Zamasu flew toward the heavens, unwillingness and rage flashing in his eyes like flames threatening to burst forth! A terrifying whirlwind and whistling sound rolled through the air in mounting waves, as if an entire world was being shaken to its foundations!
The fiery, sharp air blade extending thirty centimeters from his hand seemed to slice through space itself, producing a sharp "sizzling" sound. As it streaked through the air, it pulled a brilliant trail of light behind it—like a silk thread connecting heaven and earth.
In the midst of the storm, Doren also transformed his ki into a bright yellow energy blade covering his palm, rushing forward to meet Zamasu's attack head-on. He wasn't intimidated by his opponent's strength whatsoever—instead, it aroused his inner fighting spirit even more. Fighting against such a worthy opponent was the most exhilarating experience!
"HAA!"
They shouted with pure excitement! Like roaring beasts, like war cries, like shouts of encouragement to themselves.
CLANG!
The two light blades containing terrifying energy produced a sharp, ear-piercing sound the instant they made contact. Merciless attacks interlaced between the two combatants, and their respective light and shadow deflected, carving an arc through the air.
Ancient mountains that had stood for tens of millions of years were split apart in an instant. The devastating power of landslides and collapsing earth was released without restraint. Fluctuations impacted everyone present like an ocean raising massive hundred-foot waves, threatening to drown everything in its path.
Raditz waved his hand casually. A surge of psychic force brushed against the energy like an invisible wall, completely negating the impact. The massive disturbance caused by the two warriors disappeared immediately, and the surroundings returned to instant calm.
Aside from those from Universe 7, no one realized it was Raditz's doing—they assumed the ancient power of the ruins themselves had contained the destruction.
Zamasu and Doren fell separately. The light blades in their hands had shattered, breaking apart into gleaming particles of light that dissipated into the air.
Both warriors dropped to one knee simultaneously, one hand braced against the ground. Sweat poured from their bodies, dripping onto the dry earth with audible tick-tocks, leaving irregular water marks scattered across the ancient soil.
Though they'd stopped moving, the riot in the air continued—as if two phantom figures were still colliding constantly. This was the spatial turbulence formed by the lingering aftereffects of their clash.
Many Supreme Kais hadn't been able to follow that final confrontation—it was too fast, the exchange too complex to understand. In the aftermath, Zamasu remained collapsed on the ground gasping for breath, while Doren slowly rose to his feet and began regulating his breathing with measured control.
The result spoke for itself.
Gowasu, Supreme Kai of Universe 10, stood stunned. Zamasu had actually lost. The trainee Supreme Kai named Doren wasn't merely capable of matching Zamasu—he'd actually defeated him!
"Incredible. Is this truly the strength of trainee Supreme Kais?" several Supreme Kais murmured. "They look stronger than some of us!"
"It's true—each generation surpasses the last."
"Universe 6 and Universe 10 both possess tremendous potential. They'll surely develop magnificently in the future."
They commented amongst themselves, all shocked by the strength displayed by these two apprentices. The outcome was exactly as Raditz had predicted. He simply smiled without speaking.
Zamasu's conceit and pride had made Raditz uncomfortable. Making a move himself would have been somewhat like bullying. It was far more convenient to have Doren—a fellow trainee Supreme Kai—handle it. This approach could teach Zamasu a valuable lesson while also allowing Doren to demonstrate his own growth.
The attendants from both sides approached to restore their strength. After a short while, their bodies had recovered.
Zamasu, having experienced defeat, showed traces of loneliness on his face. The disparity between his expectations and reality made him grind his teeth secretly—but outwardly he maintained a polite smile. "I lost. I didn't expect Lord Doren to be so powerful. I still have a long way to go."
"Not at all. I only recently achieved a breakthrough thanks to Lord Raditz's guidance. Otherwise, the outcome would have been uncertain," Doren replied with genuine modesty.
This time, Zamasu's gaze shifted toward Raditz with renewed interest. Although rumors of Raditz's power circulated among Supreme Kais, few could truly believe that a Supreme Kai could stand against a God of Destruction. There were no video recordings of Raditz's battles available on divine networks.
When people heard that Raditz had eliminated Demon God Demigra, most didn't believe it—after all, Beerus and Whis had been present at the time. Perhaps those two great deities had actually done it? But now... Zamasu was beginning to believe the stories might be true.
"Lord Raditz truly is extraordinary."
"Average, average. Still somewhat behind a God of Destruction," Raditz said casually.
This statement was even more shocking! They wouldn't dare compare themselves to Gods of Destruction—yet Raditz actu Regus ally said "somewhat behind," implying the gap wasn't insurmountable! The assembled Supreme Kais exchanged glances, showing embarrassed smiles of disbelief.
Ro's complexion turned particularly ugly. Anger burned within him, manifesting as grinding teeth that produced audible friction. He couldn't stand watching Raditz steal the spotlight.
"Alright, this pointless farce ends here! Hurry up and search for clues—the real matter takes priority!"
"Lord Ro is correct," someone echoed quickly.
The actual purpose of their expedition wasn't to watch two trainee Supreme Kais spar—there were far more important matters at hand. After this brief interlude, they immediately threw themselves back into the search.
Doren and Fuwa bid farewell to Universe 7's delegation and flew off in another direction.
Only Zamasu remained, still brooding, his eyes fixed on Raditz.
He approached step by step, suppressing his inner turmoil. With a carefully composed expression, he addressed Raditz: "Lord Raditz, would you be willing to provide me with guidance?"
"No," Raditz said decisively.
"Why?" Zamasu was visibly stunned. He clearly hadn't expected such a direct rejection—not even a tactful excuse. Raditz's manner was completely unlike the Supreme Kais he knew!
"Because you don't need my guidance—your philosophy differs fundamentally from mine," Raditz said, shaking his head. "Besides, your talent is exceptional. You can become powerful on your own. However, your pride is too elevated. It needs to be adjusted downward appropriately."
Zamasu processed Raditz's words, nodding repeatedly. "Lord Raditz's wisdom... I will remember it. After this battle, I will reflect deeply on my actions."
With that, he turned and departed, walking elsewhere with Lord Gowasu.
Shin leaned closer to Raditz. "Is there something particularly concerning about him? I feel like your words carried deeper meaning."
"It's nothing significant. He's simply a bit too arrogant for a trainee Supreme Kai," Raditz said lightly.
He didn't tell Shin about future possibilities—he couldn't explain how he'd know such things. More importantly, what if Zamasu genuinely gained understanding from this defeat, like Doren had? What if he could truly reflect on his prejudices? The future remained uncertain—just as whether the missing Angel was truly "Emperor" remained unknown.
The Supreme Kais continued searching the ancient ruins for clues, wanting to understand more about what had transpired.
But on the towering ancient tree where the Angels slept, the remaining five beings slowly opened their eyes. Their gazes were as bright as gemstones, flowing with indescribable luminescence.
The howling wind swept across the barbaric ruins. Suddenly, everyone present shivered involuntarily, feeling an inexplicable chill run down their spines.
Something had changed—though none of them could yet understand what.