Star Wars: The Bad Batch has introduced vital background on how the Empire planted its roots throughout the galaxy, but also takes time to highlight previously untold stories of Jedi survivors of Order 66. The Bad Batch season 2, episode 6 “Tribe” reintroduced the Wookiee Jedi Padawan Gungi, initially scared and in droid captivity. Instead of the fun and inventive youngling last seen in The Clone Wars season 5, the Wookie was forced to mature quickly and adapt to the ways of his people to avoid a life on the run.
Though Clone Force 99 may have helped Gungi escape the Empire for the moment, the odds are not in the Padawan’s favor. Wookiees have long life spans, with Chewbacca being over 230 years old when the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker take place. In terms of longevity, Gungi could live well past the Rebellion, New Republic, and First Order and still be considered a relatively young Wookie given the species' ability to live up to 400 years. But while some Jedi were able to lie low and survive after the Purge, the odds of Gungi lasting are grim.
The Wookiees Were Enslaved By The Empire
One of the biggest factors going against Gungi's survival is that the Wookiee home planet of Kashyyyk is condemned to slavery by the Empire. It’s not clear exactly when the Wookiees were first taken captive, Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2 implies that the species’ enslavement happened almost immediately following the fall of the Republic. Additionally, Chewbacca told Han Solo that he and his people were oppressed in Solo: A Star Wars Story, which took place in 10 BBY, about 9 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
It's also worth noting that the Jedi Master Yoda was on Kashyyyk when Order 66 was declared, and it was only with the help of the Wookiees that he was able to escape off-world. With Emperor Palpatine able to this together, he may have felt strongly about getting control of the Wookiees quickly after the end of the Clone Wars. Palpatine would likely view the Wookiees aiding Yoda in his escape off Kashyyyk as an act of treason, further justifying the invasion seen in "Tribe" that was pillaging the world.
Gungi May Be One of The Inquisitors First Hunts
Because he was still in Jedi mode, the Empire was aware that Gungi was on Kashyyyk when some of the trees and bodies from conflict were marked by lightsaber strikes. It's known that Palpatine began the formation of the Inquisitorius before the end of the Clone Wars, and for one the less proven members, taking out Gungi would make for an easy first hunt. The Wookie being one of the first victims of the fallen Jedi would give further insight into how each Inquisitor fits into their role. Unfortunately, with Gungi being so young and inexperienced, he wouldn’t stand a chance against even the weakest Inquisitor.
While Clone Force 99 did the right thing in returning Gungi to his people on Kashyyyk, the Empire already knows he’s there, putting a large target on his back. Even though Gungi is safe at present, between the Jedi still being hunted by clones, the Inquisitors developing ways to weed them out, and the impending enslavement of the Wookiees, his future seems bleak. While it would be great to see him go on and connect with another surviving or future Jedi, it probably isn’t in the cards for him. Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2 can show the group meeting with Gungi again, but if his fate is left ambiguous, it's likely dark.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2 is currently streaming on Disney+ with new episodes released on Wednesdays.