Chapter 7 - Destroyer’s Mercy

"So, what is your final decision in this matter? Speak now, mortal."

Goku Black tapped his fingers impatiently against the armrest of his throne as he waited for their answer.

I'Laki slowly raised his head and finally spoke.

"My lord, your offer to spare the innocent is truly merciful. However, I fear that the cycle may simply repeat itself if they are spared. What if the same corruption returns and ruins the Supreme Kai's gift of a new beginning?"

Fear lingered in his voice.

Goku Black leaned forward slightly.

"Have you lost faith in those who are like you?"

The mortal remained silent.

The god's gaze sharpened.

"Have you... lost hope?"

His voice was so soft it was nearly a whisper, yet his piercing eyes seemed to search directly into I'Laki's soul.

Both I'Laki and his partner widened their eyes in surprise. They glanced at one another before turning their attention back to the god, who leaned against his throne once more.

"You know, it is not my duty to spare you," Goku Black said as he casually brushed a strand of hair away from his face. "If the decision had been mine alone, your planet would have been destroyed the very moment you made your request."

"My lord..." I'Laki hesitated. "Do you truly believe there is still hope for us?"

"I cannot answer that question," Goku Black replied. "Only you and the innocent people of your civilization can decide whether there is hope for your survival. The Supreme Kai and I are merely providing the foundation for a new beginning."

He paused before continuing.

"There is a saying among mortals that perhaps you have never heard."

"What saying is that, my lord?" I'Laki asked.

Goku Black folded his arms.

"The work is in the man, and the mercy is in the god."

The room fell silent.

I'Laki blinked in confusion.

"What does that mean?"

"It means that mercy must be earned."

The god's voice remained calm and steady.

"I may show mercy, but you must work for it. Do good, and you will be rewarded. Do evil, and you will be punished. Pray if you wish, but do not rely solely upon prayer. Take action so that your prayers may become reality."

A profound silence settled over the room.

Neither Mitarashi nor Nia had ever heard such wisdom spoken from Goku Black before. His words carried a divine weight that seemed to fill the very air around them.

The god looked back at the two mortals.

"Now tell me. What will you do?"

I'Laki's eyes grew watery.

"My lord... your words have brought us comfort. They have reassured us that if we choose salvation, there is indeed a chance for our people to thrive again—and this time, to do so in a healthy and righteous way."

Tears streamed down his face as he bowed so deeply that his forehead touched the floor before Goku Black's feet.

"We are truly grateful, my lord."

His partner wiped her eyes and bowed as well.

"Please allow us to return home and gather the innocent so they may be relocated to the new world the almighty Supreme Kai will create for us. Thank you for your mercy, my lord."

"Then go," Goku Black replied. "I will inform the Supreme Kai to begin creating your new planet."

He dismissed them with a simple wave of his hand.

The two mortals bowed one final time before departing to prepare their journey home.

As they left the dwelling, Goku Black closed his eyes and allowed a faint smile to form upon his lips.

When he opened them again, he found Mitarashi standing before him.

"My lord," she said gently, "are you happy for them?"

Goku Black looked away thoughtfully.

"I am a God of Destruction. Yet... isn't it strange that I feel genuinely happy after sparing those mortals?"

There was confusion in his voice, as though he could scarcely understand the feeling himself.

Mitarashi smiled softly.

"You are merciful, my lord. That is all."

She folded her hands neatly before her.

"And I believe that is what makes you different from the other Gods of Destruction throughout the multiverse. You possess the wisdom to consider what should be destroyed—and what deserves a chance to live."

Her expression softened even further.

"In my eyes, you have become a truly responsible god."

"Nah, I just don't want to make the same mistake I made when I first became a god and nearly got stabbed by Zamasu with a Ki Blade."

Goku Black shrugged as though the incident were nothing more than an inconvenience.

"Well, that's fair enough, my lord," Mitarashi replied.

"I've already informed Tatsu to tell Supreme Kai Zamasu to proceed with creating the new planet. That way, the innocent mortals can relocate as quickly as possible, and you can destroy the old world sooner."

"Good."

Goku Black nodded approvingly as he made his way toward the kitchen.

"It's a fair trade. Zamasu gets to create something, I get to destroy something, and that civilization gets a fresh start."

"This is certainly the best-case scenario," Mitarashi agreed. "However, what if the cycle repeats itself, as I'Laki feared?"

Goku Black paused.

"Then I will have no choice but to exterminate them all with a single Hakai."

His tone was calm, yet absolute.

"We've given them a chance. If they squander this opportunity, there won't be another one. They would be complete fools to waste it."

"My lord is wise," Mitarashi replied with a slight bow.

A few days later, Tatsu arrived on Goku Black's planet bearing news from Zamasu.

"My lord, the new planet Supreme Kai Zamasu has created is finally complete."

"Good."

Goku Black stood from his seat.

"Tatsu, join Mitarashi and me. Let's see whether I'Laki has had enough time to gather the innocent mortals for relocation."

"Yes, my lord."

Tatsu lowered his head respectfully.

Through Mitarashi's teleportation abilities, the three quickly arrived on the doomed planet.

However, what awaited them was unexpected.

The slums, once crowded with people and activity, had fallen eerily silent. The streets were deserted. Doors stood wide open, and personal belongings remained scattered throughout the abandoned homes.

It looked as though everyone had vanished.

Mitarashi entered one of the nearby houses and carefully inspected the interior.

To her surprise, she found a cooking stove still burning.

The fire was fresh.

It appeared that whoever lived there had left only moments ago.

"This is strange..." she murmured.

A sense of unease crept into her mind.

"Something isn't right."

"What did you find?" Goku Black called from outside.

Standing beside him, Tatsu nervously glanced around the empty settlement.

"This place feels eerie, my lord," he admitted.

Mitarashi stepped back outside.

Before she could answer, dozens of figures suddenly emerged from the surrounding alleys.

Masked men dressed in ragged clothing surrounded them from every direction. Various rifles, pistols, and makeshift firearms were aimed directly at the trio.

It was clearly an ambush.

Goku Black remained completely unfazed.

With his hands resting behind his back, he calmly surveyed the armed men as though they were little more than an inconvenience.

Mitarashi quietly returned to her master's side and folded her hands over her abdomen.

"Are you here to take the people from the slums?" one of the masked men demanded as he stepped forward.

"Are you affiliated with I'Laki?" Mitarashi asked calmly.

The man scoffed.

"That traitor? He reported our president to the God of Destruction!"

Another masked figure spat on the ground.

"Where is he?" Tatsu asked with concern.

"That's none of your business!" one of them shouted.

His voice echoed through the empty slums as he leveled his weapon directly at Goku Black.

"If I were you, I wouldn't interfere with another civilization's problems!"

Goku Black sighed.

"Mitarashi."

His voice was barely above a whisper.

"I came here to destroy a planet, not get involved in political drama."

His eyes remained fixed ahead.

"Would you be so kind as to clear a path for me?"

A faint smile appeared on Mitarashi's lips.

Without a word, she bowed respectfully.

"As you wish, my lord."

Tatsu immediately understood what the God of Destruction meant.

Though nervous, he gathered his courage and stepped forward to stand beside Mitarashi.

"Your firearms are nothing to us."

Mitarashi smiled sweetly.

In a flash of light, every firearm aimed at them was sliced apart—some vertically, others horizontally, and a few diagonally. The cuts happened so quickly that the armed men barely had time to react. Several damaged weapons exploded in their owners' hands, throwing their formation into chaos.

At the same moment, Tatsu ignited his Ki Blade and charged forward.

One of the attackers fired a rocket launcher at him, but Tatsu effortlessly sliced the projectile in half before it could reach its target. The explosion erupted harmlessly behind him.

Together, Mitarashi and Tatsu carved a path through the hostile forces. The enemy soldiers fell one after another as the two advanced through what seemed like entire platoons and battalions.

Meanwhile, Goku Black simply walked behind them.

A terrifying smile rested upon his face.

His hands remained clasped behind his back as though he were taking a leisurely stroll through a park rather than a battlefield.

Some soldiers continued fighting.

Others begged for mercy.

None of them were spared if they stood in the path of the God of Destruction.

Surprisingly, neither Mitarashi nor Tatsu bore a single stain despite the carnage they left behind.

Eventually, the fighting ceased.

Before them knelt a lone survivor.

"Please! Spare me! Have mercy!"

The man trembled uncontrollably as tears streamed down his face. His hands were clasped together in desperate prayer.

Goku Black looked down at him.

"Very well. I'll spare you."

Relief instantly washed over the man's face.

"However," Goku Black continued, "tell your leader to hand over I'Laki and his people immediately. If he refuses, your world will indeed be destroyed."

The man's face paled.

"Y-Yes, my lord!"

He bowed repeatedly before scrambling away as fast as he could toward the capital.

Unfortunately, Goku Black's patience was already running thin.

He had come to this planet expecting the relocation process to be complete.

Instead, he found himself dealing with political interference.

The trio followed the surviving messenger until they reached the presidential palace.

The man was granted an audience immediately and relayed the god's demands.

Unfortunately, the president had no intention of cooperating.

Rather than providing the information Goku Black sought, he attempted to deceive the messenger by directing him toward a false location while secretly arranging his own escape from the planet.

Unfortunately for him, Goku Black heard every word.

With a flick of his wrist, a blast of Ki erupted upward.

The palace roof exploded apart.

Stone, metal, and debris rained down as the president's office was suddenly exposed to the sky.

The president stared upward in shock.

Before he could flee, Mitarashi and Tatsu blocked every exit.

Then, through the opening in the roof, Goku Black slowly descended into the office.

The room fell silent.

"Where are I'Laki and his people?" he asked coldly.

Impatience lingered in his voice.

The president clenched his fists.

"Who are you to interfere in the affairs of my planet?!"

"I am Goku Black."

The god landed softly upon the floor.

"The God of Destruction. The true destroyer of worlds in this universe."

His gaze hardened.

"It is my responsibility to interfere when a civilization has become rotten enough to warrant destruction."

The president swallowed nervously.

"I-I sent them to the southeastern region of the planet!" he blurted out. "But you won't find them alive! They'll be dead by the time you reach them!"

Goku Black turned toward Mitarashi.

She immediately understood.

Without a word, she teleported away.

Moments later, she arrived at the southeastern region of the planet.

There, she found a massive volcano on the verge of eruption.

Molten magma churned within its crater, threatening to spill over at any moment.

Nearby stood a fortress built from stone.

Inside were hundreds of frightened men, women, and children desperately calling for help.

The realization struck her immediately.

They had been abandoned there to die.

A sharp pain gripped Mitarashi's heart.

Without hesitation, she flew toward the fortress.

Drawing her Ki Blade, she sliced through the gates and freed the captives.

Among them was I'Laki.

He was badly injured and barely able to stand. His partner supported him as Mitarashi helped guide them outside.

"Everyone, follow me!" she called.

The civilians obeyed immediately.

She led them to higher ground, far from the volcano's path.

Fortunately, no one was left behind.

Only moments after they reached safety, the volcano erupted.

A colossal wave of lava burst from the crater and swallowed the fortress whole.

The structure vanished beneath a sea of molten rock.

The survivors stared in horror before realizing how close they had come to death.

Then cheers erupted.

Many wept.

Others praised Mitarashi for saving their lives.

She simply smiled and ensured everyone was safe.

Closing her eyes, she sent a telepathic message to her master.

The civilians have been rescued. They are ready to be relocated to the new planet.

Back in the palace, Goku Black received the message instantly.

He said nothing.

Instead, he stared directly into the president's eyes.

For the first time, the man felt genuine terror.

"W-Wait!" the president stammered. "Those people are the real problem! They're the ones draining government resources! This planet is far more successful than you think!"

Goku Black's expression darkened.

"This world is a disaster."

His voice dripped with contempt.

"That is what your planet truly is."

He slowly circled the president like a predator stalking its prey.

"You are one of the most incompetent leaders I have ever encountered."

The president backed away.

"You and your cronies have no right to hold positions of authority."

Sweat poured down the man's face.

"How strange," Goku Black continued. "You don't even beg for mercy."

A mocking smile appeared on his lips.

"You think very highly of yourself, don't you?"

"I am the only one who deserves to be obeyed on this planet!" the president shouted.

Then, in an act of pure arrogance, he spat upon Goku Black's pristine white boot.

The room fell silent.

"And I," Goku Black replied calmly, "am the only one qualified to judge your sins and carry out your sentence."

A menacing smile spread across his face.

Slowly, he raised his index finger.

A sphere of black-and-purple energy materialized at its tip.

It resembled both a black hole and a dying star, radiating destructive power in every direction.

Tatsu immediately recognized what was about to happen.

His eyes widened.

"My lord is about to destroy the planet."

Without hesitation, he teleported away toward Mitarashi and the rescued civilians.

"Mitarashi! Mitarashi!"

Tatsu sprinted toward Mitarashi and the gathered civilians, panic evident in his voice.

"Lord Black is about to destroy the planet! Take everyone to the new world—now!"

He bent over slightly, trying to catch his breath after running at full speed.

"Understood."

Mitarashi nodded.

"But our belongings!" one of the civilians cried out. "We haven't even packed our clothes!"

"I will take care of that," Mitarashi assured them calmly. "What matters now is getting all of you to safety."

The crowd reluctantly agreed.

With a wave of her hand, Mitarashi teleported everyone—including Tatsu—to the new planet Zamasu had created.

Moments later, they arrived.

The sight before them left everyone speechless.

The new world was nearly identical to their old one, yet it was untouched by corruption and pollution. Fresh air filled their lungs. Crystal-clear rivers flowed across the landscape, and lush forests stretched toward the horizon. The ecosystem thrived with vibrant life.

It was as though their planet had been restored to the way it had existed a thousand years ago.

Many fell to their knees in awe.

Others openly wept.

For the first time in generations, they could see a future worth living for.

"Everyone," Mitarashi announced, "Tatsu and I will return to your old world and retrieve whatever belongings we can. Please remain here until we return."

The civilians nodded.

Many offered words of gratitude and wished them a safe journey.

Without delay, Mitarashi and Tatsu teleported back to the doomed planet.

Once there, they immediately began gathering as many possessions as possible.

Tatsu opened a dimensional portal while Mitarashi collected clothes, tools, food supplies, equipment, and countless personal belongings.

Everything they could salvage was tossed through the portal.

Several minutes later, a voice echoed from the other side.

"That's more than enough! Thank you!"

The two exchanged relieved smiles.

At least the survivors would not have to begin their new lives completely empty-handed.

Tatsu closed the portal.

With their task complete, they set off to rejoin the God of Destruction.

When they arrived, they found an unusual sight.

The president was desperately reaching toward the sphere of destruction hovering above Goku Black's fingertip.

Not because he wished to save the planet.

He simply wished to save himself.

Goku Black effortlessly pulled the orb away whenever the man got close, treating him like a cat toying with a trapped mouse.

The president stumbled and fell repeatedly while the god looked on with amusement.

Finally, Goku Black sighed.

"Alright. That's enough."

His expression darkened.

"I'm done entertaining your nonsense."

The orb rose above his head, completely beyond the president's reach.

The corrupt leader froze.

Goku Black glanced sideways toward Mitarashi.

"So? Has everyone been relocated?"

"Yes, my lord."

Mitarashi bowed slightly.

"They are safe. Their belongings have also been transported to their new home."

"Good."

A note of satisfaction entered the god's voice.

The president's face drained of all color.

Realization finally struck him.

There would be no escape.

No negotiation.

No miracle.

Goku Black smiled.

It was not a pleasant smile.

The sphere of destruction suddenly expanded, growing from a small orb into a massive celestial mass of black-and-purple energy.

The air itself trembled.

Mitarashi immediately grabbed Tatsu by the arm.

"Time to leave."

In an instant, they teleported far into space.

From a safe distance, they watched the God of Destruction perform the duty for which he had been chosen.

At first, the planet glowed.

A brilliant golden light spread across its surface, illuminating continents, oceans, and clouds alike.

Then came a deep vibration.

Though there was no sound in the vacuum of space, both could feel the immense force building within the world.

A moment later, the planet ruptured.

The explosion erupted from its core.

Gigantic fragments of land and ocean blasted outward into space as dust, fire, and molten debris engulfed the dying world.

The once-corrupted planet vanished beneath a storm of destruction.

Mitarashi and Tatsu watched in silence.

For Tatsu, it was a terrifying display of divine power.

For Mitarashi, it was something else entirely.

This was the first planet Goku Black had destroyed after truly weighing its fate with both judgment and compassion.

For the first time since becoming a God of Destruction, he had not acted out of pride, hatred, or blind justice.

He had chosen.

And because of that, the destruction of this world felt different.

Goku Black suddenly appeared beside Mitarashi and Tatsu without the slightest reaction to the remains of the destroyed planet drifting through space. His hands were clasped behind his back as if nothing significant had happened.

"I'd like to visit the new planet," he said casually.

"Then allow us to take you there, my lord," Mitarashi replied.

The three soon arrived on the newly created world.

As soon as the settlers saw them, they gathered and knelt before the God of Destruction.

"All hail Lord Black!" the crowd exclaimed.

"We can make a religion out of this!" Tatsu blurted out.

Mitarashi immediately elbowed him in the side.

"Ow!"

"Don't encourage them," she whispered sternly.

Slowly, I'Laki emerged from the crowd. His wounds had been treated, and much of his body was wrapped in bandages and gauze. Despite his injuries, he approached Goku Black and knelt before him.

"My lord, you gave us hope. Trusting you was the greatest decision our civilization has ever made."

His voice trembled with gratitude.

Goku Black merely smiled.

He closed his eyes and crossed his arms, clearly pleased by what he had heard.

When he opened them again, he addressed the gathered people.

"Take care of this planet and take care of yourselves. This world did not come cheaply."

His tone became more serious.

"Do not waste this opportunity. There will not be another one."

"Yes, my lord!" one of the settlers replied.

"We won't waste it!"

"We would also like to thank the Supreme Kai!" I'Laki added. "Please tell him we are grateful for the beautiful world he created for us. We will protect it with our lives."

Goku Black nodded.

Without another word, he turned and began walking away.

Mitarashi and Tatsu bowed politely to the settlers before following behind the God of Destruction.

Soon afterward, Goku Black decided to visit Zamasu's planet and return Tatsu home at the same time.

Upon arriving, Tatsu hurried ahead and opened the gates.

Inside the palace, they found Zamasu sitting alone in the hall, dabbing at his eyes with a white handkerchief.

"Master?" Tatsu asked with concern as he rushed over. "What's wrong?"

Zamasu sniffled.

"I never expected mortals to move me to tears."

He pressed the handkerchief against his chest.

Goku Black smirked slightly as he took a seat nearby.

"So you've been watching everything."

"Yes."

Zamasu carefully folded the handkerchief and placed it on the table.

"They even remembered me."

A small smile appeared on his face.

For a moment, the Supreme Kai seemed genuinely happy.

"So this is what it feels like when we work together to guide a civilization," he said softly. "It makes me happy."

Goku Black reached for a cup of tea that Mitarashi had prepared for him.

"I feel at ease seeing you happy like this, Zamasu."

The Supreme Kai chuckled.

"Perhaps this universe will not be such a burden after all."

After sharing tea for a while, Goku Black and Mitarashi returned home.

Dusk had settled across the sky.

Just before reaching the entrance of his dwelling, Goku Black stopped.

He turned around and gazed toward the horizon.

The setting sun painted the sky with brilliant shades of orange, gold, and crimson.

Mitarashi tilted her head slightly, trying to understand what occupied her master's thoughts.

For the first time, Goku Black simply stood still and appreciated the beauty of a sunset.

"Destroying with a reason..." he murmured.

His eyes remained fixed on the horizon.

"...is far more meaningful than destroying simply because I want to."

Mitarashi smiled softly.

"How do you feel, my lord?" she asked.

For a long moment, he remained silent.

Then he answered in a near whisper.

"I feel... lighter."

The response surprised even him.

Mitarashi's smile widened.

Together, they watched the sun disappear beneath the horizon.

Later that evening, the two sat down for dinner.

Nia happily placed several dishes on the table before Goku Black, who sat at the head of the dining room.

"My lord," Mitarashi said as she took her seat, "you're becoming quite good at your job."

Goku Black picked up his chopsticks.

"I'm still learning. Observing. Understanding the things around me."

Nia quietly placed a freshly brewed cup of tea beside his plate.

"Even so," Mitarashi continued, "this is a significant improvement from your former self, wouldn't you agree?"

Goku Black lifted the teacup.

"I've been a God of Destruction for less than a year."

He took a slow sip.

"If the Omni-King wills it, I will remain in this position for eternity. I have plenty of time to improve."

"That is true, my lord."

Mitarashi folded her hands neatly in front of her.

"But you need not face that eternity alone."

Goku Black looked up.

"I will remain by your side for as long as that eternity lasts."

For a brief moment, neither spoke.

The God of Destruction simply stared at his tea.

Then, quietly, a small smile appeared on his face.

Outside, the stars began to shine above a peaceful universe—one that, for the first time in a very long while, seemed to be moving toward a brighter future.

Goku Black nodded as he sipped his tea before helping himself to one of the dishes Nia had prepared for him.

Far away, in a distant region of the Tenth Universe, an immense mass of darkness of unknown origin drifted silently through space.

Wherever it passed, stars dimmed and vanished. Planets were stripped of their energy, and entire galaxies seemed to wither in its wake. To most observers, it appeared to be nothing more than an unusually massive black hole consuming everything in its path.

Yet others believed it was something far more sinister.

Some claimed it was a living entity—an ancient existence beyond mortal understanding. Others whispered that it was a cosmic predator, hunting not only celestial bodies but also powerful lifeforms and divine beings.

No one knew its true nature.

No one knew where it had come from.

But one thing was certain:

It was growing stronger with every star it consumed.

And its hunger was far from satisfied.