Qui-Gon was shocked at the decision, but told Anakin to watch him and stay close in lieu of actual training. The boy was overjoyed, but afraid to leave his mother behind indeed, Yoda sensed this when Anakin was brought before the Jedi Council, and it was this fear that led to Anakin being denied entry into the Order.
Qui-Gon realized that Anakin was Force-sensitive, and upon his victory in the race, informed Anakin he was free and could train to become a Jedi.
While risky, Qui-Gon agreed, betting with Watto and adding higher stakes - Anakin’s freedom. Unable to afford the parts they needed, Anakin devised a plan to help his new friends: he would enter the Boonta Eve Classic Podrace and give the winnings to Qui-Gon. When Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn, a Gungan named Jar Jar Binks, and Naboo handmaiden Padmé came to Watto’s shop looking for parts to repair their starship, Anakin befriended them.
Along with his mother Shmi, Anakin Skywalker was a slave on Tatooine, owned by junk dealer Watto.
