Chapter 14 - Foreign Request

As Goku Black turned to head back inside, he suddenly felt a familiar surge of energy behind him. Looking over his shoulder toward the front yard, he saw Zamasu and Tatsu arriving through teleportation.

The moment the three servants recognized the Supreme Kai and his assistant, they immediately knelt in greeting.

“What brings you here?” Goku Black asked.

“We came to inform you that Winsu has safely arrived on Natto's planet and has begun guarding both him and the Dragon Balls. At the very least, we can now be confident they're secure,” Zamasu replied with a satisfied smile, clasping his hands behind his back as he walked toward the Destroyer.

Goku Black smiled faintly upon hearing the good news from his counterpart.

“Also... there's one more thing,” Zamasu added.

“What is it?” Goku Black tilted his head.

“Can we stay for lunch?” Zamasu asked.

Almost immediately, his stomach let out a quiet growl.

“We have bean soup and stir-fried meat on today's menu!” Nia called out from the porch.

Goku Black smirked at the princess.

“It seems you've corrupted his taste buds as well, Nia.”

“I take that as a compliment!” she replied proudly.

“You two, come inside,” Goku Black said, gesturing toward the house. “Lunch will be ready soon.”

Nia eagerly returned to the outdoor stove and began preparing the stir-fried meat with dramatic flair. She tossed the ingredients into the sizzling pan, occasionally flicking tiny droplets of hot oil toward Tatsu, causing him to quickly hide behind Zamasu.

“P-Princess!” he yelped.

She simply grinned before adding vegetables into the pan. Fragrant steam rose into the air as the aroma of garlic, spices, and seared meat drifted across the yard.

While Nia entertained herself in the kitchen, Mitarashi quietly served the two deities freshly brewed tea alongside savory pastries the princess had baked earlier that morning.

Both gods enjoyed the light refreshments while chatting peacefully.

Then—

The two deities suddenly stiffened.

Both slowly lowered their teacups.

They had sensed it.

A completely different presence was approaching the Destroyer's planet.

“...Did you feel that?” Zamasu whispered.

Goku Black slowly nodded.

“Yes...”

“Someone... familiar.”

His brows furrowed.

The two gods stood simultaneously and walked outside, allowing Nia to continue cooking uninterrupted.

“My lord, what is it?” Mitarashi asked curiously as she followed them.

Tatsu quietly trailed behind.

“Ooh... my tail's tingling,” Nia muttered, her feline ears twitching. “Who's outside?”

Even she could feel the unfamiliar aura.

Goku Black, Zamasu, Mitarashi, and Tatsu stepped onto the porch and looked toward the sky.

Moments later, an unusual spacecraft descended from the clouds.

It resembled an enormous fish.

“Ooh! A giant fish!” Nia exclaimed excitedly.

“Hey, Fish Food! Look! A giant fish!”

She grabbed Broly by the wrist and dragged him outside.

Thunk!

The seven-foot Saiyan accidentally struck his head against the top of the doorway.

“Ow...”

The ship gently landed before the house.

Everyone watched silently as its hatch slowly opened.

The first thing they saw was a pair of elegant white heeled boots stepping onto the ground.

Zamasu narrowed his silver eyes.

Then came a flowing crimson-and-purple skirt.

Pink skin.

White hair styled like a blooming rosebud.

“My lord... do you know her?” Nia whispered while hiding behind Goku Black's leg, peeking between him and Zamasu.

“...Arinsu?” Zamasu murmured.

“She seems to be...” Goku Black narrowed his eyes as well.

Before either of them could finish, another figure emerged from the ship.

A green-skinned man stepped out, shirtless except for a sleeveless, puffy cloak draped over his shoulders. Around his waist was a Majin belt, while loose white trousers completed his attire.

He looked around with obvious excitement.

Without saying a word, Goku Black merely glanced toward Mitarashi.

Understanding his silent command, she gracefully stepped forward.

“Good morning,” she greeted politely.

“What brings you to the planet of the Destroyer God of Universe Ten?”

Her posture remained elegant and composed.

From this closer distance, it became clear that the figure beside the green-skinned man was indeed a woman.

“Yes, we've come to speak with—”

The woman stopped mid-sentence.

Her eyes moved past Mitarashi.

Straight toward Zamasu.

Her eyes widened.

“Zamasu?!”

She immediately rushed past Mitarashi.

As she approached, both Zamasu and Goku Black finally recognized her.

She stopped directly before the Supreme Kai.

“Zamasu! It really is you!”

Without hesitation, she wrapped both arms around him in a warm embrace, resting her cheek against his chest.

“Whoa!” Nia gasped.

“I never knew Lord Zamasu had a lover!”

Goku Black's eyes widened.

His cheeks turned noticeably pink, rendering him momentarily speechless.

“A-Arinsu...”

Zamasu gently returned the embrace before carefully pulling away.

“It really is you...”

“I haven't seen you in centuries.”

A faint lavender blush spread across his cheeks as he held her by the shoulders.

“What role do you have out here in the Outside Realm?” Arinsu asked warmly.

“I currently serve as the Supreme Kai of this universe,” Zamasu replied with a smile.

“That's wonderful!” she beamed.

“I'm so happy you've achieved such an important position.”

“I never knew you had friends out here, Doctor,” the green-skinned man remarked as Mitarashi quietly returned to stand beside her master.

Arinsu stepped aside.

“Zamasu—”

She paused after noticing the man standing beside him.

His arms were crossed.

His expression calm.

“May I know your name?” she asked politely.

“This is Lord Black,” Mitarashi answered before her master could speak.

“He is the Destroyer God of Universe Ten.”

“Ah!”

The green-skinned man immediately stepped forward.

“Greetings, Lord Black!”

“My name is Majin Kuu.”

“I am the current Demon King.”

He offered his hand.

“Welcome to my universe and to my humble home, Your Majesty.”

Goku Black accepted the handshake with a courteous smile.

“And this,” Majin Kuu continued, gesturing toward the Glind woman, “is Doctor Arinsu. She serves as my adviser and rules alongside me in the Demon Realm.”

Upon hearing his introduction, Nia, Broly, Tatsu, and Mitarashi respectfully bowed before the Demon King.

“Hm...” Majin Kuu studied Goku Black for a moment.

“You look strangely familiar.”

He glanced toward Arinsu.

“He looks just like the man who saved the Demon Realm from the previous king...”

“Oh!”

“Goku!”

Mitarashi smiled quietly while Goku Black's eyes sharpened ever so slightly at the mention of Son Goku's name.

“I know Goku,” Goku Black replied calmly.

“He is a Saiyan, just as I am. Our race has a rather limited gene pool, so it isn't unusual for us to resemble one another.”

“I see!” Majin Kuu laughed.

“That certainly explains it.”

“Now then, what brings you here today?” Zamasu asked the two visitors.

“We're searching for a witch named Gryllo,” Majin Kuu explained. “She stole one of Doctor Arinsu's research specimens before escaping into the Outside Realm. We've been traveling from universe to universe, seeking assistance from Destroyer Gods and anyone willing to help us capture her.”

“Do you have a photograph or at least a description?” Zamasu asked. “It would help us identify her.”

Arinsu reached into the folds of her dress and retrieved a small holographic photograph, handing it to the Supreme Kai.

The image displayed a young woman with long, straight blue hair that concealed half of her face. She had crimson skin, emerald-green eyes, and deep purple lips.

“Mitarashi,” Goku Black called, “keep a copy of this image for future reference.”

Mitarashi bowed politely as Arinsu handed her another copy.

“You're a Glind as well...” Arinsu observed while studying her. “Yet I don't believe we've ever met.”

“I've always been something of a recluse,” Mitarashi replied with a gentle smile. “I rarely left my dwelling before the Great Move.”

“She's not exaggerating,” Zamasu chuckled. “Even I hardly ever saw Mitarashi around our home planet.”

“How about we continue this discussion inside?” Goku Black suggested. “You may join us for lunch.”

The guests gladly accepted.

Nia and Broly hurried back into the kitchen to finish preparing the meal while everyone else gathered around the dining table. Zamasu and Tatsu sat to Goku Black's left, while Majin Kuu and Arinsu took the seats opposite them.

Soon, Mitarashi, Nia, and Broly emerged carrying steaming dishes.

Mitarashi first placed a cup of freshly brewed tea beside Goku Black before giving a graceful bow.

Broly served tea to Zamasu and Tatsu, while Nia cheerfully placed matching cups before Majin Kuu and Arinsu.

Once everything had been arranged, Mitarashi resumed her place behind Goku Black's right shoulder, her hands neatly clasped before her. Broly and Nia stood behind the Supreme Kai, respectfully holding the serving trays against their chests.

Goku Black took a slow sip of tea before addressing his guests.

“I haven't properly introduced my attendants.”

He gestured toward the young feline princess.

“The young lady standing behind Zamasu is Nia, the firstborn princess of the Planet Nyan-Qing. She is an exceptional cook and prepared every dish before us today.”

Nia stepped forward and performed a respectful standing bow.

“It is an honor to be in your presence, Your Majesty... Lady Arinsu.”

“Nice to meet ya!” Majin Kuu greeted cheerfully.

Goku Black continued.

“The one beside her is also a Saiyan like myself, though he originates from another timeline. He is the fabled Legendary Super Saiyan, now serving as my sparring partner and gardener.”

He glanced toward the towering Saiyan.

“Broly.”

Broly stepped forward, raised his clasped hands before his chest, and bowed respectfully.

“It is an honor to meet such esteemed guests, Your Majesty... Lady Arinsu.”

“Pleasure to meet ya!” Majin Kuu replied warmly.

After another sip of tea, Goku Black looked toward Mitarashi.

“And standing behind me is Mitarashi.”

“She is a Glind entrusted with the role of Kai of Time—one of the most prestigious positions a Glind can hold aside from becoming a Supreme Kai. She serves as my personal assistant and helps me maintain the balance of this universe.”

Mitarashi stepped forward and bowed elegantly.

“It is an honor to meet Your Majesty... Lady Arinsu.”

“The pleasure is ours,” Majin Kuu replied with a broad smile.

Arinsu smiled as she looked around the table.

“I might say, you picked your attendants well,” Arinsu remarked with a smile. “Powerful and capable people serve you... and even my Zamasu is here.”

“M-My...?” Zamasu echoed, his pointed ears and cheeks flushing a deep lavender.

Goku Black remained silent.

The destroyer's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly as he lowered his teacup. His expression stayed perfectly composed, yet his grip on the porcelain handle grew just a little firmer.

My Zamasu...

Those words echoed unpleasantly in his mind.

He remembered that voice.

He remembered the countless conversations they once shared before the Great Move separated every Glind across the multiverse. He remembered the admiration, the debates, the quiet companionship...

...and the feelings he had long buried beneath duty, divinity, and eventually the Zero Mortals Plan.

Now he had to watch another version of himself receive the affection he had once denied himself.

It was... profoundly awkward.

Across the table, Zamasu looked equally flustered.

"A-Arinsu..." he muttered, unable to meet her eyes.

Goku Black silently took another sip of tea, pretending to be far more interested in its flavor than the conversation.

How does he tolerate this...?

He immediately regretted the thought.

Because he is me...

The realization only made his embarrassment worse.

Broly merely tilted his head in confusion, while Nia leaned over with an enormous grin and jabbed him in the ribs.

"Lord Zamasu has a sweetheart!"

Tatsu bit the inside of his cheek, desperately trying not to laugh. Mitarashi noticed the destroyer's stiff posture, and a knowing smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She understood immediately.

Seeing Arinsu and Zamasu together wasn't making Goku Black uncomfortable because he disliked it.

It was because he remembered exactly what it felt like.

Deciding to steer the conversation back on track, Goku Black picked up his chopsticks.

“Tell me more about this specimen the witch stole.”

Arinsu nodded.

“It is a rare organism found only within the Third Layer of the Demon Realm. According to local folklore, it possesses the ability to greatly enhance its user's beauty and is often used as a key ingredient in powerful beauty enchantments practiced by witches.”

She folded her hands together.

“However, this particular specimen was genetically engineered by my fellow scientists to become the finest of its kind. We never conducted live testing, nor did we ever use it in any spell due to the lack of proper experimentation.”

“What happens if someone uses one of these beauty spells?” Zamasu asked before taking another sip of tea.

“The one who receives the spell transforms into an extraordinarily beautiful being,” Arinsu explained.

“The transformation surpasses the beauty standards of every race. Anyone who gazes upon the recipient becomes irresistibly captivated, to the point of willingly submitting to their every whim.”

“I see.”

Goku Black rested his elbow on the table.

“I understand why you're concerned.”

“If Gryllo used the specimen on herself, she could manipulate powerful beings throughout the Outside Realm merely through her appearance and bend them to her will.”

“Exactly,” Majin Kuu replied with a nod.

“That is why we're asking for your assistance.”

“What motivates her?” Zamasu asked.

Arinsu sighed.

“She believes her magical abilities surpass the scientific advancements I've devoted centuries to developing.”

“She sees me as her greatest rival.”

“When His Majesty ascended the throne and appointed me to rule beside him... her resentment only deepened.”

She lowered her gaze.

“About a week ago, someone broke into our laboratory.”

“Our surveillance footage clearly showed Gryllo ransacking the facility before stealing several specimens—including the prototype.”

“The others can be recreated through cloning...”

“But this one is both irreplaceable and extremely dangerous.”

A thoughtful silence settled over the table.

Goku Black picked up another slice of stir-fried meat.

“So, Zamasu...”

He glanced sideways at the Supreme Kai with a teasing smirk.

“Should we help them?”

“I mean... she's supposedly just as manipulative as you are.”

“Zamasu?!” Arinsu gasped, nearly standing from her seat.

“Black!” Zamasu protested, turning toward the Destroyer.

“That was completely unnecessary!”

Goku Black merely continued chewing his food, clearly amused.

His playful expression made the Supreme Kai pause before letting out an exasperated sigh.

“...Even if you insist on teasing me,” Zamasu said softly, turning back toward Arinsu, “we've known each other since we were young.”

“Despite the centuries we've spent apart... you still came to seek my help without hesitation.”

He smiled warmly.

“You still regard me as an old friend.”

He then looked at both Arinsu and Majin Kuu with reassuring confidence.

“Don't worry.”

“We'll help you find Gryllo.”

After the meal, Goku Black stepped onto the second-floor balcony of his home, overlooking the front yard. Mitarashi quietly stood beside him, her gaze following his toward the scene below.

Resting his right hand on the railing, he watched as Arinsu and Majin Kuu prepared to depart. Majin Kuu shook Zamasu's hand warmly, while Arinsu stepped forward and wrapped the Supreme Kai in a tight embrace before finally letting go. She waved goodbye to both Zamasu and the Destroyer God.

Goku Black silently returned the gesture with a small wave.

Moments later, Zamasu and Tatsu looked up toward the balcony and waved as well before vanishing in a flash of light, teleporting back to their own world.

Silence settled over the balcony.

A gentle breeze brushed against Goku Black's cheeks, causing his ebony hair to sway as he stared quietly at the grassy courtyard below.

"You've become rather quiet, my lord," Mitarashi observed gently.

Goku Black let out a slow sigh.

"Arinsu was my closest friend when we were young," he admitted softly. "I used to help her sneak books out of the library because she was endlessly fascinated by how life evolved. She loved conducting experiments."

He leaned farther against the railing, gripping it tightly with both hands.

"She's the older sister of Degesu and Nahare—who later took the name Shin after becoming the Supreme Kai of Universe Seven. Arinsu was incredibly intelligent... so intelligent that she learned how to manipulate people into helping her achieve her goals."

A faint smile crossed his lips.

"She managed to manipulate me a few times as well... though eventually I learned how to refuse whenever she asked me to do something reckless."

He fell silent before continuing.

"When the Great Move took place, she wasn't permitted to leave with the rest of us. The elder Glinds deemed her unworthy because of the secret experiments she conducted. They considered her too dangerous... too sadistic... to become one of the Kais who would oversee the multiverse."

His voice grew noticeably quieter.

Mitarashi listened without interrupting, her golden eyes reflecting genuine empathy.

"Do you miss her?" she asked gently.

"I do."

There was no hesitation in his answer.

"But... she seems happy now. Her research is supported by the current Demon King, and ruling beside him is no small accomplishment. Despite everything..." He gave a bittersweet smile. "I'm glad she found a place where she belongs."

Mitarashi studied him for a moment before asking carefully,

"Do you wish you could embrace her the way Supreme Kai Zamasu did?"

Goku Black slowly shook his head.

"I'm not Zamasu anymore."

A quiet chuckle escaped him.

"I am the Destroyer God... Goku Black."

He folded his arms and leaned back against the railing.

"After my ascension, I accepted that this is who I am now. I'm no longer the naïve Supreme Kai apprentice who stole Son Goku's body."

"My lord," Mitarashi said softly, "if you truly wish to move forward as Goku Black—to truly make this identity your own—you must also confront the mistakes of your past. Only then can you continue without being chained to them."

She smiled reassuringly.

"You no longer possess the Time Ring, so you cannot change what has already happened. But that doesn't mean you cannot make peace with it."

Goku Black remained silent.

Mitarashi tilted her head ever so slightly.

"...Or perhaps," she said with a faint teasing smile, "you simply lost interest in her... unlike your other self, who still seems very much in love."

"In love?!" Goku Black blurted, his cheeks instantly flushing crimson.

He pointed an accusing finger at her.

"Listen carefully, Mitarashi! Love can mean many different things, and what you're implying isn't what I feel!"

She answered with her usual calm smile.

"Then tell me, my lord. Help me understand what it is you truly feel."

His expression softened.

"We were... very close."

His voice became almost fragile.

"Whenever one of her experiments succeeded, I was always the first person she wanted to tell."

He looked down at his hands.

"I treasured those moments."

He paused.

"And..."

His words caught in his throat.

"I wish..."

He swallowed.

"I wish I could have embraced her... the way Zamasu did."

Mitarashi's eyes widened.

For the first time since she had begun serving him, the proud and unyielding Destroyer God stood before her completely vulnerable.

Beneath all the divine authority, unimaginable power, and intimidating presence was simply someone carrying years of quiet longing.

She wanted to comfort him—to wrap him in the same reassuring embrace she had once given Broly—but she restrained herself. Instead, she stepped closer and gently straightened the collar of his gi.

"My lord," she said softly, "perhaps you cannot be the one to embrace her anymore... but another you still can. In a way, the feelings you wished to express were not lost."

Goku Black lowered his eyes.

"...That's true."

A small, genuine smile appeared.

"And... I find solace in that."

His voice was barely above a whisper.

"Thank you."

As Mitarashi brushed away a loose thread from his collar, he quietly watched her careful hands at work.

After a comfortable silence, he glanced around the spacious balcony.

"This balcony feels rather empty."

He looked toward her.

"What do you think we should turn it into?"

Mitarashi raised her eyes to meet his.

"How about a tea room?"

A gentle smile brightened her face.

"We could enjoy the scenery while sharing tea."

Goku Black looked around once more before nodding.

"That's an excellent idea."

A warm, peaceful smile spread across his face—one so sincere that it briefly caught Mitarashi off guard.

"We'll make it into a tea room."

"Yes, my lord."

She returned the smile just as warmly.