Chapter 2 - Destroyer Position

Many Gods of Destruction sleep for decades at a time before awakening. It is said that the God of Destruction of Universe 7, Beerus, once slept for centuries and only awoke after receiving a prophetic vision of the Super Saiyan God.

However, the newly appointed God of Destruction of Universe 10 was different.

Lord Black had no desire to sleep through the ages.

He wanted to savor every waking moment of his newfound glory.

A warm ray of sunlight slipped through the white curtains of his bedroom window and fell across his face. Even through his closed eyelids, the light stirred him from his sleep.

Slowly opening his eyes, he found himself staring at the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

His vision was still blurry.

A figure moved near the windows, drawing the curtains open and tying them neatly to either side.

He rubbed his eyes and focused.

Mitarashi.

She noticed that he was awake and immediately turned toward him, offering a small bow.

“Good morning, my lord. Did you sleep comfortably last night?” she asked with a pleasant smile.

“I slept like a baby,” he replied smugly.

“That is wonderful to hear, my lord.” Her smile widened. “What would you like to do today?”

Lord Black crossed his arms thoughtfully.

“How many planets are there in this universe? I believe there are far more than what I oversaw as a North Kai and Supreme Kai-in-training.”

“My lord, this universe is far larger than you imagine. There are countless planets, star systems, and civilizations that neither the Kais nor the former God of Destruction were able to properly oversee. Many worlds developed without guidance, while others stagnated and stopped progressing altogether.”

She paused.

“In fact, many of those neglected civilizations became the fuel for the resentment that led you and Supreme Kai Zamasu to pursue the Zero Mortals Plan.”

Lord Black's expression darkened.

“How do you know about our Zero Mortals Plan?”

“I am a Kai of Time,” she replied calmly. “I can observe countless timelines and universes. It would be difficult for me not to notice two divine beings attempting to pass judgment upon all mortal life.”

As she spoke, she helped him out of bed and guided him toward the bathroom.

Since you see everything...” he began, his voice lowering. “Tell me honestly.”

He stopped walking and looked directly at her.

“Were we right after all?”

For a brief moment, Mitarashi remained silent.

Then she answered softly.

“You were right... in a way.”

“Explain.”

She met his gaze.

“You were correct that mortals rarely learn from the mistakes of the past. Their lives are short. Most generations never personally witness the suffering caused by their ancestors' actions. As a result, the same mistakes are repeated over and over again.”

Her voice remained gentle.

“But if you, as a god, had chosen to guide them instead of destroy them, things may have been different.”

Lord Black's brows furrowed.

Mitarashi continued.

“You could have reminded them of their history. You could have corrected them when they strayed from the right path. You could have improved their lives.”

She stepped beside him and began preparing his bath.

“Instead, you chose the easiest solution.”

Lord Black narrowed his eyes.

“The easiest solution?”

“Yes.”

She turned toward him.

“To be completely honest, my lord, slaughtering mortals who were never under your jurisdiction in the first place is one of the laziest and most foolish decisions I have witnessed in a very long time.”

Silence.

Absolute silence.

For the first time since becoming a God of Destruction, Lord Black found himself unable to respond.

Offended.

Insulted.

Humiliated.

His pride felt as though it had been struck by a divine hammer.

He searched for a rebuttal.

None came.

A mere Kai had just dismantled the ideology he and Zamasu had spent years convincing themselves was righteous.

Yet the worst part was that she had not spoken with hatred or malice.

She had simply spoken the truth as she saw it.

Goku Black stood motionless while countless thoughts battled within his mind.

Eventually, he allowed her to help him into the bath.

The water was warm.

The scent of roses filled the room.

Yet even as Mitarashi quietly attended to him, his thoughts remained unsettled.

Then he realized something.

She had not volunteered that criticism.

He had asked for it.

He had demanded an honest answer.

And she had given him one.

Just not the answer he wanted to hear.

Closing his eyes, Lord Black slowly exhaled.

An unusual reaction for someone as prideful as he was.

But he knew he needed to calm himself.

Because if he allowed his temper to take control, he might destroy more than just the bathroom.

He might destroy the fragile peace he had only just begun to find.

After breakfast, Lord Black settled onto his throne in the living room, contemplating what he could do with the rest of the universe. As a God of Destruction, he could erase planets he deemed unworthy and continue the divine justice he had once envisioned.

Then an idea struck him.

“Mitarashi.”

“Yes, my lord?” she replied immediately, approaching his side.

“We shall visit Zamasu's planet. I'd like to see him.”

“As you wish, my lord.” She offered a small bow. “Please place a hand on my shoulder.”

Goku Black rested his right hand upon her shoulder. Mitarashi crossed her wrists over her chest and softly uttered,

“Kai Kai.”

In an instant, they vanished.

The next moment, they stood upon the sacred world of Supreme Kai Zamasu.

A wave of nostalgia washed over Lord Black.

The scent of the air, the gentle breeze, the familiar warmth of the world—it all reminded him of the days when he had been a Supreme Kai-in-training. The memories returned vividly, including the day he had slain his former master, Gowasu.

Together, he and Mitarashi walked toward the large torii gate at the entrance of the Supreme Kai's dwelling.

As they approached, a tall Kai with blue skin greeted them. His long white mohawk swept across the left side of his face as he offered a respectful standing bow.

“Oh! Lord Black, welcome. It is good to see you.”

“What is your name?” Mitarashi asked politely.

“My name is Tatsu,” he replied. “I serve as Supreme Kai Zamasu's attendant.”

“Tatsu,” Goku Black said, “is Zamasu available?”

“Yes, my lord. Master is inside. Please come in.”

He opened the gate and ushered them through.

Inside, they found Zamasu seated at a table, surrounded by scrolls and records detailing the countless mortal civilizations under his care.

Completely absorbed in his work, he failed to notice their arrival despite Tatsu's announcement.

A mischievous grin spread across Lord Black's face.

Silently, he stepped behind his fellow Kai and leaned close.

“Such a diligent Supreme Kai.”

“AAAAHHH!”

Zamasu nearly launched himself across the room, stumbling backward several paces.

“WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!”

Lord Black folded his arms smugly.

“You were so engrossed in your reading that you let your guard down. Had I wished, I could have skewered you with a Ki Blade.”

He paused.

“Though doing so would unfortunately kill both of us.”

Zamasu shot him a glare.

“This responsibility is a double-edged sword! You get to destroy things when necessary, while I'm buried beneath records, reports, and civilizations that need guidance!”

His shoulders slumped in exhaustion.

A moment later, Tatsu approached, carrying a tray.

“Master, today is only your first day. You should not push yourself so hard.”

He offered a freshly brewed cup of tea.

“Besides, you're about to appoint the other Kais who will help manage the universe.”

Zamasu blinked.

“Ah... that's right.”

He straightened slightly.

“Tatsu, summon all eligible Kais to this world.”

“At once, Master.”

The attendant bowed and departed.

Tatsu's words seemed to ease some of Zamasu's frustration.

Mitarashi smiled softly.

“He is correct, Supreme Kai Zamasu. You have eons ahead of you. There is no need to carry the entire universe upon your shoulders in a single day.”

Zamasu narrowed his eyes.

“How do you know what I'm dealing with?”

“She sees everything,” Lord Black answered before Mitarashi could speak.

“She is a Kai of Time. She observes countless timelines and worlds.”

“You will have more than enough assistance to keep this universe orderly and free of unnecessary chaos,” he added.

“You mean guide those who need guidance and eliminate only those whose destruction serves balance?” Mitarashi asked pointedly.

Lord Black paused.

“Yes. That.”

Zamasu nodded quickly.

“Precisely.”

Mitarashi's smile vanished.

For the first time since arriving, her expression became completely unreadable.

“Then allow me to make something perfectly clear.”

Both men instinctively straightened.

“I was assigned to Lord Black for a reason.”

Her golden eyes moved from one to the other.

“If either of you returns to your former habits—if either of you resumes your genocidal ambitions or attempts another Zero Mortals Plan—I will report it directly to the Omni-King.”

Silence fell over the room.

Her voice remained calm.

“And if that happens, Great Zeno will erase both of you without hesitation.”

The room suddenly felt much colder.

For the first time since becoming gods, Lord Black and Zamasu felt genuine fear.

Not irritation.

Not anger.

Fear.

A cold sweat ran down both of their backs.

“Are we understood?”

“Y-yes,” Zamasu answered immediately.

Lord Black nodded stiffly.

“Yes.”

Satisfied, Mitarashi's pleasant smile returned as though nothing had happened.

Meanwhile, the two former conspirators sat frozen in place.

They had finally realized something important.

As Gods, they possessed immense authority.

They could guide civilizations.

Protect balance.

Shape the future of Universe 10.

But there was one thing they absolutely could not do.

They could never again pursue the path that had once led them to genocide.

Because the seemingly gentle Kai of Time standing before them had just reminded them that beyond gods, beyond angels, and beyond universes themselves, there still existed beings capable of erasing them from existence entirely.

A short while later, Tatsu returned, accompanied by four Kais of varying appearances and complexions. Each possessed unique talents and responsibilities that helped maintain life and balance throughout Universe 10.

Mitarashi quietly placed a chair beside Zamasu's seat for Goku Black before taking her place at his side.

As the four Kais assembled before them, Zamasu settled into his seat and gestured toward Tatsu.

“Please introduce them.”

The first Kai stepped forward and bowed.

“I am Winsu, North Kai of Universe 10.”

The second followed.

“I am Dresu, West Kai.”

Then the third.

“I am Ketsu, East Kai.”

Finally, the last stepped forward.

“I am Albesu, South Kai.”

Lord Black observed them carefully.

Winsu stood the tallest among them. He possessed a pink complexion, a long flowing white mohawk, a pair of pink Potara earrings, and elegant spectacles perched upon his nose. Though male, his mannerisms were graceful and refined. Among the four lower Kais, Winsu was widely regarded as the wisest.

For countless ages, he had overseen the northern quadrant of the universe with exceptional skill, managing populations, civilizations, and planetary development with remarkable efficiency. It was also customary that whenever a Supreme Kai's attendant was absent, the North Kai would temporarily assume their administrative duties until a replacement was appointed.

Dresu, the West Kai, possessed lavender skin and a short white mohawk styled similarly to Zamasu's. Blue Potara earrings hung from his ears, while a satchel filled with dice, cards, and various games rested at his side.

Unlike most Kais, Dresu adored entertainment.

He enjoyed observing martial arts tournaments, sporting events, and games of all kinds. Seeing mortals bond through competition and camaraderie brought him immense satisfaction. Many civilizations throughout the western quadrant even invited him to judge their greatest tournaments.

His leadership style was defined by charisma, friendship, and community.

Ketsu, the East Kai, had an orange complexion and long white hair tied into a low ponytail. Yellow Potara earrings adorned his ears, while a sketchbook and charcoal pencils were always tucked beneath his arm.

To Ketsu, everything was art.

Music, theatre, architecture, agriculture, cooking, commerce—even the simplest act of creation possessed artistic value.

He spent much of his time encouraging civilizations to appreciate beauty in every aspect of life. As a result, the eastern quadrant had become known for its culture, creativity, and craftsmanship.

It was also under Ketsu's jurisdiction that Lord Black's planet resided, which explained the carefully maintained bonsai-like gardens, tranquil koi ponds, and peaceful landscapes surrounding the Destroyer's residence.

Finally came Albesu.

The South Kai possessed a reddish complexion, white hair brushed upward, and a small braid trailing down the back of his head. Cyan Potara earrings glimmered beneath the light.

Hidden within his Kai robes were tarot cards, enchanted bottles, and countless magical tools.

Of all the Kais, Albesu was the foremost authority on sorcery and arcane arts.

While he aided those who sought magical knowledge, he firmly believed mortals must learn from their own successes and failures. Under his supervision, the southern quadrant had become home to some of the most powerful mages and magical civilizations in the universe.

After everyone had been introduced, Zamasu rose from his seat.

“I believe most of you already know me.”

His eyes drifted toward Winsu.

“Especially you, Winsu. You inherited my position as North Kai after I left for Supreme Kai training.”

Winsu nodded politely.

“Traditional promotion or unconventional ascension, you remain Supreme Kai all the same. Personally, I am pleased to see you occupying the position you always sought.”

His smile remained pleasant.

Perhaps too pleasant.

Both Lord Black and Mitarashi immediately sensed the tension beneath his words.

It was sharp enough to cut through steel.

Winsu then turned his attention toward Lord Black.

“And beside you sits another version of yourself from a different timeline, elevated to the position of God of Destruction.”

He adjusted his glasses.

“I must admit, Supreme Kai and God of Destruction being occupied by the same individual is certainly... unconventional.”

Zamasu's eye twitched.

Lord Black stood before the tension could escalate.

“Regardless of how we attained our positions, they were granted to us by the Omni-King and the Grand Priest themselves.”

His crimson eyes narrowed slightly.

“I trust you are satisfied with your current role, Winsu.”

Winsu merely smiled.

“Of course, my lord.”

“P-please, let's not start arguing already...” Tatsu interjected nervously.

Before anyone could continue, Albesu raised a hand.

“Supreme Kai, do you intend to reorganize our jurisdictions or alter our responsibilities?”

“No,” Zamasu answered immediately.

“You have all performed your duties exceptionally well. I see no reason to change what is already functioning properly.”

The four Kais exchanged approving glances.

“I summoned you here for two reasons.”

Zamasu clasped his hands behind his back.

“First, to formally reintroduce myself as your Supreme Kai.”

He paused.

“And second, because I wish to learn from each of you.”

The statement surprised everyone.

Even Mitarashi raised an eyebrow.

“For far too long, I believed I understood this universe completely,” Zamasu continued. “Yet since assuming this position, I have realized how little I truly know.”

His gaze drifted toward the distant sky.

“There are millions—perhaps billions—of worlds beyond those I once observed. Entire civilizations, histories, and cultures that neither I nor my predecessors ever reached.”

The room fell silent.

“I hope that during our lifetimes, we can reach those worlds together and help this universe flourish as it was always meant to.”

For the first time, the other Kais looked genuinely impressed.

Even Winsu's expression softened.

Beside Goku Black, Mitarashi leaned slightly closer and whispered,

“I appreciate that Supreme Kai Zamasu is willing to seek wisdom from those beneath his station. That is not a common trait among gods.”

Goku Black folded his arms.

“If he does not improve his attitude now, both of us will eventually be erased.”

Mitarashi hid a smile.

Afterward, the meeting continued as the Kais began discussing matters concerning their respective quadrants.

There were reports to review, concerns to address, and countless responsibilities awaiting their Supreme Kai.

Recognizing that the discussion would likely continue for hours, Goku Black and Mitarashi politely excused themselves.

With a flash of divine light, the pair returned to the Destroyer's world.

Once home, Lord Black settled onto his throne once more, contemplating what the next day might bring.

Without needing to be asked, Mitarashi prepared a fresh pot of tea and served it in the same gaiwan she had gifted him the day before.

The familiar scent drifted through the room as the God of Destruction quietly accepted the cup.

“What is on your mind, my lord?” Mitarashi asked as she handed him his tea.

Goku Black accepted the gaiwan from her hands. Having already learned how to use it, he lifted the lid, blew gently across the steaming surface, and took a slow sip before falling silent once more.

His crimson eyes drifted toward the window overlooking the peaceful landscape outside.

“How can I determine whether mortals deserve destruction,” he murmured, “without reverting to the Zero Mortals Plan?”

“Interaction and observation are key, my lord,” Mitarashi replied.

She stood before him with her usual elegant posture, her hands clasped neatly over her abdomen.

“How so?” He shifted his attention toward her.

“You must walk among them,” she explained. “Live as they do. Speak with them. Learn their struggles and desires. Only then will you understand what lies within their hearts.”

Goku Black raised an eyebrow.

“So I am expected to dress like a mortal now?”

The sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable.

Mitarashi ignored it entirely.

“Not merely dress like them, my lord. You must behave as though you belong among them—as though you were born upon their world.”

She paused before continuing.

“Alternatively, you may observe from afar. Speak with their leaders. Examine their records and compare those records to reality. Through observation, you may determine whether a civilization deserves salvation or destruction.”

“A God of Destruction offering salvation?” Goku Black scoffed. “How absurd.”

“Without salvation, my lord, you would simply become the same person you were before your promotion.”

Her words landed harder than she intended.

Goku Black narrowed his eyes.

“You either show mercy when mercy is warranted and destruction when destruction is necessary,” she continued, “or you return to being the genocidal fanatic you once were.”

Her golden eyes met his directly.

“And if that happens, Great Zeno will erase you anyway.”

The room fell silent.

Goku Black opened his mouth to argue.

“No ‘buts,’ and no ‘ifs,’” Mitarashi added firmly.

His lips closed immediately.

For several moments neither spoke.

The only sound in the room was the faint crackling of incense and the distant splash of koi swimming within the pond outside.

The tea slowly cooled in his hands.

He stared upward at the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Its warm light reflected within his eyes as countless thoughts drifted through his mind.

Eventually, he tilted his head back far enough to meet Mitarashi's gaze.

She remained motionless.

Patient.

Waiting.

Never pressuring him for an answer.

Lord Black took another long sip from his tea, draining the cup until only the leaves remained at the bottom.

Mitarashi still said nothing.

Her silence felt strangely heavier than any lecture.

At last, he broke the stalemate.

“I have decades—perhaps centuries—to decide what kind of God of Destruction I wish to become, do I not?”

“You do, my lord,” Mitarashi replied softly. “And I shall be here to listen whenever you need counsel.”

He exhaled through his nose.

Then another thought surfaced.

“Tell me something.”

She inclined her head.

“If I were to destroy several planets without properly investigating them first... what would Zamasu do?”

Mitarashi carefully took the empty gaiwan from his hands before answering.

“If those worlds were vital to the balance of their systems, Supreme Kai Zamasu would restore them.”

Goku Black frowned.

“He would?”

“Yes.”

A faint smile tugged at her lips.

“And if you destroyed enough of them, I suspect he would become very unhappy with you.”

The God of Destruction rested his elbow against the armrest and covered part of his face with one hand.

“So I have to inform Zamasu before acting?”

“Not necessarily.”

She set the tea cup aside.

“But whether you admit it or not, both of you share a connection.”

His eye twitched.

“We are the same person. I am aware.”

“I do not mean merely that,” Mitarashi replied. “During your ascension, your lives became intertwined. If one of you dies, the other follows. Beyond that, you both understand one another better than anyone else ever could.”

Lord Black remained silent.

“You already know which worlds deserve your judgment,” Mitarashi said quietly.

“You simply need to decide whether that judgment comes from wisdom... or from anger.”

Her words lingered in the room long after she finished speaking.

Lord Black shifted in his throne and folded his arms.

Then he lowered his head and closed his eyes.

For perhaps the first time in his existence, he genuinely reflected upon his actions.

What separated him from the version of himself who had pursued the Zero Mortals Plan?

What separated divine justice from simple cruelty?

What made him any different from the tyrants and conquerors he despised if he destroyed worlds solely to satisfy his own beliefs?

The questions were uncomfortable.

Painfully so.

Yet he could not dismiss them.

Because deep down, he knew Mitarashi was right.

If he wished to remain a God of Destruction—and not become the monster he once was—he would need to learn the difference between justice and vengeance.

And for the first time, Goku Black found himself wondering whether that distinction had always existed... and whether he had simply refused to see it.

He opened his eyes, lifted his head, and looked directly into Mitarashi's golden irises.

"Let's start looking at the planets near my own..." he said slowly, defeat lingering in his voice.

Mitarashi tilted her head. "What's with the depressed tone, my lord?" she asked, genuine concern coloring her voice.

"Are there really mortals out there who deserve salvation?" he asked quietly, confusion replacing his usual certainty.

"Yes. Many of them," Mitarashi replied without hesitation. "You simply haven't looked long enough—or perhaps you never wanted to see them."

She took a step forward, her expression firm.

"It's time to remove those rose-tinted glasses and face reality. Not everything is a red flag, my lord."

Her words carried conviction. For all his centuries of judgment, there were still countless mortals living honest lives, striving to improve themselves and their worlds.

"How about this, my lord?" Mitarashi continued, approaching him with measured steps. "Let's make a deal."

"What kind of deal?" Goku Black asked, narrowing his eyes.

"If you find a corrupt planet," she began, "I will allow you to personally judge its inhabitants instead of destroying the entire world outright. You can preach your divine justice all you want."

"And...?" he prompted, his interest piqued.

Mitarashi's smile widened.

"And if you find a genuinely good civilization, you will live among them for one month. You'll dress like them, eat what they eat, drink what they drink, and live as one of them."

A sinister gleam danced in her eyes.

Goku Black stared at her.

Then he scoffed.

"Hah! There is no way I'll find a perfectly good mortal civilization."

His confidence returned immediately, fueled by the arrogance he had always carried.

"Don't blame me when I make you eat those words, my lord," Mitarashi replied sweetly.

"It's almost like you know something I don't."

Goku Black rose from his throne and strode toward her, attempting to intimidate her with his height. Towering over her, he looked down into her eyes.

"How can you be so certain?" he pressed. "Have you already evaluated these planets before I became a God of Destruction?"

Mitarashi remained unfazed. Her hands stayed neatly clasped before her.

"I see everything," she answered calmly.

A pause.

"I am a Kai of Time."

Goku Black threw his arms into the air.

"Of course!"

He turned and walked away in frustration.

After a few steps, he stopped in the middle of the room. Tilting his head slightly, he glanced back over his shoulder.

"And that's why you're pushing me toward this 'salvation route,'" he said. "Because you already know how this ends... don't you?"

Mitarashi simply smiled.

She didn't answer.

"And I know you're doing this to preserve both me and Zamasu," he added.

Still, she remained silent.

Goku Black turned fully toward her.

"You've been speaking bluntly to me since this morning. Are you not afraid of me?" His eyes narrowed. "You realize I could erase you with Hakai the moment you offend me."

A gentle smile appeared on her face.

"I only speak the truth, my lord."

She folded her hands behind her back.

"Fear has never been ingrained in me. Fear is merely an obstacle that makes one appear weak before another."

Her gaze never wavered.

"And yes, I know you can use Hakai."

A small pause.

"But I also know you can't use it on me."

The room fell silent.

"Because the moment you do, Great Zeno will erase you in return."

There was no arrogance in her voice.

No challenge.

Only certainty.

Goku Black stared at her.

For perhaps the first time since becoming a God of Destruction, he found himself utterly unable to argue.

"I can't win against you, can I?" he muttered.

Mitarashi blinked innocently.

"The truth hurts?"

"You—"

He pointed at her, speechless.

"Ugh... Fine!"

His voice echoed through the mansion.

"I'll inspect the nearby planets and determine whether they're evil or not! Happy?!"

The outburst sounded less like a divine decree and more like a child being forced to finish his chores.

Mitarashi smiled brightly.

"Yes. Because that is your responsibility for the next several eons, my lord."

She picked up his empty tea cup and placed it neatly onto a wooden tray.

"I didn't choose this fate for you. I merely showed you the choices available to you."

Grumbling under his breath, Goku Black turned and marched toward the dining room.

"I'm hungry," he muttered. "Get me something to eat."

"Right away, my lord."

As he stomped off, Mitarashi couldn't help but chuckle softly at her master's irritation.