Vegeta extended his right hand, a beam of purple Hakai energy forming in his palm. Without hesitation, he unleashed it toward Tarble.
The energy surged forward, engulfing Tarble and detonating with a deafening explosion.
Boom!!!
The ground trembled as the blast created a massive crater, smoke and debris filling the air. Tarble's scream echoed briefly before fading into silence. When the dust settled, only a deep pit remained—a stark reminder of the Saiyan prince's decisive action.
Breathing heavily, Vegeta allowed his energy to subside, returning to his normal form. He glanced at the destruction he had caused, his expression unreadable.
At that moment, Goten appeared in front of Goku and the others, teleporting with Yamoshi at his side.
"Goten!" Goku called out, relief and curiosity evident in his voice.
Goten nodded in acknowledgment.
"Goten, isn't that Yamoshi?" Krillin asked, his brow furrowed. "Why didn't you finish him off?"
"Uncle Krillin," Goten replied calmly, "Yamoshi isn't a bad person. He was just being manipulated by others."
"Manipulated?" Krillin repeated, his confusion turning to understanding.
"Yes," Goten continued, his voice steady. "And he's agreed to join us."
Krillin's face broke into a smile. "Really? That's great!"
Universe Zero – Palace of the Great Goddess
The Great Goddess watched the scene unfold through her crystal staff, her knuckles white as she gripped it tightly in anger. Seeing Yamoshi ally himself with Goten and his companions had pushed her patience to its limit.
Her lips curled into a thin line as she spoke softly, her voice filled with venom. "Yamoshi… you dare defy me?"
Dragon God Realm
Salama, the Dragon God, observed the events from his ethereal domain. His expression shifted from curiosity to shock as he watched Yamoshi's defeat and subsequent alliance with Goten. For a long moment, he was silent, processing what he had seen.
"Grand Priest," he muttered, "you've won again this time… but I will not lose the next battle. I swear it."
Three Days Later – Universe Zero
In the grand throne room of the Great Goddess, the six angels of the rebel universes gathered. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to apprehension as they awaited the goddess's words.
"Why have you summoned us, Great Goddess?" asked Amarula, the angel of the fifteenth universe.
The Great Goddess rose from her throne, her voice commanding. "To discuss the next phase of our plan. The time has come to prepare for the War of the Gods."
The room fell silent.
"The War of the Gods?" Galion, another angel, asked hesitantly. "But hasn't the war already begun among mortals?"
"I am not referring to the mortal skirmishes," the Great Goddess replied coldly. "I speak of a divine war—one that will determine the fate of all universes."
The angels exchanged uneasy glances.
"But, Great Goddess," Amarula began cautiously, "didn't you plan to seize the cosmic destiny of The Grand Zeno before starting such a war?"
"That was the plan," the Great Goddess admitted, her tone darkening, "but circumstances have changed."
She gestured to the crystal ball atop her staff, which projected the battle between Goten and Yamoshi. The angels watched in stunned silence as the scene played out.
"Three days ago, I sent Yamoshi to test Goten's strength. He failed."
The room filled with murmurs of disbelief.
"Who is Yamoshi?" Amarula asked.
The Great Goddess's gaze turned steely. "Yamoshi is an ancient Saiyan I had Towa retrieve from the past. He once fought the Dragon God Salama to a standstill. His strength was meant to rival even the gods."
"Yamoshi fought Salama to a draw?" one angel whispered, astonished.
"Indeed," the Great Goddess replied. "Yet Goten defeated him. His power has become a threat to us, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. Preparations for the divine war must begin now."
Universe 7 – Mount Paozu
On Earth, Goku and Yamoshi sparred intensely in the mountains near Goku's home. Goku's movements were fluid and precise as he wielded the power of Ultra Instinct. Yamoshi countered with his raw Saiyan strength, their blows sending shockwaves across the landscape.
Nearby, Goten sat cross-legged on a patch of grass, his eyes closed as he meditated. His aura flickered faintly, reflecting his deep focus.
Suddenly, a golden light descended from the sky, landing a few meters in front of Goten. He opened his eyes to see a middle-aged man with long black hair and a regal aura, accompanied by a tall, pale-skinned girl in white clothing.
"Who are you?" Goten asked, rising to his feet.
The man smiled. "I am the Dragon God Salama. And this," he gestured to the girl beside him, "is my daughter, Sava."
Goten's expression hardened. "What do you want? Are you here to fight me?"
Salama shook his head. "No, not at all."
"Then why are you here?"
Salama hesitated before speaking. "I wanted to introduce you to Sava. And… to clarify that I only sent Yamoshi to test your strength."
"Test me?" Goten's tone turned icy. "If I had lost, would you have let Yamoshi kill me?"
Salama frowned. "You had Merus and others to protect you. You were never in real danger."
Goten stepped forward, his aura flaring. "And what if I say I don't care for your excuses? If you're so interested in testing strength, how about I test yours right now?"
Salama's calm demeanor faltered slightly. "Goten, you're bold. If it weren't for my respect for the Grand Priest, I'd already—"
"Then do it," Goten interrupted, his tone daring. "Let's see if the so-called Dragon God lives up to his name."
Salama's eyes narrowed, but Sava stepped forward, placing a hand on his arm. "Father, please," she said softly. "Let's leave."
After a tense moment, Salama sighed. "Very well. Goten, we'll meet again."
With that, Salama and Sava vanished in a burst of golden light, leaving Goten alone.
Dragon God Realm
Salama returned to his domain, his frustration palpable. "Goten," he growled, "you will regret your arrogance."
Sava placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "Father, perhaps we were wrong. If we apologize sincerely, Goten might forgive us."