Universe 6 possessed one final contestant—Hit the legendary assassin. This represented their last battle of hope. If Hit also fell, Universe 6 would lose completely—and four opponents still remained standing. No matter the perspective, this promised overwhelming difficulty.
Vados took initiative to repair the venue, reinforcing the protective barrier and restoring everything to optimal condition, preparing for the approaching confrontation.
The host's voice carried electric excitement: "Universe 6's final competitor—Hit, please enter the arena!"
"It's all on you, Hit! You MUST defeat them!" Champa raised both fists, shouting encouragement with desperate energy. He maintained considerable confidence in Hit—after all, among Universe 6's masters, Hit ranked absolutely supreme. But Universe 7 still fielded three warriors at full strength. He feared prolonged battle would prove disadvantageous for Hit.
Hit nodded silently, offering no verbal response to Champa. He leaped onto the platform with effortless grace.
An extraordinarily simple entrance—not raising even a particle of dust.
"Gohan, don't let your guard down! He's completely different from ordinary opponents!" From the stands, Goku couldn't contain his warning shout.
Goku had watched previous matches with appreciative attitude—essentially friendly exhibition bouts interspersed with occasional commentary and guidance. But with Hit taking the stage, Goku's expression transformed to absolute seriousness. His fighting spirit blazed as he regarded Hit as a genuine rival worthy of respect.
How could Gohan not comprehend this? He sensed Hit's unusual aura immediately. Though extremely restrained, unmistakable mastery emanated from the assassin. Temperament and foundation couldn't deceive experienced warriors. Some individuals remain recognizable even dressed in ordinary clothes walking through bustling crowds—they shine like beacons regardless of context.
Vegeta, Frieza, Piccolo, and others mobilized full alertness, focusing intently on Hit. Even Beerus and Raditz fixed their gazes on the legendary assassin with analytical intensity.
"Hey, Whis, do you think Son Goku's boy can defeat that Hit character?"
"Hehehe, Hit represents Universe 6's trump card. I suspect he won't prove easy to handle." Whis smiled with characteristic knowing amusement. "Regarding the outcome, Lord Beerus need only observe. Even if this match fails, we still have Goku and Vegeta in reserve."
"Exactly right. Champa is utterly doomed."
Beerus considered the strategic situation—he didn't need to concern himself with individual match outcomes when overall advantage remained decisively theirs. He casually picked his ear, leaning back comfortably while whistling with confident indifference.
On the opposite side, Champa displayed no such relaxation—staring fixedly at the ring, desperately anticipating victory.
The match begins!
Hit remained completely motionless, hands still casually pocketed. His coat's high collar covered his chin like a steel barrier, projecting serious rigidity. His entire body resembled cast iron—aside from his eyes, nothing moved whatsoever.
"The match has already started." Gohan assumed combat stance, offering polite reminder.
Yet Hit maintained that exact posture—so impossibly cool he appeared friendless. Only Raditz among outsiders understood this represented Hit's exclusive fighting stance. Even Vegeta and Frieza felt profound admiration, recognizing that attempting cold arrogance could never match the aggressive dominance this assassin naturally projected.
Cold sweat beaded across Gohan's forehead. Though his opponent hadn't moved, he felt faintly overwhelmed by sheer presence. The deeper the silence, the more startled Gohan became.
Thus, neither warrior moved—standing perfectly still, locked in psychological stalemate.
"Why aren't they doing anything?" Yamcha felt dizzy with confusion, quietly asking Tarble beside him.
Tarble was similarly uncertain—this phenomenon couldn't be comprehended without personally entering such battles. Seeing Yamcha's expression seeking knowledge, Tarble coughed awkwardly. "Well... they're testing each other with energy analysis. This always occurs when reaching certain levels. Just keep... keep watching..."
"Oh!" Yamcha nodded sagely, refocusing with renewed determination, staring at the ring with widened eyes.
Watching intently... Tarble yawned first. He was getting sleepy...
At that precise moment, wind and thunder suddenly moved! A sharp cry exploded into space!
Gohan finally struck first!
He directly deployed Mystic state—flames spraying forth, turbulent currents surging dramatically. Gohan's mystically-enhanced velocity proved astonishing, leaping before Hit instantly like a ray of light. He raised his fist—attacking movements flowing smoothly, power levels several magnitudes higher than during previous battles!
Only now did Caulifla and Cabba realize Gohan's true strength. When fighting them, he'd deliberately suppressed his capabilities considerably.
But nobody witnessed the astonishment in Gohan's own eyes. He'd rushed directly before his target! Already launched his attack! About to strike Hit's face with devastating force!
But why?
Hit's expression remained utterly calm, hands still casually pocketed. Just because it looks cool?!
Beerus smiled knowingly. Those capable of perceiving properly felt excitement mixed with doubt. This blow should at minimum injure Hit significantly!
CRACK!
A tremendous impact echoed. Universe 7's supporters nearly screamed—yet their voices choked off mid-air, dying in stunned throats.
Piccolo froze. Vegeta froze. Goku froze. Even Beerus froze in disbelief.
Everyone witnessed Gohan rocketing backward, blood gushing from his nose—while Hit stood completely still.
Not having moved even fractionally!
THUD!
Gohan crashed to the ground. Not critically injured, but his nose had turned crimson. His eyes reopened after several bounces, momentum already diminished considerably.
The audience erupted with shocked screams.
"How is that possible?! The speed just now—"
"I didn't see Hit move AT ALL! What happened?!"
"GOHAN!" Chi-Chi and Videl shrieked with maternal concern.
Piccolo's expression turned gravely serious as he looked toward Goku—but Goku could only shake his head helplessly. He hadn't perceived Hit's movement either. Gohan had clearly struck first, yet the result defied all expectations completely.
"TIME-SKIP!"
Suddenly, Tights' voice rang out with triumphant authority. She held up her notebook, explaining proudly: "Hit can skip 0.1 seconds of time, storing temporal increments to create a pocket dimension he enters and exits freely during combat!"
"0.1 seconds... Time-Skip..." Everyone processed these revelations with mounting comprehension, absolutely stunned.
This represented the first time hearing someone possessed such ability—the concept seemed genuinely incredible. In battles between elite warriors, 0.1 seconds held precious value beyond measure. No wonder Hit maintained such composure—because unless velocity could exceed Time-Skip's limitations, surpassing Hit proved fundamentally impossible.
"Tights, how do you know this?" Goku asked with intense curiosity.
"Raditz told me, naturally. This is invaluable material for novels!"
"Brother..." Goku froze momentarily, then whirled around demanding answers. "You've fought Hit before?!"
Raditz smiled casually. "Indeed. The battle in Universe 6 proved quite intense."
"How did it end? Who won?"
"Inconclusive. At that time, we considered it a draw." Raditz recalled the circumstances accurately. Hit couldn't gain advantage against him, but defeating Raditz had proven equally impossible for the assassin.
The situation had transformed dramatically since then—two minor realm differences now separated them in power.
Hearing Raditz's explanation made Goku's blood boil with competitive fire. He desperately wished he were the one facing Hit currently! Vegeta also narrowed his eyes, regarding Hit with intensified seriousness.
Both Saiyans shared identical thoughts—defeat Hit, surpass Time-Skip!