"The Elder," an episode of the web television series Star Wars: Visions, exists as a short animated film. Its debut occurred on September 22, 2021, via the Disney+ streaming service. Trigger, Inc., an animation studio with its base of operations in Japan, produced the episode. Masahiko Otsuka both wrote and directed it.
A manga adaptation of the episode was created and released by Square Enix in Japan. It appeared in the Big Gangan Vol.06 magazine on May 25, 2022.
As part of their training and responsibilities, Jedi Master Tajin Crosser and his Padawan Dan G'vash are on patrol in the Outer Rim Territories aboard their starship. Dan laments the lack of excitement in the Outer Rim, and suspects his master chose this location due to his reputation as a well-traveled Jedi. Tajin responds that Dan is too impatient, and that choosing this patrol was deliberate because "the seeds of misfortune, when in peaceful soil, can be easy to overlook." He is interrupted when he senses a disturbance in the force. Dan speculates it could be the presence of the Sith, but Tajin dismisses this as unlikely, as the Sith were destroyed centuries ago.
The two decide to investigate Habo, the only habitable planet in the vicinity. Tajin has visited Habo before. Dan jokes about Tajin's extensive knowledge of the Outer Rim and comments that being his Padawan is a privilege. They enter hyperspace and travel to Habo.
Upon landing, Dan is impressed by Habo's beautiful forests and landscapes. Tajin suggests that Dan try Oon-Doon, a local dish he describes as delicious. Tajin and Dan approach a native village. Tajin cautions that the locals are shy and advises Dan to be patient. While Dan gains the trust of the village children, Tajin learns from the villagers that an elder man from an unknown village has landed nearby in his starship and has gone into the mountains. Sharing their suspicions about what awaits them, they decide to split up: Tajin will wait at the elder man's starship, while Dan searches for him in the mountains. The village children guide Dan on his journey to the mountains, and the villagers lead Tajin to the starship.
Arriving at the starship, Tajin tells Dan via transmitter that he doesn't recognize it, but notes that it resembles ships used by the Sith in hologram recordings. Meanwhile, Dan traverses difficult mountain terrain, concluding that it would be challenging for an old man. He then discovers the body of a Vamga, creatures Tajin had warned were dangerous if provoked. Dan sends the village children home as he examines the carcass, noticing a clean lightsaber strike across its neck. After Tajin warns Dan that the elder man may be dangerous, Dan is surprised to find a cloaked figure behind him.
The cloaked figure reveals himself as an old man and identifies Dan as a Jedi. When Dan asks if he is a Sith, the old man explains that the Sith destroyed themselves through infighting. When Dan repeats his question, the old man suggests they fight instead of talking. The old man then draws two katana-shaped red lightsabers and attacks Dan. As Dan defends himself, the old man expresses disappointment in Dan's lack of skill, revealing that he hoped to attract Dan's master by killing Dan. He then slashes Dan across the abdomen, inflicting a serious wound.
The old man waits patiently in the rain for Tajin to arrive. When Tajin appears, the old man is pleased to sense Tajin's strong connection to the Force. Tajin and the old man ignite their lightsabers and duel. The old man exclaims his joy at fighting someone so strong, regretting that he didn't find someone like Tajin during his prime. Tajin gains the advantage, disarming the old man of one lightsaber and cutting it in half.
Enraged, the old man uses Force lightning to even the odds. As Tajin defends against the Force lightning and the old man prepares to strike with his remaining lightsaber, a still-conscious Dan uses the Force to throw his ignited lightsaber at the old man. Forced to defend himself, the old man leaves himself open, and Tajin impales him through the heart. Tajin rushes to the injured Dan, and the old man detonates his starship as his final act before his body turns to ashes.
After Dan recovers from his injury, the master and Padawan discuss the aftermath. They are disappointed that the old man's starship was destroyed, as it could have provided further information. Dan praises Tajin's victory, but Tajin humbly states that time was the deciding factor, and the outcome might have been different if they had faced the old man in his prime. He adds that time will weaken him but strengthen Dan.
He advises Dan to remember his training and kindness. Tajin allows Dan to say goodbye to the children, who were concerned about his injuries. As Dan bids farewell to the village children, Tajin takes one last look at the old man's remains.