**Chapter 395: New Power, Old Shadows**
**Scene 1 – Obi-Wan Kenobi's POV**
Obi-Wan Kenobi stood on a high balcony overlooking one of the Jedi Temple's secluded training courtyards, arms crossed, a long-suffering sigh escaping his lips.
*Why me?*
Two weeks had passed since the Naboo incident. Dagon Marek had emerged from his coma with a staggering surge in power — the kind of raw, balanced strength that made even seasoned Masters uneasy. The younglings had already started calling him "Star Killer" in hushed, awed tones. Obi-Wan found the nickname both fitting and deeply concerning.
It would be one thing if Dagon's new abilities felt purely of the light. But they didn't.
A brilliant flash of blue erupted in the sky above the courtyard. The air crackled with ozone and raw Force energy as Dagon practiced yet another technique.
"Kenobi, watch this — Rasengan!" Dagon shouted, voice full of unrestrained joy.
A spinning sphere of crackling blue energy formed in his palm — Force energy intertwined with controlled Sith lightning, compressed into a violently rotating orb. Dagon hurled it forward. The ball slammed into a reinforced training pylon with a deafening boom, sending a visible shockwave rippling outward and shattering several nearby practice dummies into splinters.
Obi-Wan rubbed his temples. "Dagon, you might want to tune it down a bit. Your new powers are a little… loud."
Dagon grinned, sweat glistening on his brow, but his eyes were bright with excitement. "Sorry, Kenobi. It's just — this feels *right*. Like the Force is finally listening the way it should."
He demonstrated the three steps again for Obi-Wan's benefit, speaking quickly.
"Rasengan is a Force technique that takes form as a spinning ball of Force energy and Sith lightning. I divided it into three steps. First — Rotation." Dagon formed a smaller orb, spinning the lightning in multiple directions at once. "The user learns to spin the lightning in multiple directions at the same time."
"Second — Power." The orb grew denser, compressed by a shimmering Force bubble. "The user increases the volume and density of lightning by compressing it with a Force bubble they output."
"Third — Containment." The sphere stabilized into a perfect, violently humming ball. "The user must combine the first two steps into a contained sphere."
Dagon let the Rasengan dissipate harmlessly. "It's not purely dark side. It's balanced. The rotation and containment keep the lightning from spiraling out of control."
Obi-Wan watched the last sparks fade. "It's impressive, Dagon. Truly. But the Council is… concerned. Some see Sith techniques. Others see a power that could easily slip into darkness if not controlled."
Dagon's expression sobered. "I know. But after Naboo… after feeling the Blue Shadow trying to consume everything… I had to push further. The galaxy needs us to be stronger than the threats we face."
Obi-Wan nodded slowly. "Just promise me you won't lose yourself in that strength. The line between hero and monster is thinner than most realize."
Dagon offered a small, genuine smile. "I won't. I have too many people counting on me — including you, old friend."
**Scene 2 – Jedi Council Chamber, Coruscant**
The Council chamber was unusually tense.
Yoda sat in his seat, ears twitching as he listened to the ongoing discussion. The blue holograms of the Masters flickered with varying degrees of concern and disbelief.
"Interesting development this has become," Yoda said thoughtfully, tapping his gimer stick once.
"Indeed," Mace Windu replied, voice grim. "Dagon is now arguably the most powerful Jedi in history. There might even be a chance he is the mysterious Sith Lord we have been looking for."
Oppo Rancisis let out a low chuckle. "If that were true, we would be completely humiliated."
Evan Piell snorted. "Nevertheless," Adi Gallia spoke up, "what should we do about General — or High General, or 'Star Killer' as the younglings now call him?"
"Not much, I think," Plo Koon said calmly. "He earned his powers by saving billions on Naboo and the galaxy by eradicating the Blue Shadow Virus and saving those affected."
Yoda nodded slowly. "Hmm. Granted his request for the liberation of Ryloth under his command in two weeks it will take place. Master Obi-Wan and Knight Skywalker will join him. In the meantime, granted his request to journey to Malachor V again to reunite Darth Nox and Ashara for the Order."
Mace Windu leaned forward. "Master Yoda, are you certain? Trusting Dagon with such a sensitive matter—"
"Trust Dagon, I do," Yoda interrupted gently. "Knows right from wrong, as the Jedi of legend he does. And if possible, Ashara might help us with our problems too."
A collective, reluctant nod went around the chamber. The decision was made.