Chapter Text
The enormous blast doors open with a hiss.
All intelligent eyes were immediately directed toward the newcomers as they came in with silence.
Even though they had only just arrived, the atmosphere was already tense and the chamber was enveloped in a thick feeling of dread, heavy in the air. This was enough for them to understand that the force was severely disturbed—distinctly poignant in the air.
But for what purpose... The two newly-arrived Jedi had yet to learn.
“Thank you for joining us, Master Nanami Kento.” Jedi master, Masamichi Yaga, lowered his head in greetings. “I see you have brought Gojo’s padawan with you.”
With his acquired title mentioned, Yuuji Itadori stood straight in attention when the Jedi master swept his gaze on him from a respectable distance.
The imposing presence of the council members around them, sitting quietly in their respective chairs, caused him to be self-conscious. Which, in Yuuji’s case, was completely natural given that he is surrounded by all of the renowned Jedi masters in this generation.
Even though they are his masters and he has great respect for them, Yuuji is not any less intimidated by them. When he was a youngling, he heard countless rumors regarding how legendary they performed in battles and how other younglings highly extolled their prowess, based on information they managed to gather and pass around the temple.
“Though the man in question is absent as we speak.” Yaga grunts in disappointment.
Nanami steps forth whilst fixing his glasses into their proper place. “Jedi master Gojo is unable to be with us today due to a delay in his meeting with the royal family of the planet Alderaan.” He glances at Yuuji in the corner of his eyes. “Since contact with Gojo is, unfortunately, not possible due to issues with his comlink and his subspace comm upon entering the boundaries of the planet, I took Padawan Itadori with us as Gojo's messenger and representative.”
While Nanami was explaining Satoru’s plight, Yuuji allowed himself to briefly reveal a small smile and expressed his greeting with a slight bow of his head.
“Gojo’s devices are broken again?” An amused huff echoed softly in the room. Yuuji turned to see Master Mei Mei leaning back and smiling widely, albeit almost cunningly. “This is the fourth time in the past few cycles, and I’m starting to think he’s been tampering with it intentionally…”
Followed by an exasperated sigh resonating in their chamber, Yaga adopted a tired expression. “To think I’d allow him to rank up as a master…” He muttered to himself before shaking his head. “Enough said, we are not here to talk about that man. There is, in fact, a reason why we called for you, Master Kento.”
The meeting had only commenced, yet something about this made Yuuji feel uneasy. As if something; an imminent something—Yuuji can’t figure it out just yet—is approaching at a rapid pace. As soon as he stepped inside the Jedi High Council Chamber, the force was already unsettled, and Yuuji wasn't so reckless as to dismiss this sensation.
“Another mission, I presume?” Nanami’s voice drawled.
“It isn’t just any mission. That, we guarantee of.” A gruff voice abruptly joined in. An older man, Jedi master Yoshinobu Gakuganji, who had sat in silence, eventually spoke with solemnity and a tinge of alarm wavering in his voice.
As a result of Master Yoshinobu's involvement, Nanami's previously blank expression was replaced with one of alertness. "And what's different about it this time?"
Yuuji gulped the lump down in his throat.
He knows that Master Yoshinobu is a busy man. He doesn’t join meetings much, and when he does, it is usually a very pressing issue at hand. So the fact that they are graced with his presence… ‘It must be important then,’ Yuuji mused as he studied the old Jedi’s face.
Yoshinobu spoke slowly and precisely, but his words bore a lot of weight and were intended to keep everyone in the room hanging on to what he said. “There are rumors about a purge—a whole army consisting of strong and brave warriors alike—annihilated by a power beyond comprehension.” He paused, letting this information sink into the two unknowing Jedi. The silence was loud in the chamber before the older Jedi resumed. “One may not believe it at first as it does sound far-fetched yet it was said amongst many that the description of this raw power was almost identical to that of the force.”
From the startling news alone, Yuji frowned at the absurdity of the situation. Though it did seem unbelievable to hear, his masters' faces were grim as Yoshinobu spoke about the direness of the report brought to them with conviction.
Yuuji felt uncomfortable and shocked.
The force is indeed a magnificent gift bestowed upon them, and it can do remarkable things if it is properly trained and enhanced. His master is proof of that since the Jedi Master, Satoru Gojo, possesses the highest Midichlorian count a Jedi could possibly have. But for the force alone to be used in doing awful crime… ‘This has to be done by someone extremely powerful as well.’
“They assume this is done by the force?” Nanami observed with a contemplative glance and a raised brow in mild wonder. “A whole group of warriors was wiped out because of the force… So this implies that someone stronger is heavily involved here.”
“Indeed,” Yoshinobu affirmed, his gaze fixed on the blonde man. Yuji could feel the intensity behind it even though he was not the recipient of his focus. “I speculate that it is a force-sensitive individual, untrained and perhaps unknowing, who may have been the cause to do such a thing.”
“And by what evidence? Where did this data come from? I find it hard to believe that using the force alone could defeat trained men.”
Yaga decided to answer him. “Yes, I find it difficult to believe as well, but it cannot be denied. The news is everywhere, Master Kento. It has been gravitating around the lower parts of Coruscant, whispered and brought to the topic by specific groups of sentient beings. Namely, the bounty hunters, slavers, crime syndicates, and many more, who found this incident quite intriguing. Now for this to be caught into attention by the likes of them… well… we all know that they seek the truth first and foremost, and this is quite concerning on our part when they come to believe this tragic news.”
This was all unknown to Yuuji. Perhaps the reason why he hadn't heard of this news formulating around him was because he was so preoccupied with his training. His master specifically ordered him to continuously practice his fundamentals and use of the force.
"You understand, right?" All eyes then settled on the ever-smiling Jedi—Mei Mei didn't seem the least bit unnerved by this rather disturbing news; exuding a distinct aura from that of her peers. Instead, she appears intrigued and excited by the report, which perplexes Yuuji because for certain, he cannot understand why she would be so elated given that there was mention of a casualty and a potential threat hovering over them.
“They believe it to be one of us. A fallen Jedi. We might even be held accountable for allowing a force-user to commit such heinous deeds,” She said, licking her lips as her eyes glistened with genuine delight. Her excitement about this dreary circumstance was extremely out of place and uncomfortable. "I wonder—A Sith, perhaps? Oh, how intriguing…”
The Sith…
At the mention of the Sith from the Jedi master’s lips, and did so nonchalantly, caused Yuji to hold his breath. After all, it has been at least a millennium since the Jedi had come across one. The Sith have a widely known reputation that has been engraved in old paintings and stone carvings.
They are wicked and dark beings. Improperly using the power of the force to gain immense strength and control; abusing it in the process that results in pain and suffering. Learning about the dark side has always been both fascinating and unsettling. The Sith is not something to be overlooked.
So the fact that there is, indeed, a potential threat that is larger and unanticipated than any of them could ever imagine… Well, Yuuji is not prepared for it if turns out to be true.
“Enough, Master Mei Mei. There is no Sith.” The strict tone of Yaga’s resonated through the room. “There hasn’t been one for many ages. If a Sith were to appear now, bounty hunters or crime syndicates wouldn’t even dare try to get themselves involved.” Yaga’s eyes grew sharp before his attention returned to Nanami with a heave of his shoulders, releasing his emotions to the force. It seems that this information was burdening the man in many other ways. He retained his composure pretty quickly and continued without hesitation. “The public, of course, is displeased. With this unexpected attention towards us, naturally, we must take action.”
“But what of the perpetrator? I hardly believe this is done by an amateur force-user.” Nanami crosses his arms. His Jedi robes fluttered about from his movements.
A Jedi master, who was sitting calmly at Yuuji’s left, responded. “We have thought about all of the possibilities, Master Kento. We think that this is a force-sensitive individual who knows nothing about the force, thus possessing little control in utilizing it, and had accidentally unleashed an extreme surge of power in a moment of distress. There are moments like that with the younglings, but since they are far too young and had little exposure to the force, moments of this untamed burst of power were only mild yet can inflict damage on one’s surroundings.”
“Another is related to your claim. Maybe this isn’t done by an amateur. Maybe this sentient is trained. A lost one who abused the power of the force for selfish desires. However, I wouldn’t dare correlate this with a Sith, for we all know that they are quite a cunning bunch judging from the history writings.”
“Then, there is another possibility that this is all a lie.” Yaga inserted with a frown marring his face. “This theory, I find it more plausible. There may be someone out there who has no love for the Jedi and has resulted in taking more extreme measures, perhaps in a way that can catch the galaxy’s whole attention, in an effort to put our name in peril so that the public will view us with judgment. The force is capable, yes, of attacking a whole group of sentients but only under careful, adept control and knowledge of this power. However, I am suspicious that this could be a ploy all along.”
It's challenging to identify which one is right. In a way, each point made sense. One of these, in Yuuji's opinion, might be correct. There are numerous explanations for why and how this individual could have committed such a serious offense. With or without intent.
Nevertheless, Yuuji had a bad feeling about this, as if the force were trying to let him know that they were missing something.
The padawan did not understand what the force was trying to tell him, but he trusted his masters since they were more skilled and knowledgeable than he was at making educated judgments.
Whoever this sentient is, they have undoubtedly succeeded in drawing the galaxy's attention to themselves. For now, the council only needs to ascertain the precise cause at this point.
As if Yuuji’s thoughts were read, a voice echoed throughout the chamber. “First, we have to investigate.” Yoshinobu declared, his stick thumping to the ground lightly so that all eyes were back on him. “Initially, we gave this task to Satoru due to his capabilities of the force as he is an excellent tracker who can read memories from objects using the force. However, since he is not present—” there was a slight bite to that tone— “then we will give this mission to you, Master Kento, for you are proficient and equally capable with your unparalleled skills.”
Nanami remained silent at first. Yuuji could see the contemplation even with Nanami’s blank expression, but he inclined his head after a moment to cement his acceptance of taking this responsibility. “I’ll take it then.”
Then his eyes moved to glance at the padawan next to him.
“But for the learning experience and to better hone one’s abilities, I would like to take Padawan Yuuji with me.”
Yuuji was startled; shoulders tensed and his chin raised at the utterance of his name. ‘Master did not even give me a warning!’
The boy had been standing there quietly the entire time, paying close attention to the news about the incident that had occurred, and had found it to be quite chilling to hear. So, he was rather surprised when his name was unexpectedly called.
“Gojo isn’t present, so I may as well take his student rather than leave him here and repeat his basic training, which in my case, is of rather little use to him now since I deem it appropriate for him to progress into advanced training.”
The great masters stared at Yuuji for a while, intelligent eyes studying him with unknown intent, perhaps contemplating whether or not to bring a young Jedi out there in a much more dangerous assignment, for this is a mission reserved for high-ranking Jedi alone.
Only those who are qualified, such as those who hold the title, Jedi Knight and Jedi Master, are the ones who are perfectly acceptable for the task to be performed since they have completed their training and have most likely sharpened their skills to the maximum extent.
But Yuuji, who is not one to pass up an opportunity for growth, took a step forward and cleared his throat to gather the attention of his superiors. Clearly, he wished to train with Nanami because he is… dare he say… bored out of his mind staying and doing nothing around the temple except repeating his basic training which he had long since mastered.
“I wish to come with Master Nanami if you would allow.” Yuuji vocalized, watching every single Jedi council member who had been listening and observing silently. “I know that I’m only a padawan but I do wish to gain more experience and learn from it. If I must rise to the ranks of Jedi Knight, I would like to be involved in arduous assignments for me to become stronger and a qualified Jedi in the near future.”
It seems it would be a lot harder to convince them because Yaga appears hesitant about this, at first, with nothing to say. He bore a neutral expression and even tapped his finger rhythmically on his thigh.
“Padawan, I understand that this can be an important lesson to you. A Jedi can become great from the various experiences and learnings that they have accumulated based on their surroundings. However, I feel great disturbances in the force like no other,” he eyed the other Jedi Masters, who nodded at him in agreement, and then his gaze snapped back to Yuuji. “All of us do.”
A Jedi, who was in the form of a hologram—the bluish static waving and shaking slightly—gently called out to Yuuji. “It is indeed very good to learn, young one, but this is a matter specifically handed for Jedi, like Master Kento here, who is known to be very skilled with tactics and the lightsaber. We do not know the peril that lies ahead, and only the force tells us the intensity of it.”
There is a need to fight back. The urge of wanting to go on an adventure and take flight on a ship is strong but Yuuji, with all the training of behavior and proper temperament drilled into his mind ever since he was a youngling, tried not to feel the disappointment welling up in his chest as he nodded in compliance. “I see… Very well then.”
But a warm palm touched Yuuji’s back, and he glanced beside him to see the determined expression Nanami wore.
“Masters,” Nanami was not one to give up however as he vocalized his protest, much to the padawan’s delight. “Yuuji Itadori is a capable student. He had demonstrated impressive results even when he was a youngling and a padawan-in-training and possessed great acrobatic skill in a combat field. His maneuverability, as well as his dexterity of the lightsaber, are also noteworthy, and I find them to be highly satisfactory.”
"After all, he is a pupil of Gojo Satoru, and we have all seen the continual development and rise in power of his former pupils under his tutelage. Other than that, I shall be there to help with Yuuji's training and instruct him while Gojo is away if need be. The youth's ability to learn should never be taken away from them when the chance arises.”
Yuuji tried not to bounce on his feet in ecstasy at how highly Nanami thought of him, but the compliments were more than enough to make him happy. He is elated to learn that he improved so much in his training that even Nanami, who is renowned for being incredibly difficult to please and satisfy, thought well of him.
But hesitation isn't so simple to get rid of, as seen by the expressions on Yaga and Yoshinobu's faces and by the fact that they stared at each other for a brief period; silently conversing with one another through the force.
And so, Yuuji didn't say anything; hoping and waiting that they would change their minds or be persuaded at all. It didn’t take too long before his masters came to an understanding and agreed with much reluctance.
"All right, bring Padawan Yuuji along.” Yoshinobu said with his head up and an expression of resignation on his face. "This investigation is now responsible for you both. Exercise extreme caution on this mission. The force is unsteady. I sense… a distinct difference. Remember, need not take any action but investigate unless it is necessary. Then, return when there is sufficient intel on whatever this issue is about.”
“Battles cannot be avoided but try not to engage if the enemy forces are far too overwhelming for you. However, if there is a chance to apprehend the perpetrator, do so.” Another Jedi advices gently and with great assurance. His voice implies intent as he glances specifically at Yuuji with a look of contemplation and a tinge of mirth reflected in his eyes. “We cannot be too sure if this force-sensitive individual is powerful alone, or may have had help to procure such destruction on lives. Do not forget that this sentient had slaughtered a strong army.”
Yuuji’s shoulders were stiff when the focus was solely on him but uttered without wavering. “Yes, master.”
Yaga stood up from his chair. His back straightened and his tone firm. “Another thing to discuss… We’ve recently received information from one of the Jedi masters whom we sent out to gather intel from the lower parts of the Coruscant. Though we cannot be too sure if this is a hundred percent correct, we took our chances with Master Utahime as she had obtained the exact whereabouts of our perpetrator.”
The flat tone in Nanami's voice suggests that he doesn't trust where this information might lead them. "So we found the location of this force-sensitive individual... By taking the information from sentients who may have false knowledge about it." His lips were pressed tight as though he were unsure of this information. "Master Yaga, I can't help but doubt the accuracy of this."
“Do not fret, Master Kento. Master Utahime had made sure of it herself that any intel is gathered with carefulness and awareness. Trust in the force. Either way, if any of the information turns out to be false, we’d still go and check it out anyway.”
Yuuji on his part, with deliberateness, took a small step in hopes of speaking freely without any intervention. “If I may, Master… Where is our target now?”
If Yaga's frown hadn't already gotten deeper, it now has. "On the planet Zygerria, there have been strange killings and unexplained land destruction. They assume that our target is there. Master Utahime had announced us so.”
‘Ah, why, of course.’
“Oh, great… Out of all planets and species, it has to be the Zygerrian.” At the mention of said planet, Yuji couldn’t hold his verbal complaint. Because let it be known that despite these creatures being under the rule of a powerful empire, they adhere to an atrocious and unacceptable custom that stood against Yuuji’s standard of norms.
The Zygerrians were heavily involved in capturing other sentients and selling them as slaves.
Slavers… That’s what they are.
His visible complaint was understood, of course, as this sentiment was shared by many of his peers, especially the Jedi Knights themselves. The Zygerrians had made it clear that they wanted a Jedi among the hordes of slaves they’d locked away. Yuuji himself had a fair share of bitter encounters with these slavers—on one occasion, he came dangerously close to getting himself caught and sold into slavery if it weren’t for Padawan Fushiguro, who was working alongside Yuuji on that mission, saving him from a terrible fate.
With his brows furrowed and a visibly disturbed expression, Nanami scoffed. "The Zygerrian planet? I am starting to see two possibilities. Either this planet is the ideal hiding location for this perpetrator of ours, or perhaps a hidden alliance is formed between them. The possibility that the army of Zygerrians has aided in the killings is not to be ignored, especially with that force-user around to make the news twice as believable.”
Yaga let out a thoughtful hum. “That may be, but we still do need to determine whether these rumors are true anyway. We cannot let our target run free with those crimes committed, with or without intent.”
With the Zygerrians involved, speculation after speculation was brought forth to the topic. Yuuji, meanwhile, was eager to leave the temple and begin his voyage. So, despite his contained excitement, Yuuji decided to put an end to this meeting in haste. “So, when are we leaving?"
Yaga met Yuuji’s gaze and bore a knowing look on his face. "I suppose you could start now if you wanted. But that decision rests with Master Kento.”
Thus, Yuuji cast a pleading glance up at Nanami.
With the recipient of his focus, Nanami resisted the impulse to sigh. "We may as well get this done as soon as possible.”
‘That means… Now.’ Yuuji beamed at the statement and turned to look at Master Yaga in expectation.
But Yaga only shakes his head at the sight of a delighted-looking Padawan, half amused and half concerned on behalf of this young Jedi. He then addressed everyone in the room without further ado, raising the volume of his voice to indicate that it was time to depart.
"Well then, I believe our meeting has come to a close. Please use caution when entering the territory, Master Kento and Padawan Itadori, and let us know if you require any additional help. Return when you deem fit and report your findings once it reaches its conclusion. Or even better… if the chance arises to capture this force-user, you are permitted to do so and return at once.”
He looks at the other masters with a bow on his head. “Thank you for joining this meeting. May the force be with you all.”
~~~
"Master Nanami…” Yuuji started. “Should we really resort to taking severe sorts of action that might go against the Jedi code if our target, whether they are an enemy or not, is someone unexpected?"
The moment they were dismissed, Nanami and Yuji decided to begin their mission straight away. The two Jedi had already finished packing up their necessities, settled their personal business, checked their utilities within the temple, and had now begun turning on all the engines of their ship to leave. While within the cockpit, they finished pressing the required buttons and controls, and soon, their ship slowly ascended.
“What do you mean?”
“I-I mean, like what Master Mei Mei said… About the Sith…?”
Nanami's expression was replaced by one of comprehension. "You do not need to mull over her words, Yuuji. For the past thousand years, to be precise, the Jedi had not come across a Sith. So rest assured that Master Mei Mei's statements did nothing more than increase your stress. It is better to let your fear go.”
Yuuji was silent for a while before saying. “Oh… Is that so…”
Ever since he took part in the meeting with the council members, the force had been in distress.
Yuuji is certain that Nanami can sense it as well. He believes that the only way to find peace with the force is to solve this issue once and for all. It is a sensation unlike any other. In the end, Yuuji is aware of how large this can be and that the problem direly needs to be solved. Regardless of how this investigation goes, Yuji has a bad feeling about it.
It will take a short while to reach Zygerria.
‘After all this, I guess I deserve a nap,' Yuuji thought as he awaited Nanami's signal to proceed into hyperdrive. However, he didn't have to wait long because his Master gave him the go-ahead, which Yuuji was glad to do.
Blue and white spots greeted his eyes, and then, they were traveling at the speed of light.
~~~
Yuuji was standing in the middle of a humongous room.
Everything that surrounds him are filled with lavishness and it was dimly lighted.
He noticed that he was encompassed with warm bodies and the sound of chattering.
There are Zygerrians, Twi'lek, Hutt, and many more sentients present in the same area, all dressed expensively and every single one of them is wearing a unique mask to cover their faces.
They are dancing. Couples twirl around and sway to the music.
The edges of Yuuji's field of vision are slightly obscured. He must be donning a mask as well.
A ballroom… A party… A masquerade ball?
Suddenly, everything blurred.
All at once. He saw Master Nanami, a Zygerrian guard, and he noticed the way his clothes felt tight, then saw masks everywhere, being surrounded with wealth and luxury, and the sight of his lightsaber secured in his hip.
And then…
Everything slowed.
An unidentified sensation surged within Yuji, like a gentle caress, touching and wrapping his form. The sudden tension in the air is heavy. It felt electric. Heady, intense, and quite euphoric. He felt the hairs on his skin stand up or even the way his skin crawled from such an intoxicating atmosphere. The unfathomable miasma is thick, and he feels like he is drunk from temptation and desire. The feelings are pleasant but unwelcomed.
A blur.
A human. A man with his mask. This man… Are those…? Are those… tattoos on his arms?
Voices and music are loud in his ears. Yuji wanted to cover them but couldn’t.
The tattooed man approached Yuuji. Closer and nearer. Time seemed to progress suddenly, and the next thing Yuuji knew, he was standing face-to-face with this stranger.
This close, Yuji could see the man’s tattoos on his arms that stretched even on his face. The rest of the markings were concealed behind the mask that simply covered his eyes.
The man was grinning yet his face was a blur. But why?
Electric. Intense.
Intoxicating. Invigorating.
And this man’s presence is so… so dark.
Yuji glanced up. Their bodies almost touching… And then—
A flash of yellow, wicked eyes.
Yuuji woke up with a sharp inhale. His heart thundered and his skin broke into sweat. He sat up in his small bed, rubbing his eyes frantically from the weird dream he had.
‘A dream? No… that can’t be. It’s too different to be a dream.’
He vividly remembered Master Satoru talking about it once but the man barely made the topic into a full lecture, only bringing it to light for a few seconds, before blabbering on to something else he finds fascinating. But Yuuji knew what it was called… Force Visions. They were very rare to occur, according to Master Satoru.
To think that Yuji has one… ‘What does that mean?’
He wondered about the peculiar electrifying sensation that sent shivers down his spine. He recalls seeing a crowd and fancy clothing all around him. Then... And then... A man? Who was that?
There was something about the man with tattoos that covered his body. Yuuji couldn’t point a finger at it. The man was grinning almost maliciously but his face was shrouded with a blur, like a cloud covering his face, preventing Yuuji from really seeing.
Everything is hidden except his grin and his… yellow eyes.
A humanoid with yellow eyes. That is a bit strange.
‘Yellow eyes? Have I heard of that before?’
Yuuji assumed that this individual was the perpetrator. The one who had tragically taken numerous lives. Is this really the force user? He doesn’t look all that dangerous.’ The thought of the man grinning wickedly flashed in his mind. ‘Or maybe, he does.’
With all the sleepiness gone, Yuuji let out a groan and a sigh. “I should probably inform Master of this.”