Chapter 12 — Zuno
The moment Tachibana Kyūjō spoke his final words, the sky above West City darkened as if swallowed by an enormous shadow…
A massive dragon with shimmering teal-blue scales tore through the clouds, its serpentine body coiling majestically through the stormy sky like an Eastern celestial dragon on patrol.
"I am Shenron… Speak your wish, traveler from beyond this world. Whatever it is, I shall grant—"
Before Shenron could even finish, Kyūjō cut in, his voice calm yet unwavering.
"I want to know how to travel to another Universe. If you don't know the answer, then instead upload a complete star map of every known planet in Universe 7 into my ship's navigation system."
Shenron fell silent.
Several seconds passed before the divine dragon let out a low, rumbling sigh.
When he finally spoke, his tone carried an unmistakable hint of regret.
"I am merely the Shenron of Earth… Forgive me. Both of your requests exceed my power."
Kyūjō looked up at the dragon, disappointment flickering across his expression.
To be honest, he hadn't expected much from the first request. Even Porunga—the Namekian dragon, who was far superior—probably wouldn't know the answer. Kyūjō had simply tried on the off chance that it might work.
But the fact that even his backup wish couldn't be granted…
Well, that part wasn't really Shenron's fault.
The request was simply too extreme.
How could a dragon bound to a single planet possess a full map of an entire universe?
Feeling embarrassed, Shenron's massive face seemed to flush slightly. His voice dropped, almost sheepish.
"I truly cannot grant either wish… But I can tell you two places where your questions may be answered."
"The first is Planet Zuno, located one light-year from Earth. There lives a unique being known as Zuno, the All-Knowing. He is capable of answering any question—even describing a stranger's underwear design without ever meeting them."
"As for your first question… he may very well know the answer. The coordinates for Planet Zuno are xxx-xxx."
"For your second question… only one place can fulfill it."
"The Galactic Patrol Headquarters, under the jurisdiction of the Galactic King. They govern security across the galaxy. If you seek a complete and accurate star map, none surpass them."
"The headquarters rests at the exact center of the Milky Way Galaxy. With that… I have told you all I can. Farewell, traveler from the stars."
As Shenron spoke his final words, his body dissolved into brilliant white light.
In an instant, he vanished—along with the seven Dragon Balls that scattered once again across the Earth.
— — —
Not long after Shenron disappeared, young Bulma—her eyes sparkling with excitement—ran straight toward Kyūjō, tugging at his sleeve with childlike energy.
"Kyūjō-oniichan! Was that really a magical dragon? The one who grants any wish?!"
Kyūjō gave her a gentle smile and nodded.
Seeing his calm, composed expression, framed by a handsome face and an aura that radiated quiet strength, eight-year-old Bulma forgot how to breathe for a moment.
As a Saiyan, Kyūjō naturally possessed a perfectly balanced physique.
Combined with years of martial arts training and advanced breathing techniques, he had grown far faster than children his age. He now stood around 165 cm tall.
At this rate, he estimated he'd reach around 190 cm as an adult—possibly over two meters visually once his Saiyan hairstyle fully developed.
And right then, in her young and innocent heart, Bulma made a vow:
Someday… I'll gather all the Dragon Balls and ask Shenron to make Kyūjō-oniichan love me forever!
But that fragile hope shattered instantly with Kyūjō's next words.
"Bulma… I have to leave. I'm leaving Earth this time. I might come back in a few years… or maybe it'll take longer. But until then, be a good girl and listen to your parents, okay?"
He gently patted Bulma's head.
And with that—her tears spilled over.
— — —
At this point, there was almost no one left on Earth who could push Tachibana Kyūjō to fight seriously.
Yes, he could simply continue training in his ship's gravity room and elevate his power level until he eventually reached Super Saiyan.
But that wasn't the path he sought.
No true warrior in history reached the summit through solitary training alone.
A gravity chamber could push the body to its limits—
but to break those limits required something far more brutal:
Real battles.
Life-and-death danger.
Enemies worthy of fear.
Pressure that crushed the soul.
Super Saiyan was not his final goal.
If he was already in this world… how could he not aim for the absolute peak?
That was why Tachibana Kyūjō longed to leave Universe 7 entirely—
to search for stronger foes, unknown worlds, and the dormant potential inside himself.
If his power eventually surpassed even the highest levels of this universe, would he simply wait here as cosmic villains appeared one after another like in the original timeline?
And if he defeated them all…
What would become of the true protagonists, Son Goku and Vegeta?
Would he overshadow them?
Turn them into mere supporting characters in a world he rewrote?
Of course not.
Venturing into other Universes was the best choice—for him, and for them.
Because the unknown held far more exciting possibilities.
— — —
Near the star system that housed Planet Zuno, a massive golden spaceship floated quietly in space.
It was the Golden Flash, Tachibana Kyūjō's personal vessel.
Inside, Kyūjō stood before a beautiful female crew member—Blue Pearl.
With her pale skin, calm demeanor, and ethereal charm, she was among the most capable people on board.
"Blue Pearl, I have a mission for you."
"That planet ahead is Planet Zuno. I want you to go there in my place and ask Zuno a single question. Every being in the universe is allowed to ask him questions."
"But there is one rule: before he answers, you must kiss him."
"For men, only one question is allowed. But women can ask several. The problem is… the queue is estimated to be seven years long."
"If you're willing, I will come pick you up once your turn comes. And in return, I'll seek out the Dragon Balls and grant you one wish. Blue Pearl—will you go?"
The woman, cold yet beautiful like a flawless gemstone, needed only a heartbeat to respond.
She bowed lightly, her voice soft but unwavering.
"If that is your command, my lord… I will go. Whatever you ask of me, I will obey."
Seeing the sincerity and loyalty in her eyes, Kyūjō smiled warmly and nodded.
After giving her the exact question she needed to ask, he ordered the crew to escort Blue Pearl aboard a smaller vessel.
Moments later, the ship detached from the Golden Flash and headed straight toward Planet Zuno.
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