c137: The Pride Team Appears! The Strongest Jiren
One after another, warriors from across the universes arrived. The stands filled with Kaiōshin, Angels, and Gods of Destruction, their divine auras heavy upon the void.
Of the twelve universes, four Universe 1, 5, 8, and 12 were exempt. Their average mortal levels were above seven, granting them "value" in the eyes of Zeno. But for the other eight universes, deemed inferior, survival would now be decided by battle. Only one would remain.
"The moment the fighting starts, we can't rush in blindly," Gohan cautioned. His tone carried the weight of leadership. "We need to gauge the strength of each universe first. Otherwise, we risk being wiped out early."
The others nodded. Even Krillin and Master Roshi, veterans of countless battles, felt the gravity of the warning.
Suddenly, a brilliant ray of light flashed across the arena floor.
A disciplined group of warriors clad in crimson uniforms materialized in formation. Their presence immediately altered the atmosphere.
Universe 7's fighters stiffened, turning as one. Their instincts screamed. The aura radiating from these newcomers was sharp, disciplined, and above all immensely heavy.
"Universe 11," Goku said, his eyes narrowing.
"Hmph. So they've finally shown themselves." Vegeta's lips curled into a smirk, though his pride burned with challenge rather than comfort.
Luya's gaze lingered on the largest figure standing behind the line. His eyes sharpened. That one… Jiren. His power eclipses anything I've sensed, even compared to Super Saiyan God. Not even Zamasu carried such a weight… This won't be an ordinary fight.
Goku's grin widened. "I'm gonna say hi."
"Wait, Goku!" Krillin reached out, but too late.
Goku was already striding toward the crimson-clad squad.
"Does he know them?" Master Roshi murmured.
"Yes," Gohan explained quickly. "Before this, Lord Zeno hosted an exhibition match. Father fought Toppo of Universe 11. Toppo forced him into Super Saiyan Blue. They didn't finish their fight, but it left a strong impression."
"Super Saiyan Blue?" Krillin swallowed hard. "That's serious."
Even Frieza's cold eyes glimmered with interest. "Hoho… perhaps this tournament won't be as dull as I thought."
"Toppo!" Goku called out cheerfully. "We meet again!"
Toppo's mustache bristled as he turned, glaring. "Son Goku…! You dare show yourself here?!"
"Son Goku?!" one Pride Trooper barked. "He's the culprit! The one who begged Zeno for this tournament! The reason our universes face erasure!"
The red-clad squad's collective gaze bore into Goku, cold and hostile.
Goku raised his hands defensively. "Don't be so tense! Hey, Toppo, let's finish our fight later! Winner takes all!"
Toppo crossed his massive arms. "I am not here for your ego. I represent justice. This tournament decides the survival of my universe. I cannot afford personal duels."
"Aww, come on," Goku muttered, disappointed.
Then he felt it a presence behind Toppo, standing utterly still.
Goku's breath caught. His pupils dilated. The aura he sensed was bottomless. It wasn't flaring, it wasn't loud, it simply was. And it dwarfed everything he had ever encountered. Not even Fused Zamasu had exuded this depth.
Goku's blood surged with excitement. His eyes shifted past Toppo to the silent figure.
"That guy…"
He stepped forward, but Toppo's arm snapped out. "Son Goku! Enough!"
Goku frowned. "I just want to say hello. He's clearly our real opponent."
Toppo's glare sharpened. But then
"…Forget it."
A deep, calm voice cut through the tension.
Toppo blinked, surprised. He lowered his arm.
The path cleared. Goku walked up to the silent giant.
"Hey! My name's Son Goku, from Universe 7! You must be strong, right?"
The tall warrior turned. His eyes, black as the void, locked onto Goku. His face betrayed nothing.
"Get lost," Jiren said flatly.
Goku froze. He scratched his head, embarrassed. "Wow. You're really cold."
Before more could be said, a massive block of Kachi Katchin stone—used to patch the arena came loose overhead, crashing down toward them.
"Goku, look out!" Krillin shouted.
Goku leapt back instinctively. But Jiren did not move.
The stone careened toward him then, as if responding to his silent will, shifted mid-fall, slotting perfectly into a gap in the arena's edge.
The strike thundered, stabilizing the stage.
Jiren hadn't so much as blinked.
Goku's eyes widened, awe mixing with exhilaration. He saw that coming… and didn't need to move at all. Incredible!
"Goku! Get back here!" Piccolo's voice snapped him back.
"Right, right!" Goku jogged back to his team, but not without stealing one last glance at the silent titan.
In Universe 11's camp, the other Pride Troopers murmured.
"Is that Son Goku? He doesn't seem like much," said Dyspo, the speedster whose lithe frame resembled Beerus'.
"Don't underestimate him," Toppo replied gravely. "That man forced me to use my full strength. He could become our greatest threat."
"Impossible…" muttered General Kahseral.
Toppo's eyes hardened. "If I fought him with no restraint, victory would not be guaranteed."
He turned to Jiren. "I'm counting on you. Carry the Pride Troopers' banner of justice… and crush every opponent."
Jiren's gaze never wavered. "Understood."
Back at Universe 7's side, Gohan frowned. "Dad, that was reckless."
"Sorry," Goku admitted, scratching his head. "I just can't help it when I meet a strong one."
"Kakarot," Vegeta said coldly, "who was that man?"
"His name's Jiren," Luya answered before Goku could. His tone was grave. "He's Universe 11's ace. More than that he may be the most difficult opponent standing between us and survival. Don't provoke him lightly."
Vegeta's eyes narrowed.
"Eh? Luya, how do you know so much?" Goku asked curiously.
Luya smirked faintly. "I do my homework. But heed my warning: cross him too soon, and you'll regret it."
"Anyone that even Luya calls dangerous…" Master Roshi stroked his beard. "That's not someone ordinary."
Instead of being discouraged, Goku's fighting spirit only roared higher. "Heh. Now I really want to fight him."
Luya sighed. He had said his piece. The rest was inevitable.
No. 17 chuckled lightly, surveying the field. "Well… better than babysitting wild animals."
No. 18 rolled her eyes. "You've changed a lot, little brother. And unlike me, you stayed single."
No. 17 smirked. "Not everyone settles down with a bald guy."
"Oi!" Krillin groaned.
Before more could be said, light flared above the arena. The Grand Priest descended, staff glowing.
"Now that the stage is complete," he announced, his calm voice resonating through the void, "it is time to explain the rules of the Tournament of Power…"
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