Buzz!
A dazzling burst of golden light exploded from Kaito's palm.
Cell, whose eyes had just finished developing, stared wide-eyed, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly, as if trying to say—"Don't."
But the only reply he received was a golden energy blast.
With a deafening explosion, the infant-stage Cell, along with the entire mountain range, was instantly reduced to ash.
As the smoke cleared, Kaito hovered silently above the scorched earth. After a brief glance at the blackened landscape, he disappeared into thin air the next second.
...
Back at Future Bulma's Capsule Corporation, it wasn't long before Vados returned—bringing Future Bulma with her, as well as Dende, who was there to summon Shenron.
Floating behind them were the seven massive Dragon Balls.
Future Bulma had always been on good terms with the Namekians, and when they learned that Earth was in danger, they didn't hesitate to lend the Dragon Balls without question.
Dende had grown considerably since their last meeting, though two faint tear marks still streaked his face—left there when he learned of his good friend Gohan's death.
Now, everything was ready. All that remained was to summon Shenron and make the wish.
Kaito didn't wait for Trunks to speak. Many people would likely be resurrected soon, and he didn't want to become too entangled with the timeline of the future world.
So, they boarded the large time machine and returned to their original timeline.
...
But as soon as they landed, the surroundings were eerily quiet. This was, after all, the front lawn of Capsule Corporation—there were usually at least one or two servants tending to the grounds.
Kaito and Vados turned in the same direction at once.
Standing in the center of the lawn was a figure who bore a striking resemblance to Vados, her hair tied into twin tails.
She wore deep blue angelic robes and held a staff identical to Vados's. A faintly mocking smile curled on her lips.
She was the Angel from Universe Eleven—Marcarita.
Seeing Vados glance her way, Marcarita spoke coldly:
"Vados, as an Angel, you dared to leave your universe without permission—and even brought mortals across time and space. Do you admit your guilt?"
Vados's brows furrowed. She hadn't expected Marcarita to actually track her to Earth, let alone catch her in the act of crossing timelines with mortals.
She was indeed in the wrong this time. If Marcarita reported her actions to the Great Priest, even as an Angel, she would face severe punishment—possibly even being forced into dormancy for a time.
So, in the face of Marcarita's mockery, Vados did not retaliate. She merely fell silent.
Marcarita's arrogance only grew at that. Ignoring Kaito and the others entirely, she continued,
"My dear sister, you've committed quite the serious offense this time. You know what the consequences are, don't you? Now come with me at once and face Father!"
Vados let out a soft sigh and turned to look at Kaito. Forcing a small smile, she said,
"Kaito, I truly enjoyed the time we spent together. It's been… fun. I hope we can meet again someday."
Then, resolutely, she turned and began walking toward Marcarita.
Kaito's eyebrow twitched. In the next instant, he reached out and grabbed Vados's hand from behind.
Vados froze, turning back in surprise. Kaito's calm, steady gaze met hers as he said evenly,
"If it was that much fun, why not stay a little longer? Besides—I'm the one who traveled through time. What's it got to do with you?"
Vados stared into his eyes in a daze. It wasn't as though she wanted to leave. She wasn't afraid of Marcarita—she was afraid of the Great Priest.
If the Great Priest's wrath fell upon them, the Earth would be wiped out instantly…
And Kaito along with it.
That was the one outcome she could never bear to see.
So, despite her reluctance, she shook her head softly and said in a low voice,
"Let it go. If I hadn't come to Earth without permission, Marcarita would never have found her way here. You're a god unbound by any laws—don't get yourself into trouble because of me."
"Trouble or not isn't up to you," Kaito said coolly. "Come here. Today, no one's taking you away."
With that, he pulled Vados back into his arms, his hand wrapping firmly around her waist.
Eighteen, watching from the side, didn't say anything—but her eyes narrowed. She didn't like Marcarita's haughty attitude in the slightest.
Compared to that condescending Angel, her impression of Vados was far better. After all, they had even shared a night together (though Eighteen didn't know Vados had slipped out halfway through). She had no intention of letting anyone push Vados around.
Planting one hand on her hip, Eighteen shouted toward Marcarita,
"What's your problem? Vados is our guest! You've got no right to come here and start barking orders!"
Marcarita's expression darkened instantly. As an Angel worshiped by millions in Universe Eleven, this was the first time anyone had dared to shout at her like that.
She leveled her staff at Eighteen and said coldly,
"Human, I was willing to overlook your insolence—but you truly don't know your place. For your disrespect, this planet will cease to exist."
She slammed her staff lightly against the ground. Pale blue ripples spread outward, and the earth began to tremble violently.
The clear sky darkened in an instant, clouds swirling, lightning crackling across the heavens.
Every corner of the Earth descended into an apocalyptic storm.
With her power, Marcarita could easily reduce the planet to cosmic dust in an instant—but she wanted this impudent human to feel it: the creeping dread of slow annihilation.
She turned her gaze toward Kaito, still holding Vados, then to Vados herself—who made no attempt to resist. A flicker of surprise crossed her face.
Then, as if realizing something, she smirked mockingly.
"Vados… it seems you've developed quite the fondness for this human, haven't you? How amusing! An Angel falling for a mortal—how scandalous."
Vados bit her lip, unable to refute the accusation. She could only steal a quiet glance at Kaito.
Kaito's eyes had narrowed, twin golden pupils gleaming like molten light in the darkness.
He released Vados and began walking slowly toward Marcarita.
As he moved, his long white hair grew even longer, wilder—his form transforming with every step.
A tight white coat draped over his frame, silver-white fur spreading across his chest. Metallic shadows rimmed his eyes, lending him an aura both divine and feral.
A brilliant silver aura flared from his body, shooting skyward and scattering the oppressive clouds above.
Marcarita's pupils shrank. As an Angel, she could feel it—the terrifying energy roaring within him.
"This power…" she gasped. "You can't be a mortal! Just what are you!?"