7 of 15 - Sheev Palpatine

Young Sheev Palpatine was rescued from his abusive family by Jedi Master Yoda, who had sensed the young boy’s potential; although not many (if any) Jedi came from Naboo, this one was an exception. The Jedi Order ultimately agreed for Palpatine to be trained under the watchful eye of Yoda; this suited both master and apprentice, for they shared a great thirst for knowledge. Furthermore, it was hoped that Yoda would help young Palpatine achieve inner peace, as nobody knew what kind of scars were already made by his family. Young Palpatine’s main combat style was Juyo (ironically what it was in regular continuity), though he mastered the other forms as well; He even learned the controversial ‘electric judgement’ technique from Plo Koon after gaining the rank of a knight, but swore to never use it.

Ultimately, Palpatine became one of the greatest members of the Jedi Order, surpassing several masters who came after him. In fact, many suggested he should be the next grandmaster of the order, though Palpatine always scoffed at the idea even after being given a council seat.

The arrival of Anakin Skywalker to the Jedi Order divided the council; Palpatine was actually one of the few who supported the boy’s training, even saying that he would be willing to train him until Obi-Wan Kenobi had gained the rank of a knight. Of course, this proposition was turned down, as having multiple masters wasn’t usually done. Although Palpatine was saddened to see Qui-Gon die, he was pleased to learn that Anakin would be trained. Over the years, Anakin found himself looking up to Palpatine, even admitting at times he wished he was the older man’s apprentice.

Then came the Battle of Geonosis, where it was revealed that Dooku was now a Sith Lord. This saddened Palpatine, as the two of them had worked together many times in the past. In fact, Dooku would’ve been chosen as Palpatine’s master had Yoda not taken the task himself. Many of Palpatine’s allies fell in the battle, but the Jedi ultimately prevailed in the end. Then there was the confrontation of Dooku. While Yoda tended to the injured Anakin and Obi-Wan, Palpatine continued the fight with Dooku; ultimately, Palpatine’s mastery of Juyo easily overpowered the former Jedi Master’s preferred style of Makashi.

Dooku was taken into custody and ultimately interrogated by the council. It was during said interrogation that Palpatine learned the name of the Sith Lord who had orchestrated all the events in the last ten years. It became clear to Palpatine that this Sith Lord was his equal (if not better) in force power and intellect, which meant it would take an incredible effort to end the Sith Master.

The Sith Lord’s name was Darth Plagueis.