threat, perhaps, you see in the Jedi and Sith. But Gojo, different he is. Not bound, but free, you believe him. Dangerous, this freedom is. Yet, potential, it holds."

Abeloth's laughter echoed through the chamber, a sound that was both beautiful and terrifying. "Potential, yes. He is not bound by your rules or theirs. He stands as his own being, shaping his destiny without fear of consequence. That is true evolution. That is why he matters."

Her gaze turned back to Gojo, her approval of him evident in her dark, swirling eyes. "Gojo Satoru, you are not just powerful—you are a force of change, a being who can rewrite the rules of this galaxy. And that, above all, is something worth watching."

Yoda watched her with the cautious respect one might afford a coiled serpent, his mind racing through the implications of her words. "Dangerous, you are, Abeloth. But truth, in your words, there is. Change, necessary it is. But careful, we must be. Not to destroy, but to build, we strive."

Gojo, observing the exchange, raised his voice with a pointed question. "I need to know—if I devoured part of the dark side when I drank from that cup, is there a chance that the other Sith are weakened because of it?"

Abeloth's ghostly form shimmered, her expression shifting to one of mild amusement, her pride unmistakable as she savored the weight of Gojo's question. "Ah, Gojo Satoru," she purred, her voice echoing with an eerie, melodious tone. "You have indeed taken a piece of the dark side into yourself, a fragment that now bends to your will. But do not mistake this for diminishment of the dark side. It is a vast, living force that transcends mere consumption. The Sith are mere leeches, drawing from an endless ocean."

She drifted closer, her gaze never leaving Gojo's, testing the resolve that had already proven formidable in battle. "However," Abeloth continued, her voice turning sharper, laced with her unmistakable pride and disdain, "by taking a fragment, you have indeed disrupted the balance in their favor, if only slightly. The Sith will sense it—a disturbance, a ripple in their connection. Weakened? Not entirely, but they will feel a momentary tremor, a reminder that their grip on the dark side is not absolute."

Abeloth's gaze flickered back to Yoda, a triumphant gleam in her eyes as she reveled in the acknowledgment of her insight. "You see, Master Yoda, the dark side is not simply a tool to be wielded. It is a force of nature, chaotic and unrestrained. But Gojo—he bends it without being bound by it, shaping it into something that transcends your teachings and theirs."

Yoda nodded slowly, absorbing the gravity of her words, his expression reflecting the profound understanding of one who has seen ages pass and paradigms shift. "Unique, Gojo's path is. Not Jedi, nor Sith, but something beyond. A path of his own making, dangerous it may be, but also, hope it brings."

Abeloth's form shimmered with a final, almost approving glance at Gojo. "Watch closely, Yoda. For in Gojo, you may find the end of one era and the beginning of another. A true evolution, not just for him, but perhaps for all." She looked at Gojo once more, her eyes narrowing with determination. "Gojo Satoru, next time we fight, I'm going to win. You needn't worry about anyone else around you. Beings like us belong at the top of the galaxy." With a sinister grin, she faded away, her presence lingering in the air.

Gojo grinned back at the spot where she had been, his confidence unshaken. "Looks like my worries are over. She's only interested in me."

The room remained tense, the weight of Abeloth's declaration settling heavily. Qui-Gon Jinn, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward, his expression one of cautious contemplation. "Abeloth's words suggest a rivalry, Gojo. But be mindful. A being like her does not give up easily, nor does she make idle threats. You may be her focus now, but her nature is to disrupt and consume."

Obi-Wan Kenobi, still gripping his lightsaber, nodded in agreement. "True, Abeloth speaks of a contest between equals, but her influence is corrosive. Her interest in you, Gojo, could still bring danger to those around you, intentionally or not. We've faced threats before, but none with such a personal vendetta."

Mace Windu, his arms crossed and his expression stern, voiced his concern with the authority of a seasoned warrior. "She might be fixated on you, Gojo, but don't be so quick to dismiss the broader implications. Abeloth thrives on chaos. If she sees you as an equal, then it's not just a duel between two beings—it's a conflict that could tip the scales of power across the galaxy. We must remain vigilant."

Yaddle, her perceptive eyes narrowing thoughtfully, added in her calm, melodic tone, "A battle of titans, she sees it. But dangerous, this fixation is. Focused she may be on you, Gojo, but collateral damage, she does not care for. Protect those around you, you must, even from her twisted games."

Gojo listened to their words, nodding slightly. He appreciated their concerns, but his confidence in his own abilities—and his understanding of Abeloth—remained unwavering. "I get it," Gojo said, his tone firm but reassuring. "Abeloth's interested in me, and she's made her intentions clear. But I won't let her twisted games spill over to those I care about. Beings like us… we're playing on a different level, but that doesn't mean I'll let anyone get caught in the crossfire."

As Gojo's words resonated through the room, a sense of relief washed over his closest companions. Suzunami, standing tall beside his sister, nodded with a confident smile. "That's the Gojo Satoru I know—never backing down, always protecting those around him. You've got this, Sensei."

Reika's expression softened, her eyes shining with pride. "yes , Sensei. No matter how powerful your enemies are, you've always found a way to keep us safe. You're not just a force to be reckoned with—you're a protector, through and through."

Yukinami, her worries now eased, gave a small, supportive nod. "We believe in you, Sensei. You've shown us that even when things seem impossible, you can turn the tide. You're not alone, and we're with you every step of the way."

Anakin, still young and impressionable, looked up at Gojo with admiration. "That's why I look up to you, Gojo. You're not just strong—you're good. You fight for the people you care about, no matter how tough things get."

Padmé stepped closer, her gaze filled with warmth and conviction. "You're not just playing on a different level, Gojo—you're showing everyone what it means to have power and still hold on to who you are. That's the Gojo Satoru we all know and trust."

They each nodded in approval, their expressions reflecting a shared understanding and unwavering faith in Gojo's character. It wasn't just about his strength or his abilities; it was the integrity and resolve that defined him.

As the room settled, Gojo suddenly noticed former Chancellor Valorum watching from the edge of the Queen's chamber, his presence subtle but observant. Gojo couldn't resist a playful smirk as he addressed the former leader. "So, former Chancellor Valorum, are you going to announce to the entire Republic that there's a being like Sukuna running around—or maybe even Abeloth?" he teased, raising an eyebrow as if daring Valorum to make the call.

Valorum, visibly tired from the political chaos and extraordinary events he had witnessed, interrupted with a wry chuckle before Gojo could finish. "Oh, please, Gojo. I've had enough of dealing with these crazy monsters. One tied to the dark side of the Force," he gestured vaguely toward Abeloth's lingering essence, "and another that can leave a 60-kilometer crater on Coruscant's outskirts," he said, referencing Sukuna's destructive power. "I think I'll keep these little… 'incidents' under wraps. Frankly, since Abeloth is interested in you, I can only hope the next Chancellor has the stomach for this mess," Valorum added with a laugh, his demeanor a mix of resignation and relief that his tenure no longer required him to handle these otherworldly threats.

Gojo chuckled, appreciating Valorum's candor. "Fair enough. Passing the burden along, huh? Well, let's just hope your successor is ready for a bit of a wild ride

Valorum stepped forward, his expression turning from lighthearted to serious as he faced Gojo directly. "Gojo, if there's another battle of titanic proportions—like the one with Sukuna, which seems inevitable given that you still have him sealed inside you—I have one request," Valorum said, his voice carrying the weight of genuine concern. "Please, take it away from Coruscant, far from innocent lives. The city-planet can't handle another catastrophe like that."

Gojo's smirk softened into a more thoughtful expression. He met Valorum's gaze, understanding the former Chancellor's plea. "I get it, Valorum," Gojo replied, his tone sincere. "I may be reckless, but I'm not heartless. I'll do my best to minimize the damage and keep the fight away from where it can hurt the most. "

Valorum nodded, seemingly reassured but still carrying the fatigue of his former office. "I know you will, Gojo. You've already done more than most could imagine. Just... make sure the next one doesn't turn Coruscant into a warzone," he said, giving Gojo a rare, appreciative smile before stepping back, the weight of the galaxy momentarily lifted from his shoulders.

Gojo gave him a firm nod. "I'll do my best, Valorum. And hey, let's hope it doesn't come to that," Gojo added with a hint of his usual playfulness, trying to lighten the mood. "But if it does, I'll make sure the fight stays far away from the innocent. You have my word."

Valorum smiled faintly, appreciating Gojo's assurance. "That's all I can ask for. Thank you, Gojo." With a final nod, Valorum turned away, his presence a reminder of the burdens of leadership and the quiet hopes he still held for the future.

As Valorum left the queen chamber , Gojo stood tall, the resolve in his eyes clear.