Hit's hands remained casually pocketed, his indifferent expression betraying no emotion—yet internally, turbulent thoughts churned with mounting intensity.
He'd witnessed that transformation before.
In Universe 6, he'd fought Raditz once. During that encounter, Hit had experienced Super Saiyan God's overwhelming power firsthand. Later, circumstances involving the Zivrs had dampened Raditz's fighting spirit. Hit found the incomplete battle unsatisfying, choosing not to continue their confrontation.
Who could have predicted he'd face another warrior wielding identical divine strength today?
Hit felt genuine excitement stirring within—an eagerness to test himself against this young prodigy.
Vados' gaze wandered analytically before settling on Caulifla. "Lord Champa, save Hit for the final defense. Send Caulifla first."
"Isn't that essentially gifting them a free win?"
"Actually, the outcome remains identical regardless." Vados had already perceived the inevitable conclusion, speaking with her characteristic knowing smile.
Champa appeared utterly hopeless. "What did you just say?"
"Nothing, nothing at all." Vados waved dismissively, though that enigmatic half-smile never wavered from her features.
On the arena floor, the host announced results once more, urging Universe 6's next competitor forward. Caulifla leaped onto the platform—as Universe 6's penultimate fighter, tremendous responsibility weighed on her shoulders.
But she understood reality with painful clarity. Her own strength matched Cabba's level—any opponent Cabba couldn't defeat would prove equally insurmountable for her.
If only Kale were here. With Kale's power, we might stand somewhat better chances, right? Caulifla missed her protégé intensely, sighing silently with resignation.
Missing her aside, this battle required personal confrontation regardless.
BOOM!
Golden flames exploded from Caulifla's body without preamble. Lightning bolts danced wildly as thrilling energy released in torrents. She deployed maximum strength immediately—either breakthrough would occur during combat, or she'd be kicked from the ring like Cabba.
"You've also achieved Super Saiyan 2." Gohan's eyes held genuine admiration.
He recalled how they'd fought desperately to break through against Cell—indelible memories etched in his consciousness. That period represented his life's highlight moment. Super Saiyan 2 wasn't some casual realm reached through simple training. Back then, only he and Raditz had possessed the transformation.
Universe 6's Saiyans had progressed through Super Saiyan's stages at remarkable pace. Reaching Super Saiyan 2 after several years' training made logical sense, yet Gohan still found it genuinely amazing.
Facing such determined opponents demanded respectful acknowledgment.
"HAH!" Gohan transformed again—this time assuming his Mystic state with black hair retained.
Superficially identical to normal appearance, yet his energy became completely different. Thick and settled, warm and calm—like an immovable colossus standing before her. Even without action, the presence radiated overwhelming majesty.
"What kind of transformation is that?! How many do you people know?!" Caulifla stood stunned, heart shaken with existential shock.
"With sufficient effort, anyone can learn these techniques."
"Hey, will you teach me this one?"
Gohan didn't answer Caulifla's question directly. Instead, he moved with sudden explosive speed—his figure flashing forward like a drawn sword. Just as head-on collision seemed inevitable, Gohan pivoted with graceful leg sweep.
CRASH!
Tremendous force hammered Caulifla downward. Her body slammed into the arena floor, excavating a deep crater.
"You bastard! Attacking without warning!" Caulifla snarled angrily, flipping upright—but when she looked up, Gohan had vanished. Suddenly, penetrating chill raced up her spine.
That dangerous sensation!
Sure enough, Gohan had materialized behind her position.
He raised one fist high, then hammered downward with devastating intent. The dominating power generated violent winds, continuous pressure making Caulifla struggle for breath. She retreated at maximum velocity with desperate burst, flying backward to evade Gohan's strike.
The arena's deep crater expanded exponentially. Energy detonated—smoke and dust billowed in choking clouds. Even Super Saiyan 2's lightning shattered under the impact, leaving fragmentary brilliance suspended briefly in the air before fading completely.
Caulifla, having narrowly escaped catastrophe, gasped heavily with lingering terror. Thank goodness that didn't connect directly.
"Super Saiyan 2 requires emotional guidance. During battle, let your strength explode alongside heart fluctuations—this improves efficiency dramatically."
"What?! I already knew that much!"
"Then demonstrate for me."
"Hmph, you're making me genuinely angry now!" Caulifla bellowed with mounting fury. Emotional fluctuations? Does rage qualify?
Her expression darkened dangerously. She committed everything, launching herself toward Gohan with pure offensive aggression.
Their fists collided with explosive impact—powerful roars erupted instantly, pressure waves spreading outward. The arena shattered into pulverized debris. The protective barrier resonated sympathetically under this assault, its surface attracting dancing light waves.
Surprise flickered across Caulifla's features—she'd actually withstood that punch! Though her arm had gone completely numb, at least she hadn't suffered total humiliation. Turbulent ki rushed through her body chaotically. She suppressed it forcefully, speaking with forced bravado. "How about that?!"
"Excellent start. Just channel slightly more anger."
"Then taste my FULL strength!" Caulifla's brow furrowed with concentration as she launched frenzied assault with her opposite hand.
Phantom-like strikes rushed toward Gohan with vigorous intensity, several energy spheres mixed strategically between physical blows. Halos danced, electrical serpents galloped outward—endless violence unleashed with increasing desperation. Caulifla's power had escalated again, even more terrifying than moments prior.
"That's better!" Gohan deflected Caulifla's entire assault using only one hand, maintaining effortless composure throughout.
He guided Caulifla toward combat growth while simultaneously evaluating Universe 6 Saiyan talents. No wonder Uncle Raditz warned against underestimating them. Cabba and Caulifla possess remarkable natural gifts.
The critical difference in Universe 6 was absence of monsters like Frieza and Cell to serve as crucibles for Saiyan evolution. Otherwise, determining which universe's Saiyans possessed superior strength would prove genuinely uncertain.
"Hey, Son Goku's boy! Conclude this battle quickly!" Beerus watched the match devolve into impromptu training session, irritation mounting steadily.
Both fighters on the arena heard Beerus' urging simultaneously.
Caulifla's jaw clenched, teeth grinding together audibly. At this final moment, I must hold on! Even if only depleting more of Gohan's stamina—I'll burst forth with absolute maximum strength and try my utmost to resist!
Gohan grew serious in response. His aura surged dramatically as Mystic state energy activated to full capacity.
Regardless of Caulifla's attack velocity, Gohan countered using single-handed defense. While receiving blows, he simultaneously identified loopholes in her technique—his opposite hand already positioning for delivering the decisive strike!
"AAAHHHH!" Caulifla exerted every reserve. A devastating airwave rushed outward instantaneously!
Gohan's finishing attack arrived simultaneously. Their final blows collided with earth-shaking force—madness-inducing aftermath spreading omnidirectionally. Streaks of light covered the sky in brilliant displays.
For several heartbeats, nothing existed beyond pure white radiance filling the heavens.
After brief silence, Caulifla's figure flew outward—sailing directly toward the spectator section where Vados caught her gently mid-flight.
She'd lost consciousness completely, reverting to base form.
Once Gohan committed to serious combat, battles concluded rapidly. He'd simply utilized the brief confrontation to help Caulifla improve marginally—a small gift of knowledge from one Saiyan to another.