Aside from the specific lessons Whis and Beerus had previously imparted, Gran was essentially a blank slate in every other aspect of combat.
It was precisely because he understood his own ignorance that he knew better than to go out and challenge the strongest beings in the universe right away. Much like his training sessions with Beerus and Whis—if they didn't intentionally hold back and "feed" him moves to learn from, Gran wouldn't have been able to absorb a single thing.
A skyscraper must be built from the ground up!
And so, Gran's brilliance shone through his strategy: he sought out martial arts grandmasters, similar to Master Roshi, to build his foundation.
In the projected image, Gran was seen sparring with an elderly turtle-like alien. The old man's raw strength was negligible—barely over 100 in terms of power level—but his Physical Instinct had already reached the Second Stage!
In the world of mortals, reaching the Second Stage of Physical Instinct is enough to be labelled a "Grandmaster." However, to truly hold that title, one must also forge a Martial Arts Conviction.
Unlike Physical Instinct, which governs one's reactions in the heat of battle, a Martial Arts Conviction represents one's fighting soul—their core belief. Icons like Master Roshi, Tien Shinhan, Piccolo, and Goku each possess unique martial convictions. For a supreme deity like Beerus, such a conviction is as natural as breathing.
In the projection, the turtle elder's strikes were exquisite. Every punch, palm, and kick carried the weight of his martial will. Gran, meanwhile, suppressed his power to only half of the old man's strength.
Gran was being utterly crushed in power output, martial understanding, and instinctive reaction. He lost again and again. Yet, through this repetitive defeat, his understanding of combat began to clarify. By the end of the month, Gran had finally forged his own Martial Arts Conviction.
The Observation Room
"Lord Beerus, I believe your Martial Arts Conviction is 'Fearlessness,' isn't it?" Whis asked, turning away from the projection.
"Indeed," Beerus replied, his voice a bit raspy.
"Do you remember how long it took you to forge your conviction back in the day?"
"I believe it took me three years!"
"My, my... this little one continues to be terrifyingly gifted." Whis couldn't hide his grin. "And what kind of martial arts will you see in him, Lord Beerus?"
"Unyielding Spirit." Beerus clenched his fist. He had watched Gran's journey for the entire month. The kid had lost every single day, yet he never once considered surrendering!
"Hahaha!" Beerus suddenly burst into laughter. "A Martial Arts Conviction is the mandatory path to the peak for any true powerhouse. Grow quickly, little one. I look forward to the day we can truly fight!"
The Universal Stir
The projection ended there, marking the conclusion of Gran's first month of travel. Since being awakened by Whis, Beerus had given up on returning to his slumber. He found watching Gran's progress to be the ultimate entertainment.
Gran's talent was so monstrous that he could master almost any martial art with just a little bit of practice. From that day on, between meals, Beerus and Whis sat by the lake on small stools, treating Gran's life like a daily television drama.
Whis felt a bit like a voyeur, but Beerus dismissed his concerns. "He's an eight-year-old kid. It's not like he's out looking for women. What privacy could he possibly need?" Whis had to admit, the cat had a point.
Over the next few months, Gran's progress shifted gears:
Month 2: 1,000 warriors challenged.
Month 3: 3,000 warriors challenged.
Month 4: 5,000 warriors challenged.
By Month 12: Over 30,000 warriors challenged!
The ripples Gran caused finally turned into a tidal wave, shaking Universe 7. Rumours spread of a mysterious child with two "attendants" who challenged the strong. No matter your power level, he would suppress himself to be half as strong as you—and then he would beat you anyway.
Frieza's Headquarters
Inside the imperial palace, a portly Dodoria hurried toward the throne.
"Sire! According to the latest reports, a martial arts genius has appeared in the galaxy!"
"Oh?" Frieza sat in his hover chair, having seemingly recovered his elegant poise after his humiliation by Beerus a year prior.
"The reports say the prodigy is barely nine years old and travels with two servants. His true strength is a complete mystery." Dodoria paused, testing the waters. "Sire, should we attempt to recruit him? The Frieza Force would be invincible with such talent."
"Talent?" Frieza sipped a glass of red wine. "Hohoho... I have heard the rumours. A remarkable genius indeed. And you know how much I value talent." Frieza looked at Dodoria with a chilling smile. "Since you are so concerned for my empire, why don't you go and recruit him for me, Mr Dodoria?"
Cold sweat drenched Dodoria's brow. Rumour had it that this kid had defeated a warrior with a power level of 100,000. Dodoria sat at a mere 22,000. Going there was a death sentence.
"What? Unwilling?" Frieza's eyes narrowed, his gaze turning icy.
"No... No, not at all!" Dodoria stammered.
"Hohoho! What are you so nervous about, Mr Dodoria? I was only joking." Frieza laughed. "If he can defeat someone at 100,000, you are clearly no match. I shall send the Ginyu Force instead."
Dodoria felt a wave of relief. As long as it wasn't him, he didn't care who went. As he turned to leave, Frieza spoke again.
"By the way... Vegeta hasn't returned to headquarters in a long time, has he?"
Dodoria sneered. "No, Sire. He's been gone for three years. I suspect he has betrayal on his mind. Shall I go and eliminate him?" Killing an 8-year-old Vegeta (with a power level around 6,000) was well within his capabilities.
Frieza clenched his fist, then slowly relaxed it. "No. Let him be."
Frieza watched Dodoria leave. A murderous aura flared around him. Vegeta's intent to betray was obvious, but that damned Beerus had ordered him: Do not touch the Saiyans.
Planet Metamoran
Planet Metamoran, one of the three "Miracle Planets" alongside Yardrat and Namek, was known for its martial culture and the legendary Fusion Technique.
On this day, the Metamoran arena was packed with over 100,000 spectators.
"Is that the legendary genius? A nine-year-old boy is already a Martial Arts Grandmaster?" "Look at him, then look at me... when I was nine, I was still playing in the mud!"
In the centre of the ring, Gran stood opposite the Metamoran Elder. Having reached his breakthrough, Gran's aura had shifted. He now possessed the poise of a true master—reaching the Second Stage of Physical Instinct.
On the sidelines, Shin was vibrating with excitement. "Kibito, look! He challenged 30,000 fighters, and he finally did it!"
"Yes," Shin replied. "He explained that he needed mass combat to force his body to evolve to the Second Stage. He's finally reached the limit of mortal instinct!"
In the ring, Gran opened his eyes. A wave of serene, masterful pressure washed over the crowd.
"Congratulations, young Gran," the Metamoran Elder, a small old man, said with a sigh. "Your talent is truly frightening."
"I owe a debt of gratitude to you and all the warriors of Metamoran," Gran said, bowing respectfully.
"You would have reached this level eventually with your gifts," the Elder chuckled. "Though... I suspect your true power is far beyond what you've shown us." He looked at Gran's "attendants"—Shin and Kibito. He could feel a faint, divine pressure from all three. They felt like... Gods.
Gran smiled. "I do have power in reserve. But Elder, you haven't shown me everything either. I've heard of a certain Fusion Technique your people possess."
The Elder went silent. How does this child know our secret?
"Don't worry," Gran laughed. "I just happen to know a bit more than most. I have no interest in learning it myself—the idea of two men merging into one doesn't sit right with me. I prefer my own strength."
Gran bid his farewells. He had reached the mortal limit of instinct and power. Normally, it would be time to return to Whis for the next step.
But Gran had two goals left for this trip.
Achieve the Super Saiyan transformation.
Get revenge on Vegeta!
"Shin, let's go." "Where to next?" "To find a certain 'Perennial Runner-up' for some long-overdue payback!"
Gran grinned, thinking of Vegeta's face when he saw a Super Saiyan. With a flick of his fingers, he and his companions vanished.
The Metamoran Elder gasped. "The Instant Transmission? He even mastered the secret art of the Yardratians!"
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