"Grand Zeno, if Goten is free, he will play with you!" the Grand Priest said with a smile.
"All right!" the two Zenos cheered in unison.
Thus, Goten officially began his training at the Palace of Zeno, settling into his new routine.
Earth
Upon returning to Earth, Merus gathered Trunks, Gohan, and the others to share the news about Goten's training under the Grand Priest.
"The Grand Priest is personally training Goten?" Gohan asked, his tone a mix of surprise and admiration.
"Yes," Merus replied. "Lord Goten is a once-in-a-lifetime genius, someone rarely seen even in eternity."
"That's incredible," Gohan muttered.
Merus nodded. "Even though Goten is training in the Grand Zeno's Palace, he has instructed me to stay here and assist with your training."
Trunks stepped forward, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "When will Goten return to Earth?"
Merus hesitated for a moment before answering. "That… I cannot say for certain. The level he's striving for—The Realm of Transcendence of Ultra Instinct—is currently the highest achievable. Only my father, the Grand Priest, has ever reached it."
"I see," Gohan said, a look of determination crossing his face. "Trunks, we have to push ourselves harder. If Goten is working this hard, we can't afford to fall behind!"
Trunks clenched his fists and nodded. "You're right, Gohan! Let's train even harder!"
Universe 6 – Planet Sadala
News of the upcoming war had reached every corner of Universe 6. On Planet Sadala, the Saiyan homeworld, warriors trained relentlessly in preparation for the battle three years away.
Meanwhile, on Planet Frost, another figure had begun preparing—but with far different intentions.
Inside a lavish palace, a figure who bore a striking resemblance to Frieza lounged on a plush sofa. This was Frost, the ruler of Planet Frost. Known throughout Universe 6 as a benevolent leader, Frost's true nature was far darker—much like his Universe 7 counterpart, Frieza.
As Frost rested, enjoying his deceptive peace, a figure entered his palace unannounced. The man had blue-green skin and wore a black angelic uniform.
Before Frost could react, one of his soldiers burst into the room, shouting, "Lord Frost, there's—"
Before the soldier could finish, Frost extended a single finger and fired a thin purple ray, piercing the soldier's chest.
The soldier collapsed lifelessly to the floor. Frost smirked. "I don't tolerate interruptions."
The blue-green figure chuckled lightly at the display. "How ruthless, Frost," he said, his voice smooth and cold.
Frost narrowed his eyes. "Who are you, and what business do you have here?"
"My name is Ceres," the man replied. "I am an angel from the original 14th Universe."
"14th Universe?" Frost repeated, confused. "I wasn't aware there were universes beyond the twelve."
"There are many things you don't know," Ceres replied cryptically.
Frost's curiosity was piqued. "So why are you here?"
"I assume you've heard of the war that's about to engulf the universes?"
"Of course. What of it?"
Ceres smirked. "We were the ones who initiated this war."
"You?"
"Yes. As with any war, there will be victors and losers. I've come to offer you a choice—join us and secure your place as ruler of Universe 6, or oppose us and face annihilation."
Frost's expression hardened. "Is that a threat?"
"Think of it as a proposition," Ceres replied smoothly. "The choice is yours, but choose wisely. Neutrality is not an option—when the dust settles, there will be no place for those who stood on the sidelines."
Frost fell silent, weighing his options. He was tempted by the promise of ruling Universe 6, but he was also wary of the risks.
After a long pause, Frost spoke. "I'll join you."
"Excellent," Ceres said with a sly smile. "A wise decision, Frost. Together, we will reshape this universe."
Across the Universes
Ceres was not the only one recruiting. Angels under the command of the Great Mother spread across the multiverse, targeting powerful individuals with dark hearts and immense influence. Their efforts were calculated, ensuring they swayed key players who could tilt the balance of power in their favor.
The angels of the twelve universes were aware of these actions but remained powerless to intervene. Bound by their divine rules, they could not interfere in mortal affairs, leaving each individual to make their own choices.
Two Years Later
Over the next two years, Goten dedicated himself fully to his training in the Palace of Zeno. Occasionally, he would return to Earth for brief visits, but most of his time was spent under the Grand Priest's rigorous guidance.
Through intense effort, Goten advanced his Ultra Instinct to the second level, Realm of Control. His strength had grown exponentially, yet he knew there was still much to achieve.
One day, after an especially grueling session, Goten collapsed onto the palace floor, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily.
The Grand Priest approached, his staff in hand. "Goten, you've made remarkable progress for someone so young. You're only twenty, yet your strength rivals gods who have trained for millennia."
Goten smiled weakly. "Thank you, Master Grand Priest."
The Grand Priest tilted his head thoughtfully. "You're twenty now, yes? Have you found a partner yet?"
Goten blinked in surprise. "I… have."
"Oh?" The Grand Priest raised an eyebrow. "Who is she?"
"Her name is Marron. She's three years younger than me and… well, she's mortal."
The Grand Priest nodded knowingly. "A mortal's lifespan is fleeting—only about a hundred years. Have you ever considered marrying someone divine?"
"Divine?"
"Yes," the Grand Priest said. "I have three daughters. Would you consider one of them?"
Goten's eyes widened. "Your daughters? You mean Vados and…?"
The Grand Priest nodded. "Vados, Kusu, and Marcarita. Although they are older than you, angels have eternal lifespans. They would make suitable companions."
"Eternal lifespans," Goten murmured.
"Indeed," the Grand Priest said. "Even if you choose Marron, she will age and pass on in a century. My daughters could wait for you if you prefer. A hundred years is but a moment to an angel."
Goten let out a nervous laugh, unsure of how to respond. "I… will think about it."
"Very well," the Grand Priest said with a nod.
Eight Months Later
With only three days remaining until the war, Goten's training had intensified to unprecedented levels. In a separate dimension, he sparred with the Grand Priest, their battle shaking the very fabric of space.
"Ha!!!" Goten roared, his fists blazing with energy as he sent the Grand Priest flying.
The Grand Priest slowed his momentum, landing gracefully. In an instant, he charged back, dodging Goten's barrage of energy waves and appearing directly in front of him.