The trainee Supreme Kai of Universe 10 was remarkably similar to Doren's former self—except that where Doren's arrogance had been displayed openly on his face, Zamasu's was hidden deep within his heart. But Doren couldn't mistake someone cut from the same cloth. Their mannerisms, their subtle movements—they shared similarities. The crucial difference was that Doren had changed considerably since then, learning genuine humility.
"Please guide me well," Doren said, taking the initiative to bow respectfully to Zamasu.
Zamasu returned the bow and distanced himself to proper combat range. This was the prelude to their battle. Raditz and the others immediately stepped back to provide adequate space, careful not to interfere with their performance.
Seeing that both Fuwa and Raditz had agreed to this match, Gowasu—Supreme Kai of Universe 10—couldn't voice the objections forming in his mind. He sighed, nodded, and said firmly, "Spar only. Don't seriously injure each other." He looked directly at Zamasu, emphasizing the point. "Did you hear that, Zamasu?"
"Understood," Zamasu replied with a smile.
In Gowasu's heart, Zamasu's strength was exceptional—truly remarkable. As the candidate selected from thousands to become the next Supreme Kai, Zamasu's power far exceeded other deities of similar rank. It could even be said that given sufficient time to train, he could potentially become the strongest being in Universe 10.
Zamasu possessed considerable confidence in his abilities. Although Raditz had enthusiastically recommended Doren, in Zamasu's eyes, this trainee from Universe 6 was certainly no better than himself!
Raditz, however, was more optimistic about Doren. In the past, Doren might not have been Zamasu's equal—but after his battle with Rukon, everything had changed dramatically. Doren's aura was now restrained, calm, and expansive. Though standing perfectly still, he already emanated an astonishing presence.
The two faced each other in the air above the ancient ruins, gazing at one another. Their eyes had already begun clashing before their bodies moved.
"Begin," Raditz said casually.
The air exploded in an instant!
Two massive spheres of white light shot forward almost simultaneously, colliding with tremendous force. The direct assault contained majestic, overwhelming power. This energy resonated with the ruins themselves—the ancient divine songs that had been echoing quietly suddenly surged to deafening volume, boundless and earth-shaking.
Attracted by the collision of such forces, many Supreme Kais turned to look.
Some among them possessed less power than either Doren or Zamasu. They were startled immediately, their expressions transforming with shock.
"This is..." They rushed over in disbelief, wanting to witness what was happening. Everyone's attention instantly focused on the battle.
In the sky, figures blurred and left wind and cyclones in their wake. Phantoms appeared everywhere. Fierce collisions erupted constantly—bang bang bang bang—the bursting atmospheric fluctuations shook the earth itself. A storm kicked up throughout the ancient ruins.
"HAA!" Suddenly, a violent shout rang through the air. Zamasu executed a sweeping kick, his fierce offensive striking Doren straight toward the ground. The impact created a tremendous crater in the barren earth.
Gowasu turned pale with alarm. "No! Zamasu is fighting seriously!"
"If he's serious, that's fine. How can Doren show his true strength if Zamasu holds back?" Raditz said with a gentle smile. "Don't underestimate Doren's abilities too severely. Zamasu may very well lose. This is merely the beginning..."
"You don't understand Zamasu's—"
Before Gowasu could complete his sentence, a shock wave erupted from the deep crater. The speed was so tremendous that everyone watching felt genuine horror. Even Zamasu was caught off guard.
The white beam of light engulfed Zamasu instantly, striking him with devastating force. His entire body resisted the massive energy, emitting billowing scorched smoke.
Immediately afterward, Doren shot upward from the crater. He appeared beside Zamasu in a flash, slamming his palm forward. Another energy impact sent Zamasu flying like a cannonball, pulling him into a streak of light across the sky. The beams of energy formed a cross pattern, illuminating the heavens with brilliant radiance.
"DAMN IT!" Zamasu couldn't help but curse. His body crashed to the ground, carving a deep furrow through the earth.
He gritted his teeth and leaped back up. Beads of sweat had already formed on his forehead. He realized Doren wasn't to be underestimated—but it was only at this moment that genuine shock registered.
Simultaneously, Doren pressed forward, launching a punch toward Zamasu's head without giving him any opportunity to recover.
"ARROGANT!" Zamasu roared, moving to meet Doren's attack head-on with his own fist.
BANG!
Fluctuations visible to the naked eye spread outward in circular waves. The tremendous shockwave caused the world itself to tremble endlessly. Many Supreme Kais watching felt genuine fear, involuntarily wiping sweat from their brows.
The attacks were evenly matched—but after the first blow, the second followed immediately!
BOOM!
They struck each other again. The ground beneath their feet exploded, yet their bodies remained absolutely motionless.
At this moment, Gowasu stood frozen in stunned disbelief. He'd never seen anyone fight Zamasu to a standstill like this. The two were perfectly matched—it would be difficult to determine a victor in any brief exchange.
"This is incredibly intense! Are they really just trainee Supreme Kais? They're far too powerful!"
"It seems Universe 6 and Universe 10 both possess remarkable talents. They're this strong now—imagine how formidable they'll be once they become full Supreme Kais."
Supreme Kai strength was nothing to dismiss lightly. For example, the South Supreme Kai and Grand Supreme Kai of Universe 7 before Majin Buu had both possessed extraordinary power—they only appeared weak when compared to the absurdly overpowered individuals like Gods of Destruction and Saiyans. At this moment, both Doren and Zamasu fighting in the ancient ruins possessed the full power of a Super Saiyan—capable of causing devastating destruction with mere gestures.
BOOM! BANG BANG BANG!
In rapid succession, the two clashed multiple times. The oppressive atmosphere hung like low storm clouds, firmly suppressing everything beneath. The surrounding space distorted, warping like cracked fabric.
Zamasu continued strengthening his offensive. Doren grew more courageous with each exchange. His punch speed seemed to surpass light itself while simultaneously carrying explosive destructive force. Amidst blurred phantoms and the howling wind, streaks of lightning split the air, causing rumbling tremors.
The battle appeared evenly divided—but Zamasu felt excruciating pain shoot through his arms with every impact. His figure kept retreating with each successive confrontation! This subtle difference reflected the gap in their true strength. Though the margin was small, after a series of continuous blows, Doren's advantage grew increasingly pronounced.
"DAMN IT!" Zamasu shouted in rage, stepping backward, wanting to create distance and reassess.
The moment his shout rang out, Doren attacked instantly. He pressed down with his palm suddenly—immense force driving downward with crushing weight. In the blink of an eye, Zamasu's figure plummeted to the ground like a lightning bolt.
The earth trembled violently. Dust flew everywhere. Smoke from the explosive impact obscured the sky.
Zamasu's confidence shattered completely. He'd never expected to find himself in such a humiliating position. His mouth filled with smoke and soil. The veins on his forehead bulged with strain and fury. Logically, as a deity, he shouldn't allow himself to become so volatile—but today his self-esteem seemed to have been provoked beyond endurance. It was difficult to bear such humiliation. He'd always been an intensely proud individual. Even as an apprentice Supreme Kai, he had to demonstrate his absolute best!
"Zamasu..." Gowasu, watching from a distance, widened his eyes as if unable to believe what was happening before him. His beloved disciple Zamasu was actually at a disadvantage?
"Lord Raditz, should we stop this match?"
"No need to rush. They haven't ceased fighting," Raditz said, seeming to see through the smoke screen to the figure within. "Besides, Zamasu will never agree to end this battle now."
Sure enough, exactly as Raditz predicted, a figure burst from the smoke screen—the furious Zamasu. He shouted, forming blade-shaped hand strikes from concentrated ki, soaring into the sky with renewed determination!
"I HAVEN'T LOST YET!!!"
An astonishing surge of desperate momentum echoed throughout the ancient ruins.