Zeno had expected something more unique.
"Zen-chan, look closely! There's lightning here, my hair is standing up even more, and my aura is much stronger than before!" Goku quickly pointed out the lightning and his hair, explaining patiently for fear that Zeno wouldn't understand.
"It seems that way, but it still doesn't feel like much of a change. It's not as surprising as Super Saiyan 1 was," Zeno shook his head, still feeling a bit disappointed. The expectation in his eyes faded slightly.
"Goku! Hurry up and move on to the next transformation! Stop dawdling! Lord Zeno is getting impatient!" Beerus shouted from the stands, his voice full of impatience.
"Okay, I'm transforming right now!" Goku nodded and hesitated no longer. He took a deep breath, and the energy around him skyrocketed once again. His golden hair began to grow wildly, quickly reaching down to his back. His eyebrows vanished, and the lightning around him became even more dense. Goku had entered the Super Saiyan 3 state.
Seeing Goku's hair grow so long and his eyebrows disappear, Zeno finally found it much more amusing. He even stood up from his seat excitedly, clapping his hands. "This transformation is interesting! The hair is so long! And that face looks so cool! It's much better than the last one!"
"This is called Super Saiyan 3. It's an advanced form of Super Saiyan 2. Both power and speed increase significantly, though it consumes quite a bit of energy," Goku explained with a smile.
Toppo: "..."
Standing to the side, Toppo was completely staggered as he looked at Goku's Super Saiyan 3 form. This energy had already surpassed his own God of Destruction state. If Goku had used this form earlier, Toppo would have lost long ago.
"Actually, I probably could have beaten you using Super Saiyan 2. I just wanted to have a proper spar with you earlier," Goku said to Toppo with a sincere smile, not showing off at all.
Toppo's face went dark. Who are you looking down on? You could have beaten me with just Super Saiyan 2? Then what are all these other transformations for? Are you just showing off to me?
"You might as well go all the way to Super Saiyan 7! I want to see just how strong your final transformation is!" Toppo snorted, speaking flatly.
"Alright then, I'll keep going," Goku nodded.
"Pop!"
Goku shifted again, directly triggering the Super Saiyan 4 transformation. Seeing Goku's Super Saiyan 4 form, Zeno was taken aback and felt another surge of wonder.
"This transformation is so interesting! Why did a tail suddenly grow out?" Zeno asked with a smile.
"Yes, indeed. It's likely a form of atavism," the Grand Minister explained with a smile.
"This is called Super Saiyan 4!" Goku answered. "Next is..."
"Rumble!"
A massive surge of energy suddenly erupted from Goku's body, skyrocketing like a volcanic eruption. His vast aura exploded wildly, warping the air around the stage. Even the distant nebulae seemed to be pulled by this energy, rippling slightly. Goku's hair gradually turned from black to silver-white, and a brilliant silver-white aura burst forth around him. His gaze became as sharp as a blade, and the energy fluctuations were even more powerful. Goku had entered the Super Saiyan 5 state.
"This is Super Saiyan 5! It's one of the strongest forms among the basic transformations I've mastered!" Goku announced loudly toward Zeno, a smile on his face.
Feeling the powerful aura and the massive surge of energy from Goku, Toppo's face instantly turned exceptionally pale, and he instinctively took a step back. This energy far exceeded his God of Destruction state, even sparking a trace of fear in his heart. How does it feel like his Super Saiyan 5 already far surpasses me? I actually thought I could win earlier; I was so naive.
Champa, sitting on the Universe 6 spectator stand, shook his head slightly. Belmod's disciple is in for a bad time. That guy Goku's strength is almost on par with mine. How could Toppo possibly be his match? It looks like Universe 11 is going to lose a lot of face this time.
"That face has become even more handsome! The silver-white hair looks great!" Zeno clapped again, his eyes wide. He then asked impatiently, "What's next? I haven't seen Super Saiyan 6 or 7 yet!"
"Next is Super Saiyan 6!" Goku answered with total seriousness. "But the upcoming transformations are more about layering levels. The appearance won't change much, but the strength will increase significantly. Watch closely."
"Hurry up and show me! I can't wait!" Zeno urged, leaning forward slightly. His gaze was locked onto Goku, afraid to miss a single detail.
Goku hesitated no longer. He took a deep breath and began to condense divine energy on top of the Super Saiyan 5 base. A faint red gradually blended into the silver-white aura. Powerful divine power radiated wildly from Goku, spreading outward like a tide. All the gods present felt a sense of pressure from their very souls.
After feeling the terrifying nature of this divine power, many of the Gods of Destruction present stared with wide eyes, their faces written with disbelief. This guy's divine power is incredibly strong! How can such a powerful mortal exist? The potential of the Saiyans is simply terrifying!
"This is Super Saiyan 6. It's Super Saiyan 5 layered with the divine energy of a Super Saiyan God. It's much stronger than Super Saiyan 5!" Goku explained to Zeno with a smile.
"Oh, oh... I see. Although the appearance doesn't change much—just a change in color—it feels much more powerful," Zeno nodded thoughtfully. He then pointed at Goku and asked urgently, "What about the last one? Super Saiyan 7? Show me, quick!"
"And the final form..." Goku took a deep breath. The red divine flames around him gradually dissipated, replaced by a brilliant starlight that flickered like the stars in the night sky. At the same time, Goku's hair returned to black, but it was dotted with tiny specks of starlight. His gaze became clearer, yet it carried an indescribable authority.
"This is Super Saiyan 5 layered with the Ultra Instinct Sign form!" Goku explained seriously. "The reaction speed and defensive capabilities of this form are significantly increased, allowing me to dodge attacks purely on instinct."
"Is this Super Saiyan 7? It looks so special, with the light of the stars," Zeno asked, his eyes full of curiosity.
"Actually, Mr. Whis said last time that this isn't truly Super Saiyan 7, because I haven't fully mastered Ultra Instinct Sign yet. It should be called Super Saiyan 6.5—a transitional form," Goku scratched his head, answering with a bit of embarrassment and modesty.
Champa: "..."
Champa's eyes widened in shock, and his body couldn't help but tremble slightly. This kid didn't turn into this when we sparred last time! He was actually hiding another transformation! So that means he was holding back then? He didn't use his true strength at all? Champa's mouth twitched violently, and he felt completely unsettled, though he secretly felt relieved. Luckily he wasn't fighting seriously then, or I would have lost all my face as a God of Destruction.
"Super Saiyan 6.5? I've never heard of that before. How interesting," Zeno said, momentarily stunned before becoming excited again. "Then what about the real Super Saiyan 7? Show me! I want to see the most powerful transformation!"
"Next... next is my final transformation, the true Super Saiyan 7!" As Goku spoke, the starlight around him surged wildly again, becoming even more brilliant than before. The entire palace was lit up by this starlight, as bright as day.
"Pop!"
In the next moment, Goku's hair turned silver-white once again. But this time, it was completely different from the silver hair of Super Saiyan 5. The silver hair from Super Saiyan 5 had a darker tone, while this silver hair was as bright as moonlight. Faint starlight intertwined with the strands, as if it had suddenly come to life, adding a vibrant color of life. It looked both sacred and majestic.
"This is Super Saiyan 5 with true Ultra Instinct fully mastered and perfectly fused. This is the true Super Saiyan 7!" Goku explained to Zeno.
Beerus: "..."
Beerus's face also became exceptionally solemn, his eyes filled with shock. When did this kid master true Ultra Instinct? Even I haven't fully mastered it yet, and he actually did it! This won't do! I have to train hard once I get back; I can't be this lazy anymore! Otherwise, if I fight him next time, I really might not be able to beat him. Then my face as a God of Destruction will be gone.
Toppo was scared witless, his face deathly pale and his body trembling slightly. Is this guy a monster? I thought Broly was already insane enough. But compared to this man named Goku, they're simply not on the same level! How am I supposed to fight this? I can't even beat his Super Saiyan 5... let alone this Super Saiyan 7 fused with Ultra Instinct!
"So cool, so cool! This transformation is the best! The silver-white hair even glows; it's so beautiful!" Zeno clapped excitedly, even standing up and jumping around. "Goku, let me see how strong this transformation is! Show me!"
"Alright, Lord Zeno. I'll give a simple demonstration; nothing too exaggerated," Goku nodded. He then turned to look at Toppo, his eyes carrying a hint of apology. After all, using him as a "demonstration object" was a bit embarrassing.
Toppo: "..."
Toppo immediately took a defensive stance, crossing his arms in front of his chest. Cold sweat poured down his forehead. Isn't using me as an experiment a bit much? I'm still a God of Destruction candidate; can't you leave me a little face?
"Hah!"
Goku gave Toppo a light glare. He didn't launch an attack, but merely released a portion of the Super Saiyan 7 energy, forming an invisible pressure that instantly enveloped Toppo. Toppo couldn't resist this powerful energy at all. His body was seized as if by an invisible giant hand, and he was sent flying by the impact of Goku's energy. His feet left the ground, and he traced an arc through the air.
"Boom!"
Toppo's body fell heavily outside the stage, crashing into the ground below. He couldn't get up for a long time, feeling sore all over and finding it difficult even to breathe.
Belmod, sitting in the stands, had his mouth twitching uncontrollably. His heart was full of shock. This gap really isn't just a little bit! Is this man named Goku too strong? How do I feel like he's even more powerful than I am? It seems winning against Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power is going to be difficult.
"Wow! He beat the opponent so easily! That looks like fun, much better than the Gods of Destruction fighting!" Zeno jumped for joy, his excitement growing even more.
"Out of bounds! Contestant Toppo has fallen out of bounds. According to the rules, he is judged to have lost!" the Grand Minister announced immediately, his voice echoing through the palace. "Therefore, the winner of this exhibition match is Goku!"
Toppo lay on the ground, looking up at the stage above. His eyes were hollow, and his heart was full of despair. If a Tournament of Power really is held, who could possibly be a match for this Goku? And don't forget, besides Goku, Universe 7 also has that insane Broly!
Even without teaming up, those two could probably beat Jiren easily, couldn't they? The hopes of Universe 11 were likely about to be shattered.
"Toppo, are you okay? Are you hurt?" Goku appeared beside Toppo in a flash. He reached out a friendly hand to pull him up from the ground, showing none of the arrogance of a victor.
"I'm... I'm fine... thank you," Toppo nodded solemnly, taking Goku's hand and pulling himself up. His voice carried a hint of bitterness. "You must have held back just now. Otherwise, I suspect I would have been more than just sent flying."
"Actually, you're really strong too. Being able to enter a God of Destruction form makes you more powerful than most people," Goku said with a smile.
"Don't bother praising me! Didn't you say it yourself? You could have beaten me with just Super Saiyan 2. We're simply not on the same level," Toppo replied with a dark expression. Inwardly, however, he had to admit that the gap between him and Goku was indeed massive.
"That... hahaha, that was just something I said in passing. Don't take it to heart," Goku laughed heartily, scratching his head.
"I suspect even Jiren from our universe wouldn't be a match for you," Toppo let out a sigh of resignation. "It seems the ultimate winner of this Tournament of Power will be your Universe 7."
"I still hope some even stronger opponents show up at the tournament. That's what makes it fun! Winning all the way without a challenge would be too boring," Goku said, his eyes shimmering with a desire for strong opponents.
"I'm not looking forward to it at all..." Toppo muttered. He stopped talking to Goku and leaped back to the Universe 11 spectator stand. He sat with his head down, lost in thought.
Belmod: "..."
Seeing Toppo's dejected state, Belmod felt helpless, but he still offered some comfort. "Don't be discouraged, Toppo. Goku's strength truly exceeded our expectations. There's no shame in losing to him. Just focus on your training from now on."
"I'm sorry, Lord Belmod. I've brought shame to Universe 11," Toppo sighed, his voice full of self-reproach.
"No need to apologize. Even if I faced him myself, I'm not sure I could win. You did well," Belmod's voice grew even lower.
"Is Goku's strength already comparable to yours, Lord Belmod?" Toppo was stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief. He had always believed Belmod was an invincible force for mortals, but it seemed Goku had already reached that same tier.
Meanwhile, the Grand Minister stood beside Zeno, quietly discussing the specific rules of the Tournament of Power. They exchanged a few words every now and then, with Zeno wearing an excited smile. After a few minutes, the Grand Minister bowed slightly to Zeno and turned to face the gods, his expression becoming solemn.
"Then it's settled! We'll set the rules for the Tournament of Power exactly as we just discussed," Zeno nodded, his words carrying an unquestionable authority.
The Grand Minister immediately announced to the gathered gods, "Gods of every universe, please be silent. Based on the exhibition match between Mr. Goku and Mr. Toppo, we have finalized the specific rules for the Tournament of Power. We shall now announce them to everyone."
The gods fell silent instantly, all ears and eyes fixed on the Grand Minister. The rules of the Tournament of Power would determine the fate of every universe, so they couldn't afford to miss a single detail.
"So we really are holding a Tournament of Power? But looking at Goku's strength, who could possibly stand against Universe 7? Our Universe 6 probably doesn't have a chance," Champa muttered, scratching his head helplessly.
"Each universe must select ten fighters to participate. Any resident of that universe is eligible; there are no other restrictions," the Grand Minister said with a calm smile.
"Ten people? Do we really need that many?" Iwan, the God of Destruction from Universe 1, asked in surprise.
"That's more than we expected... how will the matches be arranged with so many fighters?" the Supreme Kai of Universe 8 asked, a look of worry in his eyes.
"Will everyone be fighting at once? Won't it be a confusing mess like the battle between the Gods of Destruction earlier?" the Supreme Kai of Universe 3 whispered, sounding concerned.
"To ensure the matches are orderly and easy for Lord Zeno to follow, we have simplified the rules," the Grand Minister continued patiently. "The only way to win in the Tournament of Power is to knock your opponent off the stage. Once they fall, they are eliminated."
"Eh? Is that the only way? What if an opponent is knocked unconscious on the stage or loses the ability to fight?" Goku couldn't help but ask.
"If an opponent loses the ability to fight and can no longer continue, you may throw them off the stage to eliminate them," the Grand Minister smiled and added. "Of course, killing your opponent is strictly prohibited. If a fighter intentionally kills someone, their entire universe will be disqualified and face appropriate punishment. Additionally, the time limit for the match is 100 takks."
"100 takks? How long is that? I don't get it," Goku scratched his head.
"In Earth time, 100 takks is approximately 48 minutes," Whis explained with a smile.
"48 minutes? Isn't that a bit long? With so many people fighting, won't it go on forever? And the fighters might run out of stamina, right?" Goku asked again.
"Whack!"
Beerus, sitting in the stands, finally couldn't take it anymore. He swung a hand at the back of Goku's head. However, Goku's Ultra Instinct instinct triggered, and he tilted his head slightly, easily dodging the blow.
"What was that for, Lord Beerus? I'm just asking about the rules! I didn't do anything wrong," Goku turned and asked, looking puzzled.
"Don't talk back! The Grand Minister is setting the rules; who are you to butt in? Just listen quietly!" Beerus scolded him. He then turned back to the Grand Minister with a respectful bow. "I am terribly sorry, Grand Minister. This kid has no manners."
"It's quite alright. Mr. Goku is simply curious. Asking questions is how we refine the rules," the Grand Minister laughed it off, showing great tolerance. He then turned back to Goku and explained, "Don't worry about the time. The match won't be that long because there is only one round. Fighters from all universes will step onto the stage at once for a battle royale."
"Everyone at once?" Goku was stunned, his eyes wide with surprise.
"To accommodate all the fighters, we will prepare a massive stage large enough for everyone," the Grand Minister said with a smile. "Everyone will fight together within the allotted time. The universe with the most fighters left on the stage when time runs out will be the winner! If only fighters from one universe remain before time is up, that universe will win instantly."
"So it's the same format as the battle between the Gods of Destruction earlier, just on a much larger scale?" Quitela, the God of Destruction from Universe 4, mused. This battle royale format would place high demands on both individual strength and teamwork.
"But with ten people from each universe and twelve universes in total, that's 120 fighters. The scale is completely different from before," the Supreme Kai of Universe 10 remarked.
"This means teamwork will be crucial. It'll be hard to make it to the end by fighting alone; you'll have to help your teammates to eliminate more opponents," Shin, the Supreme Kai of Universe 7, said, rubbing his head. Luckily, Universe 7 had powerhouses like Goku and Broly; even with poor teamwork, they could likely rely on pure strength to last until the end.
"Grand Minister... with ten people per universe, can the Gods of Destruction participate as well?" Belmod asked suddenly.
"Of course they can!" the Grand Minister nodded.
Every god present was momentarily stunned. The Gods of Destruction can participate too?
"What about the Supreme Kais, Grand Minister?" Gowasu asked.
"They can as well," the Grand Minister replied, his hands behind his back. "However, there are restrictions if a God of Destruction participates!"
The Gods of Destruction all perked up. There are restrictions for us?
"A God of Destruction can participate, but not directly," the Grand Minister announced loudly with a smile. The gods were all a bit baffled, unable to grasp what he meant.
"The God of Destruction acts as a summonable fighter and is not counted among the ten regular participants," the Grand Minister explained. "Each universe has exactly one chance to summon their God of Destruction to the stage to help their team. The summoning lasts for exactly one minute! After that minute, the God of Destruction must leave the stage!"
The gods all stared with wide eyes. The Gods of Destruction are participating in that way?
To be continued…
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