At that moment, an overwhelming surge of Ki erupted from Salama, radiating a force so intense that it sent Goten skidding backward through the air. The sheer magnitude of Salama's energy caused ripples in the fabric of the atmosphere, a testament to his unyielding power.
Goten clenched his fists, his muscles flexing as he steadied himself mid-air. His sharp gaze locked onto Salama, who stood gasping for breath, his once-confident demeanor shaken.
For the first time in his long existence, Salama felt an inexplicable pressure. The Dragon God, a figure of legend and one of the ten strongest beings across the eighteen universes, had faced countless powerful foes, including the Grand Priest himself. Yet, he had never experienced such a suffocating weight bearing down on him. That it came from a young Saiyan in his twenties only deepened his bewilderment.
As Salama grappled with this unfamiliar sensation, Goten made his move. In an instant, he appeared before Salama, his speed rendering him nearly invisible. With a mighty cry, Goten drove his right fist into Salama's abdomen with devastating force.
"Ugh!" Salama bellowed in pain, his body recoiling from the blow and shooting backward like a comet streaking through the sky.
Goten didn't waste a second. Raising his hands, he began gathering energy. The air around him crackled as a deep blue light formed between his palms, intensifying with each passing moment. His voice thundered across the battlefield as he unleashed his signature attack.
"Kamehameha!"
The energy wave surged forth, a beam of concentrated destruction aimed directly at Salama. The attack hit its mark with precision, engulfing Salama and propelling him further into the distance.
BOOM!
The explosion that followed lit up the sky, a blinding blue storm of energy that rippled outward in every direction. The sea below churned violently, its waves reaching unprecedented heights under the influence of the shockwave.
"Ahhh!" Salama's agonized scream echoed through the chaos as he struggled to resist the force of the explosion. His body was battered, and his strength waned as the Kamehameha's power overwhelmed him.
From a safe distance, Sava watched in horror. "Father!" she cried, her voice trembling with fear. She clenched her fists, her confidence in her father's invincibility shaken for the first time.
As the smoke cleared, Goten stood firm, his eyes scanning the dissipating haze. Salama remained airborne, his figure emerging from the remnants of the explosion. His disheveled appearance and labored breathing betrayed the toll the battle had taken on him.
Although the attack hadn't defeated him, the damage was evident. Salama's body was bruised, his aura flickering unsteadily. Despite this, he maintained a defiant glare.
Goten smiled faintly, his tone calm but firm. "Alright, Salama. I think we've had enough. This fight is over, don't you think?"
Salama froze, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Over? You're not fighting anymore?"
Goten nodded. "No more fighting."
Though uncertain of Goten's intent, Salama hesitated. Deep down, he knew the truth—he could not defeat this Saiyan. Resigned, he gave a reluctant nod. "Fine."
With the fight concluded, Goten allowed his body to return to its base form. His aura subsided, and his hair reverted to its normal state. He flew toward his companions, a look of quiet satisfaction on his face.
"Goten, why did you pick a fight with the Dragon God Salama?" Piccolo asked, his tone tinged with curiosity.
Goten shook his head. "I didn't pick a fight with him. He challenged me. I only proposed the duel to see how powerful he really is."
"I see," Piccolo replied thoughtfully. "Still, I think he might be on our side now. After seeing your strength, he probably understands where he stands."
"He's just a fence-sitter," Marron interjected, her voice carrying a hint of disdain.
Goten chuckled softly. "Marron, he's not a fence-sitter. His goal was likely to pit the Grand Priest and the High Mother Goddess against each other. If they both fell, he could take advantage of the chaos."
"Then why didn't you finish him off, Goten?" Marron asked, her tone more curious than accusatory.
Goten's smile widened. "Not every problem in this world can be solved through killing. Sometimes, strength—absolute strength—is the only answer."
Time passed, and half a year flew by like a fleeting moment. During this period, peace reigned on Earth. While conflicts erupted across the universe, Frieza's army swiftly quelled any unrest in Universe 7.
However, not all universes fared as well. Universe 10, in particular, suffered devastating losses, with half of its territories falling under the control of Universe 16's forces. This rapid conquest was due in large part to the defection of many Universe 10 armies, who surrendered to the invaders.
In Universe Zero, within the Palace of the Great Mother Goddess, an urgent meeting was underway. Galion and his companions stood before the High Mother, their expressions a mix of anticipation and unease.
"My Lady, are we truly going to war with Grand Zeno today?" Amarula asked, her voice betraying her nervousness.
The Great Mother nodded solemnly. "Yes."
"What about Goten?" Amarula inquired further.
"I've already arranged for someone to go to Earth. I doubt he'll be involved," the Great Mother replied confidently.
Amarula's skepticism lingered. "I see…"
The Great Mother continued, her tone unwavering. "Besides, the Grand Priest and his allies are likely unaware of our sudden attack. This element of surprise is crucial."
Galion stepped forward. "If there are no further questions, shall we depart for Zeno's Palace?"
"Let's proceed," the Great Mother declared.
Meanwhile, in Zeno's Palace, the two Omni Kings sat atop their thrones, their childlike boredom evident as they played a game. Their casual demeanor masked the gravity of the looming threat.
Suddenly, the staff in the Grand Priest's hand glowed brightly. Through its divine lens, he saw the Great Mother Goddess and her forces—angels, gods of destruction, and kai from six universes—gathering outside the palace gates.
"Great Mother…" the Grand Priest muttered, his expression darkening. He wasted no time, using his staff to summon Whis and the others to the palace immediately.
Just as the call was sent, the Great Mother Goddess appeared within the palace, flanked by Galion and her entourage. Her arrival was swift and commanding, a declaration of her intent.
The Grand Priest turned to face her, his voice steady but sharp. "Great Mother Goddess."
The High Mother sneered, her piercing gaze settling on the two Omni Kings. "Grand Zeno."
The Omni Kings, abandoning their game, responded in unison, their tones eerily calm. "Long time no see, Great Mother Goddess."
The Great Mother's voice dripped with venom. "Spare me the pleasantries. You sealed us away, wiped out the universe we governed, all because of your arbitrary judgments on mortal survival levels. Today, I've come to settle the score. I will overthrow you and establish a new cosmic order!"
The Omni Kings remained composed, their childlike faces giving nothing away. "Do you not see the error in your ways, Great Mother?"
The Great Mother laughed bitterly. "The error lies not with me, but with you. The universe is not yours alone to command. It belongs to all of us."
With a sudden wave of her hand, she signaled her forces. "Today, we fight to reclaim what is ours!"
At her command, angels, gods of destruction, and kings prepared for battle. The Omni Kings, however, were unfazed. In an instant, thirty-six figures appeared in the throne room—twelve angels, the Kings of Kings, and the Gods of Destruction, ready to defend their rulers.
The Great Mother smirked. "Let the war begin!"
The Grand Priest stepped forward, his Ki radiating an aura of unshakable confidence. "Your opponent is me, Great Mother Goddess."