The Only Two Jedi Yoda Believed Could DEFEAT Darth Sidious

Before the Jedi knew who Darth Sidious truly was, they were already being outplayed. The dark side had clouded everything, making it nearly impossible for even Yoda to see what was really happening. But as the Clone Wars drew closer to their end, the Jedi Council started preparing for more than just the next battle with the Separatists—they were quietly bracing for the return of the Sith.

While Yoda was on Kashyyyk, he sensed that the moment was near. And in case Sidious revealed himself while he was away, Yoda believed only two Jedi were strong enough to stay behind and face him if it came to that.

This moment doesn’t show up in the films, but it does come from the Revenge of the Sith novelization. And even though it’s part of Legends now, it still gives us an incredible window into what Yoda was thinking—and who he actually trusted to go head-to-head with the Dark Lord of the Sith.

Yoda Believed in These Two Jedi – Mace Windu & Agen Kolar

So this moment, like I said earlier, only appears in the Revenge of the Sith novelization by Matthew Stover. It’s not in the movie, but it reveals something huge about how Yoda saw the Jedi around him during the final days of the Clone Wars.

During a Council meeting, the Jedi are discussing who should be sent to confront General Grievous. Anakin volunteers, hoping to lead the mission himself, but Mace Windu quickly shuts that down. The Council—not the Chancellor—would make the call. And as the discussion continues, Yoda says something very telling: “To face him, steady minds are needed—Masters, we should send.”

Mace Windu then offers a calculated solution:
“Given the strain on our current resources,” he says, “I recommend we send only one Jedi—Master Kenobi.”

Then the novel quietly reveals the real reason behind this choice:

“Which would leave Mace and Agen Kolar, both among the greatest bladesbeings the Jedi Order had ever produced, here on Coruscant in case Sidious did indeed take this opportunity to make a dramatic move.”

Yoda was heading off to Kashyyyk, and if Sidious showed himself while he was gone, the Jedi needed someone strong enough to act. So Yoda made his choice clear:

And that was that.

In that moment, Yoda placed his faith in Mace Windu and Agen Kolar to stay behind—and he selected Obi-Wan Kenobi as the one Jedi who could leave and handle Grievous on his own. These were the three Jedi he trusted most at that critical moment. Not just for their skill with a lightsaber, but for their discipline, clarity, and unshakable loyalty to the Jedi Code.

By the end of the meeting, the Jedi Council reached a unanimous decision: Obi-Wan would depart for Utapau to confront General Grievous, while the Temple would be safeguarded by Mace Windu, Agen Kolar, and Anakin Skywalker.

Yoda’s Final Warning

Not long after Obi-Wan’s mission, the Jedi Council receives confirmation: General Grievous is dead. And that’s when the final pieces start to move into place.

In the Revenge of the Sith novelization, there’s a quiet but crucial moment where Mace Windu speaks with Yoda—his old Master—via holoscan from a hidden Wookiee command center on Kashyyyk. The conversation shows just how prepared they were to face what was coming, and who Yoda believed was ready for it.

“Minutes ago,” Mace said, “we received confirmation from Utapau: Kenobi was successful. Grievous is dead.”

“Time it is to execute our plan.”

Mace doesn’t hesitate. He says he’ll deliver the news to the Chancellor himself, and expects him to give up his emergency powers. But Yoda knows better. He senses what’s really coming next—and delivers one of the most important lines in the book:

“Forget not the existence of Sidious. Anticipate your action, he may. Masters will be necessary, if the Lord of the Sith you must face.”

That line right there confirms it: Yoda believed only Jedi Masters should face Darth Sidious. Not Knights. Not rising stars. Only the most experienced, disciplined Jedi.

And Mace was already one step ahead.

“I have chosen four of our best,” he replies. “Master Tiin, Master Kolar, and Master Fisto are all here, in the Temple. They are preparing already.”

Then comes the part that seals Anakin’s fate.

“What about Skywalker? The Chosen One.”
“Too much of a risk,” Mace replied. “I am the fourth.”

Yoda doesn’t argue. He knows Mace is right.

“On watch you have been too long, my Padawan. Rest you must.”
“I will, Master. When the Republic is safe once more.”

And with that, the plan is in motion.

“Very well, then. Have my vote, you do. May the Force be with you.”

This wasn’t just strategy—it was Yoda’s final blessing. He agreed that only Jedi Masters should confront the Sith. And once again, the names he stood behind were the same: Mace Windu, Agen Kolar, and this time, Kit Fisto and Saesee Tiin.

Because when it came to facing the Sith Lord who had orchestrated the entire Clone Wars from the shadows, Yoda didn’t want raw power—he wanted control, clarity, and experience.

And tragically… even that wasn’t enough.