c135: The Boundary of Nothingness! Missing Three People
Five days later.
At Capsule Corporation, the warriors of Universe 7 had gathered. During this time, the group discovered that Bulma had given birth to a daughter—little Bra and they offered their congratulations.
"Why are you all so tense? Isn't this supposed to be just another martial arts tournament?" Krillin approached alongside No. 17, noticing Vegeta, Piccolo, and the others looking grim. Their expressions weren't those of fighters heading to a normal competition, but warriors facing a battle where they might never return.
Krillin's words hung awkwardly. Those who didn't know the truth were understandably confused.
Gohan and Piccolo exchanged meaningful glances.
Beerus strolled over, flicking his tail lazily. "Hey, bald one. Long time no see."
"Lord Beerus!" Krillin greeted nervously.
Beerus nodded with disinterest before scanning the group. "Is everyone here?"
"Not yet," Gohan replied. "Dad and No. 17 aren't here, and… something happened with Buu. My father-in-law called earlier. Buu won't be able to join us."
"What?!" Beerus' eyes narrowed dangerously. In his memory, Majin Buu was that fat pink glutton who once stole his pudding but had strength worth acknowledging. "Why the hell not?"
Gohan hesitated, then sighed. "He ate too much and fell into a deep sleep. The Grand Supreme Kai says he won't wake up for a while."
Beerus: "…"
The veins on the God of Destruction's forehead bulged. Everyone tensed. Was Beerus about to explode?
"Lord Beerus, please calm down," Whis interjected smoothly. "Remember, the Tournament of Power is imminent."
Beerus inhaled sharply through his nose, suppressing his fury. "Tch… fine. But what now? We needed ten warriors. Now we're down one! The arena is in the World of Void we don't exactly have time to go talent-scouting!"
The World of Void the realm of nothingness where the Tournament would be held loomed in everyone's mind.
Gohan bit his lip. As team leader, the responsibility weighed heavily on him. Buu's sudden absence had thrown their careful planning into chaos.
Luya was about to speak when two familiar auras suddenly flickered nearby. In the next instant, Goku and Android 17 materialized.
"Dad!"
"Goku!"
The group brightened immediately.
Piccolo, however, studied No. 17 closely, his sharp eyes narrowing.
"Alright, everyone's here now. You all remember this guy, right?" Goku laughed, gesturing at the calm man beside him. "Android 17 our old opponent! He's agreed to fight for Universe 7!"
No. 17 smirked faintly. "Pleased to join you."
The atmosphere grew tense as Piccolo stepped forward. The two former enemies locked eyes. Memories of their brutal battle years ago flickered in everyone's mind.
"Piccolo…" Krillin muttered nervously.
But instead of hostility, Piccolo extended his hand. "You've changed. You're nothing like the person you were back then."
No. 17 clasped his hand firmly. "And you've grown stronger too."
They smiled faintly at each other, their old grudge dissolving in that single handshake.
"Dad, there's something you need to know," Gohan said, explaining Buu's situation.
Goku froze, then groaned. "Of all times… why now? What a pain!"
"Goku!" Beerus snapped. "What are we supposed to do? We're about to depart for the Void and we're still short a man!"
"Let me think…" Goku muttered, scratching his head.
Krillin piped up hopefully. "What about Tien?"
"No!" Vegeta barked. "We need someone on par with Buu. This is life or death for the entire Universe 7!"
Krillin's face fell. "T-Tien's strong too…"
Android 18 frowned. "Wait a minute. Why are you acting like one missing fighter means doom? Isn't this just a tournament? What's really going on? And what's this about ten million zeni?"
"Eh… haha…" Goku laughed sheepishly.
Bulma folded her arms, glaring. "Goku! Did you lie again?"
Krillin stared in disbelief. "You… lied to us? About the prize?"
Goku scratched his head awkwardly. "Sorry, Krillin. I just… wanted you and 18 to join us. There's no money. The truth is… if we lose, Zeno will erase Universe 7 completely."
"What?!" Krillin nearly collapsed, drenched in sweat.
"No way… you tricked us?!" 18's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I'm sorry," Goku said sincerely. "But I knew you'd fight anyway. I wanted our chances to be as high as possible."
Krillin straightened, his face serious. "Goku, don't ever doubt us again. Even if you told us the truth, 18 and I would have stepped up. We won't abandon our universe."
18 nodded curtly. "Money is nice, but this is bigger than that. Just… don't lie again."
Relieved, Goku chuckled nervously.
Bulma sighed and placed her hands on her hips. "Fine. To smooth this over, I'll pay the ten million myself. That way you can all focus on the fight!"
18 blinked. "Seriously?"
"Of course," Bulma said matter-of-factly. "Ten million is pocket change."
Luya watched, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. Beautiful and rich. No wonder Vegeta never lets her go.
Piccolo brought them back on track. "So, Goku. Who replaces Buu?"
"Think fast," Beerus warned. "If we fail here, we're erased."
Goku frowned, struggling to think. Then, a calm voice broke the silence.
"How about… Frieza?"
"PFFFFT!" Vegeta spat his drink all over the floor.
"What?!" Everyone stared in shock.
Luya looked around innocently. "Did I say something wrong?"
"You're suggesting Frieza?!" Krillin's face turned pale.
Luya nodded seriously. "Yes. Like him or not, he's strong. Stronger than Buu."
"No way!" Vegeta's face darkened, his hatred for Frieza blazing in his eyes. "Over my dead body!"
Most of the others looked equally horrified. Could the tyrant who once destroyed Planet Vegeta and terrorized the galaxy really fight for Universe 7?
But Goku's eyes lit up. "Luya! That's genius! Frieza's perfect!"
"Kakarot! Don't be an idiot!" Vegeta snarled.
"But think about it!" Goku argued. "No one else is stronger than him! We're out of time!"
Gohan frowned. "Dad, Frieza's dead. Are you really serious?"
Goku grinned. "That's easy. We'll just ask Fortuneteller Baba to resurrect him for 24 hours. He can fight with us, then go back."
Vegeta clenched his fists. "And what if he betrays us, huh?!"
Goku's expression hardened. "Then I'll deal with him myself. Besides, Luya's here too. His power's on par with Frieza's. Together, we'll keep him in line."
Luya unconsciously straightened his back at Goku's words.
Whis finally spoke, his staff glowing faintly. "Frieza's strength is indeed exceptional, and given the circumstances, he may be your only viable option. But be cautious. His ambitions are… dangerous. If you intend to recruit him, you must be prepared to control him."
Beerus crossed his arms, his tail twitching. "Do whatever you want. Just remember if this fails, it's not only your lives on the line. It's all of ours."
"Right!" Goku said eagerly. Without hesitation, he vanished with Instant Transmission.
Everyone was left staring, silent and uneasy.
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