Guardians of the Whills: The Manga

Guardians of the Whills: The Manga is a trade paperback manga adaptation of the junior novel of the same name. It was published in the United States on August 10, 2021. The manga was adapted by Jon Tsuei from Greg Rucka's novel and features art by Subaru.
==Publisher's summary==
The manga adaptation of the novel Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills, by Greg Rucka, revisits fan-favorite characters Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe before they joined the Rebellion in the blockbuster film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
The Force is with me, and I am one with the Force.
– Chirrut Îmwe
Presiding over the Kyber Temple on Jedha, the Guardians of the Whills, Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe, had hoped to maintain a peaceful balance despite the growing presence of the Empire in their Holy City. Yet they struggle to stay true to the Force as stormtroopers threaten to take over. When a rebel named Saw Gerrera appears offering them a chance to help Jedha, Baze and Chirrut must decide if they're willing to compromise for peace, or if Saw's plan is too dangerous to risk?
Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills introduces Baze and Chirrut before they meet the Rebellion members who turn the tide in the fight against the Empire in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Writer Jon Tsuei and manga artist Subaru bring the origin story of this fan favorite duo to life in a new manga adaptation based on the novel by Greg Rucka.
==Plot summary==
===Meeting with the duo===
Chirrut Îmwe is collecting alms in the streets of Jedha City when he is visited by Silvanie Phest who seeks his help in dealing with a difficult man who is frightening pilgrims at the Temple of the Kyber. Phest fears that the man will bring danger and stormtroopers upon them. When Îmwe asks who is the man, Phest explains that the man claims he is a Jedi, which Baze Malbus doubts. Phest fears that the man's presence threatens what little the Disciples of the Whills can provide to the needy who come to their Temple for food and water. Taking charge of the situation, Îmwe says that he and Malbus will come with them. Malbus is reluctant but Îmwe manages to convince him to change his mind. 
While walking through the streets of Jedha City, Îmwe says that he misses the once-fragrant smells of the old market. Malbus responds that he misses what Jedha used to be before the Galactic Empire arrived. Phest says that they all miss what their home used to be but asks what can be done. Malbus says he doesn't know but adds that he is sick of the suffering of the people of Jedha, who are starving because the Imperials take the food for themselves. The population also experiences water scarcity and air pollution caused by the mining of kyber crystals. Phest laments that the Empire has closed the Temple of the Kyber and other holy sites, preventing them from exercising their rights to worship. Îmwe responds that they can all worship but have to change their habits. He believes that the Force can show them a path and that they just need to have faith, causing Malbus to ponder.
===Exchange with Wernad===
While stormtroopers respond to an explosion in the Khubai Shanty caused by insurgents, Îmwe along with Malbus and the others head back to the Old Shadows. During the journey, Îmwe and Malbus encounter the Trandoshan Wernad, the supposed Jedi who claims that the Force is with him and incites violence against the Empire. Wernad attempts to recruit the Guardians to his cause but Îmwe attempts to reason with him. After touching his forehead, Îmwe senses through the Force that Wernad is angry and wants to hurt the Empire for the hurt they had caused his family.
When Îmwe points out that resorting to violence harms the innocent, Wernad responds that the Empire is killing them. Through the Force, Îmwe learns that the Empire forced him and his clutchmates to work in the mines. Wernad's family perished in the mines, leaving him as the sole survivor. Wernad vows vengeance against the Empire but Îmwe repeatedly reminds him not to harm the innocent. Following an argument, Îmwe tells Wernad to sit but the Trandoshan says that he has something to do and leaves. Îmwe responds that the Guardians are doing something by keeping the faith.
===Home sweet home===
At home, Malbus washes his face in a basin while Îmwe meditates in the Force. Malbus regards Îmwe's religious devotion with disdain. Malbus tells Îmwe that the explosion was an insurgent attack and that the stormtroopers who responded made things worse. Îmwe says he has already heard that conversation and tells Malbus that there is tarine tea in the middle drawer. Malbus grumbles that Îmwe's home only has tarine tea, which he hates. When Îmwe responds that others are less fortunate, Malbus does not share his contentment. When Îmwe disagrees, an annoyed Malbus slams the kettle.
Later, Îmwe advises Malbus to rest before they leave in the next two hours. When Malbus expresses agreement with Wernad, Îmwe suggests that he was the wrong man to do it. When Malbus questions whether Îmwe is deciding who should fight, Îmwe states that this is not the case and that it is not his responsibility to watch over him. Malbus says he agrees with Wernad's rage against the Empire for destroying the homes of the people of Jedha. For once, Îmwe agrees with Malbus.
===The night heist===
Later that night, Îmwe and Malbus wait in a spaceport landing bay for an approaching Imperial Sentinel-class landing craft. The two men plan to steal its cargo. Though Îmwe insists that the arriving shuttle is their target, Malbus warns that it could be the wrong one and that it may be carrying stormtroopers. Sensing Îmwe's impatience, Malbus remarks that he could learn to practise what he preaches. Îmwe insists that the ship is the right one. When Malbus experiences annoyance with Îmwe, the blind Guardian responds that they still have enough time. Malbus doubts Îmwe's ability to handle the stormtroopers but Îmwe is confident he can manage the situation on his own.
The blind Îmwe blocks the path of an approaching landspeeder carrying stormtroopers. The stormtroopers stop their vehicle, believing Îmwe to be a blind vagrant. When the stormtroopers order him to move, Îmwe drops his staff. With the stormtroopers distracted, Malbus opens fire on the stormtroopers. Îmwe then retrieves his staff and takes out several stormtroopers. After subduing the stormtroopers, Îmwe volunteers to drive but Malbus declines the offer. 
Using the landspeeder, the two men take the stolen cargo to a local insurgent named Denic, who tells them to be quiet to avoid arousing Imperial attention. Malbus reassures her that they will be quiet as soon as they get their share of the cargo. Denic reminds them of their arrangement: that she gets the guns while they keep the food and medicine. She also warns them that the Empire will be searching for the stolen goods tomorrow. Îmwe says that he hopes that the Force will be with them all.
===The orphanage===
At the Gimm sisters' orphanage, Îmwe and Malbus share the food and medicine with Killi Gimm and her sister Kaya, who looks after the orphans. A grateful Killi serves the two men tarine tea. While Kaya gives the children a geography lesson, Îmwe asks about the children's wellbeing. Killi coughs, causing Malbus to express concern. Killi apologizes, stating that she doesn't like wearing her breathing mask indoors since it reminds the children of the stormtroopers. She adds that they can agree that the children have been frightened enough by the recent events on Jedha. Îmwe observes that the sense of fear and Killi's troubled breathing has gotten worse.
When Killi remarks that her cough is bad and good on some days, Îmwe asks how she is faring. Killi tells Îmwe not to make her laugh since it could make her cough again. The two reaffirm their belief in the Force but Killi admits she has trouble discerning the will of the Force. Îmwe compliments Killi's ability to understand the will of the Force, saying that disciples are always the better listeners. Killi remarks that guardians are the better observers, achieving balance. When Malbus serves more tea, Killi declines the offer, seeking to minimize the effect of the dust. 
Îmwe tells Killi that the stolen Imperial medical supplies included several doses of respitic, which he believes will help her cough. Killi thanks Îmwe, saying that Kaya is already giving it to the children. Malbus advises her to save some respitic for herself. Killi replies that the children are more important but Malbus insists there is enough. Killi warns that they have to deal with more orphaned children each week and declining rations. Thus, she decides to go without respitic in order to meet the needs of the children in her care. When Malbus quips that Killi sounds like Îmwe, Killi replies that Îmwe learnt self sacrifice from her. 
While Îmwe concedes that stealing supplies to support the orphans is not perfect, he thinks that it is the only solution for now. Kaya tells the children that SeeZee is going to take them for recess. When Kaya asks Îmwe and Malbus if they had any trouble with the Imperials, Malbus tries to brush it off. Îmwe asks Kaya how long their supplies will last, prompting Kaya to estimate that they will last maybe 2.5 weeks. Malbus promises to bring more supplies before then. 
When Kaya worries about how the Empire will respond to their raids, Malbus admits that the Empire will always try to punish someone. Îmwe expresses concern that the Empire views their supply raids as theft. Malbus responds that the Empire created the problem of thievery on Jedha and that they should fix their own mess. When Kaya remarks that the Empire will eventually realize what is going on, Malbus asks if she wishes to stop them. Killi and Kaya respond that they appreciate their help but are concerned about the repercussions of their raids against the Empire. Malbus replies that their options are limited, prompting Killi to say that they are trapped in a cycle of poverty and suffering for as long as the Empire occupies Jedha. Îmwe says they should break that cycle. Kill agrees but says that they should break it before it breaks them.
===Finding a new blaster===
Later, while walking through the streets of Jedha City, Malbus tells Îmwe that he needs a blaster. Îmwe disagrees and opines that Malbus can still use his old one. Malbus disagrees, saying that his old weapon is a Guardian's weapon and that he is no longer a weapon. Îmwe thinks that Malbus is being stubborn. Malbus replies that he prefers to use a reliable blaster than a Guardian's lightbow. When Îmwe still doesn't see anything wrong with Malbus' weapon, Malbus replies that he is lucky that he is still his friend. Despite their disagreements, the two men agree that they can toelrate each other as friends. 
Îmwe and Malbus soon realize that they are being followed by a Twi'lek and Sabat. Malbus realizes that their pursuers are not thieves and retreat through the narrow streets in an effort to lose their pursuers. The two men soon encounter a stormtrooper hunting party and an Imperial combat tank. Îmwe is able to flee into a narrow alley but Malbus is spotted by two stormtroopers. Before they can detain him, Malbus flees through the narrow streets and hides in an alley.
Malbus visits Denic, who is initially reluctant to let him in. Though Denic has given most of the stolen weapons to her resistance contacts, she reluctantly tells Malbus that she still has a Morellian 35c repeater blaster. Though Denic thinks that the repeater blaster is not suitable as a personal weapon, Malbus insists on obtaining it and asks Denic to outfit the weapon with a coolant tank and harness. Denic agrees to Malbus' request in return for securing his help in unpacking the weapons including a blaster used for crowd control purposes.
===Meeting the Partisans===
Malbus later returns to Îmwe's home where he discovers the monk hosting the Twi'lek and Sabat they had encountered earlier. Though Malbus is alarmed, Îmwe manages to calm his friend down. The two strangers introduce themselves as Beezer Fortuna and Leevan Tenza, and state that they are also fighting against the Empire. When Malbus asks if the are rebels, Tenza replies that they are "true rebels" while Fortuna prefers the term "emissaries." When Malbus asks who they are serving, Fortuna offers to take them to their leader, who is eager to meet them.
That night, Fortuna and Tenz take Îmwe and Malbus for a ride on their landspeeder. The Partisans take them into the Catacombs of Cadera, an abandoned temple that the Partisans have repurposed as their base of operations on Jedha. During the journey, Îmwe asks Malbus if he is happy with his new weapon. Malbus replies that he will be happy when he gets to use it. The Partisans usher their visitors through a stony pathway, which is flanked by the statues of a human man, a woman, and a Duros. While the two men discuss the statues, they are greeted by Saw Gerrera, who says that the Empire takes everything. 
When Malbus demands to see his face, Gerrera warns him not to shoot him. Îmwe reminds Gerrera that they came at his invitation and that it would be a waste killing them. Gerrera remembers his invitation but replies that he must be careful. When Gerrera addresses the two by their names, Malbus demands to know his identity. Gerrera is evasive until Îmwe suggests he gives them a name. Gerrera introduces himself to the two men. When Îmwe says he is unfamiliar with Gerrera, the Partisan leader responds that he wouldn't be here if he were better known since his enemies will find out. Gerrera reassures his visitors that he is fighting against the same enemy. 
When Malbus responds that he is fighting for home, Gerrera replies that he is fighting for the galaxy. Îmwe opines that he would find Jedha limiting. Gerrera responds that Jedha is not just a city but a symbol. Malbus replies that they already have an insurgency and declines Malbus' struggle. Gerrera explains that his Partisans are not insurgents but a rebellion that brings together battle-hardened fighters, experienced tacticians, and squadron pilots. Gerrera invites Îmwe and Malbus to join his struggle. 
Îmwe asks why he needs them given that he has assembled a group of skilled fighters, tacticians and pilots. Gerrera explains that he chose the two of them because they have led four precision strikes against Imperial convoys. He claims they can do more together. When Malbus asks about Gerrera's interest in Jedha, Gerrera replies that he has seen countless worlds including Onderon fall to the Empire. He explains that Jedha is a holy place that they must defend with hope. Before leaving, he invites the men to consider his offer. Îmwe and Malbus rejoin Fortuna and Tenza, who give them a ride back to Jedha City. Before leaving, Fortuna gives Îmwe a comlink in order to keep in touch.
After returning home, Malbus and Îmwe debate the merits of joining Gerrera's Partisans. While Îmwe is reluctant to align with a killer, Malbus regards Îmwe as their best hope of ending Imperial rule. Malbus also reveals that Denic learned that the Empire imported his stolen mounted blaster for the purpose of crowd control. Later, they visited the Gimm sisters' orphanage only to discover that stormtroopers have raided it. They cannot find the Gimm sisters and the children they are looking after.
===Trouble at the orphanage===
Before they can leave, they are confronted by several stormtroopers, who demand to know what they were doing inside the stolen orphanage. Îmwe attempts to convince the stormtroopers that he is blind while Malbus claims they were looking for a friend. The stormtrooper commander reveals that they did not arrest the children but that they evicted the occupants for possessing stolen Imperial goods. Before the commander can question the two men, Malbus and Îmwe take them out with their blaster and staff respectively. 
After hours of searching, the two find the Gimm sisters' new hiding place. After comforting a tearful Kaya, they find the sisters, SeeZee, and the orphans inside the shelter. In private, Malbus and Îmwe speak with Killi. Though Malbus apologizes for causing them trouble with the Empire by giving them stolen Imperial goods, Killi reassures him that the two men did nothing wrong, stating that she and Kaya would not have been able to provide for all the children without them. Kaya explains that a stormtrooper pushed Killi to the floor during the raid. Another stormtrooper also struck a child named B'asia, who was hiding under a bed. 
While the Imperials took everything, they could not prove the charges of theft so they did not arrest anyone at the orphanage. When Îmwe observes that they will need blankets, heating coils, food, and water, Killi mentions that Gavra Ubrento has offered to provide supplies. In private, Îmwe and Malbus contact the Partisans via comlink and offer to join the cause in return for providing food, water, medicine, bedding, and heating units to the Gimms and their orphans.
===Joining the Partisans===
Îmwe and Malbus meet with Fortuna and another Partisan friend named Kullbee Sperado. Sensing Sperado's past through his Force powers, he tells Sperado that he cannot outrun his past no matter how much it weighs on him. When Speardo asks Îmwe to pray for him, the Guardian promises to teach him how to pray. Getting down to business, Fortuna briefs the two Guardians about their plans to disrupt Imperial kyber crystal mining operations of Jedha. When Fortuna proposes blowing up the entrances to the mines, Îmwe objects on the grounds that this plan would involve killing more miners than Imperials. 
Backing down, Fortuna instead proposes targeting a speeder before it can be loaded for transport offworld. Malbus agrees with the plan since the route between the mines and Jedha City is dangerous for speeders. When Fortuna asks if Îmwe will come with them, Îmwe offers to come along. When Fortuna objects on the grounds that Îmwe is physically blind, Malbus explains that Îmwe still has vision despite his lack of eyesight. Fortuna agrees to launch the heist tomorrow and tells the Guardians to be ready when he calls. Sperado replies that he will catch up. 
While Malbus heads home early, Îmwe takes the time to chat with Sperado. Sperado tells Îmwe that he was in a place called Serralonis when he was recruited by the Partisans. When Îmwe says that they all have a place, Sperado asks him to consider what if they lose that place. Îmwe replies that one cannot lose what's inside themselves but can only misplace it. He counsels Sperado to find that place again. Îmwe is greeted by fellow Guardian Angber Trell. Îmwe introduces Sperado to Trell, telling him that he wishes to pray. Trell invites Sperado to follow him and his fellow Guardians.
Later, Îmwe and Malbus meet with Fortuna and Sperado. While Fortuna is displeased with their lateness, Sperado thanks Îmwe for giving him spiritual guidance. The group depart for a nearby canyon in a landspeeder. Fortuna instructs the Guardians to take position on the left-side cliff while Sperado and the others will take position on the right-side cliff. After some discussion about shooting techniques, Malbus uses his mounted blaster to dislodge a rock on top of the landspeeder, causing the driver to lose control over the vehicle. The Partisans then take out the stormtroopers. Due to the successful heist, Îmwe wins the favor of Fortuna, who apologizes for underestimating his abilities.
===Rising doubts===
For the next two months, Îmwe and Malbus fight as part of Saw Gerrera's Partisans and harry Imperial forces in Jedha City. Under the leadership of Fortuna, the two Guardians help take out an AT-AT walker and steal its kyber crystal cargo. While Malbus embraces the Partisan cause, Îmwe is increasingly concerned about civilian and enemy casualties. Malbus reassures him that no civilians were killed in their operations and justifies the Imperial casualties as part of their restistance struggle. Îmwe thinks that they can still persuade the Empire to leave through non-violence and opines that their hit-and-run operations have done little to convince the Empire to leave Jedha.
When Malbus defends armed resistance, Îmwe expresses concern that the civilian population is suffering as a result of the Partisans' armed struggle against the Empire. Malbus is dismissive of Îmwe's concerns, stating that Gerrera has upheld his promise to protect Killi, Kaya, and the children. Îmwe points out that Empire punishes Jedha's civilian population for every action taken by the Partisans. He tells Malbus that the number of orphans that the Gimm sisters are caring for has doubled from 12 to 24 as a result of Gerrera's campaign. 
When Malbus asks if Îmwe is blaming Gerrera, Îmwe says that the Partisans and Empire are trapped in a cycle of violence. In response to Partisan attacks on Imperial patrols, convoys, and shipments, the Empire has stepped up checkpoints, intensified "stop and search" operations, and violence against the locals. Malbus decides to go and speak with Gerrera alone. Îmwe volunteers to come along but Gerrera insists on speaking with the Partisan leader alone.
===Bargaining with Saw Gerrera===
Later that night, Malbus meets Gerrera inside his cavern base. Gerrera praises Malbus for their recent attack against the Empire. He hopes that the Empire will respond harshly in order to encourage more people to join the Partisans' cause. Gerrera treats Malbus to an Onderonian beverage known as Bahkahta, which he regards as a reminder of his occupied homeworld. While Onderon still remains, Gerrera laments that the Empire has eradicated their way of life, culture and beliefs. Unlike the Empire, the Old Republic celebrated diversity. Gerrera observes that the Empire enforces homogeneity, citing the ubiquitous appearance of the stormtroopers who are indoctrinated to fight against their families.
Malbus tells Gerrera that he did not know that the Empire had come for Jedha's kyber crystals rather than their temples. While belief leads to hope, Malbus surmises that hope only needs a flicker of warmth to survive. Gerrera remarks that Malbus sounds like Îmwe, with Malbus remarking only when he is not around. When Gerrera asks if Malbus asks if he has hope, Malbus replies that he still has home and love, which he will fight for. Malbus says that he lives to fight against injustice. Due to his losses and sacrifices, Gerrera has developed a cynical view of hope. He also recounts how he has survived spies, poisonings, snipers, and a droid assassination attempt. Gerrera says that Fortuna believes he is lucky that the Force is with him.
When Gerrera praises Îmwe's faith, Malbus says that his friend's faith has been tried. Gerrera responds that Malbus' faith has also been tested before offering him another bottle of Bahkahta. Gerrera then asks Malbus why he came. Malbus explains that he came to talk about the orphanage. While the orphanage hosts 24 children, Malbus fears that there will be more. When Gerrera blames the Empire, Malbus says that he has come to talk about how to help them. Gerrera offers to arrange for more basic supplies, food and water. Malbus responds that doesn't solve the problem and proposes an alternative way to ensure the children's safety. Gerrera says he is listening, prompting Malbus to smile.
===Rescuing Althin===
Later, the Imperial Star Destroyer above Jedha City releases several TIE fighters. On the streets, a stormtrooper patrol questions a man about the whereabouts of Leevan Tenza. The man denies seeing him but the stormtrooper doesn't believe him and knocks him to the ground. Just then, several Partisans including Benthic and Kullbee Sperado open fire on the stormtrooper patrol. With the Empire in pursuit, Sperado tells Benthic to set off a series of bombs throughout Jedha City. 
In the skies above, a lone T-65 X-wing starfighter engages the TIEs, shooting at least two down. The crowd cheers but is dismayed when the other TIEs gang up on the X-wing and shoot it down. Following the skirmish, Îmwe rescues an orphaned Rodian child named Althin, whose parents Tok and Steya were killed by the Partisans' bombs. While comforting the child, Îmwe ponders why the Force decides to take a child's parents and doubts that he knows the will of the Force anymore. Îmwe thinks he is a fool for believing he could make a difference.
Îmwe soon encounters several stormtroopers, who ask where he is going with the Rodian boy. Îmwe replies that Althin suffered a broken arm and that he is taking him to receive medical attention. The stormtrooper allows him to pass but warns that the Empire has imposed a curfew and that anyone outside without an authorization will be shot on the spot. Îmwe thanks the stormtroopers for the information before leaving with Althin. He chants the mantra that the Force is with him and that he is with the Force.
===Planning for the children===
Îmwe bring Althin to the orphanage and tells Kaya that he needs a new home and someone to look after his broken arm. Îmwe's words of comfort cheer up the orphan. Îmwe then settles down for tarine tea with Malbus. When Malbus asks about Althin's family, Îmwe explains that Tok and Steya were killed when the Partisans targeted an Imperial AT-DP walker with explosives, which also destroyed Althin's home. Îmwe found Althin among the rubble of his former home. Malbus conceded that nowhere on Jedha is safe anymore. 
Îmwe then asks Malbus when he arrived. Malbus replies that he arrive before midday because he thought that one of them should be in their hiding place in case the fighting made it this far. When Malbus says that he knew that Îmwe would be coming here, Îmwe responds that he assumed that Malbus would be with the Partisans. Malbus responds not today, prompting Îmwe to tap on the table. Îmwe tells Malbus that Althin will not be the child to be made an orphan by today's fighting. He is concerned that the Gimms' current shelter will not be enough for them and the children. 
Malbus proposes a new solution: that they leave Jedha. Îmwe expresses surprise and says that it is an "interesting solution." Îmwe asks if Killi and Kaya are willing to leave Jedha, and where they would acquire a starship. He also asks how their starship will get past the Empire. Malbus reassures Îmwe that there are worlds that the Empire has not yet reached. When Îmwe adds "yet," Malbus replies that this is a question of escaping Jedha and providing hope for the children. Îmwe asks Malbus if he has discussed this matter with the Gimms. Malbus replies that he wanted to consult with Îmwe before speaking to them. Îmwe is skeptical the plan will succeed until Malbus mentions that Gerrera has agreed to help them obtain a starship to evacuate the orphans from Jedha.
===Plans in motion===
Later, Malbus meets with the Trandoshan Wernad, who has also joined the Partisans. Wernad tells Malbus that the orphans' escape ship will be arriving soon. After Malbus reassures Wernad that the children will be coming, the Partisan warns that they cannot afford to be late. Malbus reassures him that they know how urgent the situation is. The ship turns out to be an Imperial Sentinel-class landing craft that has docked at a docking bay in Jedha City spaceport.
In a flashback to a week earlier, Malbus and Îmwe meet with the mechanic Denic and tell her that they need a large vessel that can transport over 30 children and at least two adults. Since the Gimm sisters cannot fly, Denic is skeptical that they will get off the ground especially since the Imperials are not giving many refugees travel clearance. Denic also warns that the Imperials are wary about drawing the attention of HoloNet and the Imperial Senate. 
When Îmwe asks if Denic could arrange offworld transportation without obtaining clearance, she warns that stealing an Imperial transport would risk the attention of TIE fighters and the orbiting Star Destroyer. While Denic thinks that the chances of escape are slim, Îmwe emphasizes that this is the only hope for the children. When Denic opines that it is impossible, Îmwe counters that there is a space between next to impossible and impossible. Malbus also convinces a reluctant Denic to pilot the escape ship.
Back in the present, Malbus along with Wernad and Tenza take out the stormtroopers and KX-series security droid guarding the Imperia landing craft. In a flashback nine days earlier, Killi refuses to leave with Kaya and the children despite the contaminated air on Jedha. While Killi speaks with her sister in private, Malbus tells Îmwe that he should comfort the grieving Althin. Îmwe responds that he has exhausted all the things he could say to Althin. When Malbus points out that Althin is a child, Îmwe thinks that the words of a Gurdian can offer him little. Îmwe says he is not angry with Althin.
Through the Force, Îmwe eavesdrops on the conversation between Kaya and Killi. Since Killi is dying, she has decided not to leave her home as a Disciple of the Whills. Since Kaya is younger, healthier and familiar with droids, he believes that she can sell her skills. Îmwe believes that Kaya will be able to take good care of the orphans offworld. When Îmwe surmises that Kaya will choose to prioritize the children over her sister, Malbus remarks that is "remarkably cold." Shortly later, Kaya emerges and informs the two men that Kaya will go with the children while she will stay. Kaya then asks how they are going to get the children aboard the stolen Imperial shuttle. 
In the present, Îmwe and Kaya lead the 34 children through the streets of Jedha City. They draw the attention of two pedestrians and a stormtrooper, who has doubts about arresting children. Six days earlier, Fortuna tells Îmwe, Malbus, Denic, and Kaya that a Sentinel-class shuttle carrying command staff visits Jedha each week for inspection purposes. Having monitored Imperial traffic, Fortuna has learnt that the shuttle departs the Jedha system following the inspections without returning to the orbiting Star Destroyer. 
When Kaya asks if the shuttle will be big enough to ferry the children, Denic reassures her that Sentinel-class shuttles are designed to carry up to 75 stormtroopers, which will be more than enough room for the 34 orphans. When Gerrera asks if the shuttle will be heavily guarded, Fortuna reassures him that the Partisans will be able to take care of the sentries. Îmwe asks how they will get the children aboard the shuttle. Denic proposes creating a distraction that would allow her to fly the shuttle directly to the orphanage. Kaya vetoes the idea since she thinks they will not have enough time to evacuate the children.
Fortuna warns that if the shuttle deviates from its usual route, that would arouse suspicion. Malbus proposes stealing a tank but Îmwe disagrees. They are interrupted by General Gerrera himself, who apologizes for coming unannounced. Gerrera suggests that the children walk directly to the space port. When Malbus expresses concern about whether the stormtroopers will let them parade through Jedha City, Gerrera reassures them that the Empire would not open fire on children in broad daylight to avoid provoking a riot. When Kaya adds that the Empire doesn't care about the lives of children, Gerrera responds that the Empire would not simply gun down children for walking. Îmwe decides to trust Gerrera's plan.
===Hope over violence===
In the present, Wernad and Tenza gun down an Imperial officer despite Malbus' objections. He tells the two Partisans to watch the entrance. While Îmwe, Kaya and the orphans head towards the spaceport, the Partisans are joined by Fortuna and Sperado. When Malbus protests that they were supposed to watch the children's approach in case they needed support, Fortuna reveals that Gerrera's true plan was to use the shuttle to attack the Empire. Enraged, Malbus punches Fortuna and throws him to the ground. Sperado raises his blaster and forces Malbus to surrender at gunpoint. Malbus tells the Partisans that there are 34 children but they are unmoved.
While Îmwe, Kaya and the orphans travel through a narrow alleyway, they encounter Malbus, who informs them about Gerrara's double-cross. As the children approach the shuttle, Wernad warns Îmwe and Malbus not to force him and his comrades to shoot them. Undaunted, Îmwe responds that the children have traveled across Jedha City to board the shuttle and will not be disappointed. As a crowd gathers outside the docking ring, Fortuna explains that Gerrera plans to use the shuttle to blow up the orbiting Imperial Star Destroyer. Malbus tells Îmwe that such an explosive would need to be big.
In response to Fortuna's argument that blowing up the Star Destroyer would end their oppression, Îmwe asks if the Partisans are willing to trade the children's future in order to strike a blow against the Empire. When Fortuna claims that this attack would free Jedha, Malbus counters that destroying one Star Destroyer would not free Jedha. While Îmwe is aware that the Empire has taken homes, loved ones, and their way of life, he argues that they cannot keep fighting for what they have lost but must fight for the future. While they cannot replace what the orphans have lost, Îmwe argues they can instead give them a future. He ends his speech by telling them that hope is not the destruction of a Star Destroyer but rather helping these children escape offworld.
Malbus reminds the Partisans that they have promised the children a ride on a shuttle while carrying a Togruta youngling. Unable to counter Îmwe's arguments, the Partisans silently stand down and allow Kaya to board with the children. Malbus tells Fortuna to think about everyone watching and what the General would want them to do next. When Fortuna warns that Gerrera will not forgive Îmwe and Malbus, Malbus counters that their relationship with the General is over. As a conciliatory gesture, Malbus also hands Wernad a cylinder and tells him and his comrades to leave before Imperials arrive. While Kaya and Killi embrace before leaving, Denic reminds Kaya that they have to leave in two minutes. As the children board the shuttle, Îmwe hugs Althin and tells him that the Force will be with him.
Following the departure of the children and Denic, Killi thanks Îmwe and Malbus. The two then escape into the crowd as stormtroopers respond to the stolen shuttle. After escaping into the streets, Malbus confides that he thought that Îmwe was also going to board the shuttle. Îmwe quips that he thought Malbus was going to leave. Malbus replies by asking who would take care of Îmwe if he left. When Malbus quips that they are stuck with each other, Îmwe responds that he would not have it any other way.
==Development and release==
A preview for the comic was released as part of The High Republic – The Edge of Balance/Guardians of the Whills for Free Comic Book Day on August 14, 2021.
==Appearances==
==Media==
===Editions===
*; August 10, 2021; Viz Media; US paperback
==Sources==
*
==Notes and references==
==External links==
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Category:Canon manga volumes
Category:Comic book adaptations
Category:Viz Media manga