What If Uncle Iroh Trained Anakin Skywalker? Let’s
explore the depths of this scenario in the video. Yoda sits peacefully atop the ruins of an ancient
temple, practicing his breathing exercises until he sees a figure approaching. An old man
appears from the rocks, holding a pai sho board. General Iroh smiles and sets it down. Yoda picks up a White Lotus tile and
places it down at the center of the table. Yoda: I see you favor the White Lotus Gambit.
Not many still cling to the ancient ways. Iroh: Welcome brother, the White Lotus
opens wide to those who know her secrets. As they finish the exchange, the two friends
smile and embrace. They begin playing their game, but Iroh senses something is off with
Yoda and clears his throat between moves. Iroh: Something tells me that there
is more on your mind than this game. Yoda: Troubled, I am. Though your world is at
peace, much turmoil there is in the galaxy. More complicated things have become
since Qui-Gon returned with this boy. Iroh: Boy? Yoda explains how Qui-Gon Jinn found a
boy on Tatooine who he believes is the Chosen One. But he is reckless
and too old to be a youngling. If it's true, he needs to learn more
than just using the Force or handling a lightsaber. Anakin requires
spiritual nourishment and wisdom. Yoda: A master, this boy needs. One thing it
was when Qui-Gon was alive, but without him... Iroh: You want me to train him. Yoda:reminds me of zuko, he does. Ashamed I am
to ask you this but troubled this galaxy is. Iroh sits back in his chair and sighs.
The Hundred Year War had just ended, and he hopes to live out his days in
the Jasmine Dragon. But as he looks at the worry in his friend's eyes, he understands
that Yoda would not make this request lightly. Slowly, Iroh reaches out and grips his friend's
shoulder, promising him that he will help. Together, the two begin planning Anakin’s
training. Anakin will be trained by Obi-Wan, but Iroh will be a spiritual guide for him. This creates a healthier balance for
him. Obi-Wan is stern, sarcastic, and traditional, pushing Anakin hard to
surpass both him and his master. This means drilling Anakin relentlessly in
both the Force and lightsaber combat. In contrast, Iroh takes a more patient and
casual approach with Anakin. While obiwan puts Anakin through physical training, they usually
meditate or learn about chi and spirituality. Iroh explains that he comes from a world with
an unusual relationship with the Force where most Force-sensitive individuals harness
the Living Force through the elements. He teaches Anakin that while most people can
only harness one element, learning should not be limited to one area. The same is true with
using the Light and Dark Side of the Force. Anakin: Are you saying I
should harness the dark side? Iroh: Not quite. I’m saying there is something
to gain by understanding it. Your emotions will always be there, even the less pleasant ones.
Only by facing them can you truly conquer them. Iroh channels lightning and launches it
across the sky to prove his point. Though he pants heavily, he appears
untouched by the dark side. Watching this, Anakin develops a deep respect
for his master. In many ways, it helps validate Anakin’s feelings, allowing him to feel
comfortable expressing himself, at least to Iroh. While Obi-Wan might be his older brother figure,
Iroh behaves more like a surrogate father to him. This plays an important role as Anakin's
next mission is to protect Padme, an old friend. As they spend more time
together, the two begin to develop feelings for each other. Although Obi-Wan remains
adamant about focusing on the mission, Anakin feels comfortable enough
to confide in Iroh about it. To his surprise, the general is
supportive of Anakin’s feelings. Iroh: Perfection and power are overrated. I think
you are very wise to choose happiness and love. Anakin: Y-you really believe so? Iroh: I am no Jedi so I am not familiar
with the dogma they follow, but I do know that joy is something rare in the galaxy and
one should never be shamed for pursuing it. Anakin: But what about my duty? What
about my role in bringing balance? Iroh: Are you dedicated to this mission? Anakin: I am. Iroh: Then you will find a way. Iroh: I don’t know the answer. Sometimes life
is like this dark tunnel. You can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel. But if you
keep on moving, you will come to a better place. The two of them embrace and Anakin secretly
marries Padme with Iroh as a witness. Although he feels attached to Padme, his talk with
Iroh resolves him to carry out his mission, and none too soon, as shortly
after, the Clone Wars begin . Although not a Jedi, Iroh still offers his
help as a strategist and leader. He proves to be a brilliant general. His strategies
and connections to the White Lotus helps him lead Republic armies across several
worlds. When he does enter the battlefield, Iroh’s fire bending is unmatched by anyone. Seeing his master's success, Anakin
takes Iroh’s wisdom to heart, fighting with everything he has and protecting
the innocent. With Obi-Wan’s training in combat, Anakin develops immense lightsaber and Force
skills. He also goes into the war feeling more well-adjusted and at peace, making
him much better in channeling the Force. When he isn’t leading troops from the
front, Anakin spends his time learning about the Force as Iroh taught him, studying
the Sith texts to understand the dark side. This rise also catches Palpatine’s attention, who
believes Anakin would make an ideal apprentice. He approaches him several times to try
and turn him, but Anakin is resistant. Palpatine believes this is because of Iroh, who remains a positive influence. He
decides to change tactics and remove Iroh. He slowly leaks information about Iroh’s
teachings to the Jedi Council. Palpatine makes it seem as though Iroh is encouraging
attachment and learning about the Dark Side. He plays up the fact that Iroh is not a
Jedi to more radical members of the Order. Although Yoda tries to defend him, many Jedi believe that Iroh is gaining too much
influence over Anakin and places Iroh on trial. Anakin: You can’t do this! General Iroh is
my master. I’ve learned so much under him! Ki Adi Mundi: That is precisely the
problem, Skywalker. While certainly wise, the general is not one of us. Teaching you
meditation and spirituality is one thing, but to teach you about the Force
is something outside his expertise. Mace: We believe the general has overstepped in his teachings and it's best
if we evaluate such things. Anakin: And where has he overstepped? Mace: Open your eyes, young one. He has you
learning forbidden texts and teaches you to think against our code. If you are concerned
with training, Obi-Wan will be glad to teach you. Iroh: I will not deny the things
I’ve said. I simply ask that the council consider whether such things
are as damaging as they believe. He says he will accept whatever
punishment the council decides. They initially suggest sending him
back to his home planet in disgrace, but Palpatine suddenly swoops
in and suggests an alternative. Although he believes that Iroh
and Anakin should be separated, he advises the council to show mercy. He says
that Iroh was simply doing what he thought was best and is still a highly effective general.
Rather than send him away, he suggests sending Iroh to fight in the Battle of Jabiim, one of
the most intense battles of the Clone Wars. The council agrees to this, falling right
into Palpatine’s plan. In one move, he removes General Iroh from the equation while sowing
distrust between Anakin and the Jedi Council. Anakin continues to achieve success, but
his faith in the Jedi Order is shaken. As far as he’s concerned, the council
is blinded by their hubris and code. Palpatine only sows further doubt by reminding
him of how the council failed to free his mother, inadvertently leading to her death, and later
how they caused Ahsoka to leave the Jedi Order. Anikan spends most of his time on the front
lines, away from the temple and the Order, focusing instead on leading troops. This
also causes Anakin to become more detached, thinking only of battles while neglecting
the spirituality that Iroh tried to nurture. Palpatine reinforces this by sending him
doubts and visions each time Anakin tries to meditate. Instead of being an opportunity
to heal, meditation becomes a reminder of what Anakin lost. Even his friendship with
Obi-Wan becomes strained after this incident. All of this leads Anakin to fall right
into Palpatine’s hands. The chancellor becomes his support system, talking to him
and providing advice that Iroh used to give. Their meetings continue until the
Battle of Coruscant, where Anakin is asked to spy on the chancellor. With
the two spending so much time together, Palpatine has the opportunity to
hint at his access to dark powers. Anakin: How do you know so
much about the dark side? Palpatine: It's like your master says.
To learn only one side of the Force is to blind yourself to the other. I’ve found that
studying this has helped me with my career. Despite the signs, Anakin is all too willing
to embrace the darkness that Palpatine offers. As far as he’s concerned, he owes the Jedi
nothing. Over time, the two continue to talk, with Palpatine’s influence growing over Anakin. One person who notices this is Yoda, who
decides to use his contacts in the White Lotus to keep an eye on them and contact Iroh.
These contacts keep a close eye on Palpatine, listening to his conversations. While the
Chancellor is careful to keep these private, the spies hear snippets of him trying
to turn Anakin against the Jedi. Iroh promises to keep an eye on things and gather
some help. It comes at the right time as Anakin agrees to join Palpatine and even kills Mace
Windu. Although impressed, Palpatine senses something wrong and orders Anakin to Mustafar
while the clones finish with the Jedi Temple. The 501st, led by Commander
Appo, storms the temple, cutting down any Jedi who get in
their way. However, as they advance, a roar echoes through the night as a
shape flies above them. A flying bison lands right in the courtyard. His tail snaps
down and sends a shockwave across the clones. From the bison, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Zuko, Toph, and Iroh all leap out and join the
fight. The clones turn to fire on them, but the ground itself rocks underneath them,
allowing Team Avatar to smash through them. Their bending abilities are unlike
anything the clones have ever seen, throwing them aside with ease.
Iroh runs up and contacts Padme, who reveals that Anakin is heading
to Mustafar to slay the CIS council. Iroh hurries after him while Aang and the
others finish off the clones in the temple. In the intense heat of Mustafar, a fierce
duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi is taking place. The two former friends clash with
lightsabers in a furious battle of strength and will. They have been battling all across the
molten planet, leaping through the lava rivers, riding on mining droids, and fighting
in the council chambers of the CIS. However, the battle has shifted in Anakin’s
favor. After years of training with Iroh, he’s much more powerful than Obi-Wan imagined.
With a sudden, overwhelming surge of the Force, Anakin disarms Obi-Wan, sending his
blue lightsaber clattering to the ground. Anakin stands over his fallen
mentor, his eyes burning with hatred. Anakin Skywalker: This is
the end for you, my master. He brings his lightsaber down
and impales Obi-Wan’s heart. A scream from the distance echoes
across the world as Iroh appears. Iroh: Anakin, what have you done? Anakin: I’ve found joy and love as you told me. Iroh: I didn’t tell you to bring misery
to the galaxy! Look at all you’ve done, everyone you’ve betrayed. This path
will only lead to more suffering. Let go of your anger. It's not too late to turn back. Anakin snarls and attacks, swinging his
lightsaber with a ferocious intensity. Iroh deftly evades the strikes, leaping
out of range. He raises his hands, manipulating the lava around them
to form a protective barrier. Anakin lunges again, but Iroh uses the lava
to shield himself and create obstacles. The molten rock obeys his command, forming walls
and pillars that hinder Anakin's advance. Uncle Iroh: Think of Padmé. Think
of the future you wanted together. This is not the way to achieve it. Anakin Skywalker: You're wrong! The dark side
is the only way to save her! It is my destiny! Iroh: Is it your own destiny, or is it a
destiny someone else has tried to force on you? Anakin: Stop it, master. I have to do this! Iroh: It's time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions.
Who are you, and what do you want? Anakin's resolve wavers. Iroh takes
a step closer, extending a hand. Iroh: Come with me, Anakin. Let's
find a better path together. For a moment, it seems Anakin might relent.
But the fear and anger within him surge once more. He raises his lightsaber for
another attack but doesn't move. Iroh: whispering Please, Anakin. Anakin's lightsaber trembles in his
hand. With a final, anguished cry, Anakin collapses to his knees, his
lightsaber slipping from his grasp. He falls to his knees and stares up at his master. Anakin: M-master. Please forgive me, I’m so ashamed of what I did. I don’t
know how I can make it up to the Jedi. To his surprise, Iroh pulls him
close and begins embracing him. Iroh: I was never angry with you. I never
believed you had forgotten the man you were. Anakin: I did lose my way. Iroh: But you found it again.
And you did it by yourself. Palpatine: Anakin, you have disappointed me. Anakin and Iroh turn to see Palpatine standing on
a nearby platform, his face twisted in disdain. Palpatine: I gave you everything, and you
choose to betray me for this... old fool? Anakin’s lightsaber ignites
once more, but this time. Anakin Skywalker: I won’t be your pawn any longer. Palpatine raises his hands, unleashing a
torrent of Force lightning towards Anakin and Iroh. Iroh swiftly bends the lava around them,
creating a shield that absorbs the lightning. Iroh: Together, Anakin. We can do this. Iroh shoves the lava forward at Palpatine who
blows it aside with the Force. The Emperor draws his red lightsaber. Anakin uses his
superior agility, leaping from Palpatine’s attacks while Iroh uses his bending skills to
hurl rocks and streams of lava at Palpatine. Despite their superior abilities, Palaptine
is no slouch and defends against their attacks before unleashing a burst of energy that
sends them back. As the two stumble from the force of the blow, Palpatine rushes
at them and throws a burst of attacks. However, Iroh and Anakin fight
with perfect coordination, backing each other up each time Palpatine
gets close to landing a blow. Soon, Palpatine begins giving ground to
them as they advance towards him. Anakin’s lightsaber clashes with Palpatine’s
while Iroh channels the heat from the lava, sending waves of intense flames
toward the Emperor. Palpatine’s strength begins waning under the assault. Iroh and Anakin press their advantage.
Iroh manipulates a column of lava to rise beneath Palpatine, throwing him off
balance. Anakin seizes the moment and with one final attack, Anakin’s lightsaber
pierces through Palpatine’s chest as Iroh bends the lava around them,
encasing the Emperor in a searing prison. Palpatine’s screams of agony echo
through the inferno before falling silent. With the emperor gone and the attack on the temple halted the Republic is restored while the
clone's inhibitor chips are deactivated. Amidst the fallout of the Clone Wars, Anakin
decides to leave the Jedi Order, opting to raise his family instead. He journeys to Ba Sing Se with
Iroh and settles down in his teashop with him. One year later, they returned to
the Jedi temple where a memorial was erected to honor those who fell
in the Jedi purge. The two stand in front of Obi-Wan’s image and begin placing
flowers and a tea set as they begin to sing. Iroh: Leaves from the vine. Falling
so slow. Like fragile tiny shells. Drifting in the foam. Little
soldier boy. Come marching home. That's our theory. The Star Wars universe
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