The Impact of Obi-Wan's Departure: A Hypothetical Scenario

In the Star Wars universe, the departure of Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Jedi Order could have profound effects on the balance of the Force. This article delves into a thought experiment where Obi-Wan chooses to leave the Order, discussing how this decision might play out and impact General Grievous and Anakin Skywalker.

Obi-Wan's Departure and Its Consequences

Obi-Wan Kenobi was a member of the Jedi Order, fiercely dedicated to the principles and protocols of the Jedi way. However, what would have happened if he decided to leave the Order, especially during critical times when he was on Mandalore helping Satine Kryze?

According to canon, Obi-Wan once expressed his willingness to leave the Order if Satine asked him to. This scenario raises the question of whether he would have addressed the complex issues he faced on Mandalore. If he did decide to leave, the immediate consequences would be far-reaching.

Effect on Anakin Skywalker

One of the key impacts of Obi-Wan's departure would be the training of Anakin Skywalker. Qui-Gon Jinn had initially considered training Anakin, but the Jedi Council's decision not to do so left Anakin untrained and on Tatooine as a slave. However, with Obi-Wan leaving, Anakin would likely follow him, continuing his journey as Obi-Wan's padawan.

This hypothetical scenario also raises an interesting point: without the Jedi Council's interference, and by extension, the influence of Darth Sidious (Palpatine), Anakin's path to the Dark Side might have been different. If Obi-Wan had continued to mentor Anakin, he might have become a more balanced and powerful Jedi, thus averting the rise of Darth Vader.

Impact on General Grievous and the Clone Wars

Another critical factor is the outcome of the Clone Wars and the conflict with General Grievous. Without the guidance and skills of Obi-Wan, other Jedi may have been better suited to handle Grievous. For example, Mace Windu, Yoda, and Plo-Koon were known for their exceptional skills in lightsaber combat. If Obi-Wan had left, Grievous would likely have been defeated by one of these more experienced Jedi.

Why Obi-Wan Didn't Leave

Obi-Wan's decision not to leave was influenced by his strong sense of duty to the Order, the Jedi Council, and his master. He was a traditionalist and deeply committed to the Jedi way. Another crucial aspect was his unspoken promise to his master to ensure Anakin's training. Obi-Wan believed in the importance of completing a padawan's training before leaving the Order. This structured approach underscores his character and the values he held dear.

Given these considerations, Obi-Wan's departure would have significantly altered the course of events in the Star Wars saga, impacting the balance of power not only on the battlefields of the Clone Wars but also in the broader narrative of the Force.

Whether this scenario could have prevented the rise of Darth Vader or left Grievous unchallenged to continue his conquests remains a subject of curiosity and speculation. Nonetheless, it highlights the importance of numeracy, discipline, and duty in the structure of the Jedi Order and its role in the galaxy.