At the thought of this, Gran couldn't help but chuckle.
Normally, when someone died, they were sent to Hell to be tortured. But for monsters like Frieza, death meant an eternity in Heaven—because for those who are truly evil, the purity of Heaven is the greatest torment of all.
"Lord Gran, what is it?" Bulma asked, noticing the smirk playing on his lips.
"It's nothing," he replied, waving her off. "I assume you haven't finished that Super Dragon Ball Radar yet? Get back to work."
"Yes, sir!"
Meanwhile, in the Sacred World of the Kai.
Shin sat on the lush grass, staring intently into his crystal ball. "Ancestor, Cooler has been killed by Broly."
"Hmph. I didn't expect Cooler to have grown that powerful, but crossing paths with Broly was simply his bad luck," the Old Kai remarked.
He was impressed by Cooler's strength, though Broly's power didn't surprise him. After all, Broly possessed a constitution similar to the legendary Akuma, and he had been personally raised and trained by Gran.
Shin turned his head, curious. "Ancestor, Cooler was incredibly powerful. Will his death affect our universe's Mortal Level?"
"Under normal circumstances, yes. If a powerhouse in the universe dies, it usually causes the Mortal Level to drop," the Old Kai explained, watching Cooler's lifeless body sprawled across the surface of the Super Dragon Ball through the crystal ball.
"Wait, then why did you say 'normally'?"
"You blockhead! Did you forget about reincarnation?!" The Old Kai delivered a sharp chop to Shin's head.
"Once they are reincarnated, their past power turns to ash. But Cooler is a different story." The Old Kai stroked his chin with a grin.
"He's like that Frieza fellow—pure evil. When they die, they don't go to Hell; they go to Heaven. And in a way, powerful souls in the Other World can still be factored into our Mortal Level... to a certain extent, anyway."
"I see..." Shin nodded, though he still looked a bit confused.
In the Other World, at the Check-In Station.
"Am I dead? Where is this?" Cooler looked around the massive hall. Before him sat a giant with the head of an ox, perched behind a desk. Wait, I'm not dead? Did Lord Gran save me after all?
"Cooler!" the giant roared.
"How dare you address me by name! You have a death wish!" Cooler snarled, intending to blast the giant into oblivion. It was then that he realized he was wrapped tightly in a cocoon, completely unable to move. "What is this?!"
"After judgment, it has been decided. Cooler, you committed countless atrocities in life. You are hereby sentenced to Heaven for purification by the angels. You will remain there until your evil spirit is cleansed; only then may you reincarnate!" King Yemma slammed his seal down onto the Ledger of the Dead.
In an instant, a force took hold of Cooler. He tried to resist, but it was futile. He was warped away, ending up suspended from a tree in the middle of a flowery meadow. Only now did the reality sink in. The Destroyer Candidate hadn't saved him. He was dead.
Cooler remembered the look of disappointment in Gran's eyes before he passed. "NO!!!" he screamed. "I am a galactic emperor! How can I be dead? Lord Gran... I failed you!"
His despair was only beginning. Shortly after, a flock of cherubic angels flew toward the tree. They gathered around him, playing harps and singing high-pitched, cheery songs. As the sweet melodies filled his ears, the veins on Cooler's forehead throbbed violently, his face twisting into a mask of pure agony. "STOP IT!!!!"
Gran could guess what was happening in the Other World, but he didn't care. He put his planetary destruction duties on hold because Bulma promised the Super Dragon Ball Radar would be ready in thirty minutes. True to her word, she finished it right on schedule.
Gran used the radar to check for the other Super Dragon Balls, but to his surprise, only one appeared on the screen. Bulma explained that at the edge of the universe, the radar's range was limited. They needed to move toward the center of the universe for a wider scan.
As they prepared to leave, Bulma worried that someone might steal the Super Dragon Ball beneath their feet. Gran gave her a look that suggested she was being incredibly dense.
He didn't say a word; he just grabbed her and left. It took Bulma a moment to realize: who on earth could "steal" something the size of a planet? Even if they could, they had the radar to find it. Besides, this was Gran's property now. No one in their right mind would touch it.
Once they reached the center of Universe 7, Bulma was proven right. The range expanded significantly, picking up two more Super Dragon Balls. With that, all the locations for the balls within their universe were confirmed. The remaining four would be in Universe 6.
"Lord Gran, now that we know where they are, let's go gather them!" Bulma chirped excitedly.
"Alright." Gran nodded. He was immensely grateful he had learned Instant Transmission; otherwise, he'd have to bother Whis every time he wanted to move one of those massive orbs.
Zip.
Gran moved them away from the center, but he wasn't in a hurry to bring the balls together just yet. He still had work to do. For the next six months, he spent his time destroying sub-par planets while dragging his two "tag-alongs" across the cosmos.
During this time, something interesting happened. On one of the condemned planets, Gran found a monstrous creature hiding. It was shrouded in black smoke, much like the immortal "Wright" he had encountered before.
However, unlike Wright, this creature was mindless—a feral beast with power reaching the second stage of the Divine Realm.
In the current Universe 7, such a monster would be the strongest being alive, surpassed only by the Gods and the freakish Broly. When the planet started to break apart, the creature awoke and attacked. Gran, seeing it as nothing more than a minor nuisance, erased it with a flick of his wrist.
Six months later, deep in space.
"Phew... I didn't realize being a Destroyer Candidate was so much work. I'm exhausted!" Bulma complained. She had been following Gran for half a year and was ready to drop.
"Did you think being a god was all leisure and luxury?" Gran teased. "Still want to come along for the next round of destruction?"
"No, no! I've learned my lesson!" Bulma slumped, giving a wry smile. "Lord Gran, please just move the third ball and let's go back to Earth. I miss my bed."
"Fine." Gran stopped teasing her. His task was officially complete. He brought them back to the first Super Dragon Ball they had found.
"Huh?" Bulma stood on the golden surface, looking around. "Lord Gran, where's Cooler's body?" When Cooler died, his corpse had remained intact.
"Maybe his subordinates came and retrieved it," Gran mused, narrowing his eyes before shaking his head. "Forget about it. Time to go home."
With that, he used his powers to warp the planet-sized orb into the space near Earth. Two other balls were already waiting there. With the third one in place, the collection within Universe 7 was officially complete.
Back on Earth, the trio finally arrived at Capsule Corp. Bulma collapsed onto her sofa with a look of pure bliss. "Finally! Civilization!"
Gran chuckled and headed out to find Whis. Now that their universe was clear, it was time to head to Universe 6. He found Whis at a restaurant in West City, happily devouring a spread of tempura and takoyaki.
"Finished with those substandard planets, have we?" Whis asked without looking up, his tone meaningful.
Gran winced slightly. He knew he couldn't hide the Super Dragon Ball hunt from the Angel. "Yeah, they're gone. But I ran into an interesting monster with Stage 2 Divine power." He described the black-shrouded creature, wondering if it was some hidden boss of Universe 7.
"Ah, you're talking about a 'Magic Beast,' aren't you?" Whis said, sipping his tea.
"A Magic Beast?" Gran frowned. He remembered that Jiren's master had been killed by such a creature. Were they related? "Where do they come from?"
"Their exact origin is a mystery, but they tend to pop up in the Zen-Oh cosmos from time to time." Whis set down his cup and smiled. "Don't worry too much about it. They're strange, certainly, but they rarely possess enough power to be a true threat to someone like you."
Gran wasn't entirely satisfied, but he dropped the subject. As they left the restaurant, Whis asked, "And how is your progress with the Power of Destruction?"
"I've reached the peak of the first stage. I should hit the second stage soon."
"Good, good." Whis nodded approvingly.
"So, Whis... since I've finished the cleanup and gathered the balls here, is it time to head to Universe 6?"
"Well, you have finished your chores. There isn't much else to do here. However..." Whis paused, a playful glint in his eye. "Do you remember Vegeta? I told you it would take him six months to reach Frieza's headquarters. He just arrived. Would you like to watch the show before we depart?"
Gran had almost forgotten. "Sure. Let's see how Vegeta meets his end."
They returned to the Briefs' estate and reclined on lounge chairs. Whis projected a large, glowing image into the night sky. Bulma and Broly ran out to watch as the drama unfolded.
Vegeta and his ten Saiyan companions had reached Frieza's base and begun a massacre. Vegeta's power level was 3 million, while Nappa trailed behind at 1.5 million and Raditz at 500,000. The rest were around 200,000.
Though they were bugs compared to Broly or Cooler, even the weakest among them was stronger than Captain Ginyu. Frieza's elite soldiers stood no chance.
"Where is Frieza? If he doesn't show up soon, his whole army will be wiped out," Bulma noted.
Right on cue, Frieza appeared. However, in his first form, he only sat at 530,000. He couldn't even beat Nappa, let alone Vegeta. What followed was a brutal, one-sided thrashing. Vegeta began to systematically torture Frieza, savoring every moment. He had waited his whole life to turn the tables on the tyrant.
"Frieza, I bet you never imagined this day!" Vegeta snarled, lifting Frieza by the throat. "Now tell me the truth. How did Planet Vegeta really explode? Don't give me that 'meteor' garbage!"
Frieza, dangling in the air with blood dripping from his mouth, suddenly began to laugh. "How interesting! Ohohoho! This is truly fascinating!"
The Saiyans were baffled. Was he insane? He was clearly about to die.
"Stop wasting time," Vegeta growled, dropping him to the ground. "Tell me the truth, and I might leave your body in one piece."
"Fine. I'll tell you the truth." Frieza coughed, slowly picking himself up. But after he stood, he went silent. The Saiyans looked at each other in confusion. They didn't realize that Frieza was already beginning to gather his energy.
The ground began to tremble. Vegeta and the others noticed the shaking, but since they couldn't sense ki, they assumed Frieza was just making a desperate final stand.
"Still trying to resist? You really don't know when to quit!" Vegeta was brimming with confidence. What could a man with 530,000 power do against him?
Finally, Frieza spoke. "As you suspected... Planet Vegeta was not hit by a meteor." He pointed a thumb at himself and cackled. "I, Lord Frieza, destroyed it with my own hands!"
"I KNEW IT!!" Vegeta roared, his eyes bloodshot with rage. Nappa and Raditz were equally livid.
"You're dead, Frieza!" Vegeta screamed, lunging forward.
"You really thought a Galactic Emperor only had this much power?" Frieza suddenly spread his arms, looking toward the heavens. "I must admit, you monkeys have done well to reach this level. But Vegeta... your three million is nothing to me!"
Frieza looked down, his voice chilling. "This is merely my weakest state. I have three more transformations. In my final form, my power level is 120 million!"
The Saiyans froze in shock. Realizing they had to act, they all charged at once. But it was too late. With a world-shaking explosion of energy, a sleek, white figure appeared. Frieza had jumped straight into his Final Form.
On Earth, the group watching the projection shook their heads. If Vegeta had attacked while Frieza was powering up, they might have stood a chance. Now, against 120 million, they were dead meat.
"Well, looks like Vegeta's luck has run out," Bulma said.
"Yeah." Gran stood up from his chair. "Whis and I are heading to Universe 6 now. Bulma, you coming?"
"No way! I'm still recovering from the last six months. I'm staying here."
"Suit yourself." Gran turned to Whis. "Let's go."
But Whis didn't move. He pointed at the screen. "Gran, you shouldn't leave before the end. Sometimes the conclusion isn't what it seems."
Everyone looked back at the projection. Whis rewound the feed slightly. After entering his Final Form, Frieza had begun a campaign of absolute brutality.
He systematically broke every Saiyan present. Vegeta was the worst off—his limbs were shattered, his torso pierced. He lay helplessly in the dirt.
Then, something happened that Gran never expected.
Vegeta, looking up at the sky with his last bit of strength, whispered, "I was too arrogant... I should have killed him instantly. Gran... Lord Gran... you were right. I'm not fit to be the Prince of the Saiyans. But I'm dying now... please... Frieza is our enemy. You have to avenge us!!"
Bulma and Broly looked at Gran with wide eyes. Was he going to save the man who had abandoned him?
Whis, however, knew Gran better. He knew Gran wouldn't lift a finger. Sure enough, Gran watched the screen with a face of stone. Vegeta is clearly doomed. Why did Whis tell me to keep watching?
The screen continued. Frieza looked down at Vegeta. "Gran? That name sounds familiar. Ah, yes, the Saiyan you abandoned years ago, correct?"
"Yes... I threw away a peerless genius. I deserve this fate," Vegeta wheezed.
"Ohohoho! I never thought the proud Prince Vegeta would admit he was wrong. But that Gran fellow is long dead. You want a ghost to avenge you?"
"Hahaha! Even if the whole universe dies, he won't! He's alive, Frieza! Not only is he alive, but he's also the student of Lord Beerus! He is the new God of Destruction, candidate! You're a dead man walking!!"
"WHAT?!" Frieza's expression shifted instantly.
Gran was stunned. He hadn't expected the proud Vegeta to be so... humble. It reminded him of Namek, where Vegeta had begged Goku to avenge their race. But this time, he was the one being begged.
"Interesting," Gran murmured. "Is he really going to survive by using my name?"
On the screen, Frieza's henchmen, Zarbon and Dodoria, rushed to his side, begging him to finish Vegeta off. But Frieza stood still, his mind racing. So that's why Lord Beerus told me not to touch the Saiyans... he took one as a disciple. Dammit! If I kill Vegeta, will the Gods come for me?
Gran knew what Frieza was thinking. Whis had told him that Beerus indeed warned Frieza years ago. Was Vegeta's plot armor really this thick?
Frieza suddenly began kicking the unconscious Saiyans, including Vegeta, Nappa, and Raditz, out into the vacuum of space.
"Lord Beerus ordered me not to kill you," Frieza shouted, laughing maniacally. "And I won't! But you attacked my base. This is self-defense! I'm kicking you into space to give you a 'chance' at life. If you die out there, it's not my fault! Hahaha!"
Saiyans couldn't survive in a vacuum. To Frieza, this was a loophole.
"Wow, Frieza is actually pretty smart," Bulma remarked.
"Yeah, he's a clever one. I'll have to pay him a visit sometime," Gran said. He figured this was truly the end for Vegeta.
But the surprises kept coming. Once they were in the void, most of the Saiyans died instantly. But as Vegeta's trio began to suffocate, Nappa managed to grab a capsule from Vegeta's belt. He clicked it, and a massive hangar containing a spaceship materialized in the void.
Despite his injuries, Nappa dragged Vegeta and Raditz inside. Once the airlock hissed shut, they collapsed onto the floor, gasping for air.
"Ha... hahahaha!" Vegeta laughed weakly, spitting blood. "I thought we were dead. Lord Gran's reputation saved us... and that woman's capsules! We made it!"
"Get... get Vegeta to the rejuvenation tank!" Raditz barked.
Nappa carried Vegeta into the medical bay. These tanks had been their secret weapon for years. As long as they were placed inside before their hearts stopped, they would survive.
Before the mask went over his face, Vegeta looked at Raditz. "I remember... You once said... your father predicted your brother, Kakarot... would one day become a Super Saiyan, right?"
Raditz nodded vigorously. "Yes! My father was certain of it!"
"Dammit... I am the Prince... yet I cannot transform," Vegeta whispered. "Set the coordinates... for Earth. We find Kakarot. If we can learn the secret... Frieza won't stand a chance!"
He didn't mention that the woman who gave them the capsules lived there, too. Raditz stumbled into the cockpit, set the ship to autopilot for Earth, and then crawled into his own healing pod. The three pods hissed as they filled with liquid, and the ship began its long journey toward the blue planet.
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