Beerus and Whis held their breath. In their line of sight, a small figure bathed in a shimmering silver light slowly stepped out of the palace.
Whoosh!
Silver waves of Ki spiralled around him, the scorching temperature tearing at the air and causing the atmosphere to warp and distort. A second later, the aura surged into the boy's body with terrifying speed, and his hair turned a brilliant, transcendent silver.
If the "Semi-State of No-Self" corresponds to the mental level of Ultra Instinct -Sign-, then the true "State of No-Self" represents the mental level of Perfected Ultra Instinct. At this moment, young Gran had truly achieved a mind as tranquil as the vast sky. This state stripped away human weakness, allowing him to act without conscious effort—to flow with the universe.
In this form, Gran didn't receive a fixed power multiplier like a Super Saiyan transformation. However, his strength had undoubtedly reached a level that simple numbers could no longer measure. It was a holistic elevation of power, speed, and reaction—a total evolution of his being.
"Whis... the brat actually did it!!" Beerus finally found his voice, his tone trembling with excitement at the sight of Gran's silver hair.
"Lord Beerus, if I recall correctly, it took you ten years to reach the 'No-Self' mental level..." Whis began, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Stop, stop, stop!" Beerus snapped, clearly annoyed. "Must you always compare me to this little monster? You know exactly how abnormal he is."
"Ohoho~ true enough. I taught you both, yet Gran is clearly my most outstanding pupil. It's only natural you can't keep up, Lord Beerus."
"What do you mean, you taught him?!" Beerus ignored the jab about his skill and barked back. "Did I not teach him as well? You're certainly good at taking all the credit!"
"Well," Whis replied smoothly, "while a certain someone has stayed awake recently, he still spends most of his day napping when he isn't eating. I won't name names; I'll let you figure it out."
"Pffft! How is that any different from saying my name directly?"
"Since Lord Beerus has admitted it, I'll state another undeniable fact: I was the one who brought Gran here in the first place." Whis lifted his chin, his face a picture of smug pride.
"You..." Beerus's temple throbbed. He looked like he wanted to jump up and give Whis a piece of his mind.
Whis's gaze turned playful. "What? Would Lord Beerus like a quick spar with me?"
"Go on, get out of here. I'm not stooping to your level," Beerus muttered, instantly deflating. He knew better than to pick a fight he couldn't win.
"Lord Beerus, Whis—sorry to make you worry."
Gran's hair reverted to black as he walked toward them. The two deities stopped their bickering to look at the child. It had been three and a half years since he arrived; to see him reach this height in such a short time was nothing short of frightening.
"I don't know exactly what happened in your head, but as long as you're okay, that's what matters," Beerus said, patting Gran's small shoulder.
Whis rubbed the boy's head with a smile. "Sometimes, emotional turmoil isn't a bad thing. You used that moment to shatter your plateau and reach the true State of No-Self."
"Yeah," Gran replied, feeling a warm surge of gratitude.
When Vegeta was on the verge of death, Gran had been consumed by the thrill of revenge, mixed with a tiny, lingering pity for the "Prince of Saiyans." But seeing Vegeta survive through sheer, absurd luck had left him speechless. The clash of joy, pity, and frustration had created a mental storm that, ironically, broke the bottleneck his "Semi-No-Self" state had been stuck at for over two years.
"How did it feel in that state?" Whis asked.
"Incredible," Gran said, looking at his hands. "My power, speed, and reflexes... they all skyrocket. My body moves entirely on instinct, without the brain needing to process a single thought. It's like my consciousness has shifted to a 'God's-eye view.' It feels exactly like what you said, Whis—stripping away human weakness."
"Precisely," Whis explained. "Your body is no longer hindered by subjective thought; it reacts purely on instinct. And while your mind has reached the level of Perfected Ultra Instinct, we must be clear: until your physical body catches up, this is still only the initial stage of Ultra Instinct."
Gran nodded, a bit disappointed. "I understand. My physical instincts are still too weak to match my mental state."
"A teachable brat at last," Beerus nodded approvingly. "Don't be discouraged. Most Gods of Destruction haven't even reached the 'Semi-No-Self' level. You're already ahead of the curve. Once your raw power and physical habits reach a higher plane, you'll master the Perfected state naturally."
Beerus sounded almost fatherly, causing Gran to blink in surprise. Since when did Lord Beerus become so supportive?
"I'm trying to be nice! What's with that look?" Beerus growled, his fist clenching.
"Wait," Gran said, quickly changing the subject to avoid a spanking. "Where are Shin and Kibito?"
"Back at the Sacred World of the Kai. Don't change the subject—what was that look for?"
"Lord Beerus, when do you plan on releasing the Old Kai? I can't be Shin's tutor forever." Gran continued to dodge the question, his eyes darting around.
Beerus sighed. "Fine. But you owe us an explanation. Why are you so obsessed with that Super Saiyan form?"
Beerus recalled their spar from six months ago. The Super Saiyan form was riddled with flaws: erratic Ki, violent emotions, and a massive drain on stamina. Most importantly, Gran couldn't use Ultra Instinct while in that golden form. In Beerus's eyes, a 50-fold power boost wasn't worth losing the absolute defence of instinct.
"Lord Beerus, there is a record in the Saiyan history books," Gran lied effortlessly. "Beyond the Super Saiyan form, there is an 'Ultimate State.'"
"An Ultimate State?"
"Yes. It's known as the 'True Form' of the Saiyans. In that state, the stamina drain and emotional instability vanish. It becomes as natural as our base form. And I am certain that in that state, I can layer Ultra Instinct on top of it."
Beerus and Whis were stunned. If such a form existed—one that combined a massive power multiplier with the stability of a base form and the divinity of Ultra Instinct—the result would be terrifying.
"Impossible," Beerus countered. "That golden form is a dead end. How could there be an 'Ultimate' version?"
Whis, however, remained deep in thought. "Perhaps we should release the Old Kai after all. He may be a bit... perverted, but his knowledge and unique abilities are unrivalled among the Supreme Kais of the twelve universes."
Whis's tone became serious. "Universe 7 is currently ranked second to last. If we don't improve our mortal level, Grand Zeno may eventually decide to erase us. Shin is too young and inexperienced. We need Old Kai's wisdom."
Beerus looked at Gran, then at Whis. He sighed. "Fine. For the sake of this brat, I'll give up my naps and release my 'insurance policy.' I swear, I must have owed you a debt in a past life, kid."
Gran felt a genuine wave of emotion. Beerus really was looking out for him. He decided he'd wait at least five minutes before talking back to him again.
"If you don't eventually become strong enough to break the laws of this universe, I'll have your head," Beerus joked. "Whis, take us to the Sacred World of the Kai."
"Understood!" Whis tapped his staff, and the three of them streaked toward the heavens.
<><><><><><><><><><><>
Want more chapters? Support my Patreon/Razerizz