"Will Universe 7's next competitor please enter!"
"Universe 7—your fighter!"
After announcing results, the host immediately arranged the subsequent match.
Universe 7's remaining three warriors operated at essentially equivalent power levels—but Frieza possessed zero interest in this "broken competition." He participated solely under Beerus' intimidating coercion. With both Goku and Vegeta available, he felt too lazy to expend effort.
Both Goku and Vegeta competed eagerly to fight next. Opportunities to battle a master like Hit occurred exceptionally rarely. As martial artists obsessed with combat, neither would willingly miss this chance.
"Kakarot goes." Raditz made the executive decision with finality.
"Why him?! I can handle that Hit just as effectively!" Vegeta's protest carried genuine anger, frustration written across his features.
"Hmph, perhaps Prince Vegeta's training proves... insufficient?" Frieza interjected with casual mockery, hands on his hips. This didn't concern him personally—his only current entertainment involved stirring trouble.
Raditz shot him a withering glare. "Frieza, if you continue spouting nonsense, I'll ensure you can't speak at all."
Those cold eyes made Frieza immediately calm himself. He'd witnessed Raditz's overwhelming strength firsthand—fear remained appropriate. After this tournament concluded, Frieza still intended escaping control for his eventual comeback. He couldn't afford dying just yet.
Seeing Frieza cease interruptions, Raditz continued his explanation. "Hit's strength is evident to everyone present. He's undoubtedly refined his techniques since fighting me years ago. Super Saiyan Blue's power might defeat him, but to counter Hit's evolved abilities, I believe Kakarot is more suitable."
"Because Kakarot also developed new techniques while training with me." Raditz's smile carried knowing satisfaction.
New technique?
Vegeta startled visibly. Has he created advanced skills building on Super Saiyan Blue? Is Kakarot one step ahead of me? Doubt and surprise made Vegeta's body tense, exploratory curiosity burning in his consciousness.
"Fine. I'm entrusting this to you, Kakarot." Vegeta snorted with forced indifference. "Let me witness this new technique!"
"Heh, depends on how strong Hit really is!" Goku felt tremendous excitement having secured the opportunity, preparing to enter combat.
At this moment, Champa observed Universe 7's prolonged deliberation, interpreting hesitation as fear. He quickly seized this perceived advantage, speaking harshly: "Hahaha! If you're frightened, just surrender immediately! Beerus, did you hear that?! Victory belongs to ME!"
"You're insufferably loud! Just watch carefully!" Beerus refused to accept such taunting, immediately quarreling back with Champa.
Goku leaped onto the platform, physically blocking the verbal warfare between both Gods of Destruction. His appearance indicated battle's imminent commencement—suddenly the entire venue fell silent.
Hit's eyes illuminated with focused intensity, fixing on Goku. His coat's hem fluttered slightly with anticipation.
Goku smiled with characteristic warmth. "Hey there! My name's Son Goku. I just watched your match—truly amazing! I hope we can have a great fight together!"
"Though I should mention... I've figured out your Time-Skip."
"You?" Hit's brow furrowed with uncertainty. Was Goku bluffing, or speaking truth? From initial observation, Goku projected carefree energy—yet his fundamental temperament screamed 100% genuine elite warrior.
When the host announced the match's commencement, Goku immediately rushed forward—explosive vortex detonating beneath his feet.
Hit startled momentarily.
Not surprised by Goku's velocity—but rather his lack of transformation. Don't Saiyans improve strength through various metamorphoses? Black hair represents their most common baseline state. Red hair was the stronger divine form he'd just witnessed. Isn't the warrior before me planning to deploy his ultimate transformation?
Thousands of questions flooded Hit's mind, though he never diverted attention from actual combat.
Goku's opening punch was easily deflected by Hit. Simultaneously, Time-Skip activated—the focused counterattack struck Goku's joints, forcing repeated backward hops.
"Different from your claim." Hit spoke with clinical detachment.
Goku smiled knowingly. His figure suddenly vanished, moving straight toward Hit at maximum velocity—showing zero intention of directional changes. Does he plan direct frontal assault?
Hit suddenly realized he couldn't comprehend Goku's tactical approach—but understanding proved unnecessary. He activated Time-Skip as standard protocol!
BOOM! CRACK!
Two distinct impacts sounded in rapid succession, space vibrating to generate tremendous noise.
Spectators stood dumbfounded. A second later, shocked exclamations erupted throughout the venue.
They witnessed Goku gripping Hit's arm with his left hand while his right fist grazed Hit's cheek—creating visible scarring. Hit tilted his head defensively, yet still absorbed half the technique's force.
At this moment, Goku had already assumed Super Saiyan form—completing transformation instantaneously during the exchange.
"Success! Goku hit him!" Everyone cheered with explosive enthusiasm. They didn't fully comprehend the mechanics, but felt genuine happiness for Goku's achievement.
"Unbelievable..." Multiple voices whispered in amazed unison.
Both warriors withdrew to opposite sides of the arena, standing in confrontational stance.
"You truly cracked Time-Skip?" Hit's expression grew gravely serious, surprise flickering through his eyes.
"I watched your fight with Gohan, and I kinda get how you move now. You keep your hands in your pockets to hide what you're about to do, right? But even if you do that, your body still gives away where you're gonna end up after you skip around. So if I move first, I can catch you about a tenth of a second before you land."
Prediction?
This wasn't Hit's first encounter with that concept—he remembered Raditz employing identical terminology.
Ah, I see.
The cold killer Hit displayed an unconscious smile—genuinely carefree expression. Having lived over 1,000 years, he'd never encountered such fascinating opponents. Yet recently, two appeared consecutively. Raditz, and now Son Goku!
Hit withdrew both hands from his pockets, changing tactical approach entirely. This time, he initiated aggression—rushing toward Goku while activating Time-Skip, appearing behind his opponent within that 0.1-second interval.
Goku reacted with explosive speed, deploying Instant Transmission. Spatial manipulation confronted temporal manipulation—both abilities demonstrating effectiveness simultaneously.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
A rapid sequence of blurred figures flashed continuously. Hit appeared behind Goku—Goku instantly teleported behind Hit. The cycle repeated endlessly, both warriors enjoying the intricate dance immensely.
BOOM!
Eventually Hit abandoned Time-Skip's temporal advantage, spinning to strike Goku with both fists simultaneously—impacts generating fierce sparks. Space vibrated violently, the protective barrier trembling perceptibly. Even spectator sections felt tremendous auras rushing toward them.
Power spread throughout bones, flesh, and every nerve fiber. Both Goku and Hit experienced slight arm numbness before separating with mutual respect.
"I didn't expect that beyond Time-Skip, your raw strength also proves this formidable!"
"Hmph. Don't underestimate me—I haven't demonstrated my true power yet." Hit's eyes flashed with cold determination as he clenched both fists with renewed focus.
Goku positioned his hands at waist level, condensing strength as he prepared transforming into Super Saiyan Blue. "Coincidentally... neither have I!"
Hit startled with sudden realization. Goku's expression had shifted—features fluctuating between clouded and uncertain emotions. Could it be... exists there another transformation beyond red divine hair?!
Everyone fixated on the arena with electric excitement. Universe 6's section appeared utterly dumbfounded by implications.
"What is he attempting?!" Champa's voice cracked with rising panic.