Merus lowered his head like a child who'd done something wrong.
He suddenly thought, before Ken existed, I felt like I was doing great with the Galactic Patrol. Now I'm… caught in a grind against a human? Uh, if he keeps training like this, he might not even count as human anymore.
He's close to evolving into an Angel, right?
"If… if his Angelic Power purity reaches forty… could he transform into an Angel?" Merus asked curiously.
"I don't know. Perhaps," the Grand Priest shook his head, then shifted the topic. "Make preparations. Wake your trainee God of Destruction. Three days from now, the restored Universe 18 will hold a God of Destruction selection battle. I expect your trainee not to disappoint me."
Before Merus could react, the Grand Priest ended the call.
"Universe 18? Restored Universe 18?" Merus blinked, muttering, "Could that universe we saw in the Null Realm have been the restored Universe 18?"
Wait…
That's not the point!
The point is the God of Destruction selection battle the Grand Priest mentioned!
In other words, if my God of Destruction candidate becomes Universe 18's new God of Destruction, I can go take over as that universe's Angel as well?
This is a huge opportunity.
I need to hurry and wake Majin Buu!
…
That day, the Grand Priest issued a universal proclamation: the selection order for Universe 18's new God of Destruction.
The message swiftly reached the Angels of all twelve universes.
Upon hearing it, many Gods of Destruction and Supreme Kais across the universes were shaken.
No one expected the universe erased by Zeno-sama—Universe 18—to restore itself.
Not only that, the Grand Priest would select a new God of Destruction from among the twelve universes, and reward the victor with the Super Dragon Balls that can grant any wish.
Quite a few Gods of Destruction's eyes lit up.
After all, if the new God of Destruction comes from their universe, relations with Universe 18 would naturally be excellent.
And having the new God of Destruction "graduate" from your own universe is an honor.
They could brag to other universes.
"See Universe 18's God of Destruction? That one came from our universe!"
Of course, a very small number of universes remained unmoved.
Those were Universes 1, 5, 8, and 12.
The Supreme Kais and Gods of Destruction in these four universes approached their duties more earnestly.
In their view, even if a mortal from their universe became Universe 18's God of Destruction… so what?
Doing your job well and developing your own universe was still the best choice.
…
Universe 7, Beerus's Planet.
"My, my… the erased Universe 18 has already taken shape again…" Whis sighed. "And the Grand Priest is holding an all-universe selection for its new God of Destruction. Participation is voluntary—universes may register on their own."
"Are we entering?" the Oracle Fish asked.
"The Grand Priest said Universe 7 is a special case and must participate," Whis exhaled helplessly. "Lord Beerus is sleeping, so I had hoped to sit this out."
"In that case, hurry and wake Lord Beerus," the Oracle Fish suggested.
"Oracle Fish, do you have any prophecy about this?" Whis asked.
"I foretell that the new God of Destruction of Universe 18 will come from our Universe 7," the Oracle Fish answered.
"My, my… let's hope your prophecy is accurate this time," Whis smiled. "Either way, I should try to wake Lord Beerus…"
"Even if you can't, it's fine, right? Whis, you just need to bring a powerful fighter to the tournament," the Oracle Fish proposed. "Or you could call the Supreme Kai and have him help search the universe for candidates."
"The Supreme Kai…" Whis felt a headache coming on.
"Didn't the Supreme Kai doubt your identity last time? This is a chance to broaden his horizons," the Oracle Fish added.
"That's not a bad idea," Whis mused, finding no fault with the suggestion. He nodded. "I'll contact the Supreme Kai now."
He raised the crystal orb atop his staff and connected to the Supreme Kai.
…
Universe 7, Sacred World of the Kai.
The Supreme Kai and Kibito were still quietly watching over Majin Buu, who was snoring away at Galactic Patrol Headquarters.
"That guy's been asleep for three months…" the Supreme Kai said gravely.
"Looking at things so far… ever since he started following Merus, he hasn't caused any big trouble… Maybe he really has changed," Kibito offered the optimistic take.
"Change? He's Majin Buu. That kind of thing is impossible," the Supreme Kai shook his head decisively.
"It seems we have no option but to keep observing," Kibito said in a low voice. "Too bad we don't have the ability to seal him. If we could just seal him while he's sleeping, that'd be ideal."
"Yes," the Supreme Kai nodded helplessly.
As they spoke, a voice suddenly sounded in the Supreme Kai's mind.
"Supreme Kai, are you there?"
It was Whis.
"Who? Who's speaking?" The Supreme Kai's expression changed.
As the "greatest god" of the entire universe, someone just spoke directly into my head?
Another magician?
"Supreme Kai, long time no see. I'm Whis—we met last time in the God of Destruction Realm," Whis greeted.
"What? You're Whis?" The Supreme Kai's pupils shrank, his face worsening. He barked, "Stop deceiving me! You think I don't know who you are? You're a figure conjured by that Merus fellow's magic! That so-called God of Destruction Realm I visited was an illusion he created! You're just one of the conjured characters!"
Whis: "???"
Whis fell silent.
"I nailed it, didn't I? Struck dumb, aren't you?" The Supreme Kai snorted.
"What exactly did Merus tell you…" Whis sighed, truly at a loss for words.
"Hmph! Get out of my head right now, or don't blame me for being rude," the Supreme Kai snapped.
"Supreme Kai, bring up Majin Buu. Make him reseal Buu… or we'll head to Galactic Patrol Headquarters and expose Merus's true identity," Kibito said quickly, an idea flashing.
But the Supreme Kai slowly shook his head and made several hand signs: Don't.
If they did that and angered Merus, he might wake Majin Buu.
Who would shoulder that outcome?
The entire universe could suffer annihilation.
"Supreme Kai, I have important news," Whis said, forcing himself calm.
"I'm not listening, I'm not listening," the Supreme Kai refused, covering his head as though to block the voice.
No matter how hard he tried, he could not shut Whis out.
"Please, let me finish," Whis kept sighing.
How did our universe end up with such a ridiculous Supreme Kai?
Whis then explained the Grand Priest's God of Destruction selection order.
"Grand Priest? Who's that? One of Dabura, King of the Demon Realm's, subordinates?" the Supreme Kai muttered.
Whis: "…"
Whis didn't want to talk anymore.
Do you have any idea how many ranks you just demoted the Grand Priest by?
You didn't just demote him—you lumped him in as a Demon King's underling.
"Forget it," Whis concluded, cutting the link. He didn't want to engage the Supreme Kai further.
If I bring him along and he offends the Grand Priest… Universe 7 probably won't have a peaceful time for a while.
"Whis, what did the Supreme Kai say?" the Oracle Fish asked.
"We'll search by ourselves…" Whis shook his head, turning to the Oracle Fish. "Let's do it that way."
"Search ourselves? Who's suitable?" The Oracle Fish blew a bubble and leaned over the rim of the bowl.
"Among currently active mortals in Universe 7, who's the strongest?" Whis said, and began scanning regions of Universe 7 through the staff's crystal.
After several hours of searching,
a figure finally surfaced in the crystal orb.
Whis projected the image.
"It's… that Frieza fellow?" The Oracle Fish recognized him at a glance.
"Based on the search, the strongest currently active 'human' in Universe 7 is Mr. Frieza," Whis nodded. "Though deeper in space there should be beings stronger than Frieza, and, from time to time, mortals even stronger than him are born… but finding them would be troublesome."
"Should we bring him to compete?" the Oracle Fish asked.
"Let's bring Frieza," Whis decided after some thought. He explained, "Before going to sleep, Lord Beerus entrusted certain work to Mr. Frieza. Even if Lord Beerus woke up, I think he'd still choose him."
"Want to bring him over for some training?" the Oracle Fish asked.
"No need to force it. We only have three days. Training won't raise his level much," Whis shook his head.
"Then contact him and give him a heads-up," the Oracle Fish suggested.
"Very well," Whis agreed.
He immediately reached out to Frieza through his staff.
…
The boundless starry sea.
Frieza's spaceship drifted slowly across the void.
Frieza sat in his new baby-pod throne, gazing up at the stars beyond the window with a deep expression.
Just then, a voice sounded in his mind.
"Hello, Mr. Frieza. Are you there?"
"Who's there? Get out of my head!" Frieza was startled and furious.
"Mr. Frieza, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Whis, Lord Beerus's attendant," Whis said.
"What? Lord Beerus?" Frieza's face changed slightly. A moment later, the image of the tall blue-skinned attendant at Beerus's side surfaced in his mind—the one with a blue halo around his neck and a staff in hand.
Such a peculiar getup.
"Oh, it's you. I remember now," Frieza chuckled, then grew solemn. "Did Lord Beerus ask you to contact me?"
"More or less," Whis nodded.
"What are Lord Beerus's orders?" Frieza asked respectfully.
"A certain universe is selecting a new God of Destruction. I wonder if Mr. Frieza would be interested in entering the running," Whis said.
"A new God of Destruction?" Frieza's eyes instantly filled with longing.
"Yes, yes. If you're fortunate enough to be chosen, you'll stand on equal footing with Lord Beerus," Whis smiled.
Frieza felt bliss arrive too suddenly.
This was heaven's favor upon me.
As long as I'm chosen, I'll be on par with Lord Beerus?
Excellent. Excellent!
Only a fool wouldn't enter!
"When and where will the selection be held?" Frieza asked, struggling to contain his excitement.
"In three days. I'll personally come fetch you. Until then, please don't wander too far—remain in your current star sector," Whis instructed.
"Consider it done!" Frieza's excitement mounted, his eyes brimming with anticipation.
I, Frieza, will become the new God of Destruction!
When I do, that Supreme Kai who once glared and swatted me away… I'll pay him back.
And you—who killed my son!
That blood debt must be repaid!
Frieza clenched his fist, veins bulging on his forehead. Amidst anticipation, a cold killing intent surfaced in his eyes.
…
Universe 10, God of Destruction Realm.
"God of Destruction selection?" Rumsshi twitched his elephant trunk, silently pondering.
"Lord Rumsshi, do we have a suitable candidate?" Kusu asked.
"No," Rumsshi shook his head.
"Why not ask the Supreme Kai? He may have someone in mind," Kusu suggested.
"Good idea," Rumsshi's eyes brightened.
Some universes sought their Supreme Kai's help in picking a candidate because Supreme Kais dealt with mortals far more often.
As the greatest gods of their universes, many mortals were either created by them or transferred under their care.
Gods of Destruction focused on erasing planets; they rarely interacted with mortals.
"I'll go in person," Rumsshi decided.
"Yes," Kusu nodded.
Rumsshi stepped to Kusu's side.
"Fwoosh!"
The two became a streak of starlike radiance and sped toward the Sacred World of the Kai.
…
Universe 10, Sacred World of the Kai.
"You're the North Kai, Zamasu?" Supreme Kai Gowasu took a sip of tea as he looked at the bowing figure before him.
"Yes, Supreme Kai. I am indeed Zamasu of the North," Zamasu answered respectfully, then asked carefully, "May I ask why you summoned me, Supreme Kai?"
"I hear you manage the Northern Quadrant admirably," Gowasu said with a smile, looking at Zamasu with approval.
"You flatter me, Supreme Kai. I only do what is right," Zamasu bowed again.
"Excellent… In that case, are you interested in becoming a Supreme Kai?" Gowasu laughed and asked suddenly.
Zamasu was so startled he nearly fell to his knees. Cold sweat soaked his back. "I don't dare! I don't dare!"
"Don't be afraid. In twenty or thirty years I'll retire. I'm selecting a successor, so I can begin training early," Gowasu said.
"I see…" Zamasu exhaled and answered at once, "It would be my honor!"
"Then stay by my side starting today. I'll teach you what to do and strive to shape you into an excellent Supreme Kai as soon as possible," Gowasu said, satisfied.
Among the four Kais, Zamasu was indeed exceptional—and Universe 10's best candidate.
"Yes, Supreme Kai-sama," Zamasu bowed.
As they spoke, a streak of starlike brilliance flashed across the sky.
"Supreme Kai, what is that?" Zamasu asked, surprised.
Gowasu glanced back at the sky and immediately realized, "It's Lord Rumsshi and Lady Kusu… What brings them here?"
"Who?" Zamasu wasn't familiar with such things yet.
Pa!
Just then, Kusu and Rumsshi descended from the sky and landed beside Supreme Kai Gowasu.
"Greetings, Lord Rumsshi, Lady Kusu," Gowasu rose and bowed.
"Long time no see, Gowasu-sama," Kusu returned the bow politely.
Rumsshi stood tall, gave Zamasu a sidelong glance, and said nothing—for now.
"Such rare guests… To what do I owe the pleasure?" Gowasu said, then instructed, "Zamasu, brew a fresh pot of tea."
"At once, Supreme Kai," Zamasu complied, all the while guessing at their identities.
Who are these two?
The Supreme Kai seems quite respectful toward them…
"No need for tea," Rumsshi waved, then said to Kusu, "Just tell him. No need for pleasantries."
Even so, Zamasu quickly tidied the old leaves, set fresh ones to steep, and pricked up his ears to listen.
"As you wish, Lord Rumsshi," Kusu nodded, then informed Gowasu about the selection for Universe 18's new God of Destruction.
"The universe erased by Zeno-sama has restored itself?" Gowasu was astonished. "I didn't expect an erased universe could come back."
"Likely an exception," Kusu said evenly.
"A God of Destruction selection? We need to find a powerful mortal from our universe to enter?" Gowasu fell into thought.
"That's right. Please give it serious consideration and see if there's a suitable candidate," Kusu said.
"Supreme Kai, take this seriously," Rumsshi emphasized. "If someone from our universe is selected, we'll establish a strong relationship with Universe 18—and we can proudly tell the other universes that Universe 18's God of Destruction came from ours. It's our reputation."
Gowasu thought in circles and came up empty. Then his gaze fell on Zamasu, who was standing at the side. "Zamasu, you think, too. Consider which powerful mortals our universe has…"
"Supreme Kai… a God of Destruction is…?" Zamasu asked curiously.
"I'll introduce them. This is our universe's God of Destruction, Lord Rumsshi, and this is the Angel, Lady Kusu. Simply put, a God of Destruction is the mightiest god in the universe. Also, our lives are bound together. If there is only one Supreme Kai and I die, Lord Rumsshi will also disappear," Gowasu explained, then added for them, "He is Zamasu, formerly the North Kai. I'm nearing retirement, so I intend to train him as my successor."
"Supreme Kai, you didn't need to detail the life-binding," Rumsshi's face darkened, his trunk curling.
Why are you explaining that so clearly?
Do you want to die?
"Hahaha, it's nothing. It's not like Zamasu would kill me and make Lord Rumsshi vanish," Gowasu laughed, making a casual joke.
Zamasu: "…"
Zamasu felt awkward.
Who jokes like that?
At this stage, Zamasu indeed had no thought of killing Gowasu.
There was no need.
He only wanted to become a proper Supreme Kai.
Right now, he was just a North Kai.
A Kai who doesn't aspire to be a Supreme Kai isn't a good Kai.
Gowasu never imagined that this flippant joke would one day foreshadow his fate.
"Zamasu, was it? Think with us," Rumsshi said lightly.
"What does a God of Destruction mainly do?" Zamasu asked, curious.
"Why do you want to know?" Rumsshi squinted at him.
"It's no secret. Since you may succeed me, I can tell you," Gowasu, indulgent of his new disciple, smiled. "A God of Destruction and a Supreme Kai's work complement each other. The God of Destruction mainly erases useless planets or mortals to maintain universal balance… I'll teach you the details later."
"In other words, mortals who violate principles can be erased?" Zamasu's eyes lit up, a sharp gleam flickering there.
Why do I suddenly feel… I'm more suited to being a God of Destruction?
"Zamasu, what are you saying?" Gowasu frowned.
Kusu gave Zamasu a meaningful look but said nothing.
"That's more or less the idea," Rumsshi nodded.
"Then… may I enter the selection?" Zamasu asked, excited.
Gowasu: "…"
All three turned their eyes on Zamasu.
"What are the requirements to enter?" Zamasu asked.
"As long as you're strong enough," Rumsshi replied.
"I consider my strength… across all of Universe 10… to be considerable," Zamasu said with confidence.
"Then attack me with all you've got," Rumsshi decided to test him.
"T-That… might not be appropriate," Zamasu balked, waving his hands. "What if someone gets hurt?"
"Kusu, did you hear that? He's confident," Rumsshi almost laughed.
"My, my… If Mr. Zamasu truly wants to enter, he should indeed try attacking Lord Rumsshi," Kusu said with a smile.
"Zamasu, do you really mean to enter?" Gowasu sighed.
"I can try. If I fail, I'll come back to serve you, Supreme Kai," Zamasu said, leaving himself a retreat.
Gowasu: "…"
Convenient for you, a tragedy for me.
I just picked a successor…
And he wants to run off to enter a God of Destruction selection.
Looks like I'll be choosing again.
"Lord Rumsshi, when does the selection begin?" Gowasu asked.
"In three days," Rumsshi said flatly.
"That's soon… Very well, Zamasu, do your best. If you're not chosen, you can return to continue as my disciple," Gowasu conceded.
He knew that across all universes, a God of Destruction selection would be no easy hurdle for Zamasu—stronger than a typical Supreme Kai though he might be.
"Come, North Kai. Attack me with everything you have so I can gauge your true strength," Rumsshi beckoned.
"Then forgive my impudence, Lord Rumsshi," Zamasu said solemnly.
Pop!
He raised a hand; a purple hand-blade formed, its edge shimmering with a chilling light.
"Please don't get hurt, Lord Rumsshi," Zamasu warned first.
You told me to go all out.
Don't blame me if you're injured.
Rumsshi said nothing. Hands behind his back, trunk curling slightly, he crooked the tip toward Zamasu in a taunt.
Zamasu: "…"
That's provoking me, isn't it?
He dashed in, hand-blade stabbing forward.
Clack!
His blade struck Rumsshi's trunk—
And stopped dead the instant it touched.
"What?" Zamasu's face changed.
Psssh!
White gas puffed from Rumsshi's trunk.
"Aaah—!"
With a scream, Zamasu was blasted away, slammed into the ground, and sprawled out, coughing blood.
"Not bad," Rumsshi said simply, then asked Kusu, "What do you think?"
"My, my… Mr. Zamasu's strength is indeed remarkable. Among all Supreme Kais, if we judge purely by combat power, he's near the top," Kusu assessed objectively.
"Heal him," Rumsshi instructed.
"Yes, Lord Rumsshi," Kusu answered. She raised her staff and let Angelic Power wash over Zamasu.
His injuries mended quickly. He climbed to his feet, looking at Rumsshi with a hint of admiration.
A God of Destruction is this strong?
I believed I was already powerful!
Even the Supreme Kai says I rank near the top among Supreme Kais.
The Angel woman says the same.
But compared to a God of Destruction, I'm still far behind.
I must become that God of Destruction.
"Kusu, a Kai can enter, correct?" Rumsshi asked.
"There's no rule barring a Kai from entering," Kusu replied.
"Then it's settled. You," Rumsshi patted Zamasu's shoulder, "don't embarrass me."
"Yes, Lord Rumsshi. I'll give it everything I have and strive to become Universe 18's new God of Destruction!" Zamasu answered, eyes firm.
"In three days, Supreme Kai, send Zamasu to my God of Destruction Realm," Rumsshi told Gowasu. Then he nodded to Kusu. "We're leaving."
…
Universe 11, God of Destruction Realm.
Universe 11's God of Destruction was Belmod, who looked like a playing-card joker.
Behind him stood a beautiful twin-tailed Angel.
Her name was Marcarita.
If Ken were here, he'd surely be taken with this beautiful Angel.
Unfortunately for Ken, there are far too few doujinshi of Marcarita.
Which is odd, since among the Angels, Marcarita is really quite lovely.
If one had to choose between Kusu, Vados, and Marcarita…
Children make choices. I want them all!
"Tch… Universe 18's new God of Destruction selection," Belmod snorted.
"Lord Belmod, shall our universe participate?" Marcarita asked.
"Of course. Across the cosmos, the mortals of our universe have the highest combat power," Belmod said with confidence. "Forget Jiren—just my disciple Toppo is enough to crush the rabble."
"Indeed. Mr. Toppo is very strong. Given time, he can surely grow into a true God of Destruction," Marcarita nodded, agreeing, then asked, "So, who will you send?"
"If we're entering, we send the strongest," Belmod smiled.
(End of Chapter)
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